THE INDIANA SRN “SPORTSPAGE” THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

“THE SCOREBOARD”

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE WEEK 7

ADAMS CENTRAL (6-0) AT SOUTHERN WELLS (1-5)

ANDERSON (2-4) AT KOKOMO (5-1)

ANDREAN (3-3) AT INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (6-0)…..INDIANA SRN BROADCAST

ATTICA (0-6) AT RIVERTON PARKE (1-5)

BATESVILLE (5-1) AT GREENSBURG (0-6)

BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (4-2) AT FLOYD CENTRAL (5-1)

BEECH GROVE (2-4) AT INDIANAPOLIS RITTER (3-3)

BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (5-1) AT COLUMBUS NORTH (3-3)

BLUFFTON (6-0) AT HERITAGE (5-1)

BOONE GROVE (4-2) AT WHITING (2-4)

BOONVILLE (3-3) AT PRINCETON (1-5)

BREBEUF JESUIT (3-2) AT TERRE HAUTE SOUTH (2-4)

BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (5-1) AT MADISON (1-5)

CALUMET (2-4) AT WHEELER (3-3)

CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN (1-4) AT UNION CITY (1-5)

CARMEL (4-2) AT BEN DAVIS (5-1)

CASCADE (4-2) AT OWEN VALLEY (2-4)

CASTLE (3-3) AT JASPER (4-2)

CENTER GROVE (5-1) AT PIKE (1-5)

CENTERVILLE (6-0) AT UNION COUNTY (0-6)

CHARLESTOWN (3-3) AT CORYDON CENTRAL (0-6)

CHURUBUSCO (2-4) AT CENTRAL NOBLE (2-4)

CLINTON CENTRAL (1-4) AT CARROLL (FLORA) (6-0)

CLINTON PRAIRIE (4-2) AT TAYLOR (1-5)

COLUMBUS EAST (2-4) AT BLOOMINGTON NORTH (6-0)

CONNERSVILLE (2-4) AT EAST CENTRAL (6-0)

COVENANT CHRISTIAN (3-3) AT CHRISTEL HOUSE MANUAL (2-4)…..INDIANA SRN BROADCAST

COVINGTON (3-3) AT SEEGER (5-1)

CRAWFORDSVILLE (0-6) AT LEBANON (2-4)

CULVER (0-6) AT CASTON (0-6)

DANVILLE (4-2) AT FRANKFORT (1-5)

DECATUR CENTRAL (4-2) AT GREENWOOD (4-2)

DELPHI (2-4) AT SHERIDAN (5-1)

DELTA (5-1) AT PENDLETON HEIGHTS (4-2)

EAST NOBLE (4-2) AT COLUMBIA CITY (5-1)

EASTBROOK (4-2) AT ELWOOD (1-5)

EASTERN (GREENTOWN) (4-2) AT TRI-CENTRAL (1-5)

EASTERN (PEKIN) (2-4) AT SALEM (1-5)

EASTERN GREENE (3-3) AT RED HILL (ILL.)

EASTSIDE (4-2) AT FREMONT (1-5)

ELKHART (2-4) AT SOUTH BEND ADAMS (1-5)

EVANSVILLE HARRISON (0-6) AT EVANSVILLE CENTRAL (0-6)

EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (1-5) AT EVANSVILLE BOSSE (1-5)

EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (6-0) AT EVANSVILLE REITZ (6-0)……INDIANA SRN BROADCAST

FAIRFIELD (4-2) AT GARRETT (2-4)

FOREST PARK (4-2) AT NORTH POSEY (5-1)

FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA (0-6) AT FORT WAYNE WAYNE (3-3)

FORT WAYNE DWENGER (3-3) AT FORT WAYNE LUERS (4-2)

FORT WAYNE NORTH (2-4) AT FORT WAYNE SOUTH (1-5)

FORT WAYNE NORTHROP (0-6) AT FORT WAYNE SNIDER (5-1)

FOUNTAIN CENTRAL (4-2) AT SOUTH VERMILLION (5-1)

FRANKLIN (4-2) AT PLAINFIELD (5-1)

FRANKLIN CENTRAL (4-2) AT FISHERS (4-2)

FRANKLIN COUNTY (3-3) AT SOUTH DEARBORN (3-3)

FRANKTON (3-3) AT MADISON-GRANT (5-1)

FRONTIER (4-2) AT TRI-COUNTY (2-3)

GARY WEST (3-3) AT GRIFFITH (3-3)

GIBSON SOUTHERN (4-2) AT WASHINGTON (2-4)

GOSHEN (0-6) AT PLYMOUTH (2-4)

GREENCASTLE (4-2) AT CLOVERDALE (2-4)

GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (5-1) AT YORKTOWN (4-2)

GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN (3-3) AT CLARKSVILLE (0-6)

GUERIN CATHOLIC (4-2) AT NORTHVIEW (5-1)

HAGERSTOWN (5-1) AT WINCHESTER (4-2)

HAMILTON HEIGHTS (6-0) AT TIPTON (1-5)

HAMMOND CENTRAL (4-2) AT HAMMOND MORTON (2-3)

HAMMOND NOLL (2-4) AT RIVER FOREST (3-3)

HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (5-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS TECH (0-6)

HERITAGE HILLS (5-1) AT MOUNT VERNON (POSEY) (4-2)

HIGHLAND (2-4) AT MUNSTER (2-4)

HOBART (5-1) AT HANOVER CENTRAL (6-0)

HOMESTEAD (3-3) AT CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (4-2)

INDIAN CREEK (3-3) AT SPEEDWAY (2-4)

INDIANAPOLIS ATTUCKS (5-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS SHORTRIDGE (3-3)

INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (4-2) AT CINCINNATI LASALLE (OHIO)

INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (6-0) AT MONROVIA (5-1)

INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (3-3) AT LOUISVILLE MALE (KY.)

INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (4-2) AT TRITON CENTRAL (5-1)

INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY (3-3) AT WES-DEL (1-5)

IRVINGTON PREP ACADEMY (0-6) AT EDINBURGH (0-6)

JAY COUNTY (4-2) AT SOUTH ADAMS (3-3)

JEFFERSONVILLE (0-6) AT NEW ALBANY (1-5)

KNOX (6-0) AT PIONEER (4-2)

LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (3-3) AT TWIN LAKES (4-2)

LAKE CENTRAL (3-3) AT CHESTERTON (2-4)

LAKE STATION (2-4) AT SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS) (2-4)

LAKELAND (5-1) AT WEST NOBLE (6-0)

LAPEL (2-4) AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (5-1)…..INDIANA SRN BROADCAST

LAPORTE (1-5) AT CROWN POINT (6-0)

LAVILLE (5-1) AT JOHN GLENN (4-2)

LAWRENCE CENTRAL (2-4) AT NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) (0-6)

LAWRENCEBURG (4-2) AT RUSHVILLE (2-4)

LEO (4-2) AT HUNTINGTON NORTH (1-5)

LEWIS CASS (3-3) AT MACONAQUAH (4-2)

LINTON-STOCKTON (5-1) AT NORTH KNOX (4-2)

LOWELL (2-4) AT KANKAKEE VALLEY (2-4)

MANCHESTER (2-4) AT WHITKO (1-5)

MARTINSVILLE (3-3) AT PERRY MERIDIAN (2-4)

MCCUTCHEON (3-3) AT LAFAYETTE JEFF (3-3)

MERRILLVILLE (5-1) AT VALPARAISO (4-2)

MILAN (4-2) AT PROVIDENCE (6-0)

MISHAWAKA (5-1) AT NORTHWOOD (4-2)

MISHAWAKA MARIAN (2-4) AT ANGOLA (0-6)

MISSISSINEWA (6-0) AT BLACKFORD (0-6)

MITCHELL (2-4) AT SCOTTSBURG (3-3)

MONROE CENTRAL (2-4) AT EASTERN HANCOCK (3-3)

MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) (2-4) AT NEW CASTLE (1-5)

MUNCIE CENTRAL (1-5) AT MARION (2-4)

NEW HAVEN (6-0) AT BELLMONT (0-6)

NOBLESVILLE (3-3) AT HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (5-1)

NORTH DAVIESS (4-2) AT NORTH DECATUR (3-3)

NORTH JUDSON (4-2) AT TRITON (4-2)

NORTH MIAMI (1-5) AT WABASH (0-6)

NORTH PUTNAM (1-5) AT WEST VIGO (1-5)

NORTH WHITE (6-0) AT SOUTH NEWTON (3-3)

NORTHFIELD (2-4) AT ROCHESTER (4-2)

NORTHRIDGE (5-1) AT CONCORD (4-2)

NORWELL (1-5) AT DEKALB (3-3)

OAK HILL (3-3) AT ALEXANDRIA (5-1)

PAOLI (5-1) AT CRAWFORD COUNTY (0-6)

PARKE HERITAGE (2-4) AT NORTH VERMILLION (4-2)

PHALEN ACADEMY (1-4) AT PARK TUDOR (6-0)

PIKE CENTRAL (1-5) AT TELL CITY (3-3)

PORTAGE (0-6) AT MICHIGAN CITY (3-3)

PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (0-6) AT BREMEN (3-3)

PURDUE POLYTECHNIC (2-4) AT INDIANAPOLIS WASHINGTON (3-3)

RENSSELAER CENTRAL (2-4) AT BENTON CENTRAL (1-4)

RICHMOND (1-5) AT LOGANSPORT (2-4)

SEYMOUR (3-3) AT JENNINGS COUNTY (3-3)

SHELBYVILLE (3-3) AT NEW PALESTINE (4-2)

SHENANDOAH (1-5) AT NORTHEASTERN (5-1)

SILVER CREEK (4-2) AT NORTH HARRISON (5-1)

SOUTH BEND RILEY (6-0) AT NEW PRAIRIE (5-1)

SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH (3-3) AT PENN (5-1)

SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON (2-4) AT JIMTOWN (2-4)

SOUTH PUTNAM (5-1) AT BROWN COUNTY (1-5)

SOUTHRIDGE (4-2) AT SOUTH SPENCER (2-4)

SOUTHWOOD (4-2) AT PERU (6-0)

SULLIVAN (3-3) AT EDGEWOOD (1-5)

SWITZERLAND COUNTY (4-2) AT SOUTH DECATUR (5-1)

TECUMSEH (0-6) AT SPRINGS VALLEY (5-1)

TERRE HAUTE NORTH (0-6) AT SOUTHPORT (0-6)

TIPPECANOE VALLEY (6-0) AT WEST LAFAYETTE (4-1)

TRI (3-3) AT KNIGHTSTOWN (3-3)

TRI-WEST (5-1) AT NORTH MONTGOMERY (4-2)

VINCENNES LINCOLN (5-1) AT EVANSVILLE NORTH (4-2)

WARREN CENTRAL (3-3) AT LAWRENCE NORTH (4-2)

WAWASEE (1-5) AT WARSAW (5-1)

WEST WASHINGTON (4-2) AT PERRY CENTRAL (3-3)

WESTERN (2-4) AT NORTHWESTERN (3-3)

WESTERN BOONE (4-2) AT SOUTHMONT (4-2)

WESTFIELD (5-1) AT AVON (0-6)

WHITELAND (3-3) AT MOORESVILLE (2-4)

WINAMAC (1-5) AT WEST CENTRAL (6-0)

WOODLAN (2-4) AT CULVER ACADEMY (2-4)

ZIONSVILLE (3-3) AT BROWNSBURG (6-0)

CONFERENCE STANDINGS: http://scoreboard.homestead.com/football/conf.htm#loaded

SECTIONAL STANDINGS: http://scoreboard.homestead.com/football/sect.htm#loaded

SAGARIN RANKINGS: http://scoreboard.homestead.com/football/classrate.htm#loaded

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL REPORTED VOLLEYBALL SCORES

https://www.maxpreps.com/in/volleyball/scores/?date=9/27/2023

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL REPORTED BOYS SOCCER SCORES

https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/scores/?date=9/27/2023

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER REPORTED SCORES

https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/girls/scores/?date=9/27/2023

INDIANA CROSS COUNTRY NEWS

https://in.milesplit.com/

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GOLF STATE FINALS

ROUND 1 TEE TIMES: https://www.ihsaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2023-24%20GGo%20First%20Round%20Pairings.pdf

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 5

THURSDAY, SEPT. 28

MIDDLE TENNESSEE AT WESTERN KENTUCKY | 7:30 P.M. | CBSSN

TEMPLE AT TULSA | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN

JACKSONVILLE STATE AT SAM HOUSTON | 8 P.M. | ESPNU

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

LOUISVILLE AT NC STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN

COLUMBIA AT PRINCETON | 7 P.M. | ESPNU

UTAH AT OREGON STATE | 9 P.M. | FS1

LOUISIANA TECH AT UTEP | 9 P.M. | CBSSN

CINCINNATI AT BYU | 10:15 P.M. | ESPN

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

USC AT COLORADO | 12 P.M. | FOX

PENN STATE AT NORTHWESTERN | 12 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK

FLORIDA AT KENTUCKY | 12 P.M.

TEXAS A&M AT ARKANSAS | 12 P.M.

LOUISIANA AT MINNESOTA | 12 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK

UTAH STATE AT UCONN | 12 P.M. | CBSSN

CLEMSON AT SYRACUSE | 12 P.M. | ABC

UAB AT TULANE | 12 P.M. | ESPN2

SOUTH ALABAMA AT JAMES MADISON | 12 P.M. | ESPNU

BUFFALO AT AKRON | 12 P.M. | ESPN+

HOWARD AT ROBERT MORRIS | 12 P.M. | ESPN+

MORGAN STATE AT YALE | 12 P.M. | ESPN+

VIRGINIA LYNCHBURG AT DELAWARE STATE | 1 P.M. | ESPN+

DARTMOUTH AT PENN | 1 P.M. | ESPN+

EAST TENNESSEE STATE AT SAMFORD | 1 P.M. | ESPN+

EASTERN MICHIGAN AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN | 1:30 P.M. | ESPN+

VIRGINIA AT BOSTON COLLEGE | 2 P.M. | CW NETWORK

NORTH CAROLINA A&T AT NORFOLK STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

AUSTIN PEAY AT LINDENWOOD | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

COLGATE AT CORNELL | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

SOUTH DAKOTA AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

YOUNGSTOWN STATE AT UNI | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE AT VALPARAISO | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

DRAKE AT MOREHEAD STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

WESTERN CAROLINA AT THE CITADEL | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

MIAMI (OHIO) AT KENT STATE | 2:30 P.M. | ESPN+

ARIZONA STATE AT CAL | 3 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK

WEBER STATE AT NORTHERN COLORADO | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

NORTH DAKOTA AT SOUTH DAKOTA STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

GEORGIA AT AUBURN | 3:30 P.M. | CBS

MICHIGAN AT NEBRASKA | 3:30 P.M. | FOX

KANSAS AT TEXAS | 3:30 P.M. | ABC

INDIANA AT MARYLAND | 3:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK

ILLINOIS AT PURDUE | 3:30 P.M. | PEACOCK

WAGNER AT RUTGERS | 3:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK

BOWLING GREEN AT GEORGIA TECH | 3:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK

HOUSTON AT TEXAS TECH | 3:30 P.M.

BAYLOR AT UCF | 3:30 P.M.

ARKANSAS STATE AT UMASS | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+

SOUTH FLORIDA AT NAVY | 3:30 P.M. | CBSSN

OLD DOMINION AT MARSHALL | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+

BALL STATE AT WESTERN MICHIGAN | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+

NORTHERN ILLINOIS AT TOLEDO | 3:30 P.M. | ESPNU

BUCKNELL AT LAFAYETTE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+

MISSOURI AT VANDERBILT | 4 P.M. | SEC NETWORK

BOISE STATE AT MEMPHIS | 4 P.M. | ESPN2

NEW MEXICO AT WYOMING | 4 P.M. | MOUNTAIN WEST NETWORK

CAMPBELL AT NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

TARLETON STATE AT SE LOUISIANA | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

IDAHO AT EASTERN WASHINGTON | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

IDAHO STATE AT MONTANA | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

PORTLAND STATE AT MONTANA STATE | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

VMI AT MERCER | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

HARVARD AT HOLY CROSS | 5 P.M. | ESPN+

MISSOURI STATE AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS | 5 P.M. | ESPN+

LSU AT OLE MISS | 6 P.M. | ESPN

KENNESAW STATE AT CHARLESTON SOUTHERN | 6 P.M. | ESPN+

CHATTANOOGA AT WOFFORD | 6 P.M. | ESPN+

OREGON AT STANFORD | 6:30 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK

IOWA STATE AT OKLAHOMA | 7 P.M. | FS1

EAST CAROLINA AT RICE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

ABILENE CHRISTIAN AT NORTH TEXAS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

COASTAL CAROLINA AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN | 7 P.M. | NFL NETWORK

TROY AT GEORGIA STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

TEXAS STATE AT SOUTHERN MISS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

ABILENE CHRISTIAN AT NORTH TEXAS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

GRAMBLING AT PRAIRIE VIEW A&M | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

EASTERN KENTUCKY AT NORTH ALABAMA | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

INDIANA STATE AT MURRAY STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

LAMAR AT HOUSTON CHRISTIAN | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

EASTERN ILLINOIS AT NORTHWESTERN STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE AT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

TENNESSEE STATE AT UT MARTIN | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

NOTRE DAME AT DUKE | 7:30 P.M. | ABC

SOUTH CAROLINA AT TENNESSEE | 7:30 P.M. | SEC NETWORK

MICHIGAN STATE AT IOWA | 7:30 P.M. | NBC/PEACOCK

CHARLOTTE AT SMU | 7:30 P.M. | ESPNU

PITT AT VIRGINIA TECH | 8 P.M. | ACC NETWORK

WEST VIRGINIA AT TCU | 8 P.M. | ESPN2

APPALACHIAN STATE AT UL MONROE | 8 P.M. | ESPN+

SAN DIEGO STATE AT AIR FORCE | 8 P.M. | CBSSN

CENTRAL ARKANSAS AT SOUTHERN UTAH | 8 P.M. | ESPN+

UC DAVIS AT CAL POLY | 8 P.M. | ESPN+

NICHOLLS AT MCNEESE | 8 P.M. | ESPN+

ALABAMA AT MISSISSIPPI STATE | 9 P.M. | ESPN

NORTHERN ARIZONA AT SACRAMENTO STATE | 9 P.M. | ESPN+

WASHINGTON AT ARIZONA | 10 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK

NEVADA AT FRESNO STATE | 10:30 P.M. | FS1

NFL SCHEDULE

WEEK 4 SCHEDULE

DETROIT LIONS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (THU) 7:15P (CT) 8:15P PRIME VIDEO

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

ARIZONA 3 CHICAGO WHITE SOX 0

CLEVELAND 4 CINCINNATI 3

BALTIMORE 5 WASHINGTON 1

DETROIT 4 KANSAS CITY 0 SUSPENDED

TAMPA BAY 5 BOSTON 0

NY YANKEES 6 TORONTO 0

MINNESOTA 6 OAKLAND 4

TEXAS 5 LA ANGELS 0

HOUSTON 8 SEATTLE 3

NY METS 11 MIAMI 2

PHILADELPHIA 7 PITTSBURGH 6

ATLANTA 6 CHICAGO CUBS 5 (10)

MILWAUKEE 3 ST. LOUIS 2

MIAMI 4 NY METS 2

LA DODGERS 8 COLORADO 2

SAN DIEGO 5 SAN FRANCISCO 2 (10)

NHL PRE-SEASON

TORONTO 5 BUFFALO 2

CAROLINA 4 FLORIDA 1

MONTRÉAL 4 OTTAWA 3

NY ISLANDERS 2 PHILADELPHIA 1

CALGARY 3 WINNIPEG 2

TAMPA BAY 2 NASHVILLE 1

EDMONTON 2 VANCOUVER 1

LOS ANGELES 4 VEGAS 3

ANAHEIM 4 SAN JOSE 2

WNBA SCORES

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

PHILADELPHIA 1 DALLAS 1

HOUSTON 2 MIAMI 1

COLORADO 2 VANCOUVER 2

WEDNESDAY’S TRANSACTIONS

BASEBALL

Major League Baseball

National League

National League

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Recalled RHP Justin Martinez from Reno (PCL). Designated RHP Zach Davies for assignment.

FOOTBALL

National Football League

CHICAGO BEARS — Signed CB Joejuan Williams from the Minnesota practice squad.

DALLAS COWBOYS — Signed C Billy Price to the practice squad.

DETROIT LIONS — Promoted TE Darrell Daniels from the practice squad to the active roster.

HOUSTON TEXANS — Signed OT Geron Christian and DE Michael Dwumfour to the practice squad. Released DT Bruce Hector from the practice squad.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS — Signed OLB Malik Reed to the practice squad.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Re-signed RB Myles Gaskin to the practice squad.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Signed S Daniel Sorensen to the practice squad.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Signed WR Jalen Camp to the practice squad. Released CB Kalon Barnes from the practice squad.

COLLEGE

YORK COLLEGE (NY) — Named Jason Marshall head women’s basketball coach.

TOP NATIONAL HEADLINES

COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS

CFP PUTS OFF DECISIONS ON FORMAT TWEAKS WITH PAC-12 STILL IN LIMBO, HEARS FROM POTENTIAL TV PARTNERS

The number of spots reserved for conference champions when the College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams next year remained open for discussion Wednesday as administrators who manage the postseason wrapped up meetings that mostly focused on potential television partners.

The CFP management committee, which is composed of 10 conference commissioners and Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick, gathered for a day-and-a-half at the Big Ten offices just outside of Chicago.

College Football Playoff Executive Director Bill Hancock said potentially tweaking the format that will go into effect next season to adjust the number of conference champions in the field of 12 was not discussed. The current model calls for the six highest-rated conference champs and six at-large selections to make up the field.

With conference realignment putting the future of the Pac-12 in doubt, Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey and others have indicated the number of league champions in the playoff could be dropped to five, with seven at-large bids.

“Until we know for sure how many conferences we will have, we can’t say for sure how many conference champions will be in the playoff,” Hancock said.

Ten members of the Pac-12 will be joining new power conferences next year. Oregon State and Washington State are the remaining Pac-12 members and have indicated they would like to continue the conference, but how that plays out remains to be seen.

“Until the Pac-12 resolves itself, I don’t want to deal with the hypothetical,” Swarbrick said.

Among the possibilities being considered by the Pacific Northwest rivals is trying to operate as a two-team conference for a year.

Oregon State President Jayathi Murthy said in an open letter to university supporters on Wednesday that the collapse of the Pac-12 could cause athletic revenue to decline as much as 44%.

Hancock said the CFP managers did authorize starting the search process for four more championship sites. The championship sites are in place through the title game following the 2025 season.

Hancock said five potential media partners gave presentations to the group, and he added that other networks are also interested and could not attend. He declined to identify the media companies, but FOX Sports President Mark Silverman attended part of the meeting Wednesday.

“They were more strategic presentations,” Swarbrick said. “There was no numbers. It was all about, here’s how we approach the CFP, here’s why we’d be a good partner.”

ESPN owns the rights to the playoff through the 2025 season. Playoff expansion to 12 games creates more inventory over the next two years.

Hancock has said ESPN as the current rights holder will get the first crack at the new inventory, but other networks are interested and could get involved.

Beyond 2025, there are no College Football Playoff contracts in place, and the bidding for the media rights will be wide open.

As for deciding whether to adjust the 6-6 model to 5-7, Swarbrick said it is not an urgent matter.

“I know it’s of public interest, but there’s nobody in the room saying, ‘Hey, we got to have this discussion right now,’” he said.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS: ‘HOOPS’ SCHOOLS NO. 17 DUKE, NO. 24 KANSAS, KENTUCKY TRY TO STAY UNBEATEN

It feels a little like March Madness in September as basketball blue bloods command the spotlight in Week 5 of the college football season.

No. 17 Duke (five), No. 24 Kansas (four) and Kentucky (eight) have won 17 total NCAA championships in men’s basketball. They have had sporadic — at best — success on the gridiron historically, but head into Saturday’s games a combined 12-0.

The Blue Devils get the biggest stage, facing No. 11 Notre Dame. For the first time, ESPN’s “College GameDay” comes to the Durham, North Carolina.

The Jayhawks and Wildcats face conference rivals who have traditionally dominated them, though not as much recently, and all are among this weekend’s most intriguing games.

No. 11 Notre Dame at No. 17 Duke

The Fighting Irish can’t afford a hangover Saturday from a brutal loss to Ohio State.

Nothing about this 4-0 start looks fluky for coach Mike Elko, QB Riley Leonard and the Blue Devils, who are seventh in the country in average margin of victory at 26 points per game.

LINE: Notre Dame by 5 1/2. PICK: Duke 27-23.

No. 24 Kansas at No. 3 Texas

The Jayhawks are 4-0 for the second straight season and this time they might be built to sustain the success. Last year, they got to 5-0 before stumbling to a 1-6 finish.

If these Longhorns are different from the recent vintage, Quinn Ewers and Co. won’t be tripped up at home Saturday by Kansas three weeks after beating Alabama and the week before facing Oklahoma.

LINE: Texas by 16 1/2. PICK: Texas 45-24.

No. 10 Utah at No. 19 Oregon State

Second straight week with a ranked opponent for both the Utes and Beavers as the Pac-12 gauntlet cranks up with a Friday night tilt.

Yet another week of the Cam Rising watch for Utah as it waits for the fifth-year quarterback to recover from a knee injury. Without Rising, the Utes been hyper conservative offensively, leaned into their excellent defense and gritted their way to a perfect start. For the Beavers, coming off a loss at Washington State, Pac-12 title hopes could dry up fast with another loss.

LINE: Oregon State by 3 1/2. PICK: Oregon State 20-19.

No. 22 Florida at Kentucky

This series was a layup for more than three decades for the Gators. Florida won 31 straight through 2017. Since, coach Mark Stoops’ Wildcats are 3-2 and have won two straight for the first time since 1976-77.

Florida fans probably don’t want to think of the Kentucky game as a barometer for the state of the program, but getting it regularly back in the win column starting Saturday would be really helpful for coach Billy Napier.

LINE: Kentucky 1 1/2. PICK: Kentucky 23-20.

No. 8 Southern California at Colorado

We’re going to do this one more week.

The Deion Sanders’ hype train was derailed at Oregon last week, and now Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams and the Trojans come to Boulder.

If the Buffaloes can pull off another TCU-type upset Saturday — the Horned Frogs were a three-touchdown favorite in the opener — the volume around Coach Prime’s team will crank up again.

If USC handles its business similarly to the way Oregon did against the Buffs, the spotlight should dim on Sanders’ program — at least for a few weeks.

LINE: USC by 21 1/2. Pick: USC 45-27.

The rest of Saturday’s games involving ranked teams and FBS foes, with lines by FanDuel Sportsbook:

SATURDAY

No. 1 Georgia (minus 14 1/2) at Auburn

Tigers have the worst passing offense in the SEC … GEORGIA 24-7.

No. 2 Michigan (minus 17 1/2) at Nebraska

Cornhuskers have attempted fewer passes per game (20.8) than any other Power Five team … MICHIGAN 31-9.

No. 6 Penn State at Northwestern (plus 27 1/2)

Wildcats have allowed 11 sacks, second most in the Big Ten, and here comes Penn State DE Chop Robinson, who ate up Iowa last week … PENN STATE 35-14.

No. 7 Washington at Arizona (plus 17 1/2)

Can an improved Wildcats defense be the first to slow down Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies? … ARIZONA 38-34, UPSET SPECIAL.

No. 9 Oregon (minus 27 1/2) at Stanford

The Farm has been a tricky place for the Ducks the past 14 years. Cardinal are 4-3 in the last seven meetings at home … OREGON 49-17.

No. 12 Alabama (minus 14 1/2) at Mississippi State

Crimson Tide’s winning streak in the series is 15, and the Bulldogs have not cracked double-digits in any of the last five … ALABAMA 31-14.

No. 13 LSU (minus 2 1/2) at No. 20 Mississippi

Top two offenses in the SEC by yards per play … LSU 35-31.

Iowa State at No. 14 Oklahoma (minus 19 1/2)

Cyclones have been competitive against the Sooners under coach Matt Campbell, with two wins, three one-possession losses and no losses by more than 14 points … OKLAHOMA 35-10.

South Carolina (plus 12 1/2) at No. 21 Tennessee

Gamecocks stunningly ambushed the Vols late last season and took them out of the playoff chase … TENNESSEE 35-24.

No. 23 Missouri at Vanderbilt (plus 13 1/2)

Tigers looking for first 5-0 start since starting the 2013 season with seven straight wins … MISSOURI 28-17.

Nevada at No. 25 Fresno State (minus 24 1/2)

Bulldogs’ first game as a ranked team since November 2021 … FRESNO STATE 42-14.

TWITTER REQUESTS

Louisville (minus 3) at North Carolina State, Friday — @scottleightman: Cardinals offense is quietly one of the most explosive in the country, averaging 8.12 yards per play … LOUISVILLE 31-24.

