“THE SCOREBOARD”
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL WEEK 8 SCHEDULE
ADAMS CENTRAL (7-0) AT BLUFFTON (6-1)
ALEXANDRIA (6-1) AT FRANKTON (3-4)
AVON (0-7) AT ZIONSVILLE (3-4)
BEN DAVIS (6-1) AT LAWRENCE CENTRAL (3-4)
BENTON CENTRAL (1-6) AT LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (4-3)
BLACKFORD (0-7) AT OAK HILL (3-4)
BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (6-1) AT BREBEUF JESUIT (3-3)
BOWMAN ACADEMY (1-3) AT TRI-COUNTY (3-3)
BREMEN (4-3) AT SOUTH BEND RILEY (6-1)
BROWN COUNTY (1-6) AT NORTH PUTNAM (2-5)
BROWNSBURG (7-0) AT NOBLESVILLE (3-4)
CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN (1-5) AT WINCHESTER (5-2)
CARROLL (FLORA) (7-0) AT CLINTON PRAIRIE (5-2)
CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (5-2) AT FORT WAYNE NORTHROP (0-7)
CASTLE (4-3) AT EVANSVILLE CENTRAL (0-7)
CASTON (1-6) AT WINAMAC (2-5)
CENTRAL NOBLE (3-4) AT EASTSIDE (5-2)
CLARKSVILLE (0-7) AT NORTH HARRISON (5-2)
COLUMBIA CITY (5-2) AT LEO (5-2)
COLUMBUS EAST (2-5) AT JEFFERSONVILLE (0-7)
COLUMBUS NORTH (3-4) AT BLOOMINGTON NORTH (7-0)
CONCORD (4-3) AT MISHAWAKA (5-2)
CRAWFORD COUNTY (0-7) AT WEST WASHINGTON (4-3)
CRAWFORDSVILLE (0-7) AT TRI-WEST (6-1)
CROWN POINT (7-0) AT CHESTERTON (2-5)
CULVER ACADEMY (3-4) AT SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH (3-4)
DEKALB (4-3) AT BELLMONT (0-7)
DELPHI (2-5) AT CLINTON CENTRAL (1-5)
DELTA (5-2) AT GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (6-1)
EASTERN HANCOCK (4-3) AT SHENANDOAH (1-6)
EDGEWOOD (1-6) AT NORTHVIEW (5-2)
EDINBURGH (1-6) AT NORTH DECATUR (4-3)
ELKHART (3-4) AT MISHAWAKA MARIAN (3-4)
ELWOOD (1-6) AT MISSISSINEWA (7-0)
EVANSVILLE BOSSE (2-5) AT EVANSVILLE REITZ (7-0)
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (1-6) AT EVANSVILLE HARRISON (1-6)
EVANSVILLE NORTH (5-2) AT JASPER (4-3)
FAIRFIELD (4-3) AT LAKELAND (5-2)
FISHERS (5-2) AT WESTFIELD (6-1)
FORT WAYNE BLACKHAWK (0-6) AT GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN (4-3)
FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA (0-7) AT HOMESTEAD (3-4)
FORT WAYNE SNIDER (6-1) AT FORT WAYNE DWENGER (3-4)
FORT WAYNE SOUTH (1-6) AT FORT WAYNE LUERS (5-2)
FORT WAYNE WAYNE (4-3) AT FORT WAYNE NORTH (3-4)
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (4-3) AT HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (6-1)
FRANKLIN COUNTY (3-4) AT BATESVILLE (6-1)
FREMONT (1-6) AT PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (0-7)
GARRETT (3-4) AT ANGOLA (0-7)
GIBSON SOUTHERN (5-2) AT MOUNT VERNON (POSEY) (4-3)
GREENSBURG (0-7) AT EAST CENTRAL (7-0)
GREENWOOD (4-3) AT FRANKLIN (4-3)
GRIFFITH (3-4) AT CALUMET (2-5)
HAMMOND CENTRAL (4-3) AT EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (1-5)
HAMMOND MORTON (3-3) AT HOBART (5-2)
HAMMOND NOLL (2-5) AT GARY WEST (4-3)
HANOVER CENTRAL (7-0) AT ANDREAN (3-4)
HERITAGE (6-1) AT SOUTHERN WELLS (1-6)
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (5-2) AT SOUTH PUTNAM (6-1)
HUNTINGTON NORTH (1-6) AT NORWELL (1-6)
INDIAN CREEK (4-3) AT SULLIVAN (4-3)
INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (5-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (3-4)
INDIANAPOLIS RITTER (3-4) AT INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (4-3)
INDIANAPOLIS SHORTRIDGE (3-4) AT INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (7-0)
INDIANAPOLIS TECH (0-7) AT MCCUTCHEON (4-3)
INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY (3-4) AT CHRISTEL HOUSE MANUAL (2-4)
INDIANAPOLIS WASHINGTON (4-3) AT INDIANAPOLIS ATTUCKS (6-1)
IRVINGTON PREP ACADEMY (0-7) AT MONROE CENTRAL (2-5)
JAY COUNTY (4-3) AT LAPEL (3-4)
JENNINGS COUNTY (3-4) AT FLOYD CENTRAL (6-1)
JOHN GLENN JV AT SOUTH BEND CLAY (0-6)
KANKAKEE VALLEY (3-4) AT HIGHLAND (3-4)
KOKOMO (6-1) AT RICHMOND (1-6)
LAKE STATION (2-5) AT BOONE GROVE (5-2)
LAVILLE (6-1) AT NORTH JUDSON (4-3)
LAWRENCE NORTH (5-2) AT CENTER GROVE (6-1)
LAWRENCEBURG (5-2) AT CONNERSVILLE (2-5)
LEWIS CASS (3-4) AT MANCHESTER (3-4)
LINTON-STOCKTON (6-1) AT EASTERN GREENE (3-3)
LOGANSPORT (3-4) AT HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (6-1)
MACONAQUAH (5-2) AT WABASH (1-6)
MADISON (1-6) AT BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (4-3)
MADISON-GRANT (6-1) AT EASTBROOK (5-2)
MARION (2-5) AT LAFAYETTE JEFF (3-4)
MERRILLVILLE (5-2) AT LAKE CENTRAL (4-3)
MICHIGAN CITY (4-3) AT LAPORTE (1-6)
MONROVIA (5-2) AT CASCADE (5-2)
MOORESVILLE (3-4) AT MARTINSVILLE (4-3)
MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) (3-4) AT SHELBYVILLE (3-4)
MUNCIE CENTRAL (2-5) AT ANDERSON (2-5)
MUNSTER (2-5) AT LOWELL (2-5)
NEW ALBANY (2-5) AT SEYMOUR (4-3)
NEW CASTLE (1-6) AT NEW PALESTINE (5-2)
NEW HAVEN (7-0) AT EAST NOBLE (5-2)
NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) (0-7) AT PIKE (1-6)
NORTH DAVIESS (4-3) AT NORTH KNOX (4-3)
NORTH MONTGOMERY (4-3) AT FRANKFORT (1-6)
NORTH NEWTON (0-6) AT NORTH WHITE (7-0)
NORTH VERMILLION (5-2) AT FOUNTAIN CENTRAL (4-3)
NORTHEASTERN (6-1) AT KNIGHTSTOWN (3-4)
NORTHWOOD (5-2) AT WAWASEE (1-6)
PAOLI (6-1) AT MITCHELL (2-5)
PARK TUDOR (7-0) AT SOUTH NEWTON (3-4)
PENDLETON HEIGHTS (5-2) AT YORKTOWN (4-3)
PENN (6-1) AT NEW PRAIRIE (6-1)
PERRY CENTRAL (4-3) AT SPRINGS VALLEY (6-1)
PERRY MERIDIAN (2-5) AT DECATUR CENTRAL (5-2)
PERU (7-0) AT NORTH MIAMI (1-6)
PHALEN ACADEMY (1-5) AT PURDUE POLYTECHNIC (2-5)
PIKE CENTRAL (1-6) AT FOREST PARK (4-3)
PIONEER (4-3) AT CULVER (0-7)
PLAINFIELD (6-1) AT WHITELAND (3-4)
PLYMOUTH (2-5) AT NORTHRIDGE (6-1)
PRINCETON (1-6) AT HERITAGE HILLS (6-1)
PROVIDENCE (7-0) AT CORYDON CENTRAL (0-7)
RENSSELAER CENTRAL (3-4) AT NORTHWESTERN (3-4)
RIVER FOREST (4-3) AT SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS) (3-4)
RIVERTON PARKE (2-5) AT PARKE HERITAGE (2-5)
ROCHESTER (5-2) AT SOUTHWOOD (4-3)
SALEM (1-6) AT CHARLESTOWN (4-3)
SCOTTSBURG (4-3) AT EASTERN (PEKIN) (3-4)
SHERIDAN (6-1) AT EASTERN (GREENTOWN) (5-2)
SILVER CREEK (5-2) AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (6-1)
SOUTH ADAMS (4-3) AT WOODLAN (2-5)
SOUTH BEND ADAMS (1-6) AT JIMTOWN (3-4)
SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON (2-5) AT HAMILTON HEIGHTS (7-0)
SOUTH DEARBORN (4-3) AT RUSHVILLE (2-5)
SOUTH DECATUR (6-1) AT MILAN (4-3)
SOUTH SPENCER (2-5) AT NORTH CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG) (1-5)
SOUTH VERMILLION (6-1) AT SEEGER (6-1)
SOUTHMONT (4-3) AT LEBANON (3-4)
SOUTHPORT (1-6) AT TERRE HAUTE SOUTH (3-4)
SOUTHRIDGE (5-2) AT NORTH POSEY (6-1)
SOUTHSIDE HOME SCHOOL AT SWITZERLAND COUNTY (4-3)
SPEEDWAY (2-5) AT INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (7-0)
TAYLOR (1-6) AT TRI-CENTRAL (1-6)
TELL CITY (4-3) AT TECUMSEH (0-7)
TERRE HAUTE NORTH (0-7) AT GUERIN CATHOLIC (5-2)
TIPTON (1-6) AT WESTERN (3-4)
TRI (4-3) AT HAGERSTOWN (5-2)
TRITON (5-2) AT KNOX (7-0)
TRITON CENTRAL (6-1) AT BEECH GROVE (3-4)
TWIN LAKES (4-3) AT WEST LAFAYETTE (5-2)
UNION CITY (2-5) AT CENTERVILLE (7-0)
UNION COUNTY (0-7) AT WES-DEL (2-5)
VALPARAISO (5-2) AT PORTAGE (0-7)
VINCENNES LINCOLN (5-2) AT EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (6-1)
WARREN CENTRAL (3-4) AT CARMEL (4-3)
WARSAW (6-1) AT GOSHEN (1-6)
WASHINGTON (2-5) AT BOONVILLE (4-3)
WEST CENTRAL (6-1) AT FRONTIER (4-3)
WEST NOBLE (7-0) AT CHURUBUSCO (2-5)
WEST VIGO (1-6) AT CLOVERDALE (2-5)
WESTERN BOONE (5-2) AT DANVILLE (5-2)
WHEELER (4-3) AT WHITING (2-5)
WHITKO (1-6) AT NORTHFIELD (2-5)
OWEN VALLEY (2-5) AT GREENCASTLE (5-2)
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL REPORTED VOLLEYBALL SCORES
https://www.maxpreps.com/in/volleyball/scores/?date=9/30/2023
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL REPORTED BOYS SOCCER SCORES
https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/scores/?date=9/30/2023
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER REPORTED SCORES
https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/girls/scores/?date=9/30/2023
INDIANA BOYS TENNIS SECTIONAL BRACKETS
https://www.ihsaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2023-24%20BTe%20Sectional%20Brackets_0.pdf
INDIANA CROSS COUNTRY NEWS
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GOLF STATE FINALS
https://iga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/iga23/event/iga23164/index.htm
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 5
NO. 8 USC 48, COLORADO 41
NO. 6 PENN STATE 41, NORTHWESTERN 13
KENTUCKY 33, NO. 22 FLORIDA 14
TEXAS A&M 34, ARKANSAS 22
MINNESOTA 35, LOUISIANA 24
UTAH STATE 34, UCONN 33
CLEMSON 31, SYRACUSE 14
TULANE 35, UAB 23
JAMES MADISON 31, SOUTH ALABAMA 23
BUFFALO 13, AKRON 10 (OT)
HOWARD 35, ROBERT MORRIS 10
YALE 45, MORGAN STATE 3
BROWN 42, CENTRAL CONNECTICUT 20
MARIST 34, STETSON 24
DELAWARE STATE 48, VIRGINIA LYNCHBURG 10
DARTMOUTH 23, PENN 20 (OT)
SAMFORD 42, EAST TENNESSEE STATE 28
CENTRAL MICHIGAN 26, EASTERN MICHIGAN 23
BOSTON COLLEGE 27, VIRGINIA 24
NORTH CAROLINA A&T 28, NORFOLK STATE 26
AUSTIN PEAY 52, LINDENWOOD 10
COLGATE 35, CORNELL 25
SOUTH DAKOTA 24, NORTH DAKOTA STATE 19
GEORGETOWN 28, FORDHAM 24
UNI 44, YOUNGSTOWN STATE 41
VALPARAISO 16, SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE 15
DRAKE 16, MOREHEAD STATE 9
WESTERN CAROLINA 49, THE CITADEL 14
MIAMI (OHIO) 23, KENT STATE 3
CAL 24, ARIZONA STATE 21
WEBER STATE 28, NORTHERN COLORADO 21
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE 42, NORTH DAKOTA 21
NO. 1 GEORGIA 27, AUBURN 20
NO. 2 MICHIGAN 45, NEBRASKA 7
NO. 3 TEXAS 40, NO. 24 KANSAS 14
MARYLAND 44, INDIANA 17
PURDUE 44, ILLINOIS 19
RUTGERS 52, WAGNER 3
BOWLING GREEN 38, GEORGIA TECH 27
TEXAS TECH 49, HOUSTON 28
BAYLOR 36, UCF 35
ARKANSAS STATE 52, UMASS 28
SOUTH FLORIDA 44, NAVY 30
MARSHALL 41, OLD DOMINION 35
WESTERN MICHIGAN 42, BALL STATE 24
TOLEDO 35, NORTHERN ILLINOIS 33
LAFAYETTE 56, BUCKNELL 22
NO. 23 MISSOURI 38, VANDERBILT 21
MEMPHIS 35, BOISE STATE 32
WYOMING 35, NEW MEXICO 26
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL 49, CAMPBELL 48 (OT)
TARLETON STATE 14, SE LOUISIANA 13
IDAHO 44, EASTERN WASHINGTON 36
MONTANA 28, IDAHO STATE 20
MONTANA STATE 38, PORTLAND STATE 22
MERCER 38, VMI 3
HARVARD 38, HOLY CROSS 28
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 33, MISSOURI STATE 20
NO. 20 OLE MISS 55, NO. 13 LSU 49
CHARLESTON SOUTHERN 13, KENNESAW STATE 10
CHATTANOOGA 23, WOFFORD 13
NO. 9 OREGON 42, STANFORD 6
NO. 14 OKLAHOMA 50, IOWA STATE 20
RICE 24, EAST CAROLINA 17
NORTH TEXAS 45, ABILENE CHRISTIAN 31
GEORGIA SOUTHERN 38, COASTAL CAROLINA 28
TROY 28, GEORGIA STATE 7
TEXAS STATE 50, SOUTHERN MISS 36
GRAMBLING 35, PRAIRIE VIEW A&M 20
EASTERN KENTUCKY 32, NORTH ALABAMA 22
MURRAY STATE 30, INDIANA STATE 28| 7 P.M. | ESPN+
LAMAR 21, HOUSTON CHRISTIAN 19
EASTERN ILLINOIS 19, NORTHWESTERN STATE 10
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 56, TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE 27
UT MARTIN 20, TENNESSEE STATE 10
NO. 11 NOTRE DAME 21, NO. 17 DUKE 14
NO. 21 TENNESSEE 41, SOUTH CAROLINA 20
IOWA 26, MICHIGAN STATE 16
SMU 34, CHARLOTTE 16
VIRGINIA TECH 38, PITT 21
WEST VIRGINIA 24, TCU 21
APPALACHIAN STATE 41, UL MONROE 40
AIR FORCE 49, SAN DIEGO STATE 10
CENTRAL ARKANSAS AT SOUTHERN UTAH | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
UC DAVIS 31, CAL POLY 13
NICHOLLS 31, MCNEESE 10
NO. 12 ALABAMA 40, MISSISSIPPI STATE 17
NO. 7 WASHINGTON 31 ARIZONA 24
NO. 25 FRESNO STATE 27 NEVADA 9
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 6 SCHEDULE
WEEK 6
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 4
JACKSONVILLE STATE AT MIDDLE TENNESSEE | 8 P.M. | ESPNU
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AT NEW MEXICO STATE | 9 P.M. | CBSSN
THURSDAY, OCT. 5
SAM HOUSTON AT LIBERTY | 7 P.M. | CBSSN
WESTERN KENTUCKY AT LOUISIANA TECH | 8 P.M. | ESPNU
FRIDAY, OCT. 6
CORNELL AT HARVARD | 7 P.M. | ESPNU
KANSAS STATE AT OKLAHOMA STATE | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
NEBRASKA AT ILLINOIS | 8 P.M. | FS1
SATURDAY, OCT. 7
OKLAHOMA VS. TEXAS (AT THE COTTON BOWL IN DALLAS, TEXAS) | 12 P.M. | ABC
MARYLAND AT OHIO STATE | 12 P.M. | FOX
LSU AT MISSOURI | 12 P.M. | ESPN
BOSTON COLLEGE AT ARMY | 12 P.M. | CBSSN
WESTERN MICHIGAN AT MISSISSIPPI STATE | 12 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
RUTGERS AT WISCONSIN | 12 P.M. | PEACOCK
WILLIAM & MARY AT VIRGINIA | 12 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
TOLEDO AT UMASS | 12 P.M. | ESPNU
RHODE ISLAND AT BROWN | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
STONY BROOK AT MORGAN STATE | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
STONEHILL AT MERRIMACK | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
HOLY CROSS AT BUCKNELL | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
GEORGETOWN AT PENN | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
LAFAYETTE AT PRINCETON | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
LEHIGH AT FORDHAM | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
DAYTON AT MOREHEAD STATE | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
STETSON AT PRESBYTERIAN | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
YALE AT DARTMOUTH | 1:30 P.M. | ESPN+
SAMFORD AT WOFFORD | 1:30 P.M. | ESPN+
MARSHALL AT NC STATE | 2 P.M. | CW NETWORK
UTSA AT TEMPLE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
CENTRAL MICHIGAN AT BUFFALO | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
VIRGINIA LYNCHBURG AT SOUTH CAROLINA STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
WESTERN ILLINOIS AT NORTH DAKOTA | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
VALPARAISO AT DRAKE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
TENNESSEE TECH AT LINDENWOOD | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
THE CITADEL AT FURMAN | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
WASHINGTON STATE AT UCLA | 3 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
HOWARD AT NORTHWESTERN | 3 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
NORTH DAKOTA STATE AT MISSOURI STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
MURRAY STATE AT SOUTH DAKOTA | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
UT MARTIN AT EASTERN ILLINOIS | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
TENNESSEE STATE AT KENNESAW STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
VIRGINIA TECH AT FLORIDA STATE | 3:30 P.M.
ALABAMA AT TEXAS A&M | 3:30 P.M. | CBS
SYRACUSE AT NORTH CAROLINA | 3:30 P.M.
PURDUE AT IOWA | 3:30 P.M. | PEACOCK
WAKE FOREST AT CLEMSON | 3:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
NORTH TEXAS AT NAVY | 3:30 P.M. | CBSSN
BALL STATE AT EASTERN MICHIGAN | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
BOWLING GREEN AT MIAMI (OHIO) | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
KENT STATE AT OHIO | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTHERN ILLINOIS AT AKRON | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
GRAMBLING AT ALCORN STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
MERCER AT EAST TENNESSEE STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
VANDERBILT AT FLORIDA | 4 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
UCF AT KANSAS | 4 P.M. | FOX
ARKANSAS STATE AT TROY | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
JACKSON STATE VS. ALABAMA A&M (IN MOBILE, ALA.) | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
HOUSTON CHRISTIAN AT NICHOLLS | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTHWESTERN STATE AT LAMAR | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
WESTERN CAROLINA AT CHATTANOOGA | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
UCONN AT RICE | 5 P.M. | ESPN+
SE MISSOURI STATE AT CENTRAL ARKANSAS | 5 P.M. | ESPN+
SE LOUISIANA AT UIW | 5 P.M. | ESPN+
TULSA AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AT YOUNGSTOWN STATE | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
ROBERT MORRIS AT GARDNER-WEBB | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
COLORADO AT ARIZONA STATE | 6:30 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
KENTUCKY AT GEORGIA | 7 P.M. | ESPN
SOUTH ALABAMA AT UL MONROE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
OLD DOMINION AT SOUTHERN MISS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE AT ILLINOIS STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
FLORIDA A&M AT SOUTHERN | 7 P.M. | ESPNU
SOUTHERN UTAH AT TARLETON STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
MONTANA AT UC DAVIS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
UNI AT INDIANA STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
MICHIGAN AT MINNESOTA | 7:30 P.M. | NBC/PEACOCK
NOTRE DAME AT LOUISVILLE | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
ARKANSAS AT OLE MISS | 7:30 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
GEORGIA TECH AT MIAMI (FLA.) | 8 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
FRESNO STATE AT WYOMING | 8 P.M.
TEXAS TECH AT BAYLOR | 8 P.M. | ESPN2
TCU AT IOWA STATE | 8 P.M.
SAN JOSE STATE AT BOISE STATE | 8 P.M. | CBSSN
IDAHO AT CAL POLY | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
MCNEESE AT TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN AT UTAH TECH | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
OREGON STATE AT CAL | 10 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
ARIZONA AT USC | 10:30 P.M. | ESPN
SOUTH FLORIDA AT UAB
TEXAS STATE AT LOUISIANA
NFL SCHEDULE
WEEK 4 SCHEDULE
ATLANTA FALCONS VS JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (WEMBLEY) 2:30P (BST) 9:30A ESPN+
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT BUFFALO BILLS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
DENVER BRONCOS AT CHICAGO BEARS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P CBS
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT HOUSTON TEXANS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P CBS
LOS ANGELES RAMS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P FOX
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT TENNESSEE TITANS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P FOX
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 1:05P (PT) 4:05P CBS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT DALLAS COWBOYS 3:25P (CT) 4:25P FOX
ARIZONA CARDINALS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 1:25P (PT) 4:25P FOX
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT NEW YORK JETS 8:20P (ET) 8:20P NBC
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT NEW YORK GIANTS (MON) 8:15P (ET) 8:15P ESPN
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
SAN DIEGO 6 CHICAGO WHITE SOX 1
MINNESOTA 14 COLORADO 6
HOUSTON 1 ARIZONA 0
DETROIT 8 CLEVELAND 0
TAMPA BAY 7 TORONTO 5
NY YANKEES 5 KANSAS CITY 2
BALTIMORE 5 BOSTON 2
TEXAS 6 SEATTLE 1
OAKLAND 7 LA ANGELS 3
MIAMI 7 PITTSBURGH 3
CHICAGO CUBS 10 MILWAUKEE 6
ST. LOUIS 15 CINCINNATI 6
ATLANTA 5 WASHINGTON 3
NY METS 11 PHILADELPHIA 4
SAN FRANCISCO 2 LA DODGERS 1
NHL PRE-SEASON
BUFFALO 4 COLUMBUS 3
TAMPA BAY 5 NASHVILLE 4
MINNESOTA 3 CHICAGO 2
DALLAS 4 ST. LOUIS 3
NEW JERSEY 3 PHILADELPHIA 2
TORONTO 3 MONTRÉAL 1
DETROIT 5 WASHINGTON 2
NY ISLANDERS 5 NY RANGERS 3
VANCOUVER 5 EDMONTON 2
LOS ANGELES 2 SAN JOSE 1
WNBA SCORES
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
COLUMBUS 1 PHILADELPHIA 1
MIAMI 1 NEW YORK CITY 1
NEW ENGLAND 2 CHARLOTTE 1
CHICAGO 1 NEW YORK 0
ORLANDO 3 MONTRÉAL 0
CINCINNATI 3 TORONTO 2
HOUSTON 0 DALLAS 0
MINNESOTA 1 SAN JOSE 1
NASHVILLE 0 SEATTLE 0
ST. LOUIS 4 KANSAS CITY 1
COLORADO 1 AUSTIN 0
LA 3 PORTLAND 3
VANCOUVER 2 DC 2
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TOP 25 ROUNDUP: NO. 11 NOTRE DAME RALLIES LATE TO STUN NO. 17 DUKE
Audric Estime ran for a 30-yard touchdown with 31 seconds left as No. 11 Notre Dame drove 95 yards to pull out a 21-14 victory against No. 17 Duke on Saturday night in Durham, N.C.
With the Fighting Irish trailing by one, quarterback Sam Hartman’s 17-yard scramble on fourth-and-16 set up the winning points. Estime rushed for 81 yards and two touchdowns. Hartman, who hit Rico Flores Jr. for the two-point conversion for the game’s last points, finished 15-for-30 for 222 yards.
Riley Leonard threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Moore with 9:17 remaining for Duke’s first lead of the game after the extra-point kick. The Blue Devils (4-1) were seconds away from a second September stunner against a traditional power after opening the season by beating Clemson.
Notre Dame (5-1), which led 13-0 deep in the third quarter, was in danger of losing for the second week in a row. The Irish failed to keep visiting Ohio State out of the end zone in the waning seconds last Saturday.
No. 1 Georgia 27, Auburn 20
Riding a huge second half from All-American tight end Brock Bowers and two touchdown runs by Daijun Edwards, the Bulldogs avoided what would have been their first loss in nearly two years and rallied to beat the host Tigers.
The Bulldogs trailed 10-0 after the first quarter. Bowers had two receptions for nine yards in the first half but finished leading all players in receptions (8) and yards (157) and was the only player to catch a touchdown for the Bulldogs (5-0, 2-0 SEC).
Despite a first-quarter interception, Carson Beck completed 23 of 33 passes for 313 yards. He connected with Bowers for the game-winning, 40-yard score with 2:52 to go in the game. Payton Thorne (team-high 92 yards) led an Auburn rushing attack that ran for 219 yards. He added 82 yards passing. Jarquez Hunter added 19 carries for 59 yards and a score for the Tigers (3-2, 0-2).
No. 2 Michigan 45, Nebraska 7
J.J. McCarthy passed for two touchdowns, both to Roman Wilson, and rushed for another as the Wolverines pounded the Cornhuskers at Lincoln, Neb.
McCarthy completed 12 of 16 passes for 156 yards for Michigan (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten). Wilson caught four passes for 58 yards in Michigan’s first road test.
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg completed 14 of 25 passes for 199 yards and was intercepted once. Billy Kemp caught four passes for 61 yards for the Cornhusker (2-3, 0-2).
No. 3 Texas 40, No. 24 Kansas 14
Jonathon Brooks ran for a career-high 217 yards and two touchdowns as the Longhorns ran up and down the field on the short-handed Jayhawks in Austin, Texas.
Quinn Ewers passed for 325 yards and a touchdown and ran for two more scores as Texas (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) has won its first five games for the first time since 2009. Adonai Mitchell hauled in 10 catches (one for a TD) for 141 yards to lead the Longhorns’ receiving corps.
Jason Bean was just 9-of-21 passing for 136 yards in Daniels’ stead, with 58 of those yards on his lone scoring pass. Kansas (4-1, 1-1) had a four-game winning streak snapped.
No. 6 Penn State 41, Northwestern 13
Drew Allar threw for one touchdown and ran for another as the Nittany Lions overcame a slow start to bolt past the Wildcats in a Big Ten game in Evanston, Ill.
Trey Potts and Nicholas Singleton each scored rushing and receiving TDs, while Singleton ran the ball 21 times for 80 yards as Penn State (5-0, 3-0) tallied at least 30 points for the 12th consecutive game going back to last season.
The Wildcats (2-3, 1-2) led 10-3 late in the first half before Nittany Lions ripped off 24 straight points to take command. Penn State, which entered ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense, limited Northwestern to 175 yards and 12 first downs.
No. 7 Washington 31, Arizona 24
Michael Penix Jr. passed for 363 yards and the Huskies recovered a late onside kick as they held on to beat the Wildcats in Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona (3-2, 1-1 Pac-12) got within 31-24 with 1:08 left when quarterback Noah Fifita, who was making his first career start in place of an injured Jayden de Laura, connected with Tetairoa McMillan for a 10-yard touchdown.
Washington (5-0, 2-0) handled the onside kick, taking over at the Arizona 44-yard line and gaining a first down to run out the clock.
No. 8 USC 48, Colorado 41
Caleb Williams matched a career high with six touchdown passes and threw for 403 yards to lead the Trojans to a victory over the Buffaloes in Boulder, Colo.
Williams completed 30 of 40 passes and was intercepted for the first time this season while raising his season passing touchdown count to 21. Brenden Rice, a transfer from Colorado, caught two touchdown passes on five receptions for 81 yards for the Trojans (5-0, 3-0 Pac-12). Tahj Washington had eight receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown. Dorian Singer, Mario Williams and Jude Wolfe had scoring catches for USC, which improved to 17-0 all-time against Colorado.
Shedeur Sanders was 30-of-45 passing for 371 yards, four touchdowns and one interception and rushed for a score for Colorado (3-2, 0-2). Omarion Miller caught seven passes for 196 yards and a touchdown, Jimmy Horn Jr. had seven receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns and Michael Harrison also had a scoring catch for the Buffaloes.
No. 9 Oregon 42, Stanford 6
Bo Nix completed 27 of 32 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns, and the Ducks rolled over the host Cardinal in a Pac-12 Conference mismatch.
Troy Franklin caught seven passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns for Oregon (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12). Terrance Ferguson and Traeshon Holden added one touchdown reception apiece, and Jordan James and Bucky Irving tallied one rushing touchdown apiece.
Justin Lamson completed 11 of 20 passes for 106 yards for Stanford (1-4, 0-3). Oregon outgained Stanford 506-222. The Ducks averaged 8.3 yards per play, while the Cardinal averaged 3.2 yards per play.
No. 12 Alabama 40, Mississippi State 17
Jalen Milroe rushed for two touchdowns and Chris Braswell returned an interception for a score to help the Crimson Tide roll past the Bulldogs in Southeastern Conference play in Starkville, Miss.
Jase McClellan rushed for a touchdown and Will Reichard kicked four field goals as Alabama (4-1, 2-0 SEC) won its third straight game. Milroe completed 10 of 12 passes for 164 yards and added 69 on the ground as the Crimson Tide defeated Mississippi State for the 16th consecutive time.
Will Rogers completed 15 of 27 passes for 107 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-3, 0-3). Mike Wright rushed for a touchdown and Jeffery Pittman had a scoring reception for Mississippi State, which lost its third straight game.
No. 14 Oklahoma 50, Iowa State 20
Dillon Gabriel threw for 366 yards and three touchdowns and ran for two more as the Sooners beat visiting the Cyclones in Norman, Okla.
Oklahoma (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) scored the last 29 points of the game after Iowa State cut it to a one-point game early in the second quarter.
Jayden Higgins, who scored on a 67-yard reception, led Iowa State (2-3, 1-1) with three catches for 91 yards.
No. 20 Mississippi 55, No. 13 LSU 49
Jaxson Dart threw four touchdown passes, including the game-winner with 39 seconds remaining, and the Rebels the Tigers in a wild back-and-forth SEC game in Oxford, Miss.
Dart passed for 389 yards and ran for a touchdown for Ole Miss (4-1, 1-1 SEC). He connected with Tre Harris, who finished with 153 receiving yards, for the winning score. Quinshon Judkins rushed for 177 yards and a touchdown and also caught a touchdown pass.
Jayden Daniels passed for 414 yards and four touchdowns, including three to Brian Thomas Jr., for LSU (3-2, 2-1). Thomas finished with eight catches for 124 yards and Malik Nabers Jr. racked up 102 yards receiving.
No. 21 Tennessee 41, South Carolina 20
Jaylen Wright rushed for 123 yards on 16 carries and scored a touchdown to help the Volunteers beat the visiting Gamecocks in an SEC game.
Joe Milton III completed 21 of 32 passes for 239 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, and wide receiver Squirrel White caught nine passes for 104 yards for the Volunteers (4-1, 1-1 SEC).
South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler finished 24-of-35 for 169 yards and an interception. Mario Anderson rushed for 101 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown for South Carolina (2-3, 1-2).
Kentucky 33, No. 22 Florida 14
Ray Davis rushed for a career-high 280 yards and scored four touchdowns to propel the host Wildcats to a defeat of the Gators in Lexington.
Davis scored three of his touchdowns in the first half as the Wildcats (5-0, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) sprinted to a 23-0 lead on their way to beating a ranked Gators team for the third straight year. Davis had TD runs of 75, 3 and 2 yards and turned a screen pass into a 9-yard scoring play. Davis, who averaged 10.8 yards on his 26 rushes, came up 19 yards shy of tying the school record set by Moe Williams.
Florida (3-2, 1-1) was led by Graham Mertz, who completed 25 of 30 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Since snapping a 31-game losing streak against Florida in 2018, Kentucky has won four of the last six meetings.
No. 23 Missouri 38, Vanderbilt 21
Brady Cook threw for 395 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Tigers past the Commodores in Nashville, Tenn.
Cook picked apart Vanderbilt (2-4, 0-2 SEC) from start to finish. He hit 33-of-41 throws without an interception. He threw two scores to Luther Burden (11 catches, 140 yards) and one each to Theo Wease (10-118) and Marquis Johnson (3-64).
Vanderbilt (5-0, 1-0) benched starting quarterback AJ Swann for Ken Seals (20 of 31, 259 yards, two touchdowns, one pick), who made his first start since 2021. The Commodores lost their fourth consecutive game.
No. 25 Fresno State 27, Nevada 9
Mikey Keene threw two touchdown passes to Jaelen Gill and the host Bulldogs continued their best start in 10 years by beating the Wolf Pack in the Mountain West opener for both schools.
Malik Sherrod had a 72-yard touchdown run as part of a 123-yard performance for the Bulldogs, who are 5-0 for the first time since the high-powered 2013 squad featuring Derek Carr and Davante Adams won their first 10 games.
Keene completed 26 of 34 passes for 269 yards and two interceptions. Gill had eight receptions for 126 yards as the Bulldogs won their 14th consecutive game. Nevada (0-5) lost its 15th straight game, the longest active skid among FBS programs.
NFL NEWS
NFL GAME NOTES
ATLANTA FALCONS (2-1) VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-2)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023 GAME TIME: 9:30 AM ET
ESPN+: Chris Fowler, Louis Riddick, Dan Orlovsky, Laura Rutledge
Westwood One: J.P. Shadrick, James Lofton
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) ATL: 109 or 383 JAX: 104 or 225 National: 158 or 228
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: ATL leads series, 5-3 (won past 4)
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 11/28/21: ATL 21 at JAX 14
ATLANTA NOTES:
ATLANTA will play at Wembley Stadium for 2nd time & compete in 4th international reg. season game in franchise history (12/1/13 at Rogers Centre, Toronto; 10/26/14 at Wembley Stadium, London; 10/10/21 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London). • QB DESMOND RIDDER passed for 201 yards in Week 3. Has TD pass in 3 of his past 4 starts. • RB BIJAN ROBINSON (rookie) had 4 catches & 60 scrimmage yards (33 rush, 27 rec.) in Week 3. Leads all rookie RBs in scrimmage yards (315) & leads all NFL RBs with 14 receptions. • RB TYLER ALLGEIER has 45+ rush yards in 9 of his past 10. • RB CORDARRELLE PATTERSON had 135 scrimmage yards (108 rush, 27 rec.) & 2 rush TDs in last meeting. Had 7 catches & 114 scrimmage yards (60 rec., 54 rush) in his last international game (10/10/21 vs. NYJ). • WR DRAKE LONDON has 5+ receptions in 6 of his past 8 games. • TE JONNU SMITH had 5 receptions in Week 3, his 9th-career game with 5+ catches. • TE KYLE PITTS had season-high 5 catches last week. Had career-high 9 catches for 119 yards & 1st-career TD catch in only career international game (10/10/21 vs. NYJ). • S JESSIE BATES led team with 11 tackles & had 3rd INT of season last week, his 12th-career game with 10+ tackles. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Jax. with 10+ tackles. • LB KADEN ELLISS had season-high 10 tackles last week, his 3rd-career game with 10+ tackles. Aims for his 3rd in row with TFL. • DL CALAIS CAMPBELL had 31.5 sacks & 44 TFL in 3 seasons (2017-19) with Jax. Has 2.5 sacks, 3 TFL & FF in 3 career games at Wembley & aims for his 4th in row at Wembley with 0.5+ sacks. • DL DAVID ONYEMATA has TFL in 2 of 3 games this season.
