“SCOREBOARD”
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SECTIONAL TITLE GAME SCORES
CLASS 6A
SECTIONAL 1
CROWN POINT 42, LAKE CENTRAL 7
SECTIONAL 2
PENN 31, WARSAW 10
SECTIONAL 3
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN 38, FISHERS 21
SECTIONAL 4
WESTFIELD 24, NOBLESVILLE 12
SECTIONAL 5
BEN DAVIS 53, PIKE 0
SECTIONAL 6
CATHEDRAL 20, LAWRENCE NORTH 3
SECTIONAL 7
WARREN CENTRAL 47, SOUTHPORT 0
SECTIONAL 8
CENTER GROVE 35, COLUMBUS NORTH 12
CLASS 5A
SECTIONAL 9
MERRILLVILLE 42, HAMMOND MORTON 18
SECTIONAL 10
VALPARAISO 26, MICHIGAN CITY 7
SECTIONAL 11
MISHAWAKA 20, CONCORD 14
SECTIONAL 12
FT. WAYNE SNIDER 49, FT. WAYNE NORTH 14
SECTIONAL 13
DECATUR CENTRAL 34, LAFAYETTE HARRISON 17
SECTIONAL 14
WHITELAND 34, TERRE HAUTE SOUTH 10
SECTIONAL 15
BLOOMINGTON SOUTH 49, SEYMOUR 14
SECTIONAL 16
EVANSVILLE NORTH 60, CASTLE 50
CLASS 4A
SECTIONAL 17
NEW PRAIRIE 43, CULVER ACADEMIES 14
SECTIONAL 18
NORTHWOOD 17, NORTHRIDGE 14
SECTIONAL 19
LEO 31, FT. WAYNE DWENGER 13
SECTIONAL 20
MISSISSINEWA 31, KOKOMO 24
SECTIONAL 21
MOORESVILLE 40, BREBEUF JESUIT 39
SECTIONAL 22
NEW PALESTINE 42, MT. VERNON (FORTVILLE) 6
SECTIONAL 23
EAST CENTRAL 47, GREENWOOD 0
SECTIONAL 24
EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL 21, EVANSVILLE REITZ 16
CLASS 3A
SECTIONAL 25
WEST LAFAYETTE 42, HANOVER CENTRAL 41
SECTIONAL 26
KNOX 60, JOHN GLENN 37
SECTIONAL 27
DELTA 21, GARRETT 15
SECTIONAL 28
CHATARD 28, HAMILTON HEIGHTS 8
SECTIONAL 29
TRI-WEST 28, MONROVIA 21
SECTIONAL 30
GIBSON SOUTHERN 27, VINCENNES 13
SECTIONAL 31
BATESVILLE 29, INDIAN CREEK 13
SECTIONAL 32
HERITAGE HILLS 51, SCOTTSBURG 10
CLASS 2A
SECTIONAL 33
LAVILLE 28, BREMEN 14
SECTIONAL 34
LAFAYETTE CATHOLIC 33, SEEGER 3
SECTIONAL 35
FT. WAYNE LUERS 42, MANCHESTER 0
SECTIONAL 36
BLUFFTON 41, EASTERN (GREENTOWN) 6
SECTIONAL 37
SOUTHMONT 36, LINTON-STOCKTON 34
SECTIONAL 38
EASTERN HANCOCK 47, WINCHESTER 14
SECTIONAL 39
TRITON CENTRAL 49, EASTERN (PEKIN) 0
SECTIONAL 40
NORTH POSEY 35, PAOLI 14
CLASS 1A
SECTIONAL 41
NORTH JUDSON 33, TRITON 7
SECTIONAL 42
PARK TUDOR 41, NORTH VERMILLION 28
SECTIONAL 43
CARROLL (FLORA) 42, TRI-CENTRAL 0
SECTIONAL 44
ADAMS CENTRAL 56, MADISON-GRANT 14
SECTIONAL 45
SHERIDAN 27, MONROE CENTRAL 22
SECTIONAL 46
NORTH DECATUR 31, MILAN 28
SECTIONAL 47
SECTIONAL 47
LUTHERAN 57, COVENANT CHRISTIAN 14
SECTIONAL 48
PROVIDENCE 41, SPRINGS VALLEY 8
INDIANA VOLLEYBALL STATE FINALS
CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
11 AM ET | SOUTHWOOD (31-4) VS. TECUMSEH (32-4)
CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
1:30 PM ET | MUNCIE BURRIS (30-4) VS. BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (24-13)
CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
4:30 PM ET | BELLMONT (34-2) VS. PROVIDENCE (30-5)
CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
7 PM ET | HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (32-0) VS. CASTLE (34-3)
PREVIEW: https://www.ihsaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2023-24%20Volleyball%20Preview.pdf
GIRLS BASKETBALL
ALEXANDRIA 66, COWAN 17
AUSTIN 56, S. RIPLEY 35
BEDFORD N. LAWRENCE 58, MOORESVILLE 31
BLUE RIVER VALLEY 62, WALDRON 41
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 44, EDINBURGH 17
CULVER ACADEMY 39, WABASH 24
DALEVILLE 50, MUNCIE BURRIS 16
DEKALB 47, LAKELAND 18
EDGEWOOD 38, GREENCASTLE 24
FRANKLIN CO. 64, RISING SUN 38
GREENSBURG 63, JAC-CEN-DEL 44
INDPLS HERRON 35, INDIANA DEAF 25
N. KNOX 52, WASHINGTON 49
OAK HILL 32, PERU 21
S. PUTNAM 52, CLOVERDALE 30
TELL CITY 53, FOREST PARK 28
WOOD MEMORIAL 42, PERRY CENTRAL 30
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
WEEK 10
FRIDAY
BOSTON COLLEGE 17 SYRACUSE 10
WYOMING 24 COLORADO STATE 15
SATURDAY, NOV. 4
OHIO STATE AT RUTGERS | 12 P.M. | CBS
KANSAS STATE AT TEXAS | 12 P.M. | FOX
TEXAS A&M AT OLE MISS | 12 P.M. | ESPN
NOTRE DAME AT CLEMSON | 12 P.M. | ABC
CAMPBELL AT NORTH CAROLINA | 12 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
UCONN AT TENNESSEE | 12 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
ARKANSAS AT FLORIDA | 12 P.M. | ESPN2
NEBRASKA AT MICHIGAN STATE | 12 P.M. | FS1
WISCONSIN AT INDIANA | 12 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
JACKSONVILLE STATE AT SOUTH CAROLINA | 12 P.M. | ESPNU
HOLY CROSS AT LEHIGH | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
YALE AT BROWN | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
DRAKE AT MARIST | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
SAN DIEGO AT PRESBYTERIAN | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
HARVARD AT COLUMBIA | 12:30 P.M. | ESPN+
KENNESAW STATE AT SAM HOUSTON | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
DELAWARE STATE AT MORGAN STATE | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
BUCKNELL AT FORDHAM | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
YOUNGSTOWN STATE AT INDIANA STATE | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
CORNELL AT PENN | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
GARDNER-WEBB AT BRYANT | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
VMI AT EAST TENNESSEE STATE | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
FURMAN AT CHATTANOOGA | 1:30 P.M. | ESPN+
NAVY AT TEMPLE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
ARMY AT AIR FORCE | 2 P.M. | CBSSN
ARIZONA STATE AT UTAH | 2 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORKS
GEORGIA TECH AT VIRGINIA | 2 P.M. | CW
FLORIDA A&M AT ALABAMA A&M | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTH DAKOTA AT MURRAY STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTH DAKOTA AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
DAYTON AT VALPARAISO | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
ROBERT MORRIS AT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
BUTLER AT MOREHEAD STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
MERCER AT THE CITADEL | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
WESTERN ILLINOIS AT UNI | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
UT MARTIN AT TENNESSEE TECH | 2:30 P.M. | ESPN+
FLORIDA ATLANTIC AT UAB | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
UTSA AT NORTH TEXAS | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTH FLORIDA AT MEMPHIS | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
LOUISIANA AT ARKANSAS STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
ILLINOIS STATE AT MISSOURI STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTHERN AT ALCORN STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
TEXAS SOUTHERN AT JACKSON STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
LINCOLN (CA) AT SOUTHERN UTAH | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
UTAH TECH AT ABILENE CHRISTIAN | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
IDAHO AT NORTHERN COLORADO | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTH DAKOTA STATE AT SOUTH DAKOTA STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
EASTERN ILLINOIS AT LINDENWOOD | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
WESTERN CAROLINA AT WOFFORD | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTH ARIZONA AT MONTANA STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
MISSOURI AT GEORGIA | 3:30 P.M. | CBS SPORTS
FLORIDA STATE AT PITT | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
OKLAHOMA AT OKLAHOMA STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ABC
PENN STATE AT MARYLAND | 3:30 P.M. | FOX
VIRGINIA TECH AT LOUISVILLE | 3:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
TULANE AT EAST CAROLINA | 3:30 P.M. | ESPNU
IOWA AT NORTHWESTERN | 3:30 P.M. | PEACOCK
JAMES MADISON AT GEORGIA STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN2
MERRIMACK AT UMASS | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
ILLINOIS AT MINNESOTA | 3:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
UCF AT CINCINNATI | 3:30 P.M. | FS1
HOUSTON AT BAYLOR | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
COASTAL CAROLINA AT OLD DOMINION | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
HOWARD AT SOUTH CAROLINA STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
NORFOLK STATE AT NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
AUBURN AT VANDERBILT | 4 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
CHARLOTTE AT TULSA | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
UL MONROE AT SOUTHERN MISS | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
CAL POLY AT EASTERN WASHINGTON | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE AT LAMAR | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
MCNEESE AT SE LOUISIANA | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
TENNESSEE STATE AT CHARLESTON SOUTHERN | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
NICHOLLS AT UIW | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
AUSTIN PEAY AT EASTERN KENTUCKY | 5 P.M. | ESPN+
CENTRAL ARKANSAS AT NORTH ALABAMA | 5 P.M. | ESPN+
CAL AT OREGON | 5:30 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
LOUISIANA TECH AT LIBERTY | 6 P.M. | CBSSN
MIDDLE TENNESSEE AT NEW MEXICO STATE | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
MARSHALL AT APPALACHIAN STATE | 6 P.M. | NFL NETWORK
WEBER STATE AT IDAHO STATE | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
KANSAS AT IOWA STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN
BYU AT WEST VIRGINIA | 7 P.M. | FS1
UTAH STATE AT SAN DIEGO STATE | 7 P.M. | FOX
GEORGIA SOUTHERN AT TEXAS STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN AT TARLETON STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
PORTLAND STATE AT UC DAVIS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
PURDUE AT MICHIGAN | 7:30 P.M. | NBC
WASHINGTON AT USC | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
KENTUCKY AT MISSISSIPPI STATE | 7:30 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
SMU AT RICE | 7:30 P.M. | ESPNU
LSU AT ALABAMA | 7:45 P.M. | CBS
MIAMI (FLA.) AT NC STATE | 8 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
SACRAMENTO STATE AT MONTANA | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
STANFORD AT WASHINGTON STATE | 9 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORKS
WESTERN KENTUCKY AT UTEP | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
OREGON STATE AT COLORADO | 10 P.M. | ESPN
BOISE STATE AT FRESNO STATE | 10 P.M. | CBSSN
UCLA AT ARIZONA | 10:30 P.M. | FS1
NFL WEEK 9
MIAMI DOLPHINS VS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (FRANKFURT) 3:30P (CET) 9:30A NFLN
MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT ATLANTA FALCONS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS
ARIZONA CARDINALS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS
LOS ANGELES RAMS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P FOX
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT HOUSTON TEXANS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P CBS
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
CHICAGO BEARS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P CBS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS 4:05P (ET) 4:05P CBS
NEW YORK GIANTS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS 1:25P (PT) 4:25P FOX
DALLAS COWBOYS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 4:25P (ET) 4:25P FOX
BUFFALO BILLS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS 8:20P (ET) 8:20P NBC*
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS AT NEW YORK JETS (MON) 8:15P (ET) 8:15P ESPN
NBA SCOREBOARD
INDIANA 121 CLEVELAND 116
MILWAUKEE 110 NEW YORK 105
BROOKLYN 109 CHICAGO 107
MIAMI 121 WASHINGTON 114
GOLDEN STATE 141 OKLAHOMA CITY 139
DENVER 125 DALLAS 114
PORTLAND 115 MEMPHIS 113 OT
NHL SCOREBOARD
PHILADELPHIA 5 BUFFALO 1
ST. LOUIS 4 NEW JERSEY 1
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
NATIONAL SPORTS RELEASES/HEADLINES
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS
PURDUE COACH ON MICHIGAN SCANDAL: ‘THEY AREN’T ALLEGATIONS’
Purdue coach Ryan Walters was crystal clear when addressing the allegations circling the Michigan football program.
For the record, the NCAA is investigating the third-ranked Wolverines for violating rules regarding off-campus scouting of upcoming foes, with staff member Connor Stalions the alleged ringleader of a sign-stealing operation.
Michigan suspended Stalions with pay earlier this month, and head coach Jim Harbaugh denied knowledge of any wrongdoing.
“It’s unfortunate,” Walters said Thursday night on his radio show, two days ahead of the Boilermakers’ game against the Wolverines in Ann Arbor, Mich.
“What’s crazy is they weren’t allegations. It happened. There’s video evidence. There’s ticket purchases and sales that you can track back. We know for a fact that they were at a number of our games, so we’ve had to teach our guys a new language in terms of some signals and we will operate differently offensively … like you might see us in a huddle for the first time this season. So it is what it is, but we’re excited to go play, and I think it’ll make for a great story.”
Big Ten coaches expressed concerns with league commissioner Tony Petitti about Michigan’s alleged off-campus scouting on a conference call on Wednesday. Petitti is scheduled to meet with Michigan president Santa Ono on Friday morning.
REPORTS: MICHIGAN FIRES CONNOR STALIONS AMID SIGN-STEALING ALLEGATIONS
Michigan has fired football analyst Connor Stalions, the staffer linked to the NCAA’s investigation into allegations of sign-stealing, several outlets reported Friday.
Stalions was pinpointed as a person of interest in the investigation two weeks ago, and the Wolverines suspended him on Oct. 20.
Since then, multiple outlets have reported that Stalions had purchased game tickets for Big Ten foes as well as several potential College Football Playoff opponents like Georgia, Clemson and Alabama. Previous reports indicated that Stalions bought seats at numerous Big Ten games in areas where the opponents’ sidelined play signals could be viewed.
Officials at Central Michigan were reviewing photos that could depict Connor Stalions roaming its sidelines in the season opener at Michigan State, ESPN reported Tuesday.
Scouting opponents is not illegal in the eyes of the NCAA, albeit with one major exception. NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1 reads as follows: “Off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited.”
NFL NEWS
NFL WEEK 9 PLAYER PROPS: ODE TO QB2S, REVENGE PLOT IN GERMANY
With eight weeks of the regular season in the books, we have a mature player props market with plentiful data points.
Finding winners will become increasingly difficult as the bookmakers sharpen their lines. As a result, this is the time of year when exercising discipline can save your bankroll.
When studying player props, we typically skew more toward playing under this time of year. However, after beginning with an overall handicap of the Week 9 games, I noticed that quite a few overs piqued my interest.
That can sometimes be a red flag, so we will be a bit cautious in adding more plays. As a result, these are three most intriguing player props heading into Week 9.
–Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke over 10.5 rushing yards (-115 at BetMGM)
Falcons head coach Arthur Smith announced they’re turning to Heinicke after the veteran backup replaced Desmond Ridder last week in the third quarter against the Titans.
Ridder underwent a concussion evaluation at halftime and, despite being cleared, did not check back into the game. He’s been turnover-prone and Heinicke was very productive, albeit against a Titans’ defense clearly playing it safe with a big lead.
Heinicke orchestrated four scoring drives for 20 points and 253 total yards compared to one scoring drive for three points in the first half for Ridder. And while Smith doesn’t view this change as permanent, Heinicke is clearly auditioning for the job.
Opportunities for Heinicke to run the ball against a Minnesota defense that forces opposing quarterbacks to step up in the pocket.
According to Pro-Football-Reference, the Vikings lead the league with a 52.7 percent blitz rate. That’s almost 10 percent higher than the Giants, who rank second at 43.1.
The Vikings have also allowed the sixth-most rushing yards (170) to opposing quarterbacks this season.
Based on these factors, we have enough to play Heinicke over his rushing prop.
–Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa over 22.5 pass attempts (-130 at FanDuel)
There are plenty of storylines in Germany as two of the AFC’s top teams take part of the NFL’s International Series.
The Dolphins and Chiefs have matching 6-2 records. But Miami has yet to beat a team with a record over .500. In comparison, the Chiefs have three wins over .500 teams.
There’s also the Tyreek Hill angle, as the dynamic wide receiver will line up against his former team after spending five years in Kansas City before he was traded during contract talks with the Chiefs.
Even before playing his first game with the Dolphins, Hill drew some criticism after commenting that Tagovailoa was a more accurate passer than Mahomes.
While some in the media interpreted Hill’s comments as a slight towards Mahomes, he never said Tagovailoa was the better quarterback. Hill praised Mahomes for having the stronger arm between the two.
Nonetheless, we have a revenge angle here with Hill facing the Chiefs.
This game will take place at Deutsche Bank Park, which has a retractable roof. The total remains steady at 50.5, the highest of the week.
Given the subplots with Tagovailoa vs. Mahomes and Hill facing his former team, it wouldn’t surprise me if this game turns into a track meet.
–Tyson Bagent over 18.5 completions (-110 at DraftKings)
With Justin Fields still nursing a right thumb injury, Bagent will make his third straight start. While the rookie has only 80 passes this season, he’s completing 70 percent of his attempts.
It also doesn’t hurt that his average intended air yards (5.6) puts him dead last among quarterbacks with at least 68 pass attempts.
It’s not a stretch to think that the Bears’ passing offense is somewhat risk-averse with Bagent under center.
If the Bears continue with this conservative approach, Bagent should be able to pick up some easy completions against the Saints with this prop going over the number.
BROWNS QB DESHAUN WATSON TO START SUNDAY FOR SECOND TIME IN FIVE WEEKS AFTER RIGHT SHOULDER INJURY
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will start Sunday against Arizona, returning to play for just the second time in five weeks after he was sidelined with a right shoulder injury.
Watson has been dealing with a strained rotator cuff, an injury he first sustained on Sept. 24 against Tennessee. Watson missed three complete games and played only 12 snaps on Oct. 22 against Indianapolis — his last start.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Watson had a solid week of practice. “He’s comfortable, and he has looked good,” Stefanski said.
Watson practiced for the third straight day and took all of the reps during the portion of Friday’s workout open to media members. It didn’t look like he fully cut loose on any of his throws, and Watson was off the mark with a few attempts.
Watson, who has started just 10 games in two seasons with Cleveland, said Thursday that his shoulder had improved but he wasn’t sure about playing against the Cardinals (1-7).
The Browns went 2-2 in the four games they played without Watson. Backup P.J. Walker helped Cleveland upset San Francisco on Oct. 15, and then came off the bench after Watson took a shot to his shoulder to beat the Colts.
With Watson close to returning, the Browns didn’t feel pressured to trade for another backup QB this week.
Watson will get a chance to shake off some rust and get ready for upcoming AFC North games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
MYLES GARRETT PICKED AS THE TOP DEFENSIVE LINEMAN IN THE AP’S NFL TOP 5 RANKINGS
In a season filled with dominant performances from defensive linemen, Myles Garrett stands out.
Whether it is hurdling players to block a field goal, beating blockers with slick cross-over moves or just overpowering them with his strength, Garrett has been nearly unstoppable and was voted as the top defensive lineman in the league by The Associated Press.
A panel of nine AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players at defensive line, making their selections based on current status through Week 8. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.
Garrett was one of three players named on all nine ballots, getting five of the first-place votes and moved from fifth in the preseason poll to first. T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons were also named on all nine ballots and got two first-place votes each, with Watt coming in second and preseason winner Parsons third.
Aaron Donald came in fourth and Nick Bosa was fifth.
Maxx Crosby, Danielle Hunter, Josh Allen, Chris Jones, Khalil Mack, Trey Hendrickson and Leonard Floyd also got votes.
1. MYLES GARRETT, Cleveland Browns
While Garrett was held back in recent years, in part because of substandard defenses in Cleveland, he has really shined under new coordinator Jim Schwartz on one the league’s top units. He has 8 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles already this season. His 30% pass rush win rate is tops among all edge rushers, according to PFF.
2. T.J. WATT, Pittsburgh Steelers
Watt is a playmaker on defense, carrying the mantle from older brother J.J., who retired after last season. He has 8 1/2 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one interception, six passes defensed, 16 QB hits and a touchdown.
3. MICAH PARSONS, Dallas Cowboys
Parsons’ fall from first place to third is not a reflection on his game slipping as much as it is the dominant performances from Garrett and Watt. Parsons has six sacks in seven games and ranks fifth in total pressures with 43 according to PFF.
4. AARON DONALD, Los Angeles Rams
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is not quite as dominant as he was during his peak but has bounced back from an injury-shortened 2022 season. Donald has 4 1/2 sacks and ranks second among interior linemen with 38 pressures. He could be in line for his eighth first-team All-Pro selection that would tie the record for the most ever for a defensive player.
5. NICK BOSA, San Francisco 49ers
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year hasn’t been quite as dominant early this season following a training camp holdout. Bosa has only three sacks after leading the NFL with 18 1/2 a year ago, but is still doing a good job of generating pressure, ranking tied for third with 44 this season.
DOLPHINS COACH MCDANIEL TRIES TO DOWNPLAY CHIEFS CLASH IN GERMANY. LT TERRON ARMSTEAD COULD RETURN
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was a history major but is applying math skills to try to downplay the significance of Sunday’s heavily anticipated matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany.
McDaniel suggested on Friday that beating the Chiefs at Deutsche Bank Park would merely amount to a “cool regular season win,” even though there are potential AFC playoff implications in a clash of two 6-2 teams.
“Quite literally, this is one-17th of the season. That’s how important it is,” he said at a press conference before practice. “If it was Major League Baseball, it would be 10 games. That would be five games in the NBA.”
It’s most important to progress through the season, he added.
“Does seven wins get you into the playoffs? Probably not,” McDaniel said.
The Chiefs have marketing rights in Germany and are hoping to win over local fans, but McDaniel is doing a pretty good job with an international charm offensive of his own.
His first comments in Germany earlier in the week were a social media hit, and he seemed surprised that he was the inspiration for some Halloween costumes.
McDaniel was asked if he’d be interested in being coach of the U.S. flag football team at the Olympics: “I’m just trying not to get fired at my current job.”
The second-year Dolphins coach encouraged a French reporter who asked a question in English not to apologize for having an accent “when you’re speaking your second or third language. Hats off to you. I know one, and I’m not very proud of that.”
Coaching in the first regular-season NFL game in Frankfurt is an honor, he said.
“It’s an exciting opportunity. I’ve never been to Europe — I’m a history major. This is awesome. Maybe I’ll get to see a sight here soon,” McDaniel said.
INJURY UPDATES
Left tackle Terron Armstead could return from a knee injury sustained in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills. McDaniel said he’s “optimistic” about activating Armstead off injured reserve.
Armstead’s progress has been “very encouraging” but they’ll assess his status after practice.
WR Braxton Berrios (hamstring) was added to the injury list Thursday and McDaniel was confident the veteran will play.
“He felt a little something. It wasn’t a full injury so we’re going to test it out today and see how it goes. Optimistic with him,” McDaniel said.
OL Rob Hunt (hamstring) was ruled out.
COWBOYS’ PRESCOTT TAKES TEST OF RESOLVE FROM LOSS TO NINERS INTO ANOTHER BIG GAME AT EAGLES
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — A smattering of fans booed Dak Prescott when the Dallas Cowboys quarterback was shown on the video board at a postseason baseball game in October, not long before the Texas Rangers won the World Series.
The Cowboys had just earned a narrow win over the Los Angeles Chargers, but the mixed reaction at the AL Championship Series was more reflective of the franchise-shaking blowout loss in San Francisco a week earlier.
Prescott prides himself on being the same man and the same leader regardless of what swirls around one of the most polarizing positions in sports: starting quarterback of the Cowboys.
He agrees that his resolve has rarely been tested the way it was in the aftermath of that 42-10 loss to the Niners, who knocked Dallas out of the playoffs each of the past two seasons as the storied franchise reached 27 consecutive seasons without even getting to an NFC championship game.
“I’m up for any test, so yeah I understand that it was a test and that’s how I look at it,” Prescott, who tied his career high with three interceptions in one of the worst showings of his eight-year career, said Thursday.
“Challenged myself to be better in many different ways, not just on the field but damn sure on the field and in my game but as well as my preparation and holding other guys accountable to their preparation,” he said. “The weekly process has been better and guys are really dialed into the process.”
It’s time for another test in another big game, with the Cowboys (5-2) set for a visit Sunday to NFC East rival and division-leading Philadelphia (7-1), the defending NFC champ and the NFL’s only seven-win team.
The debate among fans and pundits is constant over whether Prescott is the right guy to get Dallas past the divisional round of the playoffs for the first time since the franchise’s fifth Super Bowl title to cap the 1995 season.
His playoff record is 2-4, starting with a divisional loss to Green Bay when the Cowboys were the top seed in the NFC and Prescott went on to win 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Last season, Prescott had perhaps the best game of his career in a wild-card victory at Tampa Bay in what ended up being Tom Brady’s final game. He followed it with a clunky outing in a 19-12 loss at San Francisco.
The offense has been slow to find its groove in Mike McCarthy’s debut as the play caller in his fourth season as coach.
Defense and special teams had most of the signature moments in another solid start for the team, before Prescott’s four touchdown passes coincided with DaRon Bland’s third interception return for a touchdown this season in last week’s 43-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Prescott and CeeDee Lamb connected for two of those scores — three weeks after the receiver was openly frustrated with not getting the ball enough against the Niners.
Lamb’s belief in the face of the franchise didn’t waver.
“Being a leader is not about changing your approach every time something goes wrong,” Lamb said. “He’s done a great job of staying neutral and knowing how much he means to this offense and that it’s very important that he plays great.”
Prescott didn’t have his usual pump-’em-up reaction when the Rangers showed him on the video board during the ALCS against the rival Houston Astros. There was a hint of apprehension, like he knew the sting of the showing against the Niners lingered for everyone.
Whatever the perception, it doesn’t reflect the feeling inside the building where there is no debate about whether Prescott is the right guy to get the Cowboys where they so desperately want to go.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said it two days after the rout in San Francisco. Essentially, make no mistake, Jones said, Prescott is still that guy.
The roller coaster of the past few weeks confirmed a similar belief in Prescott for offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, in his second season with the Cowboys after a consulting role last year.
“He never changes who he is,” Schottenheimer said. “After the biggest win, four touchdowns, one interception, when you see him, he’s not different than he was after the 49ers game. I think that speaks to his experience. It speaks to his confidence.
“There’s an inner calm about the guy that’s really cool to sit next to him on game day and talk to him, both in San Francisco and yesterday,” Schottenheimer said, speaking a day after the win over the Rams.
ANALYSIS: SUNDAY’S STACKED LINEUP OF GAMES COULD HAVE PLAYOFF RAMIFICATIONS FOR SEVERAL TEAMS
A stacked lineup of games Sunday could determine plenty come January.
The action kicks off at 9:30 a.m. ET with a marquee matchup between the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (6-2) and Dolphins (6-2) in the NFL’s first game in Frankfurt, Germany.
It’s a potential preview of the AFC championship game.
“It’s noise. It’s like the Super Bowl that way. It’s constant noise, not for one team or the other team, and it’s normally loud, it’s not just a buzz,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said about the atmosphere playing overseas. “You listen to the soccer matches that they have, and it’s loud. It’s very similar to that. You’ve got to make sure you’re aware of that before you get there. We’ve done everything, we’ve had people visit over there to check the fields and the hotels and all those things.”
The conference is wide open as the Chiefs, Dolphins, Ravens and Jaguars each have the same record at the season’s midpoint. The Bills (5-3) and Bengals (4-3) are also in the mix. They meet Sunday night in Cincinnati so the stakes are high in that playoff rematch.
The road to the Super Bowl has gone through Kansas City the last five years. The Chiefs have hosted the AFC title game, going 3-2, in each season Patrick Mahomes has been their starting quarterback.
A victory over Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Miami’s powerful offense would strengthen the Chiefs’ chances of securing the No. 1 seed again, though it’s still early. Kansas City has to face the Eagles, Bills and Bengals over the final eight weeks.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins need a statement victory. They are 0-2 against winning teams and 6-0 against teams with a combined record of 13-33. If they’re going to be legitimate contenders in the AFC, the Dolphins have to beat a top opponent. They’ll have more opportunities down the stretch with their final three games against Dallas, Baltimore and Buffalo.
“Any opportunity for us to play a team that has been to the Super Bowl within the last couple years or the last year and has won it, I think that’s always a great challenge,” Tagovailoa said. “For our team to have this opportunity to go against a Pat Mahomes team, it’ll be fun and it’ll give us a chance to see where we’re at going to this bye week as a team.”
The top matchup at 1 p.m. features the AFC North-leading Ravens hosting the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks (5-2). Lamar Jackson is 17-1 against NFC teams as a starter and Baltimore’s defense has cranked it up this season. Geno Smith and the Seahawks have surged past the 49ers, who’ve lost three in a row. They’ve got a tough challenge against Roquan Smith and the league’s No. 2 ranked defense.
“This is as difficult and challenging as it gets,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. “The speed behind the good play they get from up front and the guys on the back end; they have an excellent secondary. They do their part to add to it all.”
At 4:25 p.m., the Cowboys (5-2) take on the Eagles (7-1) in an NFC East battle. If Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons and Co. are going to have a shot at dethroning the reigning NFC champs, they need to come to Philadelphia, silence the crowd and play their best football.
The Eagles begin a stretch of six straight games against teams with a winning record so Dallas has a chance to make its move. A boisterous Philly crowd will do whatever it takes to make them uncomfortable.
“It’s Dallas week so we’re going to need that,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said about the hometown fans. “Dallas has to feel that. Dallas has to feel that when they come in here that it means a little bit extra to the people in those seats and it’s going to be loud and it’s going to be a hostile environment.”
Sunday’s schedule wraps up with a Bills-Bengals matchup in prime time. It’ll be emotional for Damar Hamlin and the Bills returning to the field where he collapsed last season and needed to be resuscitated.
Joe Burrow is healthy after being slowed by a calf injury and the Bengals are playing like championship contenders again. But they don’t have margin for error after starting 0-2 and losing three of their first four.
Josh Allen and the Bills have been inconsistent since routing Miami in Week 4. They’ve lost two games, should’ve lost to the Giants and barely escaped with a win last week against Tampa Bay when a Hail Mary fell incomplete and an obvious pass interference in the end zone wasn’t called.
Whether it’s Dolphins-Chiefs, Cowboys-Eagles or Bills-Bengals, there’s a possibility one or more of these games will be a playoff preview. Getting the win Sunday and gaining an edge for home-field advantage is paramount for all the teams.
STAFFORD TO BE GAME-TIME CALL VS. PACKERS DUE TO THUMB INJURY
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Sean McVay says Stafford is expected to be a game-time decision, according to Stu Jackson of the team’s official site.
Stafford, who sprained the UCL in his right thumb in Week 8, was held out of practice all week.
McVay added that the veteran signal-caller is “progressing every day.”
Stafford has thrown for 2,070 yards and eight touchdowns against seven interceptions while leading the Rams to a 3-5 record.
Brett Rypien is in line to start in the team’s Week 9 game if Stafford is unable to go.
NFL GAME CAPSULES/PREVIEWS WEEK 9: SUNDAY THROUGH MONDAY
MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-2) VS. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-2)
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 2023 GAME TIME: 9:30 AM ET
NFL Network: Rich Eisen, Jason McCourty, Dan Orlovsky, Sara Walsh, Stacey Dales
Westwood One: Bill Rosinski, Mike Mayock
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) MIA: 134 or 391 KC: 133 or 228 National: 109 or 227
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: KC leads series, 15-13 (won past 3)
POSTSEASON: MIA leads series, 3-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 12/13/20: KC 33 at MIA 27
POSTSEASON: 12/31/94 AFC-WC: KC 17 at MIA 27
DOLPHINS NOTES:
DOLPHINS will be playing in 7th reg. season international game in franchise history, 3rd-most in NFL. Miami leads NFL in total offense (453.3 yards per game) & scoring offense (33.9 points per game). • QB TUA TAGOVAILOA completed season-high 30 of 45 atts. (66.7 pct.) for 324 yards & 3 TDs with 100.6 rating last week, his 3rd game this season with 300+ pass yards & 3+ TD passes, most in NFL. Has 2+ TD passes & 100+ rating in 3 of past 4. Had 316 pass yards & 3 TDs (2 pass, 1 rush) in last meeting. Leads NFL with 2,416 pass yards & 108.8 rating in 2023 & ties for lead with 18 TD passes. • RB RAHEEM MOSTERT had NFL-leading 10th rush TD of season last week & has rush TD in 3 of past 4. • WR TYREEK HILL had 8 catches for 112 yards & TD last week, his 5th game this season with 100+ rec. yards & rec. TD, most in NFL. Has rec. TD in 7 of 8 games this season, incl. each of past 4. Leads NFL with 1,014 rec. yards & 8 rec. TDs in 2023, becoming 1st player in 62 years with 1,000+ rec. yards in team’s 1st 8 games of season. Spent 1st 6 career seasons (2016-21) with KC & ranks 4th in franchise history in catches (479) & rec. TDs (56) & 5th in rec. yards (6,630). • WR JAYLEN WADDLE had 7 catches for season-high 121 yards & TD in Week 8. Aims for 5th in row with 5+ catches & 4th in row with 50+ rec. yards. Has rec. TD in 3 of past 4. • WR CEDRICK WILSON had 1st TD catch of season last week. • CB JALEN RAMSEY had INT in Mia. debut last week. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. KC with 5+ tackles. • LB BRADLEY CHUBB aims for 4th in row with sack. Has FF in 2 of past 3. Has 5+ tackles in 3 of past 4. • LB JAELAN PHILLIPS aims for 3rd in row with 7+ tackles & sack. • DT CHRISTIAN WILKINS had sack last week.
CHIEFS NOTES:
CHIEFS will be playing 3rd reg. season international game in franchise history, having won previous 2 games (2019 in Mexico City & 2015 in London). • QB PATRICK MAHOMES passed for 241 yards last week. Has 75+ comp. pct. & 90+ rating in 3 of past 4. Passed for 393 yards & 2 TDs in last meeting. Has 2+ TD passes in 6 of his past 7 starts vs. AFC East. Ranks 3rd in NFL with 2,258 pass yards this season & 5th with 15 TD passes. • RB ISIAH PACHECO has 60+ scrimmage yards in 6 of past 7. • TE TRAVIS KELCE aims for 7th in row with 6+ catches & 55+ rec. yards. Had 8 catches for 136 yards & TD in last meeting & has rec. TD in each of 3 career games vs. Mia. Leads TEs with 54 catches & 583 rec. yards this season & ranks tied-2nd with 4 rec. TDs. Has TD catch in each of his 2 career international games. • WR RASHEE RICE (rookie) aims for 4th in row with 55+ rec. yards. Ranks tied-2nd among rookies with 3 rec. TDs this season. • WR MARQUEZ VALDES-SCANTLING had 6 catches in only career game vs. Mia. (11/11/18 w/ GB). • WR JUSTIN WATSON had 42 rec. yards in Week 8 & has 40+ rec. yards in 5 of 7 games this season. • DT CHRIS JONES had TFL last week. Had sack & PD in last meeting & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Mia. with PD. • DE MIKE DANNA had 2 TFL & sack in Week 8 & aims for his 3rd in row with sack. Had sack in last meeting. • DE GEORGE KARLAFTIS had 7 tackles, career-high 2.5 sacks & 1st-career FF last week. Aims for 4th in row with 0.5+ sacks & 3rd in row with full sack. • LB DRUE TRANQUILL led team with 11 tackles & had sack & FF in Week 8. Aims for 4th in row with sack.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (4-4) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (4-4)
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
FOX: Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth, Kristina Pink
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) MIN: 111 or 386 ATL: 85 of 225
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: MIN leads series, 19-11 (won 4 of past 5)
POSTSEASON: Series tied, 1-1
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 10/18/20: ATL 40 at MIN 23
POSTSEASON: 1/17/99 NFC-C: ATL 30 at MIN 27
VIKINGS NOTES:
QB JAREN HALL (rookie) completed 3 of 4 atts. for 23 yards in NFL debut last week. Can make 1st career start in Week 9. • QB JOSHUA DOBBS can make Min. debut. Had 11 TDs (8 pass, 3 rush) in 8 starts with Ari. in 2023. • RB ALEXANDER MATTISON has 70+ scrimmage yards in 2 of his past 3. Has 499 scrimmage yards & can reach 500+ scrimmage yards for 4th time in 5 career seasons. • RB CAM AKERS had 1st rush TD of season last week, his 11thcareer rush TD. Had 62 scrimmage yards (44 rush, 18 rec.) in his only career game vs. Atl. (9/18/22 w/ LAR). • TE T.J. HOCKENSON had 6 catches for 88 yards & rec. TD last week, his 21st-career TD catch. Has 5+ catches in 7 of 8 games this season. Ranks 2nd among TEs in receptions (51) & rec. yards (478) this season. Had TD catch in his only career game vs. Atl. (10/25/20 w/ Det.). • WR JORDAN ADDISON leads all rookies with 7 rec. TDs & became 6th player in SB era with 7+ rec. TDs in 1st 8 career games. Can become 1st rookie since 2004 (Lee Evans) with rec. TD in 5 straight games. • LB DANIELLE HUNTER had sack & 2 FFs in Week 8. Leads NFL with 10 sacks & 12 TFL, his 5th-career 10+ sack season. Aims for his 5th in row with sack. Has 3 TFL in 3 career games vs. Atl. • LB JORDAN HICKS aims for his 6th in row with 8+ tackles. Has PD in 3 of his past 4. • LB D.J. WONNUM had 3rd-career game with 2+ sacks (2) in Week 8. Aims for his 4th in row with TFL. • S CAMRYN BYNUM leads all DBs with 76 tackles & is 1 of 3 (Zaire Franklin & Foyesade Oluokun) with 8 games of 6+ tackles in 2023. • S HARRISON SMITH aims for his 6th in row with 5+ tackles. • S JOSH METELLUS had 2nd-career INT in Week 8.
FALCONS NOTES:
QB DESMOND RIDDER is 5-1 with 9 TDs (7 pass, 2 rush) & 92 rating in 6 career home starts. • RB BIJAN ROBINSON (rookie) rushed for 62 yards & had 1stcareer rush TD in Week 8. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 7 of 8 career games. Leads all rookies with 466 rush yards & ranks 2nd with 655 scrimmage yards. • RB TYLER ALLGEIER has 50+ scrimmage yards in 2 of his past 3. • RB CORDARRELLE PATTERSON was selected in 1st round of 2013 NFL Draft by Min. & had 1,649 scrimmage yards & 11 scrimmage TDs in 64 games (2013-16). • WR DRAKE LONDON had 5 catches for 55 yards in Week 8. Has 5+ catches in 6 of his past 7 at home. Aims for his 4th in row at home & 5th in row overall with 5+ receptions & 50+ rec. yards. • WR KHADAREL HODGE had season-high 75 rec. yards last week, his 4th-career game with 50+ rec. yards. • DL CALAIS CAMPBELL had 13th-career FR last week. Has sack in 2 of his past 3. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with TFL. • DL DAVID ONYEMATA aims for his 3rd in row with TFL. • LB BUD DUPREE had 3rd sack of season last week & has 3+ sacks in each of his 9 career seasons. Aims for his 4th in row with TFL. Had sack in his only career game vs. Min. (9/17/17 w/ Pit.). • LB NATE LANDMAN had 8 tackles in Week 8. Aims for his 3rd in row at home & 6th in row overall with 8+ tackles. • LB KADEN ELLISS had 8 tackles last week & has 6+ tackles in 3 of his past 4. • CB A.J. TERRELL had INT in last meeting. Aims for his 4th in row with PD. • S RICHIE GRANT aims for his 3rd in row with 8+ tackles & PD. • S JESSIE BATES has 5+ tackles in 5 of his past 6.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (5-2) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-2)
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
CBS: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) SEA: 158 or 385 BAL: 82 or 229
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: Series tied, 3-3 (SEA won 3 of past 4)
POSTSEASON: —
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 10/20/19: BAL 30 at SEA 16
POSTSEASON: —
SEAHAWKS NOTES:
QB GENO SMITH passed for 254 yards & 2 TDs last week & aims for his 3rd in row with 2+ TD passes. Has 103.6 rating in 11 road games since 2022, highest road passer rating in NFL. • RB KENNETH WALKER is 1 of 2 in NFC (Christian McCaffrey) with 500+ rush yards (516) & 6+ rush TDs (6) in 2023. Aims for his 4th in row on road with rush TD. Aims for his 12th in row overall with 50+ scrimmage yards. • WR TYLER LOCKETT led team with 8 receptions for 81 yards & had 3rd rec. TD of season last week, his 57th-career TD catch. Aims for his 5th in row on road with 50+ rec. yards. Had TD catch in last meeting & 2 rec. TDs in last road meeting. • WR DK METCALF has 65+ rec. yards in 4 of his past 5. Needs 96 rec. yards for 5th-straight season with 500+ rec. yards. • WR JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA (rookie) aims for his 3rd in row with rec. TD. • WR JAKE BOBO (rookie) had 1st-career rush TD in Week 8 & aims for his 3rd in row with TD. • LB BOBBY WAGNER led team with 13 tackles & had TFL & PD in Week 8. Ranks tied-5th with 76 tackles this season. Had 13 tackles & FF in last meeting. • LB JORDYN BROOKS had 10 tackles, 4th sack of season & 2nd-career FF last week. Has 0.5+ sacks in 4 of his past 5. • LB BOYE MAFE has sack in each of his past 5, longest active streak in NFL. Aims for his 7th in row with TFL. • LB DARRELL TAYLOR aims for his 3rd in row with sack. • CB RIQ WOOLEN had 1st INT of season last week. • CB DEVON WITHERSPOON leads all rookies with 8 PD. • S JULIAN LOVE had 1st INT of season last week. Had INT in his last game vs. Bal. (10/16/22 w/ NYG). • S JAMAL ADAMS aims for his 3rd in row with PD.
