THE INDIANA SRN “SPORTSPAGE” WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18, 2023

“THE SCOREBOARD”

SECTIONAL FOOTBALL FRIDAY OCTOBER 14, 2023

SECTIONAL 17

HOBART (7-2) AT NEW PRAIRIE (7-2)

GARY WEST (6-3) AT KANKAKEE VALLEY (4-5)

EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (1-8) AT HIGHLAND (3-6)

CULVER ACADEMY (3-6) AT LOWELL (4-5)

SECTIONAL 18

SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON (2-7) AT PLYMOUTH (2-7)

NORTHWOOD (7-2) AT SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH (4-5)

SOUTH BEND RILEY (8-1) AT WAWASEE (1-8)

NORTHRIDGE (7-2) AT LOGANSPORT (4-5)

SECTIONAL 19

FORT WAYNE WAYNE (5-4) AT FORT WAYNE DWENGER (4-5)

DEKALB (5-4) AT ANGOLA (2-7)

EAST NOBLE (7-2) AT NEW HAVEN (8-1)

LEO (7-2) AT FORT WAYNE SOUTH (1-8)

SECTIONAL 20

MISSISSINEWA (9-0) AT WESTERN (4-5)

COLUMBIA CITY (5-4) AT HUNTINGTON NORTH (1-8)

FRANKFORT (1-8) AT MARION (2-7)

KOKOMO (7-2) AT JAY COUNTY (4-5)

SECTIONAL 21

INDIANAPOLIS ATTUCKS (8-1) AT LEBANON (4-5)

BREBEUF JESUIT (4-4) AT NORTHVIEW (6-3)

INDIANAPOLIS SHORTRIDGE (3-5) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (3-6)

INDIANAPOLIS WASHINGTON (5-4) AT MOORESVILLE (4-5)

SECTIONAL 22

PENDLETON HEIGHTS (7-2) AT GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (8-1)

NEW CASTLE (1-8) AT NEW PALESTINE (7-2)

BEECH GROVE (4-5) AT MUNCIE CENTRAL (4-5)

MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) (5-4) AT RICHMOND (1-8)

SECTIONAL 23

EDGEWOOD (2-7) AT JENNINGS COUNTY (4-5)

GREENWOOD (4-5) AT CONNERSVILLE (2-7)

SHELBYVILLE (3-6) AT EAST CENTRAL (9-0)

MARTINSVILLE (6-3) AT SILVER CREEK (6-3)

SECTIONAL 24

BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (6-3) AT EVANSVILLE HARRISON (1-8)

BOONVILLE (5-4) AT EVANSVILLE REITZ (9-0)

EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (6-3) AT EVANSVILLE CENTRAL (0-9)…INDIANA SRN BROADCAST

JASPER (6-3) AT EVANSVILLE BOSSE (3-6)

SECTIONAL 25

TWIN LAKES (5-4) AT BOONE GROVE (7-2)

CALUMET (3-6) AT HANOVER CENTRAL (9-0)

RIVER FOREST (6-3) AT WEST LAFAYETTE (6-3)

RENSSELAER CENTRAL (5-4) AT GRIFFITH (3-6)

SECTIONAL 26

JIMTOWN (4-5) AT FAIRFIELD (5-4)

SOUTH BEND CLAY (3-6) AT JOHN GLENN (5-4)

KNOX (9-0) AT LAKELAND (6-3)

MISHAWAKA MARIAN (5-4) AT WEST NOBLE (9-0)

SECTIONAL 27

YORKTOWN (4-5) AT FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA (0-9)

DELTA (5-4) AT NORWELL (3-6)

BELLMONT (0-9) AT GARRETT (4-5)

HERITAGE (8-1) AT WOODLAN (2-7)

SECTIONAL 28

GUERIN CATHOLIC (7-2) AT PERU (9-0)…..INDIANA SRN BROADCAST

TIPPECANOE VALLEY (9-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (9-0)….INDIANA SRN BROADCAST

NORTHWESTERN (3-6) AT MACONAQUAH (6-3)

HAMILTON HEIGHTS (9-0) AT OAK HILL (5-4)

SECTIONAL 29

DANVILLE (7-2) AT TRI-WEST (8-1)

WESTERN BOONE (6-3) AT NORTH MONTGOMERY (5-4)

PURDUE POLYTECHNIC (3-6) AT MONROVIA (7-2)

CRAWFORDSVILLE (1-8) AT SPEEDWAY (2-7)

SECTIONAL 30

PIKE CENTRAL (1-8) AT PRINCETON (1-8)

VINCENNES LINCOLN (6-3) AT OWEN VALLEY (3-6)

MOUNT VERNON (POSEY) (5-4) AT GIBSON SOUTHERN (7-2)

WEST VIGO (2-7) AT WASHINGTON (2-7)

SECTIONAL 31

LAWRENCEBURG (7-2) AT CENTERVILLE (9-0)

BATESVILLE (8-1) AT RUSHVILLE (3-6)

FRANKLIN COUNTY (3-6) AT SOUTH DEARBORN (5-4)

GREENSBURG (0-9) AT INDIAN CREEK (6-3)

SECTIONAL 32

SCOTTSBURG (5-4) AT NORTH HARRISON (6-3)

SALEM (2-7) AT MADISON (1-8)

CHARLESTOWN (6-3) AT HERITAGE HILLS (8-1)

CORYDON CENTRAL (0-9) AT SOUTHRIDGE (6-3)

SECTIONAL 33

BREMEN (4-5) AT HAMMOND NOLL (2-7)

ANDREAN (3-6) AT LAVILLE (8-1)

LAKE STATION (2-7) AT WHITING (3-6)

SECTIONAL 34

WINAMAC (3-6) AT LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (6-3)

BENTON CENTRAL (2-7) AT SEEGER (6-3)

DELPHI (4-5) AT LEWIS CASS (5-4)

SECTIONAL 35

WABASH (2-7) AT EASTSIDE (6-3)

FORT WAYNE LUERS (6-3) AT CHURUBUSCO (2-7)

PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (0-9) AT CENTRAL NOBLE (3-6)

MANCHESTER (3-6) AT WHITKO (1-8)

SECTIONAL 36

BLACKFORD (0-9) AT TIPTON (1-8)

ELWOOD (1-8) AT EASTERN (GREENTOWN) (7-2)

EASTBROOK (6-3) AT FRANKTON (4-5)

BLUFFTON (7-2) AT ALEXANDRIA (8-1)

SECTIONAL 37

GREENCASTLE (7-2) AT NORTH PUTNAM (3-6)

LINTON-STOCKTON (7-1) AT NORTH KNOX (5-4)

SOUTH VERMILLION (8-1) AT CASCADE (5-4)

SULLIVAN (5-4) AT SOUTHMONT (4-5)

SECTIONAL 38

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

INDIANAPOLIS RITTER (3-6) AT UNION COUNTY (0-9)

SHENANDOAH (1-8) AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (6-3)

NORTHEASTERN (7-2) AT WINCHESTER (6-2)

SECTIONAL 39

TRITON CENTRAL (8-1) AT CLARKSVILLE (1-8)

INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (5-4) AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (8-1)

BROWN COUNTY (1-8) AT SWITZERLAND COUNTY (5-4)

EASTERN (PEKIN) (3-6) AT CHRISTEL HOUSE MANUAL (3-5)

SECTIONAL 40

NORTH POSEY (8-1) AT PERRY CENTRAL (5-4)

EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (2-7) AT TELL CITY (6-3)

MITCHELL (2-7) AT FOREST PARK (5-4)

CRAWFORD COUNTY (0-9) AT PAOLI (8-1)

SECTIONAL 41

BOWMAN ACADEMY (1-5) AT SOUTH NEWTON (3-6)

PIONEER (5-4) AT NORTH JUDSON (5-4)

TRITON (6-3) AT NORTH NEWTON (0-9)

CULVER (0-9) AT SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS) (3-6)

SECTIONAL 42

FOUNTAIN CENTRAL (5-3) AT PARK TUDOR (9-0)

CLINTON PRAIRIE (5-4) AT COVINGTON (4-5)

NORTH VERMILLION (6-3) AT ATTICA (0-9)

SECTIONAL 43

CASTON (1-8) AT NORTH WHITE (9-0)

CARROLL (FLORA) (9-0) AT TRI-COUNTY (5-3)

WEST CENTRAL (7-2) AT TAYLOR (1-8)

TRI-CENTRAL (3-6) AT FRONTIER (5-4)

SECTIONAL 44

MADISON-GRANT (6-3) AT NORTHFIELD (4-5)

NORTH MIAMI (1-8) AT SOUTHERN WELLS (1-8)

SOUTH ADAMS (6-3) AT ADAMS CENTRAL (9-0)

FREMONT (3-6) AT SOUTHWOOD (4-5)

SECTIONAL 45

MONROE CENTRAL (4-5) AT UNION CITY (2-7)

HAGERSTOWN (6-3) AT SHERIDAN (6-3)

SECTIONAL 46

SOUTH DECATUR (7-2) AT NORTH DECATUR (6-3)

KNIGHTSTOWN (3-6) AT TRI (6-3)

MILAN (6-3) AT CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN (1-6)

SECTIONAL 47

NORTH CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG) (2-7) AT SOUTH PUTNAM (8-1)

PARKE HERITAGE (2-6) AT COVENANT CHRISTIAN (5-3)….INDIANA SRN BROADCAST

RIVERTON PARKE (4-5) AT CLOVERDALE (2-7)

SECTIONAL 48

SPRINGS VALLEY (8-1) AT SOUTH SPENCER (3-6)

PROVIDENCE (9-0) AT EASTERN GREENE (5-4)

NORTH DAVIESS (4-5) AT TECUMSEH (1-8)

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL AP FINAL POLLS

1. BROWNSBURG (9-0)

2. CENTER GROVE (8-1)

3. BEN DAVIS (8-1)

4. CROWN POINT (9-0)

5. WESTFIELD (8-1)

6. HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (7-2)

7. INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (6-3)

8. PENN (8-1)

9. CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (7-2)

10. FISHERS (6-3)

11. WARSAW (8-1)

12. LAWRENCE NORTH (6-3)

1. BLOOMINGTON NORTH (9-0)

2. FORT WAYNE SNIDER (8-1)

3. BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (8-1)

4. VALPARAISO (7-2)

5. HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (8-1)

6. MERRILLVILLE (7-2)

7. DECATUR CENTRAL (7-2)

8. FLOYD CENTRAL (8-1)

9. MISHAWAKA (7-2)

10. CASTLE (6-3)

11. MCCUTCHEON (6-3)

12. PLAINFIELD (6-3)

13. EVANSVILLE NORTH (6-3)

13. WHITELAND (5-4)

1. EAST CENTRAL (9-0)

2. EVANSVILLE REITZ (9-0)

3. NEW PALESTINE (7-2)

4. GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (8-1)

5. MISSISSINEWA (9-0)

6. EAST NOBLE (7-2)

7. NEW HAVEN (8-1)

8. NORTHRIDGE (7-2)

9. KOKOMO (7-2)

10. LEO (7-2)

11. NORTHWOOD (7-2)

12. PENDLETON HEIGHTS (7-2)

12. NEW PRAIRIE (7-2)

14. JASPER (6-3)

15. MARTINSVILLE (6-3)

15. EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (6-3)

FINAL REGULAR SEASON

1. INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (9-0)

2. HANOVER CENTRAL (9-0)

3. GUERIN CATHOLIC (7-2)

3. TIPPECANOE VALLEY (9-0)

5. HAMILTON HEIGHTS (9-0)

6. GIBSON SOUTHERN (7-2)

7. HERITAGE HILLS (8-1)

8. TRI-WEST (8-1)

9. PERU (9-0)

9. KNOX (9-0)

11. WEST NOBLE (9-0)

12. BATESVILLE (8-1)

13. CENTERVILLE (9-0)

13. VINCENNES LINCOLN (6-3)

15. LAWRENCEBURG (7-2)

1. TRITON CENTRAL (8-1)

2. LINTON-STOCKTON (8-1)

3. BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (8-1)

4. NORTH POSEY (8-1)

5. LAVILLE (8-1)

6. ALEXANDRIA (8-1)

7. FORT WAYNE LUERS (6-3)

8. BLUFFTON (7-2)

9. SOUTH VERMILLION (8-1)

10. LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (6-3)

11. PAOLI (8-1)

12. ROCHESTER (7-2)

13. GREENCASTLE (7-2)

14. EASTBROOK (6-3)

1. INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (8-0)

2. ADAMS CENTRAL (9-0)

3. CARROLL (FLORA) (9-0)

4. PROVIDENCE (9-0)

5. PARK TUDOR (9-0)

6. SOUTH PUTNAM (8-1)

7. NORTH WHITE (9-0)

8. SPRINGS VALLEY (8-1)

9. TRITON (6-3)

10. SOUTH ADAMS (6-3)

10. MILAN (6-3)

12. SHERIDAN (6-3)

13. MADISON-GRANT (6-3)

14. WEST CENTRAL (7-2)

15. NORTH DECATUR (6-3)

INDIANA VOLLEYBALL REGIONAL MATCH-UPS

HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN – HARRISON

FORT WAYNE CARROLL – HOMESTEAD

MUNSTER – CROWN POINT

WARSAW – LAPORTE

CASTLE – FRANKLIN

FLOYD CENTRAL – CENTER GROVE

YORKTOWN – CATHEDRAL

RONCALLI- AVON

ANGOLA – BELLMONT

BENTON CENTRAL – NEW CASTLE

NORTHWOOD – CULVER ACADEMIES

MISHAWAKA MARIAN – HAMMOND NOLL

PROVIDENCE – EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL

BARR REEVE – LAWRENCEBURG

HAMILTON HEIGHTS – NORTHVIEW

TRI-WEST – SPEEDWAY

ADAMS CENTRAL – LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC

MADISON GRANT – MUNCIE BURRIS

CHRUBUSCO- ILLIANA CHRISTIAN

SOUTH-CENTRAL – PIONEER

NORTH POSEY – LINTON STOCKTON

BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL – NORTH DECATUR

SCECINA – NORTHEASTERN

GREENCASTLE – CASCADE

FAITH CHRISTIAN – DALEVILLE

SOUTHWOOD – BLUE RIVER

FORT WAYNE BLACKHAWK – MARQUETTE CATHOLIC

TRI-COUNTY – KOUTS

TRINITY LUTHERAN – LOOGOOTEE

TECUMSEH – LANESVILLE

SHAKAMAK-INDIANA DEAF

GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN – OLDENBURG ACADEMY

Class 4A Bracket | Class 3A Bracket | Class 2A Bracket | Class 1A Bracket

INDIANA BOYS SOCCER REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

SATURDAY SEMI-STATE NOBLESVILLE VS. LAKE CENTRAL

SATURDAY SEMI-STATE COLUMBUS NORTH VS. CATHEDRAL

SATURDAY SEMI-STATE LEO VS. MISHAWAKA MARIAN

SATURDAY SEMI-STATE EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL VS. BREBEUF

SATURDAY SEMI-STATE PARK TUDOR VS. BETHANY CHRISTIAN

SATURDAY SEMI-STATE FOREST PARK VS. GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN

INDIANA GIRLS SOCCER REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

SATURDAY SEMI-STATE CROWN POINT VS. NOBLESVILLE

SATURDAY SEMI-STATE CATHEDRAL VS. BLOOMINGTON SOUTH

SATURDAY SEMI-STATE LEO VS. MISHAWAKA MARIAN

SATURDAY SEMI-STATE EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL VS. GUERIN CATHOLIC

SATURDAY SEMI-STATE WESTVIEW VS. FW CANTERBURY

SATURDAY SEMI-STATE EVANSVILLE MATER DEI VS. PARK TUDOR

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

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

WEEK 8

TUESDAY, OCT. 17

LIBERTY 42 MIDDLE TENNESSEE 35

JACKSONVILLE STATE 20 WESTERN KENTUCKY 17

SOUTH ALABAMA 55 SOUTHERN MISS 3

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AT SAM HOUSTON | 7 P.M. | CBSSN

NEW MEXICO STATE AT UTEP | 9 P.M. | ESPN2

THURSDAY, OCT. 19

RICE AT TULSA | 7 P.M. | ESPN2

JAMES MADISON AT MARSHALL | 7 P.M. | ESPN

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL AT MORGAN STATE | 7:30 P.M. | ESPNU

FRIDAY, OCT. 20

SMU AT TEMPLE | 7 P.M. | ESPN2

SATURDAY, OCT. 21

PENN STATE AT OHIO STATE | 12 P.M. | FOX

UCF AT OKLAHOMA | 12 P.M. | ABC

MISSISSIPPI STATE AT ARKANSAS | 12 P.M. | ESPN

RUTGERS AT INDIANA

BOSTON COLLEGE AT GEORGIA TECH | 12 P.M. | ACC NETWORK

BAYLOR AT CINCINNATI | 12 P.M. | ESPN+

MEMPHIS AT UAB | 12 P.M. | ESPN2

AIR FORCE AT NAVY | 12 P.M. | CBS

NORFOLK STATE AT HOWARD | 12 P.M. | ESPNU

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE AT DELAWARE STATE | 12 P.M. | ESPN+

PENN AT YALE | 12 P.M. | ESPN+

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

LAFAYETTE AT HOLY CROSS | 1 P.M. | ESPN+

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

SOUTH DAKOTA AT INDIANA STATE | 1 P.M. | ESPN+

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

MARIST AT PRESBYTERIAN | 1 P.M. | ESPN+

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

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

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

EAST TENNESSEE STATE AT CHATTANOOGA | 1:30 P.M. | ESPN+

CHARLOTTE AT EAST CAROLINA | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

UL MONROE AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

AKRON AT BOWLING GREEN | 2 P.M. | ESPN+

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

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE AT TENNESSEE TECH | 2:30 P.M. | ESPN+

FURMAN AT WESTERN CAROLINA | 2:30 P.M. | ESPN+

COLGATE AT GEORGETOWN | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

MURRAY STATE AT MISSOURI STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

BRYANT AT EASTERN ILLINOIS | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

SE LOUISIANA AT NORTHWESTERN STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN AT UT MARTIN | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

LINCOLN (CA) AT TENNESSEE STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+

WASHINGTON STATE AT OREGON | 3:30 P.M. | ABC

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

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

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

OKLAHOMA STATE AT WEST VIRGINIA | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN

NORTH TEXAS AT TULANE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN2

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

EASTERN MICHIGAN AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+

BUFFALO AT KENT STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+

WESTERN ILLINOIS AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+

TEXAS AT HOUSTON | 4 P.M. | FOX

TOLEDO AT MIAMI (OHIO) | 4 P.M. | ESPNU

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

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

JACKSON STATE AT MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE | 5 P.M. | ESPN+

NORTH DAKOTA AT UNI | 5 P.M. | ESPN+

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

DRAKE AT SAN DIEGO | 5 P.M. | ESPN+

ABILENE CHRISTIAN AT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN | 5 P.M. | ESPN+

UTSA AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC | 6 P.M. | ESPN+

EASTERN KENTUCKY AT GARDNER-WEBB | 6 P.M. | ESPN+

OLE MISS AT AUBURN | 7 P.M. | ESPN

TCU AT KANSAS STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN2

COASTAL CAROLINA AT ARKANSAS STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

COLORADO STATE AT UNLV | 7 P.M. | MOUNTAIN WEST NETWORK

UTAH STATE AT SAN JOSE STATE | 7 P.M. | CBSSN

UTAH TECH AT NORTH ALABAMA | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

MOREHEAD STATE AT TARLETON STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

WEBER STATE AT EASTERN WASHINGTON | 7 P.M. | ESPN+

ARMY AT LSU | 7:30 P.M. | SEC NETWORK

GEORGIA STATE AT LOUISIANA | 8 P.M. | ESPNU

FLORIDA A&M AT TEXAS SOUTHERN | 8 P.M. | ESPN+

AUSTIN PEAY AT SOUTHERN UTAH | 8 P.M. | ESPN+

NORTHERN COLORADO AT CAL POLY | 8 P.M. | ESPN+

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

UCLA AT STANFORD | 10:30 P.M. | ESPN

MONTANA STATE AT SACRAMENTO STATE | 10:30 P.M. | ESPN2

MICHIGAN AT MICHIGAN STATE

DUKE AT FLORIDA STATE

ARIZONA STATE AT WASHINGTON

UTAH AT USC

TENNESSEE AT ALABAMA

VIRGINIA AT NORTH CAROLINA

CLEMSON AT MIAMI (FLA.)

WISCONSIN AT ILLINOIS

MINNESOTA AT IOWA

NORTHWESTERN AT NEBRASKA

TEXAS TECH AT BYU

APPALACHIAN STATE AT OLD DOMINION

WESTERN MICHIGAN AT OHIO

NEVADA AT SAN DIEGO STATE

NFL WEEK 7 SCHEDULE

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (THU) 7:15P (CT) 8:15P PRIME VIDEO

DETROIT LIONS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT CHICAGO BEARS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P FOX

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS

BUFFALO BILLS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT NEW YORK GIANTS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS

ATLANTA FALCONS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT LOS ANGELES RAMS 1:05P (PT) 4:05P FOX

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 1:05P (PT) 4:05P FOX

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT DENVER BRONCOS 2:25P (MT) 4:25P CBS

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 3:25P (CT) 4:25P CBS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 8:20P (ET) 8:20P NBC*

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (MON) 7:15P (CT) 8:15P ESPN

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

FULL SCHEDULE FOR 2023 MLB POSTSEASON

LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

TUESDAY, OCT. 17
PHILADELPHIA 10 ARIZONA 0

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18
HOU @ TEX, GAME 3, FOX/FS1

THURSDAY, OCT. 19
PHI @ AZ, GAME 3, TBS
HOU @ TEX, GAME 4, FOX/FS1

FRIDAY, OCT. 20
PHI @ AZ, GAME 4, TBS
HOU @ TEX, GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY), FOX/FS1

SATURDAY, OCT. 21
PHI @ AZ, GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY), TBS

SUNDAY, OCT. 22
TEX @ HOU, GAME 6 (IF NECESSARY), FOX/FS1

MONDAY, OCT. 23
AZ @ PHI, GAME 6 (IF NECESSARY), TBS
TEX @ HOU, GAME 7 (IF NECESSARY), FOX/FS1

TUESDAY, OCT. 24
AZ @ PHI, 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

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL AP PRE-SEASON POLL

Rank	School	Votes	Prev
1	LSU 0-0	899 (35)	NR
2	UConn 0-0	855 (1)	NR
3	Iowa 0-0	780	NR
4	UCLA 0-0	757	NR
5	Utah 0-0	742	NR
6	South Carolina 0-0	713	NR
7	Ohio State 0-0	711	NR
8	Virginia Tech 0-0	661	NR
9	Indiana 0-0	625	NR
10	Notre Dame 0-0	546	NR
11	Tennessee 0-0	540	NR
12	Ole Miss 0-0	450	NR
13	Texas 0-0	428	NR
14	Maryland 0-0	392	NR
15	Stanford 0-0	389	NR
16	North Carolina 0-0	375	NR
17	Louisville 0-0	308	NR
18	Florida State 0-0	292	NR
19	Baylor 0-0	268	NR
20	Colorado 0-0	257	NR
21	USC 0-0	209	NR
22	Creighton 0-0	123	NR
23	Illinois 0-0	82	NR
24	Washington State 0-0	61	NR
25	Mississippi State 0-0	54	NR

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL

Rank	School	Votes	Prev
1	LSU 0-0	797 (29)	NR
2	UConn 0-0	727 (3)	NR
3	Iowa 0-0	713	NR
4	South Carolina 0-0	671	NR
5	Virginia Tech 0-0	617	NR
6	Ohio State 0-0	598	NR
7	Utah 0-0	565	NR
8	UCLA 0-0	555	NR
9	Indiana 0-0	534	NR
10	Notre Dame 0-0	511	NR
11	Maryland 0-0	451	NR
12	Tennessee 0-0	431	NR
13	Stanford 0-0	427	NR
14	Texas 0-0	357	NR
15	Louisville 0-0	309	NR
16	Ole Miss 0-0	304	NR
17	North Carolina 0-0	278	NR
18	Colorado 0-0	212	NR
19	Duke 0-0	152	NR
20	Baylor 0-0	151	NR
21	USC 0-0	138	NR
22	Florida State 0-0	128	NR
23	Creighton 0-0	95	NR
23	Oklahoma 0-0	95	NR
25	Michigan 0-0	75	NR
25	Miami (FL) 0-0	75	NR

NBA PRE-SEASON

NEW ORLEANS 104 ORLANDO 92

BOSTON 123 NEW YORK 110

TORONTO 106 CHICAGO 102

OKLAHOMA CITY 124 MILWAUKEE 101

LA CLIPPERS 116 DENVER 103

NHL SCOREBOARD

PHILADELPHIA 2 VANCOUVER 0

MINNESOTA 5 MONTRÉAL 2

NY ISLANDERS 1 ARIZONA 0

EDMONTON 6 NASHVILLE 1

LOS ANGELES 5 WINNIPEG 1

COLORADO 4 SEATTLE 1

CAROLINA 6 SAN JOSE 3

VEGAS 3 DALLAS 2

WNBA SCORES

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

TOP NATIONAL HEADLINES

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS/NEWS

SCHWARBER HOMERS TWICE, TURNER GOES DEEP, PHILLIES POWER PAST ARIZONA 10-0 IN GAME 2 OF NLCS

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Kyle Schwarber is pounding postseason homers at such a rate that he fits right in with Mickey Mantle and Reggie Jackson.

The tattooed slugger is doing it all while powering the Philadelphia Phillies toward a chance for the franchise’s first World Series championship since 2008.

“If you want to get paid, win baseball games,” he said. “That goes a long way.”

So do his Schwarbombs – especially in October.

Schwarber hit two of Philadelphia’s three solo homers off Merrill Kelly, and the sweet-swinging Phillies pounded the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-0 on Tuesday night for a 2-0 lead in the NL Championship Series.

Trea Turner also connected and J.T. Realmuto had two hits and three RBIs as Philadelphia improved to 7-1 in the playoffs, moving closer to a second straight World Series appearance. Aaron Nola tossed three-hit ball and struck out seven in six innings.

Game 3 is Thursday at Chase Field. The Texas Rangers also hold a 2-0 lead over the Houston Astros in the ALCS headed into Wednesday’s game.

“I think this is kind of the lineup that we envisioned ourselves having all season long,” Realmuto said. “I just think that we’re clicking at the right time right now.”