JACKSONVILLE NOTES:
JAGUARS will be playing 10th game in London all-time & 9th at Wembley Stadium, both most among NFL teams. • QB TREVOR LAWRENCE completed 27 of 40 atts. (67.5 pct.) for season-high 279 yards last week. Passed for 228 yards in last meeting. Will become 4th QB to start 3+ games in London (Blake Bortles, Derek Carr, Andy Dalton). • RB TRAVIS ETIENNE had season-high 138 scrimmage yards (88 rush, career-high 50 rec.) last week. Has 100+ scrimmage yards in 2 of 3 games this season. Had career-high 156 rush yards & rush TD in last game in London (10/30/22 vs. Den.). • RB TANK BIGSBY (rookie) had 2nd rush TD of season last week. • WR CHRISTIAN KIRK had 4 catches for 54 yards & 1st TD of season in Week 3. Aims for 3rd in row with 50+ rec. yards. • WR CALVIN RIDLEY spent 1st 4 seasons of career (2018-21) with Atl., totaling 248 catches, 3,342 rec. yards & 28 rec. TDs. • WR JAMAL AGNEW had season-best 49 rec. yards last week. • TE EVAN ENGRAM led team with season highs in catches (7) & rec. yards (67) in Week 3. Is 1 of 3 TEs with 5+ catches in each of 1st 3 weeks of season. Had 55 rec. yards & TD catch in last game in London (10/30/22 vs. Den.). • LB FOYESADE OLUOKUN led team with season-high 14 tackles last week. Ranks 3rd in NFL with 37 tackles & is 1 of 3 with 10+ tackles in each of 1st 3 weeks. Spent 1st 4 seasons of career (2018-21) with Atl., incl. 2021 where he led NFL with 192 tackles. • LB DEVIN LLOYD aims for 3rd in row with 5+ tackles & PD. • S ANDRE CISCO had 7 tackles last week & has 7+ tackles in 2 of 3 games this season. • S RAYSHAWN JENKINS had 7 tackles & TFL in Week 3. Aims for his 8th in row with 5+ tackles.
Maybe the Jacksonville Jaguars can jump-start their lackluster offense overseas.
After scoring nine and 17 points in consecutive home losses to Kansas City and Houston, respectively, the Jaguars headed across the pond for back-to-back games in London.
Jacksonville (1-2) will play a “home game” against Atlanta (2-1) at Wembley Stadium on Sunday and then move across town and play as the visitor against Buffalo at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Falcons-Jaguars matchup is the first of five international NFL games in 2023 and the first of three in London.
Given how poorly the Jags performed at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville the last two weeks, they’re eager to get away and possibly find better results roughly 4,300 miles (6,900 kilometers) from home.
“It’s a chance for us to reset a little bit and regroup to try to get back on track,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said. “We’re doing everything together as one of those bonding types of experiences as a football team and as coaches.”
Jacksonville’s offense definitely needs help connecting. The unit has been mostly a mess since the Jaguars rallied to beat Indianapolis in their opener.
The Jaguars allowed four sacks against the Chiefs, fumbled three times and finished 4 of 14 on third and fourth downs. They were equally sloppy against the winless Texans, with Calvin Ridley dropping two touchdown passes, Trevor Lawrence throwing an interception and Jamal Agnew fumbling.
“There’s no sense of panic,” Lawrence said. “I wouldn’t say guys aren’t concerned because that’s not the right word. But we care a lot about what we do so there is some concern when you don’t play well and you put a lot of work in.”
The Falcons should be concerned after last week’s road trip. They managed 183 yards, including 44 rushing, and second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder was sacked seven times in a 20-6 loss to Detroit.
“It’s your job and intent to score every time you get it,” Atlanta coach Arthur Smith said. “So if something’s not working, you have to continue to look for solutions and things you can do better.”
LONDON CALLING
The Jaguars have played a home game in London every year since 2013 (except during the pandemic-affected 2020 season). They are 4-5 overseas, with eight of those coming at Wembley.
But this will be the first time an NFL team plays consecutive games overseas and should provide data for the potential for it to happen more often as the league continues to expand its international footprint.
Jacksonville is in the middle of a three-year contract to play annually at Wembley. The deal gives the small-market franchise exclusivity at one of London’s most historic sporting venues.
Jacksonville has full control of the home game – it’s in charge of ticketing, merchandise sales and game-day management – and it yields increased revenue. The Jaguars credit more than 11% of their local revenue to playing abroad.
PATTERSON RETURNS?
Falcons running back/receiver/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson, who scored nine touchdowns last season, is close to making his season debut. It could come in London.
Patterson would provide depth behind young running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. The Falcons now call Patterson’s position “joker” for his wild-card potential as an offensive threat.
CAMPBELL’S CHANCE
Falcons veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell, a six-time Pro Bowler and the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year, is still looking for his first win against a former team.
Campbell is 0-1 against Arizona, where he spent the first nine years (2008-16) of his NFL career. He’s also 0-1 against Jacksonville, where he spent the next three seasons (2017-19). He played the last three seasons for Baltimore before signing with Atlanta.
The Cardinals beat Campbell and the Jaguars 27-24 in 2017. The Jaguars beat Campbell and the Ravens 28-27 last year.
MAKING THE TRIP
The Jaguars received special permission to bring suspended left tackle Cam Robinson to London with the team. Robinson was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Robinson took a banned substance while rehabbing from a knee injury.
He is scheduled to be activated next week, but with the Jaguars in London this week, he was allowed to travel while still suspended. He has not practiced with the team since the preseason ended.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-0) AT BUFFALO BILLS (2-1)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023
GAME TIME:1:00 PM ET
CBS: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) MIA: 134 or 385 BUF: 82 or 229
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: MIA leads series, 61-52-1 (BUF won 8 of past 9)
POSTSEASON: BUF leads series, 4-1
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 12/17/22: MIA 29 at BUF 32
POSTSEASON: 1/15/23 – AFC-WC: MIA 31 at BUF 34
DOLPHINS NOTES:
DOLPHINS became 2nd team in NFL history with 700+ yards (726) of total offense & 4th team ever to score 70+ points (70) in a single game last week. Their 1,651 yards of offense are most ever by a team through 1st 3 games. • QB TUA TAGOVAILOA completed 23 of 26 atts. (88.5 pct. – career-high as starter) for 309 yards & 4 TDs vs. 0 INTs with career-high 155.8 rating last week. Had 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 111.5 rating in 2 starts vs. Buf. last season. Aims for his 6th in row vs. division with 90+ rating. Leads NFL with 121.9 rating & ranks 2nd with 1,024 pass yards & 8 TD passes. • RB DE’VON ACHANE (rookie) had 233 scrimmage yards (203 rush, 30 rec.) & 4 TDs (2 rush, 2 rec.) last week, joining Billy Cannon (1961) as only players in NFL history with 200+ rush yards, 2 rush TDs & 2 rec. TDs in a single game. • RB RAHEEM MOSTERT had 142 scrimmage yards (82 rush, 60 rec.) & career-high 4 TDs (3 rush, 1 rec.). Achane & Mostert became 2nd pair of teammates ever each with 4+ TDs in same game. Mostert is 1 of 2 with rush TD in each of 1st 3 games of season. Aims for 3rd in row with 125+ scrimmage yards. Leads NFL with 7 scrimmage TDs & 6 rush TDs. • WR TYREEK HILL had 9 catches for 157 yards & TD last week. Is 1 of 2 in NFL with rec. TD in each of 1st 3 weeks & is 1 of 2 with 150+ rec. yards in 2 games this season. Had rec. TD in last meeting. • CB XAVIEN HOWARD has PD in 4 of his past 5 vs. Buf. • S JEVON HOLLAND had 8 tackles, PD & career-high 2 FFs last week & is 1 of 4 players this season with 2 FFs in a game. • LB BRADLEY CHUBB has TFL in 2 of 3 games this season. • LB ANDREW VAN GINKEL had 3rd-career FR last in Week 3. • DE EMMANUEL OGBAH had sack & 1st-career INT last week.
BILLS NOTES:
BILLS became 1st team since 1985 with 9 sacks & 4 INTs in a single game last week. • QB JOSH ALLEN had 264 yards (218 pass, 46 rush) & 2 TDs (1 pass, 1 rush) last week, his 26th-career game with both pass & rush TD, most in NFL since 2018 & 4th-most in NFL history. Has 2+ TD passes in each of 11 career starts vs. Mia., incl. playoffs. Has 953 pass yards (317.7 per game) & 9 TDs (8 pass, 1 rush) vs. 0 INTs with 103 rating in his past 3 reg. season starts vs. Mia. • RB JAMES COOK aims for 3rd in row with 110+ scrimmage yards. Had TD catch in last meeting. Ranks 2nd among RBs with 334 scrimmage yards & 3rd with 267 rush yards this season. • RB LATAVIUS MURRAY aims for 3rd in row with rush TD. • WR STEFON DIGGS led team with 8 catches for season-high 111 rec. yards last week. Has 100+ rec. yards in 2 of 3 games this season & is 1 of 4 in NFL with 7+ catches in 3 games. Aims for his 4th in row vs. Mia. with 5+ catches. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. division with 100+ rec. yards & TD catch. • WR GABE DAVIS aims for 3rd in row with rec. TD. • TE DAWSON KNOX had 6 catches for 98 yards & TD in last meeting. Aims for his 5th in row at home with rec. TD. Has TD catch in 2 of his past 3 vs. Mia & 3 of past 4 vs. division. • CB TRE’DAVIOUS WHITE had 1st INT of season last week. Had 3 PD in last meeting & has 8 PD in his past 4 vs. Mia. • S MICAH HYDE had 1st INT of season in Week 3. • LB TERREL BERNARD had 7 tackles, 1st 2 career sacks, 1st career FR & INT last week, becoming 1st player this season with 2 sacks & INT in a game. Aims for 3rd in row with INT. • DTs DAQUAN JONES & ED OLIVER each had 1.5 sacks last week. Oliver aims for 4th in row with TFL, Jones aims for 3rd in row.
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Bills coach Sean McDermott was so eager to simulate the speed of the Dolphins’ offense in practice this week, he wondered jokingly if sprinter Usain Bolt might be free.
With the world record holder apparently unavailable, McDermott leaned on his fastest player, practice squad receiver Andy Isabella, to handle the scout team duties to get his defense up to speed for what could become a track meet between AFC East rivals on Sunday. The Dolphins are 3-0 and the three-time defending division champion Bills are 2-1.
“There’s only so many guys to go around to run as fast we we need them to run to just simulate the speed,” McDermott said. “It’s unique.”
Revolutionary is another word McDermott used to describe a Dolphins offense that scored 70 points in a span of 52 minutes and 59 seconds to rout the Broncos last weekend.
And it’s a unit that features ball-carriers having achieved the five fastest speeds on the field in games this season, as measured by Next Gen Stats. Rookie running back De’Von Achane ranks first, and fifth, after topping out at 21.93 mph against Denver. Receiver Tyreek Hill made the list twice, and running back Raheem Mostert once.
Hill joked he didn’t need to check the list because he considers himself the team’s fastest player, before turning serious in discussing how speed wears down opposing defenses.
“For a guy like me, I feel I can run all day, unlike a guy who is 6-foot and up not used to running a lot,” Hill said, referring to his 5-foot-10, 185-pound frame. “Teams can’t play man to man on us all game.”
Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White shuddered when asked what it’s like defending Hill when the receiver gets a head start by going in motion before the ball is snapped.
“I just pray and hope that definitely doesn’t happen,” White said. “But I just think that if we play team total defense, we’ll be OK.”
Buffalo’s Josh Allen-led attack is no slouch either. The Bills combined for 75 points in two lopsided victories following a season-opening dud against the New York Jets. And their defense is coming off a win at Washington in which it forced five turnovers and had nine sacks.
Much will be on Allen’s shoulders. Perhaps the best way to counter the Dolphins is to keep their offense off the field by winning the time-of-possession edge with lengthy scoring drives.
“At the end of the day, we’re just trying to win a football game. If it’s by putting up 40 or putting up four, we’re just trying to go out there and play complementary football,” Allen said.
Four points likely won’t cut it, but the Bills have dominated Miami since McDermott took over in 2017. In that span, the Bills are 11-2 against the Dolphins, and 7-0 at home, including a 34-31 win an AFC wild-card playoff meeting in January.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remembers that game, having watched it from home while sidelined by a season-ending concussion.
“Oh, we got to beat these guys,” Tagovailoa said. “They’re the next team up and that’s how I think all our guys see it. We’re not worried about anything else right now this week except for the Bills.”
ROOKIE SENSATION
Achane was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after he had 203 yards on 18 carries in his second career game last week. It was the most yards by an NFL player in his first or second game since the NFL and AFL merged in 1970.
“I love it, man. He had a lot of hype coming in here,” Dolphins safety Jevon Holland said. “He said he runs like 26 miles an hour. He might’ve hit that on that run.”
MAN IN THE MIDDLE
Bills second-year middle linebacker Terrel Bernard earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after becoming the NFL’s first player to post two or more sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery since Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher did so for the Bears in 2007.
Bernard missed much of the summer with a hamstring injury, and McDermott showed faith in him by inserting him into a starting role.
“There’s things that you see in his base of who he is that you like,” McDermott said. “Do you know if he’s going to blossom and turn into something? You don’t know that. But he’s certainly off to a good start.”
IMPROVED DEFENSE
Miami’s defense has given up only 157 rushing yards over the past two weeks after allowing the Chargers to rush for 233 yards in the opener. The Dolphins have eight sacks, and their 24 quarterback hurries are the third most in the NFL. They’re tied for seventh in takeaways after recording three against Denver.
MOTION SICKNESS
Aside from the Dolphins’ speedsters, the Bills have to contend with the wide array of pre-snap motions Miami uses to keep defenders guessing.
“Part of what the motion does is it undresses what you’re in, so it forces your hand a little bit,” McDermott said. Asked how a defense might buy time before the ball is snapped, the coach said: “Call timeout. But we only get three of those.”
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-3) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-3)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
FOX: Alex Faust, Brady Quinn, Megan Olivi
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) MIN: 133 or 384 CAR: 85 or 226
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: MIN leads series, 10-6 (won past 2)
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 10/17/21: MIN 34 at CAR 28 (OT)
MINNESOTA NOTES:
QB KIRK COUSINS passed for 367 yards & 3 TDs vs. INT for 97.7 rating last week, his 49th-career game with 300+ pass yards. Is 5th player ever with 325+ pass yards & 2+ TD passes in each of his team’s 1st 3 games of season. Passed for 373 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 112.6 rating in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Car. with 3+ TD passes & 100+ rating & 4th in row vs. Car. with 300+ pass yards. • RB ALEXANDER MATTISON had 5 catches & 125 scrimmage yards (93 rush, 32 rec.) in Week 3, his 6th-career game with 100+ scrimmage yards. • WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON had 7 receptions for 149 yards & 1st rec. TD of season in Week 3. Leads NFL with 458 rec. yards, tiedmost (Wes Welker, 2011) for most-ever by player in team’s 1st 3 games of season. Can become 4th player since 2000 [HOFers Isaac Bruce (2004) & Randy Moss (2007), & Adam Thielen (2018)] with 100+ rec. yards in each of his team’s 1st 4 games of season. • WR JORDAN ADDISON had 6 catches for 52 yards in Week 3 & is 1 of 2 rookies (Puka Nacua) with 50+ rec. yards in each of 1st 3 weeks. • TE T.J. HOCKENSON had team-high 8 catches for 78 yards last week & is 1st TE since 2007 (Antonio Gates) with 7+ receptions in each of his team’s 1st 3 games of season. Leads all TEs with 23 catches in 2023 & has 83 catches since joining Min. in Week 9 last season, most among TEs. • LB DANIELLE HUNTER had 5th sack of season & 8th-career FF last week. Is 3rd player since 2000 [Chandler Jones (2017) & Charles Johnson (2011)] with sack & 2+ TFL in each of his team’s 1st 3 games of season. • LB JORDAN HICKS had 6th-career FF & 10th-career FR last week. Aims for his 4th in row vs. Car. with 10+ tackles. • CB BYRON MURPHY had career-high 10 tackles in Week 3.
CAROLINA NOTES:
QB BRYCE YOUNG (rookie) has 20+ completions & TD pass in each of his 1st 2 career starts. • QB ANDY DALTON passed for 361 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 88.4 rating in Week 3, his 1st start with Car. Has 33 career games with 300+ pass yards. Had TD pass vs. 0 INTs for 108.6 rating in his last start vs. Min. (10/2/22 w/ NO). • RB MILES SANDERS had 5 catches, 62 scrimmage yards (38 rec., 24 rush) & 1st rush TD of season in Week 3, his 21st-career rush TD. Has 178 scrimmage yards (89 per game) & rec. TD in 2 career games vs. Min. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Min. with 85+ scrimmage yards. • WR ADAM THIELEN led team with 11 receptions for 145 yards & had rec. TD last week. Has 6 career games with 10+ catches & 100+ rec. yards. Aims for his 3rd in row with TD catch. Spent 9 seasons (2014-22) with Min. & ranks 3rd in franchise history in catches (534) & rec. TDs (55) & 4th in rec. yards (6,682). • WR DJ CHARK had 86 rec. yards & 1st rec. TD of season in Week 3, his 19th-career TD catch. Had 6 catches for 94 yards & rec. TD in his last game vs. Min. (12/11/22 w/ Det.). • LB BRIAN BURNS had sack & tied his career high with 3 TFL last week. Has 5 sacks & 9 TFL in his past 6. • LB FRANKIE LUVU had TFL last week. Has 5 sacks & 7 TFL in his past 5 at home & aims for his 4th in row at home with TFL. • LB KAMU GRUGIER-HILL led team with 10 tackles in Week 3, his 4th-career game with 10+ tackles. • LB JUSTIN HOUSTON has 5 TFL in 4 career games vs. Min. • LB DEION JONES had INT in Car. debut last week, his 13thcareer INT, most among LBs since entering NFL in 2016. Had INT in his last game vs. Min. (10/18/20 w/ Atl.).
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Adam Thielen isn’t ready to call it a revenge game.
But the Carolina Panthers wide receiver won’t deny he’s been eagerly awaiting Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, the team that released him in the offseason after 10 years with the organization.
Thielen said he’s been anticipating this game since the NFL schedule was released. It takes on added importance with both teams at 0-3.
“It’s really hard to explain the emotions of it,” Thielen said when asked if he’s out for a little revenge. “Is there a little bit of that? Yeah, maybe. But I’m not the type of person to hold grudges. I think it is what it is, and I’m happy where I’m at. I can’t look at the past. I’m just focusing on the now. But there are a lot of emotions. We are emotional beings and we are going to have emotions.”
Thielen said contrary to some reports, the Vikings never attempted to renegotiate his contract. With the 32-year-old set to count nearly $20 million against the salary cap, the Vikings simply chose to release him.
Panthers coach Frank Reich advised Thielen not to let his emotions get the best of him on Sunday.
“You’re going to get a little emotional, but try to work through that because it can be a distraction,” Reich said. “He’s a such a pro and I know he will manage it well. He will feel something and it will feel different. But I know he can manage it.”
For the better part of a decade, Thielen excelled while playing opposite stars like Stefon Diggs and Justin Jefferson.
Now Thielen has a chance to be the guy in Carolina.
And so far he’s done well, catching 11 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown last week against Seattle.
“I think he’s got a lot of good football left in him,” Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins said. “We’ve gotta contain him. I’ll always be pulling for him, but on Sunday, obviously, we’ll have different interests for the first time in about six years.”
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said he’s not surprised how well Thielen has done in Carolina.
“I think he’s got 11 third-down receptions. He’s been really targeted, and you can tell the quarterbacks, no matter who’s in the game, have such a confidence in Adam to make the play, separate, and make contested catches,” O’Connell said. “He’s doing great things that are jumping off the tape.”
YOUNG BLOOD
Thielen’s big game last week came with Andy Dalton at quarterback.
But Dalton heads back to the bench this week with rookie Bryce Young expected to return after missing Week 3 with an ankle injury.
Some skeptics have wondered if Young, because of his slight frame, can hold up to the physicality of the NFL.
“That doesn’t drive me at all, ” Young said. “I can’t control that and it’s not something I think about. Ultimately I care about the opinions of the people in this building. I care about my teammates and coaches and I trust everyone here. That’s who I listen to.”
Young has struggled in his two starts, throwing for 299 yards with two touchdown passes and two interceptions. Dalton threw for 361 yards and two scores last week.
RED-ZONE BLUES
The Vikings replaced Thielen with first-round draft pick Jordan Addison, who’s off to a promising start, but they clearly miss Thielen inside the 20-yard line. The Vikings are tied for 21st in the league in red-zone touchdown rate and rank 26th in goal-to-go situations with five touchdowns in nine opportunities.
Over Cousins’ first five years with the Vikings, Thielen had the third-most red zone touchdown catches in the NFL (34) behind Davante Adams (43) and Travis Kelce (37), according to Sportradar. His 56 red-zone receptions from 2018-23 were the fifth most in the league.
“Adam has always done a great job of separating with tight coverage, using his body to create space, and I always have felt like coaches have done a great job with red-zone concepts of creating reads for me where Adam was getting open,” Cousins said. “I was throwing to the open guy, and it happened to be Adam. So, I’ve got to give coaches a lot of credit and give Adam a lot of credit for being open. There were a few one-handed catches down there and double moves and things that he made, tight windows where he’s just being the great receiver that he is.”
HANG ON!
The Vikings have fumbled a league-high seven times and lost them all, and that doesn’t include two more that were negated by a defensive penalty and a borderline forward progress call. O’Connell, who led the Vikings to 13 wins in his debut season, has been as stern with his players as ever in the attempt to stop the ball-security problems, running them through a number of drills to practice hanging on.
“When there’s five guys around you or there’s six guys around you, at some point you’ve just got to accept it and not try to fight for those extra yards,” tight end T.J. Hockenson said. “I think that’s a mental thing.”
IN THE MIX
The Vikings have said they remain committed to Alexander Mattison as their featured running back, but the recent acquisition of Cam Akers is bound to cut into his playing time. O’Connell said the plan is to work Akers into the offense on Sunday.
”I feel like I’m at home,” said Akers, who played the previous three-plus seasons for the Los Angeles Rams. “This is a great place to start the next chapter of my career.”
PINEIRO’S STREAK
Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro had his streak of 25 straight field goals snapped last Sunday when he missed from 55 yards. It’s the first time in eight career attempts that Pineiro has missed from beyond 50 yards.
DENVER BRONCOS (0-3) AT CHICAGO BEARS (0-3)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
CBS: Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan, AJ Ross
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) DEN: 135 or 386 CHI: 81 or 227
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: Series tied, 8-8 (DEN won 2 of past 3)
POSTSEASON: —
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 9/15/19: CHI 16 at DEN 14
POSTSEASON: —
DENVER NOTES:
QB RUSSELL WILSON completed 23 of 38 atts. (60.5 pct.) for 306 yards & TD vs. INT last week. Has passed for 300+ yards in consecutive games for 1st time since 2020. Has 7 TDs vs. INT with 98.7 rating in 4 career starts vs. Chi., with 0 INTs & 100+ rating in 3 of 4 games. • RB JAVONTE WILLIAMS had season-high 65 scrimmage yards (42 rush, 23 rec.) last week. Aims for 4th in row with 55+ scrimmage yards. • WR COURTLAND SUTTON led team with season-high 8 catches for 91 yards & TD in Week 3. Aims for 3rd in row with 5+ catches & 65+ rec. yards. Has 5+ catches in 2 of his past 3 on road. • WR JERRY JEUDY had 5 catches for 81 yards last week. Has 5+ catches in 6 of his past 7. Aims for his 4th in row on road with 5+ catches. Has 75+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 vs. NFC. • WR MARVIN MIMS had 73 rec. yards & 99-yard KR-TD last week, becoming 3rd Den. rookie since 2000 with KR-TD & 1st since 2010 (Cassius Vaughn). Aims for 3rd in row with 70+ rec. yards. Ranks 3rd among rookies with 195 rec. yards this season. • S JUSTIN SIMMONS had 9 tackles & 2 PD in last meeting. Has 5+ tackles in 6 of his past 7 on road. Has 27 career INTs, tied-4th most among active safeties. • S KAREEM JACKSON had season-best 7 tackles in Week 3. Has PD in 2 of 3 career games vs. Chi. • S DELARRIN TUNRER-YELL led team with career-high 11 tackles last week. • CB PAT SURTAIN III had season-high 5 tackles last week. • LB ALEX SINGLETON had season-best 9 tackles with TFL in Week 3. Aims for his 7th in row on road with 7+ tackles. • DE ZACH ALLEN had season-highs in tackles (7) & TFL (2) in Week 3.
CHICAGO NOTES:
QB JUSTIN FIELDS had TD pass & 47 rush yards in Week 3. Aims for his 7th in row with TD pass. Has 50+ rush yards in 6 of his past 7 at home. Has 13 career games with 50+ rush yards, tied-5th most by QB in 1st 3 seasons in SB era. • RB KHALIL HERBERT has 50+ scrimmage yards in 2 of his past 3. • RB ROSCHON JOHNSON (rookie) had 49 scrimmage yards (38 rush, 11 rec.) in Week 3 & has 40+ scrimmage yards in each of his 1st 3 career games. • WR DJ MOORE had 41 rec. yards & 1st rec. TD of season in Week 3. Had 4 catches for 103 yards & rec. TD in his only career game vs. Den. (11/27/22 w/ Car.). • WR CHASE CLAYPOOL had 5 catches for 130 yards & rec. TD in his last game vs. Den. (10/10/21 w/ Pit.). Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Den. with 85+ rec. yards & rec. TD. • TE COLE KMET aims for his 8th in row at home with 4+ catches. • LB T.J. EDWARDS led team & tied his career high with 16 tackles & had 5th-career game with 2 TFL last week. Is only NFC player & 1 of 3 in NFL (Zaire Franklin & Foyesade Oluokun) with 10+ tackles in each of 1st 3 weeks. Aims for his 7th in row overall with 10+ tackles. • LB TREMAINE EDMUNDS has 8+ tackles in each of his 3 games this season & aims for his 9th in row with 6+ tackles. • DL YANNICK NGAKOUE had 1.5 sacks in his last game vs. Den. (10/6/22 w/ Ind.). Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Den. with TFL. • LB JACK SANBORN had 1st-career INT in Week 3. Has 5+ tackles in 4 of his past 5 at home. • DB JAQUAN BRISKER aims for his 3rd in row at home with PD & 6th in row at home with 6+ tackles. • DB JAYLON JOHNSON had 1st TFL & 1 PD of season last week. • DB TERELL SMITH (rookie) had 10 tackles in Week 3.
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) The Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos have a chance for a reprieve when they meet in a matchup of reeling and winless teams on Sunday.
The question is: Who is more tired of losing?
“You make excuses. You blame this, you blame that, you blame injury, you blame circumstance, you blame all these things,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. “You can’t do that. You got to own up to what you’ve done. The circumstance is the circumstance. You’ve got to execute and do what you’re supposed to do. Do your job every single day. You never know when it’s right around the corner. That’s our attitude. We’re determined.”
The Bears (0-3) have lost 13 straight since a Monday night surprise at New England in Week 7 last season. They’re coming off a 41-10 beating by Patrick Mahomes and the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs that capped a chaotic week.
Quarterback Justin Fields turned some heads with comments about his “robotic” play. He indicated the coaches might be feeding him too much information while also blaming himself for his struggles. Fields later said those comments were taken out of context.
The same day, defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned, saying he needed to “take care of my health and my family.”
The Bears could have rallied with an inspired performance at Kansas City. Instead, they fell behind 41-0.
Then again, things could have gone worse. Just look at the Broncos (0-3).
Denver got crushed 70-20 at Miami and allowed 726 yards of offense in the franchise’s second-worst blowout of the Super Bowl era, behind only a 51-0 loss to the Raiders in 1967. The Broncos lost their first two games against Las Vegas and Washington by a combined three points.
“The reality is we have a couple of games we felt like we should have won,” quarterback Russell Wilson said. “That’s the truth. The last game we didn’t play our best but the reality is that we’ll get to go again on Sunday. We get to strap on our pads and do what we love to do and hopefully put on a show.”
BREAKOUT TIME?
This would be a good time for Fields to have a breakout performance.
He comes in with a 5-23 record as an NFL starter, and a 67.7 passer rating this season that ranks among the league’s worst. He also has just 109 yards rushing after running for 1,143 last season. The Broncos rank last both in total defense and stopping the run.
EMPTY CALORIES
Wilson is playing a lot better than last year, at least statistically, but the Broncos aren’t capitalizing on his rebound from a horrid 2022 season in which he threw for 16 touchdowns and 3,524 yards. This season, Wilson is on pace to throw for 34 TDs and a career-high 4,482 yards. But Wilson is just 4-14 in a Broncos uniform after compiling a record of 104-53-1 in Seattle.
“I think there’s some great things we’re doing but there are some things we’ve got to get better at,” Wilson said.
PRESSURE
The Bears have a league-low one sack after finishing last in the NFL a year ago with 20. By contrast, the Pittsburgh Steelers lead the league with 13.
Though Mahomes had all the time he needed last week, the Bears insist the opportunities for sacks are there. They’re just not finishing plays.
“We have a lot of quarterback hits, a lot of quarterback hurries. We just have to finish and maximize on those opportunities and bringing the quarterback down,” defensive end Yannick Ngakoue said.
MISSING TACKLES
The Broncos have had 11, eight and 24 missed tackles in their losses, according to Pro Football Focus.
“It’s a will thing, you know guys in the NFL are good, so it’s not even just one-on-one tackling, it’s 11 guys getting there to where if one guy does miss, we’ve got three or four guys right behind him backing him up,” linebacker Alex Singleton said.
ON CALL
Eberflus reiterated he plans to call defensive plays for the remainder of the season.
He’s been doing it the past two games in the absence of Williams. Eberflus was Indianapolis’ defensive coordinator prior to taking the Bears’ head coaching job last year.
BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-1) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-1)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
CBS: Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) BAL: 109 or 383 CLE: 104 or 225
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: BAL leads series, 35-13 (Home team has won past 4)
POSTSEASON: —
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 12/17/22: BAL 3 at CLE 13
POSTSEASON: —
BALTIMORE NOTES:
QB LAMAR JACKSON completed 22 of 31 atts. (71 pct.) for 202 yards & rushed for 101 yards & 2 TDs last week, his 13th-career game with 100+ rush yards, most-ever by QB. Aims for 3rd in row with 0 INTs & 50+ rush yards. Is 5-1 in his past 6 starts vs. Cle., with 0 INTs in 5 of 6 games. Aims for 5th in row on road with 0 INTs. Leads QBs with 193 rush yards this season. • RB GUS EDWARDS aims for 3rd in row with 50+ rush yards. Has 2 rush TDs in 2 of his past 3 vs. Cle. • RB MELVIN GORDON had 55 scrimmage yards (32 rush, 23 rec.) in Bal. debut last week. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Cle. with TD. Has 100+ scrimmage yards in 2 of his past 3 vs. Cle. • TE MARK ANDREWS has 5+ catches & 75+ rec. yards in 3 of his past 4 at Cle. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. division with 5+ catches. • WR ZAY FLOWERS (rookie) had 8 catches for 48 yards last week & is 5th player ever with 8+ catches in 2 of 1st 3 career games. Ranks 2nd among rookies with 21 catches this season. • WR NELSON AGHOLOR aims for 3rd in row with 4+ catches. • WR ODELL BECKHAM JR. had 6 catches for 96 yards & 2 TDs in only career game vs. Cle. (11/27/16 w/ NYG). Had 114 catches for 1,586 yards & 8 TDs (7 rec., 1 rush) in 3 seasons (2019-21) with Cle. • LB ROQUAN SMITH had 12 tackles, PD & half sack last week. Has 12+ tackles in 2 of 3 games this season. Has 10+ tackles in each of 2 career games vs. Cle. • LB PATRICK QUEEN has 8+ tackles in each of 3 games this season, incl. 12 last week. Aims for 3rd in row vs. Cle. with 0.5+ sacks. • S KYLE HAMILTON had 9 tackles, career-high 3 sacks & 2ndcareer FF in Week 3, becoming 6th DB since 2000 with 3 sacks in a game & youngest DB since 1982 with 3-sack game. Has sack in each of 2 career games vs. Cle. Only DB with 3 sacks in 2023.
CLEVELAND NOTES:
QB DESHAUN WATSON completed 27 of 33 atts. (81.8 pct.) for 289 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 123.4 rating last week, highest comp. pct. & rating & most pass yards since joining Cle. Is 3-1 as starter at home since joining Cle. • RB JEROME FORD had 51 scrimmage yards (33 rec., 18 rush) & career-high 2 TDs (1 rush, 1 rec.) last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 50+ scrimmage yards & TD catch. • RB KAREEM HUNT made season debut last week. • WR AMARI COOPER had 7 catches for season-high 116 yards & TD in Week 3, his 31st-career game with 100+ rec. yards, tied 6th-most in NFL since 2015. Aims for 3rd in row with 7+ catches & 90+ rec. yards. Had 50+ rec. yards in both games vs. Bal. last season. Has 6+ catches in 2 of his past 3 at home. • WR ELIJAH MOORE had career-high 9 catches for 49 yards in Week 3. Had 5 catches in only career game vs. Bal. (9/22/22 w/ NYJ). • WR DONOVAN PEOPLES-JONES had season-high 49 rec. yards last week. Had TD catch in last meeting. • DE MYLES GARRETT had 3.5 sacks & 1st FF of season last week, most sacks in an NFL game this season & his 3rd-career game with 3+ sacks. Has sack in 4 of his past 5. Aims for his 5th in row vs. Bal. with sack & has sack in 6 of his past 7 vs. division. • DE ZA’DARIUS SMITH spent 1st 4 seasons of career (2015-18) with Bal. This will be his 1st-career game vs. Bal. • DE OGBO OKORONKWO has 0.5+ sacks in 2 of 3 games this season. • DE ALEX WRIGHT had 1st-career sack last week. • CB DENZEL WARD has PD in 9 straight games, longest active streak in NFL. Aims for 3rd in row with 2+ PD. Had 2 PD in last meeting. • S GRANT DELPIT had 9 tackles & 2 TFL in last meeting. Has PD in 2 of 3 games this season.
CLEVELAND (AP) Joe Burrow got grounded in a rainy season opener. Kenny Pickett was forced to lean on Pittsburgh’s defense to score on a Monday night. Ryan Tannehill and the Titans were trampled on Cleveland’s home turf.
Three up, three down.
The first three quarterbacks to face the Browns’ No. 1 ranked defense this season all struggled to varying degrees. None were comfortable. All were under duress.
Led by game-wrecking edge rusher Myles Garrett, Cleveland’s swaggering, swarming defense has been dominant so far, leading the NFL in virtually every prominent statistical category while playing at a historic level.
First-year coordinator Jim Schwartz’s unit has passed every test.
The toughest yet arrives Sunday.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore’s dynamic, dual-threat QB will stress Cleveland’s D with his arm and legs as the Ravens (2-1) visit in a game that will go a long way toward proving whether the Browns (2-1) are a legitimate threat in the AFC North.
To this point, their defense looks for real.
The Browns have given up one touchdown, six points in two home victories and just 491 total yards through three games, the third fewest to start a season in league history. Only the 1999 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (430) and 1970 Detroit Lions (431) were stingier.
“Those guys are flying around,” Jackson said this week.
It may take flying around and more in order for the Browns to contain Jackson, coming off a 200-yard passing, 100-yard rushing performance in an overtime loss last week to the Indianapolis Colts, who took advantage of Baltimore missing several starters due to injures.
The Ravens are much closer to full strength. And as long Jackson is on the field, they can compete with anyone.
He’s dangerous whether taking a snap at his own 1-yard line or in the opponent’s red zone.
“He’s one of the best athletes in the NFL that just happens to play the quarterback position,” said Schwartz, who has the Browns thriving in his attacking-style scheme. “If we saw running backs doing that, we wouldn’t bat an eye. We’ve got to tackle him like he’s a running back. Tackle him like he’s a wide receiver. Just because the ball is in his hand doesn’t mean that he’s still not a threat to run.”
Jackson appears to be in sync with first-year coordinator Todd Monken, who has found the right pass-run blend to accentuate the QB’s unique skillset. Jackson has completed 73% of his passes (63 of 86) as Monken has him taking shorter drops to get the ball out of his hands quicker.