Boise State (plus 3 1/2) at Memphis, Saturday — @DaytonRobison: Good running back matchup of Boise’s Ashton Jeanty and Memphis’ Blake Watson … BOISE STATE 24-21.

Texas A&M (minus 6 1/2) at Arkansas, Saturday — @nleibengood: Aggies have won 10 of 11 meetings since joining the SEC … TEXAS A&M 34-24.

Clemson at Syracuse (plus 6 1/2), Saturday — @Jellis1016: Orange often give the Tigers a tough time even though they haven’t had a win in the series since 2017; last two games have been decided by a total of nine points … SYRACUSE 24-21.

San Diego State at Air Force (minus 9 1/2) , Saturday — @yehonala04: Typically staunch Aztecs defense is last in the Mountain West against the run ay 4.12 yards per rush … AIR FORCE 28-14.

____

RECORD

Last week: Straight-up — 19-3; Against spread — 11-11.

Season: Straight-up — 74-22; Against spread — 39-57.

MICHIGAN STATE FIRES FOOTBALL COACH MEL TUCKER

Michigan State fired football coach Mel Tucker on Wednesday, sending him a letter that stated his actions with a female contractor left the university “subject to public disrespect and ridicule.”

The school gave Tucker written notice last week that it planned to terminate his contract for cause.

Tucker was suspended without pay on Sept. 10 following a months-long investigation into sexual harassment allegations.

Tucker, whose attorneys have called the university’s findings “flimsy,” was hired in February 2020.

Michigan State’s investigation alleged that Tucker, 51, sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault survivor and awareness speaker, during what she has characterized as unwanted phone sex in April 2022.

While Field Level Media’s policy is not to name alleged victims of sexual harassment or assault, Tracy agreed to be identified in a USA Today interview and provided hundreds of pages of documentation.

According to Tucker’s attorneys, Tucker and Tracy had “an entirely mutual, private event between two adults living at opposite ends of the country” and Tucker has said the investigation contained “an ulterior motive designed to terminate my contract.”

The termination letter, signed by athletic director Alan Haller, said Tucker’s 25-page response to the allegations did “not provide any information that refutes or undermines the multiple grounds for termination for cause set forth” in the notice to terminate. Instead, Haller said the response “provides a litany of excuses for your inappropriate behavior while expressly admitting to the problematic conduct outlined” in the notice.

Tucker, the 2021 Big Ten Coach of the Year, guided the Spartans to a 20-14 record, including a 2-0 start this season.

Tucker was one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, signing a 10-year, $95 million contract before the 2022 season. The contract would have been fully guaranteed had the school fired Tucker for performance.

However, it contains a clause that allows Michigan State to fire him, without payment, if he engages in “conduct which, in the University’s reasonable judgment, would tend to bring public disrespect, contempt or ridicule on the University,” according to USA Today.

The Spartans (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) have lost both games since defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett took over as their interim head coach. They play at Iowa on Saturday.

AUBURN VS. GEORGIA: PREVIEW, PROP PICK AND PREDICTION

On a Saturday lacking heavyweight matchups, count on the SEC to kick up some intrigue.

Two-time defending champion

Two-time defending champion Georgia hits the road to meet the Auburn Tigers and the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs are leaving Athens for the first time all season.

Top-ranked and favored to three-peat, Georgia has been largely untested through four weeks.

First-year Tigers coach Hugh Freeze doesn’t have nearly the weapons held by his counterpart, Kirby Smart, but his team presents another measuring stick for the Bulldogs.

Georgia cruised to a 49-21 home win over UAB last week. But the Bulldogs were not particularly dominant in a 24-14 victory over SEC foe South Carolina the week prior.

Is there betting value on 14.5-point underdog Auburn, or is Georgia about to put together a complete effort and rout the Tigers?

We have news, trends and quotes — along with our spread pick and a prop pick for good measure.

–Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
–Television: CBS
–Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Ala.
–Point Spread, Total: Georgia -14.5, Total 45.5

QUICK PICK

If Auburn wants to bring more than a scare on Saturday, the ground game must be efficient against a Georgia defense that has allowed opponents’ rushing attacks success.

Auburn will try desperately to create first downs with an early run game. Unfortunately, that is an open secret and, with the Tigers’ one-dimensional offense, the plan could be scuttled before halftime.

Not good, given the limited resources from the Auburn air attack, which ranks among the worst in SEC passing metrics.

Auburn (3-1) tries to dominate on the ground, but Georgia likely will stifle the Tigers rushing attack and force a shift to the passing game.

Georgia’s defense is allowing only 87 rushing yards per game this season.

Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne managed only 44 passing yards in last week’s 27-10 loss at Texas A&M.

How are the Tigers expected to deal with a Georgia defense that is getting healthier?

Georgia has all the capability to bury poor passing teams, and should be able to turn this into a rout.

Add the fact that Smart motivates his team in hostile environments. When favored on the road, Georgia is 25-2 straight up and 19-8 against the spread.

Let’s eat.

The pick: Georgia 34, Auburn 14.

THE NEWS

Georgia (4-0) aims to push its winning streak to 22 games.

This matchup offers Georgia quarterback Carson Beck an opportunity to firmly announce his presence as a leader as he makes his first career road start.

The junior has completed 72.7 percent of his passes, throwing for six touchdowns and only one interception.

Beck had a career-high 338 yards and three touchdowns last week.

The Bulldogs have won five straight regular-season games over the Tigers since a 40-17 loss on Nov. 11, 2017. Just weeks later, Georgia beat Auburn 28-7 in the SEC title game.

Georgia scored touchdowns on all six visits to the red zone last week when it rolled up 582 yards of total offense despite three turnovers.

When Auburn faces similar talent (Power Five games, for example), it tends to struggle. The Tigers barely beat a middling Pac-12 team, Cal, 14-10, and then were dominated on the stat sheet and on the field by Texas A&M, gaining only half the Aggies’ yardage amount.

In those two games, Cal and Texas A&M, Auburn failed to reach 230 yards of total offense.

Thorne has thrown four touchdowns and three interceptions in four games and was replaced by Robby Ashford last Saturday.

Freeze was leaning toward giving Thorne another start.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are far from one-dimensional — as one would expect when their recruiting classes are consistently filled with future NFL players.

Running back Daijuan Edwards averages almost six yards a carry and all-everything tight end Brock Bowers already has 22 receptions for more than 250 yards.

THEY SAID IT

“It’s not all Payton, but sometimes it is and he owns it. We had a good meeting (Sunday) night and we just got to try this week to get a plan in place that we can all execute and all understand. And that falls on (offensive coordinator) Philip (Montgomery) and his staff and ultimately on me.”

— Auburn coach Hugh Freeze on starting quarterback Payton Thorne.

PROP PICK

Let’s guard against a nasty back-door cover by teasing the margin to Georgia -9.5 and using that in a BetMGM same-game parlay with Georgia to score more than 27.5 points.

The prop: Georgia -9.5 with Georgia over 27.5 points scored (-115).

NFL NEWS

NFL PREVIEW: WHAT TO LOOK FOR – WEEK 4

Below are teams and players that can set historic marks or reach career milestones in Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season, including:

• Miami (De’Von Achane, Raheem Mostert & Tyreek Hill)
• Coaching milestones (Bill Belichick & Andy Reid)
• Kansas City (Patrick Mahomes)
• Buffalo (Josh Allen)
• Philadelphia (Jalen Hurts)
• San Francisco (Christian McCaffrey)
• Minnesota (Kirk Cousins & Justin Jefferson)
• Houston (C.J. Stroud & Tank Dell)
• L.A. Rams (Puka Nacua)
• Cincinnati (Ja’Marr Chase)
• Las Vegas (Davante Adams)
• L.A. Chargers (Keenan Allen)
• Pittsburgh (T.J. Watt)
• Cleveland (Myles Garrett)

DOLPHINS LOOK TO CONTINUE HISTORIC OFFENSIVE START TO SEASON

The MIAMI DOLPHINS are 3-0 for a second-consecutive season and have totaled 1,651 total yards of offense, the most-ever by a team through their first three games of a season. They also lead the league with 130 points scored, the second-most by a team through three games in NFL history.

With 349 total yards of offense at Buffalo on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS), Miami will become the third team in NFL history to total at least 2,000 total yards of offense through their first four games of a season, joining DALLAS in 2020 (2,038 total yards) and NEW ENGLAND in 2021 (2,030).

They can also join Dallas in 2020 and SAN FRANCISCO in 1998 as the only teams ever to record at least 500 total yards of offense in three of their first four games.

Last week, running backs DE’VON ACHANE (two rushing touchdowns, two receiving touchdowns) and RAHEEM MOSTERT (three rushing, one receiving) became the second pair of teammates in NFL history to each score four touchdowns in the same game.

With two touchdowns on Sunday, Achane – a third-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft – will become the fourth player in NFL history with six touchdowns through his first three career games, joining KAREEM HUNT (2017), BILLY SIMS (1980) and DUTCH STERNAMAN (1920).

Mostert leads the NFL with seven touchdowns this season (six rushing, one receiving). With two touchdowns in Buffalo, he will become the fourth player in NFL history with at least nine touchdowns through his team’s first four games of a season, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers JIM BROWN (10 touchdowns in 1958) and EMMITT SMITH (nine in 1995) as well as STEPHEN DAVIS (nine in 1999).

The players with the most touchdowns through their team’s first four games of a season in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON		TOUCHDOWNS
Jim BrownHOF	Cleveland	1958		10
Stephen Davis	Washington	1999		9
Emmitt SmithHOF	Dallas	1995		9
Raheem Mostert	Miami	2023		7*
*Through three games

Mostert can also become the sixth player all-time with at least eight rushing touchdowns in his team’s first four games of a season.

The players with the most rushing touchdowns through their team’s first four games of a season in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON		RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
Jim BrownHOF	Cleveland	1958		9
Stephen Davis	Washington	1999		9
Emmitt SmithHOF	Dallas	1995		9
LaDainian TomlinsonHOF	San Diego	2005		8
Clarence Williams	San Diego	1979		8
Raheem Mostert	Miami	2023		6*
*Through three games

Wide receiver TYREEK HILL totaled nine receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown in last week’s victory. It marked his 13th-career game with at least 150 receiving yards, tied with JULIO JONES for the fourth-most ever by a player in his first eight seasons.

With another 150-yard performance, Hill will tie Pro Football Hall of Famer CALVIN JOHNSON (14 games) for third-most games with at least 150 receiving yards by a player in his first eight seasons in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers LANCE ALWORTH (17 games) and JERRY RICE (16) have more.

Both Hill, who recorded 215 receiving yards in Week 1, and Minnesota’s JUSTIN JEFFERSON can join Pro Football Hall of Famer TIM BROWN (1997), STEVE SMITH (2011) and WES WELKER (2011) as the only players ever to record at least 150 receiving yards in three of their team’s first four games of a season.

Both Hill and Tampa Bay’s MIKE EVANS can join ANTONIO GATES (2010), T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH (2007), CARL PICKENS (1995) and Pro Football Hall of Famers LANCE ALWORTH (1964) and RANDY MOSS (2007) as the only players ever to record at least five receptions and a touchdown reception in each of their team’s first four games of a season.

The players with the consecutive games with at least five receptions and a touchdown reception to begin a season in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON		GAMES
Antonio Gates	San Diego Chargers	2010		5
T.J. Houshmandzadeh	Cincinnati	2007		5
Carl Pickens	Cincinnati	1995		5
Lance AlworthHOF	San Diego Chargers	1964		4
Randy MossHOF	New England	2007		4
Mike Evans	Tampa Bay	2023		3*
Tyreek Hill	Miami	2023		3*
*Active streak

BELICHICK & REID EACH CLOSING IN ON MILESTONES

New England head coach BILL BELICHICK and Kansas City head coach ANDY REID each rank in the top-five in all-time total wins and regular-season wins by head coaches.

With a win at Dallas on Sunday (4:25 PM ET, FOX), Belichick will become the third head coach in NFL history with 300 career regular-season wins, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers DON SHULA (328 regular-season wins) and GEORGE HALAS (318).

With a win at the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football (8:20 PM ET, NBC), Reid will become the fifth head coach in NFL history with 250 career regular-season wins, joining Shula, Halas, Belichick and Pro Football Hall of Famer TOM LANDRY (250).

The head coaches with the most regular-season wins in NFL history:

HEAD COACH	TEAM(S)	REG. SEASON WINS
Don ShulaHOF	Baltimore Colts, Miami	328
George HalasHOF	Chicago	318
Bill Belichick	Cleveland, New England	299
Tom LandryHOF	Dallas	250
Andy Reid	Philadelphia, Kansas City	249

MAHOMES FASTEST TO 200

Since entering the NFL in 2017, Kansas City quarterback PATRICK MAHOMES leads all players with 199 touchdown passes.

With a touchdown pass in his 84th career game at the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football (8:20 PM ET, NBC), Mahomes will become the fastest player ever to reach 200 career touchdown passes, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO, who reached the mark in 89 games.

The players to reach 200 career touchdown passes in the fewest games in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	GAMES
Dan MarinoHOF	Miami	89
Aaron Rodgers	Green Bay	99
Peyton ManningHOF	Indianapolis	106
Patrick Mahomes	Kansas City	83*
*Has 199 touchdown passes in 82 games

ALLEN PASSING & RUSHING UP THE RANKS

Last week, Buffalo quarterback JOSH ALLEN recorded his 26th career game with both a passing and a rushing touchdown, the most in the NFL since 2018 and the fourth-most such games in NFL history. Currently in his sixth NFL season, he has 182 combined passing and rushing touchdowns (143 passing, 39 rushing).

With three touchdowns against Miami (1:00 PM ET, CBS), Allen will surpass CAM NEWTON (184 touchdowns) for the third-most combined passing and rushing touchdowns by a player in his first six seasons in NFL history.

The players with the most combined passing and rushing touchdowns in their first six seasons in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM		COMBINED PASS + RUSH TOUCHDOWNS
Patrick Mahomes	Kansas City		204
Dan MarinoHOF	Miami		199
Cam Newton	Carolina		184
Josh Allen	Buffalo		182*
*In sixth season

With his next rushing touchdown, Allen can become the fourth quarterback in NFL history with 40 career rushing touchdowns, joining CAM NEWTON (75), Pro Football Hall of Famer STEVE YOUNG (43) and JACK KEMP (40).

The quarterbacks with the most rushing touchdowns in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM(S)	RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
Cam Newton	Carolina, New England	75
Steve YoungHOF	Tampa Bay, San Francisco	43
Jack Kemp	L.A./San Diego Chargers, Buffalo	40
Josh Allen	Buffalo	39*
Kordell Steward	Pittsburgh, Chicago	38
*In sixth season

HURTS RISING ON RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS LIST

Philadelphia enters Week 4 having won 20 of their past 21 regular-season games started by quarterback JALEN HURTS, including each of his past nine regular-season starts dating back to Week 11 of the 2022 season.

From Week 15, 2021 to Week 9, 2022, the Eagles won 11 consecutive games started by Hurts. With a win against Washington (1:00 PM ET), Hurts can become the second starting quarterback in the Super Bowl era with multiple 10-game winning streaks within his first four career seasons, joining PATRICK MAHOMES (10 games from Week 11, 2019 to Week 4, 2020; 10 consecutive wins from Week 6 to Week 16 in 2020).

In his 48th career game last week, Hurts rushed for his 29th career touchdown, the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in his first 50 career games in NFL history.

With a rushing touchdown against Washington (1:00 PM ET, FOX), Hurts can join CAM NEWTON (33 rushing touchdowns) and JOSH ALLEN (31) as the only quarterbacks in NFL history with at least 30 rushing touchdowns in their first four seasons.

The quarterbacks with the most rushing touchdowns in their first four career seasons in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
Cam Newton	Carolina	33
Josh Allen	Buffalo	31
Jalen Hurts	Philadelphia	29*
*In fourth season

MCCAFFREY CAN EXTEND TOUCHDOWN STEAK

Running back CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY leads the NFL with 353 rushing yards entering Week 4 and has recorded at least 115 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in each of San Francisco’s first three games. McCaffrey can become the fourth player ever to record 115 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in each of his team’s first four games of a season, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers JIM BROWN (1958) and O.J. SIMPSON (1975).

Since Week 13 of the 2022 season, McCaffrey has scored a touchdown in 12 straight games, including the postseason. With a touchdown against Arizona on Sunday (4:25 PM ET, FOX), he will become the fourth player since 1990 to record a touchdown in 13 consecutive games, including the postseason.

The players with the most consecutive games with a touchdown, including the postseason, since 1990:​

PLAYER	TEAM	GAMES (DATES)
Emmitt SmithHOF	Dallas	14 (Oct. 8, 1995 – Jan. 28, 1996)
Arian Foster	Houston	13 (Dec. 18, 2011 – Nov. 11, 2012)
Emmitt SmithHOF	Dallas	13 (Nov. 7, 1994 – Sept. 24, 1995)
Christian McCaffrey	San Francisco	12* (Dec. 4, 2022 – current)
LaDainian TomlinsonHOF	San Diego Chargers	12 (Oct. 3 – Dec. 26, 2004)
*Active streak​

KIRK COUSINS & JUSTIN JEFFERSON LOOK TO CONTINUE STRONG START

Minnesota quarterback KIRK COUSINS leads the NFL with 1,075 passing yards and is the only quarterback with at least 300 passing yards in each of the first three weeks.

On Sunday at Carolina (1:00 PM ET, FOX), Cousins can join Pro Football Hall of Famer KURT WARNER (2000) as the only players in NFL history with at least 325 passing yards in each of his team’s first four games of a season. He can also become the first player ever with at least 325 passing yards and two touchdown passes in each of his team’s first four games.

With his next 300-yard performance, can become the fifth quarterback in NFL history with 50 career games with at least 300 passing yards in his first 12 seasons. Cousins has 49 such games in his career since entering the NFL in 2012. 

The players with the most games with at least 300 passing yards in their first 12 seasons in NFL history: 

PLAYER	TEAM(S)	GAMES WITH 300+ PASS YARDS
Drew Brees	San Diego Chargers, New Orleans	67
Matt Ryan	Atlanta	64
Peyton ManningHOF	Indianapolis	56
Kurt WarnerHOF	Arizona, St. Louis Rams	52
Kirk Cousins	Washington, Minnesota	49*
*In 12th season

Vikings wide receiver JUSTIN JEFFERSON leads the NFL with 458 receiving yards, tied with Wes Welker (458 receiving yards in 2011) for the most receiving yards by a player in his team’s first three games of a season in NFL history.

On Sunday, Jefferson needs 98 receiving yards to surpass BOB BOYD (555 receiving yards in 1954) and TERRY GLENN (544) for the second-most receiving yards by a player in his team’s first four games of a season all-time. Only WES WELKER (616 receiving yards in 2011) has more. 

The players with the most receiving yards in their team’s first four games of a season in NFL history: 

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON	RECEIVING YARDS
Wes Welker	New England	2011	616
Bob Boyd	L.A. Rams	1954	555
Terry Glenn	New England	1999	544
Justin Jefferson	Minnesota	2023	458*
*Through three games

Jefferson has recorded at least 125 receiving yards in each of the first three weeks this season and can become the fifth player since 2000 with at least 125 receiving yards in four consecutive games, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer CALVIN JOHNSON (five consecutive games in 2012), ODELL BECKHAM JR. (four in 2014), JOSH GORDON (four in 2013) and ANDRE JOHNSON (four in 2008).

ROOKIE DOMINANCE IN HOUSTON

Houston rookie quarterback C.J. STROUD ranks fifth in the NFL with 906 passing yards entering Week 4. He is also one of four quarterbacks (among those that have started in each of the first three weeks) that have not thrown an interception this season.

With 244 passing yards against Pittsburgh on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS), Stroud will move into the top-five for most passing yards ever by a player in his first four career games.

The players with the most passing yards in their first four career games in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM		SEASON	PASSING YARDS
Cam Newton	Carolina		2011	1,386
Andrew Luck	Indianapolis		2012	1,208
Justin Herbert	L.A. Chargers		2020	1,195
Patrick Mahomes	Kansas City		2017-18	1,180
Marc Bulger	St. Louis Rams		2002	1,149
C.J. Stroud	Houston		2023	906*
*Through three games

Stroud can also join GARDNER MINSHEW (2019) as the only quarterbacks ever with no interceptions in his first four career starts (minimum 30 attempts in each start).

One of Stroud’s top receivers this season has been fellow rookie TANK DELL, a third-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Dell ranks second among rookies with 251 receiving yards and has recorded at least five receptions and a touchdown reception in each of the past two weeks.

Dell can join KELVIN BENJAMIN (2014) and TERRY MCLAURIN (2019) as the only players in NFL history with at least five receptions and a touchdown reception in three of their first four career games.

NACUA’S HISTORIC FIRST FOUR

Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver PUKA NACUA, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from BYU, ranks second in the NFL with 30 receptions this season and fourth with 338 receiving yards.

His 30 receptions are already tied with ANQUAN BOLDIN (30 in 2003) for the most receptions ever by a player in his first four career games and with his first reception at Indianapolis on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS), Nacua will surpass Boldin for the all-time record.

The players with the most receptions in their first four career games in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON		RECEPTIONS
Anquan Boldin	Arizona	2003		30
Puka Nacua	L.A. Rams	2023		30*
Deion Branch	New England	2002		28
*Through three games

With 62 receiving yards, Nacua will become the sixth player in NFL history to total at least 400 receiving yards in his first four career games.

The players with at least 400 receiving yards in their first four career games in NFL history:

​PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON			RECEIVING YARDS
Anquan Boldin	Arizona	2003			464
Stefon Diggs	Buffalo	2015			419
Jerry Butler	Buffalo	1979			417
Dan Edwards	Brooklyn Dodgers	1948			412
Harlon Hill	Chicago	1954			400
Puka Nacua	L.A. Rams	2023			338*
*Through three games

CHASE & ADAMS NEARING RECEPTION MILESTONES

Since entering the NFL in 2021, Cincinnati wide receiver JA’MARR CHASE has totaled 190 receptions for 2,712 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns in 32 games. Last week, he recorded 12 receptions for 141 yards, his fourth-career game with at least 10 receptions.

With 10 catches at Tennessee on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, FOX), Chase will tie JARVIS LANDRY (33 games) as the third-fastest player in NFL history to reach 200 career receptions. Only ODELL BECKHAM JR. (30 games) and MICHAEL THOMAS (32) reached the mark in fewer games.

The players to reach 200 career receptions in the fewest games in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	GAMES
Odell Beckham Jr.	N.Y. Giants	30
Michael Thomas	New Orleans	32
Jarvis Landry	Miami	33
Ja’Marr Chase	Cincinnati	32*
*Has 190 receptions in 32 games

Since entering the NFL in 2014, Las Vegas wide receiver DAVANTE ADAMS ranks third among all players with 794 receptions in 132 career games.

With six receptions at the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday (4:05 PM ET, CBS), Adams will tie ANDRE JOHNSON (137 games) as the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to reach 800 career receptions.

The players to reach 800 career reception in the fewest games in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM(S)	GAMES
Antonio Brown	Pittsburgh	126
Keenan Allen	San Diego/L.A. Chargers	127
Julio Jones	Atlanta	127
Marvin HarrisonHOF	Indianapolis	131
Andre Johnson	Houston	137
Davante Adams	Green Bay, Las Vegas	136*
*Has 794 receptions in 136 games

 ALLEN EYEING 40 THROUGH 4

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver KEENAN ALLEN leads the NFL with 32 receptions this season. Last week, his 18 receptions were tied for the third-most in a regular-season game in NFL history.

With eight receptions against Las Vegas on Sunday (4:05 PM ET, CBS), Allen will become the fifth player in NFL history with at least 40 receptions through his team’s first four games of a season, joining COOPER KUPP (42 receptions in 2022), MICHAEL THOMAS (42 in 2018), ADAM THIELEN (40 in 2018) and WES WELKER (40 in 2011). ​

The players with at least 40 receptions through their team’s first four games of a season in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON		RECEPTIONS
Cooper Kupp	L.A. Rams	2022		42
Michael Thomas	New Orleans	2018		42
Adam Thielen	Minnesota	2018		40
Wes Welker	New England	2011		40
Keenan Allen	L.A. Chargers	2023		32*
*Through three games

GARRETT & WATT SACKING RECORDS

Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. WATT leads the NFL with six sacks this season, while Cleveland defensive end MYLES GARRETT ranks third with 4.5.

Watt has recorded a sack in each of the first three weeks of the season, with multiple sacks in two games. With at least two sacks at Houston on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS), Watt will become the fourth player since 2000 to record at least two sacks in three of his team’s first four games of a season, joining ELVIS DUMERVIL (2009), KABEER GBAJA-BIAMILA (2001) and PATRICK KERNEY (2004).

Since entering the league in 2017, Garrett has totaled 79 sacks in 87 career games. With a sack against Baltimore on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS), Garrett will tie Watt (88 games) as the second-fastest player to reach 80 career sacks since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer REGGIE WHITE (71 games) reached the mark in fewer games. 

The players to reach 80 career sacks in the fewest games since 1982: 

PLAYER	TEAM	GAMES
Reggie WhiteHOF	Philadelphia	71
T.J. Watt	Pittsburgh	88
J.J. Watt	Houston	92
Myles Garrett	Cleveland	87*
*Has 79 sacks in 87 games

PRO PICKS: LIONS GET ANOTHER WIN IN LAMBEAU AFTER ENDING AARON RODGERS’ CAREER WITH THE PACKERS

The Detroit Lions are going back to Lambeau Field for the first time since ending Aaron Rodgers’ career in Green Bay.

The Packers look just fine with Jordan Love.

The two 2-1 teams meet Thursday night in an early season battle for first place in the NFC North.

Love, who led an impressive comeback win over the Saints last week, watched from sideline when the Lions knocked the Packers out of the playoffs with a win in the final regular-season game in 2022.

“We know we can win out there, we’ve done it before. But you’ve got to go earn it,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “It’s not going to be given. It’ll be loud, it’ll be a tough environment. They’re playing good, so here we go.”

The Packers haven’t had running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Christian Watson the past couple of games because of hamstring injuries. If they can return on a short week, that’ll boost an offense that has played well behind Love.

The Lions are 1 1/2-point favorites on the road, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. It’s one of 11 games this week with odds under four points.

Pro Picks likes the road team.

LIONS, 27-20

WASHINGTON AT PHILADELPHIA

Line: Eagles minus 8 1/2

The Eagles (3-0) are undefeated despite playing spotty and sluggish over the first three weeks. The Commanders (2-1) present an opportunity for Philly to put together a complete game.

BEST BET: EAGLES, 30-13

BALTIMORE AT CLEVELAND

Line: Browns minus 2 1/2

Deshaun Watson had his best game with the Browns (2-1) and Jim Schwartz’s defense led by Myles Garrett is dominating. Facing the injury-depleted Ravens (2-1), the line should be higher.

UPSET SPECIAL: RAVENS, 23-22

ATLANTA AT JACKSONVILLE

Line: Jaguars minus 3

The Jaguars (1-2) have to get back on track across the pond in the first of two straight games in London. Trevor Lawrence and the offense have scored just 26 points combined in two losses. Jacksonville’s strong run defense gets a big test against Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier and the Falcons (2-1).

JAGUARS, 24-20

MIAMI AT BUFFALO

Line: Bills minus 3

Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane were unstoppable in a 70-point outburst vs. Denver. If the Dolphins (3-0) are going to uncrown the Bills (2-1) in the AFC East, they’ll need to beat them. Buffalo has rebounded from a season-opening loss to the Jets.

BILLS, 29-27

PITTSBURGH AT HOUSTON

Line: Steelers minus 3

The Steelers (2-1) finally got their offense going. Somehow, the Texans (1-2) routed the Jaguars and an injury-depleted offensive line didn’t allow any sacks, giving C.J. Stroud time to make plays. Now, T.J. Watt is coming. He’s a game-wrecker with six sacks in three games.

STEELERS, 22-16

LOS ANGELES RAMS AT INDIANAPOLIS

Line: Colts minus 1 1/2

Gardner Minshew has filled in nicely for Anthony Richardson and kicker Matt Gay’s ability to make field goals from 50-plus yards is a big plus for the Colts (2-1). The Rams (1-2) look like the rebuilding team everyone expected to see.

COLTS, 23-20

MINNESOTA AT CAROLINA

Line: Vikings minus 3 1/2

A matchup of 0-3 teams headed nowhere. Hard to believe the Vikings were 13-4 last season. Panthers WR Adam Thielen faces his former team fresh off his best performance catching passes from Andy Dalton.

VIKINGS, 27-20

TAMPA BAY AT NEW ORLEANS

Line: Saints minus 3

Alvin Kamara returns just in time for the Saints (2-1) after Derek Carr went down. Jameis Winston could get another shot vs. his former team. The Buccaneers (2-1) came back to reality against Philadelphia. Tampa can’t run the ball so they have to rely on Baker Mayfield throwing against an excellent defense.

