“THE SCOREBOARD”
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 2
ANDERSON (0-1) AT PENDLETON HEIGHTS (0-1)
ANDREAN (0-1) AT VALPARAISO (0-1)
ARIZONA COLLEGE PREP AT CROWN POINT (1-0)
ATTICA (0-1) AT TRI-COUNTY (0-1)
BATESVILLE (1-0) AT MILAN (1-0)
BEECH GROVE (0-1) AT JENNINGS COUNTY (0-1)
BEN DAVIS (0-1) AT AVON (0-1)
BLACKFORD (0-1) AT FREMONT (0-1)
BLOOMINGTON NORTH (0-1) AT BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (0-1)
BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (1-0) AT MARTINSVILLE (1-0)
BLUFFTON (1-0) AT MANCHESTER (0-1)
BREBEUF JESUIT (0-1) AT TRI-WEST (1-0)
BRONSON (MICH.) AT PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (1-0)
BROWNSBURG (1-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (1-0)
CALUMET (1-0) AT RIVER FOREST (1-0)
CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN (0-1) AT UNION COUNTY (0-1)
CARMEL (1-0) AT WESTFIELD (1-0)
CARROLL (FLORA) (1-0) AT RIVERTON PARKE (1-0)
CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (0-1) AT CENTER GROVE (0-1)
CASTLE (1-0) AT EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (1-0)
CHARLESTOWN (0-1) AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (1-0)
CHESTERTON (1-0) AT HAMMOND MORTON (0-1)
CINCINNATI MOELLER (OHIO) AT FORT WAYNE DWENGER (0-1)
CLARKSVILLE (0-1) AT WEST WASHINGTON (0-1)
CLOVERDALE (0-1) AT EDINBURGH (0-1)
COLUMBIA CITY (1-0) AT PLYMOUTH (1-0)
COLUMBUS EAST (0-1) AT COLUMBUS NORTH (1-0)
CONCORD (1-0) AT JIMTOWN (0-1)
CONNERSVILLE (1-0) AT FRANKLIN COUNTY (1-0)
CORYDON CENTRAL (0-1) AT PAOLI (1-0)
COVENANT CHRISTIAN (0-1) AT GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN (0-1)
COVINGTON (1-0) AT SOUTH NEWTON (1-0)
CRAWFORD COUNTY (0-1) AT BROWN COUNTY (1-0)
DECATUR CENTRAL (0-1) AT NEW PALESTINE (1-0)
DELPHI (1-0) AT TWIN LAKES (0-1)
DELTA (1-0) AT NORWELL (0-1)
EAST CENTRAL (1-0) AT HARRISON (OHIO)
EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (0-1) AT GARY WEST (1-0)
EAST NOBLE (1-0) AT FORT WAYNE SNIDER (0-1)
EASTERN GREENE (0-1) AT NORTH KNOX (0-1)
EASTERN HANCOCK (1-0) AT NORTH DECATUR (1-0)
EASTSIDE (1-0) AT ADAMS CENTRAL (0-1)
EATON (OHIO) AT RICHMOND (0-1)
EDWARDSBURG (MICH.) AT JOHN GLENN (1-0)
EVANSVILLE CENTRAL (0-1) AT EVANSVILLE BOSSE (0-1)
EVANSVILLE HARRISON (0-1) AT JASPER (0-1)
EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (1-0) AT EVANSVILLE NORTH (0-1)
EVANSVILLE REITZ (1-0) AT VINCENNES LINCOLN (1-0)
FAITH CHRISTIAN (1-0) AT CLINTON CENTRAL (1-0)
FLOYD CENTRAL (0-1) AT TERRE HAUTE SOUTH (0-1)
FOREST PARK (1-0) AT PERRY CENTRAL (0-1)
FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA (1-0) AT EASTBROOK (0-1)
FORT WAYNE LUERS (0-1) AT NEW HAVEN (0-1)
FORT WAYNE NORTHROP (1-0) AT HUNTINGTON NORTH (1-0)
FORT WAYNE SOUTH (0-1) AT SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH (0-1)
FOUNTAIN CENTRAL (0-1) AT CRAWFORDSVILLE (1-0)
FRANKFORT (0-1) AT CLINTON PRAIRIE (0-1)
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (1-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (1-0)
GALLATIN COUNTY (KY.) AT SWITZERLAND COUNTY (1-0)
GARRETT (1-0) AT DEKALB (1-0)
GREENSBURG (0-1) AT GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (1-0)
GRIFFITH (1-0) AT MUNSTER (0-1)
GUERIN CATHOLIC (1-0) AT LEBANON (1-0)
HAGERSTOWN (0-1) AT CENTERVILLE (1-0)
HAMMOND CENTRAL (1-0) AT THORNTON FRACTIONAL SOUTH (ILL.)
HANOVER CENTRAL (1-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (1-0)
HERITAGE (1-0) AT FAIRFIELD (1-0)
HERITAGE HILLS (1-0) AT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (KY.)
ILLINOIS HOMESCHOOL (ILL.) AT LAKE STATION (0-1)
INDIAN CREEK (0-1) AT GREENWOOD (0-1)
INDIANAPOLIS ATTUCKS (0-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS TECH (0-1)
INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (1-0) AT SOUTH PUTNAM (1-0)
INDIANAPOLIS RITTER (1-0) AT LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (1-0)
INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (0-1) AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (1-0)
INDIANAPOLIS SHORTRIDGE (1-0) AT MACONAQUAH (1-0)
INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY (1-0) AT PARK TUDOR (1-0)
JEFFERSONVILLE (0-1) AT SEYMOUR (1-0)
KANKAKEE VALLEY (1-0) AT WHEELER (0-1)
LAFAYETTE JEFF (1-0) AT MICHIGAN CITY (0-1)
LAKE CENTRAL (1-0) AT GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC (MICH.)
LAKELAND (1-0) AT CHURUBUSCO (0-1)
LAPEL (1-0) AT FRANKTON (0-1)
LAWRENCE CENTRAL (0-1) AT ZIONSVILLE (0-1)
LAWRENCE NORTH (1-0) AT FORT WAYNE NORTH (1-0)
LEO (1-0) AT ANGOLA (0-1)
LEWIS CASS (0-1) AT NORTHFIELD (0-1)
LOGANSPORT (1-0) AT SOUTH BEND ADAMS (0-1)
LOWELL (0-1) AT LAPORTE (0-1)
MADISON-GRANT (1-0) AT SOUTHERN WELLS (0-1)
MERRILLVILLE (1-0) AT HOBART (0-1)
MISHAWAKA MARIAN (0-1) AT CULVER ACADEMY (1-0)
MISSISSINEWA (1-0) AT MARION (1-0)
MITCHELL (0-1) AT SPRINGS VALLEY (1-0)
MONROE CENTRAL (1-0) AT UNION CITY (0-1)
MONROVIA (1-0) AT LINTON (0-1)
MOORESVILLE (1-0) AT TERRE HAUTE NORTH (0-1)
MOUNT CARMEL (ILL.) AT GIBSON SOUTHERN (1-0)
MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) (0-1) AT FRANKLIN (1-0)
MUNCIE CENTRAL (0-1) AT YORKTOWN (1-0)
NEW CASTLE (0-1) AT JAY COUNTY (1-0)
NEW PRAIRIE (1-0) AT GOSHEN (0-1)
NOBLESVILLE (1-0) AT HOMESTEAD (0-1)
NORTH CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG) (0-1) AT NORTH DAVIESS (0-1)
NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) (0-1) AT HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (1-0)
NORTH JUDSON (1-0) AT LAVILLE (0-1)
NORTH MONTGOMERY (0-1) AT CASCADE (1-0)
NORTH NEWTON (0-1) AT RENSSELAER CENTRAL (0-1)
NORTH PUTNAM (1-0) AT SOUTHMONT (1-0)
NORTH WHITE (0-1) AT CASTON (0-1)
NORTHEASTERN (1-0) AT TRI (1-0)
NORTHRIDGE (0-1) AT ELKHART (0-1)
NORTHVIEW (1-0) AT GREENCASTLE (0-1)
NORTHWESTERN (1-0) AT EASTERN (GREENTOWN) (0-1)
OAK HILL (1-0) AT SOUTHWOOD (0-1)
PARIS (ILL.) AT NORTH VERMILLION (1-0)
PENN (1-0) AT MISHAWAKA (1-0)
PERU (0-1) AT WHITKO (0-1)
PHALEN ACADEMY AT CHRISTEL HOUSE (0-1)
PIKE (1-0) AT FISHERS (1-0)
PIKE CENTRAL (1-0) AT TECUMSEH (0-1)
PIONEER (1-0) AT KNOX (0-1)
PLAINFIELD (1-0) AT HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (1-0)
PORTAGE (1-0) AT NORTHWOOD (1-0)
PRINCETON (0-1) AT NORTH POSEY (1-0)
PROVIDENCE (1-0) AT LOUISVILLE HOLY CROSS (KY.)
PURDUE POLY ENGLEWOOD (0-1) AT DANVILLE (0-1)
ROCHESTER (1-0) AT TIPPECANOE VALLEY (1-0)
SALEM (1-0) AT SILVER CREEK (1-0)
SCOTTSBURG (0-1) AT NORTH HARRISON (0-1)
SEEGER (0-1) AT BENTON CENTRAL (0-1)
SHELBYVILLE (1-0) AT RUSHVILLE (0-1)
SHERIDAN (0-1) AT NORTH MIAMI (1-0)
SOUTH ADAMS (0-1) AT BELLMONT (0-1)
SOUTH BEND RILEY (1-0) AT FORT WAYNE WAYNE (1-0)
SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS) (1-0) AT BOONE GROVE (0-1)
SOUTH DEARBORN (1-0) AT MADISON (1-0)
SOUTH DECATUR (0-1) AT SHENANDOAH (1-0)
SOUTH SPENCER (1-0) AT MOUNT VERNON (POSEY) (0-1)
SOUTH VERMILLION (1-0) AT SULLIVAN (1-0)
SOUTHPORT (0-1) AT PERRY MERIDIAN (0-1)
SOUTHRIDGE (0-1) AT BOONVILLE (0-1)
SOUTHSIDE HOMESCHOOL AT INDIANAPOLIS WASHINGTON (0-1)
SPEEDWAY (0-1) AT OWEN VALLEY (0-1)
TAYLOR (1-0) AT FORT WAYNE BLACKHAWK (0-1)
TAYLOR (OHIO) AT LAWRENCEBURG (0-1)
TELL CITY (1-0) AT EASTERN (PEKIN) (1-0)
TIPTON (1-0) AT ELWOOD (1-0)
TRITON (1-0) AT BREMEN (0-1)
TRITON CENTRAL (0-1) AT HAMILTON HEIGHTS (0-1)
WABASH (0-1) AT ALEXANDRIA (1-0)
WARSAW (1-0) AT WARREN CENTRAL (1-0)
WASHINGTON (1-0) AT EDGEWOOD (1-0)
WES-DEL (0-1) AT TRI-CENTRAL (0-1)
WEST CENTRAL (0-1) AT CULVER (1-0)
WEST LAFAYETTE (0-1) AT MCCUTCHEON (0-1)
WEST NOBLE (1-0) AT WAWASEE (0-1)
WEST VIGO (0-1) AT PARKE HERITAGE (0-1)
WESTERN (0-1) AT WESTERN BOONE (1-0)
WHITELAND (1-0) AT KOKOMO (0-1)
WHITING (1-0) AT HIGHLAND (0-1)
WINAMAC (1-0) AT FRONTIER (1-0)
WINCHESTER (0-1) AT KNIGHTSTOWN (1-0)
WOODLAN (0-1) AT CENTRAL NOBLE (0-1)
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL REPORTED SCORES
MOUNT VERNON 3 NORTH CENTRAL 0
RISING SUN 3 SWITZERLAND COUNTY 0
SILVER CREEK 3 AUSTIN 0
DALEVILLE 3 LAPEL 1
HANOVER CENTRAL 3 ANDREAN 1
HOBART 3 RIVER FOREST 0
NORTH POSEY 3 EVANSVILLE CHRISTIAN 0
ZIONSVILLE 3 LAWRENCE NORTH 0
NORTHVIEW 3 BLOOMINGTON SOUTH 0
TRI 3 CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN 1
PERRY MERIDIAN 3 MOORESVILLE 2
BROWNSBURG 3 PLAINFIELD 0
FLOYD CENTRAL 3 DUPONT MANUAL 0
NEW HAVEN 3 FORT WAYNE NORTH 0
MONROE CENTRAL 3 UNION 0
SHERIDAN 3 INTERNATIONAL 0
ILLIANA CHRISTIAN 3 LAKE STATION 0
SOUTH PUTNAM 3 W. VIGO 0
SOUTH-CENTRAL 3 GLENN 2
LAVILLE 3 SOUTH BEND RILEY 1
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER REPORTED SCORES
KOUTS 3 HEBRON 2
MORGAN TWP. 3 MARQUETTE CATHOLIC 2
CHESTERTON 9 MICHIGAN CITY 0
CROWN POINT 1 LAKE CENTRAL 0
BOONVILLE 3 S. SPENCER 0
SHAW MEMORIAL 7 S. RIPLEY 0
PORTAGE 3 MERRILLVILLE 3
GARRETT 2 HERITAGE 2
ROCHESTER 3 LAVILLE 0
EVANSVILLE CENTRAL 3 PRINCETON 2
INDIAN CREEK 4 GREENCASTLE 3
VALPARAISO 4 LAPORTE 0
EASTERN GREENE 2 BLOOMFIELD 1
PURDUE POLY 3 PURDUE BROAD RIPPLE 2
NORTH HARRISON 5 CLARKSVILLE 2
SHOALS 12 N. KNOX 0
CARROLL 4 TRI-CENTRAL 1
LEO 2 NORWELL 0
WASHINGTON 9 PIKE CENTRAL 1
DEKALB 9 LAKELAND 0
HIGHLAND 5 KANKAKEE VALLEY 3
HANOVER CENTRAL 3 ANDREAN 0
BELLMONT 1 FORT WAYNE SNIDER 0
EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL 6 VINCENNES LINCOLN 0
PROVIDENCE 1 FLOYD CENTRAL 1
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI 4 S. KNOX 1
INDIANA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER REPORTED SCORES
EVANSVILLE CHRISTIAN 2 S. KNOX 1
FORT WAYNE DWENGER 9 FORT WAYNE LUERS 0
PLAINFIELD 3 MARTINSVILLE 1
PERU 4 EASTERN 1
SOUTH RIPLEY 0 HAUSER 0
FORT WAYNE CANTERBURY 7 FORT WAYNE WAYNE 1
WHITELAND 2 GREENWOOD 0
WABASH 3 ROCHESTER 1
CHESTERTON 10 CULVER ACADEMIES 2
DEKALB 5 LAKELAND 0
OWEN VALLEY 1 SULLIVAN 1
LEO 7 NORWELL 1
TERRE HAUTE SOUTH 4 MOORESVILLE 0
COLUMBUS NORTH 6 COLUMBUS EAST 0
CARMEL 4 PENDLETON HEIGHTS 0
FORT WAYNE NORTHRUP 7 COLUMBIA CITY 0
HAMILTON HEIGHTS 6 WESTERN 2
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN 2 BROWNSBURG 0
MOUNT VERNON 1 GUERIN CATHOLIC 1
LAWRENCE NORTH 12 WARREN CENTRAL 0
PARK TUDOR 8 BETHESDA CHRISTIAN 0
NORTH CENTRAL 6 PIKE 0
RONCALLI 1 CATHEDRAL 1
MUNSTER 4 LOWELL 1
SOUTH BEND ADAMS 1 ELKHART 0
NOBLESVILLE 1 AVON 0
ZIONSVILLE 3 FISHERS 0
WASHINGTON 4 PIKE CENTRAL 0
CENTER GROVE 4 BLOOMINGTON NORTH 0
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCORES
CHICAGO CUBS 14 PITTSBURGH 10
CLEVELAND 7 KANSAS CITY 5
HOUSTON 10 PHILADELPHIA 0
SEATTLE 6 TAMPA BAY 2
TEXAS 3 CHICAGO WHITE SOX 1
OAKLAND 9 CINCINNATI 6
WASHINGTON 5 NY YANKEES 2
BOSTON 3 TORONTO 0
ATLANTA 5 MINNESOTA 1
ST. LOUIS 4 SAN DIEGO 3
MILWAUKEE 5 SAN FRANCISCO 3
TEXAS 4 CHICAGO WHITE SOX 3
DETROIT 3 LA ANGELS 2
COLORADO 8 MIAMI 2
ARIZONA 8 NY METS 5
LA DODGERS 6 BALTIMORE 4
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCORES
INDIANAPOLIS 2 LOUISVILLE 1
INDIANAPOLIS 2 LOUISVILLE 1
FORT WAYNE 9 LANSING 5
LANSING 2 FORT WAYNE 1
GREAT LAKES 6 SOUTH BEND 3
WNBA SCORES
INDIANA 84 CONNECTICUT 80
WASHINGTON 74 CHICAGO 70
LOS ANGELES 94 NEW YORK 88
MINNESOTA 89 PHOENIX 76
SEATTLE 85 ATLANTA 81
COLTS SCHEDULE
SEPT. 8: VS. HOUSTON, 1 P.M., CBS
SEPT. 15: AT GREEN BAY, 1 P.M., FOX
SEPT. 22: VS. CHICAGO, 1 P.M., CBS
SEPT. 29: VS. PITTSBURGH, 1 P.M., CBS
OCT. 6: AT JACKSONVILLE, 1 P.M., CBS
OCT. 13: AT TENNESSEE, 1 P.M., CBS
OCT. 20: VS. MIAMI, 1 P.M., FOX
OCT. 27: AT HOUSTON, 1 P.M., CBS
NOV. 3: AT MINNESOTA, 1 P.M., CBS
NOV. 10: VS. BUFFALO, 1 P.M., CBS
NOV. 17: AT N.Y. JETS, 8:20 P.M., NBC PEACOCK
NOV. 24: VS. DETROIT, 1 P.M., FOX
DEC. 1: AT NEW ENGLAND, 1 P.M., CBS
DEC. 15: AT DENVER, 4:25 P.M., CBS
DEC. 22: VS. TENNESSEE, 1 P.M., CBS
DEC. 29: AT N.Y. GIANTS, TBD
JAN. 5: VS. JACKSONVILLE, TBD
NFL WEEK ONE SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, SEPT. 5
- BALTIMORE RAVENS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS, 8:20 P.M. ET (NBC)
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6
- GREEN BAY PACKERS VS. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (IN SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL), 8:15 P.M. ET (PEACOCK)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
- PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS, 1 P.M. ET (FOX)
- ARIZONA CARDINALS AT BUFFALO BILLS, 1 P.M. ET (CBS)
- TENNESSEE TITANS AT CHICAGO BEARS, 1 P.M. ET (FOX)
- NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS, 1 P.M. ET (CBS)
- HOUSTON TEXANS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS, 1 P.M. ET (CBS)
- JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS, 1 P.M. ET (CBS)
- CAROLINA PANTHERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, 1 P.M. ET (FOX)
- MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT NEW YORK GIANTS, 1 P.M. ET (FOX)
- LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS, 4:05 P.M. ET (CBS)
- DENVER BRONCOS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, 4:05 P.M. ET (CBS)
- DALLAS COWBOYS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS, 4:25 P.M. ET (CBS)
- WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, 4:25 P.M. ET (FOX)
- LOS ANGELES RAMS AT DETROIT LIONS, 8:20 P.M. ET (NBC)
MONDAY, SEPT. 9
- NEW YORK JETS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS, 8:15 P.M. ET (ESPN/ABC)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCORES/SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, AUG. 29
HOWARD AT RUTGERS | 6 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
YOUNGSTOWN STATE AT VILLANOVA | 6 P.M. | FLOSPORTS
CENTRAL STATE (OHIO) AT MOREHEAD STATE | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTH CAROLINA A&T AT WAKE FOREST | 7 P.M. | ESPN+/ACCNX
NEW HAMPSHIRE AT UCF | 7 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
WESTERN CAROLINA AT NO. 24 NC STATE | 7 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
JACKSON STATE AT UL MONROE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
LAFAYETTE AT BUFFALO | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
FORDHAM AT BOWLING GREEN | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
BRYANT AT DELAWARE | 7 P.M. | FLOSPORTS
VMI AT WILLIAM & MARY | 7 P.M. | FLOSPORTS
PRESBYTERIAN AT MERCER | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
WOFFORD AT GARDNER-WEBB | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF AT ARKANSAS | 7:30 P.M. | ESPNU
DUQUESNE AT TOLEDO | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN+
QUINCY AT DRAKE | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTH CAROLINA AT MINNESOTA | 8 P.M. | FOX
MURRAY STATE AT NO. 11 MISSOURI | 8 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
NORTH DAKOTA STATE AT COLORADO | 8 P.M. | ESPN
NO. 22 KANSAS VS. LINDENWOOD (IN KANSAS CITY, KANSAS) | 8 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
COASTAL CAROLINA AT JACKSONVILLE STATE | 8 P.M. | CBSSN
ALCORN STATE AT UAB | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
SE LOUISIANA AT TULANE | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTHWESTERN STATE AT TULSA | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTHERN STATE AT SOUTH DAKOTA | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTH AMERICAN UNIVERSITY AT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTHERN UTAH AT NO. 12 UTAH | 9 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
EASTERN ILLINOIS AT ILLINOIS | 9 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
MONMOUTH AT EASTERN WASHINGTON | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
SACRAMENTO STATE AT SAN JOSE STATE | 10 P.M. | TRUTV
FRIDAY, AUG. 30
LEHIGH AT ARMY | 6 P.M. | CBSSN
TEMPLE AT NO. 16 OKLAHOMA | 7 P.M. | ESPN
FLORIDA ATLANTIC AT MICHIGAN STATE | 7 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
COLGATE AT MAINE | 7 P.M. | FLOSPORTS
ELON AT DUKE | 7:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
WESTERN MICHIGAN AT WISCONSIN | 9 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
TCU AT STANFORD | 10:30 P.M. | ESPN
SATURDAY, AUG. 31
NO. 14 CLEMSON VS. NO. 1 GEORGIA (IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA) | 12 P.M. | ABC
VIRGINIA TECH VS. VANDERBILT (IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE) | 12 P.M. | ESPN
ILLINOIS STATE AT NO. 25 IOWA | 12 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
AUSTIN PEAY AT LOUISVILLE | 12 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
INDIANA STATE AT PURDUE | 12 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
KENT STATE AT PITT | 12 P.M. | ESPNU
BUCKNELL AT NAVY | 12 P.M. | CBSSN
UCONN AT MARYLAND | 12 P.M. | FS1
NO. 8 PENN STATE AT WEST VIRGINIA | 12 P.M. | FOX
DAVIDSON AT GEORGETOWN | 12:30 P.M. | ESPN+
CHATTANOOGA AT NO. 15 TENNESSEE | 12:45 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
UPPER IOWA AT BUTLER | 1 P.M. | FLOSPORTS
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE AT NO. 17 OKLAHOMA STATE | 2 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
TOWSON AT CINCINNATI | 2:30 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
PORTLAND STATE AT WASHINGTON STATE | 3 P.M. | CW NETWORK
NO. 19 MIAMI (FLA.) AT FLORIDA | 3:30 P.M. | ABC
COLORADO STATE AT NO. 4 TEXAS | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
EASTERN MICHIGAN AT UMASS | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AT INDIANA | 3:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
EAST TENNESSEE STATE AT APPALACHIAN STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTH DAKOTA AT IOWA STATE | 3:30 P.M. | FS1
OHIO AT SYRACUSE | 3:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
KENNESAW STATE AT UTSA | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
MERRIMACK AT AIR FORCE | 3:30 P.M. | CBSSN
UTEP AT NEBRASKA | 3:30 P.M. | FOX
WESTERN ILLINOIS AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
AKRON AT NO. 2 OHIO STATE | 3:30 P.M. | CBS
MIAMI (OHIO) AT NORTHWESTERN | 3:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
BOISE STATE AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN | 4 P.M. | ESPNU
LINCOLN (CA) AT NORTHERN ARIZONA | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
OLD DOMINION AT SOUTH CAROLINA | 4:15 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
STONY BROOK AT MARSHALL | 5 P.M. | ESPN+
UC DAVIS AT CAL | 5 P.M. | ESPN+/ACCNX
NORTH TEXAS AT SOUTH ALABAMA | 5 P.M. | ESPN+
VALPARAISO AT UNI | 5 P.M. | ESPN+
EASTERN KENTUCKY AT MISSISSIPPI STATE | 6 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
CAMPBELL AT LIBERTY | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
RICHMOND AT VIRGINIA | 6 P.M. | ESPN+/ACCNX
NORFOLK STATE AT EAST CAROLINA | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
SAMFORD AT WEST GEORGIA | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE AT FLORIDA A&M | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
DELAWARE STATE AT SACRED HEART | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE AT TENNESSEE STATE | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
THE CITADEL AT CHARLESTON SOUTHERN | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY AT STETSON | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
IDAHO STATE AT OREGON STATE | 6:30 P.M. | CW NETWORK
WESTERN KENTUCKY AT NO. 5 ALABAMA | 7 P.M. | ESPN
FURMAN AT NO. 6 OLE MISS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
CENTRAL ARKANSAS AT ARKANSAS STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
BETHUNE-COOKMAN AT SOUTH FLORIDA | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
TARLETON STATE AT BAYLOR | 7 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
UNLV AT HOUSTON | 7 P.M. | FS1
UT MARTIN AT NO. 18 KANSAS STATE | 7 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
TENNESSEE TECH AT MIDDLE TENNESSEE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
SAM HOUSTON AT RICE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
NEVADA AT TROY | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTH ALABAMA AT MEMPHIS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
HOLY CROSS AT RHODE ISLAND | 7 P.M. | FLOSPORTS
NORTHERN COLORADO AT UIW | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
TEXAS SOUTHERN AT PRAIRIE VIEW A&M | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
ALABAMA A&M AT AUBURN | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
NO. 7 NOTRE DAME AT NO. 20 TEXAS A&M | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
FRESNO STATE AT NO. 9 MICHIGAN | 7:30 P.M. | NBC
IDAHO AT NO. 3 OREGON | 7:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
UCLA AT HAWAI’I | 7:30 P.M. | CBS
ABILENE CHRISTIAN AT TEXAS TECH | 7:30 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
SOUTHERN MISS AT KENTUCKY | 7:45 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AT BYU | 8 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
GEORGIA STATE AT GEORGIA TECH | 8 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
HOUSTON CHRISTIAN AT SMU | 8 P.M. | ESPN+/ACCNX
GRAMBLING AT LOUISIANA | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
NICHOLLS AT LOUISIANA TECH | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
JAMES MADISON AT CHARLOTTE | 8 P.M. | ESPNU
LAMAR AT TEXAS STATE | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE AT SAN DIEGO STATE | 8 P.M. | TRUTV
SOUTHERN AT MCNEESE | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE AT NEW MEXICO STATE | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
MISSOURI STATE AT MONTANA | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
NEW MEXICO AT NO. 21 ARIZONA | 10:30 P.M. | ESPN
MONTANA STATE AT UTAH TECH | 10 P.M. | ESPN+
WYOMING AT ARIZONA STATE | 10:30 P.M. | FS1
WEBER STATE AT WASHINGTON | 11 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
SUNDAY, SEPT. 1
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL VS. ALABAMA STATE (IN MIAMI GARDENS, FLA.) | 3 P.M. | ESPN
NO. 23 USC VS. NO. 13 LSU (IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
MONDAY, SEPT. 2
BOSTON COLLEGE AT NO. 10 FLORIDA STATE | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
INDIANA HOOSIERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
AUGUST 31 VS. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL 3:30
SEPTEMBER 6 VS. WESTERN ILLINOIS 7:00
SEPTEMBER 14 AT UCLA 7:30
SEPTEMBER 21 VS. CHARLOTTE TBA
SEPTEMBER 28 VS. MARYLAND TBA
OCTOBER 5 AT NORTHWESTERN TBA
OCTOBER 19 VS. NEBRASKA TBA
OCTOBER 26 VS. WASHINGTON TBA
NOVEMBER 2 AT MICHIGAN STATE TBA
NOVEMBER 9 VS. MICHIGAN TBA
NOVEMBER 23 AT OHIO STATE TBA
NOVEMBER 30 VS. PURDUE TBA
PURDUE BOILERMAKERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
AUGUST 31 VS. INDIANA STATE 12:00
SEPTEMBER 14 VS. NOTRE DAME 3:30
SEPTEMBER 21 AT OREGON STATE 8:30
SEPTEMBER 28 VS. NEBRASKA 12:00
OCTOBER 5 AT WISCONSIN TBA
OCTOBER 12 AT ILLINOIS TBA
OCTOBER 18 VS. OREGON 8:00
NOVEMBER 2 VS. NORTHWESTERN TBA
NOVEMBER 9 AT OHIO STATE TBA
NOVEMBER 16 VS. PENN STATE TBA
NOVEMBER 22 AT MICHIGAN STATE 8:00
NOVEMBER 30 AT INDIANA TBA
NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
AUGUST 21 AT TEXAS A&M 7:30
SEPTEMBER 7 VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS 3:30
SEPTEMBER 14 AT PURDUE 3:30
SEPTEMBER 21 VS. MIAMI (OH) 3:30
SEPTEMBER 28 VS. LOUISVILLE 3:30
OCTOBER 12 VS. STANFORD 3:30
OCTOBER 19 AT GEORGIA TECH TBA
OCTOBER 26 AT NAVY 12:00
NOVEMBER 9 VS. FLORIDA STATE 7:30
NOVEMBER 16 VS. VIRGINIA 3:30
NOVEMBER 23 AT ARMY 7:00 (YANKEE STADIUM)
NOVEMBER 30 AT USC TBA
BUTLER BULLDOGS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
AUGUST 31 VS. UPPER IOWA 1:00
SEPTEMBER 7 AT MURRAY STATE 6:00 CT
SEPTEMBER 14 VS. HANOVER 6:00
SEPTEMBER 28 VS. VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY-LYNCHBURG 1:00
OCTOBER 5 VS. MOREHEAD STATE 1:00
OCTOBER 12 AT DRAKE 1:00 CT
OCTOBER 19 VS. DAYTON 1:00
OCTOBER 26 AT DAVIDSON 1:00
NOVEMBER 2 VS. STETSON 1:00
NOVEMBER 9 AT VALPO 1:00 CT
NOVEMBER 16 VS. ST. THOMAS 1:00
NOVEMBER 23 AT PRESBYTERIAN 1:00
BALL STATE CARDINALS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
SEPTEMBER 7 VS. MISSOURI STATE 2:00
SEPTEMBER 14 AT MIAMI FL 3:30
SEPTEMBER 21 AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN TBA
SEPTEMBER 28 AT JAMES MADISON TBA
OCTOBER 5 VS. WESTERN MICHIGAN TBA
OCTOBER 12 AT KENT STATE TBA
OCTOBER 19 AT VANDERBILT TBA
OCTOBER 26 VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS TBA
NOVEMBER 5 VS. MIAMI OH TBA
NOVEMBER 12 AT BUFFALO 7:00
NOVEMBER 23 VS. BOWLING GREEN TBA
NOVEMBER 29 AT OHIO TBA
INDIANA STATE SYCAMORES FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
AUGUST 31 AT PURDUE 12:00
SEPTEMBER 7 AT EASTERN ILLINOIS 7:00
SEPTEMBER 14 VS. DAYTON 6:00
SEPTEMBER 28 VS. HOUSTON CHRISTIAN 1:00
OCTOBER 5 AT YOUNGSTOWN STATE 2:00
OCTOBER 12 VS. MURRAY STATE 1:00
OCTOBER 19 AT MISSOURI STATE 3:00
OCTOBER 26 VS. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 1:00
NOVEMBER 2 VS. NORTH DAKOTA 1:00
NOVEMBER 9 AT SOUTH DAKOTA 2:00
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER SCORES
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
TOP NATIONAL HEADLINES/NEWS RELEASES
NFL NEWS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE HANDING THEIR OFFENSE TO VETERAN QB RUSSELL WILSON
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to let Russell Wilson cook.
