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Wales captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake will join Gloucester at the end of the season.
Both forwards were due to be out of contract with Ospreys at the end of the current term, with uncertainty lingering around the future of club rugby in Wales.
Morgan, who made his Wales debut in 2022, has 25 international caps and was the only Welsh member of the victorious British & Irish Lions tour of Australia earlier this year.
Lake took on the captaincy for Wales' summer tour of Japan and will likely continue in the role after Morgan sustained a shoulder injury that could rule him out of the entire 2026 Six Nations.
"I'm delighted to sign for Gloucester Rugby ahead of the 2026-27 season," Lake told Gloucester's website.
"It's a great club with brilliant supporters. I know a lot of players at Gloucester who speak highly of the environment and I'm excited for the future.
"I'm also looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Gallagher Prem."
Flanker Morgan, 25, came through the academy at Scarlets and made his senior debut in 2019, before joining rivals Ospreys two years later. He made his senior Wales bow in a victory over Scotland.
Hooker Lake, 26, has 26 caps and made his debut in the 2022 Six Nations opener against Ireland.
"The Ospreys is a club that means a lot to me on so many different levels so making the decision to move was something that I spent a lot of time thinking over," he said.
"My whole career to this point has been with this team and there have been so many special moments on the way.
"Coming through the pathway, making my debut, the first time I captained the side and the friendships I've forged with players and staff, will all live long in my memory for the rest of my life."
The moves come at an uncertain time for Welsh rugby, with the number of professional clubs in the country set to be reduced from four to three by 2027.
There will be one in Cardiff, one in the east of the country and one in the west – which is expected to result in a straight survival fight between Swansea-based Ospreys and Scarlets in Llanelli.
Another option that has now emerged is Ospreys owners, Y11 Sport & Media, taking over WRU-owned Cardiff, which could produce the desired number of three professional sides.
There are currently more than 80 Wales-based players out of contract at the end of the season.
The end of the 2025 NFL season isn't too far away, so as usual, it's a good time to look at the updated 2026 NFL Draft order.
We still have THREE two-win teams jockeying for position, and two of them (the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders) will face off in a couple of weeks, which could mean the Raiders lose and leapfrog the Giants. There's a lot of football to be played, but if you root for any of those squads, you want your team to be as bad as possible when it comes to the draft.
MORE NFL WEEK 15: How did Philip Rivers do in his first start since 2020?
Here's the latest draft order as of Monday morning through Week 15 as mock draft season has begun.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
5. New York Jets
8. Washington Commanders
10. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons)
11. Kansas City Chiefs
13. Miami Dolphins
14. Dallas Cowboys
15. Baltimore Ravens
17. Detroit Lions
18. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts)
Make sure to check out the latest NFL mock draft from our Christian D'Andrea!
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2026 NFL Draft order after Week 15 has Raiders doing well
Ben Stokes has asked his England team to "show a bit of dog" in the crucial third Ashes Test against Australia in Adelaide.
England are 2-0 down and must end a 17-match winless run in this country at the Adelaide Oval in order to keep their hopes of regaining the urn alive.
Following the defeat in the second Test at the Gabba, Stokes said his dressing room was "no place for weak men".
And the captain admitted his team have had "raw" conversations in the eight days since the loss in Brisbane.
Wednesday's Test at the Adelaide Oval (23:30 GMT Tuesday) is a return for Stokes to the ground where he made his Test debut 12 years ago.
On that occasion, as a 22-year-old he introduced himself to Ashes cricket by clashing with Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
Asked if on-field fight is an instinct that comes more naturally to him than his team-mates, Stokes responded: "It's a word that I think people don't really understand what it means. What it means to me could be completely different to someone else.
"It's just trying to fight in every situation that you find yourself in and understanding the situation and what you feel is required for your team. Just look at your opposition every single time and show a bit of dog. That's fight to me.
"As long as you go out there and everyone is in that mindset around the situation and what is needed, you're giving yourself the best possible chance if you've got a bit of dog in you."
Stokes said his team have had "meaningful conversations" and used the third Test against India at Lord's in July as a source of inspiration.
On that occasion, England won a fractious contest by 22 runs in a thrilling conclusion at the home of cricket.
"That's exactly what I'm on about," said the all-rounder. "That was a moment where we all did that, we all noticed and we all identified that moment.
"You saw the way the team came out on that day. We were probably in a situation where we would have to be absolutely perfect to win that game and we were. On the back of attitude, mentality towards that specific situation is what gave us the best chance of winning that game."
Stokes also explained the decision to omit Shoaib Bashir from the England XI in Adelaide.
The tourists have made one change to their team from Brisbane, with Josh Tongue replacing fellow pace bowler Gus Atkinson. All-rounder Will Jacks keeps his place ahead of Bashir.
When Jacks was chosen instead of Bashir in Brisbane, Stokes said Bashir would remain England's first choice when a specialist spinner was required.
However, at a venue that usually offers something to spinners, and with temperatures forecast to reach 39 degrees this week, Bashir has been left out. The 22-year-old has returned figures of 2-266 in two tour matches in Australia.
"I wouldn't say it's got anything to do against Bash whatsoever," said Stokes. "The main thing is we're 2-0 down. We need to win the next three.
"We feel having Jacksy down at number eight obviously strengthens our batting a little bit deeper if we need to go there. And he's more than capable enough to handle that role with the ball when we need to call upon it."
England are at the point of no return in yet another Ashes series in Australia – the visitors have lost the previous three series in this country 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0 respectively.
Heavy defeats in Australia often signal change around the management of the England team.
On Sunday head coach Brendon McCullum said speculation his job could be on the line if England lose this week "does not really bother me".
And Stokes said he will not be leading his team with an agenda to safeguard his position.
"If people are trying to protect themselves over the greater good, which is the team, and look after their own back - I'm certainly never going to do that," said the Durham man.
"My job is to captain this team and I'll do everything I can to lead the team in the best possible way that I can.
"As soon as I start thinking I'm going to look after myself here, that's certainly nothing that I ever will do and certainly nothing that Brendon will do. We both give everything that we possibly can towards the team and it will always be like that as long as we are both in these roles."
Gary Caldwell says he needs more from the players coming off his substitutes' bench after their 2-1 loss at Bolton Wanderers.
The Grecians had led thanks to Jack Aitchison's 20th-minute goal, but Bolton struck twice in the final 20 minutes to deny Exeter a first away league win in more than two months.
The loss saw City drop into the League One relegation places for the first time this season.
"We need more from our finishers, for me, when they come on the park to see us over the line," Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon.
"Their finishers came on and give them a whole new dimension, new energy, new power, new speed and the last 20 minutes just proved too much for us.
"But I'm really proud of the group, proud of how we played. We have to take a lot from it but we have to learn quick - we have to see games through and go for the full 90, 100 minutes if we want to win away from home."
Exeter lost Northern Ireland striker Josh Magennis to an ankle injury shortly before Bolton equalised.
Caldwell says his side missed the experience of the 35-year-old when he came off the field, having made his first start in the league since mid-October.
"He's not been in the team, he's been very frustrated," Caldwell said.
"But I said it before the game - he trains like a top professional, that's why he's had a top career, that's why he's played 80-odd times for his country.
"I think as a group we have to learn from him that you have to be ready, whenever you're called upon, starting or finishing.
"You have to be ready to give everything and get your team the points that I thought for large parts of the game we were going to get. Ultimately, we've thrown them away in the last 20 minutes."
Football fans are accustomed to going the extra mile to watch their team - but only at Newcastle United and Sunderland does that become reality.
The walk up to the away end at both grounds have gained their own folklore, with fans climbing dozens of steps to reach their seats.
But under the Premier League's rules, neither section should be the only area allocated to away fans.
Before the 2017-18 season, clubs agreed to ensure that at least one block of seating for visiting supporters would be pitchside in an attempt to improve atmospheres.
At the time, former Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore said: "When an away goal is scored, you want that atmosphere and interaction between the two sets of fans."
However, Newcastle were given special dispensation to be excluded from the rule when they were promoted back to the top-flight in 2017. This was extended for a further year during the 2018-19 campaign and has continued ever since.
Sunderland are playing in their first season back in the Premier League since the rule was introduced and therefore could potentially have to relocate their away section before the 2026-27 campaign unless they also get dispensation.
West Ham also seat fans at the back of the London Stadium, but there is a section reserved for supporters pitchside.
Any future decision to move away sections would have to be approved by the individual local authorities.
Implementation would give both clubs a logistical headache, with potentially around 3,000 season ticket holders needing to be uprooted at each club to create the new away areas.
Both teams already cater for supporters with disabilities, with lift access available at both stadiums. There are also new safe-standing facilities for visitors inside both grounds.
Supporters travelling to the Stadium of Light were housed in the South Stand until the start of the 2011-12 season. But the club moved the away section with a view to improving the atmosphere inside the stadium.
A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said the council has maintained the current arrangement for visiting supporters to prioritise safety, with away fans being segregated as they exit the ground via a car park.
"The decision was taken by the club in order to ensure all fans can enter and exit the ground safely," they said.
"The decision taken a number of years ago, was supported by the local authority and the blue light services as part of the Safety Advisory Group. It was accepted by the Premier League."
Sunderland City Council was also contacted by BBC Sport.
Stadium of Light officials also take steps to prioritise safety, with visitors banned from bringing coins, vapes and power banks into the ground for fear of home fans being struck by falling projectiles.
However, it has been suggested by some that the exemption gives both clubs an advantage, with away fans set far back from the pitch, making it harder for supporters to make their voices heard.
With the rule only applying to league matches, clubs can house away fans away from pitchside in the FA Cup or the Carabao Cup. Manchester City hand the entire third tier of the south stand to visiting fans, for example.
Meanwhile, across Europe's top leagues it is not uncommon for travelling supporters to be housed far away from the action - Real Madrid's Bernabeu and the San Siro in Milan are high-profile examples.
Newcastle's hierarchy is currently exploring options around a new stadium and any future plans would naturally include careful consideration of which areas to make available to visiting fans.
In April, Sunderland's club's chief business officer said they would start a consultation process with supporters, but admitted it could cause dissatisfaction if long-standing season ticket holders were moved.
Could other teams follow suit? It has been discussed.
In 2022, Brighton chief executive Paul Barber said he was exploring moving their away section, which is currently situated behind a goal.
"We are also not in a position where we can put away fans in the gods because you can't have away fans above home fans," he said. "Newcastle get away with it, I don't know how to be honest, I might have a word with (ex-Newcastle sporting director) Dan Ashworth to see if he can sort it.
"But we are looking at it and with the goodwill of our head of safety and security and support services, we will see what we can do."
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Exeter head coach Steve Salvin says he is disappointed with his side's second-half showing in the 24-14 Prem Women's Rugby loss to Saracens.
Having led 14-10 at half-time, Exeter were pegged back as the former league champions scored 14 unanswered points after the break.
The loss was Exeter's second of the season and leaves them third in the PWR table, eight points off leaders Saracens and second-placed Gloucester-Hartpury.
"I think we did lots of things to set us up to have the best chance of winning that game and we've just not been able to convert pressure into points," Salvin told BBC Radio Devon.
"The positive bit is we got territory, we got field position, the frustrating bit is if you look at how clinical they were with their number of entries in comparison to us it's pretty reflective of the outcome of the game.
"So it's a tough one today, but that is part of the journey and something that you have to go through, so we'll dust ourselves down and have another crack in the New Year."
Exeter have a break until 1 February when they host Leicester Tigers in their next game.
"We'll do a pretty significant review of these first seven games, particularly as we've got that little bit of time to do it," added Salvin.
"We'll try and work out how we push forward in the second half of the season."
Two months ago, there was already a feeling of déjà vu, Groundhog Day and same ol’, same ol’ each week. With three games remaining in this forgettable season, very little has changed, especially on defense.
Explosive plays, injuries piling up and falling behind early. It, of course, happened again Sunday in a 40-20 loss to the Houston Texans in a game in which the Arizona Cardinals were playing without safeties Jalen Thompson and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, and cornerback Max Melton.
Then, Mike linebacker Cody Simon, who had replaced Mack Wilson Sr., went down early with a knee injury. Wilson’s six missed games coincides with the current six-game losing streak.
Let's have a look at what we saw defensively and on special teams from the Cardinals in the 40-20 loss.
At the beginning.
The defense stopped running back Woody Marks for a two-yard gain on the first play of the game, after which cornerback Garrett Williams couldn’t keep up with wide receiver Nico Collins over the middle, safety Budda Baker got there late and Collins scored on a 57-yard pass play from quarterback C.J. Stroud. Collins ran 41 yards untouched after the catch.
Practice-squad wide receiver Jalen Brooks, who has been with the team since Oct. 30, fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Texans recovered at the 22-yard line. One bright spot was the defense stopped the Texans after one first down and they had to settle for a field goal.
Still, it was 10-0 after only 3:58 had come off the clock.
Following a three-and-out (for minus-7 yards by the offense), a poor 34-yard punt set the Texans up at the Cardinals 49-yard line, and they needed eight plays including a 24-yard pass interference penalty on Williams to score another touchdown for a 17-0 lead with 6:12 to play in the first quarter.
The TD was symbolic of the season when the snap from the one-yard line after two no-gain runs on first and second down, went through Stroud’s legs. Marks was lined up behind Stroud, the ball short-hopped into his hands and he ran up the middle for six points.
The first touchdown “drive” began at the 41-yard line after a 39-yard kickoff return by wide receiver Jaylin Noel. Then came the fumbled kickoff return and short Matt Haack punt.
After that, late in the first half, the Texans started a possession at their own 48 after a sack of quarterback Jacoby Brissett on fourth-and-2 from the 42. That ended with a field-goal attempt blocked by defensive lineman Calais Campbell, the 10th of his career, seventh with the Cardinals, and another rare bright spot.
Late in the third quarter, after a Cardinals touchdown made it a two-score game at 30-14, Noel bolted up the middle for a 69-yard kickoff return to the 26-yard line. That resulted in a field goal.
Houston’s final touchdown came after a three-and-out that began at the Arizona 4-yard line and following a 45-yard punt downed at their own 45.
Overall, the Cardinals’ average drive-start was their own 25 and the Texans their own 45.
Elevated from the practice squad for his first NFL game, sixth-round 2024 draft pick Jawhar Jordan stepped up when Marks was hampered by an ankle injury. Jordan was needed because Nick Chubb was out with an injury to his ribs.
He had only nine yards on five carries in the first half, but helped break the game open in the third quarter. Trailing 23-7, the Cardinals moved the ball from the 25 to the 12 on the first possession of the second half and seemed poised to make it a nine-point game.
Brissett scrambled for four yards on first down, but an Isaiah Adams holding penalty moved them back 10 yards. On second-and-20, Brissett missed wide receiver Michael Wilson, and rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter intercepted the pass in the end zone.
Two plays later, Jordan ran right and gained 50 yards to the 16-yard line for another explosive play. The Texans had 399 yards in the game and 107 on that play and Collins’ score.
It took them five plays from the 16, but a four-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Schultz made it 30-7. None of Stroud’s four completions in the drive were to wide receivers.
For the game, Jordan rushed 15 times for 101 yards (14-for-51 other than the 50-yarder) and had two receptions for 14 yards.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans said of Jordan, “(It was outstanding) for the young man to come in and for his first game to have a debut like he had. Of course, he broke a record (for) most yards by a Texan in a debut game. He ran the ball very well. Efficient. He showed the explosiveness and the speed that he has and that we've seen in practice, while he's been on the practice squad for us.
