“THE SCOREBOARD”
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 5 SCHEDULE
ADAMS CENTRAL (3-1) AT HERITAGE (4-0)
ALEXANDRIA (3-1) AT MISSISSINEWA (4-0)
ANDERSON (0-4) AT MUNCIE CENTRAL (0-4)
ANDREAN (2-2) AT HOBART (2-2)
ANGOLA (1-3) AT LAKELAND (3-1)
AVON (1-3) AT FRANKLIN CENTRAL (1-2)
BATESVILLE (4-0) AT EAST CENTRAL (2-2)
BEECH GROVE (2-2) AT MONROVIA (3-1)
BELLMONT (0-4) AT HUNTINGTON NORTH (2-2)
BEN DAVIS (1-3) AT WARREN CENTRAL (4-0)
BLACKFORD (2-2) AT EASTBROOK (2-2)
BLOOMINGTON NORTH (3-1) AT TERRE HAUTE NORTH (1-3)
BOWMAN ACADEMY (0-4) AT LAKE STATION (0-4)
BREBEUF JESUIT (3-1) AT CARMEL (2-2)
BREMEN (2-2) AT JIMTOWN (2-2)
BROWNSBURG (4-0) AT FISHERS (3-1)
BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (4-0) AT NORTH HARRISON (3-1)
CALUMET CHRISTIAN AT HAMMOND NOLL (1-3)
CASCADE (4-0) AT SULLIVAN (1-3)
CENTERVILLE (4-0) AT TRI (2-2)
CHARLESTOWN (1-3) AT PROVIDENCE (4-0)
CHESTERTON (3-1) AT VALPARAISO (3-1)
CLOVERDALE (3-1) AT NORTH PUTNAM (4-0)
COLUMBIA CITY (4-0) AT DEKALB (2-2)
COLUMBUS EAST (2-2) AT NEW ALBANY (3-1)
COLUMBUS NORTH (4-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (3-1)
CORYDON CENTRAL (0-4) AT EASTERN (PEKIN) (1-3)
COVENANT CHRISTIAN (0-4) AT TRITON CENTRAL (2-2)
COVINGTON (2-2) AT SOUTH VERMILLION (4-0)
CRAWFORD COUNTY (0-4) AT MITCHELL (0-4)
CULVER ACADEMY (3-1) AT HAMMOND CENTRAL (2-2)
DELPHI (2-2) AT TRI-CENTRAL (1-3)
EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (1-3) AT MUNSTER (0-4)
EAST NOBLE (3-1) AT LEO (4-0)
EASTERN (GREENTOWN) (1-3) AT CARROLL (FLORA) (4-0)
EASTERN GREENE (1-3) AT CLARKSVILLE (0-4)
EASTERN HANCOCK (2-2) AT KNIGHTSTOWN (4-0)
EASTSIDE (1-3) AT GARRETT (4-0)
EDGEWOOD (2-2) AT SOUTH PUTNAM (2-2)
EVANSVILLE CENTRAL (1-3) AT EVANSVILLE REITZ (4-0)
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (3-1) AT JASPER (2-2)
EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (4-0) AT EVANSVILLE HARRISON (0-4)
EVANSVILLE NORTH (1-3) AT EVANSVILLE BOSSE (0-4)
FAIRFIELD (2-2) AT WEST NOBLE (4-0)
FORT WAYNE BLACKHAWK (0-3) AT SOUTH ADAMS (1-3)
FORT WAYNE DWENGER (1-3) AT HOMESTEAD (2-2)
FORT WAYNE LUERS (3-1) AT FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA (2-2)
FORT WAYNE NORTH (2-2) AT FORT WAYNE NORTHROP (1-3)
FORT WAYNE SNIDER (3-1) AT CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (2-2)
FORT WAYNE SOUTH (0-4) AT FORT WAYNE WAYNE (1-2)
FOUNTAIN CENTRAL (1-3) AT ATTICA (0-4)
FRANKFORT (0-4) AT LEBANON (2-2)
FRANKTON (0-4) AT OAK HILL (2-2)
FREMONT (1-3) AT CENTRAL NOBLE (0-4)
FRONTIER (3-0) AT BENTON CENTRAL (0-4)
GARY WEST (3-1) AT WHITING (2-2)
GIBSON SOUTHERN (3-1) AT SOUTHRIDGE (3-1)
GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (4-0) AT SHELBYVILLE (1-3)
GREENSBURG (0-4) AT SOUTH DEARBORN (3-1)
GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN (3-1) AT MILAN (2-2)
GRIFFITH (4-0) AT RIVER FOREST (3-1)
GUERIN CATHOLIC (3-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (1-2)
HAGERSTOWN (2-2) AT CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN (1-3)
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (3-1) AT WESTFIELD (4-0)
HAMMOND MORTON (0-4) AT CALUMET (3-1)
HANOVER CENTRAL (3-1) AT KANKAKEE VALLEY (2-2)
HERITAGE HILLS (3-1) AT NORTH POSEY (4-0)
INDIAN CREEK (1-3) AT GREENCASTLE (1-3)
INDIANAPOLIS ATTUCKS (1-1) AT PURDUE POLY ENGLEWOOD (1-3)
INDIANAPOLIS RITTER (1-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (3-1)
INDIANAPOLIS TECH (2-1) AT LAWRENCE NORTH (4-0)
INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY (1-3) AT MONROE CENTRAL (3-1)
INDIANAPOLIS WASHINGTON (2-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS SHORTRIDGE (1-2)
IRVINGTON PREP (0-3) AT CHRISTEL HOUSE (0-3)
JAY COUNTY (2-2) AT BLUFFTON (4-0)
JEFFERSONVILLE (3-1) AT FLOYD CENTRAL (2-1)
JENNINGS COUNTY (0-4) AT MADISON (2-2)
JOHN GLENN (1-2) AT KNOX (2-2)
KOKOMO (1-2) AT LAFAYETTE JEFF (4-0)
LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (3-0) AT WEST LAFAYETTE (3-1)
LAPORTE (0-4) AT LAKE CENTRAL (2-2)
LAWRENCEBURG (3-1) AT FRANKLIN COUNTY (2-2)
LINTON (3-1) AT BOONVILLE (1-3)
LOWELL (1-3) AT HIGHLAND (1-3)
MACONAQUAH (3-0) AT PERU (2-2)
MADISON-GRANT (4-0) AT ELWOOD (1-3)
MANCHESTER (1-3) AT NORTHFIELD (1-3)
MARION (2-2) AT RICHMOND (0-4)
MARTINSVILLE (4-0) AT FRANKLIN (2-2)
MCCUTCHEON (2-2) AT HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (2-2)
MICHIGAN CITY (1-3) AT MERRILLVILLE (3-1)
MISHAWAKA (3-1) AT GOSHEN (0-4)
MISHAWAKA MARIAN (2-2) AT PENN (3-1)
MOORESVILLE (1-3) AT DECATUR CENTRAL (1-2)
MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) (0-4) AT DELTA (3-1)
MOUNT VERNON (POSEY) (3-1) AT FOREST PARK (3-1)
NEW HAVEN (0-4) AT NORWELL (1-3)
NEW PALESTINE (3-0) AT PENDLETON HEIGHTS (2-2)
NEW PRAIRIE (3-1) AT ELKHART (3-1)
NOBLESVILLE (2-2) AT ZIONSVILLE (2-2)
NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) (0-4) AT INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (2-2)
NORTH DAVIESS (3-1) AT EDINBURGH (0-4)
NORTH DECATUR (3-1) AT LAPEL (4-0)
NORTH JUDSON (4-0) AT CULVER (1-3)
NORTH KNOX (1-3) AT NORTH CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG) (1-3)
NORTH MIAMI (3-1) AT PIONEER (3-1)
NORTH MONTGOMERY (1-3) AT WESTERN BOONE (4-0)
NORTH NEWTON (1-3) AT WEST CENTRAL (2-2)
NORTH VERMILLION (3-1) AT RIVERTON PARKE (3-1)
NORTHEASTERN (4-0) AT UNION CITY (0-4)
NORTHVIEW (4-0) AT OWEN VALLEY (0-4)
NORTHWOOD (2-2) AT NORTHRIDGE (1-3)
PAOLI (4-0) AT WEST WASHINGTON (2-2)
PARK TUDOR (3-1) AT SHENANDOAH (2-2)
PARKE HERITAGE (1-3) AT SEEGER (2-2)
PERRY MERIDIAN (2-2) AT WHITELAND (2-1)
PIKE (3-1) AT LAWRENCE CENTRAL (1-3)
PIKE CENTRAL (2-2) AT SOUTH SPENCER (1-3)
PLAINFIELD (4-0) AT GREENWOOD (2-2)
PORTAGE (2-2) AT CROWN POINT (4-0)
PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (3-1) AT CHURUBUSCO (1-3)
PRINCETON (0-4) AT WASHINGTON (3-1)
RENSSELAER CENTRAL (1-3) AT TIPTON (3-1)
ROCHESTER (3-1) AT LEWIS CASS (2-2)
RUSHVILLE (2-2) AT CONNERSVILLE (2-2)
SALEM (1-3) AT SPRINGS VALLEY (3-1)
SCOTTSBURG (2-2) AT SILVER CREEK (3-1)
SEYMOUR (1-3) AT BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (0-4)
SHERIDAN (2-2) AT CLINTON PRAIRIE (3-1)
SOUTH BEND ADAMS (0-4) AT SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH (2-2)
SOUTH BEND RILEY (1-2) AT SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON (0-4)
SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS) (1-3) AT CASTON (0-4)
SOUTHERN WELLS (0-4) AT WOODLAN (1-3)
SOUTHMONT (2-2) AT CRAWFORDSVILLE (2-2)
SOUTHPORT (0-4) AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (3-1)
SOUTHSIDE HOMESCHOOL AT SOUTH DECATUR (2-2)
SPEEDWAY (3-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (1-3)
SWITZERLAND COUNTY (3-1) AT OWEN COUNTY (KY.)
TAYLOR (2-2) AT CLINTON CENTRAL (2-2)
TECUMSEH (0-4) AT PERRY CENTRAL (1-3)
TELL CITY (3-1) AT HANCOCK COUNTY (KY.)
TERRE HAUTE SOUTH (1-2) AT BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (2-2)
TIPPECANOE VALLEY (3-1) AT LAVILLE (2-2)
TRI-COUNTY (2-2) AT SOUTH NEWTON (3-1)
TRITON (3-1) AT WINAMAC (2-1)
TRI-WEST (2-2) AT DANVILLE (3-1)
TROTWOOD-MADISON (OHIO) AT CENTER GROVE (3-1)
TWIN LAKES (2-2) AT LOGANSPORT (3-1)
UNION COUNTY (0-4) AT WINCHESTER (0-4)
VINCENNES LINCOLN (2-2) AT CASTLE (3-1)
WABASH (0-4) AT SOUTHWOOD (0-4)
WARSAW (3-1) AT CONCORD (4-0)
WAWASEE (0-4) AT PLYMOUTH (2-2)
WES-DEL (1-3) AT NORTH WHITE (1-3)
WEST VIGO (1-3) AT BROWN COUNTY (3-1)
WESTERN (0-4) AT HAMILTON HEIGHTS (0-4)
WHEELER (2-2) AT BOONE GROVE (2-2)
WHITKO (0-4) AT NORTHWESTERN (4-0)
YORKTOWN (3-1) AT NEW CASTLE (2-2)
IFCA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLLS
6A
1 BROWNSBURG (8) 4-0 96
2 WESTFIELD (2) 4-0 91
3 WARREN CENTRAL 4-0 81
4 CENTER GROVE 3-1 60
5 CROWN POINT 4-0 56
6 LAWRENCE NORTH 4-0 43
7 INDPLS CATHEDRAL 2-2 40
8 HAMILTON SE 3-1 29
9 COLUMBUS NORTH 4-0 11
10 FW SNIDER 3-1 10
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:
CARMEL 2-2 (7), FISHERS 3-1 (7), ELKHART 3-1 (6), HOMESTEAD 2-2 (5)
INDPLS PIKE 3-1 (1), PENN 3-1 (1)
5A
1 VALPARAISO (5) 3-1 92
2 CONCORD (1) 4-0 80
MERRILLVILLE (1) 3-1 80
4 LAFAYETTE JEFF 4-0 66
5 WARSAW (1) 3-1 57
6 PLAINFIELD 4-0 47
7 WHITELAND 2-1 35
8 EAST CENTRAL (1) 2-2 34
9 DECATUR CENTRAL (1) 1-2 25
10 CASTLE 3-1 15
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:
BLOOMINGTON NORTH 3-1 (14), MICHIGAN CITY 1-3 (3), BLOOMINGTON SOUTH 2-2 (2)
4A
1 NEW PALESTINE (10) 4-0 100
2 EVANSVILLLE REITZ 4-0 79
3 INDPLS CHATARD 3-1 74
4 GREENFIELD CENTRAL 4-0 73
5 MARTINSVILLE 4-0 62
6 LEO 4-0 52
7 MISHAWAKA 3-1 42
8 COLUMBIA CITY 4-0 25
9 BREBEUF JESUIT 3-1 13
10 HANOVER CENTRAL 3-1 11
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:
NEW PRAIRIE 3-1 (8), EAST NOBLE 3-1 (6), NORTHVIEW 4-0 (2),
DANVILLE 3-1 (1), FW DWENGER 1-3 (1), NORTHWOOD 2-2 (1)
3A
1 EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL 4-0 (9) 99
2 HERITAGE HILLS 3-1 (1) 87
3 GIBSON SOUTHERN 3-1 77
4 FW LUERS 3-1 57
5 GUERIN CATHOLIC 3-1 52
6 WEST LAFAYETTE 3-1 42
7 LAWRENCEBURG 3-1 32
8 EVANSVILLE MATER DEI 3-1 30
9 BATESVILLE 4-0 25
10 MISSISSINEWA 4-0 22
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:
DELTA 3-1 (9), SOUTHRIDGE 3-1 (7), TRI-WEST 2-2 (5), WEST NOBLE 4-0 (5), GARRETT 4-0 (2)
2A
1 LAFAYETTE CC 3-0 (9) 98
2 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL 4-0 (1) 80
3 NORTH POSEY 4-0 73
4 INDPLS LUTHERAN 3-1 55
5 ADAMS CENTRAL 3-1 51
6 LINTON-STOCKTON 3-1 43
7 WESTERN BOONE 4-0 36
8 LAPEL 4-0 26
MONROVIA 3-1 26
10 TRITON CENTRAL 2-2 20
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:
BLUFFTON 4-0 (12), PAOLI 4-0 (8), ANDREAN 2-2 (8), HERITAGE CHRISTIAN 3-1 (7),
EASTERN HANCOCK 2-2 (6), CENTERVILLE 4-0 (3), ELWOOD 1-3, (3), SOUTH VERMILLION 4-0 (3)
1A
1 NORTH JUDSON 4-0 (9) 99
2 PROVIDENCE 4-0 (1) 88
3 CARROLL (FLORA) 4-0 79
4 LAVILLE 2-2 69
5 NORTH DECATUR 3-1 54
6 SOUTH PUTNAM 2-2 47
7 TRITON 3-1 27
8 SPRINGS VALLEY 3-1 26
9 PIONEER 3-1 16
10 MILAN 2-2 12
NORTH MIAMI 3-1 12
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:
MONROE CENTRAL 3-1 (11), FOREST PARK 3-1 (10), NORTH NEWTON 1-3 (9) , KNIGHTSTOWN 4-0 (6),
FRONTIER 3-0 (1), RIVERTON PARK 3-1 (1)
INDIANA SRN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL WEEK 5
6A
1 BROWNSBURG 4-0
2 WESTFIELD 4-0
3 WARREN CENTRAL 4-0
4 CROWN POINT 4-0
5 LAWRENCE NORTH 4-0
6 CENTER GROVE 3-1
7 HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN 3-1
8 FT. WAYNE SNIDER 3-1
9 COLUMBUS NORTH 4-0
10 CATHEDRAL 2-2
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: CARMEL, PENN, LAKE CENTRAL, NOBLESVILLE, FISHERS, FRANKLIN CENTRAL, ZIONSVILLE, AVON, FT. WAYNE CARROLL, ELKHART, PIKE
5A
1 VALPARAISO 3-1
2 MERRILLVILLE 3-1
3 CONCORD 4-0
4 LAFAYETTE JEFF 4-0
5 WHITELAND 2-1
6 WARSAW 3-1
7 PLAINFIELD 4-0
8 CASTLE 3-1
9 BLOOMINGTON NORTH 3-1
10 PLAINFIELD 4-0
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: EAST CENTRAL, DECATUR CENTRAL, FLOYD CENTRAL, FRANKLIN, CHESTERTON, BLOOMINGTON SOUTH, FW NORTH
4A
1 NEW PALESTINE 3-0
2 EVANSVILLE REITZ 4-0
3 BISHOP CHATARD 3-1
4 GREENFIELD-CENTRAL 4-0
5 LEO 4-0
6 MARTINSVILLE 4-0
7 MISHAWAKA 3-1
8 COLUMBIA CITY 4-0
9 BREBEUF 3-1
10 NORTHVIEW 4-0
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: NEW PRAIRIE, COLUMBIA CITY, EAST NOBLE, HANOVER CENTRAL, KANKAKEE VALLEY, DEKALB, PENDLETON HEIGHTS, SB ST. JOSEPH, CULVER ACADEMY, LOGANSPORT, DANVILLE
3A
1 EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL 4-0
2 FT. WAYNE LUERS 3-1
3 GIBSON SOUTHERN 3-1
4 WEST LAFAYETTE 3-1
5 HERITAGE HILLS 3-1
6 MISSISSINEWA 4-0
7 LAWRENCEBURG 3-1
8 GUERIN CATHOLIC 3-1/GIBSON SOUTHERN 3-1
9 WEST NOBLE 4-0
10 BATESVILLE 4-0
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: GRIFFITH, GARRETT, CASCADE, EVANSVILLE MATER DEI, DELTA, KNOX, MISHAWAKA MARIAN, SOUTHRIDGE, SOUTH DEARBORN, MT. VERNON POSEY, LAKELAND, TRI-WEST
2A
1 LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC 3-0
2 NORTH POSEY 4-0
3 INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN 3-1
4 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL 4-0
5 WESTERN BOONE 4-0
6 LAPEL 4-0
7 BLUFFTON 4-0
8 HERITAGE CHRISTIAN 3-1
9 ADAMS CENTRAL 3-1
10 SOUTH VERMILLION 4-0
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: ANDREAN, MONROVIA, TRITON CENTRAL, LINTON, ROCHESTER, ALEXANDRIA, CENTERVILLE, PAOLI, TELL CITY, NORTHEASTERN, NORTH PUTNAM, SOUTH VERMILLION, BREMAN, WHEELER, TIPTON
1A
1 NORTH JUDSON 4-0
2 PROVIDENCE 4-0
3 CARROLL FLORA 4-0
4 MADISON GRANT 4-0
5 NORTH DECATUR 3-1
6 SPRINGS VALLEY 3-1
7 TRITON 3-1
8 FRONTIER 3-0
9 NORTH MIAMI 3-1
10 MONROE CENTRAL 3-1/PIONEER 3-1
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: KNIGHTSTOWN, RIVERTON PARKE, SOUTH PUTNAM, NORTH VERMILLION, MONROE CENTRAL, MILAN, FOREST PARK, CLOVERDALE, NORTH DAVIESS, CLINTON PRAIRIE, GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL REPORTED SCORES
https://www.maxpreps.com/in/volleyball/scores/?date=9/19/2024
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER REPORTED SCORES
https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/scores/?date=9/19/2024
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER REPORTED SCORES
https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/girls/scores/?date=9/19/2024
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 4
THURSDAY, SEPT. 19
SOUTH ALABAMA 48 APPALACHAIN STATE 14
FRIDAY, SEPT. 20
7 P.M. | UNION AT SPRINGFIELD | FLOSPORTS
7 P.M. | SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE AT BENTLEY | FLOSPORTS
7:30 P.M. | STANFORD AT SYRACUSE | ESPN
8 P.M. | NO. 24 ILLINOIS AT NO. 22 NEBRASKA | FOX
10 P.M. | SAN JOSE STATE AT WASHINGTON STATE | CW NETWORK
SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
12 P.M. | MARSHALL AT NO. 3 OHIO STATE | FOX
12 P.M. | NC STATE AT NO. 21 CLEMSON | ABC/ESPN+
12 P.M. | FLORIDA AT MISSISSIPPI STATE | ESPN
12 P.M. | VILLANOVA AT MARYLAND | BIG TEN NETWORK
12 P.M. | JAMES MADISON AT NORTH CAROLINA | ACC NETWORK
12 P.M. | HOUSTON AT CINCINNATI | FS1
12 P.M. | KANSAS AT WEST VIRGINIA | ESPN2
12 P.M. | TULANE AT LOUISIANA | ESPNU
12 P.M. | RICE AT ARMY | CBSSN
12 P.M. | CHARLOTTE AT INDIANA | BIG TEN NETWORK
12 P.M. | STETSON AT HARVARD | ESPN+
12 P.M. | PRINCETON AT LEHIGH | ESPN+
12 P.M. | LAFAYETTE AT COLUMBIA | ESPN+
12 P.M. | ALFRED STATE COLLEGE AT MIT | FLOSPORTS
12 P.M. | CENTRAL MISSOURI AT DAVENPORT | FLOSPORTS
12 P.M. | CORTLAND AT SUSQUEHANNA | FLOSPORTS
12 P.M. | HUNTINGDON COLLEGE AT NORTH CAROLINA WESLEYAN | FLOSPORTS
12 P.M. | SUNY MORRISVILLE AT CATHOLIC | FLOSPORTS
12 P.M. | ST. ANSELM AT AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL | FLOSPORTS
12:45 P.M. | OHIO AT KENTUCKY | SEC NETWORK
1 P.M. | BALL STATE AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN | ESPN+
1 P.M. | BROWN AT GEORGETOWN | ESPN+
1 P.M. | FORDHAM AT DARTMOUTH | ESPN+
1 P.M. | CORNELL AT COLGATE | ESPN+
1 P.M. | ALMA COLLEGE AT NORTHERN MICHIGAN | FLOSPORTS
1:30 P.M. | NORFOLK STATE AT VMI | ESPN+
2 P.M. | ARKANSAS STATE AT NO. 20 IOWA STATE | ESPN+
2 P.M. | VIRGINIA AT COASTAL CAROLINA | ESPN+
2 P.M. | UTAH STATE AT TEMPLE | ESPN+
2 P.M. | SAINT FRANCIS (PA) AT EASTERN MICHIGAN | ESPN+
2 P.M. | TOWSON AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE | ESPN+
2 P.M. | SAN DIEGO AT NORTH DAKOTA | ESPN+
2 P.M. | DRAKE AT SOUTH DAKOTA | ESPN+
2 P.M. | YALE AT HOLY CROSS | ESPN+
2 P.M. | ST. THOMAS (MINN.) AT LINDENWOOD | ESPN+
2 P.M. | ROOSEVELT AT VALPARAISO | ESPN+
2 P.M. | HUSSON AT NORWICH | FLOSPORTS
2:15 P.M. | VANDERBILT AT NO. 7 MISSOURI | SEC NETWORK
2:30 P.M. | TENNESSEE STATE AT TENNESSEE TECH | ESPN+
3 P.M. | SOUTHERN MISS AT JACKSONVILLE STATE | ESPN+
3 P.M. | EASTERN WASHINGTON AT NEVADA | MOUNTAIN WEST NETWORK
3 P.M. | BRYANT AT NEW HAMPSHIRE | FLOSPORTS
3 P.M. | WESTERN CAROLINA AT MONTANA | ESPN+
3 P.M. | MERCYHURST AT MONTANA STATE | ESPN+
3:30 P.M. | NO. 11 USC AT NO. 18 MICHIGAN | CBS
3:30 P.M. | MIAMI (OHIO) AT NO. 17 NOTRE DAME | NBC
3:30 P.M. | UCLA AT NO. 16 LSU | ABC
3:30 P.M. | KENT STATE AT NO. 10 PENN STATE | BIG TEN NETWORK
3:30 P.M. | GEORGIA TECH AT NO. 19 LOUISVILLE | ESPN2
3:30 P.M. | BUFFALO AT NO. 23 NORTHERN ILLINOIS | ESPN+
3:30 P.M. | ARKANSAS AT AUBURN | ESPN
3:30 P.M. | RUTGERS AT VIRGINIA TECH | ACC NETWORK
3:30 P.M. | CENTRAL CONNECTICUT AT UMASS | ESPN+
3:30 P.M. | YOUNGSTOWN STATE AT PITT | ESPN+/ACCNX
3:30 P.M. | ARIZONA STATE AT TEXAS TECH | FS1
3:30 P.M. | MEMPHIS AT NAVY | CBSSN
3:30 P.M. | HOUSTON CHRISTIAN AT UTSA | ESPN+
4 P.M. | NO. 12 UTAH AT NO. 14 OKLAHOMA STATE | FOX
4 P.M. | DUKE AT MIDDLE TENNESSEE | ESPNU
4 P.M. | MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE AT NICHOLLS | ESPN+
4 P.M. | VALDOSTA STATE AT ERSKINE | FLOSPORTS
5 P.M. | TCU AT SMU | CW NETWORK
5 P.M. | STONY BROOK AT CAMPBELL | FLOSPORTS
5 P.M. | LANE AT MILES COLLEGE | ESPN+
6 P.M. | MONMOUTH AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL | ESPN+
6 P.M. | EAST CAROLINA AT LIBERTY | ESPN+
6 P.M. | UTEP AT COLORADO STATE | TRUTV
6 P.M. | PENN AT DELAWARE | FLOSPORTS
6 P.M. | EAST TENNESSEE STATE AT ELON | FLOSPORTS
6 P.M. | RICHMOND AT DELAWARE STATE | ESPN+
6 P.M. | FURMAN AT WILLIAM & MARY | FLOSPORTS
6 P.M. | MOREHEAD STATE AT EASTERN KENTUCKY | ESPN+
6 P.M. | SOUTHERN UTAH AT IDAHO STATE | ESPN+
6 P.M. | THE CITADEL AT MERCER | ESPN+
6 P.M. | MARIST AT BUCKNELL | ESPN+
6 P.M. | UINDY AT WAYNE STATE (MICH.) | FLOSPORTS
7 P.M. | NO. 8 MIAMI (FLA.) AT SOUTH FLORIDA | ESPN
7 P.M. | NORTHWESTERN AT WASHINGTON | FS1
7 P.M. | FLORIDA ATLANTIC AT UCONN | CBSSN
7 P.M. | CAL AT FLORIDA STATE | ESPN2
7 P.M. | FLORIDA A&M AT TROY | ESPN+
7 P.M. | TULSA AT LOUISIANA TECH | ESPN+
7 P.M. | NEW MEXICO STATE AT SAM HOUSTON | ESPN+
7 P.M. | TOLEDO AT WESTERN KENTUCKY | ESPN+
7 P.M. | WYOMING AT NORTH TEXAS | ESPN+
7 P.M. | NORTH CAROLINA A&T AT NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL | ESPN+
7 P.M. | ALABAMA A&M AT AUSTIN PEAY | ESPN+
7 P.M. | EASTERN ILLINOIS AT ILLINOIS STATE | ESPN+
7 P.M. | MISSOURI STATE AT UT MARTIN | ESPN+
7 P.M. | SOUTH DAKOTA STATE AT SE LOUISIANA | ESPN+
7 P.M. | SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS | ESPN+
7 P.M. | JACKSON STATE AT GRAMBLING | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
7 P.M. | NORTHERN ARIZONA AT UIW | ESPN+
7 P.M. | VIRGINIA LYNCHBURG AT MORGAN STATE | ESPN+
7 P.M. | SOUTHERN AT PRAIRIE VIEW A&M| ESPN+
7 P.M. | TEXAS SOUTHERN AT LAMAR | ESPN+
7 P.M. | SACRAMENTO STATE AT TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE | ESPN+
7 P.M. | WEBER STATE AT NORTHWESTERN STATE | ESPN+
7 P.M. | GARDNER-WEBB AT PRESBYTERIAN | ESPN+
7 P.M. | TARLETON STATE AT NORTH ALABAMA| ESPN+
7 P.M. | WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE AT GRAND VALLEY STATE | FLOSPORTS
7 P.M. | TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE AT UT PERMIAN BASIN | FLOSPORTS
7 P.M. | WEST ALABAMA AT WEST FLORIDA | FLOSPORTS
7:30 P.M. | NO. 6 TENNESSEE AT NO. 15 OKLAHOMA | ABC/ESPN+
7:30 P.M. | AKRON AT SOUTH CAROLINA | ESPNU
7:30 P.M. | IOWA AT MINNESOTA | NBC
7:30 P.M. | BOWLING GREEN AT NO. 25 TEXAS A&M | ESPN+/SECN+
7:45 P.M. | GEORGIA SOUTHERN AT NO. 5 OLE MISS | SEC NETWORK
8 P.M. | UL MONROE AT NO. 1 TEXAS | ESPN+/SECN+
8 P.M. | MICHIGAN STATE AT BOSTON COLLEGE | ACC NETWORK
8 P.M. | BAYLOR AT COLORADO | FOX
8 P.M. | ALCORN STATE AT MCNEESE | ESPN+
8 P.M. | IDAHO AT ABILENE CHRISTIAN | ESPN+
8 P.M. | NORTHERN COLORADO AT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN | ESPN+
8 P.M. | CENTRAL WASHINGTON AT WEST TEXAS A&M | FLOSPORTS
8 P.M. | MIDWESTERN STATE AT EASTERN NEW MEXICO | FLOSPORTS
8 P.M. | ANGELO STATE AT WESTERN NEW MEXICO | FLOSPORTS
8:30 P.M. | FRESNO STATE AT NEW MEXICO | TRUTV
8:30 P.M. | PURDUE AT OREGON STATE | CW NETWORK
9:45 P.M. | PORTLAND STATE AT BOISE STATE | FS1
10 P.M. | UTAH TECH AT UC DAVIS | ESPN+
10:30 P.M. | NO. 13 KANSAS STATE AT BYU | ESPN
MIDNIGHT | UNI AT HAWAI’I | SPECTRUM SPORTS PPV
INDIANA HOOSIERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
INDIANA 31 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL 7
INDIANA 77 WESTERN ILLINOIS 3
INDIANA 42 UCLA 13
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
NOTRE DAME 66 PURDUE 7
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
NOTRE DAME 23 TEXAS A&M 13
NORTHERN ILLINOIS 16 NOTRE DAME 14
NOTRE DAME 66 PURDUE 7
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
BUTLER 19 MURRAY STATE 17
BUTLER 53 HANOVER 0
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
BALL STATE 42 MISSOURI STATE 34
MIAMI FL 62 BALL STATE 0
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
EASTERN ILLINOIS 27 INDIANA STATE 20
INDIANA STATE 24 DAYTON 13
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
HOUSTON 29 INDIANAPOLIS 27
GREEN BAY 16 INDIANAPOLIS 10
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
BALTIMORE 5 SAN FRANCISCO 3
ATLANTA 15 CINCINNATI 3
CLEVELAND 3 MINNESOTA 2
TORONTO 4 TEXAS 0
SEATTLE 3 NY YANKEES 2
LA DODGERS 20 MIAMI 4
TAMPA BAY 2 BOSTON 0
ARIZONA 5 MILWAUKEE 1
NY METS 10 PHILADELPHIA 6
PITTSBURGH 3 ST. LOUIS 2
CHICAGO CUBS 7 WASHINGTON 6
HOUSTON 3 LA ANGELS 1
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCORES
ST. PAUL 8 INDIANAPOLIS 3
WNBA SCORES
WASHINGTON 92 INDIANA 91
ATLANTA 78 NEW YORK 67
LOS ANGELES 68 MINNESOTA 51
LAS VEGAS 98 DALLAS 84
SEATTLE 89 PHOENIX 70
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER SCORES
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
WEEK 3 SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, SEPT. 19
NEW YORK JETS 24 NEW ENGLAND 3
SUNDAY, SEPT. 23
NEW YORK GIANTS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (1:00P FOX)
CHICAGO BEARS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1:00P CBS)
HOUSTON TEXANS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1:00P CBS)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1:00P FOX)
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1:00P CBS)
DENVER BRONCOS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1:00P FOX)
GREEN BAY PACKERS AT TENNESSEE TITANS (1:00P FOX)
CAROLINA PANTHERS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (4:05P CBS)
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (4:05P CBS)
DETROIT LIONS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (4:25P FOX)
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT DALLAS COWBOYS (4:25P FOX)
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT LOS ANGELES RAMS (4:25P FOX
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT ATLANTA FALCONS (8:20P NBC)
MONDAY, SEPT. 24
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT BUFFALO BILLS (7:30P ESPN)
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (8:15P ABC)
WEEK 4 SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, SEPT. 26
DALLAS COWBOYS AT NEW YORK GIANTS (8:15P PRIME VIDEO)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 29
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT ATLANTA FALCONS (1:00P FOX)
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (1:00P FOX)
LOS ANGELES RAMS AT CHICAGO BEARS (1:00P FOX)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (1:00P CBS)
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT HOUSTON TEXANS (1:00P CBS)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1:00P CBS)
DENVER BRONCOS AT NEW YORK JETS (1:00P CBS)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1:00P FOX)
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (4:05P FOX)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (4:05P FOX)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (4:25P CBS)
CLEVELAND BROWNS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (4:25P CBS)
BUFFALO BILLS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (8:20P NBC)
MONDAY, SEPT. 30
TENNESSEE TITANS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (7:30P ESPN)
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT DETROIT LIONS (8:15P ABC)
WEEK 5 SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, OCT. 3
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS (8:15P PRIME VIDEO)
SUNDAY, OCT. 6
NEW YORK JETS VS MINNESOTA VIKINGS (9:30A NFL NETWORK, TOTTENHAM)
CAROLINA PANTHERS AT CHICAGO BEARS (1:00P FOX)
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (1:00P CBS)
BUFFALO BILLS AT HOUSTON TEXANS (1:00P CBS)
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1:00P CBS)
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1:00P FOX)
CLEVELAND BROWNS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1:00P FOX)
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT DENVER BRONCOS (4:05P FOX)
ARIZONA CARDINALS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (4:05P FOX)
GREEN BAY PACKERS AT LOS ANGELES RAMS (4:25P CBS)
NEW YORK GIANTS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (4:25P CBS)
DALLAS COWBOYS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (8:20P NBC)
MONDAY, OCT. 7
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (8:15P ESPN)
TOP NATIONAL SPORTS HEADLINES/NEWS RELEASES
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS
ARCH MANNING TO GET FIRST START FOR NO. 1 TEXAS AS EWERS CONTINUES RECOVERY FROM ABDOMEN STRAIN
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — No. 1 Texas will start Arch Manning at quarterback Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe while regular starter Quinn Ewers continues to recover from a strained muscle in his abdomen, coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday.
It will be the first career start for Manning, a second year freshman. He relieved Ewers in the second quarter last week against UTSA, and passed for four touchdowns and ran for another in a 56-7 Texas victory.
Manning is the son of Cooper Manning, the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, and the nephew of Super Bowl-winning QBs Peyton and Eli Manning. He was one of the highest-rated recruits in the country coming out of high school after the 2022 season.
“Arch is more than capable,” of being the Texas starter, Sarkisian said. “I don’t think he has to focus on leading right now. I think he needs to focus on knowing what he’s supposed to do and do it at a high level.”
The Longhorns are No. 1 for the first time since 2008 and Saturday’s matchup with the Warhawks is Texas’ last game before the program starts its first SEC schedule against Mississippi State on Sept. 28.
“We feel like Quinn has made great strides … (but) I’m looking forward to his future as a player and also the future of this season for us, the longevity, and getting him one more week healthier for the long term, is good for us as we’re getting ready for SEC play,” Sarkisian said.
Ewers missed several games over the previous two seasons with shoulder and sternum injuries. Sarkisian insisted he will return as the starter when he is ready.
“He’s in really good spirits,” Sarkisian said of Ewers. “All the goals that we had for him coming into this season are still there for him. I think we have a national championship caliber team and he’s the quarterback of that team. We still have that in front of us to go do that.
“With some of the games we have coming up down the road, this guy’s going to be in New York for the Heisman, whether he wins it or not. He has the ability to be a top five NFL draft pick. … Saturday, him not playing in this game, is not going to impact those three things and the goals we set for him and he’s working toward.”
COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK #4: #6 TENNESSEE AT #15 OKLAHOMA
TENNESSEE NOTES:
SEC OPENER IN NORMAN: No. 6/7 Tennessee opens SEC play in primetime on ABC at No. 15/13 Oklahoma, who plays its first SEC game. ESPN College GameDay will be on hand, marking the 25th time that the show has been involved in a Vols game. In the preseason media poll, Tennessee was picked to finish seventh, while the Sooners were picked to finish eighth. This is just the fifth meeting between the two programs. Oklahoma leads the series, 3-1, including a win in the last meeting, a 31-24, double-overtime thriller in 2015 in Knoxville. The Vols have won five straight games dating back to Nov. 25 last season and are seeking their first road win over a top-15 foe since beating No. 10 Georgia in Athens on Oct. 7. 2006. Tennessee is 9-8 vs. Top 25 teams under Josh Heupel. The nine ranked wins since 2021 are tied for the fourth-most in the FBS over that span. Excluding the 2020 COVID-shortened season, this is the first time that Tennessee opens SEC play against an opponent not named Florida since it lost at Georgia on Sept. 27, 2014. HEUPEL ERA: Josh Heupel, the 2022 AP SEC Coach of the Year and 2000 Oklahoma consensus first-team All-American, is in his fourth season at UT. Since taking over a program that was 3-7 prior to his arrival, Heupel owns a 30-12 record and has won 25 of his last 32 games. He led UT to the program’s winningest two-year stretch (20 from 2022-23) since the Vols won 20 from 2003-04. Since 2018, he ranks sixth nationally among active FBS head coaches in victories with 58. Last Saturday, Heupel became the quickest UT coach to reach 30 wins (42 games) since Phillip Fulmer did in his 38th game on Nov. 18, 1995, at Kentucky (34-31). He is the fifth-quickest Vol coach in history to reach the milestone, behind Gen. Robert Neyland (33 games, 1929); Bill Battle (35 games, 1972), John Barnhill (37 games, 1945), and Fulmer (38 games). Heupel guided the Sooners to the 2000 national championship and was the Heisman Trophy runner-up. RECORD START: Tennessee has outscored its opponents 191-13 through the first three games of the 2024 campaign. The +178 point differential through three games is the largest in SEC history and second-most by any FBS team in the AP Poll era (since 1936). 2013 Baylor was first at +186. The Vols have scored 50-plus points in the first three games of a season for the second time in school history and first since 1913. That year, UT beat Carson-Newman 58-0, Athens 95-0, and Maryville 75-0. Tennessee joined 2018 Alabama as the only SEC program to accomplish the 50-point feat in the AP Poll era. DOMINANT DEFENSE: Tennessee has gone 16 consecutive quarters – four full games – without allowing an offensive touchdown, which is tied with Georgia for the longest current streak in the nation. The 16-quarter run without allowing an offensive TD is tied for the third-longest streak in school history and longest overall for UT since keeping its opponent out of the end zone in 18 consecutive quarters across five games from 1965-66, which includes the final three-quarters of the 1965 Bluebonnet Bowl vs. Tulsa, the first three 1966 games vs. Auburn, Rice and Georgia Tech and the first three-quarters of the 1966 Alabama game. The Vols also had a 16-quarter streak in 1957. The four-game streak without allowing an offensive touchdown is the longest for Tennessee since shutting out 15-straight opponents from Nov. 5, 1938 to Dec. 9, 1939, under Gen. Robert Neyland. The current streak began with the first quarter of the 2024 Citrus Bowl vs. Iowa. This season, opponents have scored only via an interception return (NC State) and two field goals. In the FBS this season, the Vols are second in the nation in both total defense (160.7) and total offense (639.3). Tennessee is tops in the nation in scoring offense (63.7) and third in scoring defense (4.3). The Vols are one of only three FBS programs to not allow an offensive TD this season, joining Georgia and Ohio State.
NOTING THE TENNESSEE-OKLAHOMA SERIES • Tennessee and Oklahoma are meeting for the fifth time, and the Sooners lead the series 3-1 having claimed three straight. This is the first time they have faced off since the double-overtime thriller won by Oklahoma, 31-24, on Sept. 12, 2015, in Knoxville. • The two teams have only played once in Norman. No. 4 Oklahoma won that one 34-10, on Sept. 13, 2014. The two were set to meet in Norman in 2020, but that contest was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • The other two meetings occurred in Orange Bowls with the No. 3 Sooners topping the No. 2 Vols, in the 1968 Orange Bowl (1967 season), and UT winning the first meeting in the 1939 Orange Bowl (1938 season). Both of those games involved top-five teams. • Head coach Josh Heupel returns to his alma mater. The 2001 OU graduate led the Sooners to their last national championship in 2000, and the QB was the Heisman Trophy runner-up. From 1999-2000, Heupel posted a 20-5 record, passing for 7,456 yards and 53 touchdowns. Overall in OU history, he still ranks fifth in passing yards and fifth in touchdown passes. The 2000 consensus first-team All-American guided OU to a perfect season, capped with a 13-2 win over Florida State in the 2001 Orange Bowl, two years after the Vols won their last national title. He was recruited by the late Mike Leach. •Heupel spent 11 years as an assistant at Oklahoma. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant from 2003-04, in which the Sooners reached the national title game both seasons. He then served as quarterbacks coach from 2006-14. He also served as co-offensive coordinator for the Sooners from 2011-14. Heupel coached Heisman Trophy winners Jason White (2003) and Sam Bradford (2008). In total as an assistant and as a player, Heupel owned a 137-36 (.792) record at Oklahoma with 10 10-win seasons and seven Big 12 championships. • Offensive coordinator/QB Coach Joey Halzle is a two-time graduate of OU and played QB for the Sooners from 2006-08 under Heupel. He was in the same room as Sam Bradford. Halzle got his coaching start at OU and was either a GA or an offensive quality control assistant from 2009-14. He was part of five Big 12 championships. • Special teams coordinator/OLB Coach Mike Ekeler was a defensive graduate assistant at Oklahoma with Heupel from 2003-04. • Secondary coach Willie Martinez coached defensive backs at OU from 2010-11. • Chief of Staff Billy Ray Johnson worked in administration at OU for 15 years.
OKLAHOMA NOTES:
No. 15/13 Oklahoma (3-0, 0-0) plays its first-ever Southeastern Conference intraleague contest when it hosts No. 6/7 Tennessee (3-0, 0-0) on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. The game will be televised by ABC with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Holly Rowe announcing. u ESPN College GameDay will originate from Norman on Saturday for the ninth time and first since 2020. It will mark OU’s 41st appearance on the show, fourth-most nationally (the Sooners are 27-13). u Saturday’s game is the first of four consecutive OU home contests to open the season. The Sooners have won 10 straight home games and own the nation’s best home-winning percentage since the start of the 1999 campaign (143-13 [.917]). u Tennessee is Oklahoma’s first AP top-10 opponent in Norman since 2017 when the No. 5 Sooners beat No. 8 TCU 38-20. OU is 5-3 at home vs. AP top-10 competition since the start of the 2000 season. The other wins came against No. 1 Nebraska in 2000 (31-14), No. 9 Iowa State in 2002 (49-3), No. 2 Texas Tech in 2008 (65-21) and No. 10 Texas Tech in 2013 (38-30). The losses were to No. 5 Notre Dame in 2012 (30-13), No. 10 Baylor in 2014 (48-14) and No. 3 Ohio State in 2016 (45-24). The 2024 season marks the 130th in OU football history. The Sooners lead the nation with their 50 all-time conference championships, 27 11-plus-win seasons (tied), 33 AP top-five finishes, and five No. 1 overall NFL Draft picks (tied). They rank second with their seven Heisman Trophy winners (tied), third with seven AP national championships, their 101 weeks as the AP’s No. 1 team and 431 total weeks in the AP Top 5, and fourth with their 57 bowl appearances, 31 bowl wins (tied) and 417 NFL Draft picks. Saturday’s contest will mark the 1,342nd in OU history. The Sooners rank fifth in college football annals with their .726 all-time winning percentage (947-341-53 record). They trail Ohio State (.734), Alabama (.734), Michigan (.734) and Notre Dame (.730). Since the end of World War II (1946 season to present), OU has led all programs with 703 wins (31 more than Alabama, the program with the next most) and owns the best winning percentage (.767) among Power Four programs. Tennessee ranks 13th with 583 wins during the same span.
In addition to serving as Oklahoma’s first conference game as a member of the Southeastern Conference, Saturday’s contest is significant because former OU national championship quarterback Josh Heupel returns to Norman as Tennessee’s head coach. Heupel, who set virtually every school passing record over the 1999 and 2000 seasons, was the Heisman Trophy runner-up as a senior when he led OU to a 13-0 record and the program’s seventh national title. Heupel was the Sooners’ first-ever consensus All-America quarterback and became OU’s first All-America signal-caller since Jack Mildren in 1971. In 2000, Heupel was named Associated Press Player of the Year, Walter Camp Player of the Year, The Sporting News Player of the Year, and CBS Sports Player of the Year. He completed 654 of 1,025 passes as a Sooner (64%) for 7,456 yards and 53 touchdowns. The Aberdeen, S.D., product served as an OU graduate assistant in 2004 before joining the full-time staff in 2006 as quarterbacks coach. From 2011-14, he was co-offensive coordinator and QB coach. u Tennessee offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle was an Oklahoma QB during the 2006-08 seasons and went on to serve on the Sooners’ staff (quality control from 2009-11 and grad assistant from 2012-14). Volunteers secondary coach Willie Martinez was OU’s defensive backs coach from 2010-11, and UT Football Chief of Staff Billy Ray Johnson spent more than 15 years in OU Athletics administration, primarily in housing and ticket office roles. u Tennessee is the nation’s highest-scoring team, winning 69-3 vs. Chattanooga, 51-10 vs. NC State (in Charlotte), and 71-0 vs. Kent State, for an average of 63.7 points per contest (next highest figure is 56.0). UT’s +178-point differential is the largest by an SEC team through its first three games of a season in league history. The No. 6 Volunteers are the highest-rated opponent in the AP poll to come to Norman since No. 3 Ohio State beat the 14th-ranked Sooners 45-24 in the third game of the 2016 season. u OU has registered 10 takeaways through three games, tied for most in the country, and is +8 in turnover margin to rank second (Maryland is +9). It has six fumble recoveries — tied for the national lead and the same number it had all of last season — and four interceptions. Tennessee has forced four turnovers (three fumbles and one interception) and is +1 in turnover margin. u Junior defensive linemen Gracen Halton and R Mason Thomas entered the season with a combined 8.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, but through three games this season have teamed for 7.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. Halton, who earned his first career start on Saturday vs. Tulane, was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after registering a career-high 2.0 TFLs (11-yard sack and a 5-yard safety) in a 16-12 win over Houston the week before. He has 3.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks. Thomas’ three career starts have come this season. He is coming off a 3.0-sack performance against Tulane in which he also recorded a forced fumble, fumble recovery, pass breakup and QB hurry. He has a team-high 4.0 TFLs and 3.0 sacks. u Preseason All-America linebacker and Butkus Award-hopeful Danny Stutsman ranks second in the SEC (10th nationally) with his 11.0 tackles per game and first in the league (second nationally) with his 7.0 solo tackles per outing. The senior has led OU in tackles each of the last two seasons (125 in 2022 and 104 in 2023) and has 27 stops over the last two weeks (15 vs. Houston and 12 vs. Tulane). He has 300 career tackles. u Redshirt junior receiver Deion Burks has 22 receptions (ranks second in SEC and 11th nationally), the most ever by a Sooner in his first three career games. The Purdue transfer also has three receiving touchdowns. Eighteen Sooners (12 offensive and six defensives) have made their first OU starts this season: offensive linemen Joshua Bates, Geirean Hatchett, Branson Hickman, Logan Howland, Febechi Nwaiwu, Michael Tarquin and Jake Taylor, wide receivers Deion Burks, Zion Ragins and Brenen Thompson, tight ends Bauer Sharp and Jake Roberts, linebacker Kobie McKinzie, defensive back Dez Malone and defensive linemen Gracen Halton, Jayden Jackson, R Mason Thomas and Damonic Williams. u Tennessee is one of six AP top-16 teams and one of five in the top seven that OU will face in its remaining nine regular season games (No. 1 Texas [in Dallas], vs. No. 4 Alabama, at No. 5 Ole Miss, vs. No. 6 Tennessee, at No. 7 Missouri and at No. 16 LSU).