Coach Mike Tomlin announced the nine-time Pro Bowler as the starter on Wednesday, putting an end to a largely perfunctory quarterback competition with Justin Fields in which the 35-year-old Wilson held the “pole position” as Tomlin put it for months and did little to cede ground to Fields.
“It was a difficult decision, but not difficult in a negative way,” Tomlin said. “The decision was difficult because of what they’re capable of doing.”
Wilson will be the fourth different Week 1 starting quarterback in as many seasons for the Steelers, who have bounced from Ben Roethlisberger to Mitch Trubisky to Kenny Pickett and now to Wilson, who flamed out in two seasons in Denver but practically sprinted to Pittsburgh in hopes of reviving his career.
“I came here to help us win,” Wilson said. “That’s the focus.”
The Steelers revamped their offense in the offseason, flipping the quarterback room entirely and hiring former Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator.
Wilson, who signed a one-year deal on the first day of free agency, will be tasked with trying to goose up production for a unit that is the main reason Pittsburgh has failed to win a playoff game in eight years, the franchise’s longest drought since the “Immaculate Reception” in 1972.
That dry spell is one of the reasons the Steelers made such an abrupt shift at the most important position on the field. Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan said repeatedly over the winter that they were all-in on Pickett, a first-round pick in 2022.
Things changed quickly — very quickly — after Wilson was brought in to provide competition. Pittsburgh traded Pickett hours after bringing in Wilson. The Steelers then acquired Fields, who endured three uneven seasons in Chicago.
While Fields is a decade younger and is far more mobile Wilson, Wilson provides experience, an ability to take care of the ball and a reputation as one of the best big-game quarterbacks of his generation.
“Russ’ resume is a unique one in terms of length and success,” Tomlin said. “That tends to play a factor in the decision-making, not from a decision-making perspective, that’s just the fruit of his labor. He’s seen a lot and done a lot and I think it was reflected in the way he played and conducted himself.”
A calf injury slowed Wilson during training camp, giving Fields more practice reps with the starters.
Tomlin’s decision to play coy fueled idle speculation that Fields had a chance to supplant Wilson, but the reality is Tomlin placed Wilson atop the depth chart to start training camp and Fields never came close to unseating him.
The competition such as it was ended in Detroit last Saturday when Wilson led a quick four-play touchdown drive that included a pretty 26-yard flip to George Pickens.
Fields, who like Wilson has said and done all the right things since coming to Pittsburgh, could be featured in certain packages to take advantage of his skillset.
Wilson’s numbers were solid in Denver last season. He threw for 26 touchdowns against eight interceptions and remained effective in the red zone. Yet he clashed with Broncos coach Sean Payton, so much so that Denver opted to move on from the potential Hall of Famer just 18 months after trading for him and signing him to a massive $242 million extension.
The Broncos were so eager to replace Wilson they willingly ate the $39 million they still owed him in 2024, a decision that let the Steelers bring Wilson in for the veteran minimum.
There’s plenty at stake for Wilson, Fields and the Steelers. Pittsburgh currently has no quarterback under contract for 2025 after declining to pick up Fields’ fifth-year option.
While Wilson will run out with the starters in Atlanta on Sept. 8, nothing after that is guaranteed. Only once in the past decade has the same quarterback started every game in a given season.
Last year, Pittsburgh shuffled through Pickett, Trubisky and Mason Rudolph, with Rudolph leading an unlikely charge to the postseason after taking over in December.
Pittsburgh’s stay in the playoffs, however, was short-lived. The Steelers were handled easily by the Bills in the opening round, leading to some soul-searching that ended with one of the NFL’s most stable franchises making a series of bold moves in search of a spark.
Wilson will get a chance to provide it as he tries to put a forgettable chapter in his decorated career firmly in the rearview mirror.
COWBOYS AND RUNNING BACK DALVIN COOK AGREE ON CONTRACT, AP SOURCE SAYS
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys and running back Dalvin Cook have agreed on a contract, a person with knowledge of the deal said Wednesday.
The addition of Cook gives the Cowboys another option at a position in flux even with the return of two-time rushing champion Ezekiel Elliott.
The plan is to put Cook on the practice squad for now, the person told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because there hasn’t been an announcement.
Cook was waived by the Jets with one game left in the regular season last year, and he appeared in one of Baltimore’s two playoff games after signing with the Ravens.
A role never materialized in New York after he signed a one-year deal worth up the $7 million, with $5.8 million guaranteed. Cook had just 67 carries for 214 yards in 15 games.
The move to New York came after six seasons, which included three consecutive Pro Bowls, with the Minnesota Vikings. A second-round draft pick in 2017, Cook had career highs of 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2020. He scored 29 touchdowns rushing in a two-season span and has 47 for his career.
Mike Zimmer, who is in his first season as Dallas defensive coordinator, was Cook’s head coach for five seasons with the Vikings.
The Cowboys brought back Elliott after Tony Pollard signed with Tennessee in free agency. Pollard replaced Elliott as the lead back when Dallas released Elliott in a cost-cutting move last year.
Elliott and Cook face questions about declining careers even though both are 29, born less than a month apart. Between them, Elliott and Cook have more than 15,000 career yards rushing.
Elliott averaged almost 21 carries per game through his first four seasons, while Cook averaged about 18 1/2 per game in a four-year stretch that included all of his 1,000-yard seasons.
Dallas also has fifth-year back Rico Dowdle and a pair of second-year backs in Hunter Luepke and Deuce Vaughn.
FALCONS HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS AFTER 6 STRAIGHT LOSING SEASONS
ATLANTA FALCONS (7-10)
EXPECTATIONS: After six straight losing seasons, owner Arthur Blank spent heavily and expects nothing less than a return to the playoffs. The Falcons fired coach Arthur Smith after he failed to turn things around during his three-year stint, replacing him with former Tampa Bay coach and longtime NFL assistant Raheem Morris. This is a homecoming of sorts of Morris, who served in various roles under former Falcons coach Dan Quinn and even served as Atlanta’s interim head coach after Quinn was fired early in the 2020 season. The biggest acquisition was quarterback Kirk Cousins, who agreed to a four-year, $180 million deal — with $100 million guaranteed — to upgrade a spot that was a major issue during Smith’s tenure. But the Falcons raised eyebrows around the league when they followed up the signing of Cousins by drafting another quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., with the No. 8 pick. While the Falcons insist Cousins is the starter, it will be interesting to see how that dynamic plays out if the veteran struggles early in the season, especially coming back from an Achilles tendon injury that cut short his final year with the Minnesota Vikings.
NEW FACES: Head coach Raheem Morris, QB Kirk Cousins, Edge Matthew Judon, S Justin Simmons, QB Michael Penix Jr., WR Darnell Mooney, WR Ray-Ray McCloud III, NT Ruke Orhorhoro.
KEY LOSSES: QB Desmond Ridder, WR Mack Hollins, Edge Bralen Trice (season-ending injury), TE Jonnu Smith, RB Cordarrelle Patterson, DE Calais Campbell, OLB Bud Dupree, CB Jeff Okudah, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft for tampering during their negotiations with Cousins.
STRENGTHS: The Falcons have a stellar pair of safeties after signing the two-time Pro Bowler Simmons to pair with Jessie Bates III. The offensive line, led by longtime left tackle Jake Matthews, is an experienced, cohesive group. Cousins is a major improvement over Ridder, though it should be noted that the new starter has just one playoff win in his career. Cousins has some dynamic playmakers around him with a trio of former top-10 picks: TE Kyle Pitts, RB Bijan Robinson and WR Drake London. Robinson rushed for 976 yards and caught 58 passes for 487 yards as a rookie. London led the team with 69 receptions and should improve on those numbers with better quarterback play. Ditto for Pitts, who had 53 receptions for 667 yards coming back from a knee injury. The defensive line will be bolstered by the trade for Judon and the return of Grady Jarrett, who played only eight games before going down with a season-ending injury. Younghoe Koo is one of the league’s most reliable kickers.
WEAKNESSES: The Falcons are hoping Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler, bolsters a pass rush that’s been anemic for years. Atlanta hasn’t had a player with double-digit sacks since Vic Beasley had 15 1/2 during a Super Bowl run in 2016. Beyond London, the receiving group looks thin. Mooney is coming off a lost season with the Bears (31 receptions, 414 yards, 1 TD), while McCloud had just 12 catches for the 49ers. The Falcons need significant more production out of those two to lure coverages away from their top outside threat.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Cousins spent training camp completing his recovery from the Achilles tendon injury. While he didn’t take any snaps during the preseason, he insisted he’ll be ready to go in Week 1. The Falcons were impressed with Trice’s potential as a pass rusher before the third-round pick went down, leading to the trade for Judon. Another newcomer, WR Rondale Moore, was expected to be part of the receiver rotation before he went down in camp with a season-ending knee injury.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: With Cousins at quarterback, Pitts could return to the Pro Bowl form he showed as a rookie in 2021. He had 68 receptions for 1,026 yards that season, but his development was sidetracked by a knee injury in Year 2. With a tantalizing combination of size and speed, Pitts could again be the sort of formidable option the Falcons envisioned when they picked him fourth overall.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 35-1. Over/under wins: 9 1/2.
LOS ANGELES RAMS BEGIN LIFE WITHOUT STAR DEFENSIVE TACKLE AARON DONALD. IT MIGHT NOT BE FUN.
LOS ANGELES RAMS (10-8)
EXPECTATIONS: Life after Aaron Donald could be difficult for the Rams, whose entire defense was built on the bedrock of No. 99’s phenomenal skills throughout coach Sean McVay’s first seven seasons. Los Angeles will be much more ordinary without the retired defensive tackle, who will be replaced with a group of youngsters possessing a fraction of his talent under a first-time defensive coordinator, Chris Shula. But McVay usually finds a way to be competitive, just as he did in leading Los Angeles to a surprise playoff berth last season. The Rams inevitably will be worse on the defensive line, but they should be stronger in the two weakest areas of last season’s roster: the offensive line and the secondary. QB Matthew Stafford is back for a fourth season, with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua returning alongside a one-two backfield punch of Kyren Williams and rookie Blake Corum. With good health, McVay’s Rams should be in the running for another playoff spot. Without Donald, this roster doesn’t look special enough to contend for a championship.
NEW FACES: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, CB Tre’Davious White, CB Darious Williams, S Kamren Curl, LB Jared Verse, DE Braden Fiske, K Joshua Karty.
KEY LOSSES: Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, DT Aaron Donald, LB Ernest Jones, QB Carson Wentz, S Jordan Fuller, CB Ahkello Witherspoon.
STRENGTHS: Stafford remains one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, and the skill positions around him look solid, with Kupp and Nacua in particular possessing game-breaking talent when healthy. The Rams shored up the middle of their O-line by signing Jonah Jackson and retaining Kevin Dotson while moving standout Steve Avila to center. A secondary that got carved up by top quarterbacks last season will be much harder to beat with the additions of Tre’Davious White, Kamren Curl and Darious Williams alongside John Johnson.
WEAKNESSES: Donald leaves an enormous hole in every aspect of the Rams’ roster. Rookie nose tackle Kobie Turner will find out how much harder it is to shine without AD, while rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske will have huge responsibilities early on. Linebacker and signal-caller Ernest Jones was a logical choice to assume some of Donald’s veteran leadership, but the Rams’ leading tackler was unceremoniously traded to Tennessee for a late-round pick swap in late August after failing to get a contract extension. Stopgap veterans and youngsters will fill Jones’ key spot, but the Rams seem fine with that. The kicking game was horrific last season, and the Rams have chosen to rely on Karty, a rookie.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Not much. Left tackle Alaric Jackson received a two-game suspension, likely forcing Joe Noteboom to fill in for the first two weeks. Undrafted rookie Omar Speights played his way onto the roster. But the Rams are largely the same team McVay had in offseason workouts.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Nacua carries huge risks along with his potentially huge rewards to fantasy players. He took plenty of vicious hits during his record-setting rookie season, and he injured his knee again in early August, missing three weeks of practice. Nacua’s physical style can lead to jaw-dropping achievements, but unless he learns to take fewer big hits, injuries will always be a major threat to his long-term production.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 30-1. Over/under wins: 8 1/2.
THE 49ERS LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK FROM ANOTHER PLAYOFF HEARTBREAK AND WIN AN ELUSIVE SUPER BOWL
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (14-6)
EXPECTATIONS: After following up losses in the NFC title game in the 2021 and ’22 seasons with an overtime loss in the Super Bowl to Kansas City last season, anything short of the franchise’s long-awaited sixth Super Bowl title would be viewed as a disappointment. Coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad has done everything but win it all the last five seasons, having also lost the Super Bowl to the Chiefs in the 2019 season. The Niners have almost every key offensive player from last season back under contract again from last season’s unit that was one of the most productive in the game but need to resolve contract disputes with All-Pro LT Trent Williams and star WR Brandon Aiyuk to get them back on the field.. The defense took a little step back last season, leading to the decision to fire coordinator Steve Wilks and promote Nick Sorensen. If Sorensen can get that unit back playing at a higher level, the Niners should have as good a chance as anyone to contend.
NEW FACES: DE Leonard Floyd, DT Maliek Collins, DE Yetur Gross-Matos, WR Ricky Pearsall, CB Renardo Green, OL Dominick Puni, LB De’Vondre Campbell, DT Jordan Elliott.
KEY LOSSES: Wilks, DL Arik Armstead, S Tashaun Gipson, DT Javon Kinlaw, QB Sam Darnold, DL Clelin Ferrell, DE Chase Young, DE Randy Gregory, TE Charlie Woerner, TE Ross Dwelley, CB Isaiah Oliver, LB Oren Burks, WR Ray-Ray McCloud, DB Logan Ryan, TE Brayden Willis.
STRENGTHS: No team has a collection of playmakers as good as the Niners if they can get Aiyuk signed to a long-term deal. Reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey leads the way at running back, with Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel at receiver and All-Pro tight end George Kittle. Brock Purdy ran the offense at a wildly efficient rate last year in his first full season as a starter and could be even better this year now that he know longer is rehabbing his injured throwing elbow. The back seven of the defense is also strong led by All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and the team’s deepest group of cornerbacks in years led by Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir.
WEAKNESSES: The biggest questions for San Francisco might be in the trenches. The offensive line had issues last season outside of Williams, especially in the Super Bowl when the 49ers couldn’t pick up two key third-down blitzes late in the game. If Williams doesn’t end his holdout, the line will be full of questions with Jaylon Moore stepping in at LT. The only new starter this season likely will be third-round rookie RG Puni, who impressed during exhibition games but will have a tougher task in the regular season. The defensive line has been the strength of San Francisco’s defense for years but has much less depth this year and will miss Armstead’s presence in the middle. Floyd will need to provide a legitimate edge rushing threat across from Nick Bosa.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: The biggest story in camp revolved around the contract disputes with Aiyuk and Williams. Aiyuk skipped the entire offseason program and hasn’t practiced yet as part of a contract “hold in” as he seeks a lucrative new deal or a trade. Williams spent the summer as a holdout back home in Texas.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: McCaffrey was the top fantasy performer a year ago when he led the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and was tied for the league lead with 21 TDs. The Niners offense revolves around McCaffrey in both the running and passing games and he will continue to carry a heavy load. McCaffrey was slowed by a calf injury in camp, but should be healthy for the start of the season.
KEY STORYLINES: The biggest stories for the Niners in the regular season if they resolve their contract disputes will revolve around Sorensen and Purdy. San Francisco’s had issues in the regular season and was exposed at times in the playoffs, leading to the change in coordinator. Sorensen has never called plays at any level but has the respect of his players and has former head coach and DC Brandon Staley to help him as an assistant. Purdy led the NFL with a 113 passer rating and 9.6 yards per attempt last season when the last pick of the 2022 draft ended up as an MVP finalist. Another season with numbers close to those and Purdy could become one of the highest-paid QBs in the NFL next summer.
THE BRONCOS HAVE A PROMISING ROOKIE CLASS LED BY QB BO NIX BUT FACE LONG ODDS OF ENDING LONG DROUGHT
DENVER BRONCOS (8-9)
EXPECTATIONS: The Broncos are thin across the board in part because of the $53 million in dead cap charges from the Russell Wilson release (and where will be another $32 million charge in 2025). They lost a lot of leadership with the exits of S Justin Simmons, C Lloyd Cushenberry III and ILB Josey Jewell. But they still have CB Pat Surtain II and second-year coach Sean Payton hoping for a repeat of last season when they had the fewest injuries in the league. They’ll be hard-pressed to snap their seven-year streak of losing records or their eight-year playoff drought, however.
NEW FACES: QB Bo Nix, DE John Franklin-Myers, WR Josh Reynolds, RB Audric Estime, CB Kris Abrams-Draine, OLB Jonah Ellis and DL Eyioma Uwazurike (who returns from a yearlong gambling suspension).
KEY LOSSES: S Justin Simmons, ILB Josey Jewell, C Lloyd Cushenberry III, QB Russell Wilson.
STRENGTHS: Receivers, running backs, defensive line, offensive line.
WEAKNESSES: Lack of depth on both lines and elsewhere, tight end question marks, rookie quarterback sure to have his growing pains.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Nix, WR DeVaughn Vele, WR Tim Patrick.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: WR Courtland Sutton.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 150-1. Over/under wins: 5 1/2.
WITH HEALTHY QB JOE BURROW BACK IN CHARGE, BENGALS EXPECT TO IMPROVE ON LAST SEASON’S 9-8 RECORD
CINCINNATI BENGALS (9-8)
EXPECTATIONS: With a season-ending injury to quarterback Joe Burrow last November, the Bengals were fortunate to finish a game over .500, albeit in last place in the AFC North. Burrow’s surgically repaired right wrist is OK now, and for at least one more season he’ll have receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins together as his primary playmakers. Chase ended his contract “hold-in” and practiced for the first time this summer on Sunday, Aug. 25, two weeks before Cincinnati opens the season against the New England Patriots. New running back Zack Moss had the best season of his career last season at Indianapolis (794 yards, five TDs), and tight end Mike Gesicki jumped from New England as a proven pass-catcher. As Burrow goes, so go the Bengals, so if the offensive line can keep his uniform clean, the 2024 season will be much better. The Bengals hope some new additions on the defensive line and another year of experience for some young defensive backs will help lessen the frequency of explosive plays allowed by the unit last season.
NEW FACES: Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, RB Zack Moss, TE Mike Gesicki, OT Trent Brown, WR Jermaine Burton (rookie), OT Amarius Mims (rookie), DT Sheldon Rankins, DT Kris Jenkins (rookie), S Vonn Bell, S Geno Stone.
KEY LOSSES: Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, WR Tyler Boyd, OT Jonah Williams, RB Joe Mixon, TE Irv Smith Jr., S Nick Scott, CB Chidobe Awuzie, DT D.J. Reader.
STRENGTHS: When healthy, Burrow is one of the most creative, accurate quarterbacks in the NFL and he throws to Chase, one of the league’s most versatile and dynamic playmakers. Higgins, who is playing with the franchise tag and likely will be gone after the season, gives Burrow another playmaker with whom the quarterback is completely comfortable. The Bengals are counting on newcomer Moss to step in at running back to eat up some yards and help protect Burrow. The No. 3 receiver position is wide open, with a number of possibilities there. The new tight end, Gesicki, has three 50-catch NFL seasons.
WEAKNESSES: Cincinnati’s defense last season gave up way too many explosive plays, those that went for at least 20 yards in the air or 15 on the ground. They allowed those more often than any team in the NFL. The Bengals offensive line was pushed around, and the run defense was among the worst in the league. Having lost their main run-stopper, D.J. Reader, to free agency, Cincinnati signed free agent DT Sheldon Rankins and drafted DTs Kris Jenkins from Michigan and McKinnley Jackson from Texas A&M. They added S Geno Stone from Baltimore and brought back S Vonn Bell. The hope is 2022 first-round draft pick Dax Hill can lock down a cornerback spot after moving from safety.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: The biggest question coming into camp was whether Burrow can bring back the magic to the Bengals offense after rehabbing his surgically repaired right wrist. The quarterback said he took his time with the rehab this time after adverse results from trying to come back too quickly from previous injuries. Burrow played the first series of the initial preseason game, completing 5 of 7 passes for 51 yards, including a 10-yard TD pass to Higgins.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: At 24, Chase is well-established as one of the league’s premier wideouts. He had 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons. He finished 2023 with 1,216 yards and seven TDs, and that was playing the final nine games with backup quarterback Jake Browning after Burrow went down. With a healthy Burrow, Chase should be poised for a huge year.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 14-1. Over/under wins: 10 1/2.
TUA TAGOVAILOA ENTERS SEASON HOPING TO LEAD DOLPHINS TO FIRST PLAYOFF WIN IN 24 YEARS
(11-7) MIAMI DOLPHINS
EXPECTATIONS: The Miami Dolphins are at a crucial point in their five-year rebuild under general manager Chris Grier. They have built a roster of stars from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on offense to cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb on defense. Head coach Mike McDaniel, hired in 2022, became just the third coach in franchise history to lead the team to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons. But the Dolphins still don’t have a playoff win to show for Grier’s efforts after a second-consecutive first-round exit last season. Grier worked in the offseason to make sure Miami’s lofty expectations don’t fall short again by retooling the defense, signing Tagovailoa to a four-year extension and restructuring Hill’s contract. The Dolphins’ hopes of winning their first playoff game since 2000 depends mostly on their ability to have their stars healthy and available for the 17-game season.
NEW FACES: Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, WR Odell Beckham Jr., TE Jonnu Smith, DT Calais Campbell, OL Aaron Brewer, S Jordan Poyer, LB Jordyn Brooks, CB Kendall Fuller, LB Chop Robinson, OL Patrick Paul.
KEY LOSSES: DT Christian Wilkins, CB Xavien Howard, C Connor Williams, G Robert Hunt, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, LB Jerome Baker, S Brandon Jones, S DeShon Elliott, LB Melvin Ingram.
STRENGTHS: Tagovailoa had the best statistical season of his career in 2023, setting career highs in passing yards (4,624), completion rate (69%) and touchdown passes (29), while staying healthy enough to play the entire season for the first time in his career. Now he’s signed long term, and Tagovailoa said his new contract, which is the most lucrative in franchise history, motivated him to get better as he hopes to help Miami end its postseason win drought. Additionally, the Dolphins offense returns Hill and Waddle, who combined for 2,813 yards receiving last season, which was the most in the NFL. They are expected to again be one of the most productive tandems in the league if they can stay healthy.
WEAKNESSES: Miami’s defensive line has undergone a massive overhaul after the loss of standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and others in free agency. The Dolphins made several new additions, including six-time Pro Bowler Calais Campbell, who has experience playing for new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. But the interior defensive line is a concern after the Dolphins cut Teair Tart and with Benito Jones sidelined with an injury. Both were expected to compete for the starting nose tackle job after Raekwon Davis left for Indianapolis.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Skylar Thompson beat out Mike White for the backup quarterback job after a strong preseason finale in which he directed two touchdown drives with 190 yards passing. But Miami’s offense will be without Odell Beckham Jr. for at least the first four games. Beckham will begin the season on the physically unable to perform list because of undisclosed injuries that McDaniel has indicated he’s not concerned about. Beckham, who signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins in May, has yet to suit up for his new team.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: No NFL player has more yards receiving than Tyreek Hill over the past two seasons. Hill led the NFL with 1,799 yards in 2023, becoming the only player in NFL history with multiple 1,700-yard seasons. He has also averaged at least 14 yards per reception in six of his past seven seasons, making him one of the most reliable options on any fantasy roster.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 22-1. Over/under wins: 9 1/2.
RETURN OF STROUD, ADDITION OF DIGGS VAULTS HOUSTON TEXANS INTO SUPER BOWL CONTENTION
HOUSTON TEXANS (11-8)
EXPECTATIONS: The Texans made a remarkable turnaround last season with first-year coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud to go from worst to first in the AFC South. They spent the offseason upgrading their roster by adding star receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Joe Mixon and pass rusher Danielle Hunter raising hopes that this could be their year. The team should be improved thanks to the new additions and the continued development of last year’s AP Offensive Player of the Year Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr., who won the defensive rookie honor. They are expected to win their division again and have Super Bowl aspirations, but they have a difficult schedule with a Nov. 10 game against Detroit and games against Kansas City and Baltimore four days apart in December.
NEW FACES: Diggs, Mixon, Hunter, DE Denico Autry, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, DE Mario Edwards Jr., P Tommy Townsend, CB Jeff Okudah, CB Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB Desmond King, CB C.J. Henderson.
KEY LOSSES: DE Jonathan Greenard, LB Blake Cashman, CB Steven Nelson, LB Denzel Perryman, DT Sheldon Rankins, RB Devin Singletary, OL Michael Dieter, OT George Fant, DT Teair Tart, OT Josh Jones.
STRENGTHS: Stroud and a stacked group of receivers should be the team’s biggest strength. The second overall pick in the 2023 draft threw for 4,108 yards with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions last season. Nico Collins returns after finishing with a career-high 1,297 yards receiving and eight touchdowns last year. He’ll pair with Diggs, who has had six straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons, to give the Texans two elite receivers. They also return Tank Dell, who had 709 yards receiving with seven scores as a rookie before breaking his leg in the 11th game. The receiving group also includes veteran Robert Woods and John Metchie III, a standout at Alabama, who had a great preseason in his second year back after missing his rookie season fighting cancer.
WEAKNESSES: While Houston’s defensive end combination of Hunter and Anderson should be another strength of the team, the interior defensive line isn’t nearly as strong. The Texans signed Folorunso Fatukasi and Mario Edwards to one-year deals this offseason and they’ll start at the defensive tackle spots. Fatukasi was picked up after he was released by the Jaguars and Edwards has bounced around a lot and Houston is his fifth team in six seasons.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: The Texans learned that they won’t have Autry for the early part of the season after he was suspended six games for violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancers early this month. Autry signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the team in March after he had a career-high 11½ sacks last season for the Titans. He said in a statement that he did not intentionally violate the policy and that it stemmed from doctors submitting a prescription for a different medication that contained a banned substance.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Mixon could be a good fantasy addition because he’ll not only pick up points in the running game but is also a threat out of the backfield. He had 1,034 yards rushing with nine touchdowns for his fourth career 1,000-yard rushing season last year. He added 376 yards receiving and tied a career high with three TD catches for the Bengals in 2023.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 16-1. Over/under wins: 9 1/2.
HEADING INTO THEIR 100TH NFL SEASON, THE GIANTS WILL NEED TO IMPROVE A LOT TO GET BACK TO PLAYOFFS
NEW YORK GIANTS (6-11)
EXPECTATIONS: The Giants are heading into their centennial season. Last season was dismal and running back Saquon Barkley left for a big payday in Philadelphia. Quarterback Daniel Jones is coming off ACL surgery. The revamped offensive line has shown improvement after allowing a franchise-record 85 sacks last season. Safety and second-leading tackler Xavier McKinney signed with Green Bay after playing every defensive snap. Coach Brian Daboll heads into his third season with general manager Joe Schoen. Based on the organization’s recent history of impatience, both might be in trouble if the team doesn’t improve. A lot has to fall into place for that to happen. Jones needs to show his ’22 form when he led the Giants to their only playoff berth since 2016 and earned a $160 million contract. Rookie receiver Malik Nabers has to live up to his big-play potential in camp and now needs to stay healthy. While the new O-line has shown promise, it needs the keep Jones upright in the season and open holes for new No. 1 back Devin Singletary. Daboll has taken over the play-calling from coordinator Mike Kafka and going downfield has been stressed in the passing game. Defensively, New York has outstanding pieces in tackle Dexter Lawrence, edge rushers Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns, inside linebacker Bobby Okereke and cornerback Deonte Banks. Placekicker Graham Gano is back in form coming off surgery on his left knee.
NEW FACES: Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial, Burns, QB Drew Lock, OL Jermaine Eluemunor, OL Jon Runyan Jr., OL Greg Van Roten, OL Aaron Stinnie, Singletary, Nabers, TE Theo Johnson, CB Dru Phillips, S Tyler Nubin.
KEY LOSSES: RB Saquon Barkley, S Xavier McKinney, QB Tyrod Taylor, G Ben Bredeson, TE Darren Sharper, WR Sterling Shepard, DL A’Shawn Robinson, CB Adoree Jackson, LB Cam Brown.
STRENGTHS: For the first time in years, the Giants have four speedsters at the wide receiver spot. Nabers has been making big plays since training camp opened and he gives Jones options to go deep in addition to Darius Slayton, second-year speedster Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson. Besides Nabers, the biggest offseason move Schoen made was acquiring Burns from Carolina. He gives New York a greater chance of pressuring quarterbacks when combined with Thibodeaux and Lawrence. It could go a long way to helping a secondary in flux with Jackson and McKinney gone.
WEAKNESSES: With McKinney and Jackson gone, third-year pro Cor’Dale Flott was given Jackson’s job at cornerback and looked good until developing a quad injury. Veteran Nick McCloud started against Houston in the second preseason game and was good. The safeties — Jason Pinnock and Dane Belton — need to play tighter. Nubin has potential and should help. Third-round draft pick Dru Phillips has looked good as the nickel back. A big pass rush could help the secondary.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Besides Jones and Nabers, second-year running back Eric Gray and rookie Tyrone Tracy are competing for the No. 2 back spot. Free agent Dante Miller also has played well. Fourth-round draft pick Theo Johnson will get plays as a receiving tight end. Free agent defensive tackle Elijah Chatman has jumped up the depth chart.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Nabers. He is the most exciting rookie receiver to come to training camp since New York took fellow LSU product Odell Beckham Jr. with the No. 12 pick overall in the 2014 draft. All Beckham did was catch 91 passes for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games. Nabers had 89 catches for 1,596 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Both players left after their junior seasons.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 150-1. Over/under wins: 6 1/2.
AFTER LATE-SEASON STUMBLE, EAGLES AND NEW COACHING STAFF LOOK TO REBOUND IN 2024
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (11-7)
EXPECTATIONS: After reaching the Super Bowl in the 2022 season and losing a thriller to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles stumbled badly down the stretch last season and will be looking to bounce back into title contention in 2024. Philadelphia started 10-1 last season, but dropped five of its final six regular-season games, completing the freefall with a 32-9 trouncing by the Buccaneers in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Head coach Nick Sirianni kept his job, but the Eagles replaced both coordinators, bringing in Kellen Moore to run the offense and Vic Fangio the defense. Philadelphia still has MVP candidate Jalen Hurts, their franchise quarterback entering his fifth year who has thrown for 11,764 yards and rushed for 2,503 in his career, and top wide receiver targets A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. To help offset the loss of six-time All-Pro center Jason Kelce, a potential first-ballot Hall of Famer, the Eagles added two-time Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley through free agency. Defensively, Philadelphia has shored up its secondary, which struggled last season, by drafting cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in the first round and bringing back safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who played in Detroit last season after being a key player during Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run the season prior. Add it all up, and Philadelphia expects to be a contender once again in the NFC.
NEW FACES: Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, RB Saquon Barkley, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, RG Mekhi Becton, EDGE Bryce Huff and CB Quinyon Mitchell, WR Jahan Dotson.
KEY LOSSES: C Jason Kelce and Haason Reddick.
STRENGTHS: Hurts has no shortage of options on offense. Brown and Smith became the first Eagles wide receiver duo to each have 1,000 or more yards receiving in 2022, and they did it again in 2023. A three-time Pro Bowl pick, Brown set a club record in 2023 with 106 receptions and an NFL mark with six consecutive games with 125 or more receiving yards. In three seasons, Smith has caught 240 passes for 3,178 yards, both of which are the most for any Eagles receiver in his first three years. Tight end Dallas Goedert is a reliable option in the middle of the field for Hurts, having grabbed 307 passes for 3,589 yards in his six seasons. And Barkley, whom the Eagles signed to $26 million guaranteed in the offseason, has been one of the top backs in the league during six seasons for the New York Giants, where the former No. 2 overall pick rushed for 5,211 yards and 35 touchdowns and caught 288 passes for 2,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.