Against Garrett, the faster, the better.
Burrow was slowed by a calf injury in Week 1 and Garrett and Co. held him to a career-low 82 yards passing. Last week, Garrett sacked Tannehill 3 1/2 times alone, and the Browns held the Titans to 94 total yards, their fewest since they were the Houston Oilers.
Tennessee chose not to give Garrett extra attention until it was too late. He had 2 1/2 sacks of Tannehill by halftime, including one on the final play of the second quarter with the Titans threatening to score.
The Ravens have to make sure Jackson is better protected, even if that means using a tight end or running back to chip Garrett.
“He’s such a special athlete and specimen,” Ravens Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews said. “He’s so good at what he does. This is one of those weeks where you have to be ready to go, or guys like him and other guys on that defense are going to make you pay.”
SORE SPOT
Quarterback Deshaun Watson’s best game since joining the Browns came at a cost.
Watson took a few hard shots to his right shoulder on while running the ball against the Titans and he was limited in practice this week. He didn’t throw at all Wednesday and only short passes Thursday.
The Browns listed him as questionable Friday, when he mostly watched practice from the sideline.
END GAME
Jadeveon Clowney left Cleveland on poor terms. He’s not seeking revenge in his return.
The 30-year-old Clowney, who has played well in his first season with Baltimore, said he holds no animosity toward the Browns following a messy breakup that ended with him being released in March.
As Cleveland staggered to a 7-10 finish in 2022, Clowney said the team was more focused on getting Garrett into the Hall of Fame than winning. The Browns responded by sending him home before practice and making him inactive for the last game.
“I got a lot of respect for a lot of those guys over there that I still consider friends,” Clowney said this week. “If I had any bad blood, I don’t think I would have signed to go back there for two years in a row.”
Clowney seems rejuvenated and the Browns know not to treat him lightly.
“He’s wreaking some havoc,” guard Joel Bitonio said. “He looks long. He looks lengthy. He looks explosive. He’ll be a big challenge for us, for sure.”
CRUCIAL TRIPS
The Ravens are going to be living out of their suitcases for a while.
Starting this weekend, they’ll play three straight games on the road – at Cleveland, at Pittsburgh on Oct. 8 and in London against Tennessee on Oct. 15.
Baltimore will finish its road divisional schedule by the end of Week 5, having already banked a win at Cincinnati in Week 2.
“I go into those games playing like (they are) any other game, but it’s different because they are in the division,” Jackson said. “It’s a little extra motivation, I would say. It’s like a rivalry, and it’s physical games, very physical.”
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-1) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (1-2)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
CBS: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, Amanda Renner
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) PIT: 119 or 387 HOU: 158 or 228
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: PIT leads series, 5-2 (won past 3)
POSTSEASON: —
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 9/27/20: HOU 21 at PIT 28
POSTSEASON: —
PITTSBURGH NOTES:
QB KENNY PICKETT completed 16 of 28 atts. (57.1 pct.) & set season highs in pass yards (235), TD passes (2) & rating (108.5) last week. Aims for his 5th in row on road with 0 INTs. • RB NAJEE HARRIS led team with season-best 65 rush yards last week. Aims for his 5th in row on road with 65+ rush yards. • RB JAYLEN WARREN had 52 scrimmage yards (29 rush, 23 rec.) last week & aims for his 3rd in row with 50+ scrimmage yards. • WR GEORGE PICKENS aims for 3rd in row with 75+ rec. yards. Has 4+ catches in each of 1st 3 games of season. • WR ALLEN ROBINSON has 4+ catches in 2 of 3 games this season. Had 9 catches for 123 yards & TD in his last game vs. Hou. (12/13/20 w/ Chi.). Aims for his 5th in row vs. AFC South with 7+ catches & 80+ rec. yards. • WR CALVIN AUSTIN had 72-yard TD catch last week, longest TD catch in NFL this season & 1st-career rec. TD. • TE PAT FREIERMUTH had 41 rec. yards & 2nd TD catch of season in Week 3. Is 1 of 5 TEs with 2 rec. TDs this season. • LB T.J. WATT had 2 sacks last week. Has sack in each of 1st 3 games of season & is only player in NFL with 2+ sacks in multiple games. Aims for his 6th in row with 0.5+ sacks. Has FR & PD in 2 of past 3. Had 2 TFL & sack in last meeting. Leads NFL with 6 sacks, his 6th-career season with 6+ sacks. • S MINKAH FITZPATRICK led team with season-high 11 tackles in Week 3. Has PD in 3 of his past 4 on road. • CB PATRICK PETERSON had 35th-career INT last week, most among active players. Aims for his 5th in row with PD. Had 3 PD & INT in his last game vs. Hou. (11/19/17 w/ Ari.). • CB LEVI WALLACE had 6 tackles, career-high 4 PD & 2 INTs last week, 1st-career 2-INT game. Aims for 3rd in row with 5+ tackles.
HOUSTON NOTES:
QB C.J. STROUD (rookie) completed 20 of 30 atts. (66.7 pct.) for 280 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs with career-high 118.8 rating last week. Ranks 5th in NFL with 906 pass yards, 3rd-most ever by player in 1st 3 career games. Is 4th QB all-time with 200+ pass yards & 0 INTs in each of 1st 3 career games. Aims for 3rd in row with 2+ TD passes & 100+ rating. • RB DAMEON PIERCE had season-high 59 scrimmage yards (31 rush, 28 rec.) & 1st rush TD of season last week. • RB DEVIN SINGLETARY had season-best 41 rush yards last week. Has 80+ scrimmage yards in 2 of 4 career games vs. Pit. • WR TANK DELL had 5 catches for 145 yards & TD last week, most rec. yards ever by Hou. rookie in a single game. Aims for 3rd in row with 5+ catches, 70+ rec. yards & rec. TD. Ties for lead among rookies with 2 rec. TDs & ranks 2nd with 251 rec. yards. • WR NICO COLLINS has 80+ rec. yards in 2 of 3 games this season. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with TD catch. • WR ROBERT WOODS has 6 catches & 50+ rec. yards in 2 of 3 games this season. Had 7 catches for 95 yards in his last game vs. Pit. (11/10/19 w/ LAR). • TE BREVIN JORDAN had 1st TD catch of season last week. • LB BLAKE CASHMAN had 5 tackles, 2 PD, FR & 1st-career INT last week, 1 of 5 players this season with INT & FR in a game. • LB DENZEL PERRYMAN had INT in his last game vs. Pit. (12/24/22 w/ LV). Has TFL in 2 of his past 3 vs. Pit. • LB HENRY TO’OTO’O (rookie) had 10 tackles & PD last week. • DE JERRY HUGHES had TFL in Week 3. • CB SHAQUILL GRIFFIN tied for team lead with 10 tackles last week, his 3rd-career game with 10+ tackles. • S ERIC MURRAY had 5 tackles & 2nd-career FF in Week 3.
HOUSTON (AP) Houston coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud admire the sustained success that coach Mike Tomlin has had during his tenure in Pittsburgh and hope to one day emulate it.
“He’s definitely a guy I look up to, and you see his success and how his players rave about him,” Ryans said. “I think that’s what sticks out the most, and that’s the type of coach that I want to be – a man who truly cares about the players. Not just as players, but as men, and that’s where Coach Tomlin sticks out to me the most, and I have the upmost respect for him.”
For now though the young duo is simply looking for their first career winning streaks when the Texans (1-2) host the Steelers (2-1), who have won two in a row, Sunday.
Stroud and the Texans are coming off an impressive 37-17 win over the Jaguars last week where multiple rookies helped the team to the victory. Stroud, who was taken second overall, said he and Houston’s other first-year players feel a responsibility to turn around a team that has been among the league’s worst for the past three seasons.
“When we first came in, we wanted to set the foundation of why they drafted us,” he said. “We all said to each other, ‘They drafted us together for a reason.’ We all play off of each other and we all eat off each other. We set that standard that we weren’t going to go anything short of success here. We’re going to bring hope to the Texans.”
Stroud has been doing his part and became the first Texan since 2017 to be selected as offensive rookie of the month. The former Ohio State standout is the first player in NFL history with 906 yards passing, four TDs and no interceptions through his first three games.
Now he’ll face a defense that ranks near the bottom of the league in yards allowed, but that has a fierce pass rush that has 13 sacks led by T.J. Watt, who leads the NFL with six.
Tomlin has been impressed with Stroud’s work so far.
“They do a good job of keeping him out of adverse, one-dimensional circumstances like behind the chains is a component of it,” he said. “He’s experienced beyond his years, being a quarterback at Ohio State is a component of it, in my opinion. And then his mobility, his prudent use of mobility, the fact that he can extend plays and still keep his eyes downfield and still manage negativity is another component of it. And so, I think there’s multiple things.”
HOMECOMING
While Pittsburgh’s Watt looks to lead the Steelers on Sunday, his older brother J.J. Watt will return to the place he made home when he’s inducted into Houston’s Ring of Honor. J.J. Watt, who starred for the Texans from 2011 to 2020, will be the third person to receive this honor, joining receiver Andre Johnson and the late founder of the team, Bob McNair.
BACKING IT UP
The Steelers eased up some of the pressure on embattled offensive coordinator Matt Canada – at least briefly – by showing signs of life during last week’s win over Las Vegas.
Pittsburgh scored 23 points as Kenny Pickett threw multiple touchdowns in a game for the first time in his short career. The next step may be more difficult: building on it.
The Steelers have scored 20-plus points in two straight games, though they only crossed that threshold in a Week 2 win over Cleveland thanks to a pair of defensive touchdowns. Pittsburgh has topped 20 points in three straight games just once since Canada took over as offensive coordinator in 2021. Sunday will be Pickett’s 16th NFL start. He’s well aware it’s time to take the training wheels off.
“We want to stack performances, stack wins,” Pickett said. “Got two primetime wins, which was great for us, building momentum … we’ve got to take care of business Sunday.”
A BIG DELL
Houston rookie Tank Dell has come up big through the first three games. The third-round pick from the University of Houston set a rookie franchise record with 145 yards receiving against the Colts. Dell had a 68-yard touchdown reception last week and ranks second among rookies with 251 yards receiving this season.
“I think Tank’s success has just come from his preparation,” Ryans said. “He’s locked in on the details of what he’s asked to do when it comes to the route-running, the depth, the angles of where he’s running. He’s locked in on the details. He’s prepared, and it shows on Sunday when he goes out there.”
TWO-HEADED MONSTER
The Steelers relied heavily on the running game during a 7-2 run to end the 2022 season. After two weeks of being stuck in place to start 2023, Pittsburgh may have found something against the Raiders.
The Steelers ran for 105 yards, with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren both making an impact. Warren has made a name for himself since making the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent before the 2022 season.
He immediately won over Tomlin with his willingness to take on defenders in pass protection, a talent that was on display last week against Las Vegas, when the 5-foot-8 Warren took out Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby – all 6-5 of him – to buy enough time for Pickett to find Calvin Austin III for a 72-yard touchdown pass.
“That’s really consistent with what he’s done since he’s been here,” Tomlin said of Warren. “His blitz pickup has always been exciting and exceptional.”
—
LOS ANGELES RAMS (1-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-1)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
FOX: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Shannon Spake
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) LAR: 108 or 388 IND: 83 or 233
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: IND leads series, 23-20-2 (LAR won past 3)
POSTSEASON: —
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 9/19/21: LAR 27 at IND 24
POSTSEASON: —
LOS ANGELES NOTES:
QB MATTHEW STAFFORD passed for 269 yards in Week 3 & ranks 4th in NFL with 910 pass yards this season. Has 1,267 pass yards (316.8 per game) & 10 TDs vs. 3 INTs for 102.6 rating in 4 career starts vs. Ind. Passed for 278 yards & 2 TDs vs. INT for 101.8 rating in last meeting. • RB KYREN WILLIAMS had 65 scrimmage yards (38 rush, 27 rec.) in Week 3. Is 1 of 2 in NFC (Kenneth Walker) with 4 scrimmage TDs in 1st 3 weeks. Aims for his 4th in row with 50+ scrimmage yards. • WR PUKA NACUA (rookie) had 5 catches for 72 yards in Week 3. Ranks 2nd in NFL with 30 receptions, most ever by player in 1st 3 career games. Leads all rookies with 338 rec. yards. Aims for his 4th in row with 5+ catches & 70+ rec. yards. • WR TUTU ATWELL had 4 catches for 50 yards & his 1st rec. TD of season last week, his 2nd-career TD catch. Aims for his 4th in row with 70+ scrimmage yards. • TE TYLER HIGBEE had 5 catches for 71 yards last week. • DT AARON DONALD had 7 tackles, 2 TFL & 1st full sack of season in Week 3. Aims for his 3rd in row on road with 0.5+ sacks. Had 7 tackles & TFL in last meeting. • LB ERNEST JONES led team with 9 tackles & had TFL & PD last week & is 1 of 5 in NFL with 9+ tackles in each of 1st 3 weeks. Aims for his 4th in row on road with TFL & 7th in row on road with 5+ tackles. • LB BYRON YOUNG can become 3rd rookie since 2000 (James Houston & Terrell Suggs) with 0.5+ sacks in each of his 1st 4 games. • LB MICHAEL HOECHT has TFL in 3 of his past 4 on road. • CB AHKELLO WITHERSPOON had 9th-career INT last week. • CB COBIE DURANT aims for his 3rd in row with PD.
INDIANAPOLIS NOTES:
QB ANTHONY RICHARDSON (rookie) tied for lead among QBs with 3 rush TDs this season & is 3rd QB ever with 3 rush TDs in 1st 2 career games, joining Daunte Culpepper & Jack Thompson. • QB GARDNER MINSHEW completed 27 of 44 atts. (61.4 pct.) for 227 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs in 1st start of season last week. • RB ZACK MOSS had career-high 145 scrimmage yards (career high 122 rush, 23 rec.) & TD catch last week, his 3rd-straight game with 100+ scrimmage yards & TD, tied for longest active streak in NFL. • WR MICHAEL PITTMAN led team with season-high 9 catches for 77 yards in Week 3. Is only player in NFL with 8+ catches in each of 1st 3 weeks of season & can become 3rd player ever with 8+ catches in each of team’s 1st 4 games of season. Had 8 catches for 123 yards in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with TD catch. • WR JOSH DOWNS (rookie) had 8 catches for 57 yards last week. • WR ISAIAH MCKENZIE had TD catch in his last game vs. LAR (9/8/22 w/ Buf.). Aims for his 3rd in row vs. NFC West with rec. TD. • DT DEFOREST BUCKNER has sack in 2 of 3 games this season. Had PD in last meeting. • DE KWITY PAYE is 1 of 6 in NFL with sack in each of 1st 3 weeks of season. Aims for 3rd in row with FR. • DE SAMSON EBUKAM had sack & FF in Week 3. Aims for 3rd in row with sack. Spent 1st 4 career seasons (2017-20) with LAR. • LB ZAIRE FRANKLIN led team with 15 tackles last week & had 1st sack of season. Leads NFL with 45 tackles this season & is only player with 13+ tackles in each of 1st 3 weeks. Aims for his 12th in row with 7+ tackles. Has sack in 2 of his past 3 at home. • S JULIAN BLACKMON had career-high 12 tackles & TFL last week.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Aaron Donald’s impeccable resume would make any defensive player envious.
He owns a Super Bowl ring, three NFL Defensive Player of the Year titles, won the 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and the 2018 Deacon Jones Award as the league’s sacks leader. He has made seven All-Pro teams and nine Pro Bowls and the unanimous All-American also collected the Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award among other honors in college.
Even at age 32, with nothing left to prove, the league’s best defensive tackle shows no signs of slowing down. And this week, like most, blocking Donald will be the focal point for his next foe.
“We’ve got to have a plan for him, know where he’s at at all times and not let him wreck the game,” said Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen, calling Donald one of the best interior lineman in NFL history. “They line him up all over the place. Like I said, we’ve got to have a great, great plan for him.”
Indy (2-1) learned that lesson the hard way when it last faced Donald in 2021.
On that day, he recorded seven tackles, one for loss and three quarterback hits. But his biggest impact didn’t appear in the box score: He helped preserve one goal-line stand by clogging the middle while a teammate recorded a sack and he preserved another by blowing up a shovel pass that was intercepted.
It’s an example of why the Rams (1-2) have made Donald the league’s highest-paid tackle.
Sunday’s game, though, pits Donald against one of the league’s top defensive tackle tandems – two-time Pro Bowler DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, who Colts coaches often insist has played at a Pro Bowl level the past two seasons. Together, they’ve formed a combination that has given the Colts a significant boost.
Indy leads the league in forced fumbles (seven) and strip sacks (five) and is tied for second in fumble recoveries (four) and sacks (12), and Buckner and Stewart have held up well enough against offensive linemen to free linebacker Zaire Franklin to make a league-leading 45 tackles.
And if the Rams want to get their season back on track, their potentially short-handed offensive line needs to win Sunday’s battle of the big men.
“You always want to stay balanced,” Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said. “But you’re also not going to just go beat your head against the wall if they’re saying you’re not going to do it.”
MISSING STARS
Two big names will miss Sunday’s game: Rams All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp and Colts All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor. It might be the last game they miss.
Coach Sean McVay said Wednesday he’s hopeful Kupp (hamstring) can be activated off injured reserve next week. His 2021 single-season totals – 145 catches and 1,947 yards – were the second-most in league history.
Taylor (offseason ankle surgery) also can be activated from the physically unable to perform list next week, though he’s also mired in an ugly contract dispute with the Colts.
HE’S BACK
Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson started Indy’s first two games. On Friday, he was cleared from the concussion protocol. Coach Shane Steichen made the announcement after Richardson completed his third straight practice.
The former Florida star didn’t play the final minute of a season-opening loss to Jacksonville because of what he described as a bruised knee and sore ankle. He then entered the concussion protocol during the first half of a Week 2 victory at Houston. He sat out last week while still in the protocol.
“I’m glad he’s back,” rookie receiver Josh Downs said of Richardson. “Great player. He’s going to go out there and make some plays for us with his legs and his arm.”
Three-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly practiced Wednesday and Thursday but didn’t participate Friday and has not yet cleared the protocol. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann also is in protocol.
THE LONG HAUL
The schedule makers certainly haven’t made life easy on the Rams early this season. They started with a road trip to Seattle and a home date against rival San Francisco, last season’s NFC runner-up.
Now after visiting Cincinnati on Monday night, the Rams are heading back to the Midwest for another game. The two roundtrips tally nearly 8,500 miles – on a short week. Some teams may have opted to stay closer to Indianapolis, but McVay did not.
THE TRADE
Trading players has become an increasingly common practice recently in the NFL, but 51 years ago, the Rams and Colts made an unprecedented swap.
Jim Irsay’s late father, Robert, bought the Rams for $19 million, with most of the shares coming from the estate of former Rams owner Daniel R. Reeves. Robert Irsay then swapped franchises with the late Carroll Rosenbloom, who owned the Baltimore Colts.
The Colts moved to Indianapolis in 1984 and the Rams played in Los Angeles until moving to St. Louis in 1995. The franchise returned to the West Coast in 2016.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-1) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-1)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
FOX: Chris Myers, Robert Smith, Jen Hale
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) TB: 98 or 389 NO: 113 or 230
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: NO leads series, 39-23 (TB won past 2)
POSTSEASON: TB leads series, 1-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 12/5/22: NO 16 at TB 17
POSTSEASON: 1/17/21 NFC-D: TB 30 at NO 20
TAMPA BAY NOTES:
QB BAKER MAYFIELD passed for 146 yards & TD last week. Passed for 170 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs in his only career start vs. NO (9/25/22 w/ Car.). Aims for his 4th in row with TD pass. • RB RACHAAD WHITE had 62 scrimmage yards (38 rush, 24 rec.) last week. Had 6 catches, 69 scrimmage yards (41 rec., 28 rush) & 1st-career rec. TD in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row with 60+ scrimmage yards. • WR MIKE EVANS had 5 catches for 60 yards & 3rd TD catch of season in Week 3. Is 1 of 2 (Tyreek Hill) with rec. TD in each of 1st 3 weeks & aims for his 5th in row overall with TD catch. Has TD catch in 2 of his past 3 at NO. • WR CHRIS GODWIN aims for his 6th in row on road with 50+ rec. yards & 8th in row on road with 5+ receptions. Has 385 rec. yards (96.3 per game) & 4 rec. TDs in his past 4 at NO & aims for his 4th in row at NO with 75+ rec. yards. • TE CADE OTTON had 6 catches & rec. TD in last meeting. • LB LAVONTE DAVID led team with 13 tackles & had 1st sack of season last week, his 30th-career sack. Is only active player with 30+ sacks, 25+ FFs (27) & 10+ INTs (18). Has 5+ tackles in each of his 22 career games vs. NO. Aims for his 4th in row vs. NO with sack. • LB DEVIN WHITE had 2nd-career INT last week & aims for his 3rd in row with PD. Has 72 tackles (10.3 per game) in 7 career games vs. NO. • LB SHAQUIL BARRETT had 2 sacks & FF in last road meeting. • S ANTOINE WINFIELD JR. had 11 tackles in Week 3, his 6thcareer game with 10+ tackles. Had sack in last game at NO. • S RYAN NEAL tied his career-high with 11 tackles last week. Aims for his 3rd in row with TFL & 9th in row with 5+ tackles.
NEW ORLEANS NOTES:
NEW ORLEANS can become 1st team since 1994-95 Cleveland to allow 20-or-fewer points in 12 consecutive reg. season games. • QB DEREK CARR passed for 305 yards & TD in only home start of season (Week 1). Had 284 pass yards & 2 TDs vs. INT for 97.5 rating in his last start vs. TB (10/25/20 w/ LV). Had career-high 513 pass yards at TB (10/30/16 w/ Oak.). • QB JAMEIS WINSTON completed 10 of 16 atts. for 101 yards in Week 3. Has 8 TD passes vs. 3 INTs for 102.7 rating in 4 career home starts with NO. Is TB all-time leader in completions (1,563), pass yards (19,737) & pass TDs (121). • RB ALVIN KAMARA had 841 scrimmage yards (120.1 per game) & 3 TDs (2 rec., 1 rush) in 7 home games last season. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with 100+ scrimmage yards. Has 645 scrimmage yards (107.5 per game) & 8 TDs (5 rush, 3 rec.) in 6 career home games vs. TB, incl. postseason. • WR CHRIS OLAVE had 8 catches for 104 yards in Week 3, his 5th-career 100-yard game. Is 1 of 2 (Justin Jefferson) with 6+ catches & 85+ rec. yards in each of 1st 3 weeks. • WR MICHAEL THOMAS aims for his 4th in row with 50+ rec. yards & 9th in row with 5+ receptions. Has 80 receptions for 964 yards (96.4 per game) & 5 rec. TDs in 10 career reg. season games vs. TB. • DE CAMERON JORDAN had 17 sacks & 18 TFL in 24 career games vs. TB. Has FF in 3 of his past 4 vs. TB. • LB DEMARIO DAVIS has 5+ tackles in all 13 career games vs. TB, incl. postseason. Aims for his 4th in row vs. TB with PD. • CB ALONTAE TAYLOR had career-high 5 PD, 2 TFL & 1stcareer sack in Week 3. Aims for his 3rd in row with 2 TFL & 4th in row with PD. • CB ISAAC YIADOM had career-high 4 PD last week.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Baker Mayfield and New Orleans Saints backup Jameis Winston are not exactly where they were expected to be at this point in their careers.
Both won a Heisman Trophy and were the No. 1 overall selections of their draft classes. Neither is with his first NFL team.
“I don’t like comparing anybody’s story because every story is a little different,” Mayfield said. “But yeah, similar in the aspect of being the first pick (and) not having it exactly go as you wanted it to, but then getting opportunities to have a fresh start.”
Mayfield is with his fourth club since being drafted by Cleveland in 2018. Winston, who entered the league with Tampa Bay in 2015, is with his second team, but lost his starting job in New Orleans three games into last season.
Winston has said he believes he could be a starter again – and might get a chance to show why when the Buccaneers (2-1) visit the Saints (2-1) on Sunday.
Saints starter Derek Carr missed two practices this week because of a shoulder sprain and was listed as questionable after practicing on a limit basis Friday. Coach Dennis Allen said the medical staff would see how Carr’s shoulder feels Saturday before further updating his playing status.
Winston took first-team snaps this week with the prospect of returning to the lineup against the team that let him go in 2020.
“I’m prepared,” Winston said, but stopped short of confirming he would play. “I’m grateful for this opportunity. I know this is Tampa and they drafted me, but at the same time, this is a division opponent and we have to be ready.”
The game could be labeled the “Bust Bowl” by those who had far higher hopes for Mayfield and Winston.
But Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, now in his 13th season, said it’s tough to tell whether a player has plateaued in the NFL – or still has potential.
“It just depends on where your peak is,” Jordan said. “If all you ever hear is, ‘he’s got potential,’ you can potentially be out of a starting job.”
Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. noted that Drew Brees, who shattered every New Orleans passing record that mattered, had a difficult start to his pro career with the San Diego Chargers.
“He was benched a few times, but then all of a sudden it just clicked,” Carmichael said. “That can be unique to every guy.”
The Saints see evidence that Mayfield – who captivated fans with his brash, gunslinger persona as a college player at Oklahoma – is refining his approach.
“I do see a mature Baker,” said Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu, who faced Mayfield during the regular season in 2018 and in the AFC playoffs two seasons later.
“Early in his career, he just tried to do a lot,” Mathieu said. “Now he’s trying to make the best decision. … It’s much more under control from what I’ve seen lately.”
Mayfield’s statistics bear that out. He leads the NFL in third-down completion rate (78.1%) and has one turnover in three games.
Winston has never taken a team to the playoffs, but has been prolific at times. He passed for 5,109 yards and 33 TDs for the Bucs in 2019 – but also threw 30 interceptions.
“He’s had success in this league. We’ve got to find a way to put him in those positions to do the things that he’s had success with,” Carmichael said. “I’m very comfortable with him.”
ADDING ALVIN
Bucs coach Todd Bowles said he considers the return of Alvin Kamara from his three-game suspension a bigger development for New Orleans’ offense than a quarterback change would be.
“It’s going to be a chore because he’s the most athletic of all the running backs they have,” Bowles said, noting that Kamara’s return also will make it tougher to beef up coverage of speedy wideouts Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. “They’ll have a bit more juice in the backfield to go with the speed they have outside.”
RUSHING WOES
The Bucs had the worst rushing attack in the NFL last season and are averaging just 78 yards per game on the ground so far this season.
Philadelphia limited them to 41 yards on 17 attempts Monday night, with Rachaad White accounting for most of that (38 yards on 14 carries).
Bowles offered a blunt assessment of the running attack against the Eagles.
“We didn’t have one,” Bowles said. “We’re not going to sit here and sugarcoat anything.”
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY
More than once, these teams have engaged in after-the-whistle melees that resulted in ejections and suspensions.
On two occasions, matchups between Bucs star receiver Mike Evans and Saints star cornerback Marshon Lattimore were at the center of the scuffles.
“You know Marshon will be ready,” Kamara said with a grin. “We’re going to do what we’ve got to do, it just is what it is. If something happens, we’ll address the issue, but it is what it is. Y’all know how this game goes.”
PLAYING TAKEAWAY
Bowles’ defenses have been among the NFL’s best at forcing turnovers since Tampa Bay hired him as defensive coordinator four years ago and promoted him to head coach in 2022.
The Bucs have five interceptions through three games, tied with San Francisco and Dallas for second in the NFL. The Saints are tied for fifth with four.
Tampa Bay has seven takeaways overall, tied with Philadelphia for third-most in the league behind Buffalo (nine) and Pittsburgh (eight).
Bowles expects the turnover ratio to be pivotal in New Orleans.
“The winner of this game usually has the margin of turnovers on their side,” he said.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (2-1) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (3-0)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
FOX: Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston, Pam Oliver
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) WAS: 99 or 390 PHI: 111 or 231
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: WAS leads series, 88-82-5 (PHI has won 3 of past 4)
POSTSEASON: WAS leads series, 1-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 11/14/22: WAS 32 at PHI 31
POSTSEASON: 1/5/91 NFC-WC: WAS 20 at PHI 6
WASHINGTON NOTES:
QB SAM HOWELL passed for 170 yards last week. Has 6 TDs (4 pass, 2 rush) in 4 career starts. • RB BRIAN ROBINSON rushed for 70 yards in Week 3. Aims for his 6th in row on road & 11th in row overall with 50+ scrimmage yards. Had 86 rush yards & rush TD in last meeting. • RB ANTONIO GIBSON aims for his 4th in row vs. Phi. with rush TD. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 7 of his past 8 road games. • WR TERRY MCLAURIN led team wth 6 catches last week. Aims for his 4th in row on road with TD catch & 7th in row on road with 50+ rec. yards. Had 8 catches for 128 yards in last meeting. Has 5+ catches in 7 of his 8 career games vs. Phi. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Phi. with 100+ rec. yards. • WR CURTIS SAMUEL led team with 54 rec. yards last week & has 50+ scrimmage yards in 2 of 3 games this season. • DT JONATHAN ALLEN had 1st PD of season last week. Has 6+ tackles in 2 of his past 3 at Phi. • DT DARON PAYNE aims for his 3rd in row with PD & 4th in row with TFL. Has sack in 6 of his past 7 road games & TFL in 8 of his past 9 on road. Aims for his 5th in row on road with sack. • DE MONTEZ SWEAT has sack in 4 of his past 5 vs. Phi. & aims for his 4th in row at Phi. with sack. Has 4.5 sacks & 5 TFL in his past 5 road games. • DE CHASE YOUNG aims for his 3rd in row with TFL. Has 2.5 sacks, FF & FR in 2 career games vs. Phi. & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Phi. with sack. • LB CODY BARTON led team with 13 tackles in Week 3, his 11thcareer game with 10+ tackles. • CB KENDALL FULLER had 3 PD & 1st INT of season in Week 3. Aims for his 5th in row vs. Phi. with PD.
PHILADELPHIA NOTES:
PHILADELPHIA improved to 3-0 in consecutive seasons for 1st time since 1992-93. • QB JALEN HURTS passed for 277 yards & had 10th-career game with both pass & rush TD in Week 3. Phi. have won 20 of past 21 games started by Hurts. Has 29 rush TDs in 48 games, most rush TDs by QB in 1st 50 games all-time. Has 6 TDs (5 pass, 1 rush) in his past 2 vs. Was. Aims for his 5th in row vs. Was. with 90+ rating. • RB D’ANDRE SWIFT had 138 scrimmage yards (130 rush, 8 rec.) last week & has 100+ rush yards in consec. games for 2nd time in his career (Weeks 10-11, 2021). Has 236 scrimmage yards (118 per game) & 2 rec. TDs in 2 career games vs. Was. • WR A.J. BROWN had 9 catches for 131 yards last week, his 18th-career game with 100+ rec. yards. Has 95+ rec. yards in 3 of his past 4 at home. • WR DEVONTA SMITH has 100+ rec. yards in 3 of his past 4 at home. Had TD catch in both 2022 meeting vs. Was. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Was. with 6+ catches & rec. TD. • TE DALLAS GOEDERT aims for his 3rd in row vs. Was. with rec. TD. • DE BRANDON GRAHAM has 9 TFL in his past 8 vs. Was. • DT FLETCHER COX has 4 sacks in his past 4 vs. Was. • DT JALEN CARTER (rookie) had 1st 2 career FFs in Week 3. • LB HAASON REDDICK aims for his 5th in row vs. Was. with sack. • CB DARIUS SLAY aims for his 3rd in row at home vs. Was. & 3rd in row at home overall with PD. • CB JAMES BRADBERRY had 4th-career FR last week. Has 2 PD in 2 of his past 3 at home. • S REED BLANKENSHIP had 2nd-career INT & 1st-career TFL in Week 3. Aims for his 3rd in row with 7+ tackles & PD.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) A.J. Brown laughed off his sideline beef with Jalen Hurts.
Just two friends, close as brothers, airing out grievances – well, it was Brown who was aggrieved – over how much the wideout should get the ball.
Winning can often soothe disappointment. That was two games ago, and the Philadelphia Eagles are still undefeated at 3-0 going into an NFC East showdown Sunday against Washington.
Hurts targeted Brown 14 times Monday night in a victory at Tampa Bay. Brown finished with nine catches for 131 yards, while fellow 1,000-yard receiver DeVonta Smith had just four catches.
Coach Nick Sirianni said breakout games were coming for all the receivers and that play-calling is often dictated by the circumstances of the game. Consider, Hurts led the Eagles on a game-ending drive that lasted more than nine minutes against the Buccaneers.
“We’re going to do whatever we need to do to win the football game,” Sirianni said. “Our offensive line is playing great, and I think we’ve had some really good performances in the pass game, as well. It’s just the way the flow of the game goes sometimes that can sway the numbers a little bit.”
Fall sports in Philly is shaping up a bit like last year, when the Eagles won their first eight games and the Phillies played in the World Series. The Eagles are again unbeaten, the Phillies are back in the playoffs, and the Commanders are in town to play spoiler.
Washington’s 32-21 win last season handed Philadelphia its first loss after an 8-0 start. Yes, the Commanders forced four turnovers, but the Eagles’ receivers were largely shut down: Brown had just one catch, tight end Dallas Goedert three, and Smith had six but for only 39 yards.
Keeping the receivers out of the end zone could go a long way toward keeping the Commanders competitive.
WHAT NOW, HOWELL
Second-year quarterback Sam Howell threw four interceptions and was sacked nine times in Washington’s 37-3 loss to Buffalo last week. It was the first loss in four NFL starts for the 2022 fifth-round pick out of North Carolina who was named the Commanders’ No. 1 QB before the season began.
“I expect to play much better than I played on Sunday and my teammates, and this organization deserves for me to play better than I played on Sunday, and I just got to do a better job,” Howell said. “I can’t go out there and make the excuse that I’m young because the teams we’re playing, they don’t care. The scoreboard doesn’t care. I got to do my job at a higher level in order for this team to go where we want to go.”
There’s no indication coach Ron Rivera or offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is considering benching Howell for veteran backup Jacoby Brissett.
“There is a resilience to him that his teammates appreciate and just the way he handles himself as he walks around the facility,” Rivera said of Howell. “One moment he’s really serious about it and recognizing and understanding what he has to do, the other moment he can be lighthearted and laugh with the guys. I think he’s exactly where he needs to be right now.”
BROTHERLY SHOVE
So long tush push, hello brotherly shove?
The Eagles have turned the tush push into the most unstoppable play in the NFL.
Hurts lines up under center with two or three players behind him. He takes the snap, the offensive line surges forward and Hurts gets a big push from behind.
The result is almost always a touchdown or a first down.
The play works. The nickname, maybe not so much. There’s an effort underway to rebrand the play, and Sirianni is on board.
“Brotherly shove. I kind of like that,” Sirianni said. “Who came up with that?”
Jokesters on social media, of course.
Thanks in large part to the push, err, shove, the Eagles are dominating on QB runs (no scrambles) on third-and-1 or fourth-and-1 plays, or attempts from the opponent’s 1-yard line.
The last two seasons, Hurts is 36 of 42 (85.7%) while the rest of the NFL is 245 of 320 (76.6%). This season alone, Hurts is 7 of 8 (87.5%) and the rest of the league is 33 of 45 (73.3%).
UPBEAT AFTER DEFEAT
The Commanders weren’t one or two – or maybe even 10 – plays away from beating the Bills. But after a game where not much went right, including their stout defensive line not sacking Josh Allen once, the mood around the team is positive.
“Practice had a lot of energy, a lot of high energy, and that was another good thing that’s important,” Rivera said. “You got to be able to bounce back and get yourself refocused. This is a very good football team we’re playing. It really is. We’re going into a very tough environment as well, so we’ve got to rally around one another and make sure we understand what it takes.”
