“THE SCOREBOARD”
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 3 SCHEDULE
ALEXANDRIA (2-0) AT ELWOOD (1-1)
ANDREAN (0-2) AT KANKAKEE VALLEY (2-0)
ANGOLA (0-2) AT FREMONT (0-2)
BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (0-2) AT JEFFERSONVILLE (1-1)
BEECH GROVE (1-1) AT SPEEDWAY (1-1)
BELLMONT (0-2) AT COLUMBIA CITY (2-0)
BEN DAVIS (0-2) AT PIKE (2-0)
BENTON CENTRAL (0-2) AT SOUTH NEWTON (1-1)
BLUFFTON (2-0) AT SOUTH ADAMS (1-1)
BOONE GROVE (1-1) AT GARY WEST (2-0)
BOONVILLE (0-2) AT HERITAGE HILLS (1-1)
BROWN COUNTY (2-0) AT CLOVERDALE (1-1)
BROWNSBURG (2-0) AT FRANKLIN CENTRAL (1-0)
CALUMET (1-1) AT EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (0-2)
CARMEL (1-1) AT CENTERVILLE (OHIO)
CARROLL (FLORA) (2-0) AT TAYLOR (2-0)
CASCADE (2-0) AT EDGEWOOD (1-1)
CASTON (0-2) AT NORTH MIAMI (2-0)
CENTER GROVE (1-1) AT LOUISVILLE TRINITY (KY.)
CENTERVILLE (2-0) AT EASTERN HANCOCK (2-0)
CHARLESTOWN (0-2) AT CLARKSVILLE (0-2)
CLINTON CENTRAL (2-0) AT CLINTON PRAIRIE (1-1)
COLUMBUS NORTH (2-0) AT SOUTHPORT (0-2)
CONNERSVILLE (1-1) AT GREENSBURG (0-2)
CROWN POINT (2-0) AT MERRILLVILLE (2-0)
CULVER (1-1) AT TRITON (1-1)
DANVILLE (1-1) AT LEBANON (1-1)
DELPHI (1-1) AT EASTERN (GREENTOWN) (0-2)
EAST CENTRAL (1-1) AT CINCINNATI MOELLER (OHIO)
EAST NOBLE (1-1) AT HUNTINGTON NORTH (2-0)
EASTERN (PEKIN) (1-1) AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (2-0)
EASTSIDE (1-1) AT WEST NOBLE (2-0)
EVANSVILLE BOSSE (0-2) AT CASTLE (1-1)
EVANSVILLE CENTRAL (1-1) AT EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (2-0)
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (2-0) AT VINCENNES LINCOLN (1-1)
EVANSVILLE NORTH (0-2) AT EVANSVILLE HARRISON (0-2)
FLOYD CENTRAL (0-1) AT SILVER CREEK (2-0)
FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA (2-0) AT FORT WAYNE SNIDER (1-1)
FORT WAYNE DWENGER (0-2) AT FORT WAYNE NORTH (1-1)
FORT WAYNE NORTHROP (1-1) AT FORT WAYNE LUERS (1-1)
FORT WAYNE SOUTH (0-2) AT CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (0-2)
FORT WAYNE WAYNE (1-0) AT HOMESTEAD (0-2)
FOUNTAIN CENTRAL (0-2) AT RIVERTON PARKE (1-1)
FRANKFORT (0-2) AT TRI-WEST (1-1)
FRANKLIN COUNTY (2-0) AT RUSHVILLE (1-1)
FRANKTON (0-2) AT EASTBROOK (0-2)
FRONTIER (1-0) AT NORTH WHITE (1-1)
GARRETT (2-0) AT CHURUBUSCO (0-2)
GIBSON SOUTHERN (2-0) AT PRINCETON (0-2)
GOSHEN (0-2) AT WARSAW (1-1)
GREENCASTLE (0-2) AT WEST VIGO (1-1)
GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (2-0) AT MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) (0-2)
HAMILTON HEIGHTS (0-2) AT MCCUTCHEON (0-2)
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (2-0) AT AVON (1-1)
HAMMOND CENTRAL (1-1) AT GRIFFITH (2-0)
HAMMOND MORTON (0-2) AT TIPPECANOE VALLEY (2-0)
HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (1-1) AT BREBEUF JESUIT (1-1)
HERITAGE (2-0) AT WOODLAN (1-1)
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (2-0) AT GUERIN CATHOLIC (2-0)
HIGHLAND (1-1) AT HANOVER CENTRAL (1-1)
HOBART (0-2) AT MUNSTER (0-2)
INDIAN CREEK (0-2) AT OWEN VALLEY (0-2)
INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (1-1) AT CINCINNATI ST. XAVIER (OHIO)
INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (2-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (1-0)
INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (2-0) AT TRITON CENTRAL (1-1)
INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (0-2) AT COVENANT CHRISTIAN (0-2)
INDIANAPOLIS SHORTRIDGE (1-0) AT PARK TUDOR (2-0)
INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY (1-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS ATTUCKS (0-1)
INDIANAPOLIS WASHINGTON (0-1) AT CHRISTEL HOUSE (0-1)
IRVINGTON PREP (0-1) AT NORTH CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG) (0-2)
JASPER (1-1) AT EVANSVILLE REITZ (2-0)
JIMTOWN (0-2) AT FAIRFIELD (1-1)
JOHN GLENN (1-1) AT FORT WAYNE BLACKHAWK (0-2)
KNIGHTSTOWN (2-0) AT UNION COUNTY (0-2)
KNOX (1-1) AT CULVER ACADEMY (2-0)
KOKOMO (0-1) AT MARION (1-1)
LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (1-0) AT LOGANSPORT (2-0)
LAFAYETTE JEFF (2-0) AT ANDERSON (0-2)
LAKE CENTRAL (1-1) AT PORTAGE (2-0)
LAKE STATION (0-2) AT NORTH NEWTON (0-2)
LAPEL (2-0) AT SHENANDOAH (2-0)
LAPORTE (0-2) AT VALPARAISO (1-1)
LAVILLE (0-2) AT CENTRAL NOBLE (0-2)
LAWRENCE CENTRAL (0-2) AT EDWARDSVILLE (ILL.)
LAWRENCE NORTH (2-0) AT WAYNE (OHIO)
LINTON (1-1) AT WESTERN (0-2)
LOWELL (1-1) AT WEST LAFAYETTE (1-1)
MADISON (1-1) AT PROVIDENCE (2-0)
MADISON-GRANT (2-0) AT BLACKFORD (1-1)
MANCHESTER (0-2) AT WABASH (0-2)
MARTINSVILLE (2-0) AT GREENWOOD (1-1)
MICHIGAN CITY (0-2) AT CHESTERTON (2-0)
MILAN (1-1) AT LAWRENCEBURG (1-1)
MISHAWAKA (2-0) AT CONCORD (2-0)
MISHAWAKA MARIAN (0-2) AT SOUTH BEND ADAMS (0-2)
MITCHELL (0-2) AT WEST WASHINGTON (1-1)
MONROVIA (1-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS RITTER (1-0)
MOORESVILLE (1-1) AT PLAINFIELD (2-0)
MUNCIE CENTRAL (0-2) AT ADAMS CENTRAL (1-1)
NEW ALBANY (1-1) AT JENNINGS COUNTY (0-2)
NEW HAVEN (0-2) AT DEKALB (1-1)
NEW PALESTINE (1-0) AT YORKTOWN (2-0)
NOBLESVILLE (2-0) AT FISHERS (1-1)
NORTH DAVIESS (1-1) AT EASTERN GREENE (0-2)
NORTH DECATUR (1-1) AT MONROE CENTRAL (2-0)
NORTH HARRISON (1-1) AT CORYDON CENTRAL (0-2)
NORTH JUDSON (2-0) AT SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS) (1-1)
NORTH KNOX (1-1) AT WASHINGTON (2-0)
NORTH MONTGOMERY (0-2) AT SOUTHMONT (1-1)
NORTH POSEY (2-0) AT SOUTH SPENCER (1-1)
NORTH PUTNAM (2-0) AT SOUTH PUTNAM (1-1)
NORTH VERMILLION (2-0) AT COVINGTON (2-0)
NORTHEASTERN (2-0) AT WINCHESTER (0-2)
NORTHFIELD (0-2) AT MACONAQUAH (1-0)
NORTHRIDGE (0-2) AT PLYMOUTH (1-1)
NORWELL (0-2) AT LEO (2-0)
OAK HILL (2-0) AT MISSISSINEWA (2-0)
OSCEOLA GRACE AT BREMEN (1-1)
PAOLI (2-0) AT SPRINGS VALLEY (2-0)
PENDLETON HEIGHTS (1-1) AT NEW CASTLE (1-1)
PENN (1-1) AT SOUTH BEND RILEY (1-0)
PERRY CENTRAL (0-2) AT CRAWFORD COUNTY (0-2)
PERRY MERIDIAN (1-1) AT FRANKLIN (2-0)
PERU (1-1) AT LEWIS CASS (1-1)
PIKE CENTRAL (2-0) AT MOUNT VERNON (POSEY) (1-1)
PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (2-0) AT LAKELAND (2-0)
PURDUE POLY ENGLEWOOD (0-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS TECH (0-1)
RENSSELAER CENTRAL (1-1) AT WOODSTOCK (ILL.)
RICHMOND (0-2) AT LONDON (OHIO)
SALEM (1-1) AT SCOTTSBURG (0-2)
SEEGER (1-1) AT ATTICA (0-2)
SEYMOUR (1-1) AT COLUMBUS EAST (0-2)
SHELBYVILLE (1-1) AT DELTA (2-0)
SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH (1-1) AT NEW PRAIRIE (2-0)
SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON (0-2) AT ELKHART (1-1)
SOUTH DEARBORN (2-0) AT BATESVILLE (2-0)
SOUTH DECATUR (0-2) AT EDINBURGH (0-2)
SOUTH VERMILLION (2-0) AT PARKE HERITAGE (0-2)
SOUTHERN WELLS (0-2) AT JAY COUNTY (1-1)
SOUTHRIDGE (1-1) AT TECUMSEH (0-2)
SOUTHWOOD (0-2) AT NORTHWESTERN (2-0)
SULLIVAN (1-1) AT NORTHVIEW (2-0)
SWITZERLAND COUNTY (2-0) AT TRIMBLE COUNTY (KY.)
TELL CITY (2-0) AT FOREST PARK (2-0)
TERRE HAUTE NORTH (1-1) AT BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (1-1)
TERRE HAUTE SOUTH (0-1) AT BLOOMINGTON NORTH (1-1)
TIPTON (2-0) AT TWIN LAKES (1-1)
TRI (1-1) AT CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN (1-1)
TRI-CENTRAL (1-1) AT SHERIDAN (0-2)
TRI-COUNTY (1-1) AT WEST CENTRAL (1-1)
UNION CITY (0-2) AT HAGERSTOWN (0-2)
WARREN CENTRAL (2-0) AT NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) (0-2)
WAWASEE (0-2) AT NORTHWOOD (1-1)
WES-DEL (0-2) AT GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN (1-1)
WESTERN BOONE (2-0) AT CRAWFORDSVILLE (2-0)
WHEELER (0-2) AT RIVER FOREST (2-0)
WHITELAND (1-0) AT DECATUR CENTRAL (0-1)
WHITING (1-1) AT HAMMOND NOLL (1-1)
WHITKO (0-2) AT ROCHESTER (1-1)
WINAMAC (1-0) AT PIONEER (1-1)
ZIONSVILLE (1-1) AT WESTFIELD (2-0)
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL REPORTED SCORES
CULVER ACADEMIES 3 KNOX 0
PORTAGE 3 HAMMOND CENTRAL 0
CORYDON CENTRAL 3 HENRYVILLE 2
EASTERN 3 ORLEANS 0
SHOALS 3 EASTERN GREENE 0
CRISPUS ATTUCKS 3 IRVINGTON PREP 1
TERRE HAUTE NORTH 3 CRAWFORDSVILLE 0
SHERIDAN 3 TRADERS POINT 0
KOUTS 3 N. JUDSON 1
SCOTTSBURG 3 S. RIPLEY 1
WHITING 3 HIGHLAND 0
HANOVER CENTRAL 3 GRIFFITH 0
BOONE GROVE 3 WHEELER 0
DECATUR CENTRAL 3 RITTER 0
FRANKFORT 3 WESTERN 0
SHENANDOAH 3 WES DEL 0
WABASH 3 LOGANSPORT 0
ADAMS CENTRAL 3 BLACKFORD 0
NEW PALESTINE 3 WARREN CENTRAL 0
MADISON GRANT 3 NORTHFIELD 1
FORT WAYNE CARROLL 3 COLUMBIA CITY 0
CENTERVILLE 3 KNIGHTSTOWN 0
BROWNSBURG 3 HARRISON 0
INDIANA BOYS REPORTED SOCCER SCORES
MUNCIE BURRIS 2 MUNCIE CENTRAL 0
LAKE CENTRAL 8 MICHIGAN CITY 0
WESTVILLE 9 OREGON DAVIS 1
RISING SUN 4 S. RIPLEY 0
CHESTERTON 4 VALPARAISO 2
CROWN POINT 4 PORTAGE 0
MERRILLVILLE 1 LAPORTE 0
GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN 7 INTERNATIONAL 3
EVANSVILLE REITZ 10 EVANSVILLE BOSSE 0
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI 2 EVANSVILLE CHRISTIAN 0
FORT WAYNE WAYNE 8 PRAIRIE HEIGHTS 1
CARROLL 6 ROSSVILLE 2
SOUTH KNOX 6 MOUNT VERNON 0
EASTBROOK 9 LAPEL 0
ELKHART 8 SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON 0
TIPTON 1 TAYLOR 0
RICHMOND 13 UNION CITY 2
FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA 2 HOMESTEAD 0
SILVER CREEK 10 CLARKSVILLE 0
HAMMOND CENTRAL 0 ILLIANA CHRISTIAN 0
CONCORDE 3 WARSAW 1
INDIANA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER REPORTED SCORES
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI 1 JASPER 1
SOUTH KNOX 3 SULLIVAN 1
KOUTS 5 WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP 2
EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL 9 VINCENNES LINCOLN 0
HERITAGE 9 GARRETT 0
TRI-CENTRAL 3 WAPAHANI 1
EAST NOBLE 2 ANGOLA 1
TRITON CENTRAL 4 RUSHVILLE 1
SHERIDAN 9 WESTERN BOONE 0
LAWRENCEBURG 4 FRANKLIN COUNTY 0
WOOD MEMORIAL 1 N. KNOX 0
SOUTH DEARBORN 2 MADISON 1
MARTINSVILLE 2 GREENWOOD 0
HAMILTON HEIGHTS 5 UNIVERSITY 1
HARRISON 3 MCCUTCHEON 1
WEST LAFAYETTE 1 LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC 0
DEKALB 1 FORT WAYNE SNIDER 0
PLAINFIELD 3 MOORESVILLE 1
PARK TUDOR 4 FRANKLIN CENTRAL 0
WHITELAND 9 DECATUR CENTRAL 0
LAWRENCE NORTH 9 BEN DAVIS 0
CATHEDRAL 2 N. CENTRAL 0
BELLMONT 3 FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA 2
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN 4 AVON 0
BLOOMINGTON SOUTH 4 TERRE HAUTE NORTH 0
TERRE HAUTE SOUTH 3 BLOOMINGTON NORTH 0
NOBLESVILLE 5 FISHERS 0
FRANKLIN 1 PERRY MERIDIAN 0
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 2 SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6
WESTERN ILLINOIS AT INDIANA | 7 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
BYU AT SMU | 7 P.M. | ESPN2
DUKE AT NORTHWESTERN | 9 P.M. | FS1
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7
ARKANSAS AT OKLAHOMA STATE | 12 P.M. | ABC
TEXAS AT MICHIGAN | 12 P.M. | FOX
RHODE ISLAND AT MINNESOTA | 12 P.M. | PEACOCK
BOWLING GREEN AT PENN STATE | 12 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
AKRON AT RUTGERS | 12 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
GEORGIA TECH AT SYRACUSE | 12 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
PITT AT CINCINNATI | 12 P.M. | ESPN/ESPN2
KANSAS STATE AT TULANE | 12 P.M. | ESPN/ESPN2
TROY AT MEMPHIS | 12 P.M. | ESPNU
ARMY AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC | 12 P.M. | CBSSN
MCNEESE AT TEXAS A&M | 12:45 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
TENNESSEE TECH AT GEORGIA | 2 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
MISSOURI STATE AT BALL STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
ST. FRANCIS (PA) AT KENT STATE | 2:30 P.M. | ESPN+
CAL AT AUBURN | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN2
SOUTH CAROLINA AT KENTUCKY | 3:30 P.M. | ABC
IOWA STATE AT IOWA | 3:30 P.M. | CBS
MICHIGAN STATE AT MARYLAND | 3:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
EASTERN MICHIGAN AT WASHINGTON | 3:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
SOUTH DAKOTA AT WISCONSIN | 3:30 P.M. | FS1
NORTHERN ILLINOIS AT NOTRE DAME | 3:30 P.M. | NBC
UMASS AT TOLEDO | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
DUQUESNE AT BOSTON COLLEGE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+/ACCNX
JACKSONVILLE STATE AT LOUISVILLE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+/ACCNX
CHARLOTTE AT NORTH CAROLINA | 3:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
BAYLOR AT UTAH | 3:30 P.M. | FOX
TEMPLE AT NAVY | 3:30 P.M. | CBSSN
UTSA AT TEXAS STATE | 4 P.M. | ESPNU
MIDDLE TENNESSEE AT OLE MISS | 4:15 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
MARSHALL AT VIRGINIA TECH | 4:30 P.M. | CW NETWORK
IDAHO AT WYOMING | 4:30 P.M. | TRUTV
UALBANY AT WEST VIRGINIA | 6 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
FLORIDA A&M AT MIAMI (FLA.) | 6 P.M. | ESPN+/ACCNX
CENTRAL MICHIGAN AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
GARDNER-WEBB AT JAMES MADISON | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
EAST CAROLINA AT OLD DOMINION | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTH ALABAMA AT OHIO | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
SAM HOUSTON AT UCF | 6:30 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
SOUTH FLORIDA AT ALABAMA | 7 P.M. | ESPN
SAMFORD AT FLORIDA | 7 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
BUFFALO AT MISSOURI | 7 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
KANSAS AT ILLINOIS | 7 P.M. | FS1
WILLIAM & MARY AT COASTAL CAROLINA | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
EASTERN KENTUCKY AT WESTERN KENTUCKY | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
CHATTANOOGA AT GEORGIA STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
CAL POLY AT STANFORD | 7 P.M. | ESPN+/ACCNX
VIRGINIA AT WAKE FOREST | 7 P.M. | ESPN2
LOUISIANA AT KENNESAW STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
SAN JOSE STATE AT AIR FORCE | 7 P.M. | CBSSN
GEORGIA SOUTHERN AT NEVADA | 7 P.M. | TRUTV
TULSA AT ARKANSAS STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
UAB AT UL MONROE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
SE LOUISIANA AT SOUTHERN MISS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
TEXAS SOUTHERN AT RICE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTHERN COLORADO AT COLORADO STATE | 7 P.M. | MOUNTAIN WEST NETWORK
NICHOLLS AT LSU | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
TENNESSEE VS. NC STATE (IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
ALCORN STATE AT VANDERBILT | 7:30 P.M. | ESPNU
COLORADO AT NEBRASKA | 7:30 P.M. | NBC
WESTERN MICHIGAN AT OHIO STATE | 7:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN AT NORTH TEXAS | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN+
HOUSTON AT OKLAHOMA | 7:45 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
APPALACHIAN STATE AT CLEMSON | 8 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY AT TCU | 8 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
SOUTHERN UTAH AT UTEP | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
BOISE STATE AT OREGON | 10 P.M. | PEACOCK
NORTHERN ARIZONA AT ARIZONA | 10 P.M. | BIG 12/ESPN+
TEXAS TECH AT WASHINGTON STATE | 10 P.M. | FOX
LIBERTY AT NEW MEXICO STATE | 10:15 P.M. | ESPN2
MISSISSIPPI STATE AT ARIZONA STATE | 10:30 P.M. | ESPN
OREGON STATE AT SAN DIEGO STATE | 10:30 P.M. | CBSSN
UTAH STATE AT USC | 11 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
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
PURDUE 49 INDIANA STATE 0
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
BUTLER 40 UPPER IOWA 7
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
PURDUE 49 INDIANA STATE 0
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
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
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCORES
PHILADELPHIA 4 TORONTO 2
CHICAGO WHITE SOX 8 BALTIMORE 1
MIAMI 4 WASHINGTON 3 (10)
CINCINNATI 12 HOUSTON 5
TAMPA BAY 9 MINNESOTA 4
NY METS 8 BOSTON 3
ATLANTA 5 COLORADO 2
KANSAS CITY 4 CLEVELAND 1
CHICAGO CUBS 12 PITTSBURGH 0
ST. LOUIS 3 MILWAUKEE 2 (10)
TEXAS 10 NY YANKEES 6
LA ANGELS 10 LA DODGERS 1
SAN DIEGO 6 DETROIT 5 (10)
SEATTLE 16 OAKLAND 3
ARIZONA 6 SAN FRANCISCO 4
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCORES
INDIANAPOLIS 9 TOLEDO 6
SOUTH BEND 2 FT. WAYNE 1
WNBA SCORES
INDIANA 93 LOS ANGELES 86
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER SCORES
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
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)
WEEK ONE PREVIEWS BY FOOTBALL DATABASE: https://www.footballdb.com/games/previews.html
TOP NATIONAL SPORTS HEADLINES/NEWS RELEASES
NFL NEWS
BILLS SAFETY DAMAR HAMLIN WILL START SEASON OPENER AGAINST CARDINALS
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — A year after making the cut to successfully resume his football career following a near-death experience, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin reached a new plateau in his comeback in being selected a season-opening starter on Wednesday.