WEAKNESSES: While Philadelphia bolstered the position in the offseason, there are still questions about the secondary, which was picked apart in 2023. Last season, opponents completed 425 passes against Philadelphia. Only the Vikings (426) allowed more pass completions in the NFL. Cornerback James Bradberry, who played opposite six-time Pro Bowl corner Darius Slay last season, moved to safety in training camp though his spot on the roster is tenuous. A healthy Avonte Maddox has returned to help in the secondary as a nickel corner or safety after playing just 13 games combined the past two seasons because of injuries. Philadelphia also re-signed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the offseason. Johnson tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions in 2022 when he helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl. The Eagles drafted a pair of rookies to help strengthen the secondary, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Mitchell, the No. 22 overall pick, has looked good at cornerback in training camp and preseason games. DeJean, a second-round pick at No. 40 overall, has been limited in camp because of a hamstring injury.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: With Kelce’s retirement, Cam Jurgens shifted from right guard to Kelce’s former spot at center. The vacated right guard position appears to have been won by Becton, whom the Eagles are converting to a guard from a tackle. The No. 11 overall pick in 2020 by the Jets, Becton has made 28 of his 30 career starts at left tackle and the other two at right tackle.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Kicker Jake Elliott set a club record by hitting 93.8 percent of his field-goal attempts last season when he had 135 points. Elliott ranks second among kickers with 80 or more attempts with a 90.9 percent field-goal rate since 2021.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 14-1. Over/under wins: 10 1/2.
COWBOYS HOPE FOR ELUSIVE DEEP PLAYOFF RUN AS QUESTIONS LOOM ON FUTURES OF MCCARTHY, PRESCOTT
DALLAS COWBOYS (12-6)
EXPECTATIONS: It’s probably a deep playoff run or bust for coach Mike McCarthy, who is in the final year of his contract. The Cowboys haven’t even reached an NFC championship game since winning the last of the franchise’s five Super Bowl titles during the 1995 season. The wild-card loss at home to Green Bay last January was perhaps the most painful for Jerry Jones in his 34 years owning the team. So McCarthy’s three straight 12-5 playoff seasons don’t mean much. Plus, Dallas is the only team without a conference title to show for three consecutive 12-win playoff seasons. If the drought continues, the fate of quarterback Dak Prescott would be a little more complicated, depending on whether the sides agree on a contract extension. If not, Dallas has to decide whether to start over at the most important position. And there’s no guarantee Prescott will re-sign with the Cowboys if he reaches free agency. The Cowboys had one of the best offenses in the NFL last season, but questions will linger in the early weeks because of All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb’s contract holdout. He missed all of training camp before agreeing to a deal 13 days before the opener.
NEW FACES: RB Ezekiel Elliott (sort of, the two-time rushing champ is returning after spending one season in New England); LB Eric Kendricks; defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer; OL Tyler Guyton; DE Marshawn Kneeland; OL Cooper Beebe.
KEY LOSSES: RB Tony Pollard; defensive coordinator Dan Quinn; CB Stephon Gilmore; S Jayron Kearse; DE Dorance Armstrong Jr.; DE Sam Williams (season-ending knee injury).
STRENGTHS: Prescott is coming off a career-best 36 passing touchdowns, which led the NFL. The connection with Lamb was superb, leading to across-the-board career bests for the receiver with 135 catches (NFL high) for 1,749 yards and 14 touchdowns. The threat of Micah Parsons makes Dallas among the most feared defenses in pressuring quarterbacks, and the Cowboys led the NFL in takeaways for the balance of Quinn’s three seasons (93 to 87 for Buffalo). The best illustration of the opportunistic defense last season was CB DaRon Bland setting an NFL record with five interception returns for touchdowns. And now Bland has Trevon Diggs back on the other side after the 2021 All-Pro missed all but two games last season with a torn knee ligament.
WEAKNESSES: The return of Elliott probably isn’t enough of a boost to the running game to give Dallas a complementary threat to its top-notch passing attack. Elliott figures to get plenty of work early as the Cowboys try to figure out how much juice is left in the 29-year-old who is third on the club’s career rushing list from his first seven NFL seasons (8,262 yards). There is promise in an offensive line that got much younger with Tyron Smith’s switch to the New York Jets in free agency. But the blocking has been part of the problem in the run game. Dallas has trouble stopping the run, too. If the disappointing start to the career of second-year pro Mazi Smith continues, so will the difficulty of keeping opponents from controlling the game on the ground.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Third-team QB Trey Lance has been the focus of the preseason as the Cowboys try to get the No. 3 overall pick from 2021 enough reps to be in position to make a more informed decision about his future after the season. Lance will be a free agent because the fifth-year option on his rookie contract wasn’t picked up. Lance didn’t show much in the preseason opener but was better a week later. His overall sample size is so small. Including his final season at North Dakota State during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lance has played nine games that counted over the past four seasons. San Francisco traded him to Dallas last year after Lance lost the battle to be Brock Purdy’s backup.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: WR Brandin Cooks drew strong praise during camp with Lamb out. He scored eight touchdowns as the No. 2 receiver last year, and Prescott might look his way even more after a full year together.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 18-1. Over/under wins: 9 1/2.
STEELERS ARE HOPING AN OVERHAUL AT QB WILL LEAD TO MORE SUCCESS IN 2024
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (10-8)
EXPECTATIONS: The franchise has essentially been running in place for nearly a decade, and the angst of being “good but not good enough” is growing, so much so that a team known for its stability made a handful of dramatic — by Steelers’ standards anyway — moves in the offseason. The quarterback room was overhauled completely, with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields taking over Kenny Pickett (traded), Mitch Trubisky (cut) and Mason Rudolph (free agency). Longtime head coach Mike Tomlin hired Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, hoping Smith can replicate the kind of dynamic attack he led while in the same position in Tennessee in 2019-20. The Steelers also signed inside linebacker Patrick Queen to the most expensive free agent contract they have ever offered, a three-year, $41 million deal to be the kind of heat-seeking wrecking ball at inside linebacker they have largely lacked since Ryan Shazier’s career-ending injury in 2017. While some things have changed, others have not. Tomlin signed a contract extension in June that runs through the 2027 season, a vote of confidence from team president Art Rooney II that Tomlin remains the right man for the job 17 years in. Tomlin has been clear that he has more coaching days behind him than in front of him, and the many moves the team had over the past eight months indicate a sense of urgency to move from the fringe of contention to the middle of it, a daunting task in a quarterback-rich division.
NEW FACES: QB Russell Wilson, QB Justin Fields, LB Patrick Queen, WR Van Jefferson, P Cameron Johnston, C Zach Frazier, OT Troy Fautanu, WR Scotty Miller, WR/RB Cordarrelle Patterson, LB Payton Wilson, WR Roman Wilson.
KEY LOSSES: QB Kenny Pickett, QB Mitch Trubisky, QB Mason Rudolph, WR Diontae Johnson, CB Patrick Peterson, LB Kwon Alexander, LB Mykal Walker, LB Myles Jack.
STRENGTHS: The linebacking group may be one of the best in the NFL. Watt and Alex Highsmith are an elite tandem on the outside and Queen’s arrival gives the Steelers their best chance at having a young, athletic difference-maker they have long needed in between. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren have become one of the most productive running back duos in league, though how their 2024 goes will depend largely on how an offensive line that looked shaky at times in the preseason develops. The secondary features a perennial Pro Bowler in Minkah Fitzpatrick and a budding star in cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
WEAKNESSES: The wide receiver group outside of George Pickens is questionable at best with no real No. 2 to take attention — and double teams — away from Pickens. The offensive line wasn’t exactly crisp during the preseason, though it didn’t help that rookie first-round pick Fautanu was banged up and right tackle Broderick Jones looked rusty at times while dealing with multiple injuries he’s described as minor. While the Steelers totally overhauled the offense, the path to victory remains much the same: control the clock, have the offense avoid mistakes and hope a defense littered with stars at all three levels stays healthy. It’s a formula that’s led to the playoffs three of the past four years, but also to quick postseason exits.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: The Steelers might have their next great outside linebacker in Nick Herbig. Herbig racked up 3 1/2 sacks while playing just 32 snaps in the preseason. His development could allow Pittsburgh to give Watt and Highsmith a little more rest during the early and middle portions of games, in theory keeping them fresh for crunch time.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Expect Smith to try and find ways to put Pickens in favorable matchups. When properly engaged, the 6-foot-4 Pickens is an electric playmaker who can shift fortunes in a flash. When he’s not, he’s an unenthusiastic blocker prone to pouting. Pickens believes he’s matured as he heads into his third season, and with a contract year coming up, will be eager to prove he can command the type of No. 1 money being given to the Cee Dee Lambs of the world.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 50-1. Over/under wins: 8 1/2.
CHIEFS LOOK TO BECOME FIRST TEAM IN NFL HISTORY TO WIN 3 CONSECUTIVE SUPER BOWLS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (15-6)
EXPECTATIONS: The only way a season can be considered a success in Kansas City at this point is winning the Super Bowl. And doing so this time would make it a record three straight for the Chiefs, who had not won a championship in 50 years before they triumphed over San Francisco in the 2019 season. The back-to-back titles have come against the Eagles and 49ers. Patrick Mahomes is back at quarterback, Travis Kelce is still at tight end and a defense that was surprisingly among the best in the NFL last year returns almost entirely intact after All-Pro DT Chris Jones signed a five-year, $158.75 million contract in March. The biggest change will be on offense, where the Chiefs worked hard to revamp what was one of the least-productive groups of wide receivers in the NFL last season. They signed “Hollywood” Brown in free agency and drafted Xavier Worthy in the first round, and both should be a big part of the offense, though Brown hurt his shoulder in their exhibition opener and may not be ready for Week 1. There also are questions about whether WR Rashee Rice will be available given his legal trouble in Texas and potential NFL suspension.
NEW FACES: WRs Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown, LT Kingsley Suamataia, QB Carson Wentz, TE Irv Smith Jr, CB Kelvin Joseph, S Jaden Hicks.
KEY LOSSES: CB L’Jarius Sneed, LB Willie Gay Jr, P Tommy Townsend, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
STRENGTHS: The offense will always be a strength with Mahomes at quarterback and Andy Reid drawing up the plays on the sideline. And now that they have two more wide receivers in Worthy and Brown to help take the attention away from Kelce, there is every reason to believe the Kansas City offense will take a step forward this season. For all the success the Chiefs had during their latest run to the championship, inconsistent production on offense was a big problem for much of the season.
WEAKNESSES: There were times that Kansas City struggled to stop the run last season, a problem that was exacerbated by the fact that the Chiefs were very good against the pass. They brought back the defensive line, including Tershawn Wharton, Mike Pennel Jr. and Derrick Nnadi to plug up the middle, but their linebackers need to step up. They lost rangy, sideline-to-sideline tackler Willie Gay Jr in free agency, so it will be up to Leo Chenal to start making plays.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: The Chiefs hoped that Kingsley Suamataia eventually would solve their problem at left tackle when they drafted him in the second round, but they have been surprised how quickly he has locked down the position. Suamataia should offer an upgrade over Donovan Smith, who struggled mightily with penalties last season. The rest of the offensive line returns from last season, which could be perhaps the best interior line in the NFL in Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: RB Isiah Pacheco. The Chiefs have used a committee approach during most of Reid’s tenure, but Pacheco is the clear-cut No. 1 running back going into the season. He is durable and proven, and he has started to show an ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. The Chiefs figure to move the ball more easily than last season given their fortified wide receiver group and better left tackle situation, and someone is going to end up scoring the TDs. Pacheco might be him.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 11-2. Over/under wins: 11 1/2.
THOUGH QB JOSH ALLEN REMAINS A FIXTURE IN BUFFALO, ROSTER OVERHAUL LEAVES BILLS WITH QUESTION MARKS
BUFFALO BILLS (12-7)
EXPECTATIONS: The good news is the Buffalo Bills have 28-year-old quarterback Josh Allen entering his prime. The questions for the four-time defending AFC East champions begin at almost every other position. This has the makings of a reset year after general manager Brandon Beane hit pause on his free-spending ways by focusing on getting his bloated payroll in order by going younger — and cheaper. The Bills’ two top receiving threats are gone, with Stefon Diggs traded to Houston and Gabe Davis’ departure in free agency. Their veteran secondary, together since 2017, has been disbanded. Respected center Mitch Morse is among six of eight captains not returning. Meantime, injuries have become an issue with starting linebacker Matt Milano out indefinitely and not expected back until December at the earliest with a torn bicep. The safety position is so unsettled by injury, the Bills were required to sign veterans Kareem Jackson and Terrell Burgess on consecutive days in training camp. The losses place a premium on a group of 45-plus newcomers — mid-priced free agents and rookies — to contribute immediately. Sturdy as Allen is, it might be too much to ask the seventh-year starter to carry Buffalo to a sixth straight playoff berth.
NEW FACES: Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich, WRs Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and rookie Keon Coleman, safeties Mike Edwards and rookie Cole Bishop, DE Dawuane Smoot, rookie DT DeWayne Carter, LB Nicholas Morrow.
KEY LOSSES: WRs Diggs and Davis, C Morse, safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, CBs Tre’Davious White and Siran Neal, DE Leonard Floyd, DTs Jordan Phillips, Linval Joseph and Tim Settle, LB Tyrel Dodson.
STRENGTHS: Aside from Allen, the Bills offense returns a James Cook-led running attack that provided Buffalo balance over the second half of last season, and coinciding with Joe Brady taking over as coordinator following Ken Dorsey’s dismissal. Though Khalil Shakir is Buffalo’s only receiver to catch a pass from Allen, the Bills return a tight end tandem of Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, who set a franchise record for his position with 73 catches. Linebacker Terrel Bernard emerged as a key contributor in his first season as starter.
WEAKNESSES: A patchwork and young secondary that lacks the leadership and experience Poyer and Hyde provided in the past. Milano’s injury leaves Buffalo counting on second-year player Dorian Williams to fill the spot in the defense’s two-LB system. A receiver group that lacks a bona fide threat, and being asked to replace the void left by Diggs, who topped 100 catches and 1,100 yards in each of his four seasons in Buffalo.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Injuries muddied the competition for various jobs, especially at safety where Edwards and Bishop missed a majority of camp. Edwards, a projected starter upon being signed in March, is in jeopardy of not making the cut after also missing most of spring practices with a shoulder injury. Receivers Samuel (turf toe) and Valdes-Scantling’s (neck) availability to open the season is in question with both listed week to week. Coleman, Buffalo’s top draft pick, found immediate chemistry with Allen and is projected to be a Week 1 starter.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Shakir is coming off a promising second season in which he emerged as one of Allen’s go-to options to close last season in finishing with 39 catches for 611 yards and two touchdowns. Shakir’s ability to play each receiver position and familiarity with Allen should lead to him playing a central role in Buffalo’s passing attack.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 15-1. Over/under wins: 10 1/2.
BROWNS COUNTING ON DESHAUN WATSON’S RETURN FROM SHOULDER SURGERY TO BUILD ON PLAYOFF BERTH IN 2023
CLEVELAND BROWNS (11-7)
EXPECTATIONS: Riding the NFL’s top-ranked defense, the Browns made the playoffs last season despite a rash of injuries at quarterback only to get blown out by Houston 45-14 in the wild-card round. Their chances to go further could hinge on QB Deshaun Watson’s health after he was limited to just six starts before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. This is a make-or-break third year for Watson in Cleveland, which is still waiting for its $230 million investment in him to pay big. Myles Garrett dominated every matchup on the way to winning AP Defensive Player of the Year for the first time, and the sack specialist anchors a defense loaded with talent from front to back. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah thrives in coordinator Jim Schwartz’s attacking system. Speedy receiver Jerry Jeudy was added to give Watson — or whoever is at QB — a downfield target. If running back Nick Chubb can return from a season-ending knee injury and be a factor, the Browns could contend for the AFC title.
NEW FACES: Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, WR Jerry Jeudy, QB Jameis Winston, LB Jordan Hicks, DT Quinton Jefferson, QB Tyler Huntley, RB Nyheim Hines, RB D’Onta Foreman, LB Devin Bush.
KEY LOSSES: QB Joe Flacco, offensive line coach Bill Callahan, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, LB Anthony Walker Jr., LB Sione Takitaki, RB Kareem Hunt, TE Harrison Bryant, DT Jordan Elliott, G Geron Christian, WR Marquise Goodwin.
STRENGTHS: Schwartz has some nice options to utilize, starting up front where Garrett isn’t the only headache for offenses. DE Za’Darius Smith has double-digit sack potential and there’s plenty of depth on the edge with Ogbo Okoronkwo and Alex Wright. The defensive interior has some disruptors in Dalvin Tomlinson, Quinton Jefferson, Maurice Hurst and rookie Mike Hall Jr. Three-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward is one of the league’s elite cornerbacks and Martin Emerson Jr., a third-round pick in 2022 who believes he was snubbed a Pro Bowl nod last season, could be on the verge of stardom.
WEAKNESSES: The departure of Callahan, who joined his son Brian’s staff in Tennessee, is a major blow. He kept the O-line intact in 2023 amid a slew of injuries, most notably to starting tackles Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr. There are question marks as both of them are coming back from knee surgeries. Dawand Jones was forced into the starting lineup as a rookie when Conklin went down and more than held his own before also getting hurt. Guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller are both excellent in space and have to stay healthy.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Watson showed good progress and appears to be fully recovered. He threw nearly every day in practice before developing some arm soreness recently. The Browns were cautious and kept him out of all three preseason games, a somewhat curious decision given his lack of playing time since 2020. While coach Kevin Stefanski and Dorsey are shaping the offense to suit his strengths, it will be interesting to see how often the mobile Watson runs with the risk of hurting his shoulder again.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: TE David Njoku made a major leap in 2023, setting career highs in receptions (81), yards (882) and touchdowns (six) while making his first Pro Bowl. He was especially effective playing with Flacco (37 catches in six games) and figures to be one of Watson’s primary options. Njoku’s athleticism makes him potent in the red zone as he can either outmuscle defensive backs or outjump them.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 40-1. Over/under wins: 9.
JAGUARS TRY TO BOUNCE BACK FROM A LATE-SEASON COLLAPSE WITH A REVAMPED DEFENSE AND A RETOOLED O-LINE
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (9-8)
EXPECTATIONS: Winning the AFC South and returning to the playoffs would be a step forward following last year’s late-season collapse. It might be needed to keep coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke off hot seats. The Jaguars started 8-3 before losing five of their final six games and missing the postseason after leading the division for two months. Pederson responded by firing most of his defensive staff and letting three veteran starters walk in free agency. Now, new coordinator Ryan Nielsen is tasked with finding a quick fix for a unit that features star pass rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker as well as standout CB Tyson Campbell. Baalke signed veteran DL Arik Armstead, CB Ronald Darby and S Darnell Savage to fill holes. On the other side of the ball, it’s all about keeping QB Trevor Lawrence upright and healthy. Lawrence was sacked a career-high 35 times and ended four games with injuries. The Jaguars are counting on veteran C Mitch Morse and LG Ezra Cleveland to improve a line that ranked among the worst in the league.
NEW FACES: Nielsen, Armstead, Darby, Savage, Morse, QB Mac Jones, WR Gabe Davis, WR Brian Thomas Jr., DE Trevis Gipson, DE Maason Smith, CB Jarrian Jones, PK Cam Little.
KEY LOSSES: WR Calvin Ridley, WR Zay Jones, CB Darious Williams, S Rayshawn Jenkins, KR Jamal Agnew, DT Foley Fatukasi, DE Dawuane Smoot, DE K’Lavon Chaisson, PK Brandon McManus.
STRENGTHS: Hines-Allen and Walker combined for 27½ sacks in 2023, and the Jaguars believe adding Armstead in free agency and getting DT DaVon Hamilton healthy will give them one of the most formidable fronts in the AFC. Hines-Allen signed a five-year, $141.25 million contract in April that includes up to $88 million guaranteed. Walker, meanwhile, will be eligible for a lucrative extension after this season. So the first overall pick in 2022 is essentially entering a contract year.
WEAKNESSES: The revamped offensive line is a clear question mark. The 32-year-old Morse made his lone Pro Bowl in 2022 with Buffalo, but he’s now trying to avoid Father Time with his third team in his 10th season. Scherff, also 32, has played through injuries and started every game the past two years in Jacksonville. But how much does the five-time Pro Bowl right guard have left? Morse signed a two-year deal in free agency, Scherff took a pay cut in exchange for a guaranteed salary and left tackle Cam Robinson, 28, is entering the final year of his contract and is counting nearly $22 million against the salary cap. None of the three is a long-term solution for Lawrence and the Jaguars.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington showed signs of being legit playmakers during training camp and the preseason. Thomas, the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 draft, has been Lawrence’s top target down the field. He finished the preseason with three receptions for 93 yards. Washington, a sixth-round selection in 2023, looks like more than a capable backup. He caught eight passes for 83 yards and a touchdown in the preseason and had a 73-yard kickoff return.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Travis Etienne scored 12 times in 2023, including 11 touchdowns rushing. He averaged 3.8 yards a carry, down from his 5.1 yards in 2022. But the Jaguars expect their ground game to improve with a healthy and retooled line and the threat of a more vertical passes thanks to speedsters Thomas and Gabe Davis.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 66-1. Over/under wins: 8 1/2.
SURPRISING 2023 PLAYOFF RUN HAS PACKERS BELIEVING THEY’RE CAPABLE OF BIGGER THINGS
GREEN BAY PACKERS (10-9)
EXPECTATIONS: After their surprising run to the NFC divisional playoffs with the NFL’s youngest roster, the Packers enter this season believing they have a legitimate shot at earning the Super Bowl berth that has eluded Green Bay since its 2010 championship season. The Packers are counting on QB Jordan Love to build off the momentum he established late last season in his first year as a starter. Love threw for 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns last season. He had a 21-1 touchdown-interception ratio during a nine-game stretch that culminated with a 48-32 wild-card upset over Dallas. Green Bay is hoping new coordinator Jeff Hafley — the former Boston College head coach — can upgrade a defense that was inconsistent last season.
NEW FACES: Hafley, S Javon Bullard, LB Edgerrin Cooper, LB Ty’Ron Hopper, RB Josh Jacobs, RB MarShawn Lloyd, G Jordan Morgan, S Xavier McKinney, S Evan Williams.
KEY LOSSES: OT David Bakhtiari, defensive coordinator Joe Barry, LB De’Vondre Campbell, K Anders Carlson, TE Josiah Deguara, S Rudy Ford, RB Aaron Jones, OL Yosh Nijman, S Jonathan Owens, G Jon Runyan Jr., S Darnell Savage.
STRENGTHS: Love’s emergence late last season suggests the Packers are set at quarterback for the foreseeable future. The Packers certainly believe so, since they signed him to a four-year, $220 million extension this summer. Love will be throwing to a talented young receiving group featuring Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks, who combined for 25 touchdown catches last season. Kenny Clark, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, leads a deep defensive line. The departure of Jones stings, but the Packers still should be able to run the ball effectively with Jacobs, a 2022 All-Pro running back. The addition of McKinney to team up with two-time Pro Bowl CB Jaire Alexander should improve the secondary significantly.
WEAKNESSES: Kicking remains a question mark. The Packers cut Carlson after he struggled as a rookie last year, going 27 of 33 on field goals (7 of 13 from at least 40 yards) and 34 of 39 on extra points. The Packers had brought in veteran Greg Joseph to compete with Carlson in camp. The Packers better hope Love stays healthy because their backup quarterback situation is a concern. They acquired Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans this week to try to address that issue. The 2022 third-round pick from Liberty made three starts in his rookie season, but he has completed just 53% of his career attempts with three interceptions and no touchdown passes.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Although the Packers said when they drafted Morgan that they’d start him out at left tackle, the versatile first-round pick from Arizona found a home at right guard during the preseason. Morgan was leading the competition to fill that starting spot before suffering a shoulder injury that prevented him from playing in any preseason games. Sean Rhyan took over at right guard while Morgan was out, giving the Packers a couple of options at that position. The Packers need to find a new right guard after Runyan signed with the Giants in free agency. The Packers’ willingness to move Morgan inside shows the confidence they have in Rasheed Walker, a 2022 seventh-round pick who made 16 starts at left tackle last season.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: After leading the NFL in rushing two years ago with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacobs never seemed to recover from a training camp holdout last season. He rushed for 805 yards — down from 1,653 a year earlier — and gained just 3.5 yards per carry. Now with a new team, Jacobs should bounce back. While it might not be realistic to expect him to match that 2022 production, Jacobs should reassert himself as a top-10 running back for fantasy purposes.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 16-1. Over/under wins: 9 1/2.
VIKINGS TRY TO KEEP UP IN DEEP DIVISION AFTER ENTERING POST-COUSINS ERA AT QB
(7-10) MINNESOTA VIKINGS
EXPECTATIONS: The third season under head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was bound to be a transition year after the departure of QB Kirk Cousins, and the season-ending knee injury for J.J. McCarthy put a damper on the excitement around the rookie’s development. Newcomer Sam Darnold’s bridge role will now last all season. With superstar WR Justin Jefferson fueling the offense and capable defensive coordinator Brian Flores employing six new starters through free agency, the outlook for the Vikings is far from bleak, but they’re facing a formidable division after the Lions and Packers pulled away last season and the Bears stockpiled more offensive talent. While this is by far the best situation for Darnold as a starter since he was drafted third overall in 2018 by the Jets, his career record is just 21-35.
NEW FACES: Darnold, CB Stephon Gilmore, RB Aaron Jones, K Will Reichard, CB Shaquill Griffin, OLB Jonathan Greenard, OLB Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB Dallas Turner, LB Blake Cashman, DL Jerry Tillery.
KEY DEPARTURES: Cousins, DE Danielle Hunter, RB Alexander Mattison, WR K.J. Osborn, K Greg Joseph, LB Jordan Hicks, OLB D.J. Wonnum, OLB Marcus Davenport, QB Joshua Dobbs, DL Dean Lowry.
STRENGTHS: Jefferson leads a group of pass-catchers that’s good enough in O’Connell’s productive playbook to withstand any potential short-term absence of standout TE T.J. Hockenson, who’s in the final stage of recovery from a torn ACL. The addition of Jones, who had a strong finish to his last of seven seasons with the rival Packers, gives Darnold a potential playmaker out of the backfield. The tackle tandem of Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill is as good as there is in the league.
WEAKNESSES: The rushing attack has been one of the NFL’s least effective under O’Connell. The combination of Jones and the up-and-coming Ty Chandler ought to give the offensive line its best opportunity yet to provide capable and consistent run blocking. The Vikings are a lot older and wiser at CB, but questions remain about whether they can stay healthy and viable at a vital position.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: McCarthy’s meniscus injury that occurred in the first preseason game wasn’t the only setback of the summer. The team is still mourning the loss of rookie CB Khyree Jackson, who died in a car crash with two close friends last month. Then Mekhi Blackmon, who was slated for regular duty in the nickel defense, tore his ACL on the first day of camp. The 13-year veteran Gilmore was a late signing, a headliner addition who with Byron Murphy Jr. and Griffin will give the Vikings their most talented trio of CBs — if healthy — in years.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Reichard. The sixth-round draft pick from Alabama had a stellar preseason and ought to get plenty of prime field goal opportunities kicking indoors for nine games, with Darnold needing to prove he can consistently deliver TDs on possessions that pass the 20-yard line.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 100-1. Over/under wins: 6 1/2.
IF LAMAR JACKSON IS HEALTHY AGAIN, THE RAVENS CAN CONTEND FOR A TITLE DESPITE OFFSEASON DEPARTURES
(14-5) BALTIMORE RAVENS
EXPECTATIONS: The Ravens fell one win short of the Super Bowl last season after having the NFL’s best record during the regular season. The loss to Kansas City at home in the AFC championship game was a huge missed opportunity, and Baltimore had to make plenty of changes in the offseason, but if Lamar Jackson stays healthy again the Ravens can expect to remain championship contenders. They can’t afford to fall far if they want to hold off the rest of the AFC North. Baltimore benefitted from injuries to Joe Burrow in Cincinnati and Deshaun Watson in Cleveland, but if they’re healthy in 2024 the Ravens can expect to be pushed as they try to repeat as division champs. Even with those injuries, the entire division finished above .500 last season.
NEW FACES: Four-time Pro Bowl RB Derrick Henry gives Baltimore another major running threat along with Jackson. The Ravens also drafted cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round and tackle Roger Rosengarten in the second, and both may need to play significant roles. Baltimore added safety Eddie Jackson at the start of training camp.
KEY LOSSES: Three starters are gone from the offensive line, and the defensive losses may be even more significant. Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen left via free agency for division rival Pittsburgh, and pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney departed as well. Baltimore also had quite a bit of coaching turnover. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald became head coach of the Seattle Seahawks and the Ravens promoted linebackers coach Zach Orr to replace him. Two other defensive assistants — Anthony Weaver and Dennard Wilson — left to become coordinators elsewhere in the league.
STRENGTHS: Jackson is coming off his second MVP and there’s every reason to think he’ll remain a handful for opposing defenses. Although the Ravens lost a couple of key players on defense, they remain strong up the middle with defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton all back. Baltimore has an all-time great at kicker in Justin Tucker and plenty of depth at tight end with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.
WEAKNESSES: If Baltimore’s attempt to patch the offensive line with internal options doesn’t work, that could put Jackson in some rough spots, and although Zay Flowers was good as a rookie, there are still some questions about the receiving group’s consistency. The pass rush was strong last year thanks to the late acquisitions of Clowney and Kyle Van Noy. Van Noy is back, but with Clowney gone the Ravens could use more production from Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Daniel Faalele, a 6-foot-8, 380-pound lineman who has played tackle previously, has been getting some work at guard.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Even if Henry is slowing a bit at age 30, he has a chance to cash in on plenty of red zone opportunities. Gus Edwards ran for 13 touchdowns for Baltimore last season while Jackson rushed for only five.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 10-1. Over/under wins: 10 1/2.
COMMANDERS TURN TO JAYDEN DANIELS TO QUARTERBACK A NEW ERA FOR WASHINGTON FOOTBALL
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (4-13)
EXPECTATIONS: It is a whole new era for Washington football, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels at the forefront. The No. 2 pick and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU is set to be the team’s eighth different starter at football’s most important position in as many seasons. He leads a roster totally remade by new general manager Adam Peters and coached by Dan Quinn, brought in to make the Commanders competitive. This regime does not want to call it a rebuild, even though the external expectations are not high in the NFC East with Philadelphia, Dallas and the New York Giants. Daniels’ success depends not just on his ability to adjust to the NFL, but a rebuilt offensive line’s ability to keep him upright and the options around him beyond elite receiver Terry McLaurin. Six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner anchors a defense that also looks entirely different from the unit that ranked last in the league last season.
NEW FACES: Daniels, Quinn, Wagner, QB Marcus Mariota, RB Austin Ekeler, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, rookie WR Luke McCaffrey, TE Zach Ertz, rookie TE Ben Sinnott, rookie LT Brandon Coleman, G Nick Allegretti, C Tyler Biadasz, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, DE Dorance Armstrong, OLB Dante Fowler, rookie DT Johnny Newton, LB Frankie Luvu, LB Anthony Pittman, rookie CB Mike Sainristil, CB Michael Davis, S Jeremy Chinn, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., K Cade York.
KEY LOSSES: QB Sam Howell, WR Jahan Dotson, WR Curtis Samuel, TE Logan Thomas, LT Charles Leno, LB Cody Barton, CB Kendall Fuller, S Kam Curl, K Joey Slye.
STRENGTHS: Daniels’ potential gives the organization plenty of optimism about the future, and the one-two running back punch of Brian Robinson Jr. and Ekeler should help immediately, making the offense more balanced than last season. The offensive line also should be better than the group that allowed Howell to be sacked 65 times, more than any other QB in the NFL. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne anchor the inside of the defensive line, which looks totally different in the aftermath of trading away pass rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat at the deadline last year.