It doesn’t hurt that the upcoming schedule looks relatively soft for Washington, with games against Chicago and at Atlanta and the New York Giants sandwiched between matchups with Philadelphia.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (1-2) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (1-2)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
FOX: Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth, Kristina Pink
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) CIN: 146 or 391 TEN: 132 or 232
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: TEN leads series, 40-35-1 (CIN won 4 of past 5)
POSTSEASON: CIN leads series, 2-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 11/27/22: CIN 21 at TEN 16
POSTSEASON: 1/22/22 AFC-DIV: CIN 19 at TEN 16
CINCINNATI NOTES:
QB JOE BURROW completed 26 of 49 atts. (53.1 pct.) for season-high 259 yards last week. Is 2-0 with 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 98.9 rating in 2 career starts vs. Ten. Has 90+ rating in 6 of his past 7 on road, with 3+ TD passes in 2 of his past 3. • RB JOE MIXON rushed for season-high 65 yards & 1st TD of season last week. Has 70+ scrimmage yards in each of 1st 3 games of season. Had rush TD in only career game vs. Ten. (11/12/17). Needs 121 scrimmage yards to become 5th player in franchise history with 7,500 career scrimmage yards. • WR JA’MARR CHASE led team with career-high 12 catches for 141 yards last week, his 10th-career game with 100+ rec. yards. Has 5+ catches in 11 straight games, tied for longest active streak in NFL (Keenan Allen). Needs 10 catches to tie Jarvis Landry (33 games) as 3rd-fastest player ever to reach 200 career catches. • WR TEE HIGGINS had 7 catches for 114 yards & TD in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Ten. with 75+ rec. yards. • WR TYLER BOYD aims for 3rd in row with 5+ catches. • DE TREY HENDRICKSON had season-high 2 sacks last week, his 9th-career game with 2+ sacks & 5th with Cin. Has sack in 3 of his past 4. • DE SAM HUBBARD had 6 tackles & 1st sack of season in Week 3. Had 6 tackles, 2 TFL & sack in last meeting. • DT B.J. HILL had 2nd sack of season last week. • LB LOGAN WILSON had 2 INTs last week, 2nd-career game with 2 INTs, & became 1st LB with 2 INTs in a game this season. Had 9 tackles, TFL & PD in last meeting & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Ten. with TFL. Aims for his 10th in row on road with 5+ tackles. • S DAX HILL led team with 8 tackles & had 2 TFL & 1st sack of season in Week 3. Aims for 4th in row with 6+ tackles.
TENNESSEE NOTES:
QB RYAN TANNEHILL completed 22 of 34 atts. (64.7 pct.) for 291 yards with 0 INTs & 91.7 rating in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Cin. with 90+ rating. Has 1,046 pass yards (261.5 per game) & 6 TDs (5 pass, 1 rush) vs. INT with 98.9 rating in his past 4 home starts. • RB DERRICK HENRY has 95+ scrimmage yards in 2 of 3 games this season & 6 of his past 7 overall. Had 117 scrimmage yards (38 rush, career-high 79 rec.) in last meeting & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Cin. with 110+ scrimmage yards. Aims for his 4th in row at home with rush TD. Needs 2 rush yards to become 6th-fastest player since 2000 (106 games) to reach 8,500 career rush yards. • RB TYJAE SPEARS (rookie) led team with 4 catches last week. • WR DEANDRE HOPKINS had team-high 48 rec. yards in Week 3 & aims for his 4th in row with 40+ rec. yards. Had 7 catches for 73 yards in his last game vs. Cin. (9/14/17 w/ Hou.). Has 5+ catches in 3 of 4 career games vs. Cin. • WR TREYLON BURKS had 4 catches for 70 yards in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row at home 65+ rec. yards. • WR NICK WESTBROOK-IKHINE had 58 rec. yards in last meeting. • S KEVIN BYARD has 5+ tackles in 2 of 3 games this season. Has 6+ tackles in each of 3 career games vs. Cin., with PD in 2 of 3. • S AMANI HOOKER led team with 11 tackles last week, his 3rdcareer game with 10+ tackles. Had 8 tackles in last meeting. • CB SEAN MURPHY-BUNTING had 6 tackles, FF & FR in Week 3. Has 5+ tackles in each of 1st 3 games of season, with FF in 2 of 3. Had PD in only career game vs. Cin. (12/18/22 w/ TB). • CB ROGER MCCREARY had 10 tackles & sack last week. • DE DENICO AUTRY had sack & 1st FF of season last week. Is 1 of 6 in NFL with sack in each of 1st 3 weeks.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Tennessee Titans are about to find out if an ugly loss can help them play better.
Not only were the Titans held to their fewest total yards in a game in 49 years, Tennessee also has lost nine of 10 games overall, including two of three to start this season.
Making it worse? Three pass plays accounted for 76 of those 94 total yards in the 27-3 loss to Cleveland.
Now the Titans are home Sunday, hosting Cincinnati (1-2) with the Bengals having won three straight and four of the past five against their old AFC Central rivals.
The most painful loss came in January 2022 when the Titans blew the AFC’s No. 1 seed, losing to Cincinnati en route to a Super Bowl berth.
Three-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry remains confident that the Titans have plenty of time to get back on track.
“We definitely don’t want to go out there and lose,” Henry said. “But sometimes adversity strikes earlier than other times. So just staying focused on what we want to do, how are we going to play as a team and take it week by week to try to go out there and get a win.”
The Bengals eased their desperation for a win Monday night by beating the Los Angeles Rams 19-16. Joe Burrow went from being a game-time decision to play with his sore right calf to throwing for a season-high 259 yards. He’s doing his best to avoid any setbacks.
“Right now I’m feeling my way through it,” Burrow said.
Protecting Burrow has been key. He’s been sacked only five times, and two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons said the Titans know they have to get their hands up with how quickly Burrow gets the ball out. Simmons had three of Tennessee’s nine sacks in that playoff loss.
The Titans know that Burrow isn’t moving around a lot right now.
“If we could get our hands up and have 10 batted balls with zero sacks and get a win, that’s affecting the quarterback,” Simmons said.
DEFENSE RULES
Cincinnati’s defense gave the Bengals a chance to win Monday night. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson had two of six sacks, and linebacker Logan Wilson had two interceptions. The Bengals held the Rams to just 1 of 11 conversions on third down.
“They were relentless,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “They put a lot of pressure on him, good against the run, as well. Just never allowed them to get into a great rhythm. I think that was critical.”
The Bengals will have more opportunities against Tennessee. Ryan Tannehill has been sacked 13 times, including five in each of the past two games.
WHERE’S HENRY
With the Titans running only 45 plays last week, Henry spent more time on the bench than on the field. The man with more yards rushing than any other running back since December 2018 was held to 20 yards on 11 carries.
He should have a chance to run Sunday. Cincinnati is giving up 151.7 yards rushing a game, tied for 30th in the NFL. Henry said he’s always motivated for the next game, but called that previous game “rough.”
“The last week can add a little bit more fuel definitely,” Henry said.
YOU CAN’T DO THAT
Taylor is bothered by the Bengals’ penalties, especially the number and timing on Monday night. Cincinnati was whistled for seven infractions costing 49 yards.
Running back Joe Mixon and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. were called for false starts on consecutive plays in the first quarter on a drive that led to a Bengals punt.
Receiver Tyler Boyd’s false start on third-and-6 helped stall another drive that ended in a field goal.
A pass interference call on receiver Tee Higgins wiped out a 38-yard gain that would have given Cincinnati the ball at the Rams 1.
“Penalties have killed us the last two weeks,” Taylor said. “That’s a big thing we’ve got to clean up.”
THANK GOODNESS IT’S OCTOBER
The Titans host the Bengals in a month that has been good for this franchise. Tennessee goes into October having won eight straight games in this month starting with a victory at Jacksonville on Oct. 10, 2021.
The Titans are 10-2 in October over the past three seasons with one of those in overtime on the road.
That’s ahead of Baltimore and Buffalo, both tied at 9-3 in that span.
FOLK’S STREAK
Veteran kicker Nick Folk, acquired by Tennessee from New England in a trade at the final roster cutdown deadline, has the NFL’s longest active streak of made field goals. He’s made all eight field goals and his three extra points since joining Tennessee.
Counting the eight he made at the end of 2022 with New England, his streak stands at 16. It’s the fifth time in his career he’s made at least 16 consecutive field goals.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-2) AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (1-2)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023
GAME TIME: 4:05 PM ET
CBS: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, Melanie Collins
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) LV: 133 or 384 LAC: 85 or 226
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: LV leads series, 67-57-2 (Home team won past 4)
POSTSEASON: LV leads series, 1-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 12/4/22: LAC 20 at LV 27
POSTSEASON: 1/11/81 AFC-C: OAK 34 at SD 27
LAS VEGAS NOTES:
QB JIMMY GAROPPOLO completed 28 of 44 atts. (63.6 pct.) for season-high 324 yards & 2 TDs last week. Passed for 240 yards with 0 INTs & 94.3 rating & had rush TD in only career start vs. LAC (11/13/22 w/ SF). • QBs BRIAN HOYER & AIDAN O’CONNELL (rookie) can make season debuts. • RB JOSH JACOBS had season-high 80 scrimmage yards (62 rush, 18 rec.) last week. Rushed for 144 yards & TD in last meeting & has 125+ rush yards & rush TD in 2 of his past 3 vs. LAC. Has 424 scrimmage yards (141.3 per game) in his past 3 on road vs. division. Needs 152 rush yards to become 4th player in franchise history with 5,000+ career rush yards. • WR DAVANTE ADAMS led team with 13 catches for 172 yards & 2 TDs in Week 13, his 15th-career game with 10+ catches, 100+ rec. yards & rec. TD, most in NFL history. Has 6+ catches & 65+ rec. yards in each of 1st 3 games of season. Had 18 catches for 318 yards (159 per game) & 3 rec. TDs in 2 games vs. LAC last season. Has 65+ rec. yards in each of 7 games vs. division since joining LV. Ranks tied-4th in NFL with 25 catches & 5th with 322 rec. yards. • WR JAKOBI MEYERS has 7+ catches & 80+ rec. yards in each of his 1st 2 games of season. • DE MAXX CROSBY had 2nd sack of season last week. Had FF in last meeting. Has 12 TFL & 8 sacks in his past 6 vs. division, with sack in each of past 2. • LB DIVINE DEABLO has 8+ tackles in each of 1st 3 games of season. Had 7 tackles in last meeting. • CB MARCUS PETERS had season-high 6 tackles & TFL in Week 3. Has PD in 6 of 7 career games vs. Chargers, with INT in 3 of past 4. • CB NATE HOBBS had 6 tackles & 2 PD last week.
LOS ANGELES NOTES:
QB JUSTIN HERBERT completed 40 of 47 atts. (85.1 pct.) for career high 405 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 123.8 rating last week, 3rdhighest comp. pct. ever by QB with 40+ attempts. Has 0 INTs & 95+ rating in each of 1st 3 games in 2023. Passed for 335 yards in last meeting. Has 15 TDs (14 pass, 1 rush) vs. INT with 101.6 rating in 6 career starts vs. LV, with 2+ TD passes in 5 of 6 games. Has 15,028 pass yards & 100 TD passes in 52 career games, becoming 2ndfastest ever to 15,000 pass yards & 4th-fastest to 100 TD passes. • RB AUSTIN EKELER had 102 scrimmage yards (67 rec., 35 rush) & 5 catches in last meeting. Has 95+ scrimmage yards in 3 of his past 4 vs. LV. Aims for his 8th in row at home with TD. Has 393 catches in 90 career games & can become 4th-fastest RB ever to reach 400 catches. • WR KEENAN ALLEN set career highs in catches (18) & rec. yards (215) & threw 49-yard TD pass last week, tied 3rd-most catches in reg. season game in NFL history. Became 4th player ever with 10+ catches & TD pass in same game. Aims for 3rd in row with 110+ rec. yards & is 1 of 3 in NFL with 5+ catches & 75+ rec. yards in each of 1st 3 weeks of season. Had rec. TD in last meeting. • WR JOSHUA PALMER had season-best 66 rec. yards & 1st TD catch of season in Week 3. Had 7 catches for 60 yards in last meeting. • TE DONALD PARHAM had career-high 2 rec. TDs last week. • LB JOEY BOSA aims for 3rd in row with sack. Aims for his 4th in row vs. LV with sack & FF. • LB KHALIL MACK had 3 sacks & FF in last home meeting. • LB KENNETH MURRAY had 9 tackles & 2nd-career INT in Week 3. Aims for 3rd in row with TFL. Had FF in last meeting. • S DERWIN JAMES aims for his 5th in row with 6+ tackles. Had sack in last home meeting.
Jimmy Garoppolo has been preparing as if he’s going to be the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders’ medical staff will make the call, and that might not happen until shortly before game time.
Garoppolo, who’s in the concussion protocol, was limited in Thursday’s practice and has been taking part in meetings.
Whether Garoppolo plays might not be decided until the weekend. The Raiders could go with 15-year veteran Brian Hoyer or rookie Aidan O’Connell.
Coach Josh McDaniels said experience will not be the deciding factor if Garoppolo can’t go.
“I think everybody is going to get ready to go,” he said. “I think sometimes experience is a good thing, it doesn’t mean that it’s going to determine how it’s going to go for one guy versus another. Ultimately what matters is how they perform, not how long they’ve been in the NFL, or how many games they’ve played in or what have you.”
Linebacker Khalil Mack, who began his career with the Raiders, said that despite all three quarterbacks having different styles, preparing for them is not as difficult as one might think.
“It’s more so about their system, understanding what they want to do with Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs. That’s the only thing we’re concerned about,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chargers’ passing game is thriving under Justin Herbert. The fourth-year quarterback leads the league with a 74.4% completion rate and is second with a 112.9 passer rating.
Keenan Allen leads the league with 32 receptions, but his fellow veteran wideout, Mike Williams, suffered a season-ending knee injury in last week’s win at Minnesota.
Both teams are 1-2. The Raiders’ win came in the opener against AFC West rival Denver, while the Chargers are playing their first division game.
“All of the division games, there’s just a different caliber of energy,” coach Brandon Staley said. “You know each other a lot better – certainly, with this group, with the same head coach, we’ve played these guys and they’ve played us. It’s going to be a really big-time environment on Sunday.”
HAVING WORDS
Adams was vocal after Sunday night’s 23-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, saying the team wasn’t “doing things the right way to establish a winning culture.”
On Wednesday, he made it clear those words weren’t directed at the organization.
“That was about us as a football team and the players that go out there and have the most control over what happens in the outcome of games,” said Adams, who is tied for third in the league with 25 catches. “I think it’s really cowardly and small to take shots at coaches when we have the most to do with what happens ultimately out there on the field. I’m a pretty direct dude, so if it was that, I wouldn’t personally decide to go to the media about it. I would take care of it the way that a man is supposed to.”
This isn’t the first time Adams has been vocal about his concerns regarding the direction of the team, which he joined last year after eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
Adams needs 41 yards to become one of 27 players in NFL history to reach 10,000 receiving yards in his first 10 seasons.
ANOTHER CHALLENGE
After going against Miami’s Tyreek Hill and Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson so far, the Chargers’ beleaguered defense now has to face Adams.
Adams had 18 catches for 318 yards and three touchdowns combined in the two meetings last season, including an eight-catch, 177-yard game in the Raiders’ Week 13 win.
Los Angeles is last in the league in pass defense, giving up 337 yards per game. It has allowed 17 pass plays of at least 20 yards, tied with Seattle for the most. Cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Michael Davis have struggled and J.C. Jackson was inactive last week despite being healthy. Safety Derwin James is questionable after suffering a hamstring injury at Minnesota.
STUCK IN NEUTRAL
The Chargers had 234 rushing yards in the opener, but with Austin Ekeler sidelined with a high ankle sprain the last two weeks, the ground game has resembled last year’s, which was near the bottom of the league.
Los Angeles has only 91 rushing yards the past two games. Joshua Kelley is averaging 2.1 yards per carry the last two weeks, and was stopped for no gain on a critical fourth-and-1 last week that would have sealed the game. Eight of his 24 carries the last two games have gone for no gain or negative yards.
MOVING MAXX
Double-teaming Las Vegas defensive end Maxx Crosby isn’t so easy this season because he is shifting around.
Crosby has two sacks through three games. He missed practice Thursday with a knee injury.
“I’ve been working on that during camp, moving all around and I enjoy it,” Crosby said. “I feel like I can win regardless of where I’m at on the line of scrimmage. I just want to give our team the best chance to win.”
The Raiders have had to be creative with end Chandler Jones on the non-football illness list. Las Vegas has struggled to find someone opposite Crosby who can take the pressure off him.
They have gone with three tackles and tried undersized Malcolm Koonce and rookie Tyree Wilson.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-2) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (2-1)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023
GAME TIME: 4:25 PM ET
FOX: Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) NE: 134 or 385 DAL: 82 or 229
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: DAL leads series, 8-6 (NE won 6 of past 7)
POSTSEASON: —
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 10/17/21: DAL 35 at NE 29
POSTSEASON: —
NEW ENGLAND NOTES:
QB MAC JONES passed for 201 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs last week. Aims for his 7th in row with 200+ pass yards. Completed 15 of 21 atts. (71.4 pct.) for 229 yards & 2 TDs vs. INT with 118.9 rating in last meeting. Has 0 INTs in 2 of his past 3 on road. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. NFC East with 2+ TD passes & 90+ rating. • RB RHAMONDRE STEVENSON rushed for season-high 59 yards last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 50+ rush yards. Had rush TD in last meeting. Has 85+ scrimmage yards in 5 of his past 6 vs. NFC. • RB EZEKIEL ELLIOTT led team with 80 rush yards in Week 3. Spent 1st 7 seasons of career (2016-22) with Dal. & ranks 3rd in franchise history in rush yards (8,262) & rush TDs (68). • WR KENDRICK BOURNE aims for 5th in row with 4+ catches. Had rec. TD in last meeting & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Dal. with TD catch. • WR DEVANTE PARKER had 56 rec. yards in his last game vs. Dal. (9/22/19 w/ Mia.). • WR JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER had 6 catches for 93 yards & TD in only career game vs. Dal. (11/8/20 w/ Pit.). • WR HUNTER HENRY has 5+ catches in 2 of 3 games this season. Had rec. TD in each of 2 career games vs. Dal. • TE PHAROAH BROWN had career-high 71 rec. yards & 3rdcareer TD catch in Week 3. • LB MATTHEW JUDON led team with season-high 2 sacks last week & is 1 of 6 in NFL with sack in each of 1st 3 weeks. • DT CHRISTIAN BARMORE had 1st sack & PD of season last week. Had TFL in last meeting. Has 0.5+ sacks in 2 of his past 3 on road. • S KYLE DUGGER had season-high 7 tackles in Week 3. Aims for 3rd in row with PD. Had 8 tackles & INT in last meeting. • CB CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ (rookie) has PD in each of 1st 3 career games. Is 1 of 6 rookies with 3+ PD (3).
DALLAS NOTES:
QB DAK PRESCOTT made 100th-career start in Week 3. Has 2,254 career completions, 3rd-most ever by player in 1st 100 career games. Has 15 TDs (14 pass, 1 rush) vs. 7 INTs for 103.5 rating in his past 7 home starts. Passed for 445 yards & 3 TDs vs. INT for 108.7 rating in last meeting. • RB TONY POLLARD rushed for 122 yards last week, his 7thcareer game with 100+ rush yards. Aims for his 8th in row at home with 60+ scrimmage yards. Had 63 scrimmage yards (41 rush, 22 rec.) in last meeting. • RB RICO DOWDLE had 1st-career rec. TD in Week 3. • WR CEEDEE LAMB aims for his 3rd in row at home with 120+ rec. yards & 7th in row at home with 5+ receptions. Aims for 8th in row overall with 50+ rec. yards. Had 9 catches for 149 yards & 2 rec. TDs in last meeting. • WR MICHAEL GALLUP led team with 6 receptions & 92 rec. yards in Week 3. • TE JAKE FERGUSON had career-high 5 receptions last week. • LB MICAH PARSONS had 4th sack of season in Week 3 & is 1 of 2 in NFC (Danielle Hunter) with sack in each of 1st 3 weeks. Has 2 sacks in 5 of his past 10 home games & has 10 career games with 2+ sacks, tied 5th-most by player in 1st 3 seasons since 1982. • DT OSA ODIGHIZUWA aims for his 5th in row with TFL. • DE DEMARCUS LAWRENCE had 2nd sack of season last week. Aims for his 4th in row with TFL. • CB STEPHON GILMORE has 4 PD & INT in 3 games this season. Had 52 PD & 11 INTs in 4 seasons (2017-20) with NE. • S JAYRON KEARSE aims for his 3rd in row at home with INT & 5th in row at home with PD.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Dak Prescott said he felt it in his soul when the Dallas Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott in the offseason.
Together as stars since their rookie year in 2016, the quarterback and running back haven’t really had much time to digest being on separate teams.
They’re getting used to it now – just in time.
Elliott and the Patriots (1-2) visit Prescott and the Cowboys (2-1) on Sunday, a reunion so significant it’s almost making a footnote of New England’s Bill Belichick needing a victory to become the third coach in NFL history with 300 wins in the regular season for his career.
“That’s part of the business,” Prescott said. “We learned that pretty quick, and then seeing him depart, it was part of it. But I’m happy for him, always pulling for him and he’s doing well. Excited for him.”
They were fast friends because Prescott, a fourth-round draft pick, unexpectedly became the starter in 2016 when Tony Romo was injured. Elliott, the fourth overall choice, was automatically in the lineup from the beginning.
Elliott didn’t have a license at the time, Prescott said, and the quarterback had a car. Things just grew from there, to the point that Elliott called Prescott to give him a heads-up before the two-time rushing champion’s release in a cost-cutting move was official in March.
“It’s really just being thankful for the time that we’ve had together,” Prescott said. “That’s got to end at some point, whether it ends with you retiring, whether it ends with you traded and changing teams, whatever it may be. Just blessed for the time that we’ve had, the relationship that we got to create, goes well beyond our time playing.”
The previous time Dallas receiver CeeDee Lamb saw the Patriots, he was waving “bye” – which drew a fine – after catching the winning touchdown pass in a 35-29 overtime victory two years ago.
Before that, the Cowboys never could beat Tom Brady’s Patriots, going 0-5 in a 16-year span that included one loss with Prescott under center.
Now Dallas is trying to re-establish some early season momentum after a 28-16 loss at Arizona, looking for a 10th consecutive victory at AT&T Stadium and the first at home over New England since 1996.
Elliott is trying to build on his best day for the Patriots, an 80-yard outing in a 15-10 win over the New York Jets.
“Definitely a big game for him,” Lamb said. “There’s a lot on his shoulders, obviously. It’s the team he got drafted to. All of the relationships, friendships and bonds. His best friend is the quarterback, so there’s gonna be a lot of emotions going on. It’ll be exciting to see.”
LT FIRST – PERIOD
Belichick isn’t one to compare players of different eras.
So, when he likened the athleticism of Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons to that of Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor during an appearance on Boston radio this week, it quickly made its way across social media.
“He’s a big, physical player that’s very athletic and quick. Along the lines of a Taylor. That kind of – athlete,” Belichick said on WEEI’s Greg Hill Show.
Asked a day later to elaborate on the similarities between the two players, Belichick made clear that there is only one Taylor. Belichick coached the eight-time All-Pro for 10 seasons (1981-1990) as a New York Giants assistant.
“I would just say, I wouldn’t put anybody ahead of Lawrence Taylor. Period,” Belichick said. “Now, maybe I’m prejudiced, but I saw that guy every day for over a decade, and he tilted the field for a decade. So, until somebody does that – and there’s a lot of great players. I’m not taking anything away from anybody else. … But personally, I’m not putting anybody ahead of Lawrence Taylor. Not yet.”
CHECKING THAT LINE
The biggest question for Dallas is the health of the offensive line after three starters were sidelined against Arizona. “Improving” might be the best description mid-week.
Six-time All-Pro right guard Zack Martin and center Tyler Biadasz were upgraded to limited practice participation Thursday after not practicing Wednesday. Martin injured an ankle two weeks ago against the New York Jets, and Biadasz strained a hamstring in practice last week.
Oft-injured left tackle Tyron Smith, who was a late add to the injury report last week with a knee issue, missed the first two practices this week. Smith was active but didn’t play against the Jets.
SAME OL’ STEPH
Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore made his impact on the Patriots during his four seasons in New England, helping them win a Super Bowl in 2018 and earning AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2019 before a trade to Carolina in 2021.
Even three years since Gilmore’s last snap for the Patriots, Belichick said he’s still sees an impact player who was an All-Pro in 2018-19.
“Steph looks kind of like he’s always looked,” Belichick said. “Long and disruptive. Really good ball skills. Got to be careful throwing the ball around him. He’ll catch it.”
The soft-spoken Gilmore predictably downplayed the reunion.
“Every game is personal,” said Gilmore, who had his 30th interception in the opener and is on his fifth team in 12 seasons after Dallas’ offseason trade with Indianapolis.
“Got a lot of respect for those guys, but come Sunday all that goes out the window.”
ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-2) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-0)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023
GAME TIME: 4:25 PM ET
FOX: Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez, Laura Okmin
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) ARI: 109 or 383 SF: 104 or 225
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: SF leads series, 34-29 (SF won past 2)
POSTSEASON: —
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 1/8/23: ARI 13 at SF 38
POSTSEASON: —
ARIZONA NOTES:
QB JOSH DOBBS completed 17 of 21 atts. (81 percent) for 189 yards & TD pass vs. 0 INTs for 120 rating & had career-high 55 rush yards in Week 3, his 1st-career win as starter. Has TD pass in 4 of his 5 career starts. • RB JAMES CONNER had 116 scrimmage yards (98 rush, 18 rec.) & rush TD in Week 3. Aims for his 3rd in row with 100+ scrimmage yards & rush TD. Has 1,181 scrimmage yards (84.4 per game) & 12 TDs (10 rush, 2 rec.) in 14 road games with Ari., incl. 50+ scrimmage yards in each game. Had 173 scrimmage yards (96 rush, 77 rec.) & 3 TDs (2 rush, 1 rec.) in his last game at SF (11/7/21). Aims for his 4th in row vs. SF with TD. • TE ZACH ERTZ has 6+ catches in 6 of his past 8 road games. • WR MARQUISE BROWN had 5 receptions for 61 yards & rec. TD in Week 3. Aims for his 3rd in row with 5+ catches, 50+ rec. yards & rec. TD. • WR RONDALE MOORE had 1st-career rush TD last week. • WR MICHAEL WILSON (rookie) had team-high 86 rec. yards in Week 3. • LB ZAVEN COLLINS had sack in Week 3. Has TFL in 3 of his past 4 on road & PD in 5 of his past 6 road games. Aims for his 3rd in row on road with PD. • LB KYZIR WHITE led team with 14 tackles & had 5th-career INT last week. Aims for his 5th in row with TFL. • LB DENNIS GARDECK has TFL in 2 of his past 3 road games. • S JALEN THOMPSON had 8 tackles & PD last week. Has 5+ tackles in 6 of his past 7 on road & aims for his 5th in row on road with 5+ tackles. Had 8 tackles & TFL in last meeting. • CB KEI’TREL CLARK (rookie) had 10 tackles & 2 PD last week & aims for his 3rd in row with 2+ PD. • S K’VON WALLACE aims for his 4th in row with 7+ tackles.
SAN FRANCISCO NOTES:
49ERS advanced to 3-0 for 1st time since 2019. Have won 13 consecutive reg. season games, 2nd-longest such streak in franchise history [15 games (Week 12, 1989 – Week 10, 1990)]. • QB BROCK PURDY completed 25 of 37 atts. for career-high 310 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 111.3 rating in Week 3, his 1st-career 300-yard game. Became 3rd quarterback since 1970 to win each of his 1st 8 career starts. Has 2+ TD passes in 7 of 8 career starts. Aims for his 9th in row with 90+ rating. Had career highs in TD passes (3) & rating (141.3) in last meeting. • RB CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY had 5 receptions, 119 scrimmage yards (85 rush, 34 rec.) & rush TD in Week 3. Has TD in 12 consecutive games, incl. postseason, tied 4th-longest such streak since 1990. Can become 1st player since 2014 (DeMarco Murray) with 115+ scrimmage yards & scrimmage TD in each of his team’s 1st 4 games of season. Had TD catch in last meeting. • WR DEEBO SAMUEL had 6 catches for 129 yards & 1st rec. TD of season last week, his 11th-career game with 100+ rec. yards. Aims for his 3rd in row with 100+ scrimmage yards. • WR BRANDON AIYUK has rec. TD in 2 of his past 3 vs. Ari. Has 50+ rec. yards in 6 of his past 7 at home. • TE GEORGE KITTLE had 7 catches for 90 yards in Week 3. Has 5 rec. TDs in his past 3 vs. Ari. & aims for his 4th in row vs. Ari. with TD catch. • DL NICK BOSA had 1st sack of season in Week 3. Has 14 sacks & 15 TFL in his past 10 at home, incl. sack in 9 of 10 games. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Ari. with sack. • DL JAVON HARGRAVE had 2nd sack of season in Week 3. • LB FRED WARNER has 90 tackles (9 per game) in 10 career games vs. Ari. Has 8+ tackles in 6 of his past 7. • S TALANOA HUFANGA had 2nd INT of season last week.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Any chance that San Francisco might get caught looking past Arizona and toward their Week 5 showdown against Dallas was put to rest when the 49ers saw the way the Cardinals handled the Cowboys.
Arizona comes into Sunday’s game at San Francisco fresh off a surprising 28-16 victory over the Cowboys, looking nothing like a team many thought would be competing for the top pick in next year’s draft.
“I don’t think anybody, including Arizona, probably, thought they were winning that game,” Niners safety Tashaun Gipson said. “It just goes to show, any given Sunday. You hear about that all the time. Do guys actually take that serious? Some do, some don’t. I don’t think Dallas thought Arizona was going to come out there and handle the game the way they did and it results to a win for them.
“For us, we don’t take opponents lightly.”
The Cardinals (1-2) have shown they shouldn’t be overlooked so far this season, having led after three quarters in all three games this season.
Arizona blew a fourth-quarter lead in Week 1 at Washington and a 21-point second-half lead the following week to the Giants.
That caught the attention of the 49ers (3-0) even before the win over Dallas.
“All you have to do is watch the two games before that also,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “They’re a team that really should be 3-0 right now.”
That’s the position the Niners are in for just the second time in the past 25 seasons. San Francisco has scored 30 points in all three games and hasn’t really been tested yet.
Brock Purdy picked up where he left off as a rookie and is running one of the league’s most efficient offenses by getting the ball to playmakers such as Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle.
Slowing that will be a big challenge for the Cardinals.
“You’ve got to be mentally, physically and emotionally sharp because they’re going to make their plays,” coach Jonathan Gannon said. “They’re going to hit you in the mouth, and you’ve got to be able to respond. Alignment, assignment and key technique is one of our principles on the defense. You’ve got to do that faster than they do that on offense.”
COUNTING ON DOBBS
Joshua Dobbs have proven more than a capable fill-in for the injured Kyler Murray. The 28-year-old quarterback was very good in the team’s 28-16 win over the Cowboys last Sunday, completing 17 of 21 passes for 189 yards. He also threw a perfectly placed 2-yard TD pass to Marquise Brown in the fourth quarter, giving the Cardinals a much more comfortable margin.
He’s 10th in the NFL in passer rating through three games. Not bad for a guy who was brought in by trade from the Browns less than two weeks before the regular season.
“I think he’s played winning football for us since he’s been here,” Gannon said. “I think you guys will continue to see his improvement as he gets more and more comfortable. You can ask him, he’s pretty comfortable right now. He’s making a bunch of plays for us, he’s got good command in the huddle, and he never has any flinch, which I love about him. He’s doing a good job.”
RUN CMC
The Niners offense was transformed when McCaffrey came over midway through last season and he hasn’t slowed at all this year.
McCaffrey leads the NFL with 353 yards rushing and is the first San Francisco player to top 100 yards from scrimmage with a TD in each of the first three games of the season since Jerry Rice in 1989. No one in the NFL has done that in the first four games of the season since Dallas’ DeMarco Murray in 2014.
NO-NAME DEFENSE
The average NFL fan probably doesn’t know much about Dennis Gardeck or Victor Dimukeje. Regardless, the Arizona duo is behind one of the better pass rushes in the NFL through three weeks.
Gardeck is a sixth-year veteran who was an undrafted free agent, slowly rising from a special teams standout to a key defensive piece. He already has three sacks this season, which is on pace to easily top his career high of seven in 2020.
Dimukeje is a 2021 sixth-round pick out of Duke who has blossomed in his third season. He has 2½ sacks after not recording one during his first two seasons.
BIG PLAYS
The 49ers have done a good job defensively of limiting big plays, allowing opponents to gain at least 20 yards on a play a league-low four times. Only one of those came in the past two weeks. The Cardinals have had success early generating big plays, tying for fourth in the NFL so far with 14.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-1) AT NEW YORK JETS (1-2)
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 2023 GAME TIME: 8:20 PM ET
NBC: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark
Westwood One: Ryan Radtke, Jason McCourty
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) KC: 81 or 227 NYJ: 85 or 226 National: 88
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: KC leads series, 19-18-1 (won 3 of past 4)
POSTSEASON: Series tied, 1-1
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 11/1/20: NYJ 9 at KC 35
POSTSEASON: 12/28/86 AFC-WC: KC 15 at NYJ 35
KANSAS CITY NOTES:
QB PATRICK MAHOMES completed 24 of 33 atts. (72.7 pct.) for 272 yards & season-high 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs with season-high 127.3 rating last week, his 22nd-career game with 3+ TD passes & 0 INTs, surpassing Russell Wilson (21 games) for most-ever by QB in 1st 7 seasons. Has 2+ TD passes in 6 straight games, incl. playoffs, longest active steak in NFL. Passed for 416 yards & 5 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 144.4 rating in last meeting. Is 5-0 with 14 TDs (12 pass, 2 rush) vs. 3 INTs in his past 5 starts on SNF. • RB ISIAH PACHECO led team with season-high 78 scrimmage yards (62 rush, 16 rec.) & 1st rush TD of season last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 70+ scrimmage yards. • RB CLYDE EDWARDS-HELAIRE rushed for season-high 55 yards & 1st TD of season in Week 3. • RB JERICK MCKINNON had 2 rec. TDs last week. Had 77 rush yards & rush TD in only career game vs. NYJ (9/20/20 w/ SF). • TE TRAVIS KELCE had 7 catches for 69 yards & TD last week, his 5th-straight game with rec. TD, incl. playoffs, longest active streak in NFL. Has 5 rec. TDs in 4 career games vs. NYJ, with rec. TD in each game. Aims for his 3rd in row on SNF with 100+ rec. yards. • WR JUSTIN WATSON aims for 3rd in row with 50+ rec. yards. • WR RASHEE RICE (rookie) had 5 catches for 59 yards last week. • DT CHRIS JONES aims for his 3rd in row with sack & 3rd in row on road with 1.5+ sacks. Has 2.5 sacks in his past 2 on SNF. • DE GEORGE KARLAFTIS has 0.5+ sacks in 5 of his past 6. Aims for his 6th in row on road with TFL. • DE MIKE DANNA had sack last week & has 0.5+ sacks in each of 1st 3 games of season. • LB NICK BOLTON aims for his 12th in row with 7+ tackles. • S MIKE EDWARDS had 1st INT of season in Week 3.
NEW YORK NOTES:
QB ZACH WILSON makes 25th-career start. • RB BREECE HALL has 90+ scrimmage yards in 3 of his past 4 at home. Had 147 scrimmage (127 rush, 20 rec.) in only career game in primetime (Week 1 vs. Buf.). • RB DALVIN COOK had 116 scrimmage yards (71 rush, 45 rec.) in only career game vs. KC (11/3/19 w/ Min.). Has TD in 3 of his past 5 on SNF. • FB NICK BAWDEN had 1st-career rush TD last week. • WR GARRETT WILSON led team with 5 catches in Week 3. Has TD catch in 2 of 3 games this season. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with 5+ catches. • WR ALLEN LAZARD had 39 rec. yards last week. Had TD catch in his last game vs. KC (11/7/21 w/ GB). Has rec. TD in 4 of his past 5 on SNF. • WR RANDALL COBB had 50+ rec. yards in 3 of 4 career games vs. KC. • WR MECOLE HARDMAN spend 1st 4 seasons of career (2019- 22) with KC. Has 70+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 in primetime. • TE TYLER CONKLIN aims for his 3rd in row on SNF with 5+ catches. • DL QUINNEN WILLIAMS had PD last week. Has PD in 2 of his past 3 at home. Had 2 TFL in last meeting. • LB C.J. MOSLEY tied for team lead with season-high 10 tackles in Week 3. Aims for his 7th in row with 7+ tackles. Has 15 tackles & 4 TFL in 2 career games vs. KC. • LB QUINCY WILLIAMS aims for 8th in row with 7+ tackles. • S JORDAN WHITEHEAD had season-high 10 tackles & PD last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 9+ tackles. Has 4 TFL in 3 career games on SNF, with 8 tackles in 2 of 3 games.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The NFL figured it had a marquee made-for-TV matchup when it announced the league’s schedule in May.
Aaron Rodgers’ New York Jets would square off at home against Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in prime time on Sunday night.
Well, then came quite a plot twist.
Rodgers was lost for the season just four snaps into his debut with the Jets – and now all the hype has shifted off the field, with fans wondering whether Taylor Swift will show up at MetLife Stadium to support Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce again.
