THE INDIANA SRN “SPORTSPAGE” WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 11, 2023

“THE SCOREBOARD”

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 9 SCHEDULE

ANDERSON (2-6) AT LOGANSPORT (3-5)

ANDREAN (3-5) AT LOWELL (3-5)

ANGOLA (1-7) AT EASTSIDE (6-2)

ATTICA (0-8) AT SOUTH VERMILLION (7-1)

BATESVILLE (7-1) AT CONNERSVILLE (2-6)

BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (5-3) AT COLUMBUS EAST (3-5)

BEECH GROVE (3-5) AT FRANKLIN COUNTY (3-5)

BELLMONT (0-8) AT EAST NOBLE (6-2)

BLOOMINGTON NORTH (8-0) AT SOUTHPORT (1-7)

BLUFFTON (6-2) AT LAKELAND (6-2)

BOONVILLE (5-3) AT GIBSON SOUTHERN (6-2)

BREMEN (4-4) AT TIPPECANOE VALLEY (8-0)

BROWN COUNTY (1-7) AT EDGEWOOD (1-7)

BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (7-1) AT SCOTTSBURG (5-3)

CALUMET (3-5) AT GARY WEST (5-3)

CARMEL (5-3) AT LAWRENCE CENTRAL (3-5)

CARROLL (FLORA) (8-0) AT SHERIDAN (6-2)

CENTER GROVE (7-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (6-2)

CHARLESTOWN (5-3) AT EASTERN (PEKIN) (3-5)

CHESTERTON (2-6) AT MERRILLVILLE (6-2)

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS (MO.) AT WARREN CENTRAL (3-5)

CHURUBUSCO (2-6) AT FAIRFIELD (4-4)

CINCINNATI ELDER (OHIO) AT INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (8-0)

CLOVERDALE (2-6) AT OWEN VALLEY (2-6)

CORYDON CENTRAL (0-8) AT SILVER CREEK (5-3)

COVENANT CHRISTIAN (4-3) AT INDIANAPOLIS RITTER (3-5)

COVINGTON (4-4) AT RIVERTON PARKE (3-5)

CRAWFORD COUNTY (0-8) AT CLARKSVILLE (0-8)

CULVER (0-8) AT LAVILLE (7-1)

DANVILLE (6-2) AT NORTH MONTGOMERY (5-3)

EAST CENTRAL (8-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (3-5)

EASTERN (GREENTOWN) (6-2) AT CLINTON PRAIRIE (5-3)

EASTERN HANCOCK (5-3) AT LAPEL (4-4)

ELWOOD (1-7) AT OAK HILL (4-4)

EVANSVILLE CENTRAL (0-8) AT EVANSVILLE NORTH (5-3)

EVANSVILLE HARRISON (1-7) AT EVANSVILLE BOSSE (2-6)

EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (2-6) AT EVANSVILLE REITZ (8-0)

EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (6-2) AT CASTLE (5-3)

FLOYD CENTRAL (7-1) AT NEW ALBANY (2-6)

FOREST PARK (5-3) AT SOUTHRIDGE (5-3)

FORT WAYNE BLACKHAWK (0-8) AT FREMONT (2-6)

FORT WAYNE DWENGER (3-5) AT FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA (0-8)

FORT WAYNE LUERS (6-2) AT HOMESTEAD (4-4)

FORT WAYNE NORTH (3-5) AT CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (6-2)

FORT WAYNE NORTHROP (0-8) AT FORT WAYNE SOUTH (1-7)

FORT WAYNE WAYNE (5-3) AT FORT WAYNE SNIDER (7-1)

FRANKFORT (1-7) AT CRAWFORDSVILLE (0-8)

FRANKLIN (5-3) AT DECATUR CENTRAL (6-2)

FRANKTON (3-5) AT BLACKFORD (0-8)

FRONTIER (4-4) AT SOUTH NEWTON (3-5)

GARRETT (3-5) AT CENTRAL NOBLE (3-5)

GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (7-1) AT NEW CASTLE (1-7)

GRIFFITH (3-5) AT WHEELER (5-3)

GUERIN CATHOLIC (6-2) AT CULVER ACADEMY (3-5)

HAGERSTOWN (5-3) AT NORTHEASTERN (7-1)

HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (7-1) AT BROWNSBURG (8-0)

HAMMOND CENTRAL (5-3) AT HANOVER CENTRAL (8-0)

HAMMOND MORTON (3-4) AT EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (1-7)

HAMMOND NOLL (2-6) AT BOONE GROVE (6-2)

HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (7-1) AT RICHMOND (1-7)

HERITAGE (7-1) AT JAY COUNTY (4-4)

HIGHLAND (3-5) AT HOBART (6-2)

HUNTINGTON NORTH (1-7) AT NEW HAVEN (7-1)

INDIANAPOLIS TECH (0-8) AT MUNCIE CENTRAL (3-5)

INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY (4-4) AT INDIANAPOLIS WASHINGTON (4-4)

IRVINGTON PREP ACADEMY (0-8) AT CHRISTEL HOUSE MANUAL (2-5)

JASPER (5-3) AT VINCENNES LINCOLN (6-2)

JENNINGS COUNTY (3-5) AT JEFFERSONVILLE (0-8)

JIMTOWN (4-4) AT SOUTH BEND RILEY (7-1)

JOHN GLENN (4-4) AT SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON (2-6)

KNIGHTSTOWN (3-5) AT CENTERVILLE (8-0)

KNOX (8-0) AT CASTON (1-7)

LAFAYETTE JEFF (4-4) AT KOKOMO (7-1)

LAKE CENTRAL (4-4) AT VALPARAISO (6-2)

LAKE STATION (2-6) AT RIVER FOREST (5-3)

LEBANON (4-4) AT WESTERN BOONE (5-3)

LEO (6-2) AT DEKALB (5-3)

MACONAQUAH (6-2) AT ROCHESTER (6-2)

MADISON-GRANT (6-2) AT ALEXANDRIA (7-1)

MARTINSVILLE (5-3) AT PLAINFIELD (6-2)

MCCUTCHEON (5-3) AT MARION (2-6)

MICHIGAN CITY (5-3) AT CROWN POINT (8-0)

MILAN (5-3) AT MADISON (1-7)

MISHAWAKA MARIAN (4-4) AT SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH (4-4)

MISSISSINEWA (8-0) AT EASTBROOK (6-2)

MITCHELL (2-6) AT PERRY CENTRAL (4-4)

MONROE CENTRAL (3-5) AT SHENANDOAH (1-7)

MONROVIA (6-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (5-3)

MOORESVILLE (3-5) AT PERRY MERIDIAN (2-6)

MOUNT VERNON (POSEY) (4-4) AT PRINCETON (1-7)

MUNSTER (2-6) AT KANKAKEE VALLEY (4-4)

NEW PALESTINE (6-2) AT DELTA (5-3)

NEW PRAIRIE (6-2) AT ELKHART (3-5)

NOBLESVILLE (3-5) AT AVON (1-7)

NORTH CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG) (2-6) AT EASTERN GREENE (4-4)

NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) (0-8) AT BEN DAVIS (7-1)

NORTH DECATUR (5-3) AT SWITZERLAND COUNTY (5-3)

NORTH HARRISON (6-2) AT PROVIDENCE (8-0)

NORTH KNOX (5-3) AT PAOLI (7-1)

NORTH MIAMI (1-7) AT NORTHFIELD (3-5)

NORTH POSEY (7-1) AT PIKE CENTRAL (1-7)

NORTH PUTNAM (3-5) AT GREENCASTLE (6-2)

NORTH WHITE (8-0) AT WEST CENTRAL (7-1)

NORTHRIDGE (7-1) AT WARSAW (7-1)

NORTHVIEW (6-2) AT INDIAN CREEK (5-3)

NORTHWOOD (6-2) AT GOSHEN (1-7)

NORWELL (2-6) AT COLUMBIA CITY (5-3)

PARK TUDOR (8-0) AT EDINBURGH (1-7)

PERU (8-0) AT MANCHESTER (3-5)

PHALEN ACADEMY (1-6) AT LINTON-STOCKTON (7-1)

PIKE (2-6) AT LAWRENCE NORTH (5-3)

PLYMOUTH (2-6) AT CONCORD (4-4)

PORTAGE (0-8) AT LAPORTE (1-7)

PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (0-8) AT WEST NOBLE (8-0)

PURDUE POLYTECHNIC (3-5) AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (5-3)

RUSHVILLE (2-6) AT GREENSBURG (0-8)

SALEM (1-7) AT WEST WASHINGTON (5-3)

SEEGER (6-2) AT NORTH VERMILLION (5-3)

SEYMOUR (5-3) AT BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (7-1)

SHELBYVILLE (3-5) AT PENDLETON HEIGHTS (6-2)

SOUTH BEND ADAMS (1-7) AT PENN (7-1)

SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS) (3-5) AT WHITING (2-6)

SOUTH DEARBORN (5-3) AT LAWRENCEBURG (6-2)

SOUTH DECATUR (6-2) AT DAYTON CHRISTIAN (OHIO)

SOUTH PUTNAM (7-1) AT CASCADE (5-3)

SOUTH SPENCER (3-5) AT TELL CITY (5-3)

SOUTHERN WELLS (1-7) AT SOUTH ADAMS (5-3)

SOUTHSIDE HOMESCHOOL AT INDIANAPOLIS ATTUCKS (7-1)

SOUTHWOOD (4-4) AT LEWIS CASS (4-4)

SPRINGS VALLEY (7-1) AT NORTH DAVIESS (4-4)

SULLIVAN (4-4) AT WEST VIGO (2-6)

TAYLOR (1-7) AT DELPHI (3-5)

TECUMSEH (0-8) AT OBLONG-PALESTINE-HUTSONVILLE (ILL.)

TERRE HAUTE NORTH (0-8) AT BREBEUF JESUIT (3-4)

TERRE HAUTE SOUTH (4-4) AT COLUMBUS NORTH (3-5)

TRI-CENTRAL (2-6) AT CLINTON CENTRAL (1-6)

TRI-COUNTY (4-3) AT NORTH NEWTON (0-8)

TRITON (5-3) AT WINAMAC (3-5)

TRITON CENTRAL (7-1) AT SPEEDWAY (2-6)

TRI-WEST (7-1) AT SOUTHMONT (4-4)

UNION COUNTY (0-8) AT TRI (5-3)

WABASH (1-7) AT WHITKO (1-7)

WASHINGTON (2-6) AT HERITAGE HILLS (7-1)

WAWASEE (1-7) AT MISHAWAKA (6-2)

WES-DEL (3-5) AT CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN (1-5)

WESTFIELD (7-1) AT FRANKLIN CENTRAL (4-4)

WHITELAND (4-4) AT GREENWOOD (4-4)

WINCHESTER (5-2) AT UNION CITY (2-6)

WOODLAN (2-6) AT ADAMS CENTRAL (8-0)

YORKTOWN (4-4) AT MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) (4-4)

ZIONSVILLE (3-5) AT FISHERS (5-3)

BOWMAN ACADEMY (1-4) AT BENTON CENTRAL (1-7)

TIPTON (1-7) AT RENSSELAER CENTRAL (4-4)

NORTHWESTERN (3-5) AT TWIN LAKES (4-4)

WESTERN (4-4) AT LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (5-3)

HAMILTON HEIGHTS (8-0) AT WEST LAFAYETTE (6-2)

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATED PRESS POLLS

CLASS 6A

RANK-SCHOOL FPV RCD TP

1. BROWNSBURG (11) 8-0 286 1

2. CENTER GROVE (2) 7-1 262 2

3. BEN DAVIS (2) 7-1 258 3

4. HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN 7-1 182 5

5. CROWN POINT – 8-0 176 4

6. WESTFIELD – 7-1 156 6

7. CATHEDRAL – 6-2 124 8

8. PENN – 7-1 98 9

9. CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) 6-2 46 10

10. FISHERS – 5-3 34 7

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: CARMEL 18. WARSAW 10.

CLASS 5A

RANK-SCHOOL FPV RCD TP

1. BLOOMINGTON NORTH (14) 8-0 296 1

2. FT. WAYNE SNIDER (1) 7-1 266 2

3. BLOOMINGTON SOUTH 7-1 236 3

4. VALPARAISO – 6-2 204 4

5. LAFAYETTE HARRISON 7-1 172 5

6. MERRILLVILLE – 6-2 134 7

7. DECATUR CENTRAL – 6-2 118 T8

8. FLOYD CENTRAL – 7-1 88 T8

9. MISHAWAKA – 6-2 74 10

10. PLAINFIELD – 6-2 42 6

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: CASTLE 10. WHITELAND 6. MCCUTCHEON 4.

CLASS 4A

RANK-SCHOOL FPV RCD TP

1. EAST CENTRAL 14) 8-0 298 1

2. EV. REITZ (1) 8-0 268 2

3. NORTHRIDGE 7-1 204 4

4. NEW PALESTINE 7-1 196 5

5. KOKOMO 7-1 162 6

6. GREENFIELD 7-1 158 7

7. MISSISSINEWA 8-0 94 9

8. EAST NOBLE 6-2 92 NR

9. NEW HAVEN 7-1 68 3

10. LEO – 6-2 48 NR

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: NORTHWOOD 24. EV. MEMORIAL 18. PENDLETON HTS. 12. NEW PRAIRIE 8.

CLASS 3A

RANK-SCHOOL FPV RCD TP

1. BISHOP CHATARD (15) 8-0 300 1

2. HANOVER CENTRAL 8-0 222 2

3. GUERIN CATHOLIC 6-2 198 3

4. TIPPECANOE VALLEY 8-0 194 5

5. HAMILTON HTS. – 8-0 188 4

6. GIBSON SOUTHERN 6-2 134 6

7. HERITAGE HILLS – 7-1 110 7

8. TRI-WEST – 7-1 90 8

9. PERU – 8-0 76 9

10. KNOX – 8-0 60 10

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: W. NOBLE 30. W. LAFAYETTE 18. BATESVILLE 14. LAWRENCEBURG 8. CENTERVILLE 6. VINCENNES 2.

CLASS 2A

RANK-SCHOOL FPV RCD TP

1. TRITON CENTRAL 11) 7-1 284 1

2. LINTON (2) 7-1 260 2

3. BROWNSTOWN (1) 7-1 228 3

4. NORTH POSEY 7-1 190 4

5. LAVILLE (1) 7-1 182 5

6. FT. WAYNE LUERS 6-2 134 7

7. ALEXANDRIA 7-1 128 8

8. EASTBROOK 7-1 46 T10

9. SOUTH VERMILLION 7-1 44 T10

10. BLUFFTON 6-2 38 6

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: LAFAYETTE CATHOLIC 28. PAOLI 24. ROCHESTER 18. GREENCASTLE 14. NORTHEASTERN 12. SCECINA 10. EASTERN (GREENTOWN) 6. HERITAGE CHRISTIAN 4.

CLASS A

RANK-SCHOOL FPV RCD TP

1. LUTHERAN (15) 8-0 300 1

2. ADAMS CENTRAL – 8-0 268 2

3. CARROLL (FLORA) – 8-0 236 3

4. PROVIDENCE – 8-0 202 4

5. PARK TUDOR – 8-0 182 5

6. SOUTH PUTNAM – 7-1 154 6

7. N. WHITE – 8-0 106 9

8. SPRINGS VALLEY – 7-1 90 NR

9. SHERIDAN – 6-2 56 7

10. MADISON-GRANT – 6-2 30 8

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: WEST CENTRAL 14. TRITON 8. MILAN 2. SOUTH ADAMS 2.

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL SECTIONAL SCORES

PERRY MERIDIAN 3 BEN DAVIS 0

ANGOLA 3 FW DWENGER 0

CRISPUS ATTUCKS 3 INDIANAPOLIS TECH 0

MADISON GRANT 3 EASTBROOK 1

NEW PALESTINE 3 RICHMOND 0

LAWRENCEBURG 3 SOUTH DEARBORN 0

SILVER CREEK 3 SALEM 0

EVANSVILLE MATER DEI 3 EVANSVILLE BOSSE 0

SOUTH DECATUR 3 EDINBURGH 0

BARR REEVE 3 WASHINGTON 0

LAKE CENTRAL 3 MERRILLVILLE 0

BOONE GROVE 3 GRIFFITH 0

OWEN VALLEY 3 W. VIGO 0

BELLMONT 3 MISSISSINEWA 0

BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL 3 HENRYVILLE 0

EMINENCE 3 PROVIDENCE CRISTO REY 0

WEST LAFAYETTE 3 N. MONTGOMERY 0

NORTH PUTNAM 3 PARKE HERITAGE 0

SHAKAMAK 3 WHITE RIVER VALLEY 0

DEMOTTE CHRISTIAN 3 BOWMAN ACADEMY 0

BLUE RIVER VALLEY 3 UNION 0

EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL 3 MOUNT VERNON 0

BREBEUF 3 FRANKLIN CENTRAL 2

SCOTTSBURG 3 N. HARRISON 2

MOUNT VERNON 3 GREENFIELD CENTRAL 1

Class 4A Brackets | Class 3A Brackets | Class 2A Brackets | Class 1A Brackets

INDIANA BOYS SOCCER REGIONALS OCTOBER 11

NOBLESVILLE VS. WARSAW

FW SNIDER VS. HARRISON

CONCORD VS. PENN

HOBART VS. LAKE CENTRAL

CASTLE VS. FLOYD CENTRAL

CENTER GROVE VS. COLUMBUS NORTH

EAST CENTRAL VS. CATHERAL

CARMEL VS. PIKE

MISSISSINEWA VS. LEO

FW CONCORDIA VS. NORTHWESTERN

WEST NOBLE VS. MISHAWAKA MARIAN

WEST LAFAYETTE VS. ILLIANA CHRSITIAN

EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL VS. WASHINGTON

PROVIDENCE VS. GREENCASTLE

MADISON VS. SPEEDWAY

BREBEUF VS. CASCADE

PARK TUDOR VS. MUNCIE BURRIS

CARROLL VS. ARGOS

WESTVIEW VS. BETHANY CHRISTIAN

MORGAN TOWNSHIP VS. WHEELER

FOREST PARK VS. NORTHEAST DUBOIS

ROCK CREEK ACADEMY VS. SOUTHWESTERN

OLDENBURG ACADEMY VS. GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN

INDY LUTHERAN VS. COVENANT CHRISTIAN

Class 3A Bracket | Class 2A Bracket | Class 1A Bracket

INDIANA GIRLS SOCCER REGIONALS

NOBLESVILLE VS. FW NORTHRUP

FW CARROLL VS. HARRISON

NORTHRIDGE VS. PENN

CROWN POINT VS. LAKE CENTRAL

CASTLE VS. FLOYD CENTRAL

BLOOMINGTON SOUTH VS. FRANKLIN CENTRAL

EAST CENTRAL VS. CATHEDRAL

CARMEL VS. BROWNSBURG

YORKTOWN VS. BELLMONT

LEO VS. OAK HILL

NORTHWOOD VS. MISHAWAKA MARIAN

WEST LAFAYETTE VS. HANOVER CENTRAL

EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL VS. SILVER CREEK

JASPER VS. MONROVIA

LAWRENCEBURG VS. CONNERSVILLE

GUERIN CATHOLIC VS. TRI-WEST

FW CANTERBURY VS. EASTBROOK

FAITH CHRISTIAN VS. SHERIDAN

WESTVIEW VS. TRINITY

MORGAN TOWNSHIP VS. WHEELER

EVANSVILLE MATER DEI VS. SOUTH KNOX

PROVIDENCE VS. SWITZERLAND COUNTY

MUNCIE BURRIS VS. PARK TUDOR

BETHESDA CHRISTIAN VS. GREENCASTLE

Class 3A Bracket | Class 2A Bracket | Class 1A Bracket

INDIANA BOYS TENNIS STATE FINALS OCTOBER 13 AND 14

FRIDAY QUARTERFINALS

CULVER ACADEMIES VS. HOMESTEAD

CARMEL VS. NORTH CENTRAL

NOBLESVILLE VS. JASPER

FLOYD CENTRAL VS. COLUMBUS NORTH

SATURDAY FINALS @ NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Bracket

CROSS COUNTRY SECTIONAL-SATURDAY OCTOBER 14

1. Highland (16) | Boys 10 am CT; Girls 10:45 am CT | Results
Calumet, Crown Point, East Chicago Central, Gary West Side, Griffith, Hanover Central, Hammond Bishop Noll, Hammond Central, Hammond Morton, Highland, Illiana Christian, Lake Central, Lighthouse CPA, Lowell, Munster, Whiting

2. Chesterton (14) | Boys 10:30 am CT; Girls 11:15 am CT | Results
Andrean, Boone Grove, Chesterton, Hebron, Hobart, Kouts, Lake Station Edison, Merrillville, Morgan Township, Portage, River Forest, Valparaiso, Washington Township, Wheeler

3. New Prairie (17) | Boys 10 am CT; Girls 10:45 am CT | Results
Glenn, LaPorte, Marquette Catholic, Michigan City, Mishawaka, Mishawaka Marian, New Prairie, Penn, South Bend Adams, South Bend Career Academy, South Bend Riley, South Bend Saint Joseph, South Bend Washington, South Central (Union Mills), Trinity Greenlawn, Tri-Township, Westville

4. Elkhart (Oxbow Park) (13) | Boys 10 am ET; Girls 10:30 am ET | Results
Bethany Christian, Bremen, Concord, Elkhart Christian Academy, Elkhart, Fairfield, Goshen, Jimtown, LaVille, Northridge, NorthWood, Wawasee, Westview

5. Rensselaer Central (14) | Boys 10:30 am CT; Girls 11:15 am CT | Results
Benton Central, DeMotte Christian, Frontier, Kankakee Valley, Knox, North Judson-San Pierre, North Newton, North White, Rensselaer Central, South Newton, Tri-County, Twin Lakes, West Central, Winamac

6. Manchester (16) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Argos, Columbia City, Culver Academies, Culver Community, Huntington North, Lakeland Christian Academy, Manchester, North Miami, Northfield, Plymouth, Rochester Community, Tippecanoe Valley, Triton, Wabash, Warsaw, Whitko

7. West Noble (15) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Angola, Carroll (Fort Wayne), Central Noble, Churubusco, DeKalb, East Noble, Eastside, Fremont, Garrett, Hamilton, Lakeland, Lakewood Park Christian, Leo, Prairie Heights, West Noble

8. Woodlan (The Plex) (14) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger, Fort Wayne Bishop Luers, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian, Fort Wayne Canterbury, Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran, Fort Wayne Northrop, Fort Wayne Northside, Fort Wayne Snider, Fort Wayne South Side, Fort Wayne Wayne, Heritage, Homestead, New Haven, Woodlan

9. Delta (Taylor University) (16) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Adams Central, Bellmont, Blackford, Bluffton, Delta, Eastbrook, Jay County, Monroe Central, Norwell, Randolph Southern, South Adams, Southern Wells, Union (Modoc), Union City, Wapahani, Winchester Community

10. Marion (Indiana Wesleyan University) (15) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Alexandria Monroe, Blue River Valley, Cowan, Daleville, Elwood Community, Frankton, Madison-Grant, Marion, Mississinewa, Muncie Burris, Muncie Central, Oak Hill, Southwood, West-Del, Yorktown

11. Logansport (16) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Carroll (Flora), Caston, Clinton Central, Clinton Prairie, Eastern (Greentown), Frankfort, Kokomo, Lewis Cass, Logansport, Maconaquah, Northwestern, Peru, Pioneer, Rossville, Taylor, Western

12. Harrison (West Lafayette) (14) | Boys 10 am ET; Girls 10:30 am ET | Results
Attica, Covington, Crawfordsville, Delphi, Faith Christian, Fountain Central, Harrison (West Lafayette), Lafayette Central Catholic, Lafayette Jefferson, McCutcheon, North Montgomery, Seeger, Southmont, West Lafayette

13. North Central (Indianapolis) (18) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Carmel, Heritage Christian, Herron, Indiana School for the Deaf, Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, Indianapolis Crispus Attucks, Indianapolis George Washington, Indianapolis Metropolitan, Indianapolis Shortridge, International School of Indiana, North Central (Indianapolis), Park Tudor, Riverside, Tindley, Traders Point Christian, University, Western Boone, Zionsville

14. Terre Haute North Vigo (17) | Boys 10 am ET; Girls 10:45 am ET | Results
Clay City, Cloverdale, Dugger Union, Greencastle, North Central (Farmersburg), North Vermillion, Northview, Owen Valley, Park Heritage, Riverton Parke, Shakamak, South Putnam, South Vermillion, Sullivan, Terre Haute North Vigo, Terre Haute South Vigo, West Vigo

15. Ben Davis (15) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Avon, Ben Davis, Bethesda Christian, Brebeuf Jesuit, Brownsburg, Cascade, Covenant Christian, Danville Community, Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter, North Putnam, Pike, Plainfield, Providence Cristo Rey, Speedway, Tri-West Hendricks

16. Noblesville (15) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Anderson, Anderson Preparatory Academy, Fishers, Guerin Catholic, Hamilton Heights, Hamilton Southeastern, Lapel, Lebanon, Liberty Christian, Noblesville, Pendleton Heights, Shenandoah, Tipton, Tri-Central, Westfield

17. Mt. Vernon (Fortville) (17) | Boys 9:45 am ET; Girls 10:30 am ET | Results
Beech Grove, Eastern Hancock, Franklin Central, Greenfield-Central, Indianapolis Arsenal Tech, Indianapolis Cathedral, Indianapolis Lutheran, Indianapolis Scecina Memorial, Irvington Preparatory Academy, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, Morristown, Mt. Vernon (Fortville), New Palestine, Purdue Polytechnic, Victory College Prep, Warren Central

18. Connersville (15) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Batesville, Cambridge City Lincoln, Centerville, Connersville, East Central, Franklin County, Hagerstown, New Castle, Northeastern, Oldenburg Academy, Richmond, Rushville Consolidated, Seton Catholic, Tri, Union County

19. Shelbyville (Blue River Park) (16) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Center Grove, Decatur Central, Edinburgh, Franklin Community, Greenwood Christian Academy, Greenwood Community, Indian Creek, Mooresville, Perry Meridian, Roncalli, Shelbyville, Southport, Southwestern (Shelby), Triton Central, Waldron, Whiteland Community

20. Southwestern (Hanover) (Hanover College) (16) Boys 9 am ET; Girls 9:45 am ET | Results
Austin, Charlestown, Crothersville, Henryville, Jac-Cen-Del, Lawrenceburg, Madison Consolidated, Milan, New Washington, Rising Sun, Scottsburg, Shawe Memorial, Southwestern Hanover, Switzerland County, South Dearborn, South Ripley

21. Brown County (14) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Brown County, Columbus East, Columbus North, Edgewood, Eminence, Greensburg, Hauser, Jennings County, Martinsville, Monrovia, North Decatur, Seymour, South Decatur, Trinity Lutheran

22. Bedford North Lawrence (17) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Bedford North Lawrence, Bloomfield, Bloomington North, Bloomington South, Brownstown Central, Eastern (Pekin), Eastern Greene, Lighthouse Christian Academy, Linton-Stockton, Loogootee, Mitchell, North Daviess, Orleans, Salem, Shoals, West Washington, White River Valley

23. Crawford County (15) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Borden, Christian Academy of Indiana, Clarksville, Corydon Central, Crawford County, Floyd Central, Jeffersonville, Lanesville, New Albany, North Harrison, Paoli, Providence, Silver Creek, South Central (Elizabeth), Springs Valley

24. Jasper (14) | Boys 10:30 am ET; Girls 11:15 am ET | Results
Barr-Reeve, Cannelton, Forest Park, Jasper, North Knox, Northeast Dubois, Perry Central, Pike Central, South Knox, Southridge, Tell City, Vincennes Lincoln, Washington, Washington Catholic

25. Evansville Mater Dei (Angel Mounds) (19) Boys 10 am CT; Girls 10:30 am CT | Results
Boonville, Castle, Evansville Bosse, Evansville Central, Evansville Christian, Evansville Day, Evansville F.J. Reitz, Evansville Harrison, Evansville Mater Dei, Evansville North, Evansville Reitz Memorial, Gibson Southern, Heritage Hills, Mt. Vernon, North Posey, Princeton Community, Signature, South Spencer, Tecumseh

INDIANA CROSS COUNTRY: HTTPS://IN.MILESPLIT.COM/

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 7 SCHEDULE

TUESDAY, OCT. 10

MIDDLE TENNESSEE 31 LOUISIANA TECH 23

COASTAL CAROLINA 27 APPALACHAIN STATE 24

LIBERTY 31 JACKSONVILLE STATE 13

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11

UTEP AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN2

SAM HOUSTON AT NEW MEXICO STATE | 9 P.M. | CBSSN

THURSDAY, OCT. 12

WEST VIRGINIA AT HOUSTON | 7 P.M. | FS1

SMU AT EAST CAROLINA | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN

FRIDAY, OCT. 13

TULANE AT MEMPHIS | 7 P.M. | ESPN

FRESNO STATE AT UTAH STATE | 8 P.M. | CBSSN

STANFORD AT COLORADO | 10 P.M. | ESPN

SATURDAY, OCT. 14

NO. 1 GEORGIA AT VANDERBILT | 12 P.M. | CBS

INDIANA AT NO. 2 MICHIGAN | 12 P.M. | FOX

NO. 3 OHIO STATE AT PURDUE | 12 P.M. | PEACOCK

SYRACUSE AT NO. 4 FLORIDA STATE | 12 P.M.

ARKANSAS AT NO. 11 ALABAMA | 12 P.M. | ESPN

MICHIGAN STATE AT RUTGERS | 12 P.M.

TEMPLE AT NORTH TEXAS | 12 P.M. | ESPNU

GEORGIA SOUTHERN AT JAMES MADISON | 12 P.M. | ESPN2

KENT STATE AT EASTERN MICHIGAN | 12 P.M. | CBSSN

SACRED HEART AT YALE | 12 P.M. | ESPN+

PRINCETON AT BROWN | 12 P.M. | ESPN+

SAN DIEGO AT MARIST | 12 P.M. | ESPN+

HOWARD AT HARVARD | 1 P.M. | ESPN+

BUCKNELL AT CORNELL | 1 P.M. | ESPN+

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

GEORGETOWN AT LEHIGH | 1 P.M. | ESPN+

ST. THOMAS (MINN.) AT DRAKE | 1 P.M. | ESPN+

FURMAN AT SAMFORD | 1 P.M. | ESPN+

TENNESSEE TECH AT SOUTH CAROLINA STATE | 1:30 P.M. | ESPN+

PENN AT COLUMBIA | 1:30 P.M. | ESPN+

NAVY AT CHARLOTTE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

VMI AT THE CITADEL | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

TOLEDO AT BALL STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

GARDNER-WEBB AT AUSTIN PEAY | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

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

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

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

CAL AT NO. 16 UTAH | 3 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK

INDIANA STATE AT ILLINOIS STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

ALABAMA A&M AT GRAMBLING | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

ALABAMA STATE AT JACKSON STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

TARLETON STATE AT EASTERN KENTUCKY | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

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

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AT MURRAY STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

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

EASTERN ILLINOIS AT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

UMASS AT NO. 6 PENN STATE | 3:30 P.M.