RAVENS NOTES:
QB LAMAR JACKSON completed 18 of 27 atts. (66.7 pct.) for 157 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs with 94.2 rating last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 0 INTs & 90+ rating. Has 70+ comp. pct. in each of 3 home games this season & aims for his 3rd in row at home with rush TD. Rushed for 116 yards & TD in last meeting. Is 17-1 in 18 career starts vs. NFC. Leads QBs with 380 rush yards in 2023. • RB GUS EDWARDS rushed for 80 yards & career-high 3 TDs last week, becoming 5th Bal. RB ever with 3 rush TDs in a single game. Aims for 3rd in row with 90+ scrimmage yards & rush TD. • RB JUSTICE HILL had season-best 55 scrimmage yards (careerhigh 40 rec., 15 rush) in Week 8. • TE MARK ANDREWS had 6th TD catch of season last week, most among all TEs. Has 60+ rec. yards in 4 of past 5. • WR ZAY FLOWERS (rookie) led team with 5 catches in Week 8, his 5th game this season with 5+ catches. Has 75+ rec. yards in 2 of 3 home games this season. Ranks 2nd among rookies with 44 catches & 4th with 461 rec. yards. • WR ODELL BECKHAM JR. has 100+ rec. yards in 2 of 3 career games vs. Sea. • WR NELSON AGHOLOR had 7 catches for 141 yards & TD in his last game vs. Sea. (12/3/17 w/ Phi.). • LB ROQUAN SMITH tied for team lead with 11 tackles last week, his 5th game this season with 10+ tackles, tied-3rd most in NFL. Aims for 7th in row with 8+ tackles. Aims for 3rd in row at home with PD. • DT JUSTIN MADUBUIKE aims for 6th in row with 0.5+ sacks & 4th in row with full sack. Has sack in 2 of 3 home games this season. • S GENO STONE has INT in 3 straight games & can become 2nd Bal. player ever with INT in 4 straight games, joining Eric Turner (5 straight games in 1996). Leads NFL with 5 INTs in 2023.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-7) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-3)
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
CBS: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, Aditi Kinkhabwala
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) ARI: 113 or 384 CLE: 83 or 226
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: CLE leads series, 33-16-3 (ARI won past 5)
POSTSEASON:
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 10/17/21: ARI 37 at CLE 14
POSTSEASON: —
CARDS NOTES:
QB KYLER MURRAY can make season debut. Had 2,368 pass yards & 418 rush yards with 17 TDs (14 pass, 3 rush) in 11 starts in 2023. Had 4 TD passes & 129 rating in last road meeting. • QB CLAYTON TUNE (rookie) can make 1st-career start. • RB EMARI DEMERCADO (rookie) had career-high 78 rush yards last week & aims for his 3rd in row with 75+ scrimmage yards. • WR MARQUISE BROWN had 6 catches & 4th rec. TD of season in Week 8, his 28th-career TD catch. Needs 84 rec. yards for 5thstraight season with 500+ rec. yards. Has 5+ catches in 3 of his past 4 vs. Cle. & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Cle. with 5+ receptions. • WR MICHAEL WILSON had 58 rec. yards in Week 8 & is 1 of 4 rookie WRs with 5+ games (5) of 50+ rec. yards in 2023. Has 60+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 road games • TE TREY MCBRIDE led team and set career highs in receptions (10) & rec. yards (95) & had his 2nd-career TD catch last week. • LB KYZIR WHITE led team with 9 tackles & had TFL last week. Has career-high 8 TFL in 2023. Aims for his 3rd in row on road & 5th in row overall with TFL. • LB ZAVEN COLLINS had TFL & PD last week. Has TFL in 3 of his past 4 & aims for his 3rd in row with TFL. • LB DENNIS GARDECK has TFL in 3 of 4 road games this season. • LB VICTOR DIMUKEJE has career-high 4 sacks in 2023. • LB B.J. OJULARI (rookie) had 1st-career sack last week. • DT DANTE STILLS (rookie) had 5 tackles & career-high 1.5 sacks in Week 8. • S BUDDA BAKER has 5+ tackles in each of his 3 games this season & aims for his 9th in row overall with 5+ tackles. • S JALEN THOMPSON had TFL & PD last week & aims for his 3rd in row with TFL.
BROWNS NOTES:
BROWNS lead NFL in total defense (260.0 yards allowed per game) & pass defense (163.3 pass yards allowed per game). • QB DESHAUN WATSON has 13 TDs (12 pass, 1 rush) vs. INT with 109.3 rating in his past 6 starts vs. NFC. • QB P.J. WALKER passed for season-high 248 yards last week. Completed 22 of 29 atts. (75.9 pct. – career-high as starter) for 167 yards in only career start vs. Ari. (11/14/21 w/ Car.). • RB JEROME FORD has 90+ scrimmage yards in 2 of past 3. • RB KAREEM HUNT rushed for season-high 55 yards & 4th TD of season last week, his 3rd-straight game with rush TD. Has 65+ scrimmage yards in 2 of past 3. Has 75+ scrimmage yards in each of 3 career games vs. Ari. • RB PIERRE STRONG had season-high 82 scrimmage yards (career-high 41 rec., 41 rush) last week. • WR AMARI COOPER had 6 catches for 89 yards in Week 8.Has 85+ rec. yards in 2 of past 3 overall & 100+ rec. yards in 2 of past 3 at home. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Ari. with TD catch. • TE DAVID NJOKU had season-high 77 rec. yards & 1st TD catch of season in Week 8. Aims for 3rd in row with 50+ rec. yards. • DE MYLES GARRETT aims for 3rd in row with sack & FF. Has 5.5 sacks in 4 home games this season. Had sack in last meeting. Ranks tied-3rd in NFL with 8.5 sacks in 2023 & is only player with 8+ sacks in each of past 6 seasons. • DE ZA’DARIUS SMITH had 4 TFL, 3 sacks & PD in his last game vs. Ari. (10/30/22 w/ Min.). • DT MAURICE HURST had 2nd-career INT in Week 8. • CB DENZEL WARD aims for 3rd in row with PD. • CB MARTIN EMERSON had 6 tackles & INT last week & has INT in 2 of past 3. Has PD in 5 of past 6.
LOS ANGELES RAMS (3-5) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-5)
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
FOX: Adam Amin, Daryl Johnston, Pam Oliver
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) LAR: 132 or 387 GB: 99 or 230
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: GB leads series, 47-46-2 (won 7 of past 8)
POSTSEASON: GB leads series, 2-1
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 12/19/22: LAR 12 at GB 24
POSTSEASON: 1/16/21 NFC-DIV: LAR 18 at GB 32
RAMS NOTES:
QB MATTHEW STAFFORD has 54,152 pass yards in 199 career games & can surpass Matt Ryan (54,349) for 2nd-most ever by player in 1st 200 games (Drew Brees – 55,439). Has 3,328 pass yards (302.5 per game) & 25 TDs (24 pass, 1 rush) in 11 career starts at GB. • QB BRETT RYPIEN passed for 42 yards last week. Has won 2 of his 3 career starts. • RB DARRELL HENDERSON had 85 scrimmage yards (54 rec., 31 rush) in Week 8 & aims for his 3rd in row in 2023 with 65+ scrimmage yards. Had 73 scrimmage yards (55 rush, 18 rec.) & TD catch in last road meeting. • RB ROYCE FREEMAN had 1st rush TD of season last week, his 10th-career scrimmage TD. • WR COOPER KUPPhad 7 catches for 96 yards in last road meeting. Has 8+ catches & 120+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 on road. • WR PUKA NACUA leads all rookies with 61 receptions (mostever by player in 1st 8 career games) & 795 rec. yards (most by player in 1st 8 career games in SB era). • TE TYLER HIGBEE aims for his 4th in row on road with 5+ catches. Had TD catch in last meeting. • DL AARON DONALD had 2 sacks last week & became 2nd player since 2000 (Jared Allen) with 10+ TFL in each of 1st 10 career seasons. Has 4.5 sacks in 2023 & has 5+ sacks in each of previous 9 seasons. Has 4 games with 2+ TFL in 2023, tied-most in NFL this season. • LB MICHAEL HOECHT aims for his 3rd in row with sack. • LB ERNEST JONES is only player in 2023 with 75+ tackles (75) & 9+ TFL (9). Aims for his 9th in row on road with 5+ tackles. • DB JORDAN FULLER had 4th-career INT last week.
PACKERS NOTES:
QB JORDAN LOVE has TD pass in 6 of 7 starts this season & 20+ completions in 4 of his past 5 starts. • RB AARON JONES has 348 scrimmage yards (87 per game) & 3 TDs (2 rush, 1 rec.) in 4 career games vs. LAR, incl. playoffs. Had 126 scrimmage yards (90 rush, 36 rec.) & TD catch in last meeting. • RB AJ DILLON had 5 catches & 52 scrimmage yards (41 rec., 11 rush) in Week 8, his 4th-career game with 5+ receptions. Aims for his 4th in row with 50+ scrimmage yards. Had 2 rush TDs in last meeting & aims for his 3rd in row vs. LAR with TD. • WR ROMEO DOUBS had 5th rec. TD of season last week & aims for his 3rd in row with TD catch. Has 70+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 at home. • WR JAYDEN REED (rookie) led team with career-high 83 rec. yards in Week 8. Aims for his 4th in row at home with 50+ rec. yards. Ranks 2nd among rookies with 15.7 yards per catch (min. 20 receptions). • LB RASHAN GARY had 5th TFL of season last week, his 4thstraight season with 5+ TFL. Has 10 sacks & 13 TFL in his past 9 at home. Had sack & FF in last meeting. • LB PRESTON SMITH had 2 sacks & 8th-career FF last week, his 10th-career game with 2+ sacks. Had 2 sacks in last meeting. Aims for his 4th in row with sack. • LB QUAY WALKER had 6th-career game with 10+ tackles (10) last week. Has 4 TFL in his past 4. Had sack, FF & 2 PD in last meeting. • LB DE’VONDRE CAMPBELL had 14 tackles in Week 8. • DT KENNY CLARK had 4th sack of season in Week 8 & has 4+ sacks in 6 of his past 7 seasons. Has 4.5 sacks & 5 TFL in 4 career games vs. LAR, incl. playoffs. • CB KEISEAN NIXON has 5+ tackles in 2 of his past 3.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-4) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (3-4)
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
CBS: Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) TB: 159 or 388 HOU: 146 or 231
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: HOU leads series, 4-1 (won past 4)
POSTSEASON: —
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 12/21/19: TB 20 at HOU 23
POSTSEASON: —
BUCS NOTES:
QB BAKER MAYFIELD passed for 237 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 91.1 rating last week. Has 7 TD passes vs. INT for 99.9 rating in 3 road games in 2023 & aims for his 4th in row on road with 2+ TD passes & 90+ rating. Completed 19 of 21 atts. (career-high 90.5 pct.) with 2 TDs (1 pass, 1 rush) & 105 rating in his last start vs. Hou (9/19/21 w/ Cle.). • RB RACHAAD WHITE had team-high 7 catches & tied his career high with 109 scrimmage yards (career-high 70 rec., 39 rush) in Week 8, his 4th-career game with 100+ scrimmage yards. Aims for his 3rd in row with 6+ catches. • WR MIKE EVANS had 5th rec. TD of season last week & has 5+ TD catches in 9 of 10 career seasons. Has 10,932 rec. yards & 86 rec. TDs & can become 5th player ever with 11,000+ rec. yards & 85+ rec. TDs in 1st 10 career seasons. Aims for his 3rd in row with TD catch. Had 101 rec. yards in last road meeting. • WR CHRIS GODWIN had 5 catches for 54 yards & 1st rec. TD of season last week, his 33rd-career rec. TD. Aims for his 5th in row overall & 8th in row on road with 5+ catches & 50+ rec. yards. • LB LAVONTE DAVID led team with 14 tackles & had TFL in Week 8. Has 10+ tackles & TFL in 4 of his past 5 & aims for his 4th in row with 10+ tackles & TFL. Has 7 TFL in 2023 & has 5+ TFL in each of 1st 12 career seasons. Had 15 tackles in last road meeting & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Hou. with 10+ tackles. • LB DEVIN WHITE had 9 tackles last week & aims for his 4th in row on road with 5+ tackles. Had FR in last meeting. • NT VITA VEA aims for his 3rd in row on road with TFL. • CB JAMEL DEAN had 2 PD last week. Aims for his 4th in row with 6+ tackles. Had INT in last meeting. • S ANTOINE WINFIELD JR. aims for his 4th in row on road with PD. Has 11 sacks in 49 games, 3rd-most by DB in 1st 50 games since 1982.
TEXANS NOTES:
QB C.J. STROUD (rookie) completed 16 of 24 atts. (66.7 pct.) for 140 yards & had 1st-career rush TD last week. Is only QB with 2-or-fewer (1) INTs this season, among QBs with 5+ starts. Has 2 TD passes in each of 3 home starts. Leads rookies with 1,800 pass yards & 9 TD passes in 2023. • RB DAMEON PIERCE rushed for 46 yards in Week 8. Has 657 scrimmage yards (73 per game) in 9 career home games. • RB DEVIN SINGLETARY had 89 scrimmage yards (52 rush, 37 rec.) & 6 catches in only career game vs. TB (12/12/21 w/ Buf.). • WR NICO COLLINS has 18 catches, 394 rec. yards (131.3 per game) & 3 rec. TDs in 3 home games this season, 2nd-most rec. yards per game at home by any player this season. • WR TANK DELL ranks 2nd among rookie WRs with 60.7 scrimmage yards per game this season. • WR ROBERT WOODS has 28 catches for 327 yards (109 per game) in his past 3 vs. TB. • WR NOAH BROWN led team with season-high 57 rec. yards last week. Had 68 rec. yards in his last game vs. TB (9/11/22 w/ Dal.). • TE DALTON SCHULTZ has rec. TD in 3 of past 4 overall & in each of his past 2 at home. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. TB with 6+ catches. • LB BLAKE CASHMAN had 5 tackles, 2 TFL & 1st sack of season last week. Aims for 4th in row with 5+ tackles & 2+ TFL. • LB DENZEL PERRYMAN had 9 tackles & half sack last week. • DE JONATHAN GREENARD had season-high 6 tackles & career-high 2.5 sacks in Week 8. Has 5 sacks in his past 4. • DT MALIEK COLLINS had season-high 2 sacks last week, his 4th-career multi-sack game. Aims for 3rd in row with 0.5+ sacks. Has sack in 2 of 3 career games vs. TB. • CB STEVEN NELSON aims for 3rd in row at home with INT.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (3-5) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-6)
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
FOX: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Shannon Spake
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) WAS: 108 or 389 NE: 103 or 232
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: WAS leads series, 6-5 (NE won past 4)
POSTSEASON: –
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 10/6/19: NE 33 at WAS 7
POSTSEASON: —
COMMANDERS NOTES:
QB SAM HOWELL had career highs in completions (39), comp. pct. (75 pct), pass yards (397) & TD passes (4) in Week 8. Is only player with 2 games of 375+ pass yards in 2023. Has TD pass vs. 0 INTs & 95+ rating in 3 of his 4 career road starts. • RB BRIAN ROBINSON has 50+ scrimmage yards in 7 of his past 8 road games. Aims for his 5th in row on road with TD. • WR TERRY MCLAURIN had 2nd rec. TD of season last week. Aims for his 4th in row overall & 5th in row on road with 5+ catches & 50+ rec. yards. Had 51 rec. yards in last meeting. Needs 8 catches & 5 rec. yards for 5th-straight 50-catch, 500-yard season. • WR CURTIS SAMUEL has TD in 2 of his past 3 on road. • WR JAHAN DOTSON led team with career highs in catches (8) & rec. yards (108) & had his 9th-career rec. TD last week. Aims for his 3rd in row with 5+ catches. • WR JAMISON CROWDER had 1st rec. TD of season last week. • TE LOGAN THOMAS had 15th-career TD catch in Week 8. • DT DARON PAYNE had sack in last meeting. • DT JONATHAN ALLEN has TFL in 2 of his past 3 road games. Had sack in last meeting. • DT PHIDARIAN MATHIS had 1st-career FR last week. • DE CASEY TOOHILL had sack last week & has career-high 4 sacks this season. • LB DAVID MAYO aims for his 3rd in row with 9+ tackles. • S KAMREN CURL had 7 tackles, PD & 1st-career FF in Week 8. Ranks 2nd among DBs with 65 tackles in 2023. Has 5+ tackles in 9 of his past 10 road games. • CB KENDALL FULLER had 1st-career FR last week. • CB BENJAMIN ST-JUSTE ranks 2nd with career-high 10 PD in 2023. Aims for his 3rd in row on road & 5th in row overall with PD.
PATRIOTS NOTES:
QB MAC JONES completed 19 of 29 atts. (65.5 pct.) for 161 yards & 2 TDs last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 2+ TD passes. Has 29 TDs (28 pass, 1 rush) & 92.6 rating in 20 career home starts. • RB RHAMONDRE STEVENSON aims for 4th in row with 50+ scrimmage yards. Needs 20 scrimmage yards to become 3rd NE RB since 1990 with 500+ scrimmage yards in each of 1st 3 seasons, joining HOFer Curtis Martin & Sony Michel. • RB EZEKIEL ELLIOTT has rush TD in 2 of past 3. Has 11 TDs (9 rush, 2 rec.) in 13 career games vs. Was., tied-most TDs vs. any opponent in career. • WR JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER had 1st rec. TD of season last week. Had 7 catches in only career game vs. Was. (12/7/20 w/ Pit.). • WR DEVANTE PARKER had TD catch in his last game vs. Was. (10/13/19 w/ Mia.). • TE HUNTER HENRY had 4 catches for 50 yards & TD in only career game vs. Was. (12/10/17 w/ LAC). • TE MIKE GESICKI had 51 rec. yards in only career game vs. Was. (10/13/19 w Mia.). • LB JA’WHUAN BENTLEY has 5+ tackles in 7 of 8 games this season, incl. all 4 at home. Had TFL in last meeting. • LB JAHLANI TAVAI had 7 tackles & PD in Week 8. • DT CHRISTIAN BARMORE aims for 4th in row with TFL & 3rd in row with sack. • S KYLE DUGGER led team with 8 tackles & had TFL & 1st INT of season in Week 8. Aims for 7th in row with 5+ tackles & 3rd in row with TFL. • CB J.C. JACKSON had 2 PD last week & aims for his 3rd in row with PD. Has 9 PD in his past 6 vs. NFC. • CB JONATHAN JONES had PD last week. Had FF in last meeting.
CHICAGO BEARS (2-6) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (4-4)
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
CBS: Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan, AJ Ross
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) CHI: 98 or 390 NO: 156 or 233
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: NO leads series, 17-13 (won past 6)
POSTSEASON: CHI leads series, 2-1
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 11/1/20: NO 26 at CHI 23
POSTSEASON: 1/10/21 NFC-WC: CHI 9 at NO 21
BEARS NOTES:
QB TYSON BAGENT (rookie) passed for 232 yards & had 2ndcareer rush TD last week. Has 20+ completions in each of his 1st 2 career starts. • RB D’ONTA FOREMAN has 65+ scrimmage yards in 2 of his past 3 in 2023 & in 2 of his 3 career games vs. NO. • RB DARRYNTON EVANS had 1st-career rush TD last week. • WR DJ MOORE had 55 rec. yards last week. Aims for his 6th in row with 50+ rec. yards. Ranks 5th in NFL with 691 rec. yards. Has 4 rec. TDs in his past 4 at NO. • TE COLE KMET led team with career-high 10 receptions & 79 rec. yards in Week 8, 1st Chi. TE with 10+ catches in game since 2015 (Martellus Bennett) & his 3rd-career game with 75+ rec. yards. • LB T.J. EDWARDS led team with 12 tackles & had 2 TFL & 3rdcareer FR last week, his 6th-career game with 2 TFL. Has 5 games with 10+ tackles in 2023, most in NFC & leads NFC with 83 tackles this season. Has 21 tackles (10.5 per game), 3 TFL, 2 PD, FR & INT in 2 career games vs. NO. • LB TREMAINE EDMUNDS has 6+ tackles in 7 of 8 games this season. • LB YANNICK NGAKOUE needs TFL for 8th-straight season with 5+ TFL. • LB JACK SANBORN has 5+ tackles in 4 of his past 5 & aims for his 3rd in row on road with 5+ tackles. Has TFL in 2 of his past 3. • DL JUSTIN JONES aims for his 3rd in row with PD & 4th in row with TFL. • DB JAQUAN BRISKER has 5+ tackles in each of his 10 career road games. • DB JAYLON JOHNSON aims for his 3rd in row on road & 3rd in row overall with PD. • DB TYRIQUE STEVENSON had 12 tackles in Week 8, tied-most by rookie in single game this season.
SAINTS NOTES:
QB DEREK CARR passed for 310 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 133.3 rating in Week 8. Has 300+ pass yards in 2 of 3 home games this season. Aims for his 4th in row with 300+ pass yards. • RB ALVIN KAMARA had 110 scrimmage yards (59 rush, 51 rec.) & 2 TDs (1 rush, 1 rec.) in Week 8 & has 11 career games with both rush TD & rec. TD, tied 5th-most in NFL history. Aims for his 4th in row with 100+ scrimmage yards. Leads all RBs with 39 catches in 2023. Had 9 catches & 163 scrimmage yards (96 rec., 67 rush) in last meeting. • RB JAMAAL WILLIAMS aims for his 3rd in row vs. Chi. with rush TD. • WR CHRIS OLAVE aims for his 4th in row with 5+ receptions. Has 50+ rec. yards in 10 of 11 career home games. • WR MICHAEL THOMAS had 9 catches for 131 yards in his last game vs. Chi. (10/20/19). Has 50+ rec. yards in 4 of his past 5 at home. • WR RASHID SHAHEED had career-high 153 rec. yards & 5thcareer TD catch in Week 8, his 1st-career game with 100+ rec. yards. Has 100+ scrimmage yards in 2 of his past 3. • QB TAYSOM HILL had 6th-career game with 2+ rush TDs (2) in Week 8 & aims for his 3rd in row with rush TD. • DE CAMERON JORDAN aims for his 3rd in row vs. Chi. with sack. • LB DEMARIO DAVIS led team with season-high 12 tackles last week. Has PD in 3 of his past 4. • DE CARL GRANDERSON has sack in 3 of his past 4 & aims for his 5th in row with TFL. • CB MARSHON LATTIMORE has TFL in 2 of his past 3. Aims for his 3rd in row with PD. Needs 2 PD for 6th-career season with 10+ PD. Has 4 PD & 2 INTs in 3 career games vs. Chi. • CB PAULSON ADEBO had 2nd INT of season last week. Has 2+ PD in 3 of his past 4 & aims for his 3rd in row with 2+ PD. Lattimore & Adebo rank tied-5th in NFL with 8 PD each in 2023.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-5) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-6)
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 2023
GAME TIME: 4:05 PM ET
CBS: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, Melanie Collins
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) IND: 134 or 391 CAR: 133 or 228
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: CAR leads series, 5-2 (won 2 of past 3)
POSTSEASON: –
THE LAST TIME … REG. SEASON: 12/22/19: CAR 6 at IND 38 POSTSEASON: —
COLTS NOTES:
QB GARDNER MINSHEW passed for 213 yards & 2 TDs last week, his 2nd-straight game with 2 TD passes. Has 300+ pass yards in 2 of past 3. Has 92.6 rating in 15 career road starts. Totaled career high 416 yards (career-high 374 pass, 42 rush) & 2 TD passes for 101.9 rating in only career start vs. Car. (10/6/19 w/ Jax.). • RB JONATHAN TAYLOR rushed for season-high 95 yards last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 95+ scrimmage yards. • RB ZACK MOSS rushed for 66 yards & 5th TD of season in Week 8. Has rush TD in 3 of past 4 & TD in each of 3 road games this season. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in each of 7 games this season & 100+ scrimmage yards in 2 of 3 road games. Ranks 2nd in NFL with 589 rush yards in 2023. • WR MICHAEL PITTMAN had team-high 8 catches last week, incl. 3rd rec. TD of season. Aims for 3rd in row with TD catch. Has 8+ catches & 55+ rec. yards in each of 3 road games this season. • WR JOSH DOWNS (rookie) aims for 5th in row with 5+ catches & 3rd in row with 70+ rec. yards. Has rec. TD in 2 of past 3. Ranks 3rd among rookies with 40 catches & 473 rec. yards. • TE DREW OGLETREE had 2nd TD catch of season in Week 8. • LB ZAIRE FRANKLIN led team with 14 tackles & had PD last week, his 7th game this season with 10+ tackles, most in NFL. Leads NFL with 102 tackles in 2023, tied-most by player in 1st 8 games of a season since 2000 (HOFer Zach Thomas – 2005). • LB SHAQUILLE LEAONRD had season-best 11 tackles last week. Aims for 4th in row with 7+ tackles. Had 11 tackles in last meeting. • DT DEFOREST BUCKNER had sack & FF last week & has sack in 2 of past 3. • CB KENNY MOORE aims for 6th in row with 6+ tackles. Has 3 TFL in 2 of his past 3. Has 4 TFL in 3 road games this season.
PANTHERS NOTES:
HC FRANK REICH spent 5 seasons (2018-22) as Ind. HC. • QB BRYCE YOUNG (rookie) completed 22 of 31 atts. (71 pct.) for 235 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs for career-high 103.6 rating in Week 8, his 1st-career win. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with 90+ rating. Has 20+ completions in each of 1st 6 career starts. • RB CHUBA HUBBARD had 54 scrimmage yards (28 rush, 26 rec.) in Week 8. Aims for his 3rd in row overall & 7th in row at home with 50+ scrimmage yards. • WR ADAM THIELEN led team with 8 catches & 72 yards in Week 8, his 6th-straight game with 7+ catches, longest active streak in NFL. Had TD catch in his last game vs. Ind. (12/17/22 w/ Min.). Has 57 receptions in 2023, his 7th-career season with 50+ catches. • WR JONATHAN MINGO (rookie) had career-high 62 rec. yards last week. • TE TOMMY TREMBLE had 6th-career rec. TD last week & has TD catch in 2 of his past 3. • LB BRIAN BURNS had 5th sack of season last week, his 5thstraight season with 5+ sacks. Aims for his 4th in row with TFL. Had sack in last meeting. • LB FRANKIE LUVU led team with season-high 12 tackles & had 2 PD, 2 TFL & sack in Week 8, his 6th-career game with 10+ tackles. Has 4 sacks & 7 TFL in his past 5 home games. • LB JUSTIN HOUSTON had 19 sacks in 2 seasons (2019-20) with Ind. • DT DERRICK BROWN had 1st PD of season last week. • CB DONTE JACKSON had TFL & 3rd-career FF in Week 8. • S XAVIER WOODS had 8 tackles & 4th-career FR last week. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with 8+ tackles. Has 6 PD in his past 6 at home.
NEW YORK GIANTS (2-6) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (3-5)
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 2023
GAME TIME: 4:25 PM ET
FOX: Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez, Laura Okmin
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) NYG: 113 or 384 LV: 83 or 226
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: LV leads series, 8-6 (NYG won 4 of past 5)
POSTSEASON: —
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 11/7/21: LV 16 at NYG 23
POSTSEASON: —
GIANTS NOTES:
QB DANIEL JONES has 85+ rating in 3 of his past 4 road starts. Has 40+ rush yards in 3 of his 5 starts this season. Had TD pass vs. 0 INTs & 104.2 rating in last meeting. • RB SAQUON BARKLEY had career-high 36 carries & season high 128 rush yards in Week 8, his 17th-career game with 100+ rush yards. Aims for his 3rd in row with 100+ scrimmage yards. Has 8 TDs (7 rush, 1 rec.) in his past 9 on road. Aims for his 5th in row on road with 90+ scrimmage yards. • TE DARREN WALLER had 286 receptions for 3,469 yards & 17 rec. TDs in 5 seasons (2018-22) with LV, incl. 12 games with 100+ rec. yards. Has 5+ catches in 3 of his past 4. • DL DEXTER LAWRENCE had 3rd sack of season last week & aims for his 3rd in row with sack. • LB KAYVON THIBODEAUX had 9 tackles, career-high 3 sacks & 3rd-career FF in Week 8. Has career-high 8.5 sacks in 2023, incl. sack in 5 of his past 6. Is 1 of 5 in NFL with 3 games of 1.5+ sacks this season. Is 1 of 4 (Micah Parsons, Haason Reddick & T.J. Watt) with 10+ sacks (12.5), 3+ FFs (3) & 3+ FRs (3) since 2022. • LB BOBBY OKEREKE had 9 tackles & career-high 3 TFL in Week 8, his 5th-career game with 2+ TFL. Is 1 of 3 (Ernest Jones & Quincy Williams) with 70+ tackles (73) & 8+ TFL (8) this season. Aims for his 3rd in row at LV with PD & his 5th in row vs. LV with 6+ tackles. • LB MICAH MCFADDEN had 2nd-career FR last week. Has 5+ tackles in 4 of his past 5. • S XAVIER MCKINNEY had 5 tackles last week. Aims for his 5th in row on road with 5+ tackles. Had 7 tackles & 2 INTs (incl. INTTD) in last meeting. • CB DEONTE BANKS ranks 2nd among rookies with 6 PD.
RAIDERS NOTES:
QB JIMMY GAROPPOLO is 2-0 in 2 career starts vs. NFC East. Has 8 TDs vs. 2 INTs with 102.3 rating in his past 5 starts vs. NFC. • RB JOSH JACOBS led team with 88 scrimmage yards (61 rush, 27 rec.) & had 3rd rush TD of season last week. Has 80+ scrimmage yards in 5 of past 6 & in each of 3 home games this season. Had 95 scrimmage yards (76 rush, 19 rec.) in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. NFC East with rush TD. • WR DAVANTE ADAMS has 246 rec. yards (82 per game) in 3 home games this season. Had 6 catches for 64 yards & 2 TDs in his last game vs. NYG (12/1/19 w/ GB) & has 3 rec. TDs in 2 career games vs. NYG. Has 500+ rec. yards (539) for 8th-straight season & needs 3 catches for 9th-straight season with 50+ catches. • WR JAKOBI MEYERS has 5+ catches, 50+ rec. yards & rec. TD in 3 of past 4. Aims for 3rd in row at home with TD catch. Had 54 rec. yards in only career game vs. NYG (10/10/19 w/ NE). Is 1 of 5 AFC WRs with 5+ rec. TDs (5) this season. • WR HUNTER RENFROW had 7 catches for 49 yards & TD in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. NFC East with 100+ rec. yards. • DE MAXX CROSBY had 8 tackles, TFL & 1st FF & FR of season last week. Aims for 6th in row with 5+ tackles & 3rd in row with TFL. Has 0.5+ sacks in 5 of past 6 & in all 3 home games this season. Had TFL in last meeting. Ranks tied-2nd in NFL with 10 TFL in 2023. • LB ROBERT SPILLANE had 8 tackles & 1st FR of season in Week 8. Aims for 5th in row with 7+ tackles. • CB MARCUS PETERS had 75-yard INT-TD last week, 7thcareer INT-TD, most among active players. Aims for 3rd in row with 5+ tackles & PD. • S TRE’VON MOEHRIG led team with career-high 10 tackles last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 7+ tackles.
DALLAS COWBOYS (5-2) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (7-1)
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 2023
GAME TIME: 4:25 PM ET
FOX: Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) DAL: 158 or 385 PHI: 82 or 229
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: DAL leads series, 70-54 (won 4 of past 5)
POSTSEASON: DAL leads series, 3-1
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 12/24/22: PHI 34 at DAL 40
POSTSEASON: 1/9/10 NFC-WC: PHI 14 at DAL 34
COWBOYS NOTES:
DALLAS leads NFC & ranks 2nd in NFL with 28.1 points per game & is 1 of 2 (Miami) with 2 games of 40+ points scored in 2023. • QB DAK PRESCOTT completed 25 of 31 atts. (80.6 pct.) for season-high 304 yards & 4 TDs vs. INT for 133.7 rating in Week 8, his 22nd-career 300-yard game & 8th-career game with 4+ TD passes. Ranks 2nd in NFL with 71 comp. pct. in 2023. Has 11 TD passes vs. INT for 143.2 rating in his past 3 vs. Phi. Aims for his 4th in row vs. Phi. with 3+ TD passes & 120+ rating. • RB TONY POLLARD aims for his 4th in row vs. Phi. & 8th in row overall with 50+ scrimmage yards. • WR CEEDEE LAMB led team with career-highs in catches (12) & rec. yards (158) & had 6th-career game with 2 rec. TDs in Week 8. Aims for his 3rd in row with 100+ rec. yards. Had 10 catches for 120 yards & 2 rec. TDs in last meeting. • WR BRANDIN COOKS aims for his 3rd in row with TD catch. Had 5 catches for 107 yards & rec. TD in his only career game at Phi. (10/11/15 w/ NO). • LB MICAH PARSONS aims for his 3rd in row with sack. Has TFL in 7 of 8 games in 2023 & needs TFL for 3rd-straight season with 10+ TFL. Had TFL & 2 PD in last road meeting. • DE DEMARCUS LAWRENCE has sack in 2 of his past 3 at Phi. & aims for his 4th in row at Phi. with TFL. • DE DORANCE ARMSTRONG had 3rd sack of season last week. Had sack in last road meeting. • CB DARON BLAND had INT-TD last week & became 3rd player ever (HOFer Derrick Brooks & Darren Sharper) with 3 INT-TDs in team’s 1st 7 games of season. Leads NFL with 9 INTs since 2022. Had INT in last meeting. • CB STEPHON GILMORE aims for his 4th in row with PD.
EAGLES NOTES:
QB JALEN HURTS completed 29 of 38 atts. (76.3 pct.) for 319 yards & career-high tying 4 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 135.7 rating in Week 8, his 11th-career game with 300+ pass yards. Is 6th player ever with 300+ combined pass & rush yards & 2+ combined pass & rush TDs in 6 straight games. Became 5th player ever with 10,000+ pass yards (10,046) & 2,000+ rush yards (2,178) in 1st 4 career seasons. Has 8 TDs (5 pass, 3 rush) in 3 home games in 2023. • RB D’ANDRE SWIFT had 3rd rush TD of season last week. Aims for his 8th in row with 50+ scrimmage yards. Ranks 4th in NFL with 571 rush yards in 2023. • WR A.J. BROWN became 1st player ever with 125+ rec. yards in 6 straight games. Ranks 2nd in rec. yards (939) & tied-4th in catches (60) in 2023 & needs 61 rec. yards for 4th-career 1,000-yard season. Is 5th player ever with 50+ catches, 850+ rec. yards & 5+ rec. TDs in each of 1st 5 career seasons. Can become 1st player since 2014 (Demaryius Thomas) with 100+ rec. yards in 7 straight games. • WR DEVONTA SMITH had 15th-career rec. TD last week. Had 113 rec. yards & 2 rec. TDs in last meeting & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Dal. with TD catch. • WR JULIO JONES had 1st rec. TD of season last week. • LB HAASON REDDICK has 6.5 sacks in his past 5. Has 2+ TFL in 3 of his past 4. Had 2 sacks & FF in last meeting. • LB NAKOBE DEAN led team with career-high 12 tackles last week. • S KEVIN BYARD had 7 tackles in Phi. debut in Week 8. Has 3 INTs in 2 career games vs. Dal. & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Dal. with INT. • CB DARIUS SLAY had INT in last home meeting. Has PD in 3 of his past 4 at home. • CB JAMES BRADBERRY has 4 PD in his past 4. • S REED BLANKENSHIP had 3rd-career INT last week.
BUFFALO BILLS (5-3) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-3)
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 2023 GAME TIME: 8:20 PM ET
NBC: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark
Westwood One: Ryan Radtke, Tony Boselli
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) BUF: 83 or 226 CIN: 85 or 225 National: 88
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: BUF leads series, 17-13 (Home team won past 2)
POSTSEASON: CIN leads series, 3-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 9/22/19: CIN 17 at BUF 21
POSTSEASON: 1/22/23 AFC-DIV: CIN 27 at BUF 10
BILLS NOTES:
QB JOSH ALLEN completed 31 of 40 atts. (77.5 pct.) for 324 yards & 2 TDs vs. INT with 106.7 rating & rushed for 41 yards & TD last week. Has 2+ TD passes in 5 straight games, longest active streak in NFL. Has rush TD in 5 of past 6, incl. each of past 2. Is 5-0 in 5 career starts on SNF. Leads NFL with 22 total TDs (17 pass, 5 rush) in 2023 & is 2nd QB ever with 5+ rush TDs in 6+ seasons (Cam Newton). Needs 1 rush TD to surpass HOFer Steve Young (43) for 2nd-most ever by QB. • RB JAMES COOK aims for 4th in row overall with 70+ scrimmage yards & 3rd in row on road with 100+ scrimmage yards. • WR STEFON DIGGS had 9 catches for 70 yards last week & is 5th player in SB era with 6+ catches in each of 1st 8 games of season. Is only player in NFL with 50+ rec. yards in 8 games this season. Has 100+ rec. yards in 2 of 3 road games this season. Has 987 rec. yards (89.7 per game) & 6 rec. TDs in 11 career games on SNF. Leads NFL with 64 catches in 2023. • WR GABE DAVIS had season-high 9 catches for 87 yards & TD last week. Diggs (6) & Davis (5) are only pair of teammates in NFL each with 5+ rec. TDs this season. • WR KHALIL SHAKIR had career-best 92 rec. yards in Week 8. • TE DALTON KINCAID (rookie) had 1st-career TD catch last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 5+ catches & 65+ rec. yards. • S JORDAN POYER had 8 tackles & season-high 2 PD last week. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Cin. in reg. season with FR. • LB VON MILLER has 3.5 sacks in his past 2 vs. Cin., incl. 2 sacks in SB LVI with LAR. • LB TERREL BERNARD had 8 tackles & career-best 2 PD in Week 8. Aims for 5th in row with 8+ tackles. Has 4 TFL in past 3. • DE A.J. EPENESA had sack last week & has sack in 3 of past 4.
BENGALS NOTES:
QB JOE BURROW completed 28 of 32 atts. (career-high 87.5 pct.) for 283 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs with season-high 134.8 rating & rushed for season-best 43 yards last week, his 16thcareer game with 3+ TD passes, tied 5th-most ever by QB in 1st 4 seasons. Aims for 4th in row with 2+ TD passes. Passed for 242 yards & 2 TDs with 101.9 rating in 2022 AFC-D meeting. Has 92.9 rating in 6 career starts in primetime. • RB JOE MIXON led team with season-high 110 scrimmage yards (87 rush, 23 rec.) & had 2nd rush TD of season last week. Rushed for 105 yards & TD in 2022 AFC-D meeting & has TD in each of 3 career games vs. Buf, incl. playoffs. • WR JA’MARR CHASE had 10 catches for 100 yards & TD in Week 8, his 3rd game this season with 10+ catches & 100+ rec. yards, tied-most in NFL. Aims for 6th in row with 6+ catches & 70+ rec. yards. Had TD catch in 2022 AFC-D meeting. Has 50+ rec. yards in each of 4 career games in primetime. • WR TEE HIGGINS had 5 catches for 69 yards last week. • WR TYLER BOYD aims for 3rd in row with TD catch. Has 5+ catches in each of 3 home games this season. • WR ANDREI IOSIVAS (rookie) aims for 3rd in row with rec. TD. • DE TREY HENDRICKSON had sack & FF last week. Aims for 6th in row with 0.5+ sacks & 4th in row with full sack. Has FF in 2 of past 3. Has 5 TFL in his past 2 at home. Is 1 of 2 in NFL (Myles Garrett) with 8+ sacks in each of past 4 seasons. • DE SAM HUBBARD aims for 3rd in row with sack & has sack in 4 of past 5. Had FF in last reg. season meeting. • LB LOGAN WILSON led team with 11 tackles & 2 PD & had 3rd INT of season last week, most INTs among all LBs. • LB GERMAINE PRATT had INT last week & has INT in 2 of past 3.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (3-4) AT NEW YORK JETS (4-3)
DATE: Monday, November 6, 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) LAC: 81 or 226 NYJ: 83 or 225 National: 88
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: LAC leads series, 23-12-1 (won past 4)
POSTSEASON: NYJ leads series, 2-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 11/22/20: NYJ 28 at LAC 34
POSTSEASON: 1/17/10 AFC-DIV: NYJ 17 at LAC 14
CHARGERS NOTES:
QB JUSTIN HERBERT completed 31 of 40 atts. (77.5 pct.) for 298 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 122.7 rating last week, his 18th-career game with 3+ TD passes, 4th-most ever by QB in 1st 4 seasons. Has 300+ pass yards & 2+ TD passes in 2 of 3 road games this season. Passed for 366 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 116.5 rating in last meeting. • RB AUSTIN EKELER led team with 123 scrimmage yards (season-high 94 rec., 29 rush) & had 1st rec. TD of season last week, his 30th-career rec. TD, becoming 6th RB in SB era with 30+ rec. TDs. Has 5 TDs (4 rush, 1 rec.) in his past 4 on MNF. Has TD in 4 of his past 5 in primetime. • WR KEENAN ALLEN had 8 catches for 69 yards in Week 8. Aims for 4th in row with 55+ rec. yards. Has 30 catches for 381 yards (127 per game) & 2 TDs in 3 road games this season. Has 16 catches for 145 yards & TD in last meeting. Aims for his 9th in row in primetime with 5+ catches & 50+ rec. yards. • WR JOSHUA PALMER has 60+ rec. yards in 4 of past 5. • WR SIMI FEHOKO had 1st-career TD catch in Week 8. • TE DONALD PARHAM had season-high 43 rec. yards & 4th rec. TD of season last week. • LB JOEY BOSA had 4th sack of season in Week 8. Has sack in 2 of 3 road games this season. • LB KHALIL MACK has 7 TFL in his past 4. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. NYJ with sack. Has 8 sacks in 9 career MNF games, with sack in 6 of his past 7 on MNF. • S DERWIN JAMES had 5 tackles & 1st INT of season last week. Has 5+ tackles in 5 of 6 games this season. • CB ASANTE SAMUEL JR. had 2 PD last week & aims for 3rd in row with PD. Has PD in 3 of 4 career games on MNF.
JETS NOTES:
QB ZACH WILSON passed for 240 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs & rushed for 25 yards last week. Has 0 INTs in 4 of past 5, incl. each of past 2. Has won 3 straight starts for 2nd time in career. • RB BREECE HALL had 93 scrimmage yards (season-high 76 rec., 17 rush) & 1st TD catch of season last week. Aims for 4th in row with 90+ scrimmage yards & TD. Rushed for 127 yards in only career game on MNF (Week 1 vs. Buf.). • RB DALVIN COOK had 118 scrimmage yards (94 rush, 24 rec.) & rush TD in his last game vs. LAC (11/14/21 w/ Min.). • WR GARRETT WILSON led team with 7 catches for season-high 100 yards last week, 4th-career 100-yard game. Aims for 5th in row with 50+ rec. yards & 3rd in row with 7+ catches & 90+ rec. yards. Has 5+ catches in each of 4 home games this season. • WR ALLEN LAZARD had 45 rec. yards in Week 8. Has TD catch in 2 of his past 3 in primetime. • TE TYLER CONKLIN had 2 rec. TDs in his last game vs. LAC (11/14/21 w/ Min.). • DL QUINNEN WILLIAMS had season-high 8 tackles & TFL last week. Has PD in 2 of his past 3 at home. Had half sack in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row on MNF with TFL. • LB QUINCY WILLIAMS aims for 6th in row with TFL & 3rd in row with 11+ tackles & PD. • LB C.J. MOSLEY had half sack & PD & led team with 12 tackles in Week 8. Aims for 7th in row with 9+ tackles & 5th in row with PD. • LB BRYCE HUFF aims for 4th in row with sack. • LB JERMAINE JOHNSON set career highs in tackles (6) & sacks (2) last week. Has TFL in 3 of past 4 & sack in 2 of past 3. • CB SAUCE GARDNER had 1st TFL of season last week. • S JORDAN WHITEHEAD aims for 3rd in row with PD.
NBA NEWS
NBA ROUNDUP: WARRIORS SURVIVE CLOSE CALL, EDGE THUNDER
Stephen Curry scored 30 points, including the winning layup in the final second, to lift the Golden State Warriors to a 141-139 victory over the host Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday in an NBA in-season tournament game.
As Curry’s ball was going through the basket, Draymond Green made contact with the rim. After a lengthy review, Green’s contact was deemed “not to cause the ball to take an unnatural bounce” and the basket was counted.
Dario Saric added 20 points off the bench for the Warriors, who have won five consecutive games following an opening loss.
Luguentz Dort scored 29 points, making all six of his 3-point attempts, to lead Oklahoma City. The Thunder were without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who sat out with a left knee sprain he sustained late in the team’s Wednesday loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Trail Blazers 115, Grizzlies 113 (OT)
Jerami Grant recorded 26 points and eight rebounds and Portland overcame a late 10-point deficit in regulation to defeat visiting Memphis in overtime. The contest was the opener for both teams in the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament.
Malcolm Brogdon added 24 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and three steals as the Trail Blazers won their third consecutive game. Shaedon Sharpe scored 22 points and Deandre Ayton had 16 points, 12 rebounds and three steals for Portland.
Desmond Bane notched 33 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three blocked shots as the Grizzlies dropped to 0-6. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 30 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots for Memphis, the last winless team in the NBA.
Bucks 110, Knicks 105
Damian Lillard scored 15 of his team-high 30 points in the fourth quarter as Milwaukee beat visiting New York in the teams’ first game of the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 22 points, Jae Crowder added 14, MarJon Beauchamp had 13 and Brook Lopez finished with 13 points and eight blocks for Milwaukee.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 45 points. Brunson hit a 3-pointer with 1:10 left to give New York its first lead since early in the second quarter, but Lillard scored the next six points as the Bucks pulled away.