“It shows, again, whenever your number is called, are you ready for that opportunity? No one knows until you get that moment. It's about you taking advantage of that moment and not looking back and I thought Jawhar handled it very well.”
It’s difficult with so many moving parts on special teams and players on the field not with the team very long. It showed with Noel’s two long kickoff returns, Brooks’ fumble and Haack’s inconsistency. He is the team’s third punter of the season after Blake Gillikin suffered a back injury after playing only five games followed by a short stint from Pat O’Donnell.
Haack averaged only 45.0 yards for his three punts with a 40.7 net. Andre Baccellia had a 27-yard return on which he suffered a neck injury and had to be carted off the field as a precaution. After being evaluated at a local hospital, he returned to Arizona with the team. Recent roster addition Corey Kiner had a 22-yard return.
Defensive lineman Walter Nolen III was back after missing two games and we can only wonder what his season would have looked like had he not missed the first seven games of the season because of a calf injury suffered a couple weeks before the start of training camp. Sunday, he had the only sack of Stroud and added three tackles (one solo/one for loss), one quarterback hit and a pass defensed on a tipped ball. Asked about Nolen’s impact, head coach Jonathan Gannon said, “I'd probably have to watch the tape with a critical eye there. But he's an active, disruptive player, and the more he plays, the better he's going to get.”
Of Stroud’s 22 completions, only five were to wide receivers: Collins 3-85, Xavier Hutchinson 1-16 and Jayden Higgins 1-4. Former Cardinals wideout Christian Kirk wasn’t targeted. Eleven were to tight ends: Schultz 8-76 and Cade Stover 3-22. The other six were to running backs: Dare Ogunbowale 3-32, Jordan 2-17 and Marks 1-8.
After playing one defensive snap against the Rams, linebacker Akeen Davis-Gaither played more again after Simon was injured in the first quarter. He led the team with 11 tackles (four solo).
The Texans were in the red zone six times and they scored on each trip. The score would have been worse had the Cardinals not limited them to field goals on three of the red-zone opportunities.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Texans 40, Cardinals 20: More of the same on defense, special teams
ATLANTA -- The Philadelphia 76ers took a tough 120-117 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night, but they received a big performance from Paul George on the road.
The 16-year veteran continues his strong play on the season as he dropped 35 points on 11-for-21 shooting along with 7-for-9 from deep with four rebounds in the contest. He looked like Paul George again. The 9-time All-Star was able to get downhill, get by defenders, and finish at the rim as he looked like the player the Sixers thought they were getting when they signed him to a 4-year deal in the 2024 offseason.
"Just been healthier," George said after the loss. "Last year was a lot going on. I was just trying to patch up stuff. This year, I'm a lot healthier. I feel like I can play my game. I feel like I can be myself. There's still some things I got to come back. I'm not all the way 100, but I'm more myself than I was last year. So that's the positive that I can take, and everything else is with time, I'm just going to continue to get better."
After a miserable 2024-25 season in which George only played 41 games and saw a steep decline in production from his All-Star season in 2023-24 with the Los Angeles Clippers, there were whispers that George was washed. The great people of NBA Twitter let it be known their opinion that they believed the best of George was in the past, but he wanted to shut those thoughts down.
"I mean, prior to coming here, I was coming off one of my most efficient seasons," George explained. "All-Star that year. I didn't see myself being washed that fast, but I knew. I knew that this league is about what you can do now, and they tend to forget everything that I have done. So, it was a bit of motivation going into the summer to just get healthy and kind of let everything else take care of itself."
George isn't wrong about his final season with the Clippers. He averaged 22.6 points and shot 47.1% from the floor and 41.3% from deep before that miserable first season with the Sixers. It was a lot for him to handle mentally as the outside noise grew louder, and he had high expectations for himself, but he is working his way back from all of that in order to be the player the Sixers expect.
"Oh, my God. I mean, it was rough, man," George began reminiscing of 2024-25. "It was brutal. And when you play for Philly, it's brutal, man. I had an expectation coming into the year, and for me, me alone, like not even the noise outside and whatever people said, you know? It was just me, the expectation I had, and my first year playing with these guys, and the expectation they had of me, and it was just a lot that physically, I just couldn't do and so, yeah, mentally, man, it broke me down. It was rough and hard times just because it was like, ‘Man, I know what I'm capable of, but my body's just not allowing it.’ So it was a rough one last year."
Instead of whining or complaining about the tough season, George put his head down and got to work over the summer. He made sure he was in the best shape possible to help Philadelphia turn things around and move forward. His season ended on March 3, and he put in work in the gym to get back at it for the Sixers and it has paid off.
"I mean, through that time all the way leading up to opening night, I mean, I might have took off three weeks that whole time span," George stated. "I probably took off three weeks here and there through almost a whole year. So, that was a lot of time for me to just work on my body. It was around the clock every day. Even on vacation, I'm lifting, I'm working out. Wherever I was at, I was working out."
As George and the Sixers move forward, he will still have to battle through whatever ailments he's dealing with, but the 9-time All-Star is off to a great start. The work he's put in is showing at a high level.
"So, yeah, I had a lot of time," he finished. "A lot of time to work on my body, and I feel like it's paying off. I feel stronger. My body has morphed, and it's the reason why I think—although things are still coming back—I think it's why I'm off to kind of a good start."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers' Paul George addresses washed accusations after loss to Hawks
The Washington Commanders won a football game on Sunday! That's the first time we've been able to say that in over two months.
The Commanders had lost eight games in a row, and it seemed like the streak would never end. In Week 15, the team travelled to take on the division rival New York Giants, and even without Jayden Daniels, did enough to escape with a 29-21 win.
It wasn't the prettiest game, and the Giants made it too close for comfort at the end, but a win is a win at this point. After the game, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota, who has started in six games this year, spoke about the importance of getting this win.
"I truly appreciate who this group is, and we just keep finding ways to get better," said Mariota. "It's hard to go two months without winning a football game. So many reasons for guys to not show up and play, and our guys found a way today."
Mariota on the emotional victory: It’s hard to go 2 months without winning a football game pic.twitter.com/3Qygzq50HR
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 14, 2025
The Commanders have been out of the playoff race for a while now, but it's still nice to finally get another win. The team has three tough NFC East matchups to end the season, so it was important to get a win in Week 15.
Mariota completed 10 of 19 passes for 211 yards and one touchdown. The team was finally able to get something out of the ground game, as Jacory Croskey-Merritt rushed 18 times for 96 yards and one touchdown.
The Commanders were stout on defense as well. They gave up almost 400 total yards, but they came up with some huge stops at the end of the game. Von Miller collected another sack, and Mike Sainristil got an interception.
The next test for the Commanders is in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Marcus Mariota speaks on emotional Week 15 win
It was another Notre Dame women’s basketball record for Hannah Hidalgo on Sunday, as she helped the No. 19 Irish get a 78-65 win on the road over James Madison on Sunday.
It wasn’t her best game, shooting 2-of-10 from the field, but it was the consistency, as he still managed to end the game with 13-points. That set a Notre Dame program record, as Hidalgo has scored in double-digits in 77-games, in fact, it’s every game that she’s ever played.
It’s the third record that Hidalgo has this season, as she also had 16 steals, tying the NCAA record, and 44-points, a single-game program record, in the same game against Akron.
The fact that Hidalgo has never scored less than 10-points in a game is quite an achievement, even in a game where she’d love to have a few of her shots back. The scoring has always been there for Notre Dame’s star, as she looks to lead the Irish to a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
consistency like this doesn’t happen by accident@HannahHidalgo now owns the program record for most consecutive games in double figures with her 77th game today#GoIrishpic.twitter.com/P2UN6SMPYS
— Notre Dame Women's Basketball (@ndwbb) December 14, 2025
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Hannah Hidalgo sets a Notre Dame record after Sunday’s win over JMU
When it rains it pours, as with T.J. Watt being forced to sit out of the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 15 action following his surgery to repair a partial collapsed lung, a Cleveland Browns rival is on the verge of taking his place in the history books.
Ahead of the Sunday's matchup between the Browns and the Chicago Bears, DE Myles Garrett needed just three sacks in four games to surpass Watt's 22.5 single-season co-record with NFL legend Michael Strahan. But Garrett apparently isn't just set on beating the record, he wants to shatter it — and his 1.5 sacks against Chicago puts him on pace to do just that.
Myles Garrett awarded half sack on this play: 21.5 sacks for the season. Needs 1.5 more to break the NFL single season sack record#Browns#DawgPound #NFL#CLEvsCHIpic.twitter.com/wbHvfQA9Zp
— Jay7 (@LJayy7) December 14, 2025
With three games still to play, Garrett is sitting at 21.5 sacks, with 17.5 of those coming over the past eight games — a frightening average of two sacks per contest.
t’s a bitter pill to swallow, but barring a miracle, Steelers fans likely need to prepare themselves for Watt’s record to be completely blown out of the water over the next few games.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers news: Garrett closes in T.J. Watt's sack record in Week 15
The New York Giants suffered their eighth consecutive loss on Sunday, falling to the Washington Commanders, 29-21, in their Week 15 matchup at MetLife Stadium. The defeat dropped the Giants' record to 2-12 on the season.
As a result, the Giants maintained their position and remain projected to select first overall in the 2026 NFL draft, per Tankathon.
Three games remain on the schedule: A home contest against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16, a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17, and a season finale at home against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Week 17 matchup with the Raiders could effectively decide the No. 1 overall pick in 2026 if both teams lose in Week 16 and enter with identical 2-13 records.
Heading into the 2026 draft, the Giants have several positional needs to address, including cornerback, offensive line, and potentially a complementary receiver to pair with star wideout Malik Nabers. Many of these priorities will depend on how the team approaches free agency, while the larger question looming over the franchise is who will serve as head coach when the new league year begins.
Regardless of how the final three games unfold, this has been a season that Giants fans would prefer to put behind them quickly. Securing the No. 1 pick by losing out, however, could benefit the organization in multiple ways. The Giants could — and likely would — explore trading down in what is widely regarded as a quarterback-rich draft class, potentially receiving a significant return.
A winless finish would also likely lead to the departure of general manager Joe Schoen, a change that fans and media have increasingly called for. It would be difficult to envision Schoen retaining his position after a combined 5-29 record over the past two seasons.
While many fans may hope the team loses its remaining games, intentional tanking does not exist in the NFL, and the players will compete to win each week. Regardless of the final record, the Giants are poised for another high selection in the 2026 NFL draft.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Giants remain in control of the first overall pick
Week 15 went about as poorly as it possibly could have gone for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Not only did every outcome swing against the Chiefs, eliminating them from playoff contention, but superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes also suffered a season-ending injury.
Kansas City announced on social media the three-time Super Bowl MVP tore his ACL in the final moments of the Chiefs' Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes went down after the fourth quarter's two-minute warning and needed help from the Chiefs' training staff to walk off the field and into the locker room.
Here's what that means for the rest of Mahomes' – and the Chiefs' – season:
CHIEFS PLAYOFF PICTURE: Odds, remaining schedule, AFC West standings
Mahomes will not return in 2025.
The Chiefs' star quarterback tore his ACL in Week 15, according to an official social media post from the team. That ends his season and may put the start of the 2026 season in jeopardy as well.
Mahomes shared some frustration and thanked fans in a social media post after the Chiefs' Week 15 loss that eliminated them from playoff contention.
"Don’t know why this had to happen," he wrote. "And not going to lie [it] hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever."
Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back…
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 14, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew spoke with reporters during his postgame press conference, reflecting on Patrick Mahomes' ACL tear and wishing him well in his injury recovery.
"Yeah, it's very frustrating. It's been hard to watch for Pat (Mahomes). That dude (Patrick Mahomes) puts so much into it. I don't think I've ever respected anybody I've played with more," said Minshew, "I've never seen anybody I've played with give so much of themselves to the team, and to not get the results is hard, but I have more confidence in him than anybody to come back and be better than ever."
Minshew entered the game late into the fourth quarter on the final drive to replace Mahomes. He finished 3 for 5 for 22 yards and the game-ending interception to Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Derwin James.
Derwin James calls game ‼️ pic.twitter.com/Gk2w72ndE6
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025
"Yeah, that's kind of the job you're in. Unfortunately for me, to play that's what happens," said Minshew, "and you have to compartmentalize (and) obviously get back to the locker room, and that's the most concerning thing, and I just wish the best for him (Patrick Mahomes)."
Minshew will likely be the starter for the remainder of the season while the Chiefs continue to evaluate the roster. The former Washington State Cougars star mentioned his view of Mahomes as he went to the locker room.
"Yeah, he's (Patrick Mahomes) down, obviously," said Minshew, "It's a tough game (and) it's been a tough year at this point, but nobody's better for it."
The Chiefs return to action in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs QB Gardner Minshew shares a special message for Patrick Mahomes
Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers picked up a critical win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14 that might have saved their playoff hopes.
Pittsburgh had lost five of its last seven games to move to 0.500 on the year for the first time since Week 2. That win in Baltimore keeps the Steelers in the driver's seat of the AFC North in what's been a rocky season for the franchise.
The Steelers raced out to a 4-1 start with one-score wins over the Jets, Patriots and Vikings ahead of their bye week. A 23-9 victory over Cleveland in Week 6 put the Steelers in good position behind an opportunistic defense and reliable running game.
NFL playoff picture Week 15: Bucs' loss to Falcons pushes Panthers atop NFC South
Things took a turn in October and November as Rodgers struggled. Opponent pass rushers got home more often and the Steelers' offense wasn't clicking.
That win over Baltimore eases some concerns, though. Rodgers had his best day as a passer all season and added his first rushing touchdown in almost three years to lead the offense to a statement win on the road.
They're back at home in Week 15 to host the Miami Dolphins in a big "Monday Night Football" game for both teams. A win for the Steelers keeps them ahead in the AFC North race; a victory for Miami keeps their slim playoff hopes alive.
Will the Steelers make the playoffs in a competitive AFC North race? Here's a look at the standings, playoff picture and our prediction.
Pittsburgh holds a slim lead over the Ravens in the AFC North race but crucially earned that road win in Week 14. This puts them essentially two games up on Baltimore entering the final four weeks of the regular season.
Pittsburgh has one of the easier ends to the season league-wide. Tankathon ranks the Steelers' final four weeks as the eighth-easiest by strength of schedule in the league. Only one team left on their schedule had a winning record entering Week 15 (Detroit).
In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (8-6), Baltimore Ravens (7-7), Miami Dolphins (6-7).
* Clinched playoff berth
Eliminated: New York Jets (3-10), Cleveland Browns (3-10), Las Vegas Raiders (2-11), Tennessee Titans (2-11), Kansas City Chiefs (6-8), Cincinnati Bengals (4-10).
As things stand, it seems more likely the Steelers would get into the playoffs as the NFC North winner than as a wild-card team. Their competition for the former features the Chargers and Bills, who both have head-to-head wins over Pittsburgh, and whichever of the Jaguars or Texans doesn't take the AFC South. The division race is down to the Steelers against the Ravens and Bengals - both teams they already have a win over.
Baltimore has a much more challenging road to end the season than Pittsburgh. The Ravens face three playoff contenders after a road game against the Bengals in Week 15: New England, Green Bay and Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh needs to win two of three games ahead of its season finale against Baltimore at home. Detroit and Cleveland on the road aren't easy. We reckon the Steelers split those two and get a win over Miami in Week 15.