SAINTS, 19-17

DENVER AT CHICAGO

Line: Broncos minus 3 1/2

Sean Payton’s Broncos (0-3) are embarrassed and reeling following a 50-point loss. The Bears (0-3) have lost 13 in a row. Something has to give.

BRONCOS, 24-19

CINCINNATI AT TENNESSEE

Line: Bengals minus 2 1/2

The Bengals (1-2) avoided an 0-3 start, but Joe Burrow’s lingering calf injury is a major concern. The Titans (1-2) are awful on offense despite the presence of Derrick Henry.

BENGALS, 23-18

LAS VEGAS AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Line: Chargers minus 5 1/2

Justin Herbert’s heroics and Minnesota’s ineptitude at managing the clock helped the Chargers (1-2) avoid an 0-3 start. Jimmy Garoppolo is in concussion protocol for the Raiders (1-2) and Las Vegas has no chance if he’s out.

CHARGERS, 28-16

NEW ENGLAND AT DALLAS

Line: Cowboys minus 6 1/2

The Cowboys (2-1) went from dominant to disappointing. Dak Prescott and Co. need to figure out their red zone issues. The Patriots (1-2) can’t keep up with teams that can score, but they’ve got a solid defense and Ezekiel Elliott will be motivated against his former team.

COWBOYS, 23-17

ARIZONA AT SAN FRANCISCO

Line: 49ers minus 14

The 49ers (3-0) are clicking behind a dynamic, versatile offense and stingy defense. If the Cardinals (1-2) even stay close after shocking the Cowboys, that’s reason for optimism in Arizona.

49ERS, 31-12

KANSAS CITY AT NEW YORK JETS

Line: Chiefs minus 9 1/2

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Chiefs (2-1) face a tough defense that knows it won’t get help from an offense quarterbacked by Zach Wilson. The Jets (1-2) refused to upgrade at QB after losing Aaron Rodgers and their season is in danger of spiraling.

CHIEFS, 27-16

SEATTLE AT NEW YORK GIANTS

Line: Giants minus 1 1/2

The Giants (1-2) are banged up and beaten up heading into a daunting schedule that starts with the Seahawks (2-1). Seattle is 5-0 in MetLife Stadium.

GIANTS, 23-20

Last week: Straight up: 12-4. Against spread: 10-6

Overall: Straight up: 28-20. Against spread: 25-21-2.

Best Bet: Straight up: 3-0. Against spread: 2-0-1.

Upset Special: Straight up: 1-2. Against spread: 1-2.

Thursday: Straight up: 2-1. Against spread: 3-0.

Monday: Straight up: 4-1. Against spread: 4-0-1.

CARDINALS QB KYLER MURRAY TO RETURN ‘WHEN HE CAN PRACTICE’

When a shopper discovered the Arizona Cardinals’ team store jersey inventory wasn’t offering the No. 9 of their current starting quarterback, the team moved to correct the issue on Wednesday.

That shopper was, in fact, fill-in starter Josh Dobbs. Dobbs shared a video of the experience, which prompted the team to make the uniform option available to fans this week.

“Does he have his jersey in his locker on game day? That’s all I’m concerned about,” Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday.

Dobbs guided the Cardinals to their first win of the 2023 season, 28-16 over the Dallas Cowboys, last week. Arizona is expected to begin eyeing the return of franchise quarterback Kyler Murray in October.

Gannon said there is no set timeline for that move.

“We will activate him when he’s ready to go practice,” Gannon said.

Murray continues to rehab and hasn’t been active this season. He had surgery in December 2022 following a season-ending torn ACL in a loss to the New England Patriots.

The Cardinals acquired Dobbs on Aug. 25 and then released Murray’s former backup, Colt McCoy.

Dobbs has started the first three games of the season for the Cardinals (1-2), who are playing the San Francisco 49ers (3-0) on Sunday. Dobbs has completed 59 of 82 passes (72 percent) for 549 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions in 2023.

DOLPHINS WR JAYLEN WADDLE (CONCUSSION) RETURNS TO PRACTICE

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is a full participant in practice Wednesday and on track to play Sunday at the Buffalo Bills.

He missed last Sunday’s rout over Denver due to a concussion and is expected to clear the protocol this week.

Waddle was placed in the concussion protocol following a helmet-to-helmet hit during a Week 2 win over New England. Patriots rookie safety Marte Mapu was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play.

Waddle, 24, has eight catches for 164 yards through two games. He has 187 receptions for 2,535 yards and 14 scores in 35 games (all starts) since Miami drafted him with the No. 6 overall pick in 2021 out of Alabama.

The Dolphins (3-0) visit the Bills (2-1) in a key — albeit early — AFC East battle in Week 4.

BROWNS QB DESHAUN WATSON DEALING WITH SORE THROWING SHOULDER, BUT EXPECTED TO PLAY AGAINST RAVENS

CLEVELAND (AP) — Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is dealing with a sore right throwing shoulder but is expected to play Sunday when Cleveland hosts the Baltimore Ravens.

Watson, who is coming off his best game since signing with the Browns, didn’t throw during the portion of practice open to reporters on Wednesday. The 28-year-old stood behind rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson during drills and did mental reps.

Watson will be listed as “limited” on Cleveland’s injury report.

A team spokesman confirmed Watson is resting his shoulder after taking several hard hits in Sunday’s 27-3 win over the Tennessee Titans. Watson completed 27 of 33 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns.

He also showed his toughness by taking several big hits, including a forearm chop from a Tennessee rusher to the neck area that brought trainers onto the field. Watson shook it off and stayed in the game.

The Titans were flagged for roughing the passer on the play.

Watson ‘s performance q uieted some of the criticism he received after two shaky outings to start the season. Through three games, Watson has completed 65 of 102 passes (63.7%) for 678 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

PANTHERS QB BRYCE YOUNG RETURNS TO PRACTICE AFTER MISSING WEEK 3, STATUS VS VIKINGS STILL UNCERTAIN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young returned to practice on Wednesday after missing last week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with an ankle injury.

Panthers coach Frank Reich said it’s still too early in the week to determine whether Young will start on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings or if veteran Andy Dalton will make his second straight start.

Reich said initially he was thinking Young would miss two games, but left the door open to the No. 1 pick starting if he looks good in practice. Young walked through the locker room without any noticeable limp before practice.

“He wants to be out there and we want him out there as long as he is ready to go and play winning football,” Reich said.

Reich said the team will evaluate how Young responds to practice before making any decisions.

“He’s made good

“He’s made good progress and I think he feels better, but there is nothing like getting out there on the field and going through a practice,” Reich said before the team took the field.

Young started the first two games for the Panthers, both losses, completing 59.2% of his passes for 299 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also fumbled once.

The Panthers (0-3) are two games behind Atlanta, New Orleans and Tampa Bay in the NFC South and in need of a win against a Vikings team that is also winless.

There may be no particular hurry to rush Young back this week after Dalton turned in a solid performance in his place on Sunday.

Dalton pumped some life into Carolina’s struggling passing game by completing 34 of 58 passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns against the Seahawks.

However, the Panthers struggled to run the football, the team had eight false start penalties and the defense was porous in a 37-27 loss.

NOTES: Safety Xavier Woods (hamstring), linebacker Frankie Luvu (hip) and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday.

RAMS EYE WEEK 5 FOR WR COOPER KUPP’S RETURN

Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said Wednesday that All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp is on track to return to the team after Week 4, the first week he’s eligible to come off injured reserve.

The Rams play the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5.

Kupp went on IR with chronic hamstring issues and has missed the first three games of the season. He has one more to sit out — this week at Indianapolis — before he’s eligible to come back. McVay said Kupp is “progressing” and “ramping up his workload.”

“He’s doing a great job with (VP of sports medicine) Reggie (Scott) and his group, but when you’re talking about returning to performance and returning to play, those are different things,” McVay told reporters. “And we want him to be able to return to performance at the level that he’s capable of.”

Kupp, 30, was first injured in a training camp practice Aug. 1, leaving the field 30 minutes into a workout. He was originally expected to be out one to two weeks, but he missed all three preseason games. He returned to practice before the Aug. 26 preseason game against the Denver Broncos before having a setback with the injury.

Kupp had been seeing a specialist in Minnesota to help with the lingering hamstring problem.

Kupp won the receiving triple crown in 2021, leading the NFL with 145 catches, 1,947 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, and won NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He was limited to nine games in 2022 with a high ankle sprain.

The Rams (1-2) travel to play the Colts (2-1) on Sunday.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL NEWS

MLB ROUNDUP: RONALD ACUNA, BRAVES CLINCH HOME FIELD

MLB roundup: Thursday

Ronald Acuna Jr. made more history on Wednesday and helped the Atlanta Braves secure home-field advantage throughout the National League playoffs.

With one out in the bottom of the 10th inning, Acuna singled home the tying run, stole second and scored on Ozzie Albies’ single to give the Braves a 6-5 win over the visiting Chicago Cubs.

Acuna became the first player in major league history to have 70 stolen bases and 40 home runs in the same season. He finished the night 2-for-5 with his 69th and 70th steals. Acuna has 41 homers on the year.

The Braves need one win to guarantee home-field advantage through the World Series. The Cubs fell two games behind Arizona for the second NL wild-card spot, as the Diamondbacks beat the Chicago White Sox 3-0 on Wednesday.

Astros 8, Mariners 3

Yordan Alvarez, Mauricio Dubon and Martin Maldonado homered as Houston improved its chances of making the postseason for the seventh consecutive year by winning at Seattle.

The Astros took two of three games in the series to move 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mariners in the race for the American League’s third and final wild-card playoff berth. Houston relievers combined for five scoreless innings, with Kendall Graveman (5-6) getting the win.

J.P. Crawford homered for the Mariners. Bryce Miller (8-7) allowed four runs on six hits in four innings.

Yankees 6, Blue Jays 0

Aaron Judge hit a pair of two-run home runs, right-hander Gerrit Cole pitched nine innings and visiting New York defeated Toronto.

Cole (15-4) allowed two hits — both to Brandon Belt — and no walks. He struck out five in his final start of the season. Cole stamped himself as the leading contender to win the American League Cy Young Award. It was Cole’s second shutout and second complete game of the season. The Yankees have won the first two games of the three-game series after dropping two of three to Toronto last week in New York. Cole was the winning pitcher in the Yankees victory in that series.

The Blue Jays, who haven’t scored a run in the series, lead the Houston Astros by just a half-game in the race for the second American League wild card. Toronto right-hander Jose Berrios (11-12) allowed four runs and five hits while striking out 10 in six innings.

Diamondbacks 3, White Sox 0

Corbin Carroll hit a two-run double to support 5 2/3 shutout innings from Brandon Pfaadt as Arizona bolstered its wild-card chances with a shutout win against host Chicago.

Arizona is now two games ahead of the Cubs and Marlins for the second NL wild-card spot after Chicago lost to the Atlanta Braves and Miami split its doubleheader with the New York Mets Wednesday.

Despite outhitting Arizona 8-4, Chicago lost for the fifth time in seven games to fall to 60-98. The White Sox must win three of their four remaining games to avoid the franchise’s first 100-loss season since 2018 — currently the club’s only such campaign since 1971.

Orioles 5, Nationals 1

Adley Rutschman homered and drove in three runs as host Baltimore beat Washington to reduce its magic number to one for clinching the American League East.

The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox so Baltimore is a win or a Tampa Bay loss from locking up the East and top seed in the AL playoffs. Grayson Rodriguez (7-4) pitched 5 2/3 innings for the win. He gave up one run on six hits and struck out five without a walk.

Keibert Ruiz had two hits for Washington, which has lost 11 of 15. Nationals starter Patrick Corbin (10-15) allowed four runs on six hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings and finished 2023 with a 5.20 ERA.

Brewers 3, Cardinals 2

Tyrone Taylor doubled in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning as Milwaukee rallied to beat visiting St. Louis and end a three-game losing streak.

Brian Anderson doubled to open the seventh off Jacob Barnes (0-1). Matthew Liberatore relieved and Anderson stole third. After William Contreras was intentionally walked with two outs, Taylor lined a run-scoring double to center to make it 3-2.

Joel Payamps (7-5) got the win with a scoreless inning of relief. Devin Williams survived a pair of two-out walks during a scoreless ninth for his 36th save in 40 opportunities.

Mets 11, Marlins 2 (Game 1)

Pete Alonso had four hits, including a two-run homer, and scored a career-high four runs as host New York damaged Miami’s wild-card hopes with a blowout win in the opener of a doubleheader.

Francisco Lindor hit a two-run homer in the third and Mark Vientos hit a two-run shot in the sixth for the Mets, who snapped a four-game losing streak. Lindor had a two-run single during a three-run seventh, with Jeff McNeil adding an RBI infield single.

Jon Berti finished a homer shy of the cycle for the Marlins, while Chisholm and Jake Burger each had two hits. Braxton Garrett (9-7), who entered Wednesday with a 2.10 ERA in his previous 10 starts, gave up four runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two over four innings.

Marlins 4, Mets 2 (Game 2)

Xavier Edwards scored the tie-breaking run on an error in the ninth inning for visiting Miami, who climbed into a tie for the final National League wild card spot by edging New York in the second game of a doubleheader.

Edwards singled leading off the ninth against Adam Ottavino (1-7) and stole second before going to third on Jon Berti’s single. After Josh Bell was intentionally walked, Yuli Gurriel hit a slow roller to third that was bobbled twice by Brett Baty as Edwards raced home for the lead.

Francisco Lindor hit a pair of solo homers for the Mets to become the third major leaguer this season with 30 homers and 30 steals. Mets starter Kodai Senga closed out his strong rookie year by allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out eight over five innings. He is the first rookie to post a sub-3.00 ERA and 200 strikeouts since Hideo Nomo did so for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995.

Twins 6, Athletics 4

Trevor Larnach drove in the go-ahead run with a pinch-hit double in the eighth inning as Minnesota earned a come-from-behind victory over Oakland in Minneapolis.

Edouard Julien and Ryan Jeffers homered, Max Kepler went 4-for-4 and Willi Castro and Christian Vazquez both had two hits for the Twins and Jeffers had three RBIs for the American League Central champion Twins. Minnesota won for the sixth time in seven games. Dallas Keuchel (2-1) picked up the win with 1 2/3 scoreless relief innings.

Brent Rooker hit a two-run single, Lawrence Butler had two doubles and scored two runs and Nick Allen had a triple for Oakland. Reliever Dany Jimenez (0-2) picked up the loss as the A’s dropped their third consecutive game.

Rangers 5, Angels 0

Dane Dunning pitched seven sharp innings, leading Texas to a victory over Los Angeles at Anaheim, Calif.

Adolis Garcia, Evan Carter and Marcus Semien homered for the Rangers, who won for the seventh time in eight games. Garcia added a run-scoring double. Dunning (12-6) struck out seven and gave up three hits and one walk while matching the longest scoreless start of his career. He is 3-0 over his past four turns. Texas moved closer toward clinching the American League West. The Rangers are 2 1/2 games ahead of Houston and four games in front of Seattle after the Astros beat the Mariners 8-3 later Wednesday night.

The Angels lost for the 11th time in 14 games. Los Angeles starter Griffin Canning (7-8) gave up two runs and five hits over six innings. He struck out five and walked two. The top four hitters in the Angels’ order — Randal Grichuk, Zach Neto, Brandon Drury and Mike Moustakas — were hitless in 14 at-bats with nine strikeouts. The Angels managed just three hits overall.

Rays 5, Red Sox 0

Tyler Glasnow struck out nine in five shutout innings as Tampa Bay completed a two-game series sweep of host Boston.

Glasnow (10-7) allowed just two hits en route to his second scoreless start of the season, pushing Tampa Bay to its third win in four games to keep its slim American League East title hopes alive.

Leading Tampa Bay’s 10-hit offensive attack, Josh Lowe went 3-for-3 with a home run and three runs to join the 20-homer, 30-stolen base club. Isaac Paredes also went deep as part of a 2-for-4, two-RBI effort.

Phillies 7, Pirates 6

Garrett Stubbs hit a three-run home run, while Bryce Harper homered and doubled twice to lead host Philadelphia past Pittsburgh. Edmundo Sosa also homered and doubled for the Phillies, who won their seventh in a row.

Reliever Orion Kerkering (1-0) pitched a scoreless inning for the win in his second major league appearance. Gregory Soto picked up his third save after striking out the side in the ninth inning.

Connor Joe went 4-for-5 with an RBI and Ke’Bryan Hayes added two hits and an RBI for the Pirates, who have lost three in a row.

Tigers 4, Royals 0 (suspended)

The game between Detroit and visiting Kansas City was suspended after four innings due to rain with the Tigers leading 4-0.

Detroit starter Tarik Skubal cruised through the four innings, holding the Royals to two hits while racking up eight strikeouts and issuing no walks. Miguel Cabrera, who is retiring at the end of the season, blasted his fourth homer of the season and 511th of his career in the second inning.

The contest will be resumed at 1:10 p.m. ET on Thursday. The regularly scheduled Thursday game will begin approximately 40 minutes after the conclusion of the suspended game.

Guardians 4, Reds 3

Shane Bieber allowed one run in six innings to pick up his first win in 3 1/2 months, lifting host Cleveland to a victory over Cincinnati.

Cleveland’s Brayan Rocchio and Tyler Freeman each had an RBI single and scored a run. Josh Naylor and Jose Tena also drove in a run for the Guardians, who were victorious in the final home game for manager Terry Francona.

Cincinnati’s Jonathan India had an RBI double among his two hits and scored twice. TJ Friedl added an RBI single for the Reds, who have lost five of their last seven games to fall 1 1/2 games behind the Chicago Cubs and the Miami Marlin for the third and final National League wild-card spot.

Dodgers 8, Rockies 2

James Outman homered among his three hits, Freddie Freeman also went deep and Los Angeles beat Colorado in Denver.

Miguel Rojas had three hits, David Peralta hit two doubles and rookie Emmet Sheehan (4-1) pitched six innings of two-run ball.

Brendan Rodgers homered and doubled and Sean Bouchard also hit a home run for the Rockies. Rookie Noah Davis (0-4) allowed four runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Padres 5, Giants 2 (10 innings)

Manny Machado capped a nine-pitch battle with a two-out, two-RBI single in a three-run 10th inning to give San Diego a win at San Francisco.

A first win in 13 extra-inning contests this season allowed the Padres to remain alive — barely — in the National League wild-card race. San Diego sits 3 1/2 games out the NL’s final playoff spot with just a three-game road matchup with the Chicago White Sox remaining on the schedule and needing to catch three teams.

John Brebbia (3-4), who served as the opener for the Giants in their Tuesday loss, worked the 10th to take the loss in this one, as well. Rookie Tom Cosgrove worked a 1-2-3 bottom of the 10th for his first career save, preserving a win for Josh Hader (2-3), who struck out two in a scoreless ninth.

MLBTR NEWSLETER

Nationals, Ildemaro Vargas Avoid Arbitration

Nationals and utility player Ildemaro Vargas have come to terms on a contract for 2024, though the terms of the deal have not been made public. The 2024 season is Vargas’s second arbitration-eligible year. He played this season on a one-year, $975,000 deal. The 32-year-old Vargas has appeared in seven major-league seasons for five teams (with return engagements with two of them), not counting the Cardinals, who originally signed him out of the Dominican Republic. The Nationals signed him as a free agent in late May of last year. Vargas has hit .245/.286/.365 (77 OPS+) in the major leagues. He has posted a similar line this year but has also set career highs in plate appearances (277 through Wednesday’s action), at-bats (254), hits (63), runs (31), RBI (31), walks (19), triples (2), and total bases (91), drawing multiple starts at third, short, second and in left field while also making appearances in right field and on the mound.

Injury News & Updates:

• Angels 1B Nolan Schanuel hasn’t played since fouling a pitch off his left knee on Monday, but manager Phil Nevin told reporters that he is hopeful Schanuel will be back in the lineup on Friday.
• Astros OF Chas McCormick left Tuesday night’s game after being hit in the left side by a pitch and did not play on Wednesday.
• Brewers OF Garrett Mitchell (left shoulder surgery) is with the major-league team but told reporters that he might remain on the injured list through the end of the season to as not to force a roster move. Mitchell still hopes to be part of Milwaukee’s postseason roster. He is taking live batting practice but needs one more medical clearance to return to game action.
• Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay (forearm strain) told reporters he is hoping to face live hitters in the next few days.
• Giants 3B J.D. Davis left Tuesday night’s game with a shoulder strain after a hard slide into third base and did not play on Wednesday.
• Mets have shut down RF Starling Marte (groin strain) for the season, manager Buck Showalter told reporters.
• Phillies 1B Rhys Hoskins (left knee ACL tear) is taking batting practice and running the bases and could be available as a designated hitter or pinch hitter if the Phillies reach the World Series, manager Rob Thompson told the WIP Morning Show.
• Rangers RHP Max Scherzer (teres major strain) threw a light bullpen on Wednesday, per Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News.
• Rays 1B Yandy Díaz hasn’t played since leaving Sunday’s game with a tight right hamstring but is expected back in the lineup for this weekend’s series in Toronto, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
• Twins SS Carlos Correa (plantar fasciitis in left foot), 3B Royce Lewis (left hamstring strain), and DH Byron Buxton (right hamstring strain) all participated in a simulated game on Wednesday, per the Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale. Correa is expected back for the playoffs, and possibly even before. Lewis can hit but not yet run. Buxton is behind the other two but hasn’t been ruled out for playing the outfield in the postseason.
• Yankees may activate RHPs and pending free agents Frankie Montas (right shoulder surgery) and Keynan Middleton (right shoulder inflammation) for their final series of the season this weekend. Montas would throw two to three innings of relief following one of the team’s regular starters, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

Rumors:

• A’s relocation vote will take place during the November 14–16 owners’ meetings, commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed to the Associated Press. The A’s plan to announce the architect for their Las Vegas stadium prior to that vote.
• Padres chairman and principal owner Peter Seidler hopes to retain both president of baseball operations A.J. Preller and manager Bob Melvin for 2024, per Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union Tribune. Earlier this week, Acee reported on tension between Preller and Melvin, and some repairing of their relationship seems like a prerequisite to the team retaining both for next year. To that end, Acee reports, a “significant meeting” between Seidler, Preller, Melvin, and additional advisors will take place shortly after the regular season.
• Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters that he will remain the Red Sox manager next year.
• Royals RHP Zack Greinke asked for the ball when he left Tuesday night’s game, prompting speculation that the 39-year-old suspects that may have been his final major-league appearance.
• Tigers SS Javier Báez told reporters that, despite his career-worst season, he hasn’t ruled opting out of the final four years and $98 million on his contract. It seems very unlikely that he would actually do so, but the market for shortstop this season is very thin, and that and the Tigers’ failure to emerge from their rebuild may factor in his decision.
• White Sox general manager Chris Getz told Bruce Levine of 670 The Score that the team intends to meet with SS Tim Anderson to discuss Anderson’s possible future with the team. The Sox hold a $14-million club option for next season on Anderson with a $1-million buyout. Anderson will turn 31 next June and is wrapping up by far the worst season of his career, one nearly two wins below replacement level per Baseball-Reference, but averaged nearly four wins above replacement per 162 games from 2018 to ’21 and was an All-Star in ’21 and ’22.

Roster Moves:

• Angels selected RHP Kelvin Caceres, optioned RHP José Marte to Triple-A, transferred LHP Aaron Loup (left shoulder strain) to the 60-day IL to make room for Caceres on the 40-man roster.
• Cubs activated 3B/1B Jeimer Candelario (lower back strain), optioned 1B Jared Young to Triple-A.
• Diamondbacks recalled RHP Justin Martinez, designated RHP and pending free agent Zach Davies for assignment.
• Guardians placed SS Gabriel Arias (non-displaced fracture in his right wrist) on the 10-day IL, ending his season, recalled IF Brayan Rocchio.
• Orioles activated 1B Ryan Mountcastle (left AC joint inflammation), optioned OF Ryan McKenna to Triple-A.
• Rangers activated LHP Josh Sborz, optioned LHP Jake Latz to Triple-A.
• Reds released IF Kevin Newman.

From Trade Rumors Front Office:

In his latest exclusive article for Front Office subscribers, MLBTR’s Anthony Franco argues that the Padres need not trade Juan Soto, who will be entering his walk year in 2024. To make his point, Anthony breaks down the Padres’ commitments for 2024 in light of their reported goal of getting payroll down to $200 million next season and sees it as doable, even if Soto lands a record-breaking arbitration salary (which he’s very likely to do):

It’s unlikely they’d be able to grab many headlines in free agency if they keep their target around $200MM. Given that the club’s more pressing issue was roster depth as opposed to a lack of star talent, that’s not the worst thing in the world.

Even if Snell and Hader depart [via free agency] and the Padres don’t make a free agent splash, they’d enter next season as a potential contender. A lineup anchored by Soto, Tatis, Machado, Bogaerts and Kim still plays. If Luis Campusano stays healthy, he should outplay Nola and Gary Sánchez. Cronenworth probably rebounds from a career-worst 2023. They should be able to find better depth options than Carpenter, José Azocar and Brett Sullivan without breaking the bank.

The pitching staff will look worse. They have some margin for error in that regard, though. San Diego has allowed the fourth-fewest runs in the sport. Even in the context of Petco Park’s pitcher-friendly nature, that’s impressive. While Snell and Hader are huge reasons for that, Musgrove and Darvish make for a decent starting point for a rotation. They’ll need to build depth, but it’s not an impossible situation.

NBA NEWS

DAMIAN LILLARD IS BEING TRADED FROM THE TRAIL BLAZERS TO THE BUCKS, AP SOURCE SAYS, ENDING LONG SAGA

Damian Lillard is being traded by Portland to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, a person with knowledge of the agreement said Wednesday, a deal that ends his 11-year run with the Trail Blazers and a three-month saga surrounding his wish to be moved elsewhere in hopes of winning an NBA title.

The seven-time All-Star

The seven-time All-Star — a player so elite that he was selected to the NBA’s 75th anniversary team — goes from the Trail Blazers to the Bucks in a three-team deal that sends Jrue Holiday from the Bucks to Portland, Deandre Ayton from Phoenix to Portland and Jusuf Nurkic from the Blazers to the Suns, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because none of the involved teams had announced the agreement.

As with all trades, it cannot be finalized until NBA attorneys review the terms and approve the deal.

It became known on July 1 that Lillard asked the Trail Blazers for a trade, which he was long speculated to be considering given his desire to play for a contender and Portland not seeming to have much of a chance with its current roster.

He wanted to go to Miami and made that clear. Portland decided not to accommodate that request, and instead, it’s the Bucks who now have an incredibly strong 1-2 punch of Lillard and Antetokounmpo heading into the new season.

The trade continues the Bucks’ dramatic offseason makeover in response to their surprising first-round playoff loss to Miami.

They followed up that playoff loss by firing coach Mike Budenholzer and replacing him with Adrian Griffin, who spent the last five seasons as a Toronto Raptors assistant. Now they trade away the two-time All-Star Holiday to acquire Lillard, a seven-time All-NBA selection.

The acquisition of Lillard comes after Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, told The New York Times over the summer that he wanted to see how committed the Bucks are toward winning another championship before deciding whether to sign a long-term deal to stay in Milwaukee.

Antetokounmpo’s contract runs through the 2024-25 season, with a player option for 2025-26.

Bringing Lillard to Milwaukee certainly suggests the commitment is there. It also keeps the high-scoring guard away from Miami, one of the Bucks’ biggest Eastern Conference challengers.

When Lillard’s request was made public by the Blazers, general manager Joe Cronin said he would do “what’s best for the team” while grudgingly seeking to facilitate his wishes.

In the end, the deal with Bucks is what Cronin and the Blazers deemed best for all involved. It took a massive package to make the trade happen, especially because Lillard is owed a ransom over the next four years. He will make almost $46 million this coming season and could make as much as $216 million over the next four years if he exercises his option for the 2026-27 season.

It will be a large, and possibly very worthwhile, investment because acquiring Lillard figures to make the Bucks even more of a title contender. He averaged 32.2 points per game this past season, has averaged at least 24 points per game in each of the last eight seasons and has an offensive ignitability that few players in the NBA possess.

He became just the seventh player in NBA history to score more than 70 points in a game when he finished with 71 against the Houston Rockets on Feb. 26. The other names on that list are Wilt Chamberlain (who did it five times), Kobe Bryant, David Thompson, David Robinson, Elgin Baylor and Donovan Mitchell.

All six of the other players on that list were between 23 and 28 when they had their games of 71 points or more; Lillard was 32, a clear indicator that — even after 11 NBA seasons — he’s far from past his prime.

He has been great. The Blazers have not. And evidently, he didn’t see that changing anytime soon.