It was another noisy night in Philly as Kelly was roasted after saying fans at Citizens Bank Park could not possibly be any louder than the ones he heard cheering for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Not just any Classic game. The one in May when Turner hit a grand slam for the United States that lifted them into the tournament’s semifinals.

“I haven’t obviously heard this place on the field,” Kelly said ahead of Game 1, “but I would be very surprised if it trumped that (WBC) game down in Miami.”

As the kids say, challenge accepted.

Kelly, a 12-game winner this season, was voraciously booed from pregame introductions to his walk to the mound, a sort of we’ll-show-you vibe from 45,412 Phillies diehards determined to shake the ballpark again in October.

How loud?

“AC/DC concert level,” loud, Turner said before Game 2.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said a rival coach told him last season that a playoff game in Philly was “four hours of hell,” and Turner sent a charge through the delirious crowd when he clocked a four-seam fastball to left-center field for a 1-0 lead in the first.

“It was definitely loud,” Turner said.

Kelly said his comments were taken out of context and “made into something more than it should have been.”

“I knew it from the start that the energy was going to be loud,” he said. “I knew these fans bring a ton of energy.”

Boisterous fans are great. So is the long ball. Schwarber’s homers in the third and sixth were Philadelphia’s 14th and 15th homers in the last four games as the Phillies continue to mash their way through October.

Pitching, though, remains the ultimate decider.

Nola, eligible for free agency after the World Series, has only fattened the numbers for his impending contract. The longest-tenured Phillie, Nola has won all three postseason starts and struck out 19. His ERA, 0.96.

Nola tossed seven shutout innings in the Wild Card Series against Miami and struck out nine against the Braves in the NLDS. Against Corbin Carroll, Christian Walker and the Diamondbacks, Nola again was spotless.

“He’s really just being unpredictable and getting ahead of guys and being able to put them away when he is ahead,” Realmuto said.

The Phillies flashed their leather to keep Arizona in check. Bryce Harper made a diving stab at first to get Carroll in the third. Alec Bohm made a diving snag at third and one-hopped the throw to get Gabriel Moreno in the second.

Kelly was booed off the mound when he was lifted for Joe Mantiply in the sixth and left a runner on base. Bryson Stott singled and Realmuto followed with a two-run double. After a two-out walk, Brandon Marsh added an RBI double for a 6-0 lead.

At that point, there was no use stretching Nola, not when the Phillies could save him for a start later in the series – or possibly, his next one against a team from Texas.

“I feel like we like our chances, for sure,” Nola said.

BROAD STREET BOMBERS

The Phillies have four individual multihomer games this postseason, tying the 2009 Phillies and 2002 Angels for the most by a team in a postseason.

Schwarber, who hit six for the Phillies in last season’s playoffs, has 18 career in the postseason, tying him with Jackson and Mantle on the list. Only six players are ahead of him in MLB history.

Schwarber had the crowd standing in anticipation of a third homer in the seventh but he walked.

The Phillies beat the Braves 10-2 in Game 3 of the NLDS, marking the second time in franchise history (2009) they have scored 10 runs in multiple games in a single postseason.

OUT OF SORTS

The Diamondbacks are headed home all out of sorts. Stott popped one up 17 feet from the plate in the seventh that three fielders looked at and let drop for a single. He scored on a sacrifice fly for a 10-0 lead.

Arizona was limited to four hits for the second straight game while its top two starters combined to give up six homers.

“Look, we could be playing on the moon. Everybody is talking about coming into this environment, and I don’t care,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “We have to play better baseball. Everybody has to be better. You can start with the manager and then trickle all the way down through the entire team.”

UP NEXT

The Diamondbacks will throw rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt (3-9, 5.72 ERA) in Game 3 while the Phillies start left-hander Ranger Suárez (4-6, 4.18 ERA; 1-0 postseason).

NFL NEWS

JAGUARS QB TREVOR LAWRENCE FEELS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT PLAYING AT THE SAINTS DESPITE SPRAINED KNEE

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence “felt a lot better” than he expected Tuesday after being diagnosed with a sprained left knee.

Lawrence was a limited participant in practice – backup C.J. Beathard took first-team reps – but was optimistic he would play at New Orleans on Thursday night.

“I’m going to do everything I can to be out there,” Lawrence said. “I feel a lot better today than I would’ve thought. I like how I’m progressing and I’m going to do everything I can to be out there on Thursday.”

Lawrence said his knee has progressed “really well through the past 24, 48 hours” and added that “I really like where it’s at.”

Lawrence twisted his knee on a sack with roughly three minutes remaining in a 37-20 victory over Indianapolis on Sunday. Coach Doug Pederson has repeatedly defended having Lawrence in the game with a 14-point late lead and the play call that had Lawrence rolling out on third-and-7 at the Indy 16 behind an offensive line that was without both starting guards.

Lawrence faked a handoff and was immediately under heavy pressure from Samson Ebukam, who blew past rookie tight end Brenton Strange. Pederson suggested Lawrence should have taken a “short sack” instead of trying to outrun Ebukam, who tackled Lawrence for a 17-yard loss.

Lawrence was slow to get up before hobbling to the bench and into the locker room.

He wore a brace during practice Tuesday and said he likely would wear it in New Orleans, assuming he plays. If not, Beathard would make his first start since the 2020 regular-season finale with San Francisco.

“I’ve been here 2 1/2 years with him and he hasn’t missed a single game,” Beathard said. “He’s as tough as they come, and I know he’s doing anything and everything he can to be ready to play. That’s still very likely that he plays this week.”

Offensive coordinator Press Taylor said Jacksonville’s training staff would make the final decision on Lawrence’s playing status.

“As long as Trevor’s in a position where he can’t injure himself or as long as he gives us the best chance to win the game and without risking himself or whatever that may be, then that’s what we continue to do,” Taylor said.

Lawrence has completed 67% of his passes for 1,439 yards, with seven touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He has been sacked 16 times and is on pace to shatter his previous high of 32 set in 2021.

Jacksonville’s offensive line could be without both guards, with Walker Little (knee) and Brandon Scherff (ankle) missing practice again Tuesday.

“With any injury, it’s a fine line of how much do you push?” Lawrence said. “I think a little bit is good. That line is always kind of moving, though. You’re trying to do everything you can obviously to play, but then you don’t want to hurt yourself worse, all those things.

“I feel good with where I’m at right now. So we’re just kind of seeing, taking it day by day and seeing how it gets better.”

Lawrence played through a toe injury last season, but hasn’t missed a game because of injury since his final season at Clemson in 2020. He sat out a victory against Boston College because of a neck injury and missed the following week at Notre Dame because of COVID-19 protocols.

“This game is about toughness and, at times, playing through injuries,” Lawrence said. “But also you got to be smart and know the position that we’re in. … There’s a lot of questions that you have to answer. There’s not a right answer to any of them.

“Some guys are more conservative when it comes to injuries and some guys aren’t. Some guys play through more and some guys don’t. So it depends who you are, what you’re comfortable with. The biggest thing is you got to feel confident going out on that field. … You can’t play this game hesitating at all.”

EAGLES SIGN WIDE RECEIVER JULIO JONES TO ADD VETERAN DEPTH TO RECEIVING CORPS

PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia Eagles signed wide receiver Julio Jones on Tuesday, adding veteran depth to their receiving corps.

The seven-time Pro Bowl selection hasn’t played since last season, his lone one with Tampa Bay. Jones had just 24 catches for 299 yards receiving with the Buccaneers. The 34-year-old has been slowed by injuries and hasn’t played in more than 10 games in a season since 2019.

The defending NFC champion Eagles (5-1) needed a third option behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith once Quez Watkins went on injured reserve with a hamstring issue. The Eagles host Miami on Sunday night.

Jones will be reunited in Philadelphia with Brown, his teammate in Tennessee in 2021, and Olamide Zaccheaus, his teammate in Atlanta in 2019-20.

Jones holds Atlanta records with 848 catches for 12,896 yards, and his 60 touchdowns rank second. He had a career-best 136 catches for 1,871 yards in 2015. He had six straight seasons with more than 1,300 yards receiving until being limited to nine games in 2020 by a nagging hamstring injury.

He has twice led the NFL in receiving yards in a season, and in 2015 his 136 receptions, 1,871 yards and 116.9 yards per game led the NFL in all three categories. He played in one Super Bowl with the Falcons.

THE STARTING 11: WEEK 7 FEATURES TWO MATCHUPS OF FIRST-PLACE TEAMS

The offense still sells tickets, but defense wins the close games.

That’s important because close games are in abundance in today’s National Football League. Six times since the beginning of last season, an NFL week has seen at least two-thirds of its games decided by eight points or less. Last week,10 of 15 games fell into that edge-of-your-couch category.

As the league enters Week 7, every team has now played at least one game separated by five points or less. DAK PRESCOTT and the Cowboys joined that club Monday night.

“This is what the NFL is about,” Prescott said after Dallas’ 20-17 win. “We’ve got to get used to this. We’ve got to stay confident in this, understand that these close games, one-score, field-goal games, touchdown games, we’ve got to believe in ourselves, finishing it on our terms with the ball in our hands and thankful for our defense right there getting us that ball.”

That defense delivered a critical sack from MICAH PARSONS and a game-sealing interception by STEPHON GILMORE on consecutive plays in the final two minutes.

Timely defensive performances figure to be the difference in the late-season standings as playoff dreams either become realities or remain dreams.

Dreaming confidently is CLEVELAND (3-2), only half a game behind the lead in the AFC North thanks to a two-point triumph over previously undefeated SAN FRANCISCO. This season, the Browns have allowed only 1,002 yards, the third-fewest by a team in its first five games of a season since the 1970 merger. Only the 1971 BALTIMORE COLTS (836) and 1970 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (945) allowed fewer.

Eight points or less have decided all six of Minnesota’s games this season. When the Vikings host the 49ers this week on Monday Night Football (8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC), could San Francisco’s defense be the difference? The 49ers lead the NFL in fewest points allowed per game (14.5) and opponent passer rating (67.2). No question, they’ll need that defense in a tough road test against the Vikings, whose offense is second in the NFL with 14 touchdown passes and ranks third with 263.7 passing yards per game.

JACKSONVILLE (4-2) also has a tough road test this week, at NEW ORLEANS (3-3) on Thursday Night Football (8:15 PM ET, Prime Video). Led by their opportunistic defense, the Jaguars lead the NFL with 15 takeaways. And if Jacksonville can win this week, the team will improve to three games above .500 for the first time since Dec. 31, 2017, when the Jaguars finished 10-6 before advancing to the AFC Championship Game.

The NEW YORK JETS (3-3), playing without their injured starting cornerbacks, had four takeaways in last week’s six-point win over previously undefeated Philadelphia. The Jets are suddenly just two games out of first in the AFC East thanks to a stingy defense that has stymied some of the league’s best quarterbacks.

But how you finish matters more than how you start, and as close games become as common as RAHEEM MOSTERT touchdowns, look for defenses to stand out when margins are tight.

The Starting 11 entering Week 7…

1. FIRST-PLACE DOLPHINS, EAGLES LINC UP IN PRIMETIME SUNDAY: For the first time in six years, every NFL team has at least one loss this early in a season, entering Week 7. The field is wide open. That’s why both MIAMI (5-1) and PHILADELPHIA (5-1) need a win to preserve their respective division leads when they meet at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday Night Football (8:20 PM ET, NBC).

Philadelphia looks for its sixth straight win at home, including the postseason.
- Miami quarterback TUA TAGOVAILOA leads the NFL in both passing yards (1,876) and passer rating (114.1). He also enters Week 7 tied for the league lead with 14 touchdown passes. This week, he’ll face a secondary that includes the only two NFL players with at least 100 passes defensed since 2016 – Eagles cornerbacks JAMES BRADBERRY (103) and DARIUS SLAY (102).
- The Dolphins’ potent ground attack – led by RAHEEM MOSTERT’s NFL-leading nine rushing touchdowns – ranks first in the league with 181.8 rushing yards per game. Philadelphia’s rushing defense ranks second in the NFL, allowing only 65.8 yards per game.
- Each defense ranks among the NFL’s top five in sacks (Miami is tied for third with 21 while Philadelphia ranks fifth with 20). The Eagles’ HAASON REDDICK had a season-high 2.5 sacks last week.

2. NUMBER OF THE WEEK – 5: The number of 100-yard receiving games produced this season by STEFON DIGGS of the BUFFALO BILLS (4-2). In fact, Diggs not only leads the league in that category, he also enters this week at NEW ENGLAND (1-5) on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS) with four consecutive 100-yard games, the longest streak in franchise history.

3. GEORGE KITTLE, TIGHT END UNIVERSITY: That’s how San Francisco’s playmaker introduced himself on NBC’s starting lineups earlier this month. His school, Iowa, has more than earned that reputation. On Monday Night Football, two of the school’s most productive tight ends – Kittle and the Vikings’ T.J. HOCKENSON – meet at U.S. Bank Stadium (8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC). Hockenson ranks tied for first among tight ends this season in receptions (36) and third in receiving yards (304). Kittle has at least two touchdown catches in three of his past four primetime games.

Another Iowa product, Detroit’s SAM LAPORTA, has registered the fourth-most receptions (29) by a rookie over his first six career games in NFL history.

4. SPOTLIGHT – INDIVIDUAL MATCHUP: JUSTIN HERBERT has 15,422 career passing yards since entering the league in 2020. In that time, only PATRICK MAHOMES (16,422) has more passing yards. Those quarterbacks meet again on Sunday (4:25 PM ET, CBS) when the KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (5-1) host the LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (2-3).

Both Herbert and Mahomes have completed passes to 14 different targets this season.
- The Chargers have gone 3-2 in Kansas City since 2018. That’s the best record (minimum three games) by a visiting team at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in that span.
- Kansas City defensive tackle CHRIS JONES is one of four players to record at least one sack in eight-or-more consecutive games on multiple occasions since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic. The only other players to do that are SIMON FLETCHER, ROBERT MATHIS and Pro Football Hall of Famer REGGIE WHITE.

5. SPOTLIGHT – TEAM MATCHUP: The PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-2) are recharged after a Week 6 bye, entering their game at the LOS ANGELES RAMS (3-3) on Sunday (4:05 PM ET, FOX). The Steelers have won each of their last six games after bye weeks. And since naming MIKE TOMLIN as head coach in 2007, the Steelers own a share of the NFL’s best record (12-4, .750) in games after bye weeks, tied with Baltimore and Indianapolis (also 12-4, .750).

6. STREAK SPEAK: San Francisco running back CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY has recorded a scrimmage touchdown in 15 consecutive games, including the postseason, tied with three Pro Football Hall of Famers – LENNY MOORE (1963-64), JOHN RIGGINS (1982-83) and O.J. SIMPSON (1974-75) – for the longest such streak in NFL history.

7. DID YOU KNOW?: The NFL schedule-makers chose quality over quantity for Week 7. This marks one of two weeks on the 2023 schedule in which six teams have byes (this week, those teams are CAROLINA, CINCINNATI, DALLAS, HOUSTON, the NEW YORK JETS and TENNESSEE). Six teams are also scheduled for byes in Week 13. Next week, the league has a full slate of 16 games.

8. UNDER-THE-RADAR STORYLINE: The JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (4-2) have won three straight and nine of their last 11 regular-season games, dating to last season. Over the equivalent of a full season, they’re 11-6 over their last 17. This week, on the road against NEW ORLEANS (3-3) on Thursday Night Football (8:15 PM ET, Prime Video), quarterback TREVOR LAWRENCE will need to overcome a nemesis: The Caesars Superdome. At Clemson from 2018-20, Lawrence was 38-2 in his career as a starting quarterback. His only two losses were in New Orleans, to Ohio State and JUSTIN FIELDS in the Sugar Bowl at the end of the 2020 season, and to LSU and JOE BURROW in the College Football Playoff National Championship at the end of 2019.

9. TREND TIME: SAQUON BARKLEY and the NEW YORK GIANTS (1-5) host the WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (3-3) on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS). The Giants are 3-0-1 against Washington when Barkley rushes for a touchdown. Meanwhile, Washington quarterback SAM HOWELL set career highs with three touchdown passes and a 119.7 passer rating last week. In three career road starts, Howell has six touchdown passes, no interceptions and 108.1 passer rating.

10. NEXT GEN STAT OF THE WEEK: The NEW YORK JETS were quite literally “jet-setters” after recording the highest average speed by a team in Week 6: 10.47 MPH. As a team, the Jets covered a total distance of 29,931.1 yards, second behind San Francisco (30,774.6 yards) last week. According to Next Gen Stats, Jets wide receiver IRVIN CHARLES had the team’s fastest speed in Week 6 (20.74 MPH) when he covered a punt and made a key special-teams tackle, holding the Eagles to zero yards on the return.

11. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST: DETROIT (5-1) travels to BALTIMORE (4-2) in another matchup of first-place teams on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, FOX). Since Week 9 of the 2022 season, only San Francisco (14-1) and Kansas City (14-2) have better records than the Lions (13-3). In that span, only the 49ers (458) have scored more points than the Lions (448). Baltimore, meanwhile, is tied with Buffalo for the NFL lead this season with 24 sacks. What’s more, the Lions and Ravens are two of the seven NFL teams who have held a lead at some point in each of their first six games this season.

REPORT: INJURED 49ERS MCCAFFREY, SAMUEL, WILLIAMS ALL COULD PLAY ON MNF

Christian McCaffrey’s oblique/rib injury is not considered serious, giving the San Francisco 49ers’ star running back a chance to play on “Monday Night Football” next week at the Minnesota Vikings, ESPN reported Tuesday.

McCaffrey joins wide receiver Deebo Samuel and left tackle Trent Williams as injured 49ers players who may be back sooner than expected.

NBC Sports Bay Area reported that McCaffrey’s injury has to do with pain tolerance more than anything else, leaving open the possibility that he, Samuel and Williams don’t miss any time for San Francisco (5-1).

McCaffrey, Samuel (shoulder) and Williams (ankle) all came away with injuries in Sunday’s 19-17 road loss to the Cleveland Browns — San Francisco’s first defeat of the season.

Williams’ ankle injury is not a high ankle sprain, coach Kyle Shanahan said. Samuel was hit on the shoulder while running a jet sweep on the Niners’ first play from scrimmage.

As of Monday, the 49ers had been waiting for more imaging to come back on McCaffrey before determining a course of action.

McCaffrey leads the NFL in rushing with 553 yards despite being held to 43 yards on 11 carries before exiting the Browns game. He also has nine touchdowns (seven rushing, two receiving) through six games.

NFL CONSIDERS ELIMINATING HIP-DROP TACKLES, WILL REVIEW THE ‘TUSH PUSH’ AGAIN AFTER THE SEASON

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL is looking to eliminate the hip-drop tackle and will again discuss the “tush push” in the offseason.

League executive Jeff Miller said Tuesday the hip-drop tackle increases risk of injury by 25 times the rate of a standard tackle.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith briefly left a game against the Giants in Week 4 after getting hurt by a hip-drop tackle.

“It is an unforgiving behavior and one that we need to try to define and get out of the game,” Miller said at the league meetings. “To quantify it for you, we see an injury more or less every week in the regular season on the hip-drop.”

The league made the horse-collar tackle illegal several years ago because a defender’s body weight ends up on the legs of the ball carrier, enhancing risk of injury. Rich McKay, the chairman of the NFL’s competition committee, called the hip-drop tackle a “cousin” of the horse collar.

“What’s happening on the hip-drop is the defender is encircling tackling the runner and then swinging their weight and falling on the side of their leg, which is their ankle or their knee,” McKay said.

“When they use that tactic, you can see why they do, because it can be a smaller man against a bigger man and they’re trying to get that person down because that’s the object of the game. But when they do it, the runner becomes defenseless. They can’t kick their way out from under. And that’s the problem. That’s where the injury occurs. You see the ankle get trapped underneath the weight of the defender.”

The league is gathering data and conducting a study on the hip-drop to make a determination. McKay understands defensive players won’t be happy if another way to tackle is banned.

“Whether it’s a tactic that’s being used or a technique, it’s creating an unreasonable risk of injury to a player,” McKay said. “It’s our job to try to find a way to regulate that.”

As for the “tush push” — the quarterback sneak the Philadelphia Eagles have used so successfully — the play has been legal in the NFL since 2005 when the league removed the language in the rule book that prohibited pushing offensive players.

No team has taken advantage of it quite like the Eagles under coach Nick Sirianni and QB Jalen Hurts. In short-yardage situations, Hurts gets an assist when two or three players line up in the backfield and push him across the first-down marker.

There was a discussion about potentially banning the play after last season, but the NFL’s competition committee didn’t come up with a rule to be put to a vote that would prohibit it.

“There’ll be more data, whether there’s injuries or not, there will be success rates, there will be teams that will have an opinion,” McKay said, noting it takes 24 votes to push a new rule.

“Last year, we did talk about it a lot. There were enough teams to say it’s one year, let’s see it and leave it alone. So we did, and I’m sure it’ll be back again. But I just don’t want to get in the business of predicting because I really don’t know what the outcome will be. I do know it will be talked about.”

COACHING INTERVIEWS DELAYED

Owners voted to push in-person head coaching interviews back one more week until after all divisional playoff games have been completed. The goal is to slow down the hiring process and increase diverse hiring.

The timeline for virtual interviews remains the same and interviews may take place earlier for internal candidates or those not working for a club or within the NFL.

“The data shows when you have a more intentional process, you end up with more diverse results,” NFL executive Dasha Smith said. “So that is really the goal here is to ultimately have a more inclusive and diverse, head coach, GM, senior leadership across the entire NFL but in particular we’ve been focusing on the head coach position.”

INTERNATIONAL GAMES

NFL executive Peter O’Reilly said the league continues to evaluate the possibility of playing an international game in Spain or Brazil next season instead of Mexico, where the stadium is undergoing renovations and won’t be available for the second straight year.

“The reason we’re looking at Brazil and Spain is based on the size of the fan base and their market,” O’Reilly said.

There’s no timeline for a decision on a fourth international game for 2024 — two games will be played in London and one in Germany — but O’Reilly said he expects an announcement in December or January.

Regarding a Super Bowl in London, O’Reilly said: “That is not a near-term focus of ours.”

CONCUSSIONS REDUCED

The NFL says it experienced a seven-year low in training camp concussions because of the use of the Guardian caps. Among players at the positions — offensive line, defensive line, tight ends, running backs, linebackers — who wore the protective head gear over their helmet, concussions were reduced by 46% over their three-year average. For positions who didn’t wear them, concussions increased by 50%.

“There really is a substantial benefit,” Miller said. “There certainly will be an active discussion about next steps with that as we move forward.”

Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, said the next step would be to expand usage of Guardian cap to players at other positions.

“Where we think this is going is not about the Guardian cap, per se, but about the better design of helmet,” Sills said. “What can we learn from what the Guardian cap has taught us and incorporate that into the design of the helmet. We’re already seeing that innovation take place. We’re seeing those conversations take place. We’re also seeing some additional types of helmet add-ons that are being developed. So I think you’re going to see this be an area for innovation over the next couple of seasons based on what we’re learning so far.”

STRUGGLING OFFENSES LEAD TO LOWEST-SCORING WEEK IN THE NFL SINCE 2014

The NFL hadn’t experienced a week of inept offenses like it did this past weekend in nearly a decade.

With superstar quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen unable to generate even 20 points in their games, top defenses for Cleveland and the Jets shutting down high-powered attacks from San Francisco and Philadelphia, and young QBs struggling across the league, the NFL had its lowest-scoring week since 2014.

Teams across the league scored an average of just 18.4 points in Week 6 for the lowest-scoring week in the NFL since Week 15 of the 2014 season when teams averaged 18.2 points.

Only two teams — Miami and Jacksonville — scored at least 27 points for the fewest in any week since the 1995 season. The 23 teams held to 20 points or fewer were the most in any week ever in the NFL.

Mahomes and the Chiefs scored only 19 points in a win over Denver for his second victory this season without scoring 20 points. Mahomes won only three starts without Kansas City scoring at least 20 points in his first five seasons as a starter.

The Bills beat the Giants 14-9 to tie for their fewest points in a win since Allen’s rookie season.

Eight other teams won last week without scoring more than 21 points, including the Browns in a 19-17 win over the 49ers and Jets in a 20-14 victory over the Eagles. The 10 winning teams that scored 21 points or fewer were tied for the most in any week. That last happened in Week 13 of the 1993 season.

Poor passing production was the biggest culprit as teams across the league combined for a passer rating of 78.6 — the lowest in any week since Week 14 of the 2016 season (77.5).

SURPRISING LEADERS

The 1972 Dolphins got to celebrate the end of the undefeated teams a little earlier than usual this season.

San Francisco lost to Cleveland and backup quarterback P.J. Walker and Philadelphia fell to the New York Jets and backup QB Zach Wilson, marking the first time since 2017 that every team lost at least once in the first six weeks.

According to the NFL, it was the first time since QB starts began being tracked in 1950 that two teams 5-0 or better lost to backup quarterbacks in the same week.

The losses by the Eagles and Niners, put them in a tie with Kansas City, Miami and Detroit for the best record in the NFL at 5-1.

This is the first time since Week 11 of the 1993 season that the Lions have at least a share of the best record in the NFL this late in the season. They were one of five teams tied at 7-2 that season before finishing 10-6.

MARVELOUS MIAMI

While most offenses are struggling, Miami is still rolling at an incredible clip after beating Carolina 42-21 to give it 223 points on the season.

Only five teams in NFL history have scored more in the first six games with the 2013 Broncos (265 points) the last to do it.

The Dolphins have done it through the air and on the ground, joining the 1958 NFL champion Colts as the only teams to have at least 15 TD runs and passes in the first six games of a season.

Raheem Mostert has scored 11 of those TDs, becoming the eighth player in the Super Bowl era to score that many in his team’s first six games. Mostert has scored more touchdowns by himself than 11 teams have this season.

Tyreek Hill has 814 yards receiving this season for the second most ever at this point of the season behind Don Hutson’s 819 in 1942.

NEW YUCK

Perhaps no team has struggled to score as much as the Giants, as evidenced by their 14-9 loss to Buffalo last week that featured drives ending on the 1-yard line in each half.

New York became the third team in the last 13 seasons to go three straight games without an offensive touchdown. This is just the second time in the Super Bowl era the Giants have done that with the team going four straight games without an offensive touchdown in 1976.

New York’s two TD passes are the fewest through six games since the 2009 Raiders had two with JaMarcus Russell at quarterback and the Giants are the first team since 1998 to score no offensive touchdowns in the first half of the first six games.