SEC PLAY IS FINALLY HERE Saturday will mark Oklahoma’s first conference game as an SEC member when it hosts Tennessee. Other league home games will be against South Carolina (Oct. 19) and Alabama (Nov. 23). The first SEC edition of the Red River Rivalry against Texas in Dallas is scheduled for Oct. 12 at the Cotton Bowl, with OU serving as the designated home team. u The Sooners are no strangers to their new SEC foes as Oklahoma has a 161-112-13 (.586) record against the league’s current member schools, including fellow new entrant Texas. Not including the Longhorns, OU owns a 110-49-8 (.683) all-time record against current SEC programs. Oklahoma and Texas officially joined the Southeastern Conference on July 1 after 28 years in the Big 12 Conference. OU won half of the Big 12’s football championships (14 of 28) since the league began in 1996 (six of the last nine) and posted a 187-61 (.754) record against conference competition (including an 11-1 record in Big 12 Championship games). Oklahoma’s 14 Big 12 titles were 10 more than the program with the next most (Texas won four). From 2010 through 2023, OU won eight Big 12 titles and was followed by Baylor (three), Kansas State (two) Oklahoma State, TCU and Texas (one each). OU-TENNESSEE SERIES HISTORY Oklahoma owns a 3-1 record against Tennessee, winning a home-and-home series in 2014 and ’15 and splitting a pair of Orange Bowl meetings in the 1938 and ’67 seasons. The Sooners posted a 34-10 home victory over the Volunteers on Sept. 13, 2014, before pulling off an unlikely 31-24 double-overtime road win the following season after trailing 17-0 in the fourth quarter. Bob Stoops was OU’s head coach in both contests and Butch Jones coached UT in both meetings. The other meetings came in the 1939 Orange Bowl (17-0 Tennessee; was OU’s first bowl appearance) and the 1968 Orange Bowl (26-24 Oklahoma). Tom Stidham coached OU in the first of those two matchups while the second Orange Bowl meeting came in Chuck Fairbanks’ first season as Sooners head coach. u The programs have never met as members of the same conference. 2015 OU-UT FLASHBACK; A FINISH FOR THE AGES u The most recent Oklahoma-Tennessee matchup on Sept. 12, 2015, in Knoxville stands as one of the Sooners’ most memorable contests of the last decade. After falling behind 17-0 and trailing 17-3 with less than nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, No. 19 OU scored touchdowns with 8:20 and 0:40 left in regulation to force overtime at No. 23 UT and went on to post a 31-24 double-overtime victory in front of the largest crowd to ever watch the Sooners play (102,455). Junior quarterback Baker Mayfield, playing in his second contest as a Sooner, accounted for four touchdowns (three passing and one rushing). He finished the game 19 for 39 through the air for 187 yards. In the fourth quarter and overtime, he was 11 for 14 for 103 yards. After surrendering a TD in the first overtime, OU responded with one of its own on 4th and goal from the 1.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK #1: #18 MICHIGAN VS. #11 USC
MICHIGAN NOTES:
What You Need to Know
• This is the third regular-season meeting between the Wolverines and Trojans; U-M won both previous games (1957 & 1958).
• This is U-M’s second nationally ranked match up of the season; has a 136-113-8 (54.5%) all-time record.
• Michigan has claimed victory in 42 of its last 46 games.
• Running back Kalel Mullings leads the team with 36 carries for 270 yards (7.5 avg.) and two TDs.
• Linebackers Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann are tied for the team lead with 14 tackles.
• Tight end Colston Loveland is pacing the Wolverines with 19 catches for 187 yards (9.8 avg.) and one TD.
10 Wolverines Hail from California
• Michigan’s roster features 1O players from the state of California: DB Nico Andrighetto (Mountain View), QB Anthony Arnau (Santa Monica), DB Zeke Berry (Pittsburg), Edge Cameron Brandt (Carson), QB Jayden Denegal (Apple Valley), DT Mason Graham (Anaheim), TE Zack Marshall
(Carlsbad), OL Jeff Persi (Mission Viejo), QB Jack Tuttle (San Marcos) and QB Davis Warren (Los Angeles).
• Three of these players are starters and three additional Wolverines are the primary backup at their respective positions.
Wolverines and Trojans
• U-M sports a 4-6 record against USC.
• The Trojans have won the last three games contested between the two programs, all on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl.
• The last seven meetings and eight of the 1 O previous games have all been played in the Rose Bowl, with USC holding a 6-2 advantage in those contests.
• The last meeting between the schools came in the 2007 Rose Bowl, a 32-18 victory for USC.
• Michigan has compiled a 2-0 record against USC in the regular season, winning a 16-6 affair at Southern California (1957) and a 20-19 game at Michigan Stadium (1958).
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Big Ten Openers
• The Wolverines will play their 119th conference opener against USC on Saturday (Sept. 21).
• USC will become the 15th different current or former opponent that the Wolverines have faced in the Big Ten opener.
• This is the first conference game for new Big Ten member USC.
• Michigan has claimed victories in 16 of its last 18 Big Ten openers.
• The Wolverines have compiled a 90-26-2 record in conference openers and have claimed victories in 52 of their last 56 Big Ten openers.
• U-M had a 23-game winning streak in conference openers snapped at Wisconsin in 2005.
• The only setbacks in the past 56 Big Ten openers came on the road against the Badgers (21-14 in 1981, 23-20 in 2005 and 35-14 in 2019) and at home against Minnesota (30-14 in 2014).
• U-M compiled an 8-1 record in conference openers under coach Jim Harbaugh.
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Game Notes Nuggets
• As the Wolverines prepare to enter Big Ten play, the team will look to add to a streak of 25 consecutive Big Ten wins dating to 2021. That figure represents a program record, the previous Michigan record set by Gary Moeller’s 1990-92 teams (19).
• The Big Ten Conference does not recognize the 2021, 2022, or 2023 title games as conference matchups, so U-M is at 22 straight Big Ten wins by the league’s record book.
• The Michigan roster includes 10 players from the state of California, the second-highest total from any state after Michigan: Nico Andrighetto (defensive back), Anthony Arnou (Santa Montica), Zeke Berry (Pittsburg), Cameron Brandt (Carson), Jayden Denegal (Apple Valley), Mason Graham (Anaheim), Zack Marshall (Carlsbad), Jeffrey Persi (Mission Viejo), Jack Tuttle (San Marcos), Davis Warren (Los Angeles).
• Twelve (12) Wolverines have made their collegiate debuts so far this season: Chibi Anwunah (edge), Manuel Beigel (defensive line), Hogan Hansen (tight end), Jason Hewlett (linebacker), Breeon Ishmail (edge), Ike Iwunnah (defensive line), Dominic Nichols (edge), Bryson Kuzdzal (running back), Evan Link (offensive line), Jordan Marshall (running back), Andrew Sprague (offensive line), and Cole Sullivan (linebacker).
• Another six players made their first career starts as Wolverines after earning starting assignments at their previous institutions: C.J. Charleston (wide receiver), Josh Priebe (offensive line), Josaiah Stewart (edge), Ernest Hausmann (linebacker), Jaishawn Barham (linebacker), and Dominic Zvada (kicker).
• Nine players have made their first career starts this fall: wide receiver Kendrick Bell, center Dominick Giudice, right tackle Evan Link, tight end Marlin Klein, wide receiver Peyton O’Leary, quarterback Davis Warren on offense; defensive back Zeke Berry, defensive back Jyaire Hill, and edge Derrick Moore on defense.
• After starting 7-of-23 (30.4 percent) in the first two games on third down, the Michigan offense was 9-of-12 (75 percent) on third downs last weekend, including 5-of-5 across three scoring drives in the first half.
• The run game rolled up over 300 rushing yards (301) last weekend, the first game of the year over 150 rushing yards. The team eclipsed 150 yards rushing on 10 occasions last year.
• Running back Kalel Mullings had a career day last weekend, reaching 153 yards rushing on 15 carries with two touchdowns. Among backs with at least 20 carries thus far, Mullings ranks seventh in yards after contact per attempt (6.0). He has zero yards lost on 36 carries this year.
• Mullings’ previous career-long rush was 23 yards entering last weekend’s game. He had runs of 30 yards (touchdown), 30 yards, and 38 yards to set a new career-long.
• Running back Donovan Edwards enjoyed his most productive game of the season with 82 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown. Edwards has lost only four yards on 36 carries this year.
• Tight end Colston Loveland has been the leader or co-leader in receptions for U-M in all three games. His eight receptions in each of U-M’s first two games set and matched a new career-high. His 88 yards in the season opener was also a career-best, and he passed 1,000 career yards against Texas (1,041 yards).
• Loveland’s 80 career receptions rank sixth all-time for tight ends (next: Sim Nelson, 84) and his 1,071 career receiving yards are now fifth all-time among tight ends at U-M (next: Lowell Perry, 1,261).
• The U-M passing offense has spread passes around to 11 different targets so far, with three players at five catches or more: Colston Loveland, Semaj Morgan, and Tyler Morris.
• The Michigan defense has surrendered an average of 9.3 points per game in the second half this year.
• Three members of the secondary have recorded interceptions: Makari Paige, Will Johnson,and Zeke Berry; Johnson’s was returned 86 yards for a touchdown against Fresno State.
• Opponents have struggled to run the ball effectively against the Wolverines. Fresno State finished with nine rushing yards, Texas with 143, and Arkansas State was held to 58 yards on the ground. Altogether, teams have scored just one rushing touchdown against U-M this year.
• Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades U-M’s run game (10th, 86.3), tackling (25th, 76.9), run defense (14th, 89.6), and special teams (22nd, 80.4) among the top units in the country.
• U-M Kicker Dominic Zvada and SMU’s Collin Rogers are the only FBS kickers with three-plus successful conversions at 50-plus yards in the first three weeks of the year.
• This marks the third year in a row that a Wolverine kicker converted three 50-plus yard field goals in a season (Moody 2022, Turner ’23, Zvada ’24).2, Turner ’23, Zvada ’24).
USC NOTES
BIG HOUSE • BIG TEN • No. 11 USC will face the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines in its inaugural Big Ten matchup in the Big House – a stage worthy of such a debut. SHUTOUT SATURDAY • USC defeated Utah State 48-0 on Saturday, Sept. 7. • This victory marked USC’s first shutout since it defeated UCLA in the infamous 50-0 game in 2011. • USC is now 7-0-0 all-time against Utah State, with two shutouts (the other in 1930, 65-0). • USC has allowed 20 points total through its first two games, its lowest total through 2 games since surrendering 15 points in the first 2 games of the 2015 season (Sept. 5 – W, 55-6 vs. Arkansas State, Sept. 12 – W, 59-9 vs. Idaho). • USC led 10-0 after the first quarter and outgained the Aggies 216-51. • USC led 27-0 at halftime. It was the first time USC held an opponent scoreless in the first half of a game since Sept. 4, 2021 vs. San José State. • USC has not allowed any points in the first quarter in its first two games. USC had a total yardage advantage of 379-101 at halftime. • Utah State was last held scoreless in a game for the first time since Sept. 3, 2022 at Alabama (55-0). • Holding Utah State to 190 total yards was the fewest yards allowed since USC held Oregon State to 181 total yards in 2014. • The 103 net yards passing by Utah State tonight was the fewest passing yards surrendered in a game by the Trojans since holding California to 93 net passing yards on Nov. 10, 2018. • USC’s defense gave up just 2 third-down conversions. • The Trojans rushed for 249 yards against Utah State. It was the most rushing yards totaled since USC rushed for 322 yards against Oregon State in 2018. • QB Miller Moss, in his first career start at the Coliseum, went 21-for-30 for 229 yards and a TD. • Moss only played the first half and the first offensive series of the second half. • QB Jayden Maiava, USC’s first Polynesian QB, made his Trojan debut. He went 8-for-11 for 66 yards and recorded 1 carry for 7 yards to score a TD. • RB Woody Marks tallied 13 carries for 103 rushing yards (7.9 avg.) with 1 TD. It was his third career 100- yard rushing game. • Marks’ 103 rushing yards were prior to the end of the first half. The last Trojan to record at least 100 rushing yards in the first half was Ronald Jones II who rushed for 109 rushing yards in the first half of the Arizona State game in 2017. • Marks’ 33-yard run in the first quarter was a career-long. His previous career-best run was 32 yards, which was set last season while with Mississippi State. • RB Quinten Joyner recorded a career-high 10 carries for a career-high 84 yards (8.4 avg.) and 2 TDs. • Joyner had an 80.0 offense grade (9th highest among P4 and independent RBs). • RB Bryan Jackson had his first 7 carries as a Trojan, rushing for 34 yards (4.9 avg.) • RB A’Marion Peterson had a career-high 3 carries for a career-high 18 yards (6.0 avg.) with his first career TD. • USC had 14 receivers make a catch versus Utah State. • TE Lake McRee led the Trojans with 81 yards on 4 receptions (20.3 avg.). He had a career-long reception of 34 yards in the second quarter. • WR Makai Lemon tied a career-best with 3 receptions for a career-high 23 yards and scored a TD. • LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold recorded 7 tackles which tied for the team lead. He also intercepted a deflected pass in the second quarter. The interception was the fourth of his career, first as a Trojan (3 with Oregon State). • LB Eric Gentry also had 7 tackles, including one sack, the first of the USC defense in the 2024 season. Gentry now has 5 career sacks.
MEET ME IN MICHIGAN • USC and Michigan have only played 10 times (USC is 6-4), including just twice in a non-bowl meeting. • This will be teams’ first meeting in 18 years (the last meeting was the 2007 Rose Bowl, following 2006 season). • USC is the only program to play both Ohio State and Michigan 5 or more times and have winning records versus both. • This will be USC’s first visit to Ann Arbor since 1958 (66 years ago) and just the second time ever. • This will be USC’s first visit to state of Michigan since 1987 (37 years ago) when the Trojans visited Michigan State. • The last time USC played a team from state of Michigan was in 2017 when USC faced Western Michigan it its home opener. That game was known for USC’s blind long-snapper, Jake Olson, making his USC debut when he delivered the snap for the final extra point. The moment was the culmination of the remarkable dedication to football shown by Olson, who completely lost his sight in 2009. MILLER TIME • After week 2, Moss was the second highest rated starting QB in the Big Ten (10th among all QBs) per PFF with a 90.8 grade. MAKING HIS MARK • With his 3 receptions against Utah State, RB Woody Marks extended his streak of consecutive games with a catch to 47, which is the longest active streak in the nation.
MICHIGAN SCOUTING REPORT • Michigan defeated Arkansas State 28-18 at home on Saturday (Sept. 14). • The run game was the strength of the offense against the Red Wolves. Michigan rushed for 301 yards on 44 carries. • Michigan scored 3 times on the ground after entering the game without a rushing touchdown through 2 games. • RB Kalel Mullings finished the game with a career-high 153 rushing yards on 15 carries and 2 TDs. • He currently leads the team with 270 rushing yards on 36 attempts with 2 TDs on the season. • RB Donovan Edwards set season highs with 17 rushes for 82 yards and a TD. • On Monday (Sept. 16), Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore announced that Alex Orji has moved into the starting QB role. • Against the Red Wolves, QB Davis Warren finished 11-for-14 passing for 122 yards and 3 INTs. • Warren has now thrown 6 interceptions this season through 3 games. • QB Alex Orji entered the game late in the third quarter. • Orji went 2-of-4 for 12 yards and 1 TD. He also rushed for 27 yards on 3 attempts. Orji’s ability to run gives Michigan another way to move the ball. • The Michigan defense stopped Arkansas State’s rushing attack by holding them to a loss of 6 yards on 11 attempts in the first half and just 58 rushing yards on the day (46 of which came in the fourth quarter). • Michigan had a 21-3 lead at halftime but were outscored 15-7 in the second half. • Star TE Colston Loveland caught 3 receptions for 30 yards before leaving the field with an injury in the third quarter. • Loveland has been by far Michigan’s most consistent weapon in the passing game (19 receptions for 187 yards, 9.8 avg. and 1 TD) and is considered one of the best tight ends in the nation. • WR Tyler Morris (5 receptions for 32 yards, 6.4 avg.) missed the game with an undisclosed injury. RANKINGS • USC is ranked No. 11 in the latest AP Poll and in 12th the USA Today Coaches Poll. • Michigan is ranked No. 18 in the latest AP Poll and 17th in the USA Today Coaches Poll. BIG TEN COMPETITION • Before joining the Big Ten Conference in 2024, USC has won 35 of its last 46 games (and 42 of its last 54) against Big Ten foes.
USC has twice played 3 consecutive games against Big Ten teams: Northwestern in the 1996 Rose Bowl, then Penn State and Illinois in 1996, and Indiana in the 1968 Rose Bowl, then Minnesota and Northwestern in 1968. • There have been 5 times (1962-68-72-76-89) when USC has faced 3 Big Ten teams during a single season, but not consecutively. NEW LEAGUES • USC is 4-1 the first time it has played a league game as a member of a new conference. • The Trojans lost their first Pacific Coast Conference outing (12-0 to Cal in 1922 in the first football game played in the Rose Bowl stadium), then won their first time out as a member of the Athletic Association of Western Universities (22-15 at Washington in 1959), Pacific-8 Conference (27-24 at Stanford in 1968), Pacific-10 Conference (37-10 at Oregon in 1978) and Pac-12 Conference (23-14 versus Utah in 2011 at home). IN SEPTEMBER • USC has a 198-55-8 (.774) all-time record while playing in the month of September (does not include 3 wins vacated due to NCAA penalty; original record: 201-55-8, .777). SUPER BOWL SITES •Just 3 teams in the nation are scheduled to play at 3 different Super Bowl sites: • USC – All home games are at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum; USC defeated LSU 27-20 at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 1; USC will play UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Nov. 23 • Notre Dame – The Irish will play Georgia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 19; Notre Dame will face Navy at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 26; The Irish will challenge the Trojans in the greatest intersectional rivalry in college football at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Nov. 30 • Navy – The Midshipmen will play Notre Dame at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 26; Navy will face Rice at Rice Stadium on Nov. 2; The Midshipmen will challenge South Florida at Raymond James Stadium on Nov. 9.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK #2: #24 ILLINOIS AT #22 NEBRASKA
ILLINOIS NOTES:
Illini Enter Top 25 Ahead of Contest at Ranked Nebraska • The Illinois football program, #24 in the Week 4 AP Top 25, visits #22 Nebraska on Friday night (7 p.m. CT / FOX). • Illinois returns to the top 25 for the first time since 2022, when the Illini reached as high as #14 and were ranked for four consecutive weeks in October and November. • The game vs. Nebraska is the Illini’s first ranked vs. ranked game since 2008, when #21 Illinois fell 38-24 at #12 Penn State. • The Sept. 15 poll marks the earliest in the season that Illinois has been voted into the top 25 since the 2008 preseason (#20). • Bret Bielema is the first Illini coach to earn Top 25 rankings in two of his first four seasons since Ron Zook led the Illini into the top-25 rankings in 2007 and 2008, his Years 3 and 4 in Champaign, respectively. • Illinois and Nebraska will meet as ranked foes for the first time since Sept. 21, 1985, when #17 Nebraska knocked off #20 Illinois, 52-25, in Lincoln. • Since 1942, Illinois has compiled a record of 81-50-2 (.620) when ranked in the AP Top 25 • Beginning with Friday’s game at Nebraska, Illinois is on track to play five ranked opponents over a seven-game stretch, which would tie the program record for the most ranked opponents played during a regular season. The last time Illinois played five ranked opponents during a regular season was 2005. Illini Trends Through Week 3 • The Illini rank second nationally with a turnover margin of +2.67 per game through three games. • Offensively, the Illini rank first nationally in red zone offense (1.000), coming away with eight touchdowns and four field goals in 12 trips inside the opponents’ 20-yard line this season, and are sixth in fewest turnovers lost (1). • Defensively, Illinois ranks third in the nation in passes intercepted (6), fifth in turnovers gained (9), 10th in fumbles recovered (3), 11th in passing efficiency defense (87.98), 14th in fewest defensive touchdowns allowed (2), and 14th in scoring defense (8.7). • Illinois ranks fourth nationally in points off turnover margin at +11.33. The Illini offense has scored 34 points on nine opponent turnovers (three fumbles and six interceptions), while the Illinois defense has yet to surrender a point off of just one giveaway (a fumble vs. Kansas). • According to PFF, Illinois is graded No. 20 in overall offense (81.6), 37th in special teams (78.0), and 41st in overall defense (80.6). The Illini rank seventh in run blocking (80.6), 24th in receiving (73.8), 32nd in defensive coverage (85.6), and 40th in passing (78.4) • Individually WR Pat Bryant has four touchdown receptions, ranked fourth in the nation entering Week 4. • Offensive lineman Melvin Priestly is the top graded tackle in the Big Ten and No. 2 in the country with a PFF grade of 85.8 (minimum 150 offensive snaps). • Illini DBs Xavier Scott (3 interceptions) and Miles Scott (2) rank second and fifth in the nation, respectively, in total interceptions. They are the No. 2-ranked tandem in the nation with five combined picks, trailing only the Cal duo of Nohl Williams (4) and Marcus Harris (2), who have combined for six interceptions. • Three different Illini defenders have already recovered a fumble this season, tying OLBs Alec Bryant and Seth Coleman with DB Kaleb Patterson for third in the nation entering Week 4. • On special teams, kickers David Olano and Ethan Moczulski have made their mark among the nation’s best. Moczulski’s 59-yard field goal vs. CMU, the first attempt of his career, set an Illinois program record and is tied for the longest field goal in the nation this season. Olano is ninth in the country at 2.0 field goals per game, including a career-long 50-yarder vs. KU. Illini Off to Best Start of Bielema Era • The Fighting Illini have knocked off Eastern Illinois, #19 Kansas, and Central Michigan to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2011 (6-0). Illinois is 3-0 with a top-20 win for the first time in 50 years (1974). • Bret Bielema improved to 21-19 in his Illinois career. He is the first Illinois head coach to start .500 or better through his first 40 games since Lou Tepper started 21-18-1 in 1995. • Following the team’s Week 3 Homecoming win vs. Central Michigan, head coach Bret Bielema improved to 9-4 through his first 13 nonconference games (including postseason) at Illinois. It is the best record through 13 nonconference games for an Illinois head coach since Robert Zuppke started 10-3 against non-Big Ten opponents from 1913-18. • Illinois’ 23-17 victory over #19 Kansas in Week 2 marked the program’s highest-ranked nonconference win since beating #17 Arizona, 9-7, on Sept. 16, 1995. • The Illini’s sellout crowd of 60,670 vs. KU was the program’s first capacity crowd since Week 2 of 2016 vs. North Carolina.
• The Illini’s win over the Jayhawks was the first in front of a sellout crowd since the Orange and Blue defeated Iowa, 27-24, in front of a packed Memorial Stadium on Nov. 1, 2008. It also marked the Illini’s first win in front of a sellout home crowd vs. a nonconference opponent since Sept. 6, 1986, vs. Louisville (23-0). • The Illini’s 45-0 win over EIU in the opener marked the first shutout since a 31-0 win over Chattanooga on Sept. 22, 2022, and Illinois’ first season-opening shutout since Sept. 6, 1986, vs. Louisville (23-0). Notables Following Homecoming Win vs. CMU • The Illini defense recorded an interception for the third-straight game to open the 2024 season. Illinois has now picked off at least one pass in four consecutive games dating back to last season. • QB Luke Altmyer went 19-for-29 for 242 yards with two touchdown passes, his second game of the season with a pair of passing scores after throwing for four in the opener vs. EIU. • WR Pat Bryant caught seven passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his streak of consecutive games with a reception to 15. Bryant recorded his 12th and 13th career touchdowns to move to seventh in program history. It marked Bryant’s third multi-touchdown game of his career, and his third 100-yard receiving game. • RB Josh McCray rushed eight times for a team-leading 54 yards, including a 28-yard gain on his first carry of the game, his longest since also running for 28 yards on Oct. 23, 2021, at Penn State. • Freshman RB Ca’Lil Valentine carried the ball five times for 53 yards, while sophomore starter Kaden Feagin recorded his third touchdown of the season in the fourth quarter, giving him a score in each game this season. • K Ethan Moczulski made a 59-yard field goal to end the first half, setting a new program record in his first collegiate attempt. It tied for the second-longest field goal at Memorial Stadium, tied for the longest made field goal in the FBS this season, and tied for the eighth-longest in Big Ten history. • LB Seth Coleman recorded five tackles (three solo) with one tackle for a loss, one pass breakup and two quarterback hurries, while LB Gabe Jacas posted six tackles, five solo, with 1.0 sacks and two tackles for a loss and DL Dennis Briggs Jr. recorded his first sack as an Illini in the third quarter. 2024 Fighting Illini Roster Notes • Illinois was one of the best in the Big Ten at improving its roster in the transfer portal. According to CBS research of 247Sports ratings, the Illini’s roster had a net rating gain of +2.78 between transfers in and transfers out, the sixthbest mark in the Big Ten, and that was before Illinois added WR Zakhari Franklin. Franklin enters the 2024 season as college football’s active career leader in receptions (266), receiving yards (3,386), and receiving touchdowns (38). • Illinois brought in three four-star transfers, tied for the sixth-most among the 18-team Big Ten (CB Terrance Brooks, OL J.C. Davis, WR Zakhari Franklin). • Illinois’ transfer class had an average star rating of 3.18 according to Rivals. The Illini’s average rating ranked 14th in the nation and fifth in the Big Ten, behind only Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, and Washington. • Illinois’ roster has 17 players who have started 10+ games at four-year schools, including nine incoming transfers this season. Franklin leads the way with 45 career starts, followed by DL Gentle Hunt (25), OL J.C. Davis (26), and CB Torrie Cox Jr. (25). • Illinois is one of only 32 teams in the nation to return its head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, strength coach, and starting quarterback, according to FootballScoop. The Illini are one of only three Big Ten teams to bring back all five important positions, along with Nebraska and Purdue. • Illinois has 14 players on its 2024 roster in their final season of eligibility, tied for the lowest total in the Power-4 with Iowa State. In all of FBS football, only Troy (12) has fewer players in their final season of eligibility. • Illinois has one of the most experienced offensive line rooms in the Big Ten. Entering 2024, the Illini front had totaled 96 career starts in Division I football. Transfers J.C. Davis (24, New Mexico), Melvin Priestly (19, Grambling), and Kevin Wigenton II (6, Michigan State) account for 49 career starts. The offensive line room has 168 career games played entering 2024. The line has three returning starters from 2023: Josh Kreutz, Zy Crisler, and Josh Gesky. • Entering 2024, Illinois’ 96 career starts on the offensive line ranked fourth in the Big Ten, behind only Iowa (165), Nebraska (153), and Oregon (144). The 96 starts were 22nd-most in the nation.
NEBRASKA NOTES:
Nebraska opens Big Ten Conference play and finishes a four-game season-opening homestand on Friday night when the Huskers take on 24th-ranked Illinois at Memorial Stadium. The game will mark Nebraska’s 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium, a streak which dates back to 1962. Aside from its traditional Black Friday game, Friday will also mark Nebraska’s first weekday home game since 2001. FOX will provide the national television coverage and the game can be heard on the Huskers Radio Network and Huskers App. The Huskers enter the game with a 3-0 record following a 34-3 victory over Northern Iowa on Saturday night in Lincoln. The Huskers limited the Panthers to just a first-quarter field goal and held a third straight opponent to 10 or fewer points. Offensively, Nebraska showed its explosiveness by averaging nearly nine yards per play and producing points on six of eight drives in the game. The Huskers were not forced to punt in the contest. Illinois also enters Friday night’s game at 3-0 following a 30-9 victory over Central Michigan last Saturday in Champaign. The Illini have relied on an opportunistic defense through three games, producing nine takeaways and a +8 turnover margin, which ranks second in the nation. Coach Bret Bielema’s team allows just 277.3 yards and 8.7 points per game. Offensively, Illinois features a balanced attack, rushing for 153.3 yards per game, while producing 225.3 passing yards per contest. Friday’s contest is the Big Ten opener for both teams and marks the 12th straight year Nebraska and Illinois have met on the gridiron. The Huskers have won seven of the 11 meetings between the schools as conference foes, but the Illini have been victorious in their last two trips to Memorial Stadium.
SERIES HISTORY: NEBRASKA VS. ILLINOIS Friday’s meeting between Nebraska and Illinois will be the 22nd all-time matchup between the schools and the 12th consecutive season the teams have met on the gridiron. Nebraska has a 14-6-1 edge in the all-time series, including a 7-4 advantage since Nebraska joined the Big Ten. • Nebraska won six of the first seven meetings as conference foes, before Illinois won three straight. Nebraska ended that streak with a 20-7 win last season in Champaign. • Nebraska owns a 9-3 edge in games played in Lincoln, including 5-3 at Memorial Stadium. • The Huskers won 54-35 in Lincoln in 2018, marking Nebraska’s first 50-point outburst in a Big Ten Conference game. • The only meetings between 1953 and 2013 came in 1985 and 1986 when Nebraska won both ends of a home-and-home series. • Nebraska defeated Illinois and Red Grange, 14-0, in 1925, marking the only time in Grange’s career he was held scoreless in a home game. BIG TEN FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Nebraska will be playing on a Friday night early in the Big Ten season for the third consecutive year and the second straight year against Illinois. Nebraska played at Rutgers on a Friday night in 2022. Overall this is Nebraska’s fifth Friday night conference game (non-Black Friday) since 2017, including three games against Illinois. • Nebraska played Friday night road game at Illinois in 2017 and 2023, winning 28-6 in 2017 and 20-7 last season. Nebraska also won Friday night road games at Rutgers in 2020 and 2022. • The Huskers do have a long history of playing on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Nebraska has played on Black Friday every year since 1990. • Aside from its traditional Black Friday games, this Friday’s home game is Nebraska’s first weekday game in Memorial Stadium since a Sept. 20, 2001 game against Rice. The Rice contest was rescheduled from Saturday, Sept. 15, 2001, following the 9-11 terrorist attacks. HUSKERS HOPE TO CONTINUE TO SHINE UNDER THE LIGHTS Nebraska’s matchup with Illinois is its third consecutive prime-time game at Memorial Stadium, following victories over Colorado and Northern Iowa. • This marks just the third time in school history the Huskers have played three straight home night games. Nebraska also hosted three consecutive prime-time games in 2008 (New Mexico State, Virginia Tech, Missouri) and 2002 (Arizona State, Troy, Utah State). • Nebraska has a strong history of success in night games in Lincoln. The Huskers are 52-10 in home night games at Memorial Stadium, including 2-0 this season.
NEBRASKA SET TO CELEBRATE 400TH CONSECUTIVE SELLOUT Nebraska will celebrate its 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium on Friday night. The Huskers have sold out every game at Memorial Stadium for more than six decades, beginning with a game against Missouri on Nov. 3, 1962. • During the sellout streak, Memorial Stadium has expanded several times and capacity has grown from 31,080 in 1962 to the current capacity of 82,841. • Nebraska has been victorious in each of the milestone sellout games in the series, defeating Penn State, 42-17, in 1979 in sellout #100, knocking off second-ranked Colorado, 24-7, in 1994 in sellout #200, and shutting out Louisiana-Lafayette, 55-0, in 2009 in the 300th consecutive sellout. • Nebraska has a record of 324-75 during the sellout streak. Friday’s game against No. 24 Illinois is the 89th matchup against a ranked opponent during the sellout streak, with Nebraska owning a 47-39 mark in those games.
HUSKERS SET FOR BIG TEN OPENER After completing non-conference play with a 3-0 record, Nebraska is set to open Big Ten Conference action on Friday night. In an oddity, Nebraska had played its Big Ten opener in each of the four previous seasons in its first game of the season. • Since joining the Big Ten in 2011, Nebraska is 6-7 in Big Ten openers. Nebraska was last victorious in its Big Ten opener in 2019 when the Huskers won 42-38 at Illinois. This is the sixth time Nebraska has opened Big Ten play against Illinois with the Huskers holding a 3-2 record in those games. • Friday’s game marks the first time Nebraska has opened Big Ten Conference play at home since 2017 against Rutgers. Each of Nebraska’s last six Big Ten openers have come away from Lincoln. The Huskers are 4-0 in Big Ten openers played at Memorial Stadium. HUSKERS RETURN TO NATIONAL POLLS Nebraska is 3-0 after completing non-conference play undefeated for the first time since 2016. The Huskers returned to the national polls after their victory over Colorado and are ranked 22nd in both this week’s Associated Press Poll and USA Today Coaches poll. • The national ranking is Nebraska’s first since 2019. The Huskers were ranked No. 25 in both polls after the 2019 season opener, but lost the following week at Colorado. The Huskers did not return to the rankings until this year’s win over Colorado. • The last time Nebraska was ranked higher than this week’s No. 22 AP ranking was in 2016, when Nebraska was ranked 17th entering the regular-season finale at Iowa. • With Illinois checking in at No. 24 in the AP poll and just outside of the top 25 in the coaches poll, Friday’s game represents the first time Nebraska has played a game involving two ranked teams since Nov. 5, 2016 at Ohio State. It is the first AP ranked vs. ranked game at Memorial Stadium since No. 23 Nebraska hosted 16th-ranked UCLA on Sept. 14, 2013. The last five ranked vs. ranked teams involving Nebraska have been on the road or in a bowl game. • Friday’s game will be the first matchup of AP ranked Big Ten teams at Memorial Stadium since 2011 when 13th-ranked Nebraska defeated No. 9 Michigan State. • The Huskers’ most recent victory against a ranked team was a 35-32 victory over No. 22 Oregon on Sept. 17, 2016.
NEBRASKA CONTROLLING GAMES FROM START TO FINISH Nebraska has controlled its first three games from start to finish. The Huskers have not trailed in any of their three games, and have out-scored the opposition by a total of 102-20. • Nebraska has won each of its first three games by at least 18 points. It marks the first time NU has won three straight games by at least 18 points since the middle of the 2014 season, when the Huskers defeated Northwestern (21), Rutgers (18) and Purdue (21). • Nebraska has scored on its opening drive in each of the first three games. Those scoring drives have covered 72, 49 and 75 yards. • Nebraska out-scored UNI 14-0 in the second quarter. In three games this season, Nebraska has out-scored the opposition 51-0 in the second quarter. In 2023, Nebraska was out-scored 81-66 in the second quarter. • Opponents have had very little success early in games. Dating back to 2023, Nebraska has allowed just one first-quarter touchdown in its past 10 games. Nebraska has not allowed an opening drive TD in 10 straight games and has allowed only one opening drive TD in the last 16 games. BLACKSHIRT DEFENSE OFF TO STRONG 2024 START The Nebraska defense was one of the nation’s most improved units in 2023. The Blackshirts have opened the 2024 season with strong showings in three non-conference victories. Nebraska has allowed just 20 combined points through three games, the fewest through three games since NU allowed 16 points in the first three games in 2005. The Blackshirts have also racked up nine sacks and limited the opposition to 70.3 rushing yards per game. • Nebraska has now held nine straight opponents to 24 or fewer points. This is the longest stretch Nebraska has limited the opposition to 24 points or less since a 14-game stretch spanning the 2009 and 2010 seasons. • Nebraska has been even more stingy at home. The Huskers have held each of their past seven opponents at Memorial Stadium to 14 or fewer points. Since the start of the 2023 season, just one of 10 opponents at Memorial Stadium have scored more than 14 points.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK #3: #12 UTAH AT #14 OKLAHOMA STATE
UTAH NOTES:
THE GAME The University of Utah Football team is set to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday, Sept. 21 in Boone Pickens Stadium to start Big 12 play. The game is set for a 2 p.m. MT kick on FOX. FOLLOW ALONG Fans can get behind the scenes views and live updates on social media and online at www. UtahUtes.com throughout the 2024 season. The Utes are active on Twitter (@Utah_Football), Instagram (@UtahFootball), Facebook (search Utah Football) and TikTok (@Utah_Football). NEW CONFERENCE, SAME TRADITION Utah Football has begun a new era in 2024, joining the Big 12 Conference. The Utes have also been a part of the Rocky Mountain Conference (1910-1937), the Big Seven (1938-1947), the Skyline (1948- 1961), the Western Athletic Conference (1962-1998), the Mountain West (1999-2010) and the Pac-12 (2011-2023). • Utah is 445-260-19 all-time in conference games (.627). • Utah is 31-10 in conference games since 2019. • The Utes bring 28 conference championships with them to the Big 12. • The Utes have won a conference championship in their first year in a new conference three times (1938, 1st in Big Seven; 1948, 1st in Skyline; 1999, tied for 1st in Mountain West). THE NUMBERS • Head Coach Kyle Whittingham is set to coach in his 371st overall game at Utah and his 245th as head coach on Saturday. • Utah is currently controlling the ball for an average of 34:19, which ranks third in the Big 12 and seventh in the FBS. • Through the first three games, Utah’s defense has made 36 third-down stops, ranking first in the Big 12 and fifth in the FBS in third-down defense (22.2%). • Entering the game Saturday, Utah is 147-125-9 all-time against the current members of the Big 12 Conference. UTAH FOOTBALL: NEED TO KNOWS • Utah enters the week ranked No. 12 in the AP and No. 10 in the Coaches polls, the 67th time the Utes have been ranked inside the top-15 during the regular season since 2005. • Entering Big 12 play, Utah currently leads the league in third down defense (22.2%), first downs defense (35), team passing efficiency (167.29) and team sacks (3.33 per game). • Head coach Kyle Whittingham is in his 20th season at the helm as the longest-tenured coach in the Big 12 (by 26 days) and the second-longest tenured coach at the same school in the FBS. • The Utes have posted a winning record in 10 straight seasons, dating back to 2014. Utah has also finished with a winning season in 17 of Whittingham’s 19 years as head coach. • In its first year in the Big 12, Utah was voted to win the conference in the preseason media poll with the most first place votes.
THE POLLS Utah has become a staple in the AP, Coaches and the College Football Playoff polls. • The Utes enter the week ranked No. 12 in the AP and No. 10 in the Coaches polls. • Utah ranked No. 12 in the preseason AP Poll and No. 13 in the Coaches, marking the sixth straight season the Utes have ranked in the top-25 to start the year. • Prior to Nov. 19, 2023, Utah had 33 straight weeks ranked inside the top-25 in both polls. • Utah’s highest ranking in AP Poll and Coaches Poll history was when they finished the 2008 season at No. 2 in the AP and No. 4 in the Coaches. In addition, Utah’s highest ranking in the CFP Poll is No. 5 (Dec. 1, 2019). • Since the CFP Poll was introduced in 2014, Utah has earned a top-25 ranking in the first poll of the season every year except for three (2017, 2020, 2021). • Utah appeared in every weekly CFP Top 25 for the first three years of the system (2014-16) and has the eighth-most appearances of any school with 44 total (most in the Big 12). • The Utes have also appeared in the final CFP Poll in seven seasons (No. 8 in 2022, No. 11 in 2021, No. 11 in 2019, No. 17 in 2018, No. 19 in 2016, No. 22 in 2015, No. 22 in 2014). • Utah is 81-29 when ranked in the AP Poll during the Kyle Whittingham era. • Utah is 26-18 in games when ranked in the CFP Poll. • In the Whittingham era, Utah has 23 wins against ranked opponents, including top-10 victories over No. 4 USC (Pac-12 Championship game, 2022), No. 4 Oregon (regular season, 2021), No. 4 Alabama (Sugar Bowl, 2009), No. 5 Stanford (regular season, 2013), No. 7 USC (regular season, 2022), No. 8 UCLA (regular season, 2014) and No. 10 Oregon (Pac-12 Championship Game, 2021).
HOME SWEET HOME Utah is 120-37 (.764) in Rice-Eccles Stadium (1998-present) and is 92-26 in RES during the Kyle Whittingham era. • Utah has five undefeated home seasons under Whittingham (2022, 6-0; 2021, 6-0; 2019, 7-0; 2009, 6-0; 2008, 6-0) with the Utes winning 33 of their last 35 home games, which included a streak of 18 in a row from Dec. 5, 2020 – Oct. 14, 2023. • It was the second-longest streak in the Whittingham era with the longest streak taking place Sept. 15, 2007 – Oct. 23, 2010 (21 games). • Utah has sold out Rice-Eccles Stadium in 85 consecutive games, dating back to the 2010 season opener. THE MOMENT OF LOUDNESS In 2021, the Utah Football program started a tradition to honor the legacy of Aaron Lowe and Ty Jordan with The Moment of Loudness, which takes place during the third quarter break of each home game. It is a tradition that has now turned into a way of life for the Utah family. To live the way that they did – to smile, to be infectiously optimistic, and to be 22 percent better every day.
OKLAHOMA STATE NOTES:
The Basics The Oklahoma State football team (3-0 overall; 0-0 Big 12) opens Big 12 play against Utah (3-0 overall; 0-0 Big 12) on Saturday, September 21, in the first meeting of the programs since 1945. It also marks the first Big 12 Conference game for Utah, with kickoff at Boone Pickens Stadium set for 3 p.m. CT on FOX. Every Home Game Sold Out in 2024 For the first time in program history, Oklahoma State sold every ticket for every home football game prior to the start of the season. It also marks the second consecutive season sellout for Cowboy football, though last year’s sellouts were not completed prior to the season opener. It continues a trend of Oklahoma State producing one of the best home-field advantages in college football. The Cowboys are 25-3 at home since the beginning of the 2020 season, matching the second-highest home win total in the FBS, behind only Alabama. OSU is among the top 10 teams in the FBS in wins since 2010 with 133 and has eight 10-win seasons during that time frame, good for eighth-most in the FBS. The Cowboys have several other accolades in the past 14 years, including an outright Big 12 title, a share of the Big 12 South title and appearances in the Big 12 Championship game in 2021 and 2023. Oklahoma State is also one of only three teams in the FBS to post a winning season every year from 2006-23, and the Cowboys have been ranked in the top 15 of the Associated Press poll in 15 of the past 17 seasons, including 2024. Fans still looking to be part of the action can visit SeatGeek – the official partner of OSU Athletics – to purchase verified resell tickets. Fans can also visit www.okstate.com/tickets to join the wait list for football season tickets. On the Air The game will be televised on FOX with Jason Benetti, Brock Huard, and Allison Williams on the call. It will also be carried live on the Cowboy Radio Network, with Dave Hunziker handling play-by-play, John Holcomb providing analysis and Robert Allen reporting from the sideline. Fans outside of the Cowboy Radio Network can listen to the OSU broadcast for free through The Varsity Network app. The game will also be broadcast live on ESPN Radio, with Marc Kestecher, Kelly Stouffer and Ian Fitzsimmons on the call. In the Rankings The Oklahoma State football team is ranked No. 14 in the Associated Press poll and No. 15 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. It continues a run of OSU being ranked in every season since 2008. Including the 2024 season, Oklahoma State has been ranked in the top 15 of the Associated Press poll in 15 of the past 17 seasons and has reached the top 10 in 11 of those 17 years. Although the first College Football Playoff rankings won’t be released until November 5, it’s worth noting that OSU has been part of the CFP rankings in eight of the past nine seasons entering 2024. The Cowboys have also been included in 43 of the 60 all-time CFP Rankings, which is tied for the eighth most appearances in the country. Utah is ranked No. 12 in the AP poll and No. 10 in the coaches poll. The Series Oklahoma State and Utah have only played one time prior to this year’s matchup, with the then-named Oklahoma A&M Aggies defeating Utah, 46-6, in Salt Lake City on October 20, 1945. Oklahoma A&M went on to finish that season 9-0, winning the Sugar Bowl and later an AFCA National Championship. Aggie All-America running back Bob Fenimore accounted for four touchdowns in the game, going on to finish third in the voting for the Heisman Trophy before becoming a No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick. The 2024 matchup will mark the first game between the programs as members of the same conference and the first Big 12 Conference game for Utah. OSU coach Mike Gundy and Utah coach Kyle Whittingham have not faced the other program during their career as head coaches. They are both in their 20th season as head coach for their respective team and both rank among the top four active head coaches in total wins at their program.
Big Game in Boone Pickens Stadium Saturday’s game will mark just the 15th time that a matchup between teams ranked in the top 15 of the AP poll has been played in Stillwater, with the previous 14 coming against Baylor (2013 and 2015), Georgia (2009), Nebraska (1985 and 1987), Oklahoma (1988, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2021), TCU (20 oh 15) and Texas (2009). The most recent was a 37-33 win over Oklahoma to close the 2021 regular season. Saturday’s matchup also marks the 36th time in OSU history that the Cowboys have played in a game with both teams ranked in the AP top 15, regardless of location.