Coach Sean McDermott announced the news by saying Hamlin will be paired with Taylor Rapp when the Bills take the field in hosting the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
“What else can’t this young man do?” McDermott said, proudly.
“It’s one thing to come back off of an ACL or a broken bone. It’s another thing to come back off of what he came back off of, right, let alone just decide to play contact football. … I mean, it’s incredible,” he added. “We’re just extremely proud and full of gratitude to watch him go through what he’s went through and where he is now.”
The fourth-year player was hardly assured of winning a starting job, even with both spots being open after Buffalo released Jordan Poyer in March and with Micah Hyde still unsigned and contemplating retirement. The Bills signed fifth-year player Mike Edwards in free agency and then used a second-round pick to draft Cole Bishop.
Edwards and Bishop, however, have missed significant time because of injuries, and McDermott credited Hamlin for showing consistency and building an on-field rapport with Rapp.
The promotion for the 26-year-old Hamlin comes some 20 months since he went into cardiac arrest, after making what appeared to be a routine tackle, and needed to be resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati. He then spent two days in the hospital in a medically induced coma before finally being awakened while surrounded by his family.
Doctors diagnosed the cause of Hamlin’s heart stopping as a result of commotio cordis, which happens when a direct blow at a specific point in a heartbeat causes cardiac arrest. Cleared for practice and assured by specialists the chances of a recurrence being slim, Hamlin was gradually eased back into football.
He was limited to appearing in just five games in a backup and special teams role last season. In 2022, Hamlin enjoyed his most playing time in starting 13 games in place of Hyde, who was sidelined by a neck injury.
After experiencing trepidation during his comeback last year, Hamlin acknowledged he was able to focus more on football this year.
“My mind is free. My spirit is free. My soul is free,” Hamlin told The Associated Press last month. “I’m able to think clearly. I’m not hindered by second thoughts of what could maybe happen again.”
Hamlin is from the Pittsburgh area and was selected by Buffalo in the sixth round of the 2021 draft out of Pitt.
RAVENS VISIT CHIEFS FOR THURSDAY NIGHT REMATCH OF AFC TITLE GAME TO LIFT THE LID ON THE NFL SEASON
Baltimore (14-5) at Kansas City (15-6)
Thursday, 8:20 p.m. EDT, NBC/Peacock/Universo
BetMGM NFL Odds: Chiefs by 3.
Series record: Chiefs lead 8-5
Last meeting: Chiefs beat Ravens 17-10 on Jan. 28 in the AFC championship game in Baltimore.
Ravens offense: overall (6), rush (1), pass (21), scoring (4).
Ravens defense: overall (6), rush (14), pass (6), scoring (1).
Chiefs offense: overall (9), rush (19), pass (6), scoring (15).
Chiefs defense: overall (2), rush (18), pass (4), scoring (2).
Turnover differential: Ravens plus-12, Chiefs minus-11.
Ravens player to watch
Lamar Jackson won his second NFL MVP award last season, leading the league in yards rushing for a quarterback with 821 while finishing fourth in passer rating (102.7) and yards per attempt (8.0). But the numbers that matter most are 1-4, which is Jackson’s record in head-to-head matchups with Chiefs counterpart Patrick Mahomes.
Chiefs player to watch
TE Travis Kelce will turn 35 next month, an age at which most players at his position have long hit retirement. There were moments last season in which Kelce appeared to be slowing down a bit, but he still finished with 93 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 15 regular-season games.
Key matchup
Mahomes against the Ravens defense. The reigning Super Bowl MVP threw for 241 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions in a 17-10 victory over the Ravens in the AFC championship game. Baltimore ranked sixth in the NFL against the pass last season and led the league in scoring defense, allowing just 16.5 points per game.
Key injuries
Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum (neck) did not appear on the injury report after missing time last week and is expected to play. … Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown will not play after dislocating the sternoclavicular joint in his shoulder in their preseason opener against Jacksonville. RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire was put on the non-football illness list this week and will miss the first four games.
Series notes
The Chiefs have won five of the past six games in the series, including the AFC title game in January. Three of those wins have come in Baltimore. The most recent time the Ravens beat the Chiefs in Kansas City was Oct. 7, 2012.
Stats and stuff
Jackson and Mahomes are both two-time NFL MVPs, making this the first time in history that players with multiple MVP awards meet in Week 1. … Ravens coach John Harbaugh is 12-4 in season openers. … TE Mark Andrews needs one TD catch to tie Todd Heap (41) for the most in Ravens history. He needs 143 yards receiving to reach 5,000 for his career. … WR Zay Flowers has 858 yards receiving in 16 games. He needs 142 in his next two games to become the fastest player in Ravens history to 1,000. … Jackson has 5,258 yards rushing. He needs 50 to pass Russell Wilson for third most by a QB in NFL history. Michael Vick leads with 6,109 yards. … Ravens K Justin Tucker needs to make five more FGs to become the first kicker with 400 in his career. He scored a franchise-record 147 points last season. … Baltimore led the league in scoring (16.5), sacks (60) and takeaways (31), the first time a team has accomplished all three in a season in NFL history. … The Ravens allowed a league-leading 26 TDs last season. The Chiefs were third with 32. … Mahomes has led the Chiefs to the AFC title game all six seasons as a starter. Four of those seasons ended in the Super Bowl and three with championships. … Mahomes has 28,424 yards passing. He needs 84 to pass Len Dawson for first in Chiefs history. … Mahomes and Kelce have connected for 51 TD passes. They need one more to pass Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham for third most by a QB-TE tandem. … Kelce needs three TD catches to pass Tony Gonzalez (74) for most in franchise history. He needs seven TDs to pass Priest Holmes (83) for total career touchdowns in Kansas City. … Kelce needs 10 catches to pass Gonzalez (916) for most in Chiefs history. … WR Rashee Rice had 938 yards receiving last season, second only to Dwayne Bowe (995) for most by a rookie in Chiefs history. … C Creed Humphrey can pass Art Still for the Chiefs record with his 52nd consecutive start to begin his NFL career.
Fantasy tip
While the Chiefs quietly had one of the NFL’s best defenses last season, they were susceptible to giving up yardage on the ground. That bodes well for Jackson, whose ability to scramble for yards and touchdowns makes him the No. 1 quarterback in fantasy, and newcomer Derrick Henry, who will try to prove that a 30-year-old running back can still carry the load for a run-heavy offense after eight seasons in Tennessee.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR THURSDAY
NFL.COM
Well, we’re right back where we started last season: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Kansas City Chiefs will begin their Super Bowl title defense — and a run for an unprecedented third straight Lombardi Trophy — by hosting the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night. It’s a five-star matchup that will serve as the 2024 NFL Kickoff Game.
Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson each took over as starting quarterbacks for their respective teams in 2018, with Kansas City and Baltimore meeting five times since then. Mahomes and the Chiefs have won four of those meetings, including last year’s AFC Championship Game in Baltimore. That was a testy one even before kickoff, with Mahomes and Travis Kelce tossing aside Justin Tucker’s helmet and kicking tee in pregame warmups. The Chiefs sacked Jackson four times and turned him over twice, with Mahomes and the offense doing just enough to advance to the Super Bowl with a 17-10 victory.
Jackson, last season’s MVP, will be working behind a rebuilt offensive line this season, but Baltimore also has a new weapon in running back Derrick Henry. The former Titans back has enjoyed some monster games against the Chiefs in the past and figures to be a big part of the Ravens’ attack this season.
Here are four things to watch for when the Ravens visit the Chiefs on Thursday night to kick off the 2024 season:
Lamar vs. Chiefs defense. Jackson has had a tough go, all things considered, in his career against the Chiefs. The Ravens are 1-4 with Jackson starting against K.C., including last year’s playoff loss. Jackson actually has had some success as a runner versus the Chiefs, but it’s revealing that he’s averaged more yards per rush (6.49) than per pass attempt (6.47) against them. The fact that Jackson was not used more as a designed runner in the teams’ last meeting remains a major head scratcher — and it wouldn’t be shocking to see far more of that Thursday night. The Chiefs operated frequently out of a single-high look defensively in the playoff game, but Jackson struggled to take advantage. According to Next Gen Stats, Jackson was only 5-of-15 passing against the Chiefs in single-high after averaging 8.8 yards per attempt last regular season, the second-highest average in the league. On all other defensive looks in that game, Jackson averaged 9.0 yards against them. This offseason, the Chiefs traded away cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who had a tough coverage game against the Ravens but forced a critical fumble of Zay Flowers near the goal line. Trent McDuffie has now been thrust into the CB1 slot; who starts opposite him remains a question, with Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams the top options. It will be interesting to see whether defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo changes his coverage approach this time around. Flowers, Nelson Agholor and Rashod Bateman are Jackson’s top targets outside, along with the return of tight end Mark Andrews, who was limited in the AFC title game, to pair with the emerging Isaiah Likely.
Mahomes hopes to keep success rolling vs. Ravens. Mahomes has had more career success against the Ravens, completing 72.8% of his passes and averaging 344 passing yards in those five outings with a 13-2 TD-INT ratio. The Ravens forced Mahomes into a slew of short passes in January, but he made them pay by completing 30 of his 39 attempts, not turning the ball over and taking only two sacks, both coming in the fourth quarter with the Chiefs up two scores. That defensive game plan was coordinated by Mike Macdonald, who left to take the Seahawks’ head-coaching job. How McDonald’s replacement, 32-year-old Zach Orr, tries to slow down Mahomes is anyone’s guess, but Orr appears to be earning his defenders’ trust. The Ravens led the NFL with 60 sacks last season, and though they lost some of that production, this is a fairly deep pass-rush group. The hope is that younger edge players such as Odafe Oweh (five sacks last season) can elevate their games. Baltimore also returns a deep, talented secondary led by the brilliant Kyle Hamilton, who can line up almost anywhere and handle nearly any coverage assignment. The Chiefs offense wasn’t its typically explosive self last season, with too many turnovers, stalled drives and dropped passes — especially down the field. This is a tough early test and measuring stick for this unit, but you can be sure it’ll try to generate more big pass plays starting with this game.
King Henry’s Ravens debut. The NFL’s leading active runner, Henry starts anew in Baltimore, where he signed this offseason after eight brilliant seasons in Tennessee. His per-game rushing average of 68.6 yards last season was Henry’s lowest mark since 2018, back when he was sharing the Titans’ rushing duties. Could Henry be slowing down at age 30, with more than 2,000 career carries? After all, he did have seven games in 2023 with 43 or fewer rush yards. But he also averaged 5.7 yards per carry in the final three games last season and closed it out in style with a 153-yard outing against the Jaguars in Week 18. Henry has also had good success against the Chiefs, racking up 672 rushing yards and eight TDs in six career meetings, including the postseason. He’s even thrown for three of his five career TD passes against the Chiefs, and hasn’t lost a fumble against them on 128 career touches. The Ravens have some worries up front on an offensive line that has questions, with two first-year starters, but the hope is that Henry and Jackson can be a dangerous pair on the ground who can compensate for any lack of blocking cohesion. This also can help open up the play-action game for the Ravens, which is where Jackson typically thrives — and an element the Chiefs struggled to stop a year ago. Per NGS, Jackson led all qualifying QBs in total EPA (+67.4) and success rate (63.3%) on play-action dropbacks in 2023, averaging 10.6 yards per attempt on play action, compared to 7.1 on non-play action dropbacks. In the AFC Championship Game, Jackson averaged 11.2 yards per attempt on play action versus 5.7 YPA without it. One of the Chiefs’ few defensive weaknesses a year ago came against play action, ranking 31st in defensive success rate against it.
Big tests for two Chiefs rookies. It’s funny to think the Chiefs needed to fix their offense this offseason, but their first two draft picks appeared to be designed to do just that. They won the Super Bowl while lacking the downfield prowess of previous Mahomes-led passing games. The biggest culprits were a cast of receivers who failed to consistently separate and/or catch the deep passes thrown their way. According to NGS, Mahomes threw 44 deep touchdown passes (40-plus yards) between 2018 and 2021, the second-most in the league over that span, but has only thrown two deep touchdowns since 2022. Enter first-round WR Xavier Worthy, who blazed a 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. The Chiefs clearly are expecting a lot from Worthy this season, and perhaps especially in this game, with Marquise Brown (shoulder) ruled out. All it took was one 37-yard connection from Mahomes to Worthy this preseason — even though he fell down after the catch — for Chiefs fans to get excited about their rookie speedster. Travis Kelce remains Mahomes’ go-to guy, and Kelce carved up Baltimore with 11 catches (on 11 targets) for 116 yards and a TD in January. Rashee Rice also figures to reprise a major role in the offense after finishing strong his rookie season. But Worthy, who also can take short passes a long way, should get his feet quite wet in the opener. But in order for the deep passing game to thrive, the protection needs to be there. Protecting Mahomes’ blind side is second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia, who won the left tackle job in camp and who’s regarded as a savvy pass blocker with light feet. You can bet the Ravens will do everything in their power to try to overwhelm Suamataia in his first start, especially with overload blitzes, stunts and other DL games to keep the rookie guessing where rushers will come from. The Ravens have the horses up front to keep Suamataia busy all night long.
BRONCOS’ PATRICK SURTAIN II GETS NEW DEAL WORTH $24 MILLION PER YEAR, AP SOURCE SAYS
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II on Wednesday agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $96 million with $77.5 million guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team didn’t immediately announce the agreement.