WEAKNESSES: Change can be good, but a lack of continuity on each side of the ball could take time for the offense and defense to come together. Daniels will need to find passing targets beyond McLaurin as he deals with the typical growing pains of being a rookie QB. On defense, the linebacking group and secondary are major questions given how many new starters are involved. The kicking game also bears watching, since York was acquired late in training camp.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: The purge from Ron Rivera’s four seasons in charge as coach and head of football operations continued. Dotson, Washington’s 2022 first-round pick, was traded to Philadelphia, and 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes got looks mostly as a backup. Jamin Davis, taken as a linebacker in the first round in 2021, was shifted to edge rusher and stuck around mainly as a result of how well he handled that change. Only roughly a dozen players drafted by Rivera’s regime remain on the roster.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: As long as someone emerges from the group of McCaffrey, Zaccheaus and holdover Dyami Brown to keep McLaurin from getting double-teamed every snap, the Ohio State product should thrive with Daniels throwing him the ball. McLaurin has a little DeAndre Hopkins in him in that he has shown to be quarterback-proof, topping 1,000 yards in four of his five professional seasons (and more than 900 in 14 games as a rookie) despite playing with 10 different starters. Daniels and McLaurin started developing a strong rapport in offseason workouts that should benefit them in the coming months.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 150-1. Over/under wins: 6 ½
THE TITANS LOOK TO STAY HEALTHY, GET BACK TO WINNING WITH NEW COACH IN BRIAN CALLAHAN
(6-11) TENNESSEE TITANS
EXPECTATIONS: Controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk made it very clear she wants to win, firing coach Mike Vrabel after six seasons despite two AFC South titles after losing 18 of his final 24 games. She switched from a coach with a defensive background to an offensive coach in Brian Callahan who spent his past five seasons as offensive coordinator for Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor. Strunk signed off on GM Ran Carthon making the Titans among the NFL’s top spenders in free agency, filling holes and surrounding QB Will Levis with lots of help in his second season. Watching Houston win the AFC South with a new coach and rookie quarterback means the Titans have high expectations for a quick turnaround.
NEW FACES: Callahan, OL coach Bill Callahan, first-time coordinators in Nick Holz (offense) and Dennard Wilson (defense), WRs Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, CBs Chidobe Awuzie and L’Jarius Sneed, RB Tony Pollard, S Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, C Lloyd Cushenberry III, LT JC Latham, NT T’Vondre Sweat, LB Kenneth Murray Jr., QB Mason Rudolph, DL Sebastian Joseph-Day.
KEY LOSSES: Vrabel who not only won two AFC South titles but was the 2021 AP NFL Coach of the Year. He led the Titans to winning records in his first four seasons. QB Ryan Tannehill, four-time Pro Bowl RB Derrick Henry, DL Denico Autry, CB Kristian Fulton and Sean Murphy-Bunting.
STRENGTHS: The Titans are poised to field their deepest receiving group since moving to Tennessee for the 1997 season, especially if five-time Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins is back for the season opener against Chicago on Sept. 8 from an injured knee that sidelined him early in training camp. Levis has a trio of experienced vets to work with in Hopkins, Ridley and Boyd. The addition of Pollard to Tyjae Spears means they no longer will tip their offensive intentions with Henry now in Baltimore.
WEAKNESSES: No more Henry means the Titans are leaning on a dual-headed backfield for the run game, something they haven’t used in years. Bill Callahan also has to prove he can turn around a revamped offensive line quickly from a group that allowed more sacks than all but three other NFL teams. Wilson has to mold an experienced secondary to boost a defense that snagged an NFL-low six interceptions last season.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Nicholas Petit-Frere seems to have won back the right tackle job he earned as a rookie and lost after starting last season suspended for gambling before dealing with injuries. Dillon Radunz, another second-round pick, also has emerged as the likely right guard after the surprise retirement of free agent signee Saahdiq Charles.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Levis. The 33rd pick overall out of Kentucky in 2023 completed 32 passes of at least 20 yards in the nine games he played as a rookie. Only C.J. Stroud of Houston had more (41) among rookie QBs, and Levis ranked seventh in the NFL after stepping into the starting lineup. Now he has more targets to throw to along with a line that has to be better with Cushenberry at center and Latham at left tackle.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 150-1. Over/under wins: 7.
AARON RODGERS IS BACK FOR THE JETS AND SO ARE LOFTY EXPECTATIONS TO END A 13-YEAR PLAYOFF DROUGHT
NEW YORK JETS (7-10)
EXPECTATIONS: Playoffs or bust. And for a franchise that has the NFL’s longest active postseason drought at 13 years, that’s no easy task. But with the 40-year-old Aaron Rodger back and healthy after tearing his left Achilles tendon on his fourth snap of the season last year, there’s renewed optimism for the Jets to not only get into the playoffs, but to make a run. Head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas know the heat is on both of them to deliver a playoff contender this season, or there could be some big changes next winter. The Jets’ success will come down to how Rodgers plays in his 20th NFL season and whether the team’s revamped offensive line keeps him protected.
NEW FACES: QB Tyrod Taylor, rookie RB Braelon Allen, rookie RB Isaiah Davis, WR Mike Williams, LT Tyron Smith, RT Morgan Moses, LG John Simpson, rookie OT Olu Fashanu, Edge Haason Reddick, DT Leki Fotu, DE Javon Kinlaw, rookie CB Qwan’tez Stiggers, S Isaiah Oliver.
KEY LOSSES: QB Zach Wilson, OT Mekhi Becton, OT Duane Brown, LG Laken Tomlinson, C Connor McGovern, OL Billy Turner, TE C.J. Uzomah, Edge Bryce Huff, Edge Carl Lawson, DE John Franklin-Myers, DL Quinton Jefferson, CB Bryce Hall, S Jordan Whitehead, ST Justin Hardee.
STRENGTHS: The Jets have a chance to have a top-five defense, especially with Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed and nickel back Michael Carter II forming one of the league’s best cornerbacks groups. Quinnen Williams highlights a stout D-line and C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams are consistent playmakers at linebacker. On offense, if Rodgers resembles the quarterback he was a few years ago in Green Bay, the Jets will have a playmaking presence with experience under center they rarely have had in recent years. Running back Breece Hall and wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams are game-breaking playmakers.
WEAKNESSES: The pass rush took a hit with the trade of Franklin-Myers to Denver and New York allowing Bryce Huff to leave in free agency. The Jets acquired Reddick from Philadelphia to give them an elite edge rusher, but he hadn’t reported to the team as of late in camp while in a contract dispute and asked to be traded. The O-line has seen so much turnover because of injuries and inconsistency the past few seasons, so the new-look group up front will have to prove it’s no longer a concern.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: All eyes have been on Rodgers in his return from injury and he has shown himself to be nearly fully recovered — physically and mentally — to the point it has almost become an afterthought. He looked solid in nearly every practice and showed mobility, which is a good sign. His connection with the ascending Wilson has also been on point, picking up where they left off before Rodgers’ injury.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Hall. He’s possibly the RB2 in fantasy drafts behind only San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey because of his dual-threat abilities. Hall, who made a terrific comeback last season from a knee injury that cut short his rookie season, led NFL running backs with 76 receptions and finished just 6 yards short of 1,000 yards rushing.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 20-1. Over/under wins: 9 1/2.
WARNING SIGN: WR JA’MARR CHASE RESUMES HOLD-IN AT BENGALS PRACTICE
Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase arrived nearly 15 minutes late for practice on Wednesday wearing street clothes and stirring doubt over his willingness to play in the Week 1 opener in 10 days.
Chase observed practice one day after head coach Zac Taylor provided a confident “yes” to a question about whether Chase would suit up when Cincinnati welcomes the New England Patriots to begin the regular season on Sept. 8.
“It’s been good just to have our full complement of weapons out there,” Taylor said on Tuesday’s Zoom call with media. “I think it gives you the visual of what it’s going to look and feel like for us. It’s been good to get him back in the mix the last couple of days. He’s looked great. Same Ja’Marr I’m used to. The plan will be to continue to practice with him.”
But Chase apparently shifted gears overnight, a potential signal of challenges in contract talks with the team. Owner Mike Brown said in training camp that signing Chase would be a priority, but he remained committed at that time to a franchise-held position not to negotiate during the season. Unless Brown and the Bengals — or Chase — are ready to budge, the clock is ticking.
“I think everyday is a new day,” Taylor said Wednesday. “We’ll keep working through it. I’m not going to make predictions on what tomorrow brings. At the end of the day, Ja’Marr is a great leader that means a lot to this team.”
Taylor said the situation is not a distraction, but a “one-off situation.”
“I think I probably put my foot in my mouth speaking too quickly. Again, this is a day-to-day situation,” Taylor said.
Taylor didn’t want to comment on whether the Bengals were concerned about Chase playing in the regular-season opener.
He said Chase would still be able to play even if he doesn’t practice the rest of this week.
“We’ve got really good players. What’s good about us is we have really good depth at the skill-position spot on offense,” Taylor said. “A lot of guys working in practice to get those reps. Of course we’d love for him to be practicing and getting those reps. But you’ve got to find the positives in the situation.”
Chase, 24, caught 100 passes for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns last season and enters his fourth season with 268 receptions and 29 touchdowns. He’s scheduled to play on the fifth-year option on his contract with teammate Tee Higgins playing out the franchise tender on his deal after the Bengals allowed his contract to expire, then tagged him in March.
Waiting might come at a steep cost for Cincinnati. The price of business with wide receivers skyrocketed in the offseason.
His former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson reset the market with a four-year, $140 million contract ($35 million per season) that eclipsed the $32 million per year Eagles wideout A.J. Brown receives. Amon-Ra St. Brown signed a four-year deal worth $30.002 million per year with the Lions, and the Cowboys finally paid CeeDee Lamb’s asking price — four years, $136 million with $100 million guaranteed — this week to bring his offseason holdout to a close.
–Field Level Media
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1: RACE FOR THE 12 PLAYOFF SPOTS IS ON WITH CLEMSON-GEORGIA TOPPING SCHEDULE
College football season begins in earnest this week with a full slate of games highlighted by three Top 25 matchups. The race for the playoff already has begun.
It’s not even Labor Day and one team expected to make the 12-team field is teetering.
No. 10 Florida State entered the season still smarting from getting snubbed for the last four-team playoff despite going 13-0 and winning the ACC. The Seminoles’ 24-21 loss to Georgia Tech last week as a double-digit favorite dropped their odds of getting picked this year from 3-2 to 5-1, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
The betting public has dropped them from first to third choice among ACC teams behind Clemson and Miami. If ever there were a must-win game for FSU, it’s Monday when Boston College visits Tallahassee.
For every other team with playoff hopes, the week-to-week ups and downs are about to start.
The top games pit No. 14 Clemson against No. 1 Georgia, No. 7 Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M and No. 23 Southern California against No. 13 LSU.
Best game
No. 14 Clemson vs. No. 1 Georgia in Atlanta, Saturday, noon ET (ABC)
It’s a matchup of hungry, if not angry, teams. Clemson won five straight to end the season, including a Gator Bowl win over Kentucky, but came out of 2023 unsatisfied after failing to win 10 games for the first time since 2010. Georgia went 12-0 in the regular season but was kept out of the playoff because of its loss to Alabama in the SEC championship game.
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik expects to be better. The question is whether the defense, which brings back just three starters, slips.
Georgia QB Carson Beck led an offense that averaged just under 7.3 yards per play and converted a nation-leading 55.2% of third downs. There’s no reason to think the Bulldogs’ defense won’t be great again.
Heisman watch
Georgia’s Beck gets the biggest stage of the Heisman Trophy contenders this week. He was 13-1 as a first-year starter and completed 72% of his passes to set a school record. He was even better against Top 25 opponents, going 5-1 with 13 TDs against two interceptions and completing 74% of his attempts.
Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, who transferred from Oklahoma, will start against Idaho. How long he is in the game against the Vandals of the Football Championship Subdivision is another matter.
Texas’ Quinn Ewers goes against Colorado State in the Longhorns’ first game as a SEC member.
Numbers to know
3-1 — Record against Big 12 opponents for FCS power North Dakota State, which visits Colorado on Thursday night.
6 — Florida and Oklahoma opponents ranked in the AP’s preseason top 15, tied for most in the country.
14 — Consecutive games without allowing a sack by Tennessee fourth-year starting center Cooper Mays.
27 — Penn State’s nation-best streak of games without allowing a touchdown on the opponent’s opening possession.
448 — Number of games since Florida was shut out, the FBS’ longest streak.
2 — The number of weeks that helmet communication between coaches and players has been allowed across the Bowl Subdivision.
Under the radar
South Dakota State at No. 17 Oklahoma State, Saturday, 2 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
The Jackrabbits are two-time defending FCS champions and not fazed going into a power-conference opponent’s stadium. They nearly knocked off Iowa two years ago. QB Mark Gronowski is an NFL prospect who passed on chances to transfer to an FBS school for his final season.
Oklahoma State QB Alan Bowman begins his seventh college season, RB Ollie Gordon II led the nation with 1,732 yards, and coach Mike Gundy is 15-0 against FCS opponents. The Cowboys must take care not to look ahead to next week’s home game against Arkansas.
Hot seat
Clark Lea is 9-27 in three years at Vanderbilt and, with 10 straight defeats, on the longest active losing streak in the Power Four.
The Commodores have a big opportunity at home against Virginia Tech on Saturday. Lea brought in 51 new players, hired Tim Beck as offensive coordinator and five other position coaches. Lea will be his own defensive coordinator. He also brought in the well-traveled Jerry Kill as chief consultant to the head coach/senior offensive advisor.
WNBA NEWS
JEWELL LOYD POWERS STORM PAST DREAM
Jewell Loyd scored 28 points to help the host Seattle Storm overcome Tina Charles’ triple-double and beat the Atlanta Dream 85-81 on Wednesday.
Nneka Ogwumike added 18 points and Skylar Diggins-Smith had 16 points and nine assists to lead the Storm (19-11), who are 2-3 since returning from the Olympic break.
Loyd scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter for Seattle. She also hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 23.3 seconds remaining as the Storm outscored the Dream 26-19 in the final quarter. Loyd scored 12 points in the quarter and nearly outscored Atlanta (10-20) by herself.
Charles finished with 19 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists to record the first triple-double in franchise history. Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 22 points while Rhyne Howard was held to 12 points on 4-for-15 shooting from the floor.
Atlanta entered the fourth quarter with a 62-59 lead but committed six turnovers in the frame that led to 10 points for Seattle. The Dream shot 50 percent from the floor in the final quarter but missed all four of their shots from beyond the arc. Atlanta shot 6-of-21 from deep in the loss.
The Storm got off to an early lead thanks in part to their long-range shooting. Seattle hit 4 of 7 shots from beyond the arc in the first quarter with Loyd hitting 3 of 4 to help the Storm take a 23-16 lead after one quarter. The Dream were also hot from deep in the first quarter, knocking down 4 of 6 shots from beyond the arc but they would hit only two more 3-pointers the rest of the game.
Gray scored 10 of her 22 points in the second quarter to help Atlanta cut into its deficit, heading into the half down 43-40. Gray and Ogwumike led all scorers with 13 points each in the half.
In the third quarter, Charles scored eight points and had eight rebounds to give the Dream, who have lost three in a row after winning their first three games following the Olympic break, a three-point advantage entering the fourth quarter.
–Field Level Media
THREE-POINTERS, DEFENSE LEAD LYNX TO VICTORY OVER MERCURY
Led by 11 3-pointers and sticky defense, the Minnesota Lynx cruised to an easy seventh straight victory by besting the Phoenix Mercury 89-76.
In the victory, the WNBA’s top 3-point shooting team was in typical form, as was the league’s top shooting defense — both are Minnesota. The Lynx have won all six games played since the All-Star break by double digits, a trend that comfortably continued.
Minnesota (23-8), shooting 39.1 percent from 3-point range on the season, was led by 19 points from perimeter scoring standout Kayla McBride, who hit 3-of-7 3-pointers. Point guard Courtney Williams added 16 points and five assists. Napheesa Collier chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds, while reserve Myisha Hines-Allen dropped in 11 points and grabbed five boards.
Phoenix (16-16) connected on just 38.2 percent of its shots. Reserve guard Sophie Cunningham and veteran Diana Taurasi paced the Mercury with 16 points each. Cunningham was ejected midway through the fourth quarter after drawing a pair of technical fouls. Several of Phoenix’s usual top scorers struggled through poor shooting nights, as Kahleah Copper was held to 13 points on 3-for-10 shooting and Brittney Griner had 10 points on 3-for-13 shooting.
Phoenix took an early 5-3 lead on a Taurasi 3-pointer, but then watched Minnesota make a 17-0 run to control the game. That run included a pair of 3-pointers and concluded with a Hines-Allen put back to stretch the Lynx edge to 20-5 with 3:15 left in the opening quarter.
Phoenix rallied to cut the lead to six points twice late in the second quarter. Taurasi had eight points in that frame, and the Mercury trimmed the halftime gap to 46-37.
But a Minnesota outburst stretched the lead to 20 with 5:27 left in the third quarter. McBride canned two treys and Collier added one in the run. The advantage stretched as far as 23 in that quarter. Phoenix pulled within a dozen points late, but never came closer.
Minnesota bested Phoenix 3-1 in the season series. With the victory, Minnesota jumped into second place in the league standings, while Phoenix is a half-game ahead of Indiana for possession of sixth place.
–Field Level Media
BALANCED EFFORT HELPS MYSTICS EDGE SKY
Stefanie Dolson scored 17 points and the Washington Mystics converted late in the game for another road conquest, defeating the Chicago Sky 74-70 on Wednesday night.
Ariel Atkins poured in 15 points for the Mystics (9-22), who successfully followed their upset at Seattle on Monday night. Emily Engstler added nine points off the bench.
Atkins and Aaliyah Edwards scored 20 seconds apart to put the Mystics up 70-68 with 1:24 left. Brittney Sykes collected a key offensive rebound off Julie Vanloo’s missed free throw and then converted a foul shot to help seal the outcome.
The teams traded baskets before the Sky had a chance to pull even in the final minute but they committed a shot-clock violation.
Michaela Onyenwere posted 15 points for the Sky (11-19), who have lost four straight. Reserve Diamond DeShields tacked on 12 points and Kamilla Cardoso supplied 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The Sky benefitted from a 36-25 rebounding margin, with rookie Angel Reese pulling down 14.
The Mystics were held to 10 points in the third quarter, yet were within 62-61 after Sika Kone sank two free throws with 6:39 to play in the fourth.
Sykes, who had 48 points combined in the two previous games, was held to six points.
It took time for the Sky to perk up just three days after a disappointing two-point loss to the visiting Las Vegas Aces.
Washington’s 50-43 lead faded when the Mystics managed only two points in nearly six minutes. The Sky took the lead and held a 58-54 edge going into the fourth quarter.
Earlier, it took the Mystics more than five minutes of the second quarter to go on an 18-8 run and build a 40-28 advantage.
Atkins had 13 first-half points, including a trio of 3-pointers, as Washington led 44-39 at the break despite Lindsay Allen’s two three-point plays in the final minute of the half.
The Sky committed eight first-quarter turnovers, but heated up late in the period from the field and trailed only 22-20 after 10 minutes.
–Field Level Media
SPARKS STUN FIRST-PLACE LIBERTY, HALT 7-GAME SKID
Dearica Hamby scored 21 points as the host Los Angeles Sparks snapped their seven-game losing streak by shocking the league-leading New York Liberty 94-88 on Wednesday night.
The Sparks (7-24), who were ahead most of the game, led by 14 in the opening quarter, and three days after blowing a 22-point lead in a 113-110 loss to the Dallas Wings, they did enough in the fourth to get their first win since July 13.
Rookie Rickea Jackson added 19 points and reserve Rae Burrell contributed 11 of her 18 in the fourth as the Sparks shot 51.5 percent from the field and topped 90 points for the fourth time this season.
Breanna Stewart led all scorers with 32 points on 11-of-19 shooting but the Liberty (26-6) lost for the second time in three games following an eight-game winning streak. New York saw its lead over Connecticut for the WNBA’s best record trimmed to three games. Stewart scored 15 points in the fourth, including nine in the final minute.
Sabrina Ionescu added 18 points and Nyara Sabally contributed 14 as the Liberty shot 50.8 percent but committed 20 turnovers, resulting in 29 Los Angeles points. Courtney Vandersloot handed out 13 assists but New York allowed its second-highest point total of the season and yielded at least 90 points for the third time this season.
The Sparks held a 26-14 lead through the opening quarter and had a 46-39 lead by halftime. Vandersloot’s layup forged a 55-55 deadlock with 3:13 left in the third. Ionsecu’s 3-pointer put New York ahead 63-62 with 48.1 seconds left but Los Angeles took a 67-63 lead into the fourth.
Consecutive 3s by Burrell gave the Sparks a 77-68 lead with 5:52 left, and Los Angeles held an 82-74 edge on Burrell’s 3-point play with 2:49 remaining. An Odyssey Sims’ basket pushed the lead to 87-74 with 1:41 to go and the Liberty were within 92-87 after Stewart hit a 3 with 17 seconds left. Two seconds later, Stephanie Talbot sank a pair of free throws to seal the win.
–Field Level Media
NBA NEWS
REPORT: CELTICS, G LONNIE WALKER IV AGREE TO 1-YEAR DEAL
The Boston Celtics and free agent guard Lonnie Walker IV agreed on a one-year contract, ESPN reported on Wednesday.
Walker, 25, will receive an Exhibit 10 training camp contract, per The Athletic. If Walker is waived after camp and plays for the team’s G League affiliate in Maine, he would be eligible for a bonus worth up to $77,500.
Walker will be competing for the defending NBA champion Celtics’ final roster spot.
In 58 games last season with the Brooklyn Nets, Walker averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 17.4 minutes per game.
Selected in the first round (No. 18 overall) in the 2018 draft by the San Antonio Spurs, the six-year veteran has averaged 9.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 322 games (88 starts) with the Spurs (2018-22), Los Angeles Lakers (2022-23) and Nets.
–Field Level Media
MLB ROUNDUP: CUBS RALLY BEHIND CHRISTIAN BETHANCOURT’S 7 RBIS
Christian Bethancourt capped a career day with a go-ahead two-run single in the top of the ninth, lifting the Chicago Cubs to an improbable 14-10 win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.
Bethancourt finished with seven RBIs, six coming in the final three innings. He had three hits and scored three runs.
Pittsburgh held a commanding 10-3 advantage after six innings, but Bethancourt then took over. He clubbed a two-run homer in the seventh and drove in two more runs with a double an inning later, pulling Chicago within 10-7.
Ian Happ added an RBI single in the eighth. The Cubs then proceeded to load the bases with one out in the ninth against Pittsburgh closer David Bednar (3-7) and wound up scoring six runs.
Bryan Reynolds, Connor Joe and Rowdy Tellez each collected three hits as the Pirates got swept in the three-game series. Reynolds and Joe both homered.
Dodgers 6, Orioles 4
Shohei Ohtani hit a home run on his bobblehead night and Teoscar Hernandez also went deep as Los Angeles earned a victory over visiting Baltimore.
Ohtani added two stolen bases and three runs. Los Angeles reliever Anthony Banda (2-2) pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Michael Kopech pitched a perfect ninth for his 12th save. Walker Buehler gave up four runs (two earned) in 4 2/3 innings.
Ramon Urias stayed hot for the Orioles with two hits, including a two-run double. Orioles starter Corbin Burnes (12-7) allowed six runs (one earned) in five innings due to three errors by his teammates.
Mariners 6, Rays 2
Victor Robles and Julio Rodriguez hit two-run homers in the fifth inning as Seattle defeated visiting Tampa Bay.
Randy Arozarena added a solo shot in the eighth against his former team as the Mariners improved to 4-2 under new manager Dan Wilson and remained 3 1/2 games behind division-leading Houston in the American League West.
Josh Lowe homered for the Rays, who dropped two of the three games in the series.
Guardians 7, Royals 5
After trailing for a majority of the game, Cleveland strung together a four-run rally in the bottom of the seventh inning and eventually defeated visiting Kansas City.
The Guardians avoided getting swept by the Royals after dropping the first three contests of the four-game series. They regained sole possession of first place in a tightly contested American League Central Division.
Jhonkensy Noel’s run-scoring single put Cleveland ahead to stay.
Kansas City’s Vinnie Pasquantino went 4-for-5 and hit his 19th home run of the year. Bobby Witt Jr. (28th) and Michael Massey (11th) also homered for the Royals. Maikel Garcia and Adam Frazier each had a RBI.
Athletics 9, Reds 6
Seth Brown capped a two-homer performance with a three-run shot in the eighth inning, fueling visiting Oakland to a victory over Cincinnati.
Oakland’s Lawrence Butler homered to lead off the game and also drove in a run with a fielder’s choice in the seventh inning. Brown also went deep in the fourth inning and Brent Rooker launched his career-high 31st homer in the sixth to propel the Athletics to their third straight win.
Will Benson belted a three-run homer to cap a six-run seventh inning for the reeling Reds, who have lost nine of their past 12 games.
Cardinals 4, Padres 3
Nolan Arenado delivered a walk-off RBI single to lift St. Louis over visiting San Diego.
Paul Goldschmidt went 3-for-4 with an RBI for the Cardinals, who have won five of their last eight games. St. Louis starting pitcher Andre Pallante allowed two runs on eight hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out three. Ryan Helsley (6-4) pitched the ninth inning to earn the victory.
Kyle Higashioka hit a solo home run and Luis Arraez went 4-for-5 and scored a run for the Padres, whose three-game winning streak ended. San Diego starting pitcher Joe Musgrove allowed three runs on seven hits in six innings. Robert Suarez (8-2) took the loss.
Rockies 8, Marlins 2
Aaron Schunk hit his first major league home run and also singled, Nolan Jones had two hits, and Colorado beat Miami in Denver.
Drew Romo also had two hits and Kyle Freeland (4-6) allowed two runs over six innings to earn his first victory since July 31 for Colorado.
Derek Hill homered and Otto Lopez had two hits for Miami, which committed four errors. Starter Max Meyer (3-4) allowed five runs (four earned) and struck out six in five-plus innings.
Astros 10, Phillies 0
Yordan Alvarez hit three home runs and Spencer Arrighetti flirted with a no-hitter as Houston avoided a three-game sweep in Philadelphia.
Arrighetti (7-11) did not allow a hit until the eighth inning. The rookie right-hander yielded two hits and four walks in 7 2/3 innings with 11 strikeouts. Alvarez went 4-for-4 and notched his third career three-homer game.
Phillies starter Taijuan Walker (3-6) surrendered Alvarez’s first home run and was torched for six runs on 13 hits in six innings. Austin Hays broke up the no-hitter with an infield single to lead off the eighth for Philadelphia, which had its four-game win streak snapped.
Rangers 3, White Sox 1
Marcus Semien delivered a go-ahead RBI double and Corey Seager had two hits and an RBI as visiting defeated Chicago in the resumption of a game suspended by rain on Tuesday.
It ultimately became the first game in major league history to be suspended before an out was recorded. Rangers left-hander Andrew Heaney pitched five innings of one-run, five-hit ball with one walk and two strikeouts.
Pitching in relief of Tuesday starter Garrett Crochet, who threw only four pitches, Chicago righty Chris Flexen (2-13) allowed three runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out four. Corey Julks hit an RBI single in the third for Chicago.
Rangers 4, White Sox 3
Corey Seager had four hits, including a go-ahead RBI single in the ninth inning, and Wyatt Langford smacked a three-run home run to lift visiting Texas to a victory over skidding Chicago.
Rangers left fielder Travis Jankowski went over the wall to rob Andrew Vaughn of a potential game-ending, three-run home run for the second out of the ninth. Texas earned two victories in one day while improving to 6-0 against Chicago this season.
The White Sox have lost six in a row, 10 of 11 and 103 overall. Chicago must win 12 of its remaining 28 games to avoid matching the 1962 New York Mets’ modern major league record for most losses in a season (120).
Red Sox 3, Blue Jays 0
Brayan Bello dazzled over a career-high eight innings and Tyler O’Neill crushed a key two-run home run as Boston beat visiting Toronto.
The 25-year-old Bello (12-6), who worked into the eighth only once in his previous 63 major league starts, struck out nine while allowing just two hits and one walk. Wilyer Abreu’s first-inning RBI single was the only support Bello needed, but O’Neill delivered insurance in the eighth with his 24th home run this season.
Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt (9-13) was a tough-luck loser, striking out nine over 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball. He yielded five hits and one walk.
Nationals 5, Yankees 2
Rookie Dylan Crews hit his first major league home run as Washington beat visiting New York.
James Wood, Jacob Young and Nasim Nunez each added two hits for Washington, which took two of three games from New York. The Nationals stole five bases, including three by Wood.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered, while Aaron Judge had an RBI single and walked twice for New York. The slugging trio of Judge, Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton finished the series a combined 4-for-34 (.118).
Braves 5, Twins 1
Luke Williams doubled twice and had two RBIs, Chris Sale notched his 15th win and Atlanta beat Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Matt Olson delivered an RBI double for the Braves, who completed a three-game sweep. Jorge Soler belted a solo home run and Ramon Laureano finished 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Willi Castro drove in the lone run for the Twins, who have lost four straight games and eight of their past 10.
Brewers 5, Giants 3
Freddy Peralta allowed two hits over six scoreless innings and William Contreras had a two-run homer as Milwaukee beat visiting San Francisco.
Held to one hit through four innings by San Francisco starter Kyle Harrison (7-6), Milwaukee capitalized on two walks to score five runs in the fifth, capped by Contreras’ 18th homer, to make a winner of Peralta (9-7).
The Giants scored one in the seventh and two in the eighth to pull within 5-3 before Devin Williams tossed a perfect ninth for his sixth save in seven opportunities.
Tigers 3, Angels 2
Spencer Torkelson hit a two-run homer and host Detroit notched its season-best sixth straight victory by edging Los Angeles.
Kerry Carpenter drove in the other Detroit run as the Tigers moved two games above .500 for the first time since May 7.
Mickey Moniak hit a two-run homer for the Angels, who have lost seven straight. Griffin Canning (4-12) gave up all three runs in five innings. He surrendered five hits and four walks while striking out four.
Diamondbacks 8, Mets 5
Corbin Carroll’s second homer of the night, an eighth-inning grand slam, lifted Arizona over New York in Phoenix.
Joc Pederson hit a two-run homer for the Diamondbacks, who have won seven of eight games and 25 of their past 32. Arizona leads the San Diego Padres by one game for the National League’s top wild-card berth.
Harrison Bader hit a two-run homer for the Mets, who fell four games behind the Atlanta Braves for the NL’s final wild-card spot.
–Field Level Media
TENNIS NEWS
ALEXANDER ZVEREV FLASHES POWER, ADVANCES TO THIRD ROUND OF U.S. OPEN
Fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev unleashed 15 aces while recording a 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-1 victory over Alexandre Muller of France in the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday in New York.
Zverev held a 43-27 edge in winners while beating Muller, who committed 41 errors. Zverev had 29 miscues in the intense heat.
“I thought he played some amazing tennis. Especially at the end of the second set, I thought he was the better player than me,” Zverev said of Muller.
“But I found a way and of course I am happy to be done in three sets. “To have some rest as it is very hot and tough conditions.”
Zverev will next face Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who posted a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 triumph over fellow Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, the No. 29 seed.
No. 20 Frances Tiafoe moved on when Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan retired early in the third set due to a knee injury. Tiafoe won the first two sets 6-4, 6-1 and took the first game of the third set before Shevchenko called it a day.
“Happy to get it done,” Tiafoe said. “Hate to win it that way but overall I thought I actually played pretty well today.”
Sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev of Russia recovered from a two-set deficit to notch a 4-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 win over Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech. Rublev next faces No. 32 Jiri Lehecka, who also staged a frantic comeback during a 6-7 (5), 0-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 victory over Mitchell Krueger.