Oklahoma State from a Distance Oklahoma State is 3-0 after defeating back-to-back defending FCS national champions South Dakota State in the season opener, following that with a comeback win over Arkansas and then cruising past Tulsa in OSU’s first road game of the season last week. Heisman Trophy candidate Ollie Gordon II ranks No. 11 in the FBS with four rushing touchdowns so far, and has totaled 260 yards from scrimmage through three games. Quarterback Alan Bowman may be OSU’s brightest star of the young season so farm ranking No. 6 in the FBS with 967 passing yards, No. 8 with 75 completions and No. 11 with both eight passing touchdowns and 327.3 yards of total offense per game. The wide receiver has also proved to be deep and talented, as Brennan Presley, Rashod Owens, De’Zhaun Stribling and Talyn Shettron have all made big plays already. On the defensive side, safety Trey Rucker leads all FBS players with 24 solo tackles and is third with 39 total tackles. Preseason All-America linebacker Nick Martin also ranks in the FBS top 10 in total tackles, tackles for loss and solo tackles. On special teams, kicker Logan Ward is 7-for-8 on field goal attempts this season with a long of 52 yards, and his 2.33 made field goals per game rank No. 6 in the nation. Punter Wes Pahl would also lead the nation in yards per punt if he had punted enough times to qualify for the NCAA statistical rankings.
Continued Success • Entering 2024, Oklahoma State has made 18th consecutive bowl appearances and secured 18 consecutive winning seasons, both school-record streaks. OSU’s bowl streak is the sixth-longest active streak in the FBS, and the is longest active streak for any school with the same head coach. • Mike Gundy has coached the Cowboys to five New Year’s Six bowl games since the 2009 season. The Pokes appeared in the 2010 Cotton Bowl, the 2012 Fiesta Bowl, the 2014 Cotton Bowl, the 2016 Sugar Bowl and the 2022 Fiesta Bowl. • Since 2010, Oklahoma State has eight seasons with at least 10 wins, an outright Big 12 title (2011), a share of the Big 12 South title (2010) and two more appearances in the conference championship game. OSU reached the top 10 of the Associated Press poll in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022. • Oklahoma State is one of only four teams to post a winning season every year since 2010, joining Alabama, Boise State, and Wisconsin. It is one of only two Power Five teams with winning seasons each of the past 18 years, joined by Wisconsin. • Including 2024, Oklahoma State has been ranked in the top 15 of the Associated Press poll in 15 of the past 17 seasons and reached the top 10 in 11 of those 17 years. • Entering 2024, OSU has finished in the top three of the Big 12 in four of the past five seasons and has finished in the top three 10 times in the 13 seasons since the conference moved away from divisions. An Oklahoma State Win Would … • Make it 4-0 for the fourth time in the past five years and for the eighth time in the Mike Gundy era. • Give it wins in 12 of its past 14 games. • Mark the Cowboys’ 17th win over an AP Top 15 team during Mike Gundy’s tenure as head coach. • Make it 11-4 in its past 15 and 20-9 in its past 29 games vs. AP-ranked teams. • Make it 26-3 at Boone Pickens Stadium since 2020, marking the second-most home wins in the FBS during that time. • Make it 11-6 in its past 17 games when both teams are ranked in the AP Top 25. • Mark Mike Gundy’s 41st career win vs. an AP Top 25 opponent. Dabo Swinney is the only other active coach with more wins over AP Top 25 teams at his current school. • Improve Mike Gundy’s record in September games to 59-14. • Improve Mike Gundy’s record in Big 12 games to 103-63 and move him to one game away from tying Bill Snyder for the second-most Big 12 wins in conference history. • Improve its all-time record against Utah to 2-0 and its record vs. Utah in Stillwater to 1-0. • Make it 35-12 in its past 47 games overall, dating back to the 2020 season. • Make it 161-74 in its history when playing as an AP-ranked team.
NFL NEWS
RODGERS SHINES AS JETS CRUISE TO TNF WIN OVER PATRIOTS
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdown passes in a superb homecoming performance, New York’s defense was dominant and the Jets rolled to a 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots in their home opener Thursday night.
Rodgers started his first game at MetLife Stadium since leaving the field just over a year ago with a torn Achilles tendon in New York’s opener. The 40-year-old quarterback showed no signs of the injury — or playing in his third game in 11 days — while scrambling several times and making off-balance throws all night, slicing through New England’s defense with surgical precision.
Rodgers finished 27 of 35 for 281 yards with TD tosses to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard and heard chants of “Aa-ron! Rod-gers!” throughout as the Jets (2-1) ended an eight-game home losing streak against the Patriots (1-2).
New York, which stopped a 15-game skid against New England in Bill Belichick’s final game as the Patriots’ coach, sacked Jacoby Brissett five times. Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in April, made his NFL debut when he replaced Brissett with 4:24 left in the game.
Breece Hall ran for a score for the Jets, who also snapped a six-game skid in Thursday night games.
And there was never much of a doubt in this one between the AFC East rivals.
Rodgers jogged onto the field to a thunderous ovation. Soon after, he sent the crowd into a frenzy again.
After the Jets’ first drive stalled, Rodgers marched them down the field — with a little help by a mental mistake from the Patriots.
A first-down pass from Rodgers to Hall was stopped for no gain, but Jahlani Tavai lifted the Jets running back and slammed him to the turf with a move more suitable for the wrestling ring. The 15-yard penalty put the ball at New England’s 31.
Four plays later, Rodgers threw a quick out to Lazard on his left. The receiver made a move and Alex Austin reached out to try to stop him, but instead got only a handful of Lazard’s undershirt that stretched like a rubber band before Lazard broke away and zipped into the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown.
Lazard immediately ran over to his quarterback and handed the football to Rodgers, who threw his first touchdown pass at home for the Jets.
Rodgers and the Jets kept things going on their next possession, capping a 13-play, 91-yard drive with a 1-yard run by Hall that was reversed by video review after it was originally ruled he was short of the goal line.
Joey Slye’s 44-yard field goal cut the Patriots’ deficit to 14-3 with 3:56 left in the first half.
Greg Zuerlein was wide left on a 45-yarder shortly before halftime.
New York made it 21-3 with 6:18 remaining in the third quarter when Rodgers zipped a pass to his right and found Wilson, who toe-tapped in the front corner of the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown.
It marked the third straight game the Jets had at least three touchdowns on offense.
After Chuck Clark forced and recovered a fumble by Rhamondre Stevenson, the Jets increased their lead on a 28-yard field goal by Zuerlein.
Lopsided
In the first half, the Jets outgained the Patriots 252 yards to 40 and had 17 first downs to New England’s four. It was the fewest first downs for the Patriots in any half since 2000.
Injuries
Patriots: Austin (ankle) and OL Michael Jordan (knee) left in the fourth quarter.
Jets: RT Morgan Moses injured a knee on the final play of the third quarter and didn’t return. First-round pick Olu Fashanu replaced him.
Up next
Patriots: At San Francisco on Sept. 29.
Jets: Host Denver on Sept. 29.
NFL WEEK 3: WHAT TO KNOW
- Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) at New Orleans Saints (2-0) (1 p.m. ET, FOX): The Saints can improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2013 and continue their prolific offensive output this season.
- The Saints lead the NFL with 91 points, the most points by a team in its first two games of a season in 15 years and tied with the 1971 Dallas Cowboys (91 points) for the fourth-most points in a team’s first two games of a season in NFL history.
- New Orleans – who scored 48 points in Week 18 last season, 47 points in Week 1 and 44 points in Week 2 – became the third team since 1970 to score at least 44 points in three consecutive games, joining the 2018 New Orleans Saints (Weeks 9-11) and 2007 New England Patriots (Weeks 6-8). Only three previous teams in NFL history have scored 40-or-more points in four consecutive games: the 2004 Indianapolis Colts, 2000 St. Louis Rams and 1960 Los Angeles Chargers.
- Saints quarterback Derek Carr can become the fifth quarterback in NFL history to record at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in seven consecutive games, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (three times), Tom Brady (twice), Aaron Rodgers (twice) and Patrick Mahomes.
- Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has 42 career regular-season rushing touchdowns and can tie Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young (43 rushing touchdowns) for the third-most by a quarterback in NFL history.
- Houston Texans (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (2-0) (1 p.m. ET, CBS): The Texans can advance to 3-0 for the second time in franchise history (2012), while the Vikings can begin the season with three consecutive wins for the first time since 2016. Minnesota can become the third team since 1990 with at least five sacks in each of their first three games of a season, joining the 2001 New Orleans Saints and 2000Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Prior to the 2020 NFL Draft, Minnesota traded current Houston wide receiver Stefon Diggs to Buffalo in exchange for a package that included the No. 22 overall selection in that year’s Draft, a pick the Vikings used to select wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Over the past five seasons (2020-24), Diggs ranks tied for first in receptions (455) and fourth in receiving yards (5,442) while Jefferson ranks second in receiving yards (6,091) and sixth in receptions (400).
- Last week, Jefferson – at 25 years and 91 days old – became the youngest player ever to reach 6,000 receiving yards and the third-youngest player all-time to reach 400 receptions.
- Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter, who signed with Houston this offseason and had 1.5 sacks last week, spent the first nine seasons of his career (2015-23) with the Vikings, totaling 87.5 sacks, third-most in franchise history, and 108 tackles for loss in 119 games.
- Two players who set career highs with Houston in 2023 joined Minnesota this offseason – linebackers Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard. Cashman, coming off a 13-tackle, three-pass defense and one-sack performance in Week 2, had 104 tackles and nine tackles for loss with the Texans last season. Greenard, who had his first sack of the season last week, totaled 12.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss with Houston last season.
- L.A. Chargers (2-0) at Pittsburgh (2-0) (1 p.m. ET, CBS): The Chargers look to begin the season 3-0 for the first time since 2002, while the Steelers can improve to 3-0 for the fourth time under head coach Mike Tomlin (previously 2007, 2010 and 2020).
- The Chargers (6.5 points per game allowed) and Steelers (8.0 points per game allowed) rank first and second in scoring defense this season. The last time two teams met in Week 3 or later that both were allowing 10-or-fewer points per game was in Week 4 of the 2006 season (Baltimore vs. San Diego).
- Both the Chargers and Steelers can become the first team since the 2009 Denver Broncos to allow 10-or-fewer points in each of their first three games of a season.
- Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. Watt has 98.5 sacks in 106 career games and can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware (113 games) as the second-fastest player to reach 100 career sacks since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White (96 games) reached the milestone in fewer games.
- Regardless of record, there is hope: Since 1990, more than 60 percent of teams to begin the season 2-0 have qualified for the postseason (63.9 percent; 177 of 277) while 42 percent of clubs to begin 1-1 have advanced to the playoffs (207 of 493). Over the past 34 seasons (1990-2023), 32 teams have qualified for the postseason after starting 0-2, including nine teams over the past 10 seasons (2014-23).
Last season, the Houston Texans rallied from an 0-2 start to win the AFC South, becoming the first team to win its division in the Super Bowl era with a rookie head coach (DeMeco Ryans) and rookie quarterback (C.J. Stroud). In 2022, the Cincinnati Bengals began 0-2 but won their final eight contests to earn the AFC North division title.
- Last Time Beginning 3-0: In addition to Houston, the Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota, New Orleans and Pittsburgh, four additional teams look to improve to 3-0 this week.
- Tampa Bay (2-0) (vs. Denver, 1 p.m. ET, FOX) can begin 3-0 for the fifth time in franchise history and the first since 2005.
- Seattle (2-0) (vs. Miami, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS) can start 3-0 for the first time since 2020. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald can become the fifth head coach under the age of 40 since 2000 to win each of his first three career games, joining Mike McDaniel (2022), Matt LaFleur (2019), Josh McDaniels (2009) and Mike Tomlin (2007).
- Kansas City (2-0) (at Atlanta, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC) can win each of their first three games of a season for the first time since 2020 and sixth time under head coach Andy Reid.
- Buffalo (2-0) (vs. Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Monday night) can advance to 3-0 for the fifth time since 2000 and first time since 2020.
- Interconference Matchups: For the third time in NFL history, there will be 10 interconference matchups in a week. The two previous occurrences happened in Week 1 of the 2016 season and Week 8 of the 2023 season.
- Doubling up on Monday:With Jacksonville at Buffalo (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) and Washington at Cincinnati (8:15 p.m. ET, ABC), Week 3 marks the first of four weeks this season with multiple Monday night games. There will also be two Monday night contests in Week 4 (Tennessee at Miami and Seattle at Detroit), as well as in Weeks 7 and 15.
- Good from 50: The first two weeks of the 2024 season have been two of the three most prolific weeks for kickers from distance as Week 1 set an NFL-record with 21 50-yard field goals while Week 2 had the third-most made 50-yard field goals (14) in a single week all-time.
- 10 kickers have multiple made 50-yard field goals this season, led by Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn with six. Fairbairn, with three made 50-yard field goals in each of the first two weeks, became the first player all-time with multiple career games of three-or-more 50-yard field goals made and set an NFL-record with six made 50-yard field goals over a two-game span.
- Additionally, Week 2 featured 73 made field goals, the most in a week in NFL history. There were 68 made field goals in Week 1, the third-most in a week all-time, trailing only Week 2 and Week 15 of the 2016 season (69).
NFL GAME CAPSULES WEEK 3
NEW YORK GIANTS (0-2) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-1)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 1:00 PM ET | Huntington Bank Field | Referee: Craig Wrolstad
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: CLE leads series, 27-21-2 (NYG won 2 of past 3)
Postseason: Series tied, 1-1
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 12/20/20: CLE 20 at NYG 6
Postseason: DIV 12/21/58: CLE 0 at NYG 10
GIANTS NOTES:
QB DANIEL JONES had 2 TD passes vs. 0 INTs for 100 rating in Week 2. • RB DEVIN SINGLETARY rushed for 95 yards & had 1st rush TD of season last week, his 25th-career scrimmage TD (21 rush, 4 rec.). Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 10 of his past 11. Aims for his 4th in row vs. Cle. & his 8th in row overall with 50+ scrimmage yards. • WR MALIK NABERS (rookie) had 10 catches for 127 yards & 1st-career rec. TD in Week 2, his 1st-career 100-yard game. Became youngest player ever with 10+ catches, 100+ rec. yards & TD catch in single game. Aims for his 3rd in row with 5+ catches & 65+ rec. yards. • WR DARIUS SLAYTON had 74 rec. yards in last meeting. • LB BRIAN BURNS had 1st PD of season last week. Had 8 tackles in his only career game vs. Cle. (9/11/22 w/ Car.). • LB KAYVON THIBODEAUX had 1st 2 TFL of season in Week 2, his 7th-career game with 2+ TFL. • DL DEXTER LAWRENCE had sack in last meeting. • LB BOBBY OKEREKE had 8 tackles, 2 TFL & 1st sack of season last week. Has sack in 3 of his past 4. Had 10 tackles & INT in his only career game vs. Cle. (10/11/20 w/ Ind.). • LB MICAH MCFADDEN led team with career-high 13 tackles & had 1st sack of season in Week 2. Has 5+ tackles in 9 of his past 10. • CB DEONTE BANKS had 1st PD of season last week. • S JASON PINNOCK had 9 tackles & career-high 2 sacks last week. • CB DRU PHILLIPS (rookie) had 12 tackles, 2 TFL & 1st-career sack last week. Phillips (16 tackles) & S TYLER NUBIN (12 tackles) are only pair of rookie teammates each with 10+ tackles this season.
BROWNS NOTES:
QB DESHAUN WATSON completed 22 of 34 atts. (64.7 pct.) for 186 yards with 0 INTs & had 20th-career rush TD last week. Is 4-2 in 6 career home starts with Cle. Totaled 421 yards (385 pass, 36 rush) & had 2 TD passes in only career start vs. NYG (9/23/18 w/ Hou.). • RB JEROME FORD led team with 64 rush yards last week. Has 60+ scrimmage yards in 3 of his past 4. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with TD. • RB D’ONTA FOREMAN had 51 scrimmage yards (42 rush, 9 rec.) in Week 2. • WR JERRY JEUDY had 5 catches for team-high 73 rec. yards last week. Has 75+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3. Had 6 catches for 72 yards in only career game vs. NYG (9/12/21 w/ Den.). • WR ELIJAH MOORE had 6 catches for 44 yards in Week 2. • WR AMARI COOPER has 75+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 at home. • TE DAVID NJOKU has 373 rec. yards (93.3 per game) & 3 rec. TDs over his last 4 home games. • DE MYLES GARRETT is only player in NFL with sack & FF in each of 1st 2 weeks of season. Can become 2nd player since 2000 (Khalil Mack in 2018) with sack & FF in each of team’s 1st 3 games of a season. Aims for 4th in row with sack. Had half sack in last meeting. • DE ALEX WRIGHT had 1st sack of season last week. Has sack in 5 of past 6. • LB JEREMIAH OWUSU-KORAMOAH led team with 7 tackles & had 2 TFL last week, 10th-straight game with 6+ tackles. Has 2 TFL in 2 of past 3. • LB JORDAN HICKS had 2 PD & 1st sack of season in Week 2. Aims for his 6th in row vs. NYG with 7+ tackles, incl. playoffs. • CB DENZEL WARD had PD last week & ranks tied-2nd in NFL with 4 PD in 2024. Had 6 tackles & PD in last meeting. Has 6 PD in his past 4 vs. NFC.
CHICAGO BEARS (1-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-2)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 1:00 PM ET | Lucas Oil Stadium | Referee: Adrian Hill
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: Series tied, 26-26 (IND won past 2)
Postseason: IND leads series, 1-0
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 10/4/20: IND 19 at CHI 11
Postseason: SB XLI 2/4/07: IND 29 vs. CHI 17
BEARS NOTES:
QB CALEB WILLIAMS can become 1st rookie QB selected No. 1 overall to win 2 of his 1st 3 career starts since 1983 (HOFer John Elway). • RB D’ANDRE SWIFT has 5 rush TDs in 6 career games vs. AFC South. • RB KHALIL HERBERT had 9th-career rush TD in Week 2. • WR KEENAN ALLEN has 28 catches (9.3 per game) for 334 yards (111.3 per game) & 2 rec. TDs in 3 career games vs. Ind. incl. 8+ catches & 100+ rec. yards in each game. • WR DJ MOORE had 6 catches for 53 yards last week & aims for his 3rd in row with 5+ catches. Has 50+ rec. yards in 8 of his 10 road games with Chi. & aims for his 6th in row on road with 50+ rec. yards. • DL MONTEZ SWEAT had 15th-career PD last week. • LB T.J. EDWARDS aims for his 4th in row with 8+ tackles. Had 10 tackles, 2 TFL & FR in his only career game vs. Ind. (10/20/22 w/ Phi.). • LB TREMAINE EDMUNDS led team with 11 tackles & had 1st sack of season in Week 2. Has 7+ tackles in 8 of his 9 road games with Chi. & aims for his 3rd in row on road with 10+ tackles. • LB JACK SANBORN had 4th-career sack last week. • DB JAYLON JOHNSON aims for his 5th in row on road with PD. Had 2 PD in last meeting. • DB TYRIQUE STEVENSON has 14 PD in his past 9. Aims for his 5th in row on road & 10th in row overall with PD. • DB JAQUAN BRISKER had 9th-career TFL last week. Aims for his 8th in row with 5+ tackles. • S KEVIN BYARD had 11 tackles, TFL & 5th-career FR last week. Has 44 tackles, 4 PD, 2 INTs & FR in 8 career games at Ind.
COLTS NOTES:
QB ANTHONY RICHARDSON completed 17 of 34 atts. for 204 yards & TD & rushed for 37 yards last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 200+ pass yards. Has 35+ rush yards in 5 of 6 career games, with rush TD in 4 of 6. Has 8 TDs (5 pass, 3 rush) vs. 2 INTs with 91.4 rating in 4 career home starts. • RB JONATHAN TAYLOR led team with 135 scrimmage yards (103 rush, 32 rec.) last week. Has TD in 7 of his past 8 & 100+ scrimmage yards in 3 of his past 4. Aims for his 5th in row at home with rush TD. Had 79 scrimmage yards (68 rush, 11 rec.) in last meeting. • WR ALEC PIERCE had 5 catches for 56 yards & TD in Week 2. Is 1 of 4 in NFL & only player in AFC with 50+ rec. yards & rec. TD in each of 1st 2 weeks of season. Has 55+ rec. yards & TD catch in 3 of his past 4 overall. • WR MICHAEL PITTMAN has 5 catches in 2 of his past 3 at home. Has 8+ catches in 3 of his past 4 vs. NFC. • TE MO ALIE-COX had TD catch in last meeting. • DT DEFOREST BUCKNER aims for his 5th in row at home with 0.5+ sacks & 4th in row at home with full sack. Had PD in last meeting. • DE KWITY PAYE had 5 tackles & TFL last week. Aims for 3rd in row with TFL. • DE LAIATU LATU (rookie) had 1st-career FR last week. • LB E.J. SPEED had 11 tackles last week & is 1 of 6 in NFL with 10+ tackles in each of 1st 2 weeks of season. Aims for his 7th in row with 10+ tackles. • LB ZAIRE FRANKLIN had 10 tackles & 6th-career FF in Week 2. Aims for his 6th in row with 8+ tackles. • S NICK CROSS had career-high 15 tackles last week. Leads NFL with 29 tackles, most by DB in 1st 2 weeks of a season since 2000. • CB KENNY MOORE had 1st PD of season in Week 2. Has 4+ tackles in 4 of past 5.
HOUSTON TEXANS (2-0) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-0)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 1:00 PM ET | U.S. Bank Stadium | Referee: Shawn Hochuli
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: MIN leads series, 5-0
Postseason: —
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 10/4/20: MIN 31 at HOU 23
Postseason: —
TEXANS NOTES:
QB C.J. STROUD completed 23 of 36 atts. (63.9 pct.) for 260 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs with 94.7 rating last week. Has 13 TDs (12 pass, 1 rush) vs. 0 INTs with 105.6 rating in his past 9 starts, incl. playoffs. Aims for his 3rd in row on road in reg. season with 2+ TD passes, 0 INTs & 115+ rating. Is 1 of 3 in NFL (Josh Allen & Kyler Murray) with 100+ rating (104.7) & 0 INTs this season. • RB JOE MIXON aims for his 11th in row with 50+ scrimmage yards. Has TD in 3 of his past 4. Has 642 scrimmage yards (107 per game) & 6 TDs (4 rush, 2 rec.) in his past 6 on road. Has 211 scrimmage yards (105.5 per game) & 2 rush TDs in 2 career games vs. Min., with rush TD in each game. • WR NICO COLLINS had 8 catches for 135 yards & TD last week & is only player in NFL with 100+ rec. yards in each of 1st 2 weeks. Aims for his 4th in row in reg. season with 6+ catches & 115+ rec. yards. Leads NFL with 252 rec. yards in 2024. • WR STEFON DIGGS aims for his 10th in row with 4+ catches. Had 12 catches for 128 yards in only career game vs. Min. (11/13/22 w/ Buf.). Will be playing 1st game in Min. since spending 1st 5 seasons of career with Vikings (2015-19). • DE DANIELLE HUNTER had 5 tackles, 2 TFL & 1.5 sacks last week. Has sack in 2 of his past 3 on road. Ranks 3rd in Min. franchise history with 87.5 career sacks over 8 seasons with team (2015-23). • DE WILL ANDERSON had 1.5 sacks in Week 2. Aims for 3rd in row with TFL. Aims for his 4th in row vs. NFC with sack. • DT MARIO EDWARDS aims for his 4th in row with sack. • LB HENRY TO’OTO’O led team with career-high 13 sacks & had 1st-career sack last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 7+ tackles & TFL. • CBs KAMARI LASSITER (rookie) & DEREK STINGLEY each had 1st INT of season in Week 2.
VIKINGS NOTES:
QB SAM DARNOLD passed for 268 yards & had 2 TDs vs. INT for 109.1 rating in Week 2. Is 1 of 2 (Derek Carr) with 2+ TD passes & 100+ rating in each of 1st 2 weeks. Passed for 304 yards & had 2 rush TDs in his last game vs. Hou. (9/23/21 w/ Car.). • RB AARON JONES had 5 catches & 68 scrimmage yards (36 rec., 32 rush) in Week 2. Aims for his 7th in row with 60+ scrimmage yards. • WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON had 133 rec. yards & TD catch last week, his 30thcareer 100-yard game, tied with HOFer Randy Moss for most by player in 1st 5 seasons all-time. Became youngest player ever to 400 receptions & 3rdyoungest player all-time to 6,000 rec. yards. Aims for his 4th in row with TD catch. Had 103 rec. yards in last meeting. • WR JALEN NAILOR had 54 rec. yards & TD catch last week & aims for his 3rd in row with rec. TD. • LB PATRICK JONES had 2 sacks & 1st-career FF last week. Can become 3rd player since 1982 (Mark Gastineau & HOFer Kevin Greene) with 2+ sacks in each of his team’s 1st 3 games of season. • LB ANDREW VAN GINKEL aims for his 3rd in row with sack & PD. Had INT in his last game vs. Hou. (11/27/22 w/ Mia.). • LB JONATHAN GREENARD had 1st sack of season last week. Had 23 sacks & 32 TFL in 48 games (2020-23) with Hou. • LB BLAKE CASHMAN led team with 13 tackles & career-high 3 PD & had 1st sack of season last week. Had career-high 104 tackles with Hou. in 2023. • S CAMRYN BYNUM had 8 tackles last week & aims for his 5th in row at home with 8+ tackles. • S JOSH METELLUS had 3rd career INT last week. Aims for his 4th in row overall with PD. Aims for his 10th in row at home with 5+ tackles.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-1) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-0)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 1:00 PM ET | Caesars Superdome | Referee: Scott Novak
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: PHI leads series, 18-13 (won 2 of past 3)
Postseason: NO leads series, 3-1 (won past 3)
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 1/1/23: NO 20 at PHI 10
Postseason: NFC-D 1/13/19: PHI 14 at NO 20
EAGLES NOTES:
QB JALEN HURTS had 2 TDs (1 pass, 1 rush) & season-high 85 rush yards in Week 2, his 5th-career reg. season game with 85+ rush yards. Has 42 rush TDs & can tie HOFer Steve Young (43) for 3rd-most ever by QB. Had 3 rush TDs in his last start vs. NO (11/21/21) & aims for his 3rd in row vs. NO with 65+ rush yards. • RB SAQUON BARKLEY had 116 scrimmage yards (95 rush, 21 rec.) in Week 2 & is 1 of 2 RBs (J.K. Dobbins) with 115+ scrimmage yards in each of 1st 2 weeks. Has 100+ scrimmage yards & rush TD in 2 of his 3 career games vs. NO. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 14 of his past 15 on road. • WR A.J. BROWN had 97 rec. yards & TD catch in last meeting. • WR DEVONTA SMITH led team with 7 catches & 76 rec. yards & had 20thcareer TD catch in Week 2. Is 1 of 2 WRs (Chris Godwin) with 7+ catches in each of 1st 2 weeks. Had 9 catches for 115 yards in last meeting. Aims for his 5th in row on road with 50+ rec. yards & 6th in row on road with 5+ catches. • LB ZACK BAUN had 9 tackles in Week 2 & ranks tied-1st in NFC with 24 tackles this season. • DT THOMAS BOOKER had career-high 2 TFL last week. • DT MILTON WILLIAMS had 1st sack of season last week. Had sack in last meeting. • CB DARIUS SLAY aims for his 4th in row on road with PD. Has 8 PD & 2 INTs in 7 career games vs. NO & aims for his 4th in row at NO with PD. • CB AVONTE MADDOX had 2 PD last week. • CB QUINYON MITCHELL (rookie) aims for his 3rd in row with PD. • S REED BLANKENSHIP led team with 10 tackles in Week 2. Has 5+ tackles in 16 of his past 17 games. Had 8 tackles in last meeting. • S C.J. GARDNER-JOHNSON had 157 tackles, 28 PD, 15 TFL & 5 INTs in 3 seasons (2019-21) with NO, incl. 7+ PD in each season.
SAINTS NOTES:
NEW ORLEANS has 91 points, most by team in 1st 2 games in 15 years & tied 4th-most by team in 1st 2 games of season in NFL history. Became 3rd team since 1970 (2018 Saints & 2007 Patriots) with 44+ points in 3 straight games. Can become 4th team all-time with 40+ points in 4 straight games. • QB DEREK CARR had 3 TDs (2 pass, 1 rush) vs. INT for 125 rating in Week 2. Aims for his 7th in row with 100+ rating & 8th in row with 2+ TD passes. Aims for his 4th in row at home with 3+ TD passes & 130+ rating. Completed 31 of 34 atts. (career-high 91.2 pct.) for 323 yards & 2 TDs vs. INT for 113.6 rating in his last start vs. Phi. (10/24/21 w/ LV). • RB ALVIN KAMARA had 180 scrimmage yards (115 rush, 65 rec.) & 4 TDs (3 rush, 1 rec.) in Week 2 & became 5th player in SB era with multiple career games with 150+ scrimmage yards & 4+ TDs. Aims for his 3rd in row with 110+ scrimmage yards & TD. Has TD in 2 of his 3 career reg. season games vs. Phi. • WR CHRIS OLAVE had 81 rec. yards last week. Has rec. TD in 2 of his past 3 at home. • WR RASHID SHAHEED had 109 scrimmage yards (96 rec., 13 rush) & rec. TD last week. Aims for his 4th in row with TD catch. Had 6 catches for 79 yards in last meeting. • DE CAMERON JORDAN had 3 sacks & FF in last meeting. • DE CARL GRANDERSON had 1.5 sacks last week & had 1.5 sacks in last meeting. • LB DEMARIO DAVIS had 8 tackles & PD in Week 2. • CB ALONTAE TAYLOR had career-high 9 tackles & 2 TFL last week. Is 1 of 3 (Patrick Jones & T.J. Watt) with 2+ TFL in each of 1st 2 weeks. • CB PAULSON ADEBO had 8th-career INT last week. Aims for his 7th in row with PD. • S TYRANN MATHIEU had 2 PD & 34th-career INT last week, 2nd-most among active players.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (2-0) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-0)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 1:00 PM ET | Acrisure Stadium | Referee: Alex Kemp
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: PIT leads series, 23-9 (LAC won 2 of past 3)
Postseason: LAC leads series, 2-1
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 11/21/21: PIT 37 at LAC 41
Postseason: AFC-D 1/11/09: SD 24 at PIT 35
CHARGERS NOTES:
CHARGERS seeking 1st 3-0 start since 2002. • QB JUSTIN HERBERT completed 14 of 20 atts. (70 pct.) for 130 yards & 2 TDs vs. INT with 100 rating last week, 27th-career game with 2+ TD passes & 100+ rating, 4th-most in NFL since entering league in 2020. Has 0 INTs in 3 of his past 4 on road. Passed for 382 yards & 3 TDs with 116.1 rating & had career high 90 rush yards in last meeting. • RB J.K. DOBBINS rushed for 131 yards & TD last week. Is 1 of 2 in NFL (Jordan Mason) with 100+ rush yards & rush TD in each of 1st 2 weeks of season. Can become 1st player since Cadillac Williams in 2005 with 125+ rush yards in each of team’s 1st 3 games of a season. Has 326 rush yards (108.7 per game) & rush TD in 3 career games vs. Pit. Leads NFL with 266 rush yards in 2024. • RB GUS EDWARDS rushed for 59 yards in Week 2. • WR QUENTIN JOHNSTON led team with 5 catches for 51 yards & career-high 2 TDs last week. Has rec. TD in 2 of his past 3 on road. • WR JOSHUA PALMER has 100+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 on road. • LB KHALIL MACK has sack in 3 of his past 4. Ranks 4th among active players with 103 career sacks. • LB JOEY BOSA aims for 3rd in row with sack. Has sack in 2 of 3 career games vs. Pit. • LB DENZEL PERRYMAN had 7 tackles & 1st sack of season last week. Had INT & TFL in his last game vs. Pit. (12/24/22 w/ LV). • S DERWIN JAMES aims for his 15th in row with 5+ tackles. Has PD in 2 of his past 3 on road. Had 3 PD & INT in only career game at Pit. (12/2/18). • CB ELIJAH MOLDEN had 6 tackles & 3rd-career INT in Week 2. • CB ASANTE SAMUEL JR. had PD last week, his 5th-straight road game with PD.
STEELERS NOTES:
STEELERS seek 1st 3-0 start since 2020 & 4th under HC Mike Tomlin. • QB JUSTIN FIELDS completed 13 of 20 atts. (65 pct.) for 117 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs with 97.3 rating last week. Aims for his 5th start in row with 0 INTs & 90+ rating. Is 1 of 5 QBs with 0 INTs & 90+ rating in each of 1st 2 weeks of seaosn. • QB RUSSELL WILSON can make season & Pit. debut. Has 10 TDs vs. 3 INTs with 99.2 rating in 5 career starts vs. Chargers. • RB NAJEE HARRIS rushed for 69 yards last week. Aims for his 6th in row with 70+ scrimmage yards. Had rush TD in last meeting. • RB JAYLEN WARREN had 61 scrimmage yards (42 rush, 19 rec.) in Week 2. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 5 of his past 6. • WR GEORGE PICKENS has 300 rec. yards (100 per game) & 2 rec. TDs over his past 3 home games. Has 55+ rec. yards in 2 of 3 career games vs. AFC West. • TE PAT FREIERMUTH aims for 3rd in row with 4+ catches. Had rec. TD in last meeting. • TE DARNELL WASHINGTON had 1st-career TD catch last week. • LB T.J. WATT had 2 TFL, sack & PD last week, 3rd-straight game with 2+ TFL & sack. Had 10 sacks, 3 FFs & 3 FRs in 9 home games last season. Had half sack & PD in his last game vs. LAC (10/13/19). Has 98.5 career sacks in 106 games & can become 4th player since 1982 with 100+ sacks in 1st 8 seasons. • LB PATRICK QUEEN had PD last week. Had 7 tackles, TFL, FF & PD in his last game vs. LAC (11/26/23 w/ Bal.). • LB ALEX HIGHSMITH had 2 TFL & 1st sack of season in Week 2. Has sack in 2 of his past 3 at home. Had 6 tackles & 1.5 sacks in last meeting. • CB CORY TRICE & S DAMONTAE KAZEE each had 1st INT of season last week. • S MINKAH FITZPATRICK aims for 3rd in row with 7+ tackles
DENVER BRONCOS (0-2) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-0)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 1:00 PM ET | Raymond James Stadium | Referee: Alan Eck
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: DEN leads series, 7-3 (won 4 of past 5)
Postseason: —
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 9/27/20: TB 28 at DEN 10
Postseason: —
BRONCOS NOTES:
QB BO NIX completed 20 of 35 atts. for a career-high 246 yards & rushed for 25 yards last week. Leads rookies with 46 completions this season. • RB JAVONTE WILLIAMS had 65 scrimmage yards (48 rec., 17 rush) & led team with 5 catches last week. Has 55+ scrimmage yards in 3 of his past 4. • WR JOSH REYNOLDS led team with 93 rec. yards in Week 2, 4th-career game with 90+ rec. yards. Aims for his 4th in row with 4+ catches. Had TD catch in his last game vs. TB (2023 NFC-Divisional, w/ Det.). • WR COURTLAND SUTTON has rec. TD in 6 of his past 9 on road. • WR LIL’JORDAN HUMPHREY had 4 catches for 50 yards last week. • TE GREG DULCICH had 3 catches in Week 2. • LB ALEX SINGLETON led team with 11 tackles last week, his 5th-straight game with 9+ tackles. Has TFL in 2 of his past 3 overall & 4 of his past 5 on road. Had 15 tackles & PD in his last game vs. TB (10/14/21 w/ Phi.). • LB JONATHON COOPER aims for 3rd in row with 5+ tackles. Has sack in 2 of his past 3 on road. Has 4 sacks in his past 3 vs. NFC. • LB JONAH ELLISS (rookie) had 2 TFL & 1st-career sack in Week 2. • LB CODY BARTON had 6 tackles last week & has 6+ tackles in 7 of past 8. Had 9 tackles & INT in his last game vs. TB (11/13/22 w/ Sea.). • DE ZACH ALLEN had 1st sack of season last week. Aims for 3rd in row with TFL. • DE JOHN FRANKLIN-MYERS aims for his 3rd in row vs. NFC with TFL. • CB PAT SURTAIN II has PD in 3 of his past 4. Has 5+ tackles in 4 of his past 5 on road. Has 5 PD in his past 5 vs. NFC. • S P.J. LOCKE had PD last week. Has PD in 2 of his past 3 vs. NFC. Aims for his 6th in row on road with 4+ tackles. • S BRANDON JONES had 7 tackles in Week 2, 3rd-straight game with 6+ tackles.
BUCS NOTES:
QB BAKER MAYFIELD had 2 TDs (1 pass, 1 rush) & 90.9 rating last week, his 7th career game with both pass TD & rush TD. Has 275+ pass yards, 2+ TD passes & 90+ rating in 4 of his past 5 home starts. Completed 24 of 28 atts. (85.7 pct.) for 230 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 124.7 rating in his last start vs. Den. (12/25/22 w/ LAR). • RB RACHAAD WHITE has 75+ scrimmage yards in 5 of his past 6 at home & 50+ scrimmage yards in 13 of his past 14 overall. • WR MIKE EVANS has 1,091 rec. yards & 12 rec. TD in his past 10 at home, incl. 50+ rec. yards in 9 of 10 games. Has 2 rec. TDs in last meeting. • WR CHRIS GODWIN had 7 catches for 117 yards & TD in Week 2, his 21st-career game with 100+ rec. yards. Is 1 of 2 WRs (Devonta Smith) with 7+ catches in each of 1st 2 weeks. Had 5 catches for 64 yards & TD in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with rec. TD & 4th in row at home with 75+ rec. yards. • LB LAVONTE DAVID aims for his 16th in row with 5+ tackles. Has INT in 2 of his 3 career games vs. Den. • LB YAYA DIABY had his 1st TFL of season last week & has 6 TFL in his past 5. • LB JOE TRYON-SHOYINKA aims for his 3rd in row with TFL. • LB SIRVOCEA DENNIS had career-high 10 tackles last week. • S JORDAN WHITEHEAD led team & tied his career high with 11 tackles & had TFL & PD in Week 2. Is 1 of 6 DBs with 8+ tackles in each of 1st 2 weeks. Aims for his 3rd in row with PD. • CB JAMEL DEAN tied his career high with 10 tackles & had PD last week. • CB CHRISTIAN IZIEN set career highs in tackles (9) & PD (2) & had 3rd-career INT last week. Aims for his 3rd in row with PD. • CB ZYON MCCOLLUM had career-high 4 PD & 1st-career INT in Week 2.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-1) AT TENNESEE TITANS (0-2)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 1:00 PM ET | Nissan Stadium | Referee: Clay Martin
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: TEN leads series, 8-6 (Home team won 4 of past 5)
Postseason:
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 11/17/22: TEN 27 at GB 17
Postseason: —
PACKERS NOTES:
QB JORDAN LOVE has 2+ TD passes in 6 of his past 7 on road. • QB MALIK WILLIS completed 12 of 14 atts. (85.7 pct.) & had 163 yards (122 pass, 41 rush) with 1st-career TD pass & 126.8 rating in Week 2. Was selected by Ten. in 3rd round (No. 86 overall) in 2022 NFL Draft. • RB JOSH JACOBS rushed for 151 yards last week, his 3rd-career game with 150+ rush yards. Aims for his 3rd in row with 100+ scrimmage yards. Had 5 catches & 97 scrimmage yards (66 rush, 31 rec.) in his only career game vs. Ten. (9/25/22 w/ LV). • WR JAYDEN REED is 1 of 2 (De’Von Achane) with 125+ rec. yards (147) & 50+ rush yards (70) in 2024. Has 10 scrimmage TDs (8 rec., 2 rush) in 9 career road games & aims for his 7th in row on road with TD. • WR ROMEO DOUBS led with 62 rec. yards in Week 2 & aims for his 3rd in row with 50+ rec. yards. • WR CHRISTIAN WATSON has 5 rec. TDs in his past 5 & aims for his 3rd in row on road with TD catch. • LB QUAY WALKER led team with 6 tackles last week. Aims for his 3rd in row on road with TFL & 6th in row on road with 5+ tackles. • LB ERIC WILSON had 5th-career INT & 2nd-career FF last week. • CB JAIRE ALEXANDER has 12 PD & 5 INTs in his past 10 road games. Aims for his 4th in row overall with PD. • S XAVIER MCKINNEY had 11th-career INT last week & is only player with INT in each of 1st 2 weeks. Aims for his 4th in row with INT. • S JAVON BULLARD had 5 tackles & 1st-career PD last week & ranks tied-1st among rookies with 16 tackles in 2024.
TITANS NOTES:
QB WILL LEVIS completed 19 of 28 atts. (67.9 pct.) for 192 yards & TD vs. INT & had career-high 38 rush yards last week. • RB TONY POLLARD led team with 102 scrimmage yards (62 rush, 40 rec.) & had 5 catches in Week 2. Aims for his 4th in row with 85+ scrimmage yards. Has rush TD in 2 of his past 3. Has 213 scrimmage yards (106.5 per game) & 2 rush TDs in his past 2 games vs. GB, incl. playoffs, with rush TD in each game. • RB TYJAE SPEARS has 65+ scrimmage yards in 2 of his past 3 at home. • WR CALVIN RIDLEY had 87 scrimmage yards (77 rec., 10 rush) & 2 TDs (1 rec., 1st-career rush) last week. Aims for his 4th in row with 50+ rec. yards & has rec. TD in 2 of his past 3. • WR DEANDRE HOPKINS has 55+ rec. yards in each of 2 career games vs. GB. • WR TREYLON BURKS set career highs in catches (7) & rec. yards (111) in last meeting. • DT JEFFERY SIMMONS had 5 tackles last week & has 5+ tackles in 3 of his past 4 at home. Had sack in last meeting. • LB HAROLD LANDRY had 2 sacks & 2 PD in Week 2, 6th-career game with 2+ sacks. Has sack in 4 of his past 5, incl. both games this season. • LB ERNERST JONES led team with 9 tackles & had 2 TFL last week. Has 7 TFL in his past 5. Has 5 tackles in each of 2 career game vs. GB. • LB KENNETH MURRAY had 8 tackles & TFL last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 6+ tackles. Had 10 tackles in only career game vs. GB (11/19/23 w/ LAC). • S JAMAL ADAMS had 11 tackles & INT in his last game vs. GB (11/14/21 w/ Sea.). • S QUANDRE DIGGS had 5 tackles in Week 2. Aims for his 4th in row vs. GB with 5+ tackles
CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-2) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-1)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 4:05 PM ET | Allegiant Stadium | Referee: Bill Vinovich
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: LV leads series, 4-3 (LV won past 2)
Postseason: —
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 9/13/20: LV 34 at CAR 30
Postseason: —
PANTHERS NOTES:
QB ANDY DALTON can make 1st start of season. Has 38,511 pass yards & 268 TDs (246 pass, 22 rush) in 170 career games (163 starts). • RB CHUBA HUBBARD had team-high 4 catches & 76 scrimmage yards (64 rush, 12 rec.) in Week 2. Has 70+ scrimmage yards in 4 of his past 5 on road & 50+ scrimmage yards in 8 of his past 9 overall. • WR ADAM THIELEN had 2 TDs (1 rec. 1 rush) in his last game vs. LV (9/22/19 w/ Min.), his only career rush TD. Has 59 career rec. TDs & can become 3rd undrafted player (Antonio Gates & Rod Smith) since 1967 with 60 career rec. TDs. Needs 57 scrimmage yards to reach 8,000 for his career. • WR DIONTAE JOHNSON has 14 receptions for 169 yards (84.5 per game) in 2 career games vs. LV & aims for his 3rd in row vs. LV with 5+ catches. • LB SHAQ THOMPSON led team with career-high 14 tackles last week & is 1 of 6 with 10+ tackles in each of 1st 2 weeks. Can have 10+ tackles in 3 straight games for 1st time in his career. Had 12 tackles in last meeting. • LB JOSEY JEWELL had 11 tackles & 6th-career FR in Week 2, his 15th-career game with 10+ tackles. Had sack in his last game at LV (1/7/24 w/ Den.). Has 52 tackles (10.6 per game) in 5 career games at Raiders & aims for his 5th in row at Raiders with 9+ tackles. • LB JADEVEON CLOWNEY had 6 tackles last week. Had 2 TFL in his only career game vs. Raiders (11/21/16 w/ Hou.). • DE A’SHAWN ROBINSON leads all DL with 15 tackles this season. • DT JAYDEN PEEVY had 1st-career half sack & 1st-career FF last week. • CB JAYCEE HORN had 2 PD & his 5th-career INT in Week 2. • S JORDAN FULLER & S XAVIER WOODS each aim for their 3rd in row with 6+ tackles.
RAIDERS NOTES:
QB GARDNER MINSHEW completed 30 of 38 atts. (78.9 pct.) for 276 yards & TD vs. INT last week, 5th-career game with 30+ completions. Is only QB with 25+ completions in each of 1st 2 weeks of season. Has 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 97.4 rating in 2 career starts vs. Car. • RB ZAMIR WHITE aims for his 3rd in row at home with 85+ scrimmage yards. • RB ALEXANDER MATTISON had rush TD last week & is 1 of 7 AFC RBs with TD in each of 1st 2 weeks of season. Rushed for 95 yards in his last game vs. Car. (10/1/23 w/ Min.). • WR DAVANTE ADAMS had 9 catches for 110 yards & TD last week. Has 5+ catches & rec. TD in 3 of his past 4. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with TD catch. Had 7 catches for 42 yards in his last game vs. Car. (12/19/20 w/ GB). Needs 1 game with 10+ catches to surpass Antonio Brown (23) for most such games all-time. • WR JAKOBI MEYERS has 55+ rec. yards in 3 of his past 4. Had 5 rec. TDs in 9 home games last season, incl. in 3 of final 4. • TE BROCK BOWERS (rookie) had 9 catches for 98 yards in Week 2. Is 1st TE in NFL history with 5+ catches & 50+ rec. yards in each of 1st 2 career games. • DE MAXX CROSBY had 4 TFL, 2 sacks & PD last week, 12th-career game with 2+ sacks. Is 1 of 8 in AFC with sack in each of 1st 2 weeks of season. Aims for his 10th in row with TFL & 4th in row with sack. Had 15 TFL & 9.5 sacks in 9 home games last season. • LB ROBERT SPILLANE had 10 tackles, 2 PD & 5th-career INT in Week 2. Has 10+ tackles in 3 of past 4 at home. • CBs JAKORIAN BENNETT & JACK JONES each had 2 PD last week. Bennett aims for 3rd in row with PD.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-1) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-0)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 4:05 PM ET | Lumen Field | Referee: Land Clark
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: MIA leads series, 8-5 (Home team won 4 of past 5)
Postseason: MIA leads series, 2-1 (won past 2)
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 10/4/20: SEA 31 at MIA 23
Postseason: AFC-WC 1/9/00: MIA 20 at SEA 17
DOLPHINS NOTES:
QB SKYLAR THOMPSON can make his 1st start in 2024. Has 461 pass yards & TD pass in 3 career starts, incl. playoffs. • RB DE’VON ACHANE had 7 catches, 165 scrimmage yards (96 rush, 69 rec.) & 2nd-career TD catch in Week 2, 3rd-most scrimmage yards in NFL last week. Aims for 4th in row on road with 100+ scrimmage yards & 5th in row overall with TD. • RB RAHEEM MOSTERT has scrimmage TD in 5 of his past 6. Has 50+ scrimmage yards & rush TD in each of his past 3 on road. Had 2 rush TDs in his last game vs. Sea. (12/29/19 w/ SF). • WR TYREEK HILL has rec. TD in 3 of his past 4, incl. playoffs. Has 60+ scrimmage yards in his past 7 on road, incl. playoffs. Had 91 scrimmage yards (74 rec., 17 rush) in his only game vs. Sea. (12/23/18 w/ KC). • WR JAYLEN WADDLE has 50+ rec. yards in 7 of his past 8. Aims for 3rd in row on road with 5+ catches & 50+ rec. yards. • TE JONNU SMITH tied career-high with 6 catches for 53 yards last week. • DE CALAIS CAMPBELL has 11 TFL & 10.5 sacks in 9 career games at Sea. • LB JAELAN PHILLIPS has 0.5+ sacks in 8 of his past 9 on road, incl. playoffs. Aims for 4th in row on road with sack. • LB DAVID LONG JR. led team with 11 tackles & 2 TFL last week. Had 6 tackles & TFL in his last game vs. Sea. (9/19/21 w/ Ten.). • LB EMMANUEL OGBAH aims for 3rd in row on road with a sack. • LB JORDYN BROOKS had 512 tackles, 23 TFL & 7 sacks in 4 seasons (2020- 23) with Sea., incl. 110+ tackles in each of past 3 seasons. • CB JALEN RAMSEY had 2 INTs in his last game at Sea. (1/8/23 w/ LAR). • S JEVON HOLLAND aims for 3rd in row with 4+ tackles.