Pacers 121, Cavaliers 116
Myles Turner went for a season-high 27 points, Tyrese Haliburton buried a long-range 2-pointer with 17.7 seconds remaining and host Indiana beat Cleveland in Indianapolis to become the first winner in the NBA’s new in-season tournament.
After Donovan Mitchell made a 15-footer for the Cavaliers late in the game, Haliburton connected from just inside the arc for a 117-114 lead. Turner finished with a team-high nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks to complement his team-high point total, while Haliburton put up an 18-point, 13-assist double-double.
Mitchell led all scorers with 38 points to go with a team-high nine assists. He shot 4-for-7 on 3-pointers, but the Cavaliers were outscored 45-24 by the Pacers from beyond the arc.
Heat 121, Wizards 114
Tyler Herro was just shy of a triple-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists as host Miami snapped a four-game losing streak at the expense of Washington.
Jimmy Butler added 20 points, and Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson had 18 apiece. Herro made 9 of 17 shots, including 4 of 7 3-pointers as the teams played their first game of the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament.
Washington, which has lost three straight games, was led by Kyle Kuzma’s 22 points. Jordan Poole had 19 points and six assists.
Nuggets 125, Mavericks 114
Nikola Jokic had 33 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists, Michael Porter Jr. scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds and host Denver beat Dallas in the in-season tournament opener for both teams.
Jamal Murray logged 18 points and 13 assists, and Aaron Gordon also scored 18 points for the Nuggets.
Luka Doncic had 34 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Kyrie Irving scored 22 points in his return to the lineup for the Mavericks. Dallas was without head coach Jason Kidd, who didn’t make the trip due to a non-COVID illness. Assistant Sean Sweeney served as the acting head coach.
Nets 109, Bulls 107
Mikal Bridges hit the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 5:55 remaining, and Brooklyn edged host Chicago in group play of the NBA’s in-season tournament.
Bridges scored 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting, and his 3-pointer snapped a 93-93 tie following a steal by Dennis Smith Jr. After Bridges hit his clutch shot, he made a baseline dunk with 73 seconds left for a 108-104 lead. Dorian Finney-Smith scored a team-high 21 points for the Nets, who won their third straight game.
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points apiece for the Bulls, who lost for the third time in four games. Coby White added 18 while Nikola Vucevic collected 13 and 13 boards.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
DODGERS’ CLAYTON KERSHAW UNDERGOES SHOULDER SURGERY, SAYS HE HOPES TO RETURN NEXT SUMMER
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw had left shoulder surgery Friday and anticipates being sidelined until next summer.
The 35-year-old in a social media post wrote the surgery with Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache was to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and his shoulder capsule. There are three glenohumeral ligaments and they reinforce the joint capsule.
“I am hopeful to return to play at some point next summer,” he wrote. “Thanks for your prayers!”
Kershaw was sidelined for six weeks by the shoulder injury and it hampered him over the final couple months of the season. Neither he nor the team ever said much about his shoulder during the season.
He didn’t pitch more than 5 1/3 innings after coming off the injured list in mid-August. Then he got hit hard by Arizona in the NL Division Series, tagged for six runs before getting an out in the first inning of the worst start of his career.
The Dodgers lost in the NLDS for the second straight year, getting swept by the D-backs.
Kershaw is a free agent for the third year in a row. He signed one-year contracts each of the last two years to stay with the Dodgers, the only team he’s pitched for since his career began in 2008.
“I’m not sure how it’s going to look,” Kershaw said about his future plans when the season ended.
Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations, said the team “absolutely” wants the three-time Cy Young Award winner back. He turns 36 in March.
“The ball is squarely in their court,” Friedman said, referring to Kershaw and his wife, Ellen.
REPORT: DODGERS DECLINE RHP LANCE LYNN’S $18M OPTION
The Los Angeles Dodgers declined right-hander Lance Lynn’s $18 million option for 2024, multiple outlets reported Friday.
Lynn, 36, will receive a $1 million buyout and enter free agency after going 7-2 with a 4.36 ERA in 11 starts with the Dodgers, following his trade from the Chicago White Sox.
Lynn started Game 3 in the Dodgers’ National League Division Series sweep by the Arizona Diamondbacks, taking the loss after surrendering four home runs in 2 2/3 innings of a 4-2 defeat.
He was 6-9 with a 6.47 ERA in 21 starts with Chicago before being traded with right-hander Joe Kelly to Los Angeles on July 28 in exchange for outfielder Trayce Thompson and two prospects.
A two-time All-Star and 2011 World Series champion, Lynn is 136-95 with a 3.74 ERA in 341 games (317 starts) over 12 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, White Sox and Dodgers.
The Dodgers have a number of decisions to make with their starting rotation after free-agent Clayton Kershaw announced Friday he underwent a shoulder procedure. Kershaw has pitched 16 seasons with the Dodgers, the last two on one-year contracts. Left-hander Julio Urias also is a free agent, with the Dodgers not expected to bring him back after a September arrest on domestic violence charges.
NHL NEWS
BRINK HAS A GOAL AND ASSIST AS THE FLYERS BEAT SABRES 5-1 TO SNAP A 3-GAME SKID
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Bobby Brink had a goal and an assist as the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Buffalo Sabres 5-1 on Friday night to snap a three-game losing streak.
Scott Laughton, Louie Belpedio, Travis Konecny, and Garnet Hathaway also scored, and Joel Farabee had two assists for the Flyers. Samuel Ersson made 22 saves in place of Carter Hart, who was injured against Buffalo on Wednesday and is day to day with a mid-body injury.
“I know we’ve had a bad run here in losing some games, but I like our team,” Flyers coach John Tortorella said. “I like some of the balance within our team. … We’re still going to have struggles along the way this year, but I like the attitude of the team no matter if we’re winning or losing. I think everybody’s contributing.”
Henri Jokiharju scored and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 15 saves for the Sabres, who had their two-game win streak halted.
Laughton gave Philadelphia a 1-0 lead 1:03 into the first period on a give-and-go play with Bobby Brink. Laughton snapped a wrist shot high over the glove of Luukkonen. Belpedio scored his first NHL goal 27 seconds later after a shot by Morgan Frost was blocked, giving the Flyers a 2-0 lead.
“It’s nice when you come in here, especially on the road, and get a few early and just set the tone for the rest of the game,” Belpedio said.
Konecny’s breakaway goal at 14:57 of the first made it 3-0. Konecny intercepted a pass by Peterka and beat Luukkonen on the glove side.
Hathaway gave the Flyers a 4-0 lead at 14:35 of the second when he tapped in a pass from Ryan Poehling.
Jokiharju spoiled the Flyers’ shutout bid at 2:23 of the third period with a wrist shot that eluded Ersson for his first goal of the season.
“I thought there was enough generated to get breaks and the question would be, did you earn the break,” Sabres coach Don Granato said. “We could have scored, but let’s face it, we didn’t play the way we needed to play.”
Brink extended the lead to four goals by scoring on a partial breakaway at 11:28.
“It really hasn’t felt (like a losing streak) to be honest,” Laughton said. “There hasn’t been much straying away from our game and if we continue to play like that, we’ll play with anyone and give ourselves a chance on a nightly basis.”
Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson left the game in the first period and did not return after sustaining a lower-body injury.
Sabres 18-year-old rookie forward Zach Benson was placed on injured reserve on Friday. Benson is out week to week with a lower-body injury.
UP NEXT
Flyers: Host Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.
Sabres: Open a two-game trip in Toronto on Saturday.
HAYES SCORES TWICE TO HELP BLUES BEAT DEVILS, WHO LOSE JACK HUGHES TO INJURY
ST. LOUIS (AP) Kevin Hayes scored a pair of goals and added an assist to help the St. Louis Blues beat the New Jersey Devils 4-1 on Friday night.
Jake Neighbours and Robert Thomas also scored goals, and Jordan Binnington stopped 33 shots, including several from close range, for St. Louis, which had lost its previous two contests.
“Big game at home, back to back, a chance to get us moving in the right direction,” Binnington said. “That’s a good team over there. I think we made a lot of big plays. Guys stepped up and kind of trusted each other, trusted the system. All around, it’s a good victory.”
Curtis Lazar scored for the Devils, who lost center Jack Hughes to an upper-body injury early in the first period.
Hughes, who entered the game with an NHL-leading 15 assists and 20 points, left the game after awkwardly crashing into the boards after being slightly hooked by Blues defenseman Torey Krug. No penalty was called on the play.
“It’s tough,” Lazar said. “I mean you look at the start he’s had. I’m not going to lie, we were a little dejected when it happened. But, again, you’ve got to kind of turn the page when you realize he’s not coming back and say, ‘All right, next man up.’ “
New Jersey was already playing without center Nico Hischier, who missed his third consecutive game with an upper-body injury.
Akira Schmid made 31 saves for the Devils, who had won three in a row.
“I thought Akira made some key saves to allow us to get back in the hockey game,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said.
Thomas scored an empty-net goal with nine seconds remaining after Hayes shot wide in an attempt for his third goal of the game.
Hayes scored his second goal of the game with 1:37 remaining after the Devils pulled Schmid.
Lazar scored his first goal of the season with 3:21 remaining in the second period to cut St. Louis’ lead to 2-1.
“Great second-effort goal around the front of the net,” Ruff said. “I thought that goal got us going, and we had a lot of good zone time after that.”
Hayes put St. Louis on top 2-0 when he pushed a rebound past Schmid for his first goal since being acquired by St. Louis this offseason.
“Definitely relieved,” Hayes said. “I feel like I haven’t really got too many looks this season. I’ve been working on it, but it’s nice to actually see one go in. It felt good.”
Neighbours scored his second goal of the season when he beat Schmid from the slot on a feed from Sammy Blais 7:12 into the second period to give St. Louis a 1-0 lead.
“I thought we had a good night,” Neighbours said about himself and linemates Blais and Oskar Sundqvist. “We’re, you know, physical, on top of guys, played a lot in the offensive zone, and we’re skating pretty well and had some good chemistry. Obviously, if we can contribute offensively, that’s just a bonus.”
UP NEXT
Devils: At Chicago Sunday night
Blues: Host Montreal Saturday night
AUTO RACING
2023 NASCAR CUP SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP: PREVIEW, BEST BETS, LONGSHOT PICK
The Championship 4 will race for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series title at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday.
Ryan Blaney enters the finale in first place, followed by fellow title contenders Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson and William Byron.
The group is represented by three team owners who have a combined 22 championships among them, and Sunday will mark the sixth consecutive year a car owned by Rick Hendrick, Joe Gibbs or Roger Penske will hoist the trophy.
“We always text each other and congratulate each other after we win,” said Hendrick, who has two cars in contention with Larson and Byron.
By contrast, the drivers themselves represent the star-studded youth in NASCAR, as each of the final four are under 32 years old and comprise the youngest title group in the 10-year history of the playoff format.
Byron, 25, has six wins this year while Larson, 31, has four.
“We’re just happy to be in the race,” Hendrick said. “We’re happy to have two good cars going out there to race for the championship. Both cars have been good all year. I hope that one of ’em can win. I don’t see that either one has any more advantage over the other guy.
“I think our guys are prepared,” Hendrick continued. “We’re going to go out with the best cars we have. A lot of attention to detail. We’ll try to execute a race without any mistakes — that’s what you got to do. You have to have good pit stops. Cautions have to fall the right way. You can be a dominant car and not win this race, so we’ve just got to run the race.
“When you start the year, you want to try to get cars to the Championship 4. When you can get one or two, you’ve had a great year.”
Blaney, 29, has an opportunity to deliver a second consecutive title for Penske, with Joey Logano winning last year. Meanwhile Gibbs, who has a car in the finale for the 10th consecutive year, is banking on the 28-year-old Bell this weekend.
“I just think this happens to be — and I know everybody is writing about it, talking about it — it’s a younger group for sure in the playoffs,” said Gibbs. “There’s so much on the line (in the playoff format). I think that the fans really do enjoy because there is that much pressure. You got three weeks to make it happen.”
NASCAR Cup Series Championship
Location: Phoenix Raceway
Date: Sunday, Nov. 5, 3 p.m. ET
Distance: 312 laps on 1-mile track
Defending champion: Joey Logano
Cup Series leader: Ryan Blaney
TV: NBC
Radio: SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
BEST BETS
Kyle Larson (+175 at BetMGM)
Larson won in Phoenix two years ago to claim his first title, and he’s seeking to provide No. 15 overall for Hendrick. Larson has already won four times this year, including three weeks ago in Las Vegas, and he’s trying to join Logano and Kyle Busch as the only active two-time champions. Larson tops the series with 1,127 total laps led this year and has 14 top-5 finishes. He finished fourth in the spring race in Phoenix, where he has 11 top-10 finishes in 18 starts.
Ryan Blaney (+275)
Blaney already has two wins in the playoffs, including last week at Martinsville to secure his spot in the championship round. He’s in his first title race, but Blaney does have 10 top-10 finishes in 15 previous starts at Phoenix Raceway, including each of the past two. He’s second at the book in both total bets (10.9 percent) and money (11.8 percent) backing him to win.
William Byron (+325)
Byron qualified third in the spring race in Phoenix and went on to deliver the second of his series- and career-best six wins this year. He’s third among all drivers with 7.4 and 11.2 percent of the action, respectively.
Christopher Bell (+450)
This is the second consecutive year in the title race for Bell, who finished third last year. He has been backed by 7.0 percent of both the total bets and money as Bell’s odds have lengthened a bit since opening at +400.
LONGSHOT PICK
Kevin Harvick (+1200)
The sentimental pick is the obvious choice as the popular driver is set to retire after the race. Harvick has yet to win this year and has only six top-5s, but one of those did come in Phoenix in the spring and he has 20 consecutive top-10s at the track. He is the overwhelming biggest liability for the book as Harvick leads the field with 12.1 percent of the bets and 26.2 percent of the money backing him to win.
TOP INDIANA RELEASES/NEWS
COLTS FOOTBALL
COLTS-PANTHERS PREVIEW: A REUNION WITH FRANK REICH, THEN A PIVOTAL WEEK 9 GAME
The impact Frank Reich made on the Colts – both on and off the field – is still felt across the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. This is one of those weeks where a storyline that doesn’t impact the game actually matters.
“He is one of the greatest men I have ever met,” defensive tackle DeForest Buckner said. “I always use this moment because that’s the moment that really solidified my relationship with Frank – back in 2020 when I got baptized, I wasn’t expecting any coaches or anybody to be there besides really my family. I had a bunch of teammates that showed up and a bunch of coaches. Frank was one of them.
“It just showed me there was a lot more beyond football. My head coach took the time out of his day during the bye week to come watch me get baptized and had some really encouraging words. It just meant a lot to me.”
Reich’s Carolina Panthers will host the Colts on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, and before the game you’ll certainly see the former Colts head coach chatting and smiling with several of his former players, coaches and staff members. One of those staffers – though not in Indianapolis – is Shane Steichen, who was an offensive quality control coach with the San Diego Chargers from 2014-2015 when Reich was offensive coordinator.
“I’ve got a ton of respect for Frank,” Steichen said. “Very intelligent football coach, understands the game, but even a better human being. The two years I was with him out there in San Diego, just the wisdom he brought being a former player, his leadership abilities. I’ve got a ton of respect for him and looking forward to seeing him on Sunday.”
Reich led the Colts to two playoff appearances during his four and a half seasons as head coach. He was fired halfway through the 2022 season, though he said this week Sunday is not a revenge game for him. In fact, he deflected Steichen’s praise right back at the first-year Colts head coach.
“I mean, Shane’s a phenomenal coach and a great human being, a great person,” Reich said, via Panthers.com. “I think back in San Diego when I was there as the offensive coordinator, it was me and Nick Sirianni and Shane Steichen sitting in those meetings, game planning, and a lot of stuff. So, obviously, that was a pretty dynamic group. You could tell right away both of those guys. I knew Nick right away, and same thing with Shane; those super-bright, super-brilliant football minds, hard workers, understand every aspect of the game.
“And you know, Shane’s success is no surprise. I mean, he’s been successful at every stop everywhere he’s been; he’s made a big impact. So super happy for Shane.”
The Colts’ return to face Reich will matter until it doesn’t – when the switch flips and it’s all about 60 minutes of football, no matter who’s on the opposing sideline.
And the Colts know that while the Panthers have just one win – coming last week against the Houston Texans – Week 9 carries massive implications for both teams.
For the Panthers, they’re looking to dig out of an early 0-6 hole – one which leaves little margin for error going forward. And for the Colts, they’re looking to end a three-game losing streak and hop on a plane to Germany next week with a shot at being .500 heading into their Week 11 bye.
“I think the whole purpose and the point is look, one week at a time,” linebacker Zaire Franklin said. “Let’s focus on Carolina first. When you’re losing, it hurts, it feels like the world is gloomy. It just takes one peak of sunshine to turn our day around. Just one win, just 1-0 this week. Let’s focus on this and get back to the details. Let’s lock in and let’s just get after it this weekend.”
“We should have a lot of reasons why we should feel good about ourselves right now and the opportunities that we have looking forward,” quarterback Gardner Minshew said. “There’s obviously been games in the past that didn’t go our way, didn’t go the way we like, but we still have everything in front of us and a good opportunity this week.”
Still, there’s genuine excitement for so many Colts players, coaches and staffers about getting to give Reich a hug and steal a minute or two with a man who meant to much to them. None of those moments will have an impact on the reason why the Colts are in Charlotte – to win – but that shouldn’t diminish the importance of them.
“It’s going to be really nice just to go see coach Frank,” running back Jonathan Taylor said. “Of course, we have business to handle, but you just talk about a great person – that’s coach Frank.”
COLTS RULE OUT CB JUJU BRENTS, T BRADEN SMITH FOR WEEK 9 GAME VS. CAROLINA PANTHERS
The Colts ruled out cornerback JuJu Brents (quad) and tackle Braden Smith (hip/wrist) for their Week 9 game against the Carolina Panthers, head coach Shane Steichen said Friday.
Brents sustained a quad injury in the Colts’ Week 7 loss to the Cleveland Browns and did not play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 8. The 2023 second-round pick did not participate in practice this week.
Smith hasn’t played in each of the Colts’ last three games.
Tight end Kylen Granson cleared concussion protocol and will play on Sunday. Linebacker Zaire Franklin (knee), who did not practice this week, was not ruled out on Friday and is questionable.
INDIANA PACERS BASKETBALL
GAME REWIND: PACERS 121, CAVALIERS 116 (IN-SEASON TOURNAMENT)
The first-ever win in NBA In-Season Tournament history belongs to the Indiana Pacers.
Debuting a special court and their 2023-24 CITY EDITION jerseys, the Pacers (3-2) won in style on Friday night, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers (2-4) 121-116 in a thriller at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Indiana led by 17 points at the break, by a point after three quarters, and came up clutch on both ends of the floor down the final stretch against their Central Division foe.
With 16 seconds left in the game, Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton hit a step-back jumper just inside the 3-point arc to put the Blue & gold by three points. On the ensuing play, Pacers center Myles Turner blocked a dunk attempt by Cavs 7-footer Evan Mobley with 11 ticks remaining before pulling down the rebound on the next possession.
From there, Haliburton drained four total free throws in the final 7 seconds to put the game away.
“The crowd was amazing tonight,” Haliburton said. “I feel like, last year as well, anytime we play Cleveland there’s more juice to that game, there and here. I feel like it’s a good matchup for both of us. We both enjoy competing against each other. We’re two up-and-coming teams in this league, young teams. Them being in our division, those games are usually up.”
Friday’s game impacted the regular season standings and IST group play. Indiana will play its second game of the IST on Nov. 14 at Philadelphia, go to Atlanta on Nov. 21 and host Detroit on Nov. 24 to conclude group play. Teams will then advance to the Knockout Rounds. Learn more about the IST here.
Six Pacers players finished in double-digit scoring, led by a season-high 27 points from Turner, 19 points by Bruce Brown and 18 points and 13 assists from Haliburton. Haliburton has now achieved a double-double in all four games he’s played.
Seven players scored in double figures for the Cavs, led by 38 points from Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell, who shot 14-for-21 from the floor also had nine assists and five rebounds in the game, and Mobley finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds for his third double-double of the season.
As a team, the Pacers shot 45-for-86 (14-for-31 from 3-point range) while the Cavs finished 44-for-84 (8-for-28 from 3-point range) from the field.
In the first half, the Pacers shot 56.5 percent (9-for-16 from 3-point range) while limiting the Cavs to 48.9 percent, including 4-for-16 from deep.
Turner beat his season-high for points in a game in the first half alone, posting 22 in the opening 24 minutes on 7-for-8 shooting (4-for-4 from 3-point range) to go along with five rebounds to help the Pacers to a 70-53 lead. Mitchell had 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting in the first half.
Before the start of the game, both teams shared positive news on their injury reports.
Haliburton and backup center Jalen Smith were both active tonight after missing Wednesday’s night game against the Boston Celtics while point guard Darius Garland played for the Cavs, after missing three straight games, and 6-foot-9 forward/center Jarrett Allen made his season debut.
In the first quarter, the Pacers shot 56 percent overall and made as many 3-pointers (five) as they did total in Wednesday’s loss to Boston.
Turner set the tone early for the Pacers, opening the game with a dunk on the first possession off a feed from Haliburton. The Pacers then strung together a 10-2 run – on five points by Turner and Bruce Brown each – to lead 10-5 just 90 seconds into the game.
A 7-2 run, anchored by a 3-pointer from Buddy Hield, pushed the Pacers ahead 22-13, and in the final 1:16 of the frame the Pacers scored seven unanswered points thanks to steals from Aaron Nesmith and Bennedict Mathurin to go up 36-26.
The Pacers used a 10-2 scoring spree midway through the second quarter to lead 58-43 with three minutes left in the half. From there, the Pacers kept the pressure on, as Turner drained a fourth 3-pointerand Obi Toppin slammed home an alley-oop from Haliburton to push the lead to 17 points at the break.
In the third quarter, the Cavs outscored the Pacers 34-18. The visitors shot 68.4 percent in the frame while limiting the Pacers to 36.4 percent shooting.
The Cavs took advantage of a trio of Pacers turnovers out of intermission to open the half on a 13-4 run, narrowing the score to 74-66 with 7:31 left in the third quarter. Out of a timeout, the Cavs continued chipping away, going on an 11-4 run thanks to 3-pointers from Mitchell and Max Strus, to make it a one-possession game at 79-77 with 4:25 on the clock.
Cleveland took its first lead of the game at 85-84 with 1:53 left in the third quarter, but buckets by Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard helped keep the Pacers ahead at 88-87 going into the final 12 minutes.
The teams traded the lead four times to start the fourth quarter before tying at 97 with 8:15 left in the game. A basket by Caris LeVert and a 3-pointer by Strus put the Cavs up 105-101 with 6:21 left, prompting a timeout.
Out of the huddles, Brown got a layup to go before Nesmith stole the ball and Hield nailed a 3-pointer, and Haliburton got a floater to put the Pacers back ahead 108-105 with 4:56 remaining. Another trey by Hield — his fourth of the game — extended the Pacers lead to 113-106, but buckets by Mobley and Mitchell, and free throws from Garland, made it 113-112 with 2:16 remaining.
Down the final stretch, the teams battled it out, but the Pacers were able to put it away.
“The first half was one of the best we’ve played all year. The third quarter was rough, but the fourth quarter we held strong and got it done,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said. “ It was a strong show of character for our team. Cleveland has a lot of weapons, and comes at you hard. It was a bend-don’t-break kind of game for us. I’m really happy for our guys.”
The Pacers are back in action tomorrow when they host the Charlotte Hornets for the second leg of their first back-to-back of the season. Last season, the Pacers won the season series 2-1 against the Hornets.
Inside the Numbers
Indiana outrebounded Cleveland 40-35, including 7-5 in offensive boards.
The Pacers bench outscored the Cavs reserves 46-30.
The Pacers shot 16-for-24 from the free throw line and the Cavs finished 20-for-25 from the line.
The Pacers assisted on 28 baskets.
Indiana had a season-high 18 turnovers.
The Pacers have limited their opponents to eight 3-pointers or fewer in two of the last three games.
Off the bench, Buddy Hield (14 points), Jalen Smith (13 points) and Aaron Nesmith (13 points) all scored in double figures.
The Pacers are 3-0 when scoring 100 or more points this season.
You Can Quote Me On That
“Tonight was insane, bro. I think that the fans really brought it tonight. Especially in that fourth quarter, they had that little Freddie Mercury thing going. That’s something I expect from this city. They show up night in and night out. To have that atmosphere in the first In-Season Tournament (game), it was good stuff.” – Myles Turner on the atmosphere during the game
“I think the biggest thing was this was a division opponent. At the end of the day, this is a team that we’ve seen quite a few teams. And coming off of last game, we had to get our mojo back, if you will.” -Turner on the focus tonight
“When I get going early, I think that the confidence is there. But more than anything, I have to be the defensive leader on this team. I just have to be. I know my shots are going to fall. Before this night, I wasn’t shooting that great. I had a good shooting night tonight. Getting those going early is always night, but I think my focus at the beginning of the game is more on the defensive side of things, trying to anchor what we’re trying to accomplish.” -Turner on his fast start to the game
“I’m really happy for him, really proud of him. I think that he came in here last year and tried to find a role for himself and he’s grown upon that role this offseason. He’s more effective with the ball, he’s shooting the ball well, plays his heart out. It’s what this city wants to see. And he’s the $33 million-dollar man. I’m happy for him.” -Turner on Aaron Nesmith
“Shots just aren’t going in. I’ve just to stay true to what I do, stay true to my work and trust that…Shots will start to fall. It’s only game five. You guys know I’m a perfectionist, so there’s a part of me that’s ready to hit the panic button, but at the same time, we’re 3-2, we’re winning games. That’s all that matters in the NBA.” -Tyrese Haliburton on fighting through a shooting slump
“It was like the first game this year where it came down the stretch and we needed to get a stop or something to finish the game. I feel like we did a really good job with it. We’ll all just keep growing and learning. It’s only game five. I feel like as a team, our bench, everybody was engaged tonight. Everybody was engaged at the end there, talking about what we wanted to do and talking through stuff. From one to 15, it felt like everybody was in there talking to guys. When everybody’s engaged in there, it’s really good and I think it keeps us from making mistakes.” -Haliburton
“In his new role, we’re not playing as much together. You guys know we have a really good synergy together. I thought tonight Coach made some good moves. The substitutions at five minutes were a little different tonight. I enjoyed playing with him a little more, getting him going. But it’s him trusting in what he does, his work. He works his tail off every night.” – Haliburton on Buddy Hield
“We hung in. Our second unit was in there during a tough period of time and they manufactured enough baskets for us to have a one-point lead going into the fourth quarter. That’s big – leading going into the fourth is a big indicator of probability to win.” – Carlisle on the third quarter
“Buddy (Hield’s) shot-making in the fourth was huge. Buddy has made a really great effort defensively. He’s studying it, he’s playing harder than he’s ever played defensively and really wants to win. We got a lot of guys that care and this is an important win for us.” – Carlisle on Hield
“Our fans like this team and they’re connecting with this team. You can tell. They’re chanting Buddy’s name out there and stuff like that … it’s pretty cool.” – Carlisle on the atmosphere
“Our pregame discussion and our prep was all about the kind of game this was going to be. The kind of game they were going to bring to us and take to us. … This is a tough-minded team and are very physical. They had Garland and Allen back … which makes it even tougher. The crowd getting into it, us getting key stops at the right times, were key things.” -Carlisle
“A tribute to coach (Bob) Knight. Just a show of respect for everything that he’s meant not only to IU and the state of Indiana but to basketball overall…I wrote him a letter to him one time when I was in college, he was going to be the Olympic coach in ‘84. I think I wrote him a letter in ‘83 to try to get his attention to possibly get a shot at the Olympic trials. He wrote me a personal letter back that I’ve kept to this day. I always thought that was an extremely classy thing to do – he didn’t even know me at the time.” – Carlisle on wearing a red sweater pregame
“He works at his craft. His recognition keeps getting better. He’s a hard-playing guy.” – Carlisle on Nesmith
Stat of the Night
The Pacers shot 15-for-31 from 3-point range in the win against the Cavs, bouncing back from a 5-for-37 3-point shooting performance at Boston on Wednesday.
Noteworthy
While several In-Season Tournament games were played on Friday night, the Pacers and Cavs played the first game in IST history with the early 7:00 PM tip.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has 899 career wins as an NBA head coach. He will be the 14th coach in league history to reach 900 and currently has the 14th most wins by a head coach all-time.
Buddy Hield’s four 3-pointers now ties him with Dale Ellis for 1,719 career-made 3-pointers, which is 28th on the NBA all-time list.
Prior to the game, a moment of silence was taken for legendary Indiana University men’s basketball coach Bob Knight, who passed away on Nov. 1. Coach Carlisle wore a red sweater before the game to honor Knight.
Up Next
The Pacers are back in action on Saturday for the second leg of a back-to-back when they host LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets .
INDY FUEL
FUEL PUT 41 ON NET, FALL TO KALAMAZOO
KALAMAZOO – The Fuel headed to Kalamazoo to take on the K-Wings in their third straight matchup this season. The Fuel could not dig themselves out of an early hole and fall to Kalamazoo in a high shooting, low scoring affair 2-1.
1ST PERIOD
Slow starts have been constant for the Fuel and that reigned true here. It did not take long for Kalamazoo to hop on the scoreboard.
At 3:08 in the first period, David Keefer puts one over the right shoulder of Zach Driscoll to take an early 1-0 lead. Halfway through the period, Kalamazoo went on their first man advantage off a Jordan Martin slashing penalty at 9:41, shortly followed by a high-sticking from Zach Jordan at 14:40.
In the end, those man advantages did not matter as the game went into the second frame with Kalamazoo still holding at 1-0 lead.
2ND PERIOD
It was an exciting yet quiet second period at Wings Event Center. There were 25 shots on goal but nothing scored between the two teams.
Jon Martin went to the box for cross-checking at 13:48 but the Wings remained scoreless on power play opportunities. Multiple chances for both squads but the second frame ended the same way it started.
3RD PERIOD
The final frame started with a penalty on Kalamazoo’s David Keefer just 15 seconds in. No goal scored on the power play for Indy and, once the Wings became full strength, they found their second of the game off the stick of Collin Saccoman at 3:05.
Just 46 seconds later, Indy finds their first off a rebound score from Ryan Gagnier who puts in his second of the season at 3:51. Another good opportunity for the Fuel came with just under 4 minutes left in the game when Drake Pilon was called for slashing at 16:03.
Despite the power play and pulling the goalie late, the Fuel could not capitalize and end up falling 2-1 to Kalamazoo.
Jonathan Lemieux saves 40 of 41 shots for the Wings. Zach Driscoll saves 24 of 26 shots for the Fuel. Both teams combined for 67 shots on goal.
The Indy Fuel are back in action at Indiana Farmers Coliseum on November 10, 2023 for Military Appreciation Night against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Tickets are available HERE.
ABOUT THE INDY FUEL:
The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks and the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs, are back at Indiana Farmers Coliseum for their tenth season.
INDIANA MEN’S BASKETBALL
HOOSIERS HANDLE MARIAN, 94-61
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Now, it gets real. Indiana’s basketball prelims are over and the regular season looms.
Where is Mike Woodson in the wake of Friday night’s 94-61 exhibition victory over Marian University at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall?
“I don’t have a concern,” Woodson says. “I want to make sure our guys are prepared and ready to play at a high level.”
It starts Tuesday night against Florida Gulf Coast.
“We’ve done some good things,” Woodson said. “We have to build on that. Don’t forget how we’ve done it. Everybody has to push each other to get better.”
Save drama for the regular season. Friday night was a chance for stress-free execution, and the Hoosiers capitalized.
They had a 27-0 edge on fast-break points, 22-0 on points off turnovers, and 34-12 on points in the paint. Ten Hoosiers played and nine scored. Nine had at least one rebound. They were 9-for-17 from beyond the arc and 21-for-25 on three throws. They held Marian, a solid NAIA program, to 32% shooting and forced 15 turnovers.
Center Kel’el Ware had 20 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes. He’s scored 27 second-half points in exhibitions against Marian and the University of Indianapolis.
“My game has been evolving,” Ware said. “I’m more in shape. Coach has been pushing me. He wants me to run harder. The more I get in condition, the better we’ll be as a team.”
Ware transferred from Oregon to be a difference maker. Woodson pushes to make it happen.
“I’ve been going at him in practice to get him to be more aggressive on offense,” Woodson said. “He’s starting to show signs he can do it. He’s a skilled guy.
“It starts for real now. He’ll be playing against bigger guys. More talented bigs. I’m curious to see where he’ll be when we start that journey.”
As for Ware’s second-half success, Woodson said, “I called a couple of plays for him, but it’s not about play calling. On the pick and roll, he’s big enough to roll and demand the ball as a big target. He can run the floor and get buckets that way. You don’t have to call plays for him. There are all kind of ways to score. He’s capable of doing that.
“Sometimes you have to pick on the guys who guard him. Take advantage of it. He does a lot of good things, We need him to continue to grow.”
Freshman forward Mackenzie Mgbako had 15 points with a team-high three 3-pointers. Sophomore forward Malik Reneau had 14 points, 12 in the first half, which was good. He also had four fouls, which was not good given his previous knack of getting into foul trouble.
Then there’s freshman guard Gabe Cupps, who again stood out without putting up big numbers. He ran the offense as part of the second unit and totaled six assists, two points, and no turnovers.
“Playing extended minutes showed me you can still get tired even with long media timeouts,” Cupps said. “Guys like Kel’el make the game a lot easier. You read the ball screens and just throw it up. It adds another element to the game that makes it more fun.”
Cupps and fellow guards Xavier Johnson and Trey Galloway combined for 19 assists and no turnovers. Overall, IU had 25 assists and two turnovers.
“We showed film where a guy drew two defenders, someone was wide open and we try to drive through two people instead of making the extra pass,” Woodson said. “That will be critical. The only way to beat the defense is to make the extra pass.”
Before the game, IU had a couple of moving video tributes, and a moment of silence, for Hall of Fame coach Bob Knight, who passed away earlier this week.
At halftime, a video was shown of his 2020 return to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
“It’s been tough,” Woodson said. “I prep for a game the same way, but knowing he’s not around anymore, it means more to me.
“I wish I could do all the things he’s done as a coach, but that’s impossible. My thoughts will always be there with him This is Bob Knight’s building. I hope I can make him proud.”
Johnson accounted for IU’s first five points via a basket, a free throw, and an assist to Reneau.
Then Reneau took over, hitting a 3-pointer as the Hoosiers surged ahead 22-9.
Five 3-pointers kept Marian within range at 24-15. A CJ Gunn 3-pointer and an Anthony Walker basket it made it 31-18.
IU kept pushing the pace, producing a 16-0 edge in fastbreak points. Seven of the nine Hoosiers who played in the first 20 minutes scored. It reached halftime with a 49-35 lead. Reneau led with 12 points.
Marian was 9-for-20 on 3-pointers and 2-for-10 inside the arc.
The Hoosiers needed four second-half minutes to build a 24-point lead and cruised from there.
INDIANA VOLLEYBALL
GEDDES GOES FOR CAREER-HIGH 18 KILLS IN VICTORY AT RUTGERS
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – When the Hoosiers needed it the most, senior outside hitter Morgan Geddes stepped up to the challenge, providing a career-high 18 kills in a win at Rutgers on Friday night (Nov. 3) at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
The Indiana volleyball team responded from a tough first set to win the following three sets in a 3-1 victory (21-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-18) on Friday evening in New Jersey.
IU’s win snapped a two-game losing streak and handed the team its 17th win of the season, the most victories in a single campaign since 2016. The Hoosiers are guaranteed a winning season for the first time since 2018.
Freshman libero Ramsey Gary recorded 23 digs, her seventh-straight match with 20+ digs. She broke IU’s 15-year-old freshman digs record on Friday night. She’s got 423 on the season and will challenge for IU’s all-time single season record of 525 over the final seven games.
Junior setter Camryn Haworth dished out 48 assists in just four sets, averaging 12 per set. She dug 15 balls and tallied four kills in the win. Three IU hitters went for 10+ kills while the team hit a collective .290 with 61 kills.
A quick turnaround for IU will see it head to Columbus for an important November matchup at Ohio State. IU is searching for its 18th win of the season which would be the most since 2010.
Stats and Notes
Team
• After struggling in the first set, IU responded nicely over the final three. The Hoosiers hit .333 or better in the final three sets and a collective .290 for the match.
• IU had all five primary attackers finish with eight-or-more kills including three in double digits led by a career-best 18 from Geddes. The Hoosiers have hit .275 or better on six occasions during the Big Ten campaign this year.
• The Hoosiers dominated offensively and defensively, forcing Rutgers into 21 attacking errors in four sets. IU blocked 12 shots and dug 65 balls while terminating on 61 kills on offense.
• Over the past four matches, IU has tallied 41 blocks including 12 on Friday night in Piscataway. Five times this season, the Hoosiers have gone for 10+ blocks against a Big Ten opponent.
• IU recorded its 17th win of the season, the most in a single season since 2016. The Hoosiers are guaranteed a winning season for the first time since 2018.
• In the series history against Rutgers, IU moves to 17-1 all-time. IU’s won five-straight matches with the teams set to meet again next Friday in Bloomington.
#10 Haworth, Camryn
• IU’s outstanding setter ran a balanced offense on Friday night, helping the Hoosiers hit .290 collectively while dishing out 48 helpers in the win.
• Her 48 assists were her most in a four-set match since handing out 50 against Western Carolina in September of 2022. Over her past three matches, she’s gone for 148 assists, the most by an IU setter in a three-game run of Big Ten contests since 2012.
• Haworth added 15 digs and four kills while forcing Rutgers into a number overpasses from the service line in the final three games.
#32 Gary, Ramsey
• Gary cemented herself as the best freshman libero the program has ever seen, breaking IU’s single-season freshman digs record on Friday night.
• She broke Caitlin Cox’s 2008 freshman digs record (402) with 23 on Friday night, her seventh-straight match with 20+ digs.
• During the 25-point rally era (since 2008), she is tied for the most 20-dig matches in a single season with nine. Her seven-straight matches with 20+ digs are the most by an IU player in the current scoring system era.
#16 Geddes, Morgan
• Nursing some late-season injuries, IU’s senior outside hitter stepped up to the table when IU needed it the most. She went for a career-high 18 kills including the match winner in set four.
• She hit .375 on the match (18-3-40) while also blocking a career-high six shots, four of those solo stuffs. Her 18 kills are tied for the most in a match this season by an IU player (Alonso-Corcelles vs. Michigan).
#18 Rammelsberg, Kaley
• Shaking off a slow start, Rammelsberg recorded her fifth-straight match with 10+ kills. She hit .348 on the night (11-3-23) in the victory.
Scoring Recap
Set 1: Rutgers 25, Indiana 21
• IU was plagued from the service line in the first set, recording six service errors while getting aced twice by the hosts.
• Geddes went for six kills in the opening set but a strong Rutgers block (six blocks) made the difference as it took a 25-21 first set victory.
• Rutgers’ lead got as big as six with a late 19-13 advantage. IU defended the first two set points which forced a timeout from the Scarlet Knights. Rammelsberg was blocked by opposite hitter Tina Grkovic out of the timeout, giving Rutgers the early advantage at home.
Set 2: Indiana 25, Rutgers 20
• IU quickly turned the tide in the second set, hitting .351 (17-4-37) to level the match with a 25-20 victory.
• Senior middle blocker Savannah Kjolhede (5-0-7) was errorless in the set with five kills while Geddes added five to her tally.
• The Hoosiers took a timeout up 20-18 and responded by going on a 4-1 run out of the break, led by a pair of kills from sophomore opposite hitter Avry Tatum.
• Sophomore outside hitter Alonso-Corcelles was clinical on a shot down the line to finish off the 25-20 set victory.
Set 3: Indiana 25, Rutgers 18
• The Hoosiers turned the pressure up in the third set, hitting .378 (16-2-37) offensively while blocking five shots and digging 19 balls defensively.
• Haworth had 11 assists and eight digs in the third set while Geddes and Alonso-Corcelles each tallied four kills in the frame.
• Down 13-15 midway through the set, IU responded by closing the frame on a 12-3 run. Kjolhede was involved in a pair of blocks during the final six points while Alonso-Corcelles got IU’s final kill out of a timeout.
Set 4: Indiana 25, Rutgers 18
• Geddes had three solo blocks and three kills in the final frame as IU opened up a big lead and closed out the match in four sets.
• IU’s lead got as big as eight at 20-12 which featured a 5-0 run on a pair of kills from Rammelsberg and Alonso-Corcelles.
• Rutgers threatened late but Geddes responded with her 18th and final kill of the game on match point two as IU returned to winning ways in Piscataway.
INDIANA MEN’S SOCCER
HOOSIERS ADVANCE WITH BIG TEN QUARTERFINAL WIN OVER WISCONSIN
BLOOMINGTON — Indiana men’s soccer was efficient in its Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal victory over Wisconsin Friday (Nov. 3) night on Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
The No. 1-seeded Hoosiers (10-4-4, 4-2-2 B1G) needed just five shots to take care of the No. 8-seeded Badgers (6-5-6, 2-2-4 B1G), both shots on goal hitting the back of the net in the 2-1 victory. An early penalty conversion and a great piece of skill by junior forward Samuel Sarver to set up senior forward Maouloune Goumballe gave IU a 2-0 advantage in the 55th minute.
The Badgers poured on pressure in the final 35 minutes, breaking through in the 75th, but IU denied their attempts at an equalizer.
With the win, Indiana advances to the Big Ten Tournament Semifinal round on Wednesday (Nov. 8) when it will host No. 5-seeded Michigan, who beat No. 4 Northwestern 1-0 Friday night. Kickoff for the semifinal match will be announced at a later time.
KEY MOMENTS
• 13′ – Freshman forward Collins Oduro dribbled down the left wing into the box, made a defender miss and then was taken down trying to advance into space. Senior defender Joey Maher stepped up and converted into the bottom right corner as the keeper dove the other way.
• 55′ – Coming from the left wing, Sarver dribbled past three defenders into the box and picked out Goumballe on the edge of the six. Goumballe needed just to push it in with his right foot, and the Hoosiers doubled their lead.
• 75′ – Senior JT Harms got hands on a header from Wisconsin senior midfielder Max Keenan, but not enough to keep the Badgers out of goal as the lead was cut in half.
• 78′ – Wisconsin had a pair of dangerous shots from freshman forwards as they tried to equalize late. Markie Hrvojevic’s shot from distance was blocked but into the path of Roman Eisa, who fired a stinger that Harms saved diving to his right.
NOTABLES
• Indiana has won seven of its last eight matches and four straight.
• IU advances to the Big Ten Tournament Semifinal round for the 11th straight season and 27th time overall in 33 tournaments.
• The Hoosiers stretched their undefeated streak against the Badgers to eight games, going 7-0-1 in that span. IU improved to 43-5-10 against Wisconsin all-time.
• Maher improved to 2-for-2 on penalty attempts this season. The All-Big Ten first teamer previously converted against Ohio State on Oct. 17. The senior has scored six goals in his career.
• Goumballe’s goal marked his third straight match with a goal contribution, collecting two goals and an assist in that span.
• Sarver earned fifth assist and 19th point, both team highs.
UP NEXT
Indiana will host No. 5-seeded Michigan on Wednesday at Bill Armstrong Stadium in the Big Ten Tournament Semifinal round.
SEVEN HOOSIERS RECEIVE BIG TEN POSTSEASON AWARDS
BLOOMINGTON — The Big Ten regular season co-champion Indiana men’s soccer team is represented by seven different student-athletes in the 2023 Big Ten Men’s Soccer Postseason Awards, the largest representation in the conference. Three Hoosiers were named first-team All-Big Ten.
Indiana has a first-team selection in each third of the pitch. Junior forward Samuel Sarver, junior midfielder Patrick McDonald and senior defender and captain Joey Maher were named among the conference’s elite players. IU has produced a league-record 119 first-team selections all-time.
Sarver ranks tied-for-second in the conference in goals (7) and third in points (18) while also leading Indiana with four assists. His five goals and two game-winners in conference matches rank tied-for-first in the Big Ten.