The $24 million-per-year average vaults Surtain past Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. ($21.025 million) and Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander ($21 million) as the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL.
Earlier this year, the Broncos exercised their fifth-year option on Surtain, guaranteeing him $19.802 million in 2025. He’s due about $3.5 million this season.
The new deal begins in 2026 and would keep Surtain in Denver through the 2029 season.
The Broncos open their second season under coach Sean Payton on Sunday in Seattle.
BROWNS LEFT TACKLE JEDRICK WILLS JR. BACK AT PRACTICE, COULD FACE COWBOYS IN OPENER
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Browns are heading into their opener against the Dallas Cowboys as healthy as they’ve been in months.
The team said all 53 players on the active roster will practice Wednesday, including starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., who has been sidelined since undergoing season-ending knee surgery in December.
Wills’ absence has been a concern for the Browns, who will have to deal with Dallas’ tough defense led by All-Pro rusher Micah Parsons.
Wills, who has made 53 starts in four seasons with Cleveland, has been limited to working on the side during training camp and the preseason. The 2020 first-round pick made just eight starts last season before getting hurt in November.
He had surgery to repair a torn medial collateral ligament. Wills had been expected to return sooner, and is just now ready.
Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Wills will practice and said it’s possible he could face the Cowboys on Sunday. However, Stefanski would not commit to Wills starting at left tackle if he’s healthy.
“Let’s get through today,” he said.
With Wills’ playing status unclear, the Browns have toyed with moving right tackle Jack Conklin to the left side, where he played at Michigan State. Conklin is coming back from a season-ending knee injury suffered in last year’s opener. He had reconstructive surgery and only returned to the field last week.
James Hudson III is another option for Cleveland at left tackle. Dawand Jones filled in as a rookie when Conklin got hurt and had a strong 2023 season.
Wide receiver David Bell is also back at practice after sustaining a quadriceps injury against Green Bay on Aug. 10.
COMMANDERS SIGN G SAM COSMI TO 4-YEAR EXTENSION
The Washington Commanders announced a contract extension for right guard Sam Cosmi on Wednesday.
“Here for the long haul,” the team posted on X. Multiple reports said it was a four-year extension through 2028.
Cosmi, 25, opens his fourth season with Washington on Sunday against the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He started all 17 games in 2023 and has started 32 of 40 contests since being drafted in the second round in 2021.
–Field Level Media
FALCONS TE KYLE PITTS, LB NATE LANDMAN NURSING INJURIES
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and inside linebacker Nate Landman were expected to be limited in practice on Wednesday, head coach Raheem Morris said.
Pitts is nursing a hamstring injury and Landman is dealing with a quad ailment that he sustained during training camp last month.
“(Pitts) went out there and practiced the other day for us and did a really good job,” Morris said. “… He had a hamstring a couple weeks ago or whatever it was. It really hasn’t affected him too much. He’s been out there practicing, doing just about everything, and we’re ready to go.”
Pitts was selected by Atlanta with the fourth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.
He was named to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season, when he caught 68 passes for 1,026 yards and one touchdown, but his production had tailed off in the two seasons since, in part due to MCL and PCL injuries suffered midway through his sophomore campaign.
Pitts, 23, has totaled 149 receptions for 2,049 yards and six touchdowns over 44 career games (40 starts) while catching passes from Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke in the past two seasons.
Landman, 25, recorded 110 tackles, three forced fumbles and two sacks in 16 games (14 starts) last season. Because of the injury, he hasn’t practiced since Aug. 15.
The Falcons host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday to open the season.
–Field Level Media
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HARD-LUCK LSU RUNNING BACK JOHN EMERY SIDELINED AGAIN BY AN ACL TEAR, AP SOURCE SAYS
LSU running back John Emery has a torn anterior cruciate ligament that will sideline him for the rest of what is his sixth season with the No. 18 Tigers, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because LSU has not announced the injury, which occurred during practice in Baton Rouge on Tuesday and was first reported by The Advocate of Baton Rouge.
Emery, whose career has been marked by absences caused either by injuries or academic ineligibility, was LSU’s most productive running back in the Tigers’ season-opening, 27-20 loss to Southern California in Las Vegas on Sunday night. He rushed for 61 yards, highlighted by a 39-yard burst down the middle of the field in the third quarter.
He also had a 10-yard reception.
Emery’s season was cut short after seven games last season, also because of an ACL tear. He entered the transfer portal last offseason before ultimately deciding to return once more to LSU.
Emery first arrived at LSU as a promising freshman in 2019, scoring four touchdowns for the Tigers’ undefeated national championship squad that season.
He sat out all of the 2021 season for academic reasons.
He has appeared in 38 games in his college career, rushing for 1,123 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Emery’s injury leaves LSU with Kaleb Jackson and Josh Williams as their most accomplished rushers. Freshman Caden Durham, who did not have a carry against USC, also could be called upon more in Emery’s absence.
The Tigers play next on Saturday night at home against Nicholls State.
COLORADO-NEBRASKA RIVALRY IN BACKGROUND AS SANDERS, RHULE CONTINUE BUILDING IN THEIR SECOND SEASONS
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s 1994 national championship team is holding a reunion this weekend to coincide with the Cornhuskers’ game against Colorado.
Thirty years ago, the programs were at the height of their rivalry in the old Big Eight Conference and ranked in the top three when they met here on a sun-splashed October afternoon that saw Nebraska take a huge step toward Tom Osborne’s first title with a 24-7 victory.
Nebraska and Colorado are in different conferences now and far removed from the days when they played for championships. Both are trying to get back on the national radar following extended down cycles, and both have second-year coaches who have fan bases that have faith that better days are ahead.
Colorado has won the first three of four games in the home-and-home series with the Huskers, including 36-14 in Boulder last year. The Buffaloes finished the season with four wins and the Huskers with five.
Both won their openers last week, and one of the themes going into Saturday night’s meeting at Memorial Stadium is that it will be a measuring stick for how much progress CU’s Deion Sanders and Nebraska’s Matt Rhule have made.
“I just look at this as a really good football test for two teams,” Rhule said. “Two teams that have plans on being good teams and want to be relevant at the end of the year. They’re going to play us and we’re going to play them, and we’re not even in the same conference. So, while I know it matters to people and it matters to us and it matters to them, we’re going to see where we are.”
Sanders was finishing his college playing career at Florida State in the 1980s when the Colorado-Nebraska rivalry was revving up, and he appreciates its history.
“We’re going to dominate the day as best that we can. … So I love it. I think that’s what college football is all about, whether we’re in the same conferences or not. But this is a tremendous rivalry, and I look forward to it,” Sanders said.
Both teams have changed significantly since last year.
The Buffs still have dynamic quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way sensation Travis Hunter — both are possible top-five NFL draft picks in 2025 — but they have a revamped offensive line and five new starters among the defense’s front seven.
The Huskers’ biggest upgrades are on offense, where five-star freshman Dylan Raiola already has established strong chemistry with transfer receivers Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor, and transfer running back Dante Dowdell makes the team four-deep at the position.
Though the Colorado and Nebraska players of 2024 were toddlers when the intensity of the rivalry was fading, there remains an undercurrent that this game means a little more.
“It’s a bigger game because it’s rivalry week, but we want to attack every game like it’s rivalry week,” CU offensive lineman Justin Mayers said. “Nebraska, I hear, is going to be sold out and all these things, but that still doesn’t faze us. We practice hard. We have the crowd noise going, so I think Coach Prime’s getting prepared for a great game this upcoming Saturday.”
Raiola is well aware of the Colorado-Nebraska history. His dad, Dominic Raiola, played center three years for the Huskers and was a consensus All-American in 2000 before his 14-year career with the Detroit Lions. Nebraska had three wins by a combined seven points when Dominic played.
“This week he told me, ‘Just so you know, I never lost to them,’” Dylan said. “I know the rivalry runs deep. You have to stay focused on the task at hand. You can’t get caught up in everything else. We just have to worry about playing football and doing our brand of football.”
NO. 3 TEXAS’ REBUILT RECEIVING CORPS READY TO RACE AND RUMBLE WITH NO. 10 WOLVERINES
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas ended Alabama’s long home winning streak last season with Quinn Ewers throwing to big and fast receivers who are now in the NFL.
The No. 3 Longhorns play at No. 10 Michigan on Saturday with Ewers throwing to a mostly new receiving corps, one rebuilt through the transfer portal with smaller but fast players who could pose a challenge for a Wolverines secondary that features preseason All-American cornerback Will Johnson but only one other player with extensive starting experience.
The game at the Big House is the first regular-season matchup of the two historic programs, and the only top-10 matchup of the week. The Longhorns (1-0) and Wolverines (1-0) have not played each other since the 2005 Rose Bowl. Michigan, the defending national champion, has won 23 in a row at home.
Texas will be throwing it around. Ewers spread the ball to 10 different receivers in the first half alone of Texas’ 52-0 opening romp over Colorado State. Top transfers Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden and Silas Bolden all caught touchdowns in their debuts.
“We need like two quarterbacks back there to throw to all those guys,” Ewers said.
In a way, Texas did. Ewers left the game in the third quarter for top backup Arch Manning to throw his first career TD pass.
Texas lost its top five receivers from the 2023 Big 12 championship team. Ewers’ favorite targets then were Xavier Worthy and A.D. Mitchell, who combined for three touchdowns in the big win at Alabama. That game set up the Longhorns’ run to the program’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff.
But even before they left campus, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns had propped the transfer portal wide open with an enticing invitation for 2024: join an elite offense with a big-armed QB just as the program heads into its first season in the SEC.
Golden was the first one in. He caught two touchdowns against the Longhorns last season with Houston, then caught two more in his burnt orange debut last week. One was a no-look pass from Ewers.
Next in was Bond, who left Alabama after coach Nick Saban retired. Bond was the Crimson Tide’s leading receiver last season. Bond has not yet met with reporters at Texas, but told ESPN in January that the chance to play with Ewers was a big factor in his decision.
“(Ewers) is top pick in the draft next year. I’m also going to be a top pick. It’s going to be a good duo,” Bond said.
A few days later, Bolden committed from Oregon State, where he was the Beavers’ top receiver. He is also the Longhorns No. 1 punt returner, and set up Golden’s second touchdown last week with a 35-yard return.
“We’ve got a lot of weapons,” Golden said.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian praised all three, and Ewers’ leadership in spring practice and summer workouts, for the seamless transition within the offense.
“They played with a lot of confidence. That’s half the battle. When you know what to do, you play fast. And that’s where we’re pretty dangerous,” Sarkisian said.
As a group, the newcomers are on the small side. Golden is the biggest at 6-foot, 195 pounds. But all bring top-level speed that can stretch a defense and burn up chunks of yards in the blink of an eye. Sarkisian’s offense thrives on personnel mismatches in open space.
“They’re all fast. They’re all playmakers,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. “The big thing that stands out is their speed, their ability to separate.”
Texas goes deeper than just those three. The Longhorns have a legitimate six-man rotation that also boasts freshman Ryan Wingo, a five-star recruit who had four catches for 70 yards in the opener.
“(Last year) we had to keep guys on the field that were probably too tired to play at a really optimal level. Now we have a really good rotation and they’ve earned our trust. I’m very comfortable with those six guys,” Sarkisian said.
Michigan has played Bond before. He caught four passes for 47 yards but did not score against the Wolverines in last season’s Rose Bowl playoff matchup that Michigan won in overtime. Johnson, Michigan’s shutdown corner, remembers Bond from that game. And he was on a 7-on-7 team with Golden in high school.
The Longhorns won’t just yield the field to Johnson. Fresno State didn’t last week, when Johnson allowed five catches before closing out a 30-10 Michigan win with an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown.
“They are very explosive with a lot of experience,” Johnson said of Texas. “When the ball is thrown my way, I have to make a play.”
REBUILDING YEAR? FIVE POTENTIAL 2025 NO. 1 DRAFT PICKS
While the Kansas City Chiefs open the regular season as favorites to win a third consecutive Super Bowl and other contenders line up to claim the NFL throne, there are other franchises contending for another prize.
The No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Carolina posted a 2-15 record last season and attempts to return to respectability with 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young under the tutelage of QB whisperer Dave Canales, the Panthers’ latest new head coach.
The Patriots made a QB change and begin a season without Bill Belichick on the sideline for the first time in two decades, but the playoffs are likely a pipedream in Foxborough this season.
And not many expect the New York Giants, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders to be the last team standing in New Orleans next February.
But all of them and others could be at the front of the line when the 2025 NFL Draft arrives in April.
History says there will be a quarterback — or three — there to meet them. Since 2000, the No. 1 pick has been used to select a quarterback. The Bears chose Caleb Williams in 2024, the 36th quarterback chosen first in the history of the draft.
With a few well-known arms at the front of the pack in September, here are five candidates to be the No. 1 pick:
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
The odds-on favorite to be the top pick in next year’s class, Beck’s decision to pass on an early entry into the 2024 class seems to be a good one so far. He’s more of a jack-of-all-trades but Beck’s ball placement and ability to throw with anticipation to every level of the field stand out from other passers. He’s not as exciting as Caleb Williams as a pure passer and total package, but he has top overall pick material and would be viewed as a safe pick.
James Pearce Jr, DE, Tennessee
Loose and bendy with surprising power for his spindly frame, Pearce is part of the new wave of pass-rushers who exit the college level in the 240 pound range. His explosive double digit sack campaign as a sophomore and his high upside follow the tracks of other recent top five pass-rushers. If he elevates his game further technically this year he could get to the top of the pack.
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
A field-tilting offensive weapon, Milroe’s lack of polish was evident last season. But he’s the most physically gifted quarterback in college football because of a combination of elite athleticism, high-end arm talent and a knack for keeping plays alive. Milroe has the tools to leapfrog to the top of the class. If his development stagnates this year he may be better served returning to school for a second year with new coach Kalen DeBoer.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Well known as the son of Hall of Famer and Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, the younger Sanders has been the victim of untrusted offensive line play so far at the FBS level. When protected — rare as it might be — he has shown the ability to layer throws and deliver with touch, though he can’t dig out of the holes if his offense leaves him in one. He isn’t out of the race yet, but another year playing behind a shoddy line could prevent Sanders from getting serious consideration as the top pick.
Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
A mountainous defender and arguably the most unique athlete in the class, Walker towers over linemen at 6-foot-6 and 345 pounds. Despite having the frame of a hulking nose tackle, he can play all over the line and took snaps as a defensive end last year. Testing like an elite athlete and posting double digit sacks at his size could propel him up, although it’s likely that he remains just a dark horse candidate rather than a likely one.
–By Mark Jarvis, Field Level Media
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
MLB ROUNDUP: CUBS COMBINE TO NO-HIT PIRATES
Shota Imanaga threw the first seven innings of a combined no-hitter as the host Chicago Cubs recorded a 12-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.
Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge each tossed a perfect inning to complete the 18th no-hitter in franchise history.
Imanaga (12-3) struck out seven and walked two while throwing 95 pitches for the Cubs.
The Pirates were held hitless for the first time since they were stymied by the Chicago White Sox’s Lucas Giolito on Aug. 25, 2020.
White Sox 8, Orioles 1
Chicago hit three home runs, starting pitcher Jonathan Cannon supplied a solid effort and the team finally won again, topping host Baltimore to end a 12-game losing streak.
Cannon (3-9) worked 5 2/3 innings, shedding a personal skid of losses in four straight starts and winning for the first time since Aug. 6. He held Baltimore (81-60), which had amassed a total of 22 runs in the first two games of the series, to one run on five hits. Cannon struck out four and walked one.
The White Sox (32-109) won for the first time in seven meetings with the Orioles (81-60) this year. Baltimore lost for just the second time in its last six games.
Phillies 4, Blue Jays 2
Kyle Schwarber homered for the fourth time in two games, Cristopher Sanchez pitched seven effective innings and visiting Philadelphia defeated Toronto.
Schwarber’s solo shot followed a three-homer game on Tuesday. Kody Clemens added a two-run blast and J.T. Realmuto had a solo homer for the Phillies, who swept the two-game set. They took the season series 3-1 over Toronto.
Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis (8-4) allowed three runs and six hits with six strikeouts in six innings. He was coming off a 4-1, 1.05 ERA, record in August.
Royals 4, Guardians 1
Tommy Pham’s tiebreaking homer and Seth Lugo’s solid start lifted Kansas City over visiting Cleveland to salvage the series finale and end the Royals’ seven-game losing streak.
Lugo (15-8), who leads the majors with 186 innings pitched, allowed a run on six hits and a walk in seven innings, striking out four. Guardians starter Ben Lively (11-9) allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk with three strikeouts in four innings.
The Royals cut the Guardians’ American League Central lead to 4 1/2 games over Kansas City and the Minnesota Twins, who lost to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Reds 12, Astros 5
Jonathan India sparked a nine-run first inning with a leadoff homer and Elly De La Cruz doubled, singled and drove in two in the opening inning as Cincinnati routed visiting Houston.
De La Cruz finished with three hits, two doubles, three runs scored and two RBIs as the Reds defeated the Astros for an eighth straight time dating to Houston’s last win over Cincinnati in 2016. Cincinnati won its third straight game while Houston, which entered the series with a five-game win streak, lost its second in a row.
The victim of Cincinnati’s uprising was Spencer Arrighetti (7-12), who retired just two batters and threw 38 pitches before being lifted for Tayler Scott. Arrighetti was charged with nine runs and six hits, walking three and striking out none.
Braves 5, Rockies 2
Jarred Kelenic’s three-run homer highlighted a four-run first inning and sparked Atlanta past visiting Colorado.
Atlanta’s Charlie Morton (8-7) got the win. He pitched five innings and allowed two runs on five hits with three walks and matched his season high with eight strikeouts. The Atlanta bullpen finished the job with four scoreless frames.