No. 9 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria knocked off Australia’s Rinky Hijikata 6-1, 6-1, 7-6 (4). He next faces Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands. Griekspoor led 6-1, 2-0 when Argentina’s Sebastian Baez retired due to a right foot injury.
No. 13 Ben Shelton smashed 17 aces while sailing to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut. Shelton will face Tiafoe in the third round.
No. 17 Ugo Humbert of France lost the opening set before recovering for a 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over Francisco Comesana. No. 28 Alexei Popyrin swept Spain’s Pedro Martinez Portero 6-2, 6-4, 6-0.
Also, Brandon Nakashima cruised to a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Arthur Cazaux, and China’s Shang Juncheng beat Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (2).
–Field Level Media
TOP INDIANA SPORTS/NEWS RELEASES
INDIANA HS TRACK AND FIELD
TRACK & FIELD STATE FINALS MOVE TO INDIANAPOLIS NEXT YEAR
The Indiana High School Athletic Association is pleased to announce the IHSAA Boys, Girls and Unified Track & Field State Finals will be contested at North Central High School in Indianapolis next June. The move was reported Tuesday during the school year’s first meeting of the IHSAA Executive Committee. The dates for next spring’s state finals are Friday, June 6 (Boys) and Saturday, June 7 (Unified, Girls), 2025. The events will run concurrently with the Girls Tennis State Finals which also will be played at North Central’s Tennis Complex. The recently renovated stadium features a 10-lane track, videoboard, two-story press box, and seating for 4,000 spectators. And all field events are encompassed within the confines of the stadium. The Track & Field State Finals were last held at North Central in 1997 for one year and was the site of an 11-year run from 1972 to 1982. The events had been contested at Indiana University in Bloomington in 19 of the last 21 years with Ben Davis High School hosting in 2021, one year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancelation of the 2020 spring season.
GIRLS LAX ADDED TO EMERGING SPORTS
The sport of girls lacrosse will be added to the Emerging Sport Process for the 2025-26 school year. The Emerging Sport Process, known as Rule 1-4 and approved by the IHSAA Board of Directors in 2021, helps pave a way for those sports and participation to continue to grow with an eye toward eventually becoming a recognized sport and sponsorship of an official state tournament. Girls lacrosse, a spring sport, is the third to earn the designation following boys volleyball and girls wrestling, which were approved for full sponsorship last April. By earning the designation as an emerging sport, the IHSAA will provide rule books, conduct coaches rules meetings, and provide coverage in the IHSAA’s Catastrophic Medical program. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, the sport will be subject to all IHSAA rules and policies, including General Eligibility Rules. For a sport to become officially recognized and an IHSAA state tournament to be sponsored, 100 schools must be participating in the sport. The IHSAA currently has 409 member schools. Representatives of the Indiana Girls Lacrosse Association submitted requested information including data on participation in Indiana as well as other states, suggested playing rules and potential practice seasons as well as letters of commitment from member schools that either currently sponsor or intend to sponsor a program. According to the data submitted from the coaches association, in 2023, there were 39 schools around the state with a school-sponsored varsity or club program. The IGLA has sponsored its own state tournament since 2000.
BASEBALL, SOFTBALL SECTIONAL ASSIGNMENTS APPROVEDFOR 2025, 2026
Yesterday, the IHSAA Executive Committee approved the sectional assignments in baseball and softball for the next two school years. The Executive Committee accepted the recommendations of the realignment committee which determined the sectional groups for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. Both lists are linked below.
The committee of 12 individuals met last spring to determine the four class sports including baseball and softball consisting of school administrators representing each IHSAA district and class were constructed to realign the sports. Host sites for the next two years will be determined by athletic administrators in each sectional this fall and forwarded to the IHSAA for state tournament planning. Sectional assignments for fall and winter sports were announced on April 30.
COLTS NEWS
COLTS COUNTING ON RICHARDSON-TAYLOR PAIRING TO HELP CHANGE THE CONVERSATION WITH A PLAYOFF RETURN
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (9-8)
EXPECTATIONS: The Colts have heard all about the streaks. Yes, they’ve missed the playoffs each of the past three years. They haven’t won a division crown since 2014 and haven’t won a season opener since 2013. So this year, Indy wants to silence its critics. To do that, second-year coach Shane Steichen needs second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson to deliver in two key areas — staying healthy and throwing consistently well enough to win. Richardson should have more help this season with all five starting offensive linemen back, 2021 NFL rushing champ Jonathan Taylor happy and healthy and possibly the Colts’ strongest receiving groups in years. Defensively, not much has changed. The Colts are deep along the defensive line and are experienced in the front seven. But to change directions and return to the playoffs, Indy needs its young secondary to grow up quickly this season.
NEW FACES: DT Raekwon Davis, QB Joe Flacco, DE Laiatu Latu, WR Adonai Mitchell, OL Matt Goncalves, OL Tanor Bortolini, WR-RS Anthony Gould.
KEY LOSSES: QB Gardner Minshew, RB Zack Moss, WR Isaiah McKenzie, DE Samson Ebukam (torn Achilles tendon).
STRENGTHS: Richardson and Taylor only took two snaps together in 2023. This season, they form a potentially dynamic rushing duo capable of creating nightmares for opponents and becoming the cornerstone of Indy’s offense. Add Michael Pittman Jr., one of the NFL’s toughest receivers, to a mix that includes a motivated Mitchell, speedy Josh Downs and third-year receiver Alec Pierce and the possibilities seem endless. The Colts started training camp believing this would be their deepest defensive line rotation in years, too — until Ebukam’s injury. But his absence will likely give Latu more playing time.
WEAKNESSES: The most glaring problem last season was the young, injury-depleted secondary. GM Chris Ballard has not added a veteran through free agency or a trade yet, perhaps counting on the development of second-year CBs JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones and the return of injured CB Dallis Flowers to fill the gaps. Indy also needs to settle on a starting free safety and would like to see one of last year’s five tight ends emerge as a go-to option.
CAMP DEVELOPMENTS: The pass-rushing skills that made Latu such a problem the past two seasons at UCLA, and the No. 15 overall draft pick in April, appear well-suited for his pro career. But Latu must also demonstrate he’s more than a pass-rushing specialist by showing he’s equally strong playing the run. The other significant development is the influence Flacco has had on Richardson, who has frequently praised Flacco for his assistance in team meetings and helping him read defenses more quickly.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Taylor. After two injury-filled seasons and an ugly contract dispute, Taylor looks and sounds more like the guy who rushed for nearly 3,000 yards and 29 TDs in his first two seasons rather than the guy who had 1,602 yards rushing and 11 TDs over the past two. Couple his ability to catch out of the backfield with the dual threat of Richardson and Taylor seems primed for a big rebound in 2024.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 80 to 1. Over/under wins: 8 1/2.
COLTS SIGN 11 PLAYERS TO PRACTICE SQUAD
Indianapolis – The Indianapolis Colts today signed the following 11 players to the practice squad:
LB Austin Ajiake
LB Liam Anderson
DE Genard Avery
QB Jason Bean
S Marcel Dabo
RB Evan Hull
CB Chris Lammons
WR D.J. Montgomery
CB Jaylin Simpson
CB Ameer Speed
WR Laquon Treadwell
COLTS CLAIM CB SAMUEL WOMACK III OFF WAIVERS; WAIVE CB DARRELL BAKER JR.
Indianapolis – The Indianapolis Colts today claimed cornerback Samuel Womack III off waivers (from San Francisco) and waived cornerback Darrell Baker Jr.
Womack III, 5-10, 189 pounds, appeared in 23 games (one start) in two seasons (2022-23) with the 49ers and compiled 18 tackles (14 solo), 1.0 tackle for loss, two passes defensed, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and eight special teams stops. He also saw action in three postseason contests and registered three solo tackles and two special teams stops. Womack III was originally selected by San Francisco in the fifth round (172nd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Toledo.
Baker Jr., 6-1, 190 pounds, played in 17 games (six starts) in two seasons (2022-23) with the Colts and registered 34 tackles (27 solo), seven passes defensed, one fumble recovery and one special teams stop. He was originally signed to the team’s practice squad on September 13, 2022. In 2023, Baker Jr. appeared in 14 games (six starts) and totaled 34 tackles (27 solo), seven passes defensed and one special teams stop.
INDIANA FEVER
FEVER NOTCH FIRST WIN VS. SUN SINCE 2021
Caitlin Clark scored the tiebreaking basket with 1:27 remaining and the Indiana Fever halted an 11-game losing streak against Connecticut with an 84-80 victory over the Sun Wednesday night at Indianapolis.
Kelsey Mitchell scored 23 points to set an Indiana franchise record with five straight games of 20 or more points. Clark had 19 points, five rebounds and five assists as the Fever (15-16) won for the sixth time in the past eight games.
Lexie Hull made four 3-pointers and recorded 17 points and eight rebounds for Indiana, which beat the Sun for the first time in four tries this season. The Fever had last beat Connecticut on July 3, 2021.
DiJonai Carrington scored 19 points and Alyssa Thomas had 17 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Sun (22-8). Marina Mabrey added 16 points and DeWanna Bonner had 13 as Connecticut’s three-game winning streak ended.
Clark’s 3-pointer 2:43 into the contest was her 86th of the season, breaking the rookie record set by Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard in 2022. She finished the game with 3-for-12 from deep.
Indiana went up 82-80 late in the fourth on Clark’s driving basket. The Sun squandered a chance to tie when Temi Fagbenle forced a Thomas turnover with 24 seconds left.
Hull made two free throws with 19.1 seconds remaining to make it a four-point margin before the Fever closed it out.
Indiana shot 47 percent from the field, including 13 of 30 (43.3 percent) from 3-point range. Aliyah Boston had 10 points, eight assists and six rebounds, and NaLyssa Smith added 10 points. Mitchell made four treys for the Fever.
The Sun hit 45.5 percent of their shots and were 8 of 24 from behind the arc. Mabrey led Connecticut with four triples.
Mitchell scored 13 first-half points as Indiana led 51-42 at the break.
The Sun started the second half strong, scoring eight straight points and 12 of the first 14 to take a 54-53 lead on Bonner’s layup with 6:52 left in the third quarter.
Indiana answered with a 9-2 push that Clark capped with a 3-pointer to give the Fever a 62-56 advantage with 4:02 left in the period.
Carrington responded with a trey for the Sun before Clark’s basket and Mitchell’s 3-pointer gave Indiana a 67-59 lead with 2:09 remaining.
The Fever led 69-66 entering the fourth quarter.
–Field Level Media
INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS
INDIANS CONTINUE HOT STRETCH AT HOME, SWEEP DOUBLEHEADER AGAINST BATS
INDIANAPOLIS – Bubba Chandler yielded one unearned run over 5.0 innings pitched in the first contest, and Andrés Alvarez laced a two-out tiebreaking triple in the seventh inning of the nightcap to give the Indianapolis Indians a pair of 2-1 wins against the Louisville Bats on Wednesday night at Victory Field. The doubleheader sweep extended the Indians’ winning streak at the Vic to nine, tied for the longest in ballpark history with nine-game stretches in 1997 and 2013.
The Indians (29-23, 62-63) rode the right arm of Chandler and tallied three extra-base hits – their only hits of the game – to take the opener. Nick Yorke and Jack Suwinski strung together a two-out double and triple in the bottom of the first to put Indy up 1-0, and Liover Peguero cleared the wall in left-center in the Indians’ next at-bat to double the advantage. The long ball was Peguero’s 13th of the season.
Chandler (W, 2-0) stranded two runners apiece in the second and third before the Bats (19-34, 57-70) scratched a run across in the fourth. Joey Wiemer doubled with two outs and scored on the next ball in play, when Eric Yang reached safely on a fielding error by first baseman Seth Beer. Chandler picked up his fourth and fifth strikeouts in his final inning of work, and Isaac Mattson (S, 2) struck out four of the six batters he faced to seal the win. The game featured just eight combined baserunners and was completed in a tidy 1 hour and 31 minutes, tied for the second-shortest seven-inning contest in the Victory Field era.
Bats starting pitcher Connor Phillips (L, 2-8) gave up two earned runs in 4.0 innings to suffer the loss.
Playing as the visiting team in Game 2 due to a July 3 postponement at Louisville Slugger Field, Indianapolis overcame an early 1-0 deficit with single runs in the fourth and seventh. The Bats led 1-0 through three innings behind a run-scoring single by former Indian Erik González in the second, but Peguero knotted the score with an RBI double to plate Joshua Palacios. In the decisive inning, Alvarez drilled his second three-bagger of the season and third hit of the game into the right-field corner to capitalize on a leadoff walk drawn by Edward Olivares.
Beau Sulser delivered 4.0 innings of one-run ball in relief of the rehabbing Colin Holderman, who pitched a scoreless first inning. Geronimo Franzua (W, 5-6) fanned five batters in 2.0 innings pitched, stranding two runners on base in both the sixth and seventh.
Zach Maxwell (L, 4-2) struck out three but was tagged with the loss for Louisville in Game 2.
The Indians and Bats continue their seven-game series on Thursday at 7:05 PM ET. RHP Thomas Harrington (2-1, 3.09) is scheduled to start for Indy against LHP Brandon Leibrandt (3-4, 4.46).
INDIANA MEN’S SOCCER
HOOSIERS HOST HOME OPENER, TOP-15 MATCHUP
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana men’s soccer on Thursday (aug. 29) hosts its home opener, a top-15 matchup with annual rival and No. 8-ranked Notre Dame in the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic on Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Tickets are on sale online or at any Armstrong Stadium ticket booth on matchday. Fans unable to attend the match can watch on the B1G+ digital platform.
Thursday’s match includes four promotions as the men’s team plays the second match of a doubleheader with Indiana women’s soccer. Fans that check in for both matches will automatically enter to win a free RTIC cooler filled with IU soccer prizes.
In addition, IU Dance Marathon will host its annual For the Kicks Night. The promotion includes a tailgate starting at 6:30 p.m. ET at Armstrong Stadium, with free food and games for fans of all ages. Thursday is also Junior Hoosier Club Night, as IU athletics offers free admission for all Junior Hoosier Club members that show their JHC credential at the Armstrong Stadium ticket window.
Thursday’s giveaway is the 2024 Hoosier Army t-shirt. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive this year’s t-shirt that they can wear to Armstrong Stadium all season.
KICKING OFF
• Thursday’s contest marks a rematch of the 2023 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, which sent Notre Dame to the College Cup after a 5-4 penalty shootout result.
• Bill Armstrong Stadium has given the Hoosiers a significant home-field advantage. Last season, IU men’s soccer welcomed a program record 33,937 fans to “The Bill” and enjoyed an 11-1-2 record on their home pitch.
• Thursday’s match is the first of Indiana’s two home matches this week. The Hoosiers will welcome Yale to Armstrong Stadium on Sunday.
• IU will look to bounce back from an opening day loss to Saint Louis last week. The Hoosiers have not suffered consecutive defeats since 2013.
ABOUT THE FIGHTING IRISH
• Notre Dame is also looking for its first win of the season after settling for a draw in its opener against Akron last week.
• The Fighting Irish finished as the NCAA runner-up last season, compiling a 13-3-6 record and an undefeated 6-0-2 mark in the ACC.
• Notre Dame is led by seventh-year head coach Chad Riley, who has compiled a 64-39-18 record in South Bend and a 115-65-32 career record in 12 years as a Division-I head coach.
• Fighting Irish senior Matthew Roou, who scored Notre Dame’s first goal of the season last week, will look to make an impact again Thursday. Roou has totaled 22 goals and 10 assists in his career.
SERIES HISTORY
• Indiana’s first-ever varsity match was a 5-1 victory in South Bend. The Hoosiers then won 11 straight matchups to kick off a series that has been renewed 48 times.
• More recently, the two teams have met in 22 of the last 23 seasons, only missing the 2020-21 campaign due to IU’s conference-only schedule. In that span, the programs have met 26 times.
• The Hoosiers hold a dominant 33-10-5 record in the all-time series and have not suffered a straight defeat in their last seven matches against the Fighting Irish, each decided by one goal or a draw. It took a penalty shootout for the Fighting Irish to push past IU in the 2023 NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal matchup after the two teams drew 1-1 through 110 minutes.
• That was the second matchup between the programs in 2023 as IU and Notre Dame also met in the season opener and played to a 1-1 draw. The Hoosiers recovered from a 1-0 deficit thanks to Collins Oduro’s first-career goal.
INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER
MATCH CENTRAL: INDIANA VS WRIGHT STATE
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Hoosiers host the Wright State Raiders on Thursday, Aug. 29th at Bill Armstrong Stadium. Kickoff is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. on B1G+.
ABOUT THE RAIDERS
Wright State is coming off a 1-0 loss against Akron in their second match of the season. Senior goalkeeper Erin Baker picked up four saves in the loss with 45 minutes of play. The Raiders fell 6-0 to Big Ten foe Illinois on opening day. Sophomore midfielder Caitlin Burger leads the team with three shots on the season, with four different players tallying a shot on goal. As a team this season, they have totaled 12 shots, five shots on goal and hold a .417 shots on goal percentage.
LAST TIME OUT
IU women’s soccer improved to 2-0 on the season after a 2-1 win over Ball State last Thursday. Sophomore midfielder Kennedy Neighbors put the Hoosiers up early with a goal in the fourth minute before freshman defender Haden Vlcek added another in the seventh minute with her first career goal. IU earned a quick 2-0 lead but would allow one goal in the first half before picking up the pressure to seal the match.
GERSTENBERG IN GOAL
Senior goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg is on pace to break the Indiana women’s soccer career victories. She is currently tied fourth with 23 career victories in goal. Shannon Flower is third (24), Bethany Kopel second (30) and Merit Elzey with the record at 35 victories.
NEIGHBORS FINDS THE NET
Sophomore midfielder Kennedy Neighbors has scored two goals for the Hoosiers this season in back-to-back games, including the gamewinner against Tennessee. She currently holds a .667 shots on goal percentage.
SIRDAH SHARING THE BALL
Freshman forward Layla Sirdah has assisted on all three of the Hoosiers’ goals this season. She earned her first career start against Tennessee and has totaled nearly 93 minutes on the pitch. The freshman continues to be a standout and offensive facilitator for the team.
RETURNERS:
Of IU’s 25 players that saw minutes in 2023, 21 will return for the 2023 season.
IUWS is returning eight of its 12 goal scorers last year. Coffield and Costello scored at least two goals with an additional six scorers returning this season.
Indiana’s backline returns veteran defender Camille Hamm, rookie standout Piper Coffield and Lauren Costello. This trio aided in the single-season shutout record and combined for five goals and 18 points.
Veteran Sydney Masur and counterparts Natasha Kim and Hope Paredes return for the Hoosiers in the midfield. The trio combined for 39 shots, 14 shots on goal and five points last season.
Elle Britt led the team in shots last season with 42 and 13 on target. Marisa Grzesiak trailed Britt with 27 shots and 11 shots on goal.
INDIANA VOLLEYBALL
VOLLEYBALL CENTRAL: KENNESAW STATE INVITATIONAL + UC DAVIS
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – After a wait of over nine months, college volleyball officially returns across the nation. The Indiana volleyball team will begin its 2024 campaign, heading south to play Kennesaw State (Aug. 30) and Wichita State (Aug. 31) in Georgia. To finish off the weekend, the Hoosiers will return home to host UC-Davis (Sept. 2) at Wilkinson Hall.
IU enjoyed a wildly successful season in 2023, matching a program record with 21 regular seasons wins. It finished in a tie for sixth in the Big Ten, the highest finish in the conference standings since 1999. Head coach Steve Aird and staff were rewarded with contract extensions (through 2029) as recruiting and on-court results continue to trend upwards.
Friday’s match at Kennesaw State begins a 30-match, 14-week grind of a season that lasts through Thanksgiving. IU has a NCAA Tournament drought that dates back to 2010, something that Aird and company will hope to end this season. The Hoosiers were picked 10th in an expanded Big Ten Preseason Poll that now features 18 programs.
With three matches to begin the season on the first weekend, IU will look to enjoy a perfect 3-0 start to the season for the second-straight year. Wichita State, the defending NIVC Champions, will present a potent test to begin the season. After opening weekend, the Hoosiers will head down to Austin to play the two-time defending national champions, Texas.
Senior setter Camryn Haworth and junior outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles highlight a veteran roster that features 10 upperclassmen. Three players, including Haworth, have featured in 90+ matches of their career. Alonso-Corcelles has played in 64 of 65 matches during her IU tenure so far.
Gameday Info
at Kennesaw State (Friday, August 30th – 7:00 PM)
Live Video: es.pn/4dRc00b
Live Stats: bit.ly/4duSoPy
vs. Wichita State (Saturday, August 31st – 11:00 AM)
Live Video: No Stream
Live Stats: bit.ly/3WV0qdp
vs. UC-Davis (Monday, September 2nd – 7:00 PM)
Live Video: bit.ly/3Z1U9PI
Live Stats: bit.ly/3ALu8Ko
Player and Stat Trends
Haworth Watch
• All eyes will be on senior setter Camryn Haworth this season as she climbs up the all-time lists of many Indiana volleyball records. Not only that, but she will bring stability and consistency to IU’s offense in 2024. Her first milestone she’s approaching is 3,000 assists. She’s just 138 away and is likely to hit that during the second weekend. She would be the eighth player in program history to hit the mark.
• The ultimate countdown is to the all-time service aces mark. She holds the tally during the rally-era but is 34 away from breaking the program’s all-time mark. Jen Magelssen (197) holds that mark from her playing days in 1995-98.
Notable
Unique Opening Weekend
• After opening at home the last two seasons, the Hoosiers will head on the road to open the 2024 campaign. IU will play at Kennesaw State on the 30th before meeting Wichita State in a neutral site matchup in the same building on the 31st.
• IU will return to Bloomington for the home opener on Monday, September 2nd. UC-Davis, who will play three games at Purdue in West Lafayette, will make the trip down to Bloomington to close their weekend. This will be the first-ever matchup against UC-Davis.
Veteran Core, Veteran League
• IU will head into the 2024 season with a collection of players who have seen lots of Big Ten volleyball in their collegiate tenure. IU has seven seniors, including five who have spent their whole careers in Bloomington. In total, the Hoosiers have 10 upperclassmen.
• Camryn Haworth, Mady Saris and Morgan Geddes have all played in 90 career matches or more. Transfer Delaynie Maple (USC Beach) won four national titles in the sand and comes to IU with a wide variety of volleyball expertise.
Building a Consistent Product
• Steve Aird has slowly built a program that can compete with anyone in the league on a given night. That challenge will grow as the conference adds four historically proud volleyball programs to the deepest league in the conference. Over the past two seasons, IU has only been swept seven times in league play while completing five sweeps of its opponents.
• The Hoosiers have never won 10+ conference games in consecutive seasons. That will be tougher than ever to make it happen in 2024 with the addition of historic programs such as UCLA and USC. IU has also never beaten a ranked opponent in three-straight seasons, something it could accomplish with a ranked victory this campaign.
Expect Some Early Rotation
• This team features by far the most depth of any IU team that Steve Aird has coached. The pins are chalk full of fire power with a lot of back row talent to help the passing. Senior Mady Saris has had an outstanding fall camp and could be a breakout candidate. Albeit being a little thin in the middle, IU can work a number of options through the position.
• Except to see some different combinations of lineups in the early going. Delaynie Maple can play back row and hit while freshman right side Avery Daum has impressed in the early goings. Freshman defensive specialist Emma Segal can handle the ball while a number of veteran options will line up to get their crack at the court.
An Electric Duo
• Setter Camryn Haworth and freshman libero Ramsey Gary will be the first players on the team sheet for the Hoosiers. Gary, who spent her summer with the U.S. U-21 Women’s National team, was outstanding in her freshman season.
• Haworth is as dynamic as they come in the league. The unanimous All-Big Ten selection in 2023 will need to be a stable force for the offense in a tough conference this season. She should be well rested ahead of her senior season and is in line to make a big dent in the program’s record books.
Scouting the Opponent
Kennesaw State (0-0, 0-0 ASUN)
• The Owls are coming off an impressive season, finishing 18-11 overall with a 10-6 mark in the ASUN. They won seven of their final nine matches and picked up big wins over Wake Forest and Mississippi State in the non-conference slate.
• This team starts and ends with talented junior outside hitter Manu Johnson, a native of Denmark. The 5-11 pin totaled 454 kills last season (4.13 p/s) and compiled 510.5 points, leading the team in both categories. The six-rotation hitter had 37 aces, 34 blocks and 259 digs while playing in every match.
• Kennesaw State will have to replace right side Emma Schurfranz (338 kills) and middle blocker Claire Parsons (194 kills) who were second and third on the team in kills. The Owls ran a 6-2 for most of the season but could transition back to a 5-1 with the returning Kourtney Brown (625 assists).
Wichita State (0-0, 0-0 AAC)
• The defending NIVC Champions will present a potent early test for the Hoosiers. Wichita State picked off Illinois at Huff Hall in 2023 and can play with anyone in the nation. The Shockers will have to replace leading point scorers Natalie Foster (356 kills) and Sophia Rohling (355 kills).
• Izzi Strand returns to run the offense in her fifth season of college volleyball. She totaled 1,340 assists (10.47 p/s). Libero Gabi Maas also is back after playing an outstanding defensive role in their title run. Wichita State will play a gauntlet of a schedule in the non-conference that includes games at Kansas, Arkansas and Nebraska.
UC-Davis (0-0, 0-0 Big West)
• The Aggies finished 13-16 (8-10) last season but return leading scorer, and Indiana native, Olivia Utterback. They return their top three kill leaders off a young squad. The addition of graduate student setter Allie Merz should give UC-Davis some stability at the position.
• Opening weekend will see UC-Davis play four matches including three in West Lafayette at the home of Purdue. It will travel down to Bloomington to close the weekend against IU, the first match between the two schools in program history. UC-Davis will also play fellow Big Ten members Washington and UCLA this year.
Inside the Series
Kennesaw State
• These two teams have never met.
Wichita State
• The programs have played just once, a 3-1 loss to the Shockers in September of 1992.
UC-Davis
• IU will meet the visitors from California for the first time in school history.
PURDUE WOMEN’S SOCCER
WEEKEND BEGINS AT DEPAUL IN CHICAGO
CHICAGO – The Purdue soccer team travels to Chicago to face DePaul on Thursday, August 29.
Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. CT at the Blue Demons’ Wish Field.
The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and also streamed on FloSports. Live stats are available at DePaul.Statbroadcast.com. Updates also can be found by following and connecting with @PurdueSoccer on Twitter/X, Instagram and Facebook, while direct links to follow along are available on the schedule page at PurdueSports.com/Soccer.
As the Boilermakers begin the third week of the regular season, they take to the road for the second time. The matchup against DePaul is the first in the series since 2019.
Purdue is 2-1-1 after a 2-0 win over UIC on August 25. The clean sheet victory was the Boilermakers’ second of the season as the Old Gold and Black remained unbeaten at Folk Field.
Through four games, senior forward Gracie Dunaway and junior forward Kayla Budish each have one goal and one assist for a team-high-tying three points. Two more Boilermakers also have scored one goal and another has one assist to join Dunaway and Budish. Dunaway also paces the squad with six shots and five shots on goal. Sophomore Emily Edwards has started three games and has 10 saves for a .769 save percentage and a 1.00 goals-against average with a pair of shutouts.
As a team, Purdue has scored four goals with three assists on 40 shots, 21 on target. The Boilermakers have allowed four goals on 45 shots with 13 saves for a .765 save percentage and a 1.00 goals-against average.
Nine Boilermakers have made their Purdue debuts in the first four games of 2024, including freshmen Emilia Deppe and Stephanie Lathrop, whose appearances marked their first collegiate minutes.
SCOUTING DEPAUL
Coming off a 1-0 loss at Loyola Chicago on August 25, DePaul is 0-2-1 on the season and 0-0-1 at home. A 76th-minute goal was the difference for the Blue Demons in their only game last week. DePaul was out-shot 12-3 by Loyola, while both sides had two shots on goal.
DePaul has scored one goal on 12 shots with six shots on goal. The Blue Demons have allowed three goals on 37 shots, 14 on target. Mya Gardner has the team’s lone goal and Lea Eisenring has one assist and shares the team lead with three shots. Elena Milam has played every minute in goal and has made 10 saves for a .769 save percentage and a 1.00 goals-against average.
SERIES HISTORY VS. THE BLUE DEMONS
Purdue is 8-0-0 all-time against DePaul and 3-0-0 in Chicago. The most recent meeting was a 3-0 Boilermaker victory in 2019 on the road. The two sides first faced off in 1998, Purdue’s inaugural season, where the Boilermakers hosted a 1-0 win. That was the first of six shutouts in the series. 2003 saw the two clubs meet in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Old Gold and Black prevailed for a 2-1 win in Champaign to begin an NCAA run to the third round.
LAST TIME OUT: CLEAN SHEET VICTORY
Goals by a pair of seniors helped Purdue to a 2-0 victory over UIC on Sunday afternoon at Folk Field. On a hot and sun-soaked day, senior midfielder Cloey Uddenberg scored in the 44th minute to give the Boilermakers a 1-0 lead going into halftime and fellow senior midfielder Abigail Roy added an insurance goal in the 78th minute.
Uddenberg’s goal is the first of her NCAA D-I career and her third overall, along with two at University of Guelph in 2022. It’s her first collegiate game-winning goal and the first points in her inaugural campaign as a Boilermaker. Budish’s assist is the fifth of her career and her first in 2024. Roy’s goal is the second of her career, along with one in 2021.
Senior forward Lexi Fraley posted a game-high six shots and two shots on goal and junior forward Chiara Singarella had three shots, one on frame. Edwards made one save and earned her second clean sheet in three starts this season. Her UIC counterpart made five saves. Purdue had 15 shots, seven on goal, and the Flames were limited to five shots, one on target. The home side held an 8-5 advantage in corners.
A complete recap is available at PurdueSports.com/Soccer.
UP NEXT: SENIOR DAY AND ALUMNAE REUNION WEEKEND
Purdue is back home to conclude weekend No. 3 of the season against Dayton on Sunday, September 1, at 1 p.m. ET. It is Senior Day and Alumnae Reunion Weekend at Folk Field, and admission is free for all fans.
PURDUE FOOTBALL
GAME 1 PREP: PURDUE FOOTBALL READY TO BEGIN 2024 SEASON
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue opens its 137th season of football, including the 101st at Ross-Ade Stadium, hosting Indiana State in an in-state matchup. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET on BTN.
The Boilermakers are 6-0 against the Sycamores, including a 56-0 win two years ago. Making his Purdue debut, Devin Mockobee recorded a team-high 78 rushing yards with one touchdown in the 2022 victory over Indiana State.
QUICK HITS
• Dillon Thieneman, the 50th All-American in program history, is a consensus Preseason All-American; setting program freshman records for interceptions (6) and solo tackles (74), Thieneman was tabbed the FWAA Freshman Defensive Player of the Year and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season.
• Purdue has produced four All-Americans over the past three seasons (Thieneman – 2023, Charlie Jones – 2022, David Bell – 2021, George Karlaftis – 2021), the most in a three-year stretch since 1967-69.
• Behind Mockobee and Tyrone Tracy Jr. (New York Giants), Purdue led the Big Ten in rushing in conference games (184.6 ypg); Purdue was the only team in the Big Ten with two running backs to rush for more than 500 yards in league contests (Mockobee – 625, Tracy – 624).
• Kydran Jenkins recorded 15.5 TFLs a season ago, ranking third in the Big Ten and 18th nationally, the most by a Boilermaker since George Karlaftis (Kansas City Chiefs) in 2019 and the first Boilermaker to lead the team in back-to-back seasons since Jake Replogle (2014-15).
• Purdue added 23 players in the transfer portal, including 14 from Power 4 schools; the group was a consensus Top 10 class in the transfer rankings when 14 of the transfers joined the team for the spring semester.