NO. 8 OREGON AT NO. 7 WASHINGTON | 3:30 P.M. | ABC

TEXAS A&M AT NO. 19 TENNESSEE | 3:30 P.M. | CBS

NO. 23 KANSAS AT OKLAHOMA STATE | 3:30 P.M. | FS1

TROY AT ARMY | 3:30 P.M. | CBSSN

FLORIDA AT SOUTH CAROLINA | 3:30 P.M. | SEC NETWORK

WAKE FOREST AT VIRGINIA TECH | 3:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK

BYU AT TCU | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN

FLORIDA ATLANTIC AT SOUTH FLORIDA | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN2

AKRON AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+

BOWLING GREEN AT BUFFALO | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+

MIAMI (OHIO) AT WESTERN MICHIGAN | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+

WOFFORD AT EAST TENNESSEE STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+

OHIO AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS | 4 P.M. | ESPNU

NORTH ALABAMA AT ABILENE CHRISTIAN | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

PORTLAND STATE AT NORTHERN ARIZONA | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

MISSOURI STATE AT WESTERN ILLINOIS | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

LAMAR AT SE LOUISIANA | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

ROBERT MORRIS AT BRYANT | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

NORTHWESTERN STATE AT NICHOLLS | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

LINDENWOOD AT CHARLESTON SOUTHERN | 4 P.M. | ESPN+

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

UNLV AT NEVADA | 5 P.M. | MOUNTAIN WEST NETWORK

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN AT CENTRAL ARKANSAS | 5 P.M. | ESPN+

TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE AT UIW | 5 P.M. | ESPN+

NORFOLK STATE AT TENNESSEE STATE | 6 P.M. | ESPN+

EASTERN WASHINGTON AT IDAHO STATE | 6 P.M. | ESPN+

NO. 14 LOUISVILLE AT PITT | 6:30 P.M. | CW NETWORK

MARSHALL AT GEORGIA STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN2

UL MONROE AT TEXAS STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

WYOMING AT AIR FORCE | 7 P.M. | CBSSN

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

ARIZONA AT NO. 19 WASHINGTON STATE | 7 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORKS

AUBURN AT NO. 22 LSU | 7 P.M. | ESPN

NO. 10 USC AT NO. 21 NOTRE DAME | 7:30 P.M. | NBC/PEACOCK

NO. 25 MIAMI (FLA.) AT NO. 12 NORTH CAROLINA | 7:30 P.M. | ABC

MISSOURI AT NO. 24 KENTUCKY | 7:30 P.M. | SEC NETWORK

NO. 18 UCLA AT NO. 15 OREGON STATE | 8 P.M. | FOX

NC STATE AT NO. 17 DUKE | 8 P.M. | ACC NETWORK

UAB AT UTSA | 8 P.M. | ESPNU

CAL POLY AT MONTANA STATE | 8 P.M. | ESPN+

UC DAVIS AT WEBER STATE | 8 P.M. | ESPN+

MONTANA AT IDAHO | 10:30 P.M. | ESPN2

SAN DIEGO STATE AT HAWAI’I | 11 P.M. | CBSSN

ILLINOIS AT MARYLAND

IOWA AT WISCONSIN

IOWA STATE AT CINCINNATI

KANSAS STATE AT TEXAS TECH

BOISE STATE AT COLORADO STATE

WEEK 6 SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

DENVER BRONCOS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 8:15P PRIME VIDEO

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2023

BALTIMORE RAVENS VS TENNESSEE TITANS (TOTTENHAM) 9:30A NFLN

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS 1:00P CBS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT CHICAGO BEARS 1:00P FOX

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS 1:00P CBS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS 1:00P FOX

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT HOUSTON TEXANS 1:00P FOX

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 1:00P CBS

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS 1:00P CBS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS 4:05P CBS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT LOS ANGELES RAMS 4:25P FOX

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT NEW YORK JETS 4:25P FOX

DETROIT LIONS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 4:25P FOX

NEW YORK GIANTS AT BUFFALO BILLS 8:20P NBC

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023

DALLAS COWBOYS AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 8:15P ESPN/ABC

WEEK 6 BYES: GREEN BAY PACKERS, PITTSBURGH STEELERS

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

FULL SCHEDULE FOR 2023 MLB POSTSEASON

TUESDAY, OCT. 10
HOUSTON 9 MINNESOTA 1 (HOUSTON LEADS SERIES 2-1)

TEXAS 7 BALTIMORE 1 (TEXAS WINS SERIES 3-0)

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11
ATL @ PHI, GAME 3, TBS
HOU @ MIN, GAME 4 (IF NECESSARY), FOX/FS1
LAD @ AZ, GAME 3, TBS

THURSDAY, OCT. 12
ATL @ PHI, GAME 4 (IF NECESSARY), TBS
LAD @ AZ, GAME 4 (IF NECESSARY), TBS

FRIDAY, OCT. 13
TEX @ BAL, GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY), FOX/FS1
MIN @ HOU, GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY), FOX/FS1

SATURDAY, OCT. 14
PHI @ ATL, GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY), TBS
AZ @ LAD, GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY), TBS

LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

PRESENTED BY LOANDEPOT

SUNDAY, OCT. 15
ALCS GAME 1, FOX/FS1

MONDAY, OCT. 16
NLCS GAME 1, TBS
ALCS GAME 2, FOX/FS1

TUESDAY, OCT. 17
NLCS GAME 2, TBS

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18
ALCS GAME 3, FOX/FS1

THURSDAY, OCT. 19
NLCS GAME 3, TBS
ALCS GAME 4, FOX/FS1

FRIDAY, OCT. 20
NLCS GAME 4, TBS
ALCS GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY), FOX/FS1

SATURDAY, OCT. 21
NLCS GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY), TBS

SUNDAY, OCT. 22
ALCS GAME 6 (IF NECESSARY), FOX/FS1

MONDAY, OCT. 23
NLCS GAME 6 (IF NECESSARY), TBS
ALCS GAME 7 (IF NECESSARY), FOX/FS1

TUESDAY, OCT. 24
NLCS GAME 7 (IF NECESSARY), TBS

WORLD SERIES

PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE

FRIDAY, OCT. 27
GAME 1 (AT BETTER 2023 RECORD), FOX

SATURDAY, OCT. 28
GAME 2 (AT BETTER 2023 RECORD), FOX

MONDAY, OCT. 30
GAME 3, FOX

TUESDAY, OCT. 31
GAME 4, FOX

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1
GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY), FOX

FRIDAY, NOV. 3
GAME 6 (IF NECESSARY, AT BETTER 2023 RECORD), FOX

SATURDAY, NOV. 4
GAME 7 (IF NECESSARY, AT BETTER 2023 RECORD), FOX

NBA PRE-SEASON

ATLANTA 108 CLEVELAND 107

MIAMI 113 CHARLOTTE 109

ORLANDO 122 NEW ORLEANS 105

HOUSTON 122 INDIANA 103

MEMPHIS 108 MILWAUKEE 102

LA CLIPPERS 103 UTAH 98

DENVER 115 PHOENIX 107

NHL SCOREBOARD

TAMPA BAY 5 NASHVILLE 3

CHICAGO 4 PITTSBURGH 2

VEGAS 4 SEATTLE 1

WNBA SCORES

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

TUESDAY’S TRANSACTIONS

FOOTBALL

National Football League

ATLANTA FALCONS — Acquired WR Van Jefferson and a 2025 seventh-round draft pick from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick.

MIAMI DOLPHINS — Designated RB Jeff Wilson to return from injured reserve to practice.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Placed WR Justin Jefferson on injured reserve.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Designated WR Tyquan Thornton to return from injured reserve to practice.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS —

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS — Placed Ss Darrick Forrest and Jeremy Reaves on injured reserve. Promoted S Terrell Burgess and LB De’Jon Harris from the practice squad to the active roster. Signed Ss Sean Chandler and Joshua Kalu and DE Joshua Pryor to the practice squad. Released S Keidron Smith from the practice squad.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League

BOSTON BRUINS — Recalled C Patrick Brown from Providence (AHL).

COLORADO AVALANCHE — Acquired D Caleb Jones from Carolina in exchange for F Callahan Burke. Recalled LW Riley Tufte and G Justus Annunen from Colorado (AHL).

EDMONTON OILERS — Signed D Beau Akey to a three-year, entry-level contract.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS — Signed C Noah Gregor to a one-year contract.

TOP NATIONAL HEADLINES

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS

SEAGER STILL GOING DEEP IN TEXAS, HELPS SEND RANGERS TO ALCS WITH SWEEP OF 101-WIN ORIOLES

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Corey Seager is still going deep in Texas during the postseason. This time he is doing it for the Rangers, who are streaking through October.

Seager and Adolis García homered early, Nathan Eovaldi pitched seven smooth innings in another playoff clincher and Texas completed an AL Division Series sweep of the Baltimore Orioles with a 7-1 victory in Game 3 on Tuesday night.

The Rangers, whose loss at Seattle on the last day of the regular season made them a wild-card team instead of the AL West champion, have since won all five of their postseason games. They are headed to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2011.

“We had our work cut out going on the road against Tampa and Baltimore. Just shows the toughness with this ballclub and the deal with having to fly to Tampa,” said Texas manager Bruce Bochy, a three-time World Series champion with San Francisco who is now going to his first ALCS. “Trust me, they wanted to win one more game in the worst way. Didn’t happen. … They put it behind them.”

Baltimore won an AL-high 101 games and was never swept in a series during the regular season, but the surprise AL East champions are done after a sweep at the most inopportune time. The Orioles have lost eight playoff games in a row over the past 10 seasons.

“Really proud of our group. They defied all the odds. Nobody gave us a chance,” Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde said. “These guys played their butts off for six months. We just didn’t play well for these last three, unfortunately.”

Seager pulled a 445-foot drive into the right-field seats in the first inning, and García’s three-run homer – one the All-Star slugger admired while taking a few slow steps out of the batter’s box – made it 6-0 in the second to chase Orioles right-hander Dean Kremer, the Israeli-American pitcher making his first career postseason start.

“We’ve just been playing good ball,” Seager said. “Can’t say enough about what our pitching staff has been able to do.”

It was the first Rangers playoff game at Globe Life Field, the stadium that was brand new in 2020 when it hosted much of MLB’s neutral postseason during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Los Angeles Dodgers spent most of that October there, and Seager was the MVP in both the NLCS and World Series. A year later, when Texas was coming off a 102-loss season, the shortstop signed a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers – and he occupies the same locker he did during that most unusual postseason with limited attendance.

With a full house for his first home playoff game with the Rangers, after they had won the first two ALDS games in Baltimore following a Wild Card Series sweep at Tampa Bay, Seager sent the record sellout crowd of 40,861 into a frenzy when he connected in his first at-bat. He went deep seven times for the Dodgers here in 2020.

“That’s what he does. He’s done it before in the big moments,” said Marcus Semien, the second baseman who signed with Texas for $175 million over seven years the same week as Seager’s deal. “He picks his game up in the playoffs. It’ll be really fun to see what he can do as we move on.”

Nathaniel Lowe also homered for Texas, a solo shot in the sixth. Lowe had led off the Rangers’ five-run second inning with a lineout to left, but that came on the 15th pitch of the at-bat after fouling off nine two-strike pitches.

“I saw a team that was really motivated,” Bochy said. “The offense, everybody was doing something to contribute.”

Seager is one of five Texas hitters who started for the AL squad in this year’s All-Star Game. That is quite a lineup for Bochy, who was hired last offseason by Rangers general manager Chris Young, one of the manager’s former pitchers in San Diego.

Also an All-Star in his first season with the Rangers, Eovaldi has won both their series-clinching games this postseason. Those are the right-hander’s longest and best two starts since returning in September after missing seven weeks because of a right forearm strain.

Eovaldi threw 76 of 98 pitches for strikes without a walk while allowing only one run and striking out seven. He was serenaded with chants of his name as he walked off the mound after the seventh – and then was prodded out of the dugout by García to tip his cap to the crowd. Eovaldi also won the Wild Card Series clincher at Tampa Bay last Wednesday.

“I’ve never had a curtain call or anything like that, but our fans were bringing it all night long,” he said. “When I walked out at 6:30 tonight, they were chanting, the ‘Let’s go Rangers.’ I knew it was going to be a really good night for us.”

José Leclerc got the final four outs, the first one with the bases loaded in the eighth when he induced an inning-ending groundout by pinch-hitter Aaron Hicks, who in the ninth inning of Game 2 had hit a three-run homer off him.

Leclerc pitched a perfect ninth, setting off celebratory fireworks inside the ballpark when he struck out Jordan Westburg to end the game.

Kremer’s 1 2/3 innings marked his shortest outing all season. The 27-year-old wore a Star of David necklace as usual, with thoughts of extended family members in Israel, where war has been declared following a deadly incursion by militant group Hamas. His mother was at the game.

Kremer was 13-5 with a 4.12 ERA in 32 regular-season starts that included Baltimore’s two clinching games: Sept. 17 to secure a playoff spot, and 11 days later for the team’s 100th win to clinch the AL East.

“Offensively, we weren’t at our best the last two, three weeks of the season. That carried into the postseason where we had guys scuffling,” Hyde said. “They rolled in with a ton of momentum. I don’t think we rolled in with a ton of momentum offensively.”

FREE PASS COSTS O’S

With runners at second and third and two outs in the second inning, the Orioles opted to intentionally walk Seager. Mitch Garver, who hit a grand slam in Game 2, then hit a two-run double before García homered to make it 6-0.

Seager also drew another walk in the fourth inning, making him the first player with nine walks in a three-game postseason stretch. That is one more than Barry Bonds in San Francisco’s four-game NLDS loss to Florida in 2003.

Seager walked five times in Game 2 against Baltimore, the first player in postseason history with five in a single game.

SHORT HOPS

Baltimore and Tampa Bay, the top two teams in the American League during the regular season, were outscored 32-12 by the Rangers. … The retractable roof at Globe Life Field was closed, just like for the last 57 regular-season games since May 21. At first pitch, it was cloudy and 78 degrees outside, but other factors come into play such as wind and humidity on whether to open the roof.

UP NEXT

Orioles: Spring training in Sarasota, Florida, before the AL East champions open the regular season March 28 at home against the Los Angeles Angels.

The Rangers wait to see if they will be going to Houston or Minnesota for ALCS Game 1 on Sunday. The Astros have a 2-1 series lead going into Game 4 on Wednesday.

ASTROS POUND 4 HOMERS, WITH A PAIR BY ABREU, TO ROUT TWINS 9-1 AND TAKE 2-1 ALDS LEAD

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Late-afternoon shadows made the ball difficult to pick up, and Minnesota’s Sonny Gray presented a tough opponent on the mound.

The Houston Astros just powered their way through and produced yet another October masterpiece.

José Abreu hit a three-run homer for Houston in a four-run first inning against Gray and piled on with a two-run shot in the ninth, carrying the Astros past the Twins 9-1 on Tuesday for a 2-1 AL Division Series lead.

Yordan Alvarez hit his fourth home run in three games and Alex Bregman had a homer and an RBI single for the defending World Series champions, who took charge from their first at-bat and moved within one win of a seventh consecutive AL Championship Series appearance. Astros starter Cristian Javier took it from there with nine strikeouts in five scoreless innings.

“It was kind of just pass the torch to the next guy,” said Bregman, who has 16 postseason homers. “Put together a good at-bat and grind it out.”

Game 4 is at Target Field on Wednesday. If the Twins force Game 5, it would be in Houston on Friday.

“This was one of the reasons why I signed with this organization, to be in the best situation and compete,” said Abreu, who set his low with a .237 average this season, nearly 50 points below his career mark.

Splitting the first two games in Houston gave the Twins home-field advantage, and they sold out both games three days in advance. Johan Santana threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Joe Mauer, and the crowd the Twins credited for carrying them to a two-game sweep of Toronto in the AL Wild Card Series was roaring from the start.

The Astros were hardly going to be fazed by the environment. They went 51-30 on the road, the third-best record in the major leagues, and have made October games quite a habit since their run started in 2017.

“It’s a very confident club, not a cocky club. We don’t showboat too much. We just play,” manager Dusty Baker said. “The guys have a knack of picking each other up.”

Javier had a 4.56 ERA that was by far his worst in four big league seasons and failed to finish five innings in five of his prior 11 starts, but the Astros weren’t concerned.

“He has a slow heartbeat. He wants the baseball,” Bregman said. “He’s a competitor and we have all the confidence in the world in him every single time he takes the mound.”

The right-hander, who threw six hitless innings in World Series Game 4 last year to beat Philadelphia, lowered his career postseason ERA to 1.91 over 37 2/3 innings.

“Their guy did what I didn’t do. He executed pitches in spots with runners on,” Gray said.

With 13 misses in 16 swings at Javier’s slider, the Twins flailed through the shadows in a feeble response to the early Astros explosion. Javier allowed one hit, a one-out double by Max Kepler in the first, but he stranded two runners in scoring position with consecutive strikeouts of Royce Lewis and Carlos Correa.

With five walks and one hit batter, the Twins had plenty of opportunities to catch up. They loaded the bases on walks in the fifth inning, but Kepler and Lewis ended the inning with strikeouts.

The Twins left nine men on base and went 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position. Correa, who has a hit in all five postseason games and is 9 for 19 with four RBIs, scored on Willi Castro’s one-out single in the sixth. But Jeremy Peña made a diving stop at shortstop of a grounder rocketed by Ryan Jeffers and leaped to his feet to start a double play.

“It was a difficult day to hit, so them jumping out early was very, very important,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “Whichever team did that was going to definitely be in the driver’s seat.”

FAST START

Jose Altuve greeted Gray with a single, and a one-out bouncer down the first-base line eluded Alex Kirilloff’s glove for a two-base error. Kyle Tucker put the Astros on the board with a single. Then Abreu hit a 2-1 sweeper into the second deck for a 4-0 lead that took some buzz out of the ballpark.

“We were fighting an uphill battle as a team. I was fighting an uphill battle every inning,” Gray said.

GOING DEEP

Gray gave up two home runs in a game for the first time in two seasons with the Twins. The previous multi-homer game against him was on Sept. 24, 2021, with Cincinnati.

The eighth major league pitcher since 2000 to throw at least 180 innings with eight or fewer homers allowed, Gray was the runaway leader in fewest home runs allowed per nine innings this year (0.391). He gave up eight hits and one walk in four-plus innings, with five runs – one unearned – and six strikeouts.

“Thankfully we were able to get the right swings across,” Abreu said.

AWESOME ALVAREZ

Alvarez is 6 for 12 with six RBIs in the series, and his four homers are tied for the most in the first three games of a single postseason with Juan Gonzalez (1996) and Bob Robertson (1971).

“He’s the best hitter in baseball,” Altuve said, “and hopefully he continues to hit like that.”

UP NEXT

Astros RHP José Urquidy will start Game 4. He beat the Twins in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series in 2020. Twins RHP Joe Ryan will make his first career postseason start on Wednesday. He has allowed 13 earned runs, nine walks and three homers in 14 innings over three career starts against the Astros.

NFL NEWS

THE STARTING 11 — EAGLES, NINERS ENTER WEEK 6 AT HEAD OF CLASS

Two NFL teams – PHILADELPHIA and SAN FRANCISCO – enter Week 6 without a loss.

Two NFL teams – PHILADELPHIA and SAN FRANCISCO – enter Week 6 without surrendering a point off their own turnovers.

Coincidence? Absolutely not. Coaches call it sudden change, situational football in which a defense comes off the bench like firefighters answering a midnight alarm. And in those sudden-change circumstances, the teams that can suffocate an opponent’s fire are usually the best teams in the league.

In each of the prior three seasons, the team that has allowed the fewest points off its own turnovers – GREEN BAY in 2020 and 2021, and SAN FRANCISCO in 2022 – has either finished with at least a share of the NFL’s best regular-season record, advanced to its conference championship game, or both. No question, excelling in sudden change can put a team on the doorstep of a Super Bowl.

Obviously, excelling in that category also is a product of limiting turnovers as an offense. And that symbiotic relationship, the offense protecting the ball and the defense having the back of the offense, is part of what makes football a true team sport.

Now, go impress your family and friends. And get ready for an exciting Week 6.

The Starting 11 entering Week 6…

1. BUSINESS TRIPS: NFL clubs are a combined 41-37 (.526) as designated road teams this year, including the two international games. That’s the league’s best road record entering Week 6 since 2019, when the NFL was 43-34-1 (.558).

The DETROIT LIONS (4-1) have a key road game this week, at TAMPA BAY (3-1) in a battle of first-place teams on Sunday (4:25 PM ET, FOX). The Lions have won six of their last seven road games, dating to Week 10 of the 2022 season. Detroit also looks for its best start since opening 5-1 in 2011.

2. NUMBER OF THE WEEK – 16: The number of Seahawks wins in the Eastern Time Zone, including the postseason, since the start of the 2018 season. Seattle, which again leads the NFL this year in air miles, is 16-4 (.800) over its last 20 games in the time zone. This week, SEATTLE (3-1) comes off its bye and plays its third of four consecutive road games in the time zone to open the 2023 season – at CINCINNATI (2-3) on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS).

Cincinnati is bidding to become the first team in NFL history to rebound from two 0-2 starts and earn playoff berths in consecutive seasons.
- Last week, Bengals wide receiver JA’MARR CHASE recorded 15 receptions for 192 yards and three touchdowns. Chase, who had 11 receptions for 266 yards and three touchdowns in Week 17 of the 2021 season, is the first player in NFL history with multiple games of 10 receptions, 150 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions in his first three career seasons.

3. MIAMI SPEED MACHINE: Last week, the MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-1) recorded 524 yards of total offense. In 2023, Miami has 2,568 total yards, the most by a team in its first five games of a season in NFL history, surpassing the 2000 ST. LOUIS RAMS (2,527). The Dolphins, who host the CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-5) on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS), need 489 total yards of offense this week to break the NFL record for a team over its first six games of a season, held by the 2000 Rams (3,056).

Last week, Dolphins rookie running back DE’VON ACHANE rushed for 151 yards and one touchdown and wide receiver TYREEK HILL registered eight receptions for 181 yards and one touchdown. Achane (seven scrimmage touchdowns), Hill (five scrimmage touchdowns) and running back RAHEEM MOSTERT (eight scrimmage touchdowns) each have at least five scrimmage touchdowns this season.
- The Dolphins are the second team in NFL history with three players having at least five scrimmage touchdowns each in their team’s first five games of a season, joining the 2011 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS, ROB GRONKOWSKI and WES WELKER).
- Miami is the third team in NFL history with two players having at least seven scrimmage touchdowns in their team’s first five games of a season, joining the 1966 DALLAS COWBOYS (Pro Football Hall of Famer BOB HAYES and DAN REEVES) and 1962 DALLAS TEXANS (CHRIS BURFORD and ABNER HAYNES).
- Achane is the second player in NFL history with at least seven touchdowns through his first four career games, joining BILL PASCHAL (eight touchdowns through his first four games in 1943 with the New York Giants). What’s more, Achane is the third player in NFL history with at least 100 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in three of his first four career games, joining BEATTIE FEATHERS (1934) and Pro Football Hall of Famer LADAINIAN TOMLINSON (2001).
- Hill has 11 career games with at least 150 receiving yards and a touchdown reception, tied with TORRY HOLT (11 games) for the fourth-most such games by a player in his first eight career seasons in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers LANCE ALWORTH (16 games), JERRY RICE (14) and CALVIN JOHNSON (12) have more.

4. SPOTLIGHT – INDIVIDUAL MATCHUP: The shores of Lake Erie will host one of the most anticipated individual matchups on the early season schedule when SAN FRANCISCO (5-0) squares off with CLEVELAND (2-2) on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, FOX).

Cleveland defensive end MYLES GARRETT ranks second in the NFL with 80 sacks since entering the league as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2017 draft. In the Browns’ last game, he recorded his 80th sack in his 88th career game, tied with T.J. 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 NFL games.
- This week, Garrett lines up opposite San Francisco left tackle TRENT WILLIAMS, a fixture on the last 10 NFL Pro Bowl rosters and a first-team All-Pro selection each of the past two years.
- Cleveland’s defense has not allowed a point on its opponents’ initial drives at the beginning of all four games. The 49ers, meanwhile, have scored a touchdown in all five games on their first possessions.
- San Francisco has won 15 consecutive regular-season games since Week 8 of the 2022 season, having scored at least 30 points in each of its past eight wins. The 49ers are the fifth team in NFL history to score 30 in eight consecutive regular-season games, joining the 1999-2000 ST. LOUIS RAMS (14 consecutive games), 2010-11 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (13), 2012-13 DENVER BRONCOS (11) and 2006-07 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (nine).
- Quarterback BROCK PURDY (10-0 career as a starter) is expected to make his 11th regular-season start on Sunday. Among quarterbacks to launch their careers since the 1970 merger, Purdy is only the third to win each of his first 10 starts, joining BEN ROETHLISBERGER (15 consecutive wins to begin career) and MIKE TOMCZAK (10).
- In his first 10 starts, Purdy has completed 183 of 260 pass attempts (70.4 percent) for 2,369 yards and 20 touchdowns, with two interceptions. His 121.1 passer rating is the highest in the NFL history for a quarterback over his first 10 starts, while his completion percentage ranks second behind CHAD PENNINGTON (70.8 percent).
- Dating back to Week 13 of the 2022 season and including the postseason, San Francisco running back CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY has recorded at least one scrimmage touchdown in 14 consecutive games. He is the fifth player in NFL history to register a touchdown in 14 straight games, including the postseason, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers LENNY MOORE (17 consecutive games from 1963-64), JOHN RIGGINS (15, 1982-83), O.J. SIMPSON (15, 1974-75) and EMMITT SMITH (14, 1995).

5. SPOTLIGHT – TEAM MATCHUP: The BALTIMORE RAVENS (3-2) and TENNESSEE TITANS (2-3) close the 2023 London games on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (9:30 AM ET, NFLN). When Baltimore has possession, the NFL’s No. 3 red-zone offense will face the league’s No. 4 red-zone defense. The Ravens have 13 touchdowns on 18 red-zone trips (72.2 percent). Meanwhile, the Titans have allowed just six touchdowns in 17 red-zone possessions (35.3 percent). The Ravens also own the NFL’s stingiest defense in the red zone (three touchdowns in 12 opponent possessions, 25.0 percent).

6. STREAK SPEAK: KANSAS CITY (4-1) kicks off the NFL’s Week 6 slate with its first AFC West contest, hosting DENVER (1-4) on Thursday Night Football (8:15 PM ET, Prime Video). The Chiefs have 15 straight wins over Denver, tied for the fourth-longest streak of any team against an opponent in NFL history. Only the Dolphins’ 20 straight wins over the Bills (1970-79), the 49ers’ 17 consecutive victories over the Rams (1990-98) and Washington’s 16 straight over Detroit (1968-97) have surpassed the Chiefs’ current streak. Denver’s last win over Kansas City was Sept. 17, 2015.

7. DID YOU KNOW?: The defense of the JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-2) has forced a three-and-out to begin each of its first five games this season. This week, the Jaguars host the INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-2) in a battle for first place in the AFC South on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS).

8. UNDER-THE-RADAR STORYLINE: NEW ENGLAND (1-4) and LAS VEGAS (2-3), who meet at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday (4:05 PM ET, CBS), share several significant connections. Both Raiders head coach JOSH MCDANIELS (in New England from 2001-08 and 2012-21) and general manager DAVE ZIEGLER (2013-21) spent the majority of their NFL careers in the Patriots organization. Meanwhile, Pro Football Hall of Famer RON WOLF, whose son ELIOT WOLF currently serves as New England’s director of scouting, worked closely with another Pro Football Hall of Famer, AL DAVIS, in the Raiders’ front office from 1963-74 and 1979-89. Las Vegas quarterback JIMMY GAROPPOLO (three seasons with the Patriots from 2014-16) and wide receiver JAKOBI MEYERS (four seasons with the Patriots from 2019-22), and New England offensive lineman TRENT BROWN (two seasons with the Raiders from 2019-20) are among the on-field connections between the two franchises.

9. TREND TIME: Including the postseason, Eagles quarterback JALEN HURTS has reached 300 passing yards 11 times in his young career, including each of the last two weeks. Hurts and the PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-0) travel up the New Jersey Turnpike to face the NEW YORK JETS (2-3) on Sunday (4:25 PM ET, FOX). The Jets haven’t allowed a 300-yard passer in 23 straight games.

10. NEXT GEN STAT OF THE WEEK: BUFFALO (3-2) hopes to get back on track when the Bills host the NEW YORK GIANTS (1-4) on Sunday Night Football (8:20 PM ET, NBC). Last week as he led a late comeback attempt in London, quarterback JOSH ALLEN beat the odds when he completed a 29-yard pass to GABE DAVIS. According to Next Gen Stats, Allen on the pass had only a 12.1-percent completion probability – the lowest of the season. The completion set up a Buffalo touchdown two plays later.

11. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST: CHICAGO (1-4) hosts MINNESOTA (1-4) on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, FOX) in a game featuring some of the league’s hottest offensive players.

In last week’s win, Chicago’s DJ MOORE caught eight passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns. Moore became the first Bears player with 200 scrimmage yards and three scrimmage touchdowns in a game since Pro Football Hall of Famer WALTER PAYTON in 1979.
- Bears quarterback JUSTIN FIELDS has eight touchdown passes over the past two weeks, four in each game. He is the first NFL player since JOE BURROW in Weeks 16-17 of 2021 with four-or-more touchdown passes and a 125-or-better passer rating in consecutive games.
- Minnesota quarterback KIRK COUSINS leads the NFL with 13 touchdown passes and 137 completions. He also ranks second with 1,498 passing yards.
- The Vikings’ T.J. HOCKENSON leads all NFL tight ends with 30 receptions.

VIKINGS TO PUT JUSTIN JEFFERSON ON INJURED RESERVE FOR MINIMUM 4-GAME ABSENCE, AP SOURCE CONFIRMS

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings will place wide receiver Justin Jefferson on injured reserve, according to a person with knowledge of the decision, forcing the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year to miss at least the next four games because of a hamstring injury.

The person confirmed the decision to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the Vikings had not finalized the move.

Jefferson slipped on the U.S. Bank Stadium turf while trying to make a cut on his route during a third-down pass deep in Kansas City territory and limped slowly to the sideline after grabbing the back of his right leg in the fourth quarter of the 27-20 loss to the Chiefs.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, speaking to reporters on Monday, made it clear the team would be extra cautious with their most important and extremely competitive player.

“We’re going to have to, medically, make a good decision and help almost protect him from himself a little bit in a way, where we have to take care of him and get him back to 100%,” O’Connell said.

Without Jefferson, Kirk Cousins and the Vikings will have to lean hard on rookie Jordan Addison, their first-round draft pick who is off to a promising start. Fellow wide receivers K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell will have their roles elevated, and tight end T.J. Hockenson will be even more vital on third downs.

Addison has 19 catches for 249 yards and three touchdowns in his first five games.

“I’m very confident in that group,” O’Connell said.

The Vikings could hardly have had a worse setback after losing four of their first five games, all by eight points or fewer. Their entire offense is built around Jefferson, who has set all kinds of all-time records just five games into his fourth NFL season. He has 36 catches for 571 yards and three touchdowns and never has missed a game in his career until now.

Minnesota (1-4) plays at Chicago (1-4) on Sunday.

CHIEFS’ TRAVIS KELCE EXPECTED TO PLAY AGAINST BRONCOS ON THURSDAY NIGHT AFTER ANKLE INJURY

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce is expected to be available when the Kansas City Chiefs play the Denver Broncos on Thursday night, despite hurting his ankle when he slipped on the turf in last weekend’s win over the Minnesota Vikings.

The Chiefs did not practice Monday, but Kelce was listed as “did not practice” on the injury report, which was an estimation of what would have happened. He went through a walkthrough Tuesday and Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he would be on the field for practice with the expectation that he will also be on the field Thursday night.

“He’s got quite a little bit of treatment on it and he’s feeling better, which is good,” Reid said. “I’m just going to see, see how he moves around, see how he feels. He’s always been honest with me on things like that, and just see how he does.”

Kelce hurt his ankle late in the first half Sunday, and for a while it appeared that the injury would be significant. Kelce slammed his helmet down on the sideline in frustration, and he headed to the locker room for X-rays before the end of the half.