The pop superstar attended Kansas City’s victory over Chicago at home last Sunday, but the All-Pro tight end wouldn’t divulge any details about their relationship. And neither would Mahomes.
“Like Travis said, I’m going to let them have their privacy and keep it moving,” Mahomes said this week.
That’s what the Chiefs (2-1) intend to do when they face a struggling Jets (1-2) team that’s now led by Zach Wilson in place of the injured Rodgers, who’s healing at home in California after having surgery on his torn left Achilles tendon.
Mahomes and the offense appeared in top form last week while romping past the winless Bears. The reigning league MVP threw three touchdown passes, including one to Kelce and two to Jerick McKinnon, while Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire added TD runs.
Mahomes, who surpassed 25,000 yards passing last week, has 199 career touchdown passes. If he gets one against the Jets in his first appearance at MetLife Stadium, he would reach 200 in his 84th game – five faster than Dan Marino’s NFL record.
“Patrick Ma-homie? He’s a special talent,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said. “Some of the throws he makes are disgusting from a defensive perspective, but they’re super talented.”
Andy Reid’s Chiefs rank fifth in overall offense, fifth in passing, 10th in rushing and ninth in scoring.
“Sometimes I wonder if he just draws it in the dirt as the game goes on, with some of the concepts that they have,” a smiling Saleh said of Reid. “But it’s going to be a challenge, for sure.”
Especially with the embattled Wilson under center for at least another week. After a solid showing in the Jets’ season-opening win over Buffalo in overtime, the offense has sputtered. And a lot of it is on Wilson, who has been unable to get anything going – while frustrated fans are calling for him to be benched.
Even Joe Namath went all in this week, saying during a radio show he has seen enough of the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 and suggested wholesale changes to the organization.
Saleh and the Jets have reiterated their confidence in Wilson, but acknowledged he must improve – and fast.
“It’s a long season,” Wilson said after New York’s 15-10 loss to New England last Sunday. “We’re all going to look in the mirror, find out how we can be better and learning and improving. Having that short-term memory, understanding that we lost this week – oh well, we have to learn from this and move on and get better.”
GOOD MEMORY OF A BAD MEMORY
Mahomes remembers just about every interception he has thrown, mostly because there haven’t been many.
And when it gets returned for a touchdown? Those really stand out, even if they happened in college.
So it was easy for him to recount D.J. Reed’s pick-6 against him on Oct. 8, 2016 – when Mahomes was playing for Texas Tech and Reed for Kansas State.
“That’s stuff you really have to be aware of when you play quarterback,” said Mahomes, who’ll see Reed on the opposite side again Sunday night. “I think he was supposed to get blocked by a receiver and jumped it and got to the house.”
Reed’s Wildcats won 44-38.
“Just from watching the tape back then I knew he was going to be special,” the Jets cornerback said. “He’s a generational quarterback with his off-rhythm throws.”
THIRD DOWNS
The Jets’ struggles on offense could be largely attributed to what they’ve done – or haven’t done – on third down.
New York was 1 for 10 in those situations against Dallas in Week 2 and 2 for 14 last Sunday against New England. For the season, the Jets are 8 for 37, a 22% conversion rate that ranks them last in the NFL.
“It’s all of us,” offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said. “I think that we put our entire offense into some really bad situations. Doesn’t matter who’s back there at quarterback, who’s playing, when you’re behind the sticks, when you’re third-and-extra-long continuously, it’s not going to be good, and we have to be better.”
TACKLE TROUBLE
Rarely does Reid criticize officials, but he doubled down on his critique of them after last week’s rout of Chicago, during which they continued to penalize Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor.
Taylor had been thrust into the spotlight after Week 1 when he appeared to continually line up too deep in the backfield, and was flagged five times for various infractions the following week. Yet replays showed that Taylor lined up no deeper than any other offensive tackle in the league last week, leading Reid to conclude Taylor was being picked on.
“They got their point proved,” he said. “Now let’s make sure we’re staying consistent.”
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-1) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (1-2)
DATE: Monday, October 2, 2023 GAME TIME: 8:15 PM EST
ABC: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters
Westwood One: Kevin Harlan, Kurt Warner
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) SEA: 81 or 226 NYG: 83 or 225 National: 88
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: Series tied, 10-10 (SEA won 5 of past 6)
POSTSEASON: –
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 10/30/22: NYG 13 at SEA 27
POSTSEASON: —
SEATTLE NOTES:
QB GENO SMITH passed for 296 yards & TD vs. INT for 87.3 rating in Week 3. Has 2+ TD passes & 100+ rating in 7 of his past 8 road starts. Had 2 TD passes vs. 0 INTs for 104 rating in last meeting. Aims for his 5th in row in primetime with 90+ rating. • RB KENNETH WALKER had 156 scrimmage yards (97 rush, career-high 59 rec.) & 2 rush TDs in Week 3. Has 5 games with 2+ rush TDs since 2022, 2nd-most in NFL. Aims for his 3rd in row with 2 rush TDs. Had rush TD in last meeting. • WR TYLER LOCKETT has 5 rec. TDs in his past 4 on road & aims for his 5th in row on road with TD catch. Had rec. TD in last meeting & aims for his 3rd in row vs. NYG with 5+ catches. • WR DK METCALF led team with 6 catches & 112 rec. yards in Week 3, his 10th-career game with 100+ rec. yards. Aims for his 5th in row on road with 70+ rec. yards & 6th in row on road with 5+ receptions. Had rec. TD in last meeting. • LB BOBBY WAGNER has 25 tackles (8.3 per game), 3 TFL, 2 PD & 1.5 sacks in 3 career games vs. NYG. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. NYG with PD & 4th in row vs. NYG with TFL. • LB JORDYN BROOKS had 9 tackles & half sack last week. Has TFL in 3 of his past 4. Has 8+ tackles in 6 of his past 7 primetime games. Aims for his 16th in row on road with 8+ tackles. • NT JARRAN REED tied his career high with 8 tackles & had 1.5 sacks, TFL & PD last week. • CB DEVON WITHERSPOON (rookie) led team with 11 tackles & had 2 PD in Week 3. • S JULIAN LOVE had 2 PD last week. Had 268 tackles, 18 PD, 13 TFL & 5 INTs in 4 seasons (2019-22) with NYG. • S JAMAL ADAMS has 20 tackles (10 per game), 3 sacks, 2 FF & FR-TD in 2 career games vs. NYG.
NEW YORK NOTES:
QB DANIEL JONES has 13 TDs (9 pass, 4 rush) vs. 4 INTs for 94.7 rating in his past 7 at home. Has 40+ rush yards in 4 of his past 5 home games. • RB SAQUON BARKLEY has 50+ rush yards in 3 of his past 4 at home. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in each of his 7 career MNF games. Had rush TD in last meeting. • RB MATT BREIDA had 9th-career rush TD in Week 3. • TE DARREN WALLER has TD catch in 3 of his past 4 Monday games & 50+ rec. yards in 4 of his past 5 MNF games. • WR PARRIS CAMPBELL led team with 6 catches in Week 3, his 9th-career game with 5+ receptions. • WR WAN’DALE ROBINSON had 4 reception in season debut last week. • WR DARIUS SLAYTON had 5 receptions for 66 yards in last meeting. • LB MICAH MCFADDEN led team with 10 tackles & had careerhigh 4 TFL in Week 3, his 2nd-career game with 10+ tackles (Week 1). Has TFL in 3 of his past 4. Had 1st-career sack in last meeting. • LB KAYVON THIBODEAUX had 1st sack of season in Week 3. • LB BOBBY OKEREKE had 9 tackles in Week 3 & has 5+ tackles in 11 consecutive games. Had 7 tackles in his only career game vs. Sea. (9/21/21 w/ Ind.). • DL DEXTER LAWRENCE had 7 tackles in Week 3. • DL LEONARD WILLIAMS had 6 tackles & 1st half sack of season last week. Had 8 tackles & sack in last meeting & had 4.5 sacks in 3 career games vs. Sea. Aims for his 4th in row vs. Sea. with sack. • CB ADOREE’ JACKSON had FF & FR in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Sea. with 5+ tackles & PD. • S JASON PINNOCK aims for his 4th in row with 5+ tackles.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The New York Giants are searching for answers and they face the task of playing Seattle on a day of the week the Seahawks own and in a stadium where they have never lost.
The puzzling Giants (1-2), who were overmatched by both Dallas and San Francisco, will host the Seahawks (2-1) on Monday night. The Seahawks won 27-13 last year when the teams played at Seattle.
Having the game at the Meadowlands is not going to make things any easier for the Giants.
The Seahawks are 5-0 at MetLife Stadium, including the only Super Bowl title in franchise history. Three of the five wins have come against the Giants. And they are 28-12 all-time on Monday night, a .700 win percentage that is the best of any team.
This also can be viewed as a must-win for New York, with games at Miami and Buffalo to follow.
“I mean it’s definitely still early, this is not a must game I would say,” Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams said. “It’s not something that’s going to keep us out or keep us in the playoffs at the end of the year, but at the same time we try to look at the season like quarterly.”
Being 1-3 would not be ideal.
The Seahawks have won two in a row, and Seattle coach Pete Carroll said his team is getting healthier.
“This is a classic opportunity for us to go against a team that’s got to have a win. We’ve got to have one too,” he said.
BARKLEY OR NOT
Giants star running back Saquon Barkley sprained his right ankle in a win at Arizona on Sept. 17 and had to sit out the following Thursday night at San Francisco.
Barkley will have had 11 days since suffering the high ankle sprain, and it’s uncertain whether he will play. He practiced on limited basis all week and has been listed as doubtful to play. The last time he had a high ankle sprain was in 2019 and he missed three games.
Matt Breida replaced Barkley against the 49ers, who limited the Giants to 29 yards rushing. Breida led the team with four carries for 17 yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks have the league’s second-worst pass defense, so New York may just throw more.
ADAMS’ RETURN
After missing more than a year, Jamal Adams is expected to make his 2023 debut for Seattle. Appropriately enough, it’s coming at MetLife, where he played three seasons for the Jets before being traded to Seattle.
Adams suffered a torn quadriceps tendon in the 2022 season opener and his recovery has taken longer than expected.
It’s uncertain how Adams will be used. He might play a traditional safety spot or Seattle could use him as a hybrid linebacker who plays in the box at times.
STOP THE RUN
The Giants had one of the worst defenses in the league against the run last season, and nothing seemingly has improved despite signing inside linebacker Bobby Okereke and defensive linemen A’Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches.
New York is ranked 29th against the rush, giving up an average of 138 yards. San Francisco gained 141 its 30-12 victory, which featured bad tackling by Wink Martindale’s unit.
“We put an emphasis on it today at practice,” Okereke said Thursday. “I had a coach always tell me that tackling is all about technique and desire. We all have a great desire to tackle, now it’s just cleaning up the technique and we’ll get it right.”
Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet combined for 143 rushing yards for Seattle last week.
LOOKING AHEAD
Seattle has had a unique scouting opportunity for each of its past three opponents. All three played a prime-time game on either Thursday or Monday the week prior to playing the Seahawks, allowing Seattle’s coaches and players a little additional look at their next opponent.
Detroit played the first game of the season at Kansas City before playing Seattle in Week 2. Carolina had a Monday night game six days before playing at Seattle in Week 3. And last Thursday night, the Giants played at San Francisco.
“I like it, it’s a good opportunity, you just get the feel of the teams, they’re talking about the players and styles and the background, and the camps,” Carroll said. “You just get a lot of the additional information.”
O-LINE AGAIN
The Giants will have a fourth different offensive line. They had hoped to get left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring) back this week but he was ruled out Saturday. Josh Ezeudu will start again for him. Ben Bredeson (concussion) returns at left guard with rookie John Michael Schmitz at center, Marcus McKethan at right guard and Evan Neal at right tackle. Schmitz and Neal are the only two to start all three games.
RAIDERS RELEASE CHANDLER JONES, CAPPING FINAL TUMULTUOUS MONTH WITH THE TEAM
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) The Las Vegas Raiders released defensive end Chandler Jones on Saturday, ending a tumultuous final month with the club in which he lashed out several times on social media.
The Raiders’ decision to release Jones, who had been on the non-football illness list, came one day after he was arrested by Las Vegas police for allegedly violating a domestic violence temporary protection order. He’s scheduled to appear in court Dec. 4.
Las Vegas also placed linebacker Curtis Bolton (knee) on injured reserve, meaning he must miss at least next four games. Linebacker Kana’i Mauga was signed to the active roster, and cornerback Tyler Hall and linebacker Malik Reed were activated off the practice squad.
Jones’ issues with the Raiders first surfaced shortly before Las Vegas’ season opener on Sept. 10 at Denver when he accused the team of locking him out of the facility. He was especially critical of coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler.
This week, Jones was highly active on X, the social media platform formerly called Twitter, making unusual allegations regarding the death of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, among other bizarre posts.
McDaniels wouldn’t get into specifics about Jones at Friday’s news conference, but was asked about how concerned he is in general about players’ well-being.
“I care for all of them,” McDaniels said. “I think we all do. We want the best for all of our players, former players, etc. So, that will never change. That part is going to be there now and forever for all the guys we’ve coached and got an opportunity to know and work with.”
The Raiders signed Jones in March 2022 hoping that he would bolster their pass rush, but he had just 4 1/2 sacks last season. Jones has 112 career sacks.
His absence this season has had a noticeable effect on the Raiders, who don’t have another pass rusher to better free up Maxx Crosby. Las Vegas has tried several options, including moving Crosby all over the line to decrease the number of double teams. He has two sacks in three games.
The Raiders are at the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
GAROPPOLO WON’T PLAY AGAINST CHARGERS, LEAVING RAIDERS STARTING QB A MYSTERY
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) Jimmy Garoppolo was ruled out of Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Chargers because of a concussion, making the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback a mystery.
Either 15-year veteran Brian Hoyer or rookie Aidan O’Connell will start in place of Garoppolo, who has been in concussion protocol after getting injured Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Raiders didn’t announce which one would get the nod.
Also, the Raiders announced that starting cornerback Nate Hobbs will not play because of an ankle injury, and running back Brandon Bolden didn’t make the trip to Los Angeles because of personal reasons. Bolden, however, will travel to LA on his own and is expected to play.
Las Vegas coach Josh McDaniels was noncommittal when asked earlier in the week which quarterback he might go with against the Chargers.
“I think everybody is going to get ready to go, and I think sometimes experience is a good thing,” McDaniels said. “It doesn’t mean that it’s going to determine how it’s going to go for one guy versus another. There are a lot of guys that don’t have a lot of experience that can play well because they’re prepared and they do the right thing to get ready. Ultimately, what matters is how they perform, not how long they’ve been in the NFL or how many games they’ve played in or what have you.”
Hoyer and McDaniels go back to New England when the QB was Tom Brady’s backup and McDaniels was the Patriots’ offensive coordinator.
“I’ve been a starter, I’ve been a backup,” Hoyer said Thursday. “The mentality is always prepare to play and then go out and execute when your name’s called.”
O’Connell was drafted this year in the fourth round out of Purdue and had a strong preseason. He completed 69.4% of his passes for 482 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions in three preseason games. He started two of them.
At some point, especially with a quarterback-rich draft next year, the Raiders will have to determine if O’Connell is their QB of the future or if they need to look elsewhere. That could be a determining factor in McDaniels’ decision on which player to start.
BASEBALL NEWS
MLB ROUNDUP: ASTROS, D-BACKS PUNCH TICKETS TO POSTSEASON
Arizona and Houston each celebrated a postseason berth on Saturday night after the Astros defeated the Diamondbacks 1-0 in Phoenix.
Houston solidified a spot in the American League playoffs with the victory, clinching at least a wild-card spot. Arizona currently owns the third and final National League wild card thanks to the Cincinnati Reds’ 15-6 loss against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Saturday’s contest was a pitchers’ duel between Houston’s Justin Verlander and Arizona’s Merrill Kelly until Verlander was relieved by Phil Maton to start the Diamondbacks’ half of the sixth inning.
Verlander (13-8) allowed two hits in five scoreless innings, while Kelly (12-8) went seven innings and allowed five hits and one run. Jose Abreu provided the game’s lone run with an RBI double.
Marlins 7, Pirates 3
Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered and added an RBI single for visiting Miami, which beat Pittsburgh to clinch an NL wild-card spot.
Josh Bell added a two-run double and sacrifice fly, and Bryan De La Cruz an RBI single for the Marlins.
Endy Rodriguez and Bryan Reynolds each hit an RBI single for the Pirates.
Rangers 6, Mariners 1
Andrew Heaney came out of the bullpen to make a spot start, pitching 4 1/3 scoreless innings as Texas clinched a postseason berth with a victory against host Seattle.
Jonah Heim drove in three runs for the Rangers, who guaranteed themselves at least one of the three AL wild-card spots. Texas is headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Eugenio Suarez homered for the Mariners, who were eliminated from the playoff race when Houston beat Arizona later Saturday night.
Braves 5, Nationals 3
Right-hander Spencer Strider set the franchise record for most strikeouts in a season, Marcell Ozuna hit a go-ahead, three-run homer and the Braves beat visiting Washington.
Strider (20-5), who now has 281 strikeouts on the season, fanned seven batters in five innings to break the Braves’ modern-era, single-season strikeout record of 276 set by John Smoltz in 1996. Strider gave up three runs on six hits with three walks while throwing 94 pitches.
Washington jumped on Strider for three runs on four hits in the first inning. CJ Abrams singled to begin the game, stole second base and scored on Keibert Ruiz’s one-out double. Joey Meneses followed with an RBI single and scored on Luis Garcia’s double.
Tigers 8, Guardians 0
Andy Ibanez, Akil Baddoo and Carson Kelly drove in two runs apiece and host Detroit rolled past Cleveland in the second-to-last game of retiring slugger Miguel Cabrera’s career.
The Tigers, who moved a game ahead of the Guardians into second place in the AL Central, used seven pitchers for their 15th shutout this season. Cabrera went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run.
Beau Brieske (2-3), who pitched 2 1/3 innings, was credited with the victory. Starting pitcher Triston McKenzie (0-3) gave up one run and three hits in 4 1/3 innings for the Guardians.
Rays 7, Blue Jays 5 (10 innings)
Taylor Walls hit a tiebreaking two-run single in a three-run 10th inning and visiting Tampa Bay defeated Toronto.
The Blue Jays could have clinched a playoff spot with a win.
The Rays already clinched the first AL wild-card spot before the three-game series with the Blue Jays. The teams have split the first two games.
Mets 4, Phillies 3 (Game 1)
Tylor Megill carried a shutout into the eighth inning as host New York withstood a late comeback attempt by Philadelphia to earn a victory in the opener of a doubleheader.
Edmundo Sosa had a run-scoring single in the eighth while Brandon Marsh (double) and Weston Wilson (single) each had RBIs in the ninth for the Phillies, who will be the top NL wild card when the playoffs begin next week.
Megill (9-8) surrendered one run on four hits and two walks while striking out seven over 7 1/3 innings. Brooks Raley got the final two outs of the eighth before Adam Ottavino notched his 12th save despite giving up the ninth-inning runs.
Yankees 5, Royals 2
New York rallied for five unanswered runs in beating host Kansas City, giving Frankie Montas a win in his season debut.
Estevan Florial delivered a go-ahead single with two outs in the sixth, breaking a 2-all tie, before Gleyber Torres’ bases-loaded, two-run single capped the decisive three-run inning. Montas (1-0), who had right shoulder surgery at the beginning of spring training, recorded four outs while allowing two hits and a walk with one strikeout.
The Yankees sealed their 31st consecutive winning season, the second-longest stretch in major league history behind their own 39-season winning streak from 1926 to 1964. Kansas City (55-106) matched its franchise record for most losses in a season, set in 2005.
Cubs 10, Brewers 6
Yan Gomes hit a first-inning grand slam and had five RBIs as visiting Chicago overcame blowing an early six-run lead to snap its nine-game road losing streak with a win over Milwaukee.
Gomes’ slam highlighted a six-run first, and he also had an RBI groundout for the Cubs, who lost that 6-0 lead after two innings.
Meanwhile, Willy Adames had three hits and William Contreras added two to extend his hitting streak to 17 games for Milwaukee. Blake Perkins and Carlos Santana homered for the NL Central-champion Brewers, who had won three straight games.
Padres 6, White Sox 1
Michael Wacha pitched seven scoreless innings in his final start of the season and Jurickson Profar notched a season-high four RBIs as San Diego cruised to a win over host Chicago.
Ji Man Choi and Juan Soto added one RBI apiece for San Diego, which won its fourth straight game. Wacha (14-4) scattered three hits, walked one and struck out seven to notch his third victory in a row.
Lenyn Sosa hit a solo homer to provide the lone run for Chicago, which reached triple digits in losses for only the fifth time in franchise history.
Orioles 5, Red Sox 2
Anthony Santander’s two-run single capped a three-run eighth inning and Baltimore beat visiting Boston.
Kyle Gibson blanked Boston for five innings while allowing seven hits. Baltimore led 2-1 going to the bottom of the eighth. Reliever Bruce Zimmermann (2-0) pitched two innings for the win.
Adam Duvall had a triple and a single for the Red Sox. Boston starter Kutter Crawford tossed six innings of one-hit ball, striking out seven batters without a walk.
Cardinals 15, Reds 6
Lars Nootbaar hit a three-run homer and Jose Fermin drove in three runs as host St. Louis routed Cincinnati to eliminate the Reds from the NL wild-card race.
Jordan Walker, Ivan Herrera, Luken Baker and Masyn Winn each drove in two runs for the Cardinals, who snapped a three-game skid.
Noelvi Marte hit a homer and a two-run double for the Reds, who fell short of the third NL wild-card berth by losing six of their past nine games. Cincinnati starter Connor Phillips (1-1) faced just three batters and walked each of them on four pitches.
Mets 11, Phillies 4 (Game 2)
Francisco Alvarez homered twice and finished with six RBIs for host New York, which completed a doubleheader sweep by beating Philadelphia.
The Mets improved to 13-13 this month. The Phillies have lost three straight games since a seven-game winning streak.
Kyle Schwarber, who hit his 47th homer of the season, and Johan Rojas had two hits apiece for Philadelphia.
Twins 14, Rockies 6
Trevor Larnach hit a grand slam, Edouard Julien homered among his three hits and Minnesota clobbered Colorado in Denver.
Matt Wallner homered and doubled, Max Kepler also went deep and Christian Vazquez had two hits for Minnesota. Chris Paddack (1-0) pitched three innings for his first win since May 2, 2022.
Brenton Doyle and Sean Bouchard homered and each had two hits, Elehuris Montero also homered and Nolan Jones and Alan Trejo had two hits apiece for Colorado. Karl Kauffmann (2-5) allowed eight runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings.
Giants 2, Dodgers 1
Rookie Tristan Beck won a pitchers’ duel against Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Fitzgerald homered and San Francisco denied visiting Los Angeles its 100th win of the season for at least one more day.
In presenting interim manager Kai Correa with his first major league win, the Giants scored the go-ahead run on a Max Muncy error in the sixth inning.
Making his final start before the upcoming playoffs, Kershaw (13-5) worked 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs and five hits. He walked two and struck out five.
Athletics 7, Angels 3
Shea Langeliers hit a three-run homer to break a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning and rookie Joe Boyle took a no-hitter into the seventh as Oakland rallied to beat Los Angeles in Anaheim, Calif.
Zack Gelof had three hits and three RBIs for Oakland (50-111), which has the most losses in a single season since the Detroit Tigers recorded 114 in 2019.
Boyle (2-0) faced the minimum through six innings in his third major league start. Brandon Drury broke up the no-hit bid with one out in the seventh with a double to right field before Mike Moustakas tied things at 1-1 with a sacrifice fly.
MEN’S GOLF NEWS
EUROPE BUILDS A 5-POINT LEAD IN RYDER CUP. CANTLAY GIVES THE AMERICANS HOPE
GUIDONIA MONTECELIO, Italy (AP) Europe has a five-point lead and history on its side in the Ryder Cup. No team has ever come back from that large a deficit going into the singles session. The Americans have not won on the road before a flag-waving crowd in 30 years.
The tension Saturday evening told a different story.
Patrick Cantlay, with no cap but plenty of mettle, birdied his last three holes to hand Rory McIlroy his first loss at Marco Simone. The last putt was 45 feet and it fired up the rest of the American team – maybe too much.
McIlroy took exception with Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, getting in on the celebration as McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick had two birdie looks to halve the match. Later, McIlroy had to be held back near the clubhouse as the bickering over behavior continued.
“He politely asked Joe to move aside. He was in his line of vision,” European captain Luke Donald said. “He stood there and didn’t move for a while and continued to wave the hat. So I think Rory was upset about that.”
U.S. captain Zach Johnson wrote it off as Ryder Cup passion. Whatever it was, the moment brought a spark to a Ryder Cup that otherwise has been ruled by the Europeans.
They won the foursomes session in the morning handily, backed by the most lopsided match in Ryder Cup history that brought Scottie Scheffler to tears. And even with Cantlay’s gutsy finish, Europe still had a 10 1/2-5 1/2 lead going into the 12 singles on Sunday.
Cantlay gave them a glimmer of hope.
“If there’s any tournament in the world that’s about momentum, it’s this one,” Johnson said.
Momentum still has a monster mountain to climb at Marco Simone.
“Listen, we are in a great position, five points ahead going into the singles at home,” Donald said. “I like where we are. I like the feelings in the locker room.”
Scheffler will face Jon Rahm in the opening match Sunday, a rematch of Whistling Straits in 2021 when Scheffler started with four straight birdies and won easily. They have been the two players who have exchanged turns at No. 1 in the world this year.
Europe needs to win only four points from those 12 matches to regain the cup. Johnson wasn’t about to reprise Ben Crenshaw’s famous, “I have a good feeling about this” speech on the eve of the final day at Brookline in 1999 when the Americans rallied from a 10-6 deficit.
“We’ve got 12 guys. We’ve got 12 points. I believe every guy on my team can win a point,” he said. “I’ll just leave it at that.”
Cantlay was the prime target for thousands of European fans who waved their caps at him because he is the only American without one. And perhaps it was in response to an unsubstantiated Sky Sports report that he refused to wear the cap out of protest because he wants to be paid. The report also claimed Cantlay had fractured the team room.
Cantlay said he didn’t wear one because it wasn’t the right fit – just like at Whistling Straits, when he also went without a cap.
As for team unity? The Americans gathered around the 18th green, and when that 45-foot putt dropped and Cantlay slammed his fist, his teammates waved their caps at him.
That included LaCava, who exchanged words with Shane Lowry on the green. McIlroy was seen to be visibly angry outside the clubhouse as Jim “Bones” Mackay, the caddie for Justin Thomas, tried to intervene.
“A few scenes there on 18 and just fuel for the fire tomorrow,” McIlroy said.
But the big picture remains blue and bold.
Europe overwhelmed the Americans again in foursomes, no example greater than Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg. They needed only 11 holes – 2 hours, 20 minutes – to beat Scheffler and Brooks Koepka.
The 9-and-7 victory was the largest in Ryder Cup history over 18 holes. Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world, was seen wiping away tears as he watched the afternoon fourballs.
“We’re meeting two strong guys, No. 1 in the world and five-time major champ, so we tried to not give them anything,” Hovland said. “And we played really, really solid. Obviously, we didn’t meet a sharp Scottie and Brooks, but we played some really nice golf today.”
Max Homa and British Open champion Brian Harman, the spark of this U.S. team, won the only foursomes match in the morning. They went out again in the afternoon, and Homa delivered five birdies, an eagle and the match-clinching par over Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Hojgaard.
Europe keeps getting the best from its top players – Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton took down Cantlay and Schauffele in foursomes to go 2-0-1 in team play. McIlroy has contributed three points. Justin Rose, at 43 the oldest player in these matches, picked up a win and a halve while shepherding around Scottish rookie Robert MacIntyre.
As for the Americans? Homa, in his Ryder Cup debut, is the only player to have gone all four matches so far. Thomas and Jordan Spieth fell hopelessly behind early in foursomes and couldn’t catch up, and they were run over late in fourballs by Rose and MacIntyre.
“It is a massive hole, don’t get me wrong,” Homa said. “But I believe in every single one of these people to put a point on the board. So hopefully, we’ll go out there tomorrow and just go crazy.”
Rickie Fowler sat out both sessions Saturday. Xander Schauffele lost all three of his matches, and again missed pivotal putts in foursomes that could have turned the match.
Koepka played once and and it felt like he lost twice.
He was on the losing end of the record performance by Hovland and Aberg, and then Rahm showed him to be petty during a press conference.
Koepka had accused Rahm of acting childishly by smacking a board and said, “We’re adults.” No one knew the reference until Rahm explained it was after he missed a crucial 10-foot putt on Friday evening. The show of anger – mild by his reputation – sparked him.
“I let off some frustration, hitting the board sideways,” Rahm said. “I kept walking, never stopped, that was it. If Brooks thinks that’s childish, it is what it is. He’s entitled to think what he thinks. I don’t know what else to say.”
Europe has done all its talking with points on the board. It was nearly payback from two years ago in Whistling Straits, when the Americans built an 11-5 lead on its way to a record romp over Europe at 19-9.
That’s where it was headed until Cantlay’s big putt.
“Hopefully have a ray of light and we can build on this session and try and pull off a big victory tomorrow,” Cantlay said.
MCILROY LOSES MATCH THEN HIS TEMPER AT RYDER CUP AFTER CLASH INVOLVING CANTLAY’S CADDIE
GUIDONIA MONTECELIO, Italy (AP) Rory McIlroy lost his match at the Ryder Cup. Then he lost his cool.
In scenes sure to stoke tensions ahead of Sunday’s singles, McIlroy accused Patrick Cantlay ’s caddie, Joe LaCava, of waving his hat in his line of vision ahead of the European star’s crucial putt on the 18th green in the final fourballs match Saturday.
That incident prompted another angry exchange involving McIlroy as he left the Marco Simone club. McIlroy was seen to be visibly furious outside the clubhouse as Jim “Bones” Mackay, the caddie for Justin Thomas, attempted to intervene.
McIlroy was ushered into a waiting car by European teammate Shane Lowry, but only after plenty of shouting and finger-pointing. It wasn’t immediately clear who McIlroy was aiming his anger toward, but U.S. captain Zach Johnson said LaCava “was not a part of that.”
The images were soon all over social media and will no doubt be part of the pre-match team talks before the singles. The Europeans lead 10½-5½ and need four more points to reclaim the trophy they relinquished at Whistling Straits two years ago.
“Just fuel for the fire tomorrow,” McIlroy said.
LaCava – like others in the U.S. team – had removed his hat in a playful gesture after Cantlay holed a 45-foot birdie putt in near-darkness on No. 18. Throughout the afternoon, thousands of European fans waved their caps at Cantlay, likely in response to a report on Sky Sports claiming that he refused to wear his cap out of protest because he wants to be paid.
European captain Luke Donald said McIlroy “politely asked Joe to move aside.” McIlroy still had a putt for birdie to tie the match, which he wound up missing.
“He (LaCava) stood there and didn’t move for a while and continued to wave the hat, so I think Rory was upset about that,” Donald said.
Donald said Europe’s players were competitors and they wanted to win “in the right way.”
“From what Rory told me, he did ask Joe to move,” Donald added. “He took a long time to move. It was a little off-putting because he still had to putt.”
For Johnson, the matter was “defused” after the match – a take which doesn’t tally with McIlroy’s conduct outside the clubhouse.
“I’m told it’s all good,” Johnson said.
Donald said he would be speaking to McIlroy later.
“Obviously Rory felt like the line was crossed on the 18th green,” Donald said. “Again, I will address it with him when I see him.”
Cantlay birdied the final three holes to earn a 1-up win with Wyndham Clark against McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick.
McIlroy had won his first three matches at this Ryder Cup. He has never won four points in golf’s biggest spectacle and can still do that if he beats Sam Burns in the singles.
McIlroy goes out in the fourth match, straight after Cantlay against Justin Rose.
TOP INDIANA RELEASES/NEWS
INDIANA GIRLS GOLF STATE FINALS
IHSAA RELEASE
CARMEL – Don’t bother telling Carmel — its players and coaches, that is – what the scores are while they’re on the course.
Coach Kelly Kluesner’s team is simply going to push ahead.
So, a one-shot deficit after round one and still facing that same deficit heading to the back nine in round two proved no matter.
“We really don’t check the scores much,” Kluesner said. “We really didn’t know where we were until it was clear we were pulling away toward the end.”
Likely because of that mindset, Carmel claimed its second-straight state championship at Prairie View Golf Club. The Greyhounds finished with a 608 score, nine shots better than runner-up Westfield. Homestead (622) and Noblesville (635) rounded out the top four.
For Carmel, the title is the fourth in program history, winning previously in 2013 and 1980. The 608 score is also the fifth-best in state finals history.
The top-ranked Carmel Greyhounds shot a 608, the fifth-lowest score in state finals history, en route to repeating as IHSAA state champions (Photo credit: Double Edge Media @demllc).
“Winning two in a row is a dream,” Kluesner said, “but actually accomplishing it is very hard. Our motto today was ‘one-shot-at-a-time.’ We just wanted to stay patient, eliminate big number and, fortunately, we were able to pull away.”
Westfield had a one-shot lead (306-307) after the first round, but Carmel served notice immediately in round two by surging to a three-shot lead after three holes.
The Shamrocks, however, recovered and headed to the back nine with that one-shot lead.
From there, however, Carmel dominated.
Led by seniors Michaela Headlee (146), Claire Swathwood (149) and Kamryn Williams (156), the Greyhounds came in with a 6-over, 150, while Westfield shot a 10-over, 160. Sophie Mock rounded out the Carmel score with a 157.
“We’ve battled Carmel all year,” Westfield coach Josh Bryant said, “and they played fantastic over the back nine. There is no heartache for us over that.”
Part of the reason Westfield won’t go home with any heartache is because of the performances of senior Samantha Brown and junior Addi Kooi.
Brown claimed the individual title by shooting a 2-over, 142, while Kooi tied Headlee and two others for second at 146.
Brown finished the 36 holes with four birdies and 30 pars – shooting only two bogeys during the entire tournament. Her first bogey came on the 11th hole in round two.
“I had never had a bogey-free round until (round one) and I just tried to keep it going,” said Brown, who also won the Mental Attitude Award.
“Everything came together (in round one) and I was able to get myself out of trouble and handle every situation I was in.”
Also tying for second were Castle’s Ashley Kirkland and Batesville sophomore Ava South. Swathwood and Floyd Central’s Paige Giovenco each finished at 5-over, followed by Culver Academy’s Lynne Zhang and Homestead’s Scarlett Senk, each at 6-over.
Samantha Brown earns Mental Attitude Award
During the awards ceremony, Samantha Brown of Westfield High School was named as the recipient of the Mental Attitude Award by the IHSAA Executive Committee.
The award is annually presented to a senior, nominated by her principal and coach, who best demonstrates excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership, and athletic ability during her four years of high school.
Brown maintains a 3.9 GPA and during her high school career, she has been involved with National Honor Society, Student Council, Girls on the Run and the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
She is the daughter of Zane and Carrie Brown of Westfield, IN and will attend Purdue University to study Business Management while playing golf for the Boilermakers.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance presented a $1,000 scholarship to the general scholarship fund at Westfield High School in the name of Samantha Brown.
INDIANA FOOTBALL
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – An Indiana football bye couldn’t have come at a better time.
Coming off Saturday’s 44-17 loss at Maryland (5-0 overall, 2-0 in the Big Ten) and facing problems on offense and defense, the Hoosiers (2-3, 0-2) will get two weeks to turn things around before traveling to No. 2 Michigan (5-0).
IU fell behind 21-3 in the first quarter and never recovered.
Quarterback Tayven Jackson was 17-for-29 for 113 yards and an interception. Brendan Sorsby entered in the third quarter and finished 7-for-11 for 84 yards and two touchdowns.
Receiver Donaven McCulley had six catches for 79 yards and a touchdown. Running back Christian Turner added 54 rushing yards on 14 carries.
Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa completed 24-of-34 passes for 352 yards and five touchdowns.
IU was without running back Josh Henderson, wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr., and tight end Bradley Archer.
Hoosier problems started right away.
IU gave up passes of 62 and 13 yards for a Maryland game-opening touchdown to fall behind 7-0 in less than a minute.
A Jaylin Lucas 56-yard kickoff return and 20 rushing yards from Turner resulted in a Chris Freeman field goal for a 7-3 score.
The defense had an early spark with a cornerback Kobee Minor pass breakup in the end zone and a punishing tackle for loss by linebacker Aaron Casey to help force a Maryland punt on its second possession.
The Terrapins came back with a Tagovailoa TD pass and a TD run for a 21-3 lead by the end of the first quarter. They had a 152 to 23 edge in total yards.