McDonald has been a rock in midfield, leading the team in minutes played (1,440) from lasting the full 90 minutes in all 16 matches played. In that time, McDonald has contributed two goals and three assists.
Maher is joined among the honorees by two fellow IU defenders that received second-team All-Big Ten plaudits. Senior goalkeeper and fellow captain JT Harms and senior defender Hugo Bacharach have assisted Maher in posting seven clean sheets and a .647 goals against average that ranks No. 7 in the country. IU has allowed multiple goals in just one match this season.
Maher and Bacharach have contributed to the scoresheet as well, combining for two goals and four assists, and both earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week awards this season.
Collins Oduro received a unanimous selection to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. The first-year player from Bibiani, Ghana, burst onto the scene with goals in each of his first two games as a Hoosier. Oduro has totaled three goals and two assists and is one of two Hoosiers to start all 17 games for IU.
Senior Maouloune Goumballe is Indiana’s representative on the Big Ten Sportsmanship Team. Goumballe recently reached a milestone, making his 100th-career appearance in the October 27 match against Trine. Now at 101 appearances, Goumballe is the NCAA’s active leader in career game played.
The Hoosiers begin Big Ten Tournament play on Friday night as the No. 1 seed, hosting No. 8-seeded Wisconsin at Bill Armstrong Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
2023 Big Ten Men’s Soccer Postseason Awards
Offensive Player of the Year: Peter Mangione, Penn State
Midfielder of the Year: Laurence Wootton, Ohio State
Defensive Player of the Year: Femi Awodesu, Penn State
Goalkeeper of the Year: Kris Shakes, Penn State
Freshman of the Year: Kimani Stewart-Baynes, Maryland
Coach of the Year: Jeff Cook, Penn State
First Team*
Joey Maher, D, Indiana
Patrick McDonald, M, Indiana
Samuel Sarver, F, Indiana
Jonathan Stout, M, Michigan State
Collin McCamy, M, Northwestern
Nigel Prince, D, Northwestern
Justin Weiss, F, Northwestern
LAURENCE WOOTTON, M, Ohio State
FEMI AWODESU, D, Penn State
PETER MANGIONE, F, Penn State
Kris Shakes, GK, Penn State
Jackson Temple, F, Rutgers
Second Team*
Hugo Bacharach, M, Indiana
JT Harms, GK, Indiana
William Kulvik, D, Maryland
Bryce Blevins, M, Michigan
Nolan Miller, D, Michigan
Jeremy Sharp, D, Michigan State
Jake Spadafora, F, Michigan State
Ugo Achara Jr., F, Northwestern
Michael Adedokun, M, Ohio State
Siggi Magnusson, D, Ohio State
Luciano Pechota, M, Ohio State
Matthew Acosta, M, Rutgers
Birgir Baldvinsson, D, Wisconsin
Tim Bielic, M, Wisconsin
All-Freshman Team
COLLINS ODURO, Indiana
KIMANI STEWART-BAYNES, Maryland
Matthew Fisher, Michigan
Isaiah Goldson, Michigan
WILL EBY, Michigan State
FRITZ VOLMAR, Northwestern
ANDRE ROBERTS, Ohio State
CADEN GRABFELDER, Penn State
Nick Collins, Rutgers
Trip Fleming, Wisconsin
Ryan Quintos, Wisconsin
Sportsmanship Team
Maouloune Goumballe, Sr.+, Indiana
Kento Abe, Sr., Maryland
Bode Saul, Sr., Michigan
Jack Zugay, Sr., Michigan State
Jackson Weyman, Gr., Northwestern
Luciano Pechota, So., Ohio State
Samuel Ovesen, So., Penn State
Cole Cruthers, So., Rutgers
Tim Bielec, Sr., Wisconsin
ALL CAPS DENOTES UNANIMOUS SELECTION
INDIANA FOOTBALL NOTES VS. WISCONSIN
INDIANA NOTES:
SETTING THE SCENE • Indiana welcomes Wisconsin to Memorial Stadium for a noon kickoff on Big Ten Network on Saturday. The flagship pregame show on the Big Ten Network, BTN Tailgate, will originate from the West Entrance to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on gameday. • The last meeting between the two programs came during the 2020 season at Camp Randall Stadium, a 14-6 victory for Indiana to snap Wisconsin’s winning streak in the series. • This marks just the third meeting between the two programs since the Big Ten East/West Divisions were formed in 2014 Wisconsin won a 2017 meeting in Bloomington on November 4, before Indiana won the 2020 contest in Madison, Wisconsin. • Overall, Wisconsin leads the all-time series 41-19-2, with the first meeting between the two programs in 1907.
NEWS & NOTES • Per Pro Football Focus, redshirt senior Andre Carter ranks tied for No. 6 in the Big Ten with 24 total pressures (sacks, QB hits or hurries), a total that sits tied for No. 80 in the Power 5. • 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. • With 69 tackles, redshirt senior Aaron Casey ranks No. 5 in the Big Ten and No. 36 nationally entering Week 10. His 9.5 tackles for loss are tied for No. 3 in the Big Ten, while his 13 tackles for loss or no gain lead the Big Ten and the Power 5 per Pro Football Focus. • Redshirt freshman Brendan Sorsby threw for a score and rushed for a touchdown against Rutgers in a Week 8 start at quarterback. The passing score was the third of his career and the rushing touchdown marked the first of his career – a 4-yard score. • 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. • Redshirt senior Josh Sanquinetti 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 on a 22-yard interception return for a score versus the Zips. • With three interceptions on the season, sophomore Phillip Dunnam continues to sit tied for No. 2 on the Big Ten leaderboard and tied for No. 14 in the FBS. One of two true freshman not to redshirt in 2022, Dunnam has takeaways versus No. 3/4 Ohio State, Louisville, and Akron. • The Indiana special teams units blocked its first kick of the 2023 season at Maryland to move its streak to 12 straight seasons with at least one blocked kick. Special teams coordinator Kasey Teegardin’s crew has blocked at least one kick in each of his four seasons as the corps leader.
BY THE NUMBERS:
24: Points scored against Penn State’s No. 1 overall defense in the FBS, the most scored by an opponent versus the Nittany Lions in 2023. 21: Quarterback hurries by Andre Carter per Pro Football Focus over the first 10 weeks to rank No. 3 in the Big Ten and tied for No. 29 nationally. 4: Sacks allowed by the Indiana offensive line per Pro Football Focus, which is tied for the fewest in the Big Ten. 19: Of the 23 scholarship transfer student-athletes made their Indiana debut on the season. Of those, 18 appeared in the season opener and 10 have made at least one start in 2023.
WISCONSIN NOTES:
BADGERS TAKE ON HOOSIERS IN BIG TEN ROAD MATCHUP: Wisconsin hits the road to take on the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. The Big Ten crossover matchup will be aired live on BTN. After a loss to No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday night at Camp Randall, the Badgers head into November and down the stretch of their Big Ten slate. UW sits in a tie for the Big Ten West lead with 4 games to play. With a win, Wisconsin could become bowl eligible. Wisconsin would extend its active bowl streak to 22 seasons, the 3rd longest streak in the nation. The Badgers look to get back into the win column against the Hoosiers after suffering their first defeat (2020) in the all-time series since 2002. HC Luke Fickell takes on the Hoosiers for the 4th time in his career. He led Ohio State to a 34-20 win over IU in 2011 and claimed wins in 2021 and 2022 during his time at Cincinnati.
KEY NOTES TO CONSIDER: Phil Longo directs Wisconsin’s offense for his first season on Fickell’s staff. With the Air Raid touching down in Madison, the Badgers have still found success on the ground. RB Braelon Allen leads the Big Ten with 99.8 rushing yards per game in conference action. The next highest ypg clip in the conference this season: 70.2 from Michigan’s Blake Corum. Allen left the game in the 2nd quarter vs. OSU and did not return. He had run for 50 yards on 10 carries in the first half. Behind Allen, RB Jackson Acker has taken on a larger role. After RB Chez Mellusi went down with an injury at Purdue, Acker ran for 65 yards on 13 carries vs. Rutgers, both career highs. With QB Tanner Mordecai sidelined by a broken hand, QB Braedyn Locke has slid into the starting role and led the Badger offense. Locke directed the Badgers’ 4th quarter comeback at Illinois on Oct. 14 on his way to earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. He completed 21-of-41 passes for 240 yards and 2 scores, both of which came in the 4th quarter to bring the Badgers back from a 21-7 deficit. S Hunter Wohler has been a playmaker all over the field in DC Mike Tressel’s system. Wohler leads the Badgers and ranks 2nd in the Big Ten with 9.75 tackles per game this season. Wohler’s 6.1 solo tackles per game are the 3rd most among Power 5 defenders. In the secondary, CB Ricardo Hallman leads the Big Ten and is one of 5 players nationally to grab 5+ INTs. According to PFF, his 97.1 coverage grade this season is the 2nd highest among Big Ten CBs, trailing only Iowa’s Sebastian Castro. Hallman’s 5 INTs are the most for a Badger CB since Jamar Fletcher picked off 6 passes in 2000. Wisconsin’s defense kept them in a closely-contested affair with Ohio State last week. Wisconsin became the first defense to both intercept QB Kyle McCord twice in a game and force 3 Buckeye turnovers this season. Wisconsin’s 4.0 sacks were the most that OSU has allowed in a single game this fall.
PURDUE FOOTBALL
PURDUE NOTES:
STORY LINES • Purdue Football remains on the road, the team’s third time away from home in the past four games. The Boilermakers travel to Ann Arbor to face No. 2 Michigan in a rematch of the 2022 Big Ten Championship Game. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. • The Boilermakers have seven wins over Top 25 opponents over the past five seasons, including three against Top 3 teams. • Purdue is 7-4 in conference games away from home over the past three seasons. • Throughout program history, Purdue has beaten a Top 10 Michigan team on five different occasions. • After forcing five fumbles at Nebraska and recovering four of them, the Boilermakers now rank second in the Big Ten and 15th nationally with seven fumble recoveries on the season. • In B1G road contests at Iowa (Oct. 7) and Nebraska (Oct. 28), the Boilermakers limited opposing quarterbacks to only six completions apiece in both games. No Purdue opponent has completed more than 18 passes in each of the past seven games. • The Boilermakers are not afraid to return kickoffs, averaging 27.9 yards per kick return to rank fifth nationally. Purdue is one of only two teams (Maryland) in the Big Ten with a kickoff return touchdown this season. • Dillon Thieneman, a consensus Midseason Freshman All-American, is the reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Week. Thieneman earned the weekly accolade for the third time this season. • As Purdue’s leading tackler, Thieneman ranks second nationally with 6.5 solo tackles per game. • Thieneman is the nation’s freshman leader in tackles (74), solo tackles (52) and interceptions (3). • Combining for 12 sacks, outside linebackers Kydran Jenkins (7.0) and Nic Scourton (5.0) have more sacks than any other duo in the Big Ten. Jenkins leads the conference in sacks, all of them being solo, while Scourton ranks third. • Jenkins (11.5) and Scourton (10.0) lead the conference in tackles-for-loss, ranking first and second, respectively. • Last week at Nebraska, Thieneman forced two fumbles, while Cole Brevard recovered a pair of fumbles; both Boilermakers tied single-game school records. • Running the Air Raid offense, Hudson Card averages 20.6 completions per game to rank second in the Big Ten. • Card shares the football, with six different Boilermakers leading Purdue in receiving yards through eight games. • As a freshman, Devin Mockobee recorded 102 all-purpose yards (71 rushing, 31 receiving) in last year’s Big Ten Championship Game.
PURDUE GETS ANOTHER 7-FOOTER
7-foot-2 center Daniel Jacobsen from Brewster Academy, verbally committed to the Boilermakers Friday. He was originally a 2025 recruit, but reclassified to 2024.
Jacobsen had reportedly been considering between Purdue and Wisconsin.
Jacobsen now becomes part of a five-player recruiting class for coach Matt Painter, joining Kanon Catchings, CJ Cox, Jack Benter and Raleigh Burgess.
The early national signing day period for 2024 recruits begins on Wednesday.
PURDUE SWIMMING
RELAY WINS, 1-2-3 FINISHES HIGHLIGHT FRIDAY AT THE POOL
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A trio of relay wins and a quintet of 1-2-3 finishes highlighted the first session of Purdue’s two-day dual meet with Oakland and the Rutgers women Friday at the Morgan J. Burke Aquatic Center.
The Boilermakers won 12 events Friday – eight by the men and four by the women. Action concludes Saturday at 10 a.m. with 10 more events.
Led by Brady Samuels’ NCAA provisional qualifying time (B Cut) of 43.22 in the 100 freestyle on the leadoff leg, the Purdue men won the 400 free relay with a time of 2:54.90. That mark ranks ninth in team history and 10th nationally this season. Samuels teamed up with Jude Wenker, Idris Muhammad and Connor McCarthy for the victory. Samuels, Wenker and Muhammad contributed to both relay winners.
Dylan Burau won the 100 backstroke with a lifetime best of 47.90, which moved the sophomore into 12th place in program history.
Ethan Shaw demonstrated his versatility and stamina by sweeping the 400 IM and 500 free, out touching classmate Aaron Frollo by less than one second in both events. Shaw won by 0.31 hundredths in the 400 IM and just a half-second separated first and third place in the 500 free.
On the women’s side, Caitlin Hurley and Kate Beavon also teamed up for a pair of 1-2 finishes in the 200 and 500 free. On both occasions, they raced in and won separate heats. Hurley enjoyed season bests in both events and Beavon had a season best while winning the 500.
Back from the Pan American Games in Chile where she finished fifth on the tower for Puerto Rico, Maycey Vieta posted a list score of 323.70 while competing in an exhibition 10-meter event Friday. It was the Big Ten champion’s top five-dive total at an NCAA meet since winning silver at the 2022 Big Ten Championships.
INDIVIDUAL EVENT WINNERS
• Ethan Shaw – 400 IM & 500 Free
• Dylan Burau – 100 Back
• Charlie King – 100 Fly
• Brady Samuels – 200 Free
• Caitlin Hurley – 200 Free
• Kate Beavon – 500 Free
• Max Miller – 1-Meter Diving
• Sophie McAfee – 3-Meter Diving
RELAY WINNERS
• Men’s 200 Medley – Muhammad, Witty, Samuels, Wenker
• Men’s 400 Free – Samuels, Wenker, Muhammad, McCarthy
• Women’s 400 Free – Bowen, Love, Rojas, Hill
1-2-3 FINISHES
• Women’s 200 Free – Hurley, Beavon, Bowen
• Women’s 500 Free – Beavon, Hurley, Mouser, Mattice
• Men’s 400 IM – Shaw, Frollo, Callahan
• Men’s 1-Meter – Miller, Higbie, Rzepka
• Women’s 3-Meter – McAfee, Wright, Sonnenberg
PURDUE WOMEN’S TENNIS
CAREER FALL CONTINUES FOR MULTIPLE BOILERS
BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – The Purdue Boilermakers produced four singles wins on day one of the Bonita Bay Classic.
This fall’s usual suspects were on full display today as the Boilers kicked off their final outing of 2023. Csilla Fodor, Carmen Gallardo Guevara, Kennedy Gibbs and Juana Larranaga all notched another tally mark in the win column.
Guevara was the only Boilermaker to down her opponent in straight sets. The 6-3, 6-3 win was her 10th of the fall. She is now just one win away from her career-best 11 fall wins.
Fodor was one of three Boilers to win a super tiebreak but she was the only one to win her first set. The fifth-year senior took an early lead in the first with a 6-4 decision, but quickly allowed the tie 6-3 in the second set. With the match on the line, her experience kicked in and catapulted her to a 10-5 performance in the tiebreak to secure the win.
Gibbs and Larranaga had to fight for their victories as they both dropped to an early deficit. Gibbs dominated 6-2, 10-5 on her way to her ninth win of the fall. Larranaga echoed her teammates determination with a 6-3, 10-7 result to pull out her matching ninth win of the fall. Friday’s victory ties her career fall win total and with two days of left in the tournament, the Bonita Bay Classic could easily cap off her best fall as a Boilermaker.
The Boilermakers are back in action tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 4 against host school Florida Gulf Coast at 4:30 p.m. EST.
RESULTS
Singles
Csilla Fodor (PUR) def. Camila Soares (MEM)- 6-4, 3-6, 10-5
Carmen Gallardo Guevara (PUR) def. Leonie Moeller (MEM)- 6-3, 6-3
Kennedy Gibbs (PUR) def. Monique Woog (MEM)- 2-6, 6-2, 10-5
Alice Amendola (MEM) def. Calissa Dellabarca (PUR)- 4-6, 6-5, Ret. 9-4
Juana Larranaga (PUR) def. Emily Meyer (MEM)- 5-7, 6-3, 10-7
Micah Pierce (MEM) def. Tara Katarina Milic (PUR)- 4-6, 7-5, 10-8
Miriam Grossman (MEM) def. Antonia Pareja (PUR)- 7-5, 7-6(10)
Doubles
Emily Meyer/Leonie Moeller (MEM) def. Csilla Fodor/Kennedy Gibbs (PUR)- 6-4
Camila Soares/Monique Woog (MEM) def. Carmen Gallardo Guevara/Tara Katarina Milic (PUR)- 6-4
Alice Amendola/Miriam Grossman (MEM) def. Juana Larranaga/Calsissa Dellabarca (PUR)- 6-1
PURDUE MEN’S TENNIS
5 FRESHMEN WIN ON FRIDAY
BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – Five Boilermakers picked up wins on day one of the Bonita Bay Classic with Aleksa Krivokapic sweeping his two matches.
Purdue enjoyed the warm weather and the sunny skies on their first day of competition with six total wins across singles and doubles. The hidden dual-style match allowed the Boilers to get an authentic look at a potential spring lineup.
Aleksa Krivokapic had the best showing on day one with the only two-win performance. He and Marino Jakic ran through their doubles opponent 6-4 and secured the lone doubles win for Purdue. The duo picked up their first team victory as Boilermakers after starting the fall 0-2.
Krivokapic also bested Maxime St. Hilaire from Virginia Tech in a tough singles tiebreak. The redshirt freshman lept out to an early lead by taking the first set 6-3, but he was answered with a hard-fought 6-7(3) decision in the second. With the match at a stalemate, Krivokapic emerged victorious by edging out his challenger 10-8 for his second win of the day and his fourth solo victory of the fall.
The Boilermaker’s herd of freshmen continued to shine individually with four of the five rookies picking up day-one wins, all of which came in straight sets.
Juan David Velasquez, Xander Ekstrand and Stefan Simeunovic had no trouble taking care of business as Simeunovic was the only one of the three to be pushed four games in a set. He came out with a long-haul first set taking the early lead 7-6(5) but never looked back as he toppled his Hokie opponent, Michael Shepheard, 6-2 for the win. Velasquez and Ekstrand were dominant as they outscored their opponents 24-10 in four total sets.
The successful Friday would not be complete without the mention of Henrik Villanger and his win in an all-out war of a match. With just six collegiate matches under his belt, the freshman clawed his way to a straight-set victory in what was the grittiest match of opening day. Villanger escaped a tiebreak in set one with a 7-5 decision for the lead, but set two was a battle. He was unable to escape the tiebreak on the brink of victory but when push came to shove he locked down the match and won the match by allowing just two points in the tiebreak.
The Boilermakers are back in action tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 4 against host school Florida Gulf Coast at 4:30 p.m. EST.
RESULTS
Singles
Aleksa Krivokapic (PUR) def. Maxime St. Hilaire (VT)- 6-3, 6-7(3), 10-8
Hugo Maia (VT) def. Marino Jakic (PUR)- 6-1, 6-3
Stefan Simeunovic (PUR) def. Michael Shepheard (VT)- 7-6(5), 6-2
Alberto Orso (VT) def. Soham Purohit (PUR)- 6-4, 6-1
Juan David Velasquez (PUR) def. Matt Harper (VT)- 6-1, 6-4
Alex Ix (VT) def. Mujtaba Ali-Khan (PUR)- 6-4, 6-2
Henrik Villanger (PUR) def. Manuel Goncalves (VT)- 7-5, 7-6(2)
Alexander Ekstrand (PUR) def. Frank Thompson (VT)- 6-1, 6-4
Doubles
Aleksa Krivokapic/Marino Jakic (PUR) def. Matt Harper/Alberto Orso (VT)- 6-4
Alex Ix/Michael Shepheard (VT) def. Alexander Ekstrand/Juan David Velasquez (PUR)- 6-4
Maxime St. Hilaire/Hugo Maia (VT) def. Soham Purohit/Stefan Simeunovic (PUR)- 6-4
Manuel Goncalves/Frank Thompson (VT) def. Mujtaba Ali-Khan/Henrik Villanger (PUR)- 6-1
BUTLER WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
BUTLER TO OPEN 2023-24 SEASON AT (RV) IOWA STATE
INDIANAPOLIS – The Bulldogs will face the Cyclones in the 2023-24 season opener! Tip-off in Ames is scheduled for 12 PM due to Education Day being held at Hilton Coliseum. Butler will try to knock off an Iowa State program has not lost a season opener since 1994!
GameDay
Date: Monday, Nov. 6
Time: 12 PM
Location: Ames, Iowa – Hilton Coliseum
Live Stats: Cyclones.com – Statbroadcast
Watch: ESPN+
Bulldog Bits
– Butler defeated Franklin 108-41 in an exhibition game on Oct. 30.
– The Bulldogs forced 31 Grizzly turnovers which resulted in 49 points.
– BU limited Franklin to single digit scoring in the first and third quarters.
– Butler dished out 23 assists on 43 made field goals.
– The Bulldogs shot over 50% from the field in every quarter vs. Franklin.
– All 14 student-athletes on the roster made a field goal against Franklin.
– Butler only missed two shots from the charity stripe (15-17).
– Iowa State defeated Truman State 88-68 in their lone exhibition game.
– Emily Ryan and Nyamer Diew did not play against Truman State.
– Audi Crooks and Jalynn Bristow each had a double-double in the win and Kelsey Joens scored 20 points.
– Sydney Jaynes ranked third among all BIG EAST players in field goal percentage last season (52.6).
– Butler had five players shoot 40% or higher from 3-point range last year and three more shot over 35%.
– BU made 14 3-pointers in their win at Xavier last year, just two shy of tying the school record.
– Caroline Strande was the 10th-best free throw shooter in the BIG EAST last year (77.6%).
BIG EAST Preseason Coaches Poll
1) UConn (10) 100
2) Creighton (1) 90
3) Marquette 79
4) Villanova 76
5) Seton Hall 58
6) St. John’s 52
7) DePaul 49
8) Butler 37
9) Providence 32
10) Georgetown 20
11) Xavier 12
Scouting (RV) Iowa State
The Cyclones are coming off a 22-10 season that ended with a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Iowa State defeated Baylor, #14 Oklahoma and #15 Texas to win the Big 12 Tournament and punch their ticket into the postseason. Head Coach Bill Fennelly enters his 29th season at the helm of a program that is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary. The Cyclones have made 21 NCAA Tournament appearances, six trips to the Sweet Sixteen and two runs to the Elite Eight while recording over 800 wins. This year’s team was picked to finish sixth in the 2023-24 Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll. Nancy Lieberman Award Watch List Candidate Emily Ryan is the top returning player on the roster. Ryan averaged 10.6 points per game last season shooting 43 percent from the field and 92.9 percent from the charity stripe.
How Do You Diew
Iowa State senior Nyamer Diew began her collegiate career at Butler (2020-21). With the Bulldogs, Diew played in 16 games, making 10 starts. She averaged 5.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
All-Time Series
Butler is 0-2 all-time against Iowa State. The first-ever meeting came in game one of the Central Michigan Comfort Inn Chippewa Classic on Dec. 28, 1995. Iowa State recorded an 80-61 victory over a talented Bulldog team that would reach the NCAA Tournament after winning the MCC Tournament. The 1995-96 team was recently inducted (2022) into the Butler Athletics Hall of Fame. The second meeting between the two programs was played on Nov. 26, 2011 with Iowa State posting a 64-44 win over BU.
Reunited
Anna Mortag and Rachel Kent are reunited at Butler after playing together at IUPUI during a historic 2021-22 season. Under the direction of Parkinson, the Jags went 24-5, won the Horizon League Tournament and punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament. IUPUI took #11 Michigan into overtime at the start of the year and moved forward to defeat #15 Iowa with Mortag and Kent in the mix. New Coordinator of Recruiting and Creative Content Director Madison Wise was also a graduate transfer (Iowa State) on that team.
Season Opener
Butler beat Chicago State 84-57 inside Hinkle Fieldhouse last year in the 2022-23 season opener. It marked the first win at the start of the season for the Bulldogs since 2019.
Big Ten Transfers
Ari Wiggins and Lilly Stoddard each left Big Ten programs to join the Bulldogs in 2023. Wiggins was runner-up for Indiana Miss Basketball in 2021 and was a four-star recruit heading to Michigan where she appeared in 37 games before transferring out. Stoddard was also a four-star recruit heading to Purdue for her freshman season. After playing sparingly, she was able to join Butler to play with her sister Abby.
Tallest Team in Years
The Bulldogs have eight players on the roster standing 6-0 or taller, the most of any team at Butler over the last 15 years! Four of the eight are 6-3 or taller making this one of the tallest teams in program history.
Even Split
The Bulldogs return half of their scoring from last season with eight returners back in the locker room. Of the 14 players that saw court time from the 2022-23 campaign, the eight returners provided BU with 921 points and the seven players that departed accounted for 911 points.
3-Point Threat
The Bulldogs led the BIG EAST Conference and ranked eighth in the NCAA in 3-point field goal percentage during the 2022-23 season by making 37.6 percent of their shots from distance. Butler made 227 3-pointers, the fourth-most in the league. They averaged 7.6 made 3-pointers per game, tying DePaul for the second-best mark in the conference.
Bulldogs Behind the Arc
Anna Mortag and Caroline Strande placed their names in the Butler record book after their first season with the program. Mortag made 30 of her 69 attempts from 3-point range to shoot 43.5 percent from distance and Strande connected on 23 of her 54 attempts to shoot 42.6 percent from long range. Mortag posted the sixth-best 3-point shooting season at BU and Strande was close behind in eighth.
Kendall Coming Up on Career Milestones
The 2023-24 season opener will mark the 75th game of Kendall Wingler’s collegiate career. The guard from Ekron, Ky. needs to make just five more 3-pointers to hit 100 in her career. Wingler is also 10 points shy of 500 and nine rebounds shy of 200.
Indiana All-Stars
The Bulldogs have six Indiana All-Stars on the 2023-24 roster. All three incoming freshmen (Norman, Makalusky, Carter) earned the recognition in 2023 and Lilly Stoddard was honored in 2022. Sydney Jaynes and Ari Wiggins round out the group from the 2021 class.
Jaynes Made the Jump
Sydney Jaynes nearly doubled her production from year one to year two at Butler. In 2021-22 she made 62 field goals, resulting in 143 points. The next year she stepped up with 121 made field goals, helping her score 295 points. Jaynes made 30 more free throws in year two, grabbed 44 more rebounds and dished out 31 more assists.
Up Next
Up Next
The 2023-24 home opener will feature Butler hosting Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 12. The 5 PM tip between the Bulldogs and the Titans will stream on FloHoops.com.
BUTLER FOOTBALL
BUTLER SET TO FACE MOREHEAD STATE SATURDAY ON ESPN+
INDIANAPOLIS – The Bulldogs have won two-straight and find themselves in fourth place of the PFL standings with three weeks remaining in the regular season. The next test for Butler will be a road game at Morehead State. The Eagles will host the action at Jayne Stadium on Saturday at 2 PM. Fans can watch the game on ESPN+.
GameDay
Date: Saturday, November 4
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Morehead, Ky. / Jayne Stadium
Live Stats: MSUEagles.com (Statbroadcast)
Watch: ESPN+
Bulldog Bits
– Jyran Mitchell is one of four FCS players with 1,000 rushing yards this season.
– Mitchell ranks second in the FCS in rushing yards (1,088) and fifth in yards per game (120.9).
– Mitchell has scored a rushing touchdown in eight-straight games giving him 12 total.
– Mitchell has scored a TD in every game this season adding receiving scores vs. Montana and Dayton.
– Luka Zurak is tied for the FCS lead in made field goals (14).
– Zurak went 1-for-2 on FG’s his last time out, making a kick from 32 yards and missing from 51.
– Carson Gulgin had a sack and two tackles for loss in the win over Valpo.
– Steven Williams II recorded his first sack of the season vs. Valpo and blocked a field goal.
– Jack Burch came up with the first interception of his collegiate career for the Bulldogs on Saturday.
– Adam Sturtz led BU with six tackles vs. Valpo.
– The Bulldogs lead the PFL in scoring defense, allowing just 19.2 points per game.
– BU leads the PFL in red zone defense (13-22) and fewest penalty yards per game (36.0).
– BU ranks second in the PFL in rush attempts (345) and yards (1,919) while MSU ranks last (232 – 635).
PFL Standings
Davidson 5-0, 6-2
Drake 5-0, 5-3
St. Thomas 5-1, 6-3
Butler 4-2, 6-3
Marist 4-2, 4-4
San Diego 2-3, 2-6
Morehead State 2-3, 3-5
Presbyterian 1-4, 3-5
Stetson 1-4, 3-5
Dayton 0-5, 2-6
Valparaiso 0-5, 1-7
PFL Schedule – Week 10
Drake at Marist 12:00 p.m.
San Diego at Presbyterian 1:00 p.m.
Davidson at Stetson 1:00 p.m.
Butler at Morehead State 2:00 p.m.
Dayton at Valparaiso 2:00 p.m.
SCOUTING MOREHEAD STATE: The Eagles have lost two-straight and are now 3-5 overall with a 2-3 mark against PFL competition. Morehead State only trailed San Diego by three last weekend in the fourth quarter, but MSU would take a 17-11 setback at Torero Stadium. Isaiah Williams led the USD rushing attack with 134 yards on 31 carries. Neither team threw a touchdown pass on Saturday, although the Eagles have one of the best aerial attacks in the league. MSU ranks second in the PFL in passing offense (246.6) and red zone offense. QB Carter Cravens leads the PFL in total offense (275.3), touchdowns (15), and ranks second in passing yards (1,947). His top target is junior WR Ryan Upp. Upp ranks second in the PFL in receptions (48) and yards (682) while leading the league in TD’s with six.
After a month-long hiatus of home games, the Eagles return to Jayne Stadium for Homecoming Weekend versus Butler.
ALL-TIME SERIES: Butler trails Morehead State in the all-time series 18-9. The Eagles won 10 of the first 11 matchups in a rivalry that dates back to 1963. Butler’s first win came in 2001 (29-27) and they won the last meeting 56-20.
Butler hasn’t won back-to-back games vs. Morehead State since 2017-18. Their last win in Kentucky was a 44-6 victory in 2017.
LAST MEETING: Butler scored a season-high 56 points in their 36-point win over MSU last year on Oct. 29. The Bulldogs recorded 485 yards of total offense and got a three-touchdown performance from Brody Reder.
BU rushed for 290 yards and six touchdowns vs. MSU in 2022.
STACKING WINS: Butler recently defeated Dayton and Valparaiso to reach six wins on the season. The win at Dayton was the first BU victory at Welcome Stadium since 2013 and gave Butler back-to-back wins vs. Dayton for the first time since 2012-13. The ‘Dawgs have also won two-straight vs. Valpo for the first time since 2015-16.
Butler has not won seven games in back-to-back seasons since 2012-13. They went 8-3 in 2012 and 9-4 in 2013.
GO FOR IT: The Bulldogs went 4-for-4 on fourth down Saturday vs. Valpo. They converted 4th and 1 and 4th and 4 on the same drive during the second quarter to get a field goal. A 4th and 1 conversion in the third quarter extended a drive that resulted in a TD and a 4th and 2 conversion late in the fourth sealed the win.
BU leads the PFL and ranks 11th in the FCS in fourth down conversions (69.6% / 16-23).
MITCHELL ON A MISSION: Jyran Mitchell’s longest run of the season (67 yards) went for a touchdown and broke a scoreless tie vs. Valpo in the third quarter. Mitchell has now rushed for 1,088 yards this season and is averaging 6.6 yards per carry (1st in PFL). His 12 rushing touchdowns lead the PFL and put him in a tie for third in all of FCS football.
Mitchell needs to rush for 88 yards at Morehead State to place his name in the Butler record book. 1,176 yards would be the 10th-best single-season rushing performance in program history. 102 yards against the Eagles would move Mitchell into ninth place. The last Bulldog to break into the BU Top Ten list was Trae Heeter. He ranks seventh with 1,375 yards (2013).
100-YARD PERFORMANCES: Jyran Mitchell has rushed for 100+ yards in five of Butler’s six conference games this season. He also has a rush of 40+ yards in four of those six contests (three-straight).
Mitchell rushed for a season-high 209 yards and two touchdowns at Stetson. The following week, he set a season-high total vs. Presbyterian taking 31 handoffs.
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 1,368 yards in 2023 moving his career total to 5,503. He recently passed Matt Lancaster in career passing yards and needs just 48 more yards to move into fourth place all-time. The BU QB is also just seven completions shy of 500 in his Bulldog career.
FIVE MORE: Lucas Kozlowski and Jack Belskis each enter the weekend with 95 career tackles. Kozlowski has appeared in 33 games for Butler and has 47 tackles in 2023. Belskis has played in 35 games and has 21 tackles this season.
Kozlowski came up with a season-high 12 tackles against Davidson this year. Belskis had a season-high five stops at Dayton. His career-high tackle total is seven.
UP NEXT: Butler’s bye week lands on Nov. 11 this year which will give BU two weeks to prepare for Drake. The Battle of the Bulldogs will feature a 12 PM kick at the Sellick Bowl.
Drake snapped Butler’s five-game winning streak last year on Nov. 12. Drake has won the last seven meetings. Butler’s last win came in 2015 in Indy.
BUTLER VOLLEYBALL
BUTLERVB DROP FIVE-SET MATCH AT HOME TO VILLANOVA
INDIANAPOLIS — The Butler volleyball team fell just short to Villanova (25-17, 12-25, 27-25, 20-25, 15-10) Friday night in their third-straight five sets. The Bulldogs drop to 4-9 in conference and 10-14 overall.
Set 1: Villanova 25-17
After falling behind 3-0 to start the match, the Bulldogs used four-straight kills topped off by a kill by Grace Boggess to take a 4-3 lead. Villanova would respond with a 4-0 run of their own to extend their lead to 7-4. The back-and-forth battle would only grow as Butler rallied back with a 6-0 spurt using two huge blocks by Destiny Cherry to take a 12-9 lead. The Wildcats then went on an incredible 10-0 spurt to make the score 19-12 and eventually close out the first set at 25-17.
Set 2: Butler 25-12
The second set was all Bulldogs as they would jump out to a 5-2 lead using kills from Mariah Grunze and Cora Taylor. Butler would add to their lead using consecutive kills by Laiya Ebo and a serving ace by Jaymeson Kinley to lengthen the lead to 10-4. The Bulldogs continued to pile on the score after Cherry’s three kills led a 5-0 run to make the score 18-8. Kills by Boggess and Elise Ward helped tie the match up at 1-1.
Set 3: Villanova 27-25
The Wildcats took an early 4-2 lead but kills from Ward and Grunze helped bring the score back to 6-6. Villanova then went on consecutive 4-0 runs to take a 14-7 lead. Boggess then took over the match racking up two blocks and kills to help the Bulldogs on a 6-0 spurt to cut the lead to 20-18. A kill by Grunze and a block by Taylor then helped tie the match at 21-21. The two teams remained in a dead heat until Villanova scored two points in a row to sneak away with the win at 27-25.
Set 4: Butler 25-20
The fourth frame started slow with neither team taking a significant lead until Villanova took a 6-4 lead. A 3-0 run with kills from Grunze and Ebo helped tie the match back at 8-8. Consecutive kills by Grunze then gave the Bulldogs a 14-10 lead The Wildcats would cut the lead to one point at 20-19, but Butler followed with a 4-0 spurt to take a 24-19 and eventually capping off the set with a kill by Boggess.
Set 5: Villanova 15-10
The Bulldogs stormed out to an early lead after 2-1, but the Wildcats responded with a 5-0 run to fly out to a 6-2 lead. Butler would then cut the lead within one point at 6-5 and soon take the lead at 8-7 using kills from Ebo and Grunze. Villanova fought back to regain the lead they would never give up at 10-8 after they closed out the match on a 3-0 run.
Stat of the Match
After tying her career-high of 21 kills last week at Seton Hall, Mariah Grunze topped her performance setting a new personal record of 23 kills in the match. This was the first time a Bulldog hitter has finished with 23 or more kills in a match since Amina Shackelford collected 24 kills on Sept. 15, 2021.
Inside the Box Score
Taylor earned her ninth double-double of the season with 42 assists and 10 digs
Grunze set a new career-high of 23 kills while adding 17 digs to earn her sixth double-double of the season
Kinley posted 25 digs and six assists in the match
Ward padded the stat sheet with nine kills, 12 digs, and three serving aces.
Boggess finished with a clean sheet after hitting for .464 with six kills, five blocks, and no errors
Up Next
The Bulldogs will be back in action tomorrow inside Hinkle Fieldhouse against Georgetown with the first serve slated for 1 p.m.
IUPUI MEN’S SOCCER
MEN’S SOCCER TO HOST NO. 6 WRIGHT STATE IN #HLMSOC TOURNEY QUARTERS
INDIANAPOLIS – The IUPUI men’s soccer team will open the Horizon League Tournament on Sunday (Nov. 5) with a first round matchup with No. 6 Wright State (4-8-5) at the on-campus Michael A. Carroll Stadium at 1:00 p.m. Sunday’s game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and tickets will be sold only at the main gate on-site on Sunday with adult tickets for $5 and youth tickets (12-and-under) for $2.
Head coach Sid van Druenen’s team enters the postseason as the No. 3 seed, having gone 6-6-5 in the regular season and 4-2-3 in Horizon League play. The Jaguars went 3-3-2 at home in eight home contests this season.
Lukas Hackaa and Josemir Gomez each scored a team-high seven goals during the regular season while Logan Finnegan chimed in with four markers. Hackaa also delivered a team-high five assists, putting him among the Horizon League leaders with 19 total points. In goal, graduate student Lucas Morefield was brilliant in Horizon League play, registering a 0.79 goals against average and .774 save percentage with a 4-2-2 record and three shutouts.
QUOTABLE
“Grabbing the goal was great but unfortunately we couldn’t keep the lead and see out the game. We’re all looking forward to the (Horizon League) tournament now,” said sophomore Brady Horn following the Jaguars’ 1-1 draw at Purdue Fort Wayne in the regular season finale.
SCOUTING WRIGHT STATE
Wright State finished the regular season at 4-8-5 overall and 3-4-2 in Horizon League play, earning the No. 6 seed. Reece Allbaugh tallied a team-high five goals and 12 points (5g, 2a) in 14 games and Cole Werthmuller tallied four goals. WSU had 10 different goal scorers in the regular season and was outscored as a team, 30-22, this season. In goal, Alessandro Malterer played the majority of the team’s minutes, posting a 4-4-3 mark with a 1.37 goals against average and 50 saves in his 13 appearances.
AGAINST THE RAIDERS
IUPUI is 6-18-1 all-time against Wright State and 5-8 in 13 meetings in Indianapolis. The Jaguars are unbeaten in their last four matchups with the Raiders, going 3-0-1 in that span, including eliminating the Raiders from the Horizon League Tournament Semifinals a season ago by a 3-0 score. IUPUI won the regular season meeting between the two sides on Sept. 9 this season, 2-0, as Logan Finnegan tallied a pair of goals in the victory.
UP NEXT
With a win, IUPUI would take on No. 2 Green Bay in the second semifinal of the Horizon League Tournament on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 4:00 p.m. in Rochester, Mich. With a loss, IUPUI’s season would come to an end.
IUPUI SWIMMING
ZIETLOW AND OTERO EACH COLLECT TWO WINS IN JAGUARS’ LOSS AT BALL STATE
MUNCIE, Ind. – The IUPUI swim and dive teams fell to the Ball State Cardinals during Friday night’s dual meet. Junior Emmaleigh Zietlow highlighted the women’s competition with two individual wins while Sebastian Otero once again shined on the diving boards for the men’s team.
The Jags earned their first top place finish with Zietlow taking first in the 1000 free with a time of 10:20.74. Freshman Youssef Magdy led the men’s team with a first place finish in the 1000 free with a time of 9:37.76. Michael Esdon took second behind Magdy.
Freshman Nathan Rariden then took first in the men’s 200 free with a time of 1:43.53 while Jack Gallob sealed a second place finish in the men’s 100 back at 51.99. Logan Kelly collected a second-place finish in the 100 breast with a time of 55.86.
Madelyn Weber then earned points for the women’s team with a second-place finish in the 200 fly at 2:13:35. Isaac Wilson earned second for the men with a time of 1:54.10.
Spencer Jyawook added points for the men’s team finishing second in both the 50 free (21.20) and the 100 free (47.25). Grayson Tidwell then collected a first-place finish in the 200 back with a time of 1:54.12 while Logan Kelly earned first in the 200 breast at 2:02.12.
Next up was the 500 free with Zietlow earning her second individual win with a time of 5:00.41. Magdy finished in second for the men with a time of 4:39.84.
For the men’s 100 fly, Keiran Rahmaan took second (50.79) while Wilson followed in third (51.22). Tessa Jones earned points for the women’s team with a second-place finish in the 400 IM (4:41.91). Luke Dibley was the top finisher for the Jags in the men’s 400 IM at second with a time of 4:09.26.
IUPUI women’s 400 free relay team made up of Zietlow, Lillian Brandt, Priscilla Zavala and Tori Barnet took first with a time of 3:40.49. The men’s relay team made up of Rariden, Kelly, Jyawook and Gallob took second with a time of 3:06.44.
On the boards, Otero led the men’s team with back-to-back wins. He took first in the 1-meter with a score of 334.73. Blake Vanderjeugdt took third while Adam Schmehl took fourth. In the men’s 3-meter, Otero defeated his nearest competitor by 91.05 points with a dominate score of 404.10. Schmehl took third for the men’s team.
For the women’s dive team, Sadie Smith led in the 1-meter dive with a second place finish with a score of 260.10. Alaina Heyde earned third in the 1-meter dive. Heyde took second on the 3-meter board with a score of 267.98 while Smith earned third.
The Cardinals defeated the women’s team, 171-119 and took down the Jaguars’ men’s team, 164-136. Both the men’s and women’s team will face Ball State at IUPUI’s annual House of Champions on November 16-18.
IUPUI VOLLEYBALL
BROWN COLLECTS 15 KILLS IN IUPUI LOSS TO YOUNGSTOWN STATE, 3-2
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Junior Briana Brown collected 15 kills in the IUPUI volleyball team’s loss to Youngstown State on Friday night, 3-2. IUPUI is now 3-12 in conference play with three games left.
Despite taking the first two points in the first set, the Jags fell behind early, 7-3. IUPUI brought the score within one at 12-11 with kills from Brown and Grace Purichia before Youngstown State went on a 4-1 run. The Jags couldn’t recover as they fell in the first set, 25-18.
IUPUI didn’t hesitate to attack in the second set earning the win to tie the match at one set a piece. The Jags went on a 17-2 run to start the set, dominating the set with a .321 hitting percentage and 13 kills. With a 25-11 final set score, the Jags tied the match at 1-1.
The third set was a back-and-forth battle with several ties. A kill by Morgan Ostrowski late in the set at 23-21 forced a Youngstown State timeout. Coming out of the timeout the Jags closed out the set with back-to-back points, including an ace from Brooke Phillips, 25-21.
Although the Jaguars held the lead late in the fourth set at 22-21, the Penguins stole the last four points for a fourth set win, 25-22. With the match tied, Youngstown State once again came from behind in the fifth and deciding set to win the match, 15-12.
Brown led the attack with 15 kills while Maia Long followed with 10. Purichia led in assists with 22 while Ava Harris totaled 16 digs and three aces.
IUPUI is now 9-17 overall and 3-12 in conference with just three matches to close out the 2023-24 season. They will next travel to Oakland on Tuesday, November 7 for a 6:00 PM first serve.