Colorado starter Bradley Blalock (1-2) survived a rough four-run first inning before settling down and working five solid frames without giving up another run. Blalock allowed four hits, six walks and two strikeouts.
Mariners 16, Athletics 3
Luis Urias homered and had four RBIs and Mitch Garver also drove in four as Seattle pounded host Oakland.
Victor Robles had three hits, three RBIs and three runs, and Urias also had three hits for the Mariners, who bounced back after losing the first two contests of this four-game series on walk-off hits. Dylan Moore and Randy Arozarena each had two hits and two RBIs, and Garver also had two hits for Seattle.
Brent Rooker had two hits and an RBI for Oakland, which had won six of its previous nine games. JP Sears (11-10) gave up five runs and five hits over six innings for the Athletics.
Mets 8, Red Sox 3
Jesse Winker hit a first-inning grand slam for host New York, which went on to beat Boston.
Tyrone Taylor, Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez drew bases-loaded walks in the eighth and Harrison Bader added a sacrifice fly that inning for the Mets, who swept the three-game interleague series to extend their winning streak to seven games.
Jarren Duran had two hits, including a run-scoring double, for the Red Sox, who have lost five straight.
Cardinals 3, Brewers 2 (10 innings)
Luken Baker drove in the go-ahead run with a pinch single in the 10th to lift visiting St. Louis past Milwaukee.
Milwaukee reliever Joel Payamps (3-7), who entered to start the 10th, retired the first two hitters before walking Nolan Arenado intentionally. Hoby Milner took over on the mound, and Baker lined an RBI single up the middle to score automatic runner Masyn Winn from second.
Milwaukee leads the National League Central by nine games over the Chicago Cubs, who no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 12-0 win on Wednesday. The Cardinals are 10 games back.
Marlins 4, Nationals 3 (10 innings)
Xavier Edwards sliced a walk-off single to center as host Miami defeated Washington.
Marlins rookie Valente Bellozo pitched six-plus scoreless innings. Even though he struck out just one batter, Bellozo allowed just three hits and two walks. He got 12 outs in the air.
Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore, who was perfect through 5 1/3 innings, allowed one run on one hit and one walk in six innings, striking out nine.
Rays 9, Twins 4
Yandy Diaz clubbed a two-run homer in Tampa Bay’s season-high eight-run fourth inning as the Rays blasted Minnesota in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Diaz rocketed his 13th homer to straightaway center to cap the big inning for Tampa Bay, which holds a 2-1 lead in the series entering the finale on Thursday.
For the Twins, Carlos Santana hit his 20th home run and walked twice, and Kyle Farmer went deep for the third time. Matt Wallner (RBI) and Jose Miranda (double) had two hits apiece.
Rangers 10, Yankees 6
Nathan Eovaldi was solid through seven innings while Wyatt Langford and Ezequiel Duran each went 3-for-4 with two RBIs to help Texas beat New York in Arlington, Texas.
Eovaldi (11-7) struck out six while allowing two runs on four hits and three walks for the Rangers, who won the last two games of the three-game series.
Juan Soto went 3-for-3 and hit his 38th homer of the year for the Yankees, who have lost six of eight.
Angels 10, Dodgers 1
Griffin Canning allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings and was backed by three home runs in the Angels’ victory over the Dodgers in Anaheim, Calif.
Mickey Moniak’s three-run homer highlighted a five-run first inning for the Angels, who also got long balls from Taylor Ward and Niko Kavadas. Ward went 3-for-4 with a walk, two runs and two RBIs while extending his hitting streak to 14 games.
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani failed to reach base in the game, going 0-for-4 with one strikeout. The Dodgers had six hits in all, including two from Gavin Lux.
Diamondbacks 6, Giants 4
Zac Gallen threw no-hit ball for six innings, Eugenio Suarez and Pavin Smith hit home runs and visiting Arizona beat San Francisco.
Having allowed five runs in five innings in his previous start against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Gallen (11-6) dominated the Giants, allowing just four baserunners in his six innings, all on walks.
Tyler Fitzgerald, who scored twice, and LaMonte Wade Jr., who totaled four RBIs, had two hits apiece as the Giants dropped their fourth straight game.
Padres 6, Tigers 5 (10 innings)
Fernando Tatis Jr. singled with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning to score Jackson Merrill as San Diego rallied from a five-run deficit to edge visiting Detroit.
Jeremiah Estrada (5-2) pitched a scoreless 10th inning for the win as the Padres (80-61) maintained a half-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks for the National League’s first wild-card spot. They also moved within 4 1/2 games of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West after their 10-1 loss at the Los Angeles Angels.
Trey Sweeney hit a two-run home run for the Tigers, who have lost four out of their past six games.
–Field Level Media
3B MATT CHAPMAN, GIANTS AGREE TO 6-YEAR, $151M EXTENSION
Matt Chapman, who is putting up solid numbers in his first season with the Giants, will be staying in San Francisco long term.
The third baseman agreed to a six-year, $151 million contract extension with the team on Wednesday.
Starting next year, Chapman, 31, will make $25 million annually through 2030, with a $1 million signing bonus to be paid in 2025.
Chapman joined the Giants as a free agent in March. He is making $18 million this year and had player options for $17 million in 2025 and $18 million in 2026, then a mutual option for $20 million in 2027. The new pact negates all of those option years.
Known more for his fielding than his hitting, Chapman is a four-time Gold Glove winner who was an All-Star in 2019.
This year, he is batting .247 with a .333 on-base percentage, a .445 slugging percentage, 22 homers and 69 RBIs in 136 games. Chapman is in the midst of a hot streak, hitting .346 (9-for-26) with two homers and six RBIs in his past seven games.
He was scratched from the lineup on Wednesday for a rest as the Giants lost 6-4 to the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks.
Chapman broke into the majors with the A’s in 2017 and remained in Oakland through 2021. He was traded to the Blue Jays before the 2022 season and spent two seasons in Toronto before signing with San Francisco.
The Giants (68-72) were on the fringes of wild-card contention before losing six of their past seven games, leaving them 8 1/2 games behind the final National League wild-card position.
–Field Level Media
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
HARDAWAY FIRES 4 MEMBERS OF MEMPHIS’ COACHING STAFF
Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway announced Wednesday he has fired four members of his coaching staff just two months before the 2024-25 season.
“I want to thank Rick (Stansbury), Faragi (Phillips), Jamie (Rosser), and Demetrius (Dyson) for their service to the University of Memphis and our basketball program,” Hardaway said in a statement, per Jason Munz of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “These are good coaches that I’ve worked with closely over the past few seasons, but I made the difficult decision to go in a new direction with our staff.”
Hardaway added “the timing is not ideal,” but the program will “move quickly to complete the staff.” The Tigers will host Missouri on Nov. 4 and are scheduled to take part in the 2024 Maui Invitational.
Neither Hardaway nor the school provided a reason for the firings.
Memphis athletic director Ed Scott was hired in June and took office in late July.
Hardaway’s staff is now down to just seven individuals: assistant Mike Davis, director of basketball operations Jordan VerHulst, director of player relations Andre Turner, scouting director Marcus Nunnally, equipment manager Cedric Prowell, strength coach Todd Forcier, and chief of staff Dwight Boyd.
The Tigers’ roster will also look noticeably different next season. Hardaway brought in eight Division I transfers in an attempt to replace his five leading scorers from last season, all of whom either graduated or declared for the NBA draft.
Hardaway has spent six seasons at Memphis. The 53-year-old has never won an AAC regular-season title and has only qualified for the NCAA tourney twice, winning a single first-round contest in 2022.
The Tigers have also faced numerous off-court issues since Hardaway’s arrival. Highly touted freshman James Wiseman only played in three college games during the 2019-2020 campaign due to an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations; Wiseman declared for the NBA after his lone season in Memphis. Last offseason, Hardaway received a three-game suspension for violating head-coaching responsibilities and recruiting violations in an investigation unrelated to Wiseman.
In February, fifth-year senior Malcolm Dandridge missed the Tigers’ final five contests while the school looked into his eligibility. A day before Dandridge’s suspension, Memphis announced they had fired their men’s basketball academic adviser Leslie Brooks.
NASCAR NEWS
TYLER REDDICK WAS ILL WITH A STOMACH VIRUS AT DARLINGTON EN ROUTE TO NASCAR REGULAR-SEASON TITLE
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Tyler Reddick was so ill at Darlington Speedway that he was desperate to expel his stomach virus during the race because he didn’t think he could make it the 500 miles to the finish.
But the regular-season title was on the line — a bonus worth 15 playoff points — and Reddick was determined to stay in the car even if it meant getting sick in his firesuit or his helmet.
“Someone was going to probably have to pull me out of the car,” Reddick said Wednesday, three days after beating Kyle Larson by a single point for the regular-season title.
He had Corey Heim on standby just in case, but a few hours before Sunday’s race, he felt that whatever bug he’d caught from his young son, Beau, had passed and he was healthy enough to close out the title.
“The worst of it was behind me, so I really thought I was going to be OK. Leading up to the race, getting in the car was the best that I had felt in days,” Reddick said. “Once we got going with that extended period of time, with the heat and the bumps off of (Turn) 2, it started going a really bad direction during the race.”
At one point he radioed his 23XI Racing crew that he was going to get sick from both ends, and the team scrambled to make him a care package for his next pit stop. While his gloved hands could get the Tums into his mouth, he dropped the smaller Imodium pills all over the floor of his Toyota.
“I can hardly remember sections of the race, I was so out of it at times, but as I remember it, I thought (my crew chief) was asking me if I was more worried about puking or the other, whatever you want to call it,” Reddick said. “I think he was asking me what I was more worried about, but truly I thought at any moment I was going to have both. I genuinely tried to go — I tried to let it out.”
Only problem? Reddick had stuffed himself full of diarrhea treatment in the days leading up to the race.
“That was probably what made it so awful — stuff was trying to get out of my body one way or another, and it couldn’t go out that way,” he said.
He made it to the finish — 10th, no less — and by Tuesday was feeling well enough to put the entire episode behind him. NASCAR’s 10-race playoffs begin Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Reddick wasn’t sure if racing in that condition is considered safe — the average speed for the race that lasted just under four hours was 127.87 mph — but he felt that he didn’t make any errors and showed that he could complete the 500 miles.
“I wasn’t 100%, but I didn’t lose consciousness. I didn’t take someone out during caution or make some crazy moves on the racetrack to take anyone else out,” he said. “So I think I was in a good enough frame of mine to be OK.”
But part of that is his affinity for Darlington, the South Carolina track where his average Cup Series finish is 13th and his average Xfinity Series finish is 10th. Had it been another track, Reddick isn’t sure 23XI would have handled his illness the same way.
The one thing that did concern Reddick was potentially vomiting inside his helmet, which he feared might impair his vision while racing.
Larson said he had no idea Reddick was ill until he couldn’t find him postrace to offer congratulations.
MARTIN TRUEX JR. PLANNING TO RACE IN DAYTONA 500, REUNITE WITH COLE PEARN
Martin Truex Jr. is planning to take part in the Daytona 500 and reunite with his former crew chief Cole Pearn.
Truex said in June that he no longer will be a full-time driver after this season but revealed his plans for the season-opening race Wednesday at the NASCAR playoffs media day in Charlotte, N.C.
“That’s right. I didn’t know it was that big of news,” Truex said. “I thought people knew already, so I might have let the cat out of the bag prematurely.”
Pearn retired in 2019 after spending five seasons (2015-19) as the crew chief for Truex’s team. During their time together, the duo won 24 races and the Cup Series title in 2017. In recent years, Pearn became a consultant for Joe Gibbs Racing and Truex believes their chemistry is still strong.
“We don’t talk very often, but when we do, it’s just like old times,” Truex, 44, said. “He can pretty much read me like a book. He knows exactly what I’m thinking. I don’t know, it’s just, he’s a special guy. He’s different than anyone I’ve ever known. He knows everything. He knows the answer to everything. And he tells you things, you’re like, how’d you know that?”
Truex, who enters the playoffs as the No. 16 seed in the 16-driver field, hasn’t laid out specifics regarding his potential part-time status next year, but he has narrowed down the number he’d like on his door.
“It’s probably either going to be 78 or 56, 78 being our championship number (in 2017), which is a special one for me, obviously,” said Truex, who drove the No. 56 for Michael Waltrip Racing from 2010 to 2013 and the No. 78 with Furniture Row Racing from 2014 to 2018. “And then my number was always 56, so we’ll see.”
–Field Level Media
TOP INDIANA SPORTS HEADLINES/NEWS RELEASES
COLTS FOOTBALL
COLTS PREPARING BACKUP WITH PK MATT GAY INJURED
Colts kicker Matt Gay was unavailable for Wednesday’s practice and his status for Sunday is up in the air because of a hernia.
Indianapolis hosts the Houston Texans to start the regular season, but head coach Shane Steichen said it’s too early to determine if Gay can play.
“We’ll see how the week progresses,” Steichen said Wednesday, declining to confirm or deny whether Gay required surgery.
Spencer Shrader replaced Gay in the preseason finale against the Bengals. Gay attempted the first extra point of the game and didn’t return. Steichen said Gay was injured the week after the Cincinnati game.
Gay made 35 of 36 PATs in 2023 and converted on 33 of 41 field-goal attempts. Only three of the misses were inside 50 yards.
Shrader, an undrafted rookie from Notre Dame, is on the practice squad and could be activated Sunday.
Steichen also said wide receiver Josh Downs missed practice Wednesday. Downs injured his ankle in practice Aug. 7.
As a rookie last season, Downs was second on the roster in receptions (68) and receiving yards (771), and he scored two touchdowns primarily working out of the slot.
–Field Level Media
INDIANA FEVER
CAITLIN CLARK GETS 2ND CAREER TRIPLE-DOUBLE AS FEVER TOP SPARKS
Rookie Caitlin Clark collected 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for her second career triple-double, lifting the Indiana Fever to a 93-86 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday in Indianapolis.
Clark sank four 3-pointers and added three steals on a day in which she was named the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month for August and the league’s rookie of the month.
Aliyah Boston recorded 24 points and 14 rebounds and Kelsey Mitchell added 18 points for the Fever (18-16), who shot 49.3 percent from the floor to extend their winning streak to a season-high five games.
Sixth-place Indiana, which has won 10 of its past 11 home games, moved a full game ahead of the idle Phoenix Mercury in the standings.
Odyssey Sims scored 20 points and Rae Burrell and Dearica Hamby added 16 apiece for the Sparks (7-26), who have lost five in a row on the road and fell to 2-15 away from home on the season.
Sims’ basket in the paint trimmed Indiana’s lead to 84-81 with 3:17 left in the fourth. She then answered three free throws by Indiana with a three-point play with 1:51 remaining.
Lexie Hull, however, reeled in an offensive rebound and sank two free throws with 55.6 seconds left for the Fever. Boston added a driving layup to put the game out of reach.
Burrell sank a 3-pointer to pull Los Angeles within one at 69-68 early in the fourth quarter before Indiana ignited a 7-0 run. Boston sandwiched layups around Clark’s 3-pointer.
Sims’ driving layup gave Los Angeles a 55-53 lead early in the third quarter before Indiana responded with a flourish. Mitchell made a layup before Clark drained a 3-pointer and stole a pass before finishing with an uncontested layup to give the Fever a five-point advantage.
Clark answered Kia Nurse’s 3-pointer with one of her own to push Indiana’s lead to 69-64 with 1:22 remaining in the third quarter.
Los Angeles took advantage of 11 turnovers by Indiana to seize a 48-47 lead at halftime. The Fever remained hot on the Sparks’ heels by claiming a 22-13 edge in rebounds.
–Field Level Media
INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER
MATCH CENTRAL: INDIANA VS EVANSVILLE, LAWRENCE ON SENIOR SUNDAY
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana women’s soccer hosts a pair of matches at Bill Armstrong Stadium against Evansville on Thursday and Lawrence on Sunday for senior day.
ABOUT THE ACES
Evansville holds a 1-2-1 on the season. They split two matches with a 2-1 win against Lindenwood and are coming off a 3-0 loss against Louisville on Sunday. As a team, the Aces have scored three goals on two assists and hold a .560 shots on goal percentage. Graduate goalkeeper Myia Danek holds an .840 save percentage with a combined 21 saves this season. She picked up a career high 12 saves against the Cardinals.
ABOUT THE VIKINGS
Lawrence is 1-1 on the season as they fell 1-0 to Concordia and defeated Lakeland 6-3. The Vikings will compete against Elmhurst before coming to Bloomington on Sunday, Sept. 8, for senior day. Senior Natalie Linebarger leads all goal scorers with two goals on the season. The team has totaled 15 points assisting on three of their six goals with a .548 shots on goals against average. Lawrence goalkeepers combine for a 2.00 goals against average with junior keeper Ella Lysne posting five saves on the season.
LAST TIME OUT
IUWS battled Brown to a 1-1 draw in Providence last Sunday evening. The Bears took an early lead in the 6th minute and headed into halftime with the lead, but the Hoosiers brought the heat in the second. Junior midfielder Olivia Rush scored the equalizer and her first career goal in the 54th minute on an assist from Avery Snead and Lauren Costello. Senior goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg picked up three saves while freshman defender Haden Vlcek came up with an impressive save in the final minute to keep the match tied up.
SNEAD SCORED B1G DEFENDER OF THE WEEK
Graduate defender Avery Snead earned her first Big Ten award after the conference announced her as the Big Ten Defender of the Week. She posted an outstanding two-game performance against Wright State and Brown where the Hoosiers went 1-0-1 with a dominant 6-0 win against Wright State and a 1-1 battle with Brown.