New York came close Sunday night, driving down to the 1 in the closing seconds of the first before getting stopped on a running play and letting the clock run out. The game ended with the Giants throwing an incomplete pass on an untimed down from the 1.

It was the first time a team reached the 1 on two drives without scoring on either since the Broncos did it in the 2022 opener at Seattle last season. Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams both lost fumbles to end those drives.

TURNAROUND TEAM

The Bills managed to win that game against New York despite being held scoreless in the first three quarters.

It was the second time this season a team got shut out at home in the first three quarters and came back to win with Green Bay doing it in an 18-17 win over New Orleans in Week 3.

That hadn’t happened once in the previous 10 seasons.

The last time the Bills won a home game after being held scoreless in the first three quarters came during a replacement player game in 1987 when they beat the Giants 6-3.

BIG 10 MEN’S BASKETBALL: WISCONSIN MEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW

2022-23 Record: 20-15, 9-11

2022-23 Postseason: NIT

Coach: Greg Gard

Coach Record: 164-94 at Wisconsin, 164-94 overall

Key Departed Players:

Jordan Davis, Guard, 5.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 0.4 apg

Key Returning Players:

Chucky Hepburn, Junior, Guard, 12.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.8 apg

Steven Crowl, Senior, Forward, 12.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.5 apg

Connor Essegian, Sophomore, Guard, 11.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 0.7 apg

Tyler Wahl, Senior, Forward, 11.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.5 apg

Max Klesmit, Senior, Guard, 8.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.4 apg

Carter Gilmore, Senior, Forward, 2.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 0.9 apg

Markus Ilver, Junior, Forward, 1.6 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.2 apg

Isaac Lindsey, Junior, Guard, 1.5 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.1 apg

Kamai McGee, Junior, Guard, 1.3 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0.5 apg

Key New Players:

John Blackwell, Freshman, Guard

Luke Haertle, Freshman, Guard

Jack Janicki, Freshman, Guard

AJ Storr, Sophomore, Guard, Transfer from St. John’s

Nolan Winter, Freshman, Forward

Gus Yalden, Freshman, Forward

By the Numbers:

Scoring Offense: 65.3 (321st in nation, 13th in conference)

Scoring Defense: 63.6 (29, 5)

Field-Goal Percentage: 41.4 (311, 13)

Field-Goal Defense: 44.4 (215, 12)

Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 7.9 (112, 3)

Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 34.2 (169, 6)

Free-Throw Percentage: 69.1 (273, 11)

Rebound Margin: -3.4 (317, 13)

Assists Per Game: 11.6 (292, 13)

Turnovers Per Game: 8.6 (2, 1)

#	Player	Pos.	Listed	Year	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3PT%

23	Chucky Hepburn	G	6-2	Jr.	32.1	12.2	2.8	2.8	1.5	0.1	37.7	40.5
3	Connor Essegian	G	6-4	So.	27.4	11.7	3.7	0.7	0.5	0.0	40.4	35.9
11	Max Klesmit	G	6-4	Sr.	32.1	8.4	2.7	1.4	1.2	0.2	42.3	38.3
5	Tyler Wahl	F	6-9	Gr.	31.5	11.3	6.3	2.5	1.2	0.4	42.3	29.4
22	Steven Crowl	F	7-0	Sr.	30.6	12.1	6.9	2.5	0.3	0.5	51.0	30.7

2	AJ Storr*	G	6-7	So.	21.1	8.8	1.9	0.8	0.4	0.2	43.4	40.4
14	Carter Gilmore	F	6-7	Sr.	18.8	2.6	2.5	0.9	0.5	0.2	40.7	19.2
25	John Blackwell	G	6-4	Fr.	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
31	Nolan Winter	F	6-11	Fr.	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
35	Markus Ilver	F	6-9	Jr.	6.6	1.6	0.9	0.2	0.1	0.0	29.7	23.8
34	Gus Yalden	F	6-9	Fr.	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
4	Kamari McGee	G	6-0	Jr.	7.1	1.3	0.6	0.5	0.2	0.0	28.0	18.5
10	Isaac Lindsey	G	6-4	Sr.	5.9	1.5	0.8	0.1	0.1	0.0	31.7	33.3
21	Chris Hodges	F	6-9	R-So.	2.1	0.1	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.1	33.3	–

FROM THE COACH

“Our formula in the past has been to get old and stay old. Last year we weren’t old — but now we’ll be old again.”

—Greg Gard

THE SCOOP

A year ago, Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard was concerned heading into the season. Rightfully so. He had just lost All-American Johnny Davis and had a bunch of question marks — especially on the perimeter.

Chucky Hepburn would be thrust into the spotlight, and Tyler Wahl and Steven Crowl would have to take a major step forward also. All three of them averaged in double figures, but Wahl battled through an ankle injury for much of the season. As a result, the Badgers were absent from the NCAA Tournament field for just the second time since Gard took over for Bo Ryan back in 2015-16.

But he is optimistic it’ll only be a one-year hiatus with literally everyone back in the fold except for Jordan Davis (5.1 ppg), who transferred to Illinois State.

“As much as we didn’t like not being in the NCAA tourney, I think it helped us out,” Gard admitted.

ROAD TO SUCCESS

Retention and experience.

While most programs were hit by the transfer portal, Gard and the Badgers didn’t just keep their entire starting unit. They also retained nearly all of their reserves while adding a trio of freshmen and a transfer who should help in former St. John’s wing AJ Storr.

Nine of Wisconsin’s top 10 scorers are back.

“That was our No. 1 priority in recruiting,” Gard said. “Keeping everyone.”

The trio of Hepburn, Wahl and Crowl have started more than 220 games in Madison in their careers. Former Wofford transfer Max Klesmit has played in 83 college games — including starting all 33 for the Badgers a year ago — and Connor Essegian averaged 27 minutes as a freshman a year ago.

In this day and age of record-setting transfer numbers in the sport, the Badgers are outliers.

The good news is also that the 6-9 Wahl, who enters his fifth season in the program, is healthy after missing time with an ankle injury and coming back at far less than 100%. Wahl’s production a year ago was similar to his junior campaign, but he’s still been unable to show he can be a threat shooting the ball from the perimeter.

The 7-foot Crowl (12.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg) did make a jump a year ago and was more productive scoring in the paint and also on the glass. But much like Wahl, Crowl has yet to add the dimension of a consistent 3-point shooter.

Hepburn (12.2 ppg) had a solid season, but more was expected — and that was part of the reason the Badgers didn’t get to the NCAA tourney. He’s slimmed down this offseason, but needs to be able to utilize that quickness to get into the lane and make more happen for himself, and even more importantly, for his teammates. He can’t average fewer than 3.0 assists again this season.

Gard loves the energy and toughness that Klesmit brought to the table, and he wants even more of it this year.

“He’s the glue,” Gard said. “He’s a warrior. He’ll run through a wall and take everyone else with him.”

The final returning starter was a surprise last season as Essegian, a 6-4 guard out of Indiana, wasted little time making an impact. He was third on the team in scoring despite being overmatched at times physically.

Add Storr, a 6-6 sophomore who averaged 8.8 points and shot 40% from 3 last year at St. John’s, and three more freshmen into the mix, and this is a Badgers team that has high expectations. This team has its core back, and being a year older should make the difference between an NIT berth and a return to the NCAA Tournament.

POTENTIAL POTHOLES

The concern would be that this Wisconsin group is what it is, and that these players don’t have a much higher upside that what they displayed a year ago. Basically, what you see is what you get. Sure, they have experience and continuity — but is there a bona fide star on the roster?

Probably not.

Wahl, Hepburn and Crowl are all nice college players, but none were all-league guys. Essegian was terrific as a freshman, and Klesmit is a tough, hard-nosed system guy. Gard is optimistic all will take jumps, but if that doesn’t happen, it could be another NIT bid.

Gus Yalden comes in as a top-100 freshman nationally, but will he be able to make an immediate impact — especially with Crowl getting 30-plus minutes?

There’s also a concern with perimeter shooting. A year ago, the Badgers made just 34% of their 3s, ranking 10^th in the league. Crowl made 31% from deep while Wahl hit just 29%, so those numbers must improve. Wisconsin will also need to be more effective on the glass, as it ranked dead last in rebound margin.

While Wisconsin didn’t lose much, the Badgers did lose their most productive player off the bench in Jordan Davis. Carter Gilmore (2.6 ppg) was the only reserve that’ll be back who averaged more than 7.0 minutes, so Gard will need to get more from those beyond his starting unit.

We’ll see what a three-man freshman class can provide.

The most heralded frosh is Yalden, an in-state product out of Appleton. The skilled 6-9 big man fits the mold of former Loyola Chicago post Cam Krutwig, and he recently dropped about 40 pounds before arriving on campus. The Badgers also bring in skilled 7-footer Nolan Winter — who hails from the same high school program as Wahl and can step out and shoot it. He can also protect the rim but may need a year to get stronger. The third and final freshman is John Blackwell, a 6-3 guard who could get on the court this season due to his length, athleticism and ability to defend.

THE X-FACTOR

Hepburn was supposed to be The Guy a year ago. Instead, he was just another guy. Maybe that’s not fair, but in order for the Badgers to get back to national relevance — instead of making an NIT run — it’ll be Hepburn that will have to make a jump and become one of the best guards in the Big Ten.

The 6-2, 210-pound junior shot it well from deep and wound up leading the team in scoring, but he will need to become a better distributor and someone who can get into the lane to open things up for his teammates on a consistent basis.

“He had so much success as a freshman,” Gard said. “But it was in a supporting role with Johnny (Davis) and Brad (Davison).”

Maybe it’s unfair to ask Hepburn to take the scoring load, but what he does have to do is help the Badgers close out games — which was an issue last season. Two years ago, this was a team that found a way to win nearly every close contest. It was vastly different in 2022-23 without Davis and Davison on the court.

“We struggled in close games,” Gard said. “That probably cost us getting into the NCAA Tournament last season. We need to figure out how to finish those games this year.”

If Hepburn can turn into more of a leader and set up his teammates for easy baskets, that should result in execution in the final minutes, which should also result in a few more wins.

THE OUTLOOK

Gard’s record since taking over is 164-93, and he’s gone to the NCAA Tournament five of seven years. While he might not have an All-American like Johnny Davis or even a first-team all-league guy, what he does possess is a bunch of good players who have all spent at least one season together.

This was a group that was 11-2 to start last year before Wahl suffered an ankle injury. The Badgers went 0-3 without Wahl, and both he and the team just weren’t the same after he came back.

Experience generally wins — especially in Madison. This year Gard has no shortage of it.

“We have a lot of pieces, a lot of weapons, and we just have to figure out how it all fits together,” Gard said. “But that’s the fun part.”

NHL NEWS

NHL ROUNDUP: SABRES LOSE LATE LEAD, DOWN LIGHTNING IN OT

Dylan Cozens scored 1:46 into overtime, and the Buffalo Sabres overcame blowing a late lead to beat the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on Tuesday night for their first win of the season.

With Tampa Bay trailing 2-1 and its net empty, Brandon Hagel pushed the puck past Buffalo goalie Devon Levi (21 saves) during a net-front scrum with seven seconds remaining in regulation for his second goal of the night and fourth of the season.

However, it didn’t take long for Buffalo to answer via Cozens, who shot a wrister by Tampa Bay’s Jonas Johansson (28 saves) for the Sabres’ first win in three tries.

Zemgus Girgensons and Jeff Skinner also scored for the Sabres, who outshot the Lightning 31-23 and killed all four Lightning power plays.

Oilers 6, Predators 1

Leon Draisaitl scored twice in a four-point game and Zach Hyman collected one goal and three assists as visiting Edmonton defeated Nashville for its first victory of the season.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored once and collected two assists, while Connor McDavid and Warren Foegele each tallied one goal and one assist for the high-octane Oilers.

Tommy Novak scored the lone goal for the Predators, who have lost two straight games. Goalie Juuse Saros stopped 7 of 11 shots before receiving a mercy pull following the first period. Kevin Lankinen made 17 saves in mop-up duty.

Flyers 2, Canucks 0

Sean Couturier scored his first goal in nearly two years and Egor Zamula also tallied to lift host Philadelphia past Vancouver.

Flyers goaltender Carter Hart stopped all 25 shots he faced en route to his sixth career shutout. Couturier converted a penalty shot in the first period. He missed 1 1/2 seasons due to two back surgeries before returning at the start of this campaign.

Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko made 40 saves.

Wild 5, Canadiens 2

Joel Eriksson Ek converted twice on the power play and Brandon Duhaime and Connor Dewar each scored a short-handed goal 25 seconds apart, lifting visiting Minnesota over Montreal.

Kirill Kaprizov scored a goal and set up two others and Mats Zuccarello notched three assists as the Wild improved to 15-1-0 in their past 16 meetings with the Canadiens.

Montreal’s Alex Newhook capped the scoring by tallying with 2:25 remaining in the third period.

Islanders 1, Coyotes 0

Mathew Barzal scored a power-play goal 3:47 into the second period and Ilya Sorokin made 14 saves as New York shut down Arizona in Elmont, N.Y.

The Islanders improved to 2-0-0 for the first time since starting the 2014-15 season with four consecutive wins. New York opened the season with a 3-2 win over the visiting Sabres on Saturday.

Sorokin recorded his 17th career shutout in a mostly quiet night for Arizona’s offense. Sorokin stopped three shots in the first period and three in the second, then eight more in the third when Arizona began getting some better scoring chances.

Kings 5, Jets 1

Trevor Moore had two goals and an assist as Los Angeles defeated host Winnipeg for its first win of the season.

Phillip Danault had a goal and two assists, while Arthur Kaliyev chipped in a goal and an assist for the Kings. Pierre-Luc Dubois also scored. Los Angeles goalie Cam Talbot stopped 26 shots.

Mark Scheifele ended Talbot’s shutout bid with 1:16 remaining. Connor Hellebuyck finished with 24 saves for the Jets.

INDIANA RELEASES/TOP HEADLINES

ANTHONY RICHARDSON ‘PROBABLY GOING TO BE GONE FOR THE YEAR,’ COLTS OWNER SAYS AS QB MULLS SURGERY

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay believes rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson may need season-ending surgery on his injured throwing shoulder.

Irsay told ESPN that Richardson and the team’s medical staff were still mulling treatment options for Richardson’s sprained AC joint but a final decision had not been made – reiterating comments made earlier Monday by coach Shane Steichen.

“The most likelihood is he’s probably going to be gone for the year,” Irsay said. “I mean, it’s not definite but (he) probably misses this year and we’re going to have to contend with that factor.”

Steichen did not speculate on which route Richardson and the Colts (3-3) would go.

Instead, Steichen said discussions were ongoing as team officials continued to gather information about the injury and all potential treatments, including surgery. Steichen, like Irsay, also acknowledged Richardson’s long-term health and the franchise’s future would be key factors in the decision-making process.

“Obviously, we want to do what’s best for him and this organization moving forward,” Steichen said. “Like I said, we’ll make that decision when the time is right.”

Richardson missed his second game Sunday at Jacksonville, though he traveled with the team and wore a sling to protect his throwing shoulder while watching Indy’s loss from the sideline.

He was injured on the end of a short first-half run against Tennessee the previous week. After hitting the ground awkwardly, he stayed down for several minutes before walking slowly to the team’s medical tent, his right shoulder drooping. Richardson did not return to that 23-16 victory and went on injured reserve last week, a move that will keep him out at least three more weeks.

The 6-foot-4, 244-pound former Florida star has been injury-prone in his first NFL season.

He missed the final minute of Indy’s season opener with a bruised knee and sore ankle, left with a concussion in the first half of a Week 2 victory over Houston, and missed the following week while in the concussion protocol. Then, one week after returning to the field and finishing his first NFL game, he hurt his shoulder.

Indy drafted Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in April and he was off to a promising start. He had thrown for 577 yards, three TDs and one interception while completing 59.7% of his throws in four games. He also has 25 carries for 136 yards and four TDs, becoming the first quarterback of the Super Bowl era with TD runs in each of his first three NFL games.

Now, his rookie season could be over.

“There’s debate going, but it’s probably going to lead toward surgery in the next week or so,” Irsay said. “We’re just trying to figure out exactly how and when and what we want to do and what Anthony wants to do.”

COLTS’ GROVER STEWART SUSPENDED 6 GAMES FOR VIOLATING LEAGUE’S POLICY ON PERFORMANCE-ENHANCERS

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The NFL suspended Indianapolis Colts starting defensive tackle Grover Stewart six games without pay Tuesday for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancers.

While league officials didn’t disclose details about the violation, they did say Stewart could return to Indy’s active roster Dec. 4.

Stewart responded to the announcement on Instagram.

“I want to apologize to the National Football League, the Colts organization, my teammates, our fans, and my family,” he wrote.

“I was surprised and disappointed to learn I had violated the policy. I respect the integrity of the game would never purposefully put myself or the team in this kind of situation. I am responsible for what I put in my body, and I should have taken the proper steps to educate myself. I will learn from this moving forward, and I will take the appropriate measures to ensure this never happens again.”

Stewart has been a key part of Indy’s run defense since reshaping his body after being a 2017 fourth-round draft pick out of Albany State in Georgia. He has steadily increased his weight from 295 pounds to 314, taking on a much leaner look as he teamed with two-time Pro Bowler DeForest Buckner to give Indy (3-3) one of the NFL’s top interior defensive tandems.

This season, Stewart ranks eighth on the team with 20 tackles, two for loss, but Colts coaches have repeatedly said he has been playing at a Pro Bowl level for several seasons.

Without Stewart, the Colts will likely move Taven Bryan into the starting lineup Sunday against Cleveland (3-2). Bryan was Jacksonville’s first-round draft pick in 2018, No. 29 overall, but he signed with Indy as a free agent in March.

COLTS RELEASE UNOFFICIAL DEPTH CHART FOR WEEK 7 GAME VS. CLEVELAND BROWNS

OFFENSE

» WR: Michael Pittman Jr., Amari Rodgers

» LT: Bernhard Raimann

» LG: Quenton Nelson, Arlington Hambright

» C: Ryan Kelly, Wesley French, Ike Boettger

» 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, Juwann Winfree

» QB: Gardner Minshew, Sam Ehlinger

» RB: Jonathan Taylor, Zack Moss, Trey Sermon

Following the Colts Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, it was announced that Anthony Richardson was going to be placed on injured reserve as he recovers from his AC joint injury to his right shoulder.
Josh Downs scored his first-career touchdown in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

DEFENSE

» DE: Kwity Paye, Tyquan Lewis, Jake Martin

» DT: DeForest Buckner, Adetomiwa Adebawore

» NT: Taven Bryan, Eric Johnson II

» 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, Darrell Baker Jr.

On Tuesday, it was announced that defensive tackle Grover Stewart was suspended by the NFL for six games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.
JuJu Brents secured his first interception of the season in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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

COLTS SIGN WR JUWANN WINFREE; RESTORE G JACK ANDERSON TO PRACTICE SQUAD; SIGN TWO PLAYERS TO PRACTICE SQUAD; RELEASE THREE PLAYERS FROM THE PRACTICE SQUAD

Indianapolis – The Indianapolis Colts today signed free agent wide receiver Juwann Winfree. In addition, the team restored center Jack Anderson to the practice squad and signed wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland and running back Zavier Scott to the practice squad. The team released wide receivers Racey McMath and Anthony Miller and guard Dakoda Shepley from the practice squad.

Winfree, 6-1, 210 pounds, has spent time on the team’s active roster and practice squad this season after originally signing with Indianapolis as a free agent on May 9, 2023. He has played in 18 career games in his time with the Colts (2023), Green Bay Packers (2020-22) and Denver Broncos (2019) and has compiled nine receptions for 75 yards (8.3 avg.). Winfree has also appeared in one postseason contest.

Anderson, 6-4, 314 pounds, was originally signed to the team’s practice squad on September 12, 2023. He participated in the New York Giants’ 2023 offseason program and training camp. Anderson has played in 14 career games (three starts) in his time with the Colts (2023), Giants (2022-23), Philadelphia Eagles (2021-22) and Buffalo Bills (2021). He was originally selected by the Bills in the seventh round (236th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Texas Tech.

Cleveland, 6-2, 205 pounds, participated in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2023 offseason program and training camp. He has played in 23 career games in his time with the Eagles (2023) and Denver Broncos (2020-22) and has recorded eight receptions for 91 yards (11.4 avg.). Cleveland has also tallied 12 kickoff returns for 252 yards (21.0 avg.).

Scott, 6-1, 219 pounds, spent the majority of the offseason program and training camp with the Colts. He was originally signed by Indianapolis as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2023. Collegiately, Scott appeared in 24 games (17 starts) at Maine (2020-22) and totaled 60 receptions for 649 yards and two touchdowns as well as 75 carries for 494 yards (6.6 avg.) and six touchdowns. He also contributed six kickoff returns for 129 yards (21.5 avg.).

McMath, 6-3, 217 pounds, has spent time on the team’s practice squad this season. He was signed to the Colts’ practice squad on August 31, 2023. McMath participated in the Tennessee Titans’ 2023 offseason program and training camp. He played in 14 games with the Titans over the last two seasons (2021-22) and compiled four receptions for 48 yards, one carry for four yards and seven special teams tackles. McMath also saw action in one postseason contest. He was originally selected by Tennessee in the sixth round (205th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of LSU.

Miller, 5-11, 199 pounds, has spent time on the Colts’ practice squad this season. He was signed to the team’s practice squad on October 11, 2023. Miller has played in 50 career games (18 starts) in his time with the Colts (2023), San Francisco 49ers (2023), Pittsburgh Steelers (2021-22), Houston Texans (2021) and Chicago Bears (2018-20) and has compiled 140 receptions for 1,589 yards (11.4 avg.) and 12 touchdowns. He has also registered nine carries for 37 yards (4.1 avg.), eight kickoff returns for 183 yards (22.9 avg.), five punt returns for 55 yards (11.0 avg.), one completion for eight yards and three special teams tackles. Miller has appeared in two postseason contests (one start) and has totaled five receptions for 56 yards (11.2 avg.) and one carry for two yards (2.0 avg.). He was originally selected by the Bears in the second round (51st overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Memphis.

Shepley, 6-5, 290 pounds, has spent time on the team’s practice squad this season. He participated in the Colts’ 2023 offseason program and training camp after originally being claimed by the team off waivers (from Dallas) on January 1, 2023. Shepley has played in 13 career games in his time with the Colts (2023), Cowboys (2022), Seattle Seahawks (2021-22), San Francisco 49ers (2020-21) and New York Jets (2018). He spent the 2019 season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League and started 14 games.

INDY ELEVEN

DIZ PE, LINDLEY NAMED TO USL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM OF THE WEEK

TAMPA/INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, October 17, 2023) – Defender Adrian Diz Pe and midfielder Cam Lindley were recognized as members of the USL Championship Team of the Week following the final week of regular season action, the league office announced Tuesday. Both players were last honored by the league as recently as week 30.

Diz Pe scored his third goal of the season, which ranks tied for fourth for the Boys in Blue, to help Indy to a 3-3 draw at San Antonio Saturday. Defensively, he went four-for-four on tackles and added 13 clearances, eight duels won and a pair of interceptions.

This season, Diz Pe ranks in the top ten of the USLC in clearances (6th, 142) and duels won (T9th,193), while sitting 11th in interceptions (49) and tied for sixth in goals by a defender.

Diz Pe earned four team of the week selections during the 2023 season – weeks 8, 23, 30 and 32 – and added a pair of bench selections (weeks 3 & 17).

Lindley had a pair of assists against San Antonio to give him a team-leading eight in 2023 (T6th USLC). He added three chances created to bring his season total to 57, good to tie for sixth in the USLC. He also ranks second in the league for passes at 2,226.

Along with his week 32 selection, Lindley landed on the team of the week following week 16, was a bench selection week 30 and earned USL Championship Goal of the Week for week 16, along with securing the No. 10 spot on SportsCenter Top 10.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 32

GK – Benny Diaz, El Paso Locomotive FC

D – Adrian Diz Pe, Indy Eleven

D – Duke Lacroix, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

M – Amando Moreno, New Mexico United

M – Adrien Perez, San Diego Loyal SC

M – Cam Lindley, Indy Eleven

M – Zico Bailey, New Mexico United

F – Cal Jennings, Tampa Bay Rowdies

F – Marcus Epps, FC Tulsa

F – Greg Hurst, New Mexico United

Bench: Christian Herrera (COS), Jonathan Ricketts (RGV), Derek Dodson (CHS), Alejandro Guido (SD), Nick Markanich (CHS), JJ Williams (TBR), Moses Dyer (TUL)

The sixth-seeded Boys in Blue travel to No. 3 Charleston for the USL Championship Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET. The match will air locally on MYINDY-TV 23 and stream on ESPN+.

INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER

INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER RISES TO NO. 19 IN UNITED COACHES POLL

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana women’s soccer rises to No. 19 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, the organization announced on Tuesday.

The Hoosiers picked up a 1-0 win over Michigan and a 1-1 draw against No. 20 Michigan State.

Indiana improves to 11-1-4 on the season and holds a 5-1-2 conference record. IU sits in second place in the Big Ten standings with 17 points, trailing No. 4 Penn State at the top with 18 points.

Indiana is also ranked No. 19 in TopDrawerSoccer National Poll and No. 23 in the College Soccer News poll for the second straight week.

UP NEXT

The Hoosiers will compete against No. 4 Penn State on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. ET on B1G+.

COFFIELD COLLECTS THIRD CONFERENCE WEEKLY AWARD

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana freshman defender Piper Coffield earns her first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award and her third of the season after another stellar performance in the back field.

Coffield made her 15th career start, playing 180 minutes on the pitch this week. She scored the game winning goal against Michigan on a penalty kick in the 61st minute and held the Wolverines to only two shots on goal. This is the second time this season that she has converted on a penalty kick.

The Hoosiers battled the No. 20 ranked Michigan State Spartans to a 1-1 decision conceding only one goal in the match up.

Additionally, she has earned two Freshman of the Week awards this season.

Coffield is the third Defensive Player of the Week for the Hoosiers this season alongside Lauren Costello and Hope Paredes.

Big Ten Women’s Soccer Players of the Week

Oct. 17

Offensive: Ella Hase, Northwestern

Defensive: Piper Coffield, Indiana

Goalkeeper: Katherine Asman, Penn State

Freshman: Bella Najera, Michigan State

UP NEXT

Indiana will compete against No. 4 Penn State on Thursday in University Park, Pa. The match is set to air live on B1G+ at 7 p.m. ET.