SEAHAWKS NOTES:
HC MIKE MACDONALD can become 5th rookie HC under age 40 since 2000 to win each of 1st 3 games. • QB GENO SMITH completed career-high 33 of 44 atts. (75 pct.) for 327 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs for 103.1 rating, his 12th-career 300-yard game. Passed for 358 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for career-high 158.3 rating in his last start vs. Mia. (12/28/14 w/ NYJ). • RB KENNETH WALKER aims for his 5th in row at home with TD & 12th in row at home with 65+ scrimmage yards. • RB ZACH CHARBONNET had 69 scrimmage yards (38 rush, 31 rec.) & rush TD in Week 2 & aims for his 3rd in row with TD. • WR DK METCALF had 10 catches for 129 yards & 1st rec. TD of season in Week 2, his 4th-career game with 10+ catches & 13th-career game with 100+ rec. yards. Had 106 rec. yards in last meeting. • WR JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA set career highs with 12 receptions & 117 rec. yards last week, his 1st-career 100-yard game. • DE LEONARD WILLIAMS had 1.5 sacks last week, his 7th-career game with 1.5+ sacks. Has TFL in 8 of his past 9 games. • LB BOYE MAFE aims for his 3rd in row with sack. • LB TYREL DODSON had 8 tackles & 2nd-career FF last week. Had sack in his last game vs. Mia. (1/7/24 w/ Buf.). • LB JEROME BAKER had 581 tackles, 31 TFL, 22.5 sacks, 21 PD, 6 FF & 5 INTs in 94 games (2018-23) with Mia., incl. 75+ tackles in each of his 6 seasons. • CB DEVON WITHERSPOON had 8 PD in 7 career home games. • S JULIAN LOVE had 1st-career FG block last week. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Mia. & 3rd in row overall with PD.
DETROIT LIONS (1-1) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-1)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 4:25 PM ET | State Farm Stadium | Referee: Brad Rogers
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: DET leads series, 35-28-6 (won 4 of past 5)
Postseason: —
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 12/19/21: ARI 12 at DET 30
Postseason: —
LIONS NOTES:
QB JARED GOFF passed for 307 yards last week, his 37th-career 300-yard game, tied 7th-most by QB in 1st 9 seasons all-time. Had TD pass in 8 of 9 road starts last season. Had 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 139.7 rating in last meeting. Has 1,211 pass yards (302.8 per game) & 8 TDs (6 pass, 2 rush) vs. INT for 110.4 rating in 4 career starts at Ari. Aims for his 3rd in row at Ari. with 350+ pass yards & 4th in row at Ari. with 100+ rating. • RB JAHMYR GIBBS had 7 catches & 106 scrimmage yards (84 rush, 22 rec.) in Week 2, his 6th-career game with 100+ scrimmage yards. Had 6 rush TDs in his final 6 road games last season. • RB DAVID MONTGOMERY had 70 scrimmage yards (35 rush, 35 rec.) & rush TD in Week 2. Has 15 rush TDs in 16 games with Det. since 2023. Aims for his 6th in row with rush TD. • WR AMON-RA ST. BROWN had 11 receptions for 119 yards last week, his 6thcareer game with 10+ catches & 100+ rec. yards. Had rec. TD in 7 of 9 road games last season. Had 8 catches for 90 yards & rec. TD in last meeting. • WR JAMESON WILLIAMS aims for his 3rd in row with 5+ catches & 75+ rec. yards. • DL AIDAN HUTCHINSON had career-high 4.5 sacks & FF last week. Became 4th player since 1982 (Justin Houston, Jevon Kearse & HOFer Reggie White) with 3-sack game in each of 1st 3 career seasons. Has 2+ sacks & 3+ TFL in 3 of his past 4 reg. season games. • LB JACK CAMPBELL had 6 tackles & 2 TFL last week, his 2nd-career game with 2 TFL. Aims for his 4th in row with TFL. • LB ALEZ ANZALONE had 5+ tackles in 7 of his 8 road games last season. • DB BRIAN BRANCH had 2 PD & 4th-career INT last week & leads NFL with 5 PD this season. Has 2+ PD in 4 of his past 5. Aims for his 7th in row with PD.
CARDINALS NOTES:
QB KYLER MURRAY became 2nd player ever (Ken Anderson) with 250+ pass yards (266), 50+ rush yards (59) & 158.3 rating in single game last week. Has 21 career games with 50+ rush yards & aims for his 3rd in row with 50+ rush yards. Has 14 TDs (13 pass, 1 rush) vs. 3 INTs for 99 rating in his past 8 starts. Had 3 TDs (2 pass, 1 rush) in last home meeting. • RB JAMES CONNER rushed for 122 yards & TD last week, his 53rd-career rush TD. Has 9 TDs (7 rush, 2 rec.) in his past 7. Aims for his 5th in row with rush TD & 8th in row with 80+ scrimmage yards & TD. • WR MARVIN HARRISON JR. led team with 130 rec. yards & had 1st 2 career rec. TDs in Week 2, his 1st-career 100-yard game. • TE TREY MCBRIDE had 6 catches for 67 yards last week. Has 5+ catches in 9 of his past 10 games & aims for his 3rd in row with 5+ catches. • S BUDDA BAKER led team with 8 tackles & had 2 TFL & PD in Week 2. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Det. & 3rd in row overall with TFL. • S JALEN THOMPSON aims for his 3rd in row with 5+ tackles. Had 10 tackles in last meeting. • CB SEAN MURPHY-BUNTING had 10th-career TFL in Week 2. • LB DENNIS GARDECK set career highs with 6 tackles, 3 sacks & 4 TFL & had 3rd-career FF last week. • LB KYZIR WHITE has 5+ tackles in 12 of his 13 games with Ari. since 2023. • LB ZAVEN COLLINS had 1st sack of season last week. Aims for his 3rd in row at home & 4th in row overall with TFL. • LB KRYS BARNES had 4th-career sack last week. • DL JUSTIN JONES had 1st TFL of season last week. Had 1.5 sacks in his last game vs. Det. (12/10/23 w/ Chi.).
BALTIMORE RAVENS (0-2) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 4:25 PM ET | AT&T Stadium | Referee: Ron Torbert
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: BAL leads series, 5-1 (Home team won past 3)
Postseason: —
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 12/8/20: DAL 17 at BAL 34
Postseason: —
RAVENS NOTES:
QB LAMAR JACKSON totaled 292 yards (247 pass, 45 rush) last week. Has 45+ rush yards in 7 of past 8, incl. playoffs. Has 6 TDs vs. INT in his past 5 on road. Totaled 201 yards (107 pass, 94 rush) & 3 TDs (2 pass, 1 rush) with 101.8 rating in last meeting. • RB DERRICK HENRY led team with 96 scrimmage yards (84 rush, 12 rec.) & had rush TD last week. Aims for his 4th in row with rush TD & is 1 of 4 in AFC with rush TD in each of 1st 2 weeks of season. Had rush TD in only career game vs. Dal. (11/5/18 w/ Ten.). • RB JUSTICE HILL aims for his 3rd in row on road with 55+ scrimmage yards. • WR ZAY FLOWERS led team with 7 catches for 91 yards & 1st TD of season last week. Has rec. TD in 3 of his past 4 in reg. season. Has 5+ catches in 6 of his past 7 on road. • WR RASHOD BATEMAN aims for 3rd in row with 40+ rec. yards. • TE MARK ANDREWS had 4 catches for 51 yards in Week 2. Has 4+ catches in 5 of his past 6 on road. Has rec. TD in 2 of his past 3 vs. NFC. • TE ISAIAH LIKELY has rec. TD in 2 of his past 3 on road. • DT NNAMDI MADUBUIKE had 2 TFL last week. Has 0.5+ sacks in 7 of his past 8 on road. Has sack in 5 of his past 6 vs. NFC. • LB ROQUAN SMITH led team with season-high 11 tackles & had PD last week. Aims for his 10th in row with 7+ tackles & 4th in row with PD. • LB ODAFE OWEH had career-best 2.5 sacks & 7th-career FF in Week 2. • LB KYLE VAN NOY had 3 TFL & 2 sacks last week, 8th-career game with 2+ sacks. Has sack in 4 of his past 5. Had FR in his last game vs. Dal. (10/17/21 w/ NE). • CB MARLON HUMPHREY had 10 tackles & 14th-career INT in Week 2. • S KYLE HAMILTON had 6 tackles last week & has 5+ tackles in 5 of past 6.
COWBOYS NOTES:
QB DAK PRESCOTT passed for 293 yards & TD in Week 2. Has 37 TDs (35 pass, 2 rush) & 110 rating in his past 15 home starts. Passed for 301 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 127.2 rating in his only career start vs. Bal. (11/20/16). • RB EZEKIEL ELLIOTT has 222 scrimmage yards (111 per game) in 2 career games vs. Bal. & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Bal. with 95+ scrimmage yards. • RB RICO DOWDLE had 59 scrimmage yards (30 rush, 29 rec.) in Week 2. • WR CEEDEE LAMB had 90 rec. yards & TD catch last week. Has 87 catches, 1,238 scrimmage yards & 12 TDs (11 rec., 1 rush) in his last 10 at home. Can become 3rd player in SB era with TD catch in 9 straight home games. Had 6 catches in last meeting. • WR BRANDIN COOKS has TD catch in 4 of his past 5 games. Had 5 catches for 95 yards in his last game vs. Bal. (9/20/20 w/ Hou.). • WR JALEN TOLBERT had career highs in catches (6) & rec. yards (82) in Week 2. • TE LUKE SCHOONMAKER had career-high 6 receptions last week. • LB MICAH PARSONS has 20.5 sacks & 29 TFL in 26 career home games. • DT OSA ODIGHIZUWA had TFL & PD last week & has PD in 5 of his past 6 at home. • DE CHAUNCEY GOLSTON had his first sack of season last week. • LB ERIC KENDRICKS led team with 8 tackles in Week 2. Has 38 tackles (12.7 per game) & 5 TFL in 3 career games vs. Bal. • CB TREVON DIGGS has 19 INTs in 49 games & can become 4th player since 1990 (Marcus Peters, Richard Sherman & HOFer Ed Reed) with 20+ INTs in 1st 50 career games. • CB JOURDAN LEWIS had 1st PD of season in Week 2. Had TFL in last meeting. • S DONOVAN WILSON had his 6th-career INT last week & has INT in 3 of his past 4. Aims for his 5th in row with PD.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-1) AT LOS ANGELES RAMS (0-2)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 4:25 PM ET | SoFi Stadium | Referee: Clete Blakeman
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: SF leads series, 77-68-3 (won 9 of past 10)
Postseason: Series tied, 1-1
The Last Time… Regular Season: 1/7/24: LAR 21 at SF 20 Postseason: NFC-C 1/30/22: SF 17 at LAR 20
49ERS NOTES:
QB BROCK PURDY passed for 319 yards & TD with 101.3 rating in Week 2, his 6th-career 300-yard game. Became 6th QB all-time with 100+ rating in 15 of his 1st 25 career starts. Aims for his 5th in row on road with 100+ rating. Had 93.1 rating & rush TD in last road meeting. • RB JORDAN MASON rushed for 100 yards & TD in Week 2 & 1 of 2 (J.K. Dobbins) with 100+ rush yards & rush TD in each of 1st 2 weeks of season. • TE GEORGE KITTLE had 7 catches for 76 yards & 1st rec. TD of season last week in his 100th-career game, his 38th-career TD catch. Has 6,390 rec. yards, 3rd-most by TE ever in 1st 100 games, & 471 receptions, 5th-most ever by TE all-time in 1st 100 games. Has 50+ rec. yards in 3 of his past 4 on road. • WR BRANDON AIYUK had 4 catches for 43 yards last week. Has 6+ catches & 80+ rec. yards in 2 of his 3 career games at LAR. • WR JAUAN JENNINGS aims for his 3rd in row at LAR with 50+ rec. yards. • LB FRED WARNER led team with 9 tackles & had career-high 2 FFs, his 9thcareer INT & 10th-career sack in Week 2, 1st player with 2 FFs, INT & sack in game since 2017 (Chris Jones). Had 11 tackles & sack in last road meeting. Aims for his 4th in row at LAR with 0.5+ sacks. • DL NICK BOSA had 1st 2 sacks of season last week, his 12th-career game with 2+ sacks. Has TFL in 8 of his past 9 on road. Aims for his 4th in row at LAR with TFL. • DL LEONARD FLOYD had 29 sacks in 3 seasons (2020-22) with LAR, incl. 9+ sacks in each season. • CB CHARVARIUS WARD aims for his 3rd in row with PD. Had 10 tackles & PD in last road meeting. • CB ISAAC YIADOM had 2nd-career FR last week. • S GEORGE ODUM had career-high 2 PD in Week 2.
RAMS NOTES:
QB MATTHEW STAFFORD completed 19 of 27 atts. (70.4 pct.) for 216 yards & 94.1 rating in Week 2. Has 70+ comp. pct. in 4 of his past 5 starts. Had 2+ TD passes vs. 0 INTs & 110+ rating in each of his final 3 home starts last season. Passed for 307 yards in last home meeting. • RB KYREN WILLIAMS had 52 scrimmage yards (27 rec., 25 rush) & 2nd rush TD of season last week. Has 17 TDs (14 rush, 3 rec.) in his past 14 games & aims for his 6th in row with TD. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 14 straight games, longest active streak in NFL. Had 6 catches, 100 scrimmage yards (52 rush, 48 rec.) & 2 TDs (1 rush, 1 rec.) in last home meeting. • WR DEMARCUS ROBINSON led team with 50 rec. yards last week. • WR TUTU ATWELL had 48 rec. yards in Week 2. Had 7 catches for 77 yards in last home meeting. • LB BYRON YOUNG had TFL last week. Aims for his 5th in row with TFL. Had sack in each of his 2 games vs. SF in 2023. • LB JARED VERSE (rookie) had 7 tackles, 3 TFL & 1st-career FF in Week 2. Aims for his 3rd in row with TFL. • LB MICHAEL HOECHT had sack in last meeting. Aims for his 4th in row with TFL. • DE KOBIE TURNER had 1st sack of season last week. • DE BRADEN FISKE (rookie) had 1st-career FR in Week 2. • CB TRE’DAVIOUS WHITE had 1st PD of season in Week 2. Had INT in his only career game vs. SF (12/7/20 w/ Buf.). • S QUENTIN LAKE led team with career-high 11 tackles last week & is 1 of 2 DBs (Nick Cross) with 10+ tackles in each of 1st 2 weeks. • S KAMREN CURL had 8 tackles in Week 2. Had 9 tackles in his last game vs. SF (12/31/23 w/ Was.).
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-0) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (1-1)
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 8:20 PM ET | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Referee: Tra Blak
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: KC leads series, 7-3 (won past 2)
Postseason: —
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 12/27/20: ATL 14 at KC 17
Postseason: —
CHIEFS NOTES:
CHIEFS seeking 1st 3-0 start since 2020 & 6th under HC Andy Reid. • QB PATRICK MAHOMES completed 18 of 25 atts. (72 pct.) for 151 yards & 2 TDs last week & rushed for 29 yards. Passed for 278 yards & 2 TDs in last meeting. Has 2+ TD passes in 7 of his past 8 vs. NFC, incl. playoffs. Is 6-1 with 16 TDs (14 pass, 2 rush) in his past 7 starts on SNF. Has 76 wins in 98 career starts, tied with Tom Brady & HOFer Roger Staubach for most wins ever by QB in 1st 100 starts. Has 222 career TD passes, tied with Aaron Rodgers for most-ever in 1st 100 starts. • RB CARSON STEELE (rookie) rushed for 24 yards last week. • TE TRAVIS KELCE aims for his 3rd in row on road with 5+ catches, 75+ rec. yards & rec. TD, incl. playoffs. Has 15 catches for 238 yards (119 per game) & rec. TD in 2 career games vs. Atl. Has 1,864 rec. yards (84.7 per game) & 12 rec. TDs in 22 career games on SNF. • WR RASHEE RICE had 5 catches for team-high 75 yards & 1st TD of season last week. Aims for his 9th in row in reg. season with 50+ rec. yards. • WR XAVIER WORTHY is 1 of 2 rookie WRs (Marvin Harrison Jr.) with 2 TDs. • DT CHRIS JONES aims for his 6th in row with 0.5+ sacks. Had sack & PD in last meeting. Has 7 sacks in his past 6 in primetime. • DE GEORGE KARLAFTIS had half sack last week & has 0.5+ sacks in 2 of past 3. • LB NICK BOLTON had 7 tackles, TFL & PD in Week 2. Aims for his 4th in row with 7+ tackles & PD. • LB LEO CHENAL had 6 tackles & 1st-career FF last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 6+ tackles. Has TFL in 3 of his past 4. • LB DRUE TRANQUILL had 7 tackles in Week 2. Had 10 tackles, 2 TFL & sack in his last game vs. Atl. (11/6/22 w/ LAC). • S JAYLEN WATSON aims for 4th in row with 6+ tackles & PD. • CB CHAMARRI CONNER had 1st-career sack & 1st-career FR-TD in Week 2. • S JUSTIN REID aims for 10th in row with 6+ tackles.
FALCONS NOTES:
QB KIRK COUSINS passed for 241 yards & 2 TDs v. 0 INTs for 117.2 rating in Week 2. Has 37 games with 2+ TD passes & 115+ rating since 2015, 2nd-most in NFL. Passed for 284 yards & 2 TDs in his last start vs. KC (10/8/23 w/ Min.). Aims for his 4th in row vs. KC with 2+ TD passes & 0 INTs. Has 2,356 pass yards (294.5 per game) & 18 TDs vs. 4 INTs for 110.6 rating in 8 career SNF starts, incl. 2+ TD passes in 7 of 8 games. • RB BIJAN ROBINSON had 122 scrimmage yards (97 rush, 25 rec.) in Week 2. Is 1 of 5 with 110+ scrimmage yards in each of 1st 2 weeks & aims for his 4th in row with 110+ scrimmage yrads. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in each of his 1st 9 career home games. • WR DRAKE LONDON had 6 catches for 54 yards & GW-TD catch with 34 seconds left in Week 2, his 16th-career game with 5+ catches. • WR DARNELL MOONEY led team with 88 rec. yards & had 1st rec. TD of season in Week 2, his 12th-career TD catch. • TE KYLE PITTS aims for his 4th in row at home with TD catch. • DL GRADY JARRETT aims for his 3rd in row at home with sack. • DL JAMES SMITH-WILLIAMS aims for his 3rd in row with TFL. • LB MATTHEW JUDON had sack & 2 TFL in Week 2 & aims for his 3rd in row with 0.5+ sacks. Has sack in 2 of his 3 career games vs. KC. Aims for his 4th in row on SNF with sack & 2+ TFL. • LB KADEN ELLISS had 11 tackles in Week 2, his 7th-career game with 10+ tackles. • S JESSIE BATES had team-high 12 tackles, 2 PD & 21st-career INT last week. Has 5 PD & 2 INTs in his past 5 at home. • S JUSTIN SIMMONS had FR & INT in his last game vs. KC (10/29/23 w/ Den.) & aims for his 4th in row vs. KC with INT.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (0-2) AT BUFFALO BILLS (2-0)
Monday, September 23, 2024 | 7:30 PM ET | Highmark Stadium | Referee: Shawn Smith
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: BUF leads series, 9-8 (Home team won 4 of past 5)
Postseason: JAX leads series, 2-0
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 10/8/23: JAX 25 at BUF 20 (in London)
Postseason: AFC-WC 1/7/18: BUF 3 at JAX 10
JAGS NOTES:
QB TREVOR LAWRENCE passed for 220 yards with 0 INTs & rushed for 45 yards last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 0 INTs. Is 2-0 in 2 career starts vs. Buf. & passed for 315 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs with 102.9 rating in last meeting. Has 8 TDs (5 pass, 3 rush) vs. 0 INTs with 96.3 rating in 6 career starts in primetime. • RB TRAVIS ETIENNE rushed for 52 yards & TD in last week & is 1 of 4 in AFC with rush TD in each of 1st 2 weeks of season. Aims for his 5th in row with 55+ scrimmage yards. Had career-high 184 scrimmage yards (136 rush, 48 rec.) & 2 rush TDs in last meeting. Has 3 rush TDs in his past 3 in primetime. • WR GABE DAVIS aims for 3rd in row with 40+ rec. yards. Has 55+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 in primetime. Totaled 163 catches for 2,730 yards & 27 TDs over 4 seasons with Buf. (2020-23). • WR BRIAN THOMAS JR. (rookie) led team with 94 rec. yards in Week 2. Ranks 3rd among rookies with 141 rec. yards this season. • WR CHRISTIAN KIRK has 4+ catches in 4 of his past 5 on road. Had 6 catches for 78 yards in last meeting. Has 90+ rec. yards & TD catch in 2 of his past 3 in primetime. Has 85+ rec. yards in 2 of his 3 career games on MNF. • TE EVAN ENGRAM has TD catch in 2 of his past 3 on MNF. • TE BRENTON STRANGE had career-high 65 rec. yards last week. • DE JOSH HINES-ALLEN had sack & PD in Week 2. Aims for 3rd in row with PD. Has sack in 3 of past 4. Had 1.5 sacks & INT in only career game on MNF (12/4/23 vs. Cin.). • DE TRAVON WALKER aims for his 4th in row on road with sack. Had FR in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row in primetime with 0.5+ sacks. • LB FOYESADE OLUOKUN had 8 tackles & 1st sack of season last week. Aims for 3rd in row with TFL. Has 19 tackles (9.5 per game) in 2 career games vs. Buf. • LB DEVIN LLOYD had 8 tackles, 2 PD & 1st-career FF in Week 2.
BILLS NOTES:
QB JOSH ALLEN passed for 139 yards & TD vs. 0 INT for 107.1 rating in Week 2, his 3rd week in row with 100+ rating & pass TD. Had 373 yards (359 pass, 14 rush.) & 3 TDs (2 pass, 1 rush) in last meeting. Has 40 career games, incl. playoffs, with pass & rush TD, 2nd-most in NFL history (Cam Newton – 46). Has 300+ pass yards & 3+ TDs for 105+ rating in 4 of 7 MNF starts. • RB JAMES COOK had 95 scrimmage yards (78 rush, 17 rec.) & 3 scrimmage TDs (2 rush, 1 rec.), the 2nd-most in NFL in Week 2. Has 100+ scrimmage yards in 4 of his past 5 at home. Aims for his 4th primetime game in row at home with 70+ scrimmage yards. • WR KHALIL SHAKIR had team-high 5 catches for 54 yards last week. Aims for his 3rd primetime game in row with 5+ rec. & 50+ yards. • WR CURTIS SAMUEL had 72 scrimmage yards (55 rec., 17 rush.) & rec. TD in his last game vs. Jax. (9/11/22 w/ Was.). Has 40+ rec. yards in 3 of his last 4 primetime games. • TE DALTON KINCAID had 4 catches for 33 yards in Week 2. Aims for 3rd primetime game in row at home with 5 catches, 50+ rec. yards & TD. • DT ED OLIVER had 2 TFL & sack last week. Has sack in 3 of his last 5 & had sack in last meeting. • LB VON MILLER aims for 3rd in row with sack. Has 125.5 sacks, most among active players. • LB DORIAN WILLAMS had team-high tying 10 tackles & aims for 3rd in row with 8+ tackles. • CB JA’MARCUS INGRAM had 2 INTs, incl. 31-yard INT-TD last week. Aims for his 3rd in row with PD. • S CHRISTIAN BENFORD had 7 tackles & INT last week. Has INT in 2 of his last 3. • S DAMAR HAMLIN had team-high tying 10 tackles & had 1st TFL of season in Week 2.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-1) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-2)
Monday, September 23, 2024 | 8:15 PM ET | Paycor Stadium | Referee: Brad Allen
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: Series tied, 5-5-1 (CIN won 3 of past 5)
Postseason: —
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 11/22/20: CIN 9 at WAS 20
COMMANDERS NOTES:
QB JAYDEN DANIELS completed 23 of 29 atts. (79.3 pct.) with 270 total yards (226 pass, 44 rush) & 99.1 rating in Week 2. Has 132 rush yards, most by QB in 1st 2 career games in SB era. Aims for his 3rd in row with 70+ comp. pct. & 90+ rating. • RB BRIAN ROBINSON rushed for career-high 133 yards in Week 2, his 2ndcareer game with 100+ rush yards. Has TD in 7 of his past 8 on road. • RB AUSTIN EKELER had 85 scrimmage yards (47 rec., 38 rush) in Week 2. Aims for his 4th in row vs. Cin. with 85+ scrimmage yards. • WR TERRY MCLAURIN led team with 6 catches last week. Had 5 catches for 84 yards in last meeting. Has 50+ rec. yards in 3 of his past 4 on road. • WR NOAH BROWN had 56 rec. yards last week. Had 7 catches for career-high 172 rec. yards in his last game vs. Cin. (11/12/23 with Hou.). • TE ZACH ERTZ had 4 catches for team-high 62 yards in Week 2. Has TD catch in 2 of his 3 career games vs. Cin. • LB BOBBY WAGNER had 9 tackles, TFL & PD in Week 2. Aims for his 3rd in row with TFL & 15th in row with 5+ tackles. • LB FRANKIE LUVU led team with 11 tackles last week, his 11th-career game with 10+ tackles. • DE CLELIN FERRELL had sack last week & aims for his 3rd in row with sack. Had half sack & FF in his last game vs. Cin. (10/29/23 w/ SF). • DE DORANCE ARMSTRONG had 2 sacks in his last game vs. Cin. (9/18/22 w/ Dal.). • CB BENJAMIN ST-JUSTE had 6 tackles, 3 PD & 4th-career FF last week, his 4th-career game with 3+ PD. Aims for his 3rd in row overall & 4th in row on road with PD. • S JEREMY CHINN had 4th-career FR in Week 2
BENGALS NOTES:
QB JOE BURROW completed 23 of 36 atts. (63.9 pct.) for 258 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 103.7 rating last week. Aims for his 4th in row with 0 INTs. Has 90+ rating in 5 of his past 6 starts. Has 2 TD passes in 3 of his past 4 home starts. Passed for 203 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs in last meeting. • RB ZACK MOSS aims for 3rd in row with 45+ scrimmage yards. Had 91 scrimmage yards (60 rush, 31 rec.) & TD catch in only career game vs. Was. (9/26/21 w/ Buf.). Has 70+ scrimmage yards in 5 of his past 6 vs. NFC. • RB CHASE BROWN has 50+ scrimmage yards in 3 of his past 4 at home. • WR JA’MARR CHASE aims for 4th in row with 4+ catches. Has 1,441 rec. yards (102.9 per game) & 14 rec. TDs in 14 career games vs. NFC. Has 23 catches for 290 yards (145 per game) & rec. TD in 2 career games on MNF. • WR TEE HIGGINS can make season debut. Has 60+ rec. yards in each of his past 3 home games. • WR ANDRE IOSIVAS had 2 rec. TDs last week & has 2 rec. TDs in 2 of his past 3. • TE MIKE GESICKI led team with 7 catches for 91 yards in Week 2, 5th-career 90-yard game & 1st since 10/17/21. • DE TREY HENDRICKSON led team with 2 sacks last week, 11th game with 2+ sacks since 2020, tied 2nd-most in NFL over span. Has 0.5+ sacks in 10 of his past 11. Has 8.5 sacks in 7 career games on MNF, with 0.5+ sacks in each game. • LB GERMAINE PRATT led team with career-high 16 tackles in Week 2 & had 6th-career FF & 4th-career FR, most tackles in a single game in NFL this season. Aims for 3rd in row with 8+ tackles. • LB LOGAN WILSON aims for 3rd in row with 12+ tackles. • LB AKEEM DAVIS-GAITHER & CB CAM TAYLOR-BRITT each had 1st INT of season last week.
BASEBALL NEWS
SHOHEI OHTANI SURPASSES 50-50 MILESTONE IN SPECTACULAR FASHION WITH A 3-HOMER, 2-STEAL GAME
MIAMI (AP) — Shohei Ohtani looked up at a visiting crowd that turned out to cheer him and the Los Angeles Dodgers — and ended up getting to witness one of the greatest individual performances, and seasons, in major league history.
Fans lifted their phones to capture the moment and chanted “M-V-P!” as Ohtani rounded the bases after he cleared the fence for the 50th time, becoming the first major league player with at least 50 home runs and and 50 stolen bases in a season.
The most amazing thing about it? Ohtani’s day wasn’t even finished.
Ohtani raced past the 50-50 milestone in the most spectacular game of his history-making career, becoming the first big league player to hit three homers and steal two bases in a game during a 20-4 rout of the Miami Marlins on Thursday that also secured a playoff spot for the Dodgers.
“I almost cried, to be honest,” Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas said. “It was a lot of emotions because of everything that happens behind the scenes that we got to witness every single day.”
Los Angeles’ $700 million Japanese superstar hit his 49th homer in the sixth inning, his 50th in the seventh and his 51st in the ninth. He finished 6 for 6 with 10 RBIs while becoming the first big league player to hit three homers and steal two bases in a game.
“It was something I wanted to get over as quickly as possible. And, you know, it’s something that I’m going to cherish for a very long time,” Ohtani said through an interpreter in a televised interview.
Ohtani reached the second deck in right-center on two of his three homers at LoanDepot Park. In the sixth inning, he launched a 1-1 slider from George Soriano 438 feet for his 49th.
Ohtani hit his 50th homer in the seventh, an opposite-field, two-run shot to left against Marlins reliever Mike Baumann. Then, in the ninth, his 51st traveled 440 feet to right-center, a three-run shot against Marlins second baseman Vidal Brujan, who came in to pitch with the game out of hand.
“To be honest, I’m the one probably most surprised,” Ohtani said. “I have no idea where this came from, but I’m glad that it was going well today.”
Ohtani came into the game with 48 homers and 49 steals. He took care of the stolen bases early, swiping his 50th in the first and his 51st in the second. He has been successful on his last 28 stolen base attempts.
He broke the Dodgers’ franchise record of 49 homers set by Shawn Green in 2001. And he became the third player in major league history with at least six hits, three homers and 10 RBIs in a game, joining Cincinnati’s Walker Cooper in 1949 and Washington’s Anthony Rendon in 2017.
Ohtani has 120 RBIs, trailing only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees (53 homers, 136 RBIs) in both categories.
Ohtani reached the 50-50 milestone in his 150th game. He was already the sixth player in major league history and the fastest ever to reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season, needing just 126 games.
His previous career high in homers was 46 for the Los Angeles Angels in 2021, when he also made 23 starts on the mound and won his first of two American League MVP awards.
It was another memorable night for Ohtani at LoanDepot Park, where he struck out then-Angels teammate Mike Trout of the United States for the final out of the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship while playing for Japan.
“I’ve had perhaps the most memorable moments here in my career,” Ohtani said, “and this stadium has become one of my favorite stadiums.”
Already the consensus best player in baseball whose accomplishments as a pitcher and batter outpaced even Babe Ruth, Ohtani reached new heights as an offensive player while taking the year off from pitching.
Ohtani signed his $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers last December. The two-way star, who previously spent six years with the Los Angeles Angels, has played exclusively at designated hitter this season as he rehabilitates after surgery a year ago for an injured elbow ligament.
He finished a triple shy of the cycle on Thursday, adding a run-scoring single and two doubles. He was thrown out at third base while trying to stretch his second double into a triple.
“There’s nothing you really can say because there’s nothing anybody can do about it,” teammate and former MVP Mookie Betts said. “He’s just too good.”
First base was open when Ohtani came up to bat in the seventh, but Marlins manager Skip Schumaker decided against intentionally walking him with the Marlins trailing 11-3.
“If it was a tight game, one-run lead or we’re down one, I probably put him on,” Schumaker said. “Down that many runs, that’s a bad move baseball-wise, karma-wise, baseball god-wise. … I think out of respect for the game, we were going to go after him. He hit the home run. That’s just part of the deal. He’s hit (51) of them. He’s the most talented player I’ve ever seen.”
Preparation was a key to Ohtani becoming the first member of the 50-50 club. He regularly huddled with the team’s hitting coaches and studied video of opposing pitchers to understand their tendencies with hitters and baserunners.
“I see all the work he puts in,” catcher Will Smith said recently. “It’s not like he goes out there and it’s too easy for him. He works harder than anybody. He scouts really hard. He’s playing a different game so it’s fun to see.”
Ohtani appeared to make the 50-50 mark his mission. He increased the frequency of his base-stealing attempts, and in turn his success rate went up.
But that may not be the case next year when he returns to the mound.
“He’s not pitching this year so I think he is emptying the tank offensively,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I do think the power, the on-base (percentage), the average, I think he can do that as a pitcher. He’s done something pretty similar like that with his OPS. But as far as the stolen bases go, I’m not sure about that.”
Ohtani’s teammates have enjoyed watching him crush home runs and scamper around the bases.
“I’m honestly kind of trying to learn from him just seeing the way he goes about his day-to-day business. He’s very consistent, the same demeanor throughout,” outfielder Tommy Edman said recently. “I think that’s why he’s such a good player.”
Third baseman Max Muncy added, “Every night I feel like he does something that we haven’t seen.”
What’s next for Ohtani?
The Dodgers are headed to the postseason in October, which will be another first for Ohtani. He never made it there with the Angels, who never had a winning record during his tenure in Anaheim.
Another potential first could be earning National League MVP honors as a designated hitter. No player who got most of his playing time as a DH — without pitching — has ever won MVP, although Don Baylor, Edgar Martinez and David Ortiz placed high in the vote.
It would be Ohtani’s third career MVP award.
CODY BELLINGER KNOCKS IN 3 AS CUBS BEAT NATIONALS 7-6 TO STAVE OFF POSTSEASON ELIMINATION
CHICAGO (AP) — Seiya Suzuki homered, Cody Bellinger drove in three runs and the Chicago Cubs topped the Washington Nationals 7-6 on Thursday night to stave off elimination from the postseason.
Joey Gallo hit a three-run home run for Washington, which has dropped four straight.
The Cubs trailed 6-5 after Gallo’s shot in the sixth off reliever Drew Smyly, but took the lead for good with a two-run seventh. Bellinger singled in the tying run and Isaac Paredes came up next to tag reliever Robert Garcia (3-6) with an RBI groundout.
Dansby Swanson added three hits and scored four times for Chicago, which remained seven games out of the final NL wild card berth with nine to play after New York and Arizona won earlier Thursday.
Bellinger said the Cubs aren’t worried about their postseason hopes dying as early as this weekend.
“You still want to get the job done and make plays for your pitcher,” he said.
Ethan Roberts (1-0), the third of five Cubs relievers, got his first career win and Porter Hodge worked the ninth for his sixth save.
“Top of the lineup did a heck of a job, for sure,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said after his first four hitters accounted for 10 hits and five RBIs.
The teams swapped runs in the first inning before trading two-run frames in the third. In Chicago’s half of the third, Suzuki hit his 21st home run of the season, a two-run shot off starter Patrick Corbin.
“I’m seeing the ball well,” Suzuki said through a translator after extending his hitting streak to 10 games. “I feel like I can get a little more aggressive.”
Chicago added two more runs to make it 5-3 before Gallo connected off Drew Smyly in the sixth to give the Nationals a brief 6-5 lead.
CJ Abrams had four hits and scored twice while rookie Darren Baker added three hits and scored a run for Washington.
“We swung the bats well, I thought we ran the bases well,” Washington manager Dave Martinez. “Keep swinging the bats like that and we’ll be fine.”
Chicago starter Javier Assad allowed seven hits, three runs and a walk while striking out five in the first five innings.
Corbin surrendered eight hits and five runs with a walk while striking out four in 4 1/3 innings.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Nationals: OF Jacob Young left with shoulder soreness after getting caught stealing in the second. He’ll be evaluated further on Friday. … Catcher Keibert Ruiz took an Isaac Paredes foul ball to his groin in the third but remained behind the plate after a once-over from the training staff.
Cubs: Paredes appeared to have his left hand bent back in the third when James Wood slid into third base, but he stayed in the game and made the ensuing play in the field.
UP NEXT
The series continues Friday afternoon when Washington’s Trevor Williams (5-0, 2.22 ERA) makes his first start since May 30 against fellow RHP Jameson Taillon (10-8, 3.54).
GUARDIANS PUSHING UNEXPECTED SEASON INTO POSTSEASON, WILL HAVE CHANCE TO END SERIES TITLE DROUGHT
CLEVELAND (AP) — Soaked to the skin from being sprayed with Champagne and beer, manager Stephen Vogt stood in the middle of the clubhouse and triumphantly lifted a fake jeweled championship belt over his head like a conquering boxer.
Cleveland will fight for a real one in October.
Led by their 39-year-old rookie manager, who has pushed all the right buttons for months, and a superb bullpen, the Guardians clinched one of the AL’s six playoff spots on Thursday with a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins — Cleveland’s major league-leading 42nd comeback.
A most unexpected season will include a postseason.
One of baseball’s youngest teams can end decades of playoff heartbreak for a franchise enduring baseball’s longest active World Series title drought.
“This is really special,” said Vogt, a former All-Star catcher who had zero managing experience when the Guardians hired him in November. “The goal is to get in and then from here we keep pushing. You get in, you have a chance.”
The Guardians are the second AL team to qualify for the 2024 postseason, following only the New York Yankees, who clinched a spot on Wednesday and will return to the playoffs after a one-year absence — an eternity for their spoiled fan base.
New York was slated to contend. Cleveland, not so much.
But in their first season under Vogt, who was on his farm in Washington shoveling cow manure when the team’s front office called to offer him the job, the Guardians have been one of baseball’s best stories and biggest surprises.
They weren’t expected to do much coming off a 76-win season, which ended with beloved manager Terry Francona’s retirement. The feeling heading into this year was the road back to title contention could be a long one.
But the Guardians have been atop the no-longer-laughable AL Central since mid-April, and in a season in which there doesn’t appear to be any clear-cut powerhouse favorite, they’ll enter the playoffs with a shot to win their first title since 1948 — when they were known as the Indians.
Vogt wasn’t really sure what kind of team he had during spring training in Arizona. But a 7-2 trip through Oakland, Seattle and Minnesota to open the season convinced him his young group could mature into something more.
“I didn’t know what guys were capable of what,” he said. “And until you see them play, you really don’t know. But if you come to spring training and you’re not expecting to win the World Series, don’t come.
“Right away on that first road trip, we saw something special that this team might be able to get it done. Now we’re in it. We have an opportunity.”
Lacking big names and big bats in the lineup, Cleveland has found success by playing with an aggressive attitude. It’s known as “Guards ball,” and it places a premium on patient at-bats, knocking the opponent’s starter out as early as possible, taking the extra base and playing solid defense.
Everyone contributes, and Vogt has taken pride in using his entire roster.
It doesn’t hurt that he’s been able to lean on baseball’s nastiest bullpen, anchored by All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, who hasn’t blown a save since May and is making a case to become the league’s first reliever to win the Cy Young Award in 32 years.
The Guardians don’t quit.
Down two runs in the 10th on Wednesday night, they stormed back with three to shock the Twins. And after the bullpen held Minnesota hitless for 5 2/3 innings Thursday, they walked off their rivals again to improve to 48-28 at home.
“That’s us,” said Andrés Giménez, who drove in José Ramírez from second base in the 10th. “That’s the Cleveland Guardians.”
A comeback earlier this week left Vogt in tears during his postgame news conference.
“I love these guys,” he said.
The feeling is mutual.
Backup catcher and de facto team spokesman Austin Hedges, who won a World Series title with Texas last year, re-signed as a free agent with Cleveland before this season. He credits Vogt with bringing the Guardians closer and getting the most from them.
“One of the most special humans I’ve ever met,” Hedges said. “Not just as a manager, as a man. That guy, he’s a leader of men. We had one of the greatest managers in the history of baseball for a long time, and I loved Terry Francona with all my heart.
“This is probably the best year of managing I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Vogt will enter uncharted waters in a few weeks, leading the Guardians into the month when every pitch, every swing, every moment is amplified.
Hedges has been there before. Before winning it all with the Rangers, he was released by the Guardians following the 2022 season, which ended with them blowing a 2-1 lead in the Division Series against the Yankees.
He came back to Cleveland for another crack.
“I feel like we had unfinished business in ’22,” he said. “We feel like we really had a really good shot to go all the way. It’s tough to lose a heartbreaker in the postseason and being away last year, all I could think about was coming back with my guys here.
“We all want the exact same thing.”
LOGAN GILBERT REACHES 200 KS, MARINERS STAY ON EDGE OF PLAYOFF RACE WITH 3-2 WIN OVER YANKEES
SEATTLE (AP) — Logan Gilbert allowed two runs pitching into the sixth inning and reached the 200-strikeout mark for the season, J.P. Crawford had a key two-out RBI single as part of Seattle’s three-run first inning, and the Mariners beat the New York Yankees 3-2 on Thursday.
Seattle salvaged the final game of the series and stayed on the fringes of the playoff race, pulling within two games of Minnesota and Detroit for the final wild-card spot in the American League ahead of a six-game road trip to Texas and Houston.
“I don’t think we’re paying too much attention about what’s ahead in terms of the standings,” Seattle manager Dan Wilson said. “I think we’re looking at what we need to do each night, each day. Today we needed to pick up a win. We did.”
A day after clinching a postseason berth, the Yankees had their lead in the AL East trimmed to four games after Baltimore’s victory. They also received a major scare from star outfielder Juan Soto in the seventh inning.
Soto slid into the short wall in foul territory down the right-field line while making a highlight reel catch. After a lengthy visit from manager Aaron Boone, athletic trainers and seemingly every one of his teammates, Soto remained in the game and was shaking out his left leg.
The play was initially ruled a foul ball, but was overturned to a catch on replay.
“I think him sliding the way he did served him well. My biggest fear was that he twisted something and I think sliding like that preserved him a little bit,” Boone said. “Banged his knee pretty good. We’ll get X-rays just to make sure but as of now looks like he’ll be OK.”
Seattle did all its damage in the first inning off Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt, loading the bases with one out. Justin Turner hit a fly ball deep enough for Julio Rodríguez to score, but left fielder Jasson Domínguez muffed the catch and Seattle eventually added two unearned runs. Jorge Polanco added a sacrifice fly and Crawford’s single capped the big inning.
Schmidt (5-4) settled down after the rough first inning and allowed only two hits over the next four innings. He struck out seven and walked three.
“The command wasn’t there for sure. Obviously really happy with how we bounced back after the first inning. The outing was a grind,” Schmidt said.
Gilbert (8-11) struck out nine in his 5 1/3 innings and has 207 on the season, becoming the ninth pitcher in team history to reach that mark. Andrés Muñoz pitched the ninth for his 22nd save.
Gilbert, who was bumped up by a day to throw against the Yankees, pitched with traffic but avoided any big innings. He needed 45 pitches combined to work through the fourth and fifth innings – the latter of which included an extra batter after a wild pitch strikeout allowed Jazz Chisholm Jr. to reach first base.
Despite the busy basepaths, Gilbert’s only mistake was Chisholm’s 23rd homer, a two-run shot in the third. He was also helped by Luke Raley throwing out Domínguez trying to score from second base for the final out of the second.
“It felt like it was a big game, big series. Obviously a good team over there and every game matters a ton for us. We really needed to win today. Just tried to give us a chance,” Gilbert said.
INJURY CONCERN
Yankees reliever Jake Cousins took over in the sixth but lasted only two batters and six pitches due to tightness in his right pectoral muscle. He was lifted striking out Rodríguez, and his velocity was down significantly on all of his pitches.
“We don’t think it’s too severe,” Boone said.
UP NEXT
Yankees: New York makes its last trip to Oakland on Friday with RHP Gerrit Cole (6-5, 3.97) starting the opener against the A’s.
Mariners: Seattle opens its final road trip in Texas on Friday against the Rangers. RHP George Kirby (12-11, 3.62) starts the opener.
OLSON HOMERS TWICE AND SALE WINS HIS MAJOR LEAGUE-LEADING 18TH AS THE BRAVES ROUT THE REDS 15-3
CINCINNATI (AP) — Matt Olson hit two of Atlanta’s six home runs, Chris Sale coasted to his major league-leading 18th win and the Braves beat the Cincinnati Reds 15-3 on Thursday.
The Braves became the first team in major league history to hit four three-run homers in a game, according to Elias. They remained two games behind the final NL wild-card spot.
Along with his career-best win total, Sale (18-3) also leads the majors in ERA (2.38) and strikeouts (225).
“I felt good. I was able to get through it,” said Sale, who is expecting to make two more starts and a chance to win 20 games. “This was a little bit of a grind but when the offense goes off like that, it takes a little bit off what I need to do.”
Sale pitched five innings, allowing two runs and five hits with two walks and six strikeouts. It was the 18th consecutive game in which he allowed two runs or fewer.
“I could tell he was beat (tired),” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “I just think it was hot. It’s an early game. The way he competed to get through that thing, especially in that last inning, he’s different. He has 18 wins for a reason.”
Olson hit his 27th home run and second of the series leading off the second inning. Ramon Laureano hit a three-run homer in the third, his ninth, off rookie Julian Aguiar.
“I like to hit here. It’s just the park, a smaller park,” Olson said. “It has a short right-field fence. A couple balls get out here that aren’t good enough in other places. It’s fun as a hitter. Hopefully, this is a nice little spark.”