Even if the Steelers go 1-2 ahead of Week 18, they'd still likely be a game ahead of the Ravens in the division race due to Baltimore's tougher schedule. Regardless of which team wins the season finale, we think the Steelers will take the AFC North and host a playoff game on wild-card weekend.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will the Steelers make the playoffs? Prediction, schedule
Texas A&M (11-1, 7-1 SEC) is just six days away from hosting Miami (FL) (10-2) in the first round of the College Football Playoff, as both programs will make their first appearance in the tournament since its inception, and aren't looking to end the season anytime soon.
For the Aggies, losing to rival Texas on the road 27-17 on Black Friday was poorly timed, resulting in a massive drop to No. 7 in the CFP rankings, but they were still granted a home game. On the other side, Miami snuck in over Notre Dame, who the Hurricanes defeated earlier in the year, and are riding a four-game winning streak heading into Saturday's game.
Texas A&M's defense runs through the defensive line, led by senior edge Cashius Howell's 11.5 sacks and 40-plus pressures. At the same time, the secondary, which has been leaky in several regular-season games, lacks top-end speed, allowing a handful of explosive plays against the Longhorns.
Paired with a run defense that has given up over 200 yards four times this year, Miami QB Carson Beck will look to take advantage of these deficiencies. However, head coach Mike Elko and his defensive staff will need to key in on freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney, who nearly reached the century mark this season with 84 receptions, 970 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Averaging 11.5 yards per catch, Toney is a nightmare matchup for every secondary and will likely need to be bracketed to prevent Beck from connecting on deep throws that will open up the offense. This will force Beck to find wide receiver CJ Daniels and Keelan Marion, who have been highly productive, but aren't man-beaters on every route.
This strategy isn't rocket science, and may not work, but hoping that Carson Beck makes mistakes and giving him too much time in the pocket is a recipe for disaster. This is a big game for Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III, Dezz Ricks, and slot corner Tyreek Chappell, who will be in man coverage for most of the afternoon, and must play with good leverage and force Beck to make accurate throws.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M's secondary will need to shut down Miami WR Malachi Toney
The Pittsburgh Steelers earned a key win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14 to give themselves the inside track to win the AFC North over the final month of the 2025 NFL season.
But even though the Steelers are back in first place, much of the conversation surrounding the team's coach, Mike Tomlin, has focused on his job security.
Many fans and NFL analysts alike have wondered whether the Steelers and Tomlin would consider parting ways if the team can't mount a postseason run in 2025. Even Tomlin's former quarterback – Ben Roethlisberger – opined a "fresh start" could benefit both parties.
Why would that be the case? Many have argued that while Tomlin has posted a strong regular-season record and established himself as the epitome of consistency during his near-two-decade run with the Steelers, Pittsburgh simply hasn't been successful enough in the playoffs over the latter half of Tomlin's tenure.
Few believe the Steelers – who have had just three head coaches since Chuck Noll took over the role in 1969 – would actually fire Tomlin. After all, his results have been consistently good, and the Steelers are as averse to significant organizational change as any team across the league.
But if there is a change, the impetus could be Tomlin's recent postseason struggles.
Here's what to know about Tomlin's coaching record and how he has fared in the playoffs during his time with the Steelers
Tomlin enters Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season with a regular-season record of 190-113-2 across his 19 seasons with the Steelers thus far.
Tomlin's 190 wins are the second-most among active NFL coaches behind only Andy Reid (278). He is also tied with Dan Reeves for the 10th-most victories in NFL history and is just three behind Noll (193) for the all-time Steelers record.
Tomlin has coached the Steelers to double-digit wins in 11 seasons and has never posted a sub-.500 record in his career to date. Below is a look at the 53-year-old coach's record by season.
Tomlin's playoff record pales in comparison to his regular-season record. He has posted a mark of just 8-11 over his 19 seasons with the Steelers.
Tomlin's eight playoff wins are tied for the 25th-most in NFL history. That said, his 11 playoff losses are tied for the seventh-most in league history.
Tomlin's playoff record may be middling, but he has won the Super Bowl. He led the Steelers to a victory in Super Bowl 43 over the Arizona Cardinals. That victory came during the 2008 NFL playoffs, which were contested in 2009 as a part of Tomlin's second season with the team.
Tomlin also led the Steelers to a Super Bowl 45 appearance, but the Steelers lost that contest 31-25 to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
Five of Tomlin's eight total postseason wins came during his two Super Bowl runs with the Steelers.
The Steelers have not won a postseason game since the 2016 NFL playoffs, which were contested in 2017. Pittsburgh was the No. 3 seed and earned wins over the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs before being eliminated by the New England Patriots.
Since then, Tomlin and the Steelers have made the playoffs five times across eight seasons. They have been one-and-done across all of those appearances, making Tomlin winless in his last six postseason games.
Tomlin's contract has become a point of interest amid debate over his job security. The Steelers signed him to a three-year extension before the final season of his previous contract in 2024. That has Tomlin set to be under contract through the 2027 NFL season.
However, the final year of Tomlin's contract in 2027 is a team option. The Steelers have until March 1, 2026 to decide whether to exercise that option, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Steelers haven't yet decided on that option and will do so after the 2025 season. Should Pittsburgh pick up the option, it would be a vote of confidence in Tomlin.
But if the Steelers decline it, questions would arise about whether Tomlin is entering a "prove it" year in Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Tomlin's record with Steelers: Playoff history, what to know
Aaron Wiggins' hunger was at an all-time high, and his shot diet reflected that.
Stepback 3s. Contested pull-ups. Tough turnarounds. Nothing was off the table for the then-rookie guard, who was starving to showcase his skills during Summer League play after OKC selected him with the 55th pick in the 2021 draft and signed him to a two-way contract.
"Game is game," Wiggins told himself, convinced his bucket-getting mindset would translate to the next level. But he quickly realized the NBA is an entirely different game. One with a deeper 3-point line, more physical opponents and no rewards for the reckless.
That included Wiggins, who struggled with his efficiency. So head coach Mark Daigneault sat him down after OKC's first game of the following preseason.
"I remember Mark pulling me aside," Wiggins told The Oklahoman on Dec. 9. "He was just telling me, 'If you're going to be a good player, you've got to be more efficient. Some of these shots, you've got to consider how good they are for the team.' We were able to slow things down, pull things back and watch film.
"I was able to just learn about the efficiency landscape. It was never anything I really considered before making it to the NBA. A lot of my game was just being a hooper and scoring the ball, so when I got here I learned a lot."
More: Can Thunder surpass 73-win Warriors for NBA record? Here's how OKC, Golden State compare
Now, Wiggins is teaching others how it's done. The former second-round pick has established himself as a key contributor for the reigning champion Thunder, all while playing within the team.
Wiggins is averaging career highs of 12.3 points and 1.9 assists this season. He's one of only 13 players in the entire NBA who's shooting at least 45% from the field (46.4%) and 40% from deep (41.7%) on over 10 shot attempts per game (10.1).
Those might not seem like monster stats. But Wiggins' efficiency paired with his ability to adapt to whatever role OKC needs him to fill on any given night is the sign of a true basketball beast.
"He's a guy who has mastered our system over time on both ends of the floor," Daigneault said. "He's just a system monster. He's finding different ways to impact the game. ... He's an impressive person from that standpoint. He can wear a lot of different masks."
Wiggins has always been a willing learner. A man of many talents.
This is a guy who knows how to play the trombone, the trumpet and the piano, after all. And it didn't take long for him to tune his game after an inefficient Summer League showing.
Daigneault vividly remembers going to one of the OKC Blue's first games the following season and being impressed with how Wiggins course corrected himself "super quickly." He didn't try to drop gaudy numbers, like most G Leaguers do. Instead, he practiced everything he'd need to master if he wanted to crack the Thunder's rotation.
Wiggins stuffed the stat sheet with averages of 12.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals in his six games with the Blue. He also shot a highly-efficient 63% from the field (36.4% from deep).
"I was out there acting as if whoever our point guard at the time was Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander), and he's not gonna pass the ball," Wiggins jokingly said. "So I was standing in the corner. I was setting screens. I was getting offensive rebounds. I was trying to guard the best player and do all of the little things that'd get me opportunities with the Thunder."
More: Victor Wembanyama sparks Spurs past Thunder in NBA Cup, ending OKC's 16-game win streak
Wiggins didn't just feel the progress he was making. He heard it from Daigneault, who frequently gave him feedback.
And for a 23-year-old rookie trying to find his way into the NBA, that guidance was invaluable.
"It's huge," Wiggins said. "It's something that I don't take for granted. I don't think many coaches probably are as transparent as Mark is, and I'm grateful for that. From Day 1, he was upfront about how I could find success in the NBA and what it would take for me to fit in regardless of where I am. And for our team, how I could contribute.
"I was always open ears and just listening to what he had for me. He helped set up my career up to this point, so I'm super grateful for that."
Those opportunities to contribute eventually came for Wiggins, who appeared in 50 games with the Thunder that season. He started in 35 of them, as OKC prioritized the development of its young core over winning.
But even when the Thunder became more competitive throughout the years, it leaned on Wiggins' adaptability.
In the 2022-23 season, Wiggins didn't play for the first three quarters of a home game against Phoenix. But he played throughout the entire fourth quarter as the Thunder went ultra small, leaving the 6-5 guard to sometimes hold it down at the five. He poured in seven points, two steals and two boards on 3-for-4 shooting to will his team to a 124-120 win.
In the 2023-24 season, Wiggins made just his fourth start of the campaign against Charlotte on a night when Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams were out due to injuries. He thrived in a lead role, racking up 26 points and a career-high six steals on 11-for-20 shooting in the Thunder's 121-118 victory.
When OKC needed to respond in Game 2 of last season's NBA Finals series against Indiana, Daigneault called Wiggins' number to start the second quarter. He shined as a microwave scorer, erupting for eight points in his first eight minutes to help the Thunder even the series with a 123-107 win.
And when OKC was without its top shot blocker in Chet Holmgren during a home game against Sacramento early this season, Wiggins protected the paint. He recorded a career-high three blocks during a 107-101 home win.
"He's one of the most underrated players in the league, in my eyes," Thunder forward Kenrich Williams said of Wiggins. "You've just got to mentally prepare and be ready for anything, and he's one of the best at it. You can tell by his production that everything is paying off for him."
More: How OKC Thunder rookie Thomas Sorber became 'one of the guys' despite ACL injury
Veterans aren't the only ones who recognize what Wiggins has done to carve out a role with the Thunder. So have the young guys.
Ajay Mitchell joined OKC under circumstances that were similar to Wiggins. He was an older second-round selection on a two-way contract who needed to round out his game if he wanted playing time.
And while Mitchell has also learned from some of the Thunder's blue-blood guards like Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace, two one-and-done Kentucky players who were selected in the lottery, the real blueprint was Wiggins.
"He's a complete player on both ends of the floor," Mitchell said. "The way he came in off a two-way and stepping his way into the rotation, that was kind of like an example for me. It's great to have him, be able to ask him questions and learn from him."
Wiggins is still learning, too. That process hasn't stopped despite being an established five-year pro, an NBA champion and the recipient of a five-year, $47-million contract.
Wiggins knows his cuts can get even sharper. He can crash the glass even harder. He can see sequences unfold before they happen even sooner. He can make even more defensive plays on and off the ball.
That's a lot to put on one person's plate, but Wiggins still has a monstrous appetite.
"I'm sticking to what works and not forgetting what put me in a position to be able to play in Year 5, coming off a championship run," Wiggins said. "Those things matter. System monster is a huge compliment to myself, and I appreciate the organization for such a name."
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: How OKC Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins became a 'system monster'
Judgment Day is what they’ve billed the heavyweight fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua. Of course, the boxing world has been judging Paul since he made his pro debut in 2020. A fake boxer, the critics sneered. Fighting easy opponents, they snorted. Unwilling to take risks, they snickered. But Paul is now 12-1 with seven knockouts and about to face the biggest challenge of his life. And we do mean big.
Joshua stands 6-6, is expected to weigh in at about 245 pounds and is built like a modern-day Adonis. But like Paul, Joshua has faced judgment too. Past his prime, the critics say. Slower and stiff, they sneer. And for all of his accomplishments (an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games and twice reigning as the unified world heavyweight champion) the 36-year-old Brit has looked vulnerable. In his last fight, he got knocked down four times by Daniel Dubois and knocked out in the fifth round. Now, after a 15-month layoff, he returns to the ring.
For Judgment Day.
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua are set to tangle on Friday, Dec. 19. Paul originally was set to fight Gervonta "Tank" Davis. Fun fact: Joshua is about 100 pounds heavier and a foot taller than Davis.
The fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua will be held in Miami at the Kaseya Center, home of the NBA’s Miami Heat. The arena has a capacity of about 20,000 for boxing events.
Netflix is the exclusive home for the fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua, with the streaming behemoth a key part of the promotion. Fans looking to catch the fight will need to sign up for a subscription, with a standard streaming plan with ads starting at $9.99 a month.
Note: Main card will be available to watch on Netflix
Note: Prelims (below) will be available to watch on Tudum and on Most Valuable Promotions YouTube channel
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua are scheduled to fight eight three-minute rounds and wear 10-ounce gloves. The pro fight has been sanctioned by the Florida Athletic Commission. Joshua will be required to weigh in the day before the fight at no more than 245 pounds. Paul, expected to weigh in at about 220 pounds, faces no weight requirement.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight on Netflix: What you need to know
Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, and other major airlines have caused significant travel chaos across Europe, with 1,465 delays and 73 cancellations disrupting flights throughout France, the Netherlands, the UK, Finland, Belgium, and other countries. The widespread disruptions have severely impacted major airports such as Geneva, Brussels, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Manchester, leading to long waiting times, flight rebookings, and confusion for thousands of travelers. Weather conditions, staffing shortages, and operational challenges have contributed to the ongoing travel nightmare, leaving passengers stranded and uncertain about their travel plans.
Travel disruptions across Europe have reached new levels as thousands of passengers faced chaos on December 14th, 2025, due to massive delays and cancellations that affected major airports and airlines across the continent. With more than 1,400 flights delayed and dozens of others cancelled, travelers across France, the Netherlands, the UK, Finland, and Belgium faced an exhausting day of frustration and uncertainty. This extensive air travel nightmare, which also saw major airline disruptions, continues to spark concerns about the effectiveness of the current aviation network’s ability to handle peak travel periods.
The ripple effect of flight delays and cancellations was felt throughout Europe’s busiest airports, which saw a significant number of flights cancelled and delayed. Below are the major airports impacted by the disruptions:
From major hubs like London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol to smaller airports like Brussels and Geneva, the chaos spread like wildfire, creating significant delays and widespread inconvenience for travelers. Passengers at these airports struggled to cope with uncertainty, facing long lines at check-in counters, difficulty in finding available seats, and lack of clarity about their next steps.