INDIANA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

HOOSIERS RANKED NO. 9 IN BOTH NATIONAL PRESEASON POLLS

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana Women’s Basketball will start the season off in the Top 10 in both national polls as the Associated Press and WBCA/USA Today coaches polls were released on Tuesday (Oct. 17).

The Hoosiers have been ranked in the last five-straight preseason AP Top 25 polls while earning four-straight nods in the WBCA/USA Today coaches poll. They have appeared in 75 straight AP Top 25 polls and 42 consecutive coaches polls, both dating back to the 2019-20 season.

Indiana was selected to finish second in the Big Ten amongst the league’s media while third in the coaches’ vote. The 2023-24 Hoosier roster will feature four returners from a team that finished 28-4 overall and 16-2 in Big Ten play. The program won the Big Ten regular season championship outright for the first time in 40 years on its way to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Lading Indiana’s roster for the upcoming season is graduate student guard and preseason All-Big Ten selection Mackenzie Holmes who averaged 22.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in 2022-23. She’s accompanied by four other All-Big Ten selections from last season in senior guards Chloe Moore-McNeil, Sydney Parrish and Sara Scalia along with sophomore guard Yarden Garzon.

General admission season tickets and single game tickets are now on sale through the IU Ticket Office, visiting the ticket office windows in the west lobby of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall or calling 812-855-4006.

SCALIA NAMED TO ANN MEYERS DRYSDALE AWARD PRESEASON WATCH LIST

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Senior guard Sara Scalia has been named one of 20 players to the 2024 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award preseason watch list, announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) on Tuesday.

Named after the first player, male or female, named to an All-America Team in four straight college seasons, the annual award in its sixth year recognizes the top shooting guard in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball. To be considered for this prestigious award, candidates must exhibit the tenacity and scoring prowess of Class of 1993 Hall of Famer Ann Meyers.

Scalia returns for her final season with the Hoosiers, after playing in all 32 games in 2022-23 where she also made 14 starts. The Stillwater, Minn. native averaged 9.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per games where she was third on the team with 53 triples last season. She was named to the All-Big Ten honorable mention squad a year ago and is a four-time All-Big Ten selection in her career.

She shot 34.4 percent from long range and had multiple 3-pointers on 15 occasions while also turning in the team’s best free throw percentage with a 91.2 clip at the charity stripe. Scalia was also named to the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award preseason watch list in 2022-23.

For more information on the 2023 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award and the latest updates, visit hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophall and #MeyersAward on Twitter and Instagram.

INDIANA VOLLEYBALL

VOLLEYBALL CENTRAL: AT #19 PURDUE

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana Volleyball team (15-6, 5-3) will take a three-game winning streak into rival territory on Wednesday evening to face in-state foe and 19th-ranked Purdue in the second of two matches in a seven-day span between the two sides.

IU broke a 21-game losing streak to Purdue last week in Bloomington with an emphatic 3-1 victory at a sold-out Wilkinson Hall. Both teams are fresh off of weekend wins, with IU beating Michigan and Purdue downing Ohio State.

Purdue is expecting a sold-out and raucous Holloway Gymnasium for Wednesday night’s clash (7:00 PM, BTN+) and will look for the series split while IU goes for the first season sweep of its in-state opponent since 2002. Sole possession of fourth place in the conference is on the line in West Lafayette.

Match Info

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 | at #19 Purdue | 7:00 PM ET

TV: BTN+

Watch

Live Stats

Hoosier News and Notes

Team Breakdown

• The Hoosiers sit at 15-6 (5-3) heading into the weekend’s competition. On the season, IU has quality wins at Miami (FL) and Maryland as well as beating No. 15 Purdue at home. 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.

• A victory over No. 15 Purdue (Oct. 11) was the fourth top-15 win of the Steve Aird era and the first in Wilkinson Hall (opened in 2019). IU’s 5-3 start to the conference slate is the best eight-game start in Big Ten play since 1993.

• IU earned two weekly honors from the Big Ten office, winning the league’s Setter of the Week (Camryn Haworth) and Freshman of the Week (Ramsey Gary) awards.

The Hoosiers

• IU opened the season with its best 20-game start to a season (14-6) since beginning 15-5 in the 2010 campaign. The Hoosiers are 5-3 in the Big Ten for the first time since 1993.

• The Hoosiers possess five conference wins already this season including sweeps of Iowa and Maryland and a four-set victory over Illinois and No. 15 Purdue.

• A perfect weekend in Miami at the end of the non-conference schedule ensured the Hoosiers 10 wins in the preseason for the first time since 2019. It is 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.

• Head coach Steve 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 senior middle blocker Savannah 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 20th nationally with 1.92 aces per set. In total, IU has 138 aces on the season including 49 from Haworth (No. 1 in Big Ten and NCAA).

• The Hoosiers are 38th in the NCAA and 2nd in the Big Ten in total team blocks, racking up 181.0 stuffs across the first 21 matches of the season. They average 2.51 per set.

• IU is holding opponents to just .169 hitting offensively which ranks third in the Big Ten and top-50 nationally among team defenses. As a team, IU is hitting .245 which is on pace to be the best mark in program history for a single season.

• The Hoosiers sold out matches vs. No. 2 Nebraska and No. 15 Purdue with the latter setting a new Wilkinson Hall Attendance Record of 2,725. IU is averaging 1,718 fans per game across eight home matches this season.

What’s At Stake?

• A win over Purdue would extend IU’s winning streak to four-straight games and move the Hoosiers’ record to 16-6 (6-3) on the season.

• The Hoosiers haven’t swept the season series over Purdue since 2002.

• A win in West Lafayette would give IU top-20 road wins in consecutive seasons for the first time in program history (IU won at No. 5 Ohio State in 2022).

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 (49) and assists (705).

• Among setters in the conference, she’s top-three in total aces (49), assists (705), assists per set (9.79), blocks (40.0) and kills (63). She’s also fifth in digs (150).

• 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 49 aces with 12 matches to play and will challenge for the rally-era single season record of 51 set in both 2005 and 2014. She is No. 14 in Big Ten history during the rally era in service aces with 138.

• For her career, Haworth has 2,320 assists, 595 digs and 140 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, 140+ aces and 100+ blocks. She’s second among active juniors in career aces with 140.

#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 (330).

• She is now 10th all-time in blocks at IU and is the 14th athlete with 300+ blocks in an IU uniform.

• The veteran middle has played in 101 games of her college career and has started 97 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.

• 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 eight Big Ten games, which includes matches against the nation’s two-best teams, Kjolhede is hitting a whopping .400 (60-8-30) which includes 10 kills on a .643 clip against No. 2 Nebraska and 12 kills and no errors at Maryland. She is one of four athletes hitting .400 or better in conference play.

• She (.292) and graduate student middle blocker Kaley Rammelsberg (.319) 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 304 digs across 21 matches including four 20+ dig efforts in Big Ten play.

• Her 304 digs are most in the Big Ten and most among power five freshmen nationally. Among all freshmen in the nation, she is seventh 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 4.72 digs per set in conference play through seven matches and has 137 digs in total including 22 in the victory over Purdue. She has the most digs per set in conference play this season among any Big Ten player.

Opponent Breakdown: Purdue

Series History: 35-76 (Purdue leads) | Last Meeting: 10/11/23 (W, 3-1)

• The first rematch of the season for IU, the two teams will meet for the second time in seven days.

• Outside hitters Eva Hudson and Chloe Chicoine combined for 34 digs in the first matchup.

• Hudson and Chicoine are third and fourth in the Big Ten in kills. They’re both top-six in kills per set.

• Maddie Schermerhorn is second in the Big Ten in digs per set with 4.30.

• Purdue defeated Ohio State 3-1 in Columbus on Sunday.

INDIANA MEN’S SOCCER

MAHER BAGS BIG TEN DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana men’s soccer captain and senior Joey Maher was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Tuesday (Oct. 17).

The announcement marks the second-straight week that a Hoosier has won a weekly award – junior forward Samuel Sarver was named the offensive player of the week last cycle. This is Maher’s first-career weekly award.

Maher and IU started the week with a clean sheet in the 2-0 win over Evansville. The Hoosiers conceded just five shots, none on goal. On Sunday, Maher scored IU’s first goal in an important Big Ten victory against Ohio State, coolly converting a penalty kick to open his season account. Indiana kept the Buckeyes, who came into the match averaging 15.1 shots per game, to nine shots with only one on frame.

Maher has captained an IU defense that has shut out six opponents in 13 matches, conceding eight goals. Indiana’s goals against average (.615) ranks No. 9 nationally. In 74 career appearances (73 starts), he has helped IU keep 37 clean sheets.

PURDUE VOLLEYBALL

RIVALRY REIGNITES IN HOLLOWAY WITH BLACKOUT MATCH VS. INDIANA

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – After gaining momentum with a victory at Ohio State on Sunday, the No. 19 Purdue volleyball squad sets its sight on Indiana, as the Boilermakers host its rival tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET on B1G+ in a Boilermaker Blackout Match.

Purdue enters the showdown with a 11-6 (5-3 Big Ten) record, with Indiana sitting at 15-6 (5-3 Big Ten) record. Both teams are receiving looks in the latest AVCA/Taraflex Coaches’ Poll, with Purdue at No. 19 and Indiana receiving votes after earning the win versus Purdue last Wednesday for the first time after 21 consecutive losses to the Boilermakers.

Purdue began the toughest stretch of the season on Sunday at Ohio State, kicking off a-10 match stretch where the Boilermakers will face eight opponents ranked or receiving votes.

Fans are encouraged to wear black to the match tomorrow versus Indiana and rally towels will be handed out to the first 1,500 fans in attendance. After facing Indiana, Purdue closes out Week 9 at No. 11 Penn State for a 1 p.m. matchup on FS1.

LAST WEEK AT A GLANCE

Purdue split the week on the road with a 3-1 victory at Ohio State and a 1-3 loss at Indiana.

The Boilermakers led the entire Big Ten with 14.88 kills per set in Week 8.

Purdue posted 66 kills in the win at Ohio State, marking a team season-high and the most by a Purdue team in a Big Ten match since 2018.

Grace Heaney went errorless at Ohio State, posting a career-high 13 kills on 23 swings for a .542 attack %.

The Boilermakers saw one of its most balanced offensive performances vs. Ohio State with four Boilermakers posting double-digit kills.

Maddie Schermerhorn posted a season-high 24 digs at Indiana.

Taylor Anderson nearly posted back-to-back double-doubles after a 34 assist, 10 dig performance at Indiana before recording 51 assists and 8 digs at Ohio State. The freshman added

Eva Hudson led the team with 36 kills (4.50 per set) on the week. The sophomore produced nearly half of her kills at Ohio State (8 of 19) in Set 4 as the Boilermakers fended off three set points, which would have forced a fifth set, to win the match, 3-1.

PURDUE AMONG THE BIG TEN

The team ranks No. 4 in the league with .250 hitting % on the season, fifth in kills (13.04 per set) and third in opponent blocks (1.84 per set).

Five Boilermakers rank among the league’s top-10 in at least one category: Maddie Schermerhorn (#2 with 4.30 digs per set), Taylor Anderson (#4 with 9/39 assists per set), Eva Hudson (#5 in kills per set with 3.97 and #6 with 4.34 points per set) and Chloe Chicoine (#5 with 4.37 points per set and #6 with 3.91 kills per set).

Purdue allowed just two blocks by Iowa, marking the fewest by a Big Ten opponent since 2021 (2 by Northwestern, 11/21/21).

Looking at Big Ten-only matches, Purdue is fourth in the league in assists, kills, blocks and hitting %.

BIG TEN FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Year 2 Update

The 2022 AVCA All-America Honorable Mention and Big Ten Freshman of the Year Eva Hudson produced a double-double in five of the first six matches. And seven total times this season.

Despite her underclassman status, Hudson ranks #4 in the nation with 11.45 career attacks per set.

The Boilermaker posted back-to-back 21 kill and 10 dig performances vs. #19 Marquette and vs. SMU.

Her match vs. Illinois was her most efficient of the season, posting 16 kills with 3 errors on 33 attempts (.394%).

On the year, the sophomore is averaging 3.97 kills per set, 1.97 digs per set and 4.34 points per set.

Has reached double-digit kills in every match this season and 47 of 49 total matches in her career.

Matches with 15+ kills: 12

Matches with 20+ kills: 3

Number of errorless sets this season: 18

In the Boilermaker Challenge tournament, Hudson’s efficiency led to just three attack errors over the two matches, while averaging 4.14 kills per set.

LAST WEEK AT INDIANA

The Boilermakers fell for the first time vs. IU after 21 consecutive wins against the team down south with a 1-3 final score (23-25, 25-17, 16-25, 17-25) in the Monon Spike match. It was the first time Purdue has fallen to Indiana since October 16, 2012.

Three Boilermakers posted double-digit kills: Eva Hudson (17), Chloe Chicoine (17) and Raven Colvin (13, a season-high).

Maddie Schermerhorn was everywhere in the back row, ending the match with a season-high 24 digs.

Hudson’s 17 kills came on a .341 clip, marking the second time during Big Ten play the sophomore has hit above .300 (last: vs. Illinois, 10/4).

Purdue hit a set-best .429% in Set 2 and finished the night with a .243 team hitting %.

The Boilermakers out-blocked the Hoosiers, 7-6.

The difference-maker came in Purdue’s self-imposed errors, with 11 service errors and six reception errors.

Indiana’s setter Camryn Haworth dished out 40 assists with three aces, an errorless eight kills and nine blocks.

SCOUTING THE INDIANA HOOSIERS

Indiana enters the match on a three-match winning streak and one spot below Purdue in the Big Ten standings.

Kaley Rammelsberg went errorless last week with 12 kills on 28 attacks (seven of which came vs. Purdue). Her .429 hitting % ranked third in the league.

Camyrn Haworth received Big Ten setter of the Week while Ramsey Gary was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday. Haworth neared a triple double vs. Purdue with 40 assists, nine digs and eight kills while Gary led the Big Ten last week, averaging 6.14 digs per set.

Indiana leads the Big Ten and are 20th in the nation with 1.92 aces per set, an effort led by the national leader: Haworth.

Defensively, Indiana averages 2.51 blocks per set, second in the Big Ten and hold opponents to an average .169 attack %, third-best in the league.

PURDUE MEN’S BASKETBALL

MEDIA GUIDE: https://purduesports.com/documents/2023/10/3/2023-24_Purdue_MBB_Media_Guide.pdf

PURDUE WRESTLING

BTN ANNOUNCES 2023-24 WRESTLING TV SCHEDULE

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Big Ten Network announced its 2023-24 television schedule Tuesday, selecting Purdue Wrestling’s matchup with Iowa to appear on the platform.

The Boilermakers’ trip to Iowa City on Friday, January 19, to faceoff with the Hawkeyes will be broadcast on BTN as a part of the conference’s wrestling programming. The network will televise 25 wrestling duals once again this season followed by coverage of the Big Ten Wrestling Championships, March 9-10 in College Park, Md.

Purdue’s remaining duals will air on BTN+ and start times will be announced by the host institutions at their discretion.

Head coach Tony Ersland brings four ranked wrestlers into this upcoming season. 2023 NCAA Runner-Up Matt Ramos starts the year atop the 125-pound rankings and is joined by Dustin Norris (No. 29 at 133), Marcos Polanco (No. 27 at 149) and Hayden Copass (No. 29 at 285) on the preseason lists.

The Boilermakers are scheduled to host their first event of the year next Saturday, Oct. 28, opening the doors to Holloway Gymnasium for the preseason wrestle offs. Purdue’s first regular season action is slated for Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Clarion Open.

BUTLER WOMEN’S GOLF

BUTLER AND SCHECK BOTH MAKE MOVES INTO SECOND PLACE TO CLOSE DAYTON FLYER INVITATIONAL

The Bulldogs made an impressive move up the leaderboard in Tuesday’s final round, closing out the Dayton Flyer Invitational with a second-place finish.

Kelli Scheck’s two-under 68 Tuesday was the only scorecard to come in under par as she moved all the way up into a tie for second individually. Scheck finished the 54 holes at five-over 215. Scheck’s Tuesday 18 included five birdies on the 5,937-yard NCR Country Club North Course.

Scheck moved from a tie for 14th entering the day to finish just one shot behind Ohio State’s Kailie Vongsaga, who entered the final round in the lead and was able to hold on for medalist honors. Her three-over 73 Tuesday put her at 214 (+4) for the tournament.

Butler’s team score of 291 was the best round compiled by a team Tuesday. It allowed the Bulldogs to move from a tie for seventh entering the round into second place alone. Butler finished at 889 (+49), second only to the University of Indianapolis (873) among the 11-team field.

Katie Steinman followed Scheck’s move up the leaderboard and carded a three-over 73 Tuesday, finishing in a tie for 16th at 223 (+13). Cybil Stillson and Lily Celentano placed in ties for 20th and 22nd, respectively.

The event wraps up the fall portion of the 2023-24 schedule for the Bulldogs. The team will return to action in the spring leading up to the BIG EAST Championships.

THE BUTLER WOMEN:

T2) Kelli Scheck, 74-73-68—215 (+5)

T16) Katie Steinman, 75-75-73—223 (+13)

T20) Cybil Stillson, 76-74-75—225 (+15)

T22) Lily Celentano, 76-75-75—226 (+16)

T27) Madalin Small (playing as an individual), 76-73-78—227 (+17)

T44) Sophie McGinnis, 78-79-78—235 (+25)

TEAM LEADERBOARD:

1) University of Indianapolis, 873 (+33)

2) Butler, 889 (+49)

3) Western Michigan, 894 (+54)

4) Bellarmine, 897 (+57)

BUTLER MEN’S GOLF

TOP 15 FINISH FOR HORNE CLOSES FALL PLAY FOR BULLDOGS AT XAVIER INVITATIONAL

Butler’s Will Horne posted a Top 15 finish as the Bulldogs closed out the fall portion of their schedule Tuesday at the Xavier Invitational in Cincinnati.

Butler finished seventh as a team. The Bulldogs shot a team score of 293 Tuesday to post a total of 886 (+46) for the 54-hole event. Western Kentucky led after each of the three rounds, taking the title at even-par 840. There were 11 teams in the field.

Horne followed up his Monday rounds of 72 and 73 with a Tuesday 73 on the 6,992-yard Maketewah Country Club course to finish at eight-over 218. He tied for 15th, just one spot back of where he entered the day.

Butler’s Daniel Tanaka and Damon Dickey tied for 24th overall at 220 (+10).

AJ Adams, playing as an individual for host Xavier, won the event with a score of 206 (-4).

The event wraps up the fall portion of the 2023-24 schedule for the Bulldogs. The team will return to action in the spring leading up to the BIG EAST Championships.

THE BUTLER MEN:

T15) Will Horne, 72-73-73—218 (+8)

T24) Damon Dickey, 74-74-72—220 (+10)

T24) Daniel Tanaka, 79-70-71–220 (+10)

T51) Henry Quinn, 76-75-79—230 (+20)

61) Derek Tabor, 79-78-77—234 (+24)

—) Jack Wilcox (playing as an individual), 79-78-DQ—

BUTLER MEN’S SOCCER

BULLDOGS CONTINUE ROAD TRIP, NEXT STOP: XAVIER

The Butler men’s soccer team has not been defeated in its last four matches, but with three ties, the team is seeking a win on Wednesday at Xavier to earn three points in the conference standings. The Bulldogs (2-6-4, 1-2-2 BIG EAST) are coming off a 1-1 tie at DePaul, while the Musketeers (6-3-3, 3-1-1 BIG EAST) most recently drew vs. No. 3 Akron, 0-0.

Bulldog Bits

(as of 10/15/23)

With 66 total saves and an average of 5.50 saves per match, Caleb Norris ranks second in the BIG EAST and is 4th nationally in both categories. His save percentage (.759) is fourth (62nd).

Palmer Ault’s five goals rank sixth in the BIG EAST and 84th nationally.

vs. DePaul

Ernesto Osornio’s goal was the first in a Butler uniform.

Palmer Ault led the offensive attack, with career highs in shots (9) and shots on goal (5).

The Matchup

SERIES RECORD: Butler leads, 16-6-3

LAST MEETING: Nov. 2, 2023 – Indianapolis – Butler 3, Xavier 3

Butler won the 2022 match, 2-1, in Cincinnati.

Xavier’s most recent win was a 5-3 victory in Cincinnati in 2018.

In the last 10 contests, Butler is 6-1-3 with ties in 2022, 2021, and 2017. The 2017 match was in the BIG EAST Tournament, and Xavier advanced on PKs.

Scouting Xavier

Previous match: vs. No. 3 Akron T, 0-0

Notable wins for Xavier include DePaul (4-1), Creighton (1-0), and Marquette (2-1), and the team also tied Ohio State (0-0) and Wright State (1-1). Losses for the Musketeers include No. 5 Marshall, No. 16 Georgetown (3-1), and UTRGV (0-2).

Individual Statistics

Offensive standouts for Xavier include:

#13 Jerome Jolly (4g, 2a)

#9 Taylor Rhinehart (2g, 3a)

#23 Sohei Matsumori (2g)

#10 Guilherme Vivaldini (1g, 1a)

#1 Jonny Mennell (6-3-3) is the primary keeper for the Musketeers. In 12 starts, he has allowed 12 goals (1.00 GAA) and has made 34 saves (.739 SV%). He has five shutouts this season.

IUPUI MEN’S BASKETBALL

COUNTER VOTED #HLMBB PRESEASON ALL-LEAGUE SECOND TEAM

INDIANAPOLIS – IUPUI junior guard Jlynn Counter has been named to the #HLMBB Preseason All-League Second Team according to the league’s preseason poll, released on Tuesday (Oct. 17). The Jaguars were pegged to finish tenth of 11 teams, according to the league’s coaches, media and sports information personnel. Northern Kentucky collected 18 of 44 possible first-place votes to earn the top spot while Milwaukee and Wright State were picked second and third, respectively. WSU guard Trey Calvin was selected as the league’s Preseason Player of the Year and joined on the first team by Tristan Enaruna (Cleveland State), BJ Freeman (Milwaukee), Marques Warrick (Northern Ky.) and Trey Townsend (Oakland).

Counter was joined on the second team by Sam Vinson (NKU), Tanner Holden (WSU), Brandon Noel (WSU) and Brandon Rush (Youngstown State).

Counter was a third team honoree a season ago after averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game in league play. The 6-foot-3 guard shot an efficient 47.2 percent from the floor in league play and 78.9 percent from the foul line. For the season, Counter scored in double-digits 22 times and scored 20-or-more nine different times. He had a season-high 27 points on two different occasions and just missed a double-double with 22 points and eight rebounds against Wright State on Feb. 8.

As a team, IUPUI returns the bulk of last year’s roster, keyed by Counter and the All-Freshman Team duo of Vincent Brady II (10.9 ppg, 58 3’s) and DJ Jackson (9.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg). In addition, the Jaguars get point guard Bryce Monroe (12.0 ppg, 3.8 apg) back from injury after he was limited to just four games a season ago.

Head coach Matt Crenshaw’s recruiting haul consisted of four Division I transfers in Kidtrell Blocker (Buffalo), Yves Nkomba (Kennesaw State), Abdou Samb (Rhode Island) and Qwanzi Samuels (George Washington).

The Jaguars will officially start the season on Nov. 6 when they play the first game in the nation, tipping off at 11:00 a.m. against Spalding University inside Indiana Farmers Coliseum.

The full results of the #HLMBB Preseason Poll are listed below.

2023-24 Under Armour #HLMBB Preseason Poll

Pl. Team – Pts. (First-place votes)

1. Northern Kentucky (18) – 435

2. Milwaukee (10) – 397

3. Wright State (12) – 392

4. Cleveland State (1) – 362

5. Youngstown State (3) – 342

6. Oakland – 280

7. RMU – 186

8. Purdue Fort Wayne – 166

9. Detroit Mercy – 132

10. IUPUI – 116

11. Green Bay – 96

#HLMBB Preseason Player of the Year

Trey Calvin, Wright State

Preseason All-League First Team (alphabetical order by school)

Tristan Enaruna, Cleveland State

BJ Freeman, Milwaukee

Marques Warrick, Northern Kentucky

Trey Townsend, Oakland

Trey Calvin, Wright State

Preseason All-League Second Team (alphabetical order by school)

Jlynn Counter, IUPUI

Sam Vinson, Northern Kentucky

Tanner Holden, Wright State

Brandon Noel, Wright State

Brandon Rush, Youngstown State

IUPUI WOMEN’S SOCCER

FOX FINISHES FIFTH AT UD’S FLYER INVITATIONAL

KETTERING, Ohio – IUPUI senior Annaliese Fox finished off a top-5 finish at the UD Flyer Invitational this week with a final round, 1-over 71 on Tuesday (Oct. 17). Fox closed the tournament at 7-over 217 (73-73-71) while the team placed sixth of 11 teams at 900 (297-300-303) for the week.

Fox earned her second top-10 of the season and ninth of her collegiate career.

She continued to pace the Jaguars on Tuesday with a final round 71 while senior Shelby Busker was next in line with a final round, 6-over 76. Both Yanah Rolston and Nerea Lancho shot 78 and Madeleine Pape posted a final round 82.

Busker finished tied for 27th at 227 (76-75-76) for the week while Rolston tied for 33rd overall at 230 (76-76-78).

Both Lancho and Pape ended their tournaments at 231.

University of Indianapolis earned the team title at 873 while Butler was second at 889. Ohio State’s Kailie Vongsaga earned medalist honors at 4-over 214 while two others finished at 215.

IUPUI will close out the fall schedule at the Terrier Intercollegiate on Oct. 23-24 in Spartanburg, S.C.

IUPUI MEN’S GOLF

SCHIER EARNS FIRST TOP-5 FINISH AT THE BUDDY

MURRAY, Ky. – The IUPUI men’s golf team closed out the fall season with a fifth-place finish at The Buddy Tuesday (Oct. 17), moving up one spot from day one after shooting 288 today. The team’s 15-over total score edged fellow Horizon League member Detroit Mercy by one stroke, with Morgan Tournemire’s birdie at the last ultimately being the difference.

Southern Indiana paced the 10-team field, finishing 8-under to take home the hardware. Evansville beat out Central Michigan and hosts Murray State for second place.

“We had some better rounds today but we were fighting our own swings the entire tournament,” said assistant coach Sean Lampton.