After receiving some treatment and stretching on the sideline, Kelce talked his way back into the game in the second half, and he came up with a couple of big plays down the stretch. His touchdown reception late in the third quarter made it a two-possession game, and he finished with 10 catches for 67 yards and the score in the 27-20 victory.

“That’s a legendary-type game to be able to battle through that,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “I didn’t see the injury or how bad it was, but looking back on it now and seeing how the ankle rolled, and coming back out and playing at a high level and scoring a touchdown we needed to win the game, it speaks to his toughness and ability to get back out there.”

Kelce has only missed one game because of injury since his rookie season, and that was Week 1 last month, when he hyperextended his knee in the final practice before facing Detroit.

And Kelce tried to talk his way into being active — he went through pregame warmups trying to prove he was OK — before the Chiefs declared him out for the game.

It remains the only game that Kansas City (4-1) has lost this season.

While Kelce has made as many headlines the past four weeks for his relationship with Taylor Swift as for his play on the field, the 34-year-old tight end still has caught 27 passes for 222 yards and three scores. Those are all tops on the team.

“He’s a guy that wants to play. He’s a competitor at the end of the day,” Mahomes said. “He goes out and battles week in and week out, and sometimes people don’t even know that he’s not feeling great. He just goes out and plays at a high level.”

THE RAMS ARE TRADING WR VAN JEFFERSON TO THE ATLANTA FALCONS IN A DRAFT PICK SWAP, AP SOURCE SAYS

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to terms on a trade to send receiver Van Jefferson and a seventh-round pick in 2025 to the Atlanta Falcons for a sixth-round pick in 2025, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the teams were still completing the deal.

Jefferson is a 2020 second-round pick who played a steady role on the Rams’ offense when healthy for his first three NFL seasons. He started every game in Los Angeles’ 2021-22 championship season, setting career highs with 50 catches for 802 yards and six touchdowns before catching four passes in the Super Bowl.

But the Florida product has fallen out of the receiver rotation this year. He had been supplanted by record-setting rookie Puka Nacua and speedy third-year pro Tutu Atwell even before Super Bowl 56 MVP Cooper Kupp made a strong return from injury last Sunday against Philadelphia.

Jefferson’s fate was fairly clear when he played only two offensive snaps against the Eagles, with even Ben Skowronek getting more playing time. Jefferson has eight catches for 108 yards this season.

Jefferson could contribute quickly with the Falcons, who have questionable depth and little production at receiver behind USC product Drake London, who has 17 catches for 204 yards and two TDs.

Atlanta’s three most productive pass-catchers are running back Bijan Robinson and tight ends Jonnu Smith and Kyle Pitts. Mack Hollins is the Falcons’ second-leading wide receiver with just nine catches for 143 yards.

Jefferson had 101 catches with the Rams for 1,499 yards over four seasons. Although he missed a chunk of last season because of an injury, he also had perhaps the most memorable play of his career when he caught a last-minute touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield in Los Angeles’ shocking comeback victory over Las Vegas last December.

Jefferson is the second 2020 second-round pick to be traded by the Rams already this season. Los Angeles shipped running back Cam Akers to Minnesota last month after he clashed with the coaching staff again.

DOLPHINS ROOKIE DE’VON ACHANE EXPECTED TO MISS MULTIPLE WEEKS WITH KNEE INJURY, PER REPORTS

Dolphins rookie running back De’Von Achane reportedly will miss multiple weeks after suffering a knee injury in Miami’s win over the New York Giants.

Coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that the team is still gathering information on the severity of Achane’s injury and didn’t have details on exactly when it occurred, or a timeline for return. According to NFL Network, Achane’s injury is not expected to sideline him for the rest of the season.

“Something that we’re treating that we’ll get more information on,” McDaniel said. “But he was in and out of the game, standard rotation at the end of it like normal. He thought that he might have something, but he’s such a tough kid that it was kind of tough to read. So we need to evaluate more, and that’s what we’re doing today.”

Achane, whom Miami selected in the third round of the 2023 draft, leads the league with 12.1 yards per carry and is second in total yards rushing with 460 despite having only 38 carries — 61 fewer than San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey, who leads the NFL with 510 yards.

Achane had a breakout game in Week 3 against Denver after being a healthy scratch in the season opener and recording only one carry for five yards the next week.

The former Texas A&M running back led the team with 203 total yards on 18 carries, 11.3 yards per rush and four touchdowns in Miami’s historic 70-20 win over Denver, and he immeditaly earned a larger role in the Dolphins’ prolific offense.

He had a team-high 11 carries in Sunday’s 31-16 win over the Giants as well as a 76-yard touchdown run, making him the only player in the Super Bowl era with seven touchdowns in his first four NFL games.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for that guy, and I think a lot of guys around the league have a lot of respect for him, as well,” Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said, “but the cool thing about it is like he doesn’t take heed to listening to any of that. Just a humble guy, just coming into work, doing what he needs to help the team win.”

Achane’s injury likely will put a heavier workload on the veteran Raheem Mostert, who has seven touchdowns and 314 yards rushing. It could also expedite the return of Jeff Wilson Jr., who has spent the first part of the season on injured reserve with multiple injuries.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS

BIG 10 THIS WEEK

• Conference action continues this week, with five Big Ten contests highlighted by three divisional matchups. Minnesota, Nebraska and Northwestern will enjoy byes this week, with the complete schedule appearing to the right.

• Three Big Ten teams appear in the AP Poll this week. Michigan leads the conference at No. 2, followed by No. 3 Ohio State and No. 6 Penn State. Iowa, Maryland and Wisconsin are all receiving votes.

• Four Big Ten teams remain undefeated on the season, as Ohio State and Penn State are all 5-0, while Michigan is 6-0.

• Michigan and Penn State currently rank among the top 20 nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense. The Wolverines lead the nation in scoring defense (6.7 points per game), while ranking No. 17 nationally in scoring offense (37.3 points per game). The Nittany Lions rank No. 2 nationally in scoring defense (9.6 points per game), while ranking 11th in scoring offense (40.6 points per game).

• Four additional Big Ten teams rank in the top 25 in terms of scoring defense: Ohio State (3rd, 10.2 points per game), Rutgers (13th, 14.7 points per game), Iowa (16th, 16.3 points per game) and Maryland (20th, 17.2 points per game).

• Michigan has won 22 consecutive regular season games, tied for the seventh-longest streak in Big Ten history (Ohio State, 2018-21). The Wolverines are in the midst of an 18-game conference winning streak, one shy of matching the program record (19) set from 1990-92. The current streak is the fifth-longest in Big Ten history.

• Blake Corum is up to 2,986 rushing yards, good for 10th all-time at Michigan and 86 yards shy of passing Billy Taylor for ninth. Corum’s 41 career rushing touchdowns place him tied-fourth all-time at U-M. The senior running back is tied as the national leader in rushing touchdowns (10) while wide receiver Roman Wilson is third in receiving touchdowns (eight). Corum also ranks fourth in total points scored (60).

• Through five games, Penn State has 18 different players who have recorded at least a full tackle for loss and 14 different players who have recorded at least a full sack. The Nittany Lions are the only FBS team with at least 14 players registering at least one sack this season. Penn State secured seven sacks at Northwestern, marking 10-straight games with at least three sacks, tied for the nation’s longest streak. Since 2014, Penn State has posted six or more sacks in 16 games, tied for most in the FBS.

• Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. recorded his third 100-yard receiving game this season with eight receptions for 163 yards and one touchdown in Ohio State’s 37-17 win vs. Maryland on Saturday. The wide receiver added a 58-yard second quarter catch and run to help the Buckeyes to a field goal and a tie game at the half, before his 17-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter clinched the win, giving Ohio State a 34-17 lead with just seven minutes to play. Harrison Jr. tied Michael Jenkins and Garrett Wilson for third at Ohio State with 10 100-yard receiving games.

• With a 24-14 victory against Rutgers on Saturday Luke Fickell becomes the first Wisconsin head coach to win five of his first six games since Bret Bielema in 2006. Badger quarterback Tanner Mordecai went 17-of-31 for 145 with a touchdown through the air, while Braelon Allen ran 21 times for 101 yards and a touchdown. Allen collected his 18th-career 100+ yard rushing performance, more than any other active A5 RB in the country. In each of UW’s last 19 wins, dating back to early 2021, Allen has run for 80+ yards. Allen has gone over 100 yards rushing in 16 of those 19 wins.

• Twelve Big Ten Conference students are among the 201 semifinalists for the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy. Now in its 34th year, the Campbell Trophy is presented annually to the nation’s top football scholar-athlete. Representing the Big Ten as this year’s Campbell Trophy semifinalists are Illinois’ Isaiah Williams, Indiana’s Trey Walker, Maryland’s Taulia Tagovailoa, Michigan’s Zak Zinter, Michigan State’s Maverick Hansen, Nebraska’s Brian Buschini, Northwestern’s Bryce Gallagher, Ohio State’s Cody Simon, Penn State’s Olu Fashanu, Purdue’s Gus Hartwig, Rutgers’ Mayan Ahanotu and Wisconsin’s Maema Njongmeta.

• Last season, the Big Ten posted the fifth-highest single-season attendance total in conference history with 6,333,196 fans attending home games. Excluding 2020, this marked the ninth consecutive season and 10th time in 11 seasons that more than six million fans have attended Big Ten home football games.

• This season’s Playoff Semifinals will take place Monday, January 1, 2024, at the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the Rose Bowl. Houston will host the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 8, 2024, at NRG Stadium. The College Football Playoff matches the No. 1 ranked team vs. No. 4, and No. 2 vs. No. 3 in semifinal games that rotate annually among six bowl games – the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl Game.

Saturday, October 14, 2023
Away	Home	Time	Location	Links
Indiana	Michigan	12:00 P.M.	Ann Arbor, Mich. (Conf.)	TV: Fox Stats Radio: Indiana Sports Radio Network
Michigan State	Rutgers	12:00 P.M.	Piscataway, N.J. (Conf.)	TV: Big Ten Network Stats Radio: WFAN 660-AM/101.9-FM, FOX Sports New Jersey 93.5-FM/1450-AM, SiriusXM 113 or 195, SXM app, Audacy app, Scarlet Knights app Video
Ohio State	Purdue	12:00 P.M.	West Lafayette, Ind. (Conf.)	TV: Peacock Stats Radio: WAZY (96.5 FM)
Illinois	Maryland	3:30 P.M.	College Park, Md. (Conf.)	TV: NBC Stats Radio: Maryland Sports Radio Network Audio
UMass	Penn State	3:30 P.M.	University Park, Pa.	TV: Big Ten Network Stats Radio: Penn State Sports Network
Iowa	Wisconsin	4:00 P.M.	Madison, WI (Conf.)	TV: FOX Stats Radio: Badger Sports Network Video

NHL NEWS

CONNOR BEDARD IS THE NHL’S LATEST ‘NEXT SIDNEY CROSBY.’ THE ORIGINAL HAS PLENTY LEFT IN THE TANK

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby knows a little — OK, maybe more than a little — about being hockey’s next big thing.

The hype. The attention. The pressure. It can be a lot for a teenager to handle, no matter how talented, how driven, how focused they are.

Crosby was that teenager literally half a lifetime ago when the Pittsburgh Penguins selected “Sid the Kid” first overall in the summer of 2005, weeks before his 18th birthday.

All the franchise and the city asked of him was everything. Over the better part of the last two decades, Crosby has delivered it. All of it.

Stanley Cup championships. A sparkling downtown arena. A regional transformation that’s made western Pennsylvania a hockey hotbed. All while serving as the face of the franchise and the league he helped revitalize one rush, one pass, one goal, one point — 1,502 and counting — at a time.

So when Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard skates onto the PPG Paints Arena ice on Tuesday night and sees Crosby on the other side, he won’t just see the player he grew up idolizing. He will see a mentor well-versed in the unique crucible Bedard — born two weeks before Crosby arrived in Pittsburgh and himself chosen No. 1 just weeks before his 18th birthday — will find himself in over the next six months and quite possibly the next 16 years … or more.

“I think he’s a guy that’s more than ready at this point,” Crosby said. “He’s been dealing with the expectations for a while now. … I think, at this point, he’s just ready to finally start and get all of that over with. You can relate to things like that.”

Or at least, Crosby can, though the two-time Hart Trophy winner and future Hall of Famer prefers not to spend too much time looking in the rearview mirror.

Yes, the now 36-year-old understands he’s not the wunderkind he once was. That he has more hockey behind him than in front of him. That at one point he’ll hand the baton of being the most recognizable active player in the sport he’s helped redefine to someone else. Maybe Connor McDavid. Maybe Bedard. Maybe someone other prodigy drawn to the game because of something No. 87 did on the ice.

Don’t let the small but noticeable flecks of gray that dot Crosby’s hair fool you. While the league has become increasingly littered with “Next Sidney Crosbys,” the 1.0 version remains very much intent on proving the fire burns just as bright entering his 19th season as it did in his first.

“I don’t think it’s by accident he’s as good as he is,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “He’s an ultra talent without a doubt but he has an appetite for the game that’s been unmatched by anyone I’ve been around.”

An appetite that doesn’t have an off switch. At least one that works anyway. There will be times when Sullivan will be at home during a rare night off during the season when his phone will light up with a text message from his longtime captain.

“It’s ‘Hey, did you see that Colorado play on the power play? That’s a really nice play, we should think about that,’” Sullivan said.

Crosby sheepishly points out that he doesn’t watch hockey “every single night” but when the remote is in his hand it inevitably finds a way to a game. The smartest player of his generation can’t help himself. He doesn’t study hockey as much as he absorbs it.

“It’s hard not to pick up on things or try to learn,” he said. “I think you’ve got to continue to learn.”

A process that never stops. It can’t for a player who is relentlessly searching for an edge, who is still almost impossible to separate from the puck, whose innate ability to see things before they happen remains intact even as the legs that have carried the Penguins to three championships don’t create the blur they once did.

Sullivan called Crosby “a wiser version of himself.” It’s a wisdom gleaned from 1,370 games of being held to a standard few can match, a standard that Crosby embraces perhaps now more than ever.

Crosby collected 33 goals and 60 assists while playing all 82 games last season, his production one of the few constants in an uneven year in which Pittsburgh’s streak of consecutive playoff appearances ended at 16. Crosby shouldered much of the blame and disappointment even though it largely lay elsewhere, typical of a player who has had the captain’s “C” on his left shoulder before he was old enough to legally drink.

Bedard, who has crossed paths with his childhood idol on occasion as he’s made his way to the NHL, understands that responsibility will likely one day be his, too. Perhaps sooner rather than later. It’s part of the gig, a gig Crosby has handled so gracefully it feels like second nature.

“He’s such a good role model for everyone, the way he carries himself on and off the ice,” Bedard said. “He’s been in that spotlight for almost 20 years now and seems to have handled it so well. That’s something that’s really easy to look up to and I always do.”

Forgive Bedard if he admits there’s a chance he may be “starstruck” when the puck drops. He expects the “wow, I’m finally here” daze to disappear once the game begins. Probably a good idea.

While Crosby practically rolled his eyes when asked if he plans to teach Bedard a thing or two, he remembers what it was like to enter the league and see the players once only visible through the flickering of the family’s TV set in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, come vividly into focus right in front of him.

“When I was a young guy playing an older guy, I looked at it as an opportunity to go out there and compete against the best,” Crosby said.

It should be much the same on Tuesday night, when the NHL’s future comes face-to-face with its, well, it’s far too soon to say past, isn’t it?

“If the young guy is coming up or being touted as the best, what a great opportunity that is to be able to go out there and go head to head against those guys,” Crosby said. “That’s why you love the opportunity to play in the NHL and do that every night. So that’s what I get up for.”

NHL NEWS

NHL ROUNDUP: CONNOR BEDARD, BLACKHAWKS BEAT PENS IN OPENER

Jason Dickinson scored the go-ahead goal with 4:31 left in regulation as the visiting Chicago Blackhawks erased a two-goal deficit to down the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 on Tuesday as the NHL regular season began.

All eyes were on centers Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard.

Crosby, the future Hall of Famer who has captained the Penguins to three Stanley Cups and opened his 19th season, had a goal. Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft who has been labeled as the latest generational talent, tallied an assist for Chicago in his NHL debut.

Nick Foligno produced a goal and an assist, Ryan Donato and Cole Guttman also scored, and Corey Perry had two assists for the Blackhawks. Chicago goaltender Petr Mrazek made 38 saves while Tristan Jarry stopped 32 shots for Pittsburgh.

Golden Knights 4, Kraken 1

Adin Hill stopped 32 of 33 shots and Chandler Stephenson had a goal and an assist as Vegas opened defense of its Stanley Cup title with a victory over Seattle in Las Vegas.

Jonathan Marchessault, Ivan Barbashev and Jack Eichel also scored goals and Mark Stone added two assists for the Golden Knights, who raised their first Stanley Cup banner during a glitzy pregame ceremony that saw the banner emerge from a giant slot machine on the ice.

Jared McCann scored for the Kraken. Philipp Grubauer finished with 24 saves.

Lightning 5, Predators 3

Nicholas Paul’s second power-play goal, midway through the third period, proved to be the game-winner as Tampa Bay kicked off NHL’s opening night with a victory over visiting Nashville.

Nikita Kucherov, who scored earlier at even strength, potted one into an empty net with two seconds left. Brandon Hagel tallied on a penalty shot for Tampa Bay. In his first start for the Lightning in place of goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (back surgery), Jonas Johansson made 28 saves.

The Predators got a goal and an assist from Ryan O’Reilly in his club debut, along with goals from Juuso Parssinen and Tommy Novak (power play). Juuse Saros stopped 29 shots, and coach Andrew Brunette lost in his Nashville debut.

COLLEGE ATHLETICS

NCAA PRESIDENT CHARLIE BAKER TO TESTIFY DURING SENATE HEARING ON COLLEGE SPORTS NEXT WEEK

NCAA President Charlie Baker is expected to testify in front of a Senate committee next week during the 10th hearing on Capitol Hill over the last three years on college sports.

The Senate Judiciary Committee announced it has scheduled a hearing on Name, Image and Likeness, and the Future of College Sports for next Tuesday.

Baker, the former governor of Massachusetts, took over as NCAA president in March and has been spending a lot of time in Washington lobbying lawmakers to help college sports with a federal law to regulate how athletes can be compensated for their fame.

Several bills have been introduced by federal lawmakers lately, including two bipartisan efforts from the senate, but still there has been little movement toward serious action on a issue that has been a topic of conversation since the summer of 2020.

“I do get worried about Congress micromanaging the rules of endorsement deals or transfer portals or compensation,” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., told members of the athletic directors’ association LEAD1 last month at a gathering in Washington.

Baker is expected to be joined next week by Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti.

While college sports leaders have repeatedly said federal intervention that prevents college athletes from being deemed employees is the best solution for NIL, the NCAA is working on finally passing its own detailed rules.

The NCAA Division I Council last week introduced several proposals to bring transparency to NIL transactions and oversight of those who want to work with students. They could be voted on as soon as January and a working group is still discussing more ways to regulate NIL payments to athletes.

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

THE TOP 25 MID-MAJOR TEAMS FOR 2023-24

THE ALMANAC

Every season, the college hoops world falls in love with the little guy, the underdog from the mid-major level, who makes a serious run in March Madness.

That said, there’s plenty of reason to follow these teams starting from the opening tip in November. To help you get ready for the new year, here are The Almanac’s top 25 mid-major teams.

1. Drake Bulldogs

The Bulldogs made their second NCAA Tournament appearance in three seasons last year, taking Miami to the brink of defeat before the wheels fell off late. Back is Tucker DeVries, the sensational wing who received Missouri Valley Player of the Year honors. DeVries is joined by two sturdy transfer guards in Atin Wright (CSUN) and Kyron Gibson (UT Arlington) to shore up the backcourt, which should put Drake in prime position to win the Valley once more.

2. Yale Bulldogs

Yale went 21-8 and won the 2022-23 Ivy League regular-season title before falling to Princeton in the title game, setting up the Tigers’ Cinderella run to the Sweet 16. Now, Yale brings back versatile post scorer Matt Knowling, our early pick for Ivy POY, andelectric guard Bez Mbeng, the head of the snake for a top-50 defense. The Bulldogs lose some interior defensive pieces, but they should remain one of the best defensive teams in mid-major hoops.

3. Long Beach State Beach

After winning the Big West regular-season title two years ago, LBSU struggled to carry the positive momentum in 2022-23. Assuming better health in 2024, Dan Monson will have the (unrelated) duo of Aboubacar Traore and Lassina Traore on the frontline, flanked by the versatile wing corps of Jadon Jones and AJ George. The Beach should also get strong performances from lightning scorer Messiah Thompson (Alabama A&M) and former top-100 recruit Isa Silva (Stanford).

4. Akron Zips

The Zips are looking to win at least 22 games for a third time in the last four seasons. They’ll have a good chance to accomplish that with returning big man Enrique Freeman leading the way alongside boomerang wing Ali Ali, who returns after a brief stint at Butler. Those two will have to shoulder the offensive load without Xavier Castaneda, but they should be more than capable. This season, it looks as though the conference will run through Akron thanks to Freeman and Ali.

5. Charleston Cougars

Fresh off the heels of a 31-win season and a tournament appearance, Pat Kelsey has another team capable of making the Big Dance. Skilled forward Ante Brzovic is back, and so is sharpshooter Reyne Smith. Meanwhile, Kelsey brings in a slew of transfers, headlined by point guard CJ Fulton (Lafayette) and D2 import Bryce Butler (West Liberty), who averaged 22.4 points last year. Another strong season is in the works for the Cougars.

6. Furman Paladins

The Paladins finally got over the hump and ended their 30-year NCAA Tournament drought — and pulled out a buzzer-beater upset of Virginia thanks to JP Pegues. But scratching that itch doesn’t mean Furman will get complacent. Expect the ‘Dins to win the SoCon again and make another NCAA Tournament appearance behind breakout candidates Pegues and Alex Williams, who will take on larger workloads without Mike Bothwell and Jalen Slawson around.

7. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos

The Gauchos have made two of the past three NCAA Tournaments using a foolproof formula: Let an elite point guard run the show. First, it was JaQuori McLaughin. Now, it’s 6-4 smooth lefty Ajay Mitchell, who ranks No. 25 on our list of the top 25 mid-major players in the country. Bringing back Mitchell along with defensive stopper Josh Pierre-Louis while adding former five-star recruit Yohan Traore (Auburn) puts the Gauchos in position to contend for another Big West title.

8. Grand Canyon Antelopes

Bryce Drew has made two of the last three NCAA Tournaments since taking the job in 2019. Transfer forwards Sydney Curry (Louisville), Duke Brennan (Arizona State) and Lok Wur (Oregon) will play key roles down low next to returnee Gabe McGlothan. The Lopes also return guards Ray Harrison and Jovan Blacksher Jr., the latter of whom missed all but 10 games last season due to ankle and knee injuries. This could end up being the best season in program history.

9. South Dakota State

The Jackrabbits look well-positioned to bounce back after a 19-win season — a disappointing year by South Dakota State’s lofty standards. The Jackrabbits return preseason Summit League POY Zeke Mayo, who could be one of the best scorers in college hoops, along with frontcourt pieces William Kyle III and Luke Appel. Eric Henderson deploys a highly efficient offense, which should help South Dakota State take care of the Summit League in 2023-24.

10. Colgate Raiders

One of the most consistent winning factories in college hoops resides in Hamilton, New York. Despite numerous large programs courting head coach Matt Langel, he’ll return in hopes of bringing the Raiders to their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament. The Raiders will lean on preseason Patriot League POY Keegan Records and sophomore point guard Braeden Smith to take them dancing once again.

11. Northern Kentucky Norse

Looking to repeat on their tournament appearance in 2023, the Norse return their top two scorers in Marques Warrick and Sam Vinson. Warrick has scored over 1,500 points in three seasons with NKU, while Vinson is more of the table-setter who helps create looks for others. Head coach Darrin Horn’s biggest wild card is Marquette transfer Keeyan Itejere, who likely will be tasked with replacing defensive menace Chris Brandon.

12. James Madison Dukes

The Dukes have knocked on the door of making the NCAA Tournament the past few seasons, but that door never fully opened. Mark Byington brings in an exciting squad capable of reaching the Big Dance. The team is led by lengthy wing Terrence Edwards, who averaged 13.3 points on 52% shooting. Helping to take the burden off Edwards are transfers Michael Green III (Robert Morris) and athletic forward TJ Bickerstaff (Boston College), who should play significant roles.

13. Bradley Braves

Brian Wardle turned Bradley into a consistent winner — making two tournament appearances and winning one MVC regular-season title since 2017. Wardle’s winning identity is ingrained on the defensive end. Bradley’s defense ranked top-75 nationally (KenPom), and reigning league DPOY Malevy Leons is a versatile chess piece. The Braves hope to improve their offense behind guard Duke Deen and Nevada transfer Trey Pettigrew, a former top-150 recruit.

14. UNC Asheville Bulldogs

Mike Morrell had the unenviable task of changing UNC Asheville’s fortunes after winning just four games in his first season as coach. Four years later, Asheville reached the pinnacle — the NCAA Tournament — led by Big South Player of the Year Drew Pember. The big man is back, as are point guard Caleb Burgess, shooter Fletcher Abee and active rebounder Nick McMullen. The Bulldogs will try to make back-to-back Big Dances for the first time since 2011-12.

15. Eastern Kentucky Colonels

AW Hamilton has established EKU as a winner, notching at least 22 wins twice already — and looking likely to add another 20-win season in 2023-24. The Colonels return almost everyone of significance, led by ASUN Preseason Player of the Year Devontae Blanton, rim-protecting menace Isaiah Cozart and stretch-4 sniper Michael Moreno. Eastern Kentucky plays an uptempo style that is difficult to prepare for, another dynamic in favor of the Colonels earning their first ASUN title since joining the league.

16. Vermont Catamounts

Vermont has won the conference regular-season title in eight consecutive seasons, and the Catamounts look to continue their complete domination over the America East in 2023-24. To make it nine straight, John Becker will rely on super-senior guard Aaron Deloney, who takes on a starring role after back-to-back AEC Sixth Man of the Year awards. Transfers Brenton Mills (Bowling Green) and Jace Roquemore (UC San Diego) are also crucial to maintain the rich winning tradition in Burlington.

17. Weber State Wildcats

The Wildcats’ only double-digit scorers last season, Dillon Jones and Steven Verplancken, are back for another ride in the purple and white. Jones is so much more than just a scorer — the 6-6, 235-pound brute is essentially Weber State’s point guard. He led the team with 16.7 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. After Randy Rahe retired, it allowed Eric Duft to take the reins as head coach — and if Year 1 is any indication, the setback will be minuscule at best.

18. Liberty Flames

Liberty’s dominance in the ASUN was nothing short of remarkable, winning a share of first place in all five seasons as a league member. Now, it’s off to Conference USA, and it’s likely to expect more of the same. Ritchie McKay has to replace Darius McGhee, so flamethrowing guard Collin Porter and Bowling Green transfer Kaden Metheny will take on significant roles, as will do-everything forward Kyle Rode. In college hoops, consistency is the name of the game — and few are more consistent than Liberty.

19. Milwaukee Panthers

Longtime D2 coach Bart Lundy stepped in and catapulted the Panthers to a shocking 22 wins and a second-place finish in the conference. BJ Freeman was the star, averaging 18.2 points. Milwaukee now adds Faizon Fields (Old Dominion), Langston Wilson (Washington), Learic Davis (Tennessee State) and Erik Pratt (Texas A&M). Wilson and Davis boast over 40-inch verticals and could make Milwaukee the most athletic team in mid-major hoops, perfect for Lundy’s fast-paced scheme.

20. UNC Wilmington Seahawks

After blowing an eight-point lead in the second half of the CAA title game, UNC Wilmington has revenge on its mind. The Seahawks may place second in our preseason CAA rankings, but their tough defense remains the best in the conference. Top scorer Trazarien White returns, and shooting improvement should be in order with New Mexico transfer KJ Jenkins. If UNCW is just a touch better offensively, watching for the Seahawks to vie for the conference title.

21. UNC Greensboro Spartans

UNC Greensboro won 22 games last season — and the Spartans return three lineup stalwarts. That group includes twins Kobe Langley and Keyshawn Langley, plus forward Mikeal Brown-Jones. That trio played an instrumental role in the Spartans’ top-60 defense (KenPom). The addition of Utah Valley transfer Tim Ceaser will also help bolster an already impressive defensive unit. The Spartans pose the biggest threat to dethrone Furman.

22. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks

The Lumberjacks’ rich winning tradition continued from the Southland into the WAC, finishing fourth last year and tying for first two seasons ago. Stephen F. Austin’s identity is tough defensive pressure in the interest of forcing turnovers, which has translated into plenty of wins over the last seven years under Kyle Keller. The Jacks return three of their top four scorers: guards Latrell Jossell and AJ Cajuste, along with forward Sadaidriene “DayDay” Hall.

23. Morehead State Eagles

Preston Spradlin has led the Eagles to three consecutive 20-win seasons and may be on track for a fourth. Ohio Valley POY Mark Freeman and double-digit scorer Drew Thelwell return to lead the offensive charge in a dual-point guard alignment. The biggest key to winning is Xavier transfer Dieonte Miles, who is set to start at the 5. Morehead State benefited from Johni Broome then Alex Gross at the 5 — and Miles looks likely to continue that trend of bigs developing in the Morehead State program.

24. Siena Saints

The MAAC looks as open as it’s been in the past decade or so. That will help Siena in its quest to end a 14-year NCAA Tournament drought. Carmen Maciariello lost leading scorer Javian McCollum to the portal, but smooth scoring guard Michael Eley looks poised for a sophomore breakout. Fellow second-years Zek Tekin and Killian Gribben also hope to make a jump. Siena’s upside hinges on whether two-time transfer Sean Durugordon gets a waiver.

25. Jackson State Tigers

There’s not a more imposing guard trio in the SWAC than Daeshun Ruffin, Coltie Young and Ken Evans from Jackson State. Young and Evans both averaged double figures for the Tigers last season, and Ruffin brings a ton of playmaking flair from the high-major ranks at Ole Miss. JSU went 12-6 and finished fourth in the SWAC last year, and it looks like another promising season is in the works for Mo Williams in Year 2 at the helm in his hometown.

TOP 25 MID-MAJOR PLAYERS FOR 2023-24

Here are 25 of the best mid-major players to watch in 2023-24. Do yourself a favor and get familiar with these guys before they bust a move at the Big Dance.

1. Tucker DeVries, G, Drake

DeVries may be the coach’s son, but he means so much more to Drake. In his second season in Des Moines, the skilled wing earned MVC Player of the Year and led Drake to an NCAA Tournament berth after averaging 18.6 points on 37% shooting from deep. Expect DeVries to back up his award-winning season with another strong campaign.

2. Drew Pember, F, UNC Asheville

The 6-10 Pember is one of the sport’s most versatile players, flashing ball-handling skills, shooting prowess, rebounding and elite shot-blocking ability. Thanks to those tools, Pember averaged 21.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. After losing to UCLA in the NCAA Tournament, Pember opted to return to UNC Asheville for his final season of eligibility.

3. Ajay Mitchell, G, UC Santa Barbara

Mitchell burst onto the scene as a sophomore. The Belgian guard averaged 16.1 points and 5.3 assists en route to a Big West Player of the Year award and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Mitchell’s international background lends to his unique style of play: Rather than focus on perimeter shooting, Mitchell feels out defenses and utilizes angles to create clean looks inside.

4. Dillon Jones, F, Weber State

Where would Weber State be without Jones? He’s possibly the most versatile player in mid-major hoops. The 6-6 point forward is an elite playmaker, averaging 3.8 dimes in addition to his elite post scoring (16.7 ppg) and rebounding (10.8 rpg). Jones isn’t the No. 1 player on this list, but he’s likely the best NBA prospect among the group, according to most draft analysts.