Lillard was beloved in Portland, but the speculation about his future with the team only intensified when the Blazers took point guard Scoot Henderson with the No. 3 overall pick in the June draft rather than package the pick for a proven commodity that could immediately help transform the team into a contender.

Portland won only four playoff series in Lillard’s 11 seasons, getting to the Western Conference Finals once. The team went 33-49 this past season, the second consecutive year of finishing well outside the playoff picture.

That’s not Lillard’s fault. His career average of 25.2 points per game ranks 11th among all players in NBA history who have appeared in at least 500 games. He’s had 17 games of at least 50 points in his career — two of them in the playoffs — and is a past rookie of the year, teammate of the year and winner of the NBA’s citizenship award.

He’s been an Olympic gold medalist, was the unanimous selection as MVP of the seeding games when the “bubble” season resumed at Walt Disney World during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and even won the 3-point contest at All-Star weekend in February.

And he has an absolute flair for drama. His series-winning shot to eliminate Oklahoma City from the 2019 NBA playoffs — a stepback 3-pointer over Paul George from nearly 40 feet as time expired — is one of the iconic postseason moments in not just Portland history but NBA history as well.

NASCAR NEWS

KYLE BUSCH SELLS NASCAR TEAM TO SPIRE MOTORSPORTS AS 2-TIME CUP CHAMPION ENDS OWNERSHIP ROLE

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kyle Busch has sold his Truck Series team, manufacturing business and all the Kyle Busch Motorsports assets to Spire Motorsports in a deal announced Wednesday.

KBM is one of the most successful truck organizations in NASCAR history and holds the series record for most career wins (100) and most wins in a single season (14). Busch has won seven owner’s championships and a pair of driver championships with Erik Jones in 2015 and Christopher Bell in 2017.

KBM, started in 2010 by two-time Cup Series champion Busch, for more than a decade has been a development step for young drivers backed by Toyota. Busch left Joe Gibbs Racing, a Toyota team, at the end of last season for Richard Childress Racing, which fields Chevrolets.

KBM this season has fielded Chevy trucks, and Spire is a Chevrolet-aligned team. The sale includes Rowdy Manufacturing and the assets from its chassis building operation and CNC machine shop, as well as the assets of Busch’s NASCAR team.

The sale includes the 77,000-square-foot facility that houses KBM and Rowdy Manufacturing in Mooresville.

Busch said his priorities have shifted and that’s why he sold the team.

“I’m at a different point in my life now than I was back in 2010. My family has grown, my Cup Series team changed this year and our son’s racing schedule has become as demanding as my own,” he said. “It’s important to me to be able to spend more time with my family and my No. 8 team at Richard Childress Racing.

“I’ll miss walking the shop floor talking with our employees, hosting our fan days in the lobby and spending countless hours there ensuring its success. However, I know at this point in my life and in my career that this is the correct decision.”

Busch, the winningest driver in Truck Series history with 64 victories, said he’s confident the bones of his race team will still be successful under Spire ownership. Spire currently fields two full-time cars in the Cup Series and recently spent $40 million to obtain a third charter for a third car next season.

Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson was Busch’s spotter and agent early in his NASCAR career.

“I don’t see the winning ways changing at all. I’ve known the Spire guys for a long time and their recent investments in NASCAR show their commitment to success,” Busch said.

Busch races Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, where he’s trying to secure a spot in the round of eight of NASCAR’s playoffs.

NASCAR PLAYOFFS: HISTORIC TALLADEGA TO FACTOR IN CHAMPIONSHIP RUN

The iconic Talladega Superspeedway — nestled in the hill country around Birmingham, Ala. — is fast and furious, a bucket-list venue for NASCAR fans and a resume-maker for NASCAR drivers. And Sunday’s YellaWood 500 (2 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) plays an important role not only in the sport’s illustrious and longstanding Talladega tradition but in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship run.

The 2.66-mile Talladega high banks make it the largest and fastest oval track the sport competes on. It is its own brand of competition in strategy and bravado. And inevitably after hours of dramatic back-and-forth, it’s the final handful of laps that will either secure a Playoff driver’s position in the next round or triumphantly represent a career-maker for one of the other drivers hoping to chase the championship another year.

Even among the variety of Playoff venues, Talladega is perpetually top-of-mind among the competitors.

“I don’t think you can pick a guy that is a favorite at Talladega because you never know what can happen there,” said Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney, a back-to-back Talladega (2019-20) winner and current Playoff driver.

“We had had good runs at Talladega, but you never know what can happen. I think the best thing that we have talked about for that race is to try to control it like we have in the past and get a few of our cars up there and control the front of the pack.

“Hopefully, you can maintain that. We kind of see it is difficult to go from the back to the front now at speedways, so you try not to bury yourself.”

Talladega represents an interesting phenomenon among competitors. No matter what their thoughts are on the tightly packed high-speed racing, it seems more advantageous to simply embrace the challenge.

It’s one of the few places where reality actually lives up to legend. And Talladega is legendary.

From the very beginning this track has claimed large-font headlines. Richard Brickhouse won the inaugural event in 1969 — by a full 7 seconds over Jim Vandiver — a race that featured many non-NASCAR regulars. The likes of Richard Petty, Bobby Allison and LeeRoy Yarbrough had refused to race in protest of a worrisome tire situation.

The drama and action only intensified from that dramatic start with Talladega Superspeedway earning its place as one of the most iconic race tracks in all of auto racing.

The late seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt is the all-time winningest driver with 10 victories — including the last great triumph in his career, winning this Fall race in 2000 with a legendary rally, passing 17 cars in the final five laps for the victory. And his son, fellow NASCAR Hall of Fame member and current NBC Sports broadcaster, Dale Earnhardt Jr., would nobly carry on that Talladega tradition earning five wins of his own including a record four consecutive from 2001-04.

In the past 10 years, there has been a range of drivers who specifically fare well on the high banks and those who count as surprise winners able to take advantage of the unpredictable pack racing there.

The defending race winner, Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott, has two wins at Talladega in the past decade.

Current Playoff driver Brad Keselowski leads all active drivers with six Talladega trophies, earning his very first career NASCAR Cup Series win there in 2009. Seven of the current 12 Playoff competitors — Blaney, Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace and Ross Chastain — have Talladega victories.

And Busch, who earned his first Talladega win in 2008 and his second this spring — a span of 30 races — makes no bones about the competitive challenge of the big track. Playoff time or not.

“Talladega is a stress-ball of emotions,” said Busch, a three-time winner in his first season driving the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. He goes into the weekend’s race ranked last (12th) in the Playoff standings after a DNF at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday.

Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron picked up his series-best sixth win of the season last weekend at Texas to secure his position in the next round of the Playoffs. Although that gives him some breathing room in this second race of the three-race round, he says he absolutely expects Sunday’s Playoff race at Talladega to have a different, unmistakable feel than the spring non-Playoff race there.

“It is [a different vibe] for sure,” said Byron, whose best Talladega finish is runner-up in the 2021 spring race.

“I think it’s even more difficult to get track position. That’s the thing I’ve noticed about Talladega in the Fall. It’s not like you can just drive up there and steal something from somebody. It’s definitely going to be tough getting to the front and I feel like we’ve personally struggled with that in the past. It’s not been our best superspeedway race in the fall.

“I think being a Playoff race, it’s important to get up to the front and control the race. It’s not like the spring where there’s a lot of different agendas and not everyone is taking it as serious.

“It’s definitely intense.”

GOLF NEWS

GOLF GLANCE: U.S. OUT TO END 30-YEAR RYDER CUP ROAD DROUGHT

PGA TOUR

LAST TOURNAMENT: Fortinet Championship (Sahith Theegala)

THIS WEEK: 44th Ryder Cup, Rome, Sept. 29-Oct. 1

Course: Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (Par 72, 7,268 yards)

Defending Champion: United States won 19-9 at Whistling Straits in 2021.

HOW TO FOLLOW

TV: Thursday-Friday: 1:30 a.m.-12 p.m. ET (USA/Peacock); Sunday, 5:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)

Streaming (Peacock): Thursday-Friday: 1:30 a.m.-12 p.m. ET; Sunday, 5:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

X: @RyderCup

U.S. TEAM: Zach Johnson (captain); Sam Burns (rookie), Patrick Cantlay, Wyndham Clark (rookie), Rickie Fowler, Brian Harman (rookie), Max Homa (rookie), Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth

TEAM EUROPE: Luke Donald (captain); Ludvig Aberg (rookie), Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Nicolai Hojgaard (rookie), Viktor Hovland, Robert Macintyre (rookie), Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Sepp Straka (rookie)

FORMAT: The teams will compete in four Foursomes followed by four Four-ball matches on Friday and Saturday. All 12 players on both teams will compete in singles matches on Sunday. Winners from each match earn a point for their teams, with matches ending in a tie resulting in a half-point for each team.

NOTES: The U.S. needs 14 points to retain the Ryder Cup as defending champions, while Team Europe needs 14 1/2 points to win the trophy back. … The U.S. is attempting to win on European soil for the first time since a 15-13 win at The Belfry in 1993, and is seeking back-to-back wins first the first time since 1991 and ‘93. … The Americans have a 27-14-2 all-time Ryder Cup record while the Europeans are a combined 14-27-2. Great Britain and Ireland went 3-18-1 before players from the rest of Europe were added to the competition in 1979. Europe has gone 11-9-1 since. … All 12 Americans are ranked inside the top 25 in the world, with an average ranking of 12.9. By comparison, Europe has seven players in the top 25 and an average ranking of 29.3 … All 12 players from Team Europe made the cut at the BMW Championship earlier this month, while Homa and Thomas were the only players to compete at the Fortinet Championship to begin the PGA Tour’s Fall schedule two weeks ago.

NEXT TOURNAMENT: Sanderson Farms Championship, Jackson, Miss., Oct. 5-8

LPGA Tour

LAST TOURNAMENT: The Solheim Cup (Team Europe)

THIS WEEK: NW Arkansas Championship, Rogers, Ark., Sept. 29-Oct. 1

Course: Pinnacle Country Club (Par 71, 6,438 yards)

Purse: $2.3M ($345,000)

Defending Champion: Atthaya Thitikul

Race to the CME Globe leader: Celine Boutier

HOW TO FOLLOW

TV/Streaming: Friday-Saturday, 2-5 p.m. ET; Sunday, 4-7 p.m. (All Times Golf Channel)

X: NWAChampionship

NOTES: The 144-player field will be cut to the top 65 and ties after 36 holes. … Thitikul defeated Danielle Kang with a birdie on the second playoff hole last year. … Nasa Hataoka owns the tournament scoring record of 21-under 192 set in 2018. Hataoka, who also won the event in 2021, is not in the field this week. Fellow two-time champion Stacy Lewis (2014, 2007), an Arkansas graduate who captained the U.S. Solheim Cup team last week, is in the field.

NEXT TOURNAMENT: The Ascendant LPGA benefiting Volunteers of America, The Colony, Texas, Oct. 5-8

PGA Tour Champions

LAST TOURNAMENT: Pure Insurance Championship (Thongchai Jaidee)

THIS WEEK: OFF

NEXT TOURNAMENT: Constellation Furyk & Friends, Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 6-8

LIV Golf League

LAST TOURNAMENT: LIV Golf Chicago (Individual: Bryson DeChambeau; Team: Crushers GC)

THIS WEEK: OFF

NEXT TOURNAMENT: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 13-15

TOP INDIANA RELEASES/NEWS

COLTS NEWS

COLTS QB ANTHONY RICHARDSON TAKES NEXT STEP IN CONCUSSION PROTOCOL BY RETURNING TO PRACTICE

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was back on the practice field Wednesday.

Whether he starts Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams is still to be determined.

Coach Shane Steichen told reporters the highly touted rookie would take all the snaps with Indy’s starting offense, clearing another hurdle in the concussion protocol before reclaiming his starting job.

“They’re still in the protocol still but they’re going to practice today,” Steichen said, referring to Richardson and three-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly, who both missed last weekend’s 22-19 overtime victory at Baltimore.

Neither Richardson nor Kelly spoke with reporters Wednesday.

Richardson, the fourth overall pick in April’s draft, was selected as the starter in mid-August. He started each of Indy’s first two games but couldn’t finish either because of injuries.

In the season-opening loss to Jacksonville, Richardson left in the final minute with what he described as a bruised knee and sore ankle. The bigger concern came in Week 2 when Richardson ran for two first-quarter scores at Houston but was knocked to the ground while crossing the goal line on the second TD, sending Richardson’s head bouncing hard off the turf.

The former Florida star played two more series before telling the team’s medical staff he might have a head injury. Richardson did not return to that game, missed all of last week’s practice then sat out as Gardner Minshew led the Colts to an overtime win at Baltimore last Sunday.

“Gardner knows everything,” receiver Michael Pittman Jr. said following the win. “You can plug and play him. He doesn’t panic, he’s always calm. He took a couple big shots. He stuck in there and he played very hard.”

The early signs appear promising for Richardson’s return this week.

He traveled with

He traveled with the Colts to Baltimore, even provided some sideline advice. He also attended his brother’s high school football game Monday. Steichen’s announcement may have been the most encouraging sign for the AFC South-leading Colts (2-1), who have won two straight since snapping an eight-game losing streak that went back to last November.

What remains to be seen is whether the 6-foot-4, 244-pound Richardson changes the way he plays.

He dazzled scouts with an athletic performance at the league’s annual scouting combine in March, looking like a natural fit in today’s trendy run-pass option offense because of his size, speed and arm strength.

But after the Jacksonville game, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence advised Richardson to protect himself. Richardson had joked with reporters that he had only slid seven times in his career.

“There’s a bit of a process for every quarterback kind of learning how to handle that the best, learning how to best finish certain runs and best sort of handle himself near sidelines,” Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said.

“Anthony is obviously extremely athletic, made some great runs (at Houston) and this will be part of his continued understanding and development — kind of figuring out how to avoid certain hits and being able to keep going.”

If Richardson does return this week, there’s also a good chance he’ll have his starting center back, too. Kelly also was injured in the first half at Houston, self-reported the injury and missed all of last week.

Indy has already had three players — Richardson, Kelly and tight end Drew Ogletree — in the concussion protocol this season.

Kelly was replaced in Baltimore by Wesley French and while Minshew was sacked five times, the offensive line still cleared enough space for Zack Moss to run 30 times for 122 yards, both career bests.

Now they’re just hoping to get back to full strength against the Rams (1-2).

“I’m glad he’s back,” said rookie receiver Josh Downs, Richardson’s training camp roommate. “Great player. He’s going to go out there, make some plays for us with his legs and his arm.”

INDIANA FOOTBALL NOTES VS. MARYLAND

INDIANA NOTES

SETTING THE SCENE

• Indiana travels to Maryland for its first true road game of the season on Saturday (Sept. 30) at SECU Stadium. The game will be

aired on Big Ten Network and kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

• In the all-time series, Indiana owns a 7-4 edge against Maryland. The Terrapins have won the last two meetings, after Indiana

won seven of the first nine meetings.

• The first two meetings between the two programs came in 1934 and 1935 and then 79 passed between meetings, as Maryland

joined the Big Ten in 2014. Indiana won the initial meeting in Bloomington, 17-14, and then defeated Maryland, 13-6, in the second

all-time meeting.

• Indiana has scored at least 27 points in each of the last eight meetings and has topped the 30-point mark in seven of those

games. For Maryland, the Terps have scored at least 28 points in eight of the last nine games (11; 2020) with six of those games

featuring at least 30 points.

NEWS & NOTES

• In Week 4, Indiana featured three of the top five defenders in total pressures according to Pro Football Focus. redshirt senior

Andre Carter (8) and senior Philip Blidi (6) topped the conference charts, while LeDarrius Cox (5) tied for No. 3 in the Big Ten

in total pressures.

• With 41 tackles, redshirt senior Aaron Casey ranks No. 3 in the Big Ten and No. 14 nationally in total tackles entering Week 5. His

his 5.0 tackles for loss are tied for No. 1 in the conference, which includes 2.0 sacks.

• With 2.0 tackles for loss in each of the first two games of the season, Carter’s 4.0 TFLs were the most by a Hoosier in the first

two games of a season since 2004 when Kyle Killion posted 5.5 tackles for loss.

• Sophomore Jaylin Lucas produced the first multi-touchdown game of his career in Week 2 versus Indiana State with a pair of

rushing scores. He has seven career touchdowns with four rushing, one receiving and two kickoff return scores.

• Senior Louis Moore grabbed his first career interception in the second quarter versus Akron and followed that with his first

defensive touchdown in the third quarter on a 22-yard interception return for a score.

• Redshirt freshman Tayven Jackson made his first career start versus Indiana State and accounted for 245 yards of total offense

and led five of Indiana’s seven scoring drives. In Week 3 against Louisville, Jackson posted 310 yards of total offense and threw his

first career touchdown pass.

• With its successful onside kick to start the second half versus Louisville at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indiana snapped a streak of eight

straight unsuccessful onside kick attempts and recovered its first onside kick since the 2017 game at Purdue.

• Head coach Tom Allen won his 32nd career game over Akron in Week 4 and is just one win shy of joining the top five winningest

coaches in program history. Of the 32 wins, 13 have come in one possession games, including a 5-1 mark in overtime.

MARYLAND NOTES

STRONG START

▶ The Terps are 4-0 to start the season for the second time in three years, winning each game by 18-plus points. Maryland is one

of only three schools in the FBS to be 4-0 and win each game by 18-plus (# 2 Michigan & #7 Washington).

▶ Over the last 19 games played, dating back to 2021, Maryland is 14-5, good for the fourth-best record of any Big Ten school,

trailing only three top-10 teams: #2 Michigan (17-2), #4 Ohio State (16-3) and #6 Penn State (15-4).

▶ Maryland has won each of its first four games of the season by at least 18 points for the first time since 1913. This start also

marks the first time in program history that Maryland has scored 31-plus points in the first four games of the season. Maryland

is one of only 11 FBS teams and the only Big Ten team that are 4-0 and have scored 31-plus in their first four games (#3 Texas,

#5 Florida State, #7 Washington, #8 USC, #9 Oregon, #15 North Carolina, #16 Washington State, #18 Miami, #24 Kansas and

Liberty).

▶ The Terps have won six games in a row dating back to last season’s game vs. Rutgers (11/26), their longest winning streak

since winning seven in a row in 2003-04. The six-game winning streak is currently the ninth-longest in all of the FBS and the

second-longest in the Big Ten, only trailing (#1 Georgia – 21, #25 Fresno State – 13, #7 Washington – 11, #5 Florida State, 10,

#6 Penn State – 9, Air Force – 8, Marshall – 8, James Madison – 7).

▶ Maryland currently ranks first in the Big Ten in total offense, averaging 450.5 yards per game and second in scoring offense,

averaging 37.2 points per game, passing offense, averaging 283.8 yards per game and third down percentage, converting at a

50-percent rate.

REWRITING THE RECORD BOOKS

▶ QB Taulia Tagovailoa returns for the 2023 season already as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks and players in

Maryland history. Tagovailoa stands as Maryland’s record holder in every major career and single-season passing category.

▶ A 2023 Preseason All-Big Ten selection, Tagovailoa has helped ascend the Terps’ passing game to new heights during his

three-year career. The quarterback has set Maryland career records for passing yards (8,991), passing touchdowns (59), total

touchdowns (69), completions (752), completion percentage (67.0), 300-yard passing games (13), passing efficiency (146.8)

and total offense (9,232).

▶ Tagovailoa has been the best quarterback in the Big Ten through four games, currently leading the conference in passing yards

(1,112), passing TDs (8), total offense (1,165) and points responsible for (62).

▶ Tagovailoa’s current career completion percentage (.670 is the fourth-best of any Big Ten quarterback all-time, only trailing Dan

Persa, Nebraska (.727), Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State (.700) and Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin (.681).

▶ Last week at Michigan State (9/23), Tagovailoa recorded his sixth career game with at least three passing touchdowns and a

rushing touchdown. All other Maryland players have combined for five such games over the past 25 seasons.

▶ Also on the Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Manning Award and Polynesian Player of the Year Watch Lists and this

past week a Davey O’Brien Great 8 award winner, Tagovailoa currently stands top-15 among all FBS QBs in career completion

percentage (sixth), passing yards per game (11th), completions per game (13th) and total offense (14th).

WALKER TABBED SEMIFINALIST FOR CAMPBELL TROPHY

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – On Wednesday (Sept. 27), the National Football Foundation announced its semifinalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy and Indiana football redshirt senior Trey Walker was among the prestigious group.

The William V. Campbell Trophy® has become the most prestigious and desirable academic award in college football. The trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

Walker has appeared in 10 career games and garnered his first career start in Week 4 against Akron, where he also hauled in his first collegiate catch. The 20-yard grab was part of a two-catch game for Walker, who joined the program as a walk-on in 2019.

The Winnetka, Illinois, native owns his undergraduate degree in sport marketing and management. He spent four seasons as a walk-on but was awarded a scholarship during fall camp prior to the start of the 2023 season.

Celebrating its 34th year, the Campbell Trophy® recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

“These 201 impressive candidates truly represent the scholar-athlete ideal,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell Trophy® winner) and Eli were named NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. “During the past seven decades, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards have recognized 906 college football players who excelled as the best our great sport has to offer. This year’s semifinalists build on the tradition, further illustrating the power of football to develop the next generation of influential leaders.”

The NFF will announce 12-14 finalists on Oct. 25, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2023 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 5, where their accomplishments will be highlighted and a winner announced in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports.

Candidates must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of playing eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, which is comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.

“The NFF would like to personally congratulate each of the nominees as well as their schools and coaches on their tremendous accomplishments,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “We are extremely proud to highlight each semifinalist’s achievements, showcasing their ability to balance academics and athletics at the highest level. The NFF Awards Committee will have an incredibly difficult task in selecting the finalists from this outstanding group of candidates.”

Launched in 1959, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments celebrate their 65th year in 2023. The awards were the first initiative in history to grant postgraduate scholarships based on both a player’s academic and athletic accomplishments, and the NFF has recognized 906 outstanding individuals since the program’s inception. This year’s postgraduate scholarships will push the program’s all-time distribution to more than $12.6 million.

The Campbell Trophy® was first awarded in 1990, adding to the program’s prestige. Past recipients include two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, two Heisman Trophy winners and eight first-round NFL draft picks. Named in honor of the late Bill Campbell, the trophy has been prominently displayed inside its official home at the New York Athletic Club since 2013, and the winner is honored each year during a special luncheon at the storied venue.

Known as “The Coach of Silicon Valley,” Campbell became one of our country’s most influential business leaders, playing critical roles in the success of Apple, Google, Intuit and countless other high-tech companies. The captain of the 1961 Columbia Ivy League championship team, he found his true calling after an unlikely career change at age 39 from football coach to advertising executive. His ability to recruit, develop, and manage talented executives – all lessons learned on the gridiron – proved to be a critical component of his ability to inspire his business teams to the highest levels of success.

Later in life, Campbell was driven by a heartfelt desire to give back, and he quietly gave away tens of millions of dollars to multiple charities while also finding an hour and half each autumn weekday to coach an eighth-grade boys and girls flag-football team near his home in Palo Alto, California. Campbell passed away April 18, 2016, at the age of 75.

As part of its support of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards, Fidelity Investments helped launch the NFF Faculty Salutes, which recognize the contributions of the faculty athletics representatives at each of the institutions with a finalist for the Campbell Trophy®. Once the finalists are selected, the NFF will present each of their faculty athletics representatives with a plaque and Fidelity will donate $5,000 for the academic support services at each school. The salutes have recognized 168 FARs since the program’s inception, and Fidelity has made a total of $830,000 in donations.

INDIANA FIELD HOCKEY

INDIANA FIELD HOCKEY TO HOST NO. 15 MICHIGAN AND NO. 11 OHIO STATE

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. –––– After an exciting first home game last weekend, the Indiana Field Hockey team is set to host two more big games at Deborah Tobias Field in the coming days. The Hoosiers will have No. 15 Michigan on Friday, Sep. 29 and No. 11 Ohio State on the docket for Sunday, Oct. 1.

WEEKEND REWIND:

-Indiana went 1-1 in last weekend’s games with two close finishes.

-On Friday, Sep. 22, the Hoosiers suffered a tough 1-0 defeat at Michigan State. On Sunday, Sep. 24, Indiana defeated James Madison, 3-2.

-With the weekend’s results, Indiana’s record now stands at 4-5 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play.

-The Hoosiers have roughly hit the midway point of the season, having played nine of their 19 games thus far.

-The loss at Michigan State was a tough one as Indiana was in control for the majority of the game.

-The Hoosiers played stout defense throughout the game, limiting Michigan State to just five shots taken. The Spartans only were able to get one shot off in the first half, as well.

-The game was scoreless until the 58th minute when Michigan State’s Ellie Rutherford found the back of the cage to put Michigan State up 1-0 with barely any time left.

HOME, SWEET HOME:

-The win over James Madison was Indiana’s first home game of the regular season after playing their first eight games on the road or in neutral sites.

-The Hoosiers started out strongly, opening up a 1-0 lead from a Sarah Charley goal at the end of the first period.

-James Madison took the momentum when they scored back-to-back goals in a matter of two minutes midway through the third period to lead 2-1.

-Early in the fourth period, Meredith Lee scored the first goal of her career to tie the game at 2-2.

-With 37 seconds left on the clock, Indiana drew a penalty corner which resulted in Meghan Dillon tapping in the game-winning shot.

-With Michigan and Ohio State coming to town, these will be Indiana’s first Big Ten games at home this season.

QUICK STATS:

-Eight different Hoosiers have scored a goal this season: Sarah Charley, Inés Garcia Prado, Jemima Cookson, Yip van Wonderen, Maggie Carter, Meghan Dillon, Anna Mozeleski and Meredith Lee.

-Charley leads the way with four goals while Dillon, Garcia Prado and van Wonderen are the team’s second leading goal scorers with two each. Everyone else has notched one.

-Charley also leads the team in shots taken with 18. Fourteen of those have been on goal. Cookson has taken 12 shots this season with nine of them being on goal.

-As a team, 14 Hoosiers have recorded a shot taken. Fifty-six of the team’s 84 total shots (66.7%) have been on goal.

-Garcia Prado land Charley both lead the team in assists with three. Sofia Arrebola Garcia, Cookson and Keld each have two assists. Yip van Wonderen has one assist thus far.

-Shannon McNally and Arabella Loveridge have split time in the cage this season. McNally has played in seven games and has recorded 23 saves. Loveridge has made five appearances this season and has 20 saves.

-Indiana has tied with their season opponents in penalty corners drawn. thus far. Both the Hoosiers and their opponents have drawn 48 corners.

-Kennedy Reardon and Sarah Charley are the most experienced players on the team. Reardon has played in 70 career games. Charley has played in 80 career games, nine of those have been as a Hoosier.

SCOUTING THE COMPETITION:

-No. 15 Michigan owns a 5-4 record and an 0-2 mark in Big Ten play through the opening half of the season.

-The Wolverines lost to No. 1 North Carolina, 3-2, and No. 12 Wake Forest, 1-0, in the opening weekend. Michigan also lost to No. 17 Ohio State, 5-1, and No. 1 Iowa, 2-0. Michigan owns wins over No. 18 Old Dominion and No. 10 Saint Joseph’s, among others.

-Michigan’s Lora Clarke is the team’s point leader with ten, notching six assists and two goals. Kelsey Reviello leads teh team with four goals with Alana Richardson not far behind, scoring three.

-Michigan has had Indiana’s number for most of the series history, leading it 22-4. Indiana’s last win over the Wolverines was in 2016 when Indiana won 1-0 in Ann Arbor.

-Ohio State’s season is off to a tremendous start, owning a 9-2 record and vaulting to being ranked at No. 11 by the NFHCA.

-The team’s notable wins include beating Stanford, 6-0, Michigan, 5-1, and Michigan State in overtime, 3-2. The team’s only losses are to No. 3 Northwestern and No. 5 Louisville.

-Makenna Webster has been a major impact player for the Buckeyes, already notching 13 goals and six assists. Goalkeeper Abby Danson is currently at 37 saves on the season.

-Ohio State leads the all-time series against Indiana, 19-7, but the temas have split the last two matchups. Ohio State won last year 2-1 in Bloomington, while Indiana won 3-1 in Columbus in 2021.

OVERTIME TIDBITS:

-Indiana’s Sarah Charley will play against her former team on Sunday when the Hoosiers host No. 11 Ohio State. Charley played for the Buckeyes from 2019-2022.

-Indiana’s 2022 team captains of Sydney Keld and Kennedy Reardon are both team captains again in 2023. Senior Jemima Cookson was voted in as a team captain in the spring, as well.

-Indiana’s roster features three pairs of former high school teammates who are now playing together again. Maggie Carter and Javi Baeza played together at Shaker Heights High School (Ohio), Meredith Lee and Hannah Riddle played together at Assumption High School (Kentucky) and Anna Mozeleski and Maddie Olshemski played at Wyoming Seminary Prep (Pennsylvania).