Three Jaguars carded even-par rounds of 71, including Taylor Gardner, Colten Girgis and Tournemire. Gardner birdied three of his final six holes to get back to even, while Girgis racked up a team high 14 birdies. His 1-under overall score tied for tenth, the first for the Junior.

Tournemire drove the green at the par-4 sixth, his final hole of the day, leading to a two putt from 40 feet for a birdie that separated IUPUI from Detroit Mercy.

Brady Schier, competing as an individual, again played solid, collecting the first top-10 placement of his young career. After carding rounds of 68 and 69 yesterday, the freshman finished with a 1-over 72 Tuesday. His 209 overall was good for a tie for fourth.

“(This was) not the result we wanted as a team, but it was exciting to see Brady play well and get a top five,” stated Tournemire. “We have a competitive team this year and a lot of guys have played some really good golf this fall. This is promising for the rest of the season.”

“I’m proud of Brady and Colten for both finishing inside the top ten. They played some really nice golf this week,” added Lampton.

NOTRE DAME MEN’S SOCCER

#6 IRISH MASTERFUL IN 3-0 WIN OVER MICHIGAN

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The No. 6 Fighting Irish men’s soccer team turned in a complete performance in a 3-0 victory against Michigan in Ann Arbor to close out the non-conference portion of the regular season schedule.

The Irish have now won six straight matches, their longest streak since also winning six in a row during the 2021 season.

The three goals came from three different players on the evening, as Eno Nto, KK Baffour and Matthew Roou each scored in the win.

The Irish defense put on another stifling performance, recording their fourth straight shutout. In goal, Bryan Dowd recorded his seventh clean sheet of the season.

Notre Dame has won each of the last three meetings against Michigan and has scored multiple goals in each victory. The three-goal win over the Wolverines is the largest margin of victory for the Irish since also winning 3-0 during the 2013 season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Notre Dame created a couple of scoring chances in the opening stages of play but were unable to convert. Daniel Russo fired a shot over the bar while cutting into the box off a short corner in the sixth minute.

Twenty minutes later Russo got loose down the right flank and ran in on goal but his shot was right at the Wolverine keeper, who parried it out for a corner.

The Irish found the breakthrough goal right before the halftime break, scoring with 14 seconds left in the first frame. Mitch Ferguson played a long ball over the top to Matthew Roou, who laid it off while being fouled to Nto. The junior produced a clinical left-footed finish, slotting it just inside the far post to give Notre Dame a 1-0 lead hedging into intermission.

Notre Dame wasted no time doubling their lead in the second half, scoring in the 52nd minute to make it 2-0. Nolan Spicer beat his man to the end line on the right flank and sent in a dangerous cross into the box. Baffour managed to get his right foot onto the ball while falling down, poking it in for his second goal of the season.

The Irish did not let up, as they kept pressing to extend their lead. In the 83rd minute the Notre Dame press created a turnover in Michigan’s final third, as Baffour fed Roou, who calmly placed the ball inside the far post to make it 3-0 in favor of the Irish.

Notre Dame comfortably saw the match out on its way to the 3-0 win.

McFARLAND FAMILY MEN’S HEAD SOCCER COACH CHAD RILEY’S TAKE

On the performance…

“Really pleased with the performance and the mentality we played with. We knew Michigan was going to pose challenges and problems for us and I am really proud of the way the team performed and stayed focus throughout the 90 minutes.”

On the play of the attack…

“We started to click a little bit and then obviously we found the finishing touch which was key and something we talked about coming into the game. We talked about having quality attacks and I think the team did a great job of that.”

On four straight clean sheets…

“We knew Michigan was a good team that has been unlucky for some of their attacking moments so we knew we would have to be good defensively. The moments when they were on top of us I thought we looked really solid at the back and took care of the details pretty well.”

ND STAT OF THE MATCH

Notre Dame is the first team to shutout Virginia Tech during the 2023 season.

ND NOTES

With the win, Notre Dame is now 16-3-4 against Michigan in the all-time series

Notre Dame has recorded four straight clean sheets

The Irish allowed one or no goals in 13 of 14 matches this season

Notre Dame is now unbeaten over the last 30 matches when it scores first, posting a record of 29-0-1

The Irish six-match winning streak is the longest since also winnings six straight during the 2021 season

Nto’s goal gives him a career-high six on the season, surpassing his freshman total of five

Nto now has 13 goals in his Fighting Irish career

Roou scored his career-best ninth goal of the season to go along with an assist and he now has 20 career goals and 10 career assists for 50 points in his three years in South Bend

Baffour scored his second goal of the season and fourth of his career

Ferguson recorded his second assist of the season and fourth of his career

Spicer’s assist was his second of the 2023 campaign

Dowd’s clean sheet is his seventh of the season and 20th of his career

UP NEXT

The Irish wrap up the road portion of the regular-season schedule with a top-10 showdown against Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 20. An Irish victory would clinch the ACC regular-season title. The match will air on ACCN.

NOTRE DAME WOMEN’S TENNIS

IRISH STRONG AT ITA MIDWEST REGIONAL

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The University of Notre Dame women’s tennis team competed at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Midwest Regional, hosted by Michigan State this past weekend. The Fighting Irish saw eight compete in singles action, with four teams competing in the doubles events.

To begin the event, the Irish saw two of three student-athletes earn their way into the main draw. Carrie Beckman defeated Northern Illinois’s Reagan Welch (6-7, (6), 6-4, 6-1) and Ariane Souligny of Western Michigan (6-3, 6-1) to advance to the main draw, eventually falling to Wisconsin’s Alina Mukhortova, 7-6 (5), 6-2.

Also working out of the qualifying round was Rylie Hanford. Hanford defeated Natalie Stasny of Michigan State (6-2, 6-3) and Tijana Zlatanovic of Illinois State (6-0, 6-1) to earn her way into the main draw. She continued that momentum with wins over Ohio State’s Madaline Atway (6-3, 6-4) and Toledo’s Cassie Alcala (6-1, 5-7, 6-4) before falling to Jaeden Brown of Michigan (6-1, 6-2).

Maria Olivia Castedo also competed in the qualifying round, but fell 6-4, 6-1 to DePaul’s Saha Sakura Stula.

Julia Andreach finished 2-1 in the main draw, earning wins over Northwestern’s Autrum Rabjohns (6-3, 6-3) and Milwaukee’s Nadila Konieva (6-2, 6-1) in straight sets. She dropped a tough three-set match to Michigan’s Bayley Sheinin (6-7 (2), 6-1, 6-3).

Page Freeman picked up a pair of wins in the main draw. She knocked off Silvia Pomarolli of Illinois State (6-2, 6-2) and won by injury forfeit over Violeta Martinez from Illinois. Freeman’s tournament concluded with a 7-6 (3), 6-2 loss to Christina Hand of Northwestern.

Nibi Ghosh fell in the opening round of the main draw, dropping a 6-2, 6-3 decision to Michigan’s Lily Jones. Bojana Pozder also dropped her first round match, falling in three sets to Ohio State’s Shelly Bereznyak (6-4, 4-6, 6-1).

Akari Matsuno split her two matches of the main draw, winning in three sets (6-0, 3-6, 7-6 (4)) before falling to Wisconsin’s Maria Sholokhova, also in three (6-2, 0-6, 6-2).

Doubles action saw the pairings of Andreach and Beckman, Freeman and Castedo, Matsuno and Pozder and Hanford and Yellayi take the court.

Andreach and Beckman advanced to the quarterfinals, winning their first two matches. The pairing defeated Elenor Nobbs and Emily Casati handily (8-2) before going to a tiebreaker set against Wisconsin’s Ariel Johnson and Sholokhova, earning an 8-7 (4) win. The run concluded with an 8-6 loss to Luciana Perry and Irina Cantos Siemers of Ohio State.

Freeman and Castedo got their competition started with an 8-4 win over Valeriya Monko and Lindsey Ziegler of Western Michigan, and were equally as dominant in an 8-3 win over Nadiia Konieva and Laure Razet from Milwaukee. The Irish duo was defeated by Illinois Katherine Duong and Megan Hueser, 8-5.

Matsuno and Pozder also added a pair of wins in the doubles draw. The sophomore tandem earned an 8-6 win over Western Michigan’s Karin Hamilton and Polina Khotko before defeating DePaul’s Evan Goncharov and Sasha Sakura Stula, 8-5. Michigan’s pairing of Brown and Kari Miller ended the Irish run with an 8-4 score in the round of 16.

Hanford and Yellayi rounded out the action for the weekend. The pair received a first round bye before earning an 8-6 win over Toledo’s Sanjana Tallamraju and Julia Kuszynski. DePaul’s Greta Carbone and Hannah Smith put a halt to the run with an 8-4 score in the round of 16.

The Fighting Irish are back in action at the TCU Invitational, October 26th through the 29th.

NOTRE DAME WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

CITRON EARNS SPOT ON ANN MEYERS DRYSDALE AWARD WATCH LIST

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — After a pair of standout seasons as a freshman and sophomore, Sonia Citron has the attention of the national pundits. On Tuesday, the junior was one of 20 student-athletes named to the 2024 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Watch List by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fun and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). The honor goes to the nation’s best shooting guard.

Citron was part of an elite Irish backcourt last season and became an even more critical player once Dara Mabrey and Olivia Miles went down with injury in January and February, respectively. Ultimately, the New York native led Notre Dame with 14.7 points per game, a .476 mark from the floor and a .400 success rate from deep. On March 3, Citron became the first Irish player since Arike Ogunbowale to post back-to-back games with at least 25 points.

A usual wing, Citron picked up a number of valuable skills after running the point for the Irish during the postseason. When all was said and done, she played 33.5 minutes per game, which ranks second all-time amongst Irish sophomores (Jackie Young, 2017-28).

Citron was named to the All-ACC First Team and was AP All-America and WBCA Coaches All-America Honorable Mention.

Since its inception in 2018, no Irish player has won the Meyers Drysdale Award. South Carolina’s Zia Cooke is the most recent winner.

About Ann Meyers Drysdale:

Ann Meyers Drysdale’s career escalated women’s basketball to a new level. She was the first high school player to make the United States national team and the first woman to receive a full four-year athletic scholarship to UCLA. Her high-octane approach translated into wins and awards, and she finished her impressive career at UCLA, owning 12 of 13 school records, including becoming the first player to record a quadruple-double in UCLA history. A supremely talented all-around player with natural basketball ability and instincts, Meyers Drysdale was the first player, male or female, named to an All-America team in four straight seasons and was named Player of the Year during her senior year. While still at UCLA, she started on the first women’s Olympic team in 1976. After an All-America career, she became the first player drafted into the Women’s Basketball League, earning WBL MVP and making history by becoming the first female player to try out with an NBA team, the Indiana Pacers, with whom she signed a free-agent contract. Meyers Drysdale pushed the envelope in women’s basketball, bringing a feel and sense for the game that few players ever exhibited. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. In 2007, she was the first American woman to be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame. In 2012, Meyers Drysdale became one of the first annual honorees on the women’s side of the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) with the organization’s National Women’s Player of the Year. Since retiring from professional play, she has had a very successful career as an NBA and WNBA executive, as well as a color commentator for the NBA, WNBA, and the Olympic Games in 1984, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. In 2005, she received the ASAMA Ronald Reagan Media Award, and in 2019, she was inducted into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Pac-12 Hall of Honor.

NOTRE DAME CHECKS IN AT NO. 10 IN AP POLL

The AP released its much anticipated preseason Top 25 on Tuesday, and Notre Dame checks in as a top-10 team for the second consecutive season. The Irish will face off against South Carolina on Nov. 6 as the No. 10 team in the nation.

Notre Dame began last season ranked No. 9 nationally and finished the year at No. 10. The Irish landed at No. 11 in the final Coaches Poll.

Karen and Kevin Keyes Family Head Coach Niele Ivey’s team is coming off of a 27-6 season (15-3 ACC) during which the group won the ACC regular season title and made a second consecutive Sweet 16 despite losing starters Olivia Miles and Dara Mabrey during the regular season.

As for this year, Notre Dame returns its core and made a few key additions. In total, 82.7 percent of last year’s scoring is back on the roster, the only losses being Mabrey and center Lauren Ebo. All-ACC First Team members Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron are now juniors, and Second-Team forward Maddy Westbeld is in her fourth year.

The Irish already added five-star guard Cassandre Prosper as an early enrollee last December, but Ivey welcomes two additional five star guards this fall in Hannah Hidalgo and Emma Risch. Notre Dame is the only team in the nation that signed three top-20 recruits, per ESPN’s HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings. Hidalgo has already proven to be a menace on both ends of the floor, lighting up the scoreboard in practice and notching steal after steal. Miles and Citron accounted for 226 steals over the last two years, the most of any duo in the ACC over that span, and adding Hidalgo into the mix will create a lethal defensive combination.

Risch, a three-point specialist, is a threat from deep for an Irish team that struggled from downtown last season. Bolstering those numbers is a priority for Ivey this year, as is evidenced by adding both Risch and Fordham transfer Anna DeWolfe. DeWolfe averaged 18.4 points per game last year, second in the Atlantic 10.

The ACC is set to be one of the toughest conferences in the country once again, as it has five ranked teams in the preseason Top 25: Virginia Tech (8), Notre Dame, North Carolina (16), Louisville (17) and Florida State (18). In its non-conference schedule, Notre Dame will see four currently ranked teams: UConn (2), South Carolina (6), Tennessee (11) and Illinois (23).

Notre Dame faces Purdue Northwest in an Oct. 30 exhibition before heading to Paris to open against South Carolina. The exhibition will be at 7 p.m.

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL

IRISH OFFENSE LINE ON JOE MOORE AWARD MIDSEASON HONOR ROLL

The University of Notre Dame offensive line was one of 23 units named to the 2023 Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll. The Joe Moore Award voting committee judges solely on six criteria: toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique and finishing.

Evaluations for the midseason honor roll were made solely through weekly review of actual game film and offensive line coach-provided cut-ups.

The Notre Dame starting unit, which consists of junior Joe Alt, sophomore Pat Coogan, senior Zeke Correll, sophomore Rocco Spindler and sophomore Blake Fisher, has helped the Irish rank 10th in the nation in tackles-for-loss allowed, 14th in team passing efficiency and 15th in total first downs.

The group has paved the way for junior running back Audric Estimé to rush for 787 yards this season, which ranks fourth among all FBS backs and the best this season for any Power 5 player. Estimé also is sixth in the FBS in rushing touchdowns (nine), 16th in rushing yards per game (98.4) and 18th in yards per carry (6.2).

The Joe Moore Award is named after Joe Moore, widely regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in college football history, most notably for his work at Notre Dame and the University of Pittsburgh. Over 18 seasons, Coach Moore helped develop 52 players who would go on to play in the National Football League.

The Joe Moore Award trophy, crafted by legendary sports sculptor Jerry McKenna, is the largest trophy in college football, standing at a height of 6 feet and weighing in at 800 pounds. The perpetual trophy is made available for display by the winning university until the conclusion of the following college football season.

BALL STATE VOLLEYBALL

TEN STRAIGHT; VOLLEYBALL SWEEPS TOLEDO IN TUESDAY #MACTION

MUNCIE, Ind. – – Junior defensive specialist Kendall Seimet served up an ace to open the night and the Ball State women’s volleyball team kept the service pressure on the entire match in a 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-21) sweep of Toledo Tuesday evening in Worthen Arena.

In picking up its tenth straight win, and improving to 9-0 in Mid-American Conference play, the Cardinals (12-8; 9-0 MAC) served up seven total aces led by three from Seimet. The effort was the difference in a close match with the Rockets (8-12; 6-3 MAC) who only served up one ace, but managed to hold the edge in both kills and digs.

“I thought our service pressure was really good and propelled us early,” head coach Kelli Miller Phillips said. “Then we stayed tough enough throughout to find a way to win. I thought we grinded that one out. We certainly were not sharp the whole time, but we were working hard the whole time.”

Ball State served up four total aces in the opening set, keeping up enough pressure to battle to a 20-20 stalemate. From there, a kill from freshman outside Kendall Barnes and back-to-back blasts from fifth-year middle Marie Plitt helped the Cardinals go on a 4-0 run, before redshirt freshman outside Aniya Kennedy closed the set at 25-22 with the third of her match-leading 15 kills.

With the score tied at 10-10 in the second set, a huge solo block from Plitt and Seimet’s third ace of the night helped the Cardinals go on a 4-0 run to pull ahead for good in the frame. While Toledo would battle back within one, at 18-17, a costly service error and kills from Plitt and Barnes led to a pair of UT timeouts over the next three rallies as Ball State pulled ahead 21-17. Plitt would go on to end the frame at 25-21 with one of her 12 kills.

The Cardinals scored four of the first five points in the third set, only to see the Rockets fire back and pull ahead 15-14 at the media timeout. The teams would battle to a 19-19 tie before back-to-back markers from Kennedy gave BSU a little momentum. Plitt’s final kill gave BSU match-point at 24-21, while fifth-year libero Havyn Gates followed a UT timeout with her second ace to seal the win.

Junior setter Megan Wielonski quarterbacked the Cardinals to a .232 (40-14-112) hitting percentage in the win, handing out 34 assists to go along with a team-high 10 digs for her 10th double-double of the season.

In addition to its win from the service line, Ball State also won the battle at the net with 8.0 total blocks. Plitt and sophomore opposite Madison Buckley led the with three each, while Plitt hit a match-high .600 (12-0-20) and Buckley added seven kills.

On the other side of the net, Izzy Granger and Taylor Alt tied for team-high honors with 11 kills apiece for the Rockets, while Ryann Jaqua was credited with a match-high 21 digs. Toledo managed to hit .241 (44-18-108).

The Ball State women’s volleyball team will have another tough test this weekend, when it travels to MAC East Division leader Buffalo for a pair of matches. The teams will square off at 6 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday.

BALL STATE MEN’S GOLF

CARDINAL GOLFERS FINISH SEVENTH AT EVERETT BUICK GMC CLASSIC IN LITTLE ROCK

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Following a sixth-place opening round and a rise into fifth place after Monday’s second round, the Ball State Cardinals finished the Everett Buick GMC Classic in seventh among 15 teams after a 1-under par final round of 18 holes on Tuesday at Chenal Country Club.

Ball State’s top golfers through the first two rounds, Ali Khan and Kash Bellar combined to shoot 7-over par on Tuesday to slip out of individual contention. Meanwhile, Carter Smith and Alec Cesare improved their games and combined to shoot 5-under in the final round to keep the Cardinals among the top teams.

Ball State’s finish (287-284-288—859) was tied with Boston College (859) and came one stroke behind Central Arkansas (858), three behind Louisiana and six behind fourth-place Michigan (853). LSU (842) finished 22 strokes below par to win the team title.

Khan (71-69-74—214) finished the tournament at 2-under par to pace the Cardinals in a 54-hole event for the first time this season, finishing in 20th place out of 83 golfers. Smith finished at 1-under in 25th place. Bellar (70-71-77—218) was 3-under par and in 10th place through two rounds, but shot 5-over par in the final round to finish 38th.

Ali Khan: 36-35—71 | 34-35—69 | 36-38–74 (214)

Carter Smith: 37-35—72 | 37-36—73 | 38-32–70 (215)

Kash Bellar: 32-38—70 | 36-35—71 | 42-35—77 (218)

Alec Cesare: 35-39—74 | 37-37—74 | 33-37—70 (221)

Braxton Kuntz: 40-37—77 | 38-33—71 | 37-37—74 (222)

INDIANA STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL

SYCAMORES SELECTED FOURTH; AVILA, LARRY, SWOPE ALL NAMED TO MVC PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Indiana State was selected fourth overall as the Missouri Valley Conference released the preseason men’s basketball poll as voted on by the league’s head coaches, media members, and SIDs. Guards Julian Larry and Isaiah Swope, and center Robbie Avila were named to the MVC Preseason All-Conference team.

The Sycamores garnered 402 total points in the poll to finish behind preseason favorites Drake (558 points, 24 first-place votes), Northern Iowa (524 points, 19 first-place votes), and Bradley (487 points, three first-place votes. The top-five was rounded out by Belmont (400 points).

Avila earns Second Team recognition following a MVC All-Freshman campaign in 2022-23 that saw him finish second on the team with a .540 field goal percentage, while finishing fourth on the team with 10.7 points per game.

The Oak Forest, Ill. native appeared in 34 games as a true freshman, starting 29 of the last 30 contests with his lone non-start coming on Indiana State’s Senior Day. Highlighting his season included scoring a career-high 22 points at Drake in late January to pace 19 games where he scored double-figures.

Larry earns Second Team recognition after a strong 2022-23 campaign that saw the Frisco, Texas native show flashes of brilliance on both ends of the court. The lone Sycamore to play in all 36 games, Larry earned MVC Player of the Week honors in mid-January after a game that featured the guard shooting 8-for-8 from the field and 3-for-3 from the three-point line to finish with a career-high 21 points.

He improved in every offensive statistical category including leading the team in field goal percentage at .592 in the 2022-23 season, but made his mark on the defensive end earning MVC All-Defensive Team honors. He finished second on the team overall in steals (45) and second overall in assists (119).

Swope earns Third Team recognition heading into his first season in the Sycamore Blue & White. The Southern Indiana transfer was a First Team All-OVC and Second Team NABC All-District selection after leading the Eagles with 15.6 points and 3.5 assists per game last season.

Swope played in all 33 games earning 31 starts as a sophomore at USI. He scored a career-high 28 points in the Screaming Eagles’ win over ISU last season in Evansville connecting on eight three-pointers. He notched double-figure scoring in 25 of those contests. He led USI with 15.6 points and 3.5 assists per game while averaging 20.4 points per game in his last 10 outings.

In March 2024, The Valley will conduct its 34th St. Louis-based postseason men’s basketball championship. With 34-straight years at the same neutral site, Arch Madness is the second-longest neutral site tenured collegiate tourney in the nation (following only the Big East in New York City).

Pollsters have accurately predicted the league’s regular-season champ only six of the past 11 years, and only 18 times out of 38 total polls (beginning with the 1985-86 preseason picks). A total of 32 of those 38 predicted champs have gone on to post-season play, with 22 of those 32 playing in the NCAAs.

Get Indiana State Men’s Basketball Season Tickets Now

Season tickets for the 2023-24 Indiana State men’s basketball team is on sale now. The Sycamores will host 10 conference games to go along with the nonconference slate.

The full schedule for the season will be announced in the coming weeks. The pricing list for the 2023-24 men’s basketball season tickets with court diagram can be found at GoSycamores.com.

PURDUE FT. WAYNE MEN’S GOLF

‘DONS CLAIM THIRD AT MARTINFED INVITATIONAL

KILLEN, Ala. – Purdue Fort Wayne men’s golf shot 7-under on Tuesday (Oct. 17) to take third at the MartinFed Invitational, wrapping up the fall season on a high note.

The Mastodons moved up two spots on the leaderboard thanks to two consecutive rounds of 281 (-7). The third round of 281 was the best in the field on Tuesday. The Mastodons’ 858 is a top-10 54-hole score in program history.

Burke Pitz had the best tournament of the season, tying for eighth with a 212. The 212 ties the best of his career. In round three, he shot a 1-under 71, putting birdies on his scorecard on holes seven, 11 and 17. The senior had a bogey-free back nine.

Kasey Lilly narrowly missed the top-10, shooting 213 with a 69 in his final round. He had a 1-under opening stretch of five holes, then found four birdies to fall on the back nine on 13, 15, 17 and 18. After a bogey on hole two, he birdied his finishing hole to go back to 3-under for the day.

Two shots back of Lilly, Hunter Mefford finished his week in a tie for 16th place. He shot 215 with a final round of 72 (E). He started and finished his round on Tuesday with birdies and found two more in between on 13 and 17.

AJ Agnew had his best round of the week in round three, turning in a 3-under 69 to move into a tie for 30th at 220. Agnew had birdies on nine, 11, 13, 16 and 17 to move to 3-under after 10 holes. He was even the rest of the way, making up for a bogey on one with a birdie on three. He finished with four pars in a row.

Nick Holder tied for 55th, shooting 229. He had a 79 in round three, which was highlighted by an eagle on the 548-yard 17th. Brock Reschly played as an individual and turned in his best round of the week. He shot 73 (+1) with birdies on five, seven and 13.

The Mastodons’ third place finish is the best of the season. The ‘Dons will be back in action on February 19 in St. Augustine, Florida at the World Golf Village Collegiate.

EVANSVILLE MEN’S SOCCER

UE MEN’S SOCCER TO HOST NO. 10 MISSOURI STATE ON WEDNESDAY EVENING

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The University of Evansville men’s soccer team will host its second Top 25 team of the season on Wednesday.

Evansville vs. No. 10 Missouri State | Wednesday, October 18 | 6 PM CT

Site | Location Arad McCutchan Stadium | Evansville, Ind.

Evansville is looking for a bounce-back game after struggling early in its 5-1 loss against UIC on Saturday night. The Aces had the early lead in shots, but the Flames found the back of the net early and often to make it a 4-0 game going into halftime. UE came back to score a goal but couldn’t overcome the wide gap in 90 minutes. Evansville’s lone goal of the game came from freshman midfielder David Hernandez for his first collegiate goal for the Purple Aces. Hernandez is one of four Evansville players to score their first collegiate goal in the 2023 season. Defender Nacho Diaz-Caneja, winger Auden Engen Vik and forward Jacopo Fedrizzi have all found the back of the net for the first time while in an Aces uniform.

UE has its toughest conference test this week in front of fans at Arad McCutchan Stadium. The Aces welcome the No. 10 Missouri State Bears to town before their bye week. The Aces are looking to avenge their 2022 and 2021 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship losses to Missouri State and snap a 10-game losing skid to the Bears. Missouri State is also one of two teams in the MVC that can keep up with Evansville in shot accuracy. UE puts its shots on net 50.3% of the time, while the Bears put a shot on net 52.9% of the time.

Missouri State comes into tomorrow’s game as one of three teams tied for the MVC lead with 10 points in four games. The Bears and Western Michigan are the only two teams in the Valley without a loss, both teams having three wins and a tie. The Aces were Western Michigan’s lone tie of the season so far after a 2-2 draw on Saturday, Oct. 7. Missouri State is led by senior forward Jesus Barea, senior forward and former Ace Pablo Guillen, and sophomore forward Gijs Hovius with three goals each. But the Bears backbone is senior goalkeeper Harry Townsend who has only allowed four goals in 990 minutes. Townsend is tied for second in the nation in total shutouts (7), 16th in save percentage (.810), second in goalkeeper goals against average (.364), and is a two-time MVC Defensive Player of the Week.