5. Enrique Freeman, F, Akron

A two-time All-MAC selection, Freeman is a vacuum cleaner on the glass. He has averaged double-digit rebounds in each of the past two seasons, helping guide the Zips to the 2022 NCAA Tournament in the process. Freeman has also developed nicely into a reliable post scoring threat, averaging 16.8 points last season.

6. Zeke Mayo, G, South Dakota State

South Dakota State found an instant star in Mayo, who averaged 18.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists during his breakout sophomore campaign. Although the Jackrabbits had a down season relative to their lofty standards, Mayo showed that he is capable of being the best player in the Summit League — especially now that Max Abmas is gone.

7. Austin Crowley, G, Southern Miss

Southern Miss came out of nowhere to win 25 games and secure the Sun Belt regular season title — and that doesn’t happen without the creative scoring ability from Crowley. He averaged 16.0 points on an efficient 46% from the field and 36% from 3. Crowley is the only returning All-Sun Belt first-teamer — and should be the conference preseason player of the year.

8. Malevy Leons, F, Bradley

The elite defensive prowess of Leons assisted Bradley in winning the MVC regular season title in 2022-23. Leons’ offensive workload should increase with the departure of countryman and former teammate Rienk Mast. Leons averaged 11.1 points and 6.0 rebounds on 8.7 shots per game. He could develop into one of the top two-way players in college basketball.

9. Elijah Pepper, G, UC Davis

Pepper is a fairly unassuming player. He isn’t super athletic but has an immaculate feel for the game and is an electric shot-maker. The 6-4 guard compounds his 22.5-point scoring average with elite rebounding ability for his position (5.9 rpg) and solid playmaking for an off-ball guard. Pepper will be a serious threat for Big West Player of the Year in his fifth season at UC Davis.

10. Tristan Enaruna, F, Cleveland State

After spending three seasons in the Big 12 at Kansas and Iowa State as a role player, the 6-8 Enaruna quickly showed he’s a different player in the Horizon League. For CSU, he averaged a team-leading 15.8 points and 6.5 boards. While his shooting could improve, his strength and size allow him to dominate on offense in addition to his well-regarded defensive prowess.

11. Daeshun Ruffin, G, Jackson State

Ruffin returns to his hometown program after spending two seasons at Ole Miss, where injuries limited him to only 25 games. Still, he showed off impressive quickness and playmaking ability during his short time at the SEC level, averaging over 12 points as a freshman and eight last year. Ruffin should instantly step in as the SWAC’s No. 1 player under head coach Mo Williams.

12. Marques Warrick, G, Northern Kentucky

Warrick has amassed over 1,500 career points in just three seasons at NKU and led the Norse to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019. The 6-2 guard averaged 18 points on 38% shooting from deep and earned first team All-Horizon honors for a second straight year. Warrick’s legacy will grow this season — perhaps by winning Horizon Player of the Year.

13. Tyler Thomas, G, Hofstra

After serving as the right-hand man for CAA Player of the Year Aaron Estrada, who transferred to Alabama, Thomas is ready to lead the Pride. He averaged 16.3 points on efficient clips of 47% from the field and 40% from deep. Thomas won’t stuff the stat sheet like Estrada did, but his knack for scoring makes him the pick for CAA Preseason Player of the Year.

14. Rayshon Harrison, G, Grand Canyon

The Lopes found an absolute gem in Harrison. After two seasons at Presbyterian, he transferred to GCU and averaged a career-best 17.8 points. His scoring played a significant role in Grand Canyon winning the WAC Tournament — Harrison dropped 31 points, eight rebounds and eight dimes in the final — and he is our pick for the preseason WAC Player of the Year.

15. Ante Brzovic, F, College of Charleston

Unsurprisingly, Pat Kelsey found another D2 gem in lefty big-man Ante Brzovic last offseason. Brzovic played just nine minutes in the season-opener against Chattanooga, but he erupted from then on. He averaged 11.6 points in 19.7 minutes per game and led the 31-win Cougars in scoring. Brzovic’s numbers should skyrocket in an expanded role for Charleston.

16. Matt Knowling, F, Yale

Yale’s offense was an unknown coming into 2022-23 — and then Knowling quickly established himself as the No. 1 option for the Bulldogs. Knowling’s ability to attack the basket is where he makes his money, averaging 13.5 points and shooting 62% from the field. His numbers should only improve in his junior campaign as he looks to battle for Ivy League Player of the Year.

17. Keegan Records, F, Colgate

Records entered and withdrew from the portal this offseason, but now that he’s back, he is our preseason pick for the Patriot League Player of the Year award. The 6-10, 250-pound forward is burly and methodical, and he averaged 13.0 points and 6.0 rebounds last season. Records also scored a team-high 13 points in the NCAA Tournament loss against Texas.

18. Devontae Blanton, G, Eastern Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky’s fast-paced offensive system under A.W. Hamilton perfectly caters to skilled scorers who can also push the tempo. That’s where Blanton steps in. He averaged 16 points last year while shooting 45% from the field and 37% from deep. A highly-skilled shot creator, Blanton will look to bring the Colonels to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 10 years.

19. Trey Calvin, G, Wright State

Trey Calvin isn’t only one of the most efficient scorers in the Horizon League — he’s one of the most efficient scorers in America. Wright State’s star averaged 20.3 points while shooting 49% from the field, 39% from 3-point range and 88% from the foul line. Calvin has scored over 1,500 points at Wright State, and he’ll look to surpass the 2,000-point mark in his final season.

20. Mark Freeman, G, Morehead State

It didn’t take long for Freeman to find his groove at Morehead State. He averaged over 15 points, securing OVC Player of the Year and leading the Eagles to a regular season conference title. He’s only 5-11 and 165 pounds, but Freeman is a solid shooter from downtown (36.2% on 151 3PA). His knack for scoring should help Morehead State compete for another OVC title.

21. Daniel Batcho, F, Louisiana Tech

The defensive enforcer reunites with former Texas Tech assistant Talvin Hester at Louisiana Tech. Batcho was highly productive in two seasons in Lubbock as an elite rim protector and a reliable finisher inside. That defensive prowess will instantly carry over to the C-USA, and his 6-11, 235-pound frame should improve his offensive output against lesser competition.

22. Jermaine Marshall, G, Samford

Marshall embodies the program Bucky McMillan has built at Samford — he plays with intensity, can shoot the rock, and has terrific attention to detail defensively. The 6-6 guard averaged 13 points in each of the past two seasons, and those numbers are likely to rise with Ques Glover transferring to Kansas State. Expect Marshall to keep the Bulldogs in the SoCon title race.

23. JP Pegues, G, Furman

Furman’s recent success can be attributed to players developing within the program. Now, JP Pegues will be the marked man on opponents’ scouting reports. Before he hit the game-winner to knock off 4 seed Virginia this past March, he was a vital piece of Furman ending its lengthy NCAA Tournament drought. Pegues’ numbers will see a noticeable uptick this season.

24. Aaron Deloney, G, Vermont

John Becker always has a player who will contend for America East Player of the Year, and this time, it’s Aaron Deloney. He was the sixth man for the Catamounts last season, but his elite shooting prowess will make for a seamless transition into the starting lineup. Deloney averaged 11.6 points and shot 40% from deep for the reigning America East champions.

25. Kino Lilly Jr., G, Brown

Brown has an absolute superstar in the form of its bucket-getting guard Lilly. The junior averaged 16.9 points and is consistent if nothing else — shooting 39.9% from deep in each of his first two seasons. The Bears’ second-leading scorer, Paxson Wojcik, departed this summer, which opens the door for more scoring. Lilly could contend for Ivy League Player of the Year.

BIG 10 HOCKEY

MICHIGAN, MICHIGAN STATE AND WISCONSIN CLAIM THREE STARS HONORS

First Star
Rutger McGroarty, Michigan
So. – F – Lincoln, Neb. — U.S. National Team Development Program

Produced a five-point weekend, compiling a goal and four assists for No. 5/4 Michigan
Secured his first four-point game with a goal and three assists in Michigan’s 5-4 win over No. 18/20 Providence in Ann Arbor
Extended his points streak to 10 games (dating back to last season)
The 2022 NHL First Round Draft pick earns the first weekly award of his career
Last Michigan Star honoree: Luke Hughes (First Star, Feb. 14, 2023)

Second Star
Nicolas Müller, Michigan State
5th – F – Arisdorf, Switzerland – Modo (Sweden J20 SuperElit)

Amassed a team-best four points (goal, three assists) as No. 9/9 Michigan State swept Lake Superior State in East Lansing
Scored the Spartans’ first goal of the season on Saturday and followed with two assists on Sunday, providing a helper on the game-winning goal
Compiled seven shots, a plus-three rating and 18 faceoff wins in two games against the Lakers
The two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection receives his second career Star honor
Last Michigan State honoree: Dylan St. Cyr (First Star, Feb. 7, 2023)

Third Star
Kyle McClellan, Wisconsin
Sr. – G – Manchester, Mo. – Mercyhurst (Atlantic Hockey)

Posted back-to-back shutouts against Augustana at the Kohl Center Oct. 7-8
Became first Badger goaltender since 1963 to register consecutive shutouts against the same opponent
Made 25 saves in the season opener and followed with 18 saves on Sunday; kept the Vikings off the scoreboard while facing 11 power plays on the weekend
Collects his second career Big Ten weekly award (2 Third Stars)
Last Wisconsin selection: Kyle McClellan (Third Star, Feb. 14, 2023)

BIG 10 WOMEN’S SOCCER

INDIANA, NEBRASKA, MICHIGAN STATE AND PENN STATE CAPTURE WOMEN’S SOCCER HONORS

Offensive Player of the Week
Eleanor Dale, Nebraska
Sr. – F – Billingham, England – Major: Pre-Law

Registered her eighth brace of the season with two goals in a 4-2 win over Iowa Oct. 7 in Lincoln
Leads the nation with 19 goals on the year, which is tied for seventh most in a season in program history
Collects her fourth career Offensive Player of the Week award, each coming this season
Last Nebraska Offensive Player of the Week: Eleanor Dale (Oct. 3, 2023)

Defensive Player of the Week
Regan Dalton, Michigan State
Sr. – MF – Rockford, Mich. – Major: Business

Provided two assists in Michigan State’s 3-2 victory over No. 14 Michigan on Oct. 7
Helped the Spartans to their first win against a ranked opponent this season and the team’s first win in Ann Arbor since 1994
Receives her first career Defensive Player of the Week accolade
Last Michigan State Defensive Player of the Week: Raegan Cox (Oct. 25, 2022)

Goalkeeper of the Week
Katherine Asman, Penn State
Gr. – GK – Roswell, Ga. – Graduate Program: Business Administration

Became the fourth Penn State goalkeeper to record 50 career wins
Made four saves in Penn State’s 2-1 win versus Ohio State, which moved the Nittany Lions into first place in the Big Ten standings
Earns second Goalkeeper of the Week award this season and the seventh of her career
Last Penn State Goalkeeper of the Week: Katherine Asman (Aug. 22, 2023)

Freshman of the Week
Piper Coffield, Indiana
Fr. – D – Mars, Pa.

Making her 13^th start, played all 90 minutes in Indiana’s 1-0 road triumph of Purdue to bring home the Golden Boot Trophy
Helped limit Purdue to two shots on goal as the Hoosiers notched their eighth shutout of the season
Garners second Freshman of the Week honor of the season
Last Indiana Freshman of the Week: Piper Coffield (Aug. 29, 2023)

MAC WOMEN’S SOCCER

MAC ANNOUNCES WEEK 8 WOMEN’S SOCCER PLAYER OF THE WEEK WINNERS

Offensive Player of the Week
Lexi Fraley, Ball State, Forward
Junior, Lafayette, Ind. (Harrison)

Ball State junior forward Lexi Fraley led all MAC players with eight points last week, scoring braces in a 3-1 win over Kent State (Oct. 5) and in a 5-0 win at Buffalo (Oct. 8). The effort helped the Cardinals improve to 4-0-2 in league play. She registered five shots on goal over the two matches, with four reaching the back of the net.

Fraley scored in the 14th minute and added an insurance goal in the 87th minute in the win over the Golden Flashes. She scored the game’s second goal in the 27th minute at Buffalo and set the tone early in the second half with a 54th minute goal.

Co-Defensive Player of the Week
Sadie McGill, Northern Illinois, Goalkeeper
Redshirt Senior, Fort Worth, Texas (L.D. Bell)

Northern Illinois goalkeeper Sadie McGill posted two clean sheets to help Ball State post a perfect 2-0 week.

McGill made seven saves over 180 minutes in goal and lowered her goal-against-average to .94 for the season.

Co-Defensive Player of the Week
Brielle Young, Toledo, Goalkeeper
Redshirt Freshman, Marysville, Ohi (Marysville)

Brielle Young earned her third-consecutive shutout over the weekend in Toledo’s 1-0 win vs Ohio and 3-0 win vs. Akron last week.

Young stopped 10 shots between the Bobcats and Zips to earn both wins – one solo shutout and one combined shutout. The Rockets have five shutouts this year, three consecutive, to improve to a 6-5-2, 3-2-1 MAC record.

MAC VOLLEYBALL

MAC ANNOUNCES VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

East Division Offensive Player of the Week
Katrin Trebichavska, Buffalo, Outside Hitter
Katrin Trebichavska had a strong weekend on the offensive attack for the Bulls against Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan. She helped the Bulls improve to a program-best start to MAC play at 5-1. She averaged 4.88 kills per set, finishing with a team-leading 39 kills. The MAC’s leader in aces per set added six to her total, good for 0.75 per set. Her 27 kills and 31.0 points against the Chippewas mark career-highs for the senior. She added one block, one assist, and a total of 45.5. points for the Bulls.

East Division Defensive Player of the Week
Ellen Kinnaird, Akron, Middle Blocker
Ellen Kinnaird was the only Zip in double digit blocks on the week with 12 as a key factor in the Akron defensive efforts in their two victories. She also added five aces on the weekend, including a team-high three aces against Central Michigan on Friday.

East Division Setter of the Week
Mandy Leigh, Buffalo, Setter
Mandy Leigh had an outstanding weekend for the Bulls against Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan. She helped the Bulls improve to a program-best start to MAC play at 5-1. She averaged 11.38 assists per set, finishing with a total of 91. On Thursday night against the Chippewas, she racked up her team-leading 10th double-double of the season with 57 assists and 13 digs. In total she finished with three kills, one ace, 18 digs, two blocks, and 5.5 points.

West Division Offensive Player of the Week
Aniya Kennedy, Ball State, Outside Hitter
Redshirt freshman outside hitter Aniya Kennedy turned in a pair of career performances to guide the Ball State women’s volleyball team to back-to-back road wins last weekend and to 6-0 in Mid-American Conference play. She started with a then-career high 17 kills, a .273 (17-5-44) hitting percentage and a career-best four digs in the win at Miami (Oct. 6). She followed by establishing a new career high with 21 kills and a .214 hitting mark in the win at Bowling Green (Oct. 7). Kennedy also tallied seven total blocks on the week, with four against the RedHawks and three versus the Falcons.

West Division Defensive Player of the Week
Ryann Jaqua, Toledo, Libero
Ryann Jaqua was a steady presence in the back row for Toledo last week, averaging 6.00 digs/set in two victories at Miami and at Bowling Green. Jaqua had 22 digs in the three-set victory at Miami, and during the match became the second Rocket in program history to reach 2,000 career digs. Jaqua then collected 26 digs at Bowling Green to help lead Toledo to a win.

West Division Setter of the Week
Logan Case, Western Michigan, Setter
Logan Case racked up 92 assists (11.50/set) to help fuel a Western Michigan offense which hit a combined .287 in road wins at Kent State and Ohio last week. The senior also racked up 24 digs (3.00/set), coming just short of recording a pair of double-doubles. In Thursday’s sweep at Kent State, Case handed out 43 assists to help the Broncos hit a season-high .421 and added nine digs. She then racked up 49 assists and 15 digs in WMU’s come-from-behind win at Ohio on Friday night.

NASCAR NEWS

COMPELLING NASCAR CUP PLAYOFFS ROUND OF 8 GETS UNDERWAY AT LAS VEGAS

The second round of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs complete, the series moves West to the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Sunday’s penultimate round opener, the South Point 400 (2:30 p.m. ET on NBC, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). A win in this round is a ticket to race for the 2023 championship.

A pair of former champions — Kyle Larson and Martin Truex Jr. — a highly motivated veteran in Denny Hamlin and five fast next-generation stars in six-race winner William Byron, Chris Buescher, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick and Ryan Blaney bring in this next three-race round of competition to determine which four drivers will vie for the title Nov. 5 at Phoenix Raceway.

The Las Vegas oval has played host to five previous Playoff races with Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Hamlin (2021) and Truex (2019) the only two current Playoff contenders to hoist a trophy. Truex’s two Vegas wins (also Spring, 2017) makes him the only multi-race winner among the Playoff 8.

Byron, driver of the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and the current championship leader, won at Las Vegas this Spring — leading a dominating 176 of the 271 laps but having to beat his teammate Larson in a wild overtime thriller. Larson (2021) is the only other Playoff driver with a NASCAR Cup Series win at the track.

Reddick (2019) and Larson (2018) both have Xfinity Series Vegas victories. And Reddick won the 2016 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race there too.

It all certainly sets up a compelling start to this Playoff round. With the points reset, Byron goes into this stretch — which also includes races at the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway and the half-mile Martinsville (Va.) Speedway — with a five-point edge on the Regular Season Champion Truex.

The 40-year-old Hamlin is only nine-points behind the 23-year-old Byron and Larson is 17-points back in what would be the fourth and final cut-off position for the Championship Race in Phoenix.

Chasing them are RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher, the three-race winner is only three-points below Larson at the cutoff line. JGR’s Bell and 23XI Racing’s Reddick are tied, eight points back and Team Penske’s Blaney is only 10 points below the transfer line making this an extremely tight competition in this all-important Playoff round.

Certainly the 25-year-old Byron’s work this season — including those series-best, career-high six wins — has to make him a favorite this weekend. He rallied to runner-up finish at the Charlotte ROVAL in last week’s second round elimination race despite being under the weather — wrapping up an amazing three-race round that included a win and a pair of second places. He heads West with a lot of well-deserved optimism with a pair of top-five finishes in the last three Las Vegas races.

“We’ve got to keep it rolling,” Byron said. “I’d like to do one-two two in the next round. That would be ideal but keep performing where we want to be.”

The two-time Vegas winner Truex has 14 top-10 finishes in 23 races — 11 of those top-10s have come in the last 12 races making him a strong trophy pick this weekend. Hamlin has a similar record with top-10 finishes in nearly half (11) his 23 starts and has only finished worse than 11th place once in the last six races at Las Vegas.

Larson is another good bet in Vegas with an amazing 10 top-10 finishes in 14 starts — a 71 percent showing — placing outside the top-10 only twice since 2017; the last time came in the 2022 Playoff race.

Four times in the last 10 races, overtime has been necessary to decide the Las Vegas trophy; twice in the Playoff race (2020 and 2018). Only three times in that 10-race span has the driver who led the most laps gone on to celebrate the win.

A victory this weekend is more than a really cool trophy, it’s a ticket to race for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship and a crucial head-start on preparation for that. In just the last two seasons, Kyle Larson and Joey Logano won Las Vegas Playoff races and then went on to win the championship.

“It’s huge,” said Blaney, who has eight top-10 finishes there in 14 starts. “Just having that prep time for two weeks with nothing else on your mind. …. It’s a huge advantage.

“Obviously, everyone is gunning to do it and try to win that one and move on, but it was massive for our group (Team Penske) last year and it would be the same big advantage for any group if a Playoff car was to win next week at Vegas.

“I think Vegas has been a good place for us in the past,” Blaney added. “I feel like it’s been one of our best tracks as an organization. It’s something that whatever we do in general as a group kind of works for that place and hopefully that applies this year.”

OLYMPIC GYMNASTICS CHAMPION MARY LOU RETTON IS IN INTENSIVE CARE WITH PNEUMONIA

(AP) — Olympic gymnastics champion Mary Lou Retton has pneumonia and is in intensive care in a Texas hospital.

Retton’s daughter, McKenna Kelley, shared Retton’s condition in an Instagram post on Tuesday. Kelley said the 55-year-old Retton, who became the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around title, is “fighting for her life” and not able to breathe on her own.

Kelley started a fundraising campaign on Retton’s behalf for medical expenses. Kelley wrote that Retton does not currently have medical insurance.

Retton was 16 years old when she became an icon of the U.S. Olympic movement during her gold medal-winning performance at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Retton, who grew up in Fairmont, West Virginia, also won two silver and two bronze medals at those Olympics to help bring gymnastics – a sport long dominated by eastern European powers like Romania and the Soviet Union – into the mainstream in the U.S.

Retton, a mother of four, currently lives in Texas. She retired from competitive gymnastics in 1986 and did numerous commercial endorsements. She also made several film and television appearances, including a stint on “Dancing with the Stars.”

She and her husband, Shannon Kelley, divorced in 2018.

INDIANA RELEASES/TOP HEADLINES

COLTS FOOTBALL

COLTS RELEASE UNOFFICIAL DEPTH CHART FOR WEEK 6 GAME VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

OFFENSE

» WR: Michael Pittman Jr., Amari Rodgers

» LT: Bernhard Raimann

» LG: Quenton Nelson, Arlington Hambright

» C: Ryan Kelly, Wesley French

» RG: Will Fries, Josh Sills

» RT: Braden Smith, Blake Freeland

» TE: Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree

» TE: Kylen Granson, Will Mallory

» WR: Josh Downs, Isaiah McKenzie

» WR: Alec Pierce

» QB: Anthony Richardson, Gardner Minshew, Sam Ehlinger

» RB: Jonathan Taylor, Zack Moss, Trey Sermon

After missing Week 3 and 4 with a concussion, center Ryan Kelly returned to action in Week 5.
Running back Jonathan Taylor made his season debut in Week 5, where he played 10 offensive snaps. He finished the game with six carries for 18 yards and a 16-yard reception.

DEFENSE

» DE: Kwity Paye, Tyquan Lewis, Jake Martin

» DT: DeForest Buckner, Taven Bryan

» NT: Grover Stewart, Eric Johnson II, Adetomiwa Adebawore

» DE: Samson Ebukam, Dayo Odeyingbo, Isaiah Land

» WLB: Shaquille Leonard, Grant Stuard

» MLB: Zaire Franklin, Segun Olubi

» SAM: E.J. Speed, Cameron McGrone

» CB: JuJu Brents

» FS: Rodney Thomas II, Trevor Denbow

» SS: Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross

» N: Kenny Moore II, Tony Brown

» CB: Jaylon Jones OR Darrell Baker Jr.

Defensive end Kwity Paye missed Week 5 with a concussion.
Linebacker Shaquille Leonard missed Week 5 with a groin injury.

SPECIALISTS

» P: Rigoberto Sanchez

» PK: Matt Gay

» H: Rigoberto Sanchez

» LS: Luke Rhodes

» KR: Isaiah McKenzie, Josh Downs, Amari Rodgers

» PR: Isaiah McKenzie, Josh Downs, Amari Rodgers

PACERS BASKETBALL

HOUSTON 122 INDIANA 103

In game two of preseason action, the Indiana Pacers continued to experiment, build on strengths, and identify weaknesses on their newly constructed roster.

Unfortunately for the Blue & Gold, those efforts didn’t result in a victory on Tuesday night in Houston, as the Pacers lost to the Rockets 122-103 at Toyota Center.

The Pacers came within a possession of the lead in the fourth quarter, but the Rockets used a 14-4 run midway through the frame to put the game out of reach. The Pacers fell to 0-2 in preseason play with the loss and the Rockets moved to 1-0.

Off the bench, forward Aaron Nesmith had a strong outing for the Blue & Gold, finishing with 18 points (7-for-9 field goals), while second-year guard Bennedict Mathurin registered 14 points (4-for-10 shooting, 5-for-5 free throws) and five rebounds. Also, as reserves, Jalen Smith and rookie Ben Sheppard each scored 11 points and Buddy Hield totaled six points, nine assists, and four rebounds. All 15 Pacers saw action on the night.

For the Rockets, rookie Cam Whitmore and Alperen Sengun each collected 15 points and Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 14. Six different Rockets players finished in double-digit scoring.

In the loss, the Pacers had double the number of turnovers (18) as the Rockets, and made as many 3-pointers (10) despite hoisting up 42 from deep to Houston’s 25 attempts. Neither team shot well from the free throw line, as the Pacers finished 19-for-26 and the Rockets went 28-for-39. The Pacers committed 31 fouls to Houston’s 23.

“There were stretches with each of the lineups that were OK,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said. “The idea was to use our depth tonight. I’m seeing some good things. The thing that’s killing us the most is the fouling. We’ve just got to do a lot better job with that.”

Indiana was without three key players in Houston, as All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and veteran center Myles Turner both rested and second-year guard Andrew Nembhard missed a second straight game due to a kidney stone.

Pacers big man Daniel Theis, a gold medal-winner for Germany at the FIBA Basketball World Cup this past summer, made his preseason debut – starting in place of Turner – and T.J. McConnell was in the first five for a second consecutive game with Halliburton again out. Haliburton recently played for USA Basketball during the FIBA competition.

Mathurin, Bruce Brown and Obi Toppin again rounded out the starting five.

Houston is almost a completely different team than the Pacers saw last season, as they have 12 new players on their 20-man preseason roster. Indiana has six new faces.

The Blue & Gold shot just 8-for-23 in the second quarter, and the Rockets took advantage by outscoring the visitors 31-24 in the period to establish a 60-55 halftime lead.

In the opening three minutes of play, the teams traded the lead six times until a second-made 3-pointer by Fred VanVleet put the Rockets ahead 11-9 with 8:49 on the clock.

With 7:33 left in the first quarter, new Rocket Dillon Brooks was ejected after being issued a flagrant two for making contact with Theis in his midsection during game action. Theis then hit both free throws before Toppin converted a layup to put the Pacers back ahead by a point.

After subbing out the entire starting five, with about four minutes left in the first quarter, Nesmith, Sheppard, and Hield all drained 3-pointers to put the Blue & Gold in front by one. Hield got another bucket to go from 16 feet with 2.5 ticks remaining, and the Pacers led 31-29 after one quarter.

From 9:36 to 5:08 in the second quarter, the Pacers made just one field goal but trailed 50-40 thanks in part to some poor free throw shooting by the Rockets. Back-to-back baskets by Nesmith and a third 3-pointer by Sheppard then got the Pacers back in the game at 52-47 with 3:27 left in the half.

Despite a mini 7-2 Pacers run in the waning minutes, the Rockets held on a five-point lead at halftime.

Out of the break, VanVleet drilled a 3-pointer and Tari Eason scored five quick points to quickly put the Rockets back ahead by 10.

While McConnell got a pair of baskets to go and Toppin added a 3-pointer, the Rockets answered virtually every Pacers basket early in the third quarter. However, the Blue and Gold were able to string together an 8-0 run – including three straight baskets from close range by Jalen Smith – to make it 80-77 with 2:24 left in the third frame.

Going into the final stanza, the Pacers trailed 86-80.

A basket by Nesmith, 3-pointer from Jalen Smith, and free throws from rookie Jarace Walker in the first two minutes of the fourth quarter narrowed the score to 88-86.

But the Rockets responded again; this time with five points by Whitmore and free throws from Sengun, to push the lead back to double digits with eight minutes left.

From there, the Rockets were able to hold on for the win as they poured on the points, outscoring the Pacers 36-23 in the fourth quarter.

Indiana was outrebounded 56-46 and outscored 58-40 in the paint in the game.

The Pacers will play twice at home next week to conclude the preseason, as the Atlanta Hawks come to the Circle City on Monday before the Cleveland Cavaliers visit on Friday. The Pacers will host the Washington Wizards on Oct. 25 to open the regular season.

Inside the Numbers

The Pacers assisted on 26 made baskets.

Pacers rookie Ben Sheppard made three 3-pointers against the Rockets, his second straight game draining that many from deep.

In his second game as a pro, Pacers rookie Jarace Walker finished with seven points, four rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes of play.

Houston rookie Amen Thompson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft from Overtime Elite, played 21 minutes and had seven points, nine rebounds and three assists for the Rockets.

You Can Quote Me on That

“Jalen Smith is playing like a guy who knows who he is: what his strengths and weaknesses are and how he fits into the system. I was impressed with him. … We have a lot of guys who need to step up and do the same.” — Carlisle on Smith’s performance

“Aaron (Nesmith) knows who he is and knows how he fits in to what we’re doing. He plays hard and is physical. He did a lot of good things tonight.” — Carlisle on Nesmith

“(Ben) Sheppard is doing a very good job playing his role — running hard, taking open shots, making simple plays. He’s well-positioned on defense. Jarace Walker is showing a lot of the reasons why he was a very high draft pick, but the NBA game is different than college. There are some adjustments he is going to have to continue to make. But he’s showing a lot of very positive signs as to why he was taken eighth in the draft. We are really thrilled with both of these guys.” — Carlisle on Sheppard and Walker

“My job is to go out there, get rebounds, play defense, block shots and score when I have the opportunity. I just have to take advantage of that and do it to the best of my ability.” — Smith on his game

“I feel like as a team we have some things to improve on. Personally, I have some big steps to take. I have some things to learn for sure.” — Walker on the first two preseason games

Stat of the Night

Jalen Smith had a highly efficient night off the bench, making all five of his field goal attempts (including one 3-pointer) in 12:26 of action while also collecting six rebounds. He was the only Pacer to have a positive +/- at +9.

Noteworthy

The Pacers and Rockets will play twice during the 2023-2024 regular season: on Dec. 26 at Houston and Feb. 6 in Indianapolis. Last year, the Pacers went 2-0 against the Rockets in the regular season after losing to them in a preseason matchup. The Pacers have won seven straight regular season games against the Rockets.

Jarace Walker played his lone college season at the University of Houston before the Pacers drafted him eighth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. During his time in college, he earned American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year honors before helping his team to the Sweet 16.

Ime Udoka made his home debut as the new coach of the Rockets. He’s just the 16th coach in the franchise’s history.

Up Next

The Pacers host the Atlanta Hawks in a preseason game on Monday, Oct. 16 at 7:00 PM ET.

INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER

COFFIELD CAPTURES SECOND B1G FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK HONOR

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana freshman defender Piper Coffield earns her second Freshmen of the Week honor after the Hoosiers shutout in-state rival Purdue, 1-0, to take home The Golden Boot on Sunday afternoon, the league announced on Tuesday.

Coffield made her 14th career start, playing 90 minutes on the pitch in their first win over Purdue since 2014. The Mars, Penn., native helped hold the Boilermakers to only two shots on goal in the Hoosiers’ eighth clean sheet of the season. She is the third freshman to win two Freshmen of the Week awards in the same season. She last won the award on Aug. 29 after two shutout wins over Morehead State and Evansville.

Big Ten Women’s Soccer Players of the Week

Oct. 10

Offensive: Eleanor Dale, NEB

Defensive: Regan Dalton, MSU

Goalkeeper: Katherine Asman, PSU

Freshman: Piper Coffield, IND

UP NEXT

The Hoosiers will play their last two remaining home matches of the regular season with Michigan State on Thursday and the Michigan Wolverines on Sunday. Both matches will be live on B1G+.

INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER CHECKS IN AT NO. 25 IN NATIONAL COACHES POLL

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana women’s soccer checks into week eight of the national polls for the second time this season coming in at No. 25 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, the organization announced on Tuesday evening.

The Hoosiers hold a 10-1-3 record for their first 10-win season under head coach Erwin van Bennekom and the best since 2013 when the Hoosiers went 15-7-1.

Indiana is also second in the conference standing with a 4-1-1 conference record behind the undefeated and No. 4 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions who are 5-0-1 in Big Ten play.

IU last appeared in the week six polls coming in at No. 17 for their highest ranking in program history. Indiana received 14 votes in week seven before climbing back in after a 1-0 shutout win against Purdue.