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
GAME NOTES VS. CLEMSON
NOTRE DAME NOTES:
1st : Junior safety Xavier Watts leads the nation in interceptions this season with six and that includes four in the last two games (two vs. Southern Cal, two vs. Pittsburgh). 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 six interceptions have set the Irish offense up to score 34 points. 3 Senior linebacker JD Bertrand, a Cambell Award Finalist, needs just three more tackles to reach 250 in his career and become the 22nd Notre Dame player to reach that career milestone. See page 11 and 12 for more on Bertrand, including details of his Cambell Award Finalist accomplishment. 4 Senior wide receiver Chris Tyree started the scoring in Notre Dame’s 58-7 victory over Pittsburgh last weekend with an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown. He is the first Notre Dame player since Julius Jones (1999, 2001-03) to score on a punt return, kick return, rushing attempt and reception in a career – also joining the likes of Raghib ‘Rocket’ Ismail and 1987 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown. Tyree is also one of three active FBS players to score all four ways joining Northwestern’s A.J. Henning and Southern Cal’s Zachariah Branch. See page 12 for more on Tyree. 6 Senior quarterback Sam Hartman became the sixth FBS player to throw for over 15,000 yards in a career in the victory over Pittsburgh last weekend. Hartman passed Ty Detmer on the all-time passing yardage list with his current up to 15,093 yards. 13 With 901 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 119 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. 127 Notre Dame’s red zone defense has improved 127 spots in the national rankings from 2022 (129) to 2023 (currently 2nd). Red zone is not the only statistical improvement for the nation’s 11th-ranked overall defense. See page 10 for more on Notre Dame’s defensive unit.
GAME FACTS • Notre Dame is 12-4-1 all-time on November 4 and it is notable this will be the southern-most opponent (Clemson) the Irish have met on this exact date. Notre Dame played Navy three times in Baltimore’s Municipal Stadium in 1933 and 1944 – which is as far south at the Irish have played on Nov. 4. • Notre Dame is 348-135-27 (.709) all-time in the month of November and 4-1 in the month under the direction of Marcus Freeman (the lone loss coming at No. 6 Southern Cal on Thanksgiving weekend last season). Since 2010, the Irish are 38-14 (.731) in the month of November. • The Irish moved up to No. 12 in the Associated Press poll this week. The Irish are 22-6 (.786) as the nation’s No. 12-ranked team and have won eight games in a row as No. 12 dating back to 1998. Notre Dame is 18-2 (.900) all-time as the No. 12 team against unranked opponents, the two losses coming to unranked Purdue at home in 1960 and on the road in 1997.
NOTRE DAME – CLEMSON SERIES HISTORY • Notre Dame and Clemson will be meeting for the eighth time on Saturday with the Tigers holding a slight 4-3 advantage in the series. • The series resumed in 2015 as part of Notre Dame’s Atlantic Coast Conference scheduling agreement. The Irish are 2-1 in regular-season meetings since 2015 with the Tigers claiming post-season wins in the 2018 CFB Playoff Semifinal and 2020 ACC Championship Game (Notre Dame competed as a member of the ACC during the COVID-19 affected ‘20 season). • Notre Dame is looking for its second victory at Clemson in its third visit to Memorial Stadium. The Irish won their initial trip to Clemson 21-17 in 1977, quarterbacked by NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana and enroute to the national championship. The most recent Notre Dame trip to Clemson was played in a driving rain storm in 2015 when the 12th-ranked Tigers denied No. 6 Notre Dame’s last-minute two-point conversion attempt to earn a 24-22 victory. • The Irish knocked off undefeated and fifth-ranked Clemson in Notre Dame Stadium last season 35-14 (see page 16 for a box score from last year’s game and more on the Notre Dame – Clemson series).
TWO-DEEP TIDBITS – OFFENSE Jayden Thomas is the leading returning receiver for the Irish in 2023. Thomas has been affected over the past four weeks by a hamstring injury. He returned to action against Pittsburgh with two catches for 23 yards and should see his snap count continue to rise over the next three games. 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 six victories this season, none bigger than his 82-yard punt return to start the scoring in the 58-7 victory over Pittsburgh last weekend. He ranks sixth in the country in yards-per-reception with a 21.9 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 nine 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 32nd-career start on the Irish offensive line at Clemson and is on the Rimington Award watch list. Rocco Spindler joined Coogan in making his first career start, at right guard, for the Irish against Navy. He has started all nine games at the same position 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 leads the team in receptions this season. He suffered an ACL injury in the game against Pittsburgh and will miss the remainder of the 2023 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). Staes and Evans combine as the only two TEs, from the same team, to post two 100-yard receiving performances this season. 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 led the Irish in receiving yards against Pittburgh with 72, which inlcuded a career-best 60-yard catch.. 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 20 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 disruptive in limited snaps, with 2.5 tackles-for-loss, a sack and two quarterback hurries. Rylie Mills is No. 10 on The Athletic’s Freak List for his work in the weight room and has been disruptive 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 31 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 47. 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 (34) 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 34 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 over the past four games. He has 44 tackles in the last five 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 43 tackles after piling up a career-best 10 while starting at Mike linebacker for JD Bertrand against Central Michigan. 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. 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 9for more on Morrison. Clarence Lewis has played in 46 games at Notre Dame and scored his first career touchdown on a 33-yard interception return against Tennessee State. He started at nickle in place of Thomas Harper at Louisville, who missed the game in concussion protocol. 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 starring lineup at nickle for the Irish against Southern Cal. He has 33 tackles, two sacks, five tackles for loss and a forced fumble this season.
CLEMSON NOTES:
CLEMSON HOSTS NOTRE DAME FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2015 ON SATURDAY After meeting twice in South Bend and twice in postseason play in the previous five years, Clemson will welcome the Notre Dame Fighting Irish back to Death Valley for the first time since 2015 when the teams square off this Saturday, Nov. 4. Kickoff at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C., is scheduled for noon ET. Notre Dame has visited Memorial Stadium only twice, first in 1977 and again in 2015. The Irish’s 2015 visit ranks among the most memorable contests in the facility’s history, as 12th-ranked Clemson defeated sixth-ranked Notre Dame in ESPN College GameDay’s featured contest. Amid a torrential downpour from the remnants of Hurricane Joaquin, Clemson jumped out to a 21-3 third quarter lead. The Tigers withstood a furious Notre Dame rally and snuffed out a Notre Dame two-point conversion attempt with seven seconds remaining to hold on to a 24-22 victory that spawned Head Coach Dabo Swinney’s famous “Bring Your Own Guts” postgame comments. This Saturday, Swinney will again attempt to pass College Football Hall of Famer Frank Howard for sole possession of Clemson’s all-time head coaching wins record. Swinney tied Howard with his 165th career victory in a 17-12 win against Wake Forest on Oct. 7. Clemson enters the game having scored a rushing touchdown in 50 consecutive games at Death Valley, the nation’s longest active home streak. The last team to hold Clemson without a rushing touchdown at Memorial Stadium was Troy in 2016. One of the bright lights of an otherwise disappointing two-week span for Clemson has been the emerging productivity of its tight ends. Against Miami (Fla.) two weeks ago, Jake Briningstool set the Clemson tight-end record with 126 yards while posting the first multitouchdown game of his career. Last week at NC State, he added a career-high eight receptions, and his 93 yards combined with Sage Ennis’ 28-yard reception gave the tight end group 121 yards against the Wolfpack. Clemson’s last two games rank No. 1 and 3, respectively, for the most receiving yards by tight ends in single games during Swinney’s tenure. In addition to being designated as IPTAY Day in celebration of one of the nation’s most successful athletic fundraising organizations, Saturday’s contest has also been designated as an Orange Out game. Fans are encouraged to wear orange to Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR THIS WEEK – Head Coach Dabo Swinney attempting to earn his 166th career win to pass College Football Hall of Famer Frank Howard (165 from 1940-69) for sole possession of the Clemson record for career head coaching wins. – Swinney attempting to match the career win total of College Football Hall of Famer Red Blaik, who won 166 games at Dartmouth and Army from 1934-58. Swinney’s .793 win percentage is already ahead of Blaik’s .759. – Clemson attempting to improve to 34-9 in games following a loss under Swinney, including season openers following a loss in the previous season finale. – Clemson attempting to improve to 20-9 under Dabo Swinney in rematches with opponents to whom he’s lost his most recent meeting. – Clemson attempting to improve to 5-3 all-time against Notre Dame. – Clemson attempting to move to 2-1 all-time in home games against Notre Dame. – Head Coach Dabo Swinney attempting to improve to 4-2 all-time against Notre Dame. – Clemson attempting to improve to 31-7-2 against FBS independents since the NCAA split Division I into the divisions now known as the Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision in 1978. – Clemson attempting to improve to 91-12 in regular season play since the start of the 2015 season. Ten of Clemson’s 12 regular season losses in that span have been decided by a final margin of 10 or fewer points. – Clemson playing the first game of its second threegame homestand of 2023. Clemson’s three-game homestands in both September and November this year represent Clemson’s 34th and 35th homestands of three or more games in school history (1911, 1920, 1922, 1949, 1959, 1962, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 (2), 1993, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2022 and 2023 (2)). – Clemson attempting to improve to 63-3 at Death Valley in the College Football Playoff era. Clemson’s home record is one win behind Alabama (who has a game in hand) for the nation’s best in that time frame. – Clemson attempting to improve to 39-4 against non-conference opponents at Death Valley under Dabo Swinney. – Clemson attempting to improve to 29-12 against AP Top 25 teams in the College Football Playoff era (since 2014). It would also move Clemson to 21-11 against AP Top 15 teams in that span. – Clemson attempting to improve to 14-3 at home against AP Top 25 teams since 2011. – Clemson attempting to record at least one win against an AP Top 20 team in Death Valley for the ninth consecutive season. Clemson’s last season without a win against a Top 20 squad in Death Valley was 2014. – Clemson entering the game having posted at least one home win against a Top 20 team in 10 out of the last 12 seasons. That includes wins against No. 11 Florida State in 2011; No. 5 Georgia in 2013; No. 6 Notre Dame and No. 17 Florida State in 2015; No 3 Louisville in 2016; No. 13 Auburn in 2017; No. 16 NC State in 2018; No. 12 Texas A&M in 2019; No. 7 Miami (Fla.) in 2020; No. 13 Wake Forest in 2021; and No. 10 NC State and No. 14 Syracuse in 2022. – Swinney attempting to earn his 38th all-time victory against AP Top 25 teams. Swinney’s 37 wins against the AP Top 25 are the second-most of any coach — active or inactive — since 2009. – Clemson attempting to defeat Notre Dame.
Clemson attempting to defeat Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman as a starter for a fifth time. Hartman, a transfer from Wake Forest, would become the first starting quarterback defeated by Clemson five times. Clemson earned wins against Wake Forest in games started by Hartman in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022. – Clemson, according to Stats Perform, attempting to become the first Power Five team to defeat a starting quarterback five times since the Miami Hurricanes posted a 5-0 record against the Florida State Seminoles in games started by quarterback Chris Rix from 2001- 04. – Clemson entering the game having rushed for a touchdown in 50 consecutive home games, the nation’s longest active streak. The last team to hold Clemson without a rushing touchdown in Death Valley was Troy in 2016.
– Clemson entering the game having scored at least one rushing touchdown in a national-best 74 of its 77 games since the start of the 2018 season. Clemson has also rushed for multiple touchdowns in a national-best 62 games in that span. – Clemson attempting to produce a fourth player with multiple receiving touchdowns in a game for the first time since 2020 (four). Jake Briningstool, Tyler Brown and Antonio Williams have each recorded one game with two receiving touchdowns. – Clemson attempting to hold five straight opponents to fewer than 200 passing yards for the first time since a 10-game streak in 2019. – Clemson (two) attempting to record a third interception return touchdown in a season for the first time since 2017. Clemson is halfway to the school record of four, set in 1990. – Safety Khalil Barnes (two) needing one more forced fumble to join Myles Murphy (three in 2020) as the only Clemson freshmen under Dabo Swinney to force three fumbles in a season. Presently, Murphy and Ed McDaniel are the only Clemson freshmen (true or redshirt) with three forced fumbles in a season since 1988. – Tight end Jake Briningstool entering the game with a career-high 344 receiving yards this season. He needs 156 yards to post the first 500-yard season by a Clemson tight end since Jordan Leggett in 2016 (736). – Briningstool (31) sitting nine receptions shy of posting the first 40-catch campaign by a Clemson tight end since Jordan Leggett in 2016 (46). – Briningstool (three) needing one more touchdown reception to match his single-season career high (four in 2022). – Briningstool (eight) needing two more touchdown receptions to become the seventh tight end in school history to record 10 career touchdown catches. He would tie Bennie Cunningham (10 from 1972-75) for the sixthmost touchdown receptions by a tight end in school history. – Briningstool (one) attempting to become the first Clemson tight end to catch multiple touchdown passes in multiple games in a single season since Brandon Ford in 2012 (two). – Wide receiver Tyler Brown (32) needing eight receptions to become the sixth Clemson player since 2010 to record 40 receptions in a freshman season,
joining Antonio Williams (56 in 2022), Justyn Ross (46 in 2018), Artavis Scott (76 in 2014), Sammy Watkins (82 in 2011) and DeAndre Hopkins (52 in 2010). – Brown attempting to become the first Clemson player to record multiple touchdown receptions in multiple games of a freshman season since Artavis Scott (three games) in 2014. Scott is now an offensive graduate assistant on Clemson’s staff. – Brown needing one more 150-yard receiving game to join Sammy Watkins (three in 2011) and Artavis Scott (two in 2014) as the only Clemson true freshmen to record multiple 150-yard receiving games in a season. – Linebacker Barrett Carter attempting to record a full sack in back-to-back games for the first time since last October against NC State and Boston College. – Defensive tackle Tyler Davis (47) making his 48th career start to tie Greg Huegel for the seventh-most career starts in Clemson history. It would add to his existing school record for career starts by a defensive player. – Davis (29.0) needing one more tackle for loss to reach 30 for his career. – Quarterback Cade Klubnik attempting to tie his former offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter (four) for the fifth-most career 300-yard passing games in Clemson history. – Klubnik entering the game with an opportunity to become the first Clemson quarterback ever to complete 30 passes in back-to-back games. – Running back Phil Mafah (six) seeking to add to his single-season career high in rushing touchdowns. – Mafah attempting to rush for multiple touchdowns in back-to-back games for the first time in his career. – Mafah attempting to become the first Clemson running back to rush for multiple touchdowns in consecutive games since Will Shipley’s three-game streak to open the 2022 season. – Defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (49) playing his 50th career game. – Orhorhoro (3.0) entering the game one sack shy of his single-season career high set a year ago (4.0). – Orhorhoro attempting to post a sack in consecutive games for the second time this season (at Syracuse and vs. Wake Forest). – Orhorhoro attempting to become the first Clemson player with three tackles for loss in back-to-back games since Jeremiah Trotter Jr. last season against South Carolina and North Carolina. He’d be the first Clemson defensive lineman to accomplish the feat since Kevin Dodd in the final two games of 2015. – Defensive end T.J. Parker (4.0) needing three more sacks to tie the Clemson freshman record for sacks set by Michael Dean Perry (seven in 1984), Chester McGlockton (seven in 1989) and Dexter Lawrence (seven in 2016). Among the trio of current record holders, only Lawrence’s performance came in a true freshman season; neither Perry nor McGlockton played in their first years on campus. – Parker (8.5) entering the game leading all freshmen nationally in tackles for loss. He is already closing in on Myles Murphy’s true freshman school record of 12 and more than halfway to the school record for any freshman (true or redshirt) set by Michael Dean Perry in 1984 (15). Parker is also tied for third nationally in sacks by a freshman (4.0). – Safety Jalyn Phillips (59) becoming the seventh player in school history to appear in 60 career games. – Offensive lineman Will Putnam (3,181) entering the game as one of only six players on record in school history to play 3,000 career snaps from scrimmage. His 3,181 career snaps from scrimmage presently rank third in Clemson history behind only Mitch Hyatt (3,754 from 2015-18) and Dalton Freeman (3,361 from 2009-12). – Running back Will Shipley (29) needing one rushing touchdown to become the eighth player in school history to rush for 30 career touchdowns, joining Travis Etienne, James Davis, Travis Zachery, Wayne Gallman, Andre Ellington, C.J. Spiller and Lester Brown.
NOTRE DAME MEN’S SOCCER
ACC QUARTERFINAL PREVIEW: LOUISVILLE
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The top-seeded Irish open up postseason play with a matchup against No. 9 seed Louisville in the quarterfinal round of the ACC Tournament at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 5 at Alumni Stadium. The match will air on ACCN.
No. 2 NOTRE DAME vs. LOUISVILLE
Location: South Bend, Indiana | Alumni Stadium
TV: ACCN
Live Stats: Click Here
Twitter Updates: @NDMenSoccer
Game Notes: vs. Louisville
Tickets: Click Here
IRISH IN THE ACC TOURNEY
• Notre Dame has an overall ACC Tournament record of 13-7-3 and has reached at least the quarterfinal round now in 10-of-11 seasons in the league.
• The Irish have won one ACC Tournament title in program history, winning the 2021 championship. Notre Dame didn’t allow a goal over four matches and defeated Duke by a score of 2-0 in the final.
• Notre Dame has reached the semifinal round or beyond in the ACC Championship in six of its 10 seasons as a conference member.
• The Irish have made two appearances in the conference tournament finals.
• The Irish have won at least one match in nine of their 10 previous ACC Championship appearances.
• Notre Dame is 8-1 all-time in the ACC Tournament when playing in South Bend.
• Prior to joining the ACC, Notre Dame won three Big East Tournament titles and three MCC (Midwestern Collegiate Conference) titles.
THE LOUISVILLE SERIES
• The Irish and Cardinals will meet on the pitch for the 25th time on Sunday evening.
• Notre Dame leads Louisville in the all-time series at 13-9-2.
• The Irish and Cardinals played to a 0-0 draw the last time they met in the postseason, the quarterfinals of the 2021 ACC Tournament in Louisville. Notre Dame advanced to the semifinal round on penalties.
• The Irish blanked the Cardinals in penalties, posting a score of 3-0 in just three rounds, as Bryan Dowd made big saves to help the team advance.
• Notre Dame fell to Louisville in a 2-0 defeat last season on Oct. 8 at Alumni Stadium despite outshooting the Cardinals 15-5.
LAST TIME OUT
• Notre Dame closed out the regular season in style, defeating No. 20 Pitt by a score of 6-0 on Friday, Oct. 27 at Alumni Stadium.
• The 6-0 win was Notre Dame’s largest in program history over a ranked team.
• Eno Nto scored a career-high four goals and Matthew Roou and Wyatt Borso each added a goal.
• Bryce Boneau recorded a career-high three assists in the victory.
•The Irish outshot the Panthers 19-5 on the evening, including 12-1 for shots on target.
NTO’S HISTORIC NIGHT
• Eno Nto scored a career-high four goals in the 6-0 victory over No. 20 Pitt in the season finale.
• The four-goal performance represented the most goals from an Irish player in a match since Joseph Lapira scored four against Indiana on Sept. 3, 2006.
• Nto’s four goals are the most any player in the ACC has scored in a match this season and the forward is one of three players at the men’s DI level to score four goals in a game this season.
• Nto was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Week, College Soccer News National Player of the Week and Top Drawer Soccer National Player of the Week after the performance.
• The junior is now tied for the team lead for goals on the season with 10 and has 17 goals in his Notre Dame career.
DOWD DELIVERS
• Bryan Dowd has been masterful in goal this season for the Irish, making a claim as one of the top goalies in the country despite playing some of the best attacking units in the nation.
• The senior ranks third in the country in shutouts (8), fifth in save percentage (.862) and fourth in goals against average (.533).
• The shot stopper has 56 career starts while appearing in 57 matches over his previous three seasons in South Bend.
• Dowd has amassed 150 career saves and has recorded 21 clean sheets over his time in South Bend.
•The senior produced his best performance of his career in the 0-0 draw at Akron, making a career-high 12 saves to keep the clean sheet intact.
• The 12 saves are the most by an ACC goalkeeper this season and the third most of any goalie at the DI level.
TOP OF THE TABLE
• The Irish captured their second ACC Coastal Division title in program history after the draw against No. 3 Wake Forest. The program now has three ACC regular season titles, also winning in 2014 and 2013.
• Notre Dame is coming off its best regular season in ACC play, finishing with its first undefeated year in league action with a record of 6-0-2.
• This marked Notre Dame’s first undefeated regular-season conference record since going 7-0-4 in the Big East in 2011.
• Notre Dame scored 19 goals in regular season ACC play, which were the most of any team in the ACC over the eight matches.
• The Irish posted a +13 goal differential over the eight ACC matches, which ranked first in the conference.
ROOU’S RUN OF FORM
• Junior Matthew Roou is a prominent force in the Irish attack through this season, producing 23 points off 10 goals and three assists.
• The junior ranks second in the ACC in points (23), points per match (1.53) and goals per match (0.67).
• Roou’s hat trick in the win over IUPUI was the first of his career and the first of the season for the Irish.
• The junior forward finished with seven points off three goals and an assist, becoming the first Notre Dame player to record seven or more points in a match since Dave Donohue also had seven points against Marquette on Sept. 11, 2008.
• Roou currently has 21 career goals to go along with 10 career assists, totaling 52 career points for the forward.
STRONG STARTS
• Notre Dame has made it a habit of jumping out to an early lead this season, as the Irish have scored the opening goal in 11 of 16 matches in 2023.
• Ten of the 11 opening goals have come in the first 45 minutes of play.
•The quickest goal to start a match came from Matthew Roou in the 4th minute in the win over Clemson.
• The Fighting Irish are unbeaten when scoring the opening goal over the last 31 occurrences, posting a record of 30-0-1 spanning back to the early stages of the 2021 season.
FIGHT TO THE FINISH
• As good as the Irish have been at the beginning of matches, they have been even better in the final 45 minutes of play.
• Notre Dame has outscored its opponents by a combined score of 20-2 in second halves this season.
• The first goal allowed came via a deflected own goal in the win over Virginia and the second came in a 1-1 draw on the road against No. 3 Wake Forest.
SET-PIECE SUCCESS
• ND has excelled on both ends of the field on set pieces during the 2023 season.
•The Irish defense has allowed just one goal off a set piece all season while in attack 13 of the team’s 36 goals have come via a set piece.
• Notre Dame has scored off four free kicks, four corners, three penalty kicks and two from throw-ins.
DOMINATING DEFENSE
• The Fighting Irish have allowed just eight goals through 16 matches during the 2023 campaign.
• The 0.5 goals against average ranks first in the ACC and second in the country.
• With nine shutouts over 16 matches, the Irish are fifth in the country in shutout percentage with a mark 56.2.
• Notre Dame has given up just one or no goals in 15 of 16 matches this season.
•The nine shutouts are the most the Irish have recorded in a regular season since posting nine during the 2007 season.
• Notre Dame’s eight goals allowed in the regular season are the fewest the Irish have given up since the 2004 season in which they allowed seven goals.
NOTRE DAME VOLLEYBALL
IRISH FALL IN FOUR AT CLEMSON
CLEMSON, S.C. – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-11, 4-9 ACC) fell to the Clemson Tigers (15-10, 6-7 ACC) in four sets on the road.
The Irish were led by Sydney Palazzolo with 16 kills, followed by Ava Lange with 10 kills. Phyona Schrader finished with eight kills and Charity McDowell chipped in seven kills for the Irish with a team-best .455 hitting percentage and six blocks. Nicole Drewnick dished out 38 assists for the Irish.
Set One
It was back and forth between the Irish and Tigers as set one started with 6-0 runs from each team, forcing a Clemson timeout as Notre Dame led 11-9. Tied at 15-all, both squads continued to swap points up to the 21-21 mark until a kill from Lange and a solo block from Palazzolo gave the Irish the 23-21 lead. Tied at 24-all, 25-all, and 26-all, the Tigers would go on to take set one 28-26 after 17 ties and seven lead changes in the first set.
Set Two
While the Tigers claimed an early 11-5 lead, it didn’t take long for the Irish to bring it within one at 11-10. Trailing 18-13, a solo block from Palazzolo and a block from Tarnoff and Lange closed the gap to three at 18-15. The Tigers would close out set two with a 7-2 run to win the second 25-17.
Set Three
Notre Dame came out strong in the third as the Irish led early at 10-7, forcing a Clemson timeout. The Irish and Tigers swapped points until Notre Dame extended their advantage to five at 17-12 as they forced another Clemson timeout. The Irish continued to extend their lead as it became a 20-12 set and while the gap was closed to six at 22-16, Notre Dame would close out set three with three straight points to win it 25-16.
Set Four
It was a close one to start the fourth and as the Irish led 10-9, a 6-2 run from the Tigers lifted Clemson to a 15-12 advantage. Kills from Palazzolo and Lucy Trump along with a solo block from Tarnoff tied it up at 15-all, but another run from the Tigers gave them a 22-16 lead. The Irish looked to close the gap, but Clemson would go on to take the final set 25-20.
Up Next
The Irish are back in action on Sunday as they face the No. 10 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at 1 PM in Atlanta, Georgia.
BALL STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL
GAME TIME SET FOR INDY CLASSIC
The Ball State’s men’s basketball team’s game against Indiana State at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Dec. 16 will be played at 1:45 p.m., the Indiana Sports Corp. announced Friday.
This will be the second year of the Indy Classic, as the Cardinals beat Illinois State 83-69 last December in the inaugural event. Purdue and Arizona follow at 4:30 p.m. to wrap up the holiday season doubleheader. Both contests will be streamed on Peacock.
Ball State’s Saturday showdown with the Sycamores will be the 138th all-time matchup between the two in-state rivals, with Indiana State leading the series 76-61. The Sycamores won 83-71 last Nov. 12 in Terre Haute while the Cardinals triumphed 97-75 in the most recent battle at Worthen Arena (Nov. 27, 2021).
The Cardinals have played in Indianapolis 93 times in program history including 52 games at Butler, 20 at UIndy, six at IUPUI, one at the Indiana Dental College (1921) and 14 neutral site games.
Tickets can be purchased at the link above. The second year of the head coach Michael Lewis era officially gets underway on Tuesday, as Ball State hosts Goshen College at 7 p.m. in the regular season opener.
BALL STATE WOMEN’S SWIMMING
WOMEN’S S&D EARNS 171-119 VICTORY OVER IUPUI
MUNCIE, Ind – Ball State women’s swimming and diving program celebrated senior night with a 171-119 victory over IUPUI Friday afternoon at the Lewellen Aquatic Center.
“Everyone came out here and gave it their all for the seniors, and I couldn’t be more excited about the night,” head coach J. Agnew said after the meet. “If you look at how far this program has come, it’s been on their backs. This group has carried this program forward. When they came here, we were making progress, and they just carried the torch and ran with it. To see everybody out here to celebrate them means a lot. To see not just family but friends, and everyone got to see a great meet. What a great team to race against an incredibly strong IUPUI team. It was a great matchup today.”
The Cardinals (2-0; 1-0 MAC) started strong with Hannah Jones, Laura Wright, Eliza Bader and Payton Kelly leading a 1-2-3 Ball State finish in the 200 medley relay, with a final wall touch of 1:45.10. It was the first of 12 overall event wins for the Cardinals.
Kelly and Wright, one of six seniors honor on the evening, both had two individual first-place finishes as well. Kelly won the 100 and 200 freestyle with times of 1:52.14 and 50.97. Wright dominated the 100 and 200 breaststroke, finishing first with times of 1:04.57 and 2:20.60.
Lilia Newkirk and Alexa Von Holtz also swam away with a pair of wins in the pool. Newkirk swept the 100 and 200 backstroke with times of 57.58 and 2:06.02. Van Holtz won the 200 butterfly in 2:05.42 and the 400 IM in 4:34.37.
The Cardinals also picked up a sweep in the diving well, as Grace Walker won both the 1M (286.28) and 3M (275.25) competitions. Her effort on the 1M board was also an NCAA Zone Diving qualifying mark.
Rounding out Ball State’s individual event winners was Hannah Jones who took top billing in the 50 freestyle (24.89).
In addition to Wright, BSU honored seniors Elizabeth King, Sophia Kuehn, Mary Kate Phillips, Marcella Ribeiro and Kayleigh Witt.
The Cardinals look to carry their success into Saturday, as they welcome MAC foe Eastern Michigan for a Noon dual back at the Lewellen Aquatic Center.
Ball State Individual Results
200 Medley Relay
1st – Hannah Jones, Laura Wright, Eliza Bader, Payton Kelly – 1:45.10
2nd – Alyssa Messenger, Julia Ofman, Lilia Newkirk, Elizabeth King – 1:48.99
EX – Sophia Kuehn, Haley Sakbun, Natalie Marshall, Kiran Stauffer – 1:50.52
1000 Freestyle
2nd – Marcella Ribeiro – 10:23.99
3rd – Mary Kate Phillips – 10-:47.44
200 Freestyle
1st – Payton Kelly – 1:52.14
2nd – Kiran Stauffer – 1:53.26
4th – Kayla Newman – 1:57.06
EX – Natalie Marshall – 1:58.96
EX – Emma Horton – 2:03.68
100 Backstroke
1st – Lilia Newkirk – 57.58
2nd – Alyssa Messenger – 59.07
3rd – Sophia Kuehn – 1:00.94
EX – Eliza Bader – 1:00.84
100 Breaststroke
1st – Laura Wright – 1:04.57
2nd – Julia Ofman – 1:07.77
6th – Neely Agnew – 1:12.45
200 Butterfly
1st – Alexa Von Holtz – 2:05.42
3rd – Callie Tuma – 2:14.13
50 Freestyle
1st – Hannah Jones – 24.89
2nd – Haley Sakbun – 24.92
3rd – Elizabeth King – 25.02
3 Meter Dive
1st – Grace Walker – 275.25
6th – Leelah Fettig – 190.73
7th – Ella Penny – 179.40
100 Freestyle
1st – Payton Kelly – 50.97
2nd – Elizabeth King – 54.93
EX – Emma Horton – 56.67
EX – Neely Agnew – 57.24
200 Backstroke
1st – Lilia Newkirk – 2:06.02
2nd – Alyssa Messenger – 2:12.06
200 Breaststroke
1st – Laura Wright – 2:20.60
3rd – Julia Ofman – 2:28.36
5th – Sophia Kuehn – 2:32.37
500 Freestyle
2nd – Kiran Stauffer – 5:05.23
3rd – Mary Kate Phillips – 5:16.76
4th – Haley Sakbun – 5:23.85
100 Butterfly
EX – Hannah Jones – 57.62
EX – Eliza Bader – 1:00.10
EX – Kayla Newman – 1:01.47
1 Meter Dive
1st – Grace Walker – 286.28
6th – Leelah Fettig – 227.40
7th – Ella Penny – 217.73
EX – Ava Pavich – 197.78
400 IM
1st – Alexa Von Holtz – 4:34.37
EX – Sophia Kuehn – 4:40.48
EX – Callie Tuma – 4:42.08
400 Freestyle
EX – Haley Sakbun, Natalie Marshall, Hannah Jones, Payton Kelly – 3:32.90
EX – Kiran Stauffer, Elizabeth King, Mary Kate Phillips, Laura Wright – 3:39.66
EX – Eliza Bader, Julia Ofman, Kayla Newman, Emma Horton – 3:46.05
BALL STATE MEN’S SWIMMING
MEN’S S&D SWIMS PAST IUPUI, 164-136
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State men’s swimming & diving team celebrated senior night in style Friday night at the Lewellen Aquatic Center, earning a hard-fought 164-136 victory over visiting IUPUI.
“Everyone came out here and gave it their all for the seniors, and I couldn’t be more excited about the night,” head coach J. Agnew said after the meet. “If you look at how far this program has come, it’s been on their backs. This group has carried this program forward. When they came here, we were making progress, and they just carried the torch and ran with it. To see everybody out here to celebrate them means a lot. To see not just family but friends, and everyone got to see a great meet. What a great team to race against an incredibly strong IUPUI team. It was a great matchup today.”
On a night of big performances, with the Cardinals claiming wins in 10 of the 16 events, the biggest performances came from freshman Malcom Slater who honor BSU’s 11 total seniors with three total event wins.
Aside from the senior celebration, in which the men honored Alexander Eddy, Joey Garberick, Isaac Hunter, Bryan Lower and Zach Zishka, Slater provided the night’s biggest highlight in the pool when he won the 500 freestyle in a blistering 4:38.56. The effort was 1:28 faster than second-place Youssef Magdy of IUPUI and sent the Ball State faithful into a frenzy.
Overall, the Cardinals set the tone early, with Garberick combining with fifth-year seniors Bryce Handshoe and Owen Chaye, along with junior leadoff man Ethan Pheifer to win the 200 medley relay (1:31.46).
Two event later Pheifer would start a string of five straight wins in the pool for the Cardinals by taking top honors in the 100 backstroke (51.89). Garberick followed with another close win in the 100 breaststroke (55.61) and Slater added his first individual victory in the 200 butterfly (1:53.34).
It was Chaye’s turn next, has he bookend the first brake, as well as BSU’s senior celebration, by claiming top honors in the 50 (20.80) and 100 (45.79) freestyles.
Following Slater’s win in the 500 freestyle, Handshoe completed a butterfly sweep of the Cardinals by taking the 100 in 50.39. After the second brake, Slater touched the wall first in the 400 IM at 4:08.19 to help lock up the meet victory.
Sophomore Jacob Siewers, Pheifer, Garberick and Chaye then closed the meet with a winning time of 3:05.69 in the 400 freestyle relay.
Along with the action in the poll, Ball State’s divers also made some noise Friday night. Leading the way on the 1M board was sophomore Porter Brovont who placed second in the event with an NCAA Zone Diving Qualifying score of 317.70. The score also moves Brovont from 10th to sixth on Ball State’s all-time individual top performance list.
On the 3M board, Hunter celebrated his senior day with a second-place finish and a collegiate best score of 313.05.
The Ball State men’s swimming & diving team returns to action Nov. 16-18 when it heads down to the IUPUI Natatorium for the IUPUI House of Champions Invite
Ball State Individual Results
200 Medley Relay
1st – Ethan Pheifer, Joey Garberick, Bryce Handshoe, Owen Chaye – 1:31.46
3rd – Logan Ayres, Michael Burns, Benjamin Clarkston, Mason Young – 1:35.04
5th – Reece Manning, Noah Berryman, Bryan Lower, Auston Shafer – 1:38.24
1000 Freestyle
3rd – Tommy Brunner – 9:57.08
4th – Alexander Eddy – 10:01.51
5th – Zach Zishka – 10:08.83
200 Freestyle
2nd – Jacob Siewers – 1:43.84
3rd – Seth Blossom- 1:45.56
6th – Mason Young – 1:50.87
100 Backstroke
1st – Ethan Pheifer – 51.89
4th – Max Kruglov – 52.81
5th – Logan Ayres – 52.90
100 Breaststroke
1st – Joey Garberick – 55.61
3rd – Michael Burns – 58.07
5th – Aidan Biddle – 58.59
EX – Noah Berryman – 59.19
EX – Reeve Ferber – 59.62 ? ?
200 Butterfly
1st – Malcolm Slater – 1:53.34
3rd – Bryce Handshoe – 1:54.35
5th – Kenny Reed – 1:59.17
50 Freestyle
1st – Owen Chaye – 20.80
3rd – Benjamin Clarkston – 21.78
4th – Jacob Siewers – 21.96
EX – Auston Shafer – 22.27
1M Diving
2nd – Porter Brovont – 317.70
5th – Isaac Hunter – 292.95
6th – Wyatt Blake – 261.68
100 Freestyle
1st – Owen Chaye – 45.79
3rd – Ethan Pheifer – 47.27
4th – Jacob Siewers – 47.35
EX – Auston Shafer – 48.88
EX – Seth Blossom – 48.90
200 Backstroke
2nd – Max Kruglov – 1:54.62
4th – Logan Ayres – 1:55.85
5th – Chance Buckles – 1:55.95
200 Breaststroke
2nd – Joey Garberick – 2:04.49
4th – Michael Burns – 2:10.28
6th – Aidan Biddle – 2:12.26
EX – Noah Berryman – 2:13.61
EX – Kenny Reed – 2:16.68
500 Freestyle
1st – Malcolm Slater – 4:38.56
5th – Tommy Brunner – 4:53.18
6th – Alexander Eddy – 4:53.53
100 Butterfly
1st – Bryce Handshoe – 50.39
4th – Benjamin Clarkston – 51.26
5th – Reeve Ferber – 52.59
3 Meter Dive
2nd – Isaac Hunter – 313.05
4th – Porter Brovont – 296.78
5th – Wyatt Blake – 292.20
400 IM
1st – Malcolm Slater – 4:08.19
4th – Max Kruglov – 4:11.32
5th – Zach Zishka – 4:17.85
400 Freestyle Relay
1st – Jacob Siewers, Ethan Pheifer, Joey Garberick, Owen Chaye – 3:05.69
3rd – Benjamin Clarkston, Bryce Handshoe, Mason Young, Kenny Reed – 3:11.66
5th – Auston Shafer, Tommy Brunner, Alexander Eddy, Seth Blossom – 3:17.06
BALL STATE VOLLEYBALL
CARDINALS FALL TO WESTERN MICHIGAN IN GRUDGE-MATCH BATTLE OF MAC’S TOP TWO TEAMS
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – In a battle of the top two teams in the Mid-American Conference, Ball State’s Aniya Kennedy tied a career high with a match-high 25 kills, but it wasn’t enough to stop Western Michigan from earning its 14th straight victory.
Western Michigan (24-2, 14-0 MAC) stymied the second-place Cardinals while earning a hard-fought win in a tight match that solidified the Broncos’ hold on first place in the MAC standings. Ball State (14-11, 11-3 MAC) ended a two-game win streak but hopes to derail the Broncos when the teams meet again Saturday afternoon.
Kennedy and Marie Plitt each had four blocks to lead the Cardinals who led at points of every game. Plitt and Madison Buckley each added nine kills for Ball State. Plitt hit .375 for the match, swinging 24 times over four games without an error.
The Cardinals hit .199 for the match compared to .266 for the homestanding Broncos who were led by Mary Clare Brusek and Keona Salesman who tallied 19 and 18 kills, respectively. Brusek hit .531 with just two errors in 31 swings.
Ball State trailed 21-14 in Game 1 before a spark from Kennedy helped the Cardinals fight back to extend the set and win 29-27. In the first game alone, Kennedy totaled nine kills with a pair of blocks.
The Broncos withstood a Cardinal comeback in Game 2 though, taking command in an early see-saw battle before Ball State climbed within 21-20. WMU scored four of the last points for the win.
In Game 3, it was the Broncos’ turn for a comeback. After Ball State led 21-18, Western Michigan scored seven straight points to lead the match. A back-and-forth dual in Game 4 produced a similar ending with WMU scoring five of the last six points to secure the game and the match.
Ball State | 29 – 21 – 21 — 19
Western Mich. | 27 – 25 – 25 – 25
BALL STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
WBB HOSTS TENNESSEE TECH IN SEASON OPENER MONDAY FOR SEVENTH ANNUAL “FIELD TRIP DAY”
Opening Tip:
– Monday’s game against Tennessee Tech will mark only the third meeting all-time in program history the two schools have met with the all-time series being tied, 1-1. The Cardinals opened the 2023 on the road last year against the Golden Eagles which resulted in a 68-63 loss for BSU. The Cardinals last defeated the Golden Eagles under the direction of 12th-year head coach Brady Sallee by a score of 76-64 in Las Vegas on Nov. 30, 2013. Brady Sallee is familiar with Tennessee Tech as he coached in the Ohio Valley Conference at Eastern Illinois from 2004-12.
– Ball State recently was picked to finish second in the Mid-American Conference preseason poll while Tennessee Tech was picked first in the preseason Ohio Valley Conference.
– Tennessee Tech returns a deep squad coming off of its first Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship and NCAA appearance since 2000 and its first NCAA tournament victory since 1990. The Golden Eagles return nine players from that team, including leading-scorer and single-season 3-point record holder Maaliya Owens, who was named the Ohio Valley Conference’s Preseason Player of the Year. The Golden Eagles finished 23-10 – its second-consecutive 20-win season – with a 13-5 record in the OVC. As a team, Tech averaged 68.7 points and allowed 63.1, while shooting .427 from the floor, .337 from 3-point range and .760 at the charity stripe.
– Ball State women’s basketball head coach Brady Sallee is beginning his 12th year at Ball State, returns 10 players from a record-setting squad that saw the Cardinals finish 26-9 with a 14-4 Mid-American Conference ledger. The Cardinals’ 26 wins a season ago tied the program record for most wins in a season. Ball State advanced to the semifinals of the MAC Tournament and the second round of the postseason Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) for the first time since 2018. The 20-win season also marked the sixth time in the last eight years Sallee reached the 20-win plateau.
– Ball State was recently picked 11th in the College Insider Preseason poll while Tennessee Tech was tabbed to the 23rd spot.
Sallee Enters Year 12:
Sallee enters his 12th season at the helm of the Cardinals, already the winningest coach in program history. He touts a record of 209-141 in just 11 seasons and has guided Ball State to eight postseason Women’s National Invitation Tournaments, a WNIT Final 16 appearance, a Mid-American Conference West Division title (2014), 10 MAC Tournament appearances and sixth 20-plus win seasons, a feat no head coach at Ball State had done before him.
First Game of the Season:
– Head coach Brady Sallee is 3-7 all-time in season openers at Ball State dating back to his first season in 2012-13.
– This marks the second-straight season the Cardinals have opened up the season against the Golden Eagles. BSU suffered a 68-63 loss to Tennessee Tech on Nov. 7, 2022.
– Today’s game marks the seventh-annual “Field Trip Day” for the Cardinals.
– Today’s contest marks the seventh annual Field Trip Day. The Cardinals are 6-0 on Field Trip Day with wins against Milwaukee (84-75 OT), Arkansas Pine Bluff (88-60), Austin Peay (89-57), Bowling Green (77-70), Xavier (70-49) and IU East (105-51).
Career Milestones:
– Ally Becki needs 251 points for 1,000, 159 assists and 111 rebounds to reach the 500 mark.
– Nyla Hampton needs 135 points for 1,000.
– Marie Keifer has 99 blocks for her career — needs six blocks to move into second place all-time and 54 to move into first place.
INDIANA STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL
GAME TIME SET FOR INDY CLASSIC; TIPOFF TIME IN GAINBRIDGE SET FOR 1:45 P.M.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Tip time has been announced for the Indiana State and Ball State game held on December 16 at the 2023 Indy Classic powered by Sports Tech HQ held inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Sycamores will take on the Cardinals starting at 1:45 p.m. ET with the game set to be streamed through Peacock.
Indiana State and Ball State have an extensive history against each other, with their first game dating back to 1919. The Sycamores lead the all-time series 73-63 after most recently defeating Ball State 83-71 in Terre Haute Nov. 12, 2022.
Purdue will take on Arizona at 4:30 p.m. ET to close out the doubleheader. Peacock will exclusively stream both games of the doubleheader live. Tickets for the second annual Indy Classic are currently on sale through Ticketmaster.com.
Eligible students can sign-up for Peacock’s Student Discount offer, available for $1.99/month. For more information and to sign-up, click here.
Indiana Sports Corp, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and Russ Potts Productions, Inc. partner to host this annual basketball showcase that focuses on bringing the top collegiate basketball teams to Indianapolis to compete in a doubleheader. The Indy Classic serves as an annual fundraiser for Indiana Sports Corp’s non-profit mission.