• One year after recorded the highest total and average attendance since 2007, Purdue Football sold out its season ticket allotment (42,000) for the 2024 campaign; the Notre Dame game (Sept. 14) sold out one day after going on sale to the public. All tickets for the Purdue student section, the Ross-Ade Brigade, are also sold out for the year.
• Boilermaker legend and College Football Hall of Famer Mark Herrmann is the new color analyst for Purdue football games on the Boilermaker Sports Network, taking over following the retirement of Purdue Football alum Pete Quinn, who spent 32 seasons in the announcing chair calling Boilermaker games on the gridiron.
• Purdue will debut new jerseys for the 2024 season.
• Thirteen Boilermakers have already earned their undergraduate degrees, six from Purdue and seven from other schools before transferring to Purdue.
PURDUE FOOTBALL IS BACK
• The Boilermakers kick off their 137th season of football in 2024.
• Purdue holds a 78-52-6 mark in season openers, while going 92-39-4 in home openers. The Boilermakers have won 22 of their last 26 home openers.
• Ross-Ade Stadium has been Purdue’s home for 100 seasons, marking the 2024 campaign as the 101st full season; Ross-Ade will turn 100 years old on November 22 when the Boilermakers play at Michigan State.
• Purdue closed out the 1924 season with its first game at Ross-Ade, a 26-7 Homecoming win over Indiana (Nov. 22, 1924).
YEAR 2 OF THE WALTERS ERA
• Purdue begins its second season under the guidance of head coach Ryan Walters.
• The three pillars of Walters’ program: Competitive, Tough, Disciplined.
• Known as a players’ coach, Walters has established a culture in which everyone in the program feels like family.
• Hired at age 36 after being named the 2022, On3 Coordinator of the Year Walters, now 38, is one of the youngest coaches in college football – the fourth youngest among the Power 4 conferences (Kenny Dillingham – 34, Dan Lanning – 38, Sherrone Moore – 38).
• Despite the record not being what Walters and Purdue wanted, facing one of the toughest schedules in the country, there were several positives the Boilermakers could take away from Walters’ first year in West Lafayette to build off of heading into the 2024 season.
RECAP OF 2023
• Purdue’s first 11 opponents on its 12-game 2023 schedule did not have a losing record at the time of their matchup against the Boilermakers, resulting in one of the nation’s most difficult schedules.
• The Boilermakers battled throughout the season to finish tied for fourth in the Big Ten West, while winning both rivalry games (Indiana – Old Oaken Bucket), Illinois – Cannon Trophy) for the third straight season.
• In Walters’ debut season guiding the Old Gold and Black, Purdue found success in all three phases of the game. The offense led the Big Ten in rushing in conference contests, averaging 184.6 yards per game. Purdue’s defense recorded 35 sacks, the most since 2004 and the third-most in program history, and the special teams unit averaged 24.2 yards per kickoff return, Purdue’s best since 2004 and the fourth-most all-time.
• Individually, Dillon Thieneman became an All-American (Third Team – AP) and was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year after setting school records for interceptions (6) and solo tackles (74) by a freshman.
ROSS-ADE PACKED ALL SEASON LONG
• With three of Purdue’s six home games coming against preseason Top 10 teams, Ross-Ade Stadium is expected to be packed all season long.
• The 2023 season featured Purdue’s highest home attendance, both average and total, since the 2007 campaign, but those marks might be broken this season.
• With more than 42,000 season ticket holders, including more than 5,000 new season ticket holders, season tickets sold out for the 2024 season.
• Student season tickets also sold out five hours after going on sale, a record-breaking time.
• Purdue’s in-state matchup against Notre Dame sold out one day after going on sale to the public.
DIFFICULT SCHEDULE
• A season ago, Purdue did not face a team with a losing record at the time of the game until battling Indiana for the Old Oaken Bucket in the season finale. This year’s schedule may be even tougher.
• Purdue’s schedule was ranked the 11th hardest in the nation by ESPN’s Football Power Index, fourth by College Football News, seventh by College Football Network and sixth by Sports Grid.
• Four preseason Top 10 teams appear on the Boilermakers’ 2024 schedule: No. 2 Ohio State (Nov. 9), No. 3 Oregon (Oct. 18), No. 7 Notre Dame (Sept. 14) and No. 8 Penn State (Nov. 16).
• No other team in the country plays more Top 10 teams than Purdue. Only Florida matches the Boilermakers with four Top 10 opponents.
• Three of the Top 10 matchups are at home, as Purdue hosts Notre Dame, Oregon and Penn State at Ross-Ade Stadium.
IN-STATE OPPOSITION
• A schedule rarity, Purdue will play three opponents from the state of Indiana this season.
• After beginning the season against Indiana State, the Boilermakers have a bye week before facing Notre Dame for the Shillelagh Trophy (Sept. 14).
• Sticking with tradition, Purdue closes out the regular season by battling Indiana with the Old Oaken Bucket up for grabs.
• The last time three in-state opponents were on Purdue’s schedule occurred during the 2013 season, with four such seasons this century.
PURDUE VS. THE FCS
• Purdue will face an FCS opponent for just the second time since 2016 when it won 45-24 over Eastern Kentucky in the season opener.
• Indiana State was the last FCS team to battle the Boilermakers, and Purdue cruised to a 56-0 victory (Sept. 10, 2022).
• From 2006 to 2016, the Boilermakers faced an FCS opponent every season except for 2009. Four of those games were against the Sycamores.
LAST TIME WE MET
• Purdue’s defense forced a fumble on the opening play of the game to set the tone in a 56-0 rout of Indiana State (Sept. 10, 2022). The 56-point margin of victory was the largest for Purdue since a 59-point shutout win over Southeast Missouri in 2011.
• Devin Mockobee, making his Purdue debut as a redshirt freshman, led the rushing attack with 78 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries.
• Aidan O’Connell (Las Vegas Raiders) was efficient in his one half of action with four touchdowns and 211 yards on 17-of-19 passing; O’Connell was one completion and attempt shy of breaking the Purdue single-game record for completion percentage (a minimum of 20 attempts was needed to qualify).
• Charlie Jones (Cincinnati Bengals) caught three touchdown passes, finishing the day with nine receptions for 133 yards.
• The 145 yards of total offense allowed by Purdue were the fewest given up by the defense in more than 25 years.
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
NO. 20 TEXAS A&M-NO. 7 NOTRE DAME MATCHUP FEATURES ‘WEIRD’ REUNION
A head coach and quarterback tend to have a close bond.
That’s why it feels so strange for Mike Elko to prepare for the Saturday season opener between No. 20 Texas A&M and No. 7 Notre Dame in College Station, Texas.
For the previous two seasons, Elko served as head coach at Duke, where he recorded back-to-back winning seasons with Riley Leonard as his quarterback. Both of them moved onward and upward this offseason, with Elko landing the top job at Texas A&M and Leonard transferring to Notre Dame.
Now, the coach will spend Saturday trying to ruin his old quarterback’s evening.
“I think it’s interesting and weird and not really something I want to do,” Elko said. “But at the end of the day, it’s a part of the game. Obviously, (I) have a tremendous amount of respect for who he is not just as a player but also as a young man, his family and all of that.
“It’ll be three hours competing against each other and then the rest of the year rooting for him.”
Leonard will make his debut under center for Notre Dame, which brought him in to replace departed signal-caller Sam Hartman. Leonard passed for 4,450 yards and 24 touchdowns in parts of three seasons at Duke, and he proved capable with his feet as he rushed for 1,224 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Fighting Irish coach Marcus Freeman knows that Leonard and his teammates are in for a hostile environment at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field. Freeman and his coaching staff piped in noise during recent practices as a way to prepare for the chaos.
“We’ve trained, really, being able to execute your assignment in crazy conditions, with crowd noise and trying to do surprise situations in practice,” Freeman said. “But at the end of the day, they’ve got to do it when it matters, right?”
Notre Dame is coming off a 10-win season and has lofty goals in the first season of the expanded College Football Playoff format. The Fighting Irish have gone 19-7 since Freeman succeeded Brian Kelly as head coach.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M hopes that Elko can re-establish a proud program that has waned in recent seasons. The Aggies finished 7-6 last season and 5-7 the year before that, which is a big reason the school bought out former coach Jimbo Fisher.
Elko’s first test will be a big one. He said opening the season against a top-10 team comes with pros and cons.
“The pluses are the attention you’ve had (from) your players for the last eight months,” Elko said. “When you have this type of game, the sense of urgency you have from a preparation standpoint, the sense of urgency we had in training camp, you’d like to say that’s because of the coaches, but I’m certain the opener plays a huge role in that. …
“The negatives of it is it’s an opener. … You’re not going to have a lot of time to ease into this new program, these new systems that we’re running. You’re going to have to go out there opening night and be firing on all cylinders.”
This is the sixth meeting between the programs. Notre Dame has a 3-2 edge in the all-time series, though the Aggies won the most recent matchup in 2001 at home.
–Field Level Media
NOTRE DAME MEN’S BASKETBALL
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Mark it on the calendar because Notre Dame men’s basketball fans now know they have 70 days until year two of the Micah Shrewsberry era tips off inside Purcell Pavilion. On Wednesday, the program announced its non-conference slate along with their home and away ACC matchups.
The 2024-25 men’s basketball schedule features 16 chances for fans to catch the Irish at home, with the season opener slated for November 6 against Stonehill College.
In addition, all three ACC newcomers will venture to Purcell Pavilion this upcoming season. It’ll mark California’s first trip to South Bend, and three-plus decades for both Stanford (1992) and SMU (1989).
November 6 – Stonehill College
First meeting as Division-I opponents.
November 11 – Buffalo
First meeting in program history.
November 16 – at Georgetown
Notre Dame trails in the series 13-17, with a 5-7 record in Washington D.C.
November 16 will be circled on the calendar as a revenge game for the Irish, after suffering a 72-68 overtime loss in Purcell Pavilion last season.
The Hoyas went 9-23 in the first year under Head Coach Ed Cooley.
November 19 – North Dakota
Notre Dame and North Dakota haven’t met on the hardwood since Feb. 4, 1941. The Irish won that contest, 46-38.
North Dakota produced an 18-14 record last season, with a 10-6 mark in the Summit League.
November 22 – Elon
The Irish lead the series, 2-0, with both contests occurring at home. The two last met on Dec. 16, 2006.
Elon recorded a 13-19 overall record last season with a 6-12 mark in the Coastal Athletic Association.
Thanksgiving Week (Nov. 26-30) – Players Era Festival in Vegas – Alabama/Houston/Rutgers
Order of play is still TBD.
In ESPN’s Way Too Early Top-25 rankings, Alabama is No. 2, Houston is No. 4 and Rutgers is No. 25.
Notre Dame leads the series, 4-2, against Alabama, with a 2-2 record at neutral sites. The Irish defeated Alabama, 78-64, in San Diego, in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament.
Notre Dame and Houston are tied 4-4 in the overall series. The two haven’t clashed on the hardwood since Feb. 10, 1990.
ND leads the overall series with Rutgers, 21-13, with a 6-2 record on neutral courts. The last meeting between the two was a memorable one – an 89-87 double-overtime victory at the First Four round in Dayton to propel the Irish into the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament.
December 3 – at Georgia – SEC/ACC Challenge
Notre Dame’s first appearance inside Stegeman Coliseum.
Notre Dame and Georgia have squared off four times, with the series tied at 2-2. All four matchups have gone down on neutral floors.
The two last squared off on Dec. 18, 2022, in Atlanta, with the Bulldogs taking that one 77-62.
The Irish are seeking their first SEC/ACC Challenge win after falling to South Carolina a season ago.
Georgia went 20-17 overall last year with a 6-12 record in SEC play.
December 11 – Dartmouth
Notre Dame has never lost in the series, owning a 6-0 advantage.
The series began in 1946 with a neutral site showdown in Cleveland. The remaining five games have all taken place inside Purcell Pavilion, with the most recent being a 97-87 win on Dec. 19, 2017.
December 22 – Le Moyne
First meeting in program history.
Former Irish player Robby Carmody transferred to Le Moyne ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Le Moyne went 15-17 overall last year with a 9-7 record in the Northeast Conference.
ACC Home: Boston College, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Cal, Stanford, SMU, Pitt, UNC, Virginia Tech and Louisville
ACC Away: Boston College, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, FSU, Miami, Clemson, NC State, Wake Forest, Duke, Virginia
NOTRE DAME MEN’S SOCCER
MIDWEEK AT MICHIGAN
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Both games this week are away from South Bend, starting with a bus trip to Ann Arbor on Thursday, August 29. Michigan is 0-3 on the year with losses to Utah Valley, Xavier and Colorado. That match will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on BTN+.
The Irish own a 15-5-1 series lead over the Wolverines, with a 6-2 record in Ann Arbor. Notre Dame will look to avenge a loss from a year ago when Michigan escaped with a 1-0 victory at Alumni.
Then on Sunday, the Irish head south to Indy for a showdown at Butler. The Bulldogs are 2-0-1 on the year and square off against Ball State on Thursday. The Irish hold an 11-1-1 advantage in the series.
ELECTRIC ENGLE
Izzy Engle has entered her name into the conversation of breakout freshman star of 2024. After recording the first freshman hat trick in program history since 2008 in Notre Dame’s win at Samford, Engle recorded a brace in the 4-0 win over No. 13 TCU. Both goals were must-see performances.
Engle’s 5 goals are tied with 8 others for most in the country. She’s the only freshman on that list.
1-2-3 CENTER MIDFIELD PUNCH
Notre Dame has developed a three-headed monster in the middle of its midfield. First, let’s start with sophomore Charlie Codd.
Codd is now 3-for-3 in games with an assist. She ranks 14th in the country and 2nd in the ACC in assists per game (1.0).
Junior Laney Matriano recorded her second career goal, first of the season, in the 4-0 win over No. 13 TCU. Matriano has now started in 35 of her 39 games played at ND.
Then there’s freshman Grace Restovich who recorded four points in the opening week of play with one goal and two assists.
TRENDING
The Irish moved five spots up in the United Soccer Coaches poll this week to the No. 9 spot. That means five ACC teams are ranked in the top-10: No. 1 FSU, No. 2 Stanford, No. 5 UNC, No. 7 Virgnia and No. 9 Notre Dame.
During last Sunday’s win over TCU, the Irish earned their first set-piece goal on the year. Morgan Roy collected assist number one, delivering a perfect corner kick to Lily Joseph who volleyed it into the corner of the net. It marked Joseph’s first collegiate goal.
The defensive backline of Fisher, Gemma and Mills, plus keeper Olfoson have started in back-to-back games and have two shutouts to show for it. Over both games, the defensive unit has combined in allowing just five shots on goal.
YOUTH MOVEMENT
The youth movement is on at Notre Dame and will be a huge talking point early on. An infusion of 13 freshmen – the most in program history. Not only that, this freshman class boasted a top-4 national recruiting ranking by Top Drawer Soccer.
Though an early sample size, but the top four point-getters on the team are currently freshmen: Izzy Engle (10 points), Grace Restovich (4 points), Annabelle Chukwu (3 points) and Lily Joseph (3 points).
GOALIE BATTALION
Battling for that coveted GK spot is returner Atlee Olofson. The sophomore has started the past two games and has back-to-back shutouts to show for it. Her two shutouts rank 10th in the country.
Last year, Olofson went 7-3-2 in net with five shutouts. She produced 45 total saves with a .763 save percentage. She finished with a GAA of 1.17.
Freshman 5-10 Sonoma Kasica got the starting nod in game one. Kasica ranked 44th overall in her recruiting class.
NOTRE DAME MEN’S SOCCER
MATCH 2 PREVIEW: INDIANA
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Notre Dame travels down to Bloomington for the latest chapter in the intrastate rivalry with Indiana after facing the Hoosiers twice during the 2023 season. The match is slated to start at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 29 and will air on B1G+.
NOTRE DAME vs. INDIANA
Location: Bloomington, Indiana | Bill Armstrong Stadium
Live Stream ($): B1G+
Live Stats: Click Here
Twitter Updates: @NDMenSoccer
Game Notes: vs. Indiana
THE INDIANA SERIES
• Notre Dame and Indiana will face each other on Thursday evening for the 47th time in series history.
• The Irish are 10-31-5 against the Hoosiers in the all-time series.
• Despite trailing in the series, the rivalry has been much more even as of late, as the Irish have recorded a mark of 5-7-4 in the last 16 meetings dating back to the 2010 season.
• Ten of the last 11 matches have either ended in a draw or a one-goal decision.
• The two sides met twice last season, both resulting in 1-1 draws.
• The Irish and Hoosiers opened the season at Alumni Stadium and then also played the final game of the year in South Bend in the NCAA Quarterfinals.
• Notre Dame outlasted Indiana in penalties by a result of 5-4 to advance to the College Cup for the second time in three seasons.
• Two returning players on the ND roster scored penalties in the match, as Matthew Roou and Mitch Ferguson converted from the spot.
ROOU LEADS THE LINE
• Senior forward Matthew Roou picked up right where he left off, scoring the first goal of the season for Notre Dame in the opener against Akron.
• Roou converted a penalty drawn by Bryce Boneau in the 51st minute.
• The talisman now has 54 career points off 22 goals and 10 assists.
• Last season Roou was elite in attack, scoring 10 goals and registering three assists, marking his best year in an Irish jersey.
2023 SEASON REWIND
• Notre Dame had one of its most successful seasons in program history last year, finishing with an appearance in the College Cup Final.
• The Irish were dominant in the ACC, claiming the Coastal Division crown and earning the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament after going undefeated in regular season conference play with a record of 6-0-2.
• Notre Dame finished the season with a record of 13-3-6 but two of the draws resulted in the Irish advancing in the NCAA Tournament in shootouts.
• The Fighting Irish defeated Kentucky (2-0) in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament before moving past Western Michigan (0-0) and Indiana (1-1) to make the College Cup.
• Notre Dame then defeated Oregon State (1-0) in the semifinal before falling to Clemson (1-2) in the final.
2024 CAPTAIN
• Bryce Boneau will serve as the captain for this year’s Fighting Irish team.
• Boneau is a senior midfielder from Texas and was selected to the 2024 ACC Preseason Watch List.
• Boneau scored four goals and added seven assists last season as a center midfielder and has four goals and 10 assists in his Notre Dame career.
• Boneau was selected by Nashville SC in the third round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft with the 75th overall pick.
DOMINATING DEFENSE
• The Fighting Irish return three of the four members from their starting back line from 2023 to this year’s squad, as Josh Ramsey, Kyle Genenbacher and Mitch Ferguson are back.
• Notre Dame ranked fifth in the country last season in goals against average, allowing just 0.668 goals per match.
• The Irish finished the season with 12 shutouts, ranking sixth in the nation for shutout percentage with a mark of .545.
BALANCED ATTACK
• Fourteen returning Irish players registered at least one point in their Notre Dame career, as the team returns 85 points from last year.
• Ten players that scored a goal during the 2023 campaign are back on this year’s team.
• Senior Matthew Roou is the top returning goal scorer on the 2024 squad after firing in a career-high 10 goals during his junior campaign.
HERE TO ASSIST
• The Irish dished out 48 assists last season, ranking sixth in the country for total assists.
• The 48 assists were the most an Irish team has produced in a season since the turn of the century.
• KK Baffour and Bryce Boneau led the squad in assists with seven each. Both return to the 2024 roster for the Irish.
FRESH FACES
• Notre Dame’s incoming freshman class is ranked No. 3 nationally by TopDrawerSoccer.
• The Irish welcome six freshman to the 2024 squad, totaling a 30-man roster.
• The six freshman are Jacob Bartlett (M), Stevie Dunphy (F), Brady Hilden (M), Blake Kelly (GK), Will Schroeder (M) and Ian Shaul (M).
• Also joining the team is goalkeeper Collin Travasos, who is a grad transfer. Travasos spent last season at UNC and prior to that completed his undergrad at Cal.
BUTLER FOOTBALL
BUTLER FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW: WIDE RECEIVERS
INDIANAPOLIS – Multiple upperclassmen returners paired with promising young guys give pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach Ray Holmes a solid room for the 2024 season.
“The guys have done a great job attacking everything we’ve thrown at them during fall camp,” Holmes said. “I think the older guys have done an excellent job of bringing the newcomers along, showing them how we practice, and what it means to be a Butler football player.”
Ethan Loss and Luke Wooten combined for 78 receptions and 879 yards a year ago to go along with six touchdowns. Additionally, redshirt junior Joey Audia is always a threat to go the distance with the ball is in his hands and redshirt senior Luka Popovic will look to end his BU career with a bang after playing in six games a year ago.
Audia caught 11 passes last year for 101 yards and Popovic had five receptions for 66 yards.
“Giving maximum effort and finishing everything we do is something that I believe defines a successful wide receiver room,” Holmes added. “Whether it’s blocking on the perimeter, running routes, or catching the football we want our guys constantly playing at full speed. Our guys do a great job giving unbelievable effort day in and day out, and I’m excited to watch them carry that into a game.”
Two transfers join the program as well. Derek Allen Jr. joins the Bulldogs after playing at nearby Wabash College. In 2023, Allen Jr. had 62 recpetions for 807 yards and 12 touchdowns. Luke Jones was added to the program during the offseason after beginning his collegiate career at Ball State.
Maddox Altamirano, Trevon Brown, Archie Cox, Blake Matthews, Michael Nix and Preston Slaton are all back with the Bulldogs.
Altamirano is in his third season with the program after being a three-year starter at Chippewa Valley HS in Michigan. Trevon Brown begins his second season with Butler after spending the 2021 and 2022 seasons at Sioux Falls. Archie Cox played in five games during the 2023 season.
Matthews was a two-year starter for head coach John Hebert at Carmel HS and was an All-Conference selection as a senior, hauling in 26 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns. Nix started for three seasons at Saint Viator HS. During his senior year, he had 50 receptions for 1,053 yards and 12 touchdowns. Slaton helped Hamilton HS finish the 2022 season with an 8-3 record and appear in the quarterfinals of the 2022 state playoffs.
The freshmen class includes DT Williams, Jack Weybright, Braydon Alford, and Chet Yardley.
BUTLER WOMEN’S SOCCER
PREVIEW: BULLDOGS HOST BALL STATE AND NO. 9 NOTRE DAME
The Butler women’s soccer team will look to remain undefeated with a pair of matches this week in Indianapolis. The Bulldogs host Ball State on Thursday evening, and then No. 9 Notre Dame visits the Sellick Bowl on Sunday evening.
Ball State, out of the MAC, is 1-1 with a win over Purdue Fort Wayne and a loss to (RV) Indiana. Butler is 4-0-1 in the most recent five matches of the series with the Cardinals.
No. 9 Notre Dame is 2-1 this season with a 4-0 win over No. 13 TCU. The Fighting Irish, out of the ACC, also defeated Samford but lost to No. 8 Michigan State.
Butler vs Ball State
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 29 // 7PM
Butler vs No. 9 Notre Dame
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 1 // 7PM
Both Matches
LOCATION: Indianapolis // Sellick Bowl
LIVE VIDEO: FloSports/BEDN
LIVE STATS: StatBroadcast
TICKETS: butlersports.com
Bulldog Bits
Defender Macie Mietz was named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week after scoring her first career goal at Drake.
Abigail Isger was recognized on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll after her performance at Drake. With Butler down, 0-2, Isger converted a PK and then score an unassisted goal in a span of just over three minutes to level the score at two.
Currently ranked opponents on Butler’s 2024 schedule include: No. 9 Notre Dame, No. 15 Xavier, and No. 23 Georgetown.
The last time Butler faced a top-10 team was August 21, 2022. The Bulldogs went on the road and defeated No. 9 Michigan, 1-0.
Butler picked up one win vs. a ranked opponent in 2023. On Sep. 10, the Bulldogs defeated No. 25 TCU, 2-1, in Indianapolis.
BUTLER VOLLEYBALL
BUTLER VOLLEYBALL PREPS FOR 2024 SEASON
Second-year head coach Kyle Shondell will return 12 student-athletes from last year’s team to help the Bulldogs compete on the court in 2024. Senior leadership will be provided by Abby Maesch, Grace Boggess, Destiny Cherry and Mariah Grunze. The Bulldogs also added six talented freshmen to the roster during the off-season.
“Position by position, we have great depth going into the start of this season,” Shondell stated. “That depth should prove to be one of our greatest strengths during a grueling non-conference schedule.”
Grunze, Maesch, Boggess and Cherry were heavily involved in the Butler attack throughout the 2023 season. That group combined for 920 of the team’s 1,459 kills (63%). Grunze was the overall team leader with 351 kills and Maesch led the team in kills per set (3.43).
Elise Ward also made an immediate impact on the outside for BU. Ward landed on the BIG EAST All-Freshman Team after posting 274 kills and a team-best 28 service aces.
“The level of play in our gym right now is incredibly high,” Shondell added. “We just hope to see that translate this weekend in Nashville.”
Laiya Ebo, Sawyer Jones, and Alaleh Tolliver add depth to the outside hitter position group. Ebo and Jones each started in five matches a year ago. Ebo came up with a career-high 14 kills in a match at UConn and supplied BU with six blocks at Seton Hall. Jones had her best match of 2023 against Ohio with 11 kills and eight blocks vs. the Bobcats. Tolliver is the third member of this trio. She is a local student-athlete that attended North Central High School.
BU has three players that can split time between being an outside hitter or enter the lineup as a defensive specialist. Rylie Tam, Lauren Evans, and Jersey Loyer are versatile enough to impact the team in a variety of ways. Tam played in 65 sets last year and had a great game at Xavier, posting 14 digs. Evans is a local product from Carmel and Loyer heads to campus from Fort Wayne.
Setting up the action for Butler will be Cora Taylor. She averaged 10.2 assists per set last year to end the campaign with 1,144 total. The Bulldogs also return Kaylee Finnegan at the setter position.
At the net, Jaeda Lockhart, Zoe McDonald and Torri Starks will join Cherry and Boggess as middle blockers. Lockhart will look to expand on her role after appearing in five matches as a freshman. McDonald and Starks are newcomers that add size to the roster. At 6-4, Starks is now the tallest player on the team. She comes to campus from Lexington and McDonald hails from Prairie Village, Kansas.
The 2024 season starts this weekend with Butler competing in the Lipscomb Invite. Action in Nashville opens up with Butler playing #17 Arizona State. Saturday’s match will be a 12:30 start vs. Belmont and the weekend ends with the Bulldogs facing the Bison.
IU-INDY MEN’S SOCCER
MEN’S SOCCER SET FOR CONTESTS AGAINST BOWLING GREEN AND SAINT LOUIS
Bowling Green (Aug. 30 – 7:00 pm): ESPN+ I Live Stats
at Saint Louis (Sept. 2 – 8:00 pm ET): ESPN+ I Live Stats
INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indianapolis men’s soccer team reached 2-0 for the first time since 2004 after wins over Incarnate Word and Houston Christian in Texas last week and will look to improve on that record with matches against Bowling Green on Friday (Aug. 30) and No. 9 Saint Louis on Monday (Sep. 2).
One of the question marks coming into the season was where the offensive production would come from after the top three goal scorers from a year ago moved on, but just as head coach Sid van Druenen hoped, Jose Antonio Herrera and Cameron Radeke answered the bell. Herrera, a sophomore, scored a brace in the season opener, while junior transfer Radeke tallied the lone goal against Houston Christian.
The defense was also impressive, keeping back-to-back clean sheets to begin the season for the first time since 2001. Graduate transfer Mason Taylor was impressive between the pipes, registering 13 saves—earning #HLMSOC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. The center back pairing of Brady Horn and Giovanni Leon were also rock solid in week one, playing all but three minutes.
Freshman midfielder Bali Esquivel has also stood out since stepping on campus and his work rate from box to box earned him significant playing time (171 minutes). Six other freshmen made their collegiate debuts in week one (Tyson Aschliman, Justin Figaroa, Mano Karjian, Christian Nielsen, Owen Parrish, and Alex Pursch), with Nielsen garnering an assist in his first match.
Friday’s contest against Bowling Green marks the 2024 home opener and is a part of IU Indy’s Weeks of Welcome. This will be the 11th all-time meeting against the Falcons, with the Jaguars only victory coming in the 2004 season that began with five straight wins, including a 3-2 double overtime victory in Bowling Green, Ohio. The last matchup, coming in 2021, ended in a scoreless draw.
Bowling Green also comes into the contest with a 2-0 record after toppling Horizon League foe Wright State, 3-2, and most recently defeating Michigan State, 1-0, in East Lansing. Sophomore Bennett Painter has collected three consecutive game winning goals dating back to last season and will be the focal point of the Falcon offense.
Saint Louis also boasts an undefeated record after upsetting No. 7 Indiana in the season opener, propelling them into the Top Drawer Soccer national rankings. Matthew Wrobel tallied the game winning goal in the 16th minute—the 15th tally of his career—while Jeremi Abonnel recorded a clean sheet with three saves, including a stop from the penalty spot. The Billikens have another shot at a ranked opponent on Thursday (Aug. 29) when they take on No. 16 SMU. The Labor Day contest marks the first between IU Indianapolis and Saint Louis.
Both matches will be streamed on ESPN+ with Friday’s contest kicking off at 7:00 p.m. and Monday’s Labor Day clash commencing at 8:00 p.m.
IU-INDY WOMEN’S SOCCER
WOMEN’S SOCCER TO HEAD TO IDAHO AND MONTANA FOR TWO-GAME TRIP
MOSCOW, Idaho – The IU Indianapolis women’s soccer program will embark on a tough two-game trip this week as the Jaguars will face Idaho on Thursday night (Aug. 28) and Montana on Sunday (Sept. 1). Both contests against Big Sky opponents will be broadcast on ESPN+.
IU Indy (0-2-1) is coming off a tough week as the Jaguars dropped road contests at Lindenwood and Southern Illinois on the road. The Jaguars were blanked at Lindenwood by a 2-0 score and followed with a 3-1 defeat at SIU. Junior Emma Frey netted her fourth career goal in the closing moments of the loss to the Salukis.
The Jaguars’ depth has been tested at the start of the year as all-league performers Emma Antoine and Kailyn Smith have missed time due to injuries. Frey leads the team in minutes (263), followed closely by senior defender Makenna Collins (257), sophomore defender Katie Hoog (245) and graduate transfer defender Maia Ransom (244).
Sophomore Caroline Kelley, who tallied in the season opening draw with Toledo, is next in line with 235 minutes of action. In goal, senior Ashton Kudlo has a 2.40 goals against average and .571 save percentage in three starts while Emily Keck owns 45 clean minutes in her lone appearance.
SCOUTING IDAHO: Idaho (2-2) is coming off a 2-1 loss at Washington State and will be playing its home opener on Thursday night. Sienna Gonzales and Margo Schoesler lead the Vandals with two goals apiece and five different players have at least one tally. Paula Flores has played all 360 minutes in net for Idaho, registering a 1.50 goals against average and .769 save percentage. In four games, Idaho has outscored opponents by a 7-6 margin.
SCOUTING MONTANA: Montana (3-1) is coming off a 2-0 win over MSU Billings and its lone loss of the season has also come to Washington State. Riley O’Brien leads Montana with a pair of goals, both coming off the bench. Ashlyn Dvorak has played all 360 minutes in net for the Griz with a 0.75 goals against average and .727 save percentage with three shutouts. Montana has outscored foes by a 6-3 margin to start the year.
SERIES RESULTS: Both matches this week will mark the first-ever meetings between the two schools.
UP NEXT: The Jaguars will return home to host Eastern Illinois (Sept. 5) and Butler (Sept. 8) at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. Both contests will be streamed on ESPN+.
IU-INDY VOLLEYBALL
VOLLEYBALL VOTED EIGHTH IN #HLVB PRESEASON POLL
INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indy volleyball team has been picked to finish eighth in the Horizon League this season as the league office announced the #HLVB preseason poll on Wednesday (Aug. 28). Wright State collected nine of the 10 first-place votes to earn the top spot, followed by Northern Kentucky with one first-place vote.
Head coach Andrew Kroger enters his second season with the Jaguars after recording a 9-20 overall record and 3-15 conference mark in his first season. Along with Kroger entering his second season, IU Indy brought in four newcomers.