This season will be the first time since 2018 that Evansville hosts multiple Top 25 teams at home. So far the Aces hosted at the time No. 10 Louisville on Sept. 19 and hosts the current No. 10 team in Missouri State. In 2018, UE hosted No. 17 Grand Canyon and No. 2 Indiana in September at Arad McCutchan Stadium. The 2023 season will be the first time in program history that Evansville has hosted multiple Top 10 teams at Arad McCutchan Stadium since UE began tracking rankings in 2004.

EVANSVILLE MEN’S GOLF

PARKER LEADS UE TO SECOND PLACE FINISH AT THE BUDDY

MURRAY, Ky. – Led by Carson Parker’s 4-under 71, the University of Evansville men’s golf team earned a second-place finish at “The Buddy” at Miller Memorial Golf Course.

Evansville’s purple team posted a team score of 291 in Tuesday’s final round to complete the tournament with an 856. USI took the team championship with a 3-round tally of 844.

Carson Parker scored a 4-under 67 in round three to rally for second place in the final standings. His 207 was one shot behind medalist Jace Day from the Screaming Eagles. Parker matched his second-round score on his way to the runner-up finish.

Tying for fourth was Caleb Wassmer. One day after tying the Purple Aces school record with a 64, Wassmer tallied a 75 on Tuesday to finish with a 209. Third for the purple squad was Nicholas Gushrowski. He tied for 27th with a score of 217. Rounding out the team was Isaac Rohleder (T47-223) and Michael Ikejiani (59-235).

Daniil Romashkin was the top finisher for Evansville’s orange squad. He enjoyed his lowest round of the weekend with a 1-under 70. He completed the tournament with a 215 to tie for 22nd. Next up was Andres Rodriguez. His round three score of 76 gave him a 220 for the weekend, earning him a tie for 36th.

Masatoyo Kato and Luke Schneider tied for 41st place with totals of 221 while Mason Taylor tied for 53rd with a 227.

UE continues on the road as they head to Bethlehem, Pa. for the Lehigh University 2023 Invitational.

EVANSVILLE WOMEN’S SOCCER

GIULIA CARDONA EARNS AVCA NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Giulia Cardona has been named the AVCA GameChanger Division I National Player of the Week in an announcement by the American Volleyball Coaches Association on Tuesday.

This marks the first such honor in Purple Aces volleyball history and comes on the heels of Cardona earning her third Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week accolade on Monday.

“I am so proud of Giulia, she keeps impressing us every week. When we think she played her best volleyball she comes back and have a better week,” UE head volleyball coach Fernando Morales said. “This is just evidence of the hard works she puts in and how much she cares about the team the program and winning. I can’t even express how proud of her I am and of her teammates that helped her be in this position.”

Highlighting the week for Cardona was one of the best offensive performances in MVC history and the top efforts collegiate volleyball has seen in close to four years. In Friday’s win over UIC, Cardona tied the MVC single match kills record with 40. She became the first player in the national to record 40 kills since 2019 when it happened on three occasions.

The last instance came when Khalia Lanier of USC had 40 against Utah on Nov. 7, 2019. Earlier that season, Jordan Thompson of Cincinnati did so on two occasions. Both went on to spent time playing for the US National Team.

Cardona’s 40-kill contest against UIC tied the league record of Bobbi Becker (Petersen) with 40 kills in what was the longest match in NCAA history. UE and UIC battled for 3 hours and 44 minutes, topping the longest match ever by six minutes. Hawaii and BYU played a 3 hour and 38-minute game in 1998.

She opened the week with 27 kills against Indiana State while hitting .396. She added nine digs, two blocks and an ace. Her efforts against the Flames included 94 attempts, tying her for the second-highest total in Valley history. On top of that, she posted 16 digs, a block, ace and assist. The weekend finale saw her add 19 kills, 11 digs, four total blocks and three aces against Valpo. For the week, she tallied 6.62 kills per set, totaling 86 in 13 sets. Cardona averaged 2.77 digs, 0.54 blocks and 0.38 aces per frame.

Cardona becomes the first MVC player to earn the honor since Lily Johnson of Missouri State did so in 2017. They are the only two to do so as members of the league.

SOUTHERN INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER

WOMEN’S SOCCER CONCLUDES REGULAR SEASON HOME SLATE THURSDAY

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer wraps up its regular season home schedule Thursday when the Screaming Eagles battle Southeast Missouri State University at 7 p.m. from Strassweg Field.

Southern Indiana is 4-6-6 this season and 3-1-3 in Ohio Valley Conference action. USI is riding a season-best five-match unbeaten streak, going 3-0-2. USI has also earned a result in nine of the last 10 matches, going 4-1-5 during that stretch. Plus, the Eagles have taken care of business at home recently, going 3-0-2 in the last five contests at Strassweg Field.

The Screaming Eagles are coming off back-to-back ties, including a 1-1 draw last time out on Sunday on the road at the University of Tennessee at Martin. In a high-shooting game, USI outshot UT Martin 21-20. The 21 shots were a season-high for Southern Indiana. Additionally, after Sunday’s tie along with other results around the OVC, USI clinched its berth into the OVC Tournament for the second consecutive season.

The Skyhawks struck first with a goal in the 10th minute. Prior to that goal, Southern Indiana’s defense had not been scored on in the previous three full matches and 290 minutes. The Screaming Eagles tied the match early in the second half when freshman midfielder

Greta Ohlwein

Greta Ohlwein (Chicago, Illinois) scored her first career goal, becoming the sixth different USI player to score a career first this season.

In the final five minutes, the Eagles ripped four shots looking for the potential go-ahead goal. Freshman midfielder Lydia Bordfeld (Evansville, Indiana) had two good looks out of the final four shots for USI, getting one blocked and the other saved by the Skyhawks’ goalkeeper.

Ohlwein and sophomore midfielder Peyton Murphy (Bargersville, Indiana) had four shots each. Senior midfielder Paige Vanek (St. Charles, Missouri) had three attempts and two on goal. Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Anna Markland (Hoover, Alabama) totaled five saves between the posts.

On the season, freshman midfielder Pilar Torres (Chula Vista, California) leads Southern Indiana with three goals. Murphy has two goals and paces the team with 27 shots, which is tied for eighth in the Ohio Valley Conference. In goal, Markland has been sensational in the net. Markland is tied for second in the OVC with five shutouts. She is also third in the league with a 1.12 GAA and fourth with 62 saves.

Earlier this week, Markland and sophomore defender Charli Grafton (Sunriver, Oregon) were named OVC Goalkeeper of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week, respectively. For Markland, it is her third weekly accolade of the season while it is the second for Grafton.

Southeast Missouri is 6-5-3 this season with a 2-3-2 conference record. The Redhawks have dropped two straight 1-0 matches, including a home defeat on Sunday to league-leading Tennessee Tech University. After a scoreless first half, Tennessee Tech struck in the 56th minute and held on the rest of the way.

SEMO is led this season by sophomore Cayla Koerner with four goals, three assists, and 11 points. Koerner is the reigning Forward of the Year and Freshman of the Year in the OVC. Following her All-OVC campaign in 2022 with another strong showing in 2023, Koerner is the top shot-taker for the Redhawks with 24 attempts this season. In goal, sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Elfrink has made 13 starts, posting a 1.01 GAA with 54 saves and six shutouts.

Sunday will be the second all-time meeting between USI and SEMO, as Southern Indiana will be looking for revenge after last season’s first matchup in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The two programs went back and forth scoreless for nearly the entire match until SEMO scored the game-winning goal with 14 seconds left.

Entering Thursday, the Screaming Eagles sit in a tie with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for third in the Ohio Valley Conference standings at 12 points. An opportunity to host during the first weekend of the OVC Tournament or earn a double-bye into the semifinals is a possibility for USI. The Redhawks are sixth with eight points.

Thursday’s match can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+. Additional coverage links are available on the USI Women’s Soccer schedule page on usiscreamingeagles.com.

SOUTHERN INDIANA MEN’S GOLF

EAGLES WIN THE BUDDY IN RECORD-SETTING FASHION

MURRAY, Ky. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Golf used a record-setting 844 (284-272-288) to win The Buddy in Murray, Kentucky. The tournament was hosted by Murray State University Monday and Tuesday at the Miller Memorial Golf Course.

The Screaming Eagles led the tournament from start to finish, beginning with a first round of 284 to lead by six strokes. USI would build an insurmountable lead in the second round by tying a program record for the second time this season with a 272 and leading the field by nine strokes.

The 272 tied the USI 18-hole record that was set two weeks ago in the second round of Derek Dolenc Invitational.

USI had three players under 70 in the second round with senior Jace Day (Bloomington, Indiana) and junior Sam Vertanen (Ames, Iowa) each posting a 66, while junior Jason Bannister (Laguna Nigel, California) had a 67 to round out the Eagles top three. The 66 by Day and Vertanen is tied for third best round in the history of the program.

In the final round, USI fell off its torrid second round pace, posting a 288 and finishing with a record-breaking 844 over the three rounds. The 844 broke the USI 54-hole mark that was set at the McKendree Bearcat Dual (853) in the fall of 2021.

Individually, Day won the tournament with a seven-under and USI-54-hole individual record of 206 (70-66-70) after three rounds. Day’s 206 broke the record set by Bannister, who posted a 208 (72-65-71) at the Derek Dolenc Invitational in September.

Day was followed on the USI team by Bannister, who tied for sixth with a three-under 210 (72-67-71), and Vertanen, who tied for 13th with an even par 213 (74-66-73).

The final tournament of the fall for the Eagles is October 28-29 when they play in the Kentucky Wesleyan Invitational, hosted by KWC at the The Pearl Club in Owensboro, Kentucky.

VALPO FOOTBALL

VALPO TO FACE OFF WITH FIRST-PLACE DAVIDSON ON SATURDAY

Valparaiso (1-5, 0-3 PFL)

at Davidson (4-2, 3-0 PFL)

Game #7 Saturday, Oct. 21, Noon CT

Richardson Stadium (4,741) – Davidson, N.C.

This Week in Valpo Football: The Valparaiso University football team will play the first of back-to-back road games this week with a visit to Davidson, N.C. to take on the Wildcats, a team that has earned the league’s automatic FCS Playoff berth in each of the last three seasons. Valpo has played five consecutive one-score games including heartbreaking setbacks in each of the first three conference contests.

Previously: Nathan Hazlett kicked a 28-yard field goal with all zeros on the clock to lift visiting Morehead State to a come-from-behind 24-21 victory over Valpo on Oct. 14 at Brown Field. The Beacons led 21-14 with 2:31 left in regulation in a game that saw Ryan Mann rush for a career-high 102 yards while scoring two touchdowns – one rushing and one receiving. Solomon Davis (seven catches, 94 yards) and Chris Gundy (six catches, 74 yards) were top targets for quarterback Jeffrey Jackson, who made his first start with the Brown & Gold. Over half of the total points scored in the game came during the final 6:03 of the fourth quarter.

Series Notes: Valpo and Davidson have not faced off in any of the last three seasons as these two foes are set to clash for the first time since Nov. 2, 2019, a 27-21 Wildcat win in North Carolina. That game, which came during Year 1 of the Landon Fox head coaching regime, saw Valpo rally from 14-0 down to tie the game at 21 in the fourth quarter. The game featured an epic performance from defensive back Jamari Booker, who accrued 21 tackles, two forced fumbles, a tackle for loss and two QB hurries. That remains Valpo’s most recent 20-tackle performance. Davidson leads an all-time series that began in 2001 by a 9-4 count. Valpo is 1-4 all-time at Davidson with the victory coming 42-25 on Oct. 3, 2015. Fox will become the first Valpo head coach to visit Davidson for a second time as the team’s five all-time trips to Davidson prior to this contest have come under five different head coaches – Tom Horne, Stacy Adams, Dale Carlson and Dave Cecchini. The last four Valpo/Davidson collisions have been one-score affairs.

Following the Beacons: A video feed of Saturday’s game will be available on DavidsonWildcats.com. In addition, the radio commentary will air on 95.1 FM WVUR, The TuneIn Radio App and ValpoAthletics.com with Todd Ickow (play-by-play) and Brandon Vickrey (analyst) on the call. 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 (15-32) 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.

One-Score Streak Continues

In Landon Fox’s 47 games as Valpo head coach, 23 (48.9 percent) have been decided by seven points or fewer, most recently a 24-21 loss to Morehead State on Oct. 14 of this season.

Valpo is 8-15 in those one-score games. Since Fox took over the program, 63.8 percent of the team’s games have been either victories or defeats by seven points or fewer.

Just six 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 47 games under Fox, Valpo has played more one-score games than it did in 110 games from 2007-2018.

The Week 7 game vs. Morehead State was Valpo’s fourth straight game decided by fewer than seven points.

This is the first time Valpo has had a streak of five or more one-score games consecutively since six straight during the PFL championship season of 2003 – at Jacksonville, vs. Morehead State, at Dayton, vs. San Diego, vs. Drake and at Butler.

Since the start of last season, seven of the nine games played at Brown Field have been one-score affairs, including all three this year.

Five of the last six matchups between Valpo and Morehead State have been one-score games.

Mann oh Mann!

Ryan Mann finished with a career-high 102 rushing yards on 12 carries on Oct. 14 vs. Morehead State, becoming the first Beacon to rush for 100 yards in a game this season. The last Valpo player to do so was Aaron Dawson on Nov. 12, 2022 at Marist (199).

Mann accounted for two of the team’s three scores, hauling in a 21-yard pass from Jeffrey Jackson in addition to breaking free for a 23-yard run.

The rushing score was Mann’s second of the season, while the receiving score was the first of his collegiate career.

Nice to Meet You, Chris Gundy

Entering the Oct. 14 game vs. Morehead State, redshirt freshman wide receiver Chris Gundy had one career reception for nine yards. That first collegiate grab came the previous week at Drake.

Gundy enjoyed a breakout day against the Eagles, soaring for six catches to the tune of 74 yards with a long of 29.

He and Solomon Davis were top targets of quarterback Jeffrey Jackson, who made his first start with the Brown & Gold. That duo combined for 13 catches and 168 yards through the air.

Banged Up Beacons

It should be noted that Valpo’s game against Morehead State came without the services of five keys players.

Quarterback Michael Appel Jr., running back Barret Labus, tight end Evan Jernegan, defensive lineman Kevin Spelman and linebacker Wade Abrams were all sidelined with injuries.

Fake It & Make It

One of the Valpo highlights in the Oct. 14 game vs. Morehead State was a successful fake punt on fourth-and-7 at the Morehead State 47.

Punter Evan Matthes completed a 23-yard pass to Mark Johnson for a first down.

This marks the second straight season that Valpo attempted a fake punt against Morehead State. Last year in Kentucky, Matthes attempted to run for what would have been a game-clinching first down, but he was spotted just shy on a fourth-and-4 at the Morehead 46 with one minute on the clock. Valpo still went on to win the game.

This was the first time a Valpo punter attempted a pass since Ben Niesner on Oct. 30, 2021 at San Diego. That one fell incomplete.

This was Valpo’s first time moving the chains thanks to a punter since Niesner ran for a first down on Sept. 11, 2021 at North Dakota State. Niesner also converted a fake punt on Oct. 5, 2019 at Drake.

Matthes was the first Valpo punter to successfully complete a pass in over 15 years.

Punting Prowess

Speaking of Evan Matthes, his passing efficiency wasn’t the only number that stood out from the punter’s performance on Oct. 14 vs. Morehead State. He continues to lead the Pioneer Football League in punting average at 43.7, a mark that ranks 15th nationally in FCS.

If Matthes can uphold his current clip, he is on pace to narrowly break the program record for single-season punting average of 43.6, which is currently shared by Greg Wood (2010) and Ben Niesner (Spring 2021).

That mark of 43.6 is not only the Valpo record, but also a Pioneer Football League record in that category.

Matthes delivered a 67-yard punt on Oct. 14 vs. Morehead State, tied for the 20th longest nationally this season. It was his second-longest punt of the year behind his 70 yarder in the season opener on Aug. 31 at Youngstown State, which still ranks tied for eighth in the FCS nation this season.

Matthes has three punts of 65+ yards this season with the third hitting 65 exactly on Oct. 7 at Drake.

Matthes is one of two FCS punters nationally with three boots of 65+ yards this season, joining Cornell’s Jackson Kennedy.

Offensive Improvement

Valpo took a step forward offensively despite less-than-ideal weather conditions on Oct. 14 vs. Morehead State. The Beacons completed 19 passes – one shy of the team’s season high at Indiana Wesleyan – for 225 passing yards, nine shy of a season high vs. Marist.

The team ran for a season-high 143 yards and accumulated 368 yards of total offense, by far a season best. This was the first time Valpo eclipsed 300 yards of total offense in 2023.

The 368 yards of total offense marked the team’s most since Nov. 12, 2022 at Marist, when the offense accrued 460 yards.

Stopping the Run

Valpo allowed Morehead State to rush for just 51 yards on Oct. 14, the fifth straight game where the Beacons limited the opposition to fewer than 80 rushing yards.

This marked the third time this season where an opponent was held under 55 rushing yards, joining Oct. 7 at Drake (46) and Sept. 9 at Indiana Wesleyan (54).

Valpo is allowing just 100.7 rushing yards per game this season, leading the PFL and ranking 17th nationally in rushing defense.

Among PFL and National Leaders

Valpo ranks second in the PFL and 28th nationally in third-down defense, holding opponents to 34.5 percent.

The team ranks among the league and national leaders in fewest penalties with 31 (third PFL; 22nd FCS) and fewest penalties per game with 5.17 (third PFL; 19th FCS). Valpo has committed fewer penalties than its opponent in all six games this season.

Valpo has allowed 96 first downs this season, ranking second in the PFL and 12th nationally in first-down defense.

The team leads the league and ranks 13th nationally in kickoff return average at 24.00.

Valpo leads the league and ranks 17th nationally in rushing defense at 100.7.

The Beacons lead the PFL in total defense at 337.7 yards allowed per game.

Jashon Butler leads the PFL and ranks seventh nationally in combined kickoff return yards at 427. He is first in the league and sixth in the nation in kickoff return average at 30.5.

Tyler Geiman leads the league and ranks second nationally in passes defended per game at 2.0.

Evan Matthes leads the league and ranks 15th in the nation in punting average at 43.7.

Additional Notes Wrapping Up Oct. 14: Morehead State 24, Valpo 21

Jeffrey Jackson went 18-of-29 passing for 202 yards and a pair of scores in his first start in a Valpo uniform.

Jake Vickers made his third career touchdown catch. The tight end now has exactly one score in each of the last three seasons – 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Tyler Geiman made his first interception in a Valpo uniform. He, Evan Annis, Sam Hafner and Caleb Rao shared the team lead with six tackles apiece.

Evan Matthes averaged 42.7 yards per punt on six kicks including a 67 yarder, his eighth of 50+ yards this season.

Scouting the Wildcats

Picked to finish second in the PFL preseason poll behind only St. Thomas.

Tied with Drake atop the league as the only PFL unbeatens.

Have made three straight FCS Playoff appearances.

Own lopsided wins over Marist (49-21) and San Diego (55-33) and are coming off a thrilling 35-33 road victory at Butler.

Mari Adams rushed for a career-high 171 yards and three scores in last week’s win, while Coulter Cleland went 19-of-20 for 224 passing yards and tossed two scores.

Rank second in the nation in scoring offense at 43.5 points per game and second nationally in rushing offense at 307.8 yards per game.

VALPO WOMEN’S SOCCER

SOCCER FACES CRITICAL FINAL TWO REGULAR SEASON MATCHES

Valparaiso (6-4-6, 2-2-4 MVC)

Thursday, Oct. 19 – UNI (12-3-1, 5-3-0 MVC) – 7 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 22 – at UIC (4-7-4, 3-3-2 MVC) – noon

Next Up in Valpo Soccer: A lot is on the line this week for the Valpo soccer team as the regular season comes to its conclusion. The Beacons host UNI in their final home match on Thursday evening before closing out the regular season slate on Sunday afternoon at UIC.

Previously: Valpo picked up a big road win at Southern Illinois last Thursday, 2-1, but was unable to come away with points on Sunday, falling 2-0 to Belmont.

Looking Ahead: The MVC Tournament begins on Thursday, Oct. 26.

Following the Beacons:

Following the Beacons: Both matches this week 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 127-116-48 (.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: UNI – Valpo holds a slight 5-4-2 edge in the series with the Panthers, but it is UNI with a 3-2-2 advantage since Valpo joined the Valley. Last season, it was the Beacons who claimed all three points to open MVC play in Cedar Falls, as Molly O’Rear scored her first career goal in the 87th minute for the deciding tally in a 1-0 Valpo win. Nikki Coryell made four saves to keep the clean sheet in that victory.

UIC – Valpo is 4-1-1 all-time since the Flames started their program prior to the 2014 season. In last season’s first matchup as MVC foes, the Beacons blitzed UIC for a 4-0 victory on Brown Field. Nicole Norfolk’s goal in the 19th minute would have been enough, while Addy Joiner, Abby White and Sam Gountounas found the back of the net as well. Nikki Coryell made five saves in the win.

Scouting the Opposition: UNI – The Panthers come into Thursday’s match with a 12-3-1 overall record this season and a 5-3-0 mark in MVC play – the lone Valley team without a draw on their docket in conference action. Last time out, UNI dropped a battle near the top of the table at Missouri State, 1-0. Olivia Knoepfle has a team-best seven goals on the season and has also tallied five assists, giving her a MVC-high 19 points. In goal, Caitlin Richards has played the vast majority of the minutes and owns a 0.91 GAA and a .759 save percentage.

UIC – The Flames enter the week at 4-7-4 overall and 3-3-2 in MVC play – just one point ahead of the Beacons. UIC had a bye on the last match day, as its last match was last Thursday – a scoreless draw against Belmont. Makenna Maloy has a team-high 10 points on the season (3g, 4a), while a trio of goalkeepers have split time in net.

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.

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.

Earning a Tournament Berth: Step one for Valpo this week is to secure its spot in the eight-team MVC Tournament. Entering the week in seventh place in the conference standings, the simplest route for the Beacons is to win at least one of their final two matches. At least one loss from each of the two teams currently tied for ninth (Indiana State and Illinois State) would also guarantee Valpo a place in the field.

Bye Still Within Reach: Third place is still mathematically within reach for Valpo, but the far more likely route to a first-round bye would be a fourth-place finish for the Beacons. The road to the fourth seed would require Valpo to defeat both UNI and UIC (again, mathematically, four points from those two matches could give Valpo a chance at the four, but it would take a perfect set of numerous other results), combined with a UNI loss or draw against Illinois State OR Murray State taking two or fewer points from its last two matches.

Finally Falling at Home: Valpo’s loss to Belmont on Sunday was the Beacons’ first defeat at Brown Field this year, as they had started 3-0-3 through six home matches. This is the second time in program history Valpo has been unbeaten in its first six home matches, joining the 2005 side.

Streaks Come to an End: A number of streaks came to an end when Valpo fell at Drake Oct. 8. 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. Perhaps the most impressive item which was snapped was the fact that the Beacons lost a match in which they held a lead. The last time prior to Drake 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 to the Bulldogs.

Fit to Be Tied: With the draw 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 scored what proved to be the match-winner in the Beacons’ 2-1 win at Southern Illinois. Joiner has scored a team-high eight goals this year to lead all Valley players, tied for ninth-most in a single season in program history. Joiner now has 18 career goals, tied for sixth-most in program history.

A Sudden Nose for Goal: Senior Chase Ray went the first 56 minutes of her collegiate career without a goal, but the midfielder has found the scoring touch in Valley play, scoring in three of the Beacons’ eight MVC fixtures. Ray opened her collegiate account with the tying goal at Evansville, scored the early match-winner in the second minute at Indiana State and most recently opened the scoring in Valpo’s win at Southern Illinois.

Etch Her Name in the XI: With 16 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 82 career appearances and 82 career starts in the Valpo uniform. She is tied with Beth Muskovich, who played for Valpo from 1996 through 1999, in both categories and should surpass Muskovich to stand alone atop both charts should she be in the starting XI Thursday night against UNI.

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.

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 MEN’S BASKETBALL

MVC RELEASES 2023-24 MEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL

The Missouri Valley Conference has announced its 2023-24 men’s basketball preseason poll, which was revealed by the league office on Tuesday.

The Valparaiso University men’s basketball team was projected to finish 12th in the preseason survey of head coaches, sports information directors and media members. Drake was selected to win the league, while UNI was picked to finish second in the preseason poll with Bradley rounding out the top three. Drake’s Tucker DeVries was tabbed MVC Preseason Player of the Year.

PRESEASON RANKINGS

Drake (24) .. 558

UNI (19) .. 524

Bradley (3) .. 487

Indiana State .. 402

Belmont .. 400

Missouri State (1) .. 386

Murray State .. 292

Illinois State .. 237

Southern Illinois .. 218

UIC .. 157

Evansville .. 95

Valparaiso .. 66

PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE

PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Tucker DeVries, Drake

FIRST TEAM

Bowen Born, UNI

Donovan Clay, Missouri State

Tucker DeVries, Drake

Malevy Leons, Bradley

Cade Tyson, Belmont

SECOND TEAM

Tytan Anderson, UNI

Robbie Avila, Indiana State

Darnell Brodie, Drake

Julian Larry, Indiana State

Rob Perry, Murray State

UINDY WOMEN’S GOLF

GREYHOUNDS CONTINUE WINNING WAYS AT FLYER INVITE

KETTERING, Ohio— Led by a runner-up finish by freshman Jess Haines, the UIndy women’s golf team captured the team title at the Flyer Invitational Tuesday. UIndy was one of only two Division II schools in the otherwise all-DI field that featured the likes of Butler, IUPUI and Western Michigan.

Hosted by the University of Dayton, the annual tournament was held at the par-70 North Course at NCR Country Club in Kettering, Ohio. UIndy has won all four times it has made the short trek to Dayton, including each of the last three years and also its initial trip in the fall 2015.

INS & OUTS

The Hounds cleared the field by 16 strokes, carding team scores of 284-292-297. The first-round tally featured a two-under 68 from Haines and an even-par 70 from sophomore Alice Webb. Haines (+5), who took home the runner-up trophy, has improved her leaderboard finish in each tournament this fall.

“Jess has been playing very well this entire fall season,” said Head Coach Brent Nicoson, “and I’m really proud of her performance this week. She just keeps her head down and keeps working to get better, and it’s showing very early in her career. She’s very mature on the golf course and that certainly helps her.”