Marcell Ozuna doubled in a run in the fifth after Aguiar hit Michael Harris II and Jorge Soler to lead off the inning. Olson greeted Yosver Zuleta with his second homer of the game. It was his fourth multi-homer game of the season and 25th of his career.
Harris hit the Braves’ sixth home run with two on in the ninth off Brandon Leibrandt.
The Braves rebounded from a loss Monday night to take the last two games of the season series. The Reds won 4-2.
“These guys, for as long as I can remember, have a really good way of turning the page,” Snitker said. “Every day is a new day. These guys epitomize that. They put a bad one behind them. They don’t rest on their laurels on a good one.”
Soler’s 20th home run with two on also came off Leibrandt, the son of former Braves’ and Reds’ pitcher Charlie Leibrandt. Harris hit his 14th home run and third of the series in the eighth.
Rookie Blake Dunn brought his .095 average to the plate in the third inning. He hit a leadoff single. Dunn stole second and third and scored on Jonathan India’s single. The Reds loaded the bases but Ty France hit into a double play.
Dunn hit his first big league home run leading off the fifth inning.
“It was really cool in the moment. Reflecting back on it now, it would have been better if we got a win with it, too. He’s been an amazing pitcher for a long time,” Dunn said.
Dunn walked and scored his third run of the game on Elly De La Cruz’s single.
Aguiar (2-1) pitched four-plus innings. He was charged with seven runs on six hits.
“It was a tough day in all areas,” Reds’ manager David Bell said. “What is going to make Aggie good is his command. He was off a tick today. The Braves put good swings on the ball and took advantage.”
Snitker confirmed after the game that Ozzie Albies will be activated for the series in Miami.
UP NEXT
Braves: Travel to Miami to start at three-game series. Charlie Morton (8-8, 4.01 ERA) pitches for the Braves.
Reds: Host Pirates starting Friday. Nick Martinez (9-6, 3.37 ERA) is scheduled to start.
SEASON OVER FOR JAYS SS BO BICHETTE (BROKEN FINGER)
The Toronto Blue Jays placed shortstop Bo Bichette on the 10-day injured list Thursday with a broken finger, ending the two-time All-Star’s disappointing campaign.
Bichette, 26, sustained a fractured middle finger on his right hand on Wednesday at Texas after playing one game following an eight-week IL stint with a calf injury.
The Blue Jays said Bichette broke the finger on his throwing hand while taking groundballs before the game. He was 2-for-5 with an RBI in Toronto’s 13-8 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday.
“When it happened, he still continued to hit and finish his defensive work and it was bothering him. He was frustrated,” manager John Schneider said. “I do think he’s in a pretty good place in terms of perspective and things like that. He was obviously frustrated, but knowing that something positive will come out of this.”
Schneider said X-rays confirmed the fracture. He said Bichette will visit with a hand specialist and expects him to be ready for spring training.
Bichette batted a career-worst .225 in 81 games this season, finishing with four home runs and 31 RBIs.
An All-Star in 2021 and 2023, he is a career .290/.332/.466 hitter with 93 homers and 343 RBIs in 609 games since making his Blue Jays debut in 2019.
In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays called up outfielder Jonatan Clase, whom they acquired in a July deal that sent veteran reliever Yimi Garcia to the Seattle Mariners.
Clase, 22, played in just 19 games for the Mariners, batting .195 with three RBIs. But in 94 games at the Triple-A level, hit .263 with 12 homers, 45 RBIs and 38 stolen bases.
–Field Level Media
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
BIG TEN ANNOUNCES 2024-25 MEN’S BASKETBALL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
ROSEMONT, Ill. — The Big Ten Conference announced Thursday a full breakdown of its 180 men’s basketball conference matchups for all 18 member institutions for the 2024-25 season, as revealed live on the Big Ten Network. For the seventh consecutive year, each Big Ten Conference member institution will compete in a 20-game conference schedule.
The Big Ten Conference season will begin with three games on Tuesday, Dec. 3, Northwestern at Iowa, Washington at UCLA, and Michigan at Wisconsin. A total of 18 conference games will be played between Dec. 3-13 before conference play breaks until 2025.
Following the holiday break, Big Ten action will resume on Jan. 2 with five games.
During the conference season, each member institution will play a 20-game league schedule, facing three schools both home and away, while meeting 14 teams once. Of the single-play opponents, member institutions will play seven at home and seven on the road.
The 28th Big Ten Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament will be played March 12-16, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
After finishing last season with a 17-3 mark in conference play, Purdue captured its 26th Big Ten championship. Illinois, the number two seed in the 2024 Big Ten Tournament, topped No. 5 seed Wisconsin 93-87 to claim its fourth Big Ten Tournament crown.
The complete 2024-25 Big Ten Conference men’s basketball conference schedule can be found below. Tipoff times and television designations will be announced at a later date.
2024-25 Big Ten Conference Men’s Basketball Schedule
| Tuesday, Dec. 3 | Northwestern at Iowa |
| Washington at UCLA | |
| Michigan at Wisconsin | |
| Wednesday, Dec. 4 | Ohio State at Maryland |
| Michigan State at Minnesota | |
| Oregon at USC | |
| Thursday, Dec. 5 | Purdue at Penn State |
| Friday, Dec. 6 | Illinois at Northwestern |
| Saturday, Dec. 7 | Iowa at Michigan |
| Nebraska at Michigan State | |
| Rutgers at Ohio State | |
| USC at Washington | |
| Sunday, Dec. 8 | Maryland at Purdue |
| UCLA at Oregon | |
| Monday, Dec. 9 | Minnesota at Indiana |
| Tuesday, Dec. 10 | Wisconsin at Illinois |
| Penn State at Rutgers | |
| Friday, Dec. 13 | Indiana at Nebraska |
| Thursday, Jan. 2 | Rutgers at Indiana |
| Purdue at Minnesota | |
| Illinois at Oregon | |
| Northwestern at Penn State | |
| Maryland at Washington | |
| Friday, Jan. 3 | Michigan State at Ohio State |
| Iowa at Wisconsin | |
| Saturday, Jan. 4 | UCLA at Nebraska |
| Michigan at USC | |
| Sunday, Jan. 5 | Maryland at Oregon |
| Indiana at Penn State | |
| Northwestern at Purdue | |
| Illinois at Washington | |
| Monday, Jan. 6 | Ohio State at Minnesota |
| Wisconsin at Rutgers | |
| Tuesday, Jan. 7 | Nebraska at Iowa |
| Michigan at UCLA | |
| Wednesday, Jan. 8 | Penn State at Illinois |
| USC at Indiana | |
| Thursday, Jan. 9 | Washington at Michigan State |
| Oregon at Ohio State | |
| Purdue at Rutgers | |
| Friday, Jan. 10 | UCLA at Maryland |
| Minnesota at Wisconsin | |
| Saturday, Jan. 11 | USC at Illinois |
| Indiana at Iowa | |
| Sunday, Jan. 12 | Michigan State at Northwestern |
| Washington at Michigan | |
| Oregon at Penn State | |
| Nebraska at Purdue | |
| Monday, Jan. 13 | Minnesota at Maryland |
| UCLA at Rutgers | |
| Tuesday, Jan. 14 | Illinois at Indiana |
| Iowa at USC | |
| Ohio State at Wisconsin | |
| Wednesday, Jan. 15 | Penn State at Michigan State |
| Purdue at Washington | |
| Thursday, Jan. 16 | Michigan at Minnesota |
| Rutgers at Nebraska | |
| Maryland at Northwestern | |
| Friday, Jan. 17 | Indiana at Ohio State |
| Iowa at UCLA | |
| Saturday, Jan. 18 | Purdue at Oregon |
| Wisconsin at USC | |
| Sunday, Jan. 19 | Nebraska at Maryland |
| Northwestern at Michigan | |
| Illinois at Michigan State | |
| Monday, Jan. 20 | Rutgers at Penn State |
| Tuesday, Jan. 21 | Minnesota at Iowa |
| Washington at Oregon | |
| Ohio State at Purdue | |
| Wisconsin at UCLA | |
| Wednesday, Jan. 22 | USC at Nebraska |
| Indiana at Northwestern | |
| Thursday, Jan. 23 | Maryland at Illinois |
| Friday, Jan. 24 | Penn State at Iowa |
| Michigan at Purdue | |
| UCLA at Washington | |
| Saturday, Jan. 25 | Oregon at Minnesota |
| Michigan State at Rutgers | |
| Sunday, Jan. 26 | Northwestern at Illinois |
| Maryland at Indiana | |
| Nebraska at Wisconsin | |
| Monday, Jan. 27 | Penn State at Michigan |
| Iowa at Ohio State | |
| UCLA at USC | |
| Tuesday, Jan. 28 | Minnesota at Michigan State |
| Wednesday, Jan. 29 | Wisconsin at Maryland |
| Rutgers at Northwestern | |
| Thursday, Jan. 30 | Illinois at Nebraska |
| Ohio State at Penn State | |
| Oregon at UCLA | |
| Friday, Jan. 31 | Indiana at Purdue |
| Saturday, Feb. 1 | Washington at Minnesota |
| Wisconsin at Northwestern | |
| Michigan at Rutgers | |
| Michigan State at USC | |
| Sunday, Feb. 2 | Ohio State at Illinois |
| Nebraska at Oregon | |
| Tuesday, Feb. 4 | Purdue at Iowa |
| USC at Northwestern | |
| Minnesota at Penn State | |
| Michigan State at UCLA | |
| Indiana at Wisconsin | |
| Wednesday, Feb. 5 | Oregon at Michigan |
| Illinois at Rutgers | |
| Nebraska at Washington | |
| Thursday, Feb. 6 | Maryland at Ohio State |
| Friday, Feb. 7 | USC at Purdue |
| Saturday, Feb. 8 | Michigan at Indiana |
| Wisconsin at Iowa | |
| Oregon at Michigan State | |
| Illinois at Minnesota | |
| Penn State at UCLA | |
| Northwestern at Washington | |
| Sunday, Feb. 9 | Rutgers at Maryland |
| Ohio State at Nebraska | |
| Tuesday, Feb. 11 | UCLA at Illinois |
| Purdue at Michigan | |
| Indiana at Michigan State | |
| Northwestern at Oregon | |
| Penn State at USC | |
| Wednesday, Feb. 12 | Washington at Ohio State |
| Iowa at Rutgers | |
| Thursday, Feb. 13 | Maryland at Nebraska |
| Friday, Feb. 14 | UCLA at Indiana |
| Saturday, Feb. 15 | Michigan State at Illinois |
| Washington at Penn State | |
| Wisconsin at Purdue | |
| Minnesota at USC | |
| Sunday, Feb. 16 | Iowa at Maryland |
| Nebraska at Northwestern | |
| Michigan at Ohio State | |
| Rutgers at Oregon | |
| Tuesday, Feb. 18 | Purdue at Michigan State |
| Minnesota at UCLA | |
| Illinois at Wisconsin | |
| Wednesday, Feb. 19 | Oregon at Iowa |
| Nebraska at Penn State | |
| Rutgers at Washington | |
| Thursday, Feb. 20 | USC at Maryland |
| Northwestern at Ohio State | |
| Friday, Feb. 21 | Michigan State at Michigan |
| Saturday, Feb. 22 | Washington at Iowa |
| Penn State at Minnesota | |
| Oregon at Wisconsin | |
| Sunday, Feb. 23 | Purdue at Indiana |
| USC at Rutgers | |
| Ohio State at UCLA | |
| Monday, Feb. 24 | Michigan at Nebraska |
| Tuesday, Feb. 25 | Iowa at Illinois |
| Northwestern at Minnesota | |
| Washington at Wisconsin | |
| Wednesday, Feb. 26 | Penn State at Indiana |
| Michigan State at Maryland | |
| Ohio State at USC | |
| Thursday, Feb. 27 | Rutgers at Michigan |
| Friday, Feb. 28 | Iowa at Northwestern |
| UCLA at Purdue | |
| Saturday, March 1 | Minnesota at Nebraska |
| USC at Oregon | |
| Maryland at Penn State | |
| Indiana at Washington | |
| Sunday, March 2 | Illinois at Michigan |
| Wisconsin at Michigan State | |
| Monday, March 3 | UCLA at Northwestern |
| Tuesday, March 4 | Nebraska at Ohio State |
| Indiana at Oregon | |
| Rutgers at Purdue | |
| Wednesday, March 5 | Maryland at Michigan |
| Wisconsin at Minnesota | |
| Washington at USC | |
| Thursday, March 6 | Michigan State at Iowa |
| Friday, March 7 | Purdue at Illinois |
| Saturday, March 8 | Ohio State at Indiana |
| Northwestern at Maryland | |
| USC at UCLA | |
| Penn State at Wisconsin | |
| Sunday, March 9 | Michigan at Michigan State |
| Iowa at Nebraska | |
| Minnesota at Rutgers | |
| Oregon at Washington |
2024-25 BIG TEN CONFERENCE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SLATE ANNOUNCED
ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced Thursday a full breakdown of its 162 women’s basketball conference matchups for all 18 member institutions for the 2024-25 season, as revealed live on the Big Ten Network.
Each Big Ten Conference member institution will play an 18-game schedule for the sixth time in seven seasons, playing one school both home and away, while facing 16 teams once. Of the single-play opponents, member institutions will play eight at home and eight on the road.
The Big Ten Conference season tips off on Saturday, Dec. 7 with three games, while 10 teams open conference play on Sunday, Dec. 8. The remaining two institutions will begin Big Ten action on Sunday, Dec. 15, before the league slate breaks for the Christmas holiday. Conference play will resume on Saturday, Dec. 28 with a four-game slate. The league schedule is set to conclude on Sunday, March 2 with 14 teams in action. Attention will turn to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for the 32nd Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, scheduled for March 5-9.
Ohio State will enter the 2024-25 campaign as the defending Big Ten Champion after going 16-2 in conference play last season. Iowa hoisted its third consecutive Big Ten Tournament trophy after defeating Nebraska, 94-89, in overtime in the 2024 TIAA Big Ten Tournament final.
The complete 2024-25 Big Ten Conference women’s basketball conference schedule can be found below. Tipoff times and television designations will be announced at a later date.
2024-25 Big Ten Conference Women’s Basketball Schedule
| Saturday, Dec. 7 | Indiana at Penn State |
| Maryland at Purdue | |
| USC at Oregon | |
| Sunday, Dec. 8 | Illinois at Ohio State |
| Minnesota at Nebraska | |
| Northwestern at Michigan | |
| Rutgers at Wisconsin | |
| UCLA at Washington | |
| Sunday, Dec. 15 | Iowa at Michigan State |
| Saturday, Dec. 28 | Oregon at Illinois |
| Penn State at Minnesota | |
| Washington at Northwestern | |
| Wisconsin at Indiana | |
| Sunday, Dec. 29 | Michigan at USC |
| Michigan State at Maryland | |
| Nebraska at UCLA | |
| Ohio State at Rutgers | |
| Purdue at Iowa | |
| Tuesday, Dec. 31 | Minnesota at Wisconsin |
| Oregon at Northwestern | |
| Washington at Illinois | |
| Wednesday, Jan. 1 | Iowa at Penn State |
| Michigan at UCLA | |
| Nebraska at USC | |
| Purdue at Michigan State | |
| Thursday, Jan. 2 | Rutgers at Maryland |
| Saturday, Jan. 4 | UCLA at Indiana |
| Wisconsin at Oregon | |
| Sunday, Jan. 5 | Illinois at Minnesota |
| Maryland at Iowa | |
| Northwestern at Ohio State | |
| Penn State at Nebraska | |
| USC at Rutgers | |
| Tuesday, Jan. 7 | UCLA at Purdue |
| Wisconsin at Washington | |
| Wednesday, Jan. 8 | Indiana at Northwestern |
| Michigan State at Nebraska | |
| Ohio State at Michigan | |
| Rutgers at Minnesota | |
| USC at Maryland | |
| Thursday, Jan. 9 | Iowa at Illinois |
| Oregon at Penn State | |
| Saturday, Jan. 11 | Maryland at Wisconsin |
| Michigan at Purdue | |
| Sunday, Jan. 12 | Indiana at Iowa |
| Nebraska at Rutgers | |
| Northwestern at UCLA | |
| Oregon at Ohio State | |
| Penn State at USC | |
| Washington at Michigan State | |
| Tuesday, Jan. 14 | Minnesota at Maryland |
| Wednesday, Jan. 15 | Michigan State at Rutgers |
| Northwestern at USC | |
| Penn State at UCLA | |
| Purdue at Oregon | |
| Washington at Michigan | |
| Thursday, Jan. 16 | Illinois at Indiana |
| Nebraska at Iowa | |
| Ohio State at Wisconsin | |
| Saturday, Jan. 18 | Purdue at Washington |
| Rutgers at Michigan | |
| Sunday, Jan. 19 | Iowa at Oregon |
| Michigan State at Illinois | |
| Minnesota at Northwestern | |
| Ohio State at Penn State | |
| USC at Indiana | |
| Monday, Jan. 20 | Wisconsin at Nebraska |
| Wednesday, Jan. 22 | Iowa at Washington |
| Michigan at Minnesota | |
| Penn State at Michigan State | |
| USC at Purdue | |
| Thursday, Jan. 23 | Illinois at Northwestern |
| Maryland at Ohio State | |
| UCLA at Rutgers | |
| Friday, Jan. 24 | Indiana at Oregon |
| Saturday, Jan. 25 | Michigan State at Michigan |
| Sunday, Jan. 26 | Ohio State at Nebraska |
| Rutgers at Penn State | |
| UCLA at Maryland | |
| Wisconsin at Minnesota | |
| Monday, Jan. 27 | Indiana at Washington |
| Purdue at Illinois | |
| Tuesday, Jan. 28 | Northwestern at Iowa |
| Wednesday, Jan. 29 | Maryland at Penn State |
| Michigan at Wisconsin | |
| Thursday, Jan. 30 | Illinois at Rutgers |
| Minnesota at USC | |
| Nebraska at Purdue | |
| Oregon at Michigan State | |
| Sunday, Feb. 2 | Illinois at Maryland |
| Michigan State at Northwestern | |
| Minnesota at UCLA | |
| Nebraska at Indiana | |
| Oregon at Michigan | |
| USC at Iowa | |
| Washington at Ohio State | |
| Wisconsin at Purdue | |
| Wednesday, Feb. 5 | Ohio State at UCLA |
| USC at Wisconsin | |
| Washington at Penn State | |
| Thursday, Feb. 6 | Iowa at Minnesota |
| Maryland at Oregon | |
| Michigan at Nebraska | |
| Northwestern at Illinois | |
| Rutgers at Indiana | |
| Saturday, Feb. 8 | Ohio State at USC |
| Sunday, Feb. 9 | Illinois at Wisconsin |
| Indiana at Minnesota | |
| Maryland at Washington | |
| Michigan at Michigan State | |
| Penn State at Northwestern | |
| Purdue at Rutgers | |
| UCLA at Oregon | |
| Monday, Feb. 10 | Iowa at Nebraska |
| Wednesday, Feb. 12 | Indiana at Michigan |
| Northwestern at Purdue | |
| Washington at Oregon | |
| Wisconsin at Michigan State | |
| Thursday, Feb. 13 | Minnesota at Ohio State |
| Nebraska at Maryland | |
| Penn State at Illinois | |
| Rutgers at Iowa | |
| UCLA at USC | |
| Saturday, Feb. 15 | Purdue at Indiana |
| Sunday, Feb. 16 | Michigan State at UCLA |
| Nebraska at Illinois | |
| Oregon at Minnesota | |
| USC at Washington | |
| Wisconsin at Penn State | |
| Monday, Feb. 17 | Iowa at Ohio State |
| Michigan at Maryland | |
| Northwestern at Rutgers | |
| Wednesday, Feb. 19 | Michigan State at USC |
| Minnesota at Purdue | |
| Oregon at Nebraska | |
| Thursday, Feb. 20 | Illinois at UCLA |
| Maryland at Northwestern | |
| Ohio State at Indiana | |
| Rutgers at Washington | |
| Saturday, Feb. 22 | Penn State at Michigan |
| Sunday, Feb. 23 | Illinois at USC |
| Indiana at Michigan State | |
| Northwestern at Wisconsin | |
| Purdue at Ohio State | |
| Rutgers at Oregon | |
| UCLA at Iowa | |
| Washington at Nebraska | |
| Wednesday, Feb. 26 | Iowa at Michigan |
| Michigan State at Ohio State | |
| UCLA at Wisconsin | |
| Washington at Minnesota | |
| Thursday, Feb. 27 | Maryland at Indiana |
| Purdue at Penn State | |
| Saturday, March 1 | Minnesota at Michigan State |
| USC at UCLA | |
| Sunday, March 2 | Indiana at Purdue |
| Michigan at Illinois | |
| Nebraska at Northwestern | |
| Ohio State at Maryland | |
| Oregon at Washington | |
| Penn State at Rutgers | |
| Wisconsin at Iowa |
AUTO RACING NEWS
MORE THRILLS ON TAP AS NASCAR PLAYOFF PARTY PULLS INTO BRISTOL
When the NASCAR Cup Series postseason began two weeks after the regular season closed at Darlington, the sanctioning body hoped for one achievement in the 10-team playoff run to Phoenix.
Keep everyone interested.
Through two events in the Round of 16, the obvious question is this: Are you not entertained?
In the Michigan race two weeks ago and last Sunday’s chaotic mess at the Watkins Glen road course, the intrigue factor soared exponentially, especially on the latter’s serpentine configuration.
More than half of the Glen’s 16 playoff contenders were involved in some form of entanglement of consequence, and the few who were unscathed had near misses that likely could have altered their fortunes significantly in the race won by non-championship driver Chris Buescher.
Now it’s on to Bristol, Tenn., to the tiny bullring of Bristol Motor Speedway, a treacherous track where improbable and consequential events lurk at the coliseum-like oval.
“The first round is the scariest it’s been in a long time,” warned No. 20 Toyota driver Christopher Bell before the playoffs began. “And then Bristol, I think everybody’s expecting it to be more of the same as what we had in the spring.”
The spring turned out to be a Grade A mess.
Exacerbated by cooler temperatures, tires showed excessive degradation and exposed cord wear, throwing NASCAR and Goodyear into scramble mode as cars chewed up rubber.
During that St. Patrick’s Day bout of chaos, no drivers were green with envy over the current situation of anyone on track with them.
As BMS refused to take rubber and developed marbles, drivers quickly discovered that the quirky track, almost always presenting a frustrating day of work, was even harder to handle as lap times slowed dramatically and their squirrelly cars slid across the high banks.
In a battle that featured a Bristol-record 54 lead changes, three drivers came home as top dogs with a podium finish: Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr. and Brad Keselowski.
That trio grew up learning how to handle tire-management issues on swelteringly hot summer nights in late model races east of the Mississippi River.
And who are the first three of the four drivers below the cut line who would not advance to next week’s Round of 12 as of now?
Hamlin, Keselowski and Truex.
The Bristol winner in March, Hamlin grids six points behind 12th-place Ty Gibbs, who is tied with Chase Briscoe at plus-6.
Keselowski (-12), Truex (-14) and Harrison Burton (-20) need a win or a healthy chomp of Bristol’s bite to clamp down on the three or four drivers from 12th on down to the top 10 in points.
A chance exists that the two former Cup champions and best-driver-who-hasn’t-won-a-title below the cut line could all be out of the 2024 hunt late Saturday night, especially since anything can happen in the Tennessee mountains — and usually does.
In fact, the points race at the bottom of the standings will likely be better than the race for the checkers up front.
NASCAR would be fine with that.
–Field Level Media
STUBBS: FIVE BOLD PREDICTIONS FOR BRISTOL
Saturday’s Bristol Night Race is more than another edition of a premier event in racing. It also serves as the cutoff race for the NASCAR playoffs Round of 16 for the fifth consecutive season.
By virtue of his win at Atlanta (Sept. 8), Joey Logano is the only playoff driver safe from elimination.
Chase Briscoe and Ty Gibbs are tied for the final transfer spot to the Round of 12. Denny Hamlin is currently below the cut line, with Brad Keselowski, Martin Truex Jr. and Harrison Burton also needing big performances to advance.
With the stage set for the 29th race of the 2024 season, here are five predictions for Saturday’s nighttime action at Bristol Motor Speedway:
–Carson Hocevar will, for all intents and purposes, clinch the ROTY award
Fellow Rookie of the Year contender Josh Berry may be stronger on short tracks, but the two drivers are moving in very different directions.
Berry hasn’t finished inside the top 20 since Richmond on Aug. 11, while Hocevar has five top-16 finishes — three top-10s among those — and a third-place effort at Watkins Glen in that same span. Berry’s 12th-place finish at Bristol in March trumps Hocevar’s 27th-place finish. Still, the momentum is all the side of the No. 77 team with eight races to go. A 45-point advantage for Hocevar over Berry will only grow on Saturday; Berry won’t be able to catch up.
–Bright playoff lights melt Truex, No. 19 team for second consecutive season
It’s a shame Truex’s final playoff run could culminate in a first-round exit. But it’s the most likely scenario for a No. 19 team that sits 14 points below the cut line.
Truex’s playoff collapse in 2023 was salvaged by an abundance of playoff points that led to the Round of 8, but no such insurance exists this time for the 2017 champion. Truex hasn’t finished better than 20th since Pocono on July 14, and while he was second at Bristol in March, Saturday night will be a struggle for a driver who seems mentally checked out of the 2024 season.
–Denny Hamlin advances to the Round of 12 … by the skin of his teeth
All signs point to Hamlin being the driver making a shocking Round of 16 exit on Saturday.
A six-point deficit to the cut line and finishes of 24th and 23rd in the first two playoff races don’t exactly inspire confidence in the veteran driver, but the No. 11 team will be able to piece together enough speed for Hamlin to barely find his way into the second round. Whether he goes any further remains to be seen, but the winner of the past two Bristol races will find a way to keep his season alive.
–Bubba Wallace proves worth after contract extension, continuing late-season tear
Five top-10 finishes in the final eight races of the regular season weren’t enough for Wallace to make the postseason for the second consecutive season.
But the Mobile, Ala., native was rewarded with a multiyear contract extension from 23XI Racing on Wednesday. Wallace missed the playoffs while 11th-hour wins from Burton and Briscoe helped nudge him out of the championship running.
But he was 12th in points after 26 races, and has already matched his career best in every statistic other than wins. The No. 23 team has potential to go on a late tear to end the year, and while it may not start at Bristol, Wallace shows over the final eight weeks of the season why he was worthy of a new deal.
–Cindric, Bowman and Suarez survive and advance
For Austin Cindric, (+43) Alex Bowman, (+41) and Daniel Suarez, the task is simple: Survive 500 laps at Bristol and earn a ticket to the Round of 12.
Surviving 500 circuits at the Last Great Colosseum is easier said than done, but all three drivers have risen to the occasion through the first two races of the postseason. Most had Cindric, Bowman and Suarez circled as first-round exits, but catastrophe-free nights at Bristol stand as the only deterrent to a Round of 12 berth.
It won’t be easy to come home with a clean car on Saturday evening, but all three playoff underdogs do enough to advance.
–By Samuel Stubbs, Field Level Media
HOCKEY NEWS
RED WINGS RE-SIGN SEIDER TO 7-YEAR, $59.85M CONTRACT
The Detroit Red Wings re-signed stalwart defenseman Moritz Seider to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $8.55 million, the team announced Thursday.
The Red Wings now have all of their restricted free agents under contract after inking forward Lucas Raymond to an eight-year deal worth $8.075 million annually.
Seider is now Detroit’s second-highest paid player, trailing only captain Dylan Larkin, who makes $8.7 million per year.
The contract took nearly all of the Red Wings’ remaining cap space, as the team is now left with $198,194 with a 23-player roster, per PuckPedia.
Seider has never missed a game in his three-year career and is coming off his third straight campaign with at least 42 points. He’s led all Red Wings skaters in average ice time in each of those seasons.
The German won the Calder Trophy in 2021-22 for his 50-point season.
Despite Seider’s enviable profile as a 6-foot-3, 205-pound right-shot defenseman who’s physical and produces offensively, there are some underlying concerns about his game. His minus-9.4 defensive goals above replacement was the worst among all NHL skaters in 2023-24, per Evolving-Hockey.
The Red Wings drafted Seider sixth overall in 2019.
OKPOSO RETIRES A STANLEY CUP CHAMPION AFTER 17 SEASONS
Kyle Okposo is ending his playing career a Stanley Cup champion.
The veteran forward officially announced his retirement from the NHL on Thursday after 17 seasons in the league, split between the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and, most recently, the Florida Panthers.
“Thirty years of playing hockey was incredible,” Okposo wrote in a statement. “It brought me to some amazing places and provided such unique experiences. I believe the game is in a great place right now, but the possibilities are vast. I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute to the game as it reaches new heights.”
Okposo racked up 242 goals, 614 points, 554 penalty minutes, and 953 hits in 1,051 career NHL games. He began his tenure with the Islanders, who selected him with the seventh overall pick at the 2006 NHL Draft.
A four-time 20-goal scorer, Okposo enjoyed his best statistical seasons in Long Island, including a 69-point effort in 2013-14. His nine-season run with the Islanders ended during the 2016 offseason, when he signed a seven-year, $42-million deal with the Buffalo Sabres as an unrestricted free agent.
Okposo was the Sabres’ representative at the 2017 All-Star Game. Buffalo named him the 20th captain in franchise history ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
The Sabres never made the playoffs during Okposo’s eight seasons in Buffalo, and the franchise traded him to the Panthers at the 2024 deadline in exchange for defenseman Calle Sjalin and a conditional seventh-round pick.
Okposo appeared in six regular-season games for the Panthers before getting into 17 playoff contests, including Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. He chipped in with two assists during his first taste of postseason action since 2016.
The 36-year-old was the third Panthers player to lift the Cup after captain Aleksander Barkov and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
“I learned from the veterans when I was young, and I tried to take what I saw in those special men and forge my own path to help guide the next generation of players,” Okposo said. “Thank you to all my teammates for the lessons you taught me every day.”
TOP INDIANA SPORTS HEADLINES/NEWS RELEASES
INDIANA FEVER
GAME RECAP: FEVER NEARLY COMPLETE COMEBACK AT MYSTICS TO END REGULAR SEASON
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Indiana Fever (20-20) came up just short, 92-91, in its final matchup of the regular season against the Washington Mystics at Capital One Arena on Thursday night. Thursday’s game was played in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,711, which set a WNBA record for the largest attendance in league history. Indiana will now travel to face the No. 3 seed Connecticut Sun to begin its first round series in the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
Indiana’s bench finished with a season-best 53 points scored, and four Fever players scored in double figures. Fever guard Kristy Wallace led Indiana off the bench with a season-high 17 points and four rebounds. Fever forward NaLyssa Smith followed with 16 points and five rebounds, while center Aliyah Boston and reserve forward Katie Lou Samuelson both added 10 points and combined for seven rebounds, six assists and three steals in the loss. Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark recorded eight points, eight assists and five rebounds in roughly 20 minutes. Clark ended the night with the franchise record for most points scored in a regular season with 769 points. Indiana shot 53.1 percent (33-of-64) from the field and 10-of-20 from 3-point range in the loss and tied a season-high with 28 assists.
Indiana led 20-2 to begin the first quarter, but back-to-back 3-point field goals plus a layup from Washington’s side toward the end of the first quarter sparked a 20-4 run from the Mystics and Indiana only led, 24-22, going into the second quarter. The Mystics’ late first-quarter run bled into the second quarter and Washington ultimately led, 52-45, at the half. Indiana was forced to call a timeout after Washington opened up the second half on a 12-3 run, but the Mystics outscored Indiana again, 30-21, and led by 16 points going into the final quarter. The Fever went on a 22-8 surge to end the game and outscored Washington, 25-10, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback effort fueled by the Fever bench.
Five Mystics (14-26) players scored in double-figures in the close win, led by reserve forward Sika Koné’s game-high 20 points on 7-of-10 field goal shooting as well as seven rebounds and two assists. Mystics guard Ariel Atkins and forward Emily Engstler both notched 17 points. Atkins scored 11 of her 17 points in the second quarter alone and also recorded three steals. Engstler tied a season-high in a game with three made 3-point field goals and tallied five rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal, too.
UP NEXT
The Fever start the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at the Connecticut Sun on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. Sunday’s game will be broadcast on ABC.
INDIANA FOOTBALL GAME NOTES VS. CHARLOTTE
INDIANA NOTES
SETTING THE SCENE
• Indiana is set to host Charlotte in the first meeting in program history on Saturday afternoon at noon (ET) inside Memorial Stadium (52,626) on
the Big Ten Network.
• This will be the third consecutive week that Indiana plays an opponent for the first time. The Hoosiers previously played against Western Illinois
(9/6) in Week 2 and UCLA (9/14) in Week 3 with both games being initial meetings in the program’s history.
• Indiana owns a 7-3-1 record against American Athletic Conference teams in its current alignment.
• This will be Indiana’s final non-conference game of the regular season. Following this week, the Hoosiers will play Big Ten opponents for the
remainder of the 2024 campaign.
NEWS & NOTES
• Indiana enters the game with a 3-0 record after defeating UCLA (9/14), 42-13, in Week 3. Indiana is 3-0 for the 20th time in program history. IU
also started four other seasons (1897, 1898, 1945, 1988) without a loss in its first three games (2-0-1).
• The 29-point margin of victory was Indiana’s largest over a Big Ten opponent since defeating Northwestern (Nov. 2), 34-3, in 2019. It was Indiana’s
largest margin of victory in a Big Ten road game since defeating Wisconsin (Oct. 6), 63-32, in 2001.
• Curt Cignetti is the second Indiana first-year head coach to win both his opening game and Big Ten opening game. Clyde B. Smith (1948)
defeated Wisconsin in the season opener. He is just the third IU head coach to win his initial Big Ten game, joining Smith and William A. Ingram
(Northwestern; 1923).
• With 150 points scored over its first three games, the 2024 Hoosiers tie for the most points in the first three games of a season with the 2013 edition
(73, ISU; 35, Navy; 42 Bowling Green).
• Indiana has opened the season with three-straight games without a turnover to mark the first time since at least 1996 that Indiana has not had a
turnover in three consecutive games. In that span, IU has just five occurrences of back-to-back games without a turnover during that span (2012, 2015,
2020-22).
• Redshirt senior quarterback Kurtis Rourke earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after 307 yards passing and four touchdowns at UCLA to
lead Indiana to its first Big Ten-opening win since 2020. He is the first IU B1G Offensive Player of the Week since Stevie Scott II against Maryland in
2020 and the first Indiana quarterback to earn the award since Nate Sudfeld in 2015 against Purdue.
• Junior Elijah Sarratt moved his consecutive games with a catch streak to 28-straight games with his 24-yard reception in the first quarter at
UCLA.
• Sophomore Amare Ferrell logged his first career sack in the first quarter at UCLA which set up third-and-long and led to a missed UCLA field goal.
He also caught his second career interception when he picked off Ethan Garbers in the fourth quarter to set up Indiana’s three-play scoring drive to
extend their lead to 42-13.
• Indiana is tied for the ninth-fewest returning players in the FBS and tied for third-fewest returning scholarship players. MORE ON PAGE 5
• Of Indiana’s 29 transfers, the list includes 12 defensive players, 15 offensive players and two specialists. There are 29 players from Division I,
including 28 from the FBS and one from the FCS.
CHARLOTTE NOTES
NOTING THE NINERS • Charlotte enters their second season under head coach Biff Poggi, who was named the program’s third head coach on Nov. 15, 2022. Poggi follows Will Healy (2019-22) and Brad Lambert (2013-18) as the program’s leader. • RETURNING STARS: The 49ers return very few starters from last season’s squad, but the list of returners is littered with star power. Defensive back Dontae Balfour was named preseason All-AAC by Phil Steele and Athlon as was return specialist/running back Henry Rutledge. Tight end Colin Weber, in spot starting duty last season, became the first tight end in program history to lead the team in receiving. Rush end Stone Handy picked up preseason second team honors from Phil Steele, joining linebacker Prince WallaceBemah who earned third team recognition. • PROGRAM FACTS: Charlotte 49ers Football enters its 12th year of existence and 10th year at the FBS level. The 49ers football program began in 2013 and spent two years as an FCS Independent before taking a fast-track to FBS as a member of Conference USA in 2015. CLT joined the AAC in 2023. In 2019, Charlotte enjoyed its first winning season and participated in its first bowl game: 2019 Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl. • NEWCOMERS, NEWCOMERS, NEWCOMERS: Charlotte features on the nation’s most turned-over rosters in the country in 2024. 71 newcomers dot the roster in every position group and rank behind only Army (74) and North Texas (77) among total newcomers between their 2023 and 2024 rosters. The 49ers are tied with Colorado (44) for the most transfer additions in the country. • SIMPLY CHARLOTTE: In referring to the 49ers athletic program, simply use “Charlotte” or “Charlotte 49ers”. The university remains UNC Charlotte, but for athletic purposes, please use Charlotte. For short references and/or abbreviations, use 49ers and CLT. • WHY THE 49ERS: Charlotte adopted the nickname “49ers” in honor of the importance of the year, 1949. In 1946, The Charlotte Center of the University of North Carolina (CCUNC) was established as a temporary institution designed to handle the influx of servicemen returning from the war. In 1949, community leaders, led by unofficial founder Bonnie Cone, successfully fought to make the school a permanent institution. Thanks to that can-do attitude and pioneering spirit, and in honor of the year 1949, the school’s athletic teams were nicknamed the 49ers (adopted in 1962). • GOLD TIES: While the 49ers nickname was brought about by the importance of the year 1949 and had nothing to do with the gold rush of 1849, it should be noted that the first gold discovered in America was found in the Charlotte area, less than 20 minutes from campus, in 1799. Charlotte’s mascot, Norm the Niner, is a gold miner, by trade.
NOTING THE GAME • Charlotte heads north this week to conclude the non-conference portion of the 2024 schedule against an Indiana team receiving votes in both polls under new head coach Curt Cignetti. • It will mark just the third game at a Big Ten school as the Niners previously played at Illinois (2021) and at Maryland (2023). The Green and White have never defeated a Big Ten team in three attempts. • Charlotte started a true freshman, Deshawn Purdie, at quarterback last week vs. Gardner-Webb for the first time in program history. Purdie was one of just four true freshmen to start at quarterback this season joining Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, Florida’s DJ Lagway, and San Diego State’s Danny O’Neil. • In injury relief for Purdie, Trexler Ivey rallied the 49ers from a 20-6 deficit to lead three-straight scoring drives and pull out the 27-26 victory. Among all passers with at least 12 attempts, Ivey’s 11-of-12 passing mark was the best competition percentage in school history.
INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER
INDIANA FALLS TO UCLA, 1-0
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana women’s soccer fell, 1-0, in their first matchup against the UCLA Bruins (7-2-1, 2-0 B1G) on Thursday evening at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
KEY MOMENTS
• Indiana senior midfielder Sydney Masur opened the match with the first shot on target in the sixth minute. Her attempt aimed at the top left of the net was blocked by UCLA’s keeper.
• The Bruins battled back as they saw the next three shots on goal as senior goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg kept the match even.
• UCLA continued with bring the pressure early before they broke through with a shot outside the box to the top right of the net to take the lead in the 28th minute.
• Sophomore midfielder Elle Britt started the half for the Hoosiers as she saw a shot on target in the 48th minute, booting the ball to the bottom left of the net to force a diving save from the Bruins’ keeper.
• The Hoosiers continued to look for the equalizer after senior midfielder Hope Paredes sent one at the net in the 56th minute, but her shot was scooped up at the bottom of the net.
• Both teams had a couple of shots off target as they continued to compete, but the Bruins’ first half goal sealed the game.
NOTABLES
• Senior goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg added five saves bringing her season total to 20.
• Five different players tallied a shot against the Bruins.
UP NEXT
Indiana will close out the week with No. 25 USC on Sunday at Bill Armstrong Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon on B1G+.
INDIANA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
BIG TEN ANNOUNCES 2024-25 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SLATE
ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced the 18-game women’s basketball league schedule on Thursday, putting the final touches to the 2024-25 calendar.
The Hoosiers will start off the conference slate by traveling to Penn State on Dec. 7 in its only league game before the holiday break. Returning to action on Dec. 28, IU will host Wisconsin before changing the calendar over to 2025 in its first game of the New Year against UCLA at home (Jan. 4).
IU will hit the road at Northwestern (Jan. 8) and at Iowa (Jan. 12) before coming back to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall to host Illinois (Jan. 16) and USC (Jan. 19). It will make its first trip out west to face new league opponents Oregon (Jan. 24) and Washington (Jan. 27).
Nebraska (Feb. 2) and Rutgers (Feb. 6) come to town to open the month of February. Two more road games follow at Minnesota (Feb. 9) and Michigan (Feb. 12). Indiana host three of the last five games on the Big Ten schedule when it welcomes Purdue (Feb. 15) and Ohio State (Feb. 20). It goes on the road to East Lansing to face Michigan State (Feb. 23) before holding Senior Day against Maryland (Feb. 27).
The regular season finale is set for March 2 at Purdue before taking part in the Big Ten Tournament March 5-9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
All games times and TV designations will be announced at a later date.
INDIANA MEN’S BASKETBALL
BIG TEN ANNOUNCES 2024-25 MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced the 2024-25 men’s basketball schedule on Tuesday afternoon. Indiana will open the 20-game league slate on Monday, Dec. 9 against Minnesota before traveling to Nebraska on Friday, Dec. 13.
Big Ten play will resume with nine January games. The Hoosiers will open the new year as hosts of Rutgers on Thursday, Jan. 2. For the first time in program history, the Hoosiers will welcome USC to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 8. IU will also host Illinois (Tuesday, Jan. 14) and Maryland (Sunday, Jan. 26) during the month.
For the fourth time in program history and first since Dec. 18, 1956, Indiana will play at The Palestra, also known as the Cathedral of College Basketball, in Philadelphia against Penn State (Sunday, Jan. 5). The remaining road games for the month include at Iowa (Saturday, Jan. 11), at Ohio State (Friday, Jan. 17), at Northwestern (Wednesday, Jan. 22), and at Purdue (Friday, Jan. 31).
February will feature four home tilts, including Michigan (Saturday, Jan. 8), UCLA (Friday, Feb. 14), Purdue (Sunday, Feb. 23), and Penn State (Wednesday, Feb. 26). Indiana will also travel to Wisconsin (Tuesday, Feb. 4) and Michigan State (Tuesday, Feb. 11).
The Hoosiers will start March with debut trips to both Seattle, Wash., and Eugene, Ore., for games at Washington (Saturday, March 1) and at Oregon (Tuesday, March 4). The regular season will conclude with a home contest against Ohio State (Saturday, March 8).
For the 14th time in the 28-year history of the event, the 2025 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament will be played in Indianapolis. The five-day, 15-team tournament will begin with first-round matchups on Wednesday, March 12. The Big Ten Tournament champion will be crowned on Sunday, March 16. All 14 games will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
@IndianaMBB
For all the latest on Indiana University men’s basketball, be sure to follow the team at @IndianaMBB on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
2024-25 Indiana Men’s Basketball Schedule
PRESEASON
Oct. 18 (Friday) – Hoosier Hysteria presented by Smithville
Oct. 27 (Sunday) – at Tennessee^
Nov. 1 (Friday) – Marian
REGULAR SEASON
Nov. 6 (Wednesday) – SIUE
Nov. 10 (Sunday) – Eastern Illinois
Nov. 16 (Saturday) – South Carolina
Nov. 21 (Thursday) – UNC Greensboro
BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS
Nov. 27 (Wednesday) – vs. Louisville – Noon – ESPN (Imperial Arena, Paradise Islands)
Nov. 28 (Thursday) – vs. TBD (Imperial Arena, Paradise Islands)
Nov. 29 (Friday) – vs. TBD (Imperial Arena, Paradise Islands)
Dec. 3 (Tuesday) – Sam Houston
Dec. 6 (Friday) – Miami (Ohio)
Dec. 9 (Monday) – Minnesota*
Dec. 13 (Friday) – at Nebraska*
Dec. 21 (Saturday) – Chattanooga
Dec. 29 (Sunday) – Winthrop
Jan. 2 (Thursday) – Rutgers*
Jan. 5 (Sunday) – at Penn State*
Jan. 8 (Wednesday) – USC*
Jan. 11 (Saturday) – at Iowa*
Jan. 14 (Tuesday) – Illinois*
Jan. 17 (Friday) – at Ohio State*
Jan. 22 (Wednesday) – at Northwestern*
Jan. 26 (Sunday) – Maryland*
Jan. 31 (Friday) – at Purdue*
Feb. 4 (Tuesday) – at Wisconsin*
Feb. 8 (Saturday) – Michigan*
Feb. 11 (Tuesday) – at Michigan State*
Feb. 14 (Friday) – UCLA*
Feb. 23 (Sunday) – Purdue*
Feb. 26 (Wednesday) – Penn State*
March 1 (Saturday) – at Washington*
March 4 (Tuesday) – at Oregon*
March 8 (Saturday) – Ohio State*
2025 BIG TEN MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
March 12-16 (Wednesday-Sunday) – Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indianapolis
^ Charity Exhibition supporting the John McLendon Foundation
* Big Ten Conference game
PURDUE FOOTBALL GAME NOTES VS. OREGON STATE
PURDUE NOTES
Purdue Football makes its first road trip of the season and its longest one since 2009, traveling 2,229 miles to Corvallis, Oregon to face Oregon State. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT) on the CW. • Saturday’s contest begins a stretch for the Boilermakers with three of their next four games on the road. • The Boilermakers are playing in the state of Oregon for just the second time in 137 seasons of football (Sept. 12, 2009 at Oregon). • Purdue is looking to win its first, non-conference road game of the season in back-to-back years for the first time since the 2004 and 2005 campaigns. • Last year, the Boilermakers won their road opener, a 24-17 victory at Virginia Tech. It was Ryan Walters’ first victory as Purdue’s head coach. The game featured a rain delay that lasted five hours and 27 minutes. • Purdue is one of two teams (Boise State) to have both Oregon State and Oregon on the schedule this season. • The Boilermakers won the previous matchups with the Beavers, opening the 2021 season with a 30-21 victory at Ross-Ade Stadium (Sept. 4, 2021). • Sophomore rush end Will Heldt leads the Big Ten in sacks per game (1.3), ranking eighth in the country; Heldt also ranks second in the conference in tackles-for-loss (1.8 per game), 13th nationally. • With a team-high two touchdowns this season, Georgia transfer De’Nylon Morrissette is the only Purdue player with multiple career receiving touchdowns as a Boilermaker. • Kydran Jenkins is tied with Jim Schwantz (1988-91) for ninth on the program’s all-time list for career sacks (18.0). • In the season-opening win over Indiana State, Hudson Card tied a FBS record for completion percentage (min. 20 completions) by going 24-for-25 (96%) for 273 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. • Tight end Max Klare (eight receptions, 107 yards) and wide receiver Jahmal Edrine (five receptions, 77 yards) are Purdue’s leading receivers after suffering season-ending injuries a season ago. Klare missed the final seven games last year, while Edrine missed the entire 2023 season. • Dillon Thieneman, 50th All-American in program history, is a consensus Preseason All-American; setting program freshman records for interceptions (6) and solo tackles (74), Thieneman was tabbed the FWAA Freshman Defensive Player of the Year and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season. • Thieneman made a team-high nine tackles against Notre Dame, the ninth time out of 14 career games that he has led Purdue in tackles. • Purdue has produced four All-Americans over the past three seasons (Dillon Thieneman – 2023, Charlie Jones – 2022, David Bell – 2021, George Karlaftis – 2021), the most in a three-year stretch since 1967-69. • In his first season as a Boilermaker, Keelan Crimmins leads the Big Ten and ranks seventh nationally in punting (47.2 yards per punt).