Snead played a combined 149 minutes with one goal, one assist for three points and a 1.00 shots on goal percentage last week to secure the award. The Wrentham, Mass., native scored her second goal this season unassisted with a big strike from midfield to put the Hoosiers up 3-0 versus the Raiders. She aided in IU’s second shutout versus with 60 minutes played on the back line.
Against Brown, Snead assisted on the equalizer in the 54th minute as IU improved to 3-0-1 on the season with a 1-1 draw at Brown in their first match up with an Ivy League opponent. She played in all 90 minutes against the Bears.
SHARING THE SUCCESS
As a team, IU has scored 10 goals on nine assists this season, averaging 2.5 goals per game with 13.7 shots a game. On the defensive side, the Hoosiers picked up their second shutout this season and has only allowed one goal in three matches. They are currently holding their opponents to 6.3 shots a game with an goals scored average of 0.5.
Indiana has saw nine goal different goal scorers this season, with six Hoosiers scoring their first career goals and three gamewinners.
SIRDAH SHINES
Freshman forward Layla Sirdah has been an offensive facilitator for the Hoosiers this season. She has assisted on the first three goals of the season and scored her first career goal against Wright State. Sirdah leads the team with five points, six shots with a .667 shots on goal percentage. She has started in all three matches this season with 130 minutes played on the pitch.
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
NO. 5 NOTRE DAME LEANS HEAVILY ON QB RILEY LEONARD’S LEADERSHIP AND EXPERIENCE
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard showed his teammates what he was all about with an early scramble and a subsequent slide that drew a first-quarter targeting penalty on Texas A&M defensive back Dalton Brooks last weekend.
Leonard got up, dusted himself off and went right back to work — a business-as-usual moment that struck a chord on the Fighting Irish sideline.
“Taking a hit like he did, the targeting penalty, a lot of people would have been shaken up by that,” wide receiver Beaux Collins said. “They would have been rattled and thrown off. I felt he was poised the whole game. I didn’t see any type of worry, no type of doubt in his eyes.”
Neither did anyone else, which was a key reason coach Marcus Freeman pursued Leonard when he entered the transfer portal.
That decision already is paying dividends at Notre Dame, which moved up two spots to No. 5 in the AP Top 25 after a 23-13 victory over the then-No. 20 Aggies. Leonard threw 18 of 30 for 158 yards and ran 12 times for 63 yards.
On Saturday, he gets to do it all over again when the Irish (1-0) face Mid-American Conference opponent Northern Illinois (1-0). And after being a two-year starter at Duke, the veteran doesn’t expect any butterflies when he plays in one of college football’s most revered venues, Notre Dame Stadium.
“As the game builds up, I become more and more emotionless, because I’m more confident,” Leonard said. “Nerves come with lack of preparation. Everybody that comes to Notre Dame has a goal and a legitimate chance to go to the NFL. Everybody here is like, ‘Hey, can we watch film; hey, what do you think about this?’”
The 6-foot-4, 216-pound former Alabama prep star certainly knows about the mystique of Irish football, everything from Knute Rockne to “Rudy.” And he was part of a new chapter last season when he suffered a high sprain of his right ankle late in Duke’s 21-14 loss to Notre Dame.
Irish quarterback Sam Hartman, who played previously at Wake Forest, waited outside the injury tent after the game ended to check on Leonard. Leonard emerged on crutches, and the two briefly chatted.
Whether that influenced Leonard’s eventual decision to join the Irish this season isn’t clear. Leonard has said he chose Notre Dame because of the camaraderie he found among the players. The last few months have only confirmed his initial impression.
“We’ll be sitting in the locker room drawing up plays,” Leonard said. “When you see somebody in the facility late at night, watching film, that’s just going to drive you to go later than him and watch more film than him. That’s the atmosphere and the culture here.”
It shows with the dual-threat quarterback’s unusual leadership style.
“He’s kind of like a chill dude at all times throughout the game,” Collins said. “I didn’t know what to expect from him. He’s definitely the leader that we needed.”
Leonard brings an experienced hand, too.
He was 250 of 392 passing with 2,967 yards, 20 TDs and six interceptions during his first season as Duke’s starter but was limited by injuries last season. He threw 95 of 165 for 1,102 yards and three TDs while rushing 124 times for 699 yards and 13 scores before a season-ending left toe injury in late October.
But it’s not just what he does on the field that makes him special.
His penchant for learning has helped him thrive in Notre Dame’s offensive system and lead the team in front of a rocking, raucous 107,000 fans at Texas A&M, too.
“He picks things up fast,” Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said. “I think he’s a guy who seeks details. He wants detailed information. He wants detailed feedback, whether that’s positive or negative, so he can go and learn as a player.”
But as gritty as Leonard’s start was last weekend, his finishing kick also turned heads around South Bend, giving the Irish and their fans a glimpse of how promising this season could be with Leonard behind center.
“To finish the fourth quarter with an eight-play, 85-yard TD drive that was the difference,” Freeman said. “That’s really the moment where we were able to say: ‘We have this. We’ve got the game.’”
NO. 5 NOTRE DAME AIMS TO STAY FOCUSED VS. NO. ILLINOIS
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman’s phone buzzed this week after his team jumped to No. 5 in the rankings following a road win against Texas A&M.
It was one of Freeman’s coaches from his playing days. He made sure to answer.
“I got a call from my college coach,” Freeman said, “expecting to hear ‘great job’ and ‘big win.’ And it was, ‘Hey, I just want to remind you: The greatest danger is the illusion that all is well when indeed all isn’t well.’
“That’s the reminder that I needed more than anything. It was a big win for our program versus a good opponent, but we have so much work to improve on. That’s the focus now.”
Notre Dame (1-0) will look to build upon a prime-time victory when it hosts Northern Illinois (1-0) on Saturday afternoon in South Bend, Ind. The game marks the home opener for the Fighting Irish.
Riley Leonard will make his home debut for Notre Dame after transferring from Duke during the offseason. Leonard completed 18 of 30 passes for 158 yards in a 23-13 win at Texas A&M, and he carried the ball 12 times for 63 yards.
Freeman said his favorite statistic about Leonard’s performance was zero — as in, zero turnovers.
“He really played the quarterback position well,” Freeman said. “He did what we asked him to do, and that was to take care of the football. We weren’t asking for explosive plays. This had to be a complementary football game, and Riley did a really good job at doing that.”
Northern Illinois will go for the upset in its first road game of the season. The Huskies are coming off a 54-15 win at home against Western Illinois last week.
Ethan Hampton completed 18 of 20 passes for 328 yards and five touchdowns to lead Northern Illinois to the victory. Trayvon Rudolph (four catches, 104 yards, 1 TD) and Grayson Barnes (five catches, 95 yards, 1 TD) were the top targets.
Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock said he and his players were ready for what promises to be a loud crowd at Notre Dame Stadium.
“For us, it’s a tremendous challenge,” Hammock said. “We obviously know it’s going to be a hostile environment. We’ll work crowd noise this week. There are going to be a lot of things that go into the preparation standpoint.
“But for us, it’s about making it about us and how we prepare and how we go execute. We know it’s going to be physical. Notre Dame is going to stand in the middle of the ring, and we’ve got to go to the middle of the ring and match their intensity.”
The Fighting Irish shined on defense against Texas A&M and will look to stay sharp against Northern Illinois. Notre Dame defenders Xavier Watts and Adon Shuler each notched an interception last week, and Jack Kiser led the team with eight tackles.
Freeman said wide receiver Jordan Faison sprained his right ankle and would miss the next 1-2 weeks. He will miss the game against Northern Illinois.
“We’ll see over the next week how he improves and when he’ll be able to come back,” Freeman said.
–Field Level Media
JETER NAMED LOU GROZA AWARD STAR OF THE WEEK
Graduate kicker Mitch Jeter has been named a Lou Groza Award Star of the Week for his performance in then-No. 7 (now No. 5) Notre Dame’s 23-13 victory at No. 20 Texas A&M, connecting on three-of-three field goals, two for 46 yards and one for 26 yards, and two extra points for a perfect evening at Kyle Field.
His first field goal from 46 yards scored Notre Dame’s first points of the game, while his final field goal, also of 46 yards, cemented the Irish win.
Jeter’s 11 kicking points on the evening were the most by any kicker this past weekend facing a Top 25 opponent. With two field goals over 40 yards, Jeter was one of two kickers this weekend with two field goals of 40+ yards made against a Top 25 team.
Of the 15 kickers this weekend who made two or more field goals over 40 yards this weekend, Jeter is one of 10 who were perfect on all their kicking attempts, and one of six who earned a perfect field goal percentage on three or more attempts
Jeter also kicked off six times, averaging 64.0 yards per kickoff with four touchbacks.
On his career, Jeter improves to 26-28 (92.9 percent) on field goals and 79-82 (96.3 percent) on extra points.
NOTRE DAME WOMEN’S SOCCER
#BEATHUSKIES KIND OF WEEKEND
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The No. 9 Notre Dame women’s soccer team will close out its non-conference slate with two games at home inside the friendly confines of Alumni Stadium. It’s a #BeatHuskies kind of weekend, as the Irish will host NIU on Thursday, before the football team clashes with them on Saturday in their home opener.
Notre Dame and NIU will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 5, with the match streaming live on ACCNX. Reminder to all fans that it’s free admission during the regular season.
WHAT’S ON TAP FOR THIS WEEKEND
The Fighting Irish will try to hand another team its first loss of the season when a 3-0-1 Northern Illinois squad comes to town. Thursday marks the first-ever meeting between Notre Dame and NIU. Then the Irish host Marquette on Sunday, September 8. That match will air live on ACC Network at 1:30 p.m. Marquette is 1-4-1 on the year.
All weekend, the program will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of its 2004 national championship. The 2004 squad will be back on campus starting on Friday, be invited to a special ceremony on Saturday morning and will be recognized at halftime of Sunday’s game. Notre Dame has won three NCAA titles: 1995, 2004 and 2010.
ELECTRIC ENGLE
Izzy Engle has entered her name into the conversation of breakout star of 2024. Engle has six goals through five games. Her six goals are tied for third-most in the country, tops all ACC players and tops all freshmen nationally.
Engle recorded the first freshman hat trick in program history since 2008 in Notre Dame’s win at Samford then recorded a brace in the 4-0 win over No. 13 TCU. Then against Butler on Sept. 1, Engle had the game-winner.
Engle only trails Texas Tech’s Peyton Parsons (7 goals) and Penn State’s Kaitlyn MacBean (8).
Engle boasts two game-winners, which ranks 10th in the country.
Engle’s 13 points rank 10th in the nation and second amongst ACC players – Florida State’s Taylor Huff has 14. MacBean from PSU leads the nation with 16. Engle’s 13 points tops all freshmen nationally.
More on Engle’s hat trick at Samford — she was the third quickest in program history to record a hat trick, doing so in just her second game. Kerri Hanks (2005) and Rosella Guerrero (1992) achieved hat tricks in their freshman debuts. Engle did tie Hanks though for the earliest hat trick for a true road game.
More on Engle: she ranked 59th overall nationally as a recruit. As a high school senior, Engle scored two goals in the game that led her team to win the Class 3A Minnesota State Soccer Tournament for the first time since 1986. Not to mention a perfect 22-0 record. Engle was the 2023-24 Gatorade Minnesota Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Furthermore, Engle made Top Drawer Soccer’s Preseason Best XI All-Freshman Team.
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 has registered points in 4-of-5 games. She dished out an assist in each of the first three games, then picked up a goal in the fourth at Michigan – which was the game-winner.
Then there’s freshman Grace Restovich who ranks second on the team in points (7) and goals (2) and is tied for the lead with Codd in assists with 3.
Restovich is coming off a road week in which she scored a goal in the 2-0 win at Michigan, then picked up the game-winning assist in the 1-0 victory at Butler. She’s recorded a point in all but one game, which was TCU. .
With that said, Restovich and Codd rank 35th in the country and 5th in the ACC in total assists.
Restovich was the highest-rated recruit in the signing class, ranking No. 8 nationally. She was the 2022 ECNL National Player of the Year and a two-time ECNL National Champion with her club team Scott Gallagher in St. Louis.
Lastly, there’s junior Laney Matriano, who was named 1-of-4 team captains for the 2024 season. Holding down the tough No. 6 position, Matriano has now started in 38 of her 43 games played at ND.
Matriano recorded her second career goal, first of the season, in the win over TCU, via a PK.
Coach Norman has named Matriano as his breakout player to watch despite her value probably not showing up on stat sheet.
TRENDING
It’s four straight victories and four straight shutouts for the Irish. They have outscored its opposition 13-0 in that span. This is the longest shutout streak since the Irish recorded six in a row in 2022.
Overall on the year, Notre Dame’s +12 goal differential ranks 17th in the country and 4th in the ACC.
The defensive backline of Fisher, Gemma and Mills have started together in all four shutouts. Over the four games, the defensive unit have combined in allowing just 15 shots on goal (3.8 per game).
Offensively, Notre Dame’s scoring offense (2.8) ranks 29th overall and 4th in the ACC.
The freshmen duo of Engle and Restovich were simpatico this past week when the Irish collected road victories at Michigan and Butler. In Ann Arbor, Engle earned her first assist with a flick header in which Restovich buried in the net. A few days later in Indy, Restovich returned the favor with a phenomenal first touch which allowed her to attack the Butler backline and made the easy dish to Engle for the finish.
The Irish held steady at the No. 9 spot in the week three United Soccer Coaches poll. The ACC holds five spots in the top-10, including the top-4: No. 1 Stanford, No. 2 UNC, No. 3 FSU and No. 4 Virgnia.
GOALIE BATTALION
Coach Norman has a talented goalie group at his disposal and both Atlee Olofson and Sonoma Kasica have shown out.
Together the duo, along with the defensive unit, have posted a shutout percentage of .800 which ranks 9th in the country and 2nd in the ACC.
First, there’s sophomore returner Atlee Olofson. The Austin native has not surrendered a goal this season and is 3-0. She has notched 9 total saves.
She has almost matched last year’s shutout total of five. In 2023, she went 7-3-2 in net with a .763 save percentage and a GAA of 1.17.
Then there’s 5-10 freshman Sonoma Kasica. The St. Petersburg, Florida, native has gotten two starts and has gone 1-1. She earned the shutout at Michigan and made six saves. She has 10 on the season with a GAA of 1.0
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 four of the top-six point-getters on the team are freshmen: Izzy Engle (13 points), Grace Restovich (7 points), Annabelle Chukwu (3 points) and Lily Joseph (3 points).
CANADIAN SENSATION
Izzy Engle may be stealing the early storylines, but keep an eye on freshman Annabelle Chukwu from Ontario, Canada.
Chukwu is currently tearing it up at the U20 World Cup for Team Canada. She scored a goal in their first match to earn a 3-3 tie against France, then followed that up with a hat-trick against Fiji.
After scoring four goals down in Colombia, Chukwu broke the record for most goals scored through the Canadiana Youth Soccer system, passing Canadian great Christine Sinclair.
Chukwu was 15 years old when she made her Canadian debut and has left her mark across all programs. Highlights include: Chukwu winning a CONCACAF silver medal with U15 in 2022, scoring in Canada’s opening match at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, receiving a National Team call-up in 2022 at the age of 15 and scoring twice in extra time in the bronze medal game to help Canada win and qualify the squad for the U20 World Cup.
She didn’t wait long to score when donning an Irish uniform, netting a goal in the season opener against a top-ranked Michigan State squad.
NOTRE DAME WOMEN’S GOLF
IRISH WOMEN OPEN FALL SEASON AT BOILERMAKER CLASSIC
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Irish women’s golf team opened the 2024 fall season at Kampen Golf Course Monday as part of the Boilermaker Classic. The Irish finished 11th, posting a 923 (+59) on the tournament. Notre Dame was led by Montgomery Ferreira and Faustine Errecade who each shot a 228 to close out competition tied for 26th overall individually. Ferreira recorded a 72 to round out her individual performance, recording the lowest single round score for the Irish over the two-day event.
The opening round saw Errecade register three birdies for a team-high while Alex Lapple and Bridget Wilkie matched for three birdies in the second round Monday evening. The lone eagle of the tournament for the Irish came on hole 10 in the second round of play when Ferreira shot three on a par-five hole.
BUTLER MEN’S GOLF
BUTLER MEN’S GOLF ANNOUNCES 2024-25 SEASON SCHEDULE
On the heels of a postseason appearance to conclude last season, Butler coach Colby Huffman has built a competitive schedule with preparing the Bulldogs for May golf in mind.
The regular season feeds into the 2025 BIG EAST Men’s Golf Championship April 26-28, which will be contested at Callawassie Island in South Carolina. A majority of the BIG EAST teams will open the spring portion of their respective schedules in West Palm Beach, Fla., at the BIG EAST Match Play Feb. 3-4.
The Bulldogs will open the 2024-25 season Sept. 14-15 at the Golden Grizzlies Classic hosted by Oakland in Rochester, Mich.
The Bulldogs will host their annual event March 31 and April 1 with the Don Benbow Butler Invitational at the team’s home course, Highland Golf Club.
Butler’s schedule will take them to Hawaii for the Kapolei Invitational Oct. 29-31 and to Puerto Rico for the Palmas del Mar Collegiate Feb. 9-11.
The regular season also includes a pair of events hosted by Purdue: the Fall Invitational Sept. 22-23 and the Spring Invitational April 19-20.
Four of the five Bulldogs who led the team to a second-place finish at the 2024 BIG EAST Championship return for the upcoming season. That quartet features Will Horne, Derek Tabor, Leo Zurovac, and Damon Dickey. They are joined by a strong group of returners and three newcomers.