When all was said on done, six Greyhounds finished at T-10 or better. Webb and senior Matilda Cederholm shared sixth place at +8, junior Anci Dy (+9) fired a second-round 69 on to way to ninth, while Ava Ray and Macey Brown finished tied for 10th at +11.

“Winning tournaments is very tough to do,” Nicoson concluded, “and I’m extremely proud of our group for getting the victory this week at a very tough golf course. Hopefully we can keep the momentum of two back-to-back wins as we head to Pennsylvania this week for our last fall tournament.”

UP NEXT

UIndy has one final tournament on the fall slate. The Hounds will travel to Western Pennsylvania for the Findlay-hosted Nemacolin Intercollegiate Oct. 23-24.

UINDY MEN’S SOCCER

UINDY STAYS INSIDE TOP 10 IN NATIONAL POLL

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The UIndy men’s soccer team was named seventh in the nation according to the United Soccer Coaches DII poll, released Tuesday. This is the fourth consecutive week that the Greyhounds where named inside the top-10.

The Hounds earned a pair of draws over the weekend to Missouri S&T and no. 23 Maryville. The team is still undefeated this season with a record of 8-0-4, 6-0-3 in GLVC play.

UIndy will travel to Truman and Upper Iowa this weekend to compete on Friday and Sunday respectively. This will also be the first time the the Greyhounds will play Upper Iowa since the Peacocks joined the GLVC.

United Soccer Coaches DII Soccer Poll

Rank School Prev W-L-T

1 Franklin Pierce University 1 10-0-0

2 Midwestern State University 2 12-0-1

3 California State University Chico 3 10-0-3

4 University of Charleston 4 11-1-0

5 Colorado State University-Pueblo 5 11-2-1

6 Auburn University Montgomery 15 7-0-5

7 University of Indianapolis 8 8-0-4

8 California State University-Los Angeles 12 10-1-1

9 Limestone University 19 9-1-2

10 Gannon University 10 12-0-1

11 Post University 11 8-1-3

12 Cal Poly Pomona 7 7-1-4

13 Rollins College 9 5-2-3

14 University of Illinois-Springfield 13 9-1-3

15 Lynn University 16 7-1-3

16 Clayton State University 6 10-2-0

17 Southern Nazarene University 17 8-3-2

18 Colorado Mesa University RV 9-2-3

19 Mercyhurst University 20 11-1-0

20 Wingate University 14 7-3-2

21 Rogers State University 22 8-3-2

22 California State University Monterey Bay 23 8-2-3

23 Maryville University of St. Louis 21 8-2-4

24 St. Mary’s University (Texas) RV 7-3-3

25 Florida Tech 25 8-1-3

UINDY MEN’S GOLF

HOUNDS PLACE 9TH AT FINDLAY, CONAWAY TIES COURSE RECORD

FINDLAY, Ohio—Facing a Midwest Region-heavy field for the third time in as many tournaments, the UIndy men’s golf team secured a ninth-place finish at the annual Doc Spragg Invitational, held at Findlay Country Club Monday and Tuesday.

Freshman Simon Engman and sophomore Drew Rowen shared 11th place to pace the team, while freshman Maverick Conaway highlighted the week with an amazing eight-under 64 in round two.

INS & OUTS

Fielding an all-freshman lineup for the first time in recent memory, UIndy sat in third place through 36 holes but fell back with a final-round 303 on Tuesday.

“This was a tournament with a lot of ups and downs,” admitted Head Coach Brent Nicoson. “We got off to a poor start, but I was proud of the guys for bouncing back and playing a great round yesterday afternoon to move up to third. Today was the complete opposite, and we paid the price with our poor performance.

“Playing five freshmen was a unique experience and one that has never happened in my career. This can be a very good team, and we will need to have a lot of patience as they gain valuable experience in these tournaments.”

Engman continues to fill the No. 1 spot admirably, carding scores of 69-72-72 to finish at -3. The young Gothenburg, Sweden native has led the team in all all four tournaments this fall.

Rowen, who competed as an individual, also finished at -3, firing three straight round of 71s.

Meanwhile, Conaway’s second-round 64 was one off the school record and the lowest score ever by a UIndy freshman. His stellar round featured 11 pars, six birdies, and an eagle on the par-4 ninth hole. He ultimately settled at +1 to share 27th place.

Freshmen Cameron Young (first-round 70) and Ben Keil (second-round 71) also went low during the week.

“We had some very good rounds by several players,” Nicoson noted, “highlighted by Maverick’s 64 yesterday. Simon continues to play well, and Drew had a great tournament as well this week. We have a lot of work to do before heading to Pennsylvania on Saturday.”

UP NEXT

UIndy has one final tournament on the fall slate. The Hounds will travel to Western Pennsylvania for the Findlay-hosted Nemacolin Intercollegiate Oct. 23-24.

MARIAN WOMEN’S GOLF

PARMER TOPS LEADERBOARD AT TPC DEERE RUN INVITATIONAL

SILVIS, Ill. – The Marian women’s golf team posted a 54-hole score of 957 on Monday and Tuesday at the TPC Deere Run Invitational presented by William Penn to finish second out of 13 teams. Sidney Parmer led the way for the Knights as she won the invite.

SCAD Atlanta took first, while Indiana Wesleyan finished third, Pikeville fourth, and Mount Mercy fifth.

Leading the way for Marian was Sidney Parmer who topped the leaderboard after turning in a 227. Parmer started the two day event with a 73, before finishing with a 82 and 72 in the final two rounds to place her first out of 68 golfers.

Mackendize Dresbaugh and Keara Eder each finished in the top-10 to join Parmer on the All-Tournament Team after finishing within one stroke of eachother. Dresbaugh carded a 242 (83-82-77) and Eder finished with a 243 (81-80-82). Emma Weiler came in next for the Knights with a 247 (86-83-78) for 18th, while Hailey Kirkland posted a 253 (84-83-86) to claim 25th place.

Marian’s fall season wraps up on October 23-24 at the Gibson Ray Invite, hosted by Lindsay Wilson.

MARIAN MEN’S SOCCER

GONZALEZ’S BRACE GUIDES MARIAN PAST GEORGETOWN

INDIANAPOLIS – The Marian men’s soccer team took a pause on Crossroads League play to host Georgetown College (Ky.) on Tuesday afternoon. Marian would play the favor in the non-conference matchup, picking up the 2-1 win led behind Sebastian Gonzalez’s two goals. The Knights improve to 9-3-2 overall on the year after the win.

Marian took control in the first half, with Phillip Seifert making the goalie work early as he fired off two quick shots, before Evan Dawdy and Sebastian Gonzalez got in on the action. Georgetown found their first look in the 22nd minute, but Juan Torres denied the attempt to keep the score locked at 0-0. The Knights continued to put pressure on the Tiger defense with a pair of shots, before Gerald Ramirez found Gonzalez who netted the first goal of the game to give his team the 1-0 lead at the 25:17 mark.

With the 1-0 at hand, Marian did not let up their attack as Donovan Doolittle booted one on frame that saw the keeper make the deflection. Marian’s defense did not give Georgetown much to work with as the guest were unable to find any good looks the remainder of the first half. The Knights’ defense held the Tigers to one shot in the first 45 minutes, while Marian put together nine shots on one goal.

After the break, it was the visitors taking the first shot of the second half. However, once again it was Torres making the save. In the 58th minute, Dawdy made a good run to fire one off on goal, but it was the Tiger keeper denying the shot to keep the score 1-0. Marian kept the aggressive offense coming and their efforts were awarded in the 64th minute after Kameron Hooker crossed one in from the left side to hit Gonzalez in the middle, who then sent it home to put Marian up 2-0.

Georgetown had the chance to answer at the 75:15 mark after a penalty was called in the box, but Torres came up big making the save on the penalty kick to keep his team with the 2-0 advantage. The Tigers would get a second chance in the 80th minute after another foul in the box, and this time they were able to execute to give them their first goal of the game. Although Georgetown found themselves within one, the Knights held strong and kept the score at 2-1 to pick up the victory.

Marian had 16 shots with nine on goal. Gonzalez had two goals on his five shots, while Seifert and Dawdy each took three. Hooker and Ramirez each picked up an assist. Torres grabbed five saves and allowed one goal in his 90 minutes of work in goal for the Knights.

Marian will be back in action Saturday when they host St. Francis at 7 p.m.

MARIAN WOMEN’S SOCCER

MARIAN DROPS SECOND CROSSROADS MATCH AT BETHEL

Mishawaka, Ind. – The Marian women’s soccer team saw their four-match unbeaten streak come to an end Tuesday night, as the Bethel Pilots handed the Knights a 3-1 defeat in a match made up from Saturday afternoon’s postponement. The loss drops Marian to 9-2-3 overall on the season, and 2-2-2 in Crossroads League play.

Marian opened the game on the offensive, with Kylie Conrad taking the night’s first shot on goal in the fourth minute. Marian continued to own possession as Gretchen Mallin lined up five corner kicks in a span of 10 minutes, and Lexi Curry and Mallin each took a shot attempt, but the earlier attack on the Bethel defense came up without a goal. Conrad and Olivia Parmer would each add a shot attempt before the clock had shown 20 minutes expired, however no score came from the Knights.

Bethel would take their first shot of the game in the 26th minute as Leena Thomas fired on Lily Ames, as the freshman keeper for the Knights made her first save of the match in her first collegiate start. The Pilots would get another shot on goal that was saved by Ames a few moments later, and with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half, the home team broke the scoreless contest with an Audrey Lerch goal. Bethel played a ball deep past the last line of the Marian defense to the right side of the box, where Chloe Crompton was able to connect one final pass to Lerch, scoring a header on the opposite side of the goal of Ames mark in net.

Neither team managed a shot attempt for the duration of the half, and the Knights entered the break trailing 1-0.

Looking to come out with a quick score after the intermission, Marian pestered the Pilots defensive line early, trying to flood the box for a goal. Delaney Taylor took the first shot of the second half, with Marian retaining possession after the ball caromed off the keepers mitts. The loose ball eventually found it’s way to Mallin, who sent a cross in from the right corner to Parmer. The freshman booted the ball through to Katie Koger, who came flying in and leveled the score in the 50th minute at 1-1.

Despite the score, the Knights were unable to keep momentum on their side as Bethel answered the score with one of their own in the 56th minute. The Knights failed to clear the ball outside of their goal area, and with the Pilots maintaining possession, they were able to connect a pass to Giulia Franco, as the striker curved a long shot into the goal over the top of Ames’ head.

Trailing 2-1, Marian did all they could to try and find an equalizing goal, however multiple offside flags and shots from Taylor and Grace Crawford were unable to get to the back of the goal. The score held at as a one-goal difference until the 83rd minute, when Bethel’s Audrey Lerch was the recipient of a breakaway goal, racing from midfield past the last line of the Marian defense to put the game away with the Pilots on top 3-1.

The score would hold as a 3-1 final, as shot attempts from Taylor and Parmer in the final six minutes were saved by Jael Schubert of Bethel. Marian ended the match with a 13-7 shot advantage, with Taylor taking a match-high four for Marian. Parmer finished with three shot attempts and one on goal, while Koger scored on her only look on goal. Ames suffered her first defeat of the season in goal, allowing three scores to four made saves.

Marian will look to rebound on Saturday afternoon when they travel to St. Francis for a 2 p.m. matchup with the Cougars.

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

.833

0.0

223

156

3-0-0

2-1-0

3-1-0

1-1-0

2 W

Buffalo Bills

.667

1.0

173

3-1-0

1-1-0

2-2-0

1-1-0

1 W

New York Jets

.500

2.0

113

119

2-2-0

1-1-0

2-2-0

1-1-0

2 W

New England Patriots

.167

4.0

152

0-3-0

1-2-0

1-1-0

3 L

West Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Kansas City Chiefs

.833

0.0

147

2-1-0

3-0-0

1-0-0

5 W

Las Vegas Raiders

.500

2.0

100

131

2-1-0

1-2-0

2-3-0

1-1-0

2 W

Los Angeles Chargers

.400

2.5

127

124

1-2-0

1-1-0

1-2-0

1-0-0

1 L

Denver Broncos

.167

4.0

129

200

0-3-0

1-2-0

0-4-0

0-2-0

2 L

North Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Baltimore Ravens

.667

0.0

133

1-1-0

3-1-0

4-2-0

2-1-0

1 W

Pittsburgh Steelers

.600

0.5

110

2-1-0

1-1-0

3-1-0

2-0-0

1 W

Cleveland Browns

.600

0.5

3-1-0

0-1-0

2-2-0

1-2-0

1 W

Cincinnati Bengals

.500

1.0

100

127

2-1-0

1-2-0

0-3-0

0-2-0

2 W

South Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Jacksonville Jaguars

.667

0.0

142

122

2-2-0

2-0-0

3-2-0

2-1-0

3 W

Indianapolis Colts

.500

1.0

140

152

1-2-0

2-1-0

3-2-0

2-2-0

1 L

Houston Texans

.500

1.0

135

113

2-1-0

1-2-0

2-2-0

1-1-0

1 W

Tennessee Titans

.333

2.0

104

117

2-1-0

0-3-0

2-3-0

0-1-0

2 L

National Football Conference

East Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Philadelphia Eagles

.833

0.0

155

124

2-0-0

3-1-0

4-0-0

1-0-0

1 L

Dallas Cowboys

.667

1.0

154

100

2-0-0

2-2-0

1-2-0

1-0-0

1 W

Washington Commanders

.500

2.0

133

176

1-2-0

2-1-0

2-2-0

0-1-0

1 W

New York Giants

.167

4.0

167

0-2-0

1-3-0

0-1-0

4 L

West Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

San Francisco 49ers

.833

0.0

184

3-0-0

2-1-0

4-0-0

2-0-0

1 L

Seattle Seahawks

.600

1.5

124

108

1-1-0

2-1-0

3-1-0

0-1-0

1 L

Los Angeles Rams

.500

2.0

138

117

1-2-0

2-1-0

2-2-0

2-1-0

1 W

Arizona Cardinals

.167

4.0

117

162

1-2-0

0-3-0

1-4-0

0-2-0

3 L

North Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Detroit Lions

.833

0.0

168

113

2-1-0

3-0-0

4-1-0

1-0-0

4 W

Green Bay Packers

.400

2.5

113

1-1-0

1-2-0

2-2-0

1-1-0

2 L

Minnesota Vikings

.333

3.0

129

135

0-3-0

2-1-0

2-2-0

1-0-0

1 W

Chicago Bears

.167

4.0

128

176

0-3-0

1-2-0

1-3-0

0-2-0

1 L

South Division

Pct

Home

Road

vs. Conf

vs. Div

Streak

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

.600

0.0

1-2-0

2-0-0

3-2-0

1-0-0

1 L

Atlanta Falcons

.500

0.5

120

3-1-0

0-2-0

2-2-0

1-0-0

1 L

New Orleans Saints

.500

0.5

109

1-1-0

2-2-0

1-2-0

1-1-0

1 L

Carolina Panthers

.000

3.5

112

186

0-2-0

0-4-0

0-5-0

0-2-0

6 L

NHL STANDINGS

Eastern Conference
	GP	W	L	OTL	Pts	ROW	GF	GA	Home	Road	L10
1 Carolina Hurricanes	4	3	1	0	6	2	20	17	1-0-0	2-1-0	3-1-0
2 Boston Bruins	2	2	0	0	4	2	6	3	2-0-0	—	2-0-0
3 New York Islanders	2	2	0	0	4	2	4	2	2-0-0	—	2-0-0
4 Detroit Red Wings	3	2	1	0	4	2	13	8	1-0-0	1-1-0	2-1-0
5 Pittsburgh Penguins	3	2	1	0	4	2	11	6	1-1-0	1-0-0	2-1-0
6 Ottawa Senators	3	2	1	0	4	2	13	9	2-0-0	0-1-0	2-1-0
7 New York Rangers	3	2	1	0	4	2	10	7	1-0-0	1-1-0	2-1-0
8 Philadelphia Flyers	3	2	1	0	4	2	8	7	1-0-0	1-1-0	2-1-0

9 Toronto Maple Leafs	3	2	1	0	4	1	14	13	2-1-0	—	2-1-0
10 New Jersey Devils	3	1	1	1	3	1	10	11	1-1-1	—	1-1-1
11 Montreal Canadiens	3	1	1	1	3	1	10	13	1-1-0	0-0-1	1-1-1
12 Tampa Bay Lightning	4	1	2	1	3	1	13	17	1-0-0	0-2-1	1-2-1
13 Washington Capitals	2	1	1	0	2	0	3	6	1-1-0	—	1-1-0
14 Florida Panthers	3	1	2	0	2	1	8	11	—	1-2-0	1-2-0
15 Columbus Blue Jackets	3	1	2	0	2	1	7	11	1-2-0	—	1-2-0
16 Buffalo Sabres	3	1	2	0	2	1	6	10	1-1-0	0-1-0	1-2-0

Western Conference
	GP	W	L	OTL	Pts	ROW	GF	GA	Home	Road	L10
1 Vegas Golden Knights	4	4	0	0	8	3	15	5	3-0-0	1-0-0	4-0-0
2 Colorado Avalanche	3	3	0	0	6	2	11	4	—	3-0-0	3-0-0
3 Vancouver Canucks	3	2	1	0	4	2	12	6	1-0-0	1-1-0	2-1-0
4 Minnesota Wild	3	2	1	0	4	2	11	9	1-0-0	1-1-0	2-1-0
5 Chicago Blackhawks	4	2	2	0	4	2	11	9	—	2-2-0	2-2-0
6 Los Angeles Kings	3	1	1	1	3	1	12	12	0-1-1	1-0-0	1-1-1
7 Dallas Stars	2	1	0	1	3	0	4	4	1-0-0	0-0-1	1-0-1
8 St. Louis Blues	2	1	0	1	3	0	3	3	1-0-0	0-0-1	1-0-1

9 Calgary Flames	3	1	1	1	3	1	9	11	1-0-0	0-1-1	1-1-1
10 Anaheim Ducks	2	1	1	0	2	1	7	7	1-0-0	0-1-0	1-1-0
11 Edmonton Oilers	3	1	2	0	2	1	10	13	0-1-0	1-1-0	1-2-0
12 Winnipeg Jets	3	1	2	0	2	1	10	14	1-1-0	0-1-0	1-2-0
13 Arizona Coyotes	3	1	2	0	2	0	5	6	—	1-2-0	1-2-0
14 Nashville Predators	4	1	3	0	2	1	9	14	1-1-0	0-2-0	1-3-0
15 San Jose Sharks	3	0	2	1	1	0	5	12	0-2-1	—	0-2-1
16 Seattle Kraken	4	0	3	1	1	0	3	13	0-1-0	0-2-1	0-3-1

TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY

1913 In Cincinnati, the Giants rout the White Sox, 11-2, beginning a five-month worldwide barnstorming trip that will include stops in Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The teams recruit top players from both leagues, including Tris Speaker, Buck Weaver, Christy Mathewson, and Sam Crawford, with former Olympian Jim Thorpe being the main attraction during the global tour.

1925 Two weeks after pitching his final game for the Reds, 34-year-old Army Reserve First Lieutenant pilot Marvin Goodwin’s plane goes into a tailspin and crashes near Houston’s Ellington Field. The right-hander, appearing in four games for Cincinnati, three as a starter, posted an 0-2 record, which included two complete games, will die in three days due to being severely injured, with two broken legs, a fractured skull, along with critical internal injuries.

1950 After spending half a century managing in the major leagues, Connie Mack retires as skipper of the A’s. The 87-year-old manager, who has the most wins and losses in the game’s history, will be replaced by Jimmy Dykes, after compiling a 3731-3948 (.486) record during his 50 years in the dugout.

1960 “Resigned, fired, quit, discharged, use whatever you damn please. I’ll never make the mistake of being seventy again” – CASEY STENGEL, announcing his dismissal from the Yankees for being too old to manage.

Five days after losing to the Pirates in Game 7 of the World Series, the Yankees fire Casey Stengel, believing he’s too old to manage. During his twelve-year tenure with the Bronx Bombers, the ‘Old Perfesser’ compiled an 1149-696 (.623) record while capturing ten AL pennants and seven World Championships.

1967 Avoiding a protracted legal battle, the American League awards a new franchise to Kansas City, replacing the team the city lost when the owners permitted Charlie Finley to move the A’s to Oakland. Also, the AL announces a new team, soon known as the Pilots, will play in Seattle, an ill-advised decision given that new owners will prove to be under-financed.

1971 Dick Williams is named the Associated Press American League Manager of the Year after guiding the A’s to their first playoff appearance since the franchise faced St. Louis in the 1931 Fall Classic. The 42-year-old skipper also copped the honor for piloting the Red Sox during the team’s Impossible Dream season in 1967.

1972 With runners on second and third base in Game 3 of the World Series, Johnny Bench strikes out looking with a full count when a trick play dupes him. After the A’s manager visits the mound and catcher Gene Tenace returns to his position, the Reds’ slugger, believing he is getting an intentional walk, is fooled when the A’s backstop quickly crouches behind home to catch a called strike three from Rollie Fingers.

1977 After homering in his last at-bat yesterday and drawing a walk in his first at-bat, Reggie Jackson hits three more on each first pitch he sees in the Yankees’ 8-4 victory over the Dodgers in the Bronx, giving him three homers on three consecutive pitches. Mr. October’s heroics in Game 6 of the Fall Classic assure the team of their twenty-first World Championship and first since 1962.

1988 At Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Mark McGwire goes deep off LA’s Jay Howell with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the A’s a 2-1 victory for its only win in the Series. Along with Kirk Gibson’s heroics in Game 1, Big Mac’s walk-off home run marks the first time two game-winning round-trippers occur in the same Fall Classic.

1992 In the top of the ninth inning, Ed Sprague, pinch-hitting for the first time this season, takes Braves’ closer Jeff Reardon deep for a two-run homer, giving the Blue Jays an eventual 5-4 comeback victory in Game 2 of the World Series. The corner infield er’s second round-tripper of the year knots the Fall Classic at one game apiece, with the series shifting to Toronto.

1992 The Canadian flag is inadvertently flown upside-down by a United States Marine Corps color guard at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium during the pregame ceremonies before Game 2 of the World Series between the Blue Jays and Braves. Although the international incident annoys the U.S.’s northern neighbors, most Toronto fans resist the call to fly the American Stars and Stripes similarly during Game 3 at the SkyDome but opt instead to wave Canada’s L’Unifoli with the message “This end up” affixed to the top.

1999 The Yankees win their record 36th pennant when the team beats the Red Sox, 6-1, in Game 5 of the ALCS. Orlando Hernandez blanks Boston into the eighth inning with Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada providing the offense punch with two-run round-trippers, respectively, in the first and ninth frames of the Fenway Park contest.

2004 After 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 471 pitches, the Red Sox outlast the Yankees, 5-4, in Game 5 of the league championship. Boston’s DH David Ortiz, who is the first player in baseball history to hit two walk-off home runs during the postseason, ends the longest game in ALCS history at 1:22 a.m. with a two-out single into center scoring Johnny Damon from second in the 14th inning at Fenway Park.

2005 The Montreal Canadiens pay tribute to the departed Expos team by raising a commemorative banner to the rafters of Montreal’s Bell Centre. Working in his first game for the NHL team, displaced mascot Youppi, and former players Gary Carter and Andre Dawson assist in the hoisting of the blue and orange banner that features their retired numbers, 8 and 10, respectively, as well as the numbers for Tim Raines (30) and Rusty Staub (10).

2008 The Red Sox, scoring in each of the last three innings, erase a seven-run deficit in the seventh to beat the Rays, 8-7, in Game 5 of the ALCS. The Philadelphia A’s, who rallied after trailing 8-0 to beat the Cubs, 10-8, in Game 4 of the 1929 World Series, are the only team to have made a bigger comeback in the postseason.

2010 The Mariners hire Eric Wedge to be the team’s new manager, Seattle’s seventh skipper since 2003. The former Cleveland field boss, out of baseball last season after spending seven seasons in the Tribe’s dugout, replaces Daren Brown, filling in on an interim basis for Don Wakamatsu, dismissed in August.

2010 The Cardinals announce the signing of its long-time manager, keeping Tony La Russa in the Redbirds’ dugout for at least one more season, the skipper’s sixteenth with the club. The franchise has won eight division titles, two National League pennants, and a World Championship under their 66-year-old pilot; however, his heavily favored team collapses during the season’s final two months, finishing five games behind Cincinnati.

2012 At Comerica Park, the Tigers win their second American League pennant in seven years when they beat the punchless Yankees, 8-1, to complete a four-game sweep. The contest marks the first time the Bronx Bombers have failed to win a game in a best-of-seven series since they dropped four straight to the Reds in the 1976 Fall Classic.

2013 The Cardinals advance to their second World Series in three seasons, routing the Dodgers, 9-0, in Game 6 of the NLCS. Behind the timely hitting of Carlos Beltran and the strong pitching performance of rookie right-hander Michael Wacha, St. Louis beats Clayton Kershaw (16-9, 1.83) for the fourth time this season, including a pair of victories in this round of the postseason.

WORLD SERIES HISTORY

1919

Cincinnati Reds (5) vs Chicago White Sox (3)

Even a casual baseball fan can tell you a little something about the Black Sox scandal of 1919. The very fiber that held the game together was challenged when the news broke a year after the series that a fix was on from the first inning of game. Eight members of the participating White Sox including pitchers Eddie Cicotte and Claude (Lefty) Williams, outfielders Joe Jackson and Happy Felsch, first baseman Chick Gandil, shortstop Swede Risberg, third baseman Buck Weaver and reserve infielder Fred McMullin were all charged with conspiring to fix the outcome of the Fall Classic against the Cincinnati Reds. Cynics were tipped off before the Series even started when the pre-game betting odds swapped shortly before the first game. Chicago’s White Sox were originally slated as heavy favorites, but were later changed to underdogs in favor of the Cincinnati Reds. Despite the rumors, most fans and members of the press accepted the games to be true, but all that would change in 1920 as suspicions turned into confessions.

The first Game of the 1919 scandal featured an outstanding and “authentic” performance by the Reds’ pitcher Dutch Ruether. In addition to going the distance in a six hitter, he went three for three with two triples and three runs batted in. Greasy Neale, who would go on to lead his team in hitting with a .351, also performed well at the plate in tandem with teammate Jake Daubert. The White Sox put on quite a show themselves, losing 9-1 in questionable fashion. Nothing changed the following day as Cincinnati’s Slim Sallee faired the same, tossing a 4-2 Game 2 victory that was sealed by a Larry Kopf two run triple in the fourth. Dickey Kerr, an up and coming rookie for the White Sox, drew the start for Game 3. Apparently untouched by the scandal, the tough lefthander refused to roll over and threw a three hit 3-0 winner to put Chicago back in the race (whether they wanted to be or not).