Indiana is also ranked No. 27 in the College Soccer News national poll.

UP NEXT

The Hoosiers will host No. 20 Michigan State on Thursday and close out the regular-season homestand with Michigan on Sunday.

INDIANA VOLLEYBALL

VOLLEYBALL CENTRAL: VS. #15 PURDUE

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Monon Spike will be up for grabs as Indiana and Purdue clash for the first of two matches in a seven-day span on Wednesday evening at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington (6:00 PM).

The Indiana Volleyball team (13-6, 3-3) will look to beat its in-state rivals for the first time since 2012 and recapture the traveling Monon Spike for the first time since 2007.

The Hoosiers have never beaten a ranked team at home since opening the doors to Wilkinson Hall in 2019. With a victory, IU would move into fourth place in the Big Ten. A win would also ensure IU’s best 20-game start to a regular season since 2010.

Purdue comes to Bloomington having won back-to-back contests last week against Iowa and Illinois at home. IU took No. 14 Penn State to five sets on the road before going to Maryland and sweeping the Terrapins.

Connor Onion (PxP) and Emily Ehman (Color) will have the call from Wilkinson Hall on the Big Ten Network, set to be broadcasted at 6:00 PM as part of BTN’s Wednesday Night Volleyball doubleheader.

This match is sold out to the general public with no tickets available at the door. Students and staff with a valid Crimson Card will have access to a limited number of tickets.

Match Info

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 | vs. #15 Purdue | 6:00 PM ET

TV: BTN+

Watch

Live Stats

Hoosier News and Notes

Team Breakdown

• The Hoosiers sit at 13-6 (3-3) heading into the weekend’s competition. On the season, IU has quality wins at Miami (FL) and Maryland. All six losses have come to teams who have won national titles before and are top-60 RPI programs.

• IU tested itself early in the season with a trip to the Long Beach Invitational. A tough weekend at The Beach, which featured three defeats and eight of nine set loss by four of fewer points, was a strong litmus test for the Hoosiers in the early going of the season.

• With a straight sweep of opponents at the Stacheville Challenge and four wins at the 305 Challenge, IU won seven-straight contests heading into Big Ten play.

• The Hoosiers’ only losses in the Big Ten have come at No. 1 Wisconsin, vs. No. 2 Nebraska and at No. 14 Penn State. Those three teams are a combined 18-0 in Big Ten play and sit first through third in the conference standings.

• 12 players from last year’s roster return including All-Big Ten junior setter Haworth, junior outside hitter Mady Saris, sophomore outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles and senior middle blocker Savannah Kjolhede.

• IU adds Cincinnati transfer Avry Tatum (OPP) as well as talented freshmen Ramsey Gary (L), Ava Vickers (MB) and Luca Fickell (S) to the roster.

The Hoosiers

• IU is searching for its best 20-game start to a season since beginning 15-5 in the 2010 campaign.

• The Hoosiers possess three conference wins already this season including sweeps of Iowa and Maryland and a four-set victory over Illinois. A win over No. 15 Purdue would give IU its first 4-3 start to Big Ten play since 1993.

• IU closed out non-conference play with four wins in Miami at the 305 Challenge including an impressive five-set thriller over Miami (FL) on its home court. Haworth won the program’s first Big Ten weekly honor of the season (Setter of the Week) after an impressive showing in South Beach (Sept. 15-16).

• A perfect weekend in Miami ensured the Hoosiers 10 wins in the non-conference for the first time since 2019 and be the fourth season since the turn of the century the program brought 10+ wins and at least one power five victory home out of the preseason.

• Aird became the first coach in program history with multiple seasons of 10+ wins in non-conference with at least one true road win over Power Five team (2019 and 2023). IU’s nine victories by sweep in the non-conference were the most since winning nine during the 2010 preseason.

• To follow up a strong end to the preseason slate, IU beat Illinois 3-1 at Wilkinson Hall to kick off the Big Ten season. The Hoosiers blocked the Illini 18 times with a career-high 12 stuffs from Kjolhede. The victory was the final in a run of eight-straight wins, IU’s longest winning streak since 2017.

• As a team, the Hoosiers are 1st in the Big Ten and 18th nationally with 1.94 aces per set. In total, IU has 126 aces on the season including 44 from Haworth (No. 1 in Big Ten and NCAA).

• The Hoosiers are 24th in the NCAA and 2nd in the Big Ten in total team blocks, racking up 168.0 stuffs across the first 19 matches of the season.

• IU is holding opponents to just .169 hitting offensively which ranks fourth in the Big Ten and top-50 nationally among team defenses.

• For the second time in as many games, IU has sold out Wilkinson Hall to the general public. The Hoosiers set an attendance record of 2,632 against No. 2 Nebraska (Sept. 30) and will look to break that mark again on Wednesday.

Building on Momentum

• The Hoosiers took a massive step forward in the 2022 season, playing to 16 total wins including nine in the conference. IU finished eighth in the conference last year after being picked 13th to begin the season.

• IU won nine conference games in 2022 compared to four in 2021 which marked a five-win increase, tied for the second-biggest jump in program history.

• An overall jump from 10 to 16 wins in 2022 was tied for the third-biggest improvement between seasons in program history.

Returning Numbers

• IU returns a strong core of athletes from its 2022 team including six of seven starters. Coming along with that includes a large majority of team statistics from last year that return for another go-around. The Hoosiers return 98.4% of kills and 96.8% of blocks from last year’s roster.

• Four different players on IU’s roster last year had 200+ kills and all four athletes return including Saris, Alonso-Corcelles, Kjolhede and junior outside hitter Morgan Geddes.

Player Watch

#10 Haworth, Camryn

• Haworth has built on an impressive 2022 season, continuing her fine form into 2023 as a junior and a team captain. She leads the conference in aces (44) and assists (637).

• Among setters in the conference, she’s top-three in total aces (44), assists (637), assists per set (9.80), blocks (38.0) and kills (54). She’s also fifth in digs (134).

• She became the first IU athlete to earn First Team All-Big Ten honors since 2010 (Ashley Benson) and was named to the 2023 Preseason All-Big Ten team.

• The Fishers, Ind. native became the 11th player in program history to record 2,000 assists, crossing the mark in a 33-assist effort against Jacksonville on September 16th.

• She is one of just 19 players in program history with 100 career aces and broke the program’s rally-era record (in place since 2001) with aces 131 and 132 of her career against Nebraska. She is No. 4 all-time in program history and will challenge for the all-time mark of 197 in the next year.

• In her time at IU, she has three of the best five single-season aces performances in the rally-scoring era. She’s got 44 aces with 14 matches to play and will challenge for the rally-era single season record of 51 set in both 2005 and 2014.

• For her career, Haworth has 2,252 assists, 579 digs and 135 aces. She is just the fourth player in program history with 2,000+ assists, 500+ digs and 100+ aces in an IU uniform.

• She matched her career high with 51 assists in a win at Miami (FL), the third time in her career she’s recorded 50+ assists in a single match. She has had four or more aces on seven occasions in her time at IU including a five-ace performance over Stetson.

• The junior was named the conference’s setter of the week after her performance in Miami, becoming the first IU player to win a Big Ten weekly award in consecutive seasons since Ashley Benson (2009-10). She has four double-doubles on the season, her last coming against Illinois.

• She is the only active junior in NCAA Division I volleyball with career numbers of 2,000+ assists, 500+ digs, 200+ kills, 135+ aces and 100+ blocks. She’s second among active juniors in career aces with 135.

#15 Kjolhede, Savannah

• The Colleyville, Texas native was one of the Big Ten’s best blockers last year and is 7th among active Big Ten players in blocks (325).

• She is tied for 10th all-time in blocks at IU and is also the 14th athlete with 300+ blocks in an IU uniform. She will move into sole possession of 10th all-time at IU in blocks with just one more this season.

• The veteran middle has played in 99 games of her college career and has started 96 of those including all 18 during her freshman campaign which was shortened by COVID-19. The only games she missed was against Radford and Lindenwood in which she was a healthy, unused sub.

• She and graduate student Kaley Rammelsberg have combined to play 220 matches, put away 1,476 kills and reject 679 shots during their collegiate careers: making them one of the most veteran duos in college volleyball. Duke’s middle blocker duo (241 career matches) and Dayton’s (237) are the only ones confirmed to have played more.

• Against Illinois, she blocked a career-high 12 shots, becoming just the seventh player in program history with 12-or-more blocks in a single game. She passed 300 career blocks during the match and helped lead IU to 18 total team blocks in the dominant victory.

• Through six Big Ten games, which includes matches against the nation’s two-best teams, Kjolhede is hitting a whopping .421 (51-6-107) which includes 10 kills on a .643 clip against No. 2 Nebraska and 12 kills and no errors at Maryland.

• She (.292) and Rammelsberg (.316) are both among IU’s all-time top five best hitters (with at least 1,000 career attempts). Only two athletes in program history have ever finished their careers with a hitting percentage of .300 or better.

#32 Gary, Ramsey

• One of the top-rated prep liberos in the 2023 class, Gary has lived up to the billing early in her college career. She has 261 digs across 19 matches including three 15+ dig efforts during IU’s weekend in Miami.

• Her 261 digs are most among Big Ten freshmen and most among Power Five freshmen in the NCAA this year Among freshmen in all of the NCAA, Gary is ninth in digs.

• Gary’s 24 digs in the win over Illinois were not only a career high but the most in a single game by an IU freshman since Caitlin Cox in 2008. IU’s all-time freshman digs record sits at 402 which Gary will challenge for in the final two months of the season.

• She is averaging 4.27 digs per set in conference play through six matches and leads the Big Ten overall. She is third in the Big Ten overall with 261 digs and sixth with 4.02 digs per set.

BIG TEN PRESEASON POLL

Hoosiers among middle group of teams.

• IU was picked 8th in the Big Ten Preseason Volleyball poll, its highest mark since the conference begin ranking all 14 teams.

• Haworth made the Preseason All-Big Ten team, IU’s first such honor since the 2010 season (Ashley Benson).

Opponent Breakdown: #15 Purdue

Series History: 34-76 (Purdue leads) | Last Meeting: 10/30/22 (L, 1-3)

• The Boilermakers are led by two outstanding left-side attackers in sophomore Eva Hudson and freshman Chloe Chicoine.

• Libero Maddie Schermerhorn is fourth in the Big Ten in digs (257) and second in digs per set (4.21).

• Raven Colvin is second in the conference in blocks (79) and paces a strong Purdue defense.

INDIANA MEN’S SOCCER

HOOSIERS HOST EVANSVILLE WEDNESDAY

BLOOMINGTON — Following a win over No. 19 Penn State on the weekend, Indiana men’s soccer (4-3-4, 1-1-2 B1G) returns home to Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium to host in-state foe Evansville (3-5-3, 1-2-1 MVC) on Wednesday (Oct. 11).

Fans can stream the match on the Big Ten Plus digital platform. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.

Wednesday is Salute to Service Night at The Bill as all active and retired service members that present military ID will receive a $5 ticket to the game.

KICKING OFF

• Junior forward Samuel Sarver was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week on Tuesday after scoring both goals in IU’s 2-1 win at No. 19 Penn State on Saturday. He ranks No. 2 in the Big Ten in both goals (5) and points (12).

• In six home matches this season, Indiana has earned five clean sheets while conceding one goal.

• Indiana is among the country’s elite in two key statistical categories: The Hoosiers rank No. 8 in goals against average (.636) and No. 12 in shots per game (15.8).

ABOUT THE PURPLE ACES

• Evansville is 3-5-3 and 1-4-0 in road matches. The Purple Aces are coming off a 2-2 tie with Western Michigan, who received votes in last week’s United Soccer Coaches poll.

• Wednesday night will be head coach Robbe Tarver’s first with the interim tag removed.

• Senior forward Kai Phillip leads Evansville with seven of the team’s 19 goals this season.

SERIES HISTORY

• Indiana has historically dominated the matchup, winning 32 of the 40 matches since the series began in 1978 as well as nine of the first 10 meetings.

• IU is undefeated in the last 23 matchups, winning 21 of those. Its last loss to Evansville came in 1990.

• IU had won 18 straight against the Purple Aces until last year’s 1-1 draw in Evansville. Tommy Mihalic scored within three minutes, and the Hoosiers held the lead until a 54th-minute equalizer from Nkosi Graham. Neither team could break the tie.

PURDUE VOLLEYBALL

ROAD TRIPS TO INDIANA, OHIO STATE ON DECK

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Coming off a pair of victories, the No. 15 Purdue volleyball squad is set to travel to Indiana and Ohio State for Week 8.

The Boilermakers (10-5, 4-2 Big Ten) open the week with the Monon Spike match at Indiana (13-6, 3-3 Big Ten) tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network. The Boilermakers have won the Monon Spike trophy match for the last 15 consecutive years and will look to extend the streak to 16. The rivalry match will be the first of two, with the team down south slated to play at Holloway Gymnasium next Wednesday.

Then, Purdue will travel to Ohio State for the first time since 2021 to take on the Buckeyes (6-9, 3-3 Big Ten) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The match will be streamed on B1G+.

THE MONON SPIKE: BY THE NUMBERS:

Purdue has won the Monon Spike for 15 straight years and is looking for its 16th Wednesday night.

All-Time Record in Monon Spike Matches: 36-12.

Monon Spike Record under Dave Shondell: 19-1

MONON SPIKE MATCH: 2021 AND ITS HISTORY

The Monon Spike traveling trophy was created in 1981 and is presented to the winning team after one of the two annual matches, alternating location each season between venues.

The trophy idea was the brainchild of Purdue’s Donna Hardesty and Anne McMenamy, seniors on the 1981 team. They chose the Spike from the Monon Railroad, which originated in Indiana in the late 19th century, to be a reminder of the competition on the court as well as the tradition of the state of Indiana. As with its sibling trophies, the Old Oaken Bucket (football) and the Golden Boot (soccer), a “P” or “I” is added to the chain signifying the season’s winner.

The Spike currently has 36 “P” links and 12 “I” links.

SCOUTING THE INDIANA HOOSIERS

Last week, Indiana pushed #14 Penn State to five sets before falling, 11-15 in the fifth set.

Setter Camryn Haworth is one of the top setters in the league, averaging 9.80 assists per set, good for third-most, while leading all Big Ten players with 44 service aces (.68 per set).

Meanwhile, freshman Ramsey Gary is third in the Big Ten with 260 total digs.

Indiana has lost just one match at home, which came vs. #2 Nebraska. The Hoosiers lost, 1-3 after taking the first set.

A fairly spread-out Hoosier offense has led to five players with more than 120 kills this season. Leading the charge is Mady Saris (2.44 per set) and Kaley Rammelsberg (2.53). Middle Savannah Kjolhede leads the attack with a .364 hitting %.

SCOUTING THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

The Buckeyes fell out of the top-25 after splitting Week 7 at Rutgers (W, 3-1) and at #14 Penn State (L, 2-3).

Although Ohio State is 3-9 over the last 12 matches, every loss came against a ranked opponent, eight of which were top-11 teams.

Emily Londot leads the way for the Buckeyes, ranking 8th in the nation in attacks per set (12.04) and 15th in points per set (5.01). The senior totaled 16 kills at #14 Penn State to lead the team despite the five-set loss.

Middle Rylee Rader is averaging a .357 attack %.

PURDUE IN THE NATIONAL RANKINGS

Purdue currently ranks 15th in the nation in the AVCA/Taraflex poll. This comes after checking in at #19 last week. The four-point rise marks the largest jump of the season for Purdue.

The last time Purdue ranked so high was Nov. 7, 2022 (#15).

Although it is the first week Purdue has re-entered the top-15 since last season, the Boilermakers’ history of excellence includes 42 of the last 53 weeks in the top-15.

Purdue is #19 in the latest NCAA RPI.

The program has been ranked for 99 consecutive weeks (since preseason 2017), the longest active streak by any Purdue team.

Purdue’s highest final ranking in program history came in 2021 at #6.

Last year, the squad was ranked as high as 5th in the nation – its second-highest ranking in program history. The record was set in 2021, ranking 4th following the take-down of #3 Ohio State inside Holloway Gymnasium, 3-2 (9/24/21).

RISING TO THE OCCASION: EVA HUDSON IN BIG TEN PLAY

Eva Hudson has risen to the occasion in Big Ten matches, with increased production in virtually every offensive category compared to non-conference play.

The sophomore is averaging 4.35 kills per set, up from her 3.63 during non-con action.

Since Big Ten play has started, Hudson has risen in the Big Ten standings, ranking #5 in kills per set (3.90) and #5 in points per set (4.30).

Hit .257% or better in seven of the last eight matches.

Hudson began Big Ten play by averaging 5.00 kills per set in the first week of action.

Recorded a season-high hitting % with a .394 mark vs. Illinois (16-3-33).

ON THE SCENE: CHLOE CHICOINE

Chicoine has one Player of the Week and three Big Ten Freshman of the Week awards under her belt.

The Boilermaker earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday after leading the Big Ten, Pac-12 and ACC in points per set (5.63

Chicoine not only leads all Big Ten freshmen, but is one of four freshmen in the nation to post as many kills per set (3.93).

She made an entrance to the collegiate scene, as one of only 10 players in the nation, regardless of class, to produce as many attacks in the first weekend of competition.

In her first weekend of play, Chicoine was second overall in the Big Ten in total points (53) and kills (48) in Week One of play, leading all freshmen, sophomores and juniors.

Meanwhile, her 19 kills vs. Duke edged Eva Hudson’s 18 kills to set Purdue’s record for most kills by a Purdue freshman in the season-opener this century.

Chicoine hit .359% vs. #2 Nebraska with 18 kills and just four errors on 39 swings.

Number of matches with 15+ kills: 10

Number of matches with 20+ kills: 3

Number of matches with 10+ digs: 6

Number of errorless sets this season: 18

PURDUE MEN’S GOLF

BOILERMAKERS CAP OFF REMARKABLE COMEBACK TO WIN PURDUE FALL INVITATIONAL

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Trailing Illinois State by 10 shots with about nine holes to play, the Purdue men’s golf team surged as a group in its final nine holes to cap off a remarkable rally and win the Purdue Fall Invitational at Ackerman-Allen Golf Course.

The victory is its second of the fall season, giving the Boilermakers two team titles in the fall season for the first time since 2015-16 season. Purdue also won the Windon Memorial Classic three weeks ago.

Purdue totaled a 54-hole tally of 10-under par 842 (291-276-275) to defeat the Redbirds by one shot. VCU and No. 9-ranked Illinois tied for third at 1-over par 853, while Nebraska finished fifth at 3-over par 855.

Purdue’s 842 is the 10th-lowest tournament score in school history. The 275 shot today is the 15th-lowest, 18-hole round in Purdue history.

Illinois State was 12-under par as it started its back nine on Tuesday, leading Purdue by 10 shots, which sat at 2-under par. Fueled by a pair of eagles by All-American Herman Sekne, the second of which came as he holed out from the fairway on the par-4, 461-yard 1st hole, the Boilermakers played their final stretch in 8-under par, while the Redbirds played their stretch in 3-over par.

Every birdie was huge down the stretch, including a pair of clutch birdies by Kent Hsiao on his 15th (No. 3) and 16th (No. 4) holes and a birdie by Sam Easterbrook on his 17th hole (No. 3). Purdue’s counting team had just seven bogeys on the day and just three on its final nine holes.

As he has done all year, the 2023 All-American Sekne fueled Purdue’s final-round surge. The senior from Oslo, Norway, recorded his third top-five finish of the fall, placing third with a 7-under par 206 (71-70-65). He now has 11 career top-five finishes in just 32 events, and moved into a tie for fourth in career top-10 placings with 16.

Sekne has eight rounds in the 60s already this season, which ranks tied sixth in a season in school history and he has an entire spring season left to play. Since the start of last year, 22 of his 43 rounds played have been in the 60s and he lowered his stroke average this season to 69.21 strokes per round.

Freshman Sam Easterbrook recorded his best finish of his career, placing ninth at 3-under par 210 (73-67-70). Easterbrook was third in the field in par-4 scoring at 5-under par and he recorded consecutive under-par rounds for the first time in his career.

Peyton Snoeberger was tied for 21st at 2-over par 215 (72-69-74), while Kent Hsiao was tied for 25th at 3-over par 216 (75-70-71). Hsiao was big on Tuesday, as he was 2-over par through 11 holes, but managed to get back to even par late to help Purdue to the title.

Nels Surtani also bounced back from a tough first two rounds, shooting a 2-under par 69 for a three-round total of 6-over par 219 (75-75-69), to finish tied for 39th. Surtani had just one bogey in his round.

Playing as individuals, Justin Sun was tied for 76th at 11-over par 224 (70-74-80), Nick Dentino was tied for 71st at 14-over par 227 (73-80-74) and Luke Prall finished 76th at 16-over par 229 (82-71-76).

Purdue has completed its fall season and will be in action next on Feb. 11 through 13 at the Puerto Rico Classic in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.

BUTLER WOMEN’S GOLF

SCHECK AND CELENTANO TIE FOR 13TH AT LOYOLA PARKINSON INVITATIONAL

Led by

Kelli Scheck

Kelli Scheck and Lily Celentano, the Bulldogs posted a seventh-place finish at the Loyola Parkinson Invitational.

The 54-hole event concluded Tuesday.

Scheck and Celentano finished among a group tied for 13th at 233 (+17). Scheck carded a one-over 73 in Tuesday’s final round on the 6,041-yard The Merit Club course in Libertyville, Ill. She had 15 pars during her Tuesday 18. Scheck’s round tied for the third-best score of the day as only two golfers among the 80-player field shot even-par 72 on Tuesday.

Celentano’s round of 76 Tuesday included two birdies and an eagle. Sophie McGinnis shot 78 Tuesday, but her card featured four birdies.

Butler held on to its seventh-place position throughout Tuesday. The Bulldogs’ team score of 308 (+20) Tuesday was the best round of the tournament for Butler, which finished at 948 (+84).

North Dakota State claimed the team title at 914 (+50). That was two shots better than second-place Cal Baptist. There were 12 teams in the field.

Cal Baptist’s Pusanisa Ekkantrong (222; +6) took individual medalist honors, winning the tournament by three shots.

THE BUTLER WOMEN:

T13) Kelli Scheck, 85-75-73—233 (+17)

T13) Lily Celentano, 79-78-76—233 (+17)

T35) Cybil Stillson, 79-79-81—239 (+23)

T52) Sophie McGinnis, 86-82-78—246 (+30)

T52) Katie Steinman, 85-80-81—246 (+30)

T62) Madalin Small (playing as an individual), 82-88-80—250 (+34)

T71) Alaina Bowie (playing as an individual), 86-85-85—256 (+40)

UP NEXT: The Bulldogs conclude the fall portion of the 2023-24 schedule at the Dayton Flyer Invitational. Play is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at the NCR Country Club in Kettering, Ohio.

BUTLER MEN’S SOCCER

FLURRY OF SECOND-HALF GOALS LEADS TO DRAW WITH MILWAUKEE

INDIANAPOLIS – The Butler men’s soccer team and visiting Milwaukee were scoreless at the break in a non-conference matchup at the Sellick Bowl, but four second-half goals produced a 2-2 draw through full time. The Panthers (4-6-2, 2-3-0 Horizon) scored first, in the 49th minute, but the Bulldogs (2-6-3, 1-2-1 BIG EAST) answered with two of their own and led, 2-1, with 19 minutes to play. In the 79th minute, Milwaukee found the back of the net again, and the 2-2 score went final.

Key Moments

49′ | Milwaukee plays a ball down the right side, and the cross to the box finds Bienvenu Djunga’s head. The shot hits the left post and caroms across the goal line, giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead.

56′ | Henri Kumwenda sends a ball toward the right endline. Donovan Boone tracks it down and sends it to the front of the goal where Jack Streberger heads it directly into the top of the net. The score is level.

71′ | Alejandro Moroso-Maza has the ball in the center of the pitch and finds Tommy Visser on the left side. Visser sends a hard cross, about eight yards out, and Ryan Hannosh punches a header just under the crossbar. Butler has a 2-1 lead.

79′ | A long service from Milwaukee’s defensive end finds Djunga, and he feeds Asher Ozuzu. The Panther’s level the match at two.

Butler Points Summary

GOALS: Jack Streberger, Ryan Hannosh

ASSISTS: Donovan Boone, Henri Kumwenda, Tommy Visser, Alejandro Moroso-Maza

Bulldog Bits

Jack Streberger’s goal was his second of the season and the tenth of his career.

Ryan Hannosh’s goal was his second of the season. He has at least one point in three consecutive matches.

Donovan Boone’s assist was his second of the season and his second in as many games.

Henri Kumwenda’s assist was his second of the season and of his career.

Tommy Visser’s assist was his second of the season, his second in as many games, and the tenth of his career.

Alejandro Moroso-Maza’s assist was the first offensive point of his Butler career.

Caleb Norris made eight saves in preserving the draw. He now has 64 this season.

Up Next

Butler travels to DePaul on Oct. 14 for Saturday afternoon BIG EAST match. The Bulldogs continue the road trip, playing at Xavier on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

BUTLER MEN’S GOLF

BUTLER MEN’S GOLF PLACES 11TH AGAINST STRONG PURDUE FALL INVITATIONAL FIELD

The Bulldogs held steady in 11th place as play concluded Tuesday at the Purdue Fall Invitational in West Lafayette, Ind.

As a team, the Bulldogs entered the final round in 11th place and found themselves still in that position at the conclusion of Tuesday’s play. Butler shot six-over 290 Tuesday, which matched the team’s best round of the tournament. The Bulldogs shot 293 and 290 Monday for a three-round total of 873 (+21). There were a total of 15 teams in the field; seven were ranked among the Top 100 in the Golfweek national rankings.

Will Horne and Daniel Tanaka paced Butler’s performance in the tournament, both finishing at five-over 218, good for a tie for 33rd. Tanaka shot one-over 72 Tuesday. Horne’s opening-round 69 (-2) Monday morning was Butler’s best individual round of the event.

Damon Dickey shot an even-par 71 Tuesday, which was Butler’s best round of the day. He and teammate Leo Zurovac finished among the group that tied for 39th at six-over 219. Zurovac’s Tuesday round of one-over 72 included six birdies on the 7,245-yard Ackerman-Allen course. He carded an even-par 71 in Monday’s afternoon round.

Host Purdue posted a team score of nine-under 275 in Tuesday’s final round to move from a tie for fourth entering the round to taking the team title. The Boilermakers finished the 54-hole event at 842 (-10), which was a single shot better than Illinois State. Illinois and VCU tied for third.

Valentin Peugnet of Illinois State and Jackson Buchanan of Illinois tied for medalist honors at nine-under 204.

THE BUTLER MEN:

T33) Will Horne, 69-73-76—218 (+5)

T33) Daniel Tanaka, 73-73-72—218 (+5)

T39) Leo Zurovac, 76-71-72—219 (+6)

T39) Damon Dickey, 75-73-71—219 (+6)

T77) Derek Tabor, 76-79-75—230 (+17)

ALSO COMPETING: Additionally, two Bulldogs were part of the field at the Wabash Invitational at Broadmoor Country Club in Indianapolis, which was a 54-hole event contested Monday and Tuesday. Competing as individuals, Henry Quinn (230; +14) and Jack Wilcox (233; +17) tied for 31st and 38th, respectively.

UP NEXT: The Bulldogs close out the fall portion of the 2023-24 season Monday and Tuesday, traveling to Ohio for the Xavier Invitational.

IUPUI MEN’S SOCCER

MIKOBI SECURES 2-1 COMEBACK VICTORY WITH FIRST CAREER GOAL

MACOMB, Ill. – In the final non-conference contest of the campaign, IUPUI came back from a goal down to take down Western Illinois, 2-1. Josemir Gomez tallied his sixth goal of the season to tie the match in the first half and Medard Mikobi’s first career score won the match in the 62nd minute, ending the four-game span without a victory.

Western Illinois (2-9-1) got on the board early, capitalizing on its fast start after finding the back of the net in the 13th minute on defender Kyle Owen’s first mark of the year.

The Jaguars (5-5-3, 3-1-1 HL), however, squared the match at one just over ten minutes later when Gomez beat Youssou Ouendeno for his sixth goal of 2023. The mark moved the Indy-native into a tie for first on the Horizon League’s top scorers list.

IUPUI dominated the second 45 minutes, out-shooting WIU 13-7 with seven of those shots on goal compared to zero for the hosts. Ouendeno did well to keep his team in the game, but the Jags broke through in the 62nd minute. Mikobi’s first collegiate tally came off an assist from Edgar Correia, the sophomore’s second of the season.

“It felt great today to finally get a road win. It felt even better that it was a team effort win today,” Mikobi said. “The guys worked hard all around for each other and we were able to bounce back after going down a goal.

“Scoring my first college goal felt great, but I can’t take all the credit. It was a beautiful from from Edgar and glory to God.”

The back line, led by Lucas Morefield, stayed strong in the final 25-plus minutes to secure the away triumph.

The Jags remain on the road when they take on Northern Kentucky on Saturday (Oct. 14). The match is set for 7:00 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL

NO BREAK FOR NO. 21 NOTRE DAME WITH NO. 10 USC IN TOWN

Although Notre Dame has played seven consecutive weeks, coach Marcus Freeman insists his team isn’t tired.

It’s starting to look that way, though, as the 21st-ranked Fighting Irish have dropped two of their last three games heading into Saturday’s marquee meeting with No. 10 Southern California in South Bend, Ind.

But for Freeman, the tumultuous schedule is no excuse, and a meeting with another ranked opponent presents a perfect opportunity to get back on track.

“We’re not tired. You play Saturday night. You’ve got all day to rest. That’s what a part of being at Notre Dame is about,” Freeman said. “We’re fortunate. We get four prime-time games, and that’s how we’ve got to look at it.

“We get another prime-time game versus USC at Notre Dame Stadium. And if you don’t have the bubbles in your stomach, then you’re not the elite competitor that we need you to be.”

Notre Dame (5-2) is coming off last weekend’s 33-20 loss at then-No. 25 Louisville. Irish quarterback Sam Hartman completed 22 of 38 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw his first three interceptions of the season.

The Irish went into the break tied 7-7, but their defense faltered in the second half, allowing 26 points.

Things won’t get any easier on Saturday with the Trojans (6-0) coming to town.

USC leads the FBS in average points per game (51.8) and ranks fourth in total offense (523.3 yards per game). Its success on that side of the ball has been fueled by star quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, who already has thrown for 1,822 yards and 22 TDs against just one interception.

Williams also has rushed for six scores.

“He is very elite with arm talent, with decision-making, with the ability to extend plays. He is a well-rounded, very talented football player,” Freeman said of Williams. “Our defense will have its work cut out for it, for sure.”

The Trojans’ spirits are high after beating Arizona 43-41 in triple overtime last Saturday. USC escaped with the victory despite being outgained 506-365, and coach Lincoln Riley knows his high-octane offense will face another challenge this week against an experienced Notre Dame defense.

“They’ve obviously (been) playing at a high level defensively again, like they did last season — return a lot of familiar faces,” Riley told Trojans Live. “They’re one of the older defenses that we’ll play, seniors all over the place.”

Saturday will mark the 94th meeting between the programs, and the Irish hold a 50-38-5 advantage in the all-time series. USC won 38-27 last season in Los Angeles.

Riley wants his players to understand the history of the USC-Notre Dame rivalry, but he doesn’t want them to be consumed by it.

“We did a little bit last year before the game, we’ll do a little bit this year, just to give them a taste of the history,” Riley said. “I don’t want us to focus on that, but I don’t want us to just completely miss it and not understand it either.

“This is an important game to college football.”

NOTRE DAME MEN’S SOCCER

#8 IRISH DOWN OBERLIN IN MIDWEEK MATCHUP

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The No. 8 Fighting Irish men’s soccer team recorded its fourth straight win on Tuesday evening at Alumni Stadium, defeating Oberlin by a score of 6-0.