BUTLER WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
BUTLER ANNOUNCES ROAD GAME AT VANDERBILT
The Bulldogs will travel to Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday, Nov. 17 this year for an away game at Vanderbilt. The SEC opponent visited Hinkle Fieldhouse a year ago on Dec. 7. The upcoming contest will be just the fourth meeting between the two programs.
Vanderbilt notched 23 wins a year ago to help punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament. They defeated Columbia in their first round game, but would fall to Baylor in the next round. Head Coach Shea Ralph took over the Vanderbilt program in April of 2021. Ralph spent the prior 13 seasons as an assistant coach at UConn alongside Geno Auriemma.
This game is the third announcement from the Bulldogs in regard to the 2024-25 schedule. BU will also host Indiana on Nov. 13 and bring Wisconsin into Indy on Dec. 11.
Head Coach Austin Parkinson returns eight talented players from last year’s roster. The BU staff also added a transfer in Kilyn McGuff (Belmont) along with four newcomers in the freshmen class.
The full non-conference slate along with tip times and streaming information will be out soon. Check ButlerSports.com for updates.
BUTLER WOMEN’S SOCCER
PREVIEW: BULLDOGS HIT ROAD TO FACE CINCINNATI AND IU INDY
The Butler women’s soccer team hits the road the week for a pair of matches. The Bulldogs will travel to Cincinnati for a Thursday night contest with the Bearcats and will then return to Indianapolis to play IU Indy at Michael A. Carroll Stadium.
Butler is coming off a mixed week that included a 3-0 shutout of Ball State and an 0-1 loss to No. 9 Notre Dame.
Cincinnati (3-1-1), out of the Big 12, has wins this season over Murray State, Toledo, and Eastern Michigan. The Bearcats tied Louisville but lost to Central Michigan. Last season, Butler and Cincinnati tied, 2-2, in the Sellick Bowl.
IU Indy (0-4-1), a Horizon League member, tied Toledo but has losses to Lindenwood, Southern Illinois, Idaho, and Montana. Butler has won eight-straight matches against the Jaguars, dating back to 2013.
Butler at Cincinnati
DATE/TIME: Thursday, September 5 // 7PM
LOCATION: Cincinnati, Ohio // Gettler Stadium
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
LIVE STATS: butlersports.com
Butler at IU Indy
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 8 // 7PM
LOCATION: Indianapolis // Michael A. Carroll Stadium
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
LIVE STATS: butlersports.com
Bulldog Bits
Anna Pierce was named BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week for her performances vs. Ball State and No. 9 Notre Dame. Pierce made three saves to preserve a 3-0 shutout over the Cardinals for her second shutout of the season and ninth of her career. She then had seven saves, including a PK, against the Fighting Irish.
Sara Trandji was named to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll after scoring the game- winning goal vs. Ball State and then adding an assist.
Talia Sommer is 2nd in the BIG EAST with 3 goals and ranks 3rd with 7 total points.
Anna Pierce is atop the BIG EAST rankings with a pair of shutouts.
IU-INDY MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEN’S BASKETBALL FINALIZES 2024-2025 SCHEDULE WITH HORIZON LEAGUE SLATE
INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indianapolis men’s basketball program finalized its upcoming 2024-2025 schedule with the release of the full #HLMBB schedule on Wednesday (Sept. 4). The Jaguars will open Horizon League play with home games against Green Bay (Dec. 4) and Northern Kentucky (Dec. 7) and host reigning champion Oakland on Feb. 12.
The Jaguars will also host a pair of Horizon League games at Indiana Farmers Coliseum against Youngstown State (Jan. 1) and Wright State (Mar. 1) on Senior Day.
“We’re excited about the entire schedule and the release of the Horizon League schedule,” head coach Paul Corsaro said. “I think we have a really good balance of top-tier opponents, competitive matchups and some opportunities to get some wins in the non-conference. We’re going to be battle tested by the time Horizon League play rolls around and this league is a grind. There are no easy outs and you have to bring your best each night to get league wins.
“We’re focused on continuing to improve and get better and be the best version of ourselves on game days.”
The previously announced non-conference slate includes games at Xavier (Nov. 8), Iowa State (Nov. 18) and Florida International (Dec. 21). The Jaguars will play three games at Alabama A&M as they’ll face South Carolina State (Nov. 22) and Coastal Carolina (Nov. 23) in an exempt tournament, followed by a true road game against AAMU (Nov. 25).
The Jaguars enter the campaign with a completely new roster, including five transfers who played for Corsaro at UIndy. Guards Jarvis Walker (13.3 ppg, 43.8 3FG%) and Paul Zilinskas (12.5 ppg, 37.1 3FG%) headline the group while 7-footer Julian Steinfeld (4.2 rpg, 69.8 FG%) brings much needed size and experience to the middle. A cast of other transfers Timaris Brown (Rockhurst), Nathan Dudukovich (Thomas More), Briggs McClain (Manhattan) and Alec Millender (Wayne State) will also be featured prominently.
The freshman class includes former Indiana All-Star Keenan Garner, former Crispus Attucks standout Ron Rutland III and DeSean Goode, a late signee to the Jaguars’ signing class.
IU-INDY VOLLEYBALL
JAGS DEFEAT BULLDOGS IN CROSSTOWN CLASH
INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indianapolis volleyball team took down cross-town rival Butler University, 3-1, in a packed Jungle Wednesday evening. The Jaguars clawed their way to victory after falling in the first set. Elle Patterson and Maia Long led the way with 10 kills apiece, while middle blockers Carly Doros and Morgan Ostrowski added nine each along with outside Ava Harris. Grace Purichia was all over the court, leading the team in aces (2) while adding 13 digs and a game-high 35 assists.
Jaguars’ Doros got off to a scorching start, recording the first three kills for the hosts as they jumped out to an early lead. The Bulldogs, however, tallied the next six points, including two kills apiece from Grace Boggess and Abby Maesch. The run forced head coach Andrew Kroger to call an early timeout.
The short break boosted the squad, leading to three straight points to cut the deficit to one, 9-8. The visitors increased their lead over the next several points, reaching a six-point advantage, 20-14, before Kroger called another timeout. Maesch continued to lead the way for the Bulldogs in the first set, adding two to lead all players with four.
Butler clung to its lead, but called a timeout after a service ace from Ostrowski trimmed the advantage. Needing just two points to close out the set following the break, the visitors again looked to Maesch, who forced set point after her fifth kill of the set. Butler didn’t take long to take set one, earning the final point on its sixth block of the set. Destiny Cherry led the way with three block assists and a solo block.
With some help from a rowdy crowd in the Jungle, the Jags got off to a hot start in set two. The Bulldogs remained composed and were assisted by multiple service errors to take control of the set. Despite racking up five service errors in the set, the Jaguars picked up the intensity from the service line, leading to a 16-15 lead after an ace from Long.
Butler head coach, Kyle Shondell, was forced to call his first timeout of the match after a Patterson kill stretched the lead to three. Following the timeout, Harris came up with a huge solo block to add to the advantage. Butler, however, would not go down without a fight, garnering four of the next six points to make it just a two-point lead. An excellent roll shot by Long forced another timeout by the visitors with just two points to go to close out the set. Both squads registered blocks before an ace from Maesch put the pressure back on IU Indy. Coach Kroger, recognizing the importance of the point, called a timeout to get his team set up. Despite giving up a point on a Sawyer Jones kill, Maesch served the ball into the net to even the match at one set apiece.
Set three began exactly how set two ended, with a Bulldog service error. The Jags would follow that up with an ace from Purichia. The teams battled back and forth until a Jaguar block (Doros and Purichia) gave the team a five-point lead and forced a Bulldog timeout. Purichia added two timely kills to go along with a block assist and a service ace in the set to spark the squad.
Out of the break, Butler collected four of the next five tallies to keep it close. The intensity from both sides picked up throughout the set as they swapped blows. A kill from Long and back-to-back errors from Maesch forced a second timeout of the set from the visitors.
The Bulldogs looked to their leader again after the break, but coach Kroger had his team ready and Doros and Purichia were there for the block. Like the second set, the visitors would not back down, recording four of five tallies to cut the deficit to two. Following an IU Indy timeout, the advantage would be trimmed to one on a Cherry block, but a savvy play from Purichia caught the Bulldog defense off guard to claim the set and an edge in the match.
Set four was a battle from the first serve. Butler claimed a small advantage towards the beginning of the set when they scored four straight points on the back of two blocks. IU Indianapolis, however, kept fighting, never falling behind by more than three points after an early timeout from coach Kroger.
The team took its first lead in the set, 15-14, after three straight tallies, including kills from Harris and Patterson. The Bulldogs were forced to call a timeout after falling behind 18-15, on the back of a Harris ace. The visitors tied the set at 21 after an ace by Lauren Evans. Following a Jaguar timeout, the teams split the next four points. With Patterson at the service line, Harris and Kate White recorded the final two points on massive swings, securing the victory.
IU Indy will now head to Louisville for the Bellarmine Classic, where it will take on Cincinnati and hosts Bellarmine on Friday (Sept. 6) followed by UAB on Saturday (Sept. 7).
BALL STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER
PAIR OF ASUN OPPONENTS UPCOMING FOR SOCCER
The Ball State soccer team wraps up it three-match roadswing on Thursday night at Austin Peay before returning home to host Queens on Sunday afternoon.
Thursday’s match in Clarksville, Tenn., is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. CT) and will be streamed on ESPN+. Sunday’s Senior Day match is slated for 1 p.m. at the Briner Sports Complex. Links to the video streams and live stats can be found above and on the schedule page.
Kaitlyn Fraser, Abby Jenkins, Alex McPhee and Maya Millis will be recognized pregame on Sunday before the Cardinals take on the Royals.
Ball State beat Michigan 2-1 last Sunday in Ann Arbor for the program’s third-ever triumph over an opponent from the Big Ten Conference and the first since 2004 at Indiana. Midfielder Addie Chester scored in the 20th minute to tie the match at 1-1 before forward Delaney Caldwell kicked in what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 30th minute to take down the Wolverines.
Caldwell’s three goals on the year paces the Cardinals and ranks fourth among Mid-American Conference student-athletes while Chester’s two assists ranks third in the league.
The matchups this week will be the second in series history between the Cardinals and both the Governors and Royals, as Ball State beat Austin Peay 3-0 last Sept. 10 in Muncie and tied with Queens 0-0 on Aug. 21, 2022 in Charlotte.
SCOUTING AUSTIN PEAY: The Governors are 2-2-1 and are coming off recent road losses at Murray State and Lindenwood. They were picked to finish seventh in the 12-team Atlantic Sun Conference in the preseason coaches poll after going 5-11-5 (3-5-3 ASUN) in 2023.
Austin Peay paces the conference in corner kicks per game (6.6) to rank No. 48 in NCAA Division I. The Governors are second in the ASUN in total goals (seven), assists (six) and points (20) so far this season.
Sophomore goalkeeper Lauryn Berry has played all 450 minutes in goal, and her 23 saves ranks second in the conference and 54th nationally.
SCOUTING QUEENS: The Royals blanked Winthrop 2-0 on Sunday to better their record to 3-2, and they will play at No. 5 Michigan State on Thursday night before meeting up with the Cardinals.
Queens is second in the ASUN with a +0.4 average scoring margin and 0.8 goals against average. The Royals were picked ninth in the Atlantic Sun preseason coaches poll after finishing the 2023 campaign 4-7-8 (2-3-6 ASUN). Queens made the jump from NCAA Division II to I beginning in 2022.
Junior goalkeeper Kelsey Jargstorf’s .833 save percentage ranks second in the conference so far this year.
Up Next
The Cardinals wrap up nonconference play on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. when they host IU Indy at the Briner Sports Complex.
INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER
ROAD MATCH AT BELLARMINE UP NEXT FOR SYCAMORES
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State heads to Louisville, Ky. on Thursday evening where they will compete in a non-conference matchup against Bellarmine at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m ET. and will have live stats available as well as live streamed on ESPN+.
Thursday’s contest against the Knights will mark the first ever matchup between these two teams.
Indiana State started the 2024 season off with a three game winning streak at Memorial Stadium before they fell on a road opening match at UT Martin with a score of 2-1. ISU won their last matchup on the road at SEMO, 3-0 over the Redhawks. The Sycamores (4-1-0) lead the Missouri Valley Conference in rankings after five games of play.
The Sycamores have scored 20 goals this season, which ranks fifth highest in the NCAA rankings.
Sycamore Standouts:
Senior Mackenzie Kent records a goal scored in three consecutive games for the Sycamores, where she scored two against SEMO in the 3-0 victory. Kent leads the way for ISU, with four goals and a 0.750 shot on goal percentage. Kent is tied for first in the MVC with points (8) and goals scored (4).
Brooklyn Woods continues to be a primary threat on the offensive side of the ball for the Sycamores, pacing the Sycamores with 12 shots, eight on goal with 2 goals scored this season. Woods records 374 minutes played this season, which is second most behind Alexander.
Maddie Alexander continues to set the pace for the Sycamore defense as she has lined up every minute in goal, with 27 saves in the 2024 season, second highest in the conference. Alexander leads the MVC in save percentage with a .931 and has the fewest goals scored on her in the valley, with two.
Wimberley Wright has started in all five matches this season, where she continues to put up numbers for the Sycamores. The Denton, Texas native leads the MVC in assists (5) and points (7). Wright records the second highest assists in the NCAA.
Goals this season have come from Mackenzie Kent (4), Alexa Mackey (3), Alex Lehnert (2), Brooklyn Woods (2), Wimberley Wright, Emma Famulak, Grace Quinn, Audrey Roberts, Ella Roesch, Lina Fasquelle, Caitlin Mullen, and Autumn Fairfax.
Scouting Bellarmine:
Bellarmine enters Thursday’s contest with a 1-3-0 record in the 2024 season, where they have fallen to the University of Louisville with a score of 7-0, Morehead State, 1-0, and Middle Tennessee, 6-2. The Knights solo win came from a 8-0 victory over Asbury University in their home opening game.
Callie McKinny enters her first season at the helm for Bellarmine soccer. Before landing the head job, McKinney joined the women’s soccer staff as a graduate assistant in the summer of 2020 and was promoted to full-time assistant coach prior to the fall 2021 season.
The Knights have scored ten goals this season, with 65 total shots, and 31 on goal.
Emma Nicholson leads the way for the Knights, where she records four goals, two assists, ten points, 15 shots with nine on goal in 282 minutes of play this season.
Nicholson was named ASUN Player of the Week following her performance against Asbury, where she picked up four goals and an assist for nine points in the Knights’ victory, to earn the Player of the Week honor. She totaled 10 shots in the win with seven being on goal.
Up Next:
The Sycamores continue on the road this weekend as they head to Huntington, W. VA. with a matchup against Marshall, on Sunday, September 8 at 1 p.m ET.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE MEN’S SOCCER
START MOVED UP TO 3 PM FOR MSOC AT MARQUETTE
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Purdue Fort Wayne men’s soccer team (1-2-0) travels to Wisconsin on Thursday (Sept. 5) for their only trip of the season to the state of Wisconsin. The ‘Dons will face Big East member Marquette. NOTE: Start time has been moved up to 3 p.m. ET due to weather forecast.
Game Day Information
Who: Marquette (3-1-0)
When: Thursday, September 5 | 3 p.m. ET
Where: Milwaukee, Wis. | Valley Fields
Live Stats:Link
Watch: FloSports
Know Your Foe: Marquette owns wins over Drexel, Marist and Yale.They suffered their first defeat of the season on Monday with a 2-1 loss at No. 22 Wisconsin.
All-Time Record: Marquette leads the all-time series 1-0 with the only match coming last season, a 3-0 victory for the Golden Eagles.
About Last Week
The ‘Dons defeated Eastern Illinois 3-0, giving up zero shots on goal in the process. The last time the ‘Dons didn’t give up a shot on goal in a game was against IUPUI in 2012. Two days later Purdue Fort Wayne fell at Bradley 1-0, giving up two shots on goal in the game. The two shots on goal given up is the fewest shots on goal the ‘Dons have given up in back-to-back games in the Division I history of the program.
90-Minute Man
Andrew Hollenbach has played all 270 minutes this season. His work last week helped him earn the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 3 after games against Eastern Illinois and Bradley.
Life Goals
Five different Mastodons have scored a goal: Abe Arellano, James Maxwell, Seth Mahlmeister, Marcos Soria, Marco Valencia.Arellano and Maxwell both have an assist on the season to have a team-best three points.
Seth Goal-meister
Seth Mahlmeister has 15 goals in his career. He ranks 20th in all-time program history for career goals. He will need to reach 20 career goals to reach the top 10.
For Starters
Abe Arellano, Seth Mahlmeister, Marco Valencia, Christian Leon, Felipe Medina, Aidan Antcliff, Andrew Hollenbach, Adrian Renteria, Juan Romero and Daniel Tareke have started all three games this season.
No. 1
The ‘Dons opened the season with a 4-2 loss at West Virginia. The Mountaineers were ranked No. 3 when the ‘Dons played them, now West Virginia is ranked No. 1 in the nation.
Up Next
The ‘Dons host IU East on Sept. 11. It will be a doubleheader with the women who play Central Michigan at 4 p.m. It will be the Mastodons’ annual Party at the Pitch with student giveaways, food trucks and a beer tent (21+).
PURDUE FT. WAYNE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
MASTODON WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HORIZON LEAGUE SCHEDULE IS HERE!
INDIANAPOLIS – The Horizon League announced its league schedule for women’s basketball on Wednesday (Sept. 4).