Airlines were also significantly impacted by the widespread travel disruptions, with some facing cancellations and delays across multiple routes. The following table shows the affected airlines, their flight cancellations, and delays:
| Airline | Cancelled (#) | Cancelled (%) | Delayed (#) | Delayed (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| easyJet | 33 | 1% | 398 | 22% |
| British Airways | 8 | 1% | 165 | 22% |
| Air France | 7 | 1% | 189 | 28% |
| Brussels Airlines | 4 | 2% | 57 | 29% |
| Braathens Regional Airways | 4 | 3% | 11 | 8% |
| KLM | 3 | 0% | 120 | 18% |
| Emerald Airlines | 3 | 2% | 23 | 18% |
| Aer Lingus UK | 2 | 33% | 2 | 33% |
| Finnair | 2 | 0% | 162 | 47% |
| Virgin Atlantic | 2 | 2% | 15 | 20% |
| German Airways | 2 | 5% | 8 | 22% |
| Lufthansa | 1 | 0% | 126 | 14% |
| Wizz Air Malta | 1 | 0% | 65 | 10% |
| Iberia | 1 | 0% | 48 | 15% |
| Wizz Air | 1 | 0% | 47 | 8% |
Several factors are believed to have contributed to the chaos faced by passengers across these airports:
For travelers affected by the disruptions, the consequences were both frustrating and costly. With 1,465 flights delayed across the continent and 73 cancellations, many passengers had to make last-minute arrangements for accommodations and rebooking, adding to their stress. Passengers stranded at airports had limited information regarding rescheduled flights, and those on delayed flights had to wait for hours before getting any updates.
Moreover, long queues at customer service desks, along with the general confusion about flight statuses, left many passengers feeling helpless. Some found themselves competing for the remaining available seats on flights to their destinations, while others were forced to cancel their trips altogether.
Several passengers reported issues with receiving compensation or assistance from airlines, highlighting a broader issue with customer service during large-scale disruptions.
For passengers affected by the disruptions, the following steps can help ease the situation:
As Europe heads into the peak holiday travel season, experts are urging airlines and airports to better prepare for the increasing demand, especially as weather conditions worsen and the number of travelers continues to grow. It is essential for airlines to streamline their operations, improve communication with passengers, and address staffing issues that could continue to affect flight reliability.
Moreover, as Europe’s aviation industry recovers from the impacts of the pandemic and strives to meet growing demand, it will need to invest in infrastructure and technology to prevent similar disruptions in the future. Better coordination between airlines and airports, more transparent communication with passengers, and investment in air traffic control systems are just a few of the steps that could reduce the likelihood of widespread disruptions.
The travel chaos of December 14th has underscored the vulnerabilities in Europe’s aviation infrastructure, which is under strain due to a combination of weather, staffing issues, and high demand. For those traveling in the coming weeks, it’s essential to be prepared for potential disruptions, stay informed, and remain patient as airports and airlines work to get travelers to their destinations. With the right planning and awareness, it’s possible to navigate through these challenges and make the most of your travels despite the setbacks.
Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, and other major airlines have caused widespread travel chaos across Europe, with 1,465 delays and 73 cancellations impacting several countries. The disruptions, driven by weather issues, staffing shortages, and high travel demand, have severely affected airports like Geneva, Brussels, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
By understanding the causes of disruptions and knowing what steps to take, passengers can reduce their frustration and continue their journeys with as little stress as possible.
The post Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, and More Cause Travel Chaos Across Europe as 1465 Delays and 73 Cancellations Impact France, Netherlands, UK, Finland, Belgium, and More, Affecting Geneva, Brussels, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Manchester appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Three defeats in a row under a new manager. Beaten in the past two domestic cup finals. Trailing in the Scottish Premiership.
These turbulent times are not what those associated with Celtic are used to. Add to the above list an up and down Europa League campaign and growing unrest among supporters and there is far from a festive feeling afoot this mid-December. It's more like bleak mid-winter.
However, any suggestion of a crisis may be somewhat premature. The reigning champions are behind Hearts in the league but have played two games fewer.
Furthermore, Celtic have won nine of the past 13 available trophies. Such a high success rate is and always was going to be difficult to maintain, though the club are likely to remain as favourites for the league title and this season's Scottish Cup.
Celtic supporters have been having their say in the wake of Sunday's Premier Sports Cup final loss to St Mirren. Here are some of the main themes...
Former Columbus Crew head coach Nancy replaced Brendan Rodgers as permanent manager after former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill returned on an interim basis, overseeing seven wins out of eight...
Scott: To go from winning seven out of eight games under O'Neill and looking like winning every game domestically and full of confidence to what we have seen these past three games is really astonishingly poor. The new manager needs to understand that the players at the club are not good enough to play his system and do not look confident to do so either. After the Roma game he should have had a change of formation to steady the ship and they would have had a better chance of lifting the cup. The manager needs to think of the team and not his vision of a crazy 3-4-3 without good enough players to execute his plan.
DJR: We have a saying in business. 'Win fast, win slow, lose fast or lose slow'… I think the club needs to recognise the experiment hasn't worked. The recruitment hasn't worked and 'lose fast'. Terminate the contract, bring in Martin and get the recruitment right in 2026 before we lose the league too. Be humble. It hasn't worked out. It's obvious to the fans, the ex-players and those players on the field. Their body language doesn't lie.
Sting (though probably not that Sting): It's time for the major shareholder to act just like he did when he appointed Martin O'Neill. The board have to take responsibility for the appointment of a manager who is clearly out of his depth. Changes need to be made at board level before any new permanent appointment is made. Dermot Desmond is the only person that can make this happen.
Andrew: Nancy and the persons who hired him are to blame for the sudden demise. Martin O'Neill was doing a good job with average players.
Tom: As sad as it was to see the match unfold, it was the wrong time to bring in Nancy. Why, just why do you change this now? Leave it for another week then go.
Calum: In a shock to absolutely no-one except the Celtic board, bringing in Nancy on this monumental week has been a complete calamity. How anyone could have justified this over letting O'Neill keep the helm until January, when Nancy could have had time to implement his own game plan, is beyond me.
Kevin: I'm actually not shocked at that result. This isn't on the manager. It's on the players to an extent as to how and why they can drop in standard so quickly? The board have to take most of the blame for these last three games. Unless O'Neill stated that he wanted to leave, I can't see any reason as to why they (any) business would just change something that's working currently in a temporary mode. I get it has to be done at some point. The timing from the board all season has been atrocious. Sometimes, I think they want a challenge from other teams and hence the hiccups every third or fourth season after success. Well done to St Mirren. Celtic have only themselves to blame.
Scott: Bring back O'Neill... ASAP!
Nancy has adopted what most observers have called a 3-4-3, though the manager has played down the significance of the system and preferred to focus on performance.
The Frenchman is new to Scottish football, where the game can be very structured. That is especially true among opponents that have been reared and schooled in trying to contain and frustrate a dominant Celtic in recent years.
However, are shape and tactics the big issues?
James: Why the ball is given to Trusty when he is so slow a team of snails could get their defensive structure in place. Why each shy takes an age when ball boys used to be coached in recovery speed. Why forwards seldom shoot but pass and why do defenders not tackle but just back off. Finally, what happened to defenders at the goal posts.
Andy: System has nothing to do with this result. Simply highlights that we have too many players not fit to wear the shirt. Defenders need to defend, then give the ball to the creative players! We are caught with everyone attacking!!
Pete: Three games in, three defeats and eight goals conceded. The system does not work, Tounekti is an attacking winger with no defensive instincts, Nancy has managed to make Callum ineffective. Wrong tactics but already appears too stubborn to play our players in their correct positions. By the time the board make some form of decision our season will be over and the cabinet will be empty!
Steve: I made the point on Thursday that not one Celtic player would get a place on the Roma bench and we were deservedly beaten. Today a St Mirren team that not one player would get on the Celtic bench deservedly beat us. Because they were a well coached team with a structure and organisation that complimented the resources at their disposal.
Tony: Anyone who thinks this is on a manager who's been in for a week, mid-season, with no time to implement his style is simply not in touch with reality. This Celtic squad have been gutted for profit and barring a few decent results under club legend Martin O'Neill, are way below the standard. Wilfried Nancy has been thrown under the bus by a board not fit for purpose and the fans who want him out need to have a look at themselves. The board have fallen asleep at the wheel and will blame everyone but themselves for their failure.
Owen: It is too early to say whether Nancy will be a success at Celtic. Currently we don't have the personnel to play the style that he wants and he has not really had the time to implement his vision properly. That being said, at Celtic it's about winning trophies. The squad is good enough to have won today and that should have been the priority. The performances have been disappointing so far and I'm concerned that this losing run could continue until the transfer window opens, unless he shows more flexibility.
Some respondents turned their ire on Nancy and the club's board, who have come in for considerable criticism since Celtic's Champions League exit at the play-off stage as well as an underwhelming summer transfer window. One, Roger to be exact, was simply "speechless".
However, Celtic's resurgence under O'Neill shows how quickly things can change and the season is far from over.
Additionally, Celtic endured a trophyless season in 2020-21 and have dominated ever since so it would be foolish to write them off amid their current set-backs.
That's clearly the view of one optimistic fan.
John: Celtic will be back stronger than ever.
Former England forward Theo Walcott says that if there is "a lot more to come" for Manchester City's Phil Foden then it could be "scary".
Boss Pep Guardiola was critical of Foden in his post-match interview with Match of the Day after their 3-0 win over Crystal Palace and Foden agreed with his manager in his own response to the game.
That was despite his latest goal making it six in his past four Premier League games.
"It was constructive criticism I felt," Walcott said. "[Pep] recognises the standard Foden brought to the Premier League last year, winning the PFA Player of The Year, so that's what he expects.
"We're not savvy to it on a day-to-day basis but on match days where he really wants to perform, we see that he's playing fantastically well but for Pep, it might not be quite the standard that he wants.
"If there is a lot more still to come for Foden, that's going to be scary for Arsenal."
To the uninitiated, it may sound like Louisville basketball fans are booing Sananda Fru whenever the 6-foot-11 German does something impressive on the court.
His mom thought that was the case the first time she heard the KFC Yum! Center shout his last name in unison, elongating the vowel, through her television back home in Berlin. "I was like, 'Why are they booing you?'" she told him over the phone afterward.
Quite the opposite. The former Basketball Bundesliga standout is emerging as a model of consistency in the post for Pat Kelsey and the 11th-ranked Cardinals (9-1) — and in turn a fan favorite. Opposing teams should take note: The 22-year-old junior feels as if he's on a path of "steady improvement."
"You can feel it," Kelsey said. "You can see it in his demeanor."
Fru still has a lot to assimilate as he continues to adjust to a new culture and a new brand of basketball. Case in point: his lane violation with teammate Mikel Brown Jr. at the free-throw line and 48 seconds remaining in regulation of UofL's Dec. 6 win over Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Back home, the back end of Brown's two shots would have counted despite the big man stepping into the paint early. Here, the Hoosiers got the ball down 11 points. "Jimmy Naismith is rolling over in his grave right now," Kelsey thought to himself on the sideline.
"We'll have a little discussion about that," the coach said afterward. "But come to think of it, it won't be much of a discussion — I'll do most of the talking, and he'll do most of the listening."
That was not the first instance of Fru being the recipient of what Kelsey likes to describe as "aggressive counseling." He got an earful during halftime of the Cards' come-from-behind victory over Cincinnati on Nov. 21 at Heritage Bank Center when he entered the locker room with as many turnovers as points (two), one rebound and a block across 11 minutes of run.
His response? Nine points on 3-for-3 shooting, three boards, another block and two steals in 13 minutes after the break. He cut his turnovers in half, too.
"I wouldn't say I needed the push," Fru said Dec. 12, reflecting on that game. "I would just say: The first half wasn't me, and I wasn't happy with myself. Yes, coach kind of called us out; but the reaction was needed from my side. ... It was my goal for the rest of the game and other games to be more physical and fight more."
Mission accomplished — so far. In Louisville's next two matchups against high-major opponents, the win over the Hoosiers and a Dec. 3 loss at then-No. 23 Arkansas, Fru averaged 13 points on 10-for-12 shooting, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 1.5 steals and an assist (against three turnovers) across 29.5 minutes per contest. It took a few days for Kelsey to acknowledge his strong performance during the team's first defeat of the season, but what he said about it spoke volumes.
"He's the one guy who I would say in that Arkansas game — like, you know me: wanting the smoke," the coach told reporters after the Cards beat IU. "He wanted that smoke; and he's just gotten better and better."
Fru set the tone during UofL's 99-73 rout of rival Memphis on Dec. 13 by scoring his team's first five points: an alley-oop and an and-1 layup. He finished with 11 on 5-for-5 shooting, six rebounds, an assist (against two turnovers) and a block in 21 minutes.
Through his first 10 collegiate games, Fru averaged 10.6 points on a team-best 78.8% (41-for-52) shooting. He also led Louisville in boards (6.2) and blocks (1.2) per game. Per KenPom.com, he ranked 172nd nationally in block rate (5.6%), 86th in offensive rating (134.3), 17th in offensive rebounding rate (16.9%) and seventh in 2-point percentage (79.6%). BartTorvik.com had him fifth when it comes to effective field-goal percentage (80.8%).
All of this is a far cry from his first appearance in the red and black: one point (at the free-throw line) and three rebounds in 18 minutes of an Oct. 24 exhibition loss to Kansas. Kelsey pointed to his other contributions — two steals, two assists and a block — and would go on to say the big man had one of the best efficiency grades from the dress rehearsal, but this much was obvious: "We've got to get 'em more involved," the coach said.
Four days later, guess how the Cards began their exhibition finale vs. Bucknell? An alley-oop from Brown to Fru less than 20 seconds after he won the opening tip.
Part of Fru's improvement can be attributed to him becoming more comfortable against Division I talent. "Back home, I played a lot against older guys and stronger guys; and they mostly relied on their finesse and (experience)," he said. "Over here, the bigs are super quick, athletic and aggressive."
Another part of it is merely stacking reps as a hub in Kelsey's uptempo, free-flowing offense after operating primarily as a pick-and-roll guy for Löwen Braunschweig. During one of their conversations, when Fru told him about how rigid his former team's scheme was, he got a simple piece of advice: "Bro, you came to Louisville. You're hooping. It'll come."
"Coach wants me to have the ball in my hands and make decisions and be interactive," Fru said. "That's a big difference I wasn't used to."
"We play within concepts and some structure, but it's also (about) being able to play confident, play free, play loose, play aggressive, play on the attack," Kelsey added. "I think he's getting more comfortable playing like that."
No moment reflects this growth more than UofL's fifth possession against Indiana. Fru caught a pass at the top of the arc and quickly faked a handoff to Brown before shifting downhill the moment his defender overhelped on the freshman point guard. No second-guessing, all instincts.
Then, the flourish: When another Hoosier crashed his wide-open path to the basket, he elevated over him for a thunderous, right-handed slam.
"Fruuuuu," the Cards supporters scattered throughout the neutral-site crowd shouted. It's no longer lost in translation.
"Usually in the games, I try to be so not focused on the fans," Fru said. "Now, after a couple of baskets, I hear them. It's a cool thing, I'd say. I like it; I appreciate the fans."
Reach Louisville men's basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville basketball's Sananda Fru emerging in post for Pat Kelsey
With more than 200 Kentucky High School Athletic Association state championships in its history, it’s no surprise St. Xavier has some of the all-time winningest individual programs in Louisville.
St. X’s premier program is its swimming and diving team, which has won 61 state titles since 1947 and captured its 37th straight last February.
According to the National Federation of State High School Associations record book, St. X’s 61 state titles rank No. 1 in the nation.
Jacksonville (Florida) Bolles won its national-record 38th straight state title earlier this month, but St. X can tie that mark in February.
Here’s a look at the 10 programs in Louisville that have won the most state championships:
KHSAA championships: 61.
First title: 1947.
Last title: 2025.
Prominent alumni: Marty O’Toole (1957), Tony Rueff (1968), Mike Higgs (1979), Tony Siebel (1986), Christopher John (1990), Chip Crush (1995), Clark Burckle (2006), Keefer Barnum (2017), Will Scholtz (2023), Johnny Crush (2024), Thomas Mercer (2025).