PURDUE FOOTBALL NOTES VS. ILLINOIS

PURDUE NOTES:

STORY LINES • Purdue Football closes out the month of September and a three-game homestand by hosting Illinois in the battle for the Cannon Trophy. Kickoff from Ross-Ade Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. on Peacock. • Not only is the matchup a rivalry game, but it also serves as Homecoming for the Boilermakers. • The Boilermakers have faced Illinois 19 times for their Homecoming game, the second-most common Homecoming opponent behind Wisconsin (21). Purdue holds a 10-8-1 advantage over Illinois in the Homecoming matchups in West Lafayette. • As part of the special weekend, Tiller Tunnel (named after Joe Tiller, the winningest coachin Purdue history) will officially be dedicated in a private ceremony earlier in the day. • Purdue has won three straight Cannon Trophy games as well as six of the past seven. • Head coach Ryan Walters faces off against his former team. Before becoming the 37th head coach in Purdue Football history, Walters served as Illinois’ defensive coordinator for two seasons. Under his guidance a season ago, the Illini led the nation in scoring defense. • Purdue has forced an interception in nine straight games, dating back to last season’s win over Illinois (Nov. 12, 2022). That is the longest active streak in the nation. • Shaun Phillips, a member of the Den of Defensive Ends, will serve as Purdue’s honorary captain for Saturday’s Homecoming game. He ranks second in program history with 33.5 career sacks, while ranking third with 60.5 tackles-for-loss as a Boilermaker. • After losing their Big Ten opener a season ago, the Boilermakers won six of their final eight conference games to win the Big Ten West outright. That included a 31-24 victory at No. 21 Illinois, which proved to be a pivital game in the division race. • Senior outside linebacker Kydran Jenkins leads the Big Ten in both sacks (3.0) and tackles-for-loss (5.0). • Running the Air Raid offense, quarterback Hudson Card makes a Big Ten-best 23.3 completions per game. • On the flip side, nine of Purdue’s 12 offensive touchdowns have been on the ground. • Tyrone Tracy Jr. has scored a rushing touchdown in all four games this season. Against Wisconsin, he rushed for a career-high 84 yards by averaging 10.5 yards per carry. • As Purdue’s leading tackler, freshman Dillon Thieneman ranks third nationally with 7.2 solo tackles per game. • In his first season as a Boilermaker, cornerback Marquis Wilson paces the Big Ten in pass breakups (6) and ranks eighth in the country.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Football closes out the month of September and a three-game homestand by hosting Illinois in the battle for the Cannon Trophy. Kickoff from Ross-Ade Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. on Peacock.

Not only is the matchup a rivalry game, but it also serves as Homecoming for the Boilermakers.  The Boilermakers have faced Illinois 19 times for their Homecoming game, the second-most common Homecoming opponent behind Wisconsin (21). Purdue holds a 10-8-1 advantage over Illinois in the Homecoming matchups in West Lafayette.

As part of the special weekend, Tiller Tunnel (named after Joe Tiller, the winningest coach in Purdue history) will officially be dedicated in a private ceremony earlier in the day.

Head coach Ryan Walters faces off against his former team. Before becoming the 37th head coach in Purdue Football history, Walters served as Illinois’ defensive coordinator for two seasons. Under his guidance a season ago, the Illini led the nation in scoring defense.

HONORARY CAPTAIN  

• A member of the Den of Defensive Ends, Shaun Phillips (2000-03) will serve as Purdue’s honorary captain for Saturday’s Homecoming game against Illinois.

• Phillips earned his spot in the prestigious group by having a knack for sacks and tackles in the backfield. He ranks second in program history with 33.5 career sacks, while ranking third with 60.5 tackles-for-loss as a Boilermaker.

• Phillips recorded 14.5 sacks as a senior, the second-most in a single season in Purdue history, to earn First Team All-Big Ten accolades.

• After getting selected as the 98th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, Phillips went on to have an 11-year NFL career with stops in San Diego, Denver, Tennessee and Indianapolis.

BATTLE FOR THE CANNON TROPHY  

• Purdue leads the Cannon series 39-30-2, including winning six of the past seven battles.

• The Boilermakers have collected 14 wins in the last 18 matchups dating back to 2003.

• The two schools first played in 1890, with Purdue holding a slight 47-45-6 edge in the all-time series.

• Purdue won last year’s matchup in Champaign, upsetting No. 21 Illinois 31-24, a contest that proved to be a pivotal game in the Boilermakers winning the Big Ten West.

OPPONENT SNAPSHOT 

• Illinois enters Saturday’s matchup with a 2-2 (0-1 B1G) record following a 23-17 win over FAU to wrap up non-conference play.

• Ole Miss transfer Luke Altmyer has thrown for 874 yards on the season to go along with four touchdowns and seven interceptions. The quarterback is also the Illini’s second-leading rusher with 146 yards and a team-high three touchdowns.

• Isaiah Williams is Altmyer’s favorite receiver with 24 catches for 333 yards. Averaging 6.0 receptions per game, Williams leads the Big Ten.

• Bret Bielema is in his third season leading the Illini after head coaching stops at Arkansas (2013-17) and Wisconsin (2006-12).

CANNON TROPHY HISTORY

• The Cannon was conceived by Purdue students more than 100 years ago but was first presented as a trophy by an Illinois alumnus 76 years ago.

• It all started in 1905 when a group of Purdue students took the weapon to Champaign in anticipation of firing it to celebrate a victory. Although Purdue did win the game 29-0, Illinois supporters, including Quincy A. Hall, had discovered the Cannon in its hiding place – in a culvert near the old Illinois field – and confiscated it before the Purdue students could start their “booming” celebration. Later, Hall moved the Cannon to his farmhouse near Milford, Illinois, where it survived a fire and gathered dust until Hall suggested it be used as a trophy between the two schools when the rivalry was resumed in 1943 after a 12-year lapse.

• The Tomahawk Service and Leadership Honorary at Purdue and Illini Pride now share the maintenance duty for the Cannon.

LAST TIME WE MET  

• Last year, the Boilermakers kept possession of the Cannon by going on the road to defeat No. 21 Illinois 31-24.

• Purdue held the nation’s leading rusher, Chase Brown, to 98 yards on the ground, his first game under 100 yards rushing all season.

• In the other backfield, Devin Mockobee notched his fourth 100-yard game of the season, going for 106 yards on 28 carries with a touchdown.

• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) recorded a team-high seven catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns.

• Sanoussi Kane topped all tacklers with nine on the afternoon with eight solos, one for loss and a forced fumble.

CANNON COACHING CONNECTIONS

• The new Purdue coaching staff is familiar with the rivalry, coaching on the other sidelines before making the move to West Lafayette.

• Head coach Ryan Walters spent the past two seasons at Illinois, serving as the Illini’s defensive coordinator; last season, he guided the nation’s No. 1 scoring defense as the Illini defense cracked the Top 10 in 17 different categories.

• Walters brought four coaches with him from Illinois to Purdue: defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach Kevin Kane, associate head coach/wide receivers coach Cory Patterson, outside linebackers coach Joe Dineen and safeties coach Grant O’Brien.

HOMECOMING HISTORY

• Saturday’s game will be Purdue’s 101st Homecoming game.

• The Boilermakers are 53-43-4 in Homecoming contests.

• After losing six straight Homecoming games from 2012-17, Purdue has won three of the past five.

• The Boilermakers have faced Illinois 19 times for their Homecoming game, the second-most common Homecoming opponent behind Wisconsin (21). Purdue holds a 10-8-1 advantage over Illinois in the Homecoming matchups in West Lafayette.

WELCOME BACK GUS    

• The Boilermakers welcomed back their anchor of the offensive line, as team captain Gus Hartwig returned to the starting lineup against Wisconsin (Sept. 22).

• It was the center’s first action since suffering a season-ending knee injury against Northwestern last November.

• Despite the injury, Hartwig entered this season on watch lists for the Outland Trophy and Rimington Trophy, examples of his importance to the Purdue offensive line.

• Getting back on the field against the Badgers, the three-time Honorable Mention All-Big Ten center made his 28th career start in 31 games for the Boilermakers.

• Beginning with his sophomore season, Hartwig started 24 straight games before suffering an injury during the Northwestern game (Nov. 19, 2022) that sidelined him for the remainder of his junior year.

KJ KA-BOOM         

• Kydran Jenkins has been a force in creating negative plays for opposing offenses.

• The senior outside linebacker leads the Big Ten in both tackles-for-loss (5.0) and sacks (3.0).

• He has recorded at least one TFL in all four games, while making a sack in each of the first three games of the season.

• Last week against Wisconsin, Jenkins paced Purdue with a career-high nine tackles.

ILLINOIS NOTES:

Illinois Visits Purdue for First Big Ten Road Game • Illinois and Purdue meet for the 99th time on Saturday with The Cannon rivalry trophy on the line. • The matchup will be the first between Illinois head coach Bret Bielema and former Illini defensive coordinator Ryan Walters, who is now the head coach at Purdue. After leading the Illinois defense for two seasons, Walters was introduced as head coach at Purdue on Dec. 14, 2022. • Illinois plays eight straight Big Ten opponents over the next nine weeks, including six Big Ten West games. The Law Firm of Newton and Randolph • Defensive tackles Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton and Keith Randolph Jr., who go by the nickname “The Law Firm,” are one of the top defensive tackle duos in the nation over the last two seasons • Newton is tied for third in the nation in QB pressures among DTs with 15, according to PFF. • Newton had seven pressures against #7 Penn State in Illinois’ Big Ten opener, the second-most by a Power-5 defensive tackle in a game this season. Newton was the highest-rated Power-5 defensive tackle in the nation during Week 3 vs. Penn State (minimum 30 snaps), according to PFF. • Randolph is tied for the national lead in tackles (27) among defensive linemen, including both interior and edge rushers. He has four more tackles than any other Power-5 defensive tackle. • Among defensive linemen (both interior and edge), Newton is tied for third in the nation in PFF’s defensive stops statistic with 13. • Both Newton and Randolph were named Preseason All-Americans by multiple outlets prior to the start of the 2023 season. Newton was Illinois’ first-ever Preseason AP All-American. • Johnny Newton was the No. 9 graded defender in the nation by PFF (91.5) in 2022. • Newton led the nation in QB hits (19) and ranked sixth in the nation in pressures (54) in 2022. • Newton and Randolph led the nation in TFLs (27.0) and QB pressures (81) among defensive line partners (81) in 2022. • Newton and Randolph were second and third in the Big Ten in TFLs (14.0, 13.0) and ranked first and second among interior defensive linemen in 2022. • Newton tied Pitt’s Calijah Kancey (14.0) for the most TFLs by any Power-5 interior defensive linemen in 2022, and Randolph was third (13.0). Kancey was the ACC Def. Player of the Year. #1 Among Nation’s Most Reliable • Isaiah Williams leads the Big Ten in receptions (24) and ranks second in receiving yards (333), only three yards behind Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. Saturday’s game features the two top pass-catchers in the conference, as Purdue’s Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen ranks second in the Big Ten in receptions (22). • Williams has at least one catch in all 29 games since he switched from QB prior to the start of the 2021 season, which is the second-longest active streak in the Big Ten behind Penn State’s Dante Cephas (31) and tied for the 12th-longest active streak in the nation. • Williams has at least three catches in 18 straight games. • Williams has 17 first-down receptions this season, tied for the most in the Big Ten with Purdue’s Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen. The 17 first-down receptions ranks tied for the ninth-most in the nation. Six of Williams’ eight receptions last week against Florida Atlantic went for first downs. • Williams has 156 career receptions, currently eighth all-time at Illinois. He is only five catches from passing Brandon Lloyd (160 catches from 1999-02) to crack the program’s top five. • Williams has 1,582 career receiving yards, just 33 yards from Illinois’ all-time top 10. Shawn Wax ranks 10th with 1,614 yards from 1987-90.

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL GAME NOTES VS. DUKE

NOTRE DAME NOTES:

IRISH ITEMS – BY THE NUMBERS

1st

The contest with Duke Saturday is the sixth game of the season for

Notre Dame which is the program’s the high-water mark for games

played before the calendar turns to October. The Irish have the opportunity to match the 2015 team as the only Notre Dame teams to claim

five victories in a season before October 1.

1

Saturday will be the eighth meeting between Notre Dame and Duke

but the first with both teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25.

The Irish enter the weekend 11th, while Duke is 17th.

2

This weekend marks the second consecutive appearance of ESPN’s

College Game Day to preview a Notre Dame contest. It will be the 20th

time that the show has featured the same team during the regular

season on back-to-back weeks and the second time for Notre Dame

(2002, at Air Force, at Florida State). See page 9 for more.

4

This weekend’s prime time game is the second of four-straight night

games for the Irish. The team has only played three night games in a

row four times previously – and never faced four consecutive games

in prime time. See page 8 for more.

6

Freshman running back Gi’Bran Payne has developed into a third down specialist for the Irish this season and leads the team with six

third-down conversions. See page 19 for a full list of third/fourth

down conversions and defensive stops.

7

Junior tight end Mitchell Evans returned from a one-game absence in

concussion protocol to lead the Irish with a career-high seven catches for 75 yards against Ohio State last weekend.

8

Senior defensive end Javonte Jean-Baptiste, who transferred to Notre Dame from Ohio State during the offseason, played perhaps his

finest college football game against his former team last weekend.

Jean-Baptiste tied for the team lead with eight tackles, posted two

third-down stops, shared a fourth-down stop and added a quarterback hurry. He is currently second on the team with 23 tackles this

season.

14.3

The peak for millions of viewers of the Notre Dame – Ohio State game

last weekend on NBC. The contest was the most-watched primetime

regular season college football game since 2018 (excluding Labor Day

weekend) with an average of 10.5 million viewers. It was the mostwatched Notre Dame game on NBC since the 1993 match-up between

Notre Dame and Florida State.

29

Notre Dame is hoping to extend its 29-game regular-season win

streak against Atlantic Coast Conference teams this weekend at

Duke. The Irish have not lost a regular-season game to an ACC team

since 2017. See page 12 for more.

91 Irish quarterback Sam Hartman has thrown 91 touchdown passes

since 2021 – the most of any Power 5 quarterback.

124

Total career touchdown passes for Sam Hartman, who is on pace to

finish as high as second on the all-time FBS passing touchdown list.

Case Keenum has the all-time record with 155, while Kellen Moore sits

in second place at 142.

TWO-DEEP TIDBITS – OFFENSE Jayden Thomas is the leading returning receiver for the Irish in 2023. He also is the leading receiver so far this season with 13 catches for 195 yards. He caught a careerlong 39-yard pass against Central Michigan. Chris Tyree has shifted to wide receiver after three years as a running back with the Irish. He has made a big play in each of Notre Dame’s four victories this season. Tyree caught a 20-yard pass versus Navy, nabbed a 24-yard touchdown against TSU and keyed Notre Dame’s two-minute drill at NC State with a 65-yard reception, which led to a ND score on the next play. Against CMU, he caught a career-best 76-yard touchdown pass. True freshman Jaden Greathouse nabbed a 35-yard touchdown pass on his first career touch against Navy. He followed up with a 20-yard scoring catch later in the game. He is second on the team in touchdown receptions after a 13-yard scoring grab against NC State. Joe Alt, the son of former NFL All-Pro John Alt, is one of four team captains for the Irish this season, has been selected as a consensus preseason All-American and is on the Outland, Lombardi and Walter Camp Award watch lists. See page 7 for more on Alt. Pat Coogan made his first career start in just his second game played against Navy. He has helped the Irish average 198.8 rushing yards per game. Zeke Correll has played guard and center during his career and now enters the season as one of the top snappers in the nation. He will make his 28th-career start on the Irish offensive line at Duke and is on the Rimington Award watch list. Rocco Spindler joined Coogan to make his first career start at guard for the Irish against Navy and helped pave the way for 236 rushing yards against Central Michigan. Blake Fisher one of the more athletic right tackles in the nation, Fisher combines with Joe Alt to provide Notre Dame one of the best offensive tackle bookends in the nation. Mitchell Evans returned from missing the CMU game in concussion protocol to lead the Irish with seven catches for 70 yards – both career highs – against Ohio State. Evans also has a four-catch, 61-yard performance this year against Tennessee State. He also plays a key role in some of Notre Dame’s short yardage packages by taking direct snaps. He rushed for five first downs and a touchdown from under center last season. Holden Staes has three touchdown receptions over Notre Dame’s last three games. He capped the scoring against Central Michigan with a four-yard catch which followed up his career-best game at NC State which included four catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Both of those touchdowns came from more than 30 yards (30, 45). Rico Flores Jr. earned his first career start against Central Michigan and responded with early career-highs of three catches and 60 receiving yards. His first career touchdown reception against Ohio State provided the Irish their first lead of the game last weekend. Sam Hartman continues his ascent up the FBS career passing touchdown and yardage lists this season. See page 6 for much more on Hartman. Audric Estimé leads all FBS running backs with 591 rushing yards this season and owns three 100-yard performances in the first five games of the year. Jadarian Price’s first career carry against Navy was a 19-yard touchdown. His second career catch was a 40-yard touchdown reception vs. Tennessee State. Spencer Shrader showed off his incredibly strong leg at NC State, connecting on a Notre Dame record 54-yard field goal in the first quarter, then just missing a 56-yard attempt later the in the game. The 56-yard effort had plenty of distance and hit the left upright. Shrader follwed up with a 50-yard field goal against Central Michigan. Shrader is already tied for fifth on the Notre Dame career charts for 50-yard field goals with two. The school record is four held by Jonathan Doerer (2017-21) and Kyle Brindza (2011-14). Bryce McFerson has a booming leg showed that off against NC State. He punted six times in the game, averaging 50.7 yards per attempt. He also posted a career-best 59- yard punt against the Wolfpack. Michael Vinson is in his sixth year at Notre Dame and is one of the top long snappers in the nation. He has developed into a clear leader not only for the Irish special teams, but the entire roster.

WO-DEEP TIDBITS – DEFENSE Jordan Botelho has been active through three games from his defensive end position with 13 tackles, two sacks and a quarterback hurry. Joshua Burnham is tied for the team lead in tackles-for-loss with two, while also posting a sack and two quarterback hurries. Rylie Mills is No. 10 on The Athletic’s Freak List for his work in the weight room and has been disruptive on the defensive line so far in 2023. Mills’ timely sack against Navy in the fourth quarter pushed the Midshipmen back from the four-yard line that eventually led to a field goal. Jason Onye posted an early-career-best game with five tackles against Tennesee State. He also blocked his first career field goal, preventing TSU points after the Irish fumbled a kick return and gifted the Tigers the ball at the ND 12-yard line. Howard Cross III is third on the team with 22 tackles coming from the middle of the Irish defensive line. Javontae Jean-Baptiste played perhaps the best game of his career against Ohio State last weekend, posting a career-high eight tackles. JJB has been consistent across the Irish defensive line all season and is second on the team in tackles (23) and leads the Irish with five quarterback hurries. Nana Osafo-Mensah is a leader in the defensive line group and a steady force against the run. Marist Liufau enters his second full season as a starter in 2023 and has been all over the field through the first five games of the year. He has 17 tackles on the season, two quarterback hurries and a forced fumble. JD Bertrand missed the CMU game in concussion protocol and returned against Ohio State to tie for the team lead in tackles with eight. Jack Kiser does a little bit of everything for the Irish defense, and can appear on the line or even as a spot safety if necessary. He leads the team with 28 tackles after piling up a career-best 10 while starting at Mike linebacker for JD Bertrand against Central Michigan. Cam Hart was voted a captain by his teammates this season, and looks poised for a highly productive final season with the Irish. Among the most veteran defenders on the team (40 games played) Hart has 78 career tackles, 16 PBUs and two interceptions. DJ Brown returned for a fifth year and is the ‘quarterback’ of the back seven for Notre Dame’s defense. Brown picked off his fourth career pass against NC State, missed the CMU game with a leg injury but returned against Ohio State to finish with three tackles and two PBUs. Xavier Watts has grown from a rookie wide receiver into one of Notre Dame’s starting safeties. He nabbed his first career interception against NC State, setting the Irish up in the redzone. Benjamin Morrison was a Freshman All-American last season, and is focused on taking his game to an even higher level in 2023. He intercepted his first pass of the season at NC State. See page 7 for more on Morrison. The Irish defense is filled with talented younger players eager to make their mark with increased playing time in 2023. Jaylen Sneed loves to pressure the quarterback and get downhill on running situations. Christian Gray, a true freshman, has earned the trust of position coach Mike Mickens to be listed as a back up to Benjamin Morrison. While those talented younger players are ready for their moment, there are three key veterans in the back seven of the defense who will play key roles. Clarence Lewis has played in 42 games at Notre Dame and scored his first career touchdown on a 33-yard interception return against Tennessee State. Thomas Harper, a transfer from Oklahoma State, made his first start in an Irish uniform against TSU and followed up with a team-high seven tackles at NC State. He continued his playmaking moments with his first career sack against Central Michigan. Antonio Carter II jumps up a level from Rhode Island and will provide the Irish safeties depth and contribute across the Irish special teams.

DUKE NOTES:

• No. 17 Duke hosts No. 11 Notre Dame at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday night … kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. with the game being televised live by ABC. • The last time a nationally-ranked Duke team hosted a ranked opponent was November 5, 1994, when the No. 23 Blue Devils defeated No. 13 Virginia, 28-25, behind Spence Fischer’s three touchdowns (2 rush & 1 pass) and a game-sealing interception by Ray Farmer as time expired … the Duke-Virginia game also marks the last regular season game between a ranked Duke team and a ranked opponent, regardless of location … Duke’s last game as a ranked squad facing another ranked team came on December 31, 2013, in the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta, Ga., with No. 20 Texas A&M earning a 52-48 win over the No. 22 Blue Devils. • This year’s game will mark the eighth on the gridiron between the two schools with Notre Dame leading the series, 5-2 … Duke’s first win over the Fighting Irish came on Dec. 2, 1961, when the Blue Devils secured a 37-13 victory in Durham … Notre Dame comes into the game having won two consecutive, including a 27-13 victory during the teams’ last meeting on Sept. 12, 2020. • Duke’s win over Connecticut last weekend marked its fourth in a row, matching the fifth-longest in-season winning streak for the Blue Devils since 1970 … additionally, Duke had never previously started a season with four consecutive 20-plus point wins. • The Blue Devils climbed to No. 17 in the Associated Press poll and No. 16 in the USA Today Coaches’ polls heading into Saturday’s contest, marking their highest national ranking since Oct. 25, 1994 (No. 16). • Duke won the turnover battle, 2-0, against Connecticut during its last game, including a fumble recovery scoop-and score by defensive tackle DeWayne Carter in the third quarter … under head coach Mike Elko, Duke has won the turnover battle in 12 of its 17 games and has scored 115 points off those turnovers (15 touchdowns, three field goals and one two-point conversion). • Duke head coach Mike Elko is 13-4 (.765) through the first 17 games of his tenure with the Blue Devils, marking the best 17-game start to a head coaching stint in school history … additionally, Elko’s record through 17 games is the best among current ACC coaches to open their respective tenures at their current institutions.

BUTLER MEN’S BASKETBALL

TELEVISION ASSIGNMENTS AND GAME TIMES ANNOUNCED FOR 2023-24 BUTLER MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

Butler has announced the games times and national television coverage for the 2023-24 men’s basketball schedule.

Notes on Butler’s 2023-24 Schedule:

Once again, all of Butler’s regular season games will be nationally televised.

Butler’s home BIG EAST schedule includes five Saturday and one Friday tip among the 10 games. All five of Butler’s home Saturday BIG EAST games will feature afternoon tips.

Butler will host Creighton at Hinkle Fieldhouse Saturday, Feb. 17 in a match-up that will be broadcast on FOX. The NBA All-Star Game will be staged in Indianapolis that weekend.

The Bulldogs’ television schedule also includes 20 games on FS1 (in addition to the BIG EAST Tournament), three games on CBS Sports Network, two games on FS2, and the ESPN family of networks will air the ESPN Events Invitational in Orlando over Thanksgiving weekend.

Game times for all but two of Butler’s games (at Michigan State Nov. 17 and the Feb. 28 home game against St. John’s) were announced.

BIG EAST Schedule Notes:

The 2023-24 BIG EAST Conference men’s basketball schedule is a 110-game double round-robin slate for a fourth straight year.

The BIG EAST will enjoy a 11th straight year of comprehensive coverage by FOX Sports, the league’s television partner.

The exposure on the FOX broadcast network includes 22 games, 18 league contests and four non-conference games. CBS Sports will carry three conference contests on CBS and Paramount+. Every conference and non-conference home game will be televised on a linear network, mostly by FOX Sports.

Once again, more than 100 games will be shown on FS1. Additionally, CBS Sports will telecast at least 19 games across CBS Sports Network.

The BIG EAST Tournament at Madison Square Garden will be played March 13-16. FOX and FS1 will continue to televise the event. For the ninth straight season, the BIG EAST Tournament championship game will be carried on FOX.  Tipoff will be 6:30 p.m. ET.  The FS1 tourney coverage will begin with a first-round tripleheader on Wednesday, March 13, at 4 p.m.  Quarterfinal doubleheaders will be played Thursday afternoon and evening, March 14.  The semifinal doubleheader is Friday, March 15, followed by the title game on Saturday evening, March 16.

The BIG EAST Tournament has been held at MSG since 1983. It is college basketball’s longest running conference postseason tournament held at the same venue.

For the third straight year, FOX Sports will provide blanket coverage of the action on November 6, the opening night of the season. BIG EAST Opening Night Tip-Off will include live look-ins on FS1 of seven non-conference contests. Full game coverage for all seven games will be available on the FOX Sports App.

The BIG EAST will have a significant Friday night presence with six league telecasts. Four games are planned for FOX PRIMETIME HOOPS on Saturday nights throughout the season.

The BIG EAST is coming off its most successful postseason since the league’s change in alignment in 2013-14. Connecticut won its fifth national championship and five league teams compiled a 12-4 record in the NCAA Tournament. The BIG EAST has averaged 5.2 NCAA bids over the last 10 seasons.

Thad Matta returned to his alma mater to lead the Butler basketball program in April of 2022. His 2023-24 roster will feature 10 newcomers, including five transfers who averaged double figures last season for their previous team.

Season tickets for the 2023-24 Butler Basketball season remain on sale, providing the best seating locations still available for the upcoming season. Contact the Butler Ticket Office at tickets@butler.edu or 317-940-DOGS (3647) to place your order. Additional information on ticket packages and single-game tickets will be available later this week.

Butler’s home schedule will feature an increase to 19 games this season, highlighted by all 10 BIG EAST rivals visiting Hinkle. Butler will also host Texas Tech Nov. 30 in the annual BIG EAST-Big 12 Battle, and the Pac 12’s Cal comes to Indianapolis Dec. 9.

Schedule: https://butlersports.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule/2023-24

BUTLER WOMEN’S SOCCER

BULLDOGS HOST PROVIDENCE IN FIRST BIG EAST HOME MATCH

The Butler women’s soccer team hosts it first BIG EAST match on Thursday when Providence pays a visit to the Sellick Bowl. The Bulldogs (5-4-2, 1-0-1 BIG EAST) most recently defeated Marquette, 2-0, while the Friars (6-2-0, 1-0-0 BIG EAST) are coming off a 3-1 win over Seton Hall.

Bulldog Bits

            (as of 9/25/23)

With seven goals, Norah Jacomen ranks second in the BIG EAST and 29th nationally. Her 15 offensive points rank third in the conference (50th), and her shot accuracy (.560) ranks third (85th).

Alexei Whittaker’s four goals rank seventh in the BIG EAST.

Talia Sommer’s four assists rank second in the BIG EAST and 71st nationally. Her two game-winning goals rank third in the conference (56th) and her 12 points rank fifth.

Butler’s defense allowed

Butler’s defense allowed only three shots on goal in its two road matches last week. For her role in the defensive line, Caitlin O’Malley was named to the Weekly Honor Roll.

at (rv) Xavier

Alexei Whittaker’s goal was her fourth of the season and of her career.

at Marquette

Talia Sommer’s goal was her fourth of the season and the ninth of her career.

Alli Leonard’s goal was her first of the season and the twelfth of her career. She now has at least one goal in four successive seasons.

Anna Pierce (4-2-2) earned her second solo shutout of the season and the fifth of her career.

Butler’s defense limited Marquette to two total shots with one on goal.

The Matchup

SERIES RECORD: Butler leads, 10-3-1

PREVIOUS MEETING: Sept. 29, 2022 – Providence, R.I. – Butler 2, Providence 1

In the 2019 BIG EAST quarterfinal, the teams were tied, 1-1, after two overtimes. Providence advanced on PKs, 5-4.

The Friars most recent win in the series (1-0) was in 2016 in Indianapolis.

Butler has all seven wins in the series since 2017 (other than the draw in 2019).