In the early portion of the league slate, the Mastodons will welcome Robert Morris (Dec. 4) and reigning Horizon League champion Green Bay (Dec. 7) and travel to IU Indianapolis (Dec. 11). After two non-league contests against Aquinas and Western Michigan, league play resumes for good on December 28 against Wright State.
The Mastodons will ring in 2025 with a New Year’s Day game against Youngstown State. A trip to Oakland (Jan. 5) precludes Milwaukee visiting the Gates Sports Center. From there, the Mastodons will alternate home and away contests, starting at Cleveland State (Jan. 12), then Northern Kentucky (Jan. 18), Detroit Mercy (Jan. 22), IU Indianapolis (Jan. 25) and Youngstown State (Jan. 29). A trip to Robert Morris (Jan. 31) is the last before a trio of home games against Oakland (Feb. 6), Wright State (Feb. 8), and Cleveland State (Feb. 15). The Wright State contest will be a doubleheader with the men’s basketball team at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Road trips to Northern Kentucky (Feb. 20), Milwaukee (Feb. 27) and Green Bay (March 1) will sandwich a Senior Day home game against Detroit Mercy on February 23.
The Horizon League Championship takes place on March 4 and 6 on campus sites before heading to Indianapolis for the semifinals and final on March 10-11.
The Mastodons are coming off their best season in Division I history, which saw the ‘Dons win 23 games and earn a trip to the WNIT Super 16.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE MEN’S BASKETBALL
HERE IS THE MASTODON #HLMBB SLATE!
INDIANAPOLIS – The 20-game Horizon League schedule for the 2024-25 Purdue Fort Wayne men’s basketball season has been released by the league.
Of the 10-game home schedule, nine games will be played at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. The only league date not at the Coliseum is a Friday, Feb. 21 visit by Oakland to the Gates Sports Center.
The Mastodons open the league schedule with three games in December. First up is a trip to Detroit Mercy on Dec. 5 before home games against Robert Morris (Dec. 8) and IU Indianapolis (Dec. 11).
The ‘Dons travel to Green Bay on Dec. 29 for the first contest after Winter Break. Purdue Fort Wayne will face the Doug Gottlieb led Phoenix at home on Feb. 8. It will be a doubleheader with the Mastodon women’s basketball team.
The ‘Dons open 2025 with a New Year’s Day trip to Northern Kentucky. Purdue Fort Wayne will see the return trip from Northern Kentucky on Thursday, Feb. 27, the final home game of the regular season. The first two weeks of 2025 features three chances to catch the Mastodons at home, with two of the games on Saturday evenings, Jan. 4 vs. Youngstown State and Jan. 11 vs. Detroit Mercy. Sandwiched between these games is a Jan. 8 contest at home against Milwaukee. Fans looking for another weekend date in January to watch the ‘Dons can travel to IU Indianapolis on Jan. 25 to see the annual in-state rivalry.
Possible ESPN broadcasts will be announced by the Horizon League at a later date.
The Horizon League Championship takes place on March 4 and 6 on campus sites before heading to Indianapolis for the semifinals and final on March 10-11.
The Mastodon men’s basketball team won 23 games last season and advanced to the CIT Championship game. The ‘Dons return four of five starters in 2024-25 with Rasheed Bello, Jalen Jackson, Quinton Morton-Robertson and Eric Mulder back for the ‘Dons.
EVANSVILLE MEN’S SOCCER
ACES MEN’S SOCCER REMAINS UNBEATEN IN SHUTOUT WIN OVER EASTERN ILLINOIS
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Three players matched their career-highs in shots during a match as the University of Evansville men’s soccer team peppered Eastern Illinois in a 1-0 victory.
The Purple Aces brought the offensive firepower on Wednesday night, recording 29 shots with 11 ending up on goal. UE was only able to capitalize on one shot as fifth-year forward Kai Phillip (Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago) scored his first goal of the season. Graduate forward Sami Owusu (Denver, Colo. / Dayton) recorded his second assist on the season while redshirt sophomore midfielder Brayden Doll (Noblesville, Ind. / Noblesville HS) recorded his first career assist as an Ace with a deflection to Phillip.
“Any time you win it feels good,” said Head Coach Robbe Tarver following the match. “It’s the exact same amount of wins as last season, so it’s nice to do that in the first four games. You always want to win, but would we expect to be 4-0 after the first four games? I don’t know because things happen.
“Happy to be 4-0. Happy to get the win at home. Happy to grind out a result against a feisty EIU team that caused us some problems. Just glad that we’re 4-0.”
After Eastern Illinois recorded the first shot on goal of the game, Evansville didn’t allow another chance for the Panthers through 88 minutes. The Aces quickly dominated the game, throwing six shots at EIU’s goalkeeper Kyce Toutanji in the first 22 minutes. But UE wasn’t able to find the back of the net in the first half despite close chances from Owusu and senior forward Nacho Diaz Barragan (Almeria, Spain.)
It didn’t take long in the second half though for Evansville to grab the lead. Only four minutes into the second 45, in the goal box Owusu kicked the ball to the side past Toutanji. Owusu’s kick then deflected off of Doll at the top right corner of the goal box to Phillip who launched the ball with his right foot into the left side of the net for the only goal of the match.
The Aces had multiple close chances in the final 25 minutes as Diaz Barragan, senior midfielder Jose Vivas (Teruel, Spain), and redshirt freshman midfielder Jacopo Fedrizzi (Guilia, Italy) registered four shots within two minutes of each other. In the final 10 minutes alone, UE took seven shots with two landing on goal. In total Evansville had 29 shots on Wednesday night, the team’s most since a program-high 46 shots against Anderson in 2017.
Phillip, Diaz Barragan, and Vivas matched their career-highs for shots in a game with six each to lead the Aces. Vivas put four of his six shots on goal for a 66.7% shot accuracy through 49 minutes of action. Freshman goalkeeper Michal Mroz (Elk Grove, Ill. / Elk Grove HS) recorded his second shutout of his young career making one save while seeing six other shots go wide of the net.
UE continues its busy week of action with a road game on Friday. It will be the first of two away matches for Evansville as they travel to another OVC school, Lindenwood. Kick-off for The Aces matchup with the Lions is set for 7 p.m. on September 6th.
EVANSVILLE WOMEN’S SOCCER
UE WOMEN’S SOCCER CONTINUES ROADTRIP AT INDIANA
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The University of Evansville women’s soccer team is still looking for its first road win only 90 minutes away from home.
UE women’s soccer suffered its second road loss of the season on Sunday night in a tough match at Louisville. The Aces offense didn’t get going until the second half with four shots and only one on goal. Evansville’s lone win of the season came against Lindenwood last Thursday. The Aces put two goals in the back of the net in under five minutes to secure the win 2-1. UE will try to get their first win in Bloomington on Thursday night after restarting their series with the Hoosiers at home last season.
Indiana comes into Thursday’s match undefeated with three wins and one tie. The Hoosiers played to a draw for the first time this season last Sunday at Brown as each team found the back of the net one time. Indiana has the current Big Ten Defender of the Week in graduate defender Avery Snead. She played a combined 149 minutes with one goal, one assist for three points, and a 1.00 shots-on-goal percentage in games against Wright State and Brown.
Evansville continues to be one of the least fouled teams in the country heading into their fifth match of the year. Averaging only 5.25 fouls a game the Aces are sixth in the nation for fewest calls. UE also currently has no yellow cards called against them.
Fifth-year goalkeeper Myia Danek (Laingsburg, Mich. / Laingsburg HS) jumped her way to the Top 20 in the nation in saves per game with 12 saves at Louisville. Danek averages 7 saves a game to lead the MVC which is also good for 12th in the nation. Danke is also slowly climbing up the program record book and is only three saves away from having the ninth most saves in program history.
SOUTHERN INDIANA MEN’S BASKETBALL
USI MEN’S BASKETBALL REVEALS 2024-25 SCHEDULE
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball revealed its 2024-25 schedule, beginning with a visit to DePaul University November 4. The 2024-25 home opener is slated for November 7 when USI hosts Bucknell University for the first of 15 contests at Screaming Eagles Arena this year.
Following the home opener versus Bucknell, the 2024-25 home non-conference schedule includes South Dakota State University (November 22), Indiana State University (November 25), East/West University (December 1), and Shawnee State University (December 15).
The home portion of the Ohio Valley Conference schedule will feature Tennessee State University (December 19), the University of Tennessee at Martin (December 21), Morehead State University (December 31), Lindenwood University (January 16), Western Illinois University (January 18), Tennessee Tech University (February 1) the University of Arkansas Little Rock (February 6), Southeast Missouri State University (February 8), Eastern Illinois University (February 20), and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (February 20).
The Screaming Eagles have a challenging road slate following the season-opener at DePaul. USI follows up the trip with a visit to Marshall University (November 11) to begin three-straight on the road, continuing to Bellarmine University (November 13) and Purdue University Fort Wayne (November 16). The final non-conference game of 2024-25 is a trip to Southern Illinois University (December 7).
In OVC play, this year’s conference road slate includes stopovers at Tennessee Tech (January 2), SEMO (January 9), Little Rock (January 11), SIUE (January 23), EIU (January 25), Morehead State (January 28), WIU (February 13); Lindenwood (February 15), UT Martin (February 27), and Tennessee State (March 1).
In the history of the USI Men’s Basketball program, the Eagles are 112-123 all-time versus the 2024-25 opponents. USI is 99-69 against former GLVC-rivals Bellarmine University (53-46) and SIUE (46-23). The Eagles are playing Bellarmine for the first time since the Knights moved to Division I in 2020.
VALPO VOLLEYBALL
VOLLEYBALL HEADS TO ST. THOMAS INVITATIONAL
Valparaiso (2-1, 0-0 MVC)
at St. Thomas Invitational (St. Paul, Minn.)
Thursday, Sept. 5 – vs. Northern Illinois (0-2) – 4 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 6 – at St. Thomas (0-3) – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 7 – vs. Tarleton State (0-3) – 11 a.m.
Next Up For Valpo Volleyball: Early-season action continues for the Valpo volleyball team this week with a trip to St. Paul, Minn. for the St. Thomas Invitational, where the Beacons face Northern Illinois and Tarleton State in addition to the host Tommies.
Looking Ahead: Valpo welcomes Miami (Ohio), Cornell and Purdue Fort Wayne to the ARC next weekend for the two-day, six-match Popcorn Classic.
Following the Beacons: Valpo’s match against St. Thomas on Friday evening will be streamed live on the Summit League Network ($). All three matches will have live stats available, linked via ValpoAthletics.com.
Head Coach Carin Avery: In 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 491 matches (491-244, .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 546-268 (.671) record overall as a head coach.
Series History: Northern Illinois – The Huskies hold a 17-2 advantage in the all-time series, but all but one of those meetings came over 20 seasons ago. In the most recent matchup, the Beacons defeated NIU as part of the 2022 Popcorn Classic, 3-1. Gretchen Kuckkan had 25 kills on .489 hitting in the victory.
St. Thomas – First meeting
Tarleton State – First meeting
Scouting the Opposition: Northern Illinois – The Huskies went 0-2 on opening weekend, falling in four sets to Western Illinois and five sets to Milwaukee. NIU, which went 8-22 overall and 6-12 in MAC play last year, was picked to finish eighth in the MAC this season.
St. Thomas – The Tommies went 0-3 on opening weekend, losing in four sets to Southern Indiana and in straight sets to Bradley and DePaul. St. Thomas, which went 7-20 overall and 3-13 in Summit League action last season, was picked to finish in eighth place in the Summit League this year.
Tarleton State – The Texans went 0-3 last weekend to open the season, falling 3-0 to Central Arkansas, 3-2 to UALR and 3-1 to Texas A&M-Commerce. Tarleton State, which went 16-15 overall and 7-9 in the WAC last year, was picked to finish fifth in the WAC this year.
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).
Big Debuts: Valpo’s season-opening win over SIUE featured a number of standout collegiate debuts from the Beacons’ freshmen. Leading the way was Ava Helming, who debuted with 20 kills on .282 hitting – the most kills by a Valpo player in a match since Nov. 11, 2022. The 20 kills set a program record for kills by a freshman in her debut, and also is the high-water mark for any Valpo player in a season opener. Defensively, Jessica Pickett posted nine blocks – also a program record for blocks by a freshman in her debut and the highest total for any Valpo player in a season opener. Lilly Merk tallied 11 kills and Kadence Brumitt added 10 kills as well, marking the first time in program history three Valpo players have posted double-figure kills in their respective collegiate debuts in the same match.
The Rookies Produce: Valpo’s freshman class stood out throughout opening weekend, combining to account for 67.2% of the team’s kills and 74.1% of the team’s blocks. In addition to the above numbers from opening night, Helming notched 10 kills against Eastern Michigan and Jordyn Gove led all players with 14 kills in the win over IU Indy. Defensively, Merk had a pair of five-block matches as well.
Garnering Accolades: A pair of Beacons earned awards following the season’s opening weekend. Junior Emma Hickey was tabbed the MVC Defensive Player of the Week for the fourth time in her career and received her fourth career All-Tournament Team accolade as she posted 5.42 digs/set and 1.58 assists/set, while also committing just one service reception error on 65 chances. Hickey, who moved up two spots to 12th on Valpo’s career digs chart, posted 34 digs – her eighth career 30+ dig match – and 11 assists in the season-opening win over SIUE. Freshman Ava Helming was named an All-Tournament Team honoree as well, as she hit .290 with a team-best 3.18 kills/set and added seven rejections in 11 sets of action.
I’m About to Play My Ace: While it was just three matches of action last weekend, early returns indicate the service game might be more of a weapon for this year’s squad than in the program’s recent history. The Beacons tallied 21 aces on opening weekend, averaging 1.75 aces/set. Seven different players recorded at least one ace, with Elise Swistek pacing the team with six aces. To put the average into context, Valpo has not averaged more than 1.20 aces/set since the 2017 season, while its high in the 25-point era is 1.46 aces/set.
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, winning at least one tournament in 17 of her seasons and multiple tournaments 11 times. Those tournament titles have come in 14 different states – notably, this weekend’s tournament at St. Thomas is the program’s first foray into the North Star State for an early-season tournament. While Valpo tied for the best record (2-1) at its season-opening tournament last weekend, Eastern Michigan earned the tournament title by virtue of the head-to-head victory.
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 12th in program history with 1,428 digs – just 99 away from the top-10 – and has tallied over 400 more digs than any other D-I junior. She also leads all active NCAA players with 5.45 career digs/set.
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 currently ranks 24th in program history with 1,078 digs, while with 680 career kills, she has a shot at potentially reaching 1,000 career kills as well.
UINDY WOMEN’S SOCCER
WOMEN’S SOCCER OPENS 2024 CAMPAIGN AGAINST ODU THURSDAY
INDIANAPOLIS – On Thursday, Sept. 5, the UIndy women’s soccer team open its season at home against the Ohio Dominican University Panthers. Kickoff will begin at 7 p.m. at Key Stadium.
Head Coach Kelli Beheler starts her second year as the head coach of the program with a matchup against a familiar ODU team. Last season, the Hounds faced off against the Panthers in a match that resulted in a 1-1 draw.
UIndy returns a host of depth throughout the lineup, while adding nine new players to the roster. Sarah Wegener and Rochelle Maxson return for the Hounds, as they led all returners in total points and total minutes, respectively, during the 2023 season.
MARIAN VOLLEYBALL
KNIGHTS DOWN COUGARS 3-1 IN CROSSROADS LEAGUE OPENER
Spring Arbor, Mich. – Riding a seven-match winning streak entering the Crossroads League opener, the Marian volleyball team pushed their streak to eight with a four-set victory at Spring Arbor on Wednesday night. The win pushes No. 24 Marian to a 10-1 overall record, while beginning CL play 1-0.
Marian’s three set victories came with identical 25-21 scores, as Spring Arbor challenged the Knights in each of the four games. The Cougars took a commanding 7-1 hold on the lead to open the first set, but were unable to hold the edge as Madison Brooks and Khori Dryden sparked a 5-0 run to get the Knights back into the flow. The set turned into a back and forth joust after Marian took a 9-8 lead, with neither side holding a lead of more than two until the late stages. Mikayla Christiansen, Dryden, and Gabby Fish carried the offense throughout the first game, with the pair of seniors igniting a 4-0 run to finish the 25-21 win.
Spring Arbor controlled the second set, building an early 9-2 lead that they would not relent. Plays from Sydney Schaffer and Sarah Bennett helped Marian regroup and get within five as the Cougars held a 13-8 edge, but the visitors were unable to get enough offense, falling down 23-12 before going on to drop the game 25-13.
In the third set, Evie Dart and Gabby Fish sparked early offense for Marian, as strong plays helped balance the Spring Arbor attack. The Cougars, determined to take a 2-1 lead in the match, rattled off a 5-0 run to capture a 14-8. The Knights shook off their run with a 3-0 spurt ignited by Fish and Sami Lutte to inch closer, while a 4-0 run featuring three spike from Emma Hirchak brought the set to an 18-18 draw. Fish landed a pair of kills as her strong match continued, sparking a 3-0 run two rallies later to take a 21-19 lead. With the lead at hand, Marian firmly went on to close the third set 25-21, getting a block from Dryden and Nicole Wilkinson to take the 2-1 lead.
During the final set, Hirchak and Fish got Marian started on the right note, as the team rattled off an 11-4 run to open the final game. The lead would continue to swell, as a Wilkinson kill and Cougar error pushed the Knights’ advantage to nine, leading 15-6. Spring Arbor would begin to rally as Marian committed a pair of errors in a 6-0 run, but a kill and service ace from Mikayla Christiansen halted the spree, keeping Marian in control. The Cougars would come no closer than two points in the closing stretch, as Marian held off the late push and ended the evening with a kill from Gabby Fish, winning the match 3-1 with the 25-21 third set victory.