KHSAA championships: 36.
First title: 1963.
Last title: 2025.
Prominent alumni: Mary T. Meagher (1983), Leigh Ann Fetter (1987), Dorsey Tierney (1988), Caroline Burckle (2004), Leah Stevens (2015), Asia Seidt (2016), Brooke Forde (2017).
KHSAA championships: 32.
First title: 1921.
Last title: 2017.
Prominent alumni: William “Jelly” Green (1967), David Brown (1968), Drane Scrivener (1969), James McCollum (1970), Clarence Childers (1971), John Milburn (1982), Brian Raspberry (1994), Ryan Knight (1995), Mark Miller (1995), Charles Burton (1998), James Doaty (2000), Justin Green (2009), Kyle Jenkins (2010), Michael Patterson (2011), Jordan Fields (2014), Darian Clyburn (2018).
KHSAA championships: 30.
First title: 1968.
Last title: 2025.
Prominent alumni: Alan Hennessey (1969), Carwell Gardner (1985), Jeff Brohm (1989), Rob Bironas (1996), Brian Brohm (2004), Will Stein (2008), James Quick (2013), Reggie Bonnafon (2014), Rondale Moore (2018).
KHSAA championships: 29.
First title: 1982.
Last title: 2022.
Prominent alumni: Lee Huber (1937), Max Brown (1955), John Evans (1960), Jackie Cooper (1962), Mickey Schad (1963), Tim Cooper (1970), Mark Buechler (1976), Brad Hambrick (1997), Brandon Lancaster (2015), Eli Stephenson (2023).
KHSAA championships: 25.
First title: 1992.
Last title: 2025.
Prominent alumni: Tiffany Whitlock (1999), Julie Purcell (2003), Christina Kaelin (2006), Jeni Houser (2011), Katie George (2012), Alexa Filley (2014), Rylee Rader (2020), Anna DeBeer (2020), Kristen Simon (2025).
KHSAA championships: 24.
First title: 1959.
Last title: 2020.
Prominent alumni: Joe Kroh (1961), Blaine Vetter (1963), David Buechler (1975), Joe Buechler (1981), Bobby Curtis (2003), Brian Long (2007), Conner Sheryak (2012), Sami Hattab (2023).
KHSAA championships: 22.
First title: 1951.
Last title: 2025.
Prominent alumni: Bobby Nichols (1954), Frank Beard (1957), Eddie Schnurr (1958), Mike Zimmerer (1966), Patrick Vadden (1992), Brandon Waldrop (2001), Robby Shaw (2002), Jessie Mudd (2003), David Payne (2010), Justin Thomas (2011), Stephen Stallings (2013).
KHSAA championships: 21.
First title: 1957.
Last title: 2023.
Prominent alumni: Charles Wine (1958), Rick Miller (1978), Rob Shoaf (1986), John Michels (1987).
KHSAA championships: 17.
First title: 1972.
Last title: 2025.
Prominent alumni: Mark Dietz (1998), Raymond Burse (2002), Kevin Bick (2009), Kaelon Fox (2013), Alex Kron (2023).
More high school sports: Assumption girls flag football repeats as state champion, tops Mercy
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville's winningest KHSAA programs? Here are top 10
It was rather telling that Bruno Guimaraes rated Sunday's derby loss at Sunderland as the most painful of his four years at the club.
After all, this is a captain who shed tears when his side lost the 2023 Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.
"The whole message in the changing room was: 'Do it for the fans' and we didn't," he said. "It's so embarrassing for me and frustrating because we know we have a better team than them. It's clear for me.
"But we didn't perform like a better team - it makes me feel angry."
Sunday's showing is the latest setback in a stop-start campaign and Eddie Howe can ill afford to let the manner of this defeat seep into the season.
Not when Newcastle are in 12th place. Not when they have a pivotal Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham on Wednesday.
Not when Newcastle still have work to do to ensure they secure at least a play-off spot in the race to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.
"You never want one game to define your season," Howe said. "If anything, you want it to define it in a positive way and come back full steam ahead and show your class.
"That's what we have to do."
Read Ciaran's analysis in full here
The nominees for this week's Courier Journal boys athlete of the week delivered on basketball courts throughout the commonwealth.
Voting is underway for The Courier Journal's boys athlete of the week. The poll closes at 6 p.m. Thursday, and the winner will be announced Friday.
Follow our sports Instagram page, @courierjournal_sports, to get the latest local and statewide news.
Looking for more high school sports coverage? Subscribe here today and sign up for our high school sports newsletter.
Here are the nominees:
Junior had 26 points, nine steals and five assists in a 99-23 victory over Brown on Dec. 9.
Junior had 21 points and 12 rebounds in a 67-51 victory over Central Hardin on Dec. 9.
Senior tallied 32 points and nine rebounds in a 70-64 victory over Pleasure Ridge Park on Dec. 9.
Sophomore had 17 points and 16 rebounds in a 73-60 victory over Eastern on Dec. 8.
Senior hit seven 3-pointers and scored 27 points in an 87-44 victory over Central on Dec. 9.
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville high school poll for KHSAA athlete of week voting
The nominees for this week's Courier Journal girls athlete of the week delivered on basketball courts throughout the commonwealth.
Voting is underway for The Courier Journal's girls athlete of the week. The poll closes at 6 p.m. Thursday, and the winner will be announced Friday.
Follow our sports Instagram page, @courierjournal_sports, to get the latest local and statewide news.
Looking for more high school sports coverage? Subscribe here today and sign up for our high school sports newsletter.
Here are the nominees:
Junior had 17 points and 11 rebounds in a 70-49 victory over Shelby County on Dec. 10.
Junior had 32 points and three rebounds in a 76-53 victory over Western on Dec. 8.
Senior posted 18 points and four rebounds in a 67-35 victory over Frederick Douglass on Dec. 9.
Junior had 22 points and three rebounds in a 67-48 victory over Bullitt Central on Dec. 12.
Senior had 24 points and nine rebounds in a 74-66 victory over Gallatin County on Dec. 8.
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville high school poll for KHSAA athlete of week voting
Pittsburgh would be wise not to underestimate a Miami Dolphins team coming off five wins in their past six matchups, but there’s still plenty to be optimistic about ahead of Monday Night Football if you’re a Steelers fan.
From weather impact to an advantage in the turnover battle, here are three reasons to be optimistic as the Steelers take on the Dolphins in Week 15.
The Dolphins haven't performed well in cold weather under HC Mike McDaniel, carrying an awful 0–7 record in sub-40-degree temperatures. With kickoff at 8:15 p.m. EST estimated to be around 17 degrees in Pittsburgh, the Steelers have a clear weather advantage on Monday night.
While Pittsburgh's 2025 offense hasn't exactly set the league on fire, the Dolphins' passing offense has been a train wreck this season — which has been especially the case over the past three weeks, averaging an abysmal 131.7 yards through the air per game.
The biggest strength of the Steelers this season has been preventing turnovers on offense and taking the ball away on defense — but the same can't be said for Miami. Through 13 games, the Steelers are tied for the fourth-best turnover differential at +9, while Miami falls toward the middle of the pack with a disappointing –1. If Pittsburgh can force Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa to make a lot of mistakes, while also emphasizing offensive ball security of their own, the Steelers should walk out of Week 15 with their eighth win of the season.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including Pittsburgh's Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on MNF, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' reasons for optimism vs. Dolphins in Week 15
Nebraska volleyball (33-1) faced Texas A&M (27-4) in the Elite Eight, looking to return to the Final Four for the third straight year. Despite a valiant comeback attempt, the Huskers came up short, suffering a five-set defeat to the Aggies.
Texas A&M jumped ahead swiftly 2-0 in the match following two intense sets. Nebraska, however, rallied, taking set three 25-20 before forcing a fifth after a hectic 37-35 fourth. But the Aggies grabbed hold of the lead early in set five, and the Huskers trailed the entire run, falling 15-13 in the end.
Texas A&M edged out Nebraska on both offense and defense. The Huskers earned 73 kills off 163 attacks for a .270 hitting percentage, while the Aggies tallied 75 off 178 and a .275. Texas A&M also outblocked Nebraska 17-8, which was a major factor in tilting the scales toward the road team.
Harper Murray put together a career-high 25 kills off 51 attacks for a .255. Rebekah Allick finished the night with 15 kills on 25 swings, earning a .480 along with a team-high four blocks. Bergen Reilly delivered another double-double after tallying 58 assists and 13 digs. She also earned five kills off 11 attacks. Olivia Mauch also posted 13 digs while Laney Choboy grabbed 10.
Nebraska ended its season 33-1 while Texas A&M advances to the NCAA semifinals, continuing a massive postseason surge.
Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Nebraska volleyball season ends in five-set defeat against Texas A&M
Here’s a chance to help select the Upstate Ingles high school Boys Athlete of the Week for Dec. 8-14.
Multiple votes are allowed, and polls will be open until noon on Dec. 18. The winner of the previous week’s fan vote was T.L. Hanna basketball player Lucas Wiersma.
This week’s finalists:
Jackson Conley, Daniel: Conley had 30 points and 17 rebounds in a 74-46 basketball win against Walhalla. He averaged 22.7 points and 10 rebounds in three games.
Noah Dodd, Landrum: Dodd had 23 points and nine rebounds in a loss to Liberty.
Colt Fowler, Byrnes: Fowler averaged 28.3 points and 10.0 assists as the Rebels beat J.L Mann, Greer and Wade Hampton.
Kendall Jackson, Liberty: Jackson had a 30-point game in a win against Landrum and scored 21 with 10 rebounds in a win against West-Oak.
Zyon Ratchford, Gaffney: Ratchford had a team-high six tackles and helped the North football all-stars beat the South, 35-27, in the Touchstone Energy Bowl in Myrtle Beach.
Brandon Ray, Eastside: Ray averaged 18.5 points and was 10-for-19 on 3-points as the Eagles split against Greer and Gaffney.
Ben Reese, Chesnee: Reese had 24 points, five rebounds and four steals against Chapman, and 18 points in a win against Broome.
Cade St. Charles, Chapman: St. Charles led the Panthers to a 59-51 win against Chesnee with 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Jonovan Webb, Westside: Webb scored 30 points, going 4-for-9 on 3-pointers, in a 69-64 win against Mauldin.
Lucas Wiersma, T.L. Hanna: Wiersma averaged 24 points and 13.5 rebounds as the Yellow Jackets beat Hart County (Ga.) and Wade Hampton.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: SCHSL football all-star up for Upstate Ingles Boys Athlete of the Week
Some of my literary contributors are great at telling me “I told you so.”
James has done that in the past. Now, Jimmy is chiming in.
Maybe, it’s a “J” thing.
Jimmy writes: If you review my old emails, you will find that I on multiple occasions said that Tim Banks’ defense was worse than Sal Sunseri’s. Last year had a few bright spots and a few good players, but the coordinator has always been a glaring weakness.
I had called for Banks’ firing since the day he got here. (Coach Josh) Heupel was added to my list for employment termination last year. He has hit his ceiling.
Too many of the recent emails from your literary contributors have been largely limp noodles. A little spice would help.
My response: Thanks for the spice, Jimmy. Your fast-twitch firing finger is well documented.
But I believe the path to success in college football now is through roster management. Invest heavily in NIL and the transfer portal and upgrade your roster.
Rather than pay coaches a ridiculous amount of money to leave, spend that money on identifying and acquiring talented players. However, at some point a Tennessee coach will be expected to do better than 8-4 and watch his players hopelessly chase Vanderbilt ball-carriers into the checkered end zone.
James writes: I’ve watched several men’s basketball games and fear we are in for a long season.
I don’t see the usual intensity, defense or discipline. Coach (Rick) Barnes has me perplexed, too. Sure, Nate Ament scores 20 but hurts the team just as much with turnovers, erratic play and wild shots.
Ament throws up an airball and came back to the team huddle and laughed. Those kind of mistakes always brought players back to the bench with some choice words from Barnes. But he just sat there.
A long season.
My response: I can find humor in a freshman making millions of dollars laughing at an airball. But I doubt Barnes can.
I don’t judge college basketball teams by what happens – good or bad – in December. A few weeks of SEC basketball will prove more insightful.
Mike writes: I hope no one - and I mean absolutely no one - from this college playoff selection committee will be back next year. They have embarrassed themselves with flip-flopping on rationale for including or not including teams. Incompetence abounds.
And the criteria for making the playoffs need to change before next season. The best teams should be in the playoffs. Forget this garbage about including teams like James Madison. They may have a good team, but many junior high school teams have tougher schedules. If James Madison wants to be considered, make it at least start playing higher-caliber opponents.
My response: The College Football Playoff selection committee is in no rush to get everything correct right away. Be patient and think of it as a process.
My guess is the process will change next season so that the best teams will be selected. If you are going to include Group of 5 teams in the playoff, they should be required to attain a certain ranking.
ADAMS: Readers weigh in on Tennessee coach Josh Heupel, Lane Kiffin, Tony Vitello
Shemp: It is good to know that Notre Dame will now just be called “The Irish” as their refusal in a huff to play in a bowl game over their exclusion from the playoff and denigrating statements about the Almost a College Conference means there is no “Fighting” left in them.
My friends and I are planning a hiking trip to Norway next year by coincidence.
My response: Great point on the Irish. Possible name changes: Pouting Irish, Whining Irish, Opting Out Irish, Big Baby Irish, Petulant Irish, etc.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee should fire Josh Heupel like Tim Banks, reader says | Adams
Voting is now open to determine the Erie Times-News District 10 high school boys and girls wrestlers of the week for Week 2 of the 2025-26 regular season.
These polls include performances from Dec. 8-13. Fans are encouraged to read biographical information on each nominee then make their selection below.
Voting will close Dec. 17 at 5 p.m.
More: Watch District 10 high school wrestling interviews with STWOA finalists
Lamech Albers, Corry: Lone District 10 wrestler to capture an individual championship at the 36-team STWOA Holiday Classic at Jamestown, New York. Albers pinned Williamson’s Samuel Olson in the 175-pound final. Also won by fall during a mid-week dual meet against Union City.
Easton Glass, Fort LeBoeuf: His win by fall with 15 seconds remaining in a 172-pound bout sealed a Bison victory over Penn Trafford, 41-33, at the Kiski Cavalier Duals.
Tom Gunther, Harbor Creek: Placed third at 190 pounds at the STWOA tournament, finishing 5-1 with two victories by fall.
Landon Hassel, Sharpsville: Reached the STWOA finals at 144 pounds, upsetting a returning New York state place winner in the semifinals at Jamestown Community College.
Van Ward, Union City: Placed third at 110 pounds at the STWOA tournament, finishing 5-1 and capping his campaign with an overtime victory in the consolation final.
Last week: North East's Kimmy voted first D-10 high school wrestler of the week
Zahra Al-Zamly, Fort LeBoeuf: Pinned her way to the 235-pound championship at Redbank Valley, helping the Bison to a team title.
Ella Clark, General McLane: All four of her wins at Redbank Valley came via fall, earning the 100-pound championship.
Abbie Darr, Warren: Redbank Valley champion at 190 pounds, pinning each of her three opponents.
Lilliana Fierst, Sharpsville: Helped the Blue Devils to a first-place team finish at the Boardman Lady Spartan Invitational, placing second at 190 pounds.
Sydney Heider, Reynolds: Boardman Lady Spartan Invitational champion at 155 pounds and runner-up at Redbank Valley.