The six goals were scored by six different players, as Michael Rossi, Matthew McLaughlin, Eno Nto, Nicholas Legendre, Alex Salvino and Nate Zimmermann each put their names on the scoresheet.

Starting in goal for Notre Dame was Owen Cornell, who made his first appearance in his Fighting Irish career. The keeper finished with one save and recorded the clean sheet, which marks Notre Dame’s sixth of the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Notre Dame controlled possession from the start, dominating play in the early stages of the match. The Irish scored the opener in the 22nd minute, as Rossi scored his first of the season off the assist from Matthew Roou.

The Irish tacked on two more goals in a little over a minute to go on top 3-0 at the half. Nto found the back of the net in the 35th minute before McLaughlin converted from the spot in the 37th minute after Mattew Radivojsa was taken down in the box to earn a penalty.

Notre Dame put its fourth goal of the evening past Oberlin in the 64th minute, as Legendre scored his first of the year.

Salvino and Zimmermann put an exclamation mark on the performance, as the two scored the fifth and sixth goals, respectively, within 20 seconds of each other in the 79th and 80th minute to make the final score 6-0.

ND NOTES

With the win, Notre Dame is now 1-0 against Oberlin in the series

The Irish allowed one or no goals in 11 of 12 matches this season

The clean sheet was Notre Dame’s sixth of the season

Five players scored their first goal of the season (Rossi, McLaughlin, Legendre, Salvino and Zimmermann)

Notre Dame has now had 13 different players score a goal in the 2023 season

Zimmermann’s goal was the first of his career

UP NEXT

The Irish head east to start a three-match road swing, traveling to Blacksburg for an ACC clash against Virginia Tech at 6 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 13. The match will air on ACCN.

NOTRE DAME SWIMMING

BRADY, LOPEZ HERNANDEZ EARN ACC CO-DIVER OF THE WEEK HONORS

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After top-notch performances at Wisconsin to open the season, Calie Brady and Carlo Lopez Hernandez have each been named ACC Co-Divers of the Week.

Brady, a junior who hails from outside of Boston, won both of her events against a very talented Badger women’s team. She posted a score of 278.63 in the 1-meter and 293.33 in the 3-meter. Both marks qualify for the 2024 Zone C Championships, which will be held this winter.

A graduate transfer from Vancouver, Lopez Hernandez had an Irish debut to remember. He took second in both events, 1-meter (326.48) and 3-meter (340.20). He was just 0.15 points shy of winning the 1-meter event. Like Brady, both marks qualify for Zones.

While this is his first ACC weekly honor, Lopez Hernandez was the SEC Diver of the Week once before while at Missouri (Dec. 7, 2021). He was a four-time NCAA qualifier for the Tigers.

Up next, the Irish host Purdue on Friday at 4 p.m.

NOTRE DAME WOMEN’S SOCCER

OSPECK NAMED ACC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

CHARLOTTE – It was an incredible week for senior forward Ellie Ospeck. Not only did she get to celebrate Senior Day and help the 11th ranked Irish earn two ACC wins over Miami and Boston College, but also recorded one goal and five assists in the process. Thus, the ACC came calling with its Offensive Player of the Week Award on Oct. 10 for her seven-point performance.

It was a lot of firsts for Ospeck. This was her first ACC weekly honor. Against Boston College, she recorded her first career four-point performance. Against Miami, Ospeck dished out a career-best three assists.

Ospeck is now tied for the team lead in points with 15. She ranks second on the team in assists with seven.

Ospeck and the rest of the Irish travel to Tallahassee this week to challenge No. 2 Florida State on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network.

BALL STATE MEN’S GOLF

CARDINALS FINISH 10TH AT PURDUE FALL INVITE

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Kash Bellar shot his best round of the tournament Tuesday at the Purdue Fall Invite at Ackerman-Allen Golf Course, finishing in 17th place overall to lead five Ball State golfers in the field. Braxton Kuntz, who began the day among the leaders, shot 5-over par on Tuesday and slid to 26th place.

Bellar shot 1-under par 70 to rise 14 spots in the standings on the final day as golfers battled wind throughout the 7,275-yard course. His three-round production at Purdue was similar to his slow start at Wisconsin last week, when he raced from behind to capture a brief lead late in the final round.

Ball State finished the 54-hole event at +12 over the two-day event. The Cardinals rose in the standings to eighth place after a stellar second round Monday afternoon, finishing two strokes off the best score of the round. In blustery conditions on Tuesday though, Ball State shot 9-over par to finish behind Northern Illinois in eighth place and Central Arkansas in ninth. The Cardinals finished nine strokes over state rival Butler in 11th place.

“It was another week of scores being all over the place,” said Ball State coach Mike Fleck. “We had an excellent middle round, and actually got off to a fast start today in the final round but we weren’t able to keep it going through the back half of the round. Shots are so valuable in the team format and we let a lot go again today. We had seven rounds at par or better this week, which is really encouraging and something to build off of, but we need to be at 60-70% quality scoring rounds to be efficient. Our team is too talented to repeat the last two weeks like we have with the inconsistency.”

Kash Bellar: 37-36—73 | 35-36—71 | 34-36—70 (214)

Braxton Kuntz: 36-35—71 | 35-34—69 | 37-39—76 (216)

Alec Cesare: 36-39—75 | 34-34—68 | 37-40—77 (220)

Ali Khan: 37-38—75 | 35-34—69 | 38-38—76 (220)

Carter Smith: 37-39—76 | 37-36—73 | 37-34—71 (220)

* (Individual) Trey Wilson: 37-40—77 | 37-45—72 | 38-38—76 (225)

BALL STATE WOMEN’S GOLF

DRISCOLL TIES FOR FIFTH AT LOYOLA PARKINSON FAMILY INVITATIONAL

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – – Ball State sophomore women’s golfer

Jasmine Driscoll

Jasmine Driscoll turned in another solid round Tuesday, shooting an even-par 72 to climb three spots and finish tied for fifth overall at the Loyola Parkinson Family Invitational.

It was the Cardinals’ best individual round of the tournament and helped Driscoll finish four shots back of first place at 226 (+10). Pusanisa Ekkantrong of Cal Baptist won the tournament a 222 (+6), while a trio of players finished second at 225 (+9), one stroke ahead of Driscoll.

As a team, Ball State turned in their best round of the two-day, 54-hole tournament at the Merit Club, shooting 306 to finish eighth overall at 950 (+86). It was the fourth-best round of the day among the 12-team field.

“There are some positives to build on, especially from today’s round,” head coach Cameron Andry said. “This event, on a challenging golf course, really taught us some hard lessons about what it looks like to compete with toughness and composure when conditions are challenging.”

Freshman JJ Gregston also turned in her best round of the event Tuesday, shooting a 77 (+5) to move up four positions into a tie for 13th at 233 (+17) among the 80-golfer field.

Sophomore Sarah Gallagher also closed with a final-round 77 (+5), tying her second round from yesterday, to improve eight positions and move into a tie for 38th at 241 (+38).

North Dakota State, the leader after Monday’s opening two rounds, would go on to win the event at 914 (+50). Ball State’s final-round 306 was five strokes better than NDSU’s closing score of 311.

The Ball State women’s golf team closes its 2023 fall slate Oct. 22-24 at the Diamante Intercollegiate hosted by Little Rock at the Diamante Country Club in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

BALL STATE INDIVIDUAL SCORES

T-5th – Jasmine Driscoll – 226 (+10): 81-73-72

T-13th – JJ Gregston – 233 (+17): 78-78-77

T-38th – Sarah Gallagher – 241 (+25): 87-77-77

T-62nd – Madelyn Young – 250 (+34): 85-85-80

T-71st – Sabrina Langerak – 256 (+40): 88-85-83

T-35th – Madelin Boyd (Individual) – 240 (+24): 82-77-81

T-65th – Jenna Estravillo (Individual) – 252 (+36): 85-88-79

TEAM RANKINGS

1st – North Dakota State – 914 (+50): 304-299-311

2nd – Cal Baptist – 916 (+52): 308-298-310

T-3rd – UIC – 918 (+54): 304-315-299

Bowling Green – 918 (+54): 313-302-303

5th – Drake – 941 (+77): 315-322-304

6th – Omaha – 946 (+82): 320-313-313

7th – Butler – 948 (+84): 328-312-308

8th – Ball State – 950 (+86): 331-313-306

9th – Loyola – 955 (+91): 328-312-315

10th – Indiana State – 966 (+102): 320-326-320

11th – Creighton – 970 (+106): 324-322-324

12th – Valparaiso – 990 (+126): 331-332-327

BALL STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER

SOCCER TRAVELS TO AKRON THURSDAY, HOSTS OHIO SUNDAY

MUNCIE, Ind. – – The Ball State soccer team plays its second consecutive road match Thursday when it travels to Akron for a 7 p.m. kickoff under the lights at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cardinals return home Sunday for a 1 p.m. contest versus Ohio.

Ball State maintains a 14-2-6 lead in the all-time series versus Akron and has not lost a match in the series since the 2010 season. Over the last 12 meetings, the Cardinals own a 9-0-3 mark, including a 1-1 draw in Muncie last season on Oct. 13. Ball State is 5-2-3 all-time on Akron’s home pitch, including a 1-0 win in its last trip to FirstEnergy Stadium on Oct. 4, 2019.

Despite having not lost to Ohio in the last five meetings (3-0-2), Ball State trails in the all-time series by a 9-11-5 margin. Last season, the Cardinals scored a 2-1 road win on Oct. 16. BSU has also secured at least one point in the last three meetings at the Briner Sports Complex, including a 0-0 (2 OT) draw in the latest home match played Oct. 14, 2021. Ball State is 6-2-3 all-time versus the Bobcats on its home pitch.

SEASON TO DATE:

Ball State enters the week with a 6-5-2 (4-0-2 MAC) record after earning a crucial pair of league wins last week. BSU started with a 3-1 home victory over then-second place Kent State Thursday. The Cardinals followed with an explosive 5-0 road win over defending MAC regular season and tournament champion Buffalo 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 opening league play with a 3-1 home victory over Miami (Sept. 21), while battling Eastern Michigan (Sept. 24) to a 1-1 draw on the road. The following week, the Cardinals scored a 2-1 home win over Toledo, while battling Western Michigan to a 2-2 draw on the road.

BALL STATE SOCCER QUICK HITS:

– With five matches left in the regular season, the Cardinals enter a crucial stretch of the schedule in second place in the league standings with a 4-0-2 league record … Only Bowling Green, who the Cardinals host Oct. 22 for Alumni Day, stands ahead of Ball State at 5-0-1 in #MACtion … Western Michigan, who Ball State battled to a 2-2 draw on Oct. 1, is currently third at 3-0-3.

– Ball State has made the most of its five home matches this season, owning a perfect 5-0-0 record at the Briner Sports Complex … In fact, the Cardinals are out-scoring opponents 16-4 on its home pitch … Ball State’s 16 goals at home are more than five league teams have scored all season and just one fewer than four others.

– Tack on 10 road goals and the Cardinals enter the week ranked first in the MAC and 63rd nationally with 26 total goals … Ball State has netted at least one goal in 10 of its 13 matches, with its five goals in wins over Mercyhurst (Aug. 17) and at Buffalo (Oct. 8) being the most scored by a MAC team in a match this season … BSU is also 59th nationally in scoring offense at 2.00 goals per game.

– Senior forward Avery Fenchel enters Thursday’s match at Akron leading the team and ranked second in the MAC in both goals scored (8) and points (17) this season … She started the year with her first career hat trick in the season-opener versus Mercyhurst (Aug. 17) and added her first career assist at Loyola (Sept. 3) … Fenchel has gone on to collect the final goal in the win over Austin Peay (Sept. 10), open the scoring with her goal versus Miami (Sept. 21), net the match-winning goal versus Toledo (Sept. 28) and add another match winner at Buffalo (Oct. 8) with the first of her brace in the contest.

– With her eight goals this season, Avery Fenchel has moved into a tied for fourth in program history with 21 career goals … She registered the second-most goals in a single season in the BSU record book last season, with 11, and scored two goals her sophomore campaign … Fenchel is currently sixth in program history with 43 career points (21 goals / 1 assist).

– After scoring a pair of braces last week in wins over Kent State (Oct. 5) and at Buffalo (Oct. 8), junior forward Lexi Fraley was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Week and to the Top Draw Soccer Team of the Week as a forward … The effort also helped her climb to third in the MAC in both goals scored (7) and points (16) this season … Fraley, who ranks second among active Ball State players with 16 career goals, scored her first goal of the season at Loyola (Sept. 3), added another in the 1-1 draw at Eastern Michigan (Sept. 24) and tallied her third in the 2-2 draw at Western Michigan (Oct. 1) … Fraley has also dished out a pair of assists on the season and ranks first in the MAC in both shots (43) and shots on goal (21)

– Sophomore forward Emily Roper also notched goals in each of Ball State’s matches last week versus Kent State (Oct. 5) and at Buffalo (Oct. 8), raising her season total to five which is tied for fifth in the MAC … Roper, who scored her first career brace in the win over Austin Peay (Sept. 10) and opened the year with a goal against Mercyhurst (Aug. 17), is also fifth in the MAC with 17 shots on goal.

– Overall, seven different players have scored at least one goal for the Cardinals this season, including sophomore forward Delaney Caldwell and junior forward Kaitlyn Fraser with two goals apiece … Caldwell has scored five goals over her Ball State career, while Fraser’s goals are the first two of her career … In addition, senior defender Ryan Locante (vs. Mercyhurst on Aug. 17) and freshman forward Annika Klauss (vs. Miami on Sept. 21) have each scored their first career goals this season.

– Ball State’s student-athletes have dished out a total of 15 assists so far this season, including four from sophomore midfielder Tori Monaco which ties as the third-most in the MAC this season … Junior defender Maya Millis, Delaney Caldwell, Lexi Fraley and Emily Roper each have two assists, while Avery Fenchel and graduate defender Maya Turner each have one helper.

– 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 seventh in the MAC with 4.31 saves per match, having collected 56 total saves which is tied as the third-most among MAC goalkeepers … The effort also ranks 103rd nationally, while her 56 total saves are 75th.

SCOUTING AKRON:

The Zips are currently 2-11-0 (0-6-0 MAC) after a 2-0 home loss to Western Michigan Thursday and a 3-0 road setback at Toledo Sunday.

Akron has scored just one goal in league play this season, while tallying eight on the year. Emma King is the Zips’ top scorer with three goals and six points. Morgan Pentz and Katie Stafford have two goal each, while Ella Hadley has one.

Sara Bower has seen the most action in goal for Akron this season, starting 10 of the team’s 13 games and logging 900:00 total minutes … She has registered 47 saves on the year while allowing 2.20 goals per game.

SCOUTING OHIO:

The Bobcats enter a Thursday showdown versus Central Michigan with a 4-6-3 (2-3-1 MAC) record after suffering a 1-0 setback at home to Toledo Thursday, while battling to a 1-1 draw at Western Michigan Sunday.

Ohio is 10th in the MAC with 11 goals scored this season, while ranking third in opponents’ goals at 13. Shae Robertson leads the squad with five goals, while Izzi Boyd and Scout Murray have two goals apiece.

Celeste Sloma has played all 1170:00 minutes in goal for the Bobcats this season, registering 56 saves and owning a 1.00 goals against average.

FRALEY PICKS UP PAIR OF WEEKLY SOCCER HONORS

CLEVELAND – – After leading all Mid-American Conference players with four goals last week, Ball State soccer junior forward

Lexi Fraley

Lexi Fraley has been named the MAC Offensive Player of the Week and was selected as a forward on the Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week.

Fraley scored braces in a 3-1 win over Kent State (Oct. 5) and in a 5-0 win at Buffalo (Oct. 8) to help the Cardinals improve to 4-0-2 in league play. She registered five shots on goal over the two matches, with four reaching the back of the net.

She started her goal scoring by tallying Ball State’s first goal of the week in the 14th minute versus the Golden Flashes. She would go on to add an insurance goal in the 87th minute, sealing the 3-1 victory at the Briner Sports Complex.

Fraley followed by scoring the second goal in the 27th minute at Buffalo, while setting the tone early in the second half with a 54th minute goal. The effort help Ball State earn a 5-0 road victory over the league’s top defense entering the match.

Fraley and the Ball State soccer team return to action Thursday when they travel to Akron for a 7 p.m. start under the lights at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cardinals then return home Sunday for a 1 p.m. kickoff versus Ohio at the Briner Sports Complex.

INDIANA STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

2023-24 MVC SLATE ANNOUNCED FOR SYCAMORE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

ST. LOUIS – Indiana State women’s basketball’s 2023-24 schedule was finalized Tuesday morning, as the Missouri Valley Conference unveiled a 20-game conference slate for each of the league’s 12 members.

The upcoming season marks the first time the Valley has played a 20-game conference schedule, with the current format first being introduced for the 2022-23 season. Indiana State will face nine of the other 11 schools twice, playing both home and away. The Sycamores will face Illinois State and Bradley once each, playing host to the Redbirds in Terre Haute while traveling to Peoria to play the Braves.

Indiana State opens Valley play with three straight road games, starting with a December 30 clash against Evansville. The Sycamores follow that with road contests against Drake (January 4) and Northern Iowa (January 6) before their first home games in conference play against Murray State (January 11) and Belmont (January 14). Indiana State stays on the road to face Southern Illinois (January 19) and Missouri State (January 21) before closing the month with home tilts against Valparaiso (January 26) and UIC (January 28).

The Sycamores open February at home against Illinois State (February 4) before hitting the road to face Valparaiso (February 9) and UIC (February 11). Indiana State plays three straight home games against Missouri State (February 15), Southern Illinois (February 17) and Evansville (February 22) before closing the month at Bradley (February 25).

ISU’s final road trip of the regular sees the Sycamores head to Belmont (March 1) and Murray State (March 3), while the Sycamores’ final home games will be against Northern Iowa (March 7) and Drake (March 9). The Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament is set for March 14-17 in Moline, Illinois, with the tournament champion earning the conference’s automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Tip times and broadcast designations for Indiana State’s 2023-24 women’s basketball schedule will be announced at a later date.

Season tickets for the 2023-24 home slate are on sale. Those seeking more information on season tickets can contact Assistant Manager of Athletic Ticketing Austin Bishop by phone at 812-237-8972 or via email at Austin.Bishop@indstate.edu. Fans can also call 877-ISU-TIXS or email ISU-Tickets@indstate.edu. Fans can also buy season tickets online by clicking HERE. Single-game tickets will go on sale at a later date.

2023-24 INDIANA STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

Nov. 6 – at Northern Kentucky

Nov. 9 – at Missouri

Nov. 15 – ILLINOIS-SPRINGFIELD

Nov. 18 – WRIGHT STATE

Nov. 23 – vs. Radford (in San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Nov. 25 – vs. Northern Illinois (in San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Dec. 2 – at Central Michigan

Dec. 10 – SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE

Dec. 17 – at Ohio

Dec. 20 – at Purdue

Dec. 30 – at Evansville*

Jan. 4 – at Drake*

Jan. 6 – at Northern Iowa*

Jan. 11 – MURRAY STATE*

Jan. 14 – BELMONT*

Jan. 19 – at Southern Illinois*

Jan. 21 – at Missouri State*

Jan. 26 – VALPARAISO*

Jan. 28 – UIC*

Feb. 4 – ILLINOIS STATE*

Feb. 9 – at Valparaiso*

Feb. 11 – at UIC*

Feb. 15 – MISSOURI SATE*

Feb. 17 – SOUTHERN ILLINOIS*

Feb. 22 – EVANSVILLE*

Feb. 25 – at Bradley*

Mar. 1 – at Belmont*

Mar. 3 – at Murray State*

Mar. 7 – NORTHERN IOWA*

Mar. 9 – DRAKE*

Mar. 14-17 – Hoops in the Heartland (MVC Tournament – Quad Cities)

INDIANA STATE WOMEN’S GOLF

SYCAMORES WRAP UP LOYOLA PARKINSON FAMILY INVITATIONAL

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Indiana State wrapped up the Loyola Parkinson Family Invitational on Tuesday afternoon as the Sycamores finished 10th overall in the field held at The Merit Club.

The Sycamores turned in a final-round 320 (+32) on their way to a three-round result 966 (+102) to wrap up their fourth tournament of the 2023 fall slate. ISU tied its first-round score on the course as the Sycamores competed on one of the best courses in the country throughout the weekend.

Molly Lee (+21) was Indiana State’s leader on the course as the senior posted a birdie on the first hole on her way to finishing tied for 26th overall in the field to lead ISU as an individual. Kristen Hobbs (+22) was tied for 29th overall in the field, while Briana LeMaire, Iyoun Chew, and Sophia Florek all finished among ISU’s countable scores on the course.

Lee rounded out the tournament finishing with five birdies overall on the tournament to pace the Sycamores. Her three-round 237 (+21) marked one of her best finishes to date in the 2023 fall season in leading ISU.

Hobbs improved her second-round total by a stroke in finishing with a final-round 80 (+8). She birdied the eighth and 16th holes as ISU’s top scorer on the afternoon and finished with a three-round 238 (+22).

LeMaire (+24) improved 11 spots over the final day of the tournament as the sophomore turned in a final round 76 (+4). She was mostly clean over the final round with a birdie on the 17th hole to finish tied for 35th overall in the field.

Chew (+26) posted a final-round 82 (+10) to finish with a three-round score 242. The senior birdied the 18th hole to round out the tournament.

Chelsea Morrow (+32) posted a final-round 83 to finish with a three-round score 248. The senior birdied the eighth and 13th holes in an up-and-down day on the course on her way to finishing tied for 58th.

Florek (+46) tied for her lowest round on the course on Tuesday afternoon as the freshman carded a final-round 82 (+10). She birdied the seventh hole to highlight her final 18 holes on the course in finishing 76th overall.

Yang Tai (+32) tied with Morrow in the individual standings with a three-round score 248 following her final round 82 (+10). The sophomore birdied the 16th hole to highlight her final day on the course.

North Dakota State (+50) took home the team title, while California Baptist (+52), UIC (+54), and Bowling Green (+54) finished up the top-three in the field. CBU’s Pusanisa Ekkantrong (+6) took home the individual title.

Up Next

Indiana State closes out the 2023 fall schedule on October 23-24 at the Braun Intercollegiate hosted by the University of Evansville.

PURDUE FT. WAYNE MEN’S SOCCER

‘DONS TRAVEL TO UAB AND DETROIT MERCY THIS WEEK

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Mastodon men’s soccer team (5-4-1, 3-2-0 Horizon League) takes a break from Horizon league play to travel to Birmingham, Ala. to face off against UAB (Oct. 11) in the Mastodons’ final non-league match of the year. The ‘Dons will resume league play at Detroit Mercy (Oct. 14) to end the road trip.

Game Day Information

Who: UAB Blazers (0-7-4)

When: Wednesday, October 11 | 8 PM ET

Where: Birmingham, Ala. | PNC Field

Live Stats: Link

Watch:ESPN+

Know Your Foe

UAB is looking for their first win on the season. The Blazers are currently on a three-match losing streak, all to American Athletic Conference opponents. Forward Isaac Calderon leads the team in goals (2), shots on goal (11) and total shots (24). UAB has played a familiar opponent earlier this season, Northern Kentucky, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Series History

The only meeting between the Mastodons and Blazers was in 1996. UAB ended that match on top, with a 8-0 win.

Game Day Information

Who: Detroit Mercy Titans (3-7-2, 2-2-1 Horizon)

When: Saturday, October 14 | 7 PM ET

Where: Detroit, Mich. | Titan Field

Live Stats: Link

Watch:ESPN+

Know Your Foe

The Titans’ two league losses come from Green Bay and Milwaukee, two teams the Mastodons have defeated this season. Detroit Mercy’s league wins have come against Northern Kentucky and Cleveland State. Forward Guershom Sylvain leads the team in shots (22) and shots on goal (8), with one goal on the season.

Series History

This will be the 19th meeting between the ‘Dons and Titans. Purdue Fort Wayne is 4-14-0 against Detroit Mercy, losing the last two meetings. Two of the four wins against the Titans have come at Titan Field, in 2016 and 2003. This series started in 2001.

Lots of Shots

Purdue Fort Wayne ranks 22nd in the nation with 6.4 shots on goal per match. Seth Mahlmeister leads the Horizon League with an average of two shots on goal per match, the 8th highest average in the nation. Mahlmeister also has the 14th highest total shot average in the nation with 3.70 per match.

Balanced Attack

The Mastodons have seen 11 different players score a goal this season. Seth Mahlmeister leads the team with five goals and Abe Arellano has two. It’s the most goal scorers since the 11 goal scorers in 2016.

Seth Goal-Meister

Seth Mahlmeister’s five goals are the most goals in a season for Purdue Fort Wayne since Alex Frank had five goals in 2019.

A Helping Hand

Soshi Fujioka is tied for the league lead in assists with five. James Maxwell is third with four assists. As a team, the ‘Dons lead the conference with 19 assists this season.

HOF Selection

It was announced in early October that former Mastodon Max Touloute would be inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in February. He was the 2011 Summit League Offensive Player of the Year after scoring 13 goals with nine assists. Touloute finished his four-year Mastodon career as the Division I era program leader in goals (32) and points (78). His 14 assists are second during the DI era.

Up Next

The ‘Dons host Cleveland State on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 7 PM. It will be Senior Night for the ‘Dons.

EVANSVILLE WOMEN’S SOCCER

WOOSLEY NAMED MVC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK, GOALKEEPERS NATIONALLY-RANKED

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville sophomore defender Kaylee Woosley (Evansville, Ind./North) captured Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors on Tuesday, after playing a pivotal role in UE’s 1-0 victory over UIC on both ends of the pitch.

Woosley played all 90 minutes for UE once again in her center-back role, and helped the Purple Aces post their fifth shutout of the year defensively. Woosley also stepped up big in the 86th minute offensively, and drilled a free kick from about 20 yards out through the UIC wall and into the back of the net for her first career goal as a Purple Ace. With the goal, Woosley has now scored a point in three-straight matches, as she leads UE with two assists this season.

Woosley has played every minute of MVC play at center-back this year, and she has played a key role in Evansville ranking second in the Valley in goals-against average at 0.83. She has also played in front of a goalkeeping group which has been one of the best in the country this year. UE’s goalkeeping trio of fifth-year member Georgia Katsonouri (Paphos, Cyprus), senior Myia Danek (Laingsburg, Mich./Laingsburg) and freshman Elke Travis (Henderson, Nev./Faith Lutheran) have combined to post a .853 save percentage this year, which ranks 24th nationally in the latest NCAA statistical rankings. Overall, UE’s 10 total goals allowed rank 44th-fewest in the country.

With the victory over UIC on Sunday, Evansville ran its unbeaten streak to seven-straight matches, which is tied for the fourth-best unbeaten streak in program history. UE, currently 1-3-8 overall and 1-0-5 in the MVC, will now travel west to Iowa this week for two key MVC matches against league front-runners Drake and UNI. The two-game road trip begins on Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. at second-place UNI (11-2-1, 4-2-0 MVC). Thursday’s match can be seen live on ESPN+.

EVANSVILLE MEN’S SOCCER

UE MEN’S SOCCER HEADS UP TO INDIANA FOR A MID-WEEK MATCH

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The University of Evansville men’s soccer team has it’s final non-conference game of 2023 on Wednesday against a tough in-state foe.

The Purple Aces come into Wednesday having earned a result against the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday, Oct. 7. Winger Nkosi Graham scored in the 88th minute to give UE a point in Valley play against a Top 30 team in the nation. The draw result on Saturday, helped Evansville to remain unbeaten against Western Michigan in their series. It was UE’s first match against the Broncos as Missouri Valley Conference opponents and the team’s first since 2009.

Wednesday will be the Aces final non-conference game of the season against a perennial powerhouse. UE heads to Bloomington for a game against the Indiana Hoosiers to continue their multi-decade series. Evansville is looking for its first win against the Hoosiers since the 1990s on Wednesday night. Indiana comes into Wednesday’s match after a big 2-1 win against No. 19 Penn State. Both of the Hoosiers goals were scored by junior forward Samuel Sarver, IU’s offensive leader with six goals on the season. Sarver was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts against the Nittney Lions

The interim tag has been removed from Head Coach Robbe Tarver’s title as of Monday afternoon. Tarver has been with the Aces program since the 2020 season, first as an Assistant Coach and Associate Head Coach under Marshall Ray, and then as Interim Head Coach since mid-March. Along with handling recruiting duties as an Assistant, Tarver’s impact on the Aces program has been undeniable. Over the past four seasons, Evansville has made back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Tournament Championship games, had three players named MVC Freshman of the Year, six All-MVC selections, and four All-West Region honorees.

Wednesday’s game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network Plus and does require a subscription. Aces fans can also follow along with tomorrow night’s match on StatBroadcast to view live stats.

EVANSVILLE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE ANNOUNCES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

ST LOUIS – The University of Evansville women’s basketball team has its full schedule for the 2023-24 season in place.

After their best season in Valley play in four years, the Purple Aces look to continue their growth in conference play. UE’s conference schedule is highlighted by a three-game home stand at Meeks Family Fieldhouse to end January and begin February and a four game road swing during the back half of the conference season.

“It’s always exciting to receive the MVC schedule and plan for home games and how to make those special for our players and fans, said Head Coach Robyn Scherr-Wells. “I can’t wait to see Meeks packed with fans this season! The MVC is one of the best mid-major conferences in the country and we will spend our non-conference schedule making sure we are building towards being successful in MVC play!”

Evansville gets to begin conference play at home in Meeks Family Fieldhouse against in-state rivals Indiana State on Saturday, Dec. 30. The Aces then get the New Year’s holiday off before hitting the road for its longest geographic road trip of the year, making its way to Iowa for the first week of January. The Aces will start their Iowa swing with the UNI Panthers on Thursday, Jan. 4. UE ends the trip by playing the reigning MVC Tournament Championship Drake Bulldogs on Saturday, Jan. 6.

Evansville gets to return home the following week to host the Belmont Bruins on Friday, Jan. 12. The Aces finish off the weekend with a Hoops in the Heartland rematch against Murray State on Sunday, Jan. 14, their closest out-of-state rival. UE gets its other long road trip done during January when visiting Springfield, Mo. on Friday, Jan. 19 to play the Missouri State Lady Bears. Evansville completes the trip with a stop in Carbondale for a game with Southern Illinois on Sunday, Jan. 21.

The Aces return home to Meeks Family Fieldhouse for their longest homestand of the season on Friday, Jan. 26. UE will host games against UIC, Valparaiso, and Bradley in the three-game stretch that lasts over a week from late January to early February. Evansville’s first game of the homestand comes against the Flames on January 26 and is followed by a Sunday afternoon contest with the Valparaiso Beacons on January 28. The final game of the three is the Aces only game of the season against the Bradley Braves on Saturday, Feb. 3.

UE gets almost a week off before its next game on the road in Chicago. After seeing UIC only two weeks prior, the two teams get another chance at each other on Friday, Feb. 9. Evansville then completes the road trip up north with a game in Valparaiso on Sunday, Feb. 11. The Aces get another two games at home following Valentine’s Day with an evening contest against Southern Illinois Thursday, Feb. 15. UE rounds out the weekend with another home game on Saturday, Feb. 17 as Missouri State comes to the River City.

Evansville’s longest amount of time away from Meeks Family Fieldhouse begins on Thursday, Feb. 22 with a quick stop in Terre Haute. The Aces then head to Normal, Ill. for their lone game against Illinois State on Sunday, Feb. 25 at CEFCU Arena. UE remains on the road the following weekend with stops in Murray on Friday, March 1 and Nashville on Sunday, March 3 for its second games against Murray State and Belmont.