A promising second-quarter IU drive into the red zone ended without a point. A second promising drive ended with an 11-yard sack.
Maryland came back with Tagovailoa’s third touchdown pass for a 27-3 halftime lead. It added a Tagovailoa touchdown pass and a field goal in the third quarter, and got a fifth Tagovailoa TD pass in the fourth quarter.
Sorsby came in facing a 37-3 third-quarter deficit. He threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to McCulley and a 16-yard TD pass to Andison Coby in the fourth quarter.
INDIANA VOLLEYBALL
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The biggest crowd in Wilkinson Hall history (2,632) and the biggest crowd to ever watch a match in a volleyball-specific venue in program history got a treat on Saturday (September 30th) night as Indiana pushed No. 2 Nebraska to the edge in a four-set defeat.
Despite an outstanding blocking night for the Hoosiers, Nebraska overturned a late second-set deficit before winning comfortably in sets three and four to take the match 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-19) and remain undefeated.
Sophomore opposite hitter Avry Tatum and senior middle blocker Savannah Kjolhede each provided 10 kills while freshman libero Ramsey Gary dug 21 balls in a gutsy defensive effort. Sophomore outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles had three solo blocks.
IU falls to 12-5 (2-2) on the season with both conference defeats at the hands of the nation’s two-best teams. The Hoosiers head out east next weekend for a date with top-15 Penn State and Maryland.
Stats and Notes
Team
• IU dominated the blocking category 11.0-2.0 but were outhit .138 to .338 as Nebraska got into an offensive rhythm down the stretch.
• The Hoosiers hit .351 in the opening set, putting away 14 kills on 37 swings with just one error.
• 2,632 people attended Saturday night’s match, the most in the history of Wilkinson Hall and the most in a volleyball-specific venue in program history.
#10 Haworth, Camryn
• With two aces on the night, Haworth broke the program’s rally-era ace record, tallying the 130th and 131st service ace of her career.
• She is now top-five all-time in aces in program history and will push for the program record (197), regardless of scoring system, over the next year.
#15 Kjolhede, Savannah
• A top choice offensively on the night, Kjolhede went for 10 kills on 14 swings with just one error, hitting a team best .643. She also matched a team high with four blocks.
#3 Alonso-Corcelles, Candela
• The sophomore took a team best 35 swings on the night, putting away eight of them while also tallying three solo stuffs.
#32 Gary, Ramsey
• The freshman was a rock defensively, digging 21 balls, the second game of her career with 20+ digs.
• On the week, she had 34 digs and is up to 241 on the season through 17 matches.
Scoring Recap
Set 1: Indiana 25, Nebraska 23
• IU hopped on Nebraska early, hitting .351 in the opening frame (14-1-37) and holding off a late Husker push to take the first set 25-23.
• Senior outside hitter Morgan Geddes had four kills and a massive solo block in the first set to bring the crowd to life in Wilkinson Hall.
• IU’s lead grew to as big as five in the first set. A late Nebraska push was negated by a kill from graduate student middle blocker Kaley Rammelsberg on set point four to close out the first frame.
Set 2: Nebraska 25, Indiana 23
• IU had three blocks in the second set but Nebraska’s offense came to life down the stretch to steal the second set away from the hosts.
• Nebraska head coach John Cook finished a perfect 4-for-4 on challenges in the second set including taking away what would’ve been set point for IU at 24-23.
• Geddes and Tatum each had four kills but Nebraska freshman outside hitter Harper Murray buried the final dagger to win the set. IU twice had set point wiped out by a successful overturned challenge from Nebraska.
Set 3: Nebraska 25, Indiana 15
• Nebraska settled into a very good offensive rhythm in the third set, hitting .333 (14-4-30) to take a 2-1 set advantage over IU.
Set 4: Nebraska, 25, Indiana 19
• IU struggled to stop the Nebraska pins in the final frame as the visitors hit .519 to close out the match in four sets.
• The Hoosiers had a chance to close within one with Haworth at the service line but a missed free ball attack out of bounds gave Nebraska momentum back and the lead at 13-10. The Huskers closed the set on a 12-5 from that point on.
• A service error from Nebraska, one of 16 on the night, gave IU a window in the fourth but Nebraska pulled away to win the final set 25-19.
PURDUE FOOTBALL
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – On a special Homecoming that saw the official dedication of the Tiller Tunnel, the Purdue football team steamrolled to a 44-19 win over Illinois on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Boilermakers (2-3, 1-1 B1G) outscored the Illini (2-3, 0-2 B1G) 28-6 in the second half to win their fourth straight in the series and keep the Cannon Trophy.
Purdue’s defense made a living in the Illinois backfield racking up seven tackles-for-loss, including five sacks from five different players. It was the first time Purdue has amassed five or more sacks in a game since Sept. 8, 2018 vs. Eastern Michigan. Sanoussi Kane led the way with nine tackles (seven solos), one for a sack. The Boilermaker defense stonewalled the Illini on third downs, holding them to 2-of-13 (15.4%).
The defense scored the Boilermakers’ first points with a game-changing strip-sack from Markevious Brown. On a 2nd-and-12 from the Illinois 12-yard line, Brown hammered Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer on a backside blitz that jarred the ball loose into the end zone, where Malik Langham fell on the fumble for his first career touchdown.
The offense finished with 406 total yards, going over 400 for the third time this season. Hudson Card was an efficient 18-of-26 for 217 yards and two scores, completing a pass to eight different receivers. Burks led the way with 83 yards and a score on five catches, securing his fourth touchdown of the season.
Purdue ran for 189 yards behind the stable of Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Mockobee and Dylan Downing, with all three of them finding the end zone. Tracy extended his touchdown scoring streak to five games and also eclipsed 100 yards rushing for the first time in his career, totaling 112 yards on 21 attempts (5.3 yards per carry).
Down 10-6 in the second, Card orchestrated a seven-play, 73-yard drive capped by a 16-yard touchdown run by Dylan Downing to give the Boilermakers a 13-10 lead. Both clubs connected on field goals to close the first half as Purdue took a 16-13 lead into the break. Julio Macias made a career-long 40-yard kick before Illinois kicker Caleb Griffin hit from 53 yards as time expired.
The Boilermakers continued their third quarter dominance by building the lead to 24 before the start of the fourth. Card hit Garrett Miller for his first touchdown catch of the season on a 28-yard scoring toss on Purdue’s opening drive of the half, before Devin Mockobee sprinted his way to pay dirt from three yards out. Card later hit Burks on a dump pass in the final seconds of the period, which the receiver darted in from four yards out. Purdue has outscored opponents 49-14 in the third quarter this season.
The victory improved to Purdue to 1-1 in conference play, while also giving head coach Ryan Walters a win over his former team.
DOMINATING THIRD DOWN
The Boilers held Illinois to 2-for-13 on third down (15.4%) and allowed no conversions through the Illini’s first 10 attempts. The mark of 14.2% percent was the lowest rate allowed since the Wisconsin game on Oct. 23, 2021. It marked the 13th time since 1996 the Boilermakers held an opponent to two or fewer third-down conversions. The defense put Illinois into an average third-down length of 8.4 yards.
The Purdue offense converted 8 of 13 third down attempts, good for a rate of 61.5%.
BACKFIELD MENACES
The Boilermakers made their presence known in the backfield with seven tackles-for-loss, five of which were sacks. Sanoussi Kane, Yanni Karlaftis, Markevious Brown, Sulaiman Kpaka and Kydran Jenkins each had one sack apiece.
Brown’s sack that resulted in the fumble recovery touchdown from Malik Langham marked the Boilermakers’ first defensive score since Cory Trice logged an 8-yard interception return vs. Indiana on Nov. 26, 2022.
It was Purdue’s first scoop-and-score touchdown since George Karlaftis returned a fumble for 56 yards vs. Wisconsin on Oct. 23, 2021.
NOTES
• Purdue now leads the all-time series with Illinois 48-45-6.
• The Boilermakers lead the Cannon Trophy series 42-30-2 and have retained the trophy 24 times in 44 opportunities.
• The game marked the first time Purdue has amassed five or more sacks since Sept. 8, 2018 vs. Eastern Michigan.
• Purdue’s 44 points were the most of the Ryan Walters era.
• Yanni Karlaftis record his first career full sack on Saturday.
• The game marked this season’s fifth Purdue football game in the month of September, the most since 2007.
• Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen caught a 30-yard pass in the second quarter that led to a score, his longest reception of the season.
• Tyrone Tracy Jr. extended his touchdown streak to five games, having scored in every game this season.
• Sanoussi Kane led the defense with nine tackles (seven solos), tying his career high for a second consecutive week.
• Julio Macias converted his only field goal attempt, a 40-yarder to stay perfect on the season. He is 2-of-2 with the 40-yard field goal being his longest.
UP NEXT
After a three-game homestand, the Boilermakers hit the road for the first time in Big Ten play. Purdue travels to Iowa to battle the Hawkeyes (Oct. 7) in another B1G West showdown. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Peacock.
PURDUE WOMEN’S SOCCER
MADISON, Wis. – The Purdue soccer team begins the month of October with a matchup at Wisconsin on Sunday, October 1, at 2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT at the McClimon Track/Soccer Complex in Madison, Wisconsin.
The game will be broadcast live on B1G+, and live stats are available at UWBadgers.com. Updates from Madison also can be found by following and connecting with @PurdueSoccer on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, while direct links to follow along are available on the schedule page at PurdueSports.com/Soccer.
Purdue enters the Sunday afternoon matchup with a 3-8-1 record and a 0-3-1 mark in Big Ten play. The Boilermakers have played four top-25 teams, and another three past opponents are currently ranked or receiving votes in the latest polls.
The Boilermakers have scored 15 goals with 18 assists for 48 points on 142 shots and 55 shots on target. Eight of Purdue’s 15 goals have come from different players, and four of those are first career goals. The Old Gold and Black have allowed 20 goals on 130 shots, 61 on goal. The defense has given up one or zero goals in seven of the team’s 12 games.
Sophomore forward Kayla Budish paces the team with eight points, and she and junior forward Gracie Dunaway share the team lead of three goals. Dunaway also paces the squad with 28 shots and is second on the team with six points, along with senior midfielder Emily Mathews and junior forward Megan Hutchinson. Mathews has a team-leading four assists, and freshman forward Lauren Omholt’s 12 shots on goal is the best on the team. In goal, senior Charlotte Cyr has made 34 saves with a 1.92 goals-against average and a .630 save percentage.
In the record books, Mathews’ 20 career assists are tied for fourth-most in program history and the most since Maddy Williams had a record 26 assists from 2013-17.
SCOUTING WISCONSIN
Wisconsin is 7-2-3 in 2023 with a 2-1-1 record in Big Ten play. The Badgers are 4-1-1 at home after they saw their four-game home win streak come to an end with a 1-0 loss to Michigan State on September 24. UW opened the third week of the Big Ten slate with a 3-1 loss at Minnesota on September 28. That was the first time this season that Wisconsin had allowed more than two goals, and the third time UW has given up more than one.
The Badgers are receiving votes in the latest College Soccer News rankings.
UW has scored 16 goals with 10 assists on 126 shots, 58 on goal. The Badgers have allowed eight goals on 98 shots. Emma Jaskaniec leads the team with 12 points and four assists. She shares the team lead of four goals with Aryssa Mahrt, who also has three assists for 11 points. Erin McKinney has played every minute in goal and has made 39 saves for a .830 save percentage and a 0.67 goals-against average. She has led Wisconsin to six shutouts.
SERIES HISTORY VS. THE BADGERS
Purdue owns an 11-13-3 all-time record against Wisconsin, with a 6-4-1 mark in Madison. Prior to a 5-2 loss last year, the Boilermakers had won three in a row against the Badgers, all UW home games. That streak began with a 1-0 upset win at No. 7 Wisconsin in the 2019 Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal. Purdue then earned a 2-0 win during the 2020-21 season, fueled by a pair of goals by then-freshman Nicole Kevdzija, in a contest hosted by Wisconsin in Rockford, Illinois. In 2021, Purdue won its third in a row with a 2-1 upset win at the 18th-ranked Badgers thanks to two goals by then-senior Sarah Griffith.
Last season, on September 22, 2022, the Boilermakers suffered a 5-2 loss to Wisconsin at Folk Field. Purdue took a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute, but the Badgers answered with the tying goal in the 23rd minute and the go-ahead score in the 31st. UW then extended its lead to 5-1 with three goals from the 66th-72nd minutes. Purdue’s final score came in the last 30 seconds.
Budish, a freshman at the time, scored her second career goal to open the scoring for Purdue. She led the team with two shots, both on goal. A complete recap can be found at PurdueSports.com/Soccer.
LAST TIME OUT: HOME LOSS
Purdue suffered a 4-0 loss to Iowa on September 28 at Folk Field. The visitors found their first goal in the 18th minute and added a second in the 22nd. The half closed with a score in the 35th minute before one with 11 minutes remaining in the game.
The Boilermakers were out-shot 15-8, and the Hawkeyes had a 9-1 advantage in shots on target. Dunaway and Omholt each had three shots, with Dunaway posting a shot on target. Cyr made five saves.
A complete recap from the game is available at PurdueSports.com/Soccer.
UP NEXT: IN-STATE RIVALRY AT FOLK FIELD
After almost a week off, the Boilermakers are back at Folk Field for a rivalry matchup against Indiana on Sunday, October 8, at 1 p.m. ET. Admission is free for all fans as Purdue will look to retain the Golden Boot Trophy for the ninth consecutive year. It is Kids Club Day and there will be a scarf giveaway for students.
BUTLER FOOTBALL
INDIANAPOLIS – The Bulldogs controlled the ground game in their PFL home opener and would outscore the Blue Hose 13-0 in the second half to claim a 27-17 victory at the Sellick Bowl on Saturday afternoon. With the win, Butler moves to 4-1 on the year with a 2-0 mark in league play. The 2023 team is the first Bulldog group to record four wins in the month of September since 2009!
The Bulldogs dominated time of possession (41:19 – 18:41) to run 84 plays against Presbyterian resulting in 464 yards of total offense. The defense was just as good by keeping the Blue Hose off the scoreboard in the second half. Presbyterian only accounted for 33 rushing yards against the Bulldog front while BU rushed for 299 yards.
Jyran Mitchell once again led the charge in the Bulldog backfield. The graduate rushed the ball 31 times for 149 yards and was responsible for the first touchdown of the game to give BU the early lead.
Presbyterian fought back with a quick strike over the top that resulted in Dominic Kibby getting behind the defense for a 93-yard TD reception from Tyler Wesley.
Butler’s second quarter TD run came from Bret Bushka midway through the frame. Bushka took off 15 times to rush for 99 yards. He had a rushing and passing touchdown vs. the Blue Hose. The rush gave BU a 14-7 lead, but another big play from the Blue Hose would pull the visitors even at 14-14. Kibby once again got loose against the BU secondary and would add a 75-yard TD to his stat line. Moments later, PC added a 44-yard field goal to take a three-point lead into the half.
The opening drive of the second half set the tone for the rest of the game as Butler went 85 yards in 16 plays to regain the lead. Bushka found Ryan Lezon in the end zone on a 14-yard pass to put BU back in front. Lezon caught his only target of the game for the go-ahead touchdown and Luka Zurak would give Butler some insurance with made field goals from 23 and 20 yards out.
Ethan Loss led Butler with four catches for 36 yards and Joey Audia had a huge second half first down to end the game with three catches, covering 33 yards. Bushka completed 17 of his 26 pass attempts on the day to reach 148 yards on Saturday. His longest pass traveled 24 yards.
The defense got a lift from Jeremiah Jackson, Tyson Garrett and Lucas Kozlowski. Jackson had six tackles, 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss. Carson Gulgin was in the backfield to get the other half of the BU sack.
Butler opens the month of October with a road game at St. Thomas. The defending PFL champions will host the Bulldogs on Saturday, Oct. 7 for a 1 PM kick-off. Fans can catch the game on Tommies All-Access channel that streams on TommieSports.com.
IUPUI MEN’S SOCCER
DETROIT – After twice being down a goal, the IUPUI men’s soccer team fought back to force a 2-2 draw and remain undefeated in #HLMSOC play. Lukas Hackaa tallied two goals for the second time this season, with the second coming in the final minute of play to earn a crucial road point.
“It’s a tie that feels like a win,” exclaimed head coach Sid van Druenen. “On the road points are valuable. I think a lot of teams will come here and struggle as has shown. At moments we did a really good job in possession but at times we got a little bit lazy and played more into their style than ours. Overall I think the tie is fair, especially with all the adversity we had to deal with.”
Detroit Mercy (3-6-1, 2-1-1 HL) opened the scoring in the 31st minute, with Tim Allos jumping on a loose ball inside the box and carefully passing the ball passed Lucas Morefield.
IUPUI (4-3-3, 3-0-1 HL) looked to even the scoreline quickly, garnering an attempt on goal just a few minutes later. Noah Kummrow crossed a ball in from the right side of the field and Josemir Gomez fought hard to get a head on it, forcing goalkeeper Quinn Tews to make a diving stop.
After going into halftime down a goal, the Jags picked up the pressure in the second half. Just under ten minutes into the second 45, Logan Finnegan won a penalty after being fouled by Mateo Phillips. Proven penalty taker, Lukas Hackaa, stepped up to the spot and calmly found the back of the net after sending Tews the wrong way.
The Jags remained on the front foot after the match tying goal, maintaining the lion’s share of possession over the next ten-plus minutes, and looked poised to find a winner.
Detroit Mercy, celebrating Homecoming, would not go down easily in front of its home fans. The Titan attack forced Morefield to make multiple stops in the next 20 minutes of play, with the best coming in the 74th minute when he adjusted quickly to a deflected shot to keep the score knotted at one. The graduate goalkeeper, however, earned a red card after coming out of the box to try and stop a fast break but clipped the attacker, forcing the referee to blow his whistle.
The Jaguars’ new goalkeeper—Bryson Najarian—was forced into action right away, making a save on the ensuing free kick to keep his team in the match.
Less than five minute later, a hand ball was called on Jago Thompson-Roberts, giving the Titans a penalty kick. Andri Myftari converted the game’s second tally from the spot to regain the lead for his team.
Despite being down a goal and man for the final 10-plus minutes of play, the Jags continued to press for the equalizer. With less than thirty seconds remaining on the clock, a free kick was given just outside the 18-yard box. Hackaa stood over the ball and confidently curled it up and over the wall and passed Tews for his second tally of the match.
The goal not only secured his brace but also a crucial road point that propelled the team atop the conference table following Purdue Fort Wayne’s loss to Robert Morris. “We’re far from done,” concluded van Druenen. “We got five more games that are going to be tough, but being able to do it sitting in first with ten (points) is much easier than when you are fighting for those lower spots on the table. We’ve got to continue what we are doing because we are doing something right. The guys have to keep working and keep believing.”
The league leaders have a short hiatus from Horizon League play when they take on cross-town foe Butler on Tuesday (Oct. 3) evening.
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
DURHAM, North Carolina – The University of Notre Dame football team took over on it’s own five-yard line trailing Duke by a score 14-13 with 2:35 left in regulation and needing to come away with a victory.
The Irish put together a 10-play, 95-yard drive that was capped off by a 30-yard touchdown run from Audric Estime with just 31 seconds left in the game to deliver Notre Dame the 21-14 victory at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday evening.
The defining play on the drive was a 17-yard scramble from quarterback Sam Hartman on 4th-and-16 to put the ball on Duke’s 30-yard line, setting up the game-winning touchdown from Estime.
The defense then stood tall one more time, this time via a strip sack from Howard Cross III, which was recovered by Marist Liufau to put an exclamation mark on the victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Irish struck quickly on their first drive, utilizing their big play offense. On the second play of the game, Mitchell Evans grabbed a 28-yard pass down the seam. A false start put the Irish behind the chains and on third and 15, Hartman found Estimé out of the back field for 13 yards. Notre Dame looked to be in punt formation, but a mini-huddle of Irish players broke to the line suddenly and Jeremiyah Love took a direct snap around the right side for 34 yards to put the Irish inside the redzone.
Love followed with a seven-yard run to the six-yard line and Estimé bullied his way in for the first touchdown of the game and sixth of the season to put the Irish on top 7-0.
Notre Dame’s defense earned a stop on Duke’s first drive. Marist Liufau was all over the field early, getting a tackle-for-loss, a pass broken up and a third-down stop all on the first Duke possession. The Blue Devils were able to drive to the Notre Dame 28, but Liufau’s stop forced a 38-yard field goal attempt that was no good.
The Irish drove again into Duke territory on their next drive with Evans gaining two key long third-down conversions on catches of 14 and 21 yards. Notre Dame eventually punted and quickly got the ball back when Xavier Watts intercepted his second pass of the season at the 24-yard line and returned it to the 12.
The interception was the first of the season thrown by Duke quarterback Riley Leonard.
The offense, however, could not find the end zone and settled for a 35-yard Spencer Shrader field goal to increase the lead to 10-0.
The teams then traded possessions with the Irish forcing a Duke three-and-out when Javontae Jean-Baptiste and Liufau combined on a third-down sack. Notre Dame gained one first down on their next try, but could not convert on the next third down and punted again.
Evans continued his stellar play in the game on Notre Dame’s next possession, making a one-handed running catch for a 36-yard gain. The offense stalled again, however, and Shrader missed a 37-yard field goal.
Duke ended the half with its most sustained drive of the game as they turned to their quarterback’s rushing acumen. Leonard carried the ball five times on the drive, including a 21-yard gain to get the Blue Devils all the way down to the Irish 11-yard line.
Duke called Leonard’s number again and as he tried to get through the Irish line, Howard Cross III forced a fumble but the Irish were unable to fall on the ball first. The Blue Devils attempted a 24-yard field goal as the first half expired but it ended up just wide right and Notre Dame took a 10-0 lead into the break.
Duke received the ball after halftime and the Irish defense earned yet another stop, forcing a punt after three plays and just five yards. Notre Dame worked its way down the field behind a Chris Tyree 22-yard reception. Hartman followed with a four-yard scramble on third and six to give the Irish a chance to go for it on fourth down and two at the Duke 36-yard line.
Hartman scrambled again on fourth down – this time for seven yards – but the Irish offense would end up stalling and settling for a field goal again. Shrader was true from 45 yards and the Irish moved their lead to 13-0.
The ground game would get Duke down the field for their first touchdown. Rushing nine times during an 11-play drive, highlighted by a 34-yard rush, cut the Irish lead to 13-7 with 3:36 left in the third quarter.
The two sides traded punts before Duke’s first drive of the fourth quarter. The Blue Devils marched down the field for the go-ahead score, putting together an eight-play, 80-yard drive which was capped off by a three-yard touchdown pass to take their first lead of the night at 14-13 with 9:17 left in the game.
Notre Dame’s ensuing possession stalled, forcing the Irish to give the ball back to Duke with just under eight minutes left.
The Irish came up with a crucial stop on the following Duke drive, setting up the dramatic finish.
BALL STATE FOOTBALL
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Grad transfer quarterback Layne Hatcher threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns to lead Ball State, but the Cardinals couldn’t overcome 461 yards by Western Michigan in a 42-24 Broncos’ victory at Waldo Stadium. Hatcher finished 26-of-37 passing while quarterbacking the Cardinals from wire to wire.
Hatcher started for the first time since Ball State opened its season at Kentucky, and eclipsed 300 passing yards for the 12th time in his career. The biggest beneficiary was redshirt sophomore receiver
Qian Magwood
Qian Magwood who caught nine passes for 110 yards. His 32-yard touchdown catch and run on the first possession of the second half, perhaps the game’s biggest highlight, brought the Cardinals within 28-17. He finished with career highs in catches and yards.
Magwood’s catch capped a 75-yard drive to open the third quarter, corralling a Hatcher pass in the left flat. He fought through blockers and tacklers and reversed right toward the center of the field, then reversed course again and ran mostly untouched as he darted for the end zone.
But just as the Cardinals scored first to open the first half, on a 27-yard field goal by Jackson Courville, Western Michigan responded. Following Courville’s field goal to end a 70-yard drive that stalled at the WMU 10, the Broncos answered with three straight touchdowns to command a 21-3 lead. After Magwood’s TD early in the third, WMU QB Treyson Bourget found Anthony Sambucci for a 31-yard score on the ensuing possession. It was the third Bourget-to-Sambucci touchdown pass of the afternoon.
Maximus Webster snared a 2-yard Hatcher pass late in the first half for Ball State’s first touchdown and the Broncos added a 2-yard score of their own for a 28-10 halftime advantage. Touchdowns by Webster and Magwood were the first touchdowns of both of their careers. Grad transfer receiver Ahmad Edwards caught Hatcher’s longest pass of the day for a 57-yard touchdown in the final period.
Hatcher and the Cardinals had a season-high in passing yards, with nine different receivers getting into the action. But WMU’s 328 pass yards were aided by 133 on the ground – plus Ball State’s season-high 10 penalties for 107 yards that at times proved costly.
The game’s only turnover, a Hatcher fumble on one of six WMU sacks, gave the Broncos a short field on the way to its third touchdown.
Cole Pearce and Sidney Houston Jr., each led Ball State with 10 tackles on defense, with Pearce adding a sack and a pass break-up. Running back Marquez Cooper added 82 rushing yards and caught four passes for 54 yards, adding a long run of 23 and a catch of 25.
BALL STATE VOLLEYBALL
YPSILANTI, Mich. – – The Ball State women’s volleyball team used rallies late in the first and third sets to run its current winning streak to five matches with a 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-23) sweep of Eastern Michigan Saturday afternoon at the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
“While we didn’t play our best today, we found a way to get the big point when it mattered,” head coach Kelli Miller Phillips said. “We have to keep working to not put ourselves in those positions, but I am proud of our group for staying tough and finding a way.”
In picking up its fifth consecutive sweep, the Cardinals (7-8; 4-0 Mid-American Conference) rallied from down 24-22 in the opening set and 22-21 in the third to remain unblemished in league play.
While the Eagles (2-15; 0-5 MAC) were able to slow the Ball State offense down in comparison to last night’s meeting, the Cardinals still had four student-athletes record at least eight kills. Fifth-year middle Marie Plitt and senior outside Cait Snyder led the way with 10 each.
Plitt would go on to lead all attackers with a .500 (10-0-20) hitting percentage and produce a match-high six total blocks, including a pair of solo stuffs. Plitt’s play at the net helped the Cardinals hold a 10.0-to-6.0 edge in total blocks.
Rounding out Ball State’s top attackers were freshman outside Aniya Kennedy with nine kills and sophomore opposite Madison Buckley with eight. Buckley, along with freshman middle Camryn Wise, each tallied three total blocks in the win.
The Cardinals also put together another solid effort in the backcourt, tallying 66 digs. It’s BSU’s most digs in a three-set match this season, topping the 58 from yesterday’s sweep at EMU. Once again it was fifth-year libero Havyn Gates who led the BSU defense with 16 digs. Junior setter Megan Wielonski added 11, to go along with 31 assists, for her sixth double-double of the season.
“Defensively we made more plays tonight which was a focus on our end for sure,” Phillips added. “Our next step is translating those plays into better offensive production. We are building each week but must keep getting better.”
Wielonski and Gates also served up a pair of aces each, helping Ball State hold a 5-to-4 advantage in that category.
EMU’s Ava Siefke led all players with 12 kills and 18 digs, topping three Eagles’ defenders in double digits.
The Ball State women’s volleyball team returns to the road next weekend for a Friday match at Miami and a Saturday showdown with defending MAC Tournament Champion and 2022 co-regular season champion Bowling Green. First serves are set for 7 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.
INDIANA STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State closes out the road trip through Iowa this weekend as the Sycamores head to Cedar Falls and the UNI Soccer Field to take on Northern Iowa on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff between the Sycamores and the Panthers is set for 1 p.m. ET and will be carried live on ESPN+.
The Sycamores (1-4-6, 0-2-1) are looking to bounce back from a tough loss on Thursday afternoon at Drake as ISU fell to the host Bulldogs at Drake Stadium, 2-0. The Sycamores fought through the first half despite being outshot by the Bulldogs, 9-1, in the opening 45 minutes and appeared to be heading into the break with the score knotted up at 0-0.
However, Drake took the lead on Madelyn Smith’s goal in the 45th minute to take the halftime advantage and Emma Nagel added a goal in the 75th minute to provide insurance in taking the conference win.
Alexa Mackey led ISU’s efforts in the game with two shots and a shot on goal, while Mackenzie Kent continued to provide flashes of brilliance atop the ISU formation, but the Sycamores were unable to crack the scoreboard in the match. Anna Chor and Isabel Garcia both had chances from distance in the second half with both attempts turned away by the Drake defense.
Maddie Alexander posted four saves while playing the full 90 minutes in goal. The Sycamore keeper faced 17 Drake shots in the contest while the Bulldogs added six corner kicks in the match.
The Sycamores are still searching for their first win in conference play in 2023 after drawing against Belmont, while falling to both Valparaiso and Drake. The last time ISU started 0-2-1 in conference play, the Sycamores went on a tear to close out the season with a 4-0-2 mark on their way to finishing third in the conference standings.
The turnaround is going to start at the top of the ISU lineup as Mackenzie Kent and Chloe Tesny have provided a solid offensive punch atop the formation for the Sycamores. Kent leads ISU with 23 shots on the season with 13 on target, while Tesny scored the Sycamores’ first goal of the year against Marshall. Maddie Helling is the team’s goal leader with the defender scoring on a pair of set plays early in the year, while Adelaide Wolfe added her first collegiate goal against UT Martin.
Alexander remains the team’s top goalkeeper of the season starting in all 11 matches with a 1.16 goals-against-average. The Battle Creek, Mich. native has posted 45 saves on the season and three shutouts blanking Belmont, Louisville, and Miami (Ohio).
The Sycamores have a 12-9-5 all-time mark against Northern Iowa including last season’s 1-1 draw in Terre Haute. The match featured Ella Gorrie’s second goal of 2022 in the 75th minute to knot the game up, while former Sycamore keeper Tara Hoffman posted a career-high nine saves in the match.
Northern Iowa has rolled through the season to date with a 9-1-1 overall record and a 2-1 mark in Missouri Valley play. The Panthers are a perfect 7-0 at home at the UNI Soccer Field topping Viterbo, Southern Utah, Saint Ambrose, Omaha, UT Martin, UIC, and Southern Illinois. Northern Iowa’s lone loss in 2023 came two Sundays ago on the road as the Panthers fell to in-state rival Drake, 2-1.
The Panthers have scored 30 goals on the season paced by Macy Smith’s team-high six goals off the bench in 2023. Olivia Knoepfle has five goals and four assists to go with a team-high 14 points, while Maddie Eastus has five goals and two assists on the year. Overall, six UNI players have posted multiple goals on the season while 10 players have found the back of the net.
Caitlin Richards has been the primary keeper for the Panthers in 2023 earning all 11 starts on the season. The senior has surrendered eight goals over 99 shots faced with 32 saves and a 0.800 saves percentage on the season.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE MEN’S SOCCER
MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Purdue Fort Wayne saw their six-match unbeaten and five-match win streak come to an end on Saturday (Sept. 30) at the hands of the Robert Morris Colonials in a Horizon League match 3-0.
The Colonials took early control of the game with goals in the third, 11th and 16th minutes. Anass Hadran scored the first goal with an assist by Chase Gilley. John Paul Mbuthia scored the second goal, also assisted by Gilley. The third score was assisted by Hadran with Gabe Norris putting it in the back of the net.
The ‘Dons finished with 12 shots in the game. Soshi Fujioka had three of them with two on goal. Marc Rodriguez, Luis Toledo and Eliam Mier each recorded a shot off the bench.
Max Collingwood finished with eight saves for the ‘Dons.
Robert Morris had a 6-5 edge in corners.
The Colonials move to 4-3-2 (2-2-0 Horizon League). The ‘Dons are now 5-3-1 (3-1-0 Horizon League). Purdue Fort Wayne is back in action on Saturday (Oct. 7) in a league game against Oakland. Kick against the Golden Grizzlies is set for 1 p.m. at the Hefner Soccer Complex.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE WOMEN’S SOCCER
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Purdue Fort Wayne women’s soccer team had not been beaten at Hefner Soccer Complex in 15 matches coming into Saturday’s (Sept. 30) match, but Youngstown State beat the Mastodons 2-1. It was the program’s longest home unbeaten streak, and the loss is their first at home since October 27, 2021. It was the eighth-longest home unbeaten streak in the nation going into Saturday.
Morgan Reitano scored her team-leading fifth goal of the season, moving her into sole possession of sixth place in the program’s all-time scoring list.
Rylee Vruggink found Bella Reitano through traffic, then Reitano found her sister for a 31st minute header goal that was an equalizing goal at the time. Youngstown State found the back of the net in the 11th minute, but Reitano’s goal tied the match at 1-1, which was the score at halftime.
In the 54th minute, Youngstown State found what became the game-winning goal when Elis Spindola finished a cross from the right side of the field to put her team up 2-1.
Reitano began the game with the sixth-best shot accuracy percentage in the Horizon League and continued her savvy shooting with all three of her shots coming on goal. The ‘Dons finished the match with more shots on goal than Youngstown State, leading in that stat 9-6. They also out-shot the Penguins 17-12.
Youngstown State is the only Horizon League team to defeat the Mastodons over the last two seasons.
The Mastodons fall to 5-4-4, 2-1-2 Horizon League. Youngstown State improves to 6-5-1, 2-3-0. Purdue Fort Wayne hosts Horizon League preseason favorite Milwaukee on Thursday (Oct. 5) at 5 p.m.
EVANSVILLE VOLLEYBALL
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Melanie Feliciano and Giulia Cardona registered 13 kills apiece in a 3-0 road loss at Missouri State on Saturday.
Both Feliciano and Cardona were equally efficient on the defensive side, posting 11 and 13 digs, respectively. Ainoah Cruz led the way with 17 digs and Kora Ruff picked up another double-double with 32 assists and 13 digs. Breanah Rives had 12 kills to lead the Bears.
Game 1 – MSU 25, UE 16
Missouri State took control from the start, scoring the first five points before extending the lead to 8-1. Their lead would reach double figures at 13-3. Trailing by a 15-6 margin, Evansville worked its way back into the mix. Consecutive kills from Melanie Feliciano were part of a 7-2 run that saw UE get within four at 17-13. The Bears fended off the challenge to take the set by a 25-16 final.
Game 2 – MSU 25, UE 22
It was the Purple Aces who had the upper hand in the early moments of game two. Kora Ruff picked up an ace to help her team go up 3-0. An error by the Bears doubled the UE lead to six points at 9-3. At that point, MSU stormed back with an 8-1 rally to take their first advantage at 11-10.
With the Bears up 18-16, the Aces made their run as two more Feliciano kills highlighted a 4-0 run that put UE back on top at 20-18. It was the home team who would make the final run as the Bears scored four in a row and would go on to win the set and take a 2-0 lead in the match.
Game 3 – SIU 25, UE 12
The lead swapped multiple times in the early portion of the set, leading to a tie score of 8-8. Three in a row by Missouri State gave them the edge before Evansville made a 3-0 run of its own with Madisyn Steele, Giulia Cardona and Feliciano each picking up a kill.
After the Bears wrestled away a 16-13 advantage, the Aces rebounded to retake an 18-17 advantage. In a set that went down to the wire, it was Missouri State who made the final run, scoring the final three points to break a 22-22 tie and clinch the match.
UE is back home next weekend to face Northern Iowa and Drake.
SOUTHERN INDIANA VOLLEYBALL
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – University of Southern Indiana Volleyball (8-9, 4-2 OVC) had a flawless third frame to propel the Screaming Eagles to a 3-1 (26-24, 25-21, 25-7, 25-21) win against Tennessee State University (2-12, 2-2 OVC) at Kean Hall on Saturday. USI put up 14 kills with no attacking errors in the third to gain momentum over the Lady Tigers and ultimately lead to their second-straight weekend sweep over an Ohio Valley Conference opponent.
The Eagles had a late comeback but fell short against TSU in the opening game, 26-24. USI got an early 4-2 lead after kills from junior outside hitter Abby Weber (Fishers, Indiana) and junior middle blocker Lauren O’Neill (Covington, Indiana) until the Tigers scored four straight points off four kills to take a 6-4 advantage. TSU continued to roll on offense and would hold their largest lead of the set, 19-12. The Eagles got a few back after a kill from senior outside hitter Leah Anderson (Bloomington, Illinois) and a pair of TSU miscues. Down 23-18, USI fought back and scored six of the next seven points to knot it up at 24 apiece. The surge started with a kill from Anderson and an ace from sophomore libero/defensive specialist Keira Moore (Newburgh, Indiana) before a kill from senior outside/right side hitter Abby Bednar (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) completed the comeback. However, the Tigers’ offense went out on a high note and tallied back-to-back kills to take the opening set win. Even though USI had 11 kills, three aces, and five blocks, it was TSU’s 20 first-set kills that stole the show.