LAST GAME VS. OSU
• David Bell and Payne Durham teamed up for 254 receiving yards and the defense delivered a pair of fourth-down stops to carry Purdue Football to a 30-21 victory. • Quarterback Jack Plummer connected with Durham on fourth-quarter touchdown passes of five and 50 yards as part of a 313-yard passing night for the junior. Durham finished with seven catches for 120 yards, both then-career bests as a Boilermaker. • Bell caught eight passes for 134 yards and posted his 11th career 100-yard receiving game to move into third place in program history. • The Boilermakers posted their first victory vs. a then-Pac-12 Conference opponent since beating Arizona at the 2017 Foster Farms Bowl. It was their first such win at home since also beating Arizona in September 2003.
OREGON STATE NOTES
Oregon State continues its 2024 slate Saturday when hosting Purdue at Reser Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. PT. \ The game will air live on The CW. Ted Robinson (play-by-play), Ryan Leaf (analyst) and Nigel Burton (sideline) will call the action. \ The game will air live on the Beaver Sports Radio Network. For a list of affiliates, turn to page two of these notes. \ Every game this season can be heard live on the Varsity Network, a free application available via computer browsers, smartphones, and tablets. After downloading the application, search for Oregon State. Oregon State By The Numbers 0 – Fourth-down conversions by OSU’s opponents this season, in two attempts. 5 – Rushing scores for Anthony Hankerson, the most by a Beaver running back over the first three games since B.J. Baylor tallied seven to start 2021. 18 – Team-leading tackle tally for Skyler Thomas, who is back after having missed all of the 2023 season. 20 – Catches by Trent Walker this season. He came into the year with just five career receptions. The 20 catches would have ranked fourth on the 2023 Beavers. 37:09 – Oregon State’s average time of possession, second nationally, trailing only UMass’ 40:35. 47 – Career starts by offensive lineman Joshua Gray, just three shy of Roy Schuening’s program record of 50 from 2004-07. 51 – Percent success rate on third down for OSU, going 23-for-45. 217 – Plays run by the Beaver offense this season, compared to 169 by opponents. 243.3 – Beavers’ tally per game on the ground, compared to 131.3 by opponents. OSU ranks 12th nationally in rush yards per game. 2010 – The last time an opponent from the Eastern Time Zone played at Reser Stadium when OSU defeated Louisville, 35-28.
AGAINST PURDUE \ Oregon State and Purdue have met just twice previously, with both matchups coming in West Lafayette, Ind. \ The Beavers were 22-14 winners in 1967 but dropped a 30-21 decision to the Boilermakers in 2021. \ Just four current Beavers played in the 2021 matchup, including Joshua Gray, who made one of his 47 career starts in the loss. Skyler Thomas, Everett Hayes and Semisi Saluni also played in the game. \ Trevon Bradford, now on the Oregon State staff working with recruiting, caught five passes for 75 yards in the 2021 matchup. \ The 1967 victory came during the Beavers’ “Giant Killers” season that saw OSU post a win over the No. 2 Boilermakers and later over No. 1 USC.
NOTES FROM THE OREGON MATCHUP \ Four more Beavers made their first career starts, which included two on both sides of the ball. Luka Vincic and Flavio Gonzalez both started on the offensive line. Meanwhile, on defense, both Tevita Pome’e and Thomas Collins made their first starts on the defensive line. That now gives the Beavers 18 players who have made their first career starts at one point this season. \ Skyler Thomas recorded a career-high nine tackles. \ Isaiah Chisom made a team-best 10 tackles, giving the Beavers different leaders in all three games. Jaden Robinson led OSU with seven in the opener versus Idaho State and three different Beavers tied for the team lead with four at San Diego State. \ The 10 tackles equaled a career-high for Chisom, equaling his tally in the 2023 Sun Bowl versus Notre Dame. \ Josh Green averaged 49.75 yards over four punts, his best single-game mark with at least two kicks. He landed two inside the 20-yard line and posted a long of 54 yards. The 54-yarder also marked a career-long, surpassing 53 at Colorado last season. \ The game marked the first turnover-free game for both teams since OSU’s 2022 Las Vegas Bowl matchup against Florida. \ Zachary Card returned his first career kickoffs, totaling three for 50 yards. He averaged 16.7 yards per return. \ OSU led in time of possession at 32:52, but held the ball for just 11:49 in the second half. \ The Beavers were 6-for-9 on third-down conversions in the first half, but 1-for-6 in the second half. OSU was also 0-for-2 in fourth-down conversions in the second half. \ OSU’s 14-play scoring drive to end the first half marked the Beavers’ longest of the season. \ Oregon State lost for just the third time since 1996 when holding on to the ball for 32 or more minutes and not turning it over. OSU is 23-3 when that happens. \ The crowd of 38,419 marks a post-renovation record at Reser Stadium.
PURDUE WOMEN’S SOCCER
BOILERS DROP BATTLE WITH #25 USC
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Soccer fought a back and forth affair with their new conference foes the No. 25 USC Trojans, but ultimately could not overcome an early deficit to fall 1-0 on Thursday night at Folk Field.
The Boilermakers (5-3-1, 1-1-0 Big Ten) drop back to even in conference play after picking up a 2-0 win at Northwestern last week.
The Trojans opened the scoring early with a goal from forward Faith George in the fourth minute. A pair of first-time touches got behind the Boilermaker defense. From that point forward the game was end to end, with each team earning chances that forced good goalkeeping.
Purdue’s sophomore goalie Emily Edwards made her presence felt on the next big chance from the Trojans. A curling effort from outside the box by USC’s Maile Hayes was skillful turned away by the outstretched Edwards.
The Holly Springs, N.C., native had five saves on the night to keep the Boilermakers within striking distance in the contest. She has recorded five saves in each of the last three contest and has four clean sheets on the season.
Building off the momentum from Edwards, the Boilermakers got things going the other way with their best chance of the first half in the 25th minute. Abigail Roy showed good instincts to get on the end of a couple ricochets in the box and put the ball in the back of the net, but was ruled offside after a review.
Team captain Gracie Dunaway made a solo run to create the most promising opportunity of the second half for Purdue. A long run down the left saw her initially give the ball away deep in USC territory, but she put in a good effort to win the ball back and fired a low drive that was just saved by the Trojans’ keeper.
The Boilermakers have a quick opportunity to bounce back into the win column against another of their new Big Ten compatriots when the UCLA Bruins come to Folk Field on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
PURDUE VOLLEYBALL
#6 PURDUE FALLS IN 4 AT #10 KANSAS
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The No. 6 Purdue Boilermakers suffered their first loss of the season in a 1-3 decision at No. 10 Kansas on Thursday night (29-31, 25-21, 22-25, 23-25). With the result, Purdue falls to 8-1 on the season while Kansas improves to 8-0.
Three Boilermakers: Taylor Anderson (49 assists, 11 digs), Eva Hudson (17 kills, 11 digs) and Chloe Chicoine (16 kills, 12 digs) posted double-doubles in the match, with Anderson nearly posting a triple-double, finishing the night with seven block assists.
Hudson remained errorless in the match until late in Set 4 (Purdue 20, Kansas 21). The junior finished the night with a .302 attack % with 17 kills on 53 swings.
Purdue and Kansas went the distance in Set 1, dualling it out over a combined 61 points before a winner was determined. The Boilermakers held set point at 24-23, 26-25, 27-26 and 28-27 and Kansas at 28-29. In the end, Kansas pulled away after a Purdue service error gave Kansas the go-ahead point at 29-30 before a Jayhawk kill off the Boilermakers’ block sealed the set.
The Boilermakers responded by taking Set 2 with just one team attach error and a night’s best .486 hitting % in the set. Kansas took Set 3, 22-25, before sealing it in the fourth, 23-25.
Raven Colvin registered 14 kills, a .440 hitting %, seven block assists and a pair of aces in the match. The senior went 4-for-5 (.800%) in Purdue’s Set 2 win.
Kansas, the national leader in hitting %, closed the night at a .319 clip while Purdue finished with a .278%. Purdue held the 9-8 advantage in blocks after the team posted five in the final set.
Libero Ali Hornung went perfect on receptions, seeing a season-high 42 receptions with no errors, while registering a team-high 14 digs. Meanwhile, fellow libero Julia Kane recorded a career-high two assists and an ace, the second straight match the sophomore as served up a point for Purdue.
In total, the four-setter lasted nearly two and a half hours, seeing 42 tied scores and 16 lead changes throughout the battle.
The Boilermakers are now 1-1 vs. top-10 teams and will continue their stretch with its third matchup in three matches with a 5 p.m. ET showdown vs. No. 9 Creighton tomorrow on ESPN+. The match will be Creighton’s first at the Jayhawk Classic.
PURDUE MEN’S BASKETBALL
BIG TEN ANNOUNCES 2024-25 MEN’S BASKETBALL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Big Ten Conference announced its 2024-25 composite schedule, releasing the dates of the Boilermakers’ 20-game conference slate. The announcement completes Purdue’s 31-game regular-season schedule that tips off Nov. 4, against Texas A&M – Corpus Christi in Mackey Arena.
Times and TV designations will be released at a later date.
In its eighth straight year playing a 20-game league schedule, the Boilermakers will once again open Big Ten play prior to the holiday break. Purdue opens league play on the road for the second straight season when it heads to State College, Pennsylvania, for the first time since Jan. 2022, to face Penn State on Dec. 5. The Boilermakers will then close out the initial Big Ten stretch by hosting Maryland on Sunday, Dec. 8, in Mackey Arena.
In the previous seven years under the current format, Purdue started 2-0 just twice (2017-18; 2022-23).
Following their final three non-conference games against Texas &M, Auburn and Toledo, the Boilermakers will then resume conference play, opening the new calendar year on Jan. 2, by traveling to Minnesota. Following the game with the Golden Gophers, Purdue hosts Northwestern on Sunday, Jan. 5, travels to Rutgers on Jan. 9, then returns home to host Nebraska on Sunday, Jan. 12.
Purdue then begins its first quest into the “new” Big Ten when it travels to Washington on Jan. 15, then Oregon on Jan. 18. Following the trip to the Pacific Northwest, Purdue returns to Mackey Arena for a three-game homestand against Ohio State (Tuesday, Jan. 21), Michigan (Friday, Jan. 24) and Indiana (Friday, Jan. 31).
After a midweek game at Iowa (Feb. 4), Purdue hosts USC in Mackey Arena for the first time in school history on Friday, Feb. 7. After a road game at Michigan (Feb. 11) and a home game vs. Wisconsin (Saturday, Feb. 15), Purdue travels to Michigan State (Feb. 18) and Indiana (Feb. 23) for a brief two-game roadswing.
On Friday, Feb. 28, UCLA visits Mackey Arena for the first time since 2000, and is followed by a visit from Rutgers on March 4, for Senior Day. Purdue closes out the regular season on March 7, at Illinois. It marks the second straight year that Purdue’s final road game will be in Champaign.
The Big Ten Tournament will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, from March 12 to 16.
Mackey Arena has been sold out for 73 straight games dating to the 2018-19 season and the Boilermakers are 83-12 against Big Ten teams in Mackey Arena since the 2014-15 season.
Purdue is ranked in the top 15 of almost every “early” top-25 national polls after posting a 34-5 record and advancing to the National Championship game a year ago.
Season tickets are sold out, but single-game tickets will go on sale in mid-October.
PURDUE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
BIG TEN UNVEILS 2024-25 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The final pieces of the 50th season of Purdue Women’s Basketball have been set, as the Big Ten Conference announced the 18-game slate for its first year as an 18-team league.
With the nine Big Ten games at home, Purdue will play 17 times at Mackey Arena, plus the preseason exhibition against Indiana Tech on Oct. 29.
Season tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.
Head coach Katie Gearlds enters her fourth season back at her alma mater with a balanced roster of seven returners and seven newcomers. Sophomores Sophie Swanson and All-Big Ten Freshman honoree Rashunda Jones headline the Boilermakers’ returning group. Gearlds welcomed in four transfers into the program, as well as a trio of highly touted freshmen in Jordyn Poole, Lana McCarthy and Kendall Puryear.
Purdue will square off with in-state foe Indiana for the only home-and-away series this year in Bloomington for the Barn Burner Trophy Game on Feb. 15, before hosting the Hoosiers on March 2 for the regular season finale.
The Boilermakers will open their Big Ten slate with one game before the holidays on Dec. 7 against Maryland.
Purdue will hit the road for back-to-back games out of the break with a Dec. 29 game at Iowa and a New Year’s Day matchup at Michigan State.
The Boilermakers will face all four new Big Ten teams in January, starting with UCLA on Jan. 7. Purdue will make the long trek for a back-to-back at Oregon on Jan. 15 and Washington on Jan. 18. USC will come to Mackey Arena on Jan. 22
Purdue will also host Michigan (Jan. 11) and Nebraska (Jan. 30) in January, with a road trip to Illinois on Jan. 27.
February will see the Boilermakers play three games at Mackey Arena against Wisconsin (Feb. 2), Northwestern (Feb. 12) and Minnesota (Feb.19), while going out on the road to face Rutgers (Feb. 9), Ohio State (Feb. 23) and Penn State (Feb. 27).
Purdue will open the 2024-25 campaign on Nov. 6 against Purdue Fort Wayne. The Boilermakers’ non-conference schedule features eight home games, including visits from Notre Dame (Nov. 10) and Kentucky (Dec. 14).
The 2024-25 Purdue women’s basketball season is presented by Purdue Global, Purdue University’s online educational solution for working adults.
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL GAME NOTES VS. MIAMI OH
NOTRE DAME NOTES
WEEKEND AT A GLANCE • Saturday will mark the third meeting between Miami (Ohio) and Notre Dame. The Irish lead the series 2-0, with both games played on Notre Dame home turf. • Notre Dame is 10-1 all-time vs. MAC teams • With a sellout for Saturday’s game, Notre Dame will mark the eighth-consecutive sellout in Notre Dame Stadium. • Notre Dame comes off a dominant 66-7 win at Purdue, which marked the most dominant win by an opposing team over Purdue in Boilermaker history. • QB Riley Leonard rushed for 100 yards, three touchdowns, and passed for 112 yards in the first half vs. Purdue, becoming the first FBS player to reach those three first-half milestones since Lamar Jackson at Syracuse on September 9, 2016. • With Leonard’s 100 rushing yards, RB Jeremiyah Love’s 109 rushing yards and RB Jadarian Price’s 86 rushing yards, Notre Dame was the only FBS squad with three separate rushers at 86 or more rushing yards against a Power 4 defense this past weekend, and one of just two FBS teams overall to achieve the feat this past weekend. • Notre Dame limited Purdue to 162 yards of total offense on the day, the fewest by any team facing a Power 4 team this past weekend. The 162 yards were the second-fewest allowed by a team facing a Power 4 team all season. Notre Dame was one of just two programs to limit a Power 4 opponent to 38 or fewer rushing yards over this past weekend (Memphis allowed 37). • Saturday will also mark Notre Dame’s Cleats for a Cause game benefiting five local organizations. Each football student-athlete will wear special-edition Under Armour Slip Speed shoes during the team’s walk from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart to Notre Dame Stadium on Sept. 21, 2024 for the Miami-Ohio gameday. An online auction will run prior to and after the game for the shoes. In addition, custom game-worn cleats inspired by select Notre Dame football student-athletes will also be up for auction. Proceeds from the auction will be divided equally among the five organizations.
IRISH ITEMS – BY THE NUMBERS 2nd Leading the nation in interceptions with seven in 2023 and earning national defensive player of the week honors twice, Xavier Watts became the second Notre Dame player to win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s best defensive player (Manti Te’o won the award in 2012). Watts was just the third Notre Dame player to lead the nation in interceptions in 2023, picking off seven passes. He is the first Irish player to pace the country since Mike Townsend intercepted 10 passes in 1972. Tony Carey (eight) also led the country in interceptions in 1964. Watts added another interception in the won over No. 20 Texas A&M to make eight on his career. 2 Notre Dame is one of just two FBS programs (Auburn) that have three or more receivers who were the leading receiver (either in yards or receptions) on an FBS roster in 2023: Tight end Mitchell Evans (led Notre Dame with 29 receptions); wide receiver Jayden Harrison (led Marshall with 410 receiving yards); and wide receiver Kris Mitchell (led FIU in both receptions and yards – 64 receptions for 1,118 yards). 3 Senior quarterback Riley Leonard owns 23 rushing touchdowns on his career, including three in the first half at Purdue. He ranks tied for third among all active FBS quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns (Dillon Gabriel – 28, Dequan Finn – 26). With three rushing touchdowns in a single game at Purdue, Leonard is one of just two quarterbacks to achieve the feat so far this season, and the only to do so in a single half. 5 Notre Dame is one of just five programs in the Power 4 with eight or more wins over each of the last four seasons, joined by Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, and NC State. 5th Notre Dame finished the 2023 season ranked fifth in FBS for total defense (276.3), the program’s best effort since 1980 (4th). The Irish also led the nation in pass-efficiency defense (97.09). 8 The 23-13 win at No. 20 Texas A&M was Dick Corbett Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman’s eighth victory over a ranked opponent. In 2023, the 40-8 Sun Bowl victory over No. 21 Oregon State not only earned Freeman his first campaign with 10 victories, it also was his team’s seventh victory over an Associated Press-ranked team in his first two years leading the program – breaking Terry Brennan’s previous program record of six in 1954 and 55. 8.2 The 23-13 win at No. 20 Texas A&M was the most-watched Saturday night football game in two years with 8.2 million viewers (the most since Notre Dame vs. Ohio State in 2022 with 10.5 million), and ABC’s most-streamed regular season college football game ever. 10 Notre Dame finished the 2023 season ranked seventh in both scoring defense (15.9 ppg) and offense (39.2) – joining Georgia (5th, 5th) and Oregon (9th, 2nd) as the only FBS programs to rank among the top 10 in both statistical categories. The joint top-10 finishes in both statistics mark the first time Notre Dame has achieved that feat since 1973 when the Irish were eighth in scoring offense (35.8) and third in scoring defense (6.6). 14th The Irish finished the 2023 season ranked 14th in the Associated Press poll, marking the seventh-straight campaign, and 10 of the last 12 Notre Dame has appeared in the final AP ranking. That seven-season final AP ranking streak is the best run for the Notre Dame program since the Irish finished in the AP Top 25 11 consecutive seasons from 1964-74. 162 Notre Dame limited Purdue to 162 yards of total offense on the day, the fewest by any team facing a Power 4 team that weekend. The 162 yards were the second-fewest allowed by a team facing a Power 4 team all season. Notre Dame was one of just two programs to limit a Power 4 opponent to 38 or fewer rushing yards over that weekend (Memphis allowed 37).
TWO-DEEP TIDBITS – OFFENSE • Jayden Thomas entered 2023 season as Notre Dame’s leading returning receiver and served in that role in the first four games of the year, catching 12 passes for over 180 yards and a touchdown. • Beaux Collins led the Irish receivers at Texas A&M and snagged a pivotal 20- yard contested catch to keep the game-winning drive alive. He also led Irish receivers vs. Northern Illinois. He recorded 91 receptions for 1,290 yards and 11 touchdowns in 1,578 offensive snaps over 32 games (27 starts) at Clemson from 2021-23. He broke out late in his true freshman season with 31 catches for 407 yards and three touchdowns • Jaden Greathouse was the first Irish true freshman wideout to catch two touchdown passes in his first-career game (against Navy in 2023). His five touchdown catches during a rookie campaign are the most for a Notre Dame true freshman since 2016. • Jayden Harrison was a first-team All-American as a kick returner at Marshall last season, tying for the FBS lead with two kick return touchdowns in 2023. In 2023, Harrison played in all 13 games for Marshall (started four), totaling 28 receptions for 410 yards (14.6 yards per reception) and a touchdown. • Kris Mitchell, a transfer from FIU, led CUSA and ranked in the Top 20 nationally in receiving yards in 2023 (1,118 – 18th nationally) and receiving yads per game (93.2 – 13th nationally). Mitchell owns 100 career receptions for 1,663 yards and 11 touchdowns. • KK Smith – Smith began his time at Notre Dame recovering from an injury. His hard work over 2023 Fall allowed Smith to return to practice during bowl prep and make his Notre Dame debut in the Sun Bowl victory over Oregon State. • Jordan Faison joined the Notre Dame football team as a walk on and made his collegiate athletics debut at No. 25 Louisville in 2023, and was put on football scholarship. He would end the season with 19 catches for 322 yards and four touchdowns, capping the year by earning Sun Bowl MVP honors with five catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. • Notre Dame’s offensive line presents some new faces in 2024 with the departures of NFL Draftees Joe Alt and Blake Fisher. Pat Coogan, Ashton Craig, Billy Schrauth, Tosh Baker, Rocco Spindler and Charles Jagusah own starting experience. Jagusah and Craig have both been ruled out for the 2024 season. Irish linemen Aamil Wagner, Sam Pendleton and Anthonie Knapp all made their first-career starts at No. 20 Texas A&M. • Mitchell Evans had a breakout season in 2023 before being sidelined with an injury. He played in eight games as a junior, starting seven, and ended the season as the team’s top receiving target, averaging 52.8 yards per game. Through those eight games, Evans totaled 29 receptions for 422 yards and a touchdown during the season, averaging 14.6 yards per catch. With Evans’ injury, Cooper Flanagan and Eli Raridon saw action in 2023, each scoring a touchdown, and will look to have an increased role in 2024. • Riley Leonard won his first game in an Irish uniform at No. 20 Texas A&M, leading a game-winning fourth-quarter drive. He enters his senior season and first with Notre Dame coming off a Duke career as one of the ACC’s premier quarterbacks. In 2023, Leonard started all seven games in which he played for Duke, going 95-for-165 and 1,102 yards (57.5 percent completion rate) and three touchdowns. He rushed 58 times for 352 yards (44-yard long) and four touchdowns on the season. See page 15 for more on Leonard • Steve Angeli made the most of his first-career start in the 2023 Sun Bowl completing 15 of 19 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns. Prior to that game, he went 19-for-25 passing with four touchdowns in seven relief appearances. • With the departure of NFL Draft pick Audric Estimé, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price are poised to lead the Irish running backs in 2024. See page 17 for more on the Irish running backs.
TWO-DEEP TIDBITS – DEFENSE • Jordan Botelho recorded 32 tackles and four sacks in his first full season as Notre Dame’s starting Vyper defensive end, He was named the Sun Bowl Lineman of the Game. He suffered a season-ending injury vs. Purdue. Boubacar Traore posted his first career sack in the victory over No. 10 Southern Cal in 2023. Junior Tuihalamaka appeared in all 13 games in 2023 while posting 10 tackles. • Rylie Mills was named a 2024 team captain and was a distruptive force on the Irish defensive line in 2023. See page 15 for more information on Mills. Jason Onye emerged as a dependable reserve defensive lineman for the Irish in 2023. He also blocked two field goal attempts during the season, one of which came during his five-tackle performance against Tennessee State. • Howard Cross III established himself as one of the top playmaking interior defensive lineman in the country during the 2023 season. See page 14 for more information on Cross. Donovan Hinish appeared in nine games in 2023 and posting a career-best four stops in the win over Central Michigan. • RJ Oben transferred from Duke in the offseason with 34 career starts and 50 games played. He has posted 67 tackles on his career, with 14.5 sacks (loss of 91 yards), five forced fumbles, two passes defended and an interception. Joshua Burnham finished the 2023 season with 18 tackles, four tackles-for-loss and a sack. Bryce Young is a four-star true freshman and was an Adidas All-American as a high school senior. • Jack Kiser leads a linebacker room with young talent. A team captain, Kiser will make a run for the Notre Dame career games played record. See page 15 for more information on Kiser. Jaiden Ausberry appeared in four regular-season games in 2023, preserving his eligibility. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is a highlytouted five-star linebacker who was a finalist for the high school Butkus Award in 2023. He posted a career-high seven tackles vs. Northern Illinois. Drayk Bowen appeared in 12 games in 2023 (missing one contest with an injury) and recorded 14 stops and a forced fumble. Jaylen Sneed appeared in all 13 games in 2023, totaling 14 tackles, five QB hurries and two PBU • Jordan Clark joins the Irish from Arizona State with 22 career starts and 39 games played. Throughout his college career, he has snagged three interceptions (one for a touchdown) and 139 tackles (101 solo) with 6.5 TFL and 20 passes defended. • Benjamin Morrison followed up his freshman All-America campaign in 2022 with an impressive 2023, intercepting three passes while making 31 tackles and breaking up 10 passes. See page 15 for more on Morrison. • Adon Shuler notched his first-career interception in the 23-13 victory at No. 20 Texas A&M. He showed his playmaking ability late in the 2023 season, posting all six career tackles in the final three games of the year. A preferred walk-on, Luke Talich quickly established himself as a special teams mainstay during his freshman season in 2023. • True freshmen Karson Hobbs, Leonard Moore and Kennedy Urlacher have impressed in preseason camp. Moore and Urlacher both garnered one four-star ranking through recruitment. Moore made his college football debut at No. 20 Texas A&M. • Christian Gray started his first-career game in the 23-13 win at No. 20 Texas A&M. He saw action in 12 games and made 11 tackles in 2023. He intercepted his first career pass against Pittsburgh and finished the year with a career-best three tackles in the Sun Bowl victory over Oregon State. Jaden Mickey saw action in all 13 games in 2023 and started in the Sun Bowl. His season highlight was a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown against Pittsburgh. • Xavier Watts started off the year strong with an interception in the 23-13 victory at No. 20 Texas A&M. He was the first Notre Dame player to intercept multiple passes in back-to-back games in 2023. Watts won the Bednarik Award and was a unanimous All-American. See page 14 for more on Watts. Rod Heard II spent his prior career at Northwestern, where he amassed 31 starts and 46 games played with 182 tackles, 11 for loss, two sacks and two interceptions, as well as 10 passes defended, five forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
MIAMI NOTES
REDHAWKS TRAVEL TO FACE NOTRE DAME The Miami University football team travels to face No. 17 Notre Dame on Saturday, Sept. 21. The game will be carried live on NBC/Peacock. ABOUT MIAMI • Miami football ranks first all-time in the Mid-American Conference in wins (724), conference wins (317), MAC Championships (17) and bowl wins (8). • Historically, Miami’s 724 career wins are third all-time among Group-of-Five programs, behind just Navy (740) and Army (729). • Miami was 4-14 in Coach Martin’s first 18 Mid-American Conference games. Since then, the RedHawks are 42-17 in their last 59 games versus schools from the MAC. • Miami captured its second MAC Championship in the last five years, defeating Toledo 23-14 last season. Chuck Martin won his first MAC Championship back in 2019. • The RedHawks have been bowl-eligible seven of the last eight seasons. From 2006-15, Miami was bowl-eligible just twice. • The RedHawks have picked up Power-5 victories in two straight years, downing Cincinnati (31-24) in 2023 and Northwestern (17-14) in 2022. Miami has not defeated a Power-5 team three straight years since 1998-2000.
ABOUT MIAMI … CONTINUED • Last year Miami beat both Cincinnati (31-24) and Ohio (30-16) in the same season. The last time that happened was 2005. • The 11 wins last season were tied for the second-most in program history. The last time Miami won 11 games in a season, NFL future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was taking snaps for Miami back in 2003 (13-1). ABOUT CHUCK MARTIN • Chuck Martin was named Miami head coach on Dec. 3, 2013. • He was named a 2023 Finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. • Not only was he 74-7 in six years at Grand Valley State (2004-09), he has coached in seven national championship games in the past 21 seasons. Martin has an all-time head coaching record of 130-71. • He has twice been named the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) National Coach of the Year and has been a coordinator on both sides of the ball. • Martin was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Grand Valley State University on Oct. 23, 2015. • Martin’s 120 games coached at Miami is tops in program history and his 56 career wins ranks behind only Randy Walker (59) and ahead of the Terry Hoeppner (48), Frank Wilton (44) and John Pont (43). ABOUT NOTRE DAME Notre Dame is 2-1 on the season and are coming off a 66-7 victory last week over Purdue. Quarterback Riley Leonard has thrown for 433 yards and added 179 yards and four scores on the ground through three games. Overall Notre Dame averages 227.7 rushing yards per game.
SERIES VS. NOTRE DAME Saturday’s contest will be the third meeting between the two schools, but the first meeting was over 100 years ago. Notre Dame beat Miami 46-0 back on November 14, 1909 in South Bend, Ind. Notre Dame is 2-0 all-time in the series. NOTRE DAME CONNECTIONS There are many connections between the two schools, but three come to mind right away with head coach Chuck Martin, former coach Ara Parseghian and Miami University President Greg Crawford. Chuck Martin: Coached at Notre Dame for four years, serving as the team’s offensive coordinator/QB coach (2012-13) and defensive back coach/recruiting coordinator (2010-11). Ara Parseghian: The College Football Hall of Famer coached at both Miami and Notre Dame. While with Miami he was 39-6-2 in five seasons, winning conference titles in 1954 and 1955. In 11 years with Notre Dame he was 95-17-4. Parseghian has a bronze statue on the south side of Yager Stadium in the Cradle of Coaches Plaza. Greg Crawford: Greg Crawford, Miami’s current university president, worked at Notre Dame from 2008-16. He became Miami’s president on July 1, 2016. REDHAWKS FALL SHORT IN BATTLE FOR THE VICTORY BELL Miami dropped its home opener to Cincinnati 27-16 last Saturday. The Bearcats won the 128th all-time Battle for the Victory Bell in front of a sellout crowd of 24,717 despite 339 passing yards by Brett Gabbert. • Gabbert produced the sixth 300-yard passing game of his career and his highest yardage total through the air since Nov. 27, 2021. • Cade McDonald finished with a career-high 135 receiving yards on eight catches. McDonald’s 51-yard and 43-yard receptions were the longest two catches of his career. • Reggie Virgil’s 58-yard touchdown catch was his career long. • Silas Walters made a career-high 11 tackles. • Luke Evans and Andre Johnson made their first career starts for the Red and White. • The sellout crowd at Yager Stadium included a Miami-record student attendance of 8,469.
SLOW START It’s hard to call it a slow start when you fall by a combined 18 points versus a pair of Power-4 programs, but tough non-conference starts is nothing new for Miami. Since 2019, Miami has won two MAC Championships, but just once in that time has Miami come out of non-conference play with a winning record. Miami has played 13 Power-4 program in non-conference play over the last five years (2.6 per year). DEFENSE CONTINUES TREND After allowing just four touchdowns combined versus a pair of Power-4 programs, Miami’s defense looks to be following the 2023 blueprint. Last year, Miami ranked eighth nationally, allowing just 15.9 points per contest. The RedHawks were also 26th in total defense (330.4) and 34th in rush defense (132.2). MONSTERS OF THE MAC Miami’s defense was even better in conference play last year. Miami ranked first in scoring (10.8), total defense (272.5) and sacks (27). Miami was second in rush defense (114.4) and pass defense (158.1). The RedHawks shut out two MAC opponents (BGSU and Akron) and allowed just three points in a win over Kent State. Miami allowed only nine touchdowns in eight MAC games last season.
TACKLING MACHINE Linebacker Matt Salopek, the reigning 2023 MAC Defensive Player of the Year, has 411 career tackles and has surpassed 100 stops in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The last time Miami had a player record 100-plus tackles three straight seasons was Matt Pusateri from 2002-04 and no RedHawk has ever secured 100-plus tackles in four-straight seasons. His 411 tackles ranks 10th all-time in program history. 42 AND COUNTING… Matt Salopek made his 42nd start last week versus Cincinnati, but he is not the only defender that has played a ton of football on the defensive side of the ball. Kobe Hilton (38), Brian Ugwu (22) and Ty Wise (21) have all started at least 20 games. GABBERT IN THE HISTORY BOOKS Brett Gabbert, who missed the last six games of the 2023 season with a leg injury, has made 41 starts in his career and is all over the Miami record books. He ranks third in program history with 8,459 passing yards, sixth in completion percentage (.592) and third in passing touchdowns (61). He is also 50 yards shy of 500 career rushing yards and is responsible for 68 touchdowns (61 passing, 7 rushing) in his career. OLE MCDONALD HAD A DAY…AGAIN Senior Cade McDonald set career-highs in catches (8) and yards (135) in the loss versus Cincinnati after opening the year with eight receptions for 105 yards at Northwestern. McDonald ranks sixth nationally in receptions per game (8.0) and receiving yards per game (120.0). He has nearly broke his career-best numbers after finishing 2023 with 28 grabs for 353 yards. WELCOME BACK JACK Lots of preseason talk revolved around Brett Gabbert, but Miami had a second key player returning from injury. Tight end Jack Coldiron, who suffered a knee injury last season at Miami (FL). Coldiron is fifth on the team with five catches. TRENCH WARFARE Miami’s offensive line is the most experienced unit on the 2024 roster. Reid Holskey has started each of the last 42 games for the Red and White and is followed by Will Jados (26), Kolby Borders (25), and John Young (16). Those four have combined to start 109 games and all four started all 14 games a year ago. Charlie Nank has made a pair of starts at center for the Red and White this year.
ALL-MAC SPECIALTY Miami has a pair of All-MAC performers on special teams … both punters. Dom Dzobian was named a second-team All-MAC punter in 2022 and Alec Bevelhimer did the same in 2023. Dzobian, now Miami’s placekicker, has converted on 3-of-4 field goals this season, while Bevelhimer is averaging 42.4 yards per punt through two games in 2024. SEAN MCVAY JOINS CRADLE OF COACHES Miami added a 10th bronze statue to its Cradle of Coaches in Sean McVay back in 2023. McVay, the current head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, joined Ara Parseghian, Paul Brown, Weeb Ewbank, John Harbaugh, John Pont, Carm Cozza, Bo Schembechler, Red Blaik, and Paul Dietzel in the south end of Yager Stadium.
NOTRE DAME VOLLEYBALL
PREVIEW: IRISH SET TO FACE INDIANA
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish finally open up inside of Purcell Pavilion this Friday, Sept. 20 against Indiana after playing their first two home matches last weekend inside of Compton Family Ice Arena. The Irish finished the week 3-0, advancing to 6-1 on the season so far, which is the best start the Irish have had since the 2020 season. After Friday, the Irish will head to Bloomington, IN for a home-and-home rematch against the Hoosiers.
NOTRE DAME vs. INDIANA – Friday, September 20 at 6:30 PM
Location: South Bend, Ind. | Purcell Pavilion
ACCNX | LIVE STATS | SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES | Game Notes (PDF)
NOTRE DAME @ INDIANA – Sunday, September 22 at 1:00 PM
Location: Bloomington, Ind. | Wilkinson Hall
B1G+ | LIVE STATS | SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES | Game Notes (PDF)
HISTORY VS. INDIANA
This will be the 12th meeting between the Irish and Hoosiers as Notre Dame leads the overall series 7-4.
It’s been over 20 years since Notre Dame and Indiana have played one another with the last match dating back to Sept. 12, 2003. The Irish won at home in four sets (30-24, 30-23, 28-30, 30-19).
Notre Dame has only lost to Indiana at home once (Oct. 12, 1990).
PHYONA SCHRADER
Phyona Schrader was named ACC Setter of the Week this past week.
Schrader helped guide the Irish to a perfect 3-0 week, with two wins over Northwestern and the program’s first-ever win over Colorado State.
The Ankeny, Iowa, native began her week with 21 kills, 19 assists and 13 digs to pace the Fighting Irish to a 3-1 win at Northwestern on Thursday. On Friday, the senior handed out 28 assists, totaled 11 kills and notched 14 digs in Notre Dame’s 3-1 victory over Colorado State. In a rematch with the Wildcats, Schrader posted 16 assists and totaled 12 kills in a 3-0 sweep.
The senior recorded two triple-doubles this week. Piggybacking off of her triple-double from last Sunday, she has recorded three straight triple-doubles in a row.
She is now tied for first in the nation for triple-doubles this season and is the only player in the conference to have recorded one this season.
FRESH FACES
Notre Dame’s incoming freshman class ranked 13th in the nation according to Prep Dig.
The Irish welcome six freshman to the team, bringing the Irish to a roster size of 22 – Rockwell’s largest roster since starting in 2022.
The freshman class consists of Grace Langer (MB), Anna Bjork (MB), Kailyn Greene- Gordon (OPP), Mia Radeff (OH), Morgan Gaerte (OH), and Mallory Bohl (MB).
Gaerte was the number one recruit coming out of Indiana, hailing from Angola High School, just a little over an hour from South Bend.
Notre Dame also welcomes setter Ella Sandt to the 2024 squad, a graduate transfer from Saint Mary’s.
KEY RETURNERS
The Irish return five rising sophomores, six rising juniors, a pair of rising seniors, and a pair of graduate students.
Notre Dame’s two graduate students, Hattie Monson and Lauren Tarnoff, are each using their fifth and final seasons to finish their careers at ND. Monson led the Irish with 397 digs last season, while Tarnoff was second on the team last season in blocks (84).
Senior Phyona Schrader is also back for another season with the Irish. Schrader led the conference last season with the only triple double recorded in the ACC. She tallied 14 kills, 22 assists, and 13 digs in the win over Wake Forest at home on November 17, 2023.
Outside hitter Lucy Trump returns for her junior season as she tallied 135 kills and was second on the team with 22 aces. She led the Irish offensively her freshman year with 252 kills.
NOTRE DAME MEN’S SOCCER
MATCH 6 PREVIEW: CHICAGO STATE
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – RV/17 Notre Dame men’s soccer is back in action on Friday, Sept. 20 in a non-conference matchup against Chicago State at 7 p.m. ET at Alumni Stadium. Admission is free and the match will air on ACCNX.
RV/17 NOTRE DAME vs. CHICAGO STATE
Location: South Bend, Indiana | Alumni Stadium
Live Stream: ACCNX
Live Stats: Click Here
Twitter Updates: @NDMenSoccer
Game Notes: vs. Chicago State
THE CHICAGO STATE SERIES
• The Irish and Cougars will meet on the pitch for the second time in program history on Friday evening.
• Notre Dame controlled play, recording a 4-0 win at Alumni against Chicago State on Sept. 21, 2022.
• The Irish outshot the Cougars by a mark of 17-2 in the contest.
ROOU LEADS THE LINE
• Senior forward Matthew Roou picked up right where he left off, scoring the first goal of the season for Notre Dame in the opener against Akron.
• Roou converted a penalty drawn by Bryce Boneau in the 51st minute.
• The talisman now has 54 career points off 22 goals and 10 assists.
• Last season Roou was elite in attack, scoring 10 goals and registering three assists, marking his best year in an Irish jersey.
BK THE GK
• Blake Kelly has already made an impact just five matches into his freshman season as the goalkeeper of the Fighting Irish.
• Kelly made eight saves in the draw at Indiana, the most of any ACC keeper this season.
• The freshman followed it up with his first career win in the ACC opener against Louisville, making four saves while allowing just one goal.
• The goalie started the season opener, marking the first time a true freshman goalie has started an opener for the Irish in over 30 seasons.
REGULAR SEASON DOMINANCE
• Dating back to a match on Oct. 18, 2022, Notre Dame has lost just twice in regular season matches entering Friday’s matchup.
• The Irish have a record of 15-2-8 over the 25-match span.
• During the impressive run, Notre Dame has recorded 10 clean sheets.
• Notre Dame is unbeaten in road games over the stretch with a record of 5-0-5.
2024 CAPTAIN
• Bryce Boneau is the captain for this year’s Fighting Irish team.
• Boneau is a senior midfielder from Texas and was selected to the 2024 ACC Preseason Watch List.
• The skipper is off to a fast start this season, recording a goal and and two assists from the midfield through five matches.
• Boneau scored four goals and added seven assists last season as a center midfielder and has four goals and 11 assists in his Notre Dame career.
• Boneau was selected by Nashville SC in the third round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft with the 75th overall pick.
BALANCED ATTACK
• All six Notre Dame goals through the opening four matches have been scored by six players. (Roou, Flanagan, Genenbacher, Boneau, J. Bartlett, Spicer).
• Fourteen returning Irish players registered at least one point in their Notre Dame career, as the team returns 85 points from last year.
• Ten players that scored a goal during the 2023 campaign are back on this year’s team.
• Senior Matthew Roou is the top returning goal scorer on the 2024 squad after firing in a career-high 10 goals during his junior campaign.
HERE TO ASSIST
• The Irish dished out 48 assists last season, ranking sixth in the country for total assists.
• The 48 assists were the most an Irish team has produced in a season since the turn of the century.
• KK Baffour and Bryce Boneau led the squad in assists with seven each. Both return to the 2024 roster for the Irish.
• The Irish have four assists on the season with Boneau leading the way with two and Baffour and Spicer each tallying one this season.
FRESH FACES
• Notre Dame’s incoming freshman class is ranked No. 3 nationally by TopDrawerSoccer.
• The Irish welcome six freshman to the 2024 squad, totaling a 30-man roster.
• The six freshman are Jacob Bartlett (M), Stevie Dunphy (F), Brady Hilden (M), Blake Kelly (GK), Will Schroeder (M) and Ian Shaul (M).
• Also joining the team is goalkeeper Collin Travasos, who is a grad transfer. Travasos spent last season at UNC and prior to that completed his undergrad at Cal.
• Five of the six freshman have logged minutes this season.
2023 SEASON REWIND
• Notre Dame had one of its most successful seasons in program history last year, finishing with an appearance in the College Cup Final.
• The Irish were dominant in the ACC, claiming the Coastal Division crown and earning the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament after going undefeated in regular season conference play with a record of 6-0-2.
• Notre Dame finished the season with a record of 13-3-6 but two of the draws resulted in the Irish advancing in the NCAA Tournament in shootouts.
• The Fighting Irish defeated Kentucky (2-0) in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament before moving past Western Michigan (0-0) and Indiana (1-1) to make the College Cup.
• Notre Dame then defeated Oregon State (1-0) in the semifinal before falling to Clemson (1-2) in the final.
NOTRE DAME WOMEN’S SOCCER
IRISH LOOK FOR SECOND EVER WIN IN CHARLOTTESVILLE
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The No. 16 Notre Dame women’s soccer team has had some time to rest and gear up for ACC showdown number two of the 2024 season. In that time, they’ve also received their Canadian U20 World Cup reinforcements in Clare Logan and Annabelle Chukwu. This hungry and young Irish squad will now travel to Klockner Stadium for a ranked battle against No. 14 Virginia (8-1-0, 1-1-0).
If you are a Fighting Irish fan than Saturday is the day for you. The football team kicks off against Miami (Ohio) at home at 3:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock. Then immediately after, you can catch the Irish vs. Cavaliers at 7 p.m. ET on ACCNX.
UVA SERIES
If this year’s young Irish squad wants to make a splash in the ACC, look no further than the opportunity presenting itself on Saturday in a ranked matchup against No. 14 Virginia. The Cavaliers were off to a red-hot 8-0 start on the year until they hit a roadblock via Wake Forest in a 3-0 shutout. UVA is 1-1 in league play, defeating Miami previously.
The Irish trail in the overall series, 2-7-1. They are 1-4-1 in Charlottesville. That lone win was a 2-1 double-OT victory back in 2015.
The Irish did win their last encounter with Virginia — a 1-0 victory in South Bend during the 2022 season. Maddie Mercado scored off of a corner kick from Korbin Albert.
ELLIE HODSDEN – THE COMEBACK STORY
Several freshmen have dominated the season storylines for the Irish thus far and yet another star has emerged in Ellie Hodsden. The Texas native missed the first several games due to working herself back into game shape, wrapping up a year-long return from an ACL injury.
Hodsden has subbed in late in each half in the past two games and has been a nightmare for opponent defenses. She’s played a total of 46 minutes and has scored three goals. That means she’s scoring every 15 minutes on the pitch. Against Marquette, she scored in the 43rd minute. At BC, it was in the 37th and 88th minute.
Hodsden played the hero at Boston College. The Irish were down 2-0 and she willed them back to a 2-2 draw with her first career brace. Her second goal, which came in the 88th minute, was a beautiful header off a cross.
At Dripping Springs High, Hodsen set her school record for goals in a season with 50.
ELECTRIC ENGLE
Nationally, Izzy Engle has entered her name for breakout star of 2024. Engle has 10 goals through eight games, with four multi-goal performances.
Her 10 goals are the second most in the country, behind only California’s Karlie Lema who has 11.
Engle ranks second in the country and first in the ACC in goals per game at 1.25.
Engle boasts three game-winners (Butler, TCU, Marquette), which ranks sixth nationally and first in the ACC.
Engle’s 21 points rank third in the nation behind California’s Karlie Lema (26) and Pitt’s Sarah Schupansky (22).
Furthermore, Engle’s 2.63 points per game ranks seventh nationally, third in the ACC.
PICK YOUR POISON
The Irish attack will be very fun to watch moving forward as Coach Norman figures out how to fit his young arsenal together. We’ve seen Engle and Lily Joseph playing the majority of minutes up top, then Hodsden subbing in to add to the relentless attack. Now, Annabelle Chukwu returns from the U20 World Cup to add yet another impressive layer to the mix.
Lily Joseph has three goals on the year with two coming in the last three games. She also boasts three assists for a total of nine points, which ranks third on the team. Also, look for Joseph in the attacking center midfield role as well.
Chukwu has one goal and one assist in just two games. After the first two games of the season, Chukwu departed for the U20 World Cup with Team Canada. Virginia will mark her first game back with the Irish. More on her below.
CANADIAN SENSATION
Keep an eye on freshman Annabelle Chukwu from Ontario, Canada, now that she’s back in South Bend.
Chukwu was at the U20 World Cup for Team Canada where she made Canadian youth history. 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. As a result, Chukwu broke the record for most goals scored through the Canadian 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.
THREE-HEADED MIDFIELD MONSTER
Notre Dame has developed a three-headed monster in its midfield. First let’s start with freshman Grace Restovich, another young breakout star of 2024.
Restovich ranks second on the team in points (12), goals (3) and assists (6).
The St. Louis native has earned a point in all but two games.
In Notre Dame’s dominant win over Marquette, Restovich posted a career-best three assists.
She ranks third in the country in total assists (6) and ninth nationally in assists per game (0.75).