Scouting Providence

Previous match: vs. Seton Hall  ­­W, 3-1

In addition to Seton Hall, Providence (6-2-0) has wins over Iona (2-0), Quinnipiac (3-0), Rhode Island (1-0), Brown (1-0), and Temple (5-0). The Friars lost to Rutgers (0-1) and Columbia (0-1).

Individual Statistics

Offensive standouts for Providence include:

#7 Meg Hughes (4g)

#21 Kyla Gallagher (3g, 1a)

#10 Kayla Briggs (1g, 4a)

#9 Gillian Kenney (3g)

#6 Thaea Mouratidis (1g, 4a)

#1 Emma Bodmer (5-0-0) and #77 Katherine McElroy (1-2-0) have equally split time in goal for the Friars. Bodmer has all eight starts and has not allowed a goal while making 16 saves. McElroy has allowed three goals (.75 GAA) and has made 17 saves (.850 SV%).

BALL STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL

MICHAEL LEWIS AND BALL STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL OPEN 2023-24 PRACTICE SCHEDULE

MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State men’s basketball team opens its 2023-24 practice schedule on Thursday, Sept. 28, in anticipation of the Cardinals’ exhibition opener, Nov. 2, against Rose-Hulman. With six of its first seven games at Worthen Arena including a regular-season tipoff against Goshen College, Ball State hopes to re-capture some of the momentum it gained last season while making its home court a destination point for local fans and especially students.

Six players return from last season’s club that finished 20-12, with head coach Michael Lewis guiding Ball State to its first 20-win season in six years. The Cardinals made a 96-point leap (267 to 171) in Kenpom rankings during Lewis’ first season and rose 109 spots (265 to 156) in NCAA Net rankings from 2022 to 2023.

Ultimately finishing fourth in the Mid-American Conference, Ball State started 19-7 overall, which was its best start since the Cardinals started 1997-98 with a 21-7 record.

“We’re excited to get started,” said Lewis. “It’s a new year, it’s a new team. Our biggest challenge is to get eight new guys to mesh together.”

Lewis plans to lean heavily on returning stars Mickey Pearson and Basheer Jihad, who averaged 7.7 and 7.1 points per game, respectively, last year. Gone from that club are the team’s top four scorers in Jarron Coleman, Jaylin Sellers, Payton Sparks and Demarius Jacobs, but with a talented mix of incoming transfers and new freshmen, the Cardinals should be exhibit the same gritty style of play that Lewis inspired a year ago.

“Mickey’s a guy who saw great growth last year and he’s rock-solid night-in and night-out. He’s someone we can lean on,” said Lewis. “Basheer has the opportunity to see his production increase. He’s worked hard and gotten better, and he’s only 19-years-old. His future is bright and I’m really excited for what he can provide.”

Top newcomers to watch are transfers Jalin Anderson, Ethan Brittain-Watts and Davion Bailey who add experience to the Ball State roster. Anderson is a Tennessee native who played at Loyola Marymount last year. Brittain-Watts is a former Indiana high school star at Culver Academies, who returns to the state as a grad transfer from Boston University. Bailey, a former standout at Pike High School in Indianapolis, played the past two seasons at Southeastern Community College.

Added to the mix are five freshman including Joey Brown, Zane Doughty and Mason Jones who enjoyed stellar prep careers at Indiana high schools. Trent Middleton was a late signing out of the Philadelphia area, and Jurica Zagorsak comes to Ball State out of Croatia.

“It’s a new season,” added Lewis. “Everyone’s fresh. Everybody’s at the same point. We’re excited to get started.”

BALL STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER

SOCCER WELCOMES TOLEDO THURSDAY, VISITS WESTERN MICHIGAN SUNDAY

MUNCIE, Ind. – – The Ball State soccer team returns to the Briner Sports Complex Thursday for a 4 p.m. Mid-American Conference showdown with Toledo. The Cardinals then close the week Sunday at Western Michigan for a 1 p.m. kick off.

Ball State holds a 13-10-2 lead in the all-time series versus Toledo, including a 6-2 road victory last season on Oct. 6 … The Cardinals also maintain an 8-3-1 edge at home versus the Rockets with three straight wins at the Briner Sports Complex.

Western Michigan owns a 14-12-4 edge in the all-time series versus Ball State and have won each of the last three meetings by scores of 2-0. The Cardinals’ last victory in the series came in a 2-1, double overtime thriller in Kalamazoo on Oct. 13, 2019. BSU is 4-9-1 all-time in contests on WMU’s home pitch.

SEASON TO DATE:

Ball State enters the week with a 3-5-1 (1-0-1 MAC) record after opening league play with a 3-1 home victory over Miami last Thursday, while battling Eastern Michigan to a 1-1 draw on the road last Sunday.

The Cardinals opened the year with a 5-1 win over Mercyhurst (Aug. 17), before facing a gauntlet which included losses at No. 3 Notre Dame (Aug. 20), at Texas Tech (Aug. 24), at Loyola (Sept. 3) and at Vanderbilt (Sept. 7). After a 3-0 home win over Austin Peay (Sept. 10), the Cardinals faced another tough opponent in Butler (Sept. 14) on the road.

BALL STATE SOCCER QUICK HITS:

– Ball State has made the most of its three home matches this season, owning a perfect 3-0-0 record at the Briner Sports Complex … In fact, the Cardinals are out-scoring opponents 11-2 on its home pitch … Ball State’s 11 goals at home are more than seven league teams have scored all season and ties two others … Only this week’s opponents Toledo (15) and Western Michigan (14) have more total goals than Ball State has scored at home.

– Tack on three road goals and the Cardinals enter the week tied for second in the MAC with 14 total goals, trailing only WMU … Ball State has netted at least one goal in six of its nine matches, with its five goals in the win over Mercyhurst (Aug. 17) being the most scored by a MAC team in a match this season.

– Senior forward Avery Fenchel enters Thursday’s match versus Toledo leading the team and tied for third in the MAC in both goals scored (5) and points (11) this season … She started with her first career hat trick in the season-opener versus Mercyhurst (Aug. 17), added her first career assist at Loyola (Sept. 3), collected the final goal in the win over Austin Peay (Sept. 10) and opened the scoring with her goal versus Miami (Sept. 21).

– With her five goals this season, Avery Fenchel has moved to sixth in program history with 18 career goals … She registered the second-most goals in a single season in the BSU record book last season, with 11, and scored two her sophomore campaign … Fenchel is currently tied for seventh in program history with 37 career points (18 goals / 1 assist).

– Sophomore forward Emily Roper is currently tied for sixth in the MAC with three goals after tallying her first career brace in the team’s win over Austin Peay (Sept. 10) … Roper, who scored her first goal of the season against Mercyhurst (Aug. 17), is also tied for ninth in the MAC with nine shots on goal.

– Overall, seven different players have scored at least one goal for the Cardinals this season, including junior forward Lexi Fraley who picked up her second tally of the season to help Ball State earn a 1-1 draw at Eastern Michigan last Sunday … Fraley ranks second among active Ball State players with 11 career goals … BSU’s other goal scorers include sophomore forward Delaney Caldwell, who ranks third among BSU’s active players with eight career goals, along with first-time goal scorers Ryan Locante (vs. Mercyhurst on Aug. 17), Kaitlyn Fraser (vs. Miami on Sept. 21) and Kaitlyn Fraser (vs. Miami on Sept. 21).

– Sophomore midfielder Tori Monaco, junior defender Maya Millis and Delaney Caldwell currently lead the team and are tied for seventh in the MAC with two assists apiece … Monaco notched both of hers in the season-opening win over Mercyhurst (Aug. 17) … Millis’ assists came versus Mercyhurst and Austin Peay (Sept. 10), while Caldwell’s assists came versus Mercyhurst and Miami (Sept. 21).

– Goalkeeper Bethany Moser was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 12 after leading the league in goals against average (0.56) and save percentage (.875) for the previous week … She allowed just one goal over 160:49, with it being an 88th-minute tally by Vanderbilt (Sept. 7) … Moser also combined for the shutout win over Austin Peay (Sept. 10), playing the first 70:19 of the match and stopping all three shots she faced.

– For the season, Bethany Moser ranks fifth in the MAC with 4.22 saves per match, having collected 38 total saves on the year, the second-most among MAC goalkeepers … The effort also ranks 106th nationally, while her 38 total saves are 107th.

SCOUTING TOLEDO:

The Rockets are currently 3-4-2 (0-1-1 MAC) on the season, opening league play with a 2-0 loss at Bowling Green (Sept. 21), before battling Northern Illinois (Sept. 24) to a 1-1 draw.

Toledo leads the MAC with 15 goals this season, paced by Madison Medalle who is tied for the league lead in both goals (6) and points (14). Overall, nine different players have scored at least one goal for the Rockets, while 11 have at least one point. 

Goalkeeper Brielle Young has recorded 36 saves over her eight appearances in goal and owns a 1.33 goals against average, along with a 3-4-1 record over 675 minutes. Karson Hill has also appeared in net twice for the Rockets, with two starts, six saves and a 2.00 goals against average.

SCOUTING WESTERN MICHIGAN:

The Broncos enter a Thursday showdown at Central Michigan with an 5-3-1 (1-0-1) record, opening league play with a 3-0 win over Northern Illinois (Sept. 21), before battling Bowling Green (Sept. 24) to a 1-1 draw.

WMU is tied with Ball State for second in the league with 14 goals scored, led by five from Jen Blitchok. Four other Broncos have a pair of goals, while seven Western Michigan players have at least one assist. In all, nine different WMU student-athletes have at least two points this season.

Lauren Boafo has played all 810 minutes in goal for Western Michigan, making 19 saves and holds a 0.89 goals against average … She has allowed just eight goals, helping the Broncos rank second in the MAC with just eight goals against this season.

SOUTHERN INDIANA WOMEN’S SWIMMING

USI WOMEN’S SWIM AND DIVE PREDICTED TO FINISH EIGHTH IN PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Swimming and Diving is predicted to finish eighth in The Summit League in a vote submitted by the conference coaches’ Wednesday morning. Each team named both a swimmer and a diver to the conference watch list. Freshman freestyle/individual medley Reagan Holmes (Henderson, Nevada) and freshman diver Maranda Uttke (Grafton, Wisconsin) landed themselves on the list. The Screaming Eagles will once again compete in The Summit League for their second year.

“We are excited about Year Two of our team’s journey and excited to compete in this outstanding conference,” says USI Head Coach

Cameron Kainer

Cameron Kainer. “This season, we have made it a motto of “Sweet Sixteen/Embrace Eight” for the Summit Championships as only 16 athletes score per individual event and Top 8 are Conference A Finalists. We know the terrain that lies ahead within the Summit, and I am looking forward to showing the growth, both in and out of the pool, our team has made from Year One to Year Two.”

The league is comprised of eight teams with the University of Denver picked to finish first. After winning their tenth consecutive conference championship last season, they received 49 points and seven first-place votes. South Dakota University came in at second receiving 41 points and one first-place vote.

Rounding out the final six teams are Lindenwood University (39), University of Nebraska Omaha (29), South Dakota State University (27), University of St. Thomas (17), Eastern Illinois University (12), and USI (10).

Holmes and Uttke earned two of the top 16 spots on the preseason players to watch list. Holmes joins USI from Coronada High School (Henderson, Nevada) where she led the team to back-to-back 5A regional and state championships (2022, 2023). She racked up four first place finishes in the regional, two state championships, and two runner-up appearances in the 2023 state meet.

Uttke joins the Eagles from Grafton High School (Grafton, Wisconsin), lettering all four years in diving and was a WIAA Division II qualifier all four seasons, finishing sixth in 2019 and third in 2020 and 2021. She also holds the GHS record for six dives and is classified as the most decorated diver in school history. Uttke led the Blackhawks to a 2022 WIAA State and North Shore Conference championship.

The Eagles begin the campaign traveling to Valparaiso University on September 30. USI will compete in a tri-meet at Deaconess Aquatic Center with the University of Evansville and IUPUI on October 14. In 2024, the Eagles will host Rose-Hulman University on January 27 at USI Aquatic Center. The Eagles will then compete in the The Summit League Championships in Minneapolis, Minnesota February 21-24.

SOUTHERN INDIANA MEN’S SWIMMING

USI MEN’S SWIM AND DIVE PICKED EIGHTH IN PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Swimming and Diving is predicted to finish eighth in the Summit League coaches’ poll this season. The Summit League released the preseason poll on Wednesday morning along with the 2023-24 Preseason Swimmers and Divers to watch, where freshman sprinter Cole Baker (Springville, Tennessee) and diver Nathan Deputy (Evansville, Indiana) landed themselves on the list. The Screaming Eagles will once again compete in the Summit League for their second year.

“We are excited about Year Two of our team’s journey and excited to compete in this outstanding conference,” says USI Head Coach Cameron Kainer. “This season, we have made it a motto of “Sweet Sixteen/Embrace Eight” for the Summit Championships as only 16 athletes score per individual event and Top 8 are Conference A Finalists. We know the terrain that lies ahead within the Summit, and I am looking forward to showing the growth, both in and out of the pool, our team has made from Year One to Year Two.”

Projected first in the preseason poll was the back-to-back Summit League Champion, the University of Denver, who totaled 47 total points and five first-place votes. Lindenwood University came in at second receiving 45 total points and three first-place votes.

Rounding out the final six are South Dakota University (36), South Dakota State University (29), University of Nebraska Omaha (26), University of St. Thomas (19), Eastern Illinois University (12), and USI (10).

Baker and Deputy earned two of the 16 spots on the preseason players to watch list. Baker joins USI from Bedford North Lawrence High School, where he lettered all four years. He won the 50-yard freestyle swim-off in the 2023 state meet and nabbed a fourth-place finish and personal-best-time in the 100-yard freestyle in the 2023 IHSAA State Championships, including five top-10 finishes.

Deputy joins the Eagles from Memorial High School where he lettered all four years as a diver. He was a two-time city champion (2021, 2023) and a Southern Indiana Athletic Conference champion. Deputy was a regional qualifier in four seasons and a state qualifier in two seasons while holding the school, city, conference and sectional diving records.

The Eagles begin the campaign traveling to Valparaiso University on September 30. USI will compete in a tri-meet at Deaconess Aquatic Center with the University of Evansville and IUPUI on October 14. In 2024, the Eagles will host Evansville in a diving only meet on January 13 and Rose-Hulman University on January 27. The Eagles will then compete in the Summit League Championships in Minneapolis, Minnesota February 21-24.

VALPO VOLLEYBALL

VOLLEYBALL PREPARES FOR IOWA ROAD SWING

Valparaiso (10-6, 2-1 MVC)

Friday, Sept. 29 – at UNI (8-6, 2-0 MVC) – 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 30 – at Drake (9-5, 2-0 MVC) – 5 p.m.

Next Up For Valpo Volleyball: After opening MVC play with a trio of home matches, the Valpo volleyball team hits the road for the first time in Valley action this weekend, making the Iowa road swing to UNI and Drake – the top two choices in the MVC preseason poll.

Previously: Valpo began the Valley slate with a 2-1 record over three home matches in five days, beating Missouri State in five sets and sweeping Southern Illinois before succumbing in four sets to UIC.

Looking Ahead: Valpo returns home to the ARC Oct. 6-7 as the Beacons host Illinois State and Bradley.

Following the Beacons:

Following the Beacons: Both of this weekend’s matches will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Links for the live video and live stats are available via ValpoAthletics.com.

Head Coach Carin Avery: In her 22nd season as head coach at Valparaiso, Carin Avery is the all-time winningest head coach across all sports in the history of Valpo Athletics. She has won 481 matches (481-234, .673) at the helm of the program and has led Valpo to three league regular season and tournament titles. The program has made six postseason appearances under Avery, including three NCAA Tournament appearances, and advanced to the championship match of the 2021 NIVC. Avery has coached 60 All-League recipients over her tenure at Valpo, which has spanned three different conferences. She is Valpo’s all-time leader in both victories and winning percentage, and owns a 536-258 (.675) record overall as a head coach.

Series History: UNI – The Panthers hold a 16-4 advantage all-time over Valpo. The Beacons had won four in a row in the series entering last season, but UNI swept the series last year with a five-set win at the ARC and a four-set win in Cedar Falls.

Drake – Valpo is 13-5 all-time against the Bulldogs, including an 12-4 mark under Avery and a 9-3 record since joining the Valley. Valpo had won six straight in the series, including a hard-fought five-set win at the ARC last September, before Drake dealt the Beacons a four-set loss last October.

Scouting the Opposition: UNI – The Panthers enter Friday night’s contest with an 8-6 overall record, including road sweeps of Bradley and Illinois State to open MVC play. Kira Fallert averages a team-best 3.48 kills/set, trailed closely by Emily Holterhaus’ 3.34 kills/set. Tayler Alden hands out 9.83 assists/set, while Olivia Tjernagel posts 1.13 blocks/set.

Drake – The Bulldogs own a 9-5 overall record and opened Valley play with a four-set win at Illinois State and a sweep at Bradley. Three Bulldog hitters are averaging better than three kills per set, led by Taylor Oberpriller, who is hitting .335 with 4.04 kills/set. In the back row, Jada Wills averages 5.83 digs/set.

Valpo Picked Sixth in Preseason Poll: Valpo has been picked to finish in sixth place in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2023, according to preseason polling of the conference’s head coaches. The Beacons accumulated 73 points in the polling to come in at sixth position, outpacing Illinois State by two points. UNI claimed seven of 12 first-place votes and nipped Drake by two points for the top spot in the poll.

Looking Back at Last Season: The Beacons enjoyed another successful season in 2022, finishing the campaign with a 22-11 overall record. Valpo posted a 9-9 mark in MVC play to finish in sixth place in the newly-expanded 12-team conference and won a match at the MVC Tournament for its fourth straight appearance. The Beacons earned an at-large bid to the 2022 NIVC, their third showing in the tournament in the last five seasons. After a record-setting rookie campaign, freshman libero Emma Hickey was named a Second Team All-MVC and MVC All-Freshman Team honoree.

What’s Back: Valpo returns plenty of experience from last year’s squad, as 11 letterwinners are back this year, including four starters plus the libero. In all, 98% of the assists, 89.3% of the digs, 62.7% of the blocks and 60.9% of the kills from last season are back in 2023.

Who’s New: Joining the 11 returnees on this year’s team are six players looking to make an impact in their first season as Valpo. The sextet includes four true freshmen and two transfers – one fifth-year grad transfer and one sophomore.

Top of the Charts: With Valpo’s win over Purdue Fort Wayne to close out nonconference action, head coach Carin Avery surpassed Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame member Emory Bauer for the most wins by a Valpo head coach across all sports in department history.

Bauer amassed his victories over three different sports, collecting 361 wins in 28 seasons as head coach of the baseball program, 109 victories in 22 years guiding the football team and eight wins in one season as men’s basketball head coach.

Avery’s record total, meanwhile, has obviously come all at the helm of the Valpo volleyball program. In her 22nd season as head coach, Avery’s teams have averaged better than 22 wins per year in her first 21 years guiding the program. Valpo has finished with a winning record 19 times and has posted 20 or more victories 17 times. Under Avery, Valpo has posted the six winningest seasons in program history, including a program-best 29 wins in 2004.

A Challenging Start: The beginning of the MVC schedule was destined to challenge the Beacons right from the get-go. In a one-week span starting last Saturday, Valpo will have played the top four teams in the MVC preseason poll – Southern Illinois was projected fourth, UIC third, UNI first and Drake second.

Reaching 1K…: Sophomore libero Emma Hickey hit a milestone in Tuesday’s match with UIC early in the third set, picking up her 16th dig of the contest to reach 1,000 career digs. Hickey, who ended the matchup with the Flames with 30 digs just four days after posting 34 digs against Missouri State, is the 24th player in Valpo volleyball history to hit four figures in digs.

…Faster Than Anyone Else: Not only did Hickey hit the 1,000-dig milestone, she did so faster than any other player in Valpo history or in MVC history. Valpo previously had a pair of liberos surpass 1,000 digs in their respective 52nd career match – Taylor Root and Rylee Cookerly. Meanwhile, Cookerly had shared MVC fastest to 1,000 honors with Illinois State’s Courtney Pence, who also hit the mark in 52 matches, while UNI’s Ellie Blankenship was not far behind that pair, reaching 1,000 digs in her 54th match.

Swinging Away: One season after setting Valpo’s single-season record for hitting percentage, senior middle Mallory Januski has been even more efficient on higher volume this year. Januski enters this weekend hitting at a .382 clip while averaging a team-best 2.59 kills/set. Last weekend, Januski entered the start of MVC play with just one career match of 15 or more kills, but proceeded to hit that mark in both of Valpo’s wins, hitting .417 with a career-high 19 kills in the win over Missouri State before going for 15 kills on .522 hitting in the sweep of SIU.

Strongman Stays Strong: Fifth-year middle Miranda Strongman has been right with Januski recently in terms of production. Strongman, who is hitting .330 with an even 2.00 kills/set this season, entered MVC play having posted double-digit kills just once this season. She turned around and hit the mark in each of Valpo’s first three Valley contests: 13 kills on .324 hitting in the win over Missouri State, 11 kills on .556 hitting in the sweep of SIU and most recently 10 kills on .320 hitting against UIC. Strongman is also tied with Januski for team-high honors with 42 blocks on the season and has twice tied Valpo’s single-match record in the 25-point era this year with five service aces in a match.

Another Milestone Within Reach: While Emma Hickey reached one milestone on Tuesday evening, another looks poised to potentially happen this weekend. Fifth-year outside Bella Ravotto enters the weekend with 1,460 career digs to her credit – 32nd-most among active D-I players. She is just 16 digs away from matching Angie Nordquist’s total of 1,476 digs, the mark which currently ranks 10th on Valpo’s program career chart in the category.

Stepping Up: A pair of Valpo freshmen were ready when their numbers were called upon over the past three matches. After not playing the first three-plus sets against Missouri State last Friday, Kennedy Arp entered at right side and posted kills on three of her eight swings to go with a pair of blocks, key points in the Beacons’ five-set win over the Bears. Then, on Tuesday against UIC, Mara Thomas – who had made just a pair of cameo appearances since Sept. 1 – came in as one of Valpo’s setters in its 6-2 and registered her first career double-double with season bests of 15 assists and 14 digs.

All-Tournament Team Honorees: Six different Valpo players combined for nine All-Tournament Team selections in the season’s first four weekends:

Purdue Fort Wayne Invitational – Emma Hickey, Mallory Januski

Stacheville Challenge – Januski, Miranda Strongman

Popcorn Classic – Bella Ravotto (MVP), Olivia Blackketter, Januski

EIU Volleyball Invitational – Strongman, Sam Warren

Three Times the Fun: Parse the above list and you’ll see senior middle Mallory Januski picking up a trio of All-Tournament Team honors this season. It is the first time a Valpo player has earned spots on three All-Tournament teams in the same season since Allison Ketcham did so in 2018. But, one of Ketcham’s honors came in the postseason at the MVC Tournament – Januski is the first Valpo player in the Carin Avery era to receive three All-Tournament Team spots from solely early-season, preconference tournaments.

A Balanced Attack: Last year’s Valpo team was notable for its balance on the attack, and this year’s squad has been no different. Mallory Januski’s 2.59 kills/set leads the Beacons, but ranks just 18th overall among Valley players. Five regulars are averaging between 1.81 and 2.59 kills/set.

Capturing Crowns: The Beacons’ triumph in the Popcorn Classic added yet another crown to the program’s trophy case. Valpo has now won 34 in-season tournament titles in head coach Carin Avery’s time at the helm of the program. The team has won at least one tournament in 17 of her seasons, and multiple tournaments 11 times. Those tournament titles have come in 14 different states.

Another 20-Win Campaign: It’s a milestone that has become routine for the program, yet still impressive in its totality – Valpo finished with 22 wins in 2022 and has now won 20 or more matches in 17 of Carin Avery’s 21 seasons as head coach. Even more remarkably, one of the four seasons Valpo didn’t reach 20 wins was the shortened spring 2021 campaign, when the program played just 20 matches total. The Beacons also secured their 19th winning season in Avery’s 21 seasons at the helm.

Top Half Finishes: In addition to the 20-win season, the Beacons also secured a top-half finish in the MVC standings as they finished in sixth place in the 12-team conference. Valpo has now finished in the top-half of the Valley standings in each of its six years in the conference, the only MVC program to accomplish that feat – Illinois State had finished top-half each of the last five years, but dropped out of the top-six in 2022. Going back further, Valpo has posted top-half conference finishes in 20 of Avery’s 21 seasons – as well as qualifying for the conference tournament in each of her 21 seasons – and 29 of the last 30 years overall.

Digging Deep: Valpo continued its long tradition of strong back row play last fall, finishing 10th nationally and leading the MVC with 17.27 digs/set. The program has ranked among the top-30 nationally in digs/set in each of the last 12 seasons, highlighted by the 2017 campaign in which it led the nation with 20.03 digs/set. Other top finishes include third nationally in the spring 2021 season (20.37/set), a fourth-place rank in 2010 and a sixth-place finish in 2015. Since the move to 25-point scoring, only seven teams have averaged more than 20 digs/set over the course of a season, and Valpo is the only program to have done it twice. 2018 saw Valpo lead the nation with 2,613 total digs – a mark which set a program single-season record and a Division I record in the 25-point era.

Hickey Sets New Standards: Emma Hickey made an immediate impact on Valpo’s backcourt and the record books in her rookie season. She set Valpo and MVC freshman record for digs in a season, finishing with 735 total digs, and led the Valley and ranked fourth nationally with 5.70 digs/set. No D-I freshman was within 200 digs of her season total, while it was tied for the second-most digs by a D-I freshman in the last 12 seasons. Her 735 digs are tied for fourth overall on Valpo’s single-season chart and rank sixth in MVC history as well.

Januski Runs the Middle: Senior middle Mallory Januski bided her time behind a pair of All-Conference middles in her first two seasons at Valpo, but given the opportunity in 2022 to run with a starting role, Januski took full advantage. She led Valpo and ranked fourth in the Valley with a .353 hitting percentage, a mark which smashed the program’s single-season record. Januski also ranked seventh in the Valley with 0.98 blocks/set, tallying 122 total blocks — seventh-most by a Valpo player in the 25-point era. That total includes a monster 13-block performance at Murray State, a program record for the 25-point era.

MARIAN MEN’S SOCCER

THREE KNIGHTS SCORE IN 3-1 VICTORY AGAINST GOSHEN

INDIANAPOLIS – The Marian men’s soccer team netted three goals in a 3-1 win over Goshen Wednesday night in front of Marian’s home crowd. The Knights get back in the win column and move to 6-1-2 overall and 1-1 in Crossroads League play.

After an hour-long lightning delay, it was a bit of a slow start as neither team could really take full control of the possession. Goshen was the first to make a move with a shot attempt coming in the first two minutes, but Juan Torres would be there to deny the game’s first goal. Marian answered with an aggressive 11 minutes, putting together six shots and a corner kick to threaten the Goshen defense. With the score still locked at 0-0, the Maple Leafs found another shot attempt, but would see it go just wide. A shot on target by Josh Wesseling fueled a run for the Knights, as they produced a corner kick and eventually got a goal from Sebastian Gonzalez in the 29th minute.

The Knights took the 1-0 lead into the locker room after the first 45 minutes of action, leading in shots 11-2 and corner kicks 4-0.

Goshen came out firing early in the second half, scoring in under five minutes to even the score at 1-1. Marian had an answer around 10 minutes later after a nice corner kick from Yoshiaki Takeishi to Kyle Alb in front of the net for the header. The goal served as the eventual game-winner, but the Knights were not done as they pounded on another goal at the 70:43 mark behind the efforts of Keiji Nakamae.

Marian was able to hold on to their 3-1 lead and claim the victory. The Knights combined for 21 shots, with 12 of those landing on frame. Gonzalez led the way with five shots and one goal, while Alb had one goal on four attempts, and Nakamae scored on his lone attempt. Torres picked up his sixth win, making two saves in goal.

Marian looks to build on this performance Saturday when they travel to Taylor for an 7 p.m. kickoff.

MARIAN MEN’S SOCCER

KOGER’S HAT TRICK PROPELS NO. 4 MARIAN TO 5-0 SHUTOUT OVER OVER GOSHEN

GOSHEN, Ind. – The No. 6 Marian women’s soccer team got back in the win column Wednesday night with a decisive 5-0 shutout over Goshen. Marian’s win bumps them to 8-1-1 overall and 1-1 in Crossroads League play.

In a first half that was dominated by Marian, the opening goal came early in the 13th minute with the ball bouncing around after a corner kick from Kiley Jones. Katie Koger was able to get the ball at the end of her foot as she flicked it in the back of the net with her right foot. Two minutes later Koger notched her second goal of the game after Laney Harshany hit Koger on the cross.

With the 2-0 lead at hand, the Knights did not let up their aggressive attack behind the efforts of Olivia Parmer and Kylie Conrad. Conrad put one ahead to Parmer who out ran the defense and blasted one in goal to extend the Marian lead to three.