A more evenly-match contest resulted in a 25-21 victory for the Eagles. The Tigers came out swinging with a 4-0 run before USI returned the favor with three straight points with kills from Anderson and Bednar. Trailing 7-4, the Eagles used a 5-0 gain to take a 9-7 advantage. During the run, Bednar tacked on a kill and a pair of aces while Weber nabbed a kill. USI continued with a 6-0 stint to take a 15-8 lead after four Tigers’ errors, an ace from Weber, and an Anderson kill. Down by seven, TSU turned on the jets and scored four straight points to cut the deficit to 18-15. Both sides traded blows until USI ultimately took home the win. Both teams secured double-digit kills but it was the Eagles’ three aces and three blocks that lifted USI over TSU.
It was a near-perfect offensive attack from the Eagles in the third set that resulted in a dominating 25-7 win. Leading 6-3, USI quickly escalated and scored nine of the next 10 points to make it 15-4. The Eagles earned seven kills and an ace during the stint. Even though TSU stopped that run, USI nabbed another large gain, this time scoring seven of the next eight points to take a 22-5 advantage. The surge started with four straight kills split between Bednar and Anderson. The Eagles ended the Tigers’ woes after a kill from junior middle hitter Paris Downing (Avon, Indiana) sealed the deal. USI’s offense had 14 kills with no attacking errors to earn a .667 hitting percentage to shift the momentum the Eagles’ way. The defensive side held strong, allowing five kills and forcing five errors.
Big runs from both sides went in favor of USI as the Eagles defeated the Tigers in the fourth frame, 25-21. USI held a solid 10-3 run that started with a kill and ace from junior setter Carly Sobieralski (Indianapolis, Indiana) and ended with a pair of kills from sophomore middle hitter Bianca Anderson (Chicago Heights, Illinois). TSU quickly turned around and scored five of the next six points to cut the deficit to three. Back-to-back kills from Sobieralski and Leah Anderson extended the lead before the Tigers came back to life and made it 14-12. With an 18-17 advantage, Weber scored a kill and ace with Leah Anderson nabbing another kill to help make it a 22-17 game. However, TSU stormed back and made it a one-point match after scoring four straight points. Despite the late push from the Tigers, the Eagles secured the win after two kills and a bad set from TSU. USI put up a match-high five aces in the final frame.
Leah Anderson recorded her eighth-straight double-digit kills night after earning a match-high 19 kills while Bednar followed up with 14 kills. Leah Anderson also led both sides with three aces and six blocks. Bednar matched the aces count with three while Weber and Moore each nabbed two aces. Moore also earned a match-high 15 digs while Weber closed out the double-digit digs with 11. Sobieralski once again dominated the passing game with her second-straight 40-assist match, totaling 41 in the win.
As a team, the Eagles produced 50 kills, 45 assists, and 12 aces to go with 51 digs and 11 blocks. The Tigers ended the match with 49 kills, 43 assists, and one ace with 53 digs and six blocks. This was just the fourth time USI has passed the 50-kill threshold and the most points scored in a match this season with 73 points.
NEXT UP FOR THE EAGLES:
The Eagles head back to Screaming Eagles Arena next weekend to host Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for a pair of OVC matches on Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Friday’s match will be Dig Pink Night while Saturday’s match will be Mental Health Awareness Day.
SIUE leads the head-to-head record over USI since 2000, going 13-8 with seven straight victories over the Eagles. Last season, the Cougars won both conference matches by winning 3-2 and 3-1 in Edwardsville, Illinois.
VALPO FOOTBALL
The Valparaiso University football team rallied from 15-0 down to score 16 unanswered points, edging Southwest Minnesota State 16-15 in the nonconference finale on a sun-splashed Saturday at Brown Field. The Valpo defense permitted just six points all game (the other nine were scored with Valpo’s offense on the field) and the unit came through in a big way after halftime, compiling a shutout over the game’s final 30 minutes.
How It Happened
Valpo committed an early turnover via an interception, but that was sandwiched around a pair of drives in which the Beacon defense forced SMSU punts. The first points of the game came via a defensive play for the Mustangs as Valpo was sacked in the end zone for a safety to make it 2-0 in favor of the guests with 6:58 left in the opening quarter.
The SMSU possession that followed resulted in the first offensive score of the game on a 65-yard pass to make it 8-0. The PAT was missed.
A 61-yard kickoff return by Jashon Butler (Lynwood, Wash. / Meadowdale [Arizona]) set up Valpo in positive territory, but that drive resulted in a punt.
Early in the second quarter, a pick six for the guests extended the edge to 15-0.
Another big kickoff return by Butler put the Beacons in business as his 60-yard burst allowed the Valpo drive to start at the SMSU 40. That set up a 40-yard field goal by Ryan Hawk (Columbus, Ohio / Bishop Hartley) that clawed the hosts onto the scoreboard to make it 15-3 with 9:22 left in the second quarter.
The Valpo defense forced a three-and-out that was punctuated by an Evan Annis (Hilliard, Ohio / Hilliard Davidson) sack, then an SMSU punt was blocked by Max Samuel (Edina, Minn. / Edina) to give the Brown & Gold first-and-goal at the 3-yard line.
Twice Valpo appeared to rush for a touchdown, but both plays were called back by penalties. The drive ended with a missed 32-yard field goal attempt.
The Valpo defense
The Valpo defense earned a takeaway when Onye Nwosisi (Indianapolis, Ind. / Cardinal Ridge [Muskingum]) forced a fumble that was recovered by Sam Hafner (Green Bay, Wis. / De Pere) near midfield with 2:14 left in the second quarter. That Beacon drive finished with quarterback Michael Appel Jr. (Springboro, Ohio / Springboro) finding Brandon Jimenez (Suffern, N.Y. / Don Bosco Prep [Albany]) for a 28-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 15-10 going into halftime.
Each team punted on their first four drives of the second half, combining for eight consecutive drives that ended in punts. This led to a scoreless third quarter before Valpo finally broke through with 5:14 left in the fourth. Solomon Davis (Brighton, Tenn. / Brighton) made a key 18-yard snag on a drive that also featured a conversion on fourth-and-1 from the Valpo 44.
All that helped lead to a 35-yard dash by Appel for the go-ahead score. The Beacons went for two to try to make it a three-point cushion, but the 2-point try failed.
SMSU moved the ball into Valpo territory including a 19-yard completion, but George Trojanek (Carpentersville, Ill. / IMG Academy) came up with a big-time sack for a loss of five on third-and-4 from the Valpo 38. Annis pressured the quarterback into an incomplete pass on fourth-and-9 to create a turnover on downs with 1:43 remaining, helping keep the defense’s second-half shutout intact.
Valpo faced fourth-and-5 from the 48 with five seconds on the clock, and Evan Matthes unleashed a punt that ate up the remaining time, prompting a mad dash to the victory bell from the Valpo sideline.
Inside the Game
Valpo played its third straight game decided by fewer than seven points. Furthermore, this marked the third straight outing where regulation ended with Valpo and the opponent separated by two points or fewer.
Nearly half of Landon Fox’s 45 games as Valpo head coach have been decided by seven points or fewer. Since the start of last season, six of the eight games played at Brown Field have been one-score affairs, so home fans have been treated to no shortage of thrilling football.
This was Valpo’s first one-point game since a 26-25 loss to Butler last season. It was the team’s first win by the slimmest of margins since defeating San Diego 20-19 in the final game of the Spring 2021 campaign.
A testament to the play of the defense on Saturday, the 16 points were the fewest that Valpo has scored in a win since beating Drake 10-7 on April 3, 2021.
Valpo got five tackles apiece from Hafner, Jake Birmingham (River Forest, Ill. / Oak Park and River Forest), Will Abrams (Fox River Grove, Ill. / Cary-Grove) and Mohamed Kamara (Kalamazoo, Mich. / Kalamazoo Central [Hope]), while the defense totaled three sacks and four tackles for loss.
Hafner’s fumble recovery was the first of his collegiate career. He has also forced a trio of fumbles during his collegiate tenure.
Butler had a big day in the kick return game as he totaled 121 yards on two returns, averaging 60.5 yards per return with a long of 61.
Davis made three catches for 31 yards, while Jimenez had two for 29 including his first career score.
Appel’s 35-yard TD run was his longest career rushing play, outdoing his previous career long of 13 by 22 yards. That marked his fourth career rushing score and second this season.
Freshman Brian Thomas (Apopka, Fla. / Orlando Christian Prep) had a team-high 34 rushing yards on eight carries.
Samuel’s blocked punt was the third kick turned away by a Beacon this season. Only four FCS programs nationally had three or more blocks this season entering play on Saturday. During the Fall 2021 season, Valpo led the nation in blocked kicks with nine.
Hawk’s hit from 40 yards out helped him improve to 2-for-2 on field goal tries in his collegiate career, both this season.
Matthes averaged 45.8 yards per punt on six attempts with a long of 53.
Up Next
Valpo (1-3, 0-1 PFL) will return to league play next week for a matchup with Drake that begins at 1 p.m. in Des Moines, Iowa.
UINDY VOLLEYBALL
LIBERTY, Mo. – The UIndy volleyball team fought its way back into the win column on Saturday, toughening out a four-set win over a gritty William Jewell team.
The Greyhounds eked out a victory in the third game before Grace Hegwood finished off the win in the fourth with an engineer-like tip over the Cardinal block.
Despite only seeing the floor half the time – due to being a middle blocker – Hannah Sabotin led all players with 17 kills on .600 hitting. The Columbus, Ind., native leads the team with a whopping .484 attacking percentage, while averaging nearly 2.9 kills/set.
INS & OUTS
Although Sabotin and Sophia Parlanti – 12 kills, .333 hitting percentage – were highlights for the UIndy offense on Saturday, the story of the match was Jewell’s unforced errors to help fuel the visitors to victory. The Cardinals committed 16 attacking errors not blocked by Greyhound hands, while also recording 12 service miscues, one ball-handling mistake and one blocking blunder.
UIndy indeed put the contest away in the fourth frame, hitting .310 as a team with 15 kills and just two errors. Ellie Spang, on top of her team-best 16 digs, tallied two of her three service aces in the deciding set, assisting a Greyhound offense that was firing on all cylinders.
Hegwood found her groove in the final game, recording four of her nine kills during the stretch.
Setter Claire Morris dished out 44 assists, adding nine digs and three kills to her stat line. Saturday marks the seventh time this season the Greyhounds have hit at least .268 in a match with Morris as the setter. Overall, UIndy is attacking at a .273 rate this season.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
– Sabotin has now finished with double-digit kills on seven occasions this fall.
– Hegwood remains a viable backrow player, scooping up 14 Jewell attacks in the win.
– Elizabeth Eads helped fuel the middle dominance, adding six kills.
– UIndy recorded 59 points compared to Jewell’s 70, accounting for the Cardinals handing the Hounds 30 points in unforced errors.
ON ANOTHER NOTE
The Greyhounds improve to 12-0 all-time against the Cardinals; each of the past four meetings have been decided in four sets.
HOUND BYTES
Head coach Jason Reed on the win…
“This was a huge win for us. Winning is hard and this conference is so tough. We showed a lot of resiliency last night and today. After losing the second set, we had to regroup and figure out how to be successful. We started passing better and got our middles going as a result of that great passing.”
Reed on what it means moving forward…
“This is a match that is uncomfortable in September, but we’ll be glad we gained this experience come November. I’m really proud of this group this weekend.”
UP NEXT
UIndy returns home for a pair of league matches prior to the annual Midwest Region Crossover. The Greyhounds host No. 4 Missouri-St. Louis on Friday evening from Ruth Lilly Fitness Center for a 6 p.m. serve.
MARIAN FOOTBALL
INDIANAPOLIS – Backed by 517 yards of total offense and four defensive takeaways, the Marian football team rolled to a 44-17 win over Lawrence Tech in their MSFA Mideast League opener. Marian’s homecoming win improves the team record to 4-0 on the year, while they begin MSFA play 1-0 for the sixth consecutive season.
The first quarter flew by, as the Knights and Blue Devils combined for three possessions in the first 15 minutes of play with zero points getting added to the board. Marian forced a three-and-out on their first defensive possession, and on their first offensive trip they marched the ball inside the 10 yard line, but an incomplete pass on fourth down from the six yard line turned the ball over on downs.
Lawrence Tech ended the first half with a lengthy drive, as they marched 78 yards before the quarter’s end, and at the start of the second quarter Alex Osman connected with Ben Brittain for a 19 yard touchdown pass. Lawrence Tech’s 18-play, 94-yard scoring drive put the Blue Devils on top 7-0, but Marian responded quick with the legs of Keagan La Belle. The sophomore running back darted for 68-yards on the first play from scrimmage after the score, and after a penalty finished the drive with a spinning four yard touchdown run.
Marian had a bad snap on the extra point and trailed 7-6 following La Belle’s score, but the offense had a quick chance to score as Nate Frey set the team up with a 44-yard interception return. Marian settled for a field goal after the senior’s interception, as Marlon Pomili pushed the Knights in front 9-7. The Knights defense got the ball back for the offense, with Zach Bundalo turning on his game. The quarterback hit two passes of 15 yards or more on the 55-yard series, and plunged in on a sneak from the one yard line as his third rushing touchdown of the season jumped Marian in front 16-7.
The scoring continued as defense got the ball back for the offense, and Bundalo was the beneficiary of a short screen pass, as Drew Byerly took the dump pass 61 yards to the house, vaulting the lead to 16 points. Marian ended their first half scoring after Adrian Cuevas made an interception, and Christian Hunter capped off the drive with a three-yard touchdown run. Marian’s defense were unable to close out the half as Lawrence Tech scored the final points of the half with a touchdown pass from Osman, as the score at the break showed 30-14.
After halftime, Marian’s offense was dialed in, scoring on their first two drives. The Knights marched 57 yards on their first series after the break with Bunaldo completing four passes on the drive, with a laser to Jalen Jennings from 30 yards hitting the end zone. Alex Griffith forced a fumble on the enusing Blue Devil series, and Marian went into their bag of tricks for their next score, as receiver Jake Reichard threw a 62 yard touchdown pass to Tirae Spence to give Marian their 44-14 lead.
Marian’s defense would limit Lawrence Tech to just three points for the remainder of the game, allowing a field goal in the fourth quarter. The defense forced a pair of punts in the second half, while a Jordan Turner interception ended the highlights and the final Blue Devil drive of the game.
As a team the Knights threw for 362 yards in the win, with Bundalo tossing for 281 with a pair of scores against one interception. Reichard’s 62-yard passing score was the first non-quarterback pass for the Knights since Krishawn Hogan in 2016. La Belle led Marian in rushing with 75 yards on the ground, and Gideon Brimmage finished the game with 29 yards. Jennings led the receiving core with 114 yards and a touchdown on five catches, while Spence and Byerly had touchdowns of 60 yards. Bundalo, Reichard, and RJ Griffin completed passes to nine different receivers in the win.
On defense, Frey and Griffith each had eight total tackles to lead the team. Cuevas, Frey and Turner each had an interception, while Dwight Lewis III recovered a fumble. Jake Paris, Deon Pettiford, Miles Anderson, and Dakari Kenney each made a sack in the game.
Marian will go on the road for their next two games, traveling to Madonna next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
MARIAN VOLLEYBALL
Spring Arbor, Mich. – The Marian volleyball team ended their week on high note Saturday afternoon, as the Knights began the second half of Crossroads League action with a road victory at Spring Arbor. The four-set win over the Cougars improves Marian to 14-6 overall on the season and 8-2 in Crossroads League play.
The Knights rattled off to a 4-0 lead to open the first set, and grew their lead 7-1 with kills from Madison Brooks and Sarah Bennett, however the Cougars responded as they clawed back within a point after 23 rallies. Spring Arbor briefly overtook the Knights with a 13-12 lead, but Marian stayed in the match as the lead started to change hands. Late in the first set Marian built a 23-21 lead, but were unable to close as the Cougars pushed in front. Spring Arbor had four set point opportunities, and eventually took a 29-27 win scoring the final two points on Knight errors.
In the second set Marian dialed in their focus, and used a 4-0 run paced by Gabby Fish and Mikayla Christiansen to build an 11-5 lead. The lead swelled to six points after a pair of blocks by Jaymison Summers, with Marian rolling their way to a nine-point lead as Averi Lanman spiked the team’s 20th point. The lead would reach double figures before the set’s end, as the effective offense ended the 25-15 set on a Fish kill and Gianna Feld service ace.
Marian rode the momentum of their win into the third set by building an early 7-2 lead, but were unable to keep the rally going as Spring Arbor forced a tie five points later. The Knights would get back into system and build another lead, this time coming from the attacking prowess of Summers. The surge pushed the Knights in front 16-10, as they held on to the lead for the remainder of the set and rolled to a 25-21 victory.
With a 2-1 lead at hand, Marian charged the Cougars and worked to take an 8-6 lead in the fourth set. Three kills by the offense set up by Katie Hardegree helped capture a four-point advantage, while Logan Smith found Khori Dryden on back to back rallies to take a 16-10 lead. Spring Arbor would only get within three points of the Knights for the remainder of the set, as Marian finished strong with Christiansen scoring the match-ending kill. Christiansen’s kill capitalized the 25-18 victory.
Dryden led the Marian offense with 14 kills and a .306 hitting percentage, while Fish finished with 13 kills. Dryden added 10 digs to complete her first collegiate double-double, and the defense was led by Lanman and Summers, who each had four total blocks. Emma Lyons had 19 digs to lead the back row, and Logan Smith finished the week with her third double-double in as many matches, setting up 24 assists and 12 digs. Hardegree finished with 15 assists in the win, and Sydney Schaffer had 14 digs defensively.
Marian will continue the second half of the Crossroads League on Wednesday as they travel to No. 19 Mount Vernon Nazarene.
MARIAN CROSS COUNTRY
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Marian women’s cross country team competed in their second meet of the 2023 season on Saturday, placing sixth at the annual Louisville Cross Country Classic. The field included 50 teams, with Marian being one of three Crossroads League teams in the silver race. Marian finished with a team time of 1:41:50 in the 5K silver division race.
Freshman Brooke Trinkle led the Knights with her 27th place finish, as she crossed the finish line in a time of 19:39.7. Liz Loichinger was the next finisher for Marian, clocking in at a time of 20:11.4 to finish 59th. Crossing the line third for the Knights was Rosie Barrett with her final time of 20:28.9, before Nora Steele was a couple seconds behind Barrett with her time of 20:30.7. Luci Woodrum’s time of 20:59.4 was good for the fourth best finish for the Knights, while Emily Baker and Lindsay Huston clocked times of 21:01 and 21:02.8.
Marian’s next runner to hit the finish line was Josie Feldman who clocked a time of 21:20.2, before Katie Woods would come in behind her at 21:55. The last two runners for the Knights were Lainey Roth and Sabrina Siems, who clocked times of 22:10.9 and 22:41.4.
The Knights will race again on October 13 at the Bradley Pink Classic in Peoria, Ill.
LOUISVILLE, KY. – The Marian men’s cross country team finished 23rd on Saturday morning in the annual Greater Louisville Cross Country Classic, finishing in the middle of the field of 46 teams in the blue level race. Marian’s lead runner was Blake Hipkiss, who finished 66th overall in the field.
The Knights also raced 10 runners in the silver race later in the day, with the Knights second group finishing 29th of 48 teams.
Goshen was the top team in the field from the Crossroads League, as they finished fifth overall. Grace College finished ninth overall, and Taylor finished 19th overall. Marian was the fourth Crossroads League team in the field, rounding out the field of CL teams.
Blake Hipkiss led the Knights efforts in the blue race, finishing 66th overall with a time of 25:49. Tristan Trevino had his best collegiate finish in the team standings as Marian’s second runner to cross, placing 85th overall with his 26:02 time. Robin Aguliar-Gonzalez finished 117th with his time of 26:16 for the third finish on the team, while Benjamin Moster had the fourth finish with his time of 26:36.
Clark Chustz was the Knights’ fifth finisher with his time of 26:40 to place 168th overall, while Nick Frank was the sixth finisher with his time of 26:46. Aaron Broderick was the final finisher in the team score, placing with a time of 26:47 in the 8K race. Marian’s final three runners in the blue race were Adam Heitz (26:50), Owen Pittman (27:41), and Mitchell Hayward (29:38).
Leading Marian’s silver race squad was Robert Lohman, who placed 105th with a time of 27:41. Drew Holok hit a time of 28:11, and Lucas Stewart hit a time of 28:20. Alex Cuevas was the 183rd finisher with his time of 28:36, and Everett Carlisile had a time of 28:57. The final five runners for Marian were Alex Mundt (29:04), Kenneth Hammell (29:42), Daniel Camacho (29:46), Trevor May (31:19), and Jose Sanchez (32:19).
Marian will next run on October 13, heading to Bradley University for their Pink Classic.
SMALL COLLEGE ATHLETICS
INDIANA WESLEYAN ATHLETICS: https://iwuwildcats.com/
EARLHAM ATHLETICS: https://goearlham.com/
WABASH ATHLETICS: https://sports.wabash.edu/
FRANKLIN ATHLETICS: https://franklingrizzlies.com/
ROSE-HULMAN ATHLETICS: https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/
ANDERSON ATHLETICS: https://athletics.anderson.edu/landing/index
TRINE ATHLETICS: https://trinethunder.com/landing/index
BETHEL ATHLETICS: https://bupilots.com/
DEPAUW ATHLETICS: https://depauwtigers.com/
HANOVER ATHLETICS: https://athletics.hanover.edu/
MANCHESTER ATHLETICS: https://muspartans.com/
HUNTINGTON ATHLETICS: https://www.huathletics.com/
OAKLAND CITY ATHLETICS: https://gomightyoaks.com/index.aspx
ST. FRANCIS ATHLETICS: https://www.saintfranciscougars.com/landing/index
IU KOKOMO ATHLETICS: https://iukcougars.com/
IU EAST ATHLETICS: https://www.iueredwolves.com/
IU SOUTH BEND ATHLETICS: https://iusbtitans.com/
PURDUE NORTHWEST ATHLETICS: https://pnwathletics.com/
INDIANA TECH ATHLETICS: https://indianatechwarriors.com/index.aspx
GRACE COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://gclancers.com/
ST. MARY OF THE WOODS ATHLETICS: https://smwcathletics.com/
GOSHEN COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://goleafs.net/
HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php
TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/
VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL STANDINGS
| American League | |||||||||||
| East | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| X-Baltimore | 101 | 60 | .627 | – | 49 – 31 | 52 – 29 | 32 – 19 | 22 – 10 | 21 – 11 | 6 – 4 | W 1 |
| Y-Tampa Bay | 98 | 63 | .609 | 3 | 53 – 28 | 45 – 35 | 30 – 21 | 23 – 9 | 18 – 14 | 6 – 4 | W 1 |
| Y-Toronto | 89 | 72 | .553 | 12 | 43 – 37 | 46 – 35 | 21 – 30 | 22 – 10 | 16 – 16 | 5 – 5 | L 1 |
| NY Yankees | 82 | 79 | .509 | 19 | 42 – 39 | 40 – 40 | 22 – 30 | 18 – 13 | 19 – 13 | 6 – 4 | W 1 |
| Boston | 77 | 84 | .478 | 24 | 39 – 42 | 38 – 42 | 23 – 28 | 19 – 13 | 15 – 17 | 2 – 8 | L 1 |
| Central | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| X-Minnesota | 87 | 74 | .540 | – | 47 – 34 | 40 – 40 | 13 – 19 | 29 – 23 | 20 – 12 | 8 – 2 | W 2 |
| Detroit | 77 | 84 | .478 | 10 | 36 – 44 | 41 – 40 | 7 – 25 | 34 – 17 | 15 – 17 | 7 – 3 | W 1 |
| Cleveland | 76 | 85 | .472 | 11 | 42 – 39 | 34 – 46 | 16 – 16 | 23 – 28 | 17 – 15 | 4 – 6 | L 1 |
| Chi White Sox | 61 | 100 | .379 | 26 | 31 – 49 | 30 – 51 | 11 – 20 | 23 – 29 | 12 – 21 | 3 – 7 | L 2 |
| Kansas City | 55 | 106 | .342 | 32 | 32 – 48 | 23 – 58 | 8 – 24 | 20 – 32 | 11 – 20 | 6 – 4 | L 1 |
| West | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Y-Texas | 90 | 71 | .559 | – | 50 – 31 | 40 – 40 | 20 – 12 | 19 – 13 | 29 – 22 | 7 – 3 | W 1 |
| Y-Houston | 89 | 72 | .553 | 1 | 39 – 42 | 50 – 30 | 16 – 17 | 14 – 17 | 32 – 20 | 5 – 5 | W 3 |
| Seattle | 87 | 74 | .540 | 3 | 44 – 36 | 43 – 38 | 13 – 18 | 20 – 13 | 32 – 19 | 4 – 6 | L 1 |
| LA Angels | 72 | 89 | .447 | 18 | 37 – 43 | 35 – 46 | 14 – 18 | 18 – 14 | 21 – 30 | 4 – 6 | L 1 |
| Oakland | 50 | 111 | .311 | 40 | 26 – 55 | 24 – 56 | 8 – 24 | 14 – 18 | 14 – 37 | 4 – 6 | W 1 |
| National League | |||||||||||
| East | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| X-Atlanta | 104 | 57 | .646 | – | 52 – 28 | 52 – 29 | 35 – 16 | 22 – 9 | 21 – 12 | 7 – 3 | W 1 |
| Y-Philadelphia | 89 | 72 | .553 | 15 | 49 – 32 | 40 – 40 | 24 – 27 | 19 – 12 | 18 – 15 | 7 – 3 | L 3 |
| Y-Miami | 84 | 76 | .525 | 19.5 | 46 – 35 | 38 – 41 | 26 – 25 | 18 – 14 | 14 – 17 | 6 – 4 | W 3 |
| NY Mets | 74 | 86 | .463 | 29.5 | 42 – 37 | 32 – 49 | 24 – 26 | 13 – 19 | 18 – 14 | 4 – 6 | W 2 |
| Washington | 70 | 91 | .435 | 34 | 34 – 47 | 36 – 44 | 18 – 33 | 14 – 19 | 15 – 16 | 4 – 6 | L 1 |
| Central | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| X-Milwaukee | 91 | 70 | .565 | – | 48 – 32 | 43 – 38 | 18 – 14 | 32 – 19 | 13 – 19 | 6 – 4 | L 1 |
| Chi Cubs | 83 | 78 | .516 | 8 | 45 – 36 | 38 – 42 | 11 – 20 | 30 – 21 | 17 – 16 | 4 – 6 | W 1 |
| Cincinnati | 82 | 79 | .509 | 9 | 38 – 43 | 44 – 36 | 15 – 17 | 21 – 30 | 18 – 14 | 4 – 6 | L 1 |
| Pittsburgh | 75 | 86 | .466 | 16 | 38 – 42 | 37 – 44 | 15 – 17 | 25 – 27 | 16 – 15 | 5 – 5 | L 2 |
| St. Louis | 70 | 91 | .435 | 21 | 34 – 46 | 36 – 45 | 14 – 18 | 20 – 31 | 13 – 19 | 3 – 7 | W 1 |
| West | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| X-LA Dodgers | 99 | 62 | .615 | – | 53 – 28 | 46 – 34 | 17 – 14 | 19 – 14 | 33 – 18 | 6 – 4 | L 1 |
| Y-Arizona | 84 | 77 | .522 | 15 | 43 – 37 | 41 – 40 | 14 – 18 | 20 – 12 | 29 – 23 | 5 – 5 | L 3 |
| San Diego | 81 | 80 | .503 | 18 | 44 – 37 | 37 – 43 | 16 – 16 | 11 – 21 | 27 – 25 | 8 – 2 | W 4 |
| San Francisco | 79 | 82 | .491 | 20 | 45 – 35 | 34 – 47 | 13 – 18 | 20 – 13 | 26 – 25 | 3 – 7 | W 1 |
| Colorado | 58 | 103 | .360 | 41 | 36 – 44 | 22 – 59 | 14 – 20 | 13 – 17 | 14 – 38 | 2 – 8 | L 2 |
X – Clinched Division, Y – Clinched Playoff Spot
WILD CARD STANDINGS
| AL Wild Card Standings | |||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Last 10 | Streak | |
| Y-Tampa Bay | 98 | 63 | .609 | +9.0 | 53-28 | 45-35 | 6-4 | W 1 | |
| Y-Toronto | 89 | 72 | .553 | – | 43-37 | 46-35 | 5-5 | L 1 | |
| Y-Houston | 89 | 72 | .553 | – | 39-42 | 50-30 | 5-5 | W 3 | |
| Seattle | 87 | 74 | .540 | 2.0 | 44-36 | 43-38 | 4-6 | L 1 | |
| NY Yankees | 82 | 79 | .509 | 7.0 | 42-39 | 40-40 | 6-4 | W 1 | |
| Boston | 77 | 84 | .478 | 12.0 | 39-42 | 38-42 | 2-8 | L 1 | |
| Detroit | 77 | 84 | .478 | 12.0 | 36-44 | 41-40 | 7-3 | W 1 | |
| Cleveland | 76 | 85 | .472 | 13.0 | 42-39 | 34-46 | 4-6 | L 1 | |
| LA Angels | 72 | 89 | .447 | 17.0 | 37-43 | 35-46 | 4-6 | L 1 | |
| Chi White Sox | 61 | 100 | .379 | 28.0 | 31-49 | 30-51 | 3-7 | L 2 | |
| Kansas City | 55 | 106 | .342 | 34.0 | 32-48 | 23-58 | 6-4 | L 1 | |
| Oakland | 50 | 111 | .311 | 39.0 | 26-55 | 24-56 | 4-6 | W 1 | |
| NL Wild Card Standings | |||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Last 10 | Streak | |
| Y-Philadelphia | 89 | 72 | .553 | +5.0 | 49-32 | 40-40 | 7-3 | L 3 | |
| Y-Miami | 84 | 76 | .525 | +0.5 | 46-35 | 38-41 | 6-4 | W 3 | |
| Y-Arizona | 84 | 77 | .522 | – | 43-37 | 41-40 | 5-5 | L 3 | |
| Chi Cubs | 83 | 78 | .516 | 1.0 | 45-36 | 38-42 | 4-6 | W 1 | |
| Cincinnati | 82 | 79 | .509 | 2.0 | 38-43 | 44-36 | 4-6 | L 1 | |
| San Diego | 81 | 80 | .503 | 3.0 | 44-37 | 37-43 | 8-2 | W 4 | |
| San Francisco | 79 | 82 | .491 | 5.0 | 45-35 | 34-47 | 3-7 | W 1 | |
| Pittsburgh | 75 | 86 | .466 | 9.0 | 38-42 | 37-44 | 5-5 | L 2 | |
| NY Mets | 74 | 86 | .463 | 9.5 | 42-37 | 32-49 | 4-6 | W 2 | |
| Washington | 70 | 91 | .435 | 14.0 | 34-47 | 36-44 | 4-6 | L 1 | |
| St. Louis | 70 | 91 | .435 | 14.0 | 34-46 | 36-45 | 3-7 | W 1 | |
| Colorado | 58 | 103 | .360 | 26.0 | 36-44 | 22-59 | 2-8 | L 2 | |
Y – Clinched Playoff Spot
NFL STANDINGS
| American Football Conference | |||||||||||||
| East Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Miami Dolphins | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | 0.0 | 130 | 71 | 1-0-0 | 2-0-0 | 3-0-0 | 1-0-0 | 3 W | |
| Buffalo Bills | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | 1.0 | 91 | 35 | 1-0-0 | 1-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 0-1-0 | 2 W | |
| New England Patriots | 1 | 2 | 0 | .333 | 2.0 | 52 | 59 | 0-2-0 | 1-0-0 | 1-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 1 W | |
| New York Jets | 1 | 2 | 0 | .333 | 2.0 | 42 | 61 | 1-1-0 | 0-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 2 L | |
| West Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Kansas City Chiefs | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | 0.0 | 78 | 40 | 1-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 1-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 2 W | |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 1 | 2 | 0 | .333 | 1.0 | 45 | 77 | 0-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 1-2-0 | 1-0-0 | 2 L | |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 1 | 2 | 0 | .333 | 1.0 | 86 | 87 | 0-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 0-2-0 | 0-0-0 | 1 W | |
| Denver Broncos | 0 | 3 | 0 | .000 | 2.0 | 69 | 122 | 0-2-0 | 0-1-0 | 0-2-0 | 0-1-0 | 3 L | |
| North Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | 0.0 | 56 | 70 | 1-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 2-0-0 | 1-0-0 | 2 W | |
| Baltimore Ravens | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | 0.0 | 71 | 55 | 1-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 2-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 1 L | |
| Cleveland Browns | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | 0.0 | 73 | 32 | 2-0-0 | 0-1-0 | 2-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 1 W | |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 1 | 2 | 0 | .333 | 1.0 | 46 | 67 | 1-1-0 | 0-1-0 | 0-2-0 | 0-2-0 | 1 W | |
| South Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Indianapolis Colts | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | 0.0 | 74 | 70 | 0-1-0 | 2-0-0 | 2-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 2 W | |
| Houston Texans | 1 | 2 | 0 | .333 | 1.0 | 66 | 73 | 0-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 1-2-0 | 1-1-0 | 1 W | |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 1 | 2 | 0 | .333 | 1.0 | 57 | 75 | 0-2-0 | 1-0-0 | 1-2-0 | 1-1-0 | 2 L | |
| Tennessee Titans | 1 | 2 | 0 | .333 | 1.0 | 45 | 67 | 1-0-0 | 0-2-0 | 1-1-0 | 0-0-0 | 1 L | |
| National Football Conference | |||||||||||||
| East Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Philadelphia Eagles | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | 0.0 | 84 | 59 | 1-0-0 | 2-0-0 | 2-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 3 W | |
| Dallas Cowboys | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | 1.0 | 86 | 38 | 1-0-0 | 1-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 1 L | |
| Washington Commanders | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | 1.0 | 58 | 86 | 1-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 1-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 1 L | |
| New York Giants | 1 | 2 | 0 | .333 | 2.0 | 43 | 98 | 0-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 1-2-0 | 0-1-0 | 1 L | |
| West Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| San Francisco 49ers | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | 0.0 | 90 | 42 | 1-0-0 | 2-0-0 | 2-0-0 | 1-0-0 | 3 W | |
| Seattle Seahawks | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | 1.0 | 87 | 88 | 1-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 2-1-0 | 0-1-0 | 2 W | |
| Los Angeles Rams | 1 | 2 | 0 | .333 | 2.0 | 69 | 62 | 0-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 2 L | |
| Arizona Cardinals | 1 | 2 | 0 | .333 | 2.0 | 72 | 67 | 1-1-0 | 0-1-0 | 1-2-0 | 0-0-0 | 1 W | |
| North Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Detroit Lions | 3 | 1 | 0 | .750 | 0.0 | 106 | 83 | 1-1-0 | 2-0-0 | 2-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 2 W | |
| Green Bay Packers | 2 | 2 | 0 | .500 | 1.0 | 100 | 96 | 1-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 2-2-0 | 1-1-0 | 1 L | |
| Minnesota Vikings | 0 | 3 | 0 | .000 | 2.5 | 69 | 82 | 0-2-0 | 0-1-0 | 0-2-0 | 0-0-0 | 3 L | |
| Chicago Bears | 0 | 3 | 0 | .000 | 2.5 | 47 | 106 | 0-1-0 | 0-2-0 | 0-2-0 | 0-1-0 | 3 L | |
| South Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Atlanta Falcons | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | 0.0 | 55 | 54 | 2-0-0 | 0-1-0 | 2-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 1 L | |
| New Orleans Saints | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | 0.0 | 53 | 50 | 1-0-0 | 1-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 1 L | |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | 0.0 | 58 | 59 | 1-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 2-1-0 | 0-0-0 | 1 L | |
| Carolina Panthers | 0 | 3 | 0 | .000 | 2.0 | 54 | 81 | 0-1-0 | 0-2-0 | 0-3-0 | 0-2-0 | 3 L | |
TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
1903 In the first World Series game ever played, Pirates’ hurler Deacon Phillippe beats Cy Young and the Pilgrims, 7-3, at the Huntington Avenue Grounds in Boston. Pittsburgh right fielder Jimmy Sebring hits the first Fall Classic home run.
Amazon The 1903 World Series: The Boston Americans, the Pittsburg Pirates, and the “First Championship of the United States”
1924 Jimmy O’Connell, who will be out of baseball at the age of 23, is banned from the World Series by Kenesaw Mountain Landis after admitting to the commissioner his attempt to bribe Philadelphia shortstop Heinie Sand to “go easy” during their season-ending series against the Giants. The New York outfielder implicates future Hall of Famers Frank Frisch, George Kelly, and Ross Youngs, but his teammates deny throwing the game, avoiding punishment.