Next, there’s sophomore Charlie Codd, who has recorded a point in 5-of-8 games this season. Codd ranks second on the team in assists with four, which places her sixth in the ACC and 38th nationally.
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 41 of 46 games played at ND. Matriano recorded her second career goal, first of the season, in the win over TCU, via a PK.
TRENDING
The NCAA released its first RPI listing and Notre Dame checked in at No. 11.
Notre Dame’s +21 goal differential ranks eighth in the country and third in the ACC.
The defensive backline of Fisher, Gemma and Mills posted six straight shutouts together before the 2-2 tie at BC. The six shutouts tied for the third longest streak in program history. ND’s defense is allowing just 4.6 SOG/Game.
Notre Dame’s scoring offense (3.13) ranks 14th overall and third in the ACC.
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 0.750 which ranks ninth in the nation and third in the ACC. Together — a save percentage of .892 which ranks 21st nationally (4th in ACC) and a 0.500 GAA which ranks 22nd (4th in ACC).
First, let’s look at sophomore Atlee Olofson. The Austin native has not surrendered a goal this season and is 4-0. She has notched 13 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 four starts and has gone 2-1-1. She earned the shutout at Michigan and made six saves, then posted seven saves in the shutout over NIU. She has 19 total saves on the season with a GAA of 1.00.
YOUTH MOVEMENT
The freshman class at Notre Dame has been and will be a huge talking point. 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.
Right now the top-three point getters on the team are freshmen: Izzy Engle (21 points), Grace Restovich (12 points) and Lily Joseph (9 points).
Lastly, 21 of the team’s 25 goals have been scored by freshmen.
BUTLER VOLLEYBALL
BUTLERVB LOSE IN FIRST MATCH OF BUTLER INVITATIONAL TO BALL STATE 3-0
INDIANAPOLIS — The Bulldogs fall short in three sets to Ball State in the first match of the Butler Invitational. Elise Ward led the team with 10 kills while Cora Taylor tallied 25 assists.
Ball State 25-14
Grace Boggess helped kick off the match with a block and kill, but the score remained deadlocked at 5-5. The Cardinals then flipped a switch scoring a 4-0 run to take a 17-11 lead. Ball State would continue to pile on the score eventually closing out the set on five consecutive points.
Ball State 25-20
Set 2 was different with the Bulldogs using an early 4-0 spurt capped off by a serving ace from Aesha Vogt to take a 5-1 lead. The Cardinals had a quick response erasing the deficit with a 6-0 run to take an 8-7 lead. Kills from Laiya Ebo helped the Bulldogs fight back to take the lead at 12-10. However, Ball State would take control of the set scoring eight straight points to run away with set one at 21-13 and eventually 25-16.
Ball State 25-20
Butler began the third set from behind after the Cardinals jumped out to a 6-1 lead. Kills from Ebo helped bring the deficit within three points at 14-11. Ball State would not give in, slowly pulling away at 22-16 and closing the match at 25-20.
Stat of the Match: Lauren Evans continued her streak of earning at least one serving ace in every match this season, which has reached nine matches. Evans collected two serving aces tonight to bring her total up to 17 serving aces, which is tied for fourth in the BIG EAST.
Inside the Box Score
Taylor amassed 25 assists, three digs, and a pair of kills
Ward led the team with 10 kills and six digs
Ebo hit for a team-high .357 with seven kills on 14 attacks.
Boggess led the match with four blocks while adding three kills
Loyer earned a team-high nine digs
Up Next
The Bulldogs will resume the action in Hinkle Fieldhouse tomorrow night for the second match of the Butler Invitational against Bellarmine beginning at 7PM.
BALL STATE VOLLEYBALL
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL SCORES THURSDAY SWEEP AT BUTLER
INDIANAPOLIS – – The Ball State women’s volleyball team hit a blistering .522 (13-1-23) in the opening set and never looked back, securing a 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-20) sweep of in-state rival Butler Thursday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
“Offensively, we were really clicking early and able to withstand a subpar defensive set,” head coach Kelli Miller Phillips said. “We were able to get the ball to a variety of hitters with our serve receive and ball control, and that balance allowed us to hit such a high percentage.”
The Cardinals (6-4) finished the night hitting a season-best .341 (41-11-88) as a team, led by another strong performance from freshman outside Carson Tyler. She led all players with 13 kills and connected for a career best .524 (13-2-21) rate of success.
Tyler also added seven digs, one short of the team high, a solo block and was nearly flawless in serve receive by successfully passing 19 of the team-high 20 serves she faced.
Overall, nine different Cardinals recorded at least one kill, including sophomore setter Lindsey Green who executed a perfect setter dump to close the second set. It was the first kill of her collegiate career. Graduate middle Aayinde Smith and sophomore outside Kendall Barnes were second on the squad with seven kills apiece.
In addition to the offensive pressure, the Cardinals dropped a season-high nine service aces on the Bulldogs (2-8). Three of those aces came from senior setter Megan Wielonski who raised her career total to 157.
“We were solid all around tonight, but I was particularly happy with our service pressure,” Phillips said. “I felt like when that turned up, the match really flipped to our advantage. We have been working hard to increase our service pressure, so that was good to see tonight.”
Wielonski also dished out 34 assists and was credited with a team-high eight digs in the sweep. Junior opposite Madison Buckley led the Ball State front line with three total blocks, while adding six kills.
Overall, the Ball State defense limited the Butler attack to a .133 (27-16-83). Butler was paced offensively by Elise Ward’s 10 kills, while Jersey Loyer collected a team-high nine digs.
The Ball State women’s volleyball team returns to action Friday night, when it opens the home portion of the 2024 season at 6 p.m. RED OUT versus Wright State. Fans are encouraged to wear RED to the match and the first 400 in attendance will receive a FREE RALLY TOWEL.
“I can’t wait to get home and play in front of our home fans,” Phillips exclaimed. “The team has been working and growing so much over the past month. It will be nice to get to show our home fans who we are.”
In addition, fans can register to win a 55-inch television which will be given away during the match.
BALL STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER
SOCCER FALLS TO BOWLING GREEN IN MAC OPENER
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State soccer team played Bowling Green to a scoreless first half on Thursday afternoon in both teams’ Mid-American Conference opener, but the Falcons prevailed 2-0 at the Briner Sports Complex.
The Cardinals (5-3, 0-1 MAC) saw their four-match winning streak snapped at the hands of the Falcons (4-2-1, 1-0 MAC), who got goals in the 55th and 87th minutes for the road win.
Ball State got off twice as many shots as the Falcons (12-6), while both teams managed to put three on goal. The two conference foes had 10 fouls apiece, and the hosts earned one more corner kick (5-4).
Grace Konopatzki started in goal and made one save in the scoreless opening period. Kate Pallante came in for the second half and suffered the setback allowing the pair of goals by the visitors.
Delaney Caldwell and Addie Chester took three shots each for the Cardinals. Chester, Avery Fenchel and Kaelyn Valleau put shots on goal.
The Cardinals continue MAC play and hit the road to take on Kent State at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
INDIANA STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER
LEHNERT STRIKES AGAIN AS THE SYCAMORES RECORD FIRST MVC VICTORY
VALPARAISO, Ind. – Indiana State (6-2-2) competed in its first MVC matchup of the of the 2024 season on Thursday evening where they defeated Valparaiso with a score of 1-0. Alex Lehnert led the way for the Sycamores, where she picked up her fourth collegiate goal.
How it happened:
The Sycamores struck first in the 16th minute when Alex Lehnert connected on her fourth goal of the 2024 season. Lehnert’s goal came off a Mackenzie Kent assist after Kent collected a long ball from Quinn and broke through Beacon defenders to place the ball toward the goal for Lehnert to find the back of the net.
Indiana State led 1-0 after the first 45 minutes of play despite Valpo out-shooting the Sycamores 8-2. Lehnert led ISU in the first half with a goal and two shots on target.
Valpo was unable to find the equalizer in Thursday evenings matchup despite tremendous pressure against the Sycamores and numerous shot attempts.
Valpo out-shot the Sycamores 19-7 in the contest as each team had 3 corner kick attempts. Beacon keeper Wade had three saves in the match, while Alexander had six for ISU.
ISU had single-digit shots (7) for the third match this season, paced by Lehnert and Kent who combined for six of the seven shot attempts for the Sycamores. Caitlin Mullen also recorded an attempt on target for Indiana State in the victory.
Maddie Alexander earned her sixth shutout in the 1-0 victory against Valparaiso which marks the seventh clean sheet for Indiana State in the 2024 season. The Battle Creek, Mich. native has 52 saves in the 2024 season, which marks 298 overall. Alexander has allowed only four goals scored this year in ten games of play, sitting at a .929 save percentage.
Ashlyn Cohen had three shots with three on target on Thursday evening to lead the Beacons offense.
News & Notes:
This win marks Indiana State’s first time beating Valparaiso since the 2019 season, when ISU won 3-2 over the Beacons.
Alex Lehnert picked up her fourth goal of the season, tied for first with Kent in most goals scored this season for ISU.
Indiana State has seven shutouts in the 2024 season, three in a row from Alexander.
Second consecutive match that Indiana State has recorded a victory after being out-shot by opponents.
Up Next:
The Sycamores continue conference play this weekend on the road with a contest against UIC on Sunday, September 22nd at 2 p.m ET.
INDIANA STATE VOLLEYBALL
BUSY WEEK FOR SYCAMORE VOLLEYBALL CONTINUES IN FORT WAYNE
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State volleyball continues its busy week on the court Friday and Saturday with a trio of matches at the Purdue Fort Wayne Invitational.
The Sycamores will face St. Francis (Pa.) (11 a.m.) and Eastern Michigan (4:30 p.m.) on Friday, with a single match against Purdue Fort Wayne Saturday at 11 a.m. All three matches will be carried on ESPN+.
Last Time Out
Indiana State had five different players notch seven or more kills Wednesday night, but Indiana State fell two points short against IU-Indianapolis in an agonizing five-set match (20-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-13).
Jadyn Smith led the Sycamores with 11 kills, while Ella Scott added nine kills, five blocks and two aces. Hannah Baudin had eight kills, while Emma Kaelin and Curry Kendall tallied seven kills apiece. Emily Weber finished with 34 assists and a season-high five blocks, while Anna Ptacin led all players with six blocks. Macy Lengacher recorded a match-high 19 digs.
Set One Success
Indiana State has opened its last four matches on a high note, taking the first set in all three matches of the Bluff City Showdown and in Wednesday’s midweek match at IU-Indianapolis.
The Sycamores claimed the opening set in their matches against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (25-13), Lamar (25-20) and Memphis (25-19), marking the first time this season that the Sycamores took the opening set in a match. Indiana State followed that with a 25-20 first set in Wednesday night against IU-Indianapolis.
Prior to last weekend, the last time Indiana State took the opening set in three straight matches was in November 2021 against Drake (25-17), Missouri State (27-25), Southern Illinois (28-26) and Bradley (25-19).
Top-Tier Trees
Indiana State had a pair of athletes earn all-tournament honors at the Bluff City Showdown, as Emma Kaelin and Emily Weber were among the best in the four-team field over the weekend in Memphis.
Kaelin averaged 4.18 kills and 2.45 digs per set for the Sycamores in 11 sets played, representing the best attacking weekend of her career. She set a career-high with 16 kills against both Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Lamar, and also added 10 digs against Arkansas-Pine Bluff to record her 20th career double-double.
Weber averaged 9.18 assists per set running the Sycamores’ offense, including a season-high 41-assist outing in the win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. She also had 35 assists in the Trees’ three-set win over Lamar, and added 16 digs and five blocks from the defensive side for the weekend.
Strength In Numbers
Indiana State’s midweek match at IU-Indianapolis featured a balanced attack, with five different players notching seven or more kills against the Jaguars.
Jadyn Smith led the way with 11 kills for Indiana State, marking her third match with double-digit kills in the last five matches. Ella Scott had nine kills on a team-high .300 hitting percentage, while Hannah Baudin had eight kills for the Blue and White. Emma Kaelin and Curry Kendall tallied seven kills apiece, with Kendall’s all coming in the last two sets.
Topping The Charts
Indiana State has been one of the best teams in the nation when it comes to service aces this season. The Sycamores enter the weekend match ranked in the top 25 nationally in aces per set with 2.09, and have averaged more than two aces per set in each of their first three weekends of play.
Indiana State’s 2.09 aces per set rank first in the MVC, while the Sycamores’ 73 total aces rank second in the conference and inside the top 25 nationally. In addition, Ella Scott leads the MVC with 0.54 aces per set, a mark which ranks in the top 40 nationally.
Scott isn’t the only Sycamore who has seen success from the service line this season. Indiana State already has four players with double-digit service aces this year (Ella Scott – 19, Cadence Gilley – 12, Emma Kaelin – 11, Emmy Sher – 11), with two others recording five or more aces this year (Emily Weber – nine, Macy Lengacher – six).
Access Denied
Indiana State registered a season-high 13 blocks in Wednesday’s match against IU-Indianapolis, with three different Sycamores recording five or more rejections.
Anna Ptacin more than doubled her season output with a career-best six blocks, while Ella Scott and Emily Weber had five blocks each. Scott’s blocking output was her third match with five or more blocks this season, while Weber’s five blocks represented a season high for the Sycamore newcomer.
Indiana State’s 2.60 blocks per set in Wednesday’s match marked the second time in the last three matches that the Trees averaged more than 2.50 blocks per set.
This Weekend’s Opponents At A Glance
St. Francis enters the weekend at 3-6 following an 0-3 weekend at Oakland. The Red Flash is one of the few teams in the nation with more aces per set than Indiana State, averaging 2.48 per set. Maggie Hogan leads SFU with 107 kills, while Alexandra Sappia and Emma Fenton both average more than four assists per set.
Eastern Michigan comes into the weekend at 4-7 after going 2-1 last weekend at Morehead State and falling to Michigan State in a midweek match. The Eagles are one of the top blocking teams Indiana State has seen this season, averaging more than 2.6 per set. EMU’s attack is balanced, with Kaili Doctor (118 kills), Kendal Bonney (99) and Ava Siefke (88) all averaging at least two kills per set. Hatteras Welker and Angel Baylark both average more than one block per set, while Hannah Blaney has 162 digs.
Purdue Fort Wayne enters the weekend with a 4-6 record following a midweek loss to Michigan State. The Mastodons went 1-2 last weekend at Valparaiso. Purdue Fort Wayne’s attack runs through reigning Horizon League Freshman and Offensive Player of the Year Panna Ratkai, who averages 4.67 kills per set. Abby Stratford adds more than two kills per set for the Mastodons, while former Evansville setter Taya Haffner averages nearly nine assists per set. LonDynn Betts leads the team with 170 digs.
Series History vs. This Weekend’s Opponents
Indiana State is 2-0 all-time against St. Francis (Pa.), with both previous meetings coming at neutral sites. The last match between the Sycamores and Red Flash came during the 2010 season.
Indiana State is 4-1 against Eastern Michigan, and has won each of the last three meetings in the series. The Sycamores and Eagles last faced off during the 2021 season in Charleston, S.C., with Indiana State winning in four sets.
Purdue Fort Wayne has a 3-2 advantage in the all-time series against Indiana State, though the Sycamores have won the last two meetings. Indiana State won in three sets in the last meeting in 2018, which was in Fort Wayne.
Up Next
Regular season volleyball returns to Hulman Center for the first time since 2007 when the Sycamores open MVC play September 27-28 against UIC and Valparaiso.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE VOLLEYBALL
CHLOE MARIOTTI HELPS ‘DONS TO LEAGUE WIN
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Chloe Mariotti scored her first career goal in Purdue Fort Wayne’s 1-0 women’s soccer victory over Cleveland State on Thursday (Sept. 19) evening.
Thursday marked the start of Horizon League play for both clubs. The ‘Dons, who earned a league-best five non-league wins to start the year, continued their hot streak by blanking the Vikings on Thursday. The Mastodon backline allowed only two shots on goal. Jordan Imes made both saves to earn her fourth shutout of the season.
The only goal of the game came in the 40th minute. Mastodon head coach Jason Burr tabbed Mariotti to take a free kick about four feet from the edge of the box. Burr picked the correct Mastodon. Mariotti used her right foot to deliver a strike into the top left of the goal. Cleveland State goalkeeper Madison Ott dove to her right but was never close to making the save.
Mariotti’s goal concluded a first half surge that saw a decent free kick chance on the edge of the box following a CSU yellow card and a shot from Zoe Greenhalge that hit the post in the 16th minute.
The ‘Dons finished the game with an 11-4 edge in shots and the only two corner kicks in the contest.
Cleveland State falls to 0-7-1 (0-1-0 Horizon League). The ‘Dons improve to 6-3-1 (1-0-0 Horizon League). Purdue Fort Wayne returns to the pitch Thursday (Sept. 26) at Robert Morris.
EVANSVILLE WOMEN’S SOCCER
ACES WOMEN’S SOCCER SHUTOUT IN MVC OPENER AT BELMONT
NASHVILLE – The University of Evansville women’s soccer team held the statistical advantage but couldn’t find the back of the net in a 1-0 loss to the Belmont Bruins.
The Purple Aces had a hard fought battle on Thursday night to open Missouri Valley Conference action at Belmont. UE led in shots, shots on goal, and corner kicks through the match but weren’t able to get the ball past current Valley Goalkeeper of the Week Sydney Jones. Thursday night’s match was only the fourth time Evansville has been shutout during the season.
The Aces controlled play early in the match, keeping Belmont off their offensive rhythm with strong defensive play. UE fired the first shot and shot on goal of the match from sophomore midfielder Ella Hamner (Evansville, Ind. / Memorial HS) in the fifth minute. Evansville added three more shots of the next 40 minutes with its closest chance of the half coming in the 32nd minute as senior midfielder Resse Simmons (Las Vegas / Shadow Ridge HS) forced a save from Jones.
But it was the Bruins who found the goal with only four minutes remaining in the first half, sneaking a ball past Aces goalkeeper Myia Danek (Laingsburg, Mich. / Laingsburg HS) in the 41st minute. It took UE the first few minutes to get going in the second half, but once Evansville found its rhythm the offense came quickly.
The Aces had back-to-back chances in the 59th minute with another shot on goal for Hamner and an almost open chance for sophomore midfielder Ashlyn Koutsos (Cumming, Ga. / West Forsyth HS). Koutsos fired a shot right in front of Jones but a quick foot from the Bruins defender kept UE scoreless. Evansville had another string of chances in the final 10 minutes from its freshman defenders.
Brielle LaBerge (Cumming, Ga. / West Forsyth HS) put her second shot of the game on net in the 80th minute to force a cross net save from Jones. Emmy Brenner (Arlington, Tenn. / St. Benedict at Auburndale HS) had the Aces final shot of the night in the 82nd minute from just inside the penalty box. The shot sailed just high of the crossbar, keeping UE scoreless in its first match of conference action.
Three separate players had multi-shot nights for Evansville. Hamner, LaBerge, and Brenner all had two shots each while both of Hamner’s shots landed on goal. Two other players recorded shots on the night for the Aces. UE returns home to continue MVC play on Sunday afternoon. Evansville will welcome Muray State to Arad McCutchan Stadium with kick-off set for 1 p.m. on the 22nd.
EVANSVILLE VOLLEYBALL
VOLLEYBALL READY FOR USI INVITATIONAL
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – With Missouri Valley Conference play beginning next week, the University of Evansville volleyball team is set for its final non-conference test this weekend with the USI Invitational.
Evansville faces USI on Friday at 6 p.m. before taking on IU Indianapolis at 2 p.m. on Sunday; ESPN+ will have the coverage of Friday’s match against the Screaming Eagles. Both matches will take place at Screaming Eagles Arena.
Last Time Out
– On Tuesday, the Purple Aces faced USI inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse with the Screaming Eagles picking up a 3-1 win
– Giulia Cardona had a match-high 25 kills and tied for the team lead with 12 digs
– Lexi Owen had 38 assists while matching Cardona’s 12 digs
– Melanie Feliciano posted 9 kills and 8 digs
Second on the List
– On Sept. 6 against Samford, Giulia Cardona moved to second on the Aces all-time career kills list
– Cardona currently has 1,811 in her career and trails Alondra Vazquez’ total of 1,911
– Her season average of 4.78 kills per set paces the MVC and is 8th in the nation
– In the win over UPR-Rio Piedras, Cardona accumulated 30 kills and wrapped up the first weekend with 5.00 kills/set
Serving Up The Aces
– Over the last four matches, Jenna Heidbreder has accumulated the first five service aces of her UE career
– Offensively, Heidbreder had a strong home tournament earlier in September, posting a career-high 7 kills versus Samford while picking up 6 against Chicago State
– She added 4 digs in the opening two home contests
Scouting the Opposition
– With their win on Tuesday, the Screaming Eagles improved to 3-7 on the season
– USI opened the season with wins over St. Thomas and Bradley and took a set against Ohio State at the Florida Invitational
– In the first meeting against UE, Bianca Anderson and Ashby Willis tallied 15 kills apiece
– IU Indianapolis comes into the weekend with a record of 5-6 following a 3-2 win over Indiana State on Wednesday
– Elle Patterson paces the Jaguars with 2.98 kills per set
SOUTHERN INDIANA WOMEN’S TENNIS
WOMEN’S TENNIS OPENS SEASON BY HOSTING OVC FALL INVITATIONAL
EVANSVILLE, Ind.- University of Southern Indiana Women’s Tennis looks to capitalize off its momentum from last season when the Screaming Eagles open its 2024-25 campaign by hosting the Ohio Valley Conference Fall Invitational Saturday and Sunday in Evansville, Indiana.
Coming off a remarkable 4-2 OVC season in 2023 that saw the Screaming Eagles make their first appearance in the OVC tournament semifinals, USI returns all but two of its starters from their OVC Tournament victory over Eastern Illinois University.
Sophomores Antonia Ferrarini and Anais Negrail headline the Eagles’ lineup after receiving All-OVC second-team honors following their 4-2 doubles record in OVC play. Negrail also earned OVC Freshman of the Year for her performance last season.
This weekend’s invitational will be hosted at Wesselman’s Park. The five teams USI will compete against include EIU, Western Illinois University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Lindenwood University, and Southeast Missouri State University.
SOUTHERN INDIANA VOLLEYBALL
EAGLES POISED FOR HOME OPENER HOSTING USI INVITATIONAL
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana is back at Screaming Eagles Arena for the first time in the 2024 season hosting the USI Invitational against University of Evansville on Friday at 6 p.m. and newly branded Indiana University Indianapolis on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Friday’s rematch with Evansville features multiple promotions as the first 100 students receive a free t-shirt along with the first 100 fans. All fans will have the opportunity post-game to meet the players for a poster signing. Tables will be set up in the lobby of Screaming Eagles Arena shortly following the match to go through the line and meet the Eagles. Friday night is also a White Out as we look to break our current Volleyball Screaming Eagles Arena attendance record of 375 fans!
Game Coverage & Tickets
The match will be broadcasted on ESPN+ if your unable to make it. Live video and statistical updates will be provided by @USIAthletics socials. Admission to Screaming Eagles Volleyball matches are free courtesy of Pro Rehab.
USI Headlines
Tuesday’s Winning Notes. USI won round one of two against the Aces on Tuesday night, 3-1. The win marked the first over UE as NCAA Division I programs. The Aces swept USI in 2022, won in four sets in 2023, making the series history 1-2 in division I play. USI rattled off three straight sets victories after falling behind. The Eagles outscored the Aces 75-58 after the first frame loss.
Set Trends. USI’s achilles heal this season has been coming out slow. The Eagles have dropped nine out of ten first sets being outscored 249-199. However, the squad has bounced back 50% of the time winning five second sets.
Breakout Freshman Performance. Freshman Libero/Defensive Specialist Layla Gonzales have shown improvement and built confidence game by game as Tuesday night boasted a career high. Gonzales showed no fear of the moment defensively with a season best 12 digs.
Offensive Leaders Green and Willis. Two massive transfer additions lead the Eagles in kills. Sophomore Ashby Willis joins the Eagles from Purdue University Fort Wayne where she earned All-Horizon Freshman team in 2023. The six foot outside hitter is a force on both sides leading the squad in kills (97), third in digs (107), and third in blocks (17.00). Tuesday night marked her best night as a Screaming Eagle with 15 kills. Grad transfer Jasmine Green joins USI after a four-year career at Bradley. Green instantly became a team-leader for the Eagles in team huddles along with constantly displaying high energy on the court. Green recorded a career high 19 kills in her second game at USI.
Controlling the Middle. Middle hitters senior Paris Downing and Bianca Anderson have played pivotal roles recently for the Eagles. Downing leads the Eagles in attacking percentage at .259 and total blocks (30.0). 13 of those blocks have come in the past three games. Anderson has the ability to take over matches at any point in time as she smashed five straight kills against the Aces in set two, finishing with a season high 15 kills.
Dropping Dimes. Senior setter Carly Sobieralski continued to dominate on Tuesday night vs. UE, tying her season high in assists at 49 in only four sets. Sobieralski improved set by set with a match-high 14 assists in the last frame. She also contributed defensively with 13 digs tallying her seventh double-double of the season.
Career Milestones. Senior Abby Weber will be recognized on Friday for eclipsing 1,000 career digs in the opening weekend at Bradley University. Sobieralski earned another monumental achievement at Indiana University passing 2,000 career assists. 1,472 of her current 2,098 assists have come in 2023 and 2024 at 35.9 assists per game as junior and senior. The Castle product junior Keira Moore is inching closer to the 1,000 digs club with 911 entering Friday.
Spreading the Wealth. Sophomore Leah Coleman, Downing, Anderson, Green, and Willis all tallied at least eight kills on Tuesday night along with five different USI defenders added double-digit digs from Gonzales, Moore, Sobieralski, Weber, and Willis.
Competing in Hostile Environments. USI vs. UE brings an electric environment every year. The Eagles tough schedule has presented raucous crowds. The match against University of Florida included 4,308 fans in Gainesville. On Friday, IU packed the stands with a huge student section with 1,767 fans in total. USI looks forward to finally playing in front of their own supporters as Screaming Eagles Arena current volleyball attendance record is 375 fans. USI hopes to eclipse this mark this weekend.
About Evansville. This marks the fourth meeting between the Eagles in Aces as NCAA Division I program as UE owns the 2-1 advantage. The Aces have struggled in 2024, going 1-9 against some tough opponents. The Aces return 12 players from the 2023 team, including reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year Giulia Cardona. Cardona currently leads the Aces offensively by a landslide, with 152 kills (4.61 KPS) and a team-leading 97 digs. UE also relies on sophomore setter Lexi Owen who leads the way in assists at 201 (7.44 APS). On Tuesday, UE was led by Cardona with 25 kills and 12 digs. Friday’s match should be tight as the Purple Aces look for revenge.
About IU Indy. The Jaguars rebranded as an institution from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis into IU Indianapolis in July. They come into play at 5-6 riding a two-game win streak beating Rider University and Indiana State University. The Jaguars played a familiar opponent in SIUE at the beginning of the year winning in five sets. IU Indy is led by a sophomore transfer from San Jose State University, Elle Patterson who has 134 kills and 108 digs this season. Sophomore setter Grace Purichia is another impact player with 380 assists in 11 games. The Jaguars took last year’s matchup, 3-1 as the Eagles trail 5-6 in the all-time history.
VALPO VOLLEYBALL
SOCCER DROPS MVC OPENER TO INDIANA STATE
Despite having the better of the match, the Valpo soccer team was unable to overcome a 17th-minute goal Thursday evening at Brown Field, as Indiana State came away 1-0 victors in both sides’ Missouri Valley Conference opener.
How It Happened
Indiana State scored on its first shot attempt of the game, as Alex Lehnert finished from close range on the break off assists from Mackenzie Kent and Grace Quinn.
The Beacons outshot the Sycamores 7-1 for the remainder of the half and nearly equalized in the 35th minute, as off a corner kick, grad transfer Ella Schad (Prairie du Sac, Wis./Sauk Prairie [Coastal Carolina] came flying in from the far sideline and nodded a header off the upper-left corner of the woodwork.
The match entered halftime with Indiana State holding the 1-0 lead.
Valpo pushed in its quest to level the match in the final 45 minutes, registering 11 shot attempts, but was unable to find the back of the net.
Inside the Match
The Beacons lost their MVC opener for the first time since the 2019 season.
The win was the first for Indiana State over Valpo since October 2019.
Valpo limited the Sycamores to just seven shot attempts, the lowest total by an opponent since the season-opening win over Chicago State. Freshman goalkeeper Hailey Wade (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern) made three saves.
Meanwhile, the Valpo attack racked up 19 shot attempts on Thursday, the program’s most since recording 24 last October against Belmont. Notably, the Beacons were also kept off the board in that fixture.
ISU goalkeeper Maddie Alexander made six saves.
Thoughts From Coach Marovich
“While we’re obviously disappointed that we didn’t get a result tonight, there’s plenty of positives to take away from our performance. We came out on the front foot, we had 19 shots, we had a lot of really good things happen. Ella’s header on the corner was an excellent attempt, we had a service into the box at the start of the second half we just missed at the back post, we had a couple other dangerous services into the six. We won a lot of balls in the midfield as well.”
“If you don’t move on from a game like today, you don’t succeed. You learn from both the good and the bad from the match, and there was so much good that we can’t ignore.”
“Kate came in and had a great shift tonight. She’s really grown into her role with this team as a freshman and had a strong performance today.”
Next Up
Valpo (4-5-0, 0-1-0 MVC) remains at home Sunday afternoon as it hosts Drake on Brown Field at 1 p.m.
VALPO WOMEN’S TENNIS
TENNIS TOPS HOLY CROSS (IND.) IN FINAL FALL DUAL MATCH
The Valparaiso University tennis team continued its flawless start to the fall season, dispatching Holy Cross (Ind.) 7-0 in the last of three home fall matches on a pleasant Thursday at the Valpo Tennis Complex. Valpo has not dropped a match, winning all three fall duals by a 7-0 score.
How It Happened
The Beacons captured all three doubles matches, including a No. 2 doubles victory by freshman Lacey Tanner (Fort Pierce, Fla. / Florida Virtual School) and junior Sydney Stone (Brisbane, Australia / Tyler JC) where they did not drop a game to Holy Cross’ Sofia Rocha and Leah Gonzales-Edwards.
The second doubles match to finish was No. 1, where Moira Silva (Houston, Texas / Houston Tennis Academy) and Naomi Lalonde (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) bettered Nicole Martinez and Jamison Geoffreys 6-3. The No. 3 doubles match also went the way of the Beacons, with Brynn Steven (Wichita, Kan. / Bishop Carroll) and Jolene Fernandes (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) winning 6-3 over Victoria Wavvides and Maren Woelfer.
Silva sped through her No. 1 singles match, sweeping Savvides 6-2, 6-0 in the first match to finish
The No. 2, No. 4 and No. 6 Singles matches all ended in short order as well. Lalonde bested Geoffreys 6-2, 6-1 at No. 2, while the No. 6 match clinched the team win for the Brown & Gold with Tanner beating Vanderhyde 6-2, 6-0. At No. 4, Fernandes finalized a 6-2, 6-2 win over Gonzales-Edwards to build the lead in the match to 5-0.
The two longest matches of the day occurred at No. 3 and No. 5. At No. 3 Singles, Stone beat Rocha 6-2 in the first set, but Rocha evened the match with a 6-4 win in Set 2, sending the match to a third-set tiebreak. Stone came through, prevailing 10-5 on the tiebreak to capture the match.
The last match in action was No. 5, which saw Martin edge Steven 7-6(4) in a tight first set, before Steven rallied to take the competitive match with a 6-4 win in Set 2 and a 10-6 win in the third-set tiebreak, completing the 7-0 victory for the Beacons.
Up Next
Valpo (3-0) will play its first tournament of the fall beginning on Friday, Sept. 27 at the Redbird Invitational, hosted by Illinois State in Normal, Ill.
UINDY FOOTBALL
MOTOWN BOUND: HOUNDS BATTLE WAYNE STATE SATURDAY NIGHT
WEEK 3
at Wayne State Warriors (0-2)
Saturday // September 21
6 p.m. ET // Detroit
The 16th-ranked UIndy football team returns to non-conference play this weekend, as they travel to Detroit to face the Warriors of Wayne State University. The Greyhounds are 2-0 on the young season after coming off a 41-34 victory against Truman in last week’s GLVC opener.
The Hounds own a 14-10 advantage in the all-time series versus Wayne State. The former GLIAC rivals have met just three times since since UIndy jumped to the GLVC in 2012—all UIndy wins. Last season, UIndy earned a 28-7 victory at Key Stadium, holding the visiting Warriors scoreless for all but the final four-plus minutes with an impressive defensive effort.
The teams’ last battle in Detroit came in the fall of 2017, ending in a 31-28 UIndy win. With the game tied at 28-28, UIndy started its final possession at its own 22-yard line and just 57 seconds showing on the clock before driving down for the game-winning score—a 30-yard field goal from Brad Schickel as time expired.
MARIAN FOOTBALL
GAMEDAY GUIDE: NO. 5 MARIAN TRAVELS TO LAWRENCE TECH IN WEEK 4 SHOWDOWN
INDIANAPOLIS – Coming off a thrilling 34-31 home victory over Concordia on Saturday night, the Marian football team opens the first of two consecutive weeks on the road this Saturday as they travel to Lawrence Tech. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in Southfield, Michigan.
THE GAME AND SERIES
Marian has owned the short-lived series with Lawrence Tech, holding a record of 4-0 all-time. Marian has averaged 44 points per game in their four wins, and have played in Michigan just once against the Blue Devils, with that matchup coming in November of 2022. Last season, Marian won 44-17, with the offense gaining 517 yards of offense while the defense recorded three interceptions.
Keagan La Belle led Marian in rushing last season with 75 yards on three carries, and Tirae Spence and Drew Byerly both caught touchdowns among the returning offensive Knights that shined. Jake Reichard also threw his first career touchdown pass a season ago in the win over Lawrence Tech, and defensively the efforts of returning Knights Deon Pettiford and Reis Walker highlighted the day. Adrian Cuevas and Nate Frey are among the now alumni players last season who recorded interceptions.
Despite having only played at Lawrence Tech once before, Marian has 24 players who have taken snaps in Southfield, including Spence, Pettiford, La Belle, and now-starting quarterback Tristan Polk.
WATCH AND FOLLOW ALONG
Those fans unable to attend Saturday’s game can watch live through the Lawrence Tech Athletics Network, listed above. The Knights broadcast duo of Scott McCauley and Zach Graves will be in Michigan with the team, calling an audio-only broadcast of the game, streamed live through the ISC Sports Network. Fans can also find live statistics at marianstats.com. Live updates of the game will be posted on the official Marian Athletics Twitter/X page, @MUKnights, along with the team page of @MarianUFootball.
HEATING UP
Not only is the Marian offense heating up following their 34-point performance on Saturday, but so too is the weather. Temperatures for Saturday call for highs in the mid-80’s, similar to last weekend’s home weather against Concordia.
TICKETS
Fans can purchase tickets at the gate and online Saturday’s game. Gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Ticket prices start at $8 for general admission and $5 for children ages 2-10 and senior citizens age 65 and older. Seating is only available on the home side of the stadium. For ticketing questions, contact tickets@ltu.edu.
Marian will kickoff on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. against Lawrence Tech in Southfield, Michigan.
MARIAN BASEBALL
MARIAN BASEBALL ANNOUNCES HIRES OF DAN WILCHER AND TRISTON POLLEY TO COACHING STAFF
INDIANAPOLIS – The Marian baseball team has filled out their coaching staff, as first-year head coach Todd Miller announced the hiring of Dan Wilcher and Triston Polley to his staff. Wilcher comes to Marian after previously working at Earlham College, while Polley joins the Knights after a career as a professional baseball player.
Dan Wilcher joins the Knights after previously working at Earlham College, spending the 2023-24 season with the Quakers as the team’s hitting coach and third base coach. Wilcher has been coaching collegiately since 2016, when he began coaching at his alma mater Huntington as a student assistant and volunteer after injuries ended his playing career early. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Huntington in Sport Management, Wilcher began a graduate assistant coaching role with Greenville University. At Greenville, Wilcher was in charge of field maintenance and strength and conditioning, while leading infield and hitting drills in practices.
Wilcher ended his graduate assistant role in 2020 after earning his Masters in Education, and went on to work at Iowa Western Community College, where they recorded a mark of 99-24 during his time on staff. Wilcher went on to coach at Butler University during the 2022-23 season following his time at Iowa Western, serving as the Director of Operations and the team’s infield coach. The new assistant coach for the Knights also spent one summer coaching the Fayetteville Swampdogs in the Coastal Plains Collegiate Summer League.
“I’m so excited and grateful to have Dan join our program,” said Todd Miller, Marian baseball head coach. “Dan’s passion for player development, recruiting, and organization will provide a tremendous benefit to our players at every level within our program. His background playing at the NAIA level, coaching high end junior college, NCAA Division I, and at the NCAA Division III level will benefit our program immensely.”
Triston Polley joins the Knights staff after a six-year career as a professional baseball pitcher, pitching in the Texas Rangers organization after being drafted in the 16th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Polley played collegiately at Indiana State as a left-handed pitcher, earning All-Missouri Valley Conference honors as a senior in the 2019 season. As a senior Polley held an 8-1 record on the mound with a 2.84 ERA, and for his collegiate career he held an 18-5 overall record in 61 appearances, logging a 3.65 ERA. Polley completed his Bachelor of Science at Indiana State in 2021 in Recreation and Sports Management while playing professionally, and in his minor league career the Avon, Indiana, native logged a 24-9 overall record in 134 games, posting a 4.89 ERA in 191.1 innings.
Polley began his taste for coaching after finishing his collegiate playing days, coaching the PRP Mambas travel team as a pitching coach and the head of youth development in the offseason.
“Triston has been an immediate impact within our program,” said Miller. “His background playing at the NCAA DI level and professional level has brought another layer of depth within our program. His attention to detail, passion for player development, and background will enhance our pitching staff at every level.”
Wilcher’s first official date as a Marian coach was September 9, while Polley’s first official date on staff was September 16.
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
4 – 14 – 25 – 32 – 15 – 9 – 7 – 38 – 15 – 87 – 34 – 41 – 26 – 13 –
September 20, 1902 – Chicago White Sox pitcher Jimmy Nixey Callahan no-hits Detroit Tigers, 3-0
September 20, 1907 – Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Nick Maddox threw a no-hitter against the Brooklyn Superbas, in 2-1 Pirates home win at Exposition Park
September 20, 1908 – Chicago White Sox Frank Smith 2nd no-hitter, beats Philadelphia 1-0
September 20, 1919 – Legendary baseball slugger Babe Ruth tied Ned Williamson’s MLB mark of 27 home runs with a 9th inning blast in Boston Red Sox 4-3 win against Chicago White Sox
September 20, 1922 – St. Louis Cardinals future Baseball Hall of Fame infielder Rogers Hornsby ends hitting streak of 33 games
September 20, 1924 – Carl Mays became the 1st pitcher to win 20 games seasons for 3 different teams
September 20, 1924 – Chicago Cub’s Grover Cleveland Alexander beats NY Giants to win 300th game
September 20, 1931 – New York Yankee’s Number 4, Lou Gehrig’s 4 RBIs break his old RBI mark of 175 en route to 184
September 20, 1933 – Pittsburgh Steelers, as the Pittsburgh Pirates, played their first NFL game. The new franchise lost 23-2
September 20, 1953 – Cubs Ernie Banks, Number 14 hits his 1st major league HR
September 20, 1955 – Willie Mays (Giants Number 25) homered off of Pittsburgh Pirates pitching ace Vern Law (Number 32) in both ends of DH. With these, Mays became the 7th MLB player to reach 50 home runs in a season.
September 20, 1958 – Baltimore Oriole knuckleball pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm, Number 15 tossed a no-hit performance versus the New York Yankees to provide a 1-0 Orioles win.
September 20, 1961 – Roger Maris, Number 9 hit a home run # 59 and barely misses reaching his 60th in game 154 of the season. Yanks clinch pennant #26
September 20, 1968 – Mickey Mantle, Number 7 of the New York Yankees hit his final career home run, for a total of 536.
September 20, 1969 – Pittsburgh Pirate pitcher Number 38, Bob Moose no-hits NY Mets, 4-0
September 20, 1980 – Bronze plaque dedicated to memory of catcher Thurman Munson, Number 15 unveiled at Yankee Stadium. Munson died in plane crash in 1979
September 20, 1987 – San Francisco wide receiver Number 87, Dwight Clark’s NFL record streak of 105 consecutive games with a reception ends in 49ers 27-26 victory in Cincinnati
September 20, 1987 – Chicago Bears running back Number 34, Walter Payton scored his NFL record career 107th rushing touchdown in the Bears’ 20-3 victory over Tampa Bay
September 20, 1988 – Detroit first baseman Darrell Evans, Number 41 hit a home run in Tigers’ 4-3 loss to Cleveland Indians. It was Evans’ 400th MLB career HR
September 20, 1988 – Boston Red Sox Number 26, Wade Boggs is 1st player to get 200 hits for 6 consecutive seasons
September 20, 2013 – Alex Rodriquez, Number 13 of the New York Yankees, set a new ML record with 24 Grand Slam home runs
September 20, 2021 – Kansas City Royals’ Salvador Perez hits his 46th home run to break Hall of Famer Johnny Bench’s MLB record for most in a season by a catcher, in Royals 7-2 win in Cleveland
FOOTBALL HISTORY
September 20, 1933 – The Pittsburgh Steelers franchise, who were known as the Pirates from 1933 through the 1940 seasons, played their very first game. The home team Pirates that day lost 23-2 to the New York Football Giants at old Forbes Field. It wouldn’t take the upstart team long to find victory though as the very next week the Pittsburgh Professional Football Club defeated the Chicago Cardinals 14-13 in the friendly confines of Forbes Field. Art Rooney Sr. applied for entry of his proposed franchise on May 19, 1933 and less than two months after that on July 8, 1933 then National Football League President, Joe Carr announced via a newsletter that Rooney was approved to join the 10 team league in the fall of 1933 to fill a vacancy caused by the withdrawal of the Staten Island franchise. The team had to play early and night time weekday games until a new Pennsylvania law would allow them to play games on Sundays. The team suffered through some dreadful losing seasons including two during World War II where they had to join forces with the Cardinals and Eagles respectively due to player shortages, for over 40 seasons until Mr. Rooney would finally have a winner. Art Rooney’s Steelers would go on to win 4 Super Bowls in the 1970’s and then add a couple more in later decades. The Rooney family still holds the majority stake of the franchise and still call the Steel City their home.
September 20, 1986 – According to the National Football Foundation, the Miami University RedHawks from Ohio upset LSU, 21-12 in Baton Rouge! The big play was a long scoring strike from quarterback Terry Morris to receiver Andy Schillinger in the 3rd quarter. This was the ninth time that the RedHawks faced an SEC team and at the time it gave Miami a 8-0-1 record against the South-Eastern Conference teams.
September 20, 1987 – Wide Receiver Dwight Clark of the San Francisco 49ers has his NFL record streak of 105 consecutive games with a reception end. Despite Clark not having a catch in the game, the visiting Niners still managed to squeak out a 27-26 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
September 20, 1987 – The great Walter Payton helped the Chicago Bears earn a 20-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as he scored an NFL record career 107th rushing touchdown.
September 20, 2003 – An NCAA Division I touchdown reception record is reached when Oklahoma State’s Rashaun Woods caught 7 against a porous SMU defense per the National Football Foundation. Wood’s great day helped his Ok State Cowboys leave Dallas with a 52-7 win. The record for TD catches at all levels and divisions of NCAA football is 8 scoring catches from Division II’s Paul Zaeske of North Park University in 1968.
Hall of Fame Birthdays for September 20
September 20, 1935 – Jim Taylor was a fullback that hailed from LSU during the late 1950’s. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Jim Taylor in 1976
September 20, 1943 – Tommy Nobis was a former guard and linebacker from the University of Texas that played from 1963 through the 1965 seasons. Nobis as a sophomore was one of the starters of the Longhorn team that won the University’s very first National Championship in 1963. During his final two seasons Nobis was an All-American. Tommy also won the Maxwell Award as the nation’s best player as well as the Outland Trophy for being the top interior lineman in the country. In 1965 the Atlanta Falcons made Tommy their very first pick in franchise history. He played for the Falcons for 11 seasons and led the team in tackles in nine of them. He was named as an All- Pro twice and played in 5 Pro Bowls. Both the Falcons and the University of Texas retired his number 60 jersey. Tommy Nobis was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.
September 20, 1973 – Ronald McKinnon was a linebacker from the University of North Alabama from 1992 through the 1995 seasons. The three-time consensus First Team All-American helped lead the North Alabama Lions to 3 consecutive NCAA Division II National Championships! Ronald is the only defensive player in the history of the award to have won the Harlon Hill Trophy. Ronald McKinnow went on to have a fruitful NFL pro career after college, starting for the Arizona Cardinals for 9 seasons and then playing a final year with the New Orleans Saints. Mr. McKinnon was a volunteer in his football community too as he provided his service and conducted many youth football clinics in both Arizona and Alabama. The National Football Foundation placed Robert McKinnon into their College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
Sept. 20
1902 — Chicago’s Jim Callaghan tossed the White Sox’s first no-hitter, beating Detroit 2-0.
1907 — Pittsburgh’s Nicholas Maddox became the first Pirates pitcher to throw a no-hitter by defeating the Brooklyn Superbas, 2-1, at Exposition Park. Pirates player-manager Fred Clarke had the only two hits of the game, both off Elmer Stricklett. All three runs in the game were unearned. Brooklyn scored its run in the fourth, thanks to errors by Maddox and shortstop Honus Wagner. Maddox made a high throw over first baseman Harry Swacina’s head, allowing Emil Batch to reach base. Batch scored when Wagner threw away Al Burch’s ground ball.
1908 — Frank Smith of the Chicago White Sox threw his second career no-hitter for a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Athletics.
1912 — The Detroit Tigers snapped Joe Wood’s 16-game win streak with a 6-4 win over the Boston Red Sox.
1924 — Grover Cleveland Alexander won his 300th game as the Chicago Cubs beat the New York Giants 7-3 in 12 innings.
1958 — Hoyt Wilhelm of the Baltimore Orioles pitched a 1-0 no-hitter against the New York Yankees at Memorial Stadium, with the only run coming on a home run by Gus Triandos.
1968 — Mickey Mantle hit his last home run in the major leagues, a solo shot against Boston’s Jim Lonborg. Mantle had 536 homers.
1969 — Bob Moose of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitched a 4-0 no-hitter against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium.
1988 — Wade Boggs became the first player this century to get 200 hits in six consecutive seasons as the Boston Red Sox pounded Toronto 13-2. Boggs also joined Lou Gehrig as the only players to get 200 hits and 100 walks in three consecutive years.