The Knights took the 3-0 lead into the intermission, while they led in the shots category 5-3 and took four of the five corner kicks seen in the first 45 minutes.

Goshen came out with the first shot of the second half, before Lindsey Stoughton put an attempt on frame that found the hands of the goalie. The Maple Leafs found themselves with a good look in the 63rd minute, but it was Mycheala Johnson denying the shot to keep the score sheet clean. Around 10 minutes later, Koger notched the hat trick after taking the Goshen defense one-on-one to fire it in goal.

Marian controlled possession the remainder of the game, never letting up. Delaney Taylor had one last say at the 89:13 mark as she dribbled through the Goshen defense, hooking it around the keeper to put a final say on the 5-0 victory.

The Knights were dominant, finishing with 11 shots and seven on target for the game. Koger led the way with four shots, scoring on three of her attempts. Taylor shot twice and scored one goal, while five different Knights at least one attempt. Johnson picked up the shutout win in goal, making four saves in her full 90 minutes of action. 

Marian will look to add another Crossroads League win on Saturday when they return home to host (RV) Taylor at 7 p.m.

MARIAN VOLLEYBALL

MARIAN COMES UP SHORT IN FOUR-SET FIGHT AGAINST NO. 3 INDIANA WESLEYAN

INDIANAPOLIS – The Marian volleyball team gave the No. 3 team in the NAIA their toughest fight of the season on Wednesday night in the PE Center, but came up short of forcing of a fifth set as Indiana Wesleyan defeated the Knights 3-1. Marian’s loss snaps their five-match win streak, dropping Marian to 12-6 overall and 6-2 in Crossroads League play.

The Knights came out on a flat tone in the opening set of the night, but gradually turned things to their favor as a kill from Gabby Fish and Caroline Kubacki gave Marian their first lead at 9-8. The rebound after giving up the first four points of the set continued, as Marian battled the Wildcats by holding a lead for much of the remaining 33 rallies. Marian’s lead would grow to as many as five with Averi Lanman and Fish scoring to force both of the Indiana Wesleyan timeouts, but the Wildcats answered a 23-18 deficit with one final charge. Indiana Wesleyan used a 6-1 run to tie the set at 24, but a service error gave Marian breathing room, with the Wildcats committing a second error to seal a 26-24 win for the home team.

Marian rode the momentum from their win into a strong start in the second set, as Logan Smith and Madison Brooks were early catalysts in forcing an timeout after three rallies. Marian’s 4-0 opening run would be answered by the visitors, as the game continued to teeter between a two-point margin. Trailing 11-10 a block by Gabby Fish and

Averi Lanman

Averi Lanman sparked a one-sided 7-0 run, as the Knights rapidly built a 17-11 lead. The Wildcats didn’t flinch despite falling behind by seven, using a run of their own to inch back within two. The Wildcats eventually overtook Marian despite the home team leading 23-21 on a kill from Sydney Schaffer, as a 4-0 run put away the set with Indiana Wesleyan winning 25-23.

Despite seeing their lead falter in the second set, Marian was aggressive early in the third set, opening on a 4-0 run while a pair of Mikayla Christiansen kills after a side out pushed Marian in front 6-1. Similar to the second set, a 5-0 run from Indiana Wesleyan allowed the Wildcats to recover and take control of the set, gradually charging in front 13-10. Marian was only able to keep within two points after falling behind, as the Wildcats led by as many as six points in their efforts of closing a 25-19 win in the third set.

Trailing 2-1 in the match, the Knights clawed and fought to attempt to force a fifth set, fighting to build a 9-5 lead in the fourth set. Blocks from Averi Lanman helped Marian set the tone early, and the Knights led 15-11, however two runs by the Wildcats eventually pushed them back in front 17-16. Marian continued to hang in the fight and tied the set at 20-20 with another block from Lanman and Fish, but the Wildcats scored four unanswered the gave them the lead for good. Grace Hunter’s final kill of the evening was unable to extend Marian’s scoring run, as the Wildcats landed the final point and won the match with a 25-23 fourth set score.

As a team the Knights posted a .143 hitting percentage, and were led in kills by Christiansen’s 12. Christiansen posted a double-double, finishing with 20 digs defensively. Logan Smith had a 21-assist, 21-dig double-double in the match, and Brooks had Marian’s only other double-digit kill performance with 11. Averi Lanman shined in the net with eight total blocks including one solo rejection, and Gabby Fish had seven block assists.

Emma Lyons defense in the match stole the box score, as the sophomore libero set a career-high and Marian volleyball modern-day single match record with 38 digs. Lyons averaged 9.5 digs per set in her career-best match, while also adding eight assists.

Marian will return to action on Friday night as part of Marian’s homecoming and family weekend festivities, hosting Taylor University at 7 p.m.

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
Y-Baltimore	99	59	.627	–	47 – 30	52 – 29	30 – 18	22 – 10	21 – 11	7 – 3	W 4
Y-Tampa Bay	97	62	.610	2.5	53 – 28	44 – 34	29 – 20	23 – 9	18 – 14	5 – 5	W 2
Toronto	87	71	.551	12	41 – 36	46 – 35	19 – 29	22 – 10	16 – 16	6 – 4	L 2
NY Yankees	81	77	.513	18	42 – 39	39 – 38	22 – 29	17 – 12	19 – 13	6 – 4	W 3
Boston	76	82	.481	23	39 – 42	37 – 40	22 – 26	19 – 13	15 – 17	2 – 8	L 4
Central
Team	W	L	Pct	GB	Home	Road	East	Central	West	Last 10	Streak
X-Minnesota	85	73	.538	–	47 – 33	38 – 40	13 – 19	29 – 23	20 – 11	7 – 3	W 3
Cleveland	75	84	.472	10.5	42 – 39	33 – 45	16 – 16	22 – 27	17 – 15	4 – 6	W 1
Detroit	74	83	.471	10.5	33 – 43	41 – 40	7 – 25	31 – 16	15 – 17	6 – 4	W 2
Chi White Sox	60	98	.380	25	30 – 47	30 – 51	11 – 20	23 – 29	12 – 21	4 – 6	L 2
Kansas City	54	103	.344	30.5	31 – 47	23 – 56	7 – 23	20 – 30	11 – 20	8 – 2	L 1
West
Team	W	L	Pct	GB	Home	Road	East	Central	West	Last 10	Streak
Texas	89	69	.563	–	50 – 31	39 – 38	20 – 12	19 – 13	28 – 20	7 – 3	W 1
Houston	87	72	.547	2.5	39 – 42	48 – 30	16 – 17	14 – 17	32 – 20	4 – 6	W 1
Seattle	85	73	.538	4	42 – 35	43 – 38	13 – 18	20 – 13	30 – 18	4 – 6	L 1
LA Angels	71	88	.447	18.5	36 – 42	35 – 46	14 – 18	18 – 14	20 – 29	3 – 7	L 1
Oakland	48	110	.304	41	26 – 55	22 – 55	8 – 24	13 – 18	13 – 36	2 – 8	L 3

National League
East
Team	W	L	Pct	GB	Home	Road	East	Central	West	Last 10	Streak
X-Atlanta	102	56	.646	–	50 – 27	52 – 29	34 – 15	21 – 9	21 – 12	6 – 4	W 3
Y-Philadelphia	89	69	.563	13	49 – 31	40 – 38	24 – 25	19 – 11	18 – 15	8 – 2	W 7
Miami	82	76	.519	20	46 – 35	36 – 41	26 – 25	16 – 14	14 – 17	6 – 4	W 1
NY Mets	72	86	.456	30	40 – 37	32 – 49	22 – 26	13 – 19	18 – 14	4 – 6	L 1
Washington	69	90	.434	33.5	34 – 47	35 – 43	17 – 32	14 – 19	15 – 16	4 – 6	L 3
Central
Team	W	L	Pct	GB	Home	Road	East	Central	West	Last 10	Streak
X-Milwaukee	89	69	.563	–	46 – 31	43 – 38	18 – 14	30 – 18	13 – 19	5 – 5	W 1
Chi Cubs	82	76	.519	7	45 – 36	37 – 40	11 – 19	29 – 20	17 – 16	4 – 6	L 2
Cincinnati	81	78	.509	8.5	38 – 43	43 – 35	15 – 17	20 – 29	18 – 14	4 – 6	L 1
Pittsburgh	74	84	.468	15	38 – 40	36 – 44	14 – 15	25 – 27	16 – 15	5 – 5	L 3
St. Louis	69	89	.437	20	33 – 45	36 – 44	14 – 18	19 – 29	13 – 19	4 – 6	L 1
West
Team	W	L	Pct	GB	Home	Road	East	Central	West	Last 10	Streak
X-LA Dodgers	98	60	.620	–	53 – 28	45 – 32	17 – 14	19 – 14	32 – 16	7 – 3	W 2
Arizona	84	74	.532	14	43 – 35	41 – 39	14 – 18	20 – 12	29 – 23	8 – 2	W 2
San Diego	79	80	.497	19.5	44 – 37	35 – 43	16 – 16	11 – 21	27 – 25	8 – 2	W 2
San Francisco	78	81	.491	20.5	44 – 34	34 – 47	13 – 18	20 – 13	25 – 24	3 – 7	L 2
Colorado	57	101	.361	41	35 – 42	22 – 59	14 – 20	13 – 17	13 – 38	1 – 9	L 2

WILD CARD STANDINGS

AL Wild Card Standings
Team	W	L	Pct	GB	Home	Road	Last 10	Streak
Y-Tampa Bay	97	62	.610	+10.0	53-28	44-34	5-5	W 2
Toronto	87	71	.551	+0.5	41-36	46-35	6-4	L 2
Houston	87	72	.547	–	39-42	48-30	4-6	W 1
Seattle	85	73	.538	1.5	42-35	43-38	4-6	L 1
NY Yankees	81	77	.513	5.5	42-39	39-38	6-4	W 3
Boston	76	82	.481	10.5	39-42	37-40	2-8	L 4
Cleveland	75	84	.472	12.0	42-39	33-45	4-6	W 1
Detroit	74	83	.471	12.0	33-43	41-40	6-4	W 2
LA Angels	71	88	.447	16.0	36-42	35-46	3-7	L 1
Chi White Sox	60	98	.380	26.5	30-47	30-51	4-6	L 2
Kansas City	54	103	.344	32.0	31-47	23-56	8-2	L 1
Oakland	48	110	.304	38.5	26-55	22-55	2-8	L 3

NL Wild Card Standings
Team	W	L	Pct	GB	Home	Road	Last 10	Streak
Y-Philadelphia	89	69	.563	+7.0	49-31	40-38	8-2	W 7
Arizona	84	74	.532	+2.0	43-35	41-39	8-2	W 2
Miami	82	76	.519	–	46-35	36-41	6-4	W 1
Chi Cubs	82	76	.519	–	45-36	37-40	4-6	L 2
Cincinnati	81	78	.509	1.5	38-43	43-35	4-6	L 1
San Diego	79	80	.497	3.5	44-37	35-43	8-2	W 2
San Francisco	78	81	.491	4.5	44-34	34-47	3-7	L 2
Pittsburgh	74	84	.468	8.0	38-40	36-44	5-5	L 3
NY Mets	72	86	.456	10.0	40-37	32-49	4-6	L 1
St. Louis	69	89	.437	13.0	33-45	36-44	4-6	L 1
Washington	69	90	.434	13.5	34-47	35-43	4-6	L 3
Colorado	57	101	.361	25.0	35-42	22-59	1-9	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
Green Bay Packers	2	1	0	.667	0.0	80	62	1-0-0	1-1-0	2-1-0	1-0-0	1 W
Detroit Lions	2	1	0	.667	0.0	72	63	1-1-0	1-0-0	1-1-0	0-0-0	1 W
Minnesota Vikings	0	3	0	.000	2.0	69	82	0-2-0	0-1-0	0-2-0	0-0-0	3 L
Chicago Bears	0	3	0	.000	2.0	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

1897      Although he gives up 14 runs on 17 hits, Dave Wright of the Chicago Colts (Cubs) wins his first and only major league game. The 21-year-old Dennison, Ohio, native is the beneficiary of Chicago’s 11-run fifth inning when the club beats the Pirates, 15-14.

1902      On the last day of the season at Sportsman’s Park, the Browns and White Sox use an assortment of seven infielders and outfielders on the mound instead of relying on their pitching staff. Chicago’s Sam Mertes earns the victory, and the Browns’ Jesse Burkett takes the loss, marking the last time position players were the winning and losing pitchers until Orioles Chris Davis and Red Sox Darnell McDonald accomplish the feat in 2012.

1919      In the first game of a twin bill on the last day of the season, the Giants need only 51 minutes to defeat the Phillies, 6-1. The Polo Grounds contest is the shortest nine-inning game ever played in the major leagues.

1920      The grand jury indicts eight White Sox players on charges of fixing last season’s World Series against the Reds. The eight members involved in the ‘Black Sox Scandal’ will be cleared of the charges, but on the same day, they will be banned from baseball by Kenesaw Mountain Landis, baseball’s first commissioner.

1920      Jim Bagby wins his 30th game, en route to posting a 31-12 record, when the Indians beat the Browns, 9-5. The 30-year-old right-hander helps his cause by stroking two doubles and driving two runs in the Sportsman’s Park contest.

1923      At Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Bombers beat the Red Sox, 24-4. En route to their one-sided victory, New York bangs out thirty hits in the game to set an American League record.

1924      Rogers Hornsby finishes the season with a .424 batting average to lead the National League. The Cardinal second baseman easily outdistances Zack Wheat, who finishes second in the race, batting .375 for the Dodgers.

1925      The Senators, including future HOFers Walter Johnson, Goose Goslin, Sam Rice, and Stan Coveleski, celebrating consecutive pennants, become the first reigning champions to visit the White House. After President Calvin Coolidge welcomes Bucky Harris’ team, 55 years will pass until the Pirates, the 1979 World Champs, become the second baseball team to enjoy a day at the president’s home, thanks to an invitation extended by Jimmy Carter.

1930      In a 13-11 season-finale victory over the Reds, Cubs outfielder Hack Wilson drives in his 189th and 190th run to establish a new single-season major league record. The total will be revised to 191 in 1999 after baseball historian Jerome Holtzman finds a missing RBI in a game played in July 1930.

1930      As a Yankee, Babe Ruth returns to the mound after a nine-year absence at Fenway Park and pitches a complete game, beating the Red Sox at Fenway Park, 9-3. The last time the ‘Bambino’ took the mound, he defeated the A’s at the end of the 1921 season.

1938      With darkness descending at Wrigley Field, Gabby Hartnett homers in the ninth with two outs on an 0-2 pitch thrown by Mace Brown, giving the Cubs’ a 6-5 walkout victory over the Pirates. The catcher’s ‘Homer in the Gloamin’, giving the team its ninth consecutive win, proves significant in their quest for the National League pennant.

1939      The Reds, ending a 20-year title drought, clinch their first pennant since 1919 when the team beats the second-place Cardinals at Crosley Field, 5-3. Right-hander Paul Derringer goes the distance, giving up 14 hits en route to his 25th victory of the season.

1941      On the season’s final day, Ted Williams, batting .399955, elects to play against the A’s rather than finish with a rounded-up .400 average. The ‘Splendor Splinter’ comes through by going 6-for-8 in the twin bill to finish the season with a .4057 mark (.406).

1947      Harry Walker, traded in May to the Phillies, hits .363 to win the National League batting title after appearing in just ten games at the start of the season with the eventual World Champion Cardinals. The Hat’s older brother, Dixie, also won a batting crown in the Senior Circuit with a .357 BA for Brooklyn in 1944.

1947      In front of 23,085 fans, the Yankees host the first Old-Timers’ Day in major league history on the season’s final day. The team’s signature event, the brainchild of general manager Larry MacPhail and public relations director Red Paterson, pays tribute to an ailing Babe Ruth.

1948      A crowd of 60,405 attends Joe Early Night at Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium. The 26-year-old night watchman wrote Bill Veeck asking why an average fan never gets a ‘Day,’ and the Indians’ owner responded by giving the World War II veteran a spectacular day of his own.

1951      In the first game of a twin bill, Yankees right-hander Allie Reynolds no-hits the Red Sox, 8-0, setting the stage for the team to clinch their third consecutive pennant with a victory in the nightcap. ‘Superchief,’ one-quarter Creek, accomplishes his second no-hitter of the season on American Indian Day, getting Ted Williams to pop up for the second time in the same spot after Yogi Berra dropped the first foul ball for the final out of the game.

1952      On the last day of the season at Ebbets Field, the Braves’ 77 years of representing Boston is extended by three innings when Eddie Mathews’ ninth-inning, two-out double ties the score. Darkness ends the contest in the 12th inning, resulting in a 5-5 tie with the Dodgers.

1953      The American League owners, reversing their decision from last season, unanimously agree on moving the Browns from St. Louis to Baltimore, where the franchise will become known as the Orioles. The 54-100 team finishes last in attendance, averaging only 3,860 fans a game at Sportsman’s Park, including yesterday’s crowd of 3,174 in the franchise finale in St. Louis.

1955      In the bottom of the second inning, Elston Howard, in his first World Series at-bat, knots the score at two to two when he homers off Dodgers’ right-hander Don Newcombe. The round-tripper to deep left field at Yankee Stadium marks the first time a black batter has hit a home run off a black pitcher in the history of the Fall Classic.

1958      On the last day of the season, Gus Triandos steals the first and only base of his 13-year major league career, swiping the bag off the rookie battery of Zach Monroe and third-string catcher Darrell Johnson, who are giving the Yankees regular battery a day off before the upcoming Fall Classic. The 28-year-old Orioles backstop will play a record 1,206 consecutive games without ever being caught stealing a base.

1958      Red Sox outfielder, going 7-for-11 to end the season, Ted Williams becomes the first 40-year-old to lead the league in hitting and wins his sixth and final batting title. The ‘Splendid Splinter’s’ .328 batting average beats out his teammate Pete Runnels, who goes 0-for-4 today and ends the campaign with a .322 mark.

1958      Dave Philley establishes a big-league record on the last day of the season by getting his eighth consecutive pinch hit. The seventh-inning run-producing double helps the Phillies beat the Pirates at Forbes Field, 6-4.

1958      On the last day of the season at Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field, Richie Ashburn goes 3-for-4, including a tenth-inning single, to capture his second batting crown. The Phillies’ center fielder, who also led the league in 1955, ends the season with an average of .350, three points higher than Giants slugger Willie Mays.

1959      The Braves, who ended the National League regular season in a first-place tie with the Dodgers, lose Game 1 of the three-game series, 3-2, in front of a sparse crowd of 18,297 at County Stadium. Milwaukee will lose tomorrow’s game in L.A., spoiling their chance for a three-peat as NL Champs.

1960      In his last major league appearance, an at-bat that will be immortalized by John Updike’s Hub fans bid Kid Adieu, Ted Williams homers off Orioles’ hurler Jack Fischer. The Boston writer explains the 41-year-old superstar did not acknowledge the Fenway faithful’s thunderous ovation because “Gods do not answer letters.”

1962      In front of only 595 fans at Wrigley Field, the Cubs (58-101) beat the Mets (39-118) in the first meeting in major league history between two 100-loss teams before the start of the series. The New York expansion team will split the remaining two games, finishing the season 40-120 to establish the record for the most losses in baseball’s modern era.

1963      In his only major league at-bat, Roy Gleason, appearing as a pinch-hitter, doubles in the eighth inning of LA’s 12 -3 loss to the Phillies at Chavez Ravine. The 20-year-old highly-touted bonus baby, the only major leaguer drafted into the US. Army during the Vietnam War era suffers injuries while on patrol on the front lines with the Ninth Infantry Division that effectively ends his career after he spends two years in the team’s farm system to regain his skills.

1965      Dave Morehead loses when the Angels beat the Red Sox at Fenway Park, 4-3. The decision is the right-hander’s tenth consecutive defeat at the hands of the Halos, establishing a new American League record.

1966      At Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Larry Jaster throws a four-hitter, blanking Don Sutton and the Dodgers, 2-0. It’s the southpaw’s fifth shutout against LA this season, equaling a post-1900 major league mark held by the Senators’ Tom Hughes (against the Indians in 1905) and Grover Cleveland Alexander of the Phillies (against the Reds in 1916).

1968      Blanked by the combined efforts of Angel hurlers Marty Pattin and Jim McGlothlin, the White Sox lose their ninth 1-0 decision of the season. The defeat ties an American League record, matching the mark established by the 1914 Yankees.

1968      Although the future Hall of Famer gives up 16 hits, Giants’ right-hander Gaylord Perry goes the distance, earning a 10-4 victory over the Reds at Crosley Field. Cincinnati’s 14 singles and two doubles cannot overcome their two errors and a three-run poke by Willie McCovey.

1969      En route to the Mets’ eighth consecutive victory, Ron Gentry, Nolan Ryan, and Ron Taylor combine to blank the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium, 2-0. The shutout contributes to the team setting a franchise mark of 42 scoreless innings.

1974      At Anaheim Stadium, Angel Nolan Ryan strikes out 15 batters when he no-hits the Twins, 4-0. The Alvin (TX) native’s third no-no is one of the seven he tosses during his career and the third of the four hitless games he hurls for the Halos.

1975      On the final day of a regular season, Vida Blue (5), Glenn Abbott (1), Paul Lindblad (1), and Rollie Fingers (2) combined to no-hit the Angels, 5-0. The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum contest marks the first time a team has been hitless in the season’s finale.

1976      At Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Giants hurler John Montefusco no-hits the Braves, 9-0. The ‘Count’ is almost perfect, giving up just a leadoff walk to Jerry Royster in the fourth inning.

1979      Gary Templeton, batting right-handed, becomes the first major-league player to collect 100 hits from each side of the plate in one season with a bunt single off Mets’ southpaw Pete Falcone in the Cardinals’ 6-2 loss at Busch Stadium. With nine games left in the regular season, the 23-year-old switch-hitting shortstop, having 111 hits from the left side and 91 from the right, bats exclusively right-handed for the remainder of the season to accomplish the feat.

1982      Although the Twins stake Terry Felton to a 3-0 lead in the nightcap of a twin bill, the Blue Jays tie the score, knocking out the hard-luck pitcher from his last major league game. The no-decision leaves the 24-year-old right-hander with a lifetime mark of 0-16, a major league record for most career losses without a victory.

1982      At Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium, right-hander Jim Clancy is perfect until he faces Randy Bush leading off the ninth inning. The Twins designated hitter ruins the bid for perfection with a broken-bat single to right field, and the Blue Jays starter has to settle for a one-hitter, beating Minnesota, 3-0.

1983      At Wrigley Field, the Phillies clinch the National League East championship with a 13-6 victory over Chicago. The clincher is the team’s 7000th win in franchise history.

1987      Royals’ Kevin Seitzer becomes the first rookie in 23 years to collect 200 hits in a season. Dick Allen and Tony Oliva both accomplished the feat in 1964.

1988      In Seoul, South Korea, Jim Abbott, born without a right hand, goes the distance en route to the United States’ 5-3 victory over Japan to win the Olympic Gold medal. After the game, the Japanese players, in a display of great respect, line up to congratulate the former University of Michigan pitcher who had just beaten them.

1988      In his last start of the regular season, Dodger Orel Hershiser tosses ten shutout frames to extend his streak to 59, breaking Don Drysdale’s record of 58 consecutive scoreless innings established in 1968.

1990      The scoreboard at Old Comiskey Park ‘explodes’ for the last time when Frank Thomas goes deep off Randy Johnson in the seventh inning of a 13-4 loss to Seattle. The Monster, which has shot off fireworks whenever a White Sox player hits a home run since 1960, was an innovation of team owner Bill Veeck after being inspired by the design of a pinball machine.

1995      A fan takes exception when a Cub reliever gives up a two-run, pinch-hit home run to James Mouton, giving the Astros an eighth-inning 9-7 lead. As the Houston pinch-hitter rounds the bases, the 27-year-old spectator leaves his seat and heads toward the mound, where Randy Myers, who, in addition to his pitching prowess, is well trained in the martial arts, immediately pins the trespasser to the ground.

1995      Greg Harris becomes the first post-1900 major leaguer to pitch ambidextrously. In his ninth-inning appearance, the Expos reliever blanks the Reds, facing four batters, two as a right-hander, his natural side, and the other two as a southpaw.

1996      The Rockies’ Ellis Burks becomes the fourth player to hit 40 home runs and swipe 30 bases in a single season when he goes deep off Dan Carlson with an eighth-inning solo shot in the team’s 8-5 loss to the Giants at Coors Field. The 32-year-old Colorado outfielder joins Hank Aaron (1963 Braves), Jose Canseco (1988 A’s), and Barry Bonds (1996 Giants) in accomplishing the feat.

1996      The Devil Rays become the second team to sign a working agreement with a Japanese professional team. Tampa Bay signs a two-year contract with the Seibu Lions, including a four-year option extending the deal through 2002.

1997      With his 40th home run, catcher Mike Piazza sets a Los Angeles Dodger single-season record. Duke Snider holds the franchise record, slugging 43 round-trippers for Brooklyn in 1956.

1997      Tony Gwynn equals Honus Wagner’s record by winning his eighth National League batting title when he finishes the season with a .372 batting average. The Padres outfielder becomes the first player to win four consecutive NL batting crowns since Rogers Hornsby accomplished the feat with the Cardinals, winning six straight titles between 1920 and 1925.

1997      Toronto’s Roger Clemens goes 8⅓ innings against his former team but doesn’t get a decision when the Blue Jays score two runs in the bottom of the ninth, beating Boston in a 3-2 come-from-behind victory. The right-hander will finish the season with a 21-7 record, the best winning percentage for a starting pitcher on a team that will finish last.

1998      In the first National League playoff since 1980, the Cubs beat the Giants, 5-3, in a one-game showdown to take the National League’s wild-card berth. San Francisco makes the game interesting by scoring three runs in the ninth inning in front of a very anxious crowd at Wrigley Field.

2000      The Blue Jays, matching the 1996 Orioles, become the second team in major league history to have seven players hit twenty or more homers during the season when DH Darrin Fletcher goes deep for the team’s only tally in a 23-1 rout by the Orioles at Camden Yards. The other Toronto players to reach the milestone include Carlos Delgado, Tony Batista, Shannon Stewart, Jose Cruz, Raul Mondesi, and Brad Fullmer.

2000      The Brewers play the last game at Milwaukee County Stadium, bowing to the Reds, 8-1. Warren Spahn throws the ceremonial first pitch to Del Crandall, his Opening Day batterymate 47 years ago when the Future Hall of Fame southpaw Spahn and the Braves beat the Cardinals in 10 innings, 3-2, in 1953.

2000      Troy Glaus hits his 44th, breaking the 47-year-old record for homers by an American League third baseman set in 1953 by Al Rosen, who played the hot corner for the Indians. The Angel infielder will lead the circuit with 47 round-trippers, including one hit as a designated hitter.

2001      Ranger infielder Alex Rodriguez becomes the 20th player and first shortstop in major league history to hit 50 home runs in a season. Angel hurler Ismael Valdes gives up the milestone blast in the first inning at Edison Field in an 11-2 Texas win.

2001      Angels infielder David Eckstein breaks Frank Robinson’s rookie record for getting hit by a pitch. Rangers’ hurler Aaron Mayette’s fifth-inning offering hits the freshman Halos’ shortstop, making it the twenty-first time the 26-year-old gets plunked this season.

2001      On a night he hits his 68th round-tripper of the season in quest of Mark McGwire’s single-season home run record, Barry Bonds is walked for the 163rd time, breaking Big Mac’s 1998 National League record for bases on balls. The major league record is 170 walks held by Babe Ruth.

2003      Ron Santo, the team’s radio color commentator, joins Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Billy Williams, becoming the third player to have his number retired by the Cubs. The nine-time All-Star third baseman, who spent 14 of his 15-year career with Chicago (1960-73), will have his uniform #10 below Ernie Banks’ on the left-field foul pole.

2003      At Turner Field in Atlanta, Jose Reyes becomes the second Mets player to hit a home run from both sides of the plate in one game. Lee Mazzilli was the first to go yard twice in Dodger Stadium on September 3, 1978.

2003      Following an emotional closing ceremony in front of 58,554 enthusiastic fans, the Braves beat the Phillies 5-2 in the final game at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. The two-hour festivities at the Broad Street ballpark include the All-Vet team’s introduction and a eulogy given by Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas, who receives a standing ovation from the crowd.

2005      Alex Rodriguez breaks Joe DiMaggio’s 1937 single-season club record for home runs by a right-handed batter. The third baseman’s 47th homer proves to be the difference when the Yankees edge the Orioles, 2-1.

2005      With the lowest winning percentage ever compiled by a division champion during a non-strike year, the Padres (79-79) win their fourth division flag in the franchise’s 37-year history. San Diego will win three of their last four games to finish just above .500, accomplishes the feat, surpassing the Mets, who previously possessed the dubious record, by going 82-79 (.509) to win the NL East in 1973.