Contact Jeff Uveino at juveino@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @realjuveino.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Vote for District 10 high school boys, girls wrestlers of the week
JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Seeds don’t always matter in high school wrestling.
Just ask Lamech Albers.
Albers started the Southern Tier Wrestling Officials’ Association (STWOA) Holiday Classic seeded fifth. When the finals concluded Dec. 13 at New York’s Jamestown Community College however, the Corry junior stood top the 175-pound podium.
Carson Braswell and Owen Nickerson were seeded seventh and eighth, respectively, in their weight classes. Both reached the STWOA finals.
Three finalists and eight medalists powered a second-place finish for Corry at the 36-team STWOA tournament. The Beavers’ 194.5 points only trailed Buffalo powerhouse St. Francis (335.5) in a 36-team field.
Polls: Vote now for District 10 high school boys, girls wrestlers of the week
Six D-10 teams took to the STWOA mats, including Harbor Creek, whose 122 points garnered ninth place. Sharpsville put two wrestlers in the finals and placed 11th as a team, headlining a widespread weekend of wrestling.
Here’s what else stood out from action Dec. 12-13.
Last week: General McLane wins Hickory Invitational, leads D-10 wrestling notes
Albers pinned Williamson’s Steven Olson in the third period of the 175-pound final. Braswell was runner-up at 150 pounds and Nickerson the same at 285, and Steven Willis placed fourth at 132.
“We needed to get on the mat and wrestle,” said Corry coach Travis Proper, whose team wrestled just one dual meet before the STWOA classic. “Get the season going, get rolling and get in shape. Some kids saw different positions they need to get better at.”
Harbor Creek saw three wrestlers reach the consolation finals. Hunter Chew (126 pounds), Gavin Zillman (165) and Tom Gunter (190) each placed third.
Van Ward headlined Union City’s 18th-place team finish with a third-place medal at 110. Sharpsville’s Ethan Springer (138) and Landen Hassel (144) each finished second.
One champion and three runners-up helped the Fort LeBoeuf girls win a team title at Redbank Valley. The Bison scored 186.5 points, beating runner-up General McLane (150.5) and 25 others.
Zahra Al-Zamly won the 235-pound title for LeBoeuf. Lexi Przybycien (100 pounds), Ella McGuire (124) and Josie Fortin (190) each placed second in their weight class.
McLane crowned three individual champs, including Ella Clark (100), Ava Willims (142) and Whisper Abercrombie (155). Warren’s Abbie Darr captured the 190-pound title and Sydney Heider of Reynolds placed second at 155, rounding out finalists from D-10.
More: District 10 wrestling Technique of the Week returns with Fort LeBoeuf
Grove City beat host Hickory, 41-29, in the Rande Stottlemyer Memorial Duals’ first-place match. Chase Karenbauer and Ian Stearns closed the dual with a pin and technical fall, respectively.
Hickory and Grove City will meet again Dec. 16 in a Region 1 dual.
Titusville finished fourth at the Hampton Dawg Duals, a 10-team field of mostly Class 3A schools predominantly hailing from District 7.
Contact Jeff Uveino at juveino@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @realjuveino.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: District 10 wrestling notes feature Fort LeBoeuf, Corry, McLane
It's hard for Jayton football coach Josh Stanaland to quantify what losing Griff Reel and Ayden Salazar meant.
The only seniors on the 2024 state championship team were longtime contributors and two-way starters. Stanaland felt he had up-and-comers ready to fill their shoes, but he didn't quite know what the Jaybirds would look like without the duo.
The transition has been smooth.
It's taken more than two players to make up for the absence of Reel and Salazar, but the new starters have helped keep Jayton on the same path to AT&T Stadium. The Jaybirds will go for their second consecutive undefeated campaign when they face Richland Springs in the Class 1A Division II title game Dec. 17.
"(Reel and Salazar) are great leaders and great players," Stanaland said. "Any time that those guys graduate, it creates a void. We knew that we could replace their production, and we've had a lot of guys step up. We're really fortunate to have an older group. Most of the guys that we put on the field for most of the time are juniors and seniors."
Jayton's "big three" — Colt Gentry, Bode Ham and Sean Stanaland — garner the most attention, and with good reason. Gentry was the defensive MVP and Stanaland the offensive MVP of last year's 54-8 thrashing of Oakwood in the state championship. Ham has 102 career rushing touchdowns and is drawing college football offers.
But coach Stanaland has been pleased with the development of the team's four juniors. Lorenzo Vargas scored three TDs in the Jaybirds' 64-19 semifinal win over Klondike last week. Dayton Bleiker, a returning starter at tight end, also caught a TD pass and helped wreak havoc from the defensive line. Josh Stanaland said Tucker Scott, who has nine TD receptions, had his best game of the season at safety against the Cougars. Scott was also 8 of 8 on two-point kicks.
And although his play has been limited because of matchups, nose guard Garrison Allen has been a force for Jayton's run defense, coach Stanaland said.
"The development of all of those guys throughout the summer and in the fall, just getting bigger and faster and stronger and becoming more confident in the stuff that they can do on the field has been huge," Josh Stanaland said. "(It's) a different team, for sure, but, man, it's been a lot of fun coaching these guys. It's always fun to watch kids step into new roles and play big when you need them to."
More: Jayton's Ham could be next player to go from six-man to college football
More: Jayton takes predictions to heart, routs Klondike in semifinals
Coach Stanaland added the freshmen and sophomores have been key to preparation. The Jaybirds JV went 8-1, and those underclassmen are now posing as Richland Springs on the scout team.
Jayton got a chance to watch the real Coyotes in Richland Springs' 66-20 semifinal win over Strawn. Coach Stanaland said their final opponent is fast and aggressive with "not many weaknesses." Spread back Cohen Ethridge leads the way. Stanaland compared Ethridge to Benjamin spread back Keegan Hayes, who helped the Mustangs scored 62 on Jayton in the region final.
Coach Stanaland said the film showed what needed to be corrected for the Jaybirds' defense. They responded with a smothering effort in the semifinals.
It's become a familiar sight with Jayton. The team has won 29 games in a row, all but two via the 45-point mercy rule. Since 2023, the Jaybirds are 41-1.
The big three have been a big part of that. Those seniors are part of seven on the roster — five who are healthy enough to suit up — who hope to cement their legacy as one of Jayton's all-time great classes.
But don't expect the Jaybirds to fall into oblivion once they're gone, either.
"We're not dumb. We know it's foolish to expect it to always be like this," Josh Stanaland said. "But what those guys have done is they've been great leaders, and they've raised the standard. We've got a bunch of guys in the program, and that are gonna come through the program in the not-too-distant future, that have been watching them and have seen the way that they work and the way that they do things.
"I promise you, it's gonna pay off in the long run. It's gonna keep us very, very competitive at a high level for a really long time."
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Jayton football heads into state championship against Richland Springs
Today in Boston Celtics history, Charles Thomas Scott was born in New York City in 1948. Known as "Charlie" to a number of Celtics fans, the New York native broke the color barrier at the University of North Carolina as that famed institution of higher learning rostered their first Black scholarship athlete in history. He was then picked up by Boston with the 106th pick of the 1970 NBA Draft (there were many more rounds in that era). Before he finished his NCAA playing days, he won a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics held in Mexico City, Mexico, along with future teammate Jo Jo White. Though drafted by Boston, Scott instead signed with the American Basketball Association's (ABA -- a competing league that later merged with the NBA) Virginia Squires for most of two seasons.
At the end of that run, Scott switched leagues and had his rights dealt to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Paul Silas in 1972. Scott played four seasons for that club before being dealt to the Celtics for Paul Westphal and draft assets. Scott earned the last of his three All-Star invites in his first season with Boston and a title in 1976, coincidentally against his former team, the Suns.
In three seasons with the Celtics, the UNC alumnus averaged 17.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
It was also on this date in 2003 that Celtics center Tony Battie was traded with Kedrick Brown and Eric Williams to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ricky Davis, Chris Mihm, Michael Stewart and draft assets. Battie had been with the team for six seasons. Williams returned to the team for a second stint, and Brown was drafted out of Okaloosa-Walton Community College two seasons earlier. Only Ricky Davis stuck around with Boston for long, Mihm and Stewart lasted less than a season between them.
Finally, it is also the anniversary of former Celtic small forward Kevin Gamble signing with the team in 1988. The Illinois native was drafted out of Iowa by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1987 NBA draft, but he was waived after playing 19 minutes. After stints in the Continental Basketball Association (that era's G League analog), the World Basketball League, and overseas, Gamble was signed by Boston to help cover for an injured Larry Bird.
The former Hawkeye played his way into a starting role by his third season with the Celtics, for whom he played six seasons. He averaged 11.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game with the Celtics.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: Scott born; Battie trade; Gamble debut
Of Blackburn's 10 championship defeats from 20 games this season, this one is right up there with the most disappointing.
It may be that the lengthy commute back to Lancashire from Fratton Park influences the thinking a little, but this defeat was down to the fundamental basics of football and incidents that shouldn't happen at this level.
It's a head-scratcher to figure out which error is the worst really.
Rovers gave away two foul throws from two different players. They gave another away on Tuesday against Oxford.
They are regularly shipping crucial goals in a worryingly similar fashion. The head coach identified the individual who has been culpable for those lapses of late.
There was the completely needless concession of a corner with senior players watching the ball roll over the byeline without doing anything to stop it. The resulting corner found a centre-back completely unmarked to head home a winner.
And, deep into stoppage time, there was being caught offside from a pretty straight free-kick when it was the last chance to throw something at Portsmouth.
Apart from one of the foul throws, this all happened in the second half, with Rovers going into the break leading through a fabulous Yuki Ohashi goal.
Fratton Park was quiet at half-time, discontent building. But, for whatever reason, one passage of play where Portsmouth came close to scoring on three occasions changed the whole landscape.
The crowd started to believe, the players did too, and the mentality of Valerien Ismael's team could be called into question.
Surrendering a lead in games is nothing new this season - 16 points have been lost from winning positions. Looking fragile at defending set-plays is nothing new either.
The defeat has left Ismael adamant his squad needs to be strengthened in the January transfer window - and early.
Ismael told me: "We've spoken already with the board. I say as quick as possible. The longer we are waiting, the more problems we will get.
"Every game counts in January. We need new faces, we need to refresh. We need to adjust the squad, to adapt with the shape that we play. The earlier the players come in, the better it will be for us.
"We've got already the list identified. Now it's not in my control. We've made our job now. It's clear that we need players. We will get some and the best is to have them ideally on 1 January, but that is always difficult.
"The week after is the game against Hull City in the FA Cup and I think we can use that game to integrate all of the new players."
Ismael is a straight-talker. He's clear in his mind of what he wants. Now it remains to be seen if those targets can be brought in as early as he wants them.
Rovers have been more of a deadline-day deal team in recent seasons. Seven players have been added permanently or on loan in the past two January windows on or after 31 January.
It's also pretty clear that in order to bring in the new faces he wants, there will be casualties too.
They currently have 24 names in their squad already so there is one spot left but you get the feeling the head coach has made his decision that some existing players won't be part of the plan in 2026.
It's not an impossibility that some arrivals last summer might not see out the season.
Ismael added: "At some point it's all about the performance, the squad, the discipline we see on the pitch. In our assessment we have to be ruthless now.
"We know that we can perform, we know that we need all of our [injured] players and at some point we have to make decisions. If something is not right and we're not happy, then we have to make the change."
This time last year, John Eustace was very keen to add to his squad to maintain a play-off push. Twelve months on, Blackburn's championship status could rest on the success rate of their mid-season window.
Who is the top returning boys' wrestler in the Bucks County area for the 2025-26 season?
Let us know by voting in our poll.
Readers can vote until Sunday, Dec. 21, at 8 p.m. Voting more than once is permitted.
Our polls are designed to recognize excellent local high school athletes and we ask that you vote for your favorites as many times as you wish. But we also ask that you play fair. In other words, keep the bots or crazy cheats out of our polls.
Any suspicion of bot activity will result in immediate removal of the athlete, and possibly teammates, from this and future polls.
Drew Markol covers local sports for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Vote for the top boys' high school wrestler in the Bucks County area
A top-10 college football job is on the market. The timing of the opening is not ideal. Neither are the circumstances.
Sherrone Moore is out at Michigan, fired and facing criminal charges after his alleged extramarital affair with a staff member came to light. A fresh scandal for a school that’s become accustomed to them raises questions about Warde Manuel’s viability as athletic director.
And yet, the first sentence still applies: This is a top-10 job.
All it takes is one good candidate to say, “What’s Moore’s mess got to do with me? Hand me the keys (and Larry Ellison’s checkbook), and let’s ride.”
Forgot about hiring a “Michigan Man.” Never mind where a coach was born, who he grew up rooting for or where he attended college. Michigan needs two things in its next coach:
Here’s a round of love it, like it or no thanks on these potential candidates for Michigan:
Love it. If DeBoer would rather replace a disgraced coach than continue on in the shadow of the irreplaceable, then this native Midwesterner would be a smart fit for Michigan. A career winner, he showed recruiting chops at Alabama. He owns victories against the likes of Kirby Smart, Dan Lanning and Steve Sarkisian.
TOPPMEYER: As Michigan endures fresh scandal, Ohio State looks better all the time
Like it. He has Michigan experience without connection to its scandals. Perhaps more important, he has Big Ten head coaching experience, although his two seasons at Washington are more deserving of a middling grade than an A+. He’s a fine option if bigger candidates say no.
Love it. Nobody should question whether Brohm could tussle with Ohio State. He already has. While coaching Purdue, his Boilermakers toppled Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes in 2018. He’s a shark in big games, with six upsets of top-11 opponents since 2018. He’s never been at a job of this magnitude. With Michigan’s resources, no telling what he might achieve.
No thanks. Now is the time for Michigan to pursue a clean break from the NCAA cheating that occurred under Jim Harbaugh. Minter received a one-year show-cause penalty earlier this year for recruiting violations. He was on Harbaugh's staff during the sign-stealing saga. Too many potholes to justify going down this road.
Love it … if he’d say yes. It’s a bit difficult to come up with an explanation for why he would, though. He enjoys an ideal situation at Notre Dame. No reason to leave, unless it’s for the NFL.
No thanks. If Kelly, 64, couldn’t make the playoff in four seasons at LSU, why would he be the right guy for Michigan? He wouldn’t. Kelly’s peak is behind him. He’d provide a dependable high floor, but Michigan should aim higher than 8-4 or 9-3.
No thanks. Poggi, 65, doesn’t exactly scream exciting new direction, and the hire of a coach who went 6-16 in two seasons at Charlotte wouldn’t send a shiver down Ryan Day’s spine. If Michigan's next coach wants to retain Poggi in some capacity, that’s a conversation worth having. In the meantime, Poggi needs to keep the lights on and do his best to keep the roster intact.
Like it. Can he bring Diego Pavia with him? Seriously, that’s the main question with Lea. Is his success the past two seasons the sign of a brilliant coach who’s figured this out, or more a credit to Pavia? Perhaps a little of both, but anyone who wins at Vanderbilt the way he has the past two seasons is worth an inquiry.
Like it. He’d be new to Big Ten terrain, but he’s been excellent for Missouri, to the tune of 29 victories the past three seasons at a school where averaging 10 wins hasn’t historically come easily. Michigan would bring a different level of expectations. How would he handle that? That’s the question surrounding Drinkwitz with jobs like these. Might be time to find out.