The Aces then finish the regular season with a two game home stand against two teams they saw to begin the season. Drake will begin the final week of regular season play for Evansville on Thursday, March 7. UE then closes out the regular season with a game against the UNI Panthers on Saturday, March 9. Evansville then heads to the Quad Cities for Hoops in the Heartland from March 14 to March 17 for postseason play.

Season tickets are available for the upcoming season. Season tickets start as low as $50 with floor seats priced at $100 with limited availability. Order your season tickets today by calling Logan Belz at (812) 488-2623.

2023-24 Missouri Valley Conference Season (Times CT)

Saturday Dec. 30, 2024 INDIANA STATE – 2 p.m.

Thursday Jan. 4, 2024 @ UNI – 6 p.m.

Saturday Jan. 6, 2024 @ Drake – 2 p.m.

Friday Jan. 12, 2024 BELMONT – TBA

Sunday Jan. 14, 2024 MURRAY STATE – 1 p.m.

Friday Jan. 19, 2024 @ Missouri State – 6:30 p.m.

Sunday Jan. 21, 2024 @ Southern Illinois – TBA

Friday Jan. 26, 2024 UIC – 6 p.m.

Sunday Jan. 28, 2024 VALPARAISO – 2 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 BRADLEY – 2 p.m.

Friday Feb. 9, 2024 @ UIC – 7 p.m.

Sunday Feb. 11, 2024 @ Valparaiso – 1 p.m.

Thursday Feb. 15, 2024 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – 6 p.m.

Saturday Feb. 17, 2024 MISSOURI STATE – 2 p.m.

Thursday Feb. 22, 2024 @ Indiana State – TBA

Sunday Feb. 25, 2024 @ Illinois State – 2 p.m.

Friday March 1, 2024 @ Murray State – 6 p.m.

Sunday March 3, 2024 @ Belmont – TBA

Thursday March 7, 2024 DRAKE – 6 p.m.

Saturday March 9, 2024 UNI – 2 p.m.

March 14-17 Hoops in the Heartland

SOUTHERN INDIANA VOLLEYBALL

MURPHY NAMED OVC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer sophomore midfielder

Peyton Murphy

Peyton Murphy (Bargersville, Indiana) was named OVC Offensive Player of the Week on Tuesday. The OVC’s weekly accolades are voted upon by the league’s communications directors.

Murphy helped lead USI to a pair of shutout wins last week, pushing Southern Indiana’s winning streak to three matches. USI captured a 1-0 road win at Western Illinois University last Thursday before defeating Lindenwood University by a score of 3-0 at home on Sunday. USI has earned a result in seven of the last eight matches.

Murphy picked up her first honor of the season and second of her career. The sophomore had a big week for USI, tallying two goals, including one game-winner, and an assist in helping USI to a 2-0-0 week. Murphy stepped up to the penalty spot and scored the game-winning goal last Thursday in the Screaming Eagles’ 1-0 win at Western Illinois. The Bargersville, Indiana native backed that up with another goal in Sunday’s 3-0 win against Lindenwood, scoring in back-to-back games. Additionally, Murphy had an assist toward USI’s third and final goal against Lindenwood. This season, Murphy is second on the team with two goals, two assists, and six points. She has a team-best 21 shots, which is good for ninth in the OVC.

The Screaming Eagles (4-6-4, 3-1-1) are back in action this Thursday at 7 p.m. with a home OVC contest against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Mental Health Awareness Night. All in attendance are encouraged to wear green to help raise and spread mental health awareness. The match concludes a brief two-match homestand for the Eagles, as USI will hit the road Sunday to face the University of Tennessee at Martin for a 1 p.m. kickoff. Southern Indiana enters the week in third place in the OVC standings, sitting with 10 points and three back of conference-leading Tennessee Tech University.

SOUTHERN INDIANA MEN’S SOCCER

EAGLES START HOMESTAND WITH CHICAGO STATE, LIBERTY

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer starts a three-match homestand with Fan Appreciation Day Thursday at 3 p.m. when it hosts Chicago State University at Strassweg Field. Admission is free Thursday as the Screaming Eagles wish to thank the fans for their support this year.

Following Fan Appreciation Day Thursday, the Eagles host Liberty University Sunday for Senior Day. USI’s 10 seniors will be recognized at 12:15 p.m., prior to the 1 p.m. kick off.

The Eagles (1-9-1, 0-3-1 OVC) hope the friendly surroundings of Strassweg will get them back on track after an 0-1-1 trip to Texas. USI had rally in the final 10 minutes for a 1-1 tie at Houston Christian University before finishing the road trip with a 4-0 loss at The University of the Incarnate Word.

Chicago State (3-8-1 overall, 1-3-1 OVC) was 1-1-0 last week in the OVC, defeating Liberty, 2-0, and falling to Lindenwood University, 1-0. CSU is 1-7-0 in its last eight matches.

USI and CSU are meeting for the second time overall after battling to a 1-1 tie last year in Summit League action at Strassweg Field. Senior forward Zach Barton (St. Louis, Missouri), who had the Eagles’ lone goal last week at HCU, scored the equalizer in last season’s tie with the Cougars.

The Eagles reach the midway point of the homestand Sunday with the match versus Liberty. The Flames (7-4-0, 2-2-0 OVC), which were predicted to win the OVC this summer, were 0-2-0 last week in conference play, losing at Chicago State, 2-0, and at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 2-0. Liberty is .500 in the last six matches, going 3-3-0.

The final match of the homestand is October 19 when USI hosts Eastern Illinois University for a 7 p.m. contest. The last home match of the regular season is October 29 at 3 p.m. versus Lindenwood University.

Links to follow the Screaming Eagles in 2023, including live stats and video streams, can be found at USIScreamingEagles.com.

SOUTHERN INDIANA VOLLEYBALL

DOWNING EARNS OVC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Evansville, Ind. – Junior middle hitter Paris Downing (Avon, Indiana) was awarded the Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in her career. This marks the second week in a row a Screaming Eagle has been awarded a player of the week honor.

USI split the weekend series with SIUE, 1-1. The Eagles totaled 118 kills, 106 assists, 31 blocks, and 137 digs in the two games. After the split, USI moves to 5-3 in conference play.

The middle hitter nabbed more than half of the Eagles blocks. Downing finished with a monstrous 16 blocks between the two matches, 1.78 blocks per set, and four digs. Her nine blocks on Friday’s match notches a career high.

Downing also added 16 kills, 26.5 points, and a .225 hitting percentage offensively on the weekend.

The Eagles (9-10) overall, begin a four-game road swing at Morehead State this weekend on Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. USI won’t be back at Screaming Eagles until November 3, taking on Tennessee Tech.

For more information, go to our website at USIScreamingEagles.com or find us on social media at USIAthletics.

VALPO WOMEN’S SOCCER

SENIOR DAY ON TAP FOR SOCCER SUNDAY

Valparaiso (5-3-6, 1-1-4 MVC)

Thursday, Oct. 12 – at Southern Illinois (1-8-5, 0-5-2 MVC) – 6 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 15 – Belmont (2-7-6, 1-2-4 MVC) – 1 p.m.

Next Up in Valpo Soccer: The regular season is hitting the home stretch, and the Valpo soccer team has a pair of key matches on the docket this week. The Beacons play at Southern Illinois on Thursday evening before returning home to Brown Field for Senior Day Sunday afternoon versus Belmont.

Previously: Valpo took just one point from its two matches last week, tying Illinois State at home, 1-1, before falling at Drake, 2-1.

Looking Ahead: Valpo’s home finale comes next Thursday, Oct. 19 as the Beacons host UNI. The regular season finishes up Sunday afternoon, Oct. 22 at UIC.

Following the Beacons: There will be no broadcast of Thursday’s road match. Sunday’s fixture with Belmont will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Links for the live video and live stats can be found at ValpoAthletics.com.

Head Coach John Marovich: In his 16th season at the helm of the Valpo program, John Marovich holds a 126-115-48 (.519) record both overall and at Valpo as a head coach. The 2014 Horizon League Coach of the Year and the head of the 2022 MVC Coaching Staff of the Year, Marovich holds Valpo’s all-time records for both victories and winning percentage.

Series Notes: Southern Illinois – Valpo has not lost in three meetings with the Salukis, holding a 1-0-2 advantage in the series. In last season’s matchup, Lindsey DuSatko scored off a corner kick from Kelsie James in the 67th minute for the tying goal in a 1-1 draw at Brown Field.

Belmont – Valpo owns a 5-2-0 edge in the series over the Bruins, with all seven matchups decided by exactly one goal. Last season in Nashville, the Beacons earned a 2-1 win in the first meeting between the programs in MVC play, as Molly O’Rear scored in the 52nd minute to tie the match and Addy Joiner convert a penalty for the match-winner in the 76th minute.

Scouting the Opposition: Southern Illinois – SIU comes into Thursday’s match with a 1-8-5 overall record this year and is 0-5-2 in MVC play, most recently battling Indiana State to a scoreless draw. McKensey Bunch has scored four of the Salukis’ eight goals this season, while Chantelle Symes has seen most of the action in goal and owns a 1.29 GAA with a .746 save percentage.

Belmont – The Bruins come into the week with a 2-7-6 overall record and are 1-2-4 in Valley play, with a Thursday night match at UIC prior to Sunday’s affair. Maci Pekmezian has been involved in over half of Belmont’s eight goals, with four goals and one assist, while Sarah Doyle has played every minute in goal, posting an .821 save percentage and a 1.27 GAA.

Valpo Picked Second in Preseason Poll: The Beacons were chosen to finish in second place in preseason polling of the MVC head coaches. Valpo, which picked up one first-place vote and tallied 107 points in the polling, trailed only Missouri State in the voting. The Beacons far outpaced third-place UIC, which totaled 92 points. Notably, the program has matched or surpassed its preseason projection in each of its first six seasons in the Valley.

Quartet of Preseason Honorees: Plenty of individual standouts have helped Valpo get to the point where it is regarded as one of the Valley’s top programs, and four of them were honored with preseason All-MVC accolades. Fifth-year Nicole Norfolk joined seniors Lindsey DuSatko and Nikki Coryell as preseason First Team All-MVC selections, while junior Addy Joiner picked up Honorable Mention accolades.

Looking Back at Last Season: Valpo’s journey up the MVC table over the last few years culminated last season with a dramatic final day of the regular season which saw the Beacons emerge with the MVC regular season championship – Valpo’s first team title in any sport since joining the Valley. The Beacons finished the season with an 8-7-4 overall record, including a 7-1-2 mark in MVC action to claim the regular season crown. Nikki Coryell was named MVC Goalkeeper of the Year for a third straight season, while John Marovich, Brianne Barnes and Noah Smith were honored as the Valley Coaching Staff of the Year. Nicole Norfolk was named a Third Team All-Region honoree as well.

Regular Season Champions: Trailing by two points entering the final match day, Valpo needed a win and some help to earn the 2022 MVC regular season title, and got both. Molly O’Rear’s goal in the 36th minute against Indiana State not only gave the Beacons a lead they would not surrender, it put Valpo atop the live conference table for good, as Illinois State led Missouri State at that point, 2-0, en route to a 4-2 win. For Valpo, it was the program’s fourth regular season conference championship. Valpo previously won Mid-Continent Conference regular season crowns in back-to-back seasons in 2005 and 2006, and posted a perfect record to claim the 2014 Horizon League regular season title.

Who’s Back and Who’s New: Valpo returns 18 letterwinners, including nine starters, from last year’s squad which claimed the MVC regular season title. The returnees accounted for 16 of the Beacon’s 19 goals and 17 of their 18 assists in Valley play last season. 11 newcomers round out the 2023 roster – nine incoming freshmen, one transfer and one redshirt.

Incremental Improvement: Since finishing joint sixth in the MVC table and missing out on the conference tournament via tiebreaker during the 2018 season, Valpo has improved its position in the final Valley standings each of the next four seasons. Valpo closed out the regular season in fifth place in 2019, finished tied for third in the spring of 2021 and were regular season runners-up in the fall of 2021 before claiming the regular season crown last fall.

Strong Nonconference Record: The Beacons finished nonconference play with a 4-2-2 record. This year’s side is the first Valpo team to finish above .500 in nonconference action since the 2017 squad went 6-5-0 outside of Valley play. It is the program’s best nonconference record since going 4-1-4 in 2014.

Celebrating the Seniors: Valpo will recognize the six members of the 2023 senior class prior to Sunday’s match with Belmont on Senior Day at Brown Field. Joined by Aubrey Ramey as she transferred in prior to this season, the quintet of Nikki Coryell, Lindsey DuSatko, Cassidy Eckstein, Kelsie James and Chase Ray have had an immense impact on the Valpo soccer program. The group has posted a 28-20-17 record in the Valpo uniform, including a 17-5-10 record in MVC action. They have been instrumental in Valpo’s rise in the Valley, helping the program finish as regular season runner ups in the fall of 2021 and as MVC regular season champions in 2022.

Streaks Come to an End: A number of streaks came to an end on Sunday when Valpo fell at Drake. The Beacons had been on a seven-match unbeaten streak (2-0-5) prior to the loss against the Bulldogs – the sixth unbeaten streak of at least seven straight fixtures in program history. In addition, Valpo’s 11-match unbeaten streak in MVC play dating back to last season (5-0-6) came to an end, as well as the Beacons’ string of 15 straight Valley matches without surrendering more than one goal.

Rare Lead Lost: Perhaps the most impressive item which was snapped with Sunday’s loss was the fact that the Beacons lost a match in which they held a lead. The last time prior to Sunday Valpo had the lead in a match and didn’t come away with at least a draw was way back on Sept. 28, 2019 at Missouri State. Valpo had won or tied 34 consecutive matches in which it held a lead before falling on Sunday.

Home Cooking: One streak which remains alive is the Beacons’ unbeaten streak on their home turf at Brown Field. The draw last Thursday against Illinois State improved Valpo’s home record this season to 3-0-3. The 2005 side is the only other team in program history to win or draw its first six home matches of the season.

Fit to Be Tied: With the draw last week against Illinois State, the Beacons are up to six ties on the season, setting a program record for draws in a single campaign. The 2010, 2011 and spring 2021 seasons all featured five deadlocks.

Joiner Just Keeps Scoring: One season after pacing Valpo in the goal-scoring department, junior Addy Joiner has continued her prolificacy in 2023. She netted just the eighth hat trick in program history on August 31 against Chicago State, while most recently, she leveled the match against Illinois State with a second-half penalty kick. Joiner has scored a team-high seven goals this year, tied for top honors in the Valley, and has 17 career goals to rank eighth in program history, just one away from a tie for sixth.

First Timers: On the flip side from Joiner is the pair of players who were involved in Valpo’s goal at Drake on Sunday. Junior Peyton Evans headed home the rebound, scoring her first career goal in her 42nd game at Valpo. Meanwhile, it was junior Lauren Cook with the initial shot that came back off the crossbar to Evans – Cook’s assist was her first career point.

Etch Her Name in the XI: With 14 starts this season under her belt – all of which she has played the full 90 minutes – fifth-year center back Nicole Norfolk is up to 80 career appearances and 80 career starts in the Valpo uniform. Both marks are solo second place in program history. Should she start both matches this week, Norfolk would move into a tie with Beth Muskovich, who played for Valpo from 1996 through 1999, in both categories.

Making Her Debut: It’s rare to see someone make their season debut this deep into the season, but the combination of the number of Valpo players dealing with injuries and her recovery from her own ACL injury suffered prior to arriving on campus coalesced to create the opportunity for freshman Tatum Coleman to see her first collegiate action on Sunday at Drake. Coleman came off the bench late in the first half and ended up playing 27 minutes on the afternoon. She is the seventh different Beacon to make her Valpo debut this season.

Three-Time Goalkeeper of the Year: Senior goalkeeper Nikki Coryell has quite simply been the Valley’s top goalkeeper throughout her career, as she has been honored as the MVC Goalkeeper of the Year in each of her three seasons. Last season, Coryell posted an 8-5-4 record with a 0.91 GAA and an .800 save percentage, posting seven clean sheets. Coryell and the Valpo defense surrendered just five goals in 10 MVC matches last season and posted five shutouts – matching the program record for the most clean sheets within conference play in a single season. In her three Goalkeeper of the Year campaigns, Coryell has posted a cumulative GAA of 0.59 and a save percentage of .878 in conference play. In 30 MVC fixtures, she holds a 17-4-9 record and has recorded 16 shutouts, giving up one goal or fewer in 29 of those 30 matches.

Running Up Top: Senior forward Lindsey DuSatko enters the 2023 campaign having earned All-Conference honors in each of the last two seasons, as she was a Second Team honoree in 2021 and a First Team choice last season. The pacey forward was tied for second among Valley players with four assists in MVC-only play in 2022, picking up a helper apiece in four of Valpo’s regular season conference wins, and scored a goal as well. DuSatko assisted on the match-winning goal in the Beacons’ win at Murray State and scored the game-tying goal in Valpo’s draw with Southern Illinois.

Locking Down the Back Line: Fifth-year center back Nicole Norfolk has been the linchpin in the Valpo defense ever since stepping onto campus prior to the 2019 season. The stalwart in the back was a First Team All-MVC honoree in 2022 after earning Second Team recognition the previous year. Valpo’s record holder for consecutive minutes played by a field player, Norfolk played all but 14 minutes of Valpo’s first 15 matches of the 2022 season before suffering an injury in mid-October. With Norfolk on the field during Valley regular season play, Valpo surrendered just one goal in 544 minutes of play. Norfolk added Third Team All-Midwest Region honors to her resume as well last season.

She Scores, We Win: Junior forward Addy Joiner was more than just a spark off the bench in 2022 – she was an assassin in front of goal. A First Team All-MVC honoree, Joiner finished the regular season with a Valley-high seven goals on the year and eventually concluded the season in second place with her seven tallies. The two-time MVC Offensive Player of the Week scored six of her seven goals in Valley play, one apiece in six of Valpo’s seven MVC victories. Her six goals in conference play were the most by a Valpo player in league action since Jackie Kondratko netted six goals in Horizon League matches in 2009.

Wait, There’s More!: The aforementioned four First Team All-MVC honorees from a season ago represent just over half of the total number of honorees from last season’s regular season champions. Fifth-year midfielder Allie Anderson picked up Second Team All-MVC recognition in 2022, while junior left back Abby White was a Third Team All-MVC choice. Sophomore Molly O’Rear rounds out last year’s award winners, as she claimed a spot on the MVC All-Freshman Team.

Even More on Last Year’s Awards: Valpo’s four First Team honorees in 2022 set a program record for postseason honors, as the program previously boasted three First Team All-League recipients on three occasions. The Beacons have had multiple First Team All-MVC honorees each of the last three seasons, and also have had at least one representative on the MVC All-Freshman Team in each of their six seasons in the conference.

VALPO FOOTBALL

VALPO TO MATCH UP WITH MOREHEAD STATE ON BEACON’S BIRTHDAY

Morehead State (2-3, 1-2 PFL)

at Valparaiso (1-4, 0-2 PFL)

Game #6 Saturday, Oct. 14, 1 p.m. CT

Brown Field (5,000) – Valparaiso, Ind.

This Week in Valpo Football: The Valparaiso University football team will return home this weekend to clash with Morehead State for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Brown Field. It’s a loaded day of action including Beacon’s birthday celebration, a “Men’s Basketball Kickoff” open practice at the Athletics-Recreation Center with doors opening at 10 a.m. and the practice running from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and the football game against the Eagles. The Community Tailgate Lot near Brown Field will open early with a 9:30 a.m. start time. Plus, the All-Star Stunt Dogs will have a “pawtastic” display of pure fun as part of a halftime show that fans won’t want to miss.

Previously: After facing a 17-0 deficit as late as the fourth quarter, Valpo rallied and was in the game up until the clock showed all zeros in a 20-14 road setback to Drake in Des Moines, Iowa, thwarting the team’s hopes for a third straight road win in Des Moines. Veteran quarterback Jeffrey Jackson came off the bench and threw a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown passes, a 33 yarder to Solomon Davis to get Valpo on the board and a 15 yarder to Moise Tezzo to trim the lead to six with 1:50 on the clock. Valpo had the ball at midfield and a chance for a Hail Mary in the closing seconds, but couldn’t get the pass off and the game came to an end after a series of laterals. The Valpo defense contained Drake to just 46 rushing yards with Sam Hafner putting together a six-tackle showing including four solos to go along with a tackle for loss and fumble recovery.

Series Notes: Valpo will look to make it back-to-back wins over Morehead State for the first time in program history after going to Kentucky and outdoing the Eagles 40-35 behind a 241-yard rushing performance from Aaron Dawson on a day where the offense compiled 574 total yards. That marked the team’s first win at Morehead State since 2006. The Eagles own a 23-5 edge in the all-time series. This year marks the 20-year anniversary of the most notable Valpo/Morehead State matchup, a 54-42 Valpo victory at Brown Field in the 2003 PFL Championship Game. Four of the last five collisions between these two foes have been decided by seven points or fewer.

Following the Beacons: Saturday’s game will air on ESPN+ with legendary Valpo voice Todd Ickow (play-by-play) and Valpo Athletics Hall of Famer Tom Byrne (analyst) on the call. In addition, the radio commentary will be available on 95.1 FM WVUR, The TuneIn Radio App and ValpoAthletics.com. For in-game updates, follow @valpoufootball on Twitter. Links to live video, audio and stats will be available on ValpoAthletics.com.

Head Coach Landon Fox: Landon Fox (15-31) is in his fifth season as the head coach of the Valparaiso University football program in 2023. Over the last three seasons, Fox has led Valpo to 12 Pioneer Football League victories, the most in a three-year period in program history. The program finished with a PFL record of .500 or better for a third consecutive season in 2022, the first time that has occurred since 1998-2000. Prior to that, Valpo had not had a stretch of three straight years with a league record of .500 or better since 1961-1964. The program won four PFL games in the same season just once in the 26 seasons prior to Fox’s arrival. Now, the program has reached that threshold in three straight seasons and three of the first four years under his direction (Spring 2021, Fall 2021, 2022). During his four years in charge of the program, Valpo has boasted 43 All-PFL honorees and 22 academic all-PFL selections. During his second season at the helm in Spring 2021, Fox was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award – which is presented annually to the FCS National Coach of the Year – after guiding Valpo to its best winning percentage since 2003 and tying for the squad’s best winning percentage since 1999. He led his team to Pioneer Football League runner-up honors, the program’s highest finish in the league standings since the PFL championship season of 2003. Fox’s defensive roots paid dividends on that side of the football in his second year at the helm, as the team enjoyed its best defensive season in four decades. Valpo held opponents to 283.3 yards per game, the program’s best total defense in the last 40 years. In Year 1 of the Fox Era in 2019, Valpo ranked in the Top 5 in the PFL in scoring defense (32.0, fifth), total defense (381.6, fourth), rushing defense (184.2, fourth) and passing defense (197.3, fifth). After spending the previous 11 seasons as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at the University of Dayton, Fox was named the head football coach at Valpo prior to the 2019 season. He helped the Flyers finish with 10 winning seasons in his 11 years on staff and guided a defensive backfield that produced one All-American, four Academic All-Americans, two PFL Special Teams Players of the Year and three corners who were invited to NFL Rookie Minicamp. Prior to joining Dayton’s staff, Fox served as the linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at Wayne State University in Detroit from 2005-2007. He also spent time as a defensive graduate assistant at Ball State University (2004), Dayton (2002-2003) and Lakeland College (2001). Fox began his coaching career as an assistant varsity coach at Preble Shawnee High School in Camden, Ohio during the 2000 season. During his playing days, Fox was a team captain and all-conference performer at Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio from 1995-1999 and graduated with a degree in physical education and health in May 2000 before earning his master’s degree in education from Lakeland in May 2002.

Defense Dominating

The Week 6 game at Drake saw Valpo contain the Bulldogs to just 46 rushing yards on 24 attempts and the hosts did not have a single first down gained on a running play. This was Valpo’s best performance in terms of rushing defense since holding Marist to 36 yards on Nov. 12 of last season.

The aforementioned Nov. 12, 2022 game in upstate New York represented the fewest rushing yards permitting by the Beacons in a Pioneer Football League outing in over 20 years. On Sept. 3, 2022, Valpo held Indiana Wesleyan to just 25 rushing yards.

The Valpo defense has allowed 20 points or fewer in each of the last two games. This marks the first time the Brown & Gold have held the opposition to 20 points or fewer in consecutive contests since the first two games of the Spring 2021 season (W 24-14 at Butler, L 17-6 vs. Drake). Prior to that, it was 2014 (W 55-7 vs. Missouri Baptist; L 17-9 vs. Drake).

Since allowing 471 yards to full-scholarship FCS foe Youngstown State on Aug. 31, Valpo has held the opposition under 330 yards of total offense in each of the last four contests. This is the program’s longest streak of consecutive games allowing 330 or fewer yards of total offense since 2007, when the Brown & Gold started the season with games against Saint Francis (Ill.), Trinity International, Kalamazoo and Marian.

Iowa Insights

Valpo’s hopes of a three-game winning streak in games played in Des Moines were dashed with the 20-14 loss at Drake on Oct. 7. However, it’s still worth noting the team’s competitive play for a third straight trip to Iowa.

This marked the third straight venture to Des Moines that resulted in a one-score game. Valpo defeated Drake 10-7 on April 3, 2021 and won 24-21 on Sept. 25, 2021. Prior to the calendar year 2021, Valpo was 0-13 all-time at Drake.

Prior to this stretch of three straight cliffhangers in Des Moines, the 13 all-time visits were Drake victories that were decided by an average of 25.6 points per game. Before the recent stretch, the closet Valpo had ever come to beating Drake on the road was a 13-point loss at Drake in 2013.

A win at Drake would have marked just the second time since the Pioneer Football League was founded that Valpo had three straight road victories over a specific PFL foe. The only time that occurred was at Butler in the late 1990s. Valpo will have a chance to replicate its three-game road winning streak at Butler on Oct. 28 of this season.

Among PFL and National Leaders

Valpo leads the PFL in total defense, yielding just 315.8 yards per game. That helps the Beacons rank 22nd nationally in that category.

Valpo’s rushing defense ranks second in the PFL and 24th in FCS as the Beacons are allowing just 110.6 yards per game on the ground.

Valpo leads the PFL and ranks 11th nationally in kickoff return average at 25.08 yards per return.

Valpo has allowed just 78 total first downs this season, leading the league and ranking seventh nationally in first-down defense.

Jashon Butler leads the team and ranks fifth nationally in combined kickoff return yards at 402. He is averaging 33.5 yards per kickoff return, first in the PFL and fourth in FCS.

Tyler Geiman ranks second nationally in passes defended at 2.0 per game.

Evan Matthes leads the PFL and ranks 11th in the nation in punting average at 44.5.

Solomon Davis has four receiving touchdowns, tied for the PFL lead.

Down to the Wire

In Landon Fox’s 46 games as Valpo head coach, 22 (47.8 percent) have been decided by seven points or fewer, most recently a 20-14 loss at Drake on Oct. 7 of this season.

Valpo is 8-14 in those one-score games. Since Fox took over the program, 63 percent of the team’s games have been either victories or defeats by seven points or fewer.

Just five games into his fifth season and with one of those first four seasons being shortened to six games, Fox has already coached more one-score games at Valpo than the program’s previous two head coaches – Dave Cecchini (13 in five full seasons) and Dale Carlson (six in four seasons) – combined.

In 46 games under Fox, Valpo has played more one-score games than it did in 110 games from 2007-2018.

The Week 6 game at Drake was Valpo’s fourth straight game decided by fewer than seven points.

This is the first time Valpo has played four straight games decided by fewer than seven points since the final four games of the Spring 2021 season – vs. Butler, at Drake, at Morehead State and vs. San Diego.

If Valpo plays another one-score game on Saturday vs. Morehead State, it would mark the first time the program has had a streak of five or more one-score games consecutively since six straight in 2003 – at Jacksonville, vs. Morehead State, at Dayton, vs. San Diego, vs. Drake and at Butler.

Since the start of last season, six of the eight games played at Brown Field have been one-score affairs, so the home fans have been treated to no shortage of thrilling football.

The one-point win over Southwest Minnesota State in Week 5 was Valpo’s first such victory since edging San Diego 20-19 in the final game of the Spring 2021 campaign. Valpo is now 2-1 under Fox in game’s decided by a single point, with the loss coming 26-25 vs. Butler on Oct. 15 of last season.

Additional Notes Wrapping Up Oct. 7: Drake 20, Valpo 14

Moise Tezzo had the first receiving touchdown of his Valpo career. He had a team-high four catches for 40 yards.

Jeffrey Jackson went 5-of-14 through the air for two touchdowns. Michael Appel Jr. was 11-of-25 for 78 yards before departing due to an injury.

It was a balanced day from the receiving corps, as 10 different Beacons caught passes. In addition, seven different players had carries, led by freshman Brian Thomas with nine for 37 yards.

Davis had his fourth receiving touchdown of the season and the eighth of his career, all in the last two seasons. He has hauled in three catches for 33 yards.

Sam Hafner paced the team with six tackles while also notching a fumble recovery, his second of the season.

Amar Elmore recorded the second forced fumble of his collegiate career.

Evan Matthes booted eight kicks for an average of 39.8 yards per try, pinning four inside the 20 including a long of 65.

Scouting the Eagles

Picked to finish 10th of 11 in the PFL preseason poll.

Coming off a convincing 31-7 win over Dayton, a game in which the Eagles created five turnovers after creating only one defensive takeaway over the season’s first four games.

Prior to downing Dayton, Morehead State had dropped a pair of one-score games in league play against preseason favorite St. Thomas (35-28) and Drake (16-9).

Under the direction of longtime head coach Rob Tenyer, who is in the 11th year of his tenure.

Carter Cravens was named PFL Offensive Player of the Week after passing for two touchdowns and running for another in the win over Dayton. Keenan Wolf was tabbed PFL Defensive Player of the Week after notching 15 tackles against the Flyers.

VALPO WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MVC ANNOUNCES 2023-24 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CONFERENCE SLATE

The 2023-24 Valpo women’s basketball schedule is complete, following Tuesday’s unveiling of the Beacons’ 20-game Missouri Valley Conference slate by the conference office.

The 20-game conference schedule opens with one of Valpo’s two single-game opponents, at Murray State Dec. 30. Belmont is the Beacons’ other one-game foe, with that matchup coming at the ARC Feb. 22.

Valpo’s first taste of MVC play at the ARC this season comes on Jan. 12 against Drake, the first of four consecutive home games in a 10-day stretch as the Beacons will also take on UNI, Illinois State and Bradley in that span. Valpo hosts Indiana State and Evansville Feb. 9 and 11, UIC Feb. 25 and Southern Illinois March 7 before closing the regular season at home versus Missouri State March 9.

Hoops in the Heartland returns to Moline, Ill. March 14-17, as all 12 Valley teams will vie for the MVC tournament title and the conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.

Tip times for Valpo’s conference games will be publicized following the finalization of linear and digital broadcast selections.

VALPO WOMEN’S GOLF

CAMPOS HAS BEST SCORE BY A BEACON ON FINAL DAY AT LOYOLA

The Valparaiso University women’s golf team finished out the Loyola Parkinson Family Invitational on Tuesday, the second and final day of a 12-team, 80-player tournament hosted by the Ramblers at the par-72, 6041-yard Merit Club in Libertyville, Ill. Freshman Bella Campos (Honolulu, Hawaii / IMG Academy) led the team in Tuesday’s round.

How It Happened

Golfing as an individual, Campos stroked a 79 in Tuesday’s round, finishing out the event with a 252, tied for 65th. She had the best score by a Beacon on Tuesday.

The best score by a member of the Valpo lineup came from sophomore Taylor Skibinski (Michigan City, Ind. / Michigan City), who golfed an 80, nine strokes better than her performance in each of Monday’s rounds.

The team’s top performer for the tournament was Madison Keil (LaGrange, Ind. / Lakeland), who finished the week with an 81 on Tuesday to bring her three-round total to 239, tied for 33rd.