Media outlets seeking credentials for the Indy Classic can submit their applications here. For more information about the event and available sponsorship opportunities, visit IndianaSportsCorp.org.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREVIEW: INDIANA STATE
| 2022-23: | 23-13, 13-7 (5th Missouri Valley) |
| CBI – SECOND ROUND | |
| Location: | Terre Haute, IN |
| Coach: | JOSH SCHERTZ (3RD SEASON) |
| Homecourt: | HULMAN CENTER (10,200) |
| Key Departures: | COURVOISIER MCCAULEY (15.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.0spg) |
| COOPER NEESE (11.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.7apg) | |
| CAMERON HENRY (11.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.9apg) | |
| TRENTON GIBSON (5.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg) | |
| Key Newcomers: | ISAIAH SWOPE (transfer, Southern Indiana) |
| RYAN CONWELL (transfer, South Florida) | |
| AARON GRAY (transfer, Niagara) | |
| JAKE WOLFE (transfer, Morehead State) |
ROSTER
| # | Player | Pos. | Listed | Year | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3PT% | |
| 2 | Isaiah Swope* | G | 5-10 | Jr. | 31.9 | 15.6 | 2.4 | 3.5 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 46.3 | 42.3 | |
| 1 | Julian Larry | G | 6-3 | Jr. | 25.6 | 7.0 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 59.2 | 46.4 | |
| 3 | Ryan Conwell* | G | 6-4 | So. | 18.4 | 5.1 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 34.0 | 30.0 | |
| 11 | Aaron Gray* | F | 6-7 | Jr. | 32.5 | 12.4 | 4.5 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 43.0 | 33.1 | |
| 21 | Robbie Avila | C | 6-10 | So. | 21.3 | 10.7 | 4.0 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 54.0 | 33.7 | |
| 24 | Jake Wolfe* | G | 6-5 | 5th | 31.4 | 9.1 | 3.2 | 2.5 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 40.4 | 36.2 | |
| 20 | Jayson Kent | G/F | 6-8 | Jr. | 14.7 | 5.1 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 46.8 | 27.1 | |
| 0 | Xavier Bledson | G | 6-6 | R-Sr. | 13.4 | 6.4 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 45.1 | 36.2 | |
| 23 | Jaden Daughtry | F | 6-7 | Fr. | |||||||||
| 35 | Derek Vorst | F | 6-10 | Fr. | |||||||||
| 10 | Eli Shetlar | G | 6-6 | Fr. | |||||||||
| 12 | Masen Miller | G | 6-2 | Jr. | 4.6 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 31.6 | 31.6 | |
FROM THE COACH
“Challenges always come with newness. How quickly can we get new guys up to speed with how we play? We play a unique style, and it can take longer for guys to catch on, making it even more challenging.”
—Josh Schertz
THE SCOOP
If there were any doubts about Josh Schertz’s ability to lead a winning program at Indiana State, those have been squashed. An injury-riddled Year 1 saw rough results as Schertz’s Sycamores limped to an 11-20 overall finish and 4-14 Valley mark, but Year 2 was completely different.
Schertz had a healthy roster and brought in more talent to execute his unique style of play. ISU’s 23 wins were the program’s most since 1979 — you know, when they had Larry Bird — and it won a game in a postseason tournament for the first time since 2001.
Schertz was able to implement more of what he wanted to do offensively — in Year 1, he simply didn’t have the personnel. ISU played at more of the uptempo pace Schertz prefers and led the entire country in 2-point field goal percentage. The Sycamores also knocked down the second-most 3s in conference play in Valley history.
Year 3 brings its fair share of challenges, particularly with last season’s top three scorers walking out the door, but Schertz has enough returning talent and new intriguing pieces with which to compete near the top of the Valley once again.
ROAD TO SUCCESS
Most programs can only dream of Indiana State’s offensive execution. The Sycamore led the country in ShotQuality’s “Rim & 3 Rate” metric, meaning they did the smart, analytical thing by shooting highly efficient shots, a.k.a. those close to the basket and those behind the arc.
Though the roster pieces have changed from last season, ISU’s approach will remain largely the same.
“The menu might change, but playing with great pace, great spacing, and playing with force is important,” Schertz declared. “What creates good offense, our principles and values, those have to stay the same. But how we get there might be different with different personnel.”
That personnel won’t all be different, as ISU does return four of its top seven producers from last season. 6-10 sophomore center Robbie Avila and 6-3 junior guard Julian Larry will likely reassume their starting roles.
Avila started last year slowly but turned into a monster in Valley play, earning all-freshman team honors and ranking second on the team in scoring during conference play (11.5 ppg). According to Schertz, he’s ready for more in 2023-24.
“He’s ready to take a big jump,” Schertz disclosed. “His body is in better shape. It’s really hard for freshmen — especially freshmen bigs — to be impactful in the Valley. What he did as a freshman was incredibly impressive.”
Larry earned Missouri Valley all-defense honors last season, and Schertz calls him “without question the best perimeter defender in the league.” Larry’s combination of size and speed is tough for opposing ball-handlers to deal with on a nightly basis, and Schertz has noted the strides Larry has made in his offensive game on a yearly basis. In each of his three seasons, Larry has improved his offensive rating and shooting clips. As a freshman his free-throw / 2-point / 3-point splits were .676 / .314 / .338. Just two years later, those numbers ballooned to .818 / .620 / .464.
Jayson Kent and Xavier “Jabo” Bledson bring stability as Missouri Valley veterans. Kent enters his fourth year in the league after spending two seasons with Bradley and one with the Sycamores. He’s a vital plug-and-play wing who can explode on any given night, as his 20-point performance last year against SIU shows.
Bledson enters his third year in the Valley after following Schertz from Division II Lincoln Memorial. He earned MVC all-bench team honors in 2021-22 and can play several different positions. Though listed as a guard, Schertz likes to use Bledson as a small-ball 5 at times, as he’s strong enough to guard most bigs, and it’s nearly impossible for them to match him on the other end.
POTENTIAL POTHOLES
Replacing two all-league players in Courvoisier McCauley — a scoring cheat code in the Valley — and Cameron Henry, plus another starter in Cooper Neese, won’t be an easy task. Additionally, Schertz felt like a weakness of his team last season was its inability to match up physically and athletically with the rest of the Valley. Thus, adding positional size and getting more athletic were musts this offseason.
Schertz believes his staff addressed both the physicality and production replacement needs through the transfer portal. All four transfers, Isaiah Swope (Southern Indiana), Jake Wolfe (Morehead State), Ryan Conwell (South Florida) and Aaron Gray (Niagara) are expected to play major roles right away.
Each newcomer was a starter at his old stop, and Swope, Gray and Wolfe each logged over 31 minutes per game last season. So, while the newcomers are new to Indiana State, they are vastly experienced in the world of college basketball.
Swope will take on primary ball-handling duties after earning first team All-OVC honors. His best skill might be his difficult shot-making prowess. Notably, he knocked down eight 3s against ISU last season, which may or may not have caught the attention of Schertz.
Wolfe has started over 100 games during his five years at Lipscomb and Morehead State, and he’s played for some truly excellent teams. He’ll be a versatile wing asset who can handle the ball, attack the rim and knock down the outside shot.
Schertz refers to Gray as “as good of an athlete as I’ve coached in the last handful of years.” Gray was Niagara’s second-leading scorer and rebounder, and like Wolfe, he’s multifaceted on the offensive end.
Conwell impressed as a freshman at South Florida, flashing his potential with a 20-point performance against Tulane. Though he played in Tampa in 2022-23, Schertz has had his eyes on Conwell for many years.
“He was Player of the Year in Indianapolis in high school,” the coach confessed, “and we had him and Robbie (Avila) #1 and #2 on our board in 2022.” The portal is a funny place.
THE X-FACTOR
Though every player will be key to ISU’s success this season, Schertz believes two of his transfers, Swope and Conwell, have the chance to be X-factors.
Swope brings new on-ball dimensions to the Sycs. Per Schertz, “he’s a different type of player than we’ve had with his combination of speed and shooting.” His ability to bury difficult shots is well documented over his two years with USI, and he comes from another uptempo, high-octane style of play. Swope ranked 4th in the Ohio Valley in scoring last season and could very well lead the Sycamores in 2023-24.
Conwell’s stats might not jump off the page, but the southpaw ranked 3rd on USF in assists and steals as a freshman despite playing just 18 minutes per game. He is a supremely talented, big-bodied combo guard whose quickness and shooting ability should pair well in the backcourt with Swope.
“I think he could be special,” raved Schertz about Conwell’s potential. “He has all-league capabilities. He can play point guard or off the ball and is a big-time talent — can really shoot it.”
From a defensive perspective, the thought of ISU being able to line up Conwell next to Larry on the perimeter could give opposing ball-handlers cold sweats in the middle of the night.
Given Schertz was more than confident in McCauley’s ability to break out last season and earn All-MVC honors, it’s safe to say fans might want to pay attention to Mr. Conwell in 2023-24.
THE OUTLOOK
Indiana State’s quick rise back to the top of the MVC standings under Schertz is unlikely to be a flash in the pan. Considerable talent left the program this offseason, but considerable talent also returned and was added.
It’s almost counterintuitive to think ISU could outperform its 2022-23 results, which culminated in the Sycamores breaking into the KenPom Top 100 for the first time since 2013. On paper, though, this roster is improved from a physical and athletic standpoint.
With Swope captaining the ship, Avila expecting to take a sophomore leap, and the addition of proven scorers in Gray and Wolfe, ISU’s offensive attack should remain among the most potent in the league. If Conwell can live up to his otherworldly potential, there’s every reason to believe the Sycs can be the best offensive team in the Valley.
On the other end, returning the league’s best perimeter defender is a good place to start. Swope and Conwell improve athleticism on the perimeter, while Gray bolsters a frontline of veterans.
Indiana State hasn’t won a Valley regular season title since 2000. It has a legitimate shot at breaking that drought in 2024.
INDIANA STATE VOLLEYBALL
GUTSY EFFORT FROM SYCAMORES FALLS SHORT AT LEAGUE-LEADING UNI
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Indiana State gave league-leading Northern Iowa all it could handle on the road Friday night, but the homestanding Panthers remained undefeated in conference play by defeating the Sycamores in four sets (25-13, 18-25, 25-23, 25-16) inside McLeod Center
Karinna Gall notched her second straight double-double with 11 kills and a team-high 17 digs, while Kira Holland extended her streak of double-digit kills to 13 matches, finishing with 16 kills and seven digs. Cadence Gilley added a career-best 16 digs for the Sycamores, while Avery Hales had 33 assists.
Hales got things started for the Sycamores with back-to-back kills, and Ella Scott added an early kill to put the Trees ahead 3-1. UNI went on a six-point swing following the early Sycamore advantage, though, and never trailed for the remainder of the set. Consecutive kills from Holland got the Sycamores within two following the early run, but a 9-1 Panther run broke open the set. Holland and Hales added late kills, but Northern Iowa took the opening set 25-13.
Indiana State scored seven of the first eight points to begin the second set, as kills from Holland, Scott and Hales spearheaded an early Sycamore run. Holland and Kaitlyn Hamilton tacked on two kills apiece midway through to push the Trees to an 11-5 lead, and the Sycamores later extended that up to 17-7 on the strength of consecutive kills from Gall. UNI clawed its way back into the set, but Holland and Hales put down kills to keept the Trees in front. Scott and Hamilton combined for a pair of blocks to inch the Sycamores closer to a set win, and Gall clinched the set for the Sycamores with a kill. Indiana State evened the match by taking the second 25-18.
The Sycamores carried their momentum into the third set, as a Holland kill and a block assist from Scott and Hales helped Indiana State jump out to a 5-2 lead. Holland and Hamilton added kills to extend the Sycamore advantage, and Storm Suhre got in on the action with a kill to make it 11-9 in favor of the Blue and White midway through. Kills from Gall and Holland kept the Trees in front, but a 6-1 run from the home side saw Indiana State face a 22-18 deficit. Indiana State rallied on Hales’ serve to tie things up at 22-apeice, and Holland added another kill late, but UNI scored the last two points to win the third set by a narrow 25-23 margin.
Northern Iowa took 10 of the first 14 points to begin the fourth set and never trailed for the remainder of the match. Gall and Suhre put down kills to get the Sycamores within four at 11-7, but a three-point Panther run followed. Indiana State went on a four-point run of its own, thanks in part to kills from Suhre and Hales, and two kills from Gall got the Sycamores within 19-16 late in the set. UNI closed out strong, though, taking the last six points to win the fourth set 25-16 and clinch the match,
Inside the Numbers
Karinna Gall’s 17 digs were her most in a match this season, while her double-double was her sixth of the season.
Avery Hales notched her second double-double of the season, tying her season-high of 11 digs to go along with 33 assists.
Five different Sycamores finished the match with seven or more digs.
News and Notes
Kira Holland has recorded double-digit kills in each of the last 13 matches, a streak that dates back to the opening weekend of conference play. She also has double-doubles in each of the last three matches.
Indiana State became just the fourth team to take a set off Northern Iowa in conference play this season, and just the second MVC team to win a set against the Panthers in the McLeod Center this season.
Indiana State’s .174 hitting percentage was a marked improvement over the Sycamores’ previous match against Northern Iowa this season, where the Sycamores finished with a negative hitting percentage.
Up Next
Indiana State closes the road portion of its season Saturday evening at Drake, with first serve set for 6 p.m.
INDIANA STATE SWIMMING
SYCAMORES TAKE 13 OF THE 16 EVENTS IN DUAL MEET WIN OVER EASTERN MICHIGAN
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State took 13 of the 16 events on Friday night at the Vigo County Aquatic Center as the Sycamores downed Eastern Michigan in dual meet action, 204-96.
Claire Parsons (500- and 1000-Free) and Chloe Farro (50- and 100-Free) both won two events apiece as the Sycamores improved to 6-0 in competition on Friday evening in their second home event of the season. Alexa Szadorski, Peyton Heagy, Haley Halsall, Olivia DiRuzza, Dorotea Bukvic, Kaleigh Kelley, and Alexandria Cotter all took home individual wins on the evening as ISU took wins in the first three events to seize control of the meet early.
ISU opened the evening with the win in the 200-yard Medley Relay as the team of Cotter, Ali Pearson, Kelley, and Farro finished first overall with a time of 1:44.00 to take the event by 1.38. The quartet of Kalli Agapios, Kaimi Matsumoto, Raine Boles, and Szadorski finished third with a time of 1:46.12, while Trista Bullock, Bukvic, Raz Harel, and Allie Barasch touched sixth in 1:49.02. The final group of DiRuzza, Makayla Sura, Becca Shaffer, and Ash Saple finished seventh in 1:51.21.
ISU took the top three spots in the 1000-yard Freestyle event with both Claire and Rose Parsons taking the top two positions, while Esther Rydbeck Norden was third in the field. Claire Parsons touched in 10:14.85, while Rose was second in 10:30.39. Rydbeck Norden finished third in 10:34.44.
The Sycamores took four of the top five spots in the 200-yard freestyle paced by Heagy’s time of 1:52.95. Erin Cummins was second in 1:54.24, while Jordan Gruce finished fourth in 1:57.15. Bullock was fifth in 1:58.86, while Kamila Nowak was seventh in 1:59.56.
DiRuzza finished just off the pace in the 100-yard Backstroke as the junior touched the wall in 57.55 to place second overall. Agapios was fourth in 58.45, while Kate Reeves finished sixth in 59.40.
Szadorski, Matsumoto, and Pearson took the top three positions in the 100-yard Breaststroke event. Szadorski was first in 1:04.72, while Matsumoto finished .08 behind her teammate in 1:04.72. Pearson finished third in 1:04.97. Bukvic (1:07.91, 7th) and Sura (1:12.13, 10th) both posted top-10 finishes in the event.
Halsall and Cotter were first and second in the 200-yard Butterfly with Halsall taking the event win in 2:05.85. Cotter touched the wall behind her teammate in second in 2:06.73, while Harel touched fourth in 2:08.91. Shaffer was the final Sycamore in the event in 2:12.98.
The Sycamores posted three of the top four times in the 50-yard Freestyle led by Farro’s top finish of 23.65. Kelley finished second in 24.14, while Barasch was fourth in 24.51. Boles (24.76) and Saple (25.18) finished seventh and 10th respectively.
Bailey Betzer was ISU’s top finisher in the 3M diving event as the senior finished with a score of 267.75. Zoe Smith was fifth in 265.65, while Daniela Orta Castaneda was eighth in 232.35. Sierra Bowman (217.65) and Brenna Woodruff finished ninth and 11th.
Farro, Heagy, Szadorski, and Barasch finished in the top-five in the 100-yard Freestyle. Farro won the event by nearly a full second with a time of 51.20, while Heagy was third in 53.09. Szadorski took fourth in 53.19, while Barasch touched the wall fifth overall in 53.23. Gruce (54.77) and Saple (54.38) rounded out the Sycamores in the field.
DiRuzza took home the win in the 200-yard Backstroke as the junior touched the wall first in 2:03.72. Reeves was third in the field in 2:07.36, whiel Agapios (2:08.84) and Bullock (2:14.84) finished fifth and sixth.
Bukvic was the overall winner in the 200-yard Breaststroke with a time of 2:21.05, while Pearson finished third in 2:22.47. Matsumoto (2:23.25, 4th) and Szadorski (2:27.36) both recorded top-five finishes, while Sura took ninth overall in 2:34.86.
Claire Parsons won the 500-yard Freestyle event by nearly three seconds as the freshman touched the wall in 5:02.41. Halsall was second in 5:05.19, while Cummins (5:05.79) and Rose Parsons (5:11.80) finished third and fourth respectively. Nowak rounded out the ISU athletes in the field with a time of 5:19.48.
Kelley was ISU’s top finisher in the 100-yard Fly as the freshman touched the wall in 55.74. Boles was second in 57.38, while Harel was sixth in 58.17. Shaffer added an eighth-place result with a time of 1:00.40.
Cotter, Bukvic, and Szadorski took the top three positions in the 400-yard IM. Cotter was first in the field in 4:27.51, while Bukvic was second with a time of 4:29.01. Szadorski rounded out the top three in 4:34.56. Rydbeck Norden added a sixth-place finish in 4:43.78.
Smith was third overall in the field in the 1M diving event with a score of 265.88. Betzer (251.40) was seventh overall, while Orta Castaneda was eighth with a score of 237.53. Bowman finished 10th in 198.15 and Woodruff rounded out the group 11th with 166.43.
The Sycamores closed out the meet taking the top two positions in the 400-yard Freestyle Relay. Heagy, Matsumoto, Barasch, and Farro took the top spot with a time of 3:28.61, while Kelley, Pearson, Cummins, and Agapios finished second in 3:31.61. The final two groups of Claire Parsons, Gruce, Boles, and Saple finished fifth in 3:38.40, while Reeves, DiRuzza, Bullock, and Nowak placed sixth in 3:43.38.
Top ISU Performers in Each Event
200-yard Medley Relay: Alexandria Cotter, Ali Pearson, Kaleigh Kelley, Chloe Farro (1:44.00, 1st)
1000-yard Freestyle: Claire Parsons (10:14.85, 1st)
200-yard Freestyle: Peyton Heagy (1:52.95, 1st)
100-yard Backstroke: Olivia DiRuzza (57.55, 2nd)
100-yard Breaststroke: Alexa Szadorski (1:04.64, 1st)
200-yard Butterfly: Haley Halsall (2:05.85, 1st)
50-yard Freestyle: Chloe Farro (23.65, 1st)
3M Diving: Bailey Betzer (267.75, 4th)
100-yard Freestyle: Chloe Farro (51.20, 1st)
200-yard Backstroke: Olivia DiRuzza (2:03.72 1st)
200-yard Breaststroke: Dorotea Bukvic (2:21.05, 1st)
500-yard Freestyle: Claire Parsons (5:02.41, 1st)
100-yard Butterfly: Kaleigh Kelley (55.74, 1st)
1M Diving: Zoe Smith (265.88, 3rd)
400-yard IM: Alexandria Cotter (4:27.51, 1st)
400-yard Freestyle Relay: Peyton Heagy, Kaimi Matsumoto, Allie Barasch, Chloe Farro (3:28.61, 1st)
Up Next
Indiana State continues the fall schedule at the Vigo County Aquatic Center on Saturday, November 4, as the Sycamores host Lindenwood in a dual meet. Events are set to begin at 2 p.m. ET with the results posted on Meet Mobile.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
HOOPS IS BACK! ‘DONS OPEN 2023-24 SEASON AT MICHIGAN ON MONDAY
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Purdue Fort Wayne women’s basketball season is upon us. The Mastodons will open the 2023-24 campaign at Michigan on Monday (Nov. 6) at 7 p.m.
Game Day Information
Who: Michigan Wolverines
When: Monday, November 6 | 7 PM
Where: Ann Arbor, Mich. | Crisler Center
Live Stats: Link
Watch: B1G+
Tickets: Link
Game Notes: Purdue Fort Wayne | Michigan
Know Your Foe
Michigan was 23-10 and 11-7 in the Big Ten last season and returns two of its five best scorers from a year ago: Laila Phelia (16.7 PPG) and Cameron Williams (6.4 PPG). The Wolverines fell to eventual national champion LSU in the Round of 32 last season. Phelia had 20 points in that game. Michigan will host fellow Horizon League member Oakland on November 14.
The Series
Purdue Fort Wayne and Michigan have met just once in the history of the rivalry, a game on December 16, 2017. Michigan won the game 77-45, led by 21 points from three-time All-America Honorable Mention Katelynn Flaherty. Jaelencia Williams had 13 points in the post for the ‘Dons.
‘Dons Against the B1G
The Mastodons are 1-28 against the Big Ten in program history, with the one win coming over No. 21 Michigan State in 2013, which was the first win over a top-25 team in program history. In recent history, the ‘Dons played two Big Ten teams a year ago (at Michigan State and vs. No. 15 Maryland). The ‘Dons had eight blocks at Michigan State, the most against a Power 5 program in school history, and held MSU to 11.1 percent from the 3-point line, the Spartans’ lowest 3-point shooting in five years. The ‘Dons hosted Maryland last year, pitting Shayla Sellers against her sister Shyanne. Shyanne slowed down her older sister, Shayla, but Amellia Bromenschenkel had a double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds, the program’s first double-double against a Power Five team.
Ciao!
Purdue Fort Wayne announced that it will take a foreign tour over the summer of 2024. The Mastodons will travel to Italy for nine days, playing two games against local talent and sightseeing various locales in Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Como.
Chasing 1,000
The Mastodons have two players that are looking to reach 1,000 points in their careers. Shayla Sellers has 917 and Amellia Bromenschenkel has 627. Bromenschenkel scored 411 points last year.
Updating The Record Books
Last season, the ‘Dons made the second-most 3-pointers in program history with 253 makes. They also scored the 10th-most points in Mastodon history with 2,067.
That’s a Long Name!
Amellia Bromenschenkel ties for the longest name in the Horizon League with 21 letters in her name. The only other in the league with 21 letters is Robert Morris’ Stephanie Theodossakos.
Returning Production
The Mastodons returned 77.4 percent of minutes and 78.0 percent of scoring from 2022-23 for this season.
How About Emmerson?
Audra Emmerson shot 45.8 percent from 3-point range from January 4-March 6, a mark of 38-of-83 over 19 games.
Smarty-Pants!
The Purdue Fort Wayne women’s basketball team ranked 19th in the nation in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Academic Top 25 last season. They recorded a 3.596 GPA in the 2022-23 season. They had the highest GPA of all Division I women’s basketball programs in Indiana.
On A Roll! The Honor Roll!
The Mastodons had eight players on last year’s team make the Horizon League Academic Honor Roll. Of those players, Amellia Bromenschenkel, Audra Emmerson, Jazzlyn Linbo, Ryin Ott and Shayla Sellers are back for 2023-24. They were among the 108 Mastodon student-athletes to qualify for the honor roll.
Hello Newcomers!
Purdue Fort Wayne has three freshmen on its roster for 2023-24: Konstantina Mantziori, Erin Woodson and Renna Schwieterman. Mantziori is from Athens, Greece and played her high school ball at Cardinal Gibbons in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She averaged 10.9 points and 7.9 assists in her senior season. Woodson was a 2,000-point scorer at Saint Gertrude High School in Richmond, Virginia. Schwieterman was an All-State selection as a local product at Jay County High School in Portland, Indiana.
Shayla In The Record Books
Shayla Sellers is in the top-10 in program history in starts, 3-pointers made, steals, blocks and free throw percentage.
Starts
1. Jordan Zuppe (118, 2007-11)
2. Shayla Sellers (109, 2019-present)
3-Pointers Made
7. Jamie Holderman (163, 1999-01)
8. Hilary O’Connell (142, 2002-07)
9. Shayla Sellers (138, 2019-present)
Steals
4. Johnna Lewis-Carlisle (211, 2004-08)
5. Jordan Zuppe (207, 1988-92)
6. Shayla Sellers (163, 2019-present)
Blocks
4. Juliane Höhne (84, 2005-08)
5. Kelly Boyd (83, 2002-06)
6. Shayla Sellers (80, 2019-present)
Free Throw Percentage
1. Haley Seibert (.868 – 2011-15)
2. Amanda Hyde (.861 – 2010-14)
3. Jamie Holderman (.836 – 1999-01)
4. Shayla Sellers (.822 – 2019-present)
5. Jordan Zuppe (.819 – 2007-11)
Last Time Out
Purdue Fort Wayne finished its 2022-23 campaign with a trip to the Horizon League semifinal, where it fell to regular season champion Green Bay 69-65.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE MEN’S SOCCER
FIVE MASTODONS EARN #HLMSOC ALL-LEAGUE HONORS
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Five Purdue Fort Wayne men’s soccer student-athletes were named to the 2023 All-Horizon League teams, the league announced on Friday (Nov. 3).
Junior Seth Mahlmeister and senior Soshi Fujioka were named to the All-Horizon League First Team. Graduate student Luke Morrell and junior Juan Romero were selected to the Second Team. Aidan Antcliff picked up a spot on the All-Freshman Team.
Mahlmeister (Lima, Ohio / Lima Catholic Central) led the Horizon League in goals (10) and points (22). His 10 goals are tied for fourth in a single season in Division I era program history. His 22 points are tied for fifth. The forward had three matches with two goals this year. The cornerstone of the Mastodon offense, he is sixth in the nation in shots on goal per game with a league-best 2.07. Mahlmeister played 90 minutes in seven games.
Fujioka (Tokyo, Japan / Taisea / Davis & Elkins) joins Mahlmeister as the only Mastodons to start all 15 games this season. He owns a Horizon League best eight assists, fourth in the program history in the Division I era. Fujioka, a defender, also had a goal on the season.
Morrell (Plainwell, Mich. / Plainwell / Michigan State) picks up Second Team honors in his only season as a Mastodon after transferring from Michigan State. Morrell, a defender, finished with two goals in 2023. He has helped the ‘Dons give up just 20 goals on the season, second-best in the league. This is Morrell’s third All-Horizon League honor after earning All-Freshman Team honors in 2018 and Second Team accolades in 2019 with Oakland.
Romero (El Paso, Texas / Parkland / Western Texas CC) earns Second Team accolades as a midfielder. He picked up two assists on the season and was also key to the Mastodon defense in his first season at Purdue Fort Wayne.
Antcliff (Okemos, Mich. / Okemos) takes home All-Freshman Team honors after playing in 13 games with 10 starts. He recorded the game-winning goal in a 3-1 victory over Wright State.
This group helped the ‘Dons earn a spot in the 2023 Horizon League Championship, the Mastodons’ first league tournament berth since 2018 in the Summit League. That was also the last year the ‘Dons had five student-athletes earn all-league honors and the last time two individuals made first team.
The ‘Dons play at Detroit Mercy on Sunday (Nov. 5) in the 2023 Horizon League Championship.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE VOLLEYBALL
COLONIALS TAKE FOUR-SET MATCH FROM MASTODONS
MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – LonDynn Betts had 28 digs for the Purdue Fort Wayne women’s volleyball team in a 3-1 (25-18, 20-25, 25-20, 25-22) loss at Robert Morris on Friday night (Nov. 3)
Betts’ 28 digs were the second-most of her career.
Jena Medearis had a nice match, finishing with 12 kills on .600 hitting, along with a career-high seven blocks and three digs.
Robert Morris took the opening set thanks to an 8-0 start that the Colonials were able to nurse the rest of the way. The ‘Dons took momentum of a 7-2 run late in the first into the second. They did the same early in the second set to jump up 12-7. Despite RMU clawing back to within two, the Mastodons wrapped the set on a 4-1 run with kills from Medearis and Panna Ratkai.
The third set went to the home team as well thanks to a 6-0 run from the Colonials late.
RMU carried this into the start of the fourth, as the Colonials jumped out to a 10-1 lead. The Mastodons came storming back to get within one at 12-11, but RMU stretched it back out to a four-point set. The Mastodons eventually tied it up 19 after three points in a row, but the Colonials finished the match on a 4-1 run and capped it off with an ace.
Ratkai finished with 18 kills and 12 digs.
Purdue Fort Wayne falls to 9-17, 4-10 Horizon League. Robert Morris improves to 7-21, 4-14. The Mastodons will visit Youngstown State tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 4) for a 4 p.m. contest.
EVANSVILLE VOLLEYBALL
VOLLEYBALL PUTS UP STRONG PERFORMANCE IN 5-SET MATCH AT DRAKE
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Following a 25-8 loss in the first set, the University of Evansville volleyball team took two of the ensuing three sets before coming up just short in the fifth as Drake took a 3-2 win on Friday at the Knapp Center.
Melanie Feliciano recorded a match-high 23 kills while Giulia Cardona added 21. Both picked up double-doubles with Cardona totaling 17 digs and Feliciano finishing with 10. Ainoah Cruz finished the evening with 15 digs. Kora Ruff totaled 36 assists with Madisyn Steele and Cardona picking up two blocks each. Leading Drake was Haley Bush with 21 kills.
Game 1 – Drake 25, UE 8
Holding a 5-3 lead, Drake scored four in a row, which would be the start of a 14-2 stretch that put them up 19-5. The Bulldogs would cruise to the 17-point victory in the opening frame.
Game 2 – UE 25, Drake 22
Evansville did an excellent job of putting the first set behind them. Three early Melanie Feliciano kills led to a 5-3 lead. The Bulldogs tied it up at 6-6 before the Aces wrestled away a 13-11 edge with Feliciano and Giulia Cardona picking up kills.
Drake took three subsequent leads, but a 3-0 run was a big turning point for the Purple Aces. Down 18-16, a pair of Feliciano points put her team back in front. After Drake tied it at 19-19, it was Feliciano putting her team in front for good. Two more kills made it a 21-19 game. DU got back within one before a Feliciano ace and Cardona kill finished off the set.
Game 3 – Drake 25, UE 14
Ainoah Cruz picked up an early ace with Evansville taking a 2-0 lead. Cardona picked up a kill to put her team back up by a 5-3 score and it looked as if the teams would have another battle to the finish. The Bulldogs had other ideas. A 9-0 run turned the deficit into a 12-5 lead. UE was unable to overcome the rally as the Bulldogs took a 2-1 match lead with the 25-14 decision.
Game 4 – UE 25, Drake 22
It was the Aces who had the lead throughout the majority of the fourth set. Two more aces from Cruz put her team up by a 5-1 score. Feliciano was credited with her second ace of the match to solidify an 11-5 lead.
The lead for UE grew even more when an error by the Bulldogs gave UE an 18-11 advantage. Capped off by a pair of service aces, the Bulldogs reeled off six in a row to get within one point before eventually tying it up at 21-21. Evansville forced two errors to retake the lead while Feliciano finished off the 25-22 win with a kill.
Game 5 – Drake 15, UE 8
A quick start by the Bulldogs saw them take a 4-1 lead. Evansville did its best to come back, getting within one at 7-6. The Bulldogs countered with five in a row and would clinch the match with the 15-8 win in the fifth game.
Tomorrow, the Aces will be in Cedar Falls to face Northern Iowa at 6 p.m.
EVANSVILLE MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEN’S BASKETBALL OPENS REGULAR SEASON ON MONDAY
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Game one of the 2023-24 University of Evansville men’s basketball season is set for Monday evening when the Purple Aces welcome Miami Ohio to the Ford Center. Tip is set for 7 p.m. with ESPN+ and the Purple Aces Radio Network covering the action.
Setting the Scene
– With one exhibition contest under their belts, the Aces square off against the RedHawks in the season opener for the second year in a row
– Last year in Oxford, UE hung on for a 78-74 victory with Kenny Strawbridge Jr. and Yacine Toumi leading the way
– Strawbridge opened his UE career with 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting while Toumi recorded 15 points
– Sekou Kalle played a pivotal role in the game, hauling in 10 rebounds
– The victory marked the first for David Ragland as a Division I head coach
– It marked the first time Evansville won a season-opening game on the road since a 63-51 win over Western Michigan in 1994
Coaching Link
– Aces head coach David Ragland has a connection to Miami assistant Khristian Smith from their days at Indiana State
– Ragland was an assistant coach for the Sycamores in Smith’s first two seasons – 2012-13 and 2013-14
– In those two seasons, ISU was 41-26 with two berths in the Postseason NIT
Season Openers
– Monday will tip off the 105th season of Aces basketball
– In 104 previous season openers, the Aces are 68-36
– This marks the seventh time UE has opened the season at the Ford Center since the building opened in 2011 – the Aces are a perfect 6-0 when playing their season opener at the arena
Last Time Out
– On Oct. 28, Evansville outlasted Wabash for a 76-66 exhibition victory
– The Little Giants opened the game on a 16-5 run and held a 40-39 lead at the break before UE clamped down and finished the game on an 8-0 run to seal the win
– Chuck Bailey III led the way with 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting while Tanner Cuff added 14 points including two triples
– Yacine Toumi had an excellent all-around performance as he totaled 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 assists
– Kenny Strawbridge Jr. added 10 points
Scouting the Opponent
– Miami is coming off a 12-20 campaign that included a 6-12 mark in the Mid-American Conference
– Despite losing its top two scorers from last year (Mekhi Lairy and Morgan Safford), the RedHawks have reason for optimism with the return of Anderson Mirambeaux
– The senior earned a spot on the Preseason All-MAC Second Team following a season that saw him post 14.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game
– Sophomore Ryan Mabrey recorded 8.4 PPG last season
VALPO MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEN’S BASKETBALL SEASON TO TIP OFF ON MONDAY
Trinity Christian (0-0*, 0-0 CCAC)
at Valparaiso (0-0, 0-0 MVC)
*Entering Friday vs. Moody Bible and Saturday vs. East-West
Game No. 1 – Monday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. CT
Athletics-Recreation Center (5,000) – Valparaiso, Ind.
Next Up in Valpo Basketball: The first game of the regular season is upon us for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team. The Roger Powell Jr. head coaching era will officially begin on Monday night as the Beacons welcome Trinity Christian College to the Athletics-Recreation Center. The theme for the night of fun is “Powell Party of 5,000,” a welcome back extravaganza for Powell, who previously served as an assistant coach at Valpo from 2011-2016. The evening will begin with a pregame event at Peddler’s Pizza Sidebar before the excitement moves down the street to the ARC. The game will count as a regular-season contest for the Beacons but will be an exhibition contest for the Trolls.
Powell Party of 5,000: Monday’s welcome-back party starts early as the Valpo FanZone, a pregame fan meetup for alumni and community members, will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. at Peddler’s Pizza Sidebar, located at 5 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN, 46383. Tickets will cost $10 per person and will include pizza and one drink ticket. Roger Powell Jr. fatheads will be available for the first 1,000 fans at the game. Everyone in attendance will receive free glowsticks. In addition, the first 100 fans to purchase a beer at the concession stand will receive a free Valpo koozie. A halftime contest will result in five fans receiving free concessions for the season.
Last Time Out: Valpo defeated Saint Mary-of-the-Woods 82-71 on Wednesday night at the ARC in the lone exhibition game prior to Monday’s regular-season lidlifter. Isaiah Stafford produced 26 points to lead all scorers, while Jaxon Edwards had a near double-double of 12 points and eight rebounds including five offensive caroms. Cooper Schwieger and Sherman Weatherspoon IV chipped in 13 points apiece to make it four Beacons in double figures. Darius DeAveiro handed out eight assists while committing no turnovers.
Following the Beacons: Streaming – ESPN+ – Todd Ickow (play-by-play) and Jamie Stangel (analyst)
Radio – 95.1 FM, WVUR, ValpoAthletics.com, TuneIn Radio App – Noah Godsell (play-by-play) and James Sroge (analyst)
Twitter updates – @ValpoBasketball
Links for video, audio and live stats will be available at ValpoAthletics.com.
Head Coach Roger Powell Jr.: Roger Powell Jr. (0-0) is in his first season as the head coach of the Valpo men’s basketball program. After helping guide Gonzaga to a 121-13 record during his four seasons as an assistant coach, Powell returned to Valpo, where he was part of head coach Bryce Drew’s staff from 2011-2016 and led the team to 124 wins in five seasons, including a program-record 30 victories and a National Invitation Tournament (NIT) title game appearance in 2015-16. He was part of head coach Mark Few’s Gonzaga staff as the Bulldogs reached the 2021 national championship game after winning their first 31 games of the season. During Powell’s first season on staff in 2019-20, Gonzaga was 31-2 at the time the NCAA college basketball season was halted due to COVID-19. The Bulldogs reached the Sweet Sixteen in each of his final three seasons on staff, including two Elite Eight appearances and the aforementioned trip to the 2021 national title game. Prior to his arrival at Gonzaga, Powell served as the associate head coach at Vanderbilt University under Bryce Drew from 2016-2019. During his stint as an assistant at Valpo, he was part of four Horizon League regular-season championships in a five-year period while also leading the 2012-13 and 2014-15 squads to Horizon League tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances. A product of Joliet West High School and a native of Joliet, Ill., Powell capped a prolific collegiate playing career at Illinois with a national title game appearance in 2005 before going on to a successful professional playing career.
Series Notes: This will mark the seventh time these two teams have locked horns with each meeting taking place at the ARC. Valpo has won the first six matchups between the two programs, which have all come over the last eight seasons. Powell was in his final season as an assistant coach on Valpo’s staff for the first ever matchup between the two squads on Nov. 19, 2015, an 89-42 victory for the Brown & Gold. Valpo won last year’s clash 96-60 on Dec. 6.
Scouting the Trolls
Will be playing their third game in four days on Monday after hosting Moody Bible and East-West on Friday and Saturday respectively as part of the Troll Classic in Palos Heights.
The NAIA program went 12-16 last season and 6-14 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC).
This will mark their second matchup with a Division-I opponent as the Trolls played an exhibition against Loyola (Chicago), Valpo’s former Horizon League and Missouri Valley Conference adversary, on Sunday, Oct. 29 in Rogers Park. The Ramblers prevailed 104-44.
Under the direction of head coach Jason Hawkins, who played from 2000-2003 at Valpo, where he later became an assistant coach for two seasons. Hawkins graduated from Valpo in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in history.
Monday’s game will count as an exhibition for the Trolls despite being a regular-season game for the Beacons.
Notes Wrapping Up Nov. 1: Valpo 82, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods 71 (Exhibition)
Although stats from the game do not count since it was an exhibition, the 26 points from Isaiah Stafford would have marked the second-highest NCAA total in his collegiate career. His career high is 31 on Feb. 26, 2022 vs. Lindenwood while playing for Southern Indiana.
Stafford’s five assists would have outdone his previous career high of four that came on Jan. 31, 2022 at Lindenwood while playing for Southern Indiana.
Darius DeAveiro had eight assists without committing a turnover. Just two Valpo players in the last decade have had eight or more assists and no turnovers in a regular season game – Daniel Sackey on Dec. 18, 2019 at High Point (nine assists, no turnovers) and Deion Lavender on Nov. 24, 2018 at West Virginia (10 assists, no turnovers).
Valpo had 72 field-goal attempts in the game. The last time Valpo had 72 or more in a regular-season game was Nov. 27, 2021 vs. Trinity Christian (73). Valpo had fired off 72 shots or more just seven times in the last decade and only five times in games that finished in regulation.
Valpo dished out 17 assists against just nine turnovers. The team’s last regular-season game with 17+ assists and single-digit turnovers was Nov. 27, 2021 vs. Trinity Christian.
The team’s top two performers in the plus-minus category were Stafford and Cooper Schwieger. Valpo outscored the opponent by 20 when Stafford was on the court and the team was +18 with Schwieger in action.
Jaxon Edwards paced the team with eight rebounds including five offensive caroms.
Stafford (26), Schwieger (13), Sherman Weatherspoon IV (13) and Edwards (12) all scored in double figures.
The team grabbed 16 offensive rebounds leading to 23 second-chance points.
Valpo held a 42-24 advantage in the paint.
Schwieger started his first collegiate contest, one of nine players who made their unofficial (exhibition) Valpo debuts on Wednesday.
Valpo on Opening Night
Valpo holds an 8-3 record in season openers over the last decade plus, but the three setbacks during that stretch have come over the last three seasons. The Beacons hope to snap a three-game opening night skid on Monday after falling at Vanderbilt, vs. Toledo and at Toledo to start the last three seasons.
Valpo is 17-1 over its last 18 home openers including an 81-65 victory over Western Michigan to start last year’s home slate. Of those 17 home-opening victories in the last 18 years, 15 have come by double-figure margins.
Valpo’s lone loss in a home opener in that stretch was 69-61 vs. Toledo in 2021-22, snapping a 16-game winning streak in home openers. That marked the program’s first defeat in a home opener since Nov. 27, 2004, an 85-71 loss to Charlotte.
Valpo Head Coaching Debuts
As Roger Powell Jr. makes his head coaching debut on Monday night, he will officially become the program’s 23rd head coach.
This will mark the 36th consecutive season that either a member of the Drew family or someone who previously worked as an assistant coach under a Drew has served as the head coach at Valpo.
Matt Lottich’s head coaching tenure started with a 79-65 victory over Southern Utah on Nov. 11, 2016.
Bryce Drew’s first game in the top chair was a 73-64 setback at No. 16 Arizona on Nov. 7, 2011.
Scott Drew’s first game leading the Brown & Gold was Nov. 24, 2002, an 81-66 loss at Syracuse.
The Homer Drew Era started with an 83-53 setback at Butler on Nov. 25, 1988.
Scott (Nov. 26, 2002; W 81-56 vs. Indiana State) and Bryce (Nov. 14, 2011; W 88-38 vs. Holy Cross [Ind.]) both won their home head coaching debuts, so Powell will look to become the fourth straight Valpo head coach to win his first game at the ARC.
The Game’s Biggest Stage
Valpo head coach Roger Powell Jr. owns the unique distinction of having played and coached in the national championship game.
Just 12 coaches in the last 25 years have coached in the national title game after previously playing in the national title game, and two others have coached in the national championship game after being a rostered player but not seeing action in the national title game as a student-athlete.
In the last quarter of a century, only two coaches have coached in the national title game after previously playing in the national title game at a different school – Roger Powell Jr. and Kenny Payne.
Name Year, Team as Player Year, Team as Coach
Sean May 2005, UNC 2022, UNC
Roger Powell Jr. 2005, Illinois 2021, Gonzaga
Jeff Capel 1994, Duke 2015, Duke
Nate James 1999 & 2001, Duke 2015, Duke
Jon Scheyer 2010, Duke 2015, Duke
Ricky Moore 1999, UConn 2014, UConn
Kenny Payne 1986, Louisville 2014, Kentucky
Danny Manning 1988, Kansas 2008 & 2012, Kansas
Chris Collins 1994, Duke 2010, Duke
Jim Thomas 1981, Indiana 2002, Indiana
Johnny Dawkins 1986, Duke 2001, Duke
David Henderson 1986, Duke 1999, Duke
Quin Snyder 1986, Duke 1999, Duke – DNP
Jeremy Case 2008, Kansas 2022, Kansas – DNP
“The Rev” in the Community
Since head coach Roger Powell Jr. was hired to lead Valpo’s program, he has made numerous community engagement appearances including IBCA State Wide Clinic, Popcorn Fest, Valpo Kiwanis, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana, Big Shoulders NWI, the Valpo Athletics Coaches Tour and many more.
An engaging speaker with an active social media presence, Powell has launched a video series featuring local restaurants called “Powell Party of Six,” showcasing the Powell family meals in the community. Episode 1 featuring Burgerhaus was released prior to the season with more editions to come.
Nicknamed “The Rev” because of his strong faith and calling as a preacher, Powell’s hire as Valpo head coach made an immediate media splash. The news was featured prominently in the Chicago Sun-Times, on CBS 2 Chicago’s 4 p.m. news and WGN-TV’s GN Sports. He appeared on the Mully & Haugh morning show on 670 The Score in Chicago and Indiana Sports Talk with Bob Lovell out of Indianapolis.