1932 In Game 3 of the World Series, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig become the first teammates to hit multiple homers in the same postseason game when their four round-trippers account for six runs in the Yankees’ 7-5 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field. On the same date, 78 years later, the feat is accomplished again when a pair of Padres, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Will Myers, go deep twice in the second game of the 2020 NL Wild-Card series.
1932 Eighteen-year-old Joe DiMaggio makes his professional debut at the end of the San Francisco Seals campaign, playing shortstop for the Pacific Coast League team. Next year, the future Yankee superstar will hit .340 with 169 RBIs and 28 home runs in his first full season in the PCL.
1932 In the fifth inning of Game 3 of the World Series, baseball lore has Babe Ruth pointing to the outfield, predicting that he will hit a home run on the next pitch before he takes Cubs pitcher Charlie Root deep for the second of his two home runs in New York’s 7-5 victory at Wrigley Field. Although no definitive proof exists, the ‘Bambino’ continued to embellish the account of his ‘Called Shot’ throughout his lifetime, with the Chicago right-hander who threw the pitch denying the Yankee slugger had ever made the gesture to his dying day.
1933 Babe Ruth gives up 12 hits and five earned runs, going the distance to beat the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, 6-5. The 38-year-old Sultan of Swat’s performance on the mound, a ploy to attract fans to a meaningless game, will be his last appearance as a pitcher, a position in which the future Hall of Fame slugger will post a 94-46 career record.
1944 Dixie Walker, an outfielder on the seventh-place Dodgers, wins the National League batting crown with a .357 batting average, finishing ten points higher than runner-up Stan Musial. In 1947, the ‘People’s Cherce’s younger brother, Harry ‘the Hat,’ will also lead the Senior Circuit, hitting .363 in the year when he is traded, after playing ten games for St. Louis, to Philadelphia.
1944 The Browns, for the first and only time in their history, clinch the American League pennant when they beat the defending world champion Yankees at Sportsman’s Park, 5-2. A pair of two-run homers hit by Chet Laabs, an All-Star outfielder in 1943 who has seen limited duty this season due to his job at a wartime defense plant, provides most of the team’s offensive output.
1946 The Dodgers and Cardinals, who finished the season with a 96-58 record, play the first game of a best-of-three series to determine the National League’s championship, marking the first time in major league history a playoff is needed to send a team to the World Series. St. Louis wins today’s Sportsman’s Park contest, 4-2, and will clinch the pennant in Game 2, beating Brooklyn at Ebbets Field, 8-4.
1949 Alex Kellner becomes the first 20-game winner for the A’s since Lefty Grove accomplished the feat in 1933 when he goes the distance in Philadelphia’s 7-4 victory over Washington at Griffith Stadium. The 24-year-old southpaw’s success will be short-lived when he leads the American League with 20 losses next season.
1949 “I like to thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee.” – JOE DiMAGGIO, on the day he is honored at Yankee Stadium. The Bronx Bombers stage a Joe DiMaggio Day at the Bronx ballpark, showering the future Hall of Fame outfielder with an unprecedented haul that includes two cars, a boat, three hundred quarts of ice cream, and a cocker spaniel. The superstar tells the capacity crowd, including his mother and brother Dom, a member of the visiting Red Sox, “I like to thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee.”
1950 In the season’s finale, Pee Wee Reese, ignoring the second base ump’s directive to slow down when his outfield fly becomes stuck between the screen and the right-field wall, continues sprinting around the bases, crossing home plate with the tying run. Due to an odd ground rule, the Dodgers shortstop’s unusual inside-the-park homer will be the only run Robin Roberts gives in the Phillies’ pennant-clinching 4-1 victory at Ebbets Field.
1950 After they retire today, Burt Shotton of the Dodgers and the A’s Connie Mack will become the last managers to wear street clothes. Although no edict explicitly mandates a skipper must wear a uniform, there is now a rule that states that a person not wearing a uniform, except medical personnel, isn’t allowed on the field of play during a game.
1950 In the season finale, Robin Roberts, in the first of his six consecutive 20-win seasons, becomes the first Phillies right-hander to win twenty games for the team since Grover Cleveland Alexander accomplished the feat with a total of 30 victories in 1917. The complete-game, ten-inning 4-1 Ebbets Field victory over the Dodgers hurled by the Whiz Kid from Springfield (IL) clinches Philadelphia’s first NL pennant since 1915.
1951 The Giants’ 3-1 victory over the Dodgers in the first game of the National League playoffs is the first major league contest to be televised coast-to-coast. CBS, who obtained rights to the game, transmits the picture from Ebbets Field but has to get the signal from ABC, who had made arrangements with WOR-TV, the New York station carrying Brooklyn’s regular-season games.
1955 The Sporting News select Cardinal outfielder Bill Virdon and Indian fireballer Herb Score as the Rookie of the Year of their respective leagues. The Redbird flychaser, easily identified by his eyeglasses, receives 57 of the 92 writers’ votes to get the NL nod, while the Tribe’s 22-year-old right-hander, who compiled a 16-10 record while establishing a freshman record for strikeouts with 245, garners 71 of 103 ballots cast for the Junior Circuit honors.
1955 After losing the first two contests in the Bronx, the Dodgers even the World Series at a pair of games apiece when they defeat the Yankees at Ebbets Field, 8-5. Brooklyn will make it three victories in a row tomorrow with a 5-3 win over the Bronx Bombers, but it will take a dramatic Game 7 for the ‘Bums’ to capture their first World Championship.
1961 Willie Mays hits his 40th home run when he goes deep off Lew Burdette in the Giants’ 8-2 victory over Milwaukee in the opener of a twin bill at County Stadium. The ‘Say Hey Kid’ is the eighth player to reach the mark this season, a major league first, joining Roger Maris (61), Mickey Mantle (54), Harmon Killebrew (46), Orlando Cepeda (46), Jim Gentile (46), Rocky Colavito (45), and Norm Cash (41) in accomplishing the feat.
1961 In front of 9,868 fans, Wrigley Field hosts its last professional baseball game when the Angels, moving to Dodger Stadium next year, drop an 8-5 the Cleveland, 8-5 at which will be torn down in five years to make room for an eventual public playground and senior center. In addition to being the home for the American League expansion team, the 36-year-old ballpark housed the PCL’s Angels from 1925 through 1957 and served as the setting for the 1960 television series Home Run Derby.
1961 Roger Maris surpasses Babe Ruth’s single-season home run mark, hitting his 61st homer off Tracy Stallard’s 2-0 fastball for the game’s only run in the Yankees’ 1-0 victory at the Bronx ballpark. Sal Durante, a 19-year-old fan who caught the ball in his palm standing on his seat in Section 33, gives the historic horsehide to the outfielder a few weeks later after accepting $5,000 from Sam Gordon, a restaurant owner in Sacramento (CA).
1964 In the event of a tie at the end of the season, National League president Warren Giles flips a coin to determine the different possible playoff pairings, including six possibilities – two with two teams, three with three, and one with four. If Cincinnati prevails, the team will play the Cardinals at home thanks to the Reds’ president and general manager Bill DeWitt winning the first toss.
1964 The smallest crowd ever to attend a game at Fenway Park watches the Red Sox, en route to their sixth consecutive losing season, beat the Indians, 4-2, to snap a six-game slide. The crowd of 306 paid patrons is less than half of the previous low at the Boston ballpark when only 674 fans showed up for a game against Kansas City last season.
1967 At Fenway Park, on the last day of the season, Carl Yastrzemski collects four hits to help the Red Sox beat the Twins, 5-3, and clinch the American League pennant by one game over Minnesota and the Tigers. Yaz’s remarkable streak of getting ten hits in his final 13 at-bats enables the Long Island, N.Y. native to win the Triple Crown (.326, 44, 121).
1967 On the last play of the regular season, Dick McAuliffe, representing the tying run, grounds into a 4-6-3 double play, dashing the Tigers’ hopes of clinching a tie for the pennant. The twin killing marks only the second time this season the Detroit shortstop has made two outs in one at-bat, and he will not hit into another DP all of next season.
1967 For the second consecutive season, an American Leaguer wins the triple crown when Red Sox outfielder Carl Yastrzemski (.326, 44, 121) follows Frank Robinson’s performance last season, leading the loop in batting average, homers, and runs batted in. The feat will not be accomplished again for 45 seasons until Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers leads Junior Circuit in the top offensive categories in 2013.
1969 Luis Tiant, a winner of 21 games last year, loses his twentieth this season when the Indians drop a 4-3 decision to the Yankees on the last day of the campaign. The right-hander’s demise may have resulted from leading the league in walks (129) and home runs (37) allowed, contributing to his ERA rising from 1.60 to 3.71.
1970 Alex Johnson becomes the first Angel to win a batting title when he edges Red Sox outfielder Carl Yastrzemski in the season’s finale. The California outfielder captures the crown by beating out a high chopper to raise his average to .3289 in the fifth inning, finishing a minuscule .003 higher than Yaz at .3286.
1970 The Phillies beat the Expos in the final game at Philadelphia’s Connie Mack Stadium in ten innings, 2-1. A post-game ceremony, which includes removing home plate to be delivered to Veterans Stadium by helicopter, is canceled when souvenir-hunting fans swarm onto the field and destroy the ballpark. Shibe Park-Connie Mack Stadium
1973 A day after the regular season ends, the Mets, in front of only 1,913 fans at a cold and damp Wrigley Field, beat the Cubs, 6-4 in the first game of a scheduled make-up doubleheader, with the nightcap, an unnecessary contest for the final standings, officially canceled due to wet grounds. The Amazins’, who spent two months in the cellar before winning 23 of their remaining 32 games, clinch the NL East with their 82nd victory, the lowest number of wins ever recorded to capture a title.
1973 The day after the season finale at Yankee Stadium, Mayor John Lindsay, who had given his approval for the Bronx ballpark’s renovation, ceremonially begins the project by scooping a pile of dirt from right field with a bulldozer. The on-field ceremony at the empty stadium includes the widows of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, who receive home plate and first base, respectively, as a tribute to their husbands.
1974 Tom Seaver, whiffing 14 batters, becomes the first hurler in National League history to strike out 200 or more batters for seven consecutive seasons. ‘Tom Terrific’s’ complete-game effort in his last start of the year isn’t good enough to win when the Mets bow to Jim Lonborg and Phillies, 2-1.
1974 Mike Marshall establishes the major league mark for the most appearances by a pitcher when he throws two innings in the Dodgers’ 8-5 victory over Houston at the Astrodome. With his 106 appearances, the right-handed reliever appears in 65% of his team’s games this season.
1975 The Expos dismiss their first manager Gene Mauch, replacing him with Karl Kuehl, the successful pilot of the Memphis Blues, their top farm club. During his seven-year tenure north of the border, Mauch, who will become the winningest big league manager to have never won a pennant, compiles a 499-627 (.443) record, never finishing higher than fourth place.
1978 On the last day of the season, Expo left-hander Ross Grimsley becomes the first 20-game winner in franchise history when he throws a five-hitter, beating St. Louis at Busch Stadium, 5-1. The 28-year-old southpaw, who finishes 20-11 for the fourth-place club, will compile a 124-99 (.556) record pitching for the Reds, Orioles, and Montreal during his 11-year major league career.
1978 On the last day of the season at Qualcomm Stadium, Ozzie Smith does his signature flip for the first time. The Padres shortstop, asked by the club to do it for Fans Appreciation Day, will continue his gymnastic prowess as a member of the Cardinals, with the somersault becoming an Opening Day tradition at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
1978 On the last day of the season, the Indians, behind the complete-game effort of Rick Waits, defeat the Yankees in the Bronx, 9-2. The Tribe’s victory prevents the Bronx Bombers from clinching the AL East flag, forcing a one-game playoff with the Red Sox, who have won 11 of their last 12, win their eighth consecutive contest, blanking the Blue Jays, 5-0, a few minutes later at Fenway Park.
1978 On the last day of the campaign, Expos’ starter Ross Grimsley goes the distance, beating the Cardinals at Busch Stadium, 5-2, for his 20th win of the season. The 28-year-old southpaw’s accomplishment marks the first time in franchise history and the only time in Montreal the team has a 20-game winner.
1978 Eventual NL Cy Young Award winner Gaylord Perry becomes the third major league pitcher, joining Walter Johnson (1923) and Bob Gibson (1974) to record 3,000 career strikeouts. The 40-year-old future Hall of Fame right-hander fans future Braves’ broadcaster Joe Simpson in the eighth inning to reach the milestone and strikes out the LA left fielder again in the tenth to finish the season with 3001.
1980 Amidst much media and fan pressure, the Red Sox fire their very unpopular manager Don Zimmer who compiled a respectable 411-304 (.575) record during his five years in the Boston dugout. The Fenway Faithful never forgive ‘Popeye’ for the team’s collapse in 1978, when a 14-game lead slipped away, ending in a one-game playoff for the American League pennant, a 5-4 loss to the Yankees, thanks to a legendary home run over the Green Monster hit by Bucky Dent.
1982 In his last game, A’s shortstop Fred Stanley goes 1-for-3 in a 12-7 loss to the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. With ‘Chicken’ retiring, no active players who once played with the Seattle Pilots remain in the majors.
1982 Terry Leach, who goes the distance for New York, and Phillies right-hander John Denny each hurl one-hit shutout ball for nine innings in a game where the Mets score the contest’s only run, thanks to a walk, a single, and a sac fly in the top of the tenth frame. The Veteran Stadium 1-0 victory marks the 13th one-hitter in franchise history, the first of which goes overtime.
1983 “He is Sinatra singing in a small smoky room. He is Picasso with a bat. He is age and time blended into the mellow autumn of his athletic years to the point where his presence alone is an inspiration to a team. He is No. 8. The Captain.” – MIKE BARNICLE, Boston Globe columnist, commenting on Carl Yastrzemski’s tenure with the Red Sox. A sellout crowd gathers on a rainy afternoon at Fenway Park in tribute to Carl Yastrzemski, who spent 23 years in a Red Sox uniform after having the unenviable task in 1961 of replacing Hall of Fame legend Ted Williams. The team and fans honor the Captain, with Yaz Day giving the 44-year-old, who will finish his career with over 3,000 hits and over 400 home runs, an opportunity to say farewell to his admirers.
1984 Peter Ueberroth takes over the reins of major league baseball as the sport’s sixth commissioner. The former L.A. Olympic president will immediately face a crisis when he needs to arbitrate the labor disagreement with the umpires’ union, who have threatened to strike before the start of the League Championship Series.
1987 With the bases loaded, Gerald Perry, the runner on third, scores on a delayed steal of home when Braves’ backstop Ronn Reynolds, who suffers a bruised and lacerated right hand on the play, drops the return throw from right-hander Danny Darwin. The other Astro runners, Jeff Blauser on first and Ken Oberkfell on second, also advance a base, making it a rare triple steal that will not occur again for another 21 years.
1988 Tony Gwynn, in a 6-3 win over the Astros, goes 2-for-3 to raise his league-leading batting average to .313. The Padres’ outfielder becomes the first National League batting champion to win the title with a percentage below .320. (Giants second baseman Larry Doyle hit exactly .320 in 1915)
1991 After the season finale, Detroit broadcaster Ernie Harwell, not renewed by team management and WJR, waves goodbye to the fans with the crowd responding to the ‘Voice of the Tigers’ for the past 32 years to a loud and lengthy standing ovation. The veteran play-by-play announcer will return to the Motor City in 1993, thanks to the warm invitation from new team owner Mike Ilitch, and will continue to do play-by-play until the end of the 2002 season.
1993 Mike Piazza plates Jose Offerman with a first-inning single to set a new team mark for runs driven in by a rookie with 107. The 24-year-old Dodgers catcher breaks the franchise record for rookie RBIs established by Del Bissonette, a freshman first baseman who played with Brooklyn in 1928.
1995 The Yankees and Rockies become the first wild-card teams in the new major league baseball playoff system. Both sides will lose in the first round of the new format, with Colorado bowing to the NL East’s Braves in four games and the Bronx Bombers eliminated in extra innings of Game 5 in a classic ALDS against the AL West’s Mariners.
2000 Joining Bert Campaneris (1965 A’s), Cesar Tovar (1968 Twins), and Scott Sheldon (2000 Rangers), Shane Halter became the fourth major leaguer to play all nine positions in a game. The infielder-by-trade doubles in the ninth, scoring the winning run in the Tigers’ 12-11 walk-off victory over the Twins at Comerica Park.
2000 In the season finale, Kazuhiro Sasaki sets the rookie record for saves by notching his 37th when he tosses 1.2 innings of scoreless relief in the Mariners’ 5-2 victory over Los Angeles at Edison Field. The 32-year-old Japanese closer surpasses Todd Worrell’s mark established in 1986 when the right-handed reliever played for the Cardinals.
2004 With the second of his two singles, a ground ball through the box, Ichiro Suzuki breaks the major league record for hits in a single season. The third-inning historic safety by the Mariner outfielder from Japan surpasses George Sisler’s 84-year-old mark of 257 hits established in 1920 with the St. Louis Browns.
2005 The Royals, after a 10-1 drubbing by the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, establish a team record with their 105th defeat this season. Kansas City, which owns the worst record in the majors this year after losing 104 games last season, has reached the dubious century mark in three of the previous four seasons.
2006 Joe Mauer becomes the first catcher in the American League to win a batting title and lead the majors in hitting. The Twins backstop’s .347 batting average outpaces Freddie Sanchez (.344) of the Pirates.
2006 Carlos Guillen, in the Tigers’ 10-4 win over the Devil Rays, becomes the tenth player in franchise history to hit for the cycle. The Detroit shortstop stretches a single into a double in his last at-bat in the eighth inning to complete the rare event.
2006 Red Sox manager Terry Francona, knowing that the contest might be his right fielder’s final game with Boston, replaces Trot Nixon in right field with two outs in the fifth inning on the last day of the season. The Fenway Faithful respond with a thunderous ovation when their regular right fielder for the past decade leaves the field.
2006 In the season’s final weekend, the lowly Royals sweep a three-game series from the Tigers, a team needing only one victory to clinch the AL Central flag. After building a 6-0 lead in the season finale at Comerica Park, Detroit drops a 10-8 decision in 12 innings, losing first place to the Twins to become the wild-card team, opening on the road in the ALDS against the heavily-favored Yankees.
2006 This season, except for the years marred by work stoppages, marks the first time in baseball history that no starting pitcher in either league wins 20 games. The most victories in the National League is sixteen, accomplished by six hurlers, with Johan Santana and Chien-Ming Wang winning 19 games in the Junior Circuit.
2007 The NL playoff game ends abruptly in the bottom of the 13th inning at Coors Field as Matt Holliday of the Rockies scores on a bang-bang play at home on a shallow Jamey Carroll sac fly, the third and winning run given up in Trevor Hoffman’s blown save. Colorado’s 9-8 comeback victory, their 14th in their last 15 games, end the Padres season, who were one strike away two games ago from clinching a postseason berth.
2009 The Rockies’ 9-2 win over Milwaukee assures the team of a wild card berth in the postseason and puts the team in a position to win the N.L. West by sweeping the Dodgers this weekend in L.A. Although the club was 12 games under .500 on June 3, today’s victory, their 91st – a club record – puts Colorado 23 games over .500, another first in the franchise’s 17-year history.
2009 Tony La Russa moves past John McGraw into second place for the most games managed in major league history. With his 4,770 contests as a manager, the Cardinal skipper trails only Connie Mack, who amassed a total of 7755 during his 53 years in the dugout.
2012 Joining Billy Martin, Davey Johnson becomes the second major league manager to bring four teams to the postseason when the second-place Braves lose in Pittsburgh, allowing the Nationals to clinch the National League East Division. The 69-year-old skipper also led the Mets (1986, 1988), Reds (1994-95), and the Orioles (1997) to the playoffs.
2014 Brandon Crawford becomes the first shortstop to hit a postseason grand slam when he clears the bases in the fourth inning of the winner-take-all National League Wild Card Game, an 8-0 Giants’ victory over the Pirates. The former UCLA Bruins infielder’s four-run home run off Edinson Volquez quiets the enthusiastic PNC Park crowd, who has been a valuable asset to the home team during the season.
2015 The Yankees clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2012 when the team beats the Red Sox in the Bronx, 4-1. Their 10,000th regular-season victory guarantees a wild-card berth, placing the Bombers in the playoffs for the 52nd time in franchise history.
2015 Jose Abreu joins Albert Pujols (2001-02) as the second player in baseball history to hit 30 homers and drive in 100 runs in his first two seasons. The Chicago White Sox’s slugging first baseman singles with two outs in the seventh inning, picking up his 100th and 101st RBI of the season in the team’s 6-4 loss to Kansas City at U.S. Cellular Field.
2017 The season ends with the largest total of homers (6,105) and strikeouts (40,104) recorded in the game’s history. There are only 27 individual shutouts recorded during the campaign, the fewest since 1878, along with a total of 59 complete games, setting a record for the fewest for the third straight year.
2018 Two divisional tiebreakers are needed to determine the National League Central and West champs after Chicago, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and Colorado won yesterday. The Brewers/Cubs and Rockies/Dodgers winners will advance to the NLDS, with the losers facing one another tomorrow in the Wild-Card game.
2020 Fernando Tatis Jr. and Will Myers become the second pair of teammates in history to hit multiple homers in the same postseason game, joining Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig’s feat in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, exactly 78 years ago. Meyers’ eighth-inning two-run blast proves to be the difference in the Padres’ 11-9 comeback victory, forcing a deciding Game 3 in the NL wild-card series.
FOOTBALL HISTORY
October 1, 1910 – The CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders franchise under the guise of their original name, the Regina Rugby Club, plays their first American football game. The debut of the team didn’t have the desired outcome as they fell to the Moose Jaw Tigers 16-6. Really Tigers was the best name that Moose Jaw could come up with? How about the Thundering Herd, the Hooves, the Bicuspids or one of a multitude of other names that associate with Moose Jaw? Okay I will end my rant of a team that played over 110 years ago.
October 1, 1922 – The Chicago Bears play their very first NFL game using the Chicago Bears moniker.
October 1, 1933 – It an NFL stat of the wild and weird, the New York Football Giants could not convert even one first down but somehow still won 10-7 when they played the Green Bay Packers at Borchert Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Pigskin History Headlines in the 1950s
October 1, 1950 – A Cleveland Browns franchise record is set for the lowest total points in a game as the New York Giants defeated the Browns at Cleveland Municipal Stadium 6-0. This didn’t stop the Brownies though as they went on to later win the NFL Championship Title that season.
October 1, 1955 – Baltimore Colts Rookie fullback Alan Ameche becomes the very first rookie player to rush for 150 yards or more in his first two NFL regular season games. The legendary back put up 194 hard fought yards against the Bears in week one and then followed that up with 153 yards on the ground versus the Lions.
Events from the modern era
October 1, 1989 – Legendary Dallas Cowboys defensive end, Ed Too Tall Jones registers his 1000th career NFL tackle as the Boys defeated the NY Giants 30-13 at Texas Stadium in Irvine, Texas.
October 1, 1995 – The Jacksonville Jaguars record their first ever franchise win in week five of their inaugural season in a thrilling 17-16 victory over the Houston Oilers at the Astrodome.
October 1, 1997 – Head Coach Tom Osborne of the Nebraska Cornhuskers notches his 250th NCAA victory in 301 games played in a 67-7 beat down of rival Oklahoma.
Hall of Fame Birthdays for October 1
October 1, 1900 – Malcolm “Mal” Aldrich a halfback from Yale is born. Mal was a rare talent in football in the early 1920’s. According to the footballfoundation.org website Mac dropped kicked a 48 yard field goal on the Brown game then later in the 1921 season followed that up by helping the Bulldogs knock off Princeton 13-7 powered by Aldrich kicking two field goals in the fourth quarter. The shifty halfback used everything at his disposal to get past his opponents. On such reported case in the Princeton game had Mal using the referee as a screen that he avoided some would be tacklers with to get a long gain on a run. He was also a great passer and his 86 points scored in ‘21 were the third highest by any player in the nation. This helped him to achieve All-American honors that season. The National Football Foundation voted Mal Aldrich into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
October 1, 1911 – Herman Hickman a former University of Tennessee Volunteer guard that played from 1929 through the 1931 seasons. He is often described as one of the best offensive blockers in the game’s early history according to the National Football Foundation bio on him. He was so good that he is often said in the same conversations as the great guard Pudge Heffelfinger of Yale. This young man was an athlete, he gained twenty some pounds from the time he first reported to the Tennessee football program but never lost a step, in fact he was known to be one of the fastest players on the Volunteer’s squad. The Vols held a 27-1-2 record while Hickman was on the team. Herman went on to play professional football with the Brooklyn Dodgers and he made All-Pro all 3 years he was in the league. The big man then decided he wanted to give professional wrestling a try and was known as the “Tennessee Terror” in the ring. Hickman later got back into football as a coach, and even earned the head coaching position at Yale. Later he was a staff writer for Sports Illustrated and broadcasted a bit on television. The National Football Foundation voted Herman Hickman into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1959.
NUMBERS IN SPORTS
3 – 27 – 19 – 8 – 17 – 35 – 9 – 39 – 43 – 10 – 34 – 4 – 19 – 22 – 21 – 99
October 1, 1903 – The first Baseball World Series game ever was played in a matchup of the best American league team versus the top National League squad. In the series the Pittsburgh Pirates beat Boston Americans 7-3 at the Huntington Avenue park. Pirate Jimmy Sebring hit the first home run in World Series history. Deacon Phillippe was the first ever winning pitcher and Cy Young took the loss of the inaugural contest on the mound for Boston.
October 1, 1908 – Future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jack Chesbro records final victory for the NY Highlanders before being waived and claimed by the Boston Red Sox. In the game he helped defeat Walter Johnson and the Washington Senators, 2-1.
October 1, 1919 – Infamous ‘Black Sox’ Baseball World Series begins with Cincinnati Reds’ Dutch Ruether pitching a 6-hitter and hitting 3 RBI on 2 triples and a single for a 9-1 rout of White Sox
October 1, 1922 – St. Louis Cardinals 2nd baseman Rogers Hornsby hits 3-for-5 in 7-1 regular season ending win versus the Chicago Cubs. This timely hitting improved his batting average to .401 making him the only MLB player ever to bat .400 and hit 40 HRs in same season
October 1, 1932 – Number 3, Babe Ruth’s legendary call after some unkind words were shouted from the Cubs dugout. Ruth points to center-field before homering into the Wrigley Field bleachers in 5th inning, Game 3 of the World Series. The Yankees won the game, partly due to this monster shot, by the score of 7-5.
October 1, 1933 – Babe Ruth makes his final pitching appearance in the majors. The Bambino pitched all 9 innings in a season ending 6-5 win over his former team, the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. He helped his own cause too as he hit his 34th home run of the season in 5th inning
October 1, 1933 – Washington Senators coach, wearing Number 27, Nick Altrock played in a MLB game at age 57 as a pinch-hitter; faces Rube Walberg of the Philadelphia A’s; goes hitless in 3-0 loss
October 1, 1946 – Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller, Number 19 claims his MLB record 348th strikeout of season in a 4-1 win v Detroit; record stands for 19 years
October 1, 1950 – Philadelphia Phillies clinch NL pennant on Number 8, Dick Sisler’s 3-run home run in a season ending 4-1 victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers. This was the Phillies first pennant since 1913.
October 1, 1953 – Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Carl Erskine, Number 17 set a Baseball World Series record with 14 strikeouts in a 3-2 Game 3 win against NY Yankees at Ebbets Field
October 1, 1955 – Baltimore Colts fullback Alan Ameche, Number 35 becomes the first rookie in NFL history to top 100 yards rushing in his first 2 games; totals 153 against Detroit Lions after 194 yards in debut v Chicago Bears
October 1, 1961 – NY Yankees right-fielder Roger Maris, Number 9 became MLB’s all-time home run leader when he passes Babe Ruth‘s mark with his 61st of the seson off of Boston rookie Tracy Stallard, Number 39 in 1-0 win at Yankee Stadium
October 1, 1967 – In the Number 43 STP Plymouth, Driver Richard Petty continues phenomenal NASCAR winning streak by taking the Wilkes 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway; unprecedented 10th consecutive victory
October 1, 1977 – Brazilian soccer great Pelé, wearing Number 10, played in his final game for the New York Cosmos in an exhibition against Santos in front of 75,000 at Giants Stadium; 1,281 goals in 1,363 games
October 1, 1989 – Dallas Cowboy defensive end, Ed Too Tall Jones records his 1,000th NFL tackle in a 30-13 defeat to the New York Giants at Texas Stadium
October 1, 1989 – MLB batting titles are decided on final day of regular season: AL, Kirby Puckett (Number 34) goes 2-for-5 edges (Number 4) Carney Lansford of the A’s, .339 to .336 averages. Meanwhile in the NL, Number 19, of the Padres, Tony Gwynn‘s 3-for-4 beats Will Clark (Giants Number 22) .336 to .333
October 1, 1995 – Future Baseball HOF pitcher Mike Mussina, Number 35 tossed Baltimore Orioles’ 5th consecutive MLB shutout in season ending, 4-0 victory over Detroit Tigers
October 1, 1997 – Minnesota Timberwolves NBA forward Number 21 Kevin Garnett, just 2 years out of high school, signs a record 6-year, $123 million contract extension
October 1, 1999 – Edmonton Oilers retire Wayne Gretzky’s Number 99 in a pre-game ceremony before a 1-1 tie v NY Rangers, which in fact was fitting because the Rangers were the last team for which ‘The Great One’ suited up in an NHL game
October 1, 2004 – Seattle Mariners Japanese outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, Number 51 smacked his 258th hit of the season, breaking George Sisler‘s 84-year-old MLB single-season record; Ichiro ends season on 262
| TV SUNDAY GOLF | TIME ET | TV |
| Ryder Cup | 5:30am | NBC |
| LPGA : NW Arkansas Championship | 4:00pm | GOLF |
| MLB REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Washington at Atlanta | 3:00pm | Bally Sports MASN/2 |
| Miami at Pittsburgh | 3:05pm | Bally Sports ATTSN-PIT |
| Boston at Baltimore | 3:05pm | NESN MASN/2 |
| LA Dodgers at San Francisco | 3:05pm | Spectrum NBCS-BAY |
| Tampa Bay at Toronto | 3:07pm | Bally Sports Sportsnet |
| Oakland at LA Angels | 3:07pm | NBCS-CA Bally Sports |
| Cleveland at Detroit | 3:10pm | Bally Sports |
| Philadelphia at NY Mets | 3:10pm | NBCS-PHI SNY |
| San Diego at Chi. White Sox | 3:10pm | Bally Sports NBCS-CHI |
| Chi. Cubs at Milwaukee | 3:10pm | MARQ Bally Sports |
| NY Yankees at Kansas City | 3:10pm | YES Bally Sports |
| Minnesota at Colorado | 3:10pm | ATTSN-RM Bally Sports |
| Houston at Arizona | 3:10pm | ATTSN-SW Bally Sports |
| Texas at Seattle | 3:10pm | Bally Sports Root Sports |
| Cincinnati at St. Louis | 3:15pm | Bally Sports |
| MOTORSPORTS | TIME ET | TV |
| NASCAR Cup: YellaWood 500 | 2:00pm | NBC |
| NFL REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Atlanta at Jacksonville | 9:30am | ESPN+ |
| Miami at Buffalo | 1:00pm | CBS |
| Minnesota at Carolina | 1:00pm | FOX |
| Denver at Chicago | 1:00pm | CBS |
| Baltimore at Cleveland | 1:00pm | CBS |
| Pittsburgh at Houston | 1:00pm | CBS |
| LA Rams at Indianapolis | 1:00pm | FOX |
| Tampa Bay at New Orleans | 1:00pm | FOX |
| Washington at Philadelphia | 1:00pm | FOX |
| Cincinnati at Tennessee | 1:00pm | FOX |
| Las Vegas at LA Chargers | 4:05pm | CBS |
| New England at Dallas | 4:25pm | FOX |
| Arizona at San Francisco | 4:25pm | FOX |
| Kansas City at NY Jets | 8:20pm | NBC |
| NHL PRESEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Florida vs Ottawa | 4:00pm | NHLN |
| Dallas vs Colorado | 7:00pm | NHLN |
| SOCCER | TIME ET | TV |
| Serie A: Bologna vs Empoli | 6:30am | Paramount+ |
| Ligue 1: Reims vs Olympique Lyonnais | 7:00am | beIN Sports |
| Women’s Super League: Aston Villa vs Manchester United | 7:30am | Paramount+ |
| La Liga: Almería vs Granada | 8:00am | ESPN+ |
| Ligue 1: Nice vs Brest | 9:00am | beIN Sports |
| Ligue 1: Le Havre vs Lille | 9:00am | beIN Sports |
| Serie A: Udinese vs Genoa | 9:00am | Paramount+ |
| EPL: Nottingham Forest vs Brentford/td> | 9:00am | USA |
| Bundesliga: Darmstadt 98 vs Werder Bremen | 9:30am | ESPN+ |
| La Liga: Deportivo Alavés vs Osasuna | 10:15am | ESPN+ |
| Ligue 1: Lorient vs Montpellier | 11:05am | beIN Sports |
| Bundesliga: Freiburg vs Augsburg | 11:30am | ESPN+ |
| Serie A: Atalanta vs Juventus | 12:00pm | Paramount+ |
| La Liga: Real Betis vs Valencia | 12:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Argentina Primera División: Boca Juniors vs River Plate | 1:00pm | Paramount+ |
| Serie A: Roma vs Frosinone | 2:45pm | Paramount+ |
| Ligue 1: Rennes vs Nantes | 2:45pm | beIN Sports |
| La Liga: Atlético Madrid vs Cádiz | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Argentina Primera División: Colón vs Unión Santa Fe | 3:30pm | Paramount+ |
| Argentina Primera División: Estudiantes vs Gimnasia La Plata | 4:00pm | Paramount+ |
| Argentina Primera División: Talleres Córdoba vs Belgrano | 5:45pm | Paramount+ |
| NWSL: NJ/NY Gotham FC vs Houston Dash | 6:30pm | CBSSN |
| MLS: Los Angeles FC vs Real Salt Lake | 8:00pm | FS1 |
| NWSL: OL Reign vs North Carolina Courage | 8:00pm | Paramount+ |
| Serie A: Bologna vs Empoli | 6:30am | Paramount+ |
| Ligue 1: Reims vs Olympique Lyonnais | 7:00am | beIN Sports |
| Women’s Super League: Aston Villa vs Manchester United | 7:30am | Paramount+ |
| La Liga: Almería vs Granada | 8:00am | ESPN+ |
| Ligue 1: Nice vs Brest | 9:00am | beIN Sports |
| Ligue 1: Le Havre vs Lille | 9:00am | beIN Sports |
| Serie A: Udinese vs Genoa | 9:00am | Paramount+ |
| EPL: Nottingham Forest vs Brentford/td> | 9:00am | USA |
| Bundesliga: Darmstadt 98 vs Werder Bremen | 9:30am | ESPN+ |
| La Liga: Deportivo Alavés vs Osasuna | 10:15am | ESPN+ |
| Ligue 1: Lorient vs Montpellier | 11:05am | beIN Sports |
| Bundesliga: Freiburg vs Augsburg | 11:30am | ESPN+ |
| Serie A: Atalanta vs Juventus | 12:00pm | Paramount+ |
| La Liga: Real Betis vs Valencia | 12:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Argentina Primera División: Boca Juniors vs River Plate | 1:00pm | Paramount+ |
| Serie A: Roma vs Frosinone | 2:45pm | Paramount+ |
| Ligue 1: Rennes vs Nantes | 2:45pm | beIN Sports |
| La Liga: Atlético Madrid vs Cádiz | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Argentina Primera División: Colón vs Unión Santa Fe | 3:30pm | Paramount+ |
| Argentina Primera División: Estudiantes vs Gimnasia La Plata | 4:00pm | Paramount+ |
| Argentina Primera División: Talleres Córdoba vs Belgrano | 5:45pm | Paramount+ |
| NWSL: NJ/NY Gotham FC vs Houston Dash | 6:30pm | CBSSN |
| MLS: Los Angeles FC vs Real Salt Lake | 8:00pm | FS1 |
| NWSL: OL Reign vs North Carolina Courage | 8:00pm | Paramount+ |
| WNBA PLAYOFFS | TIME ET | TV |
| Semifinals Game 4: New York at Connecticut | 3:00pm | ABC |
| Semifinals Game 4: Las Vegas at Dallas | 9:00pm | ESPN |