Valpo had its best team score of the tournament in Tuesday’s round, posting a 327 to finish the event at 990. North Dakota State took the team title at 914, while Pusanisa Ekkantrong of California Baptist was the individual medalist with a 222.

Inside the Round

The 79 by Campos came in the final round of the rookie’s first collegiate tournament.

Keil led the team in par-3 scoring average (3.33) and par-5 scoring average (5.08). She totaled 32 pars for the tournament.

Valpo had nine birdies for the tournament, led by three from Anna Fay (Ada, Mich. / Forest Hills).

Up Next

Valpo will head to Kettering, Ohio next week for the Dayton Flyer Invitational hosted at NCR CC starting on Monday.

UINDY MEN’S SOCCER

MEN’S SOCCER TAKES EIGHTH IN NATIONAL POLL

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The UIndy men’s soccer team remained in the top-10 of the United Soccer Coach DII coaches poll, released Tuesday.

The Greyhounds are 8-0-2 on the season. The team picked up a 2-0 win over Lewis on Sunday at home.

The Hounds will stay at home to face Missouri S&T and #21 Maryville on Friday and Sunday, respectively. Friday’s action is set for 7:30 p.m. with Sunday’s starting at 2:30 p.m.

United Soccer Coaches DII Poll

Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T
1	Franklin Pierce University	1	9-0-0
2	Midwestern State University	2	10-0-1
3	California State University Chico	3	9-0-2
4	University of Charleston	7	10-1-0
5	Colorado State University-Pueblo	8	10-1-1
6	Clayton State University	11	9-1-0
7	Cal Poly Pomona	9	7-0-3
8	University of Indianapolis	6	8-0-2
9	Rollins College	10	5-1-3
10	Gannon University	13	10-0-1
11	Post University	12	6-1-3
12	California State University-Los Angeles	19	8-1-1
13	University of Illinois-Springfield	18	8-1-2
14	Wingate University	NR	7-3-1
15	Auburn University Montgomery	RV	6-0-5
16	Lynn University	5	6-1-3
17	Southern Nazarene University	17	7-2-2
18	University of Texas-Tyler	RV	4-1-4
19	Limestone University	4	7-1-2
20	Mercyhurst University	20	9-1-0
21	Maryville University of St. Louis	24	8-1-3
22	Rogers State University	21	7-2-2
23	California State University Monterey Bay	15	7-2-2
24	Mercy University	RV	6-1-4
25	Florida Tech	14	6-1-3

UINDY MEN’S GOLF

MEN’S GOLF TAKES SIXTH PLACE AT FALL REGIONAL

ST. ALBANS, Mo.—The UIndy men’s golf team battled an all-region field Monday and Tuesday at the Midwest Regional, sharing sixth place on the team leaderboard. The 18-team event was held at The Country Club of St. Albans just west of St. Louis.

INS & OUT

UIndy carded back-to-back 297s to end the tournament, finishing at +38 as a team. Freshman Simon Engman (77-73-72) led the way, sharing 12th place at +6. The Swede shot minus-four golf over the final 26 holes to pace the Hounds for the third time in as many tournaments.

The remaining four lineup members finished between +12 and +17. Freshman Ben Keil tied for 27th in his third collegiate event, while fellow-rookie Maverick Conaway fired a final-round 71 for the lowest 18-hole score by a Greyhound all week.

Meanwhile, freshman Caleb Michaels had a solid week as an individual. The Louisville, Colo., product carded scores of 79-73-74, settling at +10 and tying for 22nd place.

UP NEXT

The Greyhounds have another region-heavy field awaiting them at the Doc Spragg Fall Invite. The annual tournament is set for October 16-17 in Findlay, Ohio.

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

NFL STANDINGS

American Football Conference

East Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Miami Dolphins

.800

0.0

181

135

2-0-0

2-1-0

3-1-0

1-1-0

1 W

Buffalo Bills

.600

1.0

159

2-1-0

1-1-0

2-2-0

1-1-0

1 L

New York Jets

.400

2.0

105

1-2-0

1-1-0

2-2-0

1-1-0

1 W

New England Patriots

.200

3.0

131

0-3-0

1-1-0

2 L

West Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Kansas City Chiefs

.800

0.0

128

1-1-0

3-0-0

2-0-0

0-0-0

4 W

Los Angeles Chargers

.500

1.5

110

104

1-1-0

1-2-0

1-0-0

2 W

Las Vegas Raiders

.400

2.0

114

1-1-0

1-2-0

1-3-0

1-1-0

1 W

Denver Broncos

.200

3.0

121

181

0-3-0

1-1-0

0-3-0

0-1-0

1 L

North Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Pittsburgh Steelers

.600

0.0

110

2-1-0

1-1-0

3-1-0

2-0-0

1 W

Baltimore Ravens

.600

0.0

109

1-1-0

2-1-0

3-2-0

2-1-0

1 L

Cleveland Browns

.500

0.5

2-1-0

0-1-0

2-2-0

1-2-0

1 L

Cincinnati Bengals

.400

1.0

114

1-1-0

1-2-0

0-3-0

0-2-0

1 W

South Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Jacksonville Jaguars

.600

0.0

105

102

1-2-0

2-0-0

2-2-0

1-1-0

2 W

Indianapolis Colts

.600

0.0

120

115

1-2-0

2-0-0

3-1-0

2-1-0

1 W

Houston Texans

.400

1.0

115

100

1-1-0

1-2-0

2-2-0

1-1-0

1 L

Tennessee Titans

.400

1.0

2-0-0

0-3-0

2-2-0

0-1-0

1 L

National Football Conference

East Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Philadelphia Eagles

1.000

0.0

141

104

2-0-0

3-0-0

4-0-0

1-0-0

5 W

Dallas Cowboys

.600

2.0

134

2-0-0

1-2-0

1-0-0

1 L

Washington Commanders

.400

3.0

109

160

1-2-0

1-1-0

1-2-0

0-1-0

3 L

New York Giants

.200

4.0

153

0-2-0

1-2-0

1-3-0

0-1-0

3 L

West Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

San Francisco 49ers

1.000

0.0

167

3-0-0

2-0-0

4-0-0

2-0-0

5 W

Seattle Seahawks

.750

1.5

111

1-1-0

2-0-0

3-1-0

0-1-0

3 W

Los Angeles Rams

.400

3.0

112

108

0-2-0

2-1-0

1-2-0

1-1-0

1 L

Arizona Cardinals

.200

4.0

108

136

1-2-0

0-2-0

1-3-0

0-1-0

2 L

North Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Detroit Lions

.800

0.0

148

107

2-1-0

2-0-0

3-1-0

1-0-0

3 W

Green Bay Packers

.400

2.0

113

1-1-0

1-2-0

2-2-0

1-1-0

2 L

Minnesota Vikings

.200

3.0

110

122

0-3-0

1-1-0

1-2-0

0-0-0

1 L

Chicago Bears

.200

3.0

115

157

0-2-0

1-2-0

0-1-0

1 W

South Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

.750

0.0

1-1-0

2-0-0

3-1-0

1-0-0

1 W

Atlanta Falcons

.600

0.5

3-0-0

0-2-0

2-1-0

1-0-0

1 W

New Orleans Saints

.600

0.5

1-1-0

2-1-0

1-2-0

1-1-0

1 W

Carolina Panthers

.000

3.5

144

0-2-0

0-3-0

0-5-0

0-2-0

5 L

NHL STANDINGS

Eastern Conference
	GP	W	L	OTL	Pts	ROW	GF	GA	Home	Road	L10
1 Tampa Bay Lightning	1	1	0	0	2	1	5	3	1-0-0	—	1-0-0
2 Pittsburgh Penguins	1	0	1	0	0	0	2	4	0-1-0	—	0-1-0
3 Boston Bruins	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
4 Buffalo Sabres	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
5 Carolina Hurricanes	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
6 Columbus Blue Jackets	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
7 Detroit Red Wings	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
8 Florida Panthers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—

9 Montreal Canadiens	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
10 New Jersey Devils	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
11 New York Islanders	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
12 New York Rangers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
13 Ottawa Senators	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
14 Philadelphia Flyers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
15 Toronto Maple Leafs	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
16 Washington Capitals	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—

Western Conference
	GP	W	L	OTL	Pts	ROW	GF	GA	Home	Road	L10
1 Vegas Golden Knights	1	1	0	0	2	1	4	1	1-0-0	—	1-0-0
2 Chicago Blackhawks	1	1	0	0	2	1	4	2	—	1-0-0	1-0-0
3 Anaheim Ducks	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
4 Arizona Coyotes	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
5 Calgary Flames	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
6 Colorado Avalanche	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
7 Dallas Stars	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
8 Edmonton Oilers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—

9 Los Angeles Kings	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
10 Minnesota Wild	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
11 San Jose Sharks	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
12 St. Louis Blues	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
13 Vancouver Canucks	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
14 Winnipeg Jets	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	—	—
15 Nashville Predators	1	0	1	0	0	0	3	5	—	0-1-0	0-1-0
16 Seattle Kraken	1	0	1	0	0	0	1	4	—	0-1-0	0-1-0

TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY

1909 At Bennett Park, Honus Wagner becomes the first player to steal three bases in a World Series contest. The Pirates’ third baseman’s thievery enables Pittsburgh to beat Detroit, 8-6, in Game 3 of the Fall Classic.

1911 Ty Cobb (Tigers – AL) and Frank Schulte (Cubs – NL) receive cars for being the first-ever Most Valuable Player in their respective leagues. The new honor, known as the Chalmers Award, is sponsored by Chalmers Automotive, a Detroit-based automobile company.

1915 In front of the largest crowd ever to see a World Series game, 42,300 fans watch the Red Sox beat the Phillies in Game 3 of the Fall Classic, 2-1. The contest, which is played at the National League home of the Braves to accommodate more Boston patrons, ends when Duffy Lewis singles with two outs to score Harry Hooper in the bottom of the ninth inning.

1929 The Cubs become the first National League team to win a Fall Classic contest since 1926 when the Redbirds beat New York in Game 7. Chicago breaks the Senior Circuit’s ten-game World Series skid in Game 3 with a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia at Shibe Park.

1947 The Yankees trade Joe Gordon, a future Hall of Fame second baseman who will leave the Bronx after playing in precisely 1,000 games and collecting exactly 1,000 hits, to the Indians for Allie Reynolds, known as Superchief by his teammates due to his Creek heritage. The trade works well for both teams when Cleveland’s newest infielder plays a significant role in the Tribe’s World Championship next season, with the Bronx Bombers’ recently arrived right-hander compiling an impressive 131-60 (.686) record during his eight years with the team.

1948 In Game 6 of the Fall Classic, the Indians beat Boston at Braves Field, 4-3, to capture the team’s second World Series title in franchise history. Bob Lemon wins the game, with Gene Bearden pitching the final one and two-thirds innings to earn the save.

1959 At Syracuse’s MacArthur Stadium, middleweight champion Carmen Basilio umpires an exhibition game between Mickey Mantle’s AL All-Stars and Willie Mays’ NL All-Star barnstorming squads. The contest, which costs only $2.50 to attend, features a home run hitting competition between Braves slugger Hank Aaron and Indians right fielder Rocky Colavito, who led the American League in home runs this season.

1964 In Game 4 of the World Series, Ken Boyer’s sixth-inning grand slam off Yankee starter Al Downing gives the Cardinals a 4-3 victory over the Yankees. The St. Louis third baseman is the second National Leaguer to hit a postseason bases-loaded round-tripper.

1965 In Game 5, a 7-0 victory over the Twins at Dodger Stadium, Willie Davis becomes the second player to steal three bases in a World Series game. The L.A. center fielder joins Pirates shortstop Honus Wagner, who accomplished the feat on the same date 56 years ago against Detroit in Game 3 of the 1909 Fall Classic.

1967 Carl Yastrzemski, Reggie Smith, and Rico Petrocelli, his second of the game, all go deep off Dick Hughes in the bottom of the fourth inning at Fenway Park, marking the first time three teammates hit home runs in the same inning in a World Series game. Boston’s eventual 8-4 victory over St. Louis knots the Fall Classic at three games apiece.

1967 With a year remaining on his contract to manage Washington, Gil Hodges inks a three-year deal to become the Mets skipper, ending the speculation that Yogi Berra, a coach with the team, would replace the recently-resigned Wes Westrum. New York agrees to pay significant reparations to the Senators and send a player from the 40-man roster to Washington to get the fan-favorite former Dodger.

1968 The Giants name Clyde King as the team’s new manager, replacing Herman Franks. San Francisco fires their new skipper, who will guide the club to 90 victories next season after the team blows an 8-0 lead in a contest against the Padres in May of 1970.

1968 The Cardinals trade outfielder/first baseman Bobby Tolan and right-hander Wayne Granger to the Reds for Vada Pinson. The National League Champion Redbirds obtain the former All-Star Gold Glove outfielder to replace Roger Maris, who retired after the season ended.

1970 “It was as if [Boston] Mayor Menino were to trade the USS Constitution to Baltimore for the USS Constellation.” – HERB CREHAN, referring to the Red Sox dealing Tony Conigliaro to the Angels in his book Red Sox Heroes of Yesteryear. During the O’s/Reds World Series, the Red Sox trade fan-favorite Tony Conigliaro, Ray Jarvis, and Jerry Moses to the Angels for Doug Griffin, Jarvis Tatum, and Ken Tatum. The deal stuns the baseball community and crushes the former Boston outfielder, who fans admire for his courageous comeback after being hit in the left cheekbone by a Jack Hamilton pitch that caused a severe eye injury.

1971 At Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, Pat Nixon becomes the first First Lady to toss out a ceremonial first pitch at a major league game. Richard’s wife, a frequent visitor at Washington DC’s Griffith Park with her then vice-president husband and daughters in the 1950s, does the honors before Game Two of the World Series, a contest that hometown Orioles handily beat the Pirates, 11-3.

1972 Bobby Winkles, former head baseball coach at Arizona State, becomes the first major league skipper taken from the collegiate ranks since Hugo Bezdek managed the Pirates in 1917. The Angel coach, who compiled a 524-173 record en route to three national championships with ASU, replaces the recently fired Del Rice, who spent one season with the fifth-place (75-80) Halos.

1972 In the fifth and deciding game of the NLCS at Riverfront Stadium, George Foster scores the winning run from third base in the bottom of the ninth on a wild pitch thrown by Bob Moose, giving the Reds a dramatic 4-3 walk-off victory over the Pirates. Earlier in the inning, Johnny Bench hit a home run off Dave Giusti to tie the score.

1973 Less than two weeks after leaving the Yankees for the second time in his career, Ralph Houk signs a three-year deal to be the Tigers manager, a team in a rebuilding mode. The Major, replacing a fiery Bill Martin, fired by the team at the end of August, will compile a 363-443 (.450) record during his five seasons in the Motor City.

1975 As the first host of Saturday Night Live, George Carlin compares baseball to football in the opening monologue of the ground-breaking show. The comedian jokes the national pastime is a gentler game, portraying the sport as pastoral and played in a park as opposed to football, where the objective is to march downfield and penetrate enemy territory in a stadium.

1976 With Davey Johnson in the on deck circle, Japanese home run king Sadaharu hits his 715th home run, surpassing Babe Ruth’s much-heralded career home run total. Two seasons ago, Johnson was also in the lineup, batting in the hole, when Henry Aaron passed the Sultan of Swat with his 715th round-tripper to become the all-time major league home run leader.

1978 Rookie right-hander Bob Welch strikes out Reggie Jackson with two men on base and two out in the top of the ninth inning, dramatically preserving a 4-3 Dodger victory over the Yankees in Game 2 of the Fall Classic. The relief performance will put the 21-year-old in the national spotlight.

1981 The Expos post their first-ever playoff series triumph, winning NLDS when they beat the defending World Champion Phillies, 3-0, behind Steve Rogers’ six-hit complete-game shutout at Veterans Stadium. The franchise will not advance to another postseason until 2019 when the team takes the Wild Card game as the Washington Nationals.

1992 After participating in a game against the Dolphins in Miami, NFL Falcons’ cornerback Deion Sanders flies to Pittsburgh, hoping to become the first athlete to play in two professional leagues on the same day. However, the traveling outfielder will not be in the lineup for the Braves’ 7-1 loss in Game 5 of the NLCS against the Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium that evening.

1999 An ailing Pedro Martinez, with both starters ineffective in the decisive Game 5 of the ALCS and the score tied at 8-8 in the fourth, enters the game and doesn’t yield another hit to the Indians for the next six innings. Troy O’Leary collects a grand slam and a three-run home run following intentional passes to Nomar Garciaparra, contributing to the Red Sox’ 12-8 victory at Cleveland’s Jacobs Field.

2000 The Yankees’ eight hits in the eighth inning in Game 2 set an ALCS record and contribute to the Bronx Bombers’ 7-1 victory over the Mariners. The new mark surpasses the accomplishments of the Orioles (Game 1 – 1970), the Yankees (Game 2 – 1981), and the Blue Jays (Game 3 – 1985), who each had seven hits in one inning of a championship series.

2002 Buck Showalter, who compiled a 563-504 (.527) managerial record in six seasons with the Yankees and Diamondback, is hired by the last-place Rangers to replace Jerry Narron, let go two days ago as the team’s skipper. The Cubs, Mets, Devil Rays, and Brewers had also expressed an interest in the 46-year-old ESPN commentator.

2003 In Game 4, the Cubs (6) and Marlins (8) tie the NLCS homer record by hitting 14 dingers in the championship series. The mark, which the teams will expand to 23 in the five-game series, was established by the Giants and Cardinals last year.

2004 The Astros, after seven tries during their 43-year history, finally win a postseason playoff series when they eliminate the Braves in the deciding Game 5 of the NLDS, 12-3. The Houston victory marks the third consecutive year that Atlanta has lost a decisive Game 5 of the division series at home in Turner Field.

2005 The last-place Pirates name Jim Tracy as the team’s manager to replace the recently-fired Lloyd McClendon. The selection of the former Dodger skipper, who will guide the Bucs to a 135-189 record during his two seasons at the helm, marks the first time in nearly two decades Pittsburgh has looked outside the organization to hire its field boss.

2006 On a rainy mid-week afternoon in Manhattan, Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and his flight instructor Tyler Stanger die as their four-seat plane crashes into an Upper East Side high-rise building. Manny Acta, the Mets’ third base coach, is not sure he will be able to go to his home after tonight’s scheduled Game 1 of the NLCS at Shea Stadium due to damage to the Belaire Condominiums caused by the crash.

2009 In the final game played at the Metrodome, the Yankees advance to the ALCS by defeating the hometown Twins, 4-1. A costly eighth-inning base-running blunder by Nick Punto ends Minnesota’s hopes of a comeback over a very talented New York team, including Alex Rodriguez, who went 5-for-11 with two homers and six RBIs in the three-game division series sweep.

2009 Jonathan Papelbon, who had never given up a run in any of his previous 26 postseason innings, allows two inherited runners to score in the eighth, and yields another three runs in the ninth, giving the Angels, trailing 5-1 going into the sixth inning, a 7-6 victory over the Red Sox. The Halos’ comeback victory at Fenway completes a three-game sweep of the ALDS over a team that historically had been their nemesis, losing their past four postseason encounters with Boston.

2009 Admitting to a blown call, which led to the decisive run in the Rockies’ 6-5 Game 2 NLDS loss to the Phillies at a very chilly Coors Field, home plate umpire Jerry Meals, after watching a post-game replay, states the ball that glanced off Chase Utley’s leg should not have been in play. To make matters worse, in the same at-bat where the ball was foul, umpire Ron Kulpa ruled the runner safe on a close call, which appeared to have the Philadelphia infielder beat at first base.

2010 The Giants, with their 3-2 victory over the Braves in Game 4 of the NLDS at Turner Field, advance to the National League Championship Series to play the Phillies. After the last out, the San Francisco players come onto the field to salute the opposing manager, Bobby Cox, who is retiring after 29 years in the dugout.

2012 For the first time since the divisional playoffs began in 1995, all four series will go the distance to a Game 5 when the Nationals and Orioles knot their respective series against the Cardinals and Yankees. Washington and Baltimore join the A’s and Giants, who also forced a decisive game with victories over the Tigers and Reds in yesterday’s LDS games.

WORLD SERIES HISTORY

1913 WORLD SERIES

Philadelphia Athletics (4) vs New York Giants (1)

In a classic rematch, the New York Giants (who had just won their third consecutive pennant and were making their third consecutive World Series appearance) squared off against their post-season rival Philadelphia Athletics. Giants manager John McGraw was still trying to escape the recurring questions surrounding his selected pitching rotations in the previous Fall Classic that had resulted in a Red Sox victory. Once again, he had taken his team through another magnificent season while winning the National League pennant by 12½ games, but many fans had lost faith in his post-season coaching capabilities. Pitching aces Rube Marquard, Christy Mathewson and Jeff Tesreau had been given a second chance and were determined not to make the same mistakes that had cost them game-winning leads in the 1912 championship. Connie Mack’s A’s were a worthy opponent and many felt that this series would go down to the wire like the last one.

Marquard was given the Giants’ start in the opener and was shelled for five runs and eight hits in five innings. The last Series’ hero “Home Run Baker” validated his handle by driving in one run in the fourth and knocking a two run home run in the fifth. The Athletics’ Chief Bender, fared the same and gave up an unlikely eleven hits while managing a slim 6-4 victory. The Giants’ veteran journeyman, Christy Mathewson was given the ball for Game 2. “Matty” as he was called by teammates, was coming off of his next-to-last 20+ victory season in the majors as he posted a 25-11 record. The Bucknell star was matched up against his former collegiate rival, Eddie Plank from Gettysburg University. Both aces were at the top of their game, matching each other pitch-for-pitch through nine scoreless innings. Surprisingly, it was Mathewson himself, who managed to turn his adversary with a tenth inning single setting up a 3-0 triumph.

For Game 3, Mack decided to take a page from the last Series and start a bright twenty year-old rookie named “Bullet” Joe Bush who had won fourteen games for him during the regular season. McGraw answered the challenge with his own young gun, Jeff Tesreau, who had successfully debuted as a rookie in the previous Fall Classic. Philadelphia proved to be the better team that day and whopped the Giants’ 8-2. The A’s maintained their Series leading momentum well into Game 4 and were leading 6-0 after five innings. That was until Fred Merkle stepped up to the plate and fueled a Giants’ comeback bid with a three run homer in the seventh. Bender was able to recover and the A’s managed to hold on for a 6-5 victory. The win was Bender’s fourth straight in Series competition.

Trailing three games to one, New York’s Christy Mathewson once again, found himself sharing the mound with Game 1 rival Eddie Plank. However, this time Plank was in control, allowing only two hits in a shocking 3-1 decision and Series deciding victory. For the third consecutive year, the New York Giants had played magnificent during the regular season, only to fall short of a championship. It was a heartbreaking defeat to the players and their fans. McGraw and his Giants vowed to shake their “curse” and restore the club to its former post-season glory. Little did they know that it would be four years before they would get another chance.

Home Run Baker had led the A’s with a .450 batting average and seven runs batted in. Eddie Collins hit .421, while Wally Schang contributed six RBIs and a .357 average. Chief Bender’s performances in Games 1 and 4 boosted his Series victories to six. Mathewson, pitching in what would be his final Series, wound up with a 5-5 lifetime mark in the Fall Classic. At one point, he was 4-0 after splitting two decisions in 1913.

FOOTBALL HISTORY

October 11, 1925 – The New York Giants play their 1st NFL game on the road at Providence, Rhode Island. According to sportsencyclopedia.com, Tim Mara, a successful businessman and promoter, purchased the franchise for a reported $500. In the first few seasons the AFPA/NFL teams were mainly from small towns, league officials believed that a team in a large market such as New York was exactly what was needed to keep the fledgling NFL alive. An si.com story states that A team known as the New York Brickley Giants played two games in the APFA in 1921, but it quickly folded. Mara’s Giants though lost their first game to the Providence Steam Rollers 14-0. In fact the team lost their first three starts only to win seven straight and finished with a record of 8-4.

October 11, 1992 – Deion Sanders, plays in two major professional sports games on the same day. Per a bleacherreport.com article, Prime Time suited up for the Atlanta Falcons and played a game at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami against the Dolphins then & jumped on a plane and flew to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to take the field with the Atlanta Braves Baseball team and play in a game against the Pirates in an MLB National League Championship Series game.

HALL OF FAME BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 11

October 11, 1896 – George Preston Marshall acquired the Boston Braves NFL franchise in 1932 along with two partners per his bio on the profootballhof.com website. The team lost $46,000 in revenue of that first season and the two partners bailed on the team leaving Marshall as the sole owner. George was a larger than life showman, who thrived on attention. He named the team after the Boston Braves baseball team that played there but after very little support he knew he had to change things up a bit. Prior to the 1933 season the nickname was changed to the Redskins to give his team their own identity. The team had limited success in Boston, and didn’t get much support from the community. The lack of support by both the fans and the media really came to a head when Marshall noticed that a local field hockey team was getting more press coverage than his beloved Redskins. This infuriated Marshall so a change of surroundings seemed to be in order and the move to the Nation’s Capital changed the course of the franchise as they were crowned the NFL Champions in their inaugural year in DC. The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted George Marshall in 1963.

October 11, 1905 – Joel Hunt was a former Texas A&M halfback that played from 1925 through the 1927 season. Joel was all-Southwest Conference all three years he was in college. The National Football Foundation states that Joel scored 30 TDs in 27 games played in college, and that his team at A&M had a record of 20-4-3 while he was with the team. After graduation Joel went into coaching serving many schools in one form of coaching or another and then went into the professional coaching ranks with the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Colts. The College Football Hall of Fame inducted Joel Hunt in 1967

October 11, 1906 – Earl “Dutch” Clark was a former Colorado College quarterback. According to the National Football Foundation’s website, Clark had some interesting football stories in both his college and pro career after he grew up in Colorado. The first was that he had committed to play at the University of Michigan and while on his way, the four sport high school star was kidnapped by some folks at Northwestern University. He disappointed his Wildcat suitors though and returned due to being homesick, to Colorado and he played for his local Colorado College team. As a pro his team, the Portsmouth Spartans had an identical record with the Chicago Bears so the first postseason game in NFL history was scheduled to decide a champion and it had some huge twists and turns to make it quite a remarkable story. Spartans star Dutch Clark was unable to play in the game because he had to work. Dutch worked as the Head Basketball Coach at Colorado College and his hoops team had a game on that December 18 and Dutch couldn’t get off work to make the first NFL Championship football game. The National Football Foundation selected Dutch Clark to enter into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. The Pro Football Hall of Fame requested his presence in 1963.

October 11, 1947 – Bobby Anderson was a former Colorado halfback/quarterback. He was not a typical drop back passer, as he led his team two straight years in both rushing and passing. As a senior, after injuries to teammates, Bobby was moved to the halfback position and became an All-American. The College Football Hall of Fame enshrined Bobby Anderson in 2006.

October 11, 1961 – Steve Young was a former Brigham Young quarterback. Steve was a very good quarterback for BYU too as he set the school and NCAA records en route to being runner-up for the 1983 Heisman Trophy and was a consensus All-American. The College Football Hall of Fame placed him in their museum in 2001. Young was drafted by the LA Express of the USFL in the first round of the 1984 draft. After the fledgling league folded , Steve joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a first round pick of a special draft for displaced USFL players. In 1987 the Bucs traded Young to the San Francisco 49ers. He did not play much for the Niners for the next four seasons, as they had a guy by the name of Montana that had a pretty good career. In 1991 he got his break when Joe Montana suffered an injury and Young ended up with his first of six League passing titles. Profootballhof.com tells us how Steve Young had an incredible performance in San Francisco ‘s 49-26 win over the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX. Young passed for 325 yards and threw a Super Bowl record six touchdowns. He also was the game’s leading rusher with 49 yards on five carries. For his efforts, he was named the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Steve Young in 2005.

October 11, 1965 – Chris Spielman was a former Ohio State linebacker. He was the 1987 Lombardi Award winner according to the footballfoundation.org website. Spielman was a consensus All-American for the Buckeyes in 1986 and a unanimous All-American selection in 1987. Chris graduated as the Ohio State’s all- time leader in solo tackles with 283. with 546 tackles, eight sacks and 11 interceptions. In 1988, after graduation, Spielman was drafted by Detroit as their second round pick. Spielman played with the Lions franchise for eight seasons and became the first Lion ever to register 1,000 career tackles. He spent two later seasons with the Buffalo Bills and was named to the Pro Bowl six times. In his career. The National Football Foundation selected Chris Spielman into their College Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

NUMBERS IN SPORTS

5 – 3 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 19 – 35 – 44 – 21 – 24 – 23

October 11, 1911 – Ty Cobb (AL) and Frank Schulte (NL) are named inaugural MLB MVPs. The prize for such an honor was a car. Each of these players took home a Ford Model T. Shulte, whose nickname was “Wildfire,” did not enjoy his “tin lizzy” for very long as it ironically caught on fire near his plantation sometime later.

October 11, 1923 – A pair of Babe Ruth home runs in the 4th and 5th innings is the difference; NY Yankees beat NY Giants, 4-2 at the Polo Grounds to tie World Series, 1-1

October 11, 1927 – New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig, Number 5 was named as the American League MVP. Oddly enough, his teammate, despite hitting a MLB record 60 HR’s, Babe Ruth as a former winner was not eligible

October 11, 1967 – World Series record 3 consecutive home runs hit by Carl Yastrzemski (Number 8), Reggie Smith (Number 7) and Rico Petrocelli (Number 6) to guide the Boston Red Sox over the St Louis Cardinals, 8-4 in Game 6 at Fenway Park

October 11, 1971 – Baltimore 3B Brooks Robinson, Number 5 set a Baseball World Series record when he reached base 5 straight at-bats in the Orioles 11-3 win over Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 2 at Memorial Stadium.

October 11, 1975 – New York Islander’s Number 19, Bryan Trottier’s completed his first career hat trick

October 11, 1978 – Dodgers future Cy Young Award winner, Number 35, Bob Welch had a high pressure strike out of New York Yankees Number 44 , Mr. October, Reggie Jackson in 9th

October 11, 1992 – Deion Sanders, played in a game two different major sports. He suited up in jersey Number 21 for the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and later in the Number 24 uniform of the Atlanta Braves.

October 11, 2020 – In a special COVID delayed NBA Finals it was the LA Lakers knocking off the Miami Heat 106-93 in Game 6 to win record equaling 17th title. The man that made the difference was MVP: LeBron James, Number 23 who became the first to win the award with 3 different teams

TV WEDNESDAY

OLLEGE FOOTBALL	TIME ET	TV
UTEP at FIU	7:30pm	ESPN2
Sam Houston at New Mexico State	9:00pm	CBSSN
MLB PLAYOFFS	TIME ET	TV
ALDS Game 4: Houston at Minnesota	2:07pm	FS1
NLDS Game 3: Atlanta at Philadelphia	5:07	TBS
ALDS Game 4: Baltimore at Texas	7:07pm	FS1
NLDS Game 3: LA Dodgers at Arizona	9:07pm	TBS
NBA PRESEASON	TIME ET	TV
Boston vs Philadelphia	7:00pm	NBATV
Sacramento vs LA Lakers	10:00pm	NBATV
NHL REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Ottawa at Carolina	7:00pm	Sportsnet Bally Sports
Montréal at Toronto	7:00pm	Sportsnet
Chicago at Boston	7:30pm	TNT
Colorado at Los Angeles	10:00pm	TNT
Edmonton at Vancouver	10:00pm	Sportsnet
Winnipeg at Calgary	10:00pm	Sportsnet
SOCCER	TIME ET	TV
Friendly: Wales vs Gibraltar	2:45pm	FS2
WNBA PLAYOFFS	TIME ET	TV
Finals Game 2: New York at Vegas	9:00pm	ESPN