Fish led the team in kills with 15 in the match, adding a pair of block assists to her evening statline. Dryden recorded 13 kills, and Christiansen had nine kills to pair with a team-high 15 digs. Logan Smith recorded a double-double with 21 assists and 15 digs, while Sami Luttel led the team in assists with 26. Sydney Schaffer had two of the team’s five service aces, while joining Emma Lyons with 14 digs each. Wilkinson had three total blocks for a team high, adding six kills in the win.
Marian will continue their road stretch before returning home to the PE Center next Wednesday, traveling to the University of Saint Francis this Saturday for a 4:00 p.m. match.
MARIAN MEN’S SOCCER
MARIAN MEN’S SOCCER CONTINUES WIN STREAK WITH VICTORY OVER RED HAWKS
Crown Point, Ind. – The Marian Men’s Soccer team continues the winning streak with a 4-1 win over IU-Northwest. The Knights are now 4-0-1 overall on the season.
The Red Hawks started off strong scoring a goal within the first 2 minutes of play. The Knights were quick to turn around with Kyle Alb scoring off of a corner kick by Romaric Berneron. Marian’s offense was fierce keeping the ball on their side tallying four shots on target but failed to get past IU-Northwest’s goalie. With five minutes left in the period the Knights prevailed once again with Samuel Wehaus scoring the game winning goal to end the first period 2-1.
Marian started off the second period strong with the ball primarily on their side tallying four shots with three being on target within the first 10 minutes of play. After having his first shot three minutes prior saved by the goalie Alan Tenorio got another chance coming out victorious increasing the lead 3-1 for the Knights. After 15 minutes of back-to-back action for both sides Foslyn Grant got his hand in the mix scoring the last goal for the Knights with the assist from Cristobal Sanchez claiming the 4-1 win over the Red Hawks.
Marian out-shot IU-Northwest 19-6 with 16-2 being on target. Kyle Alb went 3-3 on shots in the game claiming one goal and Foslyn Grant went 3-2. Alan Tenorio and Cameron O’Brien also went 2-2 in shots while Samuel Wehaus shot all four of his shots on target. Romaric Berneron, Kieran Swanson, and Cristobal Sanchez all claimed an assist for the game. In goal Juan Torres started the match playing 17 minutes and gave up one goal while Kolton Crouch stepped up to the plate playing the last 71 minutes having one save on the day.
The Knights are back in action at home Saturday, September 7th at 1:00 p.m. at home against Olivet Nazarene.
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
17 – 36 – 5 – 16 – 50 – 25 – 1 – 80 – 32 – 8 – 4
September 5, 1906 – Many claim it was the first legal forward pass in American football history. St. Louis University quarterback Bradbury Robinson threw his legal forward toss for a TD to Jack Schneider at Carroll College, Waukesha, Wisconsin. St. Louis used the points from possibly the first touchdown pass in history to win by the score of, 22-0.
September 5, 1908 – Brooklyn Superbas pitcher Nap Rucker no-hits Boston Braves, 6-0 at Washington Park, Brooklyn
September 5, 1921 – Walter Johnson set an MLB strikeout mark at 2,287
September 5, 1946 – Joe Garagiola,wearing Number 17 for the Cardinals, played in his 1st major league baseball game, in his hometown of St. Louis; 2 RBI’s in Cardinals’ win over Chicago Cubs
September 5, 1955 – LA Dodger Number 36, Don Newcombe hits NL pitcher record 7th HR of the season
September 5, 1960 – Indy Driver A. J. Foyt, in the Number 5 car wins the first of 67 Indy car victories at Du Quoin, Illinois. State Fairgrounds
September 5, 1962 – Cubs Ken Hubbs, Number 16 sets 2nd base record for consecutive errorless games at 78 & consecutive errorless chances (418), he errors in the 4th. Full of promise and potential, Hubbs was the victim of one of the most tragic stories in baseball history when a sure-handed second baseman at the age of just 22, died in a plane crash in 1964.
September 5, 1971 – Houston Astros pitcher J. R. Richard, Number 50 debut, struck out 15 Giants in a 5-3 win
September 5, 1971 – New York Mets Don Hahn, Number 25 hit his first inside-the-park homer against the Phillies at Philadelphia’s Vet Stadium
September 5, 1988 – The CFL’s Earl Winfield, Number 1 of the Hamilton Tigre-Cats scored some long touchdowns. One was on a 101-yd punt return the others were 100-yd kickoff return and 58-yd pass reception.
September 5, 1994 – San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice, Number 80 catches 2 touchdown passes and runs for another score in 49ers’ 44-14 rout of the Raiders; surpassed legendary Cleveland Number 32 Jim Brown as NFL’s career TD leader with 127
September 5, 1995 – Cal Ripken Jr. Number 8 tied Lou Gehrig’s (Number 4) record of playing in 2,130 straight games
FOOTBALL HISTORY
September 5, 1906 – The very first legal forward pass is thrown a regular season game in the history of American Football as St Louis University QB Bradbury Robinson tosses a touchdown strike to Jack Schnneider in a game at Waukesha, Wisconsin as St. Louis U. blanks the home town Carroll College team 22-0. This was monumental! Think about it this way, the rule to be able to legally throw a pass forward was just created in December 1905, BUT if the pass was incomplete on first or second down the offense was penalized 15 yards from where the ball was thrown. Can you imagine the risk associated with throwing a pass with a rule like that? One Smithsonianmag.com article claims that the passing rule of 1906 also included that if the ball hit the ground untouched that the defense would be awarded possession. Why would they make rules so anti-pass one might ask. The explanation is pretty clear that most of the traditional powers of the day including Yale and Army amongst many other thought that the rule of passing the ball made the game less manly, and would ruin the game. What it ended up doing after modifying the very hindering rules just discussed would make it the most exciting game ever created! And it all started with that first throw forward by Robinson.
September 5, 1988 – In the Canadian Football League, Hamilton player, Earl Winfield returns a punt for a 101-yard score, a kick-off 100 yards as well as catching a 58-yard pass!
September 5, 1994 – San Francisco 49ers wideout Jerry Rice becomes the NFL TD leader with 127, as he surpasses Jim Brown’s record by catching two TD passes, and running another one in to boot taking the Niners to a 44-14 win over the Raiders. In an unrelated but yet interesting fast-forward tidbit, Rice would later play for the Raiders.
September 5, 2002 – The first time ever that the NFL season started on a Thursday night game when the 49ers defeated the NY Giants. There were pregame concerts and festivities to bring the season to an open in style.
Hall of Fame Birthday for September 5
September 5, 1873 – Dave Campbell was an end from Harvard University who played from 1898 through 1901. He was selected as a consensus All-American in 3 straight years 1899, 1900 and 1901. The 1901 team went undefeated and the captain that year, you guessed it was Dave Campbell. In 1958 he received the honor of being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame per the National Football Foundation.
September 5, 1909 – Harry Newman a University of Michigan halfback was also born on this day. The legendary rusher was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1975’s enshrinement ceremonies. In 1932 he was the recipient of the Douglas Fairbanks trophy as the Outstanding College Players of the Year according to the National Football Foundation. Very prestigious indeed as the Fairbanks Award was the predecessor of the Heisman Trophy which would come out a few years later. Newman played as a pro for the New York Giants from 1933 through 1935 and then went over to the Brooklyn/Rochester Tigers in the 1936 and 1937 seasons.
September 5, 1939 – Billy Kilmer was a former UCLA halfback that in 1999 became inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame per the National Football Foundation. After college Kilmer had a productive 18-year career in the NFL as both halfback and quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, New Orlean Saints and, the Washington Redskins. In an interesting fact, Kilmer is linked to one of the more well-known plays in pro football history as in 1964 as a member of the Niners he fumbled and Viking’s defensive lineman Jim Marshall picked it up and ran 66 yards to the wrong endzone, in what ended up being the longest safety scored in history.
September 5, 1946 – Jerry LeVias was a former SMU wide receiver who made it into the hallowed halls of the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003 according to his bio on the National Football Foundation website. Mr. LeVias was the second African-American player to play and the first African-American on scholarship in the Southwest Conference. He went into the pro game with the AFL’s Houston Oilers and San Diego Chargers.
TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
Sept. 5
1908 — Brooklyn’s Nap Rucker pitched a 6-0 no-hitter against Boston. Rucker struck out 14 and walked none.
1918 — Babe Ruth pitched a six-hitter for the Boston Red Sox, who beat the Chicago Cubs 1-0 in the opening game of the World Series. The Series was started early because of World War I.
1954 — Roswell’s Joe Bauman of the Longhorn League hit three home runs to give him 72 for the season. Bauman never made it to the majors.
1955 — Brooklyn pitcher Don Newcombe connected for his seventh homer of the season for a National League record for home runs by a pitcher. The Dodgers, behind Newcombe’s power and 20th win, defeated the Phillies 11-4.
1971 — J.R. Richard tied Karl Spooner’s major league record by striking out 15 San Francisco Giants in his first major league game as the Houston Astros beat the Giants.
1982 — Roy Smalley hit a pair of three-run homers, one from each side of the plate, as the Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 18-7.
1998 — Mark McGwire became the third player in baseball history to reach 60 home runs, as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-0. He joined Babe Ruth and Roger Maris with 60 homers in a single season.
2002 — Alex Rodriguez became the fifth player in major league history to record successive 50-homer seasons, hitting two in Texas’ 11-2 rout of Baltimore. Rodriguez, who hit 52 homers last season, joined Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Ken Griffey Jr.
2003 — Mike Maroth became the first major league pitcher in 23 years to lose 20 games in a season when Detroit lost to Toronto 8-6. Maroth (6-20) allowed eight runs and nine hits in three-plus innings. Oakland’s Brian Kingman went 8-20 in 1980.
2009 — Pittsburgh’s Ross Ohlendorf became the 40th major league pitcher to strike out the side on nine pitches in an inning, but didn’t figure in the decision as the Pirates lost 2-1 to St. Louis in 10 innings.
2018 — Shohei Ohtani homered twice during a huge night at the plate after getting bad news about his pitching arm, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Texas Rangers 9-3. Perhaps headed for Tommy John surgery, the two-way rookie sensation went 4 for 4 with three RBIs, four runs and a stolen base to power the Angels. Ohtani’s homers were towering drives into the right-field seats. With his second two-homer game, the designated hitter tied Kenji Johjima’s 2006 major league record of 18 homers by a Japanese rookie.
2018 — Brandon Phillips hit a two-out, two-run homer in the ninth inning, highlighting his long-awaited season debut and capping the biggest comeback by the Boston Red Sox this year for a 9-8 win over the Atlanta Braves. The Red Sox overcame a late six-run deficit to sweep the three-game series between division leaders.
2023 — Giancarlo Stanton hits the 400th home run of his career off José Cisnero in the 6th inning to break a 1 – 1 tie and lead the Yankees to a 5 – 1 win over the Tigers. Having needed 1,520 games to reach the mark makes him the fourth fastest in history following Mark McGwire, Babe Ruth and Alex Rodriguez.
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
Sept. 5
1922 — The U.S. beats Australia 4-1 to capture the Davis Cup for the third straight year.
1938 — Don Budge leads the U.S. to a 3-2 victory over Australia in the Davis Cup final at Philadelphia. Budge beats Adrian Quist of Australia 8-6, 6-1, 6-2 to wrap up the title.
1949 — Pancho Gonzalez captures his second consecutive men’s singles title in the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association championships. Gonzalez needs 67 games — the most ever in a final — to defeat Ted Schroeder, 16-18, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. Mary Osborne du Pont defeats Doris Hart 6-4, 6-1 for the women’s title.
1951 — Maureen Connolly, 16, wins the U.S. women’s singles title with a 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 victory over Shirley Fry.
1960 — Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) beats 3-time European champion Zbigniew Pietrzykowski of Poland by unanimous points decision to win Olympic light heavyweight boxing gold medal at the Rome Games.
1975 — Martina Navratilova of Czechoslovakia loses to Chris Evert in the U.S. Open semifinals, then appears at the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service office in New York and asks for political asylum.
1987 — John McEnroe is fined $17,500 for tirades at US Tennis Open.
1989 — Chris Evert’s illustrious career ends in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open when she blows a 5-2 first-set lead and is beaten 7-6, 6-2 by Zina Garrison. Evert’s record at the U.S. Open is 101-12 and she finishes her career with a match record of 1,304-145 and 18 Grand Slam titles.
1990 — Ivan Lendl’s bid for a record nine straight U.S. Open men’s finals ends in the quarterfinals. Pete Sampras wins in five sets, 6-4, 7-6, 3-6, 4-6, 6-2.
1994 — SF wide receiver Jerry Rice catches 2 touchdown passes and runs for another score in 49ers’ 44-14 rout of the Raiders; surpasses Jim Brown as NFL’s career TD leader with 127.
1995 — Cal Ripken Jr. ties Gehrig’s record of playing in 2,130 straight games.
1998 — Mark McGwire becomes the third player in baseball history to reach 60 home runs, as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-0. He joins Babe Ruth and Roger Maris with 60 homers in a single season.
2001 — Old rivals Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras battle in a classic match. Sampras wins in four sets, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5), with neither player losing serve.
2002 — The U.S. men finish without a medal at the basketball world championships. Yugoslavia comes back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter and defeats the U.S. 81-78. After going 58-0 using NBA players in international competitions, the Americans lose two straight.
2007 — Alicia Sacramone’s floor routine rallies the U.S. to the world women’s gymnastics title in Stuttgart, Germany. The Americans finishes with 184.4 points, beating defending champion China by .95 for their second world title, and the first won on foreign soil.
2009 — Three-year-old filly Rachel Alexandra becomes the first female to win the Grade I Woodward Stakes when she holds off Macho Again by a head at Saratoga.
2011 — Antron Brown becomes the first NHRA racer to win the U.S. Nationals in both Top Fuel and Pro Stock Motorcycle, beating Del Worsham in the Top Fuel final. Brown, five-time winner this season, completes a successful transition to Top Fuel from Pro Stock Motorcycle in 2008.
2013 — Denver’s Peyton Manning ties an NFL record with seven touchdown passes against the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens to lead the Broncos to a 49-27 win in the season opener. Manning becomes the sixth player to throw for that many, and the first since Joe Kapp on Sept. 28, 1969.
2020 — 8-1 Underdog Authentic holds off heavy favorite Tiz the Law to win the 146th Kentucky Derby.
TV SPORTS THURSDAY
| NFL REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Baltimore at Kansas City | 8:15pm | NBC Peacock |
| MLB REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Houston at Cincinnati | 1:10pm | MLBN Bally Sports Ohio SCHN |
| Minnesota at Tampa Bay | 1:10pm | MLBN Bally Sports North Bally Sports Sun |
| Seattle at Oakland | 3:37pm | ROOT NBCS-CA |
| Arizona at San Francisco | 3:45pm | MLBN YurView NBCS-BAY |
| Philadelphia at Miami | 6:40pm | MLBN NBCS-PHI Bally Sports Florida |
| Washington at Pittsburgh | 6:40pm | MLBN ATTSN-PIT MASN |
| Colorado at Atlanta | 7:20pm | Rockies.TV Bally Sports South |
| LA Angels at Texas | 8:05pm | MLBN Bally Sports West Bally Sports Southwest |
| Detroit at San Diego | 9:40pm | MLBN Padres.TV Bally Sports Detroit |
| WNBA | TIME ET | TV |
| Seattle vs New York | 7:00pm | Prime FOX 5 NY Prime-Seattle |
| Washington vs Phoenix | 7:00pm | Prime AFSN MNMT |
| GOLF | TIME ET | TV |
| DP World: Omega European Masters | 7:30am | GOLF |
| SOCCER | TIME ET | TV |
| UEFA Nations League: Azerbaijan vs Sweden | 12:00pm | FS2 VIX Fubo |
| UEFA Nations League: Serbia vs Spain | 2:45pm | FS2 VIX Fubo |
| UEFA Nations League: Portugal vs Croatia | 2:45pm | VIX |
| UEFA Nations League: Scotland vs Poland | 2:45pm | FOX Soccer Plus Fubo |
| UEFA Nations League: Denmark vs Switzerland | 2:45pm | VIX |
| UEFA Nations League: Estonia vs Slovakia | 2:45pm | VIX |
| UEFA Nations League: Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg | 2:45pm | VIX |
| UEFA Nations League: Belarus vs Bulgaria | 2:45pm | VIX |
| UEFA Nations League: San Marino vs Liechtenstein | 2:45pm | VIX |
| CONCACAF Nations League: Guyana vs Suriname | 4:00pm | Paramount+ |
| CONCACAF Nations League: Montserrat vs El Salvador | 4:00pm | Paramount+ |
| FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Japan vs Ghana | 6:00pm | FS2 Fubo |
| FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Korea DPR vs Costa Rica | 6:00pm | FOX Soccer Plus Fubo |
| CONCACAF Nations League: Costa Rica vs Guadeloupe | 8:00pm | Paramount+ |
| World Cup Qualifying: Argentina vs Chile | 8:00pm | VIX |
| CONCACAF Nations League: Bonaire vs Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 9:00pm | Paramount+ |
| FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Netherlands vs Argentina | 9:00pm | FS2 Fubo |
| FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Austria vs New Zealand | 9:00pm | FOX Soccer Plus Fubo |
| CONCACAF Nations League: Guatemala vs Martinique | 10:00pm | Paramount+ |
| TENNIS | TIME ET | TV |
| US Open | 11:00am | ESPN+ |
| US Open | 12:00pm | ESPN+ |
| US Open: Mixed Doubles Championship | 3:00pm | ESPN2 |
| US Open: Women’s Singles Semifinals | 7:00pm | ESPN |