What They’re Saying About Coach Powell
Bryce Drew, Valpo Legend, Former Valpo Head Coach, GCU Head Coach: “I am very excited for Roger to be a head coach. He is more than ready to lead his own program, so this is perfect timing for him. I will be cheering for Roger and the Beacons!”
Homer Drew, Legendary Valpo Head Coach: “We’re really happy and thrilled to see Roger return to Valparaiso University. His love for the University and the community of Valparaiso makes him a great fit. Roger is an excellent teacher; he has tremendous knowledge of the game of basketball. He has been part of the Drew family since he arrived on campus and was an assistant coach for Bryce. He is a dedicated and hard recruiter, and being from the Chicago area, he has a lot of friends and contacts in that area.”
Mark Few, Gonzaga Head Coach: “Roger has been a very instrumental part of our program these past four years. He is the total package as a coach, and one of the best human beings I have ever been around. He will not only be a great addition to the University, but a positive force in the surrounding community. We look forward to watching his teams grow not only on the floor, but also in their life away from basketball.”
Chris Standiford, Gonzaga Athletic Director: “I am happy for Roger and his family. His positive energy and winning attitude will serve him well as a head coach. Valpo is getting a great coach, and more importantly, a terrific person.”
Scott Drew, Baylor Head Coach: “Roger is not only an outstanding basketball coach, but an even better person and representative of Valparaiso University. The community will welcome him as they already know him and his family. He will do a tremendous job.”
Tommy Lloyd, Arizona Head Coach: “Roger Powell is a first-class individual. He is well liked by the players he coaches and his colleagues in the business. I have no doubt that Roger’s passion, energy and fire will help bring back the glory days of Valpo Basketball!”
Alec Peters, Valpo’s All-Time Leading Scorer: “The amount of love and passion that Coach Powell is going to put into the program is going to be unmatched. His energy, competitiveness and character are going to show up every day and everyone will feel it.”
Inside the Assistants
Valpo’s staff features two coaches who have played in the national title game – Powell and A.J. Moye. Powell has also coached in the national title game.
Powell, Moye and Matt Gordon have all either coached or played in the Final Four.
Powell, Moye, Gordon, Pat Baldwin and Lubos Barton have all either coached or played in the NCAA Tournament.
Assistant coach Pat Baldwin brings head coaching experience to the staff as he spent five seasons at the helm at Milwaukee before serving as an assistant coach under Patrick Ewing at Georgetown during the 2022-23 season. He also worked under Chris Collins as an assistant during a successful run at Northwestern, so he has recent stops in the Big Ten and Big East to go along with head coaching experience.
Assistant coach Matt Gordon spent the last two years in the Big 12 Conference at Oklahoma as Director of Recruiting and Special Assistant to head coach Porter Moser. He joined Moser in Norman, Okla. after they previously worked together for a decade at Loyola. Gordon knows what it takes to win in the Missouri Valley Conference as he played a key role in a turnaround that saw the Ramblers post a 156-80 (.661) record during his seven seasons as an assistant coach. He helped the team to two Sweet Sixteen appearances in a four-year period including a historic run to the Final Four.
Assistant coach J. Moye was a standout during his playing days at Indiana, where he took the Hoosiers to the 2002 national title game before beginning a professional playing career. He trained professional and collegiate players from 2011-2023 as part of Rising Talent Development (Mamba Sports Academy), serving as the Master Basketball Trainer for Kobe Bryant’s academy. Moye played against Powell in the Big Ten and they later finished out their playing careers as teammates with Skyliners Frankfurt in Germany in 2010-11.
Director of Recruiting & Player Development Lubos Barton returns to Valpo over two decades after wrapping up his storied career donning the brown and gold. After retiring from his professional playing career, Barton stayed in the game of basketball by beginning his coaching career overseas in 2016. A member of the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2017, Barton was a standout on the court from 1998-2002, leading the team to three Mid-Continent Conference regular-season titles, three conference tournament championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances.
Special Assistant to the Head Coach Quintin Garrison served as the associate head coach at Trinity International University from 2018-2023.
Video coordinator / Director of Basketball Operations Sean Taylor served as SIUE’s graduate assistant/video coordinator from August 2021 to May 2023.
Associate Director of Sports Performance Vijay Blackmon is in his second season as the strength & conditioning coach for Valpo men’s basketball. He previously worked with strength & conditioning as part of Bryce Drew’s Grand Canyon program.
Inside the Roster
The 2023-24 roster features four returning letterwinners and 11 newcomers. The team lost 11 letterwinners from last season including all five starters.
This marks the first time since the 2013-14 season that Valpo has no starters returning from the previous season. The 2012-13 NCAA Tournament team started all seniors – Ryan Broekhoff, Kevin Van Wijk, Erik Buggs, Will Bogan and Ben Boggs. The 2013-14 season featured a five-member freshmen class led by Alec Peters.
Prior to this season, Valpo had at least two returning starters in nine consecutive years.
The 12 scholarship players on the roster include three returners, five true freshmen and four transfers. Valpo also has three walk-ons – one returner, one former Valpo football player and one transfer.
The 12 scholarship players are comprised of two seniors, two juniors, two sophomores and six freshmen (five true; one redshirt).
The half dozen freshmen represent the team’s most since 2008-09, when the team also had six on the roster – De’Andre Haskins, Cameron Witt, Nick Shelton, Andrew Ferry, Erik Buggs and Logan Jones.
This year’s roster features players from five different countries – The Netherlands, Canada, Estonia, South Sudan and the United States. In addition, six states are represented – Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and Kansas.
Returnee Rundown
Junior guard Darius DeAveiro ranked 14th in the Missouri Valley Conference in assists per game last season. He ranked fifth in the league in assist to turnover ratio at 1.89. During his rookie year in 2021-22, he finished the season as one of two freshmen nationally with 50 or more assists and fewer than 25 turnovers. He was named a captain by head coach Roger Powell Jr. prior to the season.
Senior guard/forward Connor Barrett is the team’s leading returning scorer and the longest-tenured member of the program. Now in his fourth season at Valpo, Barrett saw action in 31 of the team’s 32 games a year ago and scored a season-high 13 points including three made 3s on Dec. 18 vs. Elon.
Senior forward Jerome Palm was named a captain by head coach Roger Powell Jr. prior to the season. He joined Valpo last year after a pair of junior college seasons. He had a season-high 11 points to go along with nine rebounds on Dec. 1 at Belmont.
Newcomer Notes
Sophomore guard Jaxon Edwards has experience in the Missouri Valley Conference after playing in 11 games during the 2022-23 season as a freshman at Murray State. He led Cathedral to the 2021-22 Indiana 4A state championship in high school.
Freshman guard Sherman Weatherspoon IV played at Golden State Prep in Napa Valley, Calif. in 2022-23, averaging 25 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Sophomore forward Ola Ajiobye played in 30 of 31 games with 14 starts at Central Michigan as a true freshman in 2022-23.
Freshman guard Jahari Williamson played for Canada’s U19 World Cup Team in Summer 2023 after participating in the U18 2022 Canada Games for Team Ontario.
Freshman forward Lucas Scroggins spent the 2022-23 season at Bosco Institute in Crown Point.
Freshman forward Cooper Schwieger averaged 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists at Link Year Prep in Branson, Mo. last season.
Junior guard Isaiah Stafford averaged 12.5 points per game to help John A. Logan to the junior college national title and a 33-2 mark in 2022-23 after spending his freshman season at Southern Indiana in 2021-22.
Freshman forward Kaspar Sepp played for the Estonian national team during the 2023 summer after helping Estonia beat Finland to earn a promotion to the “A” division during the 2022 summer.
Redshirt freshman Lual Manyang received a medical redshirt in 2022-23 due to a preseason injury at Hofstra.
The Dot Farewell Tour
Longtime Valpo men’s basketball official scorekeeper Dot Nuechterlein has announced that she will retire from her duties at the scorer’s table following the 2023-24 season.
Nuechterlein, age 86, began as the official scorer at Valpo in 1984. Her four-decade long tenure as the holder of an official scorebook featured two seasons doing so at Columbia while she lived in New York City during a brief hiatus from Valpo.
According to Nuechterlein, she was the first female to serve as full-time official scorer for a Division-I men’s college basketball team when she took over the post at Valpo in 1984.
Beacon Bits
Random facts on each Valpo player.
#0 Jaxon Edwards – Played football up until high school but stopped after eighth grade when he injured his hand.
#1 Jerome Palm – Started playing basketball at age 15.
#2 Connor Barrett – Is an avid golfer.
#3 Anthony Sciarroni – Spent three years on the Valpo football team before joining the men’s basketball program as a walk-on.
#4 Sherman Weatherspoon IV – Father Sherman Weatherspoon III is a Northwest Indiana native and Gary Roosevelt product… Enjoys clothes, going on walks, nature and hiking.
#5 Ola Ajiboye – Enjoys meeting new people, playing table tennis, swimming and being around people.
#6 Darius DeAveiro – Played soccer until his freshman year of high school, when he gave up the sport to focus on basketball. Played on the state team for soccer at age 13 and traveled significantly for the sport, including a trip to England.
#7 Jahari Williamson – Owns numerous golf medals.
#10 Lucas Scroggins – Loves to draw and hopes to pursue an art-related career.
#13 Cooper Schwieger – Twin brother Carson plays at Wright State. A lot of people think they are identical, but they are fraternal twins.
#19 Isaiah Stafford – Enjoys spending time with family as well as playing board games, card games and video games.
#20 Joe Vick – Walk-on whose favorite sports memory is playing in Bankers Life Fieldhouse (now Gainbridge Fieldhouse).
#21 Kaspar Sepp – His national team coach is former teammates with Valpo assistant coach A.J. Moye and his prep coach is Moye’s former roommate.
#34 Lual Manyang – Favorite TV show is Shark Tank and his favorite athletes are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kobe Bryant.
#35 Luke Carroll – Walk-on who enjoys golfing and fishing in his spare time.
Tradition of Excellence
Valpo has 14 NCAA Tournament appearances and four NIT berths in the program’s proud history, with the team’s postseason success highlighted by a Sweet Sixteen run in 1998.
The program has produced nine All-Americans, won 15 regular season conference championships and 10 conference tournament crowns.
Valpo also boasts eight NBA players, 10 conference players of the year and 20 20-win seasons.
Nine of the team’s NCAA appearances have come since 1996.
Valpo has developed a myriad of professional basketball players over the last quarter century, most notably a pair of recent NBA players. Ryan Broekhoff (class of 2013) signed a contract with the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2018 after spending five seasons playing internationally in Russia and Turkey. Alec Peters (class of 2017) was the 54th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Peters appeared in 20 games for the Suns in 2017-18, highlighted by a 36-point performance in the season finale against Dallas – a new single-game high by a Valpo alum in the NBA. He has gone on to a successful career overseas with CSKA Moscow (2018-2019), Anadolu Efes (2019-2020) and Kirolbet Baskonia (2020-2022) and Olympiacos (2022-present).
Valpo has produced over 50 professional players in the last three decades.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREVIEW: VALPARAISO
| 2022-23: | 11-21, 5-15 (10th Missouri Valley) |
| None | |
| Location: | Valparaiso, IN |
| Coach: | ROGER POWELL (1ST SEASON) |
| Homecourt: | ATHLETICS RECREATION CENTER (5,000) |
| Key Departures: | BEN KRIKKE (19.4ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.1apg) |
| KOBE KING (16.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg) | |
| QUINTON GREEN (10.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.0apg) | |
| NICK EDWARDS (7.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.0apg) | |
| MAXIMUS NELSON (4.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 0.3apg) | |
| Key Newcomers: | JAXON EDWARDS (transfer, Murray State) |
| OLA AJIBOYE (transfer, Central Michigan) | |
| ISAIAH STAFFORD (transfer, John A. Logan) | |
| KASPAR SEPP (freshman, Fairmont Academy) | |
| COOPER SCHWIEGER (freshman, Link Year) | |
| JAHARI WILLIAMSON (freshman, Royal Crown Academy) |
ROSTER
| # | Player | Pos. | Listed | Year | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3PT% | |
| 6 | Darius DeAveiro | G | 6-0 | Jr. | 15.4 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 2.7 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 29.8 | 18.8 | |
| 19 | Isaiah Stafford | G | 6-2 | Jr. | |||||||||
| 0 | Jaxon Edwards* | G | 6-5 | So. | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 50.0 | 0.0 | |
| 5 | Ola Ajiboye* | F | 6-7 | So. | 19.2 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 44.1 | 0.0 | |
| 1 | Jerome Palm | F | 6-10 | Sr. | 13.5 | 1.9 | 4.0 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 41.9 | 0.0 | |
| 21 | Kaspar Sepp | F | 6-7 | Fr. | |||||||||
| 2 | Connor Barrett | G/F | 6-6 | Sr. | 16.8 | 4.1 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 43.4 | 35.4 | |
| 13 | Cooper Schwieger | F | 6-9 | Fr. | |||||||||
| 7 | Jahari Williamson | G | 6-1 | Fr. | |||||||||
| 34 | Lual Manyang | C | 6-10 | R-Fr. | |||||||||
| 10 | Lucas Scroggins | F | 6-9 | Fr. | |||||||||
| 4 | Sherman Weatherspoon IV | G | 6-2 | Fr. | |||||||||
FROM THE COACH
“I’m looking to get Valpo back where it was when I left — a powerful mid-major. I want us to be one of the mid-majors that people are scared to play against. Obviously, we’re in a great league with great tradition and great teams, so we got our work cut out for us.”
—Roger Powell
THE SCOOP
Not long ago, Valparaiso was one of the most feared mid-major programs in college basketball. A Sweet 16 run in 1998, made possible by one of the greatest shots in NCAA Tournament history, will forever be featured in the storybooks. But the player who made that shot, Bryce Drew, was the last coach to have true success at Valpo, and he left in 2016.
Matt Lottich was on Drew’s final staff and took over the head coaching gig when Drew left for Vanderbilt. Lottich ushered the Valpo program into the Missouri Valley, but he failed to gain traction as his Crusaders — the school’s nickname until 2021 — went 40-70 in conference play over a seven-year span.
Lottich was fired this offseason, paving the way for another former Drew staff member, 40-year-old ex-pro Roger Powell. Powell followed Drew to Vandy in 2016 before spending four seasons with Gonzaga after Drew was let go. There are worse people to work under than Bryce Drew and Mark Few.
Powell knows he has his work cut out for him this season with just three returners, but his long-term goal is clear: “We want to be competitive and compete for the conference title. We’re excited to make Valpo relevant again.”
ROAD TO SUCCESS
Valpo needed to shake things up, but it was wise to keep the coaching job “in the family” — the Drew family has been connected to every head coach of the program since 1988.
Powell hopes to bring an uptempo style to Valpo, drawing influence from his recent time spent learning under Few at Gonzaga.
“I want to play similar to how I did at Gonzaga,” Powell explained. “I loved the offense we ran; it was very efficient, and we played with great pace.”
Offensively, Powell wants his guys to share the ball and get highly efficient looks. On defense, he wants his Beacons — the school’s current nickname — to play with grit, toughness, and a focus on disrupting the opposing team’s flow.
Accomplishing all that and “playing like Gonzaga” is easier said than done, especially in Year 1 of a total rebuild at the mid-major level.
To help achieve his goals, Powell needs major contributions and leadership from his three returners: Jerome Palm, Darius DeAveiro and Connor Barrett. The trio started 12 games combined last year and should be good sources of experience from which the newcomers can learn.
Palm has a ton of potential entering Year 2 in Division I after transferring from the JUCO ranks. It often takes junior college players a season to acclimate — especially big men — before they are truly effective. Palm is skilled and brings great size to the lineup at 6-10. DeAveiro will compete for point guard minutes. He improved his assist rate as a sophomore, but still suffered through similar turnover and shooting woes to those he battled as a freshman. Barrett will provide shooting on the wing after knocking down 35.3% of his career 3-point attempts.
Minutes are wide open this season, which Powell considers a good thing. Competition is fierce in practice with every player feeling he has a chance for significant burn. Transfers Isaiah Stafford, Ola Ajiboye, Jaxon Edwards and Lual Manyang will certainly be in the mix.
Stafford won a national championship at JUCO powerhouse John A. Logan and should step into the starting lineup on Day 1. He’s a knockdown shooter and gifted scorer. Powell hopes Ajiboye, a 14-game starter for Central Michigan as a freshman, can make a huge jump in his second collegiate season. Ajiboye ranked third in the MAC in block rate.
Edwards comes in via Murray State, where he didn’t see the floor a ton as a freshman.
“He’s a winner, won the state championship in high school in Indy,” explained Powell. “He’ll have a chip on his shoulder to play, as he didn’t get as much playing time at Murray. He brings athleticism and size and is used to winning.”
Manyang’s primary goal will be getting healthy, as he suffered an ACL tear prior to the start of last season, which forced him to redshirt. He arrives from Hofstra and adds size behind Palm at 6-10.
POTENTIAL POTHOLES
Valpo’s roster is brand new. Only four players have Division I experience, nobody played over 20 minutes per game last year, and there’s just two scholarship seniors on the team. Powell understands that such a green group makes for a daunting task.
“Our lack of experience is our biggest challenge,” admitted the coach. “It’s similar to the team I had with Bryce Drew when I was first here, and we brought in a lot of freshmen. The guys don’t have a lot of experience in the Valley, so we have to be detailed and play with a chip.”
Multiple players from Powell’s five-man freshman class will be called upon to step into rotational roles. Kaspar Sepp, a 6-7 forward out of Estonia, is ready to contribute right away, and Powell is also excited about Cooper Schwieger and Jahari Williamson.
“(Schwieger) could end up being special,” raved Powell. “I’ve coached similar guys — 6-10 guys who can shoot and are versatile — I’m excited about what he brings.”
Williamson played for a very good Canada U19 FIBA World Cup Team this summer and scored just over five points per contest. He’ll push DeAveiro at the point guard spot.
Lucas Scroggins and Sherman Weatherspoon IV round out the incoming freshmen class. Scroggins is a 6-9 forward out of Virginia, and Weatherspoon attended powerhouse DeMatha Catholic before spending time with Golden State Prep last season.
“They have to grow up quick,” said Powell about his young guys, while still acknowledging that he is in the early stages of building a program. Growing pains are inevitable, and it’s likely this Valpo squad will take some time to get rolling before returns on investment start flowing in.
THE X-FACTOR
When discussing which players could help lift the program in 2023-24, Powell tabbed two of his newcomers: “If Stafford and Sepp are good, we got a chance.”
Stafford is expected to have a large role after climbing the JUCO mountain with his John A. Logan teammates. He began his career with Southern Indiana — back when it was a Division II program — and started 13 games for the Screaming Eagles as a freshman. Stafford was a major recruit coming out of Indianapolis, winning the city’s Player of the Year award as a senior at Crispus Attucks — the same high school Oscar Robertson attended.
Sepp played for the Estonian national team this summer, and Powell describes him as “young but mature for his age and a guy who has a great feel for basketball.”
Sepp is a capable outside shooter and willing passer, and he can score on the block. Given his international experience, he could be more ahead of the curve than his fellow freshman this season.
How quickly all the young guys and new pieces come together will be the biggest key to Valpo’s overall success this season. An inexperienced team with a first-year head coach will likely take time to come together.
THE OUTLOOK
The Valpo basketball program is in a state of rebuilding, as a new coach takes the reins and an entire roster turns over. The vast majority of programs would struggle to win given this situation, and that will likely be the case with the Beacons in 2023-24, given they compete in such a grind of a mid-major league.
Success can mean many different things. For Powell in Year 1, perhaps that means simply improving as a group as the season progresses. Rotations need to be ironed out, terminology and plays will still be fresh and take time to learn, and players need to acclimate to one another and figure out each other’s tendencies.
The Beacons are likely to finish near the bottom of the Missouri Valley standings this season, but don’t bet against Powell building something special down the road.
SOUTHERN INDIANA VOLLEYBALL
USI FALLS SHORT IN TIGHT BATTLE WITH TENNESSEE TECH
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Volleyball (10-14, 6-7 OVC) was able to force a fifth set but could not close out against Tennessee Tech University (9-16, 5-9 OVC) at Screaming Eagles Arena Friday evening, 3-2 (25-21, 25-22, 25-22, 25-13, 15-12).
A late surge from TTU cost the Screaming Eagles in the end, 25-21. USI held an early 9-7 lead after five kills from four different Eagles and a run-capping ace from senior outside hitter Leah Anderson (Bloomington, Illinois). The Golden Eagles returned the favor with a 3-0 run that gave TTU the advantage. Both sides switched rallies until a TTU timeout started a run for the Golden Eagles to cap off the opening-frame win. TTU scored seven of the last 10 points of the set with six points coming off kills. USI lost the offensive battle with nine kills and an ace compared to TTU’s 16 kills and one ace.
Despite TTU forcing a comeback, USI controlled the end of the game and scored a 25-22 win in the second set. The Golden Eagles got the jump early with a 5-3 advantage, but it was USI with an 8-2 stint that prevailed positively for the Screaming Eagles. During the run, TTU posted six offensive errors while Leah Anderson earned back-to-back aces. With an 11-7 lead, USI watched TTU storm back by scoring five of the next six points. The Screaming Eagles bounced back quickly with a 7-1 surge to extend USI’s lead to six. Sophomore Bianca Anderson (Chicago Heights, Illinois) kicked off the run with a kill before Leah Anderson nabbed a pair of kills with sophomore Keira Moore (Newburgh, Indiana) adding on a run-ending ace. Even with a 21-15 advantage, no lead was safe as TTU went on a 6-0 surge to knot it up at 21 apiece. USI would not stumble, securing the second-set victory after back-to-back kills from Leah Anderson and senior outside/right side hitter Abby Bednar (Chagrin Falls, Ohio). It was a more balanced attack from both sides; however, it was TTU’s six blocks that made the difference on the score sheet.
TTU controlled the entire set as USI fell in the third frame, 25-22. The game began with a pair of kills from Bianca Anderson and one kill from junior middle hitter Paris Downing (Avon, Indiana) before Leah Anderson added repeating kills to tie it at six early. Tied at eight, TTU started to coast, scoring five of the next six points to hold a four-point advantage. USI was able to recover and cut the deficit to 18-16 thanks to kills from three different Eagles. It was back-and-forth play through the rest of the set as TTU was able to hold off a USI comeback. Between both teams, all the last 18 points were scored off kills, the longest such streak in the match. TTU was able to secure 20 kills in the frame with just two errors as USI batted down 15 kills with also two miscues. Neither side was able to record an ace nor a block in the set.
An 8-0 start and a 5-0 end resulted in a big win for USI in the fourth frame, 25-13. The Screaming Eagles began the set with a strong start with seven kills, four kills coming from the attack of Bianca Anderson. TTU was able to stop the bleeding before USI added another run, this time a 4-0 stint to make it a 15-6 game. The Golden Eagles sought revenge by cutting the deficit to seven and trading points until it reached 20-13. To cap off an incredible set, USI scored the last five points with kills from Downing and Leah Anderson along with a big ace from junior setter Carly Sobieralski (Indianapolis, Indiana). The Screaming Eagles’ defense was the MVP in the frame, holding TTU to just nine kills and a 0.129 hitting percentage. USI’s offense was not too shabby either, earning 18 kills with just one error to post a 0.548 attacking percentage.
Strategic runs by TTU led to a 15-12 victory over USI. The Golden Eagles kicked off the frame with three-straight points before the Screaming Eagles recovered with a 4-0 run led by Bednar who tallied a kill and an ace during the stint. Down 5-4, TTU stormed back by scoring seven of the next nine points to take a commanding 11-7 advantage. However, USI kept battling and tied the match up with another 4-0 surge. Despite the late push, TTU held off USI and scored four of the final five points to seal the win. The Screaming Eagles have not won a fifth set since November 19, 2021. USI only had one error in the frame, but it was 12 TTU kills that sealed the match.
Leah Anderson posted big numbers in the loss, securing 16 kills and 19 digs for her fourth-straight and ninth total double-double of the season. She also had a team-high three aces. Also earning double-digit kills and leading the team in blocks were Bianca Anderson and Downing who had 13 kills with four blocks and 10 kills with three blocks, respectively. Sobieralski tallied 45 assists while junior outside hitter Abby Weber (Fishers, Indiana) and Moore each recorded double-digit digs with 14 and 11 apiece. Bednar also had a solid outing with eight kills and four blocks.
As a team, the Screaming Eagles earned 58 kills, 47 assists, and six aces to go with 65 digs and seven blocks. The Golden Eagles had 70 kills, 61 assists, and four aces to pair with 75 digs and eight blocks.
NEXT UP FOR THE EAGLES:
The Eagles host TTU one last time tomorrow at 2 p.m. Tomorrow’s match will be Senior Day for USI where the Eagles will recognize their four seniors: Leah Anderson, Bednar,
Audrey Crowder
Audrey Crowder (Avon, Indiana), and Evie Duncan (Evansville, Indiana).
UINDY WRESTLING
#7 WRESTLING OPENS SEASON THIS WEEKEND
INDIANAPOLIS – The No. 7-ranked University of Indianapolis wrestling team will kick off it’s season this Saturday at the Kaufman/Brand/Bayly Open hosted by fellow GLVC-school Maryville. Coming off a GLVC-title in the 2022-23 season, the Hounds have been tabbed to repeat as conference champs and currently sit as one of three GLVC schools to be within the top ten of the NWCA Preseason Poll, with McKendree and Upper Iowa both being tied for fifth.
Of the Hounds seven national qualifiers last season, they return four to this year’s lineup with the headliners being the recently crowned top heavyweight Cale Gray, and the two-time national runner-up Derek Blubaugh. Owen Butler and Ray Rioux round out the national qualifiers returning, while the Hounds also get Dawson Combest back, an All-American in the 2021-22 year.
UINDY CROSS COUNTRY
HOUNDS PREP FOR NCAA REGIONALS
INDIANAPOLIS – The UIndy men’s and women’s cross country teams prepare for the NCAA DII Cross Country Regional Championships on Saturday. The meet will take place at Angel Mounds Park in Evansville, Ind. The women will compete in their 6k first at 11 a.m. EST and the men’s 10k will follow at 12:15 p.m. EST.
Thirty-eight teams from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), and Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) will battle for a chance to compete at nationals. The top-25 finishers from each race will be named All-Region.
The Greyhounds will send Kaylin Casner, Hadley Fisher, Emma Gaston, Trinity Gleitz, Gabrielle Harrell, Mariah Judy, Hailey Orosz, and Claire Wigger from the women’s team. For the men Garrett Ardis, Liam Arthur, Andrew Bixler, Harnoor Dosanjh, Brandon Ellis, Felix Rivet, and Tom Saint-Juvin will participate.
The Hounds last competed in the GLVC Championships on Oct. 21. The women came in sixth and the men in seventh. Orosz, Judy, and Saint-Juvin were named All-GLVC with their top-20 finishes.
UINDY VOLLEYBALL
HOUNDS BOUNCE BACK WITH HOME WIN OVER UPPER IOWA
INDIANAPOLIS – The UIndy volleyball team knocked off the rust on Friday night, returning home to Ruth Lilly Fitness Center for the first time in 26 days with a four-set victory over Upper Iowa.
Hannah Sabotin led the Greyhounds with 15 kills on .429 hitting from the middle, all while contributing eight blocks and six digs on the defensive side of the net. Speaking of defense, freshman libero Ellie Spang scooped up a season-high 29 digs in the win.
The Hounds and Peacocks faced off for the first time in five years, with the hosts earning their first win in the series since 2013.
INS & OUTS
UIndy bounced back into the win column, however, it was not without a fight from the visiting Peacocks. The key was the third set, as Sabotin knocked down six kills to help the team snag the victory by the slimmest of margins at 25-23. The frame witnessed 11 ties and three lead changes.
Lauren Cullison helped seal the Friday night win with a dominating fourth set from the right side. The senior tallied seven of her 13 kills in the game, while Grace Hegwood and Sophia Parlanti combined for seven finishes with zero errors.
The Greyhounds attacked at a .361 clip in the opening frame, with six players recording at least one kill. Morris recorded her only two kills of the evening in the first set, while handing out four helpers apiece to Hegwood and Parlanti.
INSIDE THE BOX
– Four Hounds finished with double-digit kills, as setter Claire Morris dished out 52 assists.
– Morris picked up her fifth double-double of the fall, adding 14 digs to her final line.
– Overall, the match saw 32 tie scores and 12 lead changes throughout the 122-minute runtime.
– Spang tallied 11 of her digs in the fourth set; the rookie impressively recorded 27 of her 29 scoops in the final three games.
MORE NOTES
UIndy now leads the all-time series, 2-1 … Hegwood recorded her seventh double-double of the season, adding 13 digs to her 12 kills … of Sabotin’s eight total blocks, one was a solo stop … defensive specialist Lauren Peal tacked on 10 digs in the win.
HOUND BYTES
Sabotin on the win…
“It was a great atmosphere. With my teammates hyping me the whole time, it made my job a lot easier.”
Sabotin on returning from an injury in the fourth set…
“Our other players stepped up. We all took care of our responsibilities and finished the game.”
Spang on the team…
“It’s been really awesome. They work hard every single day; we work in practice on it every single day and it was awesome tonight.”
Spang on her leadership…
“I always want to work on my voice. As the libero, you want to be the defensive leader so letting your hitters know whether to tip or swing as hard as they can I feel is helpful.”
UP NEXT
UIndy hosts a senior day matchup on Saturday, as Truman visits Ruth Lilly for the first time since Sept. 2021. First serve with the Bulldogs is scheduled for 3 p.m.
UINDY MEN’S SOCCER
GREYHOUNDS READY FOR GLVC QUARTERFINALS
INDIANAPOLIS – The UIndy men’s soccer team readies for their GLVC Tournament quarterfinal match against Truman on Sunday. The No. 3 seeded Greyhounds will battle the No. 7 seeded Bulldogs at 2:30 p.m. in Key Stadium for a spot in the semifinal.
UIndy finished the season 10-1-5 (8-1-4 GLVC) while Truman ended with a 6-5-4 (5-4-5 GLVC) record. The last time these teams saw each other was on Oct. 22, were the Greyhounds won 5-0. Five different Hounds scoring during the contest. A strong defensive presence prevented the Bulldogs from scoring during the 90 minutes, helping goalie Kieran Brown earn a shutout.
The winner of this match will face the winner of No. 2 seed Lewis and No. 6 seed Rockhurst.
UINDY WRESTLING
#7 WRESTLING OPENS SEASON THIS WEEKEND
INDIANAPOLIS – The No. 7-ranked University of Indianapolis wrestling team will kick off it’s season this Saturday at the Kaufman/Brand/Bayly Open hosted by fellow GLVC-school Maryville. Coming off a GLVC-title in the 2022-23 season, the Hounds have been tabbed to repeat as conference champs and currently sit as one of three GLVC schools to be within the top ten of the NWCA Preseason Poll, with McKendree and Upper Iowa both being tied for fifth.
Of the Hounds seven national qualifiers last season, they return four to this year’s lineup with the headliners being the recently crowned top heavyweight Cale Gray, and the two-time national runner-up Derek Blubaugh. Owen Butler and Ray Rioux round out the national qualifiers returning, while the Hounds also get Dawson Combest back, an All-American in the 2021-22 year.
MARIAN MEN’S BASKETBALL
WHITAKER’S DOUBLE-DOUBLE HIGHLIGHTS MARIAN’S EXHIBITION MATCHUP AT INDIANA
Bloomington, Ind. – The Marian men’s basketball team put up a fight Friday night in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, battling the Indiana Hoosiers in an early-season exhibition contest. The Knights battled the Hoosiers and trailed by 14 at halftime as they competed against their NCAA DI counterparts, but an early second half run put Indiana in control as Marian fell 94-61.
Indiana went right at the Marian defense on the opening possession of the game and scored on an Xaiver Johnson jumper to take the first points of the game, but Marian would put the clamps on preventing any points for a two-minute stretch. The Knights would take a lead on the Hoosiers at the 18:16 mark of the half on a Gus Etchison three, and held their lead for 0:46 seconds before the next IU point. Indiana would use a 12-0 run to take control on the half, but the Knights would continue to pester as Brody Whitaker and Dylan Moles buried open three point shots.
Marian trailed by nine at the second media timeout of the first half, and continued to hang within four possessions of the Hoosiers as Etchison and Ben Henderson continued to score from outside. The Knights opened the first 13 minutes of the game shooting a blistering hot 58 percent from the three, and Etchison’s third make of the game brought Marian within 10 points. Maximus Gizzi converted on a three-point play on the backend of the under-eight media timeout, cutting within nine points as they trailed 33-24.
The Hoosiers would out-score Marian 16-11 after the old-school three from Gizzi, as Malik Reneau and Trey Galloway helped Indiana build a 49-35 lead at the intermission. Etchison finished the first half with nine points, while Henderson scored nine and Brody Whitaker scored eight.
After halftime Indiana came out and blitzed the Knights, pushing their lead to 24 points with a quick 9-0 run. Whitaker scored four unanswered to halt the run, but the Hoosiers continued to score as Mackenzie Mgbako and Johnson pushed the home lead to 27 points.
The lead would move to 30 points for Indiana with 9:48 remaining in the game, but Marian continued to fight for the remainder of the game despite the large deficit. Scores from Dylan Moles, Nolan Foster, and Whitaker kept increasing the Marian total, as the Knights put up 18 of their 26 second-half points over the final 10 minutes of the game.
Indiana would lead by as many as 36 points on the night, but Marian was able to trim the final margin to 33 points as Foster made a pair of free throws in the final seconds of the game, ending the contest in the 94-61 final.
Whitaker led all Marian players with his second double-figure scoring game of the season, as the junior put up a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double. Henderson finished with 12 points, and Etchison finished with 11 points. Moles and Josh Bryan each finished with five points each. Whitaker would also lead the Knights in assists with four, and Jackson Ames had two of the team’s three blocks.
As a team Marian shot 30 percent from behind the arc, and 32 percent from the floor, losing the rebound battle to Indiana 36-34.
Marian will return to regular season action on Tuesday night, as they host Wilberforce in the PE Center. Tip is scheduled for 6 p.m.
MARIAN WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
GARRARD’S CAREER HIGH LIFTS MARIAN OVER #8 DAKOTA STATE
SEWARD, Ind. – The fifth-ranked Marian women’s basketball team started the Cattle Classic off with a top-10 win, as they took down No. 8 Dakota State 78-69 Friday afternoon. The Knights are now 2-0 to start the year.
Tamia Perryman started the scoring on the day as she knocked down a jumper, giving Marian the 6-0 run to start the game. Dakota State answered back with a triple for their first points of the game. The two teams traded points the remainder of the first quarter, but a three-pointer by Josie Trable and Aliyah Evans scored in the final two minutes, giving the Knights the 16-12 lead after the quarter one.
After scoring the final points of the first quarter, Trabel and Evans got the scoring started to begin quarter two with back-to-back buckets. Dakota State responded and the scoring went back and forth before the Trojans scored the final four points of the quarter to cut their deficit to three, with Marian on top 30-27 at the break.
A jumper by Abbey McNally and Perryman extended the Knights lead to seven, but a Trojan triple answered. Collier got Marian back on track with the and-one play, while Kinnidy Garrard added the layup and a pair of free throws to put Marian on top 41-36 at the 5:59 mark. A shot by Collier 30 seconds later that sparked a 6-3 spurt to jump ahead eight. A layup by Dakota State ended the run, but it was Marian finding the double digit lead after back-to-back layups from Garrard and Collier. Dakota State found a run of their own in the final two minutes to trail by six at 54-48 going into the final quarter.
With the six point lead at hand, baskets from Collier, Garrard, and McNally put the Knights back up by 10 with 7:40 to play. A 9-2 run by the Trojans kept them in the game before Garrard responded with a layup and Allison Bosse added the triple to give them the five-point lead with under five minutes to play. A pair of free throws by Dakota state cut the Marian lead back to three, but another Bosse three put the Knights back up five. Marian held the 69-64 lead with 2:09 left to play, forcing the Trojans to foul. The Knights knocked down free throws in the final minutes to take the 77-69 victory.
Garrard had a game-high and career-high 26 points to go along with 13 rebounds for the double double. Collier added 17 points and dished out five assists, while McNally scored nine points, had a team-high six assists, and pulled down five rebounds.
Marian will be back in action Saturday at 3 p.m. as they take on No. 17 Concordia (Neb.) in the final game of the Cattle Classic.
MARIAN MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
HIPKISS QUALIFIES FOR NAIA CHAMPIONSHIPS AS MARIAN PLACES SIXTH AT CROSSROADS LEAGUE MEET
Upland, Ind. – The Marian men’s cross country team competed at the annual Crossroads League Championship on Friday morning, racing against the other nine teams in the league on Taylor’s cross country course. The Knights finished sixth overall in the meet, while Blake Hipkiss led the team with All-Crossroads League honors.
Indiana Wesleyan continued their strong season, winning the Crossroads League Championship with a team total of 19 points, as they claimed the top-four individual finishers. Taylor finished second in the meet, while Goshen placed third and Grace College finished fourth. Huntington finished 16 points ahead of the Knights, with Marian finishing sixth with a team score of 145. Spring Arbor, Mt. Vernon, Bethel, and St. Francis finished seventh through tenth.
Blake Hipkiss led the Knights individually, placing 10th overall in the final standings. Hipkiss turned in a time of 25:38.3, earning All-Crossroads League honors with his efforts. The senior’s finish earned him an individual spot at the NAIA Championships in two weeks, where Hipkiss will compete for an NAIA Championship.
Marian’s second finisher was Tristan Trevino, who finished 25th overall with his time of 26:14. Trevino was followed by Robin Aguilar-Gonzalez, who finished 31st overall with a strong time of 26:23. Benjamin Moster finished 37th overall with his time of 26:41, and Aaron Broderick finished 53rd with his time of 27:21. Robert Lohman finished 59th overall with his time of 27:31, and Nick Frank rounded out the team scoring with his 67th overall place finish. Frank turned in a time of 27:47.
The Knights remaining finishers were Adam Heitz (84th, 28:18), Lucas Steward (92nd, 28:29), Drew Holok (95th, 28:33), Mitchell Hayward (98th, 28:43), Everett Carlisle (106th, 29:20), Trevor May (111th, 29:47), Alex Chavarria (113th, 29:58), Kenneth Hammell (121st, 30:27), Daniel Camacho (31:08), and Alex Cuevas (128th, 31:14).
Blake Hipkiss will run at the NAIA Championships in Vancouver, Washington, two weeks from today on November 17. More details on the NAIA Championships and Blake Hipkiss will be announced to MUKnights.com in the coming week.
MARIAN WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
KNIGHTS CLOSE OUT SEASON WITH SEVENTH PLACE FINISH AT CROSSROADS LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
UPLAND, Ind. – The Marian women’s cross country team closed out their season on Friday, finishing seventh place at the Crossroads League Championship hosted by Taylor.
Senior Liz Loichinger led the Knights crossing the line in 23rd place with a time 23:30.8. Brooke Trinkle joined Loichinger in the top-50, as she finished in a time of 24:15.5 to place 45th. At 24:34.1, Emma Beimfohr came across the line for the Knights in 52nd place followed closely by Lainey Roth in 61st, finishing at 24:50.9.
Nora Steele crossed fourth for the Knights at 24:54.4 to place 63rd, while Lindsay Huston clocked in at 25:15.2 to take 69th and round out the top-five finishers for Marian. Josie Feldman finished next leading another group of Knights to the line. Feldman toed the line in a time of 25:40.4 to finish 79th, before Luci Woodrum clocked in at 26:03.7 and Sabrina Siems finished with a time of 26:41.1.
Katie Woods and Emily Baker finished back-to-back, coming in at times of 27:27.6 and 27:30.5, respectively.