1992 — Philadelphia second baseman Mickey Morandini made the first unassisted triple play in the National League in 65 years, the ninth in major league history, in the Phillies’ 3-2, 13-inning loss to Pittsburgh.
1998 — Cal Ripken took himself out of the starting lineup and did not play in the Baltimore Orioles’ loss to the New York Yankees, ending his consecutive-game streak at 2,632 games. After nearly 16 years, Ripken said he decided the time was right to end the streak, which began on May 30, 1982.
2008 — Francisco Rodriguez recorded his 60th save in Los Angeles’ 7-3 victory over Texas.
2012 — The Washington Nationals brought postseason baseball back to the nation’s capital for the first time since 1933, earning a playoff spot with a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The city of Washington was last in the postseason 79 years ago, when player-manager Joe Cronin and the Senators lost to the New York Giants in five games in the World Series.
2013 — Alex Rodriguez set a major league record with his 24th career grand slam, passing Lou Gehrig with a tiebreaking shot in the seventh inning that sent New York Yankees to a 5-1 victory over San Francisco.
2017 — Chris Sale struck out 13 to become the first AL pitcher in 18 years to reach the 300 mark, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-0.
2018 — Justin Smoak homered with two outs in the ninth inning to give the Toronto Blue Jays a 9-8 comeback victory over Tampa Bay. Trailing 8-2 to begin the bottom of the ninth, the Blue Jays roared back. Rowdy Tellez hit an RBI double and Danny Jansen chased Jamie Schultz with a three-run homer. Sergio Romo came on and struck out Richard Urena, but pinch hitter Kendrys Morales reached on a bloop single and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. tied it with a two-run homer to left. Smoak followed with a first pitch drive to right, Toronto’s fourth homer of the game.
2021 — Jon Lester, St. Louis Cardinals, records his 200th win of his career with a 5-2 win over the Brewers.
2022 — Aaron Judge becomes just the sixth player in major league history to have a 60-homer season as he belts one in the 9th inning of a 9 – 8 Yankees win over Pittsburgh.
Sept. 21
1934 — Daffy Dean of the St. Louis Cardinals pitched a no-hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers for 3-0 victory in the second game of an Ebbets Field doubleheader. Daffy’s brother Dizzy, held Brooklyn hitless until the eighth inning in the opener and won 13-0.
1947 — Boston’s Johnny Pesky had two hits in each game of a doubleheader and finished the day with 202 hits. Pesky surpassed the 200-hit mark for the third time in as many major league seasons. He is the only player to lead a league in hits in his first three seasons in the game.
1964 — Manager Gene Mauch’s first-place Phillies lost 1-0 to the Cincinnati Reds on Chico Ruiz’s steal of home in the sixth inning. It was Philadelphia’s first of 10 straight losses, a streak that cost them the NL pennant.
1970 — Oakland’s Vida Blue pitched a no-hitter in his eighth major league start, beating Minnesota 6-0.
1995 — Colorado’s John Vander Wal set a major league record with his 26th pinch-hit of the season with a home run in the seventh inning against San Francisco.
2000 — Colorado’s Jeff Cirillo doubled twice in a 13-4 win over San Diego, giving him 51 doubles for the year. Cirillo and Todd Helton (57) became the seventh pair of teammates in major league history to reach 50 doubles in the same season.
2001 — Albert Pujols hit a grand slam and doubled in a run in St. Louis’ 9-5 win over Pittsburgh. The slam gave him the major league record for extra base hits by a rookie (83), one more than Johnny Frederick’s total for Brooklyn in 1929.
2001 — Ranger infielder Alex Rodriguez hits his 47th home run tying the major league record for home runs in a season by a shortstop. Cubs legend Ernie Banks established the record in 1958.
2006 — David Ortiz hit his 51st and 52nd homers, breaking the Red Sox record for most homers in a season of 50 set in 1938 by Jimmie Foxx. The homers also set the major league record by a designated hitter at 45, two more than he hit when he set the record last season.
2008 — Baseball said farewell to Yankee Stadium, the home of baseball’s most famous team. What began with a Babe Ruth home run on an April afternoon in 1923 ended with Mariano Rivera retiring Brian Roberts on a grounder to first baseman Cody Ransom, completing a 7-3 victory over Baltimore.
2013 — Matt Carpenter broke Stan Musial’s team record for doubles by a left-handed batter in a season and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-2. Carpenter’s fifth-inning double was his 54th of the season, one more than Musial’s total in 1953.
2016 — Rookie Gary Sanchez hit two more homers and drove in five runs to lead the New York Yankees to an 11-5 rout of the Tampa Bay Rays. Sanchez homered in his fourth straight game. The catcher hit a three-run shot in a four-run second off Alex Cobb and added his 19th homer in 43 games this season on a solo drive in the sixth against Justin Marks. Including two games last season, Sanchez became the first player in major league history to hit 19 homers in his first 45 games. Wally Berger, with the Boston Braves in 1930, went deep 19 times in his first 51 games.
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Sept. 22
1911 — Cy Young, 44, beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 for his 511th and final major league victory.
1936 — The Detroit Tigers swept the St. Louis Browns 12-0 and 14-0 to record the biggest double shutout in major league history.
1954 — Karl Spooner of Brooklyn became the first pitcher in the majors to strike out 15 in his first game as the Dodgers beat the New York Giants 3-0.
1966 — The Baltimore Orioles clinched their first AL pennant in 22 years with a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City A’s. Their last pennant came in 1944 when they were the St. Louis Browns.
1968 — Cesar Tovar played one inning at each position for the Minnesota Twins, becoming the second major leaguer in history to do it. Bert Campaneris of the Oakland A’s was the other.
1969 — Willie Mays of the San Francisco Giants became the second player to hit 600 career home runs — joining Babe Ruth. The two-run shot off San Diego’s Mike Corkins in the seventh inning, gave the Giants a 4-2 win.
1973 — Baltimore’s Al Bumbry tied the major-league record with three triples as the Orioles beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-1 and clinched the American League East title.
1977 — Bert Blyleven tossed a 6-0 no-hitter for Texas against the Angels at Anaheim Stadium.
1986 — Fernando Valenzuela of Los Angeles became the first Mexican to win 20 games, beating the Houston Astros 9-2 while allowing two hits.
1990 — Andre Dawson of the Chicago Cubs stole his 300th base in an 11-5 loss to the New York Mets, to become the second player with 300 homers, 300 steals and 2,000 hits. Willie Mays was the other.
1993 — Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers faced three Seattle batters before hurting his right elbow. Ryan finished his career with 324 wins, 5,714 strikeouts and seven no-hitters.
2000 — Houston’s Jose Lima set an NL single-season record by allowing his 47th homer in the Astros’ 12-5 loss to Cincinnati. The major league record for home runs allowed in a season is 50, set by Minnesota’s Bert Blyleven in 1986.
2003 — Detroit set an AL record with its 118th loss, falling 12-6 to Kansas City. The 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (36-117) set the record.
2003 — Second baseman Alfonso Soriano broke a major league record by hitting his 13th leadoff homer of the year in the New York Yankees’ 10-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox.
2006 — Alfonso Soriano became baseball’s first 40-40-40 player in Washington’s 3-2 win over the New York Mets. Soriano hit his 40th double and stole his 41st base. With 45 homers, he already was only the fourth major league player with 40 homers and 40 steals in a season.
2018 — The Atlanta Braves capped a most surprising season by clinching their first NL East crown since 2013, with Mike Foltynewicz taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning in a 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. A year after going 70-92, manager Brian Snitker and his Baby Braves surged back into the playoffs.
2023 — By hitting his 40th homer of the season, Ronald Acuña Jr. becomes just the fifth member of the exclusive 40-40 club consisting pf players whp have hit 40 homers and stolen 40 bases in the same season. He already has over 60 steals, the first player to ever combine the two totals, and has a chance to reach 70. The Braves defeat the Nationals, 9 – 6. For the second time in a month, Aaron Judge hits three homers in a game to lead the Yankees to a 7 – 1 lead over the Diamondbacks. Judge had never had such a game before this year, and becomes the first player in Yankees history to have two in one season.
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Sept. 23
1908 — In a crucial game with the Chicago Cubs, Fred Merkle of the New York Giants failed to touch second base as the apparent winning run crossed home plate. This resulted in a great dispute and the game was eventually declared a tie and played over on Oct. 8 when the Cubs and Giants ended the season in a tie.
1939 — Brooklyn’s Cookie Lavagetto went 6-for-6 to lead the Dodgers’ 27-hit attack in a 22-4 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies. Lovagetto had four singles, a double and a triple and scored four runs. He was the only Dodger without an RBI. Dixie Walker, Gene Moore and Johnny Hudson each drive in three runs.
1952 — The Brooklyn Dodgers clinched the NL title, the first time since 1948 that the pennant wasn’t decided in the season’s final game.
1957 — Hank Aaron’s 11th-inning homer gave the Milwaukee Braves a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals and the NL pennant. It was the first time since 1950 that a New York team hadn’t finished first.
1979 — Lou Brock stole base No. 938, breaking Billy Hamilton’s record, as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Mets 7-4 in 10 innings.
1983 — Steve Carlton of Philadelphia recorded his 300th career victory with a 6-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
1984 — The Detroit Tigers beat the New York Yankees 4-1, making Sparky Anderson the first manager to win more than 100 games in each league.
1986 — Rookie left-hander Jim Deshaies set a major league record by striking out eight batters to start the game and finished with a two-hitter and 10 strikeouts to lead the Houston Astros past of the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0.
1987 — Albert Hall of the Atlanta Braves hit for the cycle in 5-4 win over the Houston Astros.
1988 — Jose Canseco became the first major leaguer to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases in one season as the Oakland Athletics beat the Milwaukee Brewers 9-8 in 14 innings.
1992 — Bip Roberts tied the NL record with his 10th consecutive hit, then grounded out against Pedro Astacio to end his streak in the Cincinnati Reds’ game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
1998 — Houston’s Craig Biggio became the second player this century to have 50 steals and 50 doubles in a season, joining Hall of Famer Tris Speaker.
2001 — Sammy Sosa became the first player to hit three home runs in a game three times in a season, but Moises Alou’s two-run shot rallied Houston to a 7-6 victory over the Chicago Cubs.
2008 — The New York Yankees’ streak of postseason appearances ended. Boston beat Cleveland 5-4, minutes before the Yankees’ win. The Red Sox victory clinched at least the AL wild card and eliminated New York, which had made 13 straight postseason appearances.
2013 — Alex Rios of Texas hit for the cycle in a 12-0 rout of Houston. Rios finished off the cycle with a triple to right-center field in the sixth inning.
2016 — David Ortiz hit a two-run homer in the first inning to set the RBIs record for a player in his final season, and the AL East-leading Boston beat Tampa Bay 2-1 for its ninth straight victory. Ortiz’s 37th homer came off Chris Archer and raised his RBIs total to 124, one more than Shoeless Joe Jackson in 1920. The 40-year-old’s 540th homer, his 300th on the road, struck an overhanging catwalk above the right-field seats.
2022 — Albert Pujols, who has announced his retirement at the end of the season no matter what happened, becomes the fourth player to reach the 700-home run mark – after Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds. He does so by going deep twice, first off Andrew Heaney in the 3rd inning and then off Phil Bickford in the 4th for #700. The Cardinals win handily, 11 – 0, over the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
Sept. 20
1913 — Twenty-year-old amateur Francis Ouimet beats Britain’s Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in an 18-hole playoff to win the U.S. Open.
1924 — Grover Cleveland Alexander wins his 300th game as the Chicago Cubs defeat the New York Giants 7-3 in 12 innings.
1939 — Joe Louis knocks out Bob Pastor in the 11th round at Briggs Stadium in Detroit to retain the world heavyweight title.
1973 — Billie Jean King beats Bobby Riggs in straight sets to win the Battle of the Sexes and the $100,000 winner-take-all purse at Houston’s Astrodome.
1980 — Spectacular Bid wins the Woodward Stakes in the world’s richest walkover. Before a crowd of 23,000 spectators, the 4-year-old covers the 1¼ miles at Belmont Park in 2:02.4. It’s the last race of his career and he finishes the year undefeated in nine races and is named American Horse of the Year. There had not been a walkover in a major U.S. stakes race since Coaltown won the Edward Burke Handicap on April 23, 1949.
1982 — The NFL Players Association announces a strike at the completion of the Green Bay-New York Giants Monday Night game.
1987 — Chicago’s Walter Payton breaks Jim Brown’s NFL record with his 107th rushing touchdown as the Bears beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-3.
1988 — Greg Louganis wins Olympic gold medal in springboard diving, one day after hitting his head on the diving board in the preliminary round. Louganis, who needed five stitches, is solid throughout the 11-dive program. His 730.80 points wins the gold, beating China’s Tan Liangde. Tan, who finishes with 704.88 points, also finished second to Louganis in the 1984 Olympic Games.
1992 — Raymond Floyd makes PGA Tour history, becoming the first player to win tournaments on the regular and Senior PGA tours in the same year. Floyd birdies five of his last seven holes to win the GTE North Classic after winning the Doral-Ryder Open in March on the regular tour.
2003 — Rashaun Woods of Oklahoma State, catches seven touchdown passes to set an NCAA Division I-A record in the Cowboys’ 52-6 win over SMU. Woods breaks the mark of six set by San Diego State’s Tim Delaney in a 1969 game against New Mexico State. Woods finishes with 13 catches for 232 yards.
2007 — Floyd Landis loses his expensive and explosive case when two of three arbitrators uphold the results of a test that showed the 2006 Tour de France champion used synthetic testosterone to fuel his spectacular comeback victory. Landis forfeits his Tour title.
2009 — The first game at the Cowboys Stadium sets an NFL regular-season attendance record with a crowd of 105,121, and most of them go home disappointed after the Giants win 33-31.
2009 — Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre sets an NFL record with his 271st straight start in a 27-13 win over the Detroit Lions. Defensive end Jim Marshall had the previous mark for consecutive starts, 270 games in a row for Minnesota from 1961-1979.
2013 — Alex Rodriquez sets new MLB record with 24 Grand Slam home runs for the New York Yankees.
2015 — The United States beats Europe with the biggest comeback in Solheim Cup history. Paula Creamer beats Germany’s Sandra Gal 4 and 3 to complete the 14 1/2-13 1/2 victory. Europe had a four-point lead entering the 12 singles matches, which the United States win 8 1/2 to 3 1/2 in those matches.
2018 — The World Anti-Doping Agency reinstates Russia, ending a nearly three-year suspension caused by state-sponsored doping.
2021 — Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals, hits his 46th home run to break Hall of Famers Johnny Bench’s MLB record for most home runs in a season by a catcher.
2022 — Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge breaks his own world record for the marathon in 2 hours 1 minute 9 seconds in Berlin (previous record 2:01:39).
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Sept. 21
1940 — For the first time in the history of photo finishes a triple dead heat for first place is recorded, at Willow’s Park, Victoria, British Columbia.
1955 — Rocky Marciano knocks out Archie Moore in the ninth round at Yankee Stadium in New York to retain the world heavyweight title.
1980 — Richard Todd of the New York Jets completes an NFL record 42 passes and throws for 447 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-27 loss to San Francisco.
1982 — NFL players begin a 57 day strike.
1985 — Michael Spinks wins a 15-round unanimous decision over Larry Holmes Las Vegas to win the world heavyweight title.
1985 — Montana State’s David Pandt catches 21 passes for 169 yards against Eastern Washington to set an NCAA record.
1986 — Ken O’Brien’s 43-yard touchdown pass to Wesley Walker at 2:35 in overtime ends one of the highest scoring games in NFL history as the New York Jets defeat the Miami Dolphins 51-45. O’Brien passes for 479 yards and four touchdowns, all to Walker. Miami’s Dan Marino passes for 448 yards and three touchdowns as both quarterbacks set a record with 884 combined yards passing.
1991 — U.S. Basketball announces “Dream Team” for the 1992 Olympics.
1994 — The North Carolina women’s soccer team wins its 89th straight game, setting the unofficial record for the longest winning streak in college sports. The 5-1 victory over rival N.C. State broke the mark of 88 in a row set by the UCLA men’s basketball team during the early 1970s.
1997 — The Buffalo Bills stage the third-biggest comeback in NFL history, overcoming a 26-0 deficit to beat the Indianapolis Colts 37-35. The Bills made the greatest comeback in the 1992 AFC playoffs, wiping out a 35-3 deficit to beat the Houston Oilers 41-38 in overtime.
2003 — Sam Hornish Jr. wins the fastest open-wheel race in history at California Speedway. Hornish’s Chevrolet-powered Dallara averages 207.151 mph in the Toyota Indy 400 — breaking the previous closed course race record of 197.995, set here last year by Jimmy Vasser in a CART Champ Car event.
2008 — The United States take back the Ryder Cup with a 16 1/2-11 1/2 victory over Europe. It’s the largest margin of victory for the Americans since 1981.
2008 — Baseball says farewell to Yankee Stadium, the home of baseball’s most famous team.
2008 — Miami wins for just the second time in 22 games, ending New England’s NFL record 21 straight regular-season wins with a 38-13 win over the Patriots. Ronnie Brown scores a Miami-record four rushing touchdowns and passes for another. The 25-point loss is New England’s biggest in seven seasons at Gillette Stadium.
2014 — Tom Brady passes for 234 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ 16-9 win over Oakland. The win is Brady’s 150th career victory as a starting quarterback, joining Brett Favre (186) and Peyton Manning (169) as the only quarterbacks to accomplish the feat.
2018 — English golfer Oliver Fisher shoots the first round of 59 in the 46-year history of the European Tour. Fisher makes an eagle and 10 birdies on a par-71 course in the second round of the Portugal Masters held at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Club in Vilamoura.
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Sept. 22
1905 — Willie Anderson wins the U.S. Open for the fourth time in five years, beating Alex Smith with a 314-total at the Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton, Mass.
1927 — Gene Tunney wins a unanimous 10-round decision over Jack Dempsey at Soldier Field in Chicago to retain his world heavyweight title. The fight is marred by a long 10-count in the seventh round. Dempsey knocks Tunney to the mat, but Dempsey doesn’t go to a neutral corner. The referee doesn’t start counting until four or five seconds after Tunney is down. Tunney regains his feet and goes on to win.
1969 — Willie Mays becomes the second major league player to hit 600 homers with a two-run shot off Mike Corkins, giving the San Francisco Giants a 4-2 victory over the San Diego Padres.
1974 — The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos are the first teams to play to a tie, 35-35, with the new overtime rule in effect.
1984 — Mississippi Valley State’s Willie Totten passes for 526 yards in a 49-32 victory over Jackson State. Wide receiver Jerry Rice has 285 yards receiving.
1986 — LA Dodger Fernando Valenzuela is 1st Mexican to win 20 games.
1987 — The 1,585-member NFL Players Association goes on strike after the New England-New York Jets Monday night game. The strike lasts 24 days.
1990 — Illinois’ Howard Griffith sets an NCAA record when he scores eight rushing touchdowns in a 56-21 rout of Southern Illinois. Griffith gets touchdowns on three consecutive carries in the second quarter and ties an NCAA record with four touchdowns in the third quarter. Griffith doesn’t play in the fourth quarter. It’s the most points scored in an NCAA game by a player other than a kicker.
1990 — Andre Dawson steals his 300th base & is only player other than Willie Mays to have 300 HRs, 300 steals & 2,000 hits.
1991 — Miami coach Don Shula gets his 300th career victory in the Dolphins’ 16-13 win over Green Bay.
1993 — Nolan Ryan, 46, pitches his last game.
2002 — New England’s Tom Brady completes 39 of 54 passes for 410 yards and throws touchdown passes to four different receivers, leading the Patriots to a 41-38 overtime victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
2007 — Graham Harrell of Texas Tech completes 46 of 67 passes for 646 yards, the fourth-best total in major college history, in a 49-45 loss to Oklahoma State.
2007 — Kentucky’s Andre Woodson sets a major college record for consecutive passes without an interception, breaking the mark of 271 held by Fresno State’s Trent Dilfer.
2012 — Cobi Hamilton of Arkansas has 10 catches for a Southeastern Conference record 303 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-26 to Rutgers.
2012 — Old Dominion’s Taylor Heinicke smashes NCAA Division I records by throwing for 730 yards. He completes 55 of 79 attempts without being intercepted and leads the Monarchs back from a 23-point, third-quarter deficit to a 64-61 victory against New Hampshire.
2018 — Anthony Joshua retains his IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight titles by stopping Alexander Povetkin in the seventh round at Wembley Stadium.
2018 — Jess McDonald scores two goals and the North Carolina Courage win the National Women’s Soccer League championship with a 3-0 victory over the Portland Thorns.
_____
Sept. 23
1926 — Gene Tunney beats Jack Dempsey with a 10-round decision to retain the world heavyweight title.
1952 — Rocky Marciano knocks out Jersey Joe Walcott in the 13th round to retain the world heavyweight title.
1979 — St. Louis’ Lou Brock steals his 938th base to break Billy Hamilton’s record as the Cardinals beat New York Mets 7-4 in 10 innings.
1979 — The Houston Oilers overcome a 24-0 deficit to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 30-27 in overtime.
1983 — Gerry Coetzee knocks out Michael Dokes in the 10th round to win the WBA heavyweight title in Richfield, Ohio.
1988 — Jose Canseco is the first player to steal 40 base and hit 40 home runs in the same season.
1992 — Manon Rheaume becomes the first woman to play in one of the four major pro sports leagues when she takes the ice in the first period for the NHL expansion Tampa Bay Lightning in an exhibition game. The 20-year-old goalie faces nine shots and allows two goals in St. Louis’ 6-4 victory.
2000 — Ben Matthews ties an NCAA record with five interceptions as Bethel beat Gustavus 14-13. Matthews ties the all-division record shared by eight players.
2007 — For the first time in NFL history, two players have 200-plus yards receiving in the same game — whether they were opponents or teammates — in Philadelphia’s 56-21 rout of Detroit. Philadelphia’s Kevin Curtis has 11 receptions for 221 yards and Detroit’s Roy Williams catches 9 passes for 204. Detroit’s Jon Kitna sets a franchise record with 446 yards passing.
2012 — The Tennessee Titans become the first team in NFL history to score five touchdowns of at least 60 yards in a game in their 44-41 overtime win over Detroit. The scorers are Tommie Campbell with a 65-yard punt-return; Jared Cook’s 61-yard reception from Jake Locker; Darius Reynaud’s 105-yard kick-return; Nate Washington’s 71-yard reception from Locker; and Alterraun Verner’s 72-yard fumble-return. The Lions also become the first team in NFL history to score two touchdowns in the final 18 seconds of regulation to either take the lead or force overtime.
2012 — Kansas City’s Jamaal Charles rushes for 233 yards, including a 91-yard TD run in the Chiefs’ 27-24 overtime win over New Orleans. Ryan Succop kicks six field goals, one to force overtime in the final seconds and a 31-yarder in overtime for the Chiefs.
2017 — The St. John’s-St. Thomas rivalry game obliterates the NCAA Division III attendance record with a crowd of 37,355. The Tommies use a stingy defense to hang on for a 20-17 win over the Johnnies at Target Field, the home of the Minnesota Twins. The previous mark was set on Oct. 8, 2016, with 17,535 fans watching Wisconsin-Oshkosh play at Wisconsin-Whitewater.
2017 — Juwan Johnson catches a seven-yard TD pass as time expires and fourth-ranked Penn State rallies to stun Iowa 21-19 in the Big Ten opener for both teams. Saquon Barkley has 211 yards rushing and 94 yards receiving for the Nittany Lions, who outgain Iowa 579-273 but nearly blew the game. With the Hawkeyes leading 19-15, Penn State goes 80 yards on 12 plays to close out the game, and Trace McSorley finds Johnson in a crowded end zone on fourth down.
2017 — U.S. President Donald Trump withdraws invitation to the White House for NBA champions Golden State Warriors after Stephen Curry says he doesn’t want to attend.
2018 — Tiger Woods caps off one of the most remarkable comebacks in golf history. Woods ends his comeback season with a dominant victory at the Tour Championship. He taps in for par and a 1-over 71 for a two-shot victory over Billy Horschel. It’s the 80th victory of his PGA Tour career and his first in more than five years.
2018 — Drew Brees sets the NFL record for career completions while passing for 396 yards and three touchdowns and running for two scores to lift New Orleans past Atlanta 43-37 in overtime. Brees breaks the record of 6,300 career completions set by Brett Favre.
2022 — St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols hits 2 home runs with 5 RBI in 11-0 win over Dodgers in LA; becomes fourth player in MLB history to hit 700 career HRs.
2022 — Tennis great Roger Federer plays his final professional match during Laver Cup in London; teams with friend and rival Rafael Nadal but loses 6–4, 6–7 (9–11) to Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
Sept. 24
1930 — The Portsmouth Spartans beat the Brooklyn Dodgers 12-0 in the first NFL game played under floodlights. More than 6,000 fans turn out on an unseasonably warm evening to watch the game at the new University Stadium.
1950 — Philadelphia’s Russ Craft has four interceptions to lead the Eagles in a 45-7 rout of the Chicago Cardinals. Chicago quarterback Jim Hardy sets an NFL record by throwing eight interceptions.
1953 — Rocky Marciano knocks out Rolando La Starza in the 11th round at the Polo Grounds in New York to retain his world heavyweight title.
1967 — Jim Bakken of St. Louis Cardinals kicks an NFL-record seven field goals to give the Cardinals a 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. His longest field goal is 33 yards.
1971 — The World Hockey Association announces its formation with 12 teams to start play in October 1972.
1974 — Detroit’s Al Kaline doubles down the right-field line off Dave McNally of Baltimore in the fourth inning for his 3,000th career hit. The Orioles beat the Tigers 5-4 at Memorial Stadium.
1988 — American heptathlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee sets new world record 7,291 points to win the gold medal at the Seoul Olympics; East Germans Sabine John & Anke Behmer take the minor medals.
1988 — American swimmer Matt Biondi sets world record 22.14 to win the 50m freestyle gold medal at the Seoul Olympics; his 4th of 5 gold medals for the Games.
1988 — Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson breaks his own 100m world record with a time of 9.79 at the Seoul Olympics; disqualified 3 days later for use of drug stanozolol; Carl Lewis awarded gold and world record 9.92.
1993 — Juniata’s women’s volleyball team beats Washington of St. Louis to end Washington’s NCAA-record winning streak at 59 matches.
1994 — Washington ends Miami’s NCAA-record home winning streak at 58 with a 38-20 victory against the Hurricanes at the Orange Bowl.
1995 — On the final day of competition, Europe rallies past the U.S. to win the Ryder Cup 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 at Oak Hill in Rochester, N.Y. Europe takes seven singles matches to win its first Ryder Cup since 1989.
2001 — Green Bay’s 37-0 shutout of Washington ends the Redskins’ NFL record of scoring in 231 consecutive road games.
2006 — The Europeans turn the Ryder Cup into another rout, winning 18 1/2-9 1/2 and becoming the first European team to win three straight times.
2006 — Washington’s Mark Brunell breaks the NFL record for most consecutive passes completed in a game when he connects on his first 22 throws in a 31-15 win over the Houston Texans.
2011 — Dwayne De Rosario scores the quickest hat trick in MLS history, leading D.C. United to a 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake.
2012 — Russell Wilson throws a disputed 24-yard touchdown to Golden Tate on the final play of the game, and the Seattle Seahawks rally to beat the Green Bay Packers 14-12.
2013 — Skipper Jimmy Spithill and defending champion Oracle Team USA extend their winning streak to seven to force a winner-take-all America’s Cup finale against Emirates Team New Zealand.
2016 — Daniel Carlson kicks six field goals and Auburn beats No. 18 LSU 18-13 after a ruling that Danny Etling’s apparent last-gasp scoring pass comes after time expired.
2017 — Peter Sagan of Slovakia becomes the first man to win three straight road race titles after holding off Norway’s Alexander Kristoff at the World Cycling Championships.
2017 — Diego Valeri scores twice to extend his MLS-record scoring streak to nine straight games and Portland beats Orlando City 3-0. Valeri moves in front of NYCFC’s David Villa for most goals this season with 20.
2017 — Jake Elliott kicks a 61-yard field goal as time expires to give the Philadelphia Eagles a 27-24 victory over the New York Giants. It is the longest by a rookie in NFL history.
2017 — Laver Cup Men’s Tennis, Prague: Roger Federer is unbeaten as Team Europe dominates Team World, 15-9 in the inaugural teams event.
2018 — Real Madrid midfielder & Croatian World Cup captain Luka Modrić is named world’s best male player at the FIFA Awards in London; Brazil & Orlando Pride forward Marta best female player; France’s Didier Deschamps best men’s coach.
_____
Sept. 25
1866 — Jerome Park, named for its founder Leonard Jerome, opens in the Bronx in New York. Jerome, seeking to emulate the British racing system, also establishes the American Jockey Club, precursor to the present Jockey Club, formed in 1894.
1920 — Molly Bjurstedt Mallory wins her fifth title in six years with a two-set victory over Marion Zinderstein in the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association championships.
1926 — Walter Hagen wins his third straight and fourth overall PGA Championship. Hagen beats Leo Diegel 4 and 3 in the championship match at Salisbury Golf Links in Westbury, N.Y.
1949 — Louise Suggs wins the U.S. Women’s Open by 14 strokes over Babe Didrikson Zaharias.
1962 — Sonny Liston knocks out Floyd Patterson at 2:06 of the first round at Comiskey Park in Chicago to win the world heavyweight title.
1966 — Gloria Ehret wins the LPGA Championship by three strokes over four-time champion Micke Wright.
1982 — Ricky Edwards rushes for 177 yards and four touchdowns to help Northwestern end its 34-game losing streak in a 31-6 victory over Northern Illinois.
1988 — Americans sweep the medals in the long jump at the Seoul Olympics; Carl Lewis wins his second gold of the Games with leap of 8.72m ahead of teammates Mike Powell & Larry Myricks.
1988 — Super swimmer Matt Biondi wins his 5th gold medal of the Seoul Olympics anchoring the victorious American 4 x 100m medley relay team.
1994 — Oliver McCall scores a major upset by stopping Lennox Lewis 31 seconds into the second round to capture the WBC heavyweight title in London.
1995 — Jerry Rice has 181 yards receiving in San Francisco’s 27-24 loss to Detroit. It’s his 51st 100-yard game, which breaks Don Maynard’s NFL record.
1997 — WNBA announces it will add Detroit & Washington, D.C. franchises.
2000 — American basketball player Vince Carter jumps over 7 foot 2 Frédéric Weis in 2000 Summer Olympics, known in France as “le dunk de la mort” (the dunk of death).
2004 — Bobby Seck of Hofstra throws eight touchdown passes to tie an Atlantic 10 mark and set a school record in the Pride’s 62-43 victory over Rhode Island.
2005 — Fernando Alonso becomes Formula One’s youngest champion by finishing third in the Brazilian Grand Prix. Alonso, 24, a six-time winner in his third full season in Formula One, ends Michael Schumacher’s five-year hold on the title.
2010 — Collingwood and St. Kilda plays to a 68-68 tie, the first in an Australian Rules football grand final since 1977, setting up a rematch to decide the league title.
2011 — The Detroit Lions snap a 13-game losing streak with a 26-23 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions, who won in the Metrodome for the first time since 1997, are 3-0 for the first time since 1980.
2013 — Skipper Jimmy Spithill and Oracle Team USA win the America’s Cup with one of the greatest comebacks in sports history to keep the oldest trophy in international sports in the United States. Spithill steers Oracle’s space-age, 72-foot catamaran to its eighth straight victory, speeding past Dean Barker and Emirates Team New Zealand in the winner-take-all Race 19 on San Francisco Bay. All but defeated a week ago, the 34-year-old Australian and his international crew twice rallies from seven-point deficits to win 9-8.
2016 — Rory McIlroy rallies to enter a three-man playoff and win the FedEx Cup. After trailing by three shots with three holes to play in the Tour Championship, McIlroy holes a 15-foot birdie putt on the fourth extra hole to win the playoff and claim the $10 million FedEx Cup bonus.
2022 — Laver Cup Men’s Tennis, London: Team World sweeps final day for 13-8 victory over Team Europe; tournament marks retirement of Roger Federer.
_____
Sept. 26
1942 — Jockey Club stewards revoke Eddie Arcaro’s license for one year after his display of “rough riding” aboard odds-on favorite Occupation in the Cowdin Stakes on Sept. 19, in which he attempted to injure a fellow rider during the race.
1961 — New York Yankee Roger Maris ties Babe Ruth’s 34-year-old record with his 60th homer, off Jack Fisher of Baltimore.
1981 — Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros becomes the first player to pitch five no-hit, no-run games. This one is a 5-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Astrodome.
1981 — Kelvin Bryant of North Carolina rushes for 173 yards and scores four touchdowns in a 56-14 victory over Boston College, giving him 15 touchdowns over the last three games, an NCAA record.
1983 — Australia II wins America’s Cup yacht race to end the longest winning streak in sporting history. Australia II, skippered by John Bertrand, wins the title in the seventh and final race. Australia II crosses the finish line with a winning margin of 41 seconds over Liberty, which is skippered by Dennis Conner. The U.S. had successfully defended the cup over a period of 132 years, since the schooner America won it in a fleet race around England’s Isle of Wight in 1851.
1992 — Rocky Mountain’s Steve Thompson rushes for 405 yards and six touchdowns in a 42-36 overtime victory over Carroll College. The rushing total is the second highest in NAIA history.
1996 — SF Giant Barry Bonds is 2nd player to hit 40 HRs & steal 40 bases.
1998 — Prairie View A&M ends its NCAA-record 80-game losing streak by stopping a 2-point conversion in the final minute for a 14-12 victory over Langston. The victory is the Panthers’ first since Oct. 28, 1989, when they defeated Mississippi Valley 21-12.
2000 — At the Sydney Olympics, the U.S. softball team completes a stunning comeback by edging Japan 2-1 in extra innings to win its second straight gold medal.
2004 — Peyton Manning of Indianapolis passes for 393 yards and five first-half touchdowns in a 45-31 win over Green Bay. Manning has the most TD throws in one half since Tommy Kramer in 1986, and the most yards in a quarter, 247, since Boomer Esiason in 1996.
2004 — San Francisco’s 34-0 loss at Seattle ends a 420-game streak of not being blanked for the 49ers, an NFL record.
2010 — Christine Sinclair has two goals and Marta adds a goal and two assists as the FC Gold Pride beat the Philadelphia Independence 4-0 to win the Women’s Professional Soccer championship.
2010 — Seattle’s Leon Washington returns two kickoffs — 101 and 99 yards — for touchdowns in the Seahawks’ 27-20 win over San Diego.
2015 — Aaron Green catches a tipped pass in the back of the end zone with 23 seconds left and No. 3 TCU outlasts Texas Tech 55-52 in the Big 12 opener for both teams. On fourth-and-goal from the 4, Trevor Boykin throws four touchdown passes and finishes with a career-high 509 yards for TCU.
2015 — Sebastian Giovinco breaks the MLS single-season points record, assisting on two goals in Toronto FC’s 3-2 victory over the Chicago Fire to push his total to 35.
2017 — Sylvia Fowles grabs a WNBA Finals-record 17 rebounds and scores 13 points to lead the Minnesota Lynx to a 70-68 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in Game 2, evening the series at one game apiece.
2021 — United States regains the Ryder Cup beating Team Europe 19-9 at Whistling Straits, Haven, Wisconsin.
TV SPORTS FRIDAY
| MLB REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Washington at Chi. Cubs | 2:20pm | MASN2 SNY |
| Pittsburgh at Cincinnati | 2:20pm | ATTSN-PIT Bally Sports Ohio |
| Toronto at Tampa Bay | 6:50pm | Sportsnet Bally Sports Sun |
| Detroit at Baltimore | 7:05pm | Apple TV+ MASN SNY |
| Atlanta at Miami | 7:10pm | Bally Sports South Bally Sports Florida |
| Minnesota at Boston | 7:10pm | NESN Bally Sports North |
| Philadelphia at NY Mets | 7:10pm | Apple TV+ NBCS-PHI SNY |
| Seattle at Texas | 8:10pm | MLBN ROOT Bally Sports Southwest |
| LA Angels at Houston | 8:10pm | Bally Sports West SCHN |
| Arizona at Milwaukee | 8:10pm | MLBN YurView Rockies.TV |
| San Francisco at Kansas City | 8:10pm | NBCS-BAY Bally Sports Kansas City |
| Cleveland at St. Louis | 8:15pm | Bally Sports Great Lakes Bally Sports Midwest |
| Chi. White Sox at San Diego | 9:40pm | NBCS-CHI Padres.TV |
| NY Yankees at Oakland | 9:40pm | YES NBCS-CA |
| Colorado at LA Dodgers | 10:10pm | SNLA Rockies.TV |
| COLLEGE FOOTBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Stanford at Syracuse | 7:30pm | ESPN |
| Illinois at Nebraska | 8:00pm | FOX |
| San Jose State at Washington State | 10:00pm | CW |
| MOTORSPORTS | TIME ET | TV |
| Xfinity: Food City 300 | 7:30pm | USA |
| GOLF | TIME ET | TV |
| DP World: BMW PGA Championship | 7:00am | GOLF |
| LPGA: Kroger Queen City Championship | 1:00pm | GOLF |
| BOXING | TIME ET | TV |
| Super Middleweights: Jaime Munguia vs. Erik Bazinyan | 10:30pm | ESPN |
| SOCCER | TIME ET | TV |
| Eredivisie: PEC Zwolle vs AZ | 2:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Serie A: Cagliari vs Empoli | 12:30pm | Paramount+ |
| Bundesliga: Augsburg vs Mainz 05 | 2:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Serie A: Hellas Verona vs Torino | 2:45pm | Paramount+ |
| Ligue 1: Nice vs Saint-Étienne | 2:45pm | beIN Sports |
| Belgium Pro League: Standard Liège vs Union Saint-Gilloise | 2:45pm | ESPN+ |
| La Liga: Deportivo Alavés vs Sevilla | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Canadian Premier League: York United vs Cavalry | 8:00pm | FS2 Fubo |
| NWSL: Kansas City Current vs Washington Spirit | 8:00pm | Prime |
| Liga MX: Atlas vs Querétaro | 9:00pm | TUDN |
| TENNIS | TIME ET | TV |
| Seoul: WTA, Hua Hin: WTA & Hangzhou: ATP Early Rounds | 1:00am | TENNIS |
| Laver Cup Tennis | 1:00pm | TENNIS |
TV SPORTS SATURDAY
| MLB REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Pittsburgh at Cincinnati | 1:10pm | ATTSN-PIT Bally Sports Ohio |
| Washington at Chi. Cubs | 2:20pm | MASN2 SNY |
| Detroit at Baltimore | 4:05pm | MASN SNY |
| Toronto at Tampa Bay | 4:10pm | Sportsnet Bally Sports Sun |
| Minnesota at Boston | 4:10pm | MLBN NESN Bally Sports North |
| Atlanta at Miami | 4:10pm | Bally Sports South Bally Sports Florida |
| Philadelphia at NY Mets | 4:10pm | MLBN NBCS-PHI SNY |
| Seattle at Texas | 7:05pm | MLBN ROOT Bally Sports Southwest |
| LA Angels at Houston | 7:10pm | Bally Sports West SCHN |
| Arizona at Milwaukee | 7:10pm | MLBN YurView Rockies.TV |
| San Francisco at Kansas City | 7:10pm | NBCS-BAY Bally Sports Kansas City |
| Cleveland at St. Louis | 7:15pm | Bally Sports Great Lakes Bally Sports Midwest |
| Chi. White Sox at San Diego | 8:40pm | NBCS-CHI Padres.TV |
| NY Yankees at Oakland | 9:07pm | YES NBCS-CA |
| Colorado at LA Dodgers | 10:10pm | SNLA Rockies.TV |
| COLLEGE FOOTBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Arkansas at Auburn | – | ABC ESPN/2 SECN |
| Vanderbilt at Missouri | – | ABC ESPN/2 SECN |
| UCLA at LSU | – | ABC ESPN/2 SECN |
| Charlotte at Indiana | 12:00pm | BTN |
| Tulane at Louisiana | 12:00pm | ESPNU |
| James Madison at North Carolina | 12:00pm | ACCN |
| Marshall at Ohio State | 12:00pm | FOX |
| Villanova at Maryland | 12:00pm | BTN |
| NC State at Clemson | 12:00pm | ABC ESPN+ |
| Houston at Cincinnati | 12:00pm | FS1 |
| Kansas at West Virginia | 12:00pm | ESPN2 |
| Florida at Mississippi State | 12:00pm | ABC/ESPN |
| Rice at Army | 12:00pm | CBSSN |
| Ohio at Kentucky | 12:45pm | SECN |
| Ball State at Central Michigan | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Utah State at Temple | 2:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Arkansas State at Iowa State | 2:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Saint Francis U. at Eastern Michigan | 2:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Virginia at Coastal Carolina | 2:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Eastern Washington at Nevada | 3:00pm | MWN |
| Southern Miss at Jacksonville State | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| CCSU at UMass | 3:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Youngstown State at Pitt | 3:30pm | ACCNX |
| USC at Michigan | 3:30pm | CBS Paramount+ |
| Miami (Ohio) at Notre Dame | 3:30pm | NBC Peacock |
| HCU at UTSA | 3:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Memphis at Navy | 3:30pm | CBSSN |
| Buffalo at NIU | 3:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Arizona State at Texas Tech | 3:30pm | FS1 |
| Georgia Tech at Louisville | 3:30pm | ESPN/2 |
| Kent State at Penn State | 3:30pm | BTN |
| Rutgers at Virginia Tech | 3:30pm | ACCN |
| Utah at Oklahoma State | 4:00pm | FOX |
| Duke at Middle Tennessee | 4:00pm | ESPNU |
| UTEP at Colorado State | 5:00pm | truTV Max |
| TCU at SMU | 5:00pm | The CW |
| East Carolina at Liberty | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Monmouth at FIU | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Tulsa at Louisiana Tech | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Toledo at WKU | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| New Mexico State at Sam Houston | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Florida Atlantic at UConn | 7:00pm | CBSSN |
| California at Florida State | 7:00pm | ESPN/2 |
| Northwestern at Washington | 7:00pm | FS1 |
| Florida A&M at Troy | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Wyoming at North Texas | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Miami (FL) at USF | 7:00pm | ESPN/2 |
| Iowa at Minnesota | 7:30pm | NBC Peacock |
| Tennessee at Oklahoma | 7:30pm | ABC ESPN+ |
| Akron at South Carolina | 7:30pm | ESPNU |
| Bowling Green at Texas A&M | 7:30pm | SECN+ ESPN+ |
| Georgia Southern at Ole Miss | 7:45pm | SECN |
| Michigan State at Boston College | 8:00pm | ACCN |
| Baylor at Colorado | 8:00pm | FOX |
| ULM at Texas | 8:00pm | SECN+ ESPN+ |
| Fresno State at New Mexico | 8:30pm | truTV Max |
| Purdue at Oregon State | 8:30pm | CW |
| Portland State at Boise State | 9:45pm | FS1 |
| Kansas State at BYU | 10:30pm | ESPN |
| Northern Iowa at Hawaii | 11:59pm | Spectrum |
| MOTORSPORTS | TIME ET | TV |
| NASCAR Cup: Bristol Night Race | 7:30pm | USA |
| GOLF | TIME ET | TV |
| DP World: BMW PGA Championship | 7:00am | GOLF |
| LPGA: Queen City Championship | 1:00pm | GOLF |
| Champions: Pure Insurance Championship | 6:00pm | GOLF |
| SOCCER | TIME ET | TV |
| EPL: West Ham United vs Chelsea | 7:30am | USA Peacock |
| La Liga: Real Valladolid vs Real Sociedad | 8:00am | ESPN+ |
| Serie A: Venezia vs Genoa | 9:00am | Paramount+ |
| Bundesliga: Werder Bremen vs Bayern München | 9:30am | ESPN+ |
| Bundesliga: Heidenheim vs Freiburg | 9:30am | ESPN+ |
| Bundesliga: Union Berlin vs Hoffenheim | 9:30am | ESPN+ |
| Bundesliga: Bochum vs Holstein Kiel | 9:30am | ESPN+ |
| EPL: Leicester City vs Everton | 10:00am | USA Peacock |
| EPL: Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers | 10:00am | Peacock |
| EPL: Fulham vs Newcastle United | 10:00am | Peacock |
| EPL: Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth | 10:00am | Peacock |
| EPL: Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford | 10:00am | Peacock |
| EPL: Southampton vs Ipswich Town | 10:00am | Peacock |
| La Liga: Osasuna vs Las Palmas | 10:15am | ESPN+ |
| Ligue 1: Lille vs Strasbourg | 11:00am | beIN Sports |
| Serie A: Juventus vs Napoli | 12:00pm | Paramount+ |
| EPL: Crystal Palace vs Manchester United | 12:30pm | NBC Peacock |
| La Liga: Valencia vs Girona | 12:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Bundesliga: Eintracht Frankfurt vs Borussia M’gladbach | 12:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Ligue 1: Rennes vs Lens | 1:00pm | beIN Sports |
| MLS: New York City vs Inter Miami | 2:00pm | MLS Season Pass |
| Serie A: Lecce vs Parma | 2:45pm | Paramount+ |
| La Liga: Real Madrid vs Espanyol | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Ligue 1: Reims vs PSG | 3:00pm | beIN Sports |
| MLS: Charlotte vs New England | 4:00pm | MLS Season Pass |
| Canadian Premier League: Vancouver FC vs Forge | 6:00pm | FS2 Fubo |
| Liga MX: León vs Atlético San Luis | 7:00pm | VIX |
| MLS: CF Montréal vs Chicago Fire | 7:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: Columbus Crew vs Orlando City SC | 7:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: New York RB vs Atlanta United | 7:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| NWSL: Racing Louisville FC vs North Carolina Courage | 7:30pm | ION Tubi |
| MLS: Austin vs Houston Dynamo | 8:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: Dallas vs Los Angeles FC | 8:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: Nashville SC vs Cincinnati | 8:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: Sporting KC vs Minnesota United | 8:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| Liga MX: Monterrey vs Mazatlán | 9:00pm | Vix |
| Liga MX: Necaxa vs América | 9:00pm | Vix |
| MLS: Colorado Rapids vs Toronto FC | 9:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: Real Salt Lake vs Portland Timbers | 9:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| NWSL: Chicago Red Stars vs San Diego Wave | 9:30pm | ION Tubi |
| MLS: LA Galaxy vs Vancouver Whitecaps | 10:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: SJ Earthquakes vs St. Louis City | 10:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| Liga MX: Cruz Azul vs Guadalajara | 11:05pm | VIX |
| TENNIS | TIME ET | TV |
| Seoul & Hua Hin: WTA Semifinals; Hangzhou: ATP Early Rounds | 1:30am | TENNIS |
| Laver Cup Tennis | 7:00am | TENNIS |
[TD1]CO