Like it. You want someone from the Curt Cignetti mold, as in an older coach who’s won everywhere he’s been? Here’s one. Fritz, 65, crushed it at the junior college, Division II and FCS levels. Then he won at Tulane. Now, he’s fresh off a 9-3 season at Houston, his first Power Four job. We haven’t seen a job yet that’s too big for Fritz.
Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan football coach candidates: Like it, love it or no thanks
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Burnley and Fulham.
Here are some of your comments:
Burnley fans
John: The Newcastle game was a flash in the pan. Back down to earth with this inept performance. Offensively pretty clueless. Defensively, we are going backwards and in truth, the score flattered us. Big changes now inevitable.
Gareth: Overall we played quite well against a lively Fulham team and created more chances than usual. We lost because of three awful pieces of defending as Martin Dubravka didn't have much else to do. However, this is happening every week now, the defence just isn't good enough for this level. I doubt a change of manager will make any real difference but I'm sure Scott Parker will know that this losing streak has to end soon if he is to keep the majority of fans on his side.
Richard: Same again, lacking any sort of finisher in the opposition box. Last season, our top goalscorer was our midfielder Josh Brownhill, and with no real finisher in the team this season we are struggling. Armando Broja and Lyle Foster both look short on confidence.
John: Two poor selections by Parker as Axel Tuanzebe is not a full-back so Oliver Sonne should have started while Foster isn't a right-winger so Marcus Edwards or Jaidon Anthony should have started. We seem to be going backwards now. Poor passing, poor concentration and poor marking. A team that was excellent in defence last season is giving away too many cheap goals.
Fulham fans
Kevin: What could have been a comfortable win became a nerve-wracking final quarter as our defence was poor again. Better teams will, and have already, take advantage of sloppy passing and poor decision-making.
James: A great attacking performance. They looked good all game (especially Harry Wilson) and deserved to win the game. The defence were not looking at their best but I'm happy Antonee Robinson is back.
Nick: Big collective sigh of relief but we should have had that game wrapped up by half-time. Please Mr Khan/Marco Silva, can we get a striker sorted early January, you're going to bring Raul's career to a premature end if you keep on like this. The chap is exhausted.
Will: Very, very important win. Breaking a generational dry streak at Turf Moor to help move us away from the bottom. Wilson is a true magician.
LeBron James scored 26 points and clashed with Dillon Brooks as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns 116-114 on Sunday.
The Lakers were 20 points ahead in the fourth quarter when the Suns fought back to take a one-point lead with 12 seconds remaining after a three-pointer by Brooks.
In a frantic end to the game in Phoenix, Brooks then bumped James, drawing his second technical foul of the night and an ejection.
James, 40, missed the technical free throw but was then fouled by Suns' Devin Booker on a three-point attempt and made two of three free throws with three seconds left to put the Lakers back ahead.
"It's the NBA, no boys allowed," James said of his tangle with Brooks, 29.
"We're out there competing and we were able to get the last laugh."
James, the NBA's record scorer, also made four assists and three rebounds, and blocked Grayson Allen's potential game-winning three-pointer for Phoenix late on.
His Lakers team-mate Luka Doncic finished with 29 points, six assists and three rebounds, while Deandre Ayton scored 20 points.
"We got behind the eight ball a lot in the fourth quarter, but I thought for the majority of the game our physicality was good," James added.
The Lakers are top of the Western Conference Pacific, with the Suns in second place.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is unlikely to get any "protection" after making cryptic comments seemingly aimed at the club's ownership, says former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.
"It was very similar to the Mo Salah situation last week where it was very premeditated," the ex-England striker said on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show.
"He knows exactly what he is saying. The board and owners at Chelsea will know it is aimed at them.
"You've got to respect the owners of a football club. They employ you and bring you in, so it's their way and I feel he's gone a bit against that.
"It is something that's clearly happened, whether it's a disagreement or he feels his job is under pressure. He doesn't feel it should be because of the two trophies he's won and the points he's picked up.
"I don't feel like he's a manager that will backtrack. He has got a passion about him and a drive about him. Whether he has heard things, like the club might want him out and he's been proactive to go on the front foot, you don't know why he's done it. It's very strange.
"I don't think he'll get the protection now he's come out and done what he has done. That will be very difficult for the club to come and protect him, which is a shame."
Watch the Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport YouTube and listen on BBC Sounds.
Jake Paul attempts the impossible when he steps in the ring with two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua on Friday in Miami.
Joshua is a huge favourite against the YouTuber turned professional boxer and is expected to stop Paul within a few rounds.
Netflix once again enter the boxing world with Paul at the helm of a huge event, while Joshua returns from a year out of action.
Can Paul pull off the upset of the century? Or will Joshua bring an end to the Paul era of boxing?
Everything you need to know about the event is below.
Live text commentary will begin from 03:00 GMT on Saturday, 20 December on the BBC Sport website and app, covering all the build-up to the main event.
BBC Sport will bring you coverage from the fight week in Miami with Steve Bunce delivering daily episodes of his 5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce podcast.
The first fight on the card is expected to begin at 21:45 on Friday, 19 December.
Caroline Dubois defends her world title on the preliminary card before the main card kicks off at 01:00 on Saturday, 20 December.
We expect the Paul v Joshua ringwalk to happen around 03:30 UK time, perhaps a little later depending on how long the main card fights go.
Paul v Joshua main card from 01:00 GMT 20 December
Paul v Joshua preliminary card from 21:45pm GMT 19 December
Despite concerns about safety, this will be a professional fight. It is being sanctioned by the Florida Athletic Commission.
Joshua will fight Paul in three, eight-minute rounds. The bout will be contested at heavyweight and each man will wear 10oz gloves, the normal size for a heavyweight fight.
Team Paul and Joshua say knockouts are permitted, BBC Sport has reached out to the Florida Athletic Commission to confirm.
The only reported stipulation is with the weight. Joshua is a natural heavyweight, while Paul has fought most of his career a cruiserweight.
Joshua cannot weigh more than 17st 7lb (11i1kg) on the day of the weigh-in.
Tuesday
Open workouts from 23:00 (18:00 local time) at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Shannon Courtenay will take on Jessica Maltez in a six-round bantamweight bout as part of event.
Wednesday
News conference from 23:00 (18:00 local time) at Fillmore Miami Beach.
Thursday
Weigh-in from 23:00 (18:00 local time)at Fillmore Miami Beach.
Joshua and Paul's records are as far away as you could imagine.
Joshua is a two-time heavyweight world champion and has been in the ring with Oleksandr Usyk (x2), Joseph Parker, Daniel Dubois, Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin, Dillian Whyte and Andy Ruiz Jr.
The 36-year-old's four defeats came against Ruiz, Dubois and Usyk. He has a formidable knockout record too, with 25 stoppages in 28 wins.
Paul swapped pranks on YouTube for the boxing ring in 2018 before beginning to take the sport seriously, turning pro in 2020. He spent the majority of his early fights taking on ageing UFC fighters before in 2023 he suffered his only loss to Tommy Fury.
The 28-year-old has won his last six fights, including a drab eight-round contest with 58-year Mike Tyson.
His biggest win to date is over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, who was deported by US Immigration and arrested in Mexico for links to the Sinaloa cartel soon after their contest.
Wins for Paul include over UFC fighter turned bare-knuckle boxing star Mike Perry and former UFC stars Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren.
Joshua has fought in 13 world title fights, Paul is yet to compete at an elite level.
As well as experience and pedigree, there is also a significant height and reach gap.
Joshua stands at 6ft 6in with a 82in reach, while Paul is 6ft 1in with a 76in reach.
Paul does have one advantage. Joshua has spent 14 months out of the ring since his knockout loss to Dubois, while Paul has fought twice in the same period.
Forward Kelechi Iheanacho came off with a recurrence of a hamstring injury in Celtic's Premier Sports Cup final defeat by St Mirren. (Herald - subscription required)
Wilfried Nancy appeals for trust and patience after losing his first three matches in charge of Celtic. (Sun)
Nancy accepts actions are more important than words as he tries to turn around Celtic's form. (Record)
The Frenchman backs himself to improve Celtic's fortunes. (Scotsman - subscription required)
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton sympathises with Nancy. (Sun)
Dundee United defender Vicko Sevelj is in danger of a suspension going into Wednesday's meeting with Celtic, with one more booking set to rule the Croatian out during a busy December. (Courier - subscription required)
Rangers attacker Mikey Moore, 18, wanted his detractors to "shut up" during a difficult start to his loan spell from Tottenham. (Glasgow Times - subscription required)
Stephen Kingsley says Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts go "into any game knowing" they can win. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription require)
Manager Jimmy Thelin credits captain Graeme Shinnie for Aberdeen's comeback win over Kilmarnock. (Press and Journal - subscription required)
Defender Ryan Astley's head knock is likely to keep him out of Dundee's trip to Motherwell on Saturday. (Courier - subscription required)
Scottish Premiership: Rangers v Hibernian
Date: Monday, 15 December Venue: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow Time: 19:45 GMT
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland Extra & Sounds, live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app
Rangers remain undefeated in the Scottish Premiership under Danny Rohl as they go looking for a third win over Hibernian this season.
The German has brought stability, served up with a dollop of pragmatism, after the freewheeling chaos and acrimony of the brief Russell Martin reign.
He has delivered five wins from seven in the league, which is as many as the team managed in their prior 18 outings.
Rangers have also kept four clean sheets in their past six top-flight matches, which is as many as they did in their previous 28.
Rohl rarely gives an interview without using the phrase "step forward" and those figures scream progress, although the bar had been set low and there have been recent disappointments in Europe.
Rangers sat sixth in the table when Rohl arrived, 13 points behind leaders Hearts. Now in fourth place, the gap is 12 but the Edinburgh side have played two games more.
This is not the one or two-horse race Scottish Premiership onlookers have been accustomed to, with Hearts losing just once in 17 outings, Motherwell showing remarkable consistency in a nine-game unbeaten league run, while champions Celtic are six points in front of their Old Firm rivals but enduring a major wobble under new boss WIlfried Nancy.
If Rangers can do an Edinburgh double over Hibs and Hearts in the next six days, they could go into 2026 revitalised and very much in the title mix.
Monday's game is an opportunity to nudge into third but playing catch-up is a high-wire act for Rohl, who cannot afford to lose ground.
The stakes are high for the visitors too since David Gray's side could also take that third spot.
Hibs did win on their last league visit to Ibrox, a 2-0 success in April, but had lost 11 in a row in Govan beforehand.
Many made them favourites for September's Premeir Sports Cup tie against a backdrop of furious protests against Martin, but they barely laid a glove on the hosts after the video assistant referee (VAR) spotted a handball from Martin Boyle as he slotted past Jack Butland.
At Easter Road, in what was Rohl's second Premiership match, Danilo accepted an early gift and Rangers dug in stubbornly to protect their lead, thankful for a late penalty save from Butland to deny Jamie McGrath.
Hibs have yet to beat any of the teams above them in the table this term and Gray tends to lean toward caution in big games on the road.
There was a 0-0 at Celtic Park in late September, while an added-time goal denied them the same outcome in a dire derby at Tynecastle a few days later.
"We've already demonstrated against top teams that we can go toe-to-toe with them," said Gray.
"It is so tight at the moment. If you can put back-to-back wins together it can make a big difference."
Injuries have left Rangers weakened at the back, so it might be best to try a different approach this time, while those defensive frailties may encourage Rohl to put the emphasis on attack too, given the importance of this period for his side.
Rangers expect to be able to call on the services of Nasser Djiga for the last time until next month as the centre-half heads to the Africa Cup of Nations with Burkina Faso.
Midfielder Mohamed Diomande returns from suspension, but Bojan Miovski is a doubt after sustaining a leg injury in the second half of Thursday's Europa League defeat away to Ferencvaros.
John Souttar, Derek Cornelius, Nedim Bajrami and Oliver Antman are sidelined.
Hibs will be without centre-back Rocky Bushiri (DR Congo) but have been granted permission to play left-back Jordan Obita (Uganda) and midfielder Miguel Chaiwa (Zambia) before they leave for the Afcon tournament in Morocco.
Voting is now open for the Team of the Year award that will be presented at Sports Personality of the Year 2025.
England's Euro 2025-winning women's football team, the country's Women's Rugby World Cup champions, and the triumphant European Ryder Cup team have been shortlisted for the prize.
Voting will close and the winner will be announced during the live show on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday, 18 December.
Last year, the Team of the Year prize was awarded to all-conquering rugby league side Wigan Warriors.
Below you can vote for the team you think should win - and find out more about the contenders.
England were once again crowned European champions after a penalty shootout win over world champions Spain in the Euro 2025 final in July.
Victory meant the Lionesses became the first senior England football team to win a major trophy on foreign soil.
They did it the hard way - conceding first in all three of their knockout matches and becoming the only side in Euros history to have three different matches go to extra time.
But their never-say-die attitude, and some dramatic interventions by substitutes, helped Sarina Wiegman's squad become only the second country to retain a Euros title.
England won the Women's Rugby World Cup in scintillating fashion in September, beating Canada 33-13 in front of a world record crowd of 81,885 at Twickenham.
It was the first time the Red Roses had lifted the trophy since 2014.
In their quarter-final victory over Scotland, they broke their own world record for the longest unbeaten run by an international rugby union side, and extended it to 33 without a loss in the final. Their last defeat came in the 2022 World Cup final.
Earlier in 2025, they won a fourth consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam and a seventh consecutive title.
Europe held off a thrilling American resurgence to claim a Ryder Cup on US soil for only the fifth time, and the first since their legendary 'Miracle of Medinah' triumph in 2012.
Luke Donald's side shrugged off a hostile New York crowd at Bethpage Black to open up a record seven-point lead after two days, having dominated the foursomes and fourballs formats.
They had to show nerve to survive a remarkable United States comeback on the final day, but secured a 15-13 win to make it back-to-back victories.
The Europeans have now triumphed in six of the past eight Ryder Cups.
"I have to tell you, I love that kid."
Ruben Amorim's first public observations on Mason Mount after his appointment as Manchester United head coach just over a year ago have stood the test of time.
It has taken longer than hoped for United's fanbase to come to the same conclusion, but Mount's goal and overall performance at Wolves last week had them purring.
Suddenly, the hole left by the impending departure of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) doesn't look quite so difficult to fill.
Mount's game intelligence plus his awareness and ability to play in tight spaces are coming to the fore. Now the phrase most used about him is: "His quality was never in doubt."
Almost two and a half years into the five-year contract he signed in July 2023, Mount's own bold declarations about the future have some meaning.
"I am hugely ambitious," he said on his arrival at Old Trafford. "I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it.
"I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United."
It is fair to say the statement of intent Mount made after completing his £55m move from Chelsea is yet to be fulfilled.
A Champions League and Club World Cup winner with Chelsea, Mount was an injury-time substitute for United's 2024 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. He started the Europa League final defeat by Tottenham in May and was part of the United squad that finished 15th.
Not that the 26-year-old regrets leaving boyhood club Chelsea.
Speak privately to people who know Mount well and you get the impression restoring United's fortunes offered the kind of challenge that enthused him.
Under Erik ten Hag at the time, the club made it clear they wanted him. That matters. It still does. That is why Amorim's first words were perfectly put.
As the former Sporting coach assessed the squad he was inheriting, he knew in Mount he was getting a high-level, flexible player who could fit into a variety of different positions within his system, something Amorim felt he did not have enough of.
Left, right, as an orthodox number 10, as a six, or an eight, Mount has a range of experiences that make him very useful for a coach who regards adaptability as a key weapon.