SMALL COLLEGE ATHLETICS
INDIANA WESLEYAN ATHLETICS: https://iwuwildcats.com/
EARLHAM ATHLETICS: https://goearlham.com/
WABASH ATHLETICS: https://sports.wabash.edu/
FRANKLIN ATHLETICS: https://franklingrizzlies.com/
ROSE-HULMAN ATHLETICS: https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/
ANDERSON ATHLETICS: https://athletics.anderson.edu/landing/index
TRINE ATHLETICS: https://trinethunder.com/landing/index
BETHEL ATHLETICS: https://bupilots.com/
DEPAUW ATHLETICS: https://depauwtigers.com/
HANOVER ATHLETICS: https://athletics.hanover.edu/
MANCHESTER ATHLETICS: https://muspartans.com/
HUNTINGTON ATHLETICS: https://www.huathletics.com/
OAKLAND CITY ATHLETICS: https://gomightyoaks.com/index.aspx
ST. FRANCIS ATHLETICS: https://www.saintfranciscougars.com/landing/index
IU KOKOMO ATHLETICS: https://iukcougars.com/
IU EAST ATHLETICS: https://www.iueredwolves.com/
IU SOUTH BEND ATHLETICS: https://iusbtitans.com/
PURDUE NORTHWEST ATHLETICS: https://pnwathletics.com/
INDIANA TECH ATHLETICS: https://indianatechwarriors.com/index.aspx
GRACE COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://gclancers.com/
ST. MARY OF THE WOODS ATHLETICS: https://smwcathletics.com/
GOSHEN COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://goleafs.net/
HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php
TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/
VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index
NBA STANDINGS
| Eastern Conference | ||||||||||||
| Atlantic Division | ||||||||||||
| W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Div | Conf | Last 10 | Streak | |||
| Boston | 4 | 0 | 1.000 | — | 2-0 | 2-0 | 1-0 | 4-0 | 4-0 | 4 W | ||
| Philadelphia | 3 | 1 | .750 | 1.0 | 2-0 | 1-1 | 2-0 | 2-1 | 3-1 | 3 W | ||
| Brooklyn | 3 | 2 | .600 | 1.5 | 0-1 | 3-1 | – | 3-1 | 3-2 | 3 W | ||
| New York | 2 | 4 | .333 | 3.0 | 0-2 | 2-2 | 0-1 | 2-3 | 2-4 | 2 L | ||
| Toronto | 2 | 4 | .333 | 3.0 | 2-2 | 0-2 | 0-2 | 1-3 | 2-4 | 1 L | ||
| Central Divison | ||||||||||||
| W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Div | Conf | Last 10 | Streak | |||
| Indiana | 3 | 2 | .600 | — | 2-1 | 1-1 | 2-1 | 3-2 | 3-2 | 1 W | ||
| Milwaukee | 3 | 2 | .600 | — | 3-1 | 0-1 | – | 3-2 | 3-2 | 1 W | ||
| Detroit | 2 | 4 | .333 | 1.5 | 1-1 | 1-3 | 1-0 | 2-1 | 2-4 | 3 L | ||
| Chicago | 2 | 4 | .333 | 1.5 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-1 | 2-2 | 2-4 | 2 L | ||
| Cleveland | 2 | 4 | .333 | 1.5 | 0-3 | 2-1 | 0-2 | 2-3 | 2-4 | 1 L | ||
| Southeast Division | ||||||||||||
| W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Div | Conf | Last 10 | Streak | |||
| Atlanta | 3 | 2 | .600 | — | 2-1 | 1-1 | 1-1 | 2-2 | 3-2 | 3 W | ||
| Orlando | 3 | 2 | .600 | — | 1-0 | 2-2 | – | – | 3-2 | 1 W | ||
| Miami | 2 | 4 | .333 | 1.5 | 2-1 | 0-3 | 1-0 | 2-3 | 2-4 | 1 W | ||
| Charlotte | 1 | 3 | .250 | 1.5 | 1-2 | 0-1 | 1-0 | 1-2 | 1-3 | 3 L | ||
| Washington | 1 | 4 | .200 | 2.0 | 1-1 | 0-3 | 0-2 | 0-4 | 1-4 | 3 L | ||
| Western Conference | ||||||||||||
| Northwest Division | ||||||||||||
| W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Div | Conf | Last 10 | Streak | |||
| Denver | 5 | 1 | .833 | — | 3-0 | 2-1 | 2-1 | 5-1 | 5-1 | 1 W | ||
| Minnesota | 2 | 2 | .500 | 2.0 | 2-0 | 0-2 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 2-2 | 1 W | ||
| Portland | 3 | 3 | .500 | 2.0 | 1-1 | 2-2 | – | 1-1 | 3-3 | 3 W | ||
| Oklahoma City | 3 | 3 | .500 | 2.0 | 1-3 | 2-0 | 0-1 | 0-3 | 3-3 | 2 L | ||
| Utah | 2 | 4 | .333 | 3.0 | 2-2 | 0-2 | 0-1 | 2-3 | 2-4 | 1 L | ||
| Pacific Division | ||||||||||||
| W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Div | Conf | Last 10 | Streak | |||
| Golden State | 5 | 1 | .833 | — | 1-1 | 4-0 | 2-1 | 5-1 | 5-1 | 5 W | ||
| LA Lakers | 3 | 2 | .600 | 1.5 | 3-0 | 0-2 | 2-1 | 2-2 | 3-2 | 2 W | ||
| LA Clippers | 3 | 2 | .600 | 1.5 | 3-0 | 0-2 | 0-1 | 2-2 | 3-2 | 1 L | ||
| Sacramento | 2 | 2 | .500 | 2.0 | 1-1 | 1-1 | 1-2 | 2-2 | 2-2 | 1 L | ||
| Phoenix | 2 | 3 | .400 | 2.5 | 1-2 | 1-1 | 1-1 | 2-3 | 2-3 | 2 L | ||
| Southwest Division | ||||||||||||
| W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Div | Conf | Last 10 | Streak | |||
| Dallas | 4 | 1 | .800 | — | 2-0 | 2-1 | 2-0 | 2-1 | 4-1 | 1 L | ||
| New Orleans | 4 | 1 | .800 | — | 2-1 | 2-0 | 1-0 | 2-1 | 4-1 | 2 W | ||
| San Antonio | 3 | 2 | .600 | 1.0 | 1-1 | 2-1 | 1-1 | 3-2 | 3-2 | 2 W | ||
| Houston | 1 | 3 | .250 | 2.5 | 1-1 | 0-2 | 0-1 | 0-2 | 1-3 | 1 W | ||
| Memphis | 0 | 6 | .000 | 4.5 | 0-3 | 0-3 | 0-2 | 0-5 | 0-6 | 6 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 | 2 | 0 | .750 | 0.0 | 271 | 204 | 4-0-0 | 2-2-0 | 4-1-0 | 2-1-0 | 1 W | |
| Buffalo Bills | 5 | 3 | 0 | .625 | 1.0 | 222 | 136 | 4-1-0 | 1-2-0 | 2-3-0 | 1-2-0 | 1 W | |
| New York Jets | 4 | 3 | 0 | .571 | 1.5 | 126 | 129 | 2-2-0 | 2-1-0 | 2-2-0 | 1-1-0 | 3 W | |
| New England Patriots | 2 | 6 | 0 | .250 | 4.0 | 118 | 208 | 1-3-0 | 1-3-0 | 2-3-0 | 2-2-0 | 1 L | |
| West Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Kansas City Chiefs | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 | 0.0 | 187 | 129 | 3-1-0 | 3-1-0 | 4-1-0 | 2-1-0 | 1 L | |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 3 | 4 | 0 | .429 | 2.5 | 174 | 168 | 2-2-0 | 1-2-0 | 1-3-0 | 1-1-0 | 1 W | |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 3 | 5 | 0 | .375 | 3.0 | 126 | 187 | 2-1-0 | 1-4-0 | 2-3-0 | 1-1-0 | 2 L | |
| Denver Broncos | 3 | 5 | 0 | .375 | 3.0 | 172 | 226 | 2-3-0 | 1-2-0 | 1-4-0 | 1-2-0 | 2 W | |
| North Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Baltimore Ravens | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 | 0.0 | 202 | 121 | 2-1-0 | 4-1-0 | 4-2-0 | 2-1-0 | 3 W | |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 5 | 3 | 0 | .625 | 1.0 | 133 | 163 | 3-2-0 | 2-1-0 | 4-2-0 | 2-0-0 | 1 W | |
| Cleveland Browns | 4 | 3 | 0 | .571 | 1.5 | 154 | 139 | 3-1-0 | 1-2-0 | 3-2-0 | 1-2-0 | 1 L | |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 4 | 3 | 0 | .571 | 1.5 | 131 | 144 | 2-1-0 | 2-2-0 | 0-3-0 | 0-2-0 | 3 W | |
| South Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 | 0.0 | 193 | 156 | 2-2-0 | 4-0-0 | 4-2-0 | 2-1-0 | 5 W | |
| Houston Texans | 3 | 4 | 0 | .429 | 2.5 | 148 | 128 | 2-1-0 | 1-3-0 | 2-2-0 | 1-1-0 | 1 L | |
| Indianapolis Colts | 3 | 5 | 0 | .375 | 3.0 | 205 | 229 | 1-4-0 | 2-1-0 | 3-3-0 | 2-2-0 | 3 L | |
| Tennessee Titans | 3 | 5 | 0 | .375 | 3.0 | 148 | 160 | 3-1-0 | 0-4-0 | 2-4-0 | 0-1-0 | 1 L | |
| National Football Conference | |||||||||||||
| East Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Philadelphia Eagles | 7 | 1 | 0 | .875 | 0.0 | 224 | 172 | 3-0-0 | 4-1-0 | 5-0-0 | 2-0-0 | 2 W | |
| Dallas Cowboys | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 | 1.5 | 197 | 120 | 3-0-0 | 2-2-0 | 2-2-0 | 1-0-0 | 2 W | |
| Washington Commanders | 3 | 5 | 0 | .375 | 4.0 | 171 | 228 | 1-3-0 | 2-2-0 | 2-4-0 | 0-3-0 | 2 L | |
| New York Giants | 2 | 6 | 0 | .250 | 5.0 | 95 | 187 | 1-3-0 | 1-3-0 | 2-3-0 | 1-1-0 | 1 L | |
| West Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Seattle Seahawks | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 | 0.0 | 168 | 138 | 3-1-0 | 2-1-0 | 4-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 2 W | |
| San Francisco 49ers | 5 | 3 | 0 | .625 | 0.5 | 218 | 140 | 3-1-0 | 2-2-0 | 4-1-0 | 2-0-0 | 3 L | |
| Los Angeles Rams | 3 | 5 | 0 | .375 | 2.5 | 175 | 184 | 1-3-0 | 2-2-0 | 2-3-0 | 2-1-0 | 2 L | |
| Arizona Cardinals | 1 | 7 | 0 | .125 | 4.5 | 151 | 213 | 1-3-0 | 0-4-0 | 1-5-0 | 0-3-0 | 5 L | |
| North Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Detroit Lions | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 | 0.0 | 200 | 165 | 3-1-0 | 3-1-0 | 4-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 1 W | |
| Minnesota Vikings | 4 | 4 | 0 | .500 | 2.0 | 175 | 162 | 1-3-0 | 3-1-0 | 4-2-0 | 2-0-0 | 3 W | |
| Green Bay Packers | 2 | 5 | 0 | .286 | 3.5 | 140 | 156 | 1-2-0 | 1-3-0 | 2-3-0 | 1-2-0 | 4 L | |
| Chicago Bears | 2 | 6 | 0 | .250 | 4.0 | 171 | 218 | 1-3-0 | 1-3-0 | 1-3-0 | 0-2-0 | 1 L | |
| South Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Atlanta Falcons | 4 | 4 | 0 | .500 | 0.0 | 138 | 161 | 3-1-0 | 1-3-0 | 3-2-0 | 2-0-0 | 1 L | |
| New Orleans Saints | 4 | 4 | 0 | .500 | 0.0 | 171 | 154 | 1-2-0 | 3-2-0 | 1-2-0 | 1-1-0 | 1 W | |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 3 | 4 | 0 | .429 | 0.5 | 121 | 128 | 1-3-0 | 2-1-0 | 3-3-0 | 1-1-0 | 3 L | |
| Carolina Panthers | 1 | 6 | 0 | .143 | 2.5 | 127 | 199 | 1-2-0 | 0-4-0 | 0-5-0 | 0-2-0 | 1 W | |
NHL STANDINGS
| Eastern Conference | ||||||||||||
| Atlantic Division | ||||||||||||
| GP | W | L | OTL | Pts | ROW | GF | GA | Home | Road | L10 | ||
| Boston Bruins | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 19 | 8 | 32 | 16 | 5-0-1 | 4-0-0 | 9-0-1 | |
| Detroit Red Wings | 11 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 13 | 6 | 40 | 33 | 3-2-1 | 3-2-0 | 6-3-1 | |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 4 | 32 | 31 | 2-2-0 | 3-1-2 | 5-3-2 | |
| Montreal Canadiens | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 4 | 30 | 33 | 4-2-0 | 1-1-2 | 5-3-2 | |
| Florida Panthers | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 11 | 5 | 24 | 23 | 3-1-0 | 2-2-1 | 5-3-1 | |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 4 | 34 | 32 | 4-0-2 | 0-3-1 | 4-3-3 | |
| Buffalo Sabres | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 10 | 5 | 33 | 34 | 3-4-0 | 2-2-0 | 5-5-0 | |
| Ottawa Senators | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 34 | 29 | 3-3-0 | 1-2-0 | 4-5-0 | |
| Metropolitan Division | ||||||||||||
| GP | W | L | OTL | Pts | ROW | GF | GA | Home | Road | L10 | ||
| New York Rangers | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 16 | 8 | 30 | 19 | 2-1-0 | 6-1-0 | 8-2-0 | |
| New Jersey Devils | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 6 | 39 | 37 | 3-2-1 | 3-1-0 | 6-3-1 | |
| New York Islanders | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 23 | 3-1-2 | 2-1-0 | 5-2-2 | |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 12 | 5 | 38 | 39 | 3-0-0 | 3-5-0 | 5-5-0 | |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 11 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 11 | 5 | 37 | 34 | 3-3-0 | 2-2-1 | 4-5-1 | |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 4 | 27 | 32 | 3-3-1 | 1-1-1 | 4-4-2 | |
| Washington Capitals | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 2 | 19 | 29 | 3-3-0 | 1-1-1 | 4-4-1 | |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 26 | 29 | 2-4-0 | 1-2-0 | 3-6-0 | |
| Western Conference | ||||||||||||
| Central Division | ||||||||||||
| GP | W | L | OTL | Pts | ROW | GF | GA | Home | Road | L10 | ||
| Dallas Stars | 9 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 6 | 30 | 24 | 3-1-0 | 4-0-1 | 7-1-1 | |
| Colorado Avalanche | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 6 | 32 | 21 | 3-0-0 | 4-2-0 | 7-2-0 | |
| Arizona Coyotes | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 4 | 34 | 27 | 3-1-0 | 2-3-1 | 5-4-1 | |
| Winnipeg Jets | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 4 | 31 | 36 | 2-2-1 | 2-2-1 | 4-4-2 | |
| St. Louis Blues | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 3 | 19 | 25 | 3-1-0 | 1-3-1 | 4-4-1 | |
| Nashville Predators | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 27 | 30 | 3-2-0 | 1-4-0 | 4-6-0 | |
| Minnesota Wild | 10 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 3 | 35 | 43 | 2-2-1 | 1-3-1 | 3-5-2 | |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 19 | 32 | 0-2-0 | 3-4-0 | 3-6-0 | |
| Pacific Division | ||||||||||||
| GP | W | L | OTL | Pts | ROW | GF | GA | Home | Road | L10 | ||
| Vegas Golden Knights | 11 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 7 | 43 | 24 | 6-0-1 | 4-0-0 | 9-0-1 | |
| Vancouver Canucks | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 7 | 46 | 22 | 3-0-1 | 4-2-0 | 7-2-1 | |
| Los Angeles Kings | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 6 | 42 | 33 | 1-2-2 | 5-0-0 | 6-2-2 | |
| Anaheim Ducks | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 12 | 6 | 33 | 30 | 2-2-0 | 4-2-0 | 6-4-0 | |
| Seattle Kraken | 11 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 4 | 28 | 36 | 2-2-0 | 2-3-2 | 4-4-2 | |
| Edmonton Oilers | 9 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 25 | 36 | 1-3-1 | 1-3-0 | 2-6-1 | |
| Calgary Flames | 10 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 22 | 38 | 1-3-0 | 1-4-1 | 2-7-1 | |
| San Jose Sharks | 10 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 45 | 0-4-1 | 0-5-0 | 0-9-1 | |
TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
1935 NFL standout Cal Hubbard becomes an American League umpire. The former Green Bay Packers offensive tackle will become the only person enshrined in both the Pro Football and Baseball Hall of Fame.
1957 With a new rule, an option now includes keeping the ball in play after a balk call. If a player gets a hit, a team can accept the batted ball’s outcome instead of being limited to the advance of the baserunner(s).
1959 Ernie Banks (.304, 45, 143) becomes the first National Leaguer to win consecutive MVP awards. ‘Mr. Cub,’ playing for a fifth-place team, garners 10 of the writers’ 21 first-place votes, with Eddie Mathews (5) and Hank Aaron (2) of the Braves and Dodger Wally Moon (4) found on top of the remaining ballots.
1963 The Cardinals trade outfielder George Altman and pitcher Bill Wakefield to the Mets for veteran right-hander Roger Craig. Next season, the hard-luck hurler, who has lost 20 games the last two years, will win Game 4 of the Fall Classic, beating the Yankees for the World Champion Redbirds.
1965 Al Lopez resigns as the manager of the White Sox. The future Hall of Fame skipper will briefly return to the Chicago dugout to manage 47 games in 1968 and 17 games the following season before retiring for good.
1975 Orioles hurler Jim Palmer, garnering 15 of the 24 first-place votes cast by the writers, wins the second of his three Cy Young awards, easily outpointing runners-up Yankees’ right-hander Catfish Hunter and A’s reliever Rollie Fingers. The 30-year-old Baltimore ace first copped the prestigious pitching prize in 1973, posted a 23-11 record along with a league-leading 2.40 ERA for the second-place team.
1980 Japan’s all-time home run hitter, Sadaharu Oh, retires from professional baseball. The Tokyo Yomiuri Giants’ first baseman hit a record-setting 868 home runs in his 22-year playing career.
1997 Phillies infielder Scott Rolen, who led all freshman players in the National League in batting average (.283), home runs (21), and RBIs (92), is the unanimous choice for the circuit’s Rookie of the Year Award. The third baseman, who did not qualify as a rookie last season by one at-bat after having his wrist broken when hit by a pitch, becomes the first Philadelphia player to win the award since Dick Allen copped the honor in 1964.
2001 For the first time since 1985, two twenty-game winners start Game 7 of the World Series when Yankee right-hander Roger Clemens (20-3) faces Curt Schilling (22-6) of the Diamondbacks at Bank One Ballpark in Arizona. Sixteen years ago, Bret Saberhagen (20-6) of the Royals squared off against Cardinal hurler John Tudor (21-8) in the Fall Classic finale at Kauffman Stadium.
2001 In Game 7 of a classic World Series, Arizona rallies for two runs in the bottom of the ninth, defeating the Yankees and their usually unbeatable closer, Mariano Rivera, 3-2. The four-year-old Diamondbacks, the youngest franchise to win a Fall Classic, end New York’s string of three consecutive World Championships.
2001 Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling are named co-MVPs of the World Series. The Diamondback hurlers are the first multiple winners since a trio of Dodgers (Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero, and Steve Yeager) shared the award in 1981.
2002 Eric Hinske (.279, 24, 84) wins the American League Rookie of the Year award. The 25-year-old Blue Jays third baseman receives 19 of 28 first-place votes cast by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, with Oriole starter Rodrigo Lopez getting the other nine first-place nods.
2002 Colorado Rockies right-hander Jason Jennings (16-6, 4.52) becomes the first member of the Rockies to be selected by the BBWAA as the National League Rookie of the Year. The 24-year-old right-hander receives 27 first-place votes from the 32 writers participating in the balloting.
2003 Former Yankee captain Don Mattingly is named the Bronx Bombers’ hitting coach, replacing Rick Down. The 42-year-old, who retired due to back problems, will be a top candidate to replace Joe Torre as the manager in 2005.
2003 Miami-Dade County Commissioners approved a plan committing $73 million in tax money toward a new major league ballpark for the Marlins. The World Champions, who have agreed to change their name to the Miami Marlins if the city builds the ballpark, want to begin playing in the $325 million new park in 2007 but need to raise $137 million for their part of their commitment.
2004 Philadelphia names Charlie Manuel as the team’s new manager, replacing Larry Bowa, who was fired at the end of the season after the much-favored Phillies failed to make the postseason. The former Cleveland skipper compiled a 220-190 (.537) record and won a division during his three years with the Tribe.
2004 The Mets introduced Willie Randolph as the franchise’s 18th manager. The long-time Yankee second baseman and third base coach becomes the first black to manage in New York.
2005 The Yankees continue to makeover their coaching staff when Ron Guidry, a former three-time 20-game winner, is named to replace Mel Stottlemyre as the team’s pitching coach, and former Red Sox skipper Joe Kerrigan joins the team as its bullpen coach. Earlier in the week, former big league managers Larry Bowa (third-base coach), Lee Mazzilli (bench coach), and Tony Pena (first-base coach) also are added to Joe Torre’s staff.
2008 Barack Obama, a long-time White Sox fan, is elected as the 44th president of the United States. The junior senator from Illinois, the first African-American to become the nation’s Commander-in-Chief, is friendly with the team’s general manager Kenny Williams, a prominent member of Chicago’s black community.
2009 In Game 6 of the Fall Classic, the Yankees captured their 27th World Championship and first since 2000, with a 7-3 decision over the Phillies, the defending champs. Hideki Matsui, New York’s designated hitter, collects six RBIs, tying a World Series mark, and Andy Pettitte became the second pitcher to get the victory in all three postseason-clinching games, joining Derek Lowe, who accomplished the feat with Boston in 2004.
2009 Ryan Howard breaks KC outfielder Willie Wilson’s record, established in the 1980 Fall Classic against Philadelphia, for the most strikeouts in a World Series. The Phillies’ slugging first baseman, who was the NLCS MVP against LA, earns the dubious distinction when he whiffs in the eighth inning of Game 6, making it the 13th time he returned to the bench without putting the ball in play.
2010 Instead of negotiating a new multi-year contract with their designated hitter, the Red Sox decide to exercise their $12.5 million option on 34-year-old David Ortiz for the upcoming season. ‘Big Papi,’ who would have preferred a long-term contract, led Boston with 32 homers and 102 RBIs.
2010 “Jump on board, boys. I’m going to carry us tonight. Don’t even worry about it. Just back me up a little, and I’ll take us to Game 7.” – KIRBY PUCKETT, 1991 World Series speech before Game used as an inscription. The unveiling of a 7½-foot bronze statue depicting Kirby Puckett’s pumping his fist as he rounds second base following his 11th-inning walk-off homer in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series takes place at Target Field. Sculptor Bill Mack, who also created the ballpark’s likenesses of Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew, attended the Metrodome game the night Puck hit the most iconic home run in Twins history.
2011 Jim Thome, 41, returns to the Phillies, inking a $1.25 million, one-year contract as a free agent with the team. The slugger, who hit 15 homers with the Twins and the Indians last season, completed three seasons of his six-year $85 million deal with the club before his 2005 trade to the White Sox for Aaron Rowand and two southpaw prospects, Gio Gonzalez and Daniel Haigwood.
2013 The Mets and Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announce the launch of a five-year multimedia marketing partnership. WOR (710 AM) will become the team’s flagship radio station, replacing WFAN (660 AM), which will now broadcast Yankee games after carrying the Amazins for the past 26 years.
WORLD SERIES HISTORY
1936
In 1936, the New York Yankees were not only without their best player, but also perhaps the greatest player in the history of the game. Prior to 1935, the Yankees had released the legendary Babe Ruth, who went on to play briefly for the Boston Braves, and shortly thereafter retired from baseball. Many felt that “The Babe” was directly responsible for the Yankees’ dominance of the late 20’s and 30’s and the prospect of returning to post-season glory without him was grim. If New York would be able to prosper without Ruth in the line-up; it would be a tremendous boost for the future of the franchise. Ruth’s “replacement” was an up-and-coming rookie outfielder named Joe DiMaggio who hit twenty-nine homers and one-hundred twenty-nine RBIs in his debut season. Third only to Lou Gehrig and Bill Dickey, “Joe ‘D” as he would later be called, was a perfect fit for the old “Bronx Bombers”. Gehrig was coming off of a MVP season in which he hit forty-nine homeruns and drove in one-hundred fifty-two with a .354 batting average. Dickey hit twenty-two homers with one-hundred seven RBIs and led the team with a .362.
Pitching was also a major player in the Yankees 1936 season as six hurlers finished the regular season with double-digit wins. Their records include: Red Ruffing (20-12, 3.85 ERA); Monte Pearson (19-7, 3.71); Bump Hadley (14-4, 4.34); Lefty Gomez (13-7, 4.38); Pat Malone (12-4, 3.80); and Johnny Broaca (12-7, 4.24). Not only had New York proved themselves to be worthy without Ruth during the regular season, they were on the verge of a World Series streak that would last for the next four years. The Yankees return to the Series also coincided with the comeback of the National League champion New York Giants who were returning to the big show after a three year hiatus. Although the Giants did not share the dominant pennant run that the Yanks had (winning by only five games), they did have the most dangerous pitcher in all of baseball. Carl Hubbell, a thirty-three year-old lefty, had just won his last sixteen games and finished the season 26-6 with a 2.31 ERA.
Hubbell had more than earned the start for Game 1 and went up against twenty-game winner Red Ruffing. Mid-season acquisition, Jake Powell (who came over from Washington) was obviously not intimidated by the Giants’ “giant” and managed three base hits in his first three attempts. It mattered little as Ruth’s replacement in rightfield, George Selkirk, scored the Yankees’ only run with a homer in the third inning. Hubbell struck out eight and only allowed seven hits (none of which flew past the infield) on his way to a 6-1 opening lead. Despite the miserable debut, the Yankees went on to win four of the next five games while paying back the Giants’ pitching staff for Hubbell’s performance. In Game 2, they took Hal Schumacher and four relievers for seventeen hits including the second grand slam in World Series history by Tony Lazzeri. The entire line-up (all nine) had at least one hit and scored one run in the 18-4 massacre (Bill Dickey and Lazzeri each had five runs batted in apiece). The following day, newly acquired Bump Hadley delivered a 2-1 victory with a tie-breaking run knocked in by Frankie Crosetti in the eighth and solid relief from Pat Malone in the ninth.
Hubbell returned to seek revenge for his counterparts in Game 4, but suffered their same fate, allowing four Yankee runs (two off Gehrig’s second homer in as many days) in the first three innings. Despite his best efforts, the Giants’ ace was bested 5-2 by Monte Pearson, a recent trade-acquisition from Cleveland. On the brink of elimination, the Giants managed to stay alive with a crucial 5-4; ten-inning victory in Game 5, but it only postponed the obvious. Once again, the Yankee sluggers stepped up to the plate and blasted their cross-town rival’s pitching staff in an embarrassing 13-5, Game 6 romp. Powell, Lazzeri, DiMaggio and Rolfe each had three hits (with Powell adding a homer and four RBIs) as the Yankees wrapped up the Giants and another World Series title. In the end, the Yankees had finished the contest with an amazing sixty-five hits. Powell batted .455, Rolfe hit .400, DiMaggio batted .346 and Gehrig knocked in seven runs while boosting his RBI total in Series play to 31 in 25 games. The only highlight for their opponents came on opening day as Hubbell’s Game 1 masterpiece ended the newly crowned champion’s twelve-game winning streak. However, it would be of little consolation to the fallen Giants (and the rest of the National League) as the Yankees were about to start a new winning-streak of a different kind.
FOOTBALL HISTORY
The First Rulebook is Marketed
November 4. 1882 – The first Wright & Ditson Foot-ball Rules Book adopted by the American Intercollegiate Association is published with credit of revisions made by Walter Camp. The genius of the marketing by Henry A. Ditson made deals to publish many of the athletic rules books including football, and put the sporting goods manufacturer’s catalog in the hands of all athletes and coaches as they were included with the rules publication.
Lions are scored on but they run to daylight
November 4, 1934 – University of Detroit Stadium, Detroit, Michigan – Per the website onthisday.com, After posting 7 straight shutouts to start the NFL season, the Detroit Lions were scored upon for the first time of the season. The Lions rushed for an NFL single game record of 426 yards as they defeated Pittsburgh by the score of 40-7.
Back to Back
November 4, 1951 – NYC, New York – The New York Football Giants and the New York Yanks score back-to-back touchdowns on kickoff returns.
Saints win!
November 4, 1973 – The New Orleans Saints earned their very first shutout victory when they blanked the Buffalo Bills 13-0.
Record Defense
November 4, 1979 – The Los Angeles Rams held the Seattle Seahawks to only one first down and a record -7 total offensive yards for the entire game! Yes the Rams defense allowed Seattle to run for 23 yards but the Seahawks had -30 yards in their passing offense!
Radio change-ups
November 4, 1992 – NYC, New York – A big shake up in local gridiron radio coverages are announced as the New York Giants state they will end coverage by WNEW Radio after 32 years to allow station WOR to carry their games. On the other side of town the Jets announced that they were moving their game day coverage away from WABC to the station WFAN radio.
24 hour Football Arrives
November 4, 2003 – NFL Network debuts on DirectTV and becomes the first 24 hour Football Station.
HALL OF FAME BIRTHDAY FOR NOVEMBER 4
On Pace!
November 4, 1975 – Sandusky, Ohio – Orlando Pace a tackle from Ohio State University was born. Pace was twice recognized as a unanimous All-American while with the Buckeyes. The NFF reports that Pace was the first player in history to repeat as the Lombardi Trophy winner, earning the honors as a sophomore and junior and he also claimed the 1996 Outland Trophy too. The National Football Foundation voted to send Orlando Pace into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Pace was drafted as the number one pick in the 1997 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. Orlando in 13 seasons was a three-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. He earned a spot on the NFL All Decade team for the 2000’s as he was a core contributor of the Rams’ Greatest Show on Turf offense that won the franchise’s first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XXXIV. In fact he blocked for three straight NFL MVP’s with the Rams as Kurt Warner won the honor in 1999 and 2001, While Marshall Faulk took home the hardware in the year 2000. Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Orlando Pace in 2016.
NUMBERS IN SPORTS
14 – 21 – 22 – 32 – 1 – 9 – 51 – 38 – 55
November 4, 1959 – Ernie Banks, Number 14 as the Cubs shortstop, wins 2nd consecutive NL MVP
November 4, 1973 – Chicago center, Number 21, Stan Mikita registers his 1,000 NHL career point in the Black Hawks 5-3 loss to the Minnesota North Stars at the Met Centre, Bloomington, Minnesota
November 4, 1975 – Baltimore Orioles pitcher, Jim Palmer, Number 22 won his 2nd Cy Young Award
November 4, 1980 – MLB Philadelphia Phillies Steve Carlton, Number 32 wins 3rd NL Cy Young Award
November 4, 1980 – Sadaharu Oh, Number 1, pro-baseball’s all-time HR run king with 868, retired at 40 years of age
November 4, 1987 – Benito Santiago, Number 9 and the San Diego Padres catcher, won the National League Rookie of Year
November 4, 1987 – NBA announced that it would be addding 4 new franchises. Charlotte & Miami for 1988 & Minneapolis & Orlando for 1989
November 4, 2001 – World Series: Arizona beats New York Yankees, 3-2 in Game 7 at Bank One Ballpark, Phoenix for Diamondbacks’ first title; co-MVP: Arizona pitchers Randy Johnson (Number 51) and Curt Schilling (Number 38)
November 4, 2009 – World Series: NY Yankees beat Philadelphia Phillies, 7-3 in Game 6 at Yankee Stadium to win Bronx Bombers’ record 27th title; MVP: NY outfielder Number 55, Hideki Matsui
TV SPORTS
SATURDAY
| COLLEGE FOOTBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Notre Dame at Clemson | 12:00pm | ABC |
| Kansas State at Texas | 12:00pm | FOX |
| Arkansas at Florida | 12:00pm | ESPN2 |
| Campbell at North Carolina | 12:00pm | ACCN |
| Jacksonville State at South Carolina | 12:00pm | ESPNU |
| Nebraska at Michigan State | 12:00pm | FS1 |
| Ohio State at Rutgers | 12:00pm | CBS |
| Texas A&M at Ole Miss | 12:00pm | ESPN |
| UConn at Tennessee | 12:00pm | SECN |
| Wisconsin at Indiana | 12:00pm | BTN |
| Kennesaw State at Sam Houston | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Arizona State at Utah | 2:00pm | PAC12N |
| Navy at Temple | 2:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Georgia Tech at Virginia | 2:00pm | CW |
| Army vs Air Force | 2:30pm | CBSSN |
| Florida Atlantic at UAB | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| USF at Memphis | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Louisiana at Arkansas State | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UTSA at North Texas | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Tulane at East Carolina | 3:30pm | ESPN2/U |
| James Madison at Georgia State | 3:30pm | ESPN2/U |
| Coastal Carolina at Old Dominion | 3:30pm | ESPN+ |
| UCF at Cincinnati | 3:30pm | FS1 |
| Iowa vs Northwestern | 3:30pm | Peacock |
| Penn State at Maryland | 3:30pm | FOX |
| Missouri at Georgia | 3:30pm | CBS |
| Oklahoma at Oklahoma State | 3:30pm | ABC |
| Houston at Baylor | 3:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Florida State at Pitt | 3:30pm | ESPN |
| Merrimack at UMass | 3:30pm | – |
| Illinois at Minnesota | 3:30pm | BTN |
| Virginia Tech at Louisville | 3:30pm | ACCN |
| Auburn at Vanderbilt | 4:00pm | SECN |
| Charlotte at Tulsa | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| ULM at Southern Miss | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Hawaii at Nevada | 4:00pm | Spectrum PPV |
| California at Oregon | 5:30pm | P12N |
| Louisiana Tech at Liberty | 6:00pm | CBSSN |
| Middle Tennessee at New Mexico State | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Marshall at Appalachian State | 6:00pm | NFLN |
| UNLV at New Mexico | 6:00pm | MWN |
| BYU at West Virginia | 7:00pm | FS1 |
| Kansas at Iowa State | 7:00pm | ESPN |
| Utah State at San Diego State | 7:00pm | FS2 |
| Georgia Southern at Texas State | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Purdue at Michigan | 7:30pm | NBC Peacock |
| Washington at USC | 7:30pm | ABC |
| SMU at Rice | 7:30pm | ESPNU |
| Kentucky at Mississippi State | 7:30pm | SECN |
| LSU at Alabama | 7:45pm | CBS |
| Miami(FL) at NC State | 8:00pm | ACCN |
| WKU at UTEP | 9:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Stanford at Washington State | 9:00pm | P12N |
| Boise State at Fresno State | 10:00pm | CBSSN |
| Oregon State at Colorado | 10:00pm | ESPN |
| UCLA at Arizona | 10:30pm | FS1 |
| COLLEGE HOCKEY | TIME ET | TV |
| Quinnipac vs Dartmouth | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Princeton vs Harvard | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Colgate vs Brown | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Cornell vs Yale | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| FIGURE SKATING | TIME ET | TV |
| Grand Prix de France | 12:00pm | NBC |
| GOLF | TIME ET | TV |
| Rolex Challenge Tour | 7:00am | GOLF |
| PGA: World Wide Technologies Championship | 4:30pm | GOLF Peacock |
| LPGA: Toto Japan Classic | 11:00pm | GOLF |
| HORSE RACING | TIME ET | TV |
| Breeders’ Cup | 1:30pm | USA |
| Breeders’ Cup | 3:30pm | NBC |
| MOTORSPORTS | TIME ET | TV |
| Formula 1: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint Shootout | 9:55am | ESPN2 |
| Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship | 7:00pm | USA |
| NBA REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Phoenix at Philadelphia | 1:00pm | Bally Sports NBCS-PHI |
| Charlotte at Indiana | 7:00pm | Bally Sports |
| LA Lakers at Orlando | 7:00pm | Spectrum Bally Sports |
| Atlanta at New Orleans | 7:00pm | Bally Sports |
| Boston at Brooklyn | 8:00pm | NBCS-BOS YES |
| Sacramento at Houston | 8:00pm | NBCS-CA ATTSN-SW |
| Utah at Minnesota | 8:00pm | Bally Sports ATTSN-RM |
| Chicago at Denver | 9:00pm | NBATV NBCS-CHI ALT |
| NHL REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Nashville at Edmonton | 3:00pm | NHLN Bally Sports Sportsnet |
| Winnipeg at Arizona | 4:00pm | Bally Sports Sportsnet |
| Buffalo at Toronto | 7:00pm | NHLN MSG-BUF Sportsnet |
| Tampa Bay at Ottawa | 7:00pm | Bally Sports Sportsnet |
| Boston at Detroit | 7:00pm | Bally Sports NESN |
| Columbus at Washington | 7:00pm | Bally Sports MNMT |
| Montreal at St. Louis | 7:00pm | Bally Sports Sportsnet |
| Los Angeles at Philadelphia | 7:30pm | Bally Sports NBCS-PHI |
| Carolina at NY Islanders | 7:30pm | MSGSN Bally Sports |
| Florida at Chicago | 8:00pm | Bally Sports NBCS-CHI |
| NY Rangers at Minnesota | 8:00pm | MSG Bally Sports |
| Dallas at Vancouver | 10:00pm | Bally Sports Sportsnet |
| Colorado at Vegas | 10:00pm | Scripps ALT |
| Pittsburgh at San Jose | 10:00pm | ATTSN-PIT NBCS-CA |
| Calgary at Seattle | 10:00pm | Root Sports Sportsnet |
| SOCCER | TIME ET | TV |
| EPL: Fulham vs Manchester United | 8:30am | USA |
| Scottish Premiership: Ross County vs Celtic | 8:30am | Paramount+ |
| La Liga: Osasuna vs Girona | 9:00am | ESPN+ |
| Serie A: Salernitana vs Napoli | 10:00am | Paramount+ |
| Bundesliga: Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen | 10:30am | ESPN+ |
| Bundesliga: Köln vs Augsburg | 10:30am | ESPN+ |
| Bundesliga: Mainz 05 vs RB Leipzig | 10:30am | ESPN+ |
| Bundesliga: Freiburg vs Borussia M’gladbach | 10:30am | ESPN+ |
| Bundesliga: Union Berlin vs Eintracht Frankfurt | 10:30am | ESPN+ |
| EPL: Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth | 11:00am | USA |
| EPL: Sheffield United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers | 11:00am | Peacock |
| EPL: Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion | 11:00am | Peacock |
| EPL: Burnley vs Crystal Palace | 11:00am | Peacock |
| EPL: Brentford vs West Ham United | 11:00am | Peacock |
| La Liga: Real Betis vs Mallorca | 11:15am | ESPN+ |
| Ligue 1: Lorient vs Lens | 12:00pm | beIN Sports |
| Serie A: Atalanta vs Internazionale | 1:00pm | Paramount+ |
| EPL: Newcastle United vs Arsenal | 1:30pm | NBC |
| La Liga: Celta de Vigo vs Sevilla | 1:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern München | 1:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Serie A: Milan vs Udinese | 3:45pm | Paramount+ |
| EPL: Sheffield United vs Manchester United | 3:00pm | USA |
| La Liga: Real Sociedad vs Barcelona | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Ligue 1: Olympique Marseille vs Lille | 4:00pm | beIN Sports |
| Copa Libertadores: Boca Juniors vs Fluminense | 4:00pm | beIN Sports |
| Brasileirão: América Mineiro vs Atlético Mineiro | 6:30pm | Paramount+ |
| Brasileirão: Grêmio vs Bahia | 6:30pm | Paramount+ |
| MLS: New York RB vs Cincinnati | 7:00pm | Apple TV |
| Brasileirão: Palmeiras vs Athletico-PR | 8:30pm | Paramount+ |
| MLS: Dallas vs Seattle Sounders FC | 9:00pm | Apple TV |
| Liga MX: Guadalajara vs Cruz Azul | 11:05pm | Telemundo |
| SOCCER – WOMEN’S COLLEGE | TIME ET | TV |
| Gonzaga vs Pepperdine | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Santa Clara vs portland | 10:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Saint Mary’s vs Loyola Marymount | 10:00pm | ESPN+ |
| San Francisco vs Pacific | 10:00pm | ESPN+ |
| TENNIS | TIME ET | TV |
| Paris-ATP Semifinals | 9:00am | TENNIS |
| WTA Finals Round Robin Paris-ATP Semifinals | 3:30pm | TENNIS |
| WTA Finals Cancun Singles & Doubles Semifinals | 6:00pm | TENNIS |
| WOMEN’S COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Incarnate Word vs SE Louisiana | 12:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Rider vs Canisius | 12:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Lipscomb vs Jacksonville | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Florida International vs Western Kentucky | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Siena vs Fairfield | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Saint Peter’s vs Niagara | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Dayton vs Rhode Island | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Seattle U vs UT Arlington | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Utah Valley vs Stephen F. Austin | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Manhattan vs Iona | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Marshall vs James Madison | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Appalachian State vs Georgia Southern | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Georgia State vs Coastal Carolina | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Hofstra vs Charleston | 1:00pm | Flo Sports |
| UNC-Wilmington vs Stony Brook | 1:00pm | Flo Sports |
| Northeastern vs William & Mary | 2:00pm | Flo Sports |
| Hampton vs Campbell | 2:00pm | Flo Sports |
| Texas A&M-CC vs New Orleans | 2:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Presbyterian vs High Point | 2:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Baylor vs Texas Tech | 2:00pm | ESPN+ |
| California Baptist vs Tarleton | 2:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Middle Tennessee vs Jacksonville State | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Houston Christian vs Texas A&M-Commerce | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Tennessee Tech vs Southern Indiana | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Ball State vs Western Michigan | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Toledo vs Northern Illinois | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Ball State vs Western Michigan | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Holy Cross vs Navy | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| North Texas vs Wichita State | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Tulane vs Rice | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Texas State vs Troy | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Arkansas State vs UL Monroe | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Tulsa vs UTSA | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Milwaukee vs Northern Kentucky | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Portland vs Pepperdine | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| San Diego vs Pacific | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Gardner-Webb vs UNC Asheville | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Charleston Southern vs Radford | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Winthrop vs South Carolina Upstate | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Bowling Green vs Akron | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Miami (OH) vs Buffalo | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Central Michigan vs Kent State | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Chattanooga vs Furman | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Kansas State vs Kansas | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Army vs American University | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Lafayette vs Bucknell | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Colgate vs Loyola (MD) | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Saint Louis vs Davidson | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| VCU vs George Washington | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| George Mason vs Duquesne | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Charlotte vs UAB | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Gonzaga vs Loyola Marymount | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Santa Clara vs St. Mary’s | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Purdue Fort Wayne vs Youngstown State | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Seton Hall vs Providence | 4:00pm | Flo Sports |
| Valparaiso vs Illinois State | 5:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Pennsylvania vs Cornell | 5:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Princeton vs Columbia | 5:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Yale vs Harvard | 5:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Brown vs Dartmouth | 5:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Kennesaw State vs Stetson | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Austin Peay vs North Florida | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Indiana State vs Drake | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Missouri State vs Belmont | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Samford vs Western Carolina | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Cal State Bakersfield vs Long Beach State | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| St. John’s vs UConn | 6:00pm | Flo Sports |
| NC A&T vs Delaware | 6:00pm | Flo Sports |
| Elon vs Towson | 6:00pm | Flo Sports |
| Queens (NC) vs Florida Gulf Coast | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Western Illinois vs Southeast Missouri State | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UIC vs Bradley | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Southern Illinois vs Murray State | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Evansville vs Northern Iowa | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UNC Greensboro vs The Citadel | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UC Irvine vs UC Riverside | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Iowa State vs TCU | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Illinois vs Wisconsin | 8:00pm | BTN |
| UT Rio Grande Valley vs Southern Utah | 8:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Northern Colorado vs Montana | 9:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Northern Arizona vs Montana State | 9:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Cincinnati vs BYU | 9:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Idaho vs Sacramento State | 10:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Eastern Washington vs Portland State | 10:00pm | ESPN+ |
| CSU Northridge vs UC San Diego | 10:00pm | ESPN+ |
What to Watch: Saturday, 11/4/23
| COLLEGE FOOTBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| (25)Kansas State at (7)Texas | 12:00pm | FOX |
Texas Longhorns leads all time series 13-10 versus Kansas State Wildcats. Last season Texas won 34-27 on the road versus Kansas State. The Longhorns are 9-3 at home all time versus the Wildcats. Last time Kansas State won on the road versus Texas was in 2011.
| (10)Oklahoma at Oklahoma State | 3:30pm | ABC |
Oklahoma Sooners leads all time series 91-19-7 versus Oklahoma State Cowboys. Last season the Sooners won 28-13 versus Oklahoma State. Since 2011 the Sooners are 9-3 overall versus the Cowboys. Last time Oklahoma State won versus Oklahoma was in 2021.
| (5)Washington Huskies at (24)USC Trojans | 7:30pm | ABC |
USC Trojans leads all time series 51-30-4 versus Washington Huskies. Last time USC and Washington met was in 2019 which the Huskies won 28-14 at home versus the Trojans. Last time Washington won on the road versus USC was in 2015.
| (13)LSU at (8)Alabama | 7:45pm | CBS |
Alabama Crimson Tide leads all time series 55-27-5 versus LSU Tigers. Last season LSU won 32-21 at home versus Alabama. Since 2013 the Crimson Tide are 8-2 overall versus the Tigers. Last time LSU won on the road versus Alabama was in 2019.
| (20)UCLA at Arizona | 10:30pm | FS1 |
UCLA Bruins leads all time series 27-8-1 versus Arizona Wildcats. Last season the Wildcats won 34-28 on the road versus the Bruins. Arizona Wildcats are 13-11 at home versus the UCLA Bruins. Last time UCLA won on the road versus Arizona was in 2021.
| NBA | TIME ET | TV |
| Phoenix at Philadelphia | 1:00pm | Bally Sports NBCS-PHI |
The Phoenix Suns finished fourth in the Western Conference last season with a record of 45-37. The Philadelphia 76ers finished third in the Eastern Conference in the 2022-23 season with a record of 54-28. The 76ers and Suns 2022-23 regular season series was tied 1-1. Last season Phoenix was 17-24 on the road and Philadelphia was 29-12 at home.
| Boston at Brooklyn | 8:00pm | NBCS-BOS YES |
The Boston Cetlics finished second in the Eastern Conference last season with a record of 57-25. The Brooklyn Nets finished sixth in the Eastern Conference in the 2022-23 season with a record of 45-37. The Celtics lead 2022-23 regular season series 3-1 versus the Nets. Last season Celtics was 25-16 on the road and Nets was 23-18 at home.
| Chicago at Denver | 9:00pm | NBATV NBCS-CHI ALT |
The Chicago Bulls finished 9th in the Eastern Conference last season with a record of 40-42. The Denver Nuggets finished first in the Western Conference in the 2022-23 season with a record of 53-29. The Bulls and Nuggets 2022-23 regular season series was tied 1-1. Last season Bulls was 18-23 on the road and Nuggets was 34-7 at home.
| NHL | TIME ET | TV |
| Nashville at Edmonton | 3:00pm | NHLN Sportsnet Bally Sports |
The Nashville Predators finished fifth in the Central divsion last season with 92 points. The Edmonton Oilers finished second in the Pacific divsion in the 2022-23 season with 109 points. Last season Nashville was 20-17-4 and Edmonton was 23-12-6 at home. Last season the Predators were 2-1 versus the Oilers during the regular season.
| NY Rangers at Minnesota | 8:00pm | MSG Bally Sports |
The New York Rangers finished third in the Metropolitan divsion last season with 107 points. The Minnesota Wild finished third in the Central division in the 2022-23 season with 103 points. The Rangers were 24-9-8 on the road last season and the Wild was 25-12-4 at home. Last season the Rangers were 2-0 versus the Wild during the regular season.
| Vegas at Colorado | 10:00pm | Scripps ALT |
The Vegas Golden Knights finished first in the Pacific divsion last season with 111 points. The Colorado Avalanche finished first in the Central division in the 2022-23 season with 109 points. Vegas was 26-7-8 on the road last season and Colorado were 22-13-6 at home. Last season the Avalanche lead 2022-23 regular season series 2-1 versus Golden Knights.