The incoming class features one freshman and three transfers. Lila Britt starts her collegiate volleyball career as Elle Patterson joins the Jags as a sophomore transfer from San Jose State. Jordyn Pax is a junior transfer from Monmouth and Carly Doros joins the Jags as a grad transfer from Ohio University.
The four newcomers join the veteran group of three seniors (Addie Evans, Briana Brown and Sidney Veatch) and junior Morgan Ostrowski. As well as the core sophomore class of Grace Purichia, Maia Long, Ava Harris, Kate White, Brynn Zastrow and Kennedy Seputis.
The Jaguars will open the regular season against Eastern Michigan on Friday, August 30 as they host the IU Indy Hampton Inn Invitational with first serve set for 5:00 PM ET in the Jungle.
2024 Under Armour #HLVB Preseason Poll
Place. Team (First Place Votes) – Points
1. Wright State (9) – 99
2. Northern Kentucky (1) – 85
3. Milwaukee – 73
4. Green Bay – 71
5. Cleveland State – 63
6. Oakland – 53
7. Purdue Fort Wayne – 38
T8. IU Indianapolis – 26
T8. RMU – 26
10. Youngstown State – 16
IU-INDY WOMEN’S XC
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY SQUAD TO OPEN 2024 AT VALPARAISO OPEN
VALPARAISO, Ind. – The IU Indianapolis women’s cross country team wil open the 2024 campaign on Friday night (Aug. 30) when the Jaguars participate in the Winrow-Valparaiso Open at Sunset Hill Farm. Head coach Antonio McDaniel’s team is a blend of young and old entering this season, bolstered by former All-Horizon League performers Ellie Cates and Julie Smith.
Both Cates and Smith went under 18 minutes in the 5K last season, both doing so at the Notre Dame Invitational. Smith was the team’s top finisher at the Horizon League Championships with a time of 21:41.4 while Cates closed at 21:46.5.
Other key returners include Grace Bragg, Laci Provenzano and Hannah Robbins. Bragg missed the start of the season, but was the team’s No. 5 runner at the league championships while Provenzano was limited to just one finish last season due to injury. Robbins was the team’s No. 8 finisher at the Horizon League Championships.
The group of newcomers is spearheaded by Purdue Northwest-transfer Carina Alanis and true freshman Ella Colclesser. Alanis has 10 career starts in two seasons at Purdue Northwest, having run 20:00.6 in the 5K and 23:36.4 in the 6K. Colclesser starred at Huntington North High School before choosing to join the Jaguars program.
A full recap and results of Friday’s meet will be posted to IUIndyJags.com immediately afterwards.
BALL STATE FIELD HOCKEY
FIELD HOCKEY OPENS 2024 SEASON WITH TWO GAMES AT HOME THIS WEEKEND
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State field hockey team is set to open its 2024 season with back-to-back contests at home against Saint Francis (Friday) and Stanford (Sunday). The Cardinals game against the Red Flash will begin at 12 pm ET, while the competition versus the Cardinals starts at 1 pm ET. Both games will be played at the Briner Sports Complex.
Ball State will be under the direction of third-year head coach Caitlin Walsh and her assistant Brooke Richards along with graduate assistant Emily Crawford, both of which are entering their first year on staff with the Cardinals.
The Cardinals return 19 players from last year’s squad including Michaela Graney who was the 2023 MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Ball State will also welcome five newcomers.
Ball State and Saint Francis last met at the Briner Sports Complex on August 26, 2022. That contest resulted in a 2-1 victory for Ball State. The Cardinals and the Red Flash have met a total of four times (2017, 2018, 2021 & 2022) with Ball State leading the series, 3-1.
Ball State and Stanford will meet for the first time since the 2019 season when the two teams faced off on a neutral field on the campus of Ohio State on Oct. 12, 2019, resulting in a 5-0 loss for BSU. The last time Stanford played in Muncie was in 2001 with Ball State winning that match-up, 1-0.
The Ball State field hockey team was also voted by its fellow Mid-American Conference coaching peers to finish sixth in the 2024 preseason poll today.
After this weekend, Ball State will play at Saint Louis on Sept. 8 at 12 pm ET.
INDIANA STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER
HITTING THE ROAD- SYCAMORES TRAVEL TO UT MARTIN
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State Women’s soccer is hitting the road for the first time this season as they travel to Martin, Tenn. on Thursday evening where they will compete in a non-conference matchup against UT Martin. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m ET. and will have live stats available as well as live streamed on ESPN+.
UT Martin leads 3-1-1 over Indiana State, which dates back to 2013. The most recent matchup between these two teams resulted in a 1-1 draw at Memorial Stadium last season.
Sycamore Standouts:
Brooklyn Woods was named this week’s GoGo Squeez ISU Student-Athlete of the Week following her performances against Miami (Ohio) and Robert Morris. Woods was a key component in the Sycamores picking up a pair of wins over the course of the second week of the season.
Maddie Alexander has now reached a four game shutout streak dating back to last season. Alexander has totaled 225 minutes of play so far this season, recording 11 saves for the Sycamores.
Wimberley Wright leads the Sycamores in assists, with 4. Wright has played a total of 166 minutes as a Sycamore, where she also records six points and a goal scored in the home opening match.
Woods and Lehnert are tied for the team lead with seven shots, while sitting second on the Sycamores each with two goals through three matches.
Last time the Sycamores reached three wins in a season was in 2021 when they finished 6-7-4.
Indiana State recorded 11 goals in the 2023 season in 18 games played, where they have already scored 16 goals in three games.
Sycamores picked up three consecutive shutout victories at Memorial Stadium, where they have limited their opponents to 21 shots overall and 12 shots on goal.
16 goals have been scored for the Sycamores in just three games. Goals this season have come from Alexa Mackey (3), Alex Lehnert (2), Brooklyn Woods (2), Wimberley Wright, Emma Famulak, Grace Quinn, Audrey Roberts, Ella Roesch, Mackenzie Kent, Lina Fasquelle, and Caitlin Mullen.
Mackey received multiple accolades after her performance in the home opening match where she was named MVC Player Of the Week and the GoGo Squeez ISU Student-Athlete of the Week. Mackey leads the Sycamores with three goals while being a perfect five for five on target goals.
Indiana State has tested out several different lineups between the two matches, where 29 players have been put in the mix and recorded minutes.
Scouting UT Martin:
The Skyhawks have an overall record of 0-1-2 this season, where they fell to North Alabama, with a score of 1-0, and tied with Southern Illinois, 0-0 and Austin Peay, 1-1.
Mike Varga enters his second season at the helm for University of Tennessee at Martin. In his first season, Varga and the Skyhawks finished fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference standings to qualify for the 2023 OVC Soccer Championships.
Mac Titus (Goalkeeper) and Parker Gelinas (Defender) have secured Athletes of the Week this season for the OVC after their performances in the first two matches.
Titus matched her career-high with nine saves against Southern Illinois and which clinched her first shutout of the season. Gelinas played the full-time 90 minutes in both contests, where the Skyhawks allowed only one goal scored which was the fewest allowed by an OVC school who played two matches during the opening week of the season.
Izzy Patterson records the lone goal scored this season for the Skyhawks, when she helped her team to a 1-1 draw against Austin Peay on Sunday afternoon.
Up Next:
The Sycamores continue on the road this week as they head to Cape Girardeau, Mo. with a matchup against Southeast Missouri State, on Sunday, September 1 at 2 p.m ET.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
MASTODON WOMEN’S BASKETBALL UNVEILS NON-LEAGUE SLATE
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Purdue Fort Wayne women’s basketball has announced its non-league schedule, which is highlighted by trips to Purdue and Kentucky.
Coming off the best season in its Division I history, Purdue Fort Wayne will open the season with an exhibition against Olivet on October 29 in the Gates Sports Center. The regular season then opens on Wednesday, November 6 at Purdue. The ‘Dons will stay in the state with a visit to Valparaiso on November 9 for their first meeting since 2018.
The Mastodons regular season home opener comes on November 12 against Defiance in a doubleheader with the men’s basketball team at the Memorial Coliseum. The men play against Bethune-Cookman.
Purdue Fort Wayne hits the road for the remainder of November, visiting Kentucky on the 18th and Eastern Michigan on the 21st. The ‘Dons will play in Georgia State’s Thanksgiving Classic on November 26-28, with a guarantee of three games in the multi-team event.
December features two more non-league games, both at home. The ‘Dons will host Aquinas at 11 a.m. on December 14 and Western Michigan a week later. The Mastodons played both of those squads last season.
The Horizon League schedule will be announced at a later date.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE WOMEN’S SOCCER
MASTODON WOMEN’S SOCCER TRAVELS TO EASTERN MICHIGAN
YPSILANTI, MICH. – The Purdue Fort Wayne women’s soccer team (2-1-1) looks to win a third game in a row at Eastern Michigan (3-0-0) on Thursday (Aug. 29).
Game Day Information
Who: Eastern Michigan Eagles
When: Thursday, August 29 | 4:30 PM
Where: Ypsilanti, Mich.
Live Stats: Link
Watch: Link
Know Your Foe
Eastern Michigan has remained undefeated through three games this season, beating two Horizon League opponents (Oakland and Youngstown State). Last season’s leading goal scorer, Olivia Sipsock, picked up where she left off in her freshman campaign, scoring three of the Eagles’ six goals this season.
Series History
Eastern Michigan leads the series history 1-4-1. Last year’s meeting resulted in a 2-2 draw at the Hefner Soccer Complex.
Mastodon Masterclass
Morgan Gallager and Allison Adams swept the second week of Horizon League Player of the Week Rewards. Gallagher earned HL Offensive Player of the Week following a victory against Tiffin (Aug. 22), posting a career-high three points off the bench, an assist and scoring the last goal of the game. Adams played 143 of the 180 available minutes on the defensive line that gave up just one goal. Both players earned their first Horizon League Player of the Week, respectfully.
Freshman Contributors
Three key freshmen carried the Mastodons to a win over Eastern Illinois (Aug. 25). Hailey Hoskins scored the game winning goal on her first shot collegiate shot attempt, Sam Christile earned a shutout in her collegiate debut and finished the match with eight saves. Maci Toporcer took back-to-back shots on goal in the first half.
Full Circle
The Mastodons have only given up one goal in the last 360 minutes of game time.
Mastodon Starters
Five Mastodons have started every game this season: Chloe Mariotti, Allison Adams, Zoe Greenhalge, Lizzie Haub, and Bella Reitano.
Freshman Starters
Purdue Fort Wayne freshmen Sam Christle, Maci Toporcer and Maddy Kopala have recorded starts for the Mastodons this season.
Touching Up The Record Book
Bella Reitano sits in 10th place for career goals per game in the Purdue Fort Wayne record book. Reitano is just two goals and two assists away from placing top 10 in both career record books.
‘Dons Wear Prada
Gigi Ricciardi did a fashion industry internship based in Florence, Italy this summer.
#OneHL Member
Gigi Ricciardi represents the athletic department on the Horizon League’s #OneHL group. #OneHL is a subset of the Horizon League Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and seeks to bring about meaningful change and action to social issues across the League. #OneHL initiatives include the annual Coach John McLendon Celebration, a partnership with Athlete Ally and civic engagement. #OneHL meets throughout the 2024-25 academic year via video conference.
Coming Up
Purdue Fort Wayne hosts SIUE on Sunday (Sep. 1) at the Hefner Soccer Complex at 1 p.m.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE MEN’S SOCCER
‘DONS LOOK TO MAKE SOME NOISE IN ILLINOIS THIS WEEK
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Mastodons (0-1-0) continue their stretch of four straight road games to start the season with a pair of games this week. First up is a trip to Eastern Illinois and then a visit to Bradley.
Game Day Information
Who: Eastern Illinois (1-1-0)
When: Thursday, August 29 | 6 PM ET
Where: Charleston, Ill. | Lakeside Field
Live Stats: Link
Watch: ESPN+
Know Your Foe: Eastern Illinois opened the season with a 3-0 win over the University of Chicago before falling 5-1 to Detroit Mercy this week. Jackson Liley scored for the Panthers. The game featured seven cards.
All-Time Record: Eastern Illinois leads 13-7. The two teams last played in 2022 when EIU won 1-0 in Fort Wayne.
Who: Bradley (1-1-0)
When: Saturday, August 31 | 4 PM ET
Where: Bradley, Ill. | Shea Stadium
Live Stats: Link
Watch: ESPN+
Know Your Foe: Bradley sits at 1-1-0 on the season. They play Western Illinois on Thursday at home and will wait for the Mastodons to arrive for Saturday’s game. The Braves own a 1-0 win over Chicago State and a 3-2 loss to Horizon League member Milwaukee last week. The Braves never led in the game against Milwaukee and added their second goal in the 90th minute.
All-Time Record: Bradley leads the series 5-1. The Mastodons’ only win in the series came in 2016 in a 4-3 overtime decision played in Evansville, Indiana. This will be the first meeting since 2018 with Bradley when the Braves won 2-1 in overtime in Fort Wayne.
Last Time Out
The Mastodons fell 4-2 at No. 3 West Virginia last week to open the 2024 season. The ‘Dons out-scored West Virginia 2-1 in the second half with goals by Marco Valencia and Marcos Soria in the second half. 20 different Mastodons saw time in the contest. Seven players (Felipe Medina, Andrew Hollenbach, Adrian Renteria, Sep Habibi, Marcos Soria, Shane Anderson, Angel Rodriguez) saw their first action as a Mastodon.
90-Minute Men
Daniel Tareke and Andrew Hollenbach both played all 90 minutes at West Virginia.
Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back
A few returners to note this year for the ‘Dons:
– Seth Mahlmeister led the Horizon League in goals with 10 while also adding three assists. He was a 2023 All-Horizon League First Team pick. He was named a Forward to Watch by United Soccer Coaches on their national watch list. Top Drawer Soccer also placed him No. 75 on their top 100 list of forwards for the 2024 season.
– Juan Romero earned Second Team honors last year after recording two assists and serving as a key cog in the Mastodon defense. He started 14 matches, playing all 90 minutes in five contests. He was also named to the 2023 Horizon League All-Tournament Team and selected to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District squad.
– Aidan Antcliff is back after making an appearance on the 2023 Horizon League All-Freshman Team. He played in 16 matches with 10 starts last year, recording a game-winning goal vs. Wright State.
Welcome To Fort Wayne
A few newcomers to note:
– Andrew Hollenbach played two seasons at NCAA Division II Dallas Baptist. He was a 2023 all-league third team pick, playing in all 19 games and helping the Patriots to a runner-up finish in the league. He played all 90 minutes in the first game of the year at West Virginia.
– Marcos Soria played two seasons for Western Texas College. He started 12 games in 2023 with three assists. He was a First Team NJCAA All Region V pick. In 2022 he started 11 games with one assist. He scored a goal in the opener at West Virginia.
– Felipe Medina was an All-Summit League Second Team selection at Oral Roberts in 2022. He played three total seasons for the Golden Eagles. He had an assist in the opener at West Virginia.
– Adrian Renteria was an all-region pick at Division II Harding in 2019. He started and played 74 minutes against West Virginia.
Up Next
The ‘Dons travel to Marquette to play the Golden Eagles on Sept. 5. It will be the Mastodons’ only trip to Wisconsin this season as league games against Milwaukee and Green Bay are at home this season.
EVANSVILLE WOMEN’S SOCCER
WOMEN’S SOCCER RETURNS HOME FOR FIRST PROGRAM MATCH WITH LINDENWOOD
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The University of Evansville women’s soccer team returns home to Arad McCutchan Stadium after their first game of 2024 on the road.
UE women’s soccer returns home after a tough 4-1 loss to Western Kentucky on Sunday evening. The Aces shook up their starting lineup from match one to match two rotating through much of the roster throughout the game. Evansville did score their first goal of the young season on Sunday night. Redshirt sophomore Paige Radel scored her first career collegiate goal in the 68th minute. Radel found the bottom right corner of the net off a long cross from Autenrieb to score the Aces’ lone goal.
Lindenwood comes into Thursday’s match at 2-2-0 on the season with wins against Belmont and IU Indy. The Lions are coming off a 3-0 loss to Kansas City. Currently Lindenwood is led offensively by sophomore forward Anna Johnson with two goals and four points. This will be the first match in program history between UE and the Lions. The two teams never met in a preseason exhibition before Lindenwood transitioned to the Division I level from Division II in 2022.
After two weeks of play this season, Evansville is second in the country with the fewest fouls committed at only 4.00 fouls per match. The Aces have only had eight fouls called on them with no cards. UE is also in the Top 3 in the nation in shot accuracy. Of the 12 shots Evansville has taken through 180 minutes, 75% have found their way on goal. The Aces are just above fellow MVC team Belmont, who are fourth in the nation.
SOUTHERN INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER
WOMEN’S SOCCER MAKES STOP AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS THURSDAY
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer concludes a brief two-game road swing Thursday when the Screaming Eagles battle Northern Illinois University at 4 p.m. from DeKalb, Illinois. Thursday is the third road match out of the first four games to start the season for USI.
Last time out, Southern Indiana (0-2-1) came up just short in the front end of the current road swing, falling 1-0 at Eastern Kentucky University last Sunday. The Screaming Eagles responded well after allowing a fourth-minute goal and after facing 22 shots by the Colonels. However, USI could not find the back of the net on the attacking end with eight shots and four on goal. The four shots on goal matched USI’s total from the season opener at Arkansas State University.
In Sunday’s match at Eastern Kentucky, junior defender Brynn Quick (Cottage Grove, Minnesota) was once again involved in USI’s attack, registering two shots on goal for the second consecutive game. Senior midfielder Maggie Duggan (Defiance, Missouri) also recorded a shot on goal, which marked the third consecutive match that Duggan has put a shot on frame.
Heading into Thursday, junior forward Payton Seymour (Louisville, Kentucky) leads the Screaming Eagles with eight shots on the season. Seymour matched Quick with a team-high two shots in the last outing against Eastern Kentucky. Seymour and freshman forward Eva Boer (St. Charles, Illinois) have each scored a goal this season, coming in last week’s draw against Robert Morris University.
Between the posts, redshirt sophomore Anna Markland (Hoover, Alabama) has started all three matches and has recorded most of the playing time. Markland has a 2.22 goals against average with 13 saves. Last Sunday, senior goalkeeper Zoe Lintner (Wildwood, Missouri) played the last 26-plus minutes and snagged two saves.
Northern Illinois (1-0-1) has earned two results early on, opening the season with a scoreless tie at DePaul University before a 4-1 victory at home against St. Thomas University last Thursday. The Huskies were projected seventh in the 2024 Mid-American Conference Coaches Preseason Poll after going 8-8-3 overall last season.
The shot totals were fairly even in Northern Illinois’ match against St. Thomas. After a 1-1 first half, the Huskies cashed in with three second-half goals, including two within three minutes in the middle of the second half. All four NIU goals were scored by a different player.
Senior defender Lea Gruennagel and junior defender Aubrey Robertson lead Northern Illinois with three points each with a goal and an assist on this season’s tally. Gruennagel is one of three Huskies with four shot attempts on the campaign. Through two matches played, Northern Illinois is averaging 11 shots per game and has placed 14 of 22 total shots on goal.
Freshman goalkeeper Abi Dolding and graduate senior keeper Ary Purifoy have made one start each for the Huskies. Dolding made the start last Thursday against St. Thomas with six saves, while Purifoy notched a clean sheet in the season opener against DePaul.
USI and Northern Illinois are meeting for the third time in series history and for the second time in DeKalb, Illinois. Each of the first two meetings has been 1-1 ties.
Last season, at Strassweg Field, the Screaming Eagles grabbed the lead with a goal in the 62nd minute. The Huskies got the equalizer late with a penalty-kick goal in the 86th minute.
Thursday’s match can be seen through NIU All-Access. Additional coverage links are available on the USI Women’s Soccer schedule page on usiscreamingeagles.com.
SOUTHERN INDIANA MEN’S SOCCER
USI VISITS GREEN BAY THURSDAY, UE SUNDAY
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer reaches the midway point of its five-game, season-opening road swing Thursday when it visits the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Kick off Thursday is set for 1 p.m.
Following the visit to Green Bay, USI returns to the tri-state area and travel across town to play the University of Evansville in the Mayor’s Cup September 1 to start the second half of the road swing. The USI-UE matchup will air on ESPN+.
Game coverage for 2024, including links to live stats and/or video streams, can be found on USIScreamingEagles.com.
The Eagles open the 2024 home slate September 14 when they host Bellarmine University at Strassweg Field for a 7 p.m. USI fans are able to attend Men’s Soccer 2024 home matches for free courtesy of a sponsorship from ProRehab.
USI Men’s Soccer Week 2 Notes:
Eagles fall to Belmont in 2nd Half: The Eagles could not hold off Belmont University in the second half, falling 3-0. USI and Belmont battled to a 0-0 draw through the first 45 minutes, but the Bruins exploded for three goals midway through the final half to pick up the victory.
USI loses opener at Butler: The Eagles opened the 2024 season with a 2-1 loss at Butler University. USI freshman midfielder Ahiro Nakamae scored the Eagles’ lone goal and his first collegiate tally.
USI was 0-1-1 in preseason: The Eagles were 0-1-1 in the preseason, tying Campbellsville University in a scrimmage, 1-1, and falling to Bradley University in an exhibition match, 4-1. Junior forward Jaron Frye posted USI’s lone goal versus Campbellsville, while junior forward Jackson Mitchell broke up the shutout with a second half goal versus Bradley.
Green Bay in 2023: The University of Wisconsin Green Bay was 10-4-5 overall and 5-2-2 in the Horizon League last year. The Phoenix also won the Horizon League post season championship and advanced to the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Green Bay’s start to 2024: The Phoenix are 0-2-0 to begin the 2024 campaign, losing 2-0 at Northwestern University and 4-2 at the University of Illinois Chicago.
USI vs. Green Bay: USI trails the all-time series with Green Bay, 3-1-1. The Phoenix took last year’s meeting in Green Bay, 7-0.
Evansville in 2024: The University of Evansville is off to a 2-0-0 start to the 2024 campaign. The Purple Aces started the year with a 2-1 win at Bellarmine University and a 3-0 win at the University of Memphis.
Evansville in 2023: Evansville was 4-8-4 in 2023, 2-4-2 in the Missouri Valley Conference.
USI vs. Evansville: USI trails the all-time series with Evansville, 1-0-1. The Aces took the 2023 match at Strassweg Field, 4-0.
SOUTHERN INDIANA XC
NOLAN, SEWARD NAMED OVC RUNNERS TO WATCH AS EAGLES OPEN SEASON FRIDAY
EVANSVILLE, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana Men’s and Women’s Cross Country sophomores Alex Nolan (Evansville, Indiana) and Zoe Seward (Rochester, Indiana) have been named Ohio Valley Conference Runners to Watch in an announcement by the league office Wednesday.
The announcement comes two days before the Screaming Eagles open their 2024 campaign at the Sam Bell Invitational in Bloomington, Indiana. The women’s 4k is scheduled for 4 p.m. (CDT), while the men’s 6k follows with a 4:40 p.m. start time.
Both Nolan and Seward earned OVC Freshman of the Year honors in 2023 following strong performances throughout the season.
Nolan was USI’s number two finisher on the men’s squad throughout the season and is USI’s top returner after earning second-team All-OVC honors with a 10th-place finish at the OVC Championships. Senior Brady Terry (Philpot, Kentucky) also garnered second-team All-OVC honors thanks to his 13th-place finish at the OVC Championships last fall.
As a team, USI’s men are coming off a second-place finish at the 2023 OVC Championships. Sophomore Jackson Collman (Bethalto, Illinois) added a top-20 finish for the Eagles’ efforts a year ago and figures to be one of USI’s top returners, while senior Dylan Bland (Holland, Indiana) and sophomores Cole Hess (Cannelton, Indiana) and Landen Swiney (Du Quoin, Illinois) should provide depth to the Eagles’ lineup after finishing in USI’s top-seven at the OVC meet a year ago.
Seward emerged as USI’s top finisher on the women’s side by the end of the season. She earned first-team All-OVC honors with a fourth-place finish at the 2023 OVC Championships before claiming a conference title in the 10,000 meters at the 2024 OVC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
The return of junior Micah Peals (Terre Haute, Indiana) will bolster the Eagles’ lineup after she earned second-team All-OVC honors with a 14th-place finish on the grass last season. Senior Audrey Comastri (Indianapolis, Indiana), who has been running well during the early-season workouts, also should make an impact after finishing 15th at the OVC Cross Country Championships last fall.
Two names that could challenge Seward at the top of the lineup late in the season are senior Cameron Hough (Olney, Illinois) and sophomore Ellie Hall (Ferdinand, Indiana). Hough, a two-time Division II All-American, was USI’s top runner for most of the 2023 cross country season before injury derailed her prior to the conference meet.
Hall, the sister of men’s runner Ethan Hall, is a transfer from Southern Illinois University (Carbondale), where she finished 13th at the 2023 Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Championships and 64th at the NCAA Midwest Regional.
Other returners that figure to make an impact on the Eagles’ depth chart is sophomore Sara Livingston (Jasper, Indiana) and senior Katie Winkler (Santa Claus, Indiana). Both posted top-30 finishes at the OVC Championships last fall, helping the Eagles secure a second-place finish as a team.
Live results and meet information for Friday’s Sam Bell Invitational can be accessed at USIScreamingEagles.com.
VALPO MEN’S BASKETBALL
VALPO BASKETBALL REVEALS 2024-25 NONCONFERENCE SCHEDULE
The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced its 2024-25 nonconference schedule, highlighted by seven regular-season home games and one home exhibition at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
After hosting Saint Mary-of-the-Wood College in an exhibition on Oct. 30, the Beacons will tip off the 2024-25 campaign with a neutral-site matchup vs. Liberty on Monday, Nov. 4 at John Wooden Family Fieldhouse in Xenia, Ohio as part of an Athletes in Action season-opening showcase. The Beacons and Flames will face off for the first time since Dec. 30, 2003, a 72-54 Valpo victory as part of the Fiesta Bowl Classic in Tucson, Ariz. Liberty, a member of Conference USA, is coming off a winning season that featured an 18-14 record in 2023-24.
The Beacons will open up the home portion of the regular season by facing Concordia University Ann Arbor on Friday, Nov. 8 at the ARC. That begins a stretch of five straight home games. Valpo welcomes former conference foe Cleveland State on Nov. 12, renewing a series that has seen the two teams match up on 50 occasions with the Vikings holding a 30-20 edge. That will mark the first showdown between Valpo and Cleveland State since the final Horizon League meeting between the two teams on Feb. 9, 2017, a 78-57 Valpo victory at the ARC. Valpo owns a seven-game head-to-head winning streak. The two schools shared Horizon League affiliation from 2007-2017 after previously sharing Association of Mid-Continent University / Mid-Continent Conference affiliation from 1982-1994. The Vikings are coming off a year that featured upward of 20 wins as they went 21-15 and qualified for the postseason with a Ro College Basketball Invitational (CBI) appearance, and a first-round win in that tournament for the program’s first postseason victory since 2015.
Valpo and Lindenwood will get together on Thursday, Nov. 21 at the ARC, the first ever collision between the two teams. The Lions, entering their third year of competing at the Division-I level, are members of the Ohio Valley Conference. The contest begins a stretch of four games in nine days with the final three games of the month taking place as part of the DePaul Classic multi-team event. The Beacons will get a pair of home games in the event, welcoming Eastern Illinois (Sunday, Nov. 24) and Northern Illinois (Wednesday, Nov. 27) to the ARC leading into Thanksgiving. The day after the holiday, Valpo visits DePaul at Wintrust Arena in Chicago to round out the MTE on Friday, Nov. 29.
Eastern Illinois, an OVC member, appears on the schedule for the first time since 1995-96, when Valpo beat EIU three times including a 78-65 win in the semifinal round of the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament in Moline, Ill. The Beacons own an eight-game head-to-head winning streak against the Panthers, with whom they shared AMCU/Mid-Con affiliation from 1982-1996. EIU possesses a 20-16 lead in the all-time set.
Northern Illinois, a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), leads the all-time series with Valpo 14-11. The Brown & Gold won the most recent matchup 69-46 on Nov. 13, 2012 at the ARC. Valpo’s six-game winning streak in the series goes back to 1994, the final year of the two teams sharing Mid-Con affiliation from 1990-1994.
DePaul leads the all-time series with Valpo 17-8, most recently winning 77-58 on Jan. 16, 2021, a game that was added late when both teams had the need for an additional game midseason during the year that was altered by COVID-19. The Blue Demons extended their head-to-head winning streak to eight in the first matchup between the two teams since 1980. DePaul, a member of the Big East Conference, is entering its first season under the direction of head coach Chris Holtmann.
After opening Missouri Valley Conference play with an early-December contest that will be announced at a later date, Valpo will step back outside of league action to host Central Michigan on Saturday, Dec. 14. The Beacons fell to the Chippewas of the MAC 71-67 last season and trail the all-time series 6-4.
A familiar face to Valpo fans will sit on the opposing bench on Tuesday, Dec. 17 as Valpo visits Ohio State, under the direction of first-year head coach Jake Diebler, a former Valpo player and assistant coach. Diebler, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Valpo in 2009 and his MBA in 2011, got his start in coaching on Valpo’s staff with one year as a graduate assistant, one year as a Director of Basketball Operations and two years as an assistant coach from 2009-2013. Diebler and Valpo head coach Roger Powell Jr. overlapped for two seasons as assistant coaches under Bryce Drew.
Valpo’s trip to the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio to face the Buckeyes of the Big Ten Conference will be the team’s first matchup with Ohio State since Nov. 25, 2011. This will be the fourth ever meeting between the two teams, the first of which was won by Valpo 67-64 on Nov. 25, 2000 at the Great Alaska Shootout. Ohio State went 6-2 in eight games with Diebler as interim head coach last season including two wins in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
The Beacons visit Western Michigan on Friday, Dec. 20 for the final road game of nonconference play. The Broncos, members of the MAC, lead the all-time series 38-31 but Valpo has won the last three matchups, most recently in November 2022.
The final tune-up for MVC play is slated for Sunday, Dec. 22 vs. Calumet College of St. Joseph, an NAIA program based in Whiting, Ind. The Crimson Wave are under the direction of first-year head coach Jason Hawkins, a 2003 Valpo graduate and former Valpo player and assistant coach. Hawkins coached against Valpo many times during his six-year tenure as the head coach at Trinity Christian College.
Visit tickets.valpoathletics.com/ to place a season-ticket deposit or for ticket information. The MVC schedule will be announced at a later date.
VALPO VOLLEYBALL
VOLLEYBALL SET TO OPEN 2024 SEASON THIS WEEKEND
Valparaiso (0-0, 0-0 MVC)
at Hampton Inn Invitational (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Friday, Aug. 30 – vs. SIUE (0-0) – 6 p.m. CT
Saturday, Aug. 31 – vs. Eastern Michigan (0-0) – 1 p.m. CT
Sunday, Sept. 1 – at IU Indianapolis (0-0) – 1 p.m. CT
Next Up For Valpo Volleyball: Coming off of its fourth postseason appearance in the last six years, the Valpo volleyball team kicks off the 2024 campaign this weekend at IU Indianapolis’ Hampton Inn Invitational. The Beacons will be taking on SIUE and Eastern Michigan in addition to the host Jaguars.
Looking Ahead: Valpo’s second weekend of action takes the team to the North Star State, as the Beacons head to St. Paul, Minn. for the St. Thomas Invitational, where they will face Northern Illinois and Tarleton State as well.
Following the Beacons: Valpo’s match against IU Indianapolis on Sunday afternoon will be broadcast live on ESPN+. All three matches will have live stats available, linked via ValpoAthletics.com.