The inspired Reds, unaware that a fix was on, pitched back-to-back shutouts in Games 4 and 5 on the arms of Jimmy Ring (2-0) and Hod Eller (5-0) who sat down six consecutive batters. But wait! It wasn’t over yet… In any other year, the Series would have ended there, but 1919 was different. Due to the intense postwar interest, the commissioner of baseball had decided to extend this Fall Classic to a best-of-nine affair.

To curb further suspicion, the Black Sox decided to make a reasonable effort and rebounded in the following two games with 5-4 and 4-1 victories. Cincinnati “dominated” the final outing “with a little help” from their crooked rivals in a 10-5 stomp that started with four runs in the first inning. The Reds had won their first World Championship in their first Fall Classic appearance. Unfortunately, the victory would be bittersweet after the scandal had been confirmed a year later. The Black Sox had been able to camouflague their deception by being selective in their misdeeds. Joe Jackson had batted a Series-leading .375 but acknowledged that he had let up in key situations. Buck Weaver had also performed well at the plate by hitting .324. Chick Gandil had game-deciding hits in two outings and Eddie Cicotte had tossed a one-run game to avoid elimination.

After a lengthy investigation in 1920, the members of Chicago’s tainted team were amazingly acquitted the following year despite their own confessions (which were recanted later). All of the players involved were banned from baseball because of their undeniable link to gamblers. The league offices were constantly denying accusations from the press that professional baseball itself was in on the take and made every effort to assure the fans that the 1919 scandal was an isolated incident. “Regardless of the verdict of juries,” the commissioner said in a statement, “no player that throws a ball game, no player that entertains proposals or promises to throw a game, no player that sits in a conference with a bunch of crooked players and gamblers where the ways and means of throwing games are discussed, and does not promptly tell his club about it, will ever again play professional baseball.” To this day participants in the Black Sox conspiracy have been denied entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

FOOTBALL HISTORY

Camp revises the game to truly become American Football

October 18, 1880

October 18, 1880 – Walter Camp presents rules revisions to set a limit of 11 players on the field for each team, and also creating the snap to prevent the chaos of teams fighting for the ball in a scrum. Prior to that some colleges played games with 12 to 25 players per side participating on the field and the ball was put in play with a scrum, much like rugby!

Iron Bowl

October 18, 1902 – Birmingham, Alabama – The famous Iron Bowl is played for the seventh time as Auburn defeats their longtime rival Alabama 23-0. The term “Iron Bowl” comes almost as a tribute to the City of Birmingham’s involvement in the steel industry. The Crimson Tide holds the advantage at the time of this writing with 45 wins compared to 36 victories for the Auburn Tigers over the history of the series. There was only one tie in the series between these two founding members of the SEC and that occurred in 1907.

The Galloping Ghost has a Historic Day

October 18, 1924 – Urbana, Illinois – Harold “Red” Grange, also known as the “Galloping Ghost ” may have played his best collegiate football game in his career on this day. Per the source of a New York TImes archive article from the day from the Associated Press, Grange in front of 67,000 fans packed into the new Illinois Memorial Stadium witnessed the Ghost and his Illinois teammates take apart their rival Michigan University. Red Grange, the University of Illinois phenomenon, All- America halfback, was the star attraction and his play did not disappoint the onlookers. Grange displayed a remarkable exhibition of running and passing in the game and set this college game as what would be the measuring stick of a truly great individual performance for the gridiron for years to come.
The Ghost galopped hard that afternoon as he scored five of Illinois’ six touchdowns leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind on how hard it was to defend against him. It started on the opening kickoff as Grange scooped up the ball on the Illinois five-yard line and raced 95 yards through the Michigan eleven for a touchdown in less than ten seconds into the contest! Before the Michigan team could catch their breath and collect themselves, Red Grange had struck paydirt multiple more times in rapid succession with runs of 66, 55 and 40 yards, respectively, for his next three scores. Coach Bob Zuppke took him out of the line-up before the first quarter ended. He returned later to launch several successful passes and score a fifth touchdown in the second half. Final score had the Illini with 39 points, and the Wolverines scoring 14. Red was the first collegiate star to turn pro, signing with the Chicago Bears in 1925 and he became the face of the pro game, eventually making a name not only for himself, but for a young National Football League.

Racial Milestone Moment in NFL History

October 18, 1953 – Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois – Willie Thrower had the perfect name for an NFL quarterback. What was truly remarkable is what a pioneer in American professional football history. A chicagobears.com article shares how Willie overcame unbelievable obstacles when he became the 1st NFL quarterback in modern times to be of African- American descent. The contest pitted the Chicago Bears against the San Francisco 49ers and Bears starting quarterback George Blanda was struggling. Papa Bear, George Halas could not watch any more of Blanda’s ineffective play in the contest so looking for an offensive spark, he sent in the promising backup QB Willie Thrower. Thrower was a collegiate quarterback with the National Champion Michigan State Spartans of 1952. The Niners rendered Willie’s effectiveness too allowing him to throw for a mere completion rate of 3 of 8 for 27 yards. Halas returned Blanda to the game but the San Fran squad had the Bear’s number on that day as the game resulted in a close 35-28 Niners victory. Willie played in only one more game for the Bears in 1953 before being released by Halas but though his playing career was short, it certainly had a tremendous impact. Thrower helped to pave a path that many others followed. NFL legend Warren Moon mentioned Willie Thrower in his Pro Football Hall of Fame acceptance speech, thanking him for providing inspiration to Moon’s football journey.

Six Big Kicks

October 18, 1981 – Kingdome, Seattle, Washington – NY Giant kicker, Joe Danelo tied an NFL record of 6 field goals in a game, per pro-football-reference.com, as the G-men cruised to a comfortable 32-0 shutout of the Seahawks. Successful Danelo kicks from 29, 54, 21, 47, 31 and 37 yards helped pad the Giants score in the route.

Scrammblin’ Randall Cuningham

October 18, 1992 – Philadelphia Eagle Randall Cunningham sets NFL quarterback career scramble yardage record of 3,683 yards.

A Big Moment for Football as a Gender Barrier is Broken

October 18, 1997 – Liz Heaston became the first woman to score in a college level football game as she kicked two extra points for NAIA’s Willamette University. The school’s wubearcats.com website recounts the event with a story that Heaston was a woman’s soccer player for the University and that she was in one of Head Football Coach Dan Hawkins’ classes during the fall semester. When the starting kicker, Gordon Thomson, suffered an injury, with no backup on the roster and the men’s soccer schedule conflicted with the football team’s, Coach Hawkins went to another resource, one of his students that was on the women’s soccer team, one Liz Heaston. Heaston was an honorable mention in NCAA Division III All-American selections and she helped the ladies of Willamette win four conference titles in soccer. Liz had 3 weeks of practice on the gridiron before she stepped her 5-foot-5-inch, 135 pounds onto the football field. The schedule for that October Saturday timed out just right for Liz. She played a home soccer game at noon and as soon as the clock hit zero’s she tore off to slip on the shoulder pads and helmet and scooted on over to the football field to play in the Willamette Football teams home game against Linfield University. Then it happened, with little clock remaining in the first half, Liz Heaton strolled out onto the field and knocked through an extra point. The crowd went wild, but then there was a pause…a flag had been thrown by one of the officials. Could history just be undone? Offsides…Linfield, Liz Heaston had just become the first woman to score points in an organized regular collegiate football game! The season for the Willamette Bearcat football team was truly memorable, not only with Liz’s great milestone accomplishment, but the team went undefeated until they lost to Findlay Ohio in the NAIA Championship game by the score of 14-7. Liz’s other team, the women’s soccer of Willamette, they played well too finishing 18-3-1 and Liz Heaston was a part of each of their success and for breaking through a barrier, where a woman put her mark in a place that had traditionally been a place where only men had tread.

The G.O.A.T keeps doing what he does

October 18, 2009 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts – New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady threw five second quarter touchdown passes against the Tennessee Titans, setting an NFL record for touchdown passes in one quarter. Brady finished with six scoring strikes in the game as the Patriots shelled the Titans 59-0.

Hall of Fame Birthday for October 18

Charlie Berry

October 18, 1902 – Phillipsville, New Jersey – Charlie Berry the end from Lafayette College was born. Charlie played collegiate football from 1921 through 1924 for the Leopards. Berry earned the distinction of making the great Walter Camp’s last handpicked All-America Team just a short time before the innovator of football’s untimely death. Per the National Football Foundation’s article on Charlie, in his four years at Lafayette the Leopards compiled a record of 29-5-2 with the 1921 team going undefeated. Charlie went on to play professionally for the NFL’s Pottsville Maroons and was the equivalent of being an All-Pro. The great athlete also played in pro baseball’s major leagues as well for the Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox and even umpired in the MLB. The National Football Foundation selected Charlie Berry to enter into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980.

Joe Routt

October 18, 1914 – Joe Routt arrived in the world. Joe was a two-way guard from Texas A&M. Joe was an individually exceptional player on some very poor college teams with the Aggies in the 1930’s. To counter his exceptional play , opposing teams would negate his effectiveness by triple teaming Routt, he was that good according to footballfoundation.org. He would eat up so many blockers that it would free up his defensive teammates to make the play. College Football Hall of Fame in 1962. Routt was the 16th overall pick by the Cleveland Rams in the 1938 NFL Draft. He died a Hero during WWII as a U.S. Army Infantryman leading his troops during the famous Battle of the Bulge in Europe.

Forrest Gregg

October 18, 1933 – Forrest Gregg the famous offensive lineman from Southern Methodist University was born. Gregg was the 1956 NFL Draft’s second pick by the Green Bay Packers. The Pro Football Hall of Fame states that he was considered too small to be a guard by most as he weighed only 249 pounds and stood 6-foot-4-inches tall, so Vince Lombardi put him in as a tackle. Forrest Gregg learned techniques of finesse to nullify the rushes of bigger more powerful NFL defensive ends. He won All-NFL acclaim eight straight years from 1960 through 1967 and was selected to play in nine Pro Bowls in 15 NFL seasons. 14 of those were with the Packers and the last being with the Dallas Cowboys. He was on 3 Super Bowl Champion teams during his career and 6 NFL/NFC Championship teams. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Forrest Gregg in 1977. Gregg went on to coach in the NFL for many seasons after his playing days. But his greatest honor may have been from his former Coach, Vince Lombardi, who in his book, “Run to Daylight,” stated matter of factly: “Forrest Gregg is the finest player I ever coached!”

Iron Mike

October 18, 1939 – Carnegie, Pennsylvania – Michael Keller Dyczko was born. A story on Chicagobears.com in December of 2007 relays that The Ukrainian surname “Dyczko” was difficult to pronounce in his hometown, so the family name was changed to “Ditka”. Mike Ditka was a 3 sports star at local Aliquippa High School. The University of Pittsburgh was the college of choice by Ditka after Notre Dame and Penn State also recruited the youngster. He may have been the best pure tight end that college game had ever seen at that point and he revolutionized the position with not only the traditional blocking, but he caught passes quite frequently. Mike also was the punter for the Panthers for his three seasons there. In the 1961 NFL Draft Mike Ditka was the first pick by the Chicago Bears. He became the star of the 1963 Chicago NFL Championship team. Per the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s bio on Iron Mike, he was the Rookie of the Year in 1961, and received All NFL honors in four different seasons. Ditka set a career record for tight end receptions when he retired at 427 catches and finished with 5812 yard receiving and 43 touchdowns. Mike played in 5 straight Pro-Bowls to start his career and did not miss a minute of his 84 games played with the Bears. In 1967 Chicago traded Ditka to the Eagles. He suffered an injury while with Philadelphia that hampered his playing time there. The 1969 season found him playing in Dallas , playing four seasons there and he scored the final TD in the Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl VI victory. The College Football Hall of Fame selected him in 1986 to enter their museum and the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Mike Ditka in 1988. Ditka was a successful coach leading the Chicago Bears to victory in 1985 with a win in Super Bowl XX. He later coached in New Orleans with the Saints.

NUMBERS IN SPORTS

77 – 14 – 42 – 44 – 18 – 12

October 18, 1924 – University of Illinois running back, Number 77, Red Grange, had his best day on the collegiate gridiron with 4 long TD runs. Per the source of a New York TImes archive article from the day from the Associated Press, Grange in front of 67,000 fans packed into the new Illinois Memorial Stadium witnessed the Ghost and his Illinois teammates take apart their rival Michigan University. Red Grange, the University of Illinois phenomenon, All- America halfback, was the star attraction and his play did not disappoint the onlookers. Grange displayed a remarkable exhibition of running and passing in the game and set this college game as what would be the measuring stick of a truly great individual performance for the gridiron for years to come.

The Ghost galopped hard that afternoon as he scored five of Illinois’ six touchdowns leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind on how hard it was to defend against him. It started on the opening kickoff as Grange scooped up the ball on the Illinois five-yard line and raced 95 yards through the Michigan eleven for a touchdown in less than ten seconds into the contest! Before the Michigan team could catch their breath and collect themselves, Red Grange had struck paydirt multiple more times in rapid succession with runs of 66, 55 and 40 yards, respectively, for his next three scores. Coach Bob Zuppke took him out of the line-up before the first quarter ended. He returned later to launch several successful passes and score a fifth touchdown in the second half. Final score had the Illini with 39 points, and the Wolverines scoring 14. Red was the first collegiate star to turn pro, signing with the Chicago Bears in 1925 and he became the face of the pro game, eventually making a name not only for himself, but for a young National Football League.

October 18, 1925 – Salt Lake City (Pacific Coast League) Tony Lazzeri hit his 60th HR of the season

October 18, 1953 – Chicago Bears signal caller, Willie Thrower, Number 14 became the first African-American quarterback in NFL modern history when he entered a game against the San Francisco 49ers.at Wrigley Field, Chicago. Willie Thrower had the perfect name for an NFL quarterback. What was truly remarkable is what a pioneer in American professional football history. The contest pitted the Chicago Bears against the San Francisco 49ers and Bears starting quarterback George Blanda was struggling. Papa Bear, George Halas could not watch any more of Blanda’s ineffective play in the contest so looking for an offensive spark, he sent in the promising backup QB Willie Thrower. Thrower was a collegiate quarterback with the National Champion Michigan State Spartans of 1952. The Niners rendered Willie’s effectiveness too allowing him to throw for a mere completion rate of 3 of 8 for 27 yards. Halas returned Blanda to the game but the San Fran squad had the Bear’s number on that day as the game resulted in a close 35-28 Niners victory. Willie played in only one more game for the Bears in 1953 before being released by Halas but though his playing career was short, it certainly had a tremendous impact. Thrower helped to pave a path that many others followed. NFL legend Warren Moon mentioned Willie Thrower in his Pro Football Hall of Fame acceptance speech, thanking him for providing inspiration to Moon’s football journey.

October 18, 1974 – Chicago Bulls Number 42, Nate Thurmond became the first in NBA to complete a quadruple double-22 pts, 14 rebounds, 13 assists & 12 blocks

October 18, 1977 – New York Yankee Number 44, Reggie Jackson hits 3 consecutive home runs tying Babe Ruth’s World Series record and earning Jackson the Series Most valuable Player Award; NY Yankees beat LA Dodgers, 8-4 to clinch, 4-2 series win.

October 18, 1981 – New York Giant Number 18, Joe Danelo tied NFL record of 6 field goals in a game

October 18, 1992 – Philadelphia Eagle Number 12, Randall Cunningham set an NFL quarterback scramble record of 3,683

October 18, 2009 – New England Patriots QB Number 12, Tom Brady threw five second quarter touchdowns against the Tennessee Titans, an NFL record for touchdown passes in one quarter

Wednesday, 10-18-23

COLLEGE FOOTBALL	TIME ET	TV
FIU at Sam Houston	7:00pm	CBSSN
New Mexico State at UTEP	9:00pm	ESPN2
MLB PLAYOFFS	TIME ET	TV
ALCS Game 3: Houston at Texas	8:03pm	FS1
NBA PRESEASON	TIME ET	TV
Brooklyn at Miami	7:30pm	NBATV
Sacramento at Golden State	10:00pm	NBATV
NHL REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Washington at Ottawa	7:00pm	NBCS-WSH Sportsnet
Pittsburgh at Detroit	7:30pm	TNT ATTSN-PIT Sportsnet
SOCCER	TIME ET	TV
Argentina Primera División: Platense vs Estudiantes	6:00pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: Grêmio vs Athletico-PR	6:00pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: América Mineiro vs Botafogo	6:00pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: Vasco da Gama vs Fortaleza	6:00pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: Goiás vs São Paulo	7:00pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: Coritiba vs Cuiabá	7:00pm	Paramount+
MLS: Inter Miami vs Charlotte	8:00pm	MLS Pass
Argentina Primera División: Independiente vs Barracas Central	8:00pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: Bahia vs Internacional	8:30pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: Fluminense vs Corinthians	8:30pm	Paramount+

What to Watch: Wednesday, 10/18/23

COLLEGE FOOTBALL	TIME ET	TV
New Mexico State at UTEP	9:00pm	ESPN2

UTEP Miners leads all time series 59-38-2 versus New Mexico State Aggies. UTEP has won the last two games and the last time both teams met was last season which the MIners won 20-13 on the road versus the Aggies. New Mexico State last win at home versus UTEP was in 2018.

MLB PLAYOFFS	TIME ET	TV
ALCS Game 3: Houston at Texas	8:03pm	FS1

The Astros lead the regular season series 9-4 overall and 6-1 on the road versus the Rangers. The Rangers last home win versus the Astros was in July. Houston has won the last three games on the road versus the Texas Rangers. The Rangers have won six straight games at home with one game in the playoffs and five games during the regular season. The Astros have won six straight games on the road with two games in the playoffs and four games during the regular season.

NHL	TIME ET	TV
Pittsburgh at Detroit	7:30pm	TNT ATTSN-PIT Sportsnet

The Pittsburgh Penguins finished fifth in the Metropolitan division last season with a 40-31-11 record. The Detroit Red wings finished seventh in the Atlantic division in the 2022-23 regular season with a 35-37-10 record. Last season the Red Wings were 2-1 versus the Penguins during the regular season.

Thursday, 10-19-23

COLLEGE FOOTBALL	TIME ET	TV
Rice at Tulsa	7:00pm	ESPN/2
James Madison at Marshall	7:00pm	ESPN/2
GOLF	TIME ET	TV
DP World Tour: Andalucia Masters	8:00am	GOLF
LPGA: BMW Ladies Championship	5:30pm	GOLF
PGA Tour: The ZOZO Championship	11:00pm	GOLF
MLB PLAYOFFS	TIME ET	TV
NLCS Game 3: Philadelphia at Arizona	5:07pm	TBS
ALCS Game 4: Houston at Texas	8:03pm	FS1
NBA PRESEASON	TIME ET	TV
Boston at Charlotte	7:00pm	NBATV
Phoenix at LA Lakers	10:00pm	NBATV
NFL REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Jacksonville at New Orleans	8:15pm	AMZN
NHL REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Calgary at Buffalo	7:00pm	MSG-BUF Sportsnet
Toronto at Florida	7:00pm	Bally Sports Sportsnet
Nashville at NY Rangers	7:00pm	Bally Sports MSG
Edmonton at Philadelphia	7:00pm	ESPN+ Hulu
Vancouver at Tampa Bay	7:00pm	Bally Sports Sportsnet
Los Angeles at Minnesota	8:00pm	Bally Sports
Arizona at St. Louis	8:00pm	Bally Sports
Vegas at Winnipeg	8:00pm	ATTSN-RM Sportsnet
Dallas at Anaheim	10:00pm	Bally Sports
Carolina at Seattle	10:00pm	Bally Sports Root Sports
Boston at San Jose	10:30pm	NESN NBCS-CA
Chicago at Colorado	10:30pm	ESPN NBCS-CHI ALT
SOCCER	TIME ET	TV
Argentina Primera División: Godoy Cruz vs San Lorenzo	3:00pm	Paramount+
Argentina Primera División: Gimnasia La Plata vs Argentinos Juniors	3:00pm	Paramount+
Argentina Primera División: Colón vs River Plate	5:30pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: Palmeiras vs Atlético Mineiro	6:00pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: Cruzeiro vs Flamengo	6:00pm	Paramount+
Brasileirão: Santos vs RB Bragantino	7:00pm	Paramount+
Argentina Primera División: Rosario Central vs Vélez Sarsfield	7:45pm	Paramount+
Argentina Primera División: Sarmiento vs Racing Club	8:00pm	Paramount+

What to Watch: Thursday, 10/19/23

COLLEGE FOOTBALL	TIME ET	TV
Rice at Tulsa	10:00pm	ESPN2

Tulsa Golden Hurricane leads all time series 10-8 versus Rice Owls. Last time both teams met was in 2013 which Rice won 30-27 at home versus Tulsa. Since 2007 The Golden Hurricane are 6-1 overall and 3-0 at home. The Owls last win at Tulsa was in 2006.

MLB PLAYOFFS	TIME ET	TV
NLCS Game 3: Philadelphia at Arizona	5:07pm	TBS

The Phillies lead the regular season series 4-3 overall and 3-1 on the road versus the Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks last home win versus the Phillies was in June. Philadelphia has won the last three games on the road versus the Arizona. The Diamondnacks have won five straight playoff games with four games on the road and one game at home. The Phillies are 1-1 on the road and 4-0 at home in the 2023 playoffs.

ALCS Game 4: Houston at Texas

8:03pm

FS1

The Houston Astros lead the regular season series 9-4 overall and 6-1 on the road versus the Texas Rangers. The Astros are 2-0 on the road in the 2023 playoffs and they won their last four games on the road during the regualr season. The Rangers have won five straight playoff games with four games on the road and one game at home.

NFL	TIME ET	TV
Jacksonville at New Orleans	8:15pm	AMZN

The New Orleans Saints leads all time series 5-2 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Saints and Jaguars last met in 2019 which the Saints won 13-6 on the road versus the Jaguars. The Saints are 3-0 at home against the Jaguars. The last time Jaguars won versus the Saints was in 2003 at Jacksonville.

NHL	TIME ET	TV
Los Angeles at Minnesota	8:00pm	Bally Sports

The Los Angeles Kings finished fifth in the Western Conference last season with a 47-35 record. The Minnesota Wild finished sixth in the Western Conference in the 2022-23 regular season with a 46-36 record. Last season the Kings were 2-1 versus the Wild during the regular season.

Vegas at Winnipeg

8:00pm

ATTSN-RM
Sportsnet

The Vegas Golden Knights finished first in the Western Conference last season with a 51-31 record. The Winnipeg Jets finished eighth in the Western Conference in the 2022-23 regular season with a 46-36 record. Last season the Golden Knights were 3-0 versus the Jets during the regular season.

Chicago at Colorado

10:00pm

ESPN
NBCS-CHI
ALT

The Chicago Blackhawks finished last in the Central division last season with a 26-56 record. The Colorado Avalanche finished first in the Central division in the 2022-23 regular season with a 51-31 record. Last season the Avalanche were 2-1 versus the Blackhawks during the regular season.

Friday, 10-20-23

COLLEGE FOOTBALL	TIME ET	TV
SMU at Temple	7:00pm	ESPN2
GOLF	TIME ET	TV
DP World Tour: Andalucia Masters	8:00am	GOLF
Champions: Dominion Energy Charity Classic	2:00pm	GOLF
LPGA: BMW Ladies Championship	5:30pm	GOLF
PGA Tour: The ZOZO Championship	11:00pm	GOLF
MLB PLAYOFFS	TIME ET	TV
ALCS Game 5: Houston at Texas	5:07pm	FS1
NLCS Game 4: Philadelphia at Arizona	8:07pm	TBS
NBA PRESEASON	TIME ET	TV
Atlanta at Philadelphia	7:00pm	NBATV
San Antonio at Golden State	10:00pm	NBATV
NHL REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Calgary at Columbus	7:00pm	Bally Sports Sportsnet
New Jersey at NY Islanders	7:30pm	MSGSN
SOCCER	TIME ET	TV
Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen	2:30pm	ESPN+
La Liga: Osasuna vs Granada	3:00pm	ESPN+
Ligue 1: Le Havre vs Lens	3:00pm	beIN Sports
Argentina Primera División: Tigre vs Newell’s Old Boys	3:45pm	Paramount+
Argentina Primera División: Talleres Córdoba vs Arsenal	6:00pm	Paramount+
Argentina Primera División: Huracán vs Instituto	6:00pm	Paramount+
Argentina Primera División: Boca Juniors vs Unión Santa Fe	8:30pm	Paramount+
WNBA PLAYOFFS	TIME ET	TV
Finals Game 5: New York at Vegas	9:00pm	ESPN

What to Watch: Friday, 10/20/23

COLLEGE FOOTBALL	TIME ET	TV
SMU at Temple	7:00pm	ESPN2

SMU Mustangs leads all time series 3-2 versus Temple Owls. Last time SMU and Temple met was in 2020 which the SMU won 47-23 on the road versus Temple. The Owls last win versus the Mustangs was in 2016 at home. SMU is 2-1 all time on the road versus Temple.

MLB PLAYOFFS	TIME ET	TV
ALCS Game 5: Houston at Texas	5:07pm	FS1

The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros game 5 of the American League Championship Series will be played if necessary. The Houston are 6-1 on the road versus the Texas Rangers and are 2-0 on the road in the 2023 playoffs. Since 2017 the Astros are 4-2 in the American Leage Championship Series. The Rangers have only won two Amercian League Championships which were in 2010 and 2011.

NLCS Game 4: Philadelphia at Arizona

8:03pm

TBS

The Diamondbacks are 3-4 overall and 1-3 at home versus the Phillies during 2023 regular season. Since 1915 the Phillies are 8-4 in the National Champhionships Series and 3-1 since 2008. The Diamondbacks are 2-1 in the National Champhionships Series since 2001.

NHL	TIME ET	TV
New Jersey at NY Islanders	7:30pm	MSGSN

The New Jersey Devils finished third in the Eastern Conference last season with a 52-30 record. The New York Islanders finished seventh in the Eastern Conference in the 2022-23 regular season with a 42-40 record. Last season the Islanders were 2-1 versus the Devils during the regular season.