2006      For the third consecutive season, Kansas City will lose 100 or more games. The team’s 2-1 defeat to the Twins in the Metrodome makes the Royals the 11th franchise in big league history to accomplish the dubious feat.

2006      At Coors Field in Colorado, James Loney collects four hits, including two homers, and drives in nine runs in the Dodgers’ 19-11 victory over the Rockies. The rookie first baseman, who had one homer and eight runs batted in 93 previous at-bats with the team, ties the franchise RBI mark set by Gil Hodges in his 1950 four-homer game for Brooklyn and breaks the Los Angeles club mark held by Ron Cey.

2008      On the season’s final day, Mike Mussina becomes the oldest first-time twenty-game winner, reaching the milestone when he hurls six shutout innings in the Yankees’ 6-2 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The 39-year-old right-hander accomplishes the feat in his final major league appearance, finishing his 18-year major league career 270-153 (.638) won-loss record.

2008      The Mets play their final game at Shea Stadium, a 4-2 loss to the Marlins, disappointing a sellout crowd by failing to qualify for the postseason on the season’s last day for the second consecutive year. After the contest, former Mets, including Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Yogi Berra, and Tom Seaver, as well as Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, and Mike Piazza, but not any of the club’s current players, take part in a ceremony to celebrate the history of the 45-year-old ballpark in front of the subdued spectators gathered to ‘Shea Goodbye.’

2008      Pitching on a day’s short rest, CC Sabathia tosses a complete game, defeating the Cubs, 3-1. The victory, along with the Mets’ 4-2 loss to Florida an hour later, makes the Brewers the NL Wild Card and puts Milwaukee in the postseason for the first time since 1982.

2008      The Astros set a new National League mark for the fewest errors committed in one season. The 67 Houston miscues are one less than the record shared by the 1999 Mets and 2007 Rockies.

2008      For the first time in team history, the Red Sox draw over three million patrons at home. A crowd of 37,091 fans attending the first game of a day-night doubleheader on the season’s last day brings the total to 3,010,801, marking the ninth straight year the attendance at Fenway Park has broken the franchise record.

2009      The Rays deal left-hander Scott Kazmir (8-7, 5.92) to the Angels for three prospects, Matthew Sweeney, Alex Torres, and Sean Rodriguez. The Rays traded the 25-year-old talented southpaw, who is in the first year of a three-year, $28.5 million contract, due to restrictions in the team’s payroll.

2009      The Angels clinch their fifth AL West title in the last six years with their 11-0 win over Texas. Although the team has successfully reached the postseason four times in the six past seasons, Los Angeles has won just one playoff series since winning Game 7 of the 2002 World Series for their only championship.

2010      David Wright sets the all-time Mets record for strikeouts in a season with 157. The third baseman passes the infamous mark shared by Dave Kingman (1982) and Tommie Agee (1970).

2011      With their season-finale extra-inning victory over Atlanta, the Phillies set a team record with their 102nd win of the campaign. The 4-3 victory also moves skipper Charlie Manuel (646-488) past Gene Mauch for the most wins by a manager in the franchise’s history.

2011      With a Tampa Bay loss looming, the Red Sox appear to need just a win to advance to the ALDS or go to Tampa Bay for a one-game playoff if they lose, become optimistic about their chances for a playoff spot with their 3-2 lead over Baltimore, and the Rays trailing New York, 7-0. Boston drops a 4-3 walk-off decision when the Birds score two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, just before seeing the season come to a crashing end when Evan Longoria’s 12th-inning solo homer gives the Rays an unbelievable comeback victory and the AL Wild Card.

2011      On the last day of the season, the Braves become the first major league club to blow a lead of at least eight games in September when the team is eliminated from the playoffs when dropping a 4-3 decision to Philadelphia in 13 innings. On August 26th, Atlanta was ten games ahead of St. Louis, the eventual Wild Card team.

2011      Jose Reyes takes himself out of the season finale after laying down a bunt single off Edinson Volquez in the first inning of the Mets’ 3-0 victory over Cincinnati at Citi Field. The infield hit, which will be his last for the Mets until returning to the club in 2016, raises the shortstop’s average to a league-leading .337, nudging Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun for the NL batting crown, the first in franchise history.

2011      Starlin Castro ( 21 years, 188 days) becomes the youngest player to lead the National League in hits, finishing the season with 207. The Cubs sophomore All-Star shortstop, who hit .307 in 158 games, reaches base for the 40th straight game with an eighth-inning double in the team’s 9-2 loss to Padres at Petro Park, extending his current hitting streak to 10 games.

2011      In the season’s finale, the Brewers beat the Pirates, 7-3, for their 96th victory, breaking the franchise mark established in 1979 and tied in 1982. The National League Central Division champs finish the season 96-66, the second-best record in the circuit, trailing only Philadelphia.

2011      Eric O’Flaherty, who induces a double play from the only batter he faces in the Braves’ 4-3 loss to Philadelphia, finishes the season with a microscopic 0.98 ERA. The 26-year-old southpaw’s earned run average is the lowest ever posted by a pitcher with 75 or more appearances.

2011      In the season’s finale, the Rays, trailing 7-0 going into the eighth, finish their storybook season with a ninth-inning, two-out, two-strike, game-tying pinch-hit solo home run hit by Dan Johnson and Evan Longoria’s walk-off round-tripper in the 12th. Their victory and the Red Sox’s 4-3 loss to Baltimore minutes before gives Tampa Bay the AL wild-card berth after being down by nine games at the beginning of the month.

2011      Ozzie Guillen, who signed a four-year, $10 million deal with Florida, is introduced before the season’s finale as the club’s new manager, replacing 80-year-old interim Jack McKeon. The outspoken former White Sox skipper is expected, in addition to putting a better product on the field, to help spark enthusiasm for the team as they start a new era playing in a new ballpark as the Miami Marlins.

2011      The Marlins attract 34,615 fans to their finale at Dolphin Stadium, now known as Sun Life Stadium, but will still post the National League’s poorest attendance for the sixth consecutive year. The last-place club, having played in its current venue for the first 19 years of the franchise’s existence, will play next season’s home games in a new ballpark with a retractable roof located on approximately 17 acres of the historic 42-acre Orange Bowl site in the Little Havana section of Miami.

2014      Jordan Zimmermann throws the Nationals’ first no-hitter, thanks to a remarkable game-ending catch by Steven Souza, Jr. in left field that preserves the 1-0 gem against the Marlins. The victory marks the fifth no-no in franchise history, but the first since the team relocated to Washington, D.C from Montreal in 2005.

2019      Justin Verlander becomes the 18th major leaguer to record 3,000 strikeouts when he fans Kole Calhoun, who reaches first base after swinging at a wild pitch for the third strike. The Astros right-hander whiffs 12 Angels to get a career-high 300 for the season, joining Gerrit Cole as the second set of mound mates to each have 300 strikeouts in the same season.

FOOTBALL HISTORY

September 28, 1892 – The very first night football game was played in Mansfield, Pennsylvania on September 28, 1892 between Mansfield State Normal and Wyoming Seminary. Mansfield  hosted the 13th annual Tioga County Agricultural, Mechanical and Industrial Fair in late September 1892.

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Football History for September 28

September 28, 1936 – The Boston Redskins and the Brooklyn Dodgers play an NFL game that does not have one penalty in it! The Redskins prevailed in the penalty free contest by the score of 30-6 according to Pro Football Reference.com.

September 28, 1951 – The Dutchman, Norm Van Brocklin of the LA Rams threw for an NFL record 554 yards on opening day, per the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website. As much as a legend that Van Brocklin is, he was not supposed to start for the Rams that day. Veteran QB Bob Waterfield was pencilled in as the starting signal caller as he had won the pre-season quarterback controversy, but injury prevented Waterfield (also a Hall of Famer) to go. The Dutchman connected with three different receivers who had over 100 yards in pass catching for the day including Elroy ‘Crazy Legs” Hirsch (173 yards), Tom Fears (163 yards) and V.T. Smith (103 yards). But that’s not all as five other players on the Rams caught balls from the Dutchman that day as well!

September 28, 1969 – Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Joe Capp, throws 7 touchdown passes against the Baltimore Colts in a 52-14 victory for the purple clad Norseman.

September 28, 1986 – University of Rhode Island Tight End Brian Foster catches an NCAA record 18 passes for 327 yards.

September 28, 1996 – Iowa State’s running back Troy Davis rushes for 378 yards which according to iowastatedaily.com the fourth highest in college football history. This effort of hard running helped the Cyclones defeat the University of Missouri 45-31.

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Hall of Fame Birthdays for September 28

September 28, 1881 – Harry “Dutch” Van Surdam was the quarterback of Wesleyan from 1902 through 1905. Per information from the National Football Foundation’s website, Dutch then went into coaching and led the programs at Marietta, Sewanee and then Texas Mines. Van Surdam stayed up on his rule books too as exemplified in 1906 when his Marietta team took advantage of the new passing rule to throw a 56 yard pass play against Ohio University. This keen understanding of the rules next led him down the path of officiating football. Harry became known as the “dean of Eastern officials” as he enforced the rules from 1921 through the 1962 seasons! The National Football Foundation selected Harry Van Surdam into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1972 and as gracious a man as he was he donated the plaque he received for the honor to his alma mater high school in Hoosick Falls, New York.

September 28, 1907 – Glen “Turk” Edwards was a tackle from Washington State University. Turk made his most memorable splash play in college as a junior in a big game against Oregon State to decide who would represent the Pacific coast in the Rose Bowl. The game was tied late when the big hands of Glen Edwards reached up and picked off an Oregon State pass attempt and then Turk took into the endzone for the winning points in the Washington State Cougar victory.  In the Rose Bowl the Cougars did not fare so well as Alabama blanked then 24-0, but Edwards and teammate Mel Hein became the very first All-Americans selected from the Washington State program ever, as a result of their outstanding play that season.  According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website, the Boston Redskins outbid two other teams to have Turk come and play with their squad in 1931. It was a great investment as Edwards signed his initial contract with the team for what amounted to$150 per game for the 10 game season. The 6’-2” , 255 pound tackle played nine seasons for the Redskins both in Boston and after the team moved to Washington as a two-way player and earned All-NFL honors in 8 seasons in the League. Ironically the never injured Edwards suffered a career ending injury in 1940 at the opening coin toss! After the coin toss ended and Turk shook hands with the opposing captains of the NY Giants, his foot caught in the sod as he turned to leave the field and his trick knee suffered damage and prevented his football career from continuing. That 1940 season was the only one where Turk did not receive the All-NFL honors. The National Football Foundation selected Glen Turk Edwards into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1975 & the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969 induction class.

September 28, 1919 – Tom Harmon was a former University of Michigan halfback playing for the Wolverines from 1938 through the 1940 seasons .  According to the footballfoundation.org site Harmon was a play maker for Michigan, and they were big plays at that. Just in the 1939 season alone Tom picked off an Iowa pass for a 95 yard return, had touchdown runs of 65 yard and 35 yards in the game against Penn and scored all of the Wolverine points in a 27-7 shallacking of Yale! During the 1940 season Harmon celebrated his 21st birthday by frustrating the University of California with scoring runs of 94, 86, 70 and 65 yards! Tom Harmon may have saved his best collegiate game for his last one though. In the final game that season versus rival Ohio State he threw 2 TD passes, Ran for three other scores, returned 3 kicks for a total of 81 yards, punted three times with a 50 yards average, kicked four extra points and intercepted 3 passes! The home Ohio State crowd was so in awe of his performance that they gave their worthy opponent a standing ovation at the end of the 40-0 blanking of the Buckeyes. That is some great sportsmanship that we all could learn from in this era!  Tom Harmon easily led the nation in scoring in 1939 and 1940 and won the Heisman Trophy in 1940. After college he became a World War II pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was shot down twice and received both a Purple Heart and the Silver Star for his brave service. After the War was over Tom played for the LA Rams for a couple of seasons in the NFL and then went into broadcasting football games. The National Football Foundation accepted Tom Harmon in their College Football Hall of Fame in 1954.

September 28, 1935 – Lou Michaels was a former tackle from the University of Kentucky in the seasons of 1955 through 1957.  Michaels was a two way line player as well as being the team’s kicker and punter.  In both his junior and senior seasons Lou was voted as a consensus All-American at a time when only 11 players were recognized nationally! Many credit Lou Micaels for single handedly defeating the University of Tennessee in 1955 and again in 1957 with his outstanding play against the Vols.  The Los Angeles Rams drafted Michaels with the number 4 overall pick in the 1958 NFL Draft. After spending a couple seasons with the Rams he spent time with the Steelers, Colts and Packers during his 13 year career.   The University of Kentucky retired Lou Michael’s number 79 jersey in 1990 and he entered into the corridors of the college gridiron legends, the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

September 28, 1941 – Charley Taylor was a wide receiver from Arizona State University with outstanding size with his 6’3” frame and carrying 210 pounds. The Washington Redskins used the number one pick in the 1964 Draft to land the prize talent of Taylor and they picked him to be their running back. Taylor played in the backfield for a couple years with some success, as he was the 1964 Rookie of the Year as a halfback, but the bright spots of his NFL career came when Washington moved him to the split end position.  Charley played a total of 13 seasons for the Redskins and when he retired he held the NFL career receptions per the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website with 649 caught for 9110 yards.  He also added 90 total touchdowns and over 10800 total yards from scrimmage. He had 50 or more catches in 8 seasons, was an All-Pro and played in 8 Pro Bowls. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined this legend in 1984.

September 28, 1954 – Steve Largent was a 5’-11” 187 pound wideout from Tulsa University. Steve wasn’t the biggest and fastest receiver in the country but he could very well have had the most heart and determination of them all. The Houston Oiler picked Largent in the fourth round of the 1976 NFL draft with the 177th overall pick. According to his bio on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website, Largent was on the field for the four Oiler preseason contests and then they shipped him off to the expansion Seattle Seahawks for a 8th round pick. Largent would make the Oiler regret that deal for giving up on him so quickly. The new Seattle receiver would have a stellar 14 year career with the Seahawks and at retirement hold NFL records such as the most receptions (819), the most consecutive games with a reception (177), the most 1000 yard receiving seasons with 8 and the most seasons with 50 or more receptions at 10.  The guy that Houston would deem too small to play in the NFL would be a 3 time All-Pro  and be an entrant into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995’s induction ceremony.

September 28, 1964 – David Fulcher a defensive back from the Arizona State University was born. The National Football Foundation inducted David Fulcher into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

NUMBERS IN SPORTS

4 – 2 – 98 – 9 – 22 – 25 – 6 – 7 – 11 – 48 – 30 – 14 – 37 – 25 – 34 – 55 – 53 – 32

September 28, 1930 – New York Yankees Number 4, Lou Gehrig‘s errorless streak ends at 885 consecutive games

September 28, 1938 – Homer in the Gloamin’ – famous walk-off home run hit by Gabby Hartnett, wearing Number 2 for the Chicago Cubs against the Pittsburgh Pirates

September 28, 1940 –  Tom Harmon, Number 98 of the Michigan Wolverines had one of his finest collegiate days with runs of 72, 86 and 94 yard touchdowns. Check out our Roar of the Crowd post today.

September 28, 1941 – Ted Williams, Number 9 ended the baseball season with .406 batting avg

September 28, 1951 – New York’s Number 22, Allie Reynolds‘ 2nd no-hitter of 1951, an 8-0 home victory over Boston Red Sox. The Yankees clinched pennant #18 that day with the win.

September 28, 1951 – Norm Van Brocklin, Number 25 of Rams passes for NFL record 554 yards

September 28, 1952 – St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Stan Musial, Number 6 makes his only major league pitching appearance, throwing one pitch to Chicago Cubs Number 7, Frank Baumholtz

September 28, 1960 – Number 9, Ted Williams hit his final home run, the 521st of his great career off of Jack Fisher, Number 48 of the Baltimore Orioles.

September 28, 1969 – NFL Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Joe Kapp, Number 11 passes for 7 touchdowns vs Baltimore Colts in 52-14 home win

September 28, 1974 – California Angel Number 30, Nolan Ryan 3rd no-hitter beats Mnn Twin, 4-0

September 28, 1975 – How about this for an All-Star pitching staff! Oakland A’s Vida Blue (Number 14), Glenn Abbott (Number 37), Paul Lindblad (Number 25) and Number 34 Rollie Fingers, combined to no-hit the California Angels, in a 5-0 A’s shutout.

September 28, 1988 – LA Dodger Orel Hershiser, Number 55 breaks former Dodger Number 53, Don Drysdale‘s record by pitching 59 consecutive scoreless innings

September 28, 1993 – Dennis Martínez, Number 32 of the Montreal Expos became the 7th to win 100 games in each the AL and the NL

September 28, 1997 – St Louis Cardinals Mark McGwire, Number 25 hit his 58th home run of 1997. There were 34 of these knocked out of the park that season when McGwire was still with the Oakland A’s.

September 28, 2020 – In a COVID-19 delayed and altered season, the Stanley Cup Final was played Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta. Tampa Bay Lightning claimed their second championship in franchise history with a 2-0 Game 

TV THURSDAY

COLLEGE FOOTBALL	TIME ET	TV
Middle Tennessee at WKU	7:30pm	CBSSN
Temple at Tulsa	7:30pm	ESPN
Jacksonville State at Sam Houston	8:00pm	ESPNU
MLB REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Kansas City at Detroit	1:10pm	MLBN Bally Sports
Oakland at Minnesota	1:10pm	MLBN Bally Sports NBCS-CA
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia	6:05pm	ATTSN-PIT NBCS-PHI
Boston at Baltimore	6:35pm	NESN MASN/2
NY Yankees at Toronto	7:07pm	MLBN YES Sportsnet
Miami at NY Mets	7:10pm	Bally Sports SNY
Chi. Cubs at Atlanta	7:20pm	MLBN Bally Sports MARQ
St. Louis at Milwaukee	7:40pm	MLBN Bally Sports
LA Dodgers at Colorado	8:40pm	Spectrum ATTSN-RM
Texas at Seattle	9:40pm	Bally Sports Root Sports
NFL REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Detroit at Green Bay	8:15pm	PRIME
NHL PRESEASON	TIME ET	TV
Detroit vs. Washington	7:00pm	NHLN
SOCCER	TIME ET	TV
Serie A: Frosinone vs Fiorentina	12:30pm	Paramount+
Serie A: Monza vs Bologna	12:30pm	Paramount+
La Liga: Granada vs Real Betis	1:00pm	ESPN+
La Liga: Celta de Vigo vs Deportivo Alavés	1:00pm	ESPN+
Serie A: Genoa vs Roma	2:45pm	CBSSN
La Liga: Valencia vs Real Sociedad	3:30pm	ESPN+
Liga MX: Atlas vs Puebla	10:00pm	TUDN

TV FRIDAY

BOWLING	TIME ET	TV
PBA: Elias Cup	8:00pm	FS1
COLLEGE FOOTBALL	TIME ET	TV
Louisville at NC State	7:00pm	ESPN
Utah at Oregon State	9:00pm	FS1
Louisiana Tech at UTEP	9:00pm	CBSSN
Cincinnati at BYU	10:15pm	ESPN
GOLF	TIME ET	TV
Ryder Cup	1:30am	USA
Ryder Cup	6:00am	USA
LPGA : NW Arkansas Championship	2:00pm	GOLF
MLB REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Miami at Pittsburgh	6:35pm	Bally Sports ATTSN-PIT
Cleveland at Detroit	6:40pm	Bally Sports
Boston at Baltimore	7:05pm	NESN MASN/2
Tampa Bay at Toronto	7:07pm	Bally Sports Sportsnet
Philadelphia at NY Mets	7:10pm	NBCS-PHI SNY
Washington at Atlanta	7:20pm	Bally Sports MASN/2
San Diego at Chi. White Sox	7:40pm	Bally Sports NBCS-CHI
Chi. Cubs at Milwaukee	8:10pm	MARQ Bally Sports
NY Yankees at Kansas City	8:10pm	YES Bally Sports
Minnesota at Colorado	8:10pm	ATTSN-RM Bally Sports
Cincinnati at St. Louis	8:15pm	Bally Sports
Oakland at LA Angels	9:38pm	NBCS-CA Bally Sports
Houston at Arizona	9:40pm	ATTSN-SW Bally Sports
Texas at Seattle	10:10pm	Bally Sports Root Sports
LA Dodgers at San Francisco	10:10pm	Spectrum NBCS-BAY
NHL PRESEASON	TIME ET	TV
Philadelphia vs. Boston	7:00pm	NHLN
NY Islanders vs. NY Rangers	10:00pm	NHLN
SOCCER	TIME ET	TV
Bundesliga: Hoffenheim vs Borussia Dortmund	2:30pm	ESPN+
La Liga: Barcelona vs Sevilla	3:00pm	ESPN+
Ligue 1: Strasbourg vs Lens	3:00pm	beIN Sports
Liga MX: Querétaro vs León	9:00pm	TUDN
Liga MX: Atlético San Luis vs Cruz Azul	11:00pm	TUDN
WNBA PLAYOFFS	TIME ET	TV
Semifinals Game 3: New York at Connecticut	7:30pm	ESPN2
Semifinals Game 3: Las Vegas at Dallas	9:30pm	ESPN2

TV SATURDAY

COLLEGE FOOTBALL	TIME ET	TV
UAB at Tulane	12:00pm	ESPN2
South Alabama at James Madison	12:00pm	ESPNU
Buffalo at Akron	12:00pm	ESPN+
Florida at Kentucky	12:00pm	ESPN
Louisiana at Minnesota	12:00pm	BTN
Penn State at Northwestern	12:00pm	BTN
Texas A&M vs Arkansas	12:00pm	SECN
Utah State at UConn	12:00pm	CBSSN
USC at Colorado	12:00pm	FOX
Clemson at Syracuse	12:00pm	ABC
Eastern Michigan at Central Michigan	1:30pm	ESPN+
Virginia at Boston College	2:00pm	CW
Miami (OH) at Kent State	2:30pm	ESPN+
Arizona State at California	3:00pm	PAC12N
Baylor at UCF	3:30pm	FS1
NIU at Toledo	3:30pm	ESPNU
Ball State at Western Michigan	3:30pm	ESPN+
Old Dominion at Marshall	3:30pm	ESPN+
Arkansas State at UMass	3:30pm	ESPN+
Kansas at Texas	3:30pm	ABC
Houston at Texas Tech	3:30pm	FS2
USF at Navy	3:30pm	CBSSN
Wagner at Rutgers	3:30pm	BTN
Indiana at Maryland	3:30pm	BTN
Illinois at Purdue	3:30pm	Peacock
Georgia at Auburn	3:30pm	CBS
Bowling Green at Georgia Tech	3:30pm	ACCN
Michigan at Nebraska	3:30pm	FOX
Boise State at Memphis	4:00pm	ESPN2
Missouri at Vanderbilt	4:00pm	SECN
Hawaii at UNLV	4:00pm	MWN
New Mexico at Wyoming	4:00pm	MWN
LSU at Ole Miss	6:00pm	ESPN
Oregon at Stanford	6:30pm	PAC12N
Coastal Carolina at Georgia Southern	7:00pm	NFLN
Abilene Christian at North Texas	7:00pm	ESPN+
Troy at Georgia State	7:00pm	ESPN+
Texas State at Southern Miss	7:00pm	ESPN+
Iowa State at Oklahoma	7:00pm	FS1
East Carolina at Rice	7:00pm	ESPN+
Utah Tech at Colorado State	7:00pm	MWN
Michigan State at Iowa	7:30pm	NBC
South Carolina at Tennessee	7:30pm	SECN
Notre Dame at Duke	7:30pm	ABC
Charlotte at SMU	7:30pm	ESPNU
Pitt at Virginia Tech	8:00pm	ACCN
West Virginia at TCU	8:00pm	ESPN2
Appalachian State at ULM	8:00pm	ESPN+
San Diego State at Air Force	8:00pm	CBSSN
Alabama at Mississippi State	9:00pm	ESPN
Washington at Arizona	10:00pm	PAC12N
Nevada at Fresno State	10:30pm	FS1
GOLF	TIME ET	TV
Ryder Cup	1:30am	USA
Ryder Cup	3:00am	NBC
Ryder Cup	12:00pm	NBC
LPGA : NW Arkansas Championship	2:00pm	GOLF
MLB REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Cleveland at Detroit	1:10pm	Bally Sports
Tampa Bay at Toronto	3:07pm	Bally Sports Sportsnet
Miami at Pittsburgh	6:35pm	Bally Sports ATTSN-PIT
Boston at Baltimore	7:05pm	NESN MASN/2
Philadelphia at NY Mets	7:10pm	NBCS-PHI SNY
San Diego at Chi. White Sox	7:10pm	Bally Sports NBCS-CHI
Chi. Cubs at Milwaukee	7:10pm	MARQ Bally Sports
NY Yankees at Kansas City	7:10pm	YES Bally Sports
Cincinnati at St. Louis	7:15pm	Bally Sports
Washington at Atlanta	7:20pm	Bally Sports MASN/2
Minnesota at Colorado	8:10pm	ATTSN-RM Bally Sports
Houston at Arizona	8:10pm	ATTSN-SW Bally Sports
LA Dodgers at San Francisco	9:05pm	Spectrum NBCS-BAY
Oakland at LA Angels	9:07pm	NBCS-CA Bally Sports
Texas at Seattle	9:40pm	Bally Sports Root Sports
MOTORSPORTS	TIME ET	TV
NASCAR Truck: Love’s RV Stop 250	1:00pm	FS1
NHL PRESEASON	TIME ET	TV
Toronto vs. Montreal	7:00pm	NHLN
SOCCER	TIME ET	TV
EPL: Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion	7:30am	USA
La Liga: Getafe vs Villarreal	8:00am	ESPN+
Serie A: Lecce vs Napoli	9:00am	Paramount+
Bundesliga: Wolfsburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt	9:30am	ESPN+
Bundesliga: Mainz 05 vs Bayer Leverkusen	9:30am	ESPN+
Bundesliga: Köln vs Stuttgart	9:30am	ESPN+
Bundesliga: Bochum vs Borussia M’gladbach	9:30am	ESPN+
Bundesliga: Heidenheim vs Union Berlin	9:30am	ESPN+
EPL: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace	10:00am	USA
EPL: Everton vs Luton Town	10:00am	Peacock
EPL: AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal	10:00am	Peacock
EPL: West Ham United vs Sheffield United	10:00am	Peacock
EPL: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City	10:00am	Peacock
La Liga: Rayo Vallecano vs Mallorca	10:15am	ESPN+
Ligue 1: Clermont vs PSG	11:00am	beIN Sports
Serie A: Milan vs Lazio	12:00pm	Paramount+
EPL: Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool	12:30pm	NBC
La Liga: Girona vs Real Madrid	12:30pm	ESPN+
Bundesliga: RB Leipzig vs Bayern München	12:30pm	ESPN+
Serie A: Salernitana vs Internazionale	2:45pm	Paramount+
La Liga: Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club	3:00pm	ESPN+
Ligue 1: Monaco vs Olympique Marseille	3:00pm	beIN Sports
Argentina Primera División: San Lorenzo vs Huracán	3:00pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: Flamengo vs Bahia	3:00pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: Fortaleza vs Grêmio	3:00pm	Paramount+
Argentina Primera División: Rosario Central vs Newell’s Old Boys	3:30pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: São Paulo vs Corinthians	5:30pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: Cuiabá vs Fluminense	5:30pm	Paramount+
NWSL: Washington Spirit vs Kansas City Current	7:00pm	Paramount+
MLS: Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union	7:30pm	MLS Pass
MLS: Inter Miami vs New York City	7:30pm	MLS Pass
MLS: New England vs Charlotte	7:30pm	MLS Pass
MLS: New York RB vs Chicago Fire	7:30pm	MLS Pass
MLS: Toronto FC vs Cincinnati	7:30pm	MLS Pass
MLS: Orlando City SC vs CF Montréal	7:30pm	MLS Pass
Brasileirão: Internacional vs Atlético Mineiro	8:00pm	Paramount+
NWSL: Chicago Red Stars vs Racing Louisville FC	8:00pm	Paramount+
Argentina Primera División: Banfield vs Lanús	8:30pm	Paramount+
MLS: Houston Dynamo vs Dallas	8:30pm	MLS Pass
MLS: Minnesota United vs SJ Earthquakes	8:30pm	MLS Pass
MLS: Nashville SC vs Seattle Sounders FC	8:30pm	MLS Pass
MLS: St. Louis City vs Sporting KC	8:30pm	MLS Pass
Liga MX: Monterrey vs Santos Laguna	9:00pm	Univision
MLS: Colorado Rapids vs Austin	9:30pm	MLS Pass
MLS: LA Galaxy vs Portland Timbers	10:30pm	MLS Pass
MLS: Vancouver Whitecaps vs DC United	10:30pm	MLS Pass
NWSL: Portland Thorns vs San Diego Wave	10:30pm	Paramount+