Head Coach Carin Avery: Entering her 23rd season as head coach at Valparaiso, Carin Avery is the all-time winningest head coach across all sports in the history of Valpo Athletics. She has won 489 matches (489-243, .668) at the helm of the program and has led Valpo to three league regular season and tournament titles. The program has made seven postseason appearances under Avery, including three NCAA Tournament appearances, and advanced to the championship match of the 2021 NIVC. Avery has coached 62 All-League recipients over her tenure at Valpo, which has spanned three different conferences. She is Valpo’s all-time leader in both victories and winning percentage, and owns a 544-267 (.671) record overall as a head coach.
Series History: SIUE – Valpo owns a 4-1 record all-time against the Cougars, but the one defeat came last season, as SIUE earned a 3-1 win at the Purdue Fort Wayne Invitational. Four different Beacons had 10 kills apiece and Emma Hickey led all players with 19 digs, but SIUE hit at a .252 clip in the victory.
Eastern Michigan – Valpo and EMU have split eight all-time meetings, with the Beacons emerging victorious in five sets in the most recent meeting at last season’s Popcorn Classic. EMU led two sets to one before the Beacons rolled through the final two sets (25-14, 15-6) to earn the come-from-behind win. Elise Swistek had 15 kills and 14 digs in the victory, while Addy Kois tallied 28 assists and 12 digs.
IU Indianapolis – Valpo shared conference affiliation with the Jaguars (previously known as IUPUI) from 1998 through 2006 as Mid-Continent Conference rivals. In 36 total meetings, Valpo holds a 23-13 edge – including wins in each of the last four matchups. The last meeting between the two programs came at this very tournament in 2019 on the season’s opening weekend, a 3-1 Valpo victory.
Scouting the Opposition: SIUE – The Cougars posted a 13-16 overall record last year and went 7-11 in OVC play, finishing in ninth place in the conference standings. SIUE was picked to finish in eighth place in the OVC in its preseason poll and garnered one first-place vote.
Eastern Michigan – The Eagles went 5-25 in 2023 and were 3-15 in MAC play, finishing in sixth place in the MAC West Division. EMU was picked to finish this season in 11th place in the MAC in the conference preseason poll.
IU Indianapolis – The Jaguars posted a 9-20 record last season and were 3-15 in Horizon League action, finishing in 10th place in the league standings.
Valpo Picked Sixth in Preseason Poll: Valpo was picked to finish in sixth place in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2024, according to preseason polling of the conference’s head coaches. The Beacons shared sixth position with Missouri State, while UNI topped the poll. In six of Valpo’s seven seasons in the Valley, the program has met or exceeded its preseason prognostication.
Looking Back at Last Season: Valpo is coming off a third consecutive postseason appearance in 2023, as the Beacons earned an at-large berth in the NIVC. The program posted an 18-15 overall record and went 10-8 in MVC play, finishing in a tie for fifth place in the Valley standings. Miranda Strongman earned First Team All-MVC honors, while Mallory Januski was a Second Team All-MVC honoree.
Who’s Back: This year’s squad returns nine letterwinners from the 2023 team, a group which includes the team’s leader in kills (Elise Swistek) and digs (Emma Hickey). The Beacons return a good bit of their back row defensive production, as 65.7% of the team’s digs from last year are back in 2024.
Who’s Gone: Valpo did graduate a talented class which accounted for a good portion of the team’s front row production last year, as the Beacons return just 37.9% of the kills and 25.3% of the blocks from 2023. Middles Mallory Januski and Miranda Strongman, both All-MVC selections last year, ended their Valpo careers 1-2 in program history in career hitting percentage, while the team also graduated players who ranked among the top-10 in program history in career digs (outside hitter Bella Ravotto) and assists (setter Victoria Bulmahn).
Who’s New: While there’s a lot of production from last year to replace in 2024, there’s also an exciting new class of rookies eager to take on the challenge of stepping up into contributing roles. This year’s squad has nine players with freshman eligibility – one redshirt (Jessica Pickett) and eight true freshmen. The incoming class includes two players who were AVCA High School All-Americans last year (Ava Helming, Second Team; Lilly Merk, Third Team) and three others who were First Team All-State honorees as high school seniors (Jordyn Gove, Drew Glaser, Kadence Brumitt).
Winning Ways: The 2023 squad secured a winning season with an early-November win over Bradley, extending the tradition of the program’s excellence. In 22 seasons under head coach Carin Avery, Valpo has posted a winning record 20 times. 18 of those times, the program has won at least 20 matches, and the team has averaged 22.2 wins per season in Avery’s tenure.
Top Half Finishes: The Beacons ended the 2023 regular season in a tie for fifth-place finish in the final MVC regular season standings. Valpo has now finished in the top-half of the Valley standings in each of its seven years in the conference, the only MVC program to accomplish that feat. Going back further, Valpo has posted top-half conference finishes in 21 of Avery’s 22 seasons – as well as qualifying for the conference tournament in each of her 22 seasons – and 30 of the last 31 years overall.
Postseason History: Last year’s at-large bid to the NIVC extended the program’s run of postseason appearances to three consecutive years and four of the last six seasons. Valpo’s history with the NIVC is highlighted by the program’s run to the title match in 2021, while its first NIVC trip in 2018 featured a trip to the quarterfinals. Previously, Valpo made three straight NCAA Tournament appearances with Avery at the helm from 2003 through 2005, while the program also appeared in an NCAA Tournament play-in match three straight years 1994-1996.
Digging Deep: Valpo continued its long tradition of strong back row play last fall, finishing 12th nationally with 17.17 digs/set. The program has ranked among the top-30 nationally in digs/set in each of the last 15 seasons, including 13 seasons among the top-20 and four seasons among the top-10 – highlighted by the 2017 campaign in which Valpo led the nation with 20.03 digs/set. Other top finishes include fourth nationally in the spring 2021 season (20.37/set), a fourth-place rank in 2010 and a sixth-place finish in 2015. Since the move to 25-point scoring, only seven teams have averaged more than 20 digs/set over the course of a season, and Valpo is the only program to have done it twice. 2018 saw Valpo lead the nation with 2,613 total digs – a mark which set a program single-season record and a Division I record in the 25-point era. Valpo also boasts two of the top-10 athletes in D-I history in career digs – Rylee Cookerly (2nd; 3,175) and Taylor Root (9th; 2,752).
Capturing Crowns: Valpo has had a penchant for winning in-season tournament titles under Carin Avery. The Beacons added yet another crown to the program’s trophy case last season as they claimed their home tournament, the Popcorn Classic. Valpo has won 34 in-season tournament titles in head coach Carin Avery’s 22 seasons at the helm of the program. The team has won at least one tournament in 17 of her seasons, and multiple tournaments 11 times. Those tournament titles have come in 14 different states.
Hickey Racks Up the Digs: Joining the long line of standout liberos at Valpo, junior Emma Hickey aims for a third straight season as one of the nation’s prolific liberos. Hickey, who became the fastest player in Valpo and MVC history to surpass 1,000 career digs last season, finished the year 15th nationally in digs/set after ranking fourth in the same category as a freshman in 2022. Hickey already ranks 14th in program history with 1,363 digs – just 164 away from the top-10 – and has tallied nearly 400 more digs than any other D-I player entering their junior season this year.
Swistek as a Senior: Valpo will need to reload its attack this year, as the Beacons graduated three of their four most prolific attackers in terms of kills/set from last year’s squad. Last year’s leader in that category does return, however, as senior outside Elise Swistek registered 2.43 kills/set to pace the Beacons and also ranked second on the team with 3.39 digs/set. Swistek became the 26th player in program history to surpass 1,000 career digs late last season and enters 2024 with 1,048 digs, while with 647 career kills, she has a shot at potentially reaching 1,000 career kills as well.
UINDY FOOTBALL
UINDY ALUM LOREN STRICKLAND SECURES NFL ROSTER SPOT
DETROIT – University of Indianapolis graduate Loren Strickland made history this week, earning a spot on the Detroit Loins’ offical roster. The 2022 UIndy graduate and Lake of the Hills, Ill., native became the first UIndy alum to make a modern-day NFL 53-man roster.
Strickland played four seasons with the Greyhounds (2018-21) before earning a Finance degree in December of 2021 from the University’s School of Business. A 2019 All-GLVC First Team honoree, he helped the Greyhounds to a pair of GLVC titles and two NCAA DII playoff appearances.
By surviving the final round of cuts, Strickland hopes to be with Lions when the team opens the regular season on Sept. 8, hosting the Rams in the Sunday night game.
MARIAN WOMEN’S SOCCER
KNIGHTS RECORD CLEAN SHEET IN 2-0 WIN OVER HOLY CROSS
INDIANAPOLIS – Aiming to rebound after suffering their first loss of the season Saturday, the Marian women’s soccer team dominated possession and control on Wednesday night, recording a 2-0 shutout win over Holy Cross College. Marian’s win keeps their unbeaten home start in play, moving the team record to 3-1.
The Knights offense dominated the game, putting their stamp on the contest early after winning possession in the opening minute of play. The aggressive approach led to an early corner kick in the second minute, one of seven earned in the first half and put into play by either Kiley Jones or Laney Harshany. Lizzie Chlystun took the first shot attempt of the game in the seventh minute with an attack on goal, while Sammie King and Naomi Walters followed with attacks in the following five minutes. Marian continued to attack throughout the first half, but were unable to get a shot past Madeleine Agee in the Saints goal.
Marian ended the first half with nine shot attempts to Holy Cross’ zero, with three of the attempts going on goal. The home shot attempts in the first half were dispersed between nine different players. Defensively, Holy Cross had limited chances crossing midfield, and established possession on under 10 percent of the opening 45 minutes.
After being held scoreless in the opening period, Marian was able to lift the goose egg three minutes into the second half. Naomi Walters generated a run on goal from the right side, and delivered a timely pass to Katie Koger who was attacking from the left side. Koger took a right-footed touch that had enough power to slide through the out-stretched arm of the Saints’ keeper Agee, seeing the ball roll across the end line for the night’s opening score.
Koger’s second goal of the season provided the 1-0 lead, and allowed the offense to grow confidence, with a slew of Layla Brown shots and Kiley Jones corners flying toward the Holy Cross net. The persistence of the offense would pay off once more in the 64th minute, as Lizzie Chlystun took a deflected pass and blasted the ball into the right pocket, delivering her second score on the year to make the score 2-0.
Marian would take four more shots over the final 25 minutes of play, including looks on goal by Olivia Parmer and Lauren Maresh, eventually coasting into their 2-0 victory. The offense of the Knights provided 22 shot attempts after adding 13 to their ledger in the second half, with eight attempts landing on goal. Naomi Walters earned the lone assist of the match coming on Koger’s goal, while Chlystun’s goal was unassisted. Brown finished the night with a match-high five shots, and Walters took four in the win.
Lily Ames earned the win in goal, contacting the ball just under 10 times throughout the match. The defense of Marian allowed zero shot attempts for the second time this season, while Holy Cross managed just one set piece in the match.
With a 3-1 record under their belt following the win, Marian will go on the road on Monday, traveling to Olivet Nazarene for a 6:00 p.m. ET start.
MARIAN MEN’S SOCCER
MARIAN MEN’S SOCCER TEAM PULLS OUT A 3-0 WIN OVER HOLY CROSS
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Marian Men’s soccer team took home a 3-0 shutout win over Holy Cross (Ind.) this evening. The Knights are now 2-0-1 overall on the season.
Marian’s offense came out aggressive in the first 15 minutes taking six shots but came up unsuccessful due to the Saints defense. With the heat index causing two water breaks the Knights fell short offensively with Holy Cross’ defense going strong keeping the ball mainly in the middle of the field.
The Knights broke the game open with a goal from Alan Tenorio with Donovan Doolittle claiming the assist at the 48th minute of play. Marian kept attacking offensively with Cameron O’Brien drawing a foul in the box allowing Foslyn Grant to claim a goal off of a penalty kick to increase the lead 2-0. After another middle heavy 13 minutes of play the Knights came off strong defensively after the break with multiple shots saved by Juan Torres and blocked by the team. Marian tallied one more goal from Samuel Wehaus and the assist from Kyohei Kuroda in the 87th minute to secure the 3-0 win over the Saints.
Marian out-shot Holy Cross 16-9 and managed to have nine on target. Grant led the team in shots with five, with Kyle Alb tallying both his shots on goal. Tenorio, Grant, and Wehaus all tallied one goal each with Doolittle and Kuroda each tallying one assist each. In goal Torres made five saves with no goals allowed.
The Knights are back in action at home Saturday, August 31st against Lourdes with kickoff set for 4:00 p.m.
INDIANA SMALL COLLEGE WEBSITES
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/
HOY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php
TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/
VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index
NUMBERS IN SPORTS
7 – 3 – 32 – 24 – 33 – 5 – 25 – 9
August 29, 1885 – Philadelphia’s Charlie Ferguson tossed no-hitter against Providence, by the score of 1-0. An all-around natural athlete who starred for the Philadelphia Quakers of the National League from 1884 through 1887, and then at the age of 25 suffered and untimely death. His trajectory prior to his death showed that he very well could have been one of the top MLB players of the 19th century.
August 29, 1925 – After a night on the town, Babe Ruth showed up late for batting practice and so Yankees skipper, Miller Huggins suspended Ruth and slapped a $5,000 fine on him
August 29, 1964 – On Elston Howard Night, to celebrate the first African-American Yankees roster member, Mickey Mantle, Number 7 tied (Number 3) Babe Ruth’s career strikeout record at 1,330 when he went down swinging. Howard had worn Number 32 with the Yankees back in 1955.
August 29, 1965 – Willie Mays, Number 24 set a National League record for home runs in a month with his 17th of August
August 29, 1972 – San Francisco Giants Jim Barr, Number 33 retired the 1st 20 batters he faced which when added to last 21 he retired in his last previous start, some 6 days earlier, it took it to an MLB record of 41 in a row.
August 29, 1977 – MLB St Louis Cardinals Lou Brock, Number 20 eclipsed Ty Cobb’s 49-year-old career stolen bases record at 893 as Padres win 4-3
August 29, 1982 – George Brett, Number 5 of the Kansas City Royals batted his 1,500th hit
August 29, 1985 – New York Yankees batter Don Baylor, Number 25 was hit by a pitch for an MLB record 190th time. Just 5 days prior to this he tied legend Minnie Minoso at the mark of 189.
August 29, 2009 – Cristiano Ronaldo, wearing Number 9 made his debut for Real Madrid, scoring a penalty in their 3-2 win over Deportivo La Coruña
FOOTBALL HISTORY
August 29, 1935 – The 2nd ever Chicago Charities College Football All-Star Game is played at Soldier Field as the hometown favorite Bears defeated the collegians by a very rare score of 5-0. 77,450 in attendance witnessed the event. A very interesting player from the University of Michigan played in this game for the All-Stars, a certain Gerald Ford, yes the one that became President of the United States in 1973.
August 29, 1940 – The 7th annual Chicago Charities All-Star game is played in the Windy City as the Green Bay Packers treat the over 84,500 fans in attendance at Soldier Field to a 45-28 drubbing of the All-Stars. The game’s MVP was Ambrose Schindler the running back from Southern Cal.
August 29, 2018 – Packer’s starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed a record contract extension worth $103 million in guaranteed money for the 4 year $134 million with a top side of $180 million with incentives to play for Green Bay.
Hall of Fame Birthdays for August 29
August 29, 1896 – George McLaren was a former fullback for the University of Pittsburgh who was an All-American in 1917 and 1918 under the legendary coaching of Pop Warner. Remarkably he was never stopped for a loss on any recorded running play where he carried the ball! He was enshrined in 1965 into the College Football Hall of Fame.
August 29, 1915 – George Cafego was a former halfback that played for the University of Tennessee from 1936 through 1939. As a Vol he rushed for 2139 total yards and was voted as an All-American twice. Cafego was also a finalist for the Heisman Memorial Trophy. George Cafego was the number one overall pick in the 1940 NFL Draft by the Chicago Cardinals and played a few seasons with the Cards. After that he played one season with the Brooklyn Dodgers Football team before serving his country in the Army during World War II. During his Army service he played a few games for the Newport News Builders of the Dixie League. When his war service ended in 1943 he returned to the Brooklyn team and then shortly after was traded to the Washington Redskins. The 1944 and 1945 seasons saw Cafego play football for the Boston Yanks and then retiring from the game. Cafego was selected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
August 29, 1924 – Clyde Scott was a former U.S naval Academy and University of Arkansas fullback who entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971’s induction class. Scott was a speedster and this showed when in the 1948 Olympics in London he brought home a Silver Medal in the 110 meter hurdles. He was the 8th player chosen overall in the 1948 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles and later played for the Detroit Lions. Clyde played on two NFL Championship teams the 1949 Eagles and the 1952 Lions. The University of Arkansas retired his jersey number 12, as one of only two that were ever retired by the school.
August 29, 1939 – Bob Ferguson was a fullback from Ohio State University. After a great 1961 season, Ferguson was the winner of the Maxwell Award and the runner up for the Heisman. He became a first round draft pick of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Diego Chargers of the AFL and chose to play for the Steelers. He suffered a head injury early on in his NFL career so after two seasons with the Steelers and Minnesota Vikings he retired from football. In 1996 Bob Ferguson was recognized by the College Football Hall of Fame when they enshrined him into their museum of football legends.
TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
Aug. 29
1918 — The Chicago Cubs, behind the pitching of Lefty Tyler, clinched the National League pennant with a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
1934 — The Philadelphia A’s ended Schoolboy Rowe’s 16-game winning streak with a 13-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers.
1948 — Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers hit for the cycle in a 12-7 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Robinson drove in two runs, scored three runs, and stole a base.
1965 — San Francisco’s Willie Mays broke Ralph Kiner’s National League record with his 17th home run of the month in an 8-3 triumph over the New York Mets. Kiner had 16 homers in September of 1949. Mays hit a tape measure shot off Jack Fisher.
1967 — Bert Campaneris of the Kansas City A’s hit three triples in a 9-8, 10-inning loss to the Cleveland Indians. Campaneris was the first to have three triples in a game since Ben Chapman in 1939.
1971 — Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves knocked in his 100th run of the season, giving him the National League record of 11 seasons with 100 or more RBIs.
1977 — Lou Brock of St. Louis stole base No. 893, breaking Ty Cobb’s modern record for career stolen bases. The Cardinals lost to the San Diego Padres 4-3.
1977— Cleveland’s Duane Kuiper hit a one-out solo home run in the first inning off Chicago’s Steve Stone at Municipal Stadium. It was Kuiper’s only homer in 3,379 career at-bats — the fewest homers in most at-bats for any player in MLB history.
1985 — Don Baylor of the New York Yankees set an American League record when he was hit by a pitch for the 190th time in his career. Baylor was struck by California Angels pitcher Kirk McCaskill in the first inning, breaking the old mark of 189 set by Minnie Minoso.
1991 — Carlton Fisk of the Chicago White Sox hit two homers to become the oldest player in the 20th century to accomplish the mark. He’ll top this by hitting two homers on October 3. Jack McDowell went the distance to beat Cleveland 7-2.
1993 — George Brett recorded his 200th stolen base in Kansas City’s 5-4, 12-inning victory over Boston to join Willie Mays and Hank Aaron as the only players with 3,000 hits, 300 homers and 200 steals.
2000 — Anaheim’s Darin Erstad went 3-for-5 to reach 200 hits faster than any player in 65 years as the Angels defeated Toronto 9-4. Ducky Medwick of the St. Louis Cardinals did it in 131 games in 1935.
2002 — Mark Bellhorn became the first player in NL history to hit a home run in the same inning from both sides of the plate, in the fourth of the Chicago Cubs’ 13-10 win over Milwaukee.
2004 — Albert Pujols hit his 40th home run and reached 100 RBIs for the fourth straight season to help St. Louis beat Pittsburgh 4-0. He’s the fourth player to start his major league career with four straight seasons with at least 100 RBIs, joining Hall of Famers Al Simmons, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams.
2010 — Brian McCann hit a game-winning homer with help from video replay, giving the Atlanta Braves a stunning 7-6 victory over the Florida Marlins. It was the first time a game ended using a video review.
2018 — Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich went 6 for 6 and hit for the cycle and Jesus Aguilar homered in the 10th inning, powering the Brewers to a 13-12 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The Brewers had a season-high 22 hits and rallied to take the lead four different times, and Jesus Aguilar hit the go-ahead homer in the 10th inning.
2021 — Taylor, Michigan wins the Little League World Series with a win over Hamilton, Ohio.
2022 — Aaron Judge of the Yankees hit home run #50 of the season, to stay just ahead of the pace set by Roger Maris when he hit 61 homers to set the team and American League record in 1961.
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
Aug. 29
1885 — John L. Sullivan wins the first world heavyweight title under the Marquess of Queensbury rules when he beats Dominic McCaffrey in six rounds. The fight features 3-ounce gloves and 3-minute rounds.
1952 — Dr. Reginald Weir becomes the first black man to compete in the U.S. Tennis Championships, Weir appears two years after Althea Gibson breaks the color barrier in the tournament and loses in four sets to William Stucki.
1962 — A.C.’s Viking, driven by Sanders Russell, wins the Hambletonian Stakes in straight heats.
1968 — Open tennis begins at the U.S. Tennis Championships. Billie Jean King wins the first stadium match at the U.S. Open and amateurs Ray Moore and Jim Osborne have upset wins over professionals. Moore beats No. 10 Andres Gimeno and Osborne defeats Barry MacKay, each in four sets.
1974 — Nineteen-year-old high school basketball star Moses Malone, signs a contract with the Utah Stars of the ABA to become the first player to go directly from high school into major professional basketball.
1978 — The USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y. opens. Bjorn Borg beats Bob Hewitt in the first match 6-0, 6-2 in the best-of-three sets.
1987 — Nolan Ryan passes the 200-strikeout barrier for record 11th time.
1987 — Charlie Whittingham becomes the first trainer to surpass 500 stakes wins when he sent Ferdinand to victory in the Cabrillo Handicap at Del Mar Racetrack.
1993 — Laffit Pincay Jr. wins the 8,000th race of his career aboard El Toreo in the seventh race at Del Mar racetrack to become the second thoroughbred jockey to ride 8,000 winners.
1993 — Brandie Burton’s 20-foot birdie putt on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff edges Betsy King for the du Maurier Classic title, the LPGA tour’s final major of the season.
1998 — Toms River, N.J., wins its first Little League World Series with a 12-9 victory over Kashima, Japan. Chris Cardone hits home runs in consecutive at-bats — including the game-deciding two-run shot.
2005 — Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova becomes the first U.S. Open defending women’s champion to fall in the first round, losing 6-3, 6-2 to fellow Russian Ekaterina Bychkova on the first day of the U.S. Open.
2011 — Petra Kvitova becomes the first defending Wimbledon champion to lose in the first round at the U.S. Open, 7-6, 6-3 to Alexandra Dulgheru.
2012 — The USADA claims to have stripped Lance Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles.
2013 — The NFL agrees to pay $765 million to settle lawsuits from thousands of former players who developed dementia or other concussion-related health problems they say were caused by the on-field violence. The settlement, unprecedented in sports, applies to all past NFL players and spouses of those who are deceased.
2015 — Usain Bolt anchors Jamaica to a fourth successive men’s 4×100-meter title and adds to his record-breaking personal haul of IAAF World Championships gold medals to 11.
2018 — Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers signs NFL record contract extension with the Green Bay Packers; 4 years worth $134m rising to a possible $180m with a record $103m in guarantees.
2018 — Wanheng Menayothin surpasses Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s 50-0 record, beating Pedro Taduran in a unanimous decision to improve to 51-0. The 32-year-old Menayothin (51-0, 18 KOs) won his 10th successful title defense of his WBC minimumweight belt that he won in November 2014.
2022 — St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols hits career home run 694 off of major league record 450th different pitcher in 13-4 win over Reds in Cincinnati.
TV SPORTS THURSDAY
| MLB REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Chi. Cubs at Pittsburgh | 12:35pm | MARQ ATTSN-PIT |
| LA Angels at Detroit | 1:10pm | MLBN Bally Sports West Bally Sports Detroit |
| San Francisco at Milwaukee | 2:10pm | Bally Sports Wisconsin NBC Sports Bay |
| Texas at Chi. White Sox | 2:10pm | MLBN Bally Sports Southwest NBC Sports Chicago |
| San Diego at St. Louis | 2:15pm | Padres.TV Bally Sports Midwest |
| Miami at Colorado | 3:10pm | Bally Sports Florida Rockies.TV |
| NY Mets at Arizona | 3:40pm | SNY YurView |
| Oakland at Cincinnati | 5:10pm | Bally Sports Ohio NBC Sports California |
| Atlanta at Philadelphia | 6:40pm | MLBN Bally Sports South NBC Sports Philadelphia |
| Toronto at Boston | 7:10pm | MLBN NESN Sportsnet |
| Kansas City at Houston | 8:10pm | Bally Sports Kansas City SCHN |
| Baltimore at LA Dodgers | 10:10pm | MLBN MASN SNLA |
| COLLEGE FOOTBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Howard at Rutgers | 6:00pm | BTN |
| Fordham at Bowling Green | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Lafayette at Buffalo | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| North Carolina A&T at Wake Forest | 7:00pm | ACCNX |
| New Hampshire at UCF | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Western Carolina at 24 NC State | 7:00pm | ACCN |
| CCSU at Central Michigan | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Jackson State at ULM | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UAPB at Arkansas | 7:30pm | ESPNU |
| Duquesne at Toledo | 7:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Coastal Carolina at Jacksonville State | 8:00pm | CBSSN |
| North Carolina at Minnesota | 8:00pm | FOX |
| Alcorn State at UAB | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Lindenwood at 22 Kansas | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Northwestern State at Tulsa | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Southeastern La. at Tulane | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Murray State at 11 Missouri | 8:00pm | SECN |
| North Dakota State at Colorado | 8:00pm | ESPN |
| Eastern Illinois at Illinois | 9:00pm | BTN |
| Southern Utah at 12 Utah | 9:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Sacramento State at San Jose State | 10:00pm | truTV Max |
| GOLF | TIME ET | TV |
| DP World: British Masters | 7:30am | GOLF |
| PGA: Tour Championship | 1:00pm | GOLF |
| SOCCER | TIME ET | TV |
| UEFA Conference League: Astana vs Brann | 10:00am | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: HJK vs KÍ | 12:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Zira vs Omonia Nicosia | 12:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Ružomberok vs Noah | 12:30pm | Paramount+ |
| La Liga: Girona vs Osasuna | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UEFA Europa League: Petrocub vs Ludogorets | 1:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Europa League: APOEL vs Rīgas FS | 1:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Europa League: Elfsborg vs Molde | 1:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Paksi SE vs Mladá Boleslav | 1:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Olimpija vs Rijeka | 1:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Paphos vs CFR Cluj | 1:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Trabzonspor vs St. Gallen | 1:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: The New Saints vs Panevėžys | 1:30pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Europa League: Ajax vs Jagiellonia Białystok | 2:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Europa League: Beşiktaş vs Lugano | 2:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Europa League: Anderlecht vs Dinamo Minsk | 2:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Panathinaikos vs Lens | 2:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: UE Santa Coloma vs Víkingur Reykjavík | 2:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Kilmarnock vs København | 2:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Drita vs Legia Warszawa | 2:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Cercle Brugge vs Wisła Kraków | 2:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Zrinjski vs Vitória Guimarães | 2:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Maribor vs Djurgården | 2:15pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Celje vs Pyunik | 2:15pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Europa League: FCSB vs LASK Linz | 2:30pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Heidenheim vs Häcken | 2:30pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Servette vs Chelsea | 2:30pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Europa League: Hearts vs Viktoria Plzeň | 2:45pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Europa League: Borac Banja Luka vs Ferencváros | 3:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Europa League: Bačka Topola vs Maccabi Tel Aviv | 3:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Europa League: Rapid Wien vs Sporting Braga | 3:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Europa League: Shamrock Rovers vs PAOK | 3:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Puskás vs Fiorentina | 3:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Real Betis vs Kryvbas | 3:00pm | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Conference League: Larne vs Lincoln Red Imps | 3:00pm | Paramount+ |
| La Liga: Las Palmas vs Real Madrid | 3:30pm | ESPN+ |
| NWSL: Washington Spirit vs Kansas City Current | 6:00pm | Paramount+ |
| PARALYMPICS | TIME ET | TV |
| Basketball, Rugby, Track, Swimming | 6:15am | USA |
| TENNIS | TIME ET | TV |
| US Open | 11:00am | ESPN+ |
| US Open | 12:00pm | ESPN |
| US Open | 6:00pm | ESPN2 |
TV SPORTS FRIDAY
| MLB REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Milwaukee at Cincinnati | 12:40pm | Bally Sports Wisconsin Bally Sports Ohio |
| Atlanta at Philadelphia | 6:40pm | Bally Sports South NBC Sports Philadelphua |
| Boston at Detroit | 6:40pm | NESN Bally Sports Detroit |
| Milwaukee at Cincinnati | 6:40pm | MLBN Bally Sports Wisconsin Bally Sports Ohio |
| Chi. Cubs at Washington | 6:45pm | MARQ MASN |
| San Diego at Tampa Bay | 6:50pm | Padres.TV Bally Sports Sun |
| St. Louis at New York | 7:05pm | MLBN YES Bally Sports Midwest |
| Pittsburgh at Cleveland | 7:10pm | MLBN ATTSN-PIT Bally Sports Great Lakes |
| Oakland at Texas | 8:05pm | NBC Sports California Bally Sports Southwest |
| Kansas City at Houston | 8:10pm | Bally Sports Kansas City SCHN |
| NY Mets at Chi. White Sox | 8:10pm | WPIX NBC Sports Chicago |
| Toronto at Minnesota | 8:10pm | Bally Sports North Sportsnet |
| Baltimore at Colorado | 8:40pm | MASN2 Rockies.TV |
| Seattle at LA Angels | 9:38pm | ROOT Bally Sports West |
| LA Dodgers at Arizona | 9:40pm | MLBN SNLA YurView |
| Miami at San Francisco | 10:15pm | MLBN Bally Sports Florida NBC Sports Bay |
| COLLEGE FOOTBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Lehigh at Army | 6:00pm | CBSSN |
| Temple at 16 Oklahoma | 7:00pm | ESPN |
| Florida Atlantic at Michigan State | 7:00pm | BTN |
| Elon at Duke | 7:30pm | ACCN |
| Western Michigan at Wisconsin | 9:00pm | FS1 |
| TCU at Stanford | 10:30pm | ESPN |
| GOLF | TIME ET | TV |
| LPGA: TPC Boston | 6:00am | GOLF |
| Curtis Cup | 8:00am | GOLF |
| PGA: Tour Championship | 1:00pm | GOLF |
| WNBA | TIME ET | TV |
| Indiana vs Chicago | 7:30pm | ION |
| Phoenix at Atlanta | 7:30pm | ION |
| Minnesota vs Dallas | 7:30pm | ION |
| New York vs Seattle | 10:00pm | ION |
| Atlanta vs Las Vegas | 10:00pm | ION |
| SOCCER | TIME ET | TV |
| Serie A: Venezia vs Torino | 12:30pm | Paramount+ |
| Bundesliga: Union Berlin vs St. Pauli | 2:30pm | ESPN2 ESPN+ |
| Serie A: Internazionale vs Atalanta | 2:45pm | Paramount+ |
| Ligue 1: Olympique Lyonnais vs Strasbourg | 2:45pm | Fanatiz USA beIN Sports |
| Primeira Liga: Moreirense vs Benfica | 3:15pm | Fanatiz USA GOLTV |
| Liga MX: Atlético San Luis vs Atlas | 9:00pm | VIX |
| NWSL: Portland Thorns vs Bay FC | 10:00pm | Prime |
| Liga MX: Mazatlán vs Puebla | 10:00pm | VIX |
| Liga MX: Tijuana vs León | 11:05pm | VIX |
| TENNIS | TIME ET | TV |
| US Open | 11:00am | ESPN+ |
| US Open | 12:00pm | ESPN |
| US Open | 6:00pm | ESPN2 |
| PARALYMPICS | TIME ET | TV |
| Track, Goalball, Basketball | 7:30am | USA |