"He's a very smart player," was Amorim's response when asked about Mount on Friday before Monday's Premier League game with Bournemouth. "He's really technical.
"Sometimes being a technical player is not just having fun with the ball. It's the quality of the pass, the reception, how to receive the ball. Mason can balance our team quite well."
Amorim is not alone at United's Carrington training ground in recognising Mount's qualities. He is certainly not the only one genuinely glad a player who can offer so much is able to put injury issues to one side and deliver performances on a consistent basis.
No-one would argue the past couple of years have been easy. Mount himself has admitted dealing with two extended absences and a couple of smaller frustrating ones was tough.
But staff around Carrington admired the professional attitude Mount adopted throughout his various recoveries.
Training-ground sources have said the player left no stone unturned in pursuit of staying fit and was regularly one of the last to leave after long stints in the ice bath and sauna sessions.
He is regarded as a link within Amorim's squad - someone who knits groups of players together - which has been particularly evident this season when, it is generally acknowledged, United's players have remained tight and focused on delivering better results.
Mount is also well liked by non-football staff because he is helpful, which is not something that can be taken for granted in the playing department at United or any other club. He spends time with a couple of kids who are regulars outside the training ground, has spoken with them and their parents and still wears a bracelet one of them gave him.
These traits are all positives on a human scale.
However, in the pressurised world of the Premier League, they are side issues compared to delivering on the pitch - and just now, he is on a roll.
Outstanding in the win at Crystal Palace on 30 November, Mount followed up with an excellent performance against Wolves, who were admittedly poor at Molineux but proved they can be obdurate and diligent in their unlucky loss at Arsenal.
Goals in both victories have taken his overall tally for United to seven, to match his shirt number, a fact not lost on the club's content creators who put them all on the app and launched a vote for which was the best. His second in the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao - a two-touch, 50-yard effort to seal a 4-1 win - came out on top.
The idea over the next few weeks and months is to widen that particular area of debate as United push for a European place - their overall aim - and try to secure a top-five berth likely to deliver a return to the Champions League a year before schedule.
Mount won the most recent of his 36 England caps in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final defeat by France in Qatar.
Despite three years without an international appearance, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has not forgotten him.
Mount revealed in the summer his former manager at Chelsea had been in touch. The pair were spotted chatting after last month's home defeat by Everton and while competition for World Cup places is fierce and Mount is rated as unlikely to break in at this stage, it cannot entirely be discounted.
The player himself is not setting that as a target. Sources say his focus and drive remains on delivering on those first words following his arrival from Chelsea.
Mount recognises turning the United tanker around has to be a collective effort but there are signs it is heading in the right direction, even if the process is lengthy and not without the odd glitch.
He clearly has a significant role though. Mount has missed one game so far this season though injury. His impact is starting to be felt.
Just as United prepare to lose two significant attacking forces to Afcon, they can look for Mount to deliver in their absence with an increased feeling of confidence.
The Chargers defeated the Chiefs on Sunday afternoon, knocking Kansas City out of playoff contention. So, how much did it increase their chances of making the playoffs?
Here's a look at how Los Angeles' win over Kansas City impacts its playoff chances.
Sitting at 10-4 going after the win, the Chargers have a 95% chance of making the postseason, according to The Athletic's Playoff Simulator. They entered Week 15 with a 78% chance.
The Chargers will face the NFL's 6th-hardest schedule the remainder of the season, per Tankathon. They have two matchups remaining against teams with winning records (Broncos and Texans), as well as the Cowboys.
Below is a look at Los Angeles' remaining opponents:
Week 16: at Dallas Cowboys
Week 17: vs. Houston Texans
Week 18: at Denver Broncos
The Chargers entered Week 15 in second place in the standings. They remain there and are still two games back from first place in the division.
If the season ended today, the Chargers would travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' playoff odds, remaining schedule, division standings
England have overlooked spinner Shoaib Bashir for the crucial third Ashes Test against Australia in Adelaide.
The tourists, who need to win to keep alive hopes of regaining the urn, have made one change from the team beaten in the second Test in Brisbane.
As expected, Josh Tongue replaces fellow pace bowler Gus Atkinson.
It is the omission of 22-year-old Bashir that is most striking for a Test where spin is likely to play an important role.
England have instead retained all-rounder Will Jacks after he played his first Test in three years in Brisbane.
It is a huge decision by England captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum for a Test where jobs and reputations could be on the line.
It calls into question the entire experiment involving Bashir, whom England have asked to learn on the job in Test cricket over the past two years.
Bashir's absence from the first two Tests in Australia has been explained by the conditions.
Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon bowled only two overs in the first Test and then was left out of the second.
But Lyon will return on Wednesday (23:30 GMT Tuesday) on a ground where no other bowler has taken more than his 63 Test wickets, with legendary Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne just behind on 56.
The importance of spin will likely be accentuated by the extreme temperatures forecast in Adelaide - as high as 39C for Thursday's second day.
England have previously backed Bashir as their frontline spinner, despite him not being the first-choice slow bowler for his county Somerset. Bashir's deal at Taunton expired at the end of the season and he is yet to sign a new one.
Stokes and McCullum felt Bashir had the attributes to succeed in Australia, mainly a high release point and the ability to extract bounce from the surface.
His performances in an England shirt since making his debut in India at the beginning of 2024 have been a qualified success. Bashir's 68 wickets in 19 Tests have come at an average of 39, and in May he became the youngest England bowler to reach 50 wickets.
But Bashir has not played for England since breaking his finger in the third Test against India in July. His best moment in an England shirt was also his most recent act - taking the wicket to win that thrilling Test at Lord's.
Before the Brisbane Test, when off-spinning all-rounder Jacks was selected ahead of Bashir, Stokes still backed Bashir as the tourists' frontline spinner.
England XI for third Ashes Test v Australia: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
But he has struggled in Australia, returning figures of 2-266 in two tour matches. Bashir has also looked short of rhythm in the nets.
England did not select another specialist spinner in their squad - the likes of Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson and Jack Leach were overlooked.
It means England will rely on Jacks, primarily a batter and with six first-class wickets this year.
In contrast, Australia can call on Lyon, the 38-year-old who sits seventh on the all-time list of Test wicket-takers with 562. Lyon needs two in Adelaide to leapfrog great Australia seamer Glenn McGrath in sixth.
Speaking before England confirmed their XI, Lyon said: "I would be surprised if their number one spinner is not playing. Will Jacks, I thought he played a pretty decent role in Brisbane with the opportunity he had.
"I'm not really concerned what XI England produce. We'll worry about what we're doing, and control what we can control."
Head coach McCullum previously admitted England were unlikely to make changes to their batting line-up, so Tongue is the only new face from the side beaten in Brisbane.
In the pace department, both teams are likely to rotate in the final three Tests, which are played back-to-back.
Australia will have the luxury of Pat Cummins returning in Adelaide after the captain missed the first two Tests with a back injury.
England's Atkinson struggled in the first two Tests. His three wickets have come at a cost of 78 runs each and two of them were taken when the second Test was as good as over.
Tongue, 28, has taken 31 wickets in six Tests, including dismissing Australia's Steve Smith in both innings when he played his only previous Ashes match at Lord's in 2023.
Meanwhile, England batter Harry Brook has recognised his own shortcomings in the series so far.
Brook made 52 in the first innings of the first Test in Perth, but has not passed 31 in his three other knocks. He said the shots he played to be dismissed in the second innings in Perth and first innings in Brisbane were "shocking".
"Sometimes I've got to rein it in a little bit," said Brook. "To learn when to absorb the pressure a little bit more and realise when the opportunity arises to put the pressure back on.
"I feel like I haven't done that as well as I usually do. There's no reason behind that, I just haven't identified those situations well enough."
FRESNO, CA (KSEE/KGPE) – Sports Central’s Dylan Morgan runs through some of the most must-see moments from Fresno State Football in the 2025 regular season.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.After a weekend of late drama, Wales' Challenge Cup trio will go into January with strong hopes of qualifying for knockout rugby.
While Scarlets once again emerged with credit in defeat in the Champions Cup - going close to leaving holders Bordeaux-Begles with what would have been a precious four-try bonus - it was the second-tier tournament that provided Welsh joy.
Ospreys will push for a last-16 tie at Brewery Field in the New Year after going two from two by winning at Montauban.
Cardiff beat Ulster with the last kick through Callum Sheedy and Dragons recorded an unlikely success against Lyon thanks to Angus O'Brien slotting an 80th-minute conversion.
BBC Sport Wales looks back at the second weekend of Challenge Cup action.
In round one Ospreys fought back from a 21-0 deficit to stun Connacht - and in round two it was Dragons that came back for an unlikely victory in the Sunday afternoon slot.
The Irish province paid the price for being wasteful when in a position of strength in Bridgend and the same applied for Lyon in Newport.
Last season's runners-up really should have been celebrating a bonus-point win but instead their hopes of the last 16 are looking dodgy.
Dragons trailed 21-6 with quarter of an hour to go but their driving line-out led to a double by fit-again flanker Harri Keddie - an influential and underrated figure - either side of hooker Oli Burrows' try.
The Rodney Parade club have struggled in attack this season but the rolling maul, drilled by forwards coach Sam Hobbs, is proving to be a useful weapon.
Filo Tiatia's men will need to be much, much better to end the wait for a United Rugby Championship win in the coming weeks, starting against Connacht in Newport on Saturday, but they showed tenacity to finally get a victory.
Time will tell whether the release of pressure can lead to a turnaround in fortunes against better teams than Lyon.
Arguably it is the Boxing Day trip to Cardiff - who have a winning streak in the eastern Welsh derby that goes back to April 2015 - that will be the true test of this Dragons team.
It had been seven weeks since Cardiff had previously played at the Arms Park and they took advantage of home comforts with an outstanding win against Ulster.
The Cardiff crowd of just under 7,000 were treated to an eight try-thriller with the hosts completing a remarkable comeback to win 29-26 and keep their Challenge Cup dream alive.
The night started with Keiron Assiratti, Ben Thomas and Rory Thornton leading the side out with their families to mark their 100th games for the Blue and Blacks.
There was also the sight of full-back Leigh Halfpenny, 37 next week, returning for his first Cardiff game in more than 11 years.
And the night finished with Wales fly-half Callum Sheedy kicking the match-winning penalty to the delight of the home crowd, whose noise inspires their side.
"The crowd were brilliant," said Sheedy. "They always are here at Arms Park. It feels like when we need them, they step up and there's no feeling quite like it.
"When we're chasing that win at the end and you can just feel them right behind us. It makes you feel invincible out there."
The hosts, who have won all four home fixtures this season, had trailed 26-12 with 15 minutes remaining.
"It shows what we've got in the squad," said Sheedy.
"It always felt like we were in it, never felt like we were out. It shows we've got a special group."
Cardiff now head into three derbies vital for their United Rugby Championship play-off hopes - Scarlets and Dragons head to the Arms Park before a New Year's Day trip to Bridgend to face Ospreys.
Ospreys have won their past two matches despite players, coaches and supporters having to put up with a lot of off-the-field issues.
Question marks surrounding their future has also seen speculation that Wales captains Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan will leave for Gloucester next season - and others could follow.
Head coach Mark Jones spoke about those problems in depth before the 33-22 victory against Montauban and afterwards praised the character of his squad.
"It's awesome, I'm so pleased for the boys, they've come out and worked hard all week," said the former Wales wing.
"They've had limited training time with the travel and to put up a performance like that, they can be proud."
Jones selected a side without rested Wales internationals Lake, Gareth Thomas, Dan Edwards, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Rhys Davies, James Ratti and Harri Deaves.
"Having fresh bodies is the best way of playing with that energy," said Jones.
"We know in lots of our positions in the team, there's not much difference between the players.
"They're very competitive, there's not a lot to choose in some positions, so we wanted to give the guys the opportunity and reward them for the work they've been doing in the background and I am pleased for those guys coming in."
The missing players will come into contention for the home match against Munster in Bridgend next Saturday.
"It has given me a real headache now around selection for next week," said Jones.
While both Cardiff and Ospreys won, the off-the-politics are never far away with rumours of a link-up in the future between the two teams. However unpopular that scenario is.
Ospreys owners, Y11 Sport & Media, have been linked with taking over Welsh Rugby Union-owned Cardiff, with the move creating dismay among both sets of supporters on social media.
The Welsh Rugby Union are looking for a way to cut the number of men's professional side from four to three. Ospreys owners buying Cardiff might provide a neat solution for them.
Discussions are expected to continue between the WRU and other interested parties about the Cardiff takeover.
In April, the WRU stepped in after Cardiff temporarily went into administration.
The Blue and Blacks might be owned by the WRU but that does not stop the club providing a platform for criticism of Welsh rugby's governing body in the match programme for the Ulster game.
The CF10 Rugby Trust, an independent Cardiff supporters group, produced an article welcoming back Leigh Halfpenny but also reflecting on what they perceive as recent WRU failures.
An extract read: "He [Halfpenny] was part of a Cardiff side that had been allowed to develop over time with steady, reliable funding, and youngsters coming into that environment felt the benefit.
"The past 10 years in Welsh rugby have sadly offered a less ideal stage for young talents.
"So often our professional teams have been unable to know what their budgets are until too late in the day to recruit properly. So often, jobs on and off the field have been put under threat."
The programme article continued: "Over these past 17 years, Welsh pro rugby has lost its way. We have been badly let down by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
"By creating a situation of chronic instability, the game's leaders have let down every young player dreaming of professional rugby and following in Halfpenny's footsteps. Welsh rugby continues to go through a period of chronic uncertainty."
(KSEE/KGPE) –Scott Bemis chats with Bulldog defenders Jadon Pearson and Michael Jordan Jr. in our Ultimate Insider Segment ahead of Fresno State’s trip to the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl on Dec. 27. Ultimate Insider is brought to you by FFB Bank.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.The NFL is called a week-to-week league for a reason.
The Green Bay Packers were reminded of that on Sunday.
One week they're living large having just overtaken the Chicago Bears for first in the NFC North and climbing the playoff ladder. The next, they come crashing down with a stinging loss on many levels, falling to the Denver Broncos, while losing their spot in the division and falling to the seventh and final spot in the NFC playoff picture.
That's life in the crowded NFC when one loss can change your position very quickly.
The good news - though it might be hard for Packers fans to find it knowing the injuries the team suffered on Sunday - is that they can change their fortunes in six short days.
The Packers and Bears meet again and first place in the NFC North will again be at stake. A win will get them closer to punching their ticket to the playoffs.
Here's the latest on the Packers' playoff odds, NFC North standings, playoff picture and remaining schedule:
Packers-Bears Round 2 is up next.
For the second time in three weeks, the Packers (9-4-1) and Bears (10-4) will play with first place in the division on the line.
The Packers beat the Bears, 28-21, on Sunday, Dec. 7, in a thriller at Lambeau Field. Now, Green Bay heads to Chicago in the rematch. A win for the Packers would not only put them atop the NFC North but also back in the No. 2 seed in the playoff picture.
Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Soldier Field.
While their long-term prospects took a major hit with the latest round of injuries, the Packers are still in good shape to make the playoffs even after the loss to the Broncos.
According to the New York Times' playoff simulator, the Packers have a 92% chance of making the playoffs following the games on Sunday.
If the Packers beat the Bears next week, their playoff odds will be greater than 99%. A loss drops their odds to 85% and fans will likely begin getting a little more nervous.
Entering the game against the Broncos, there was a chance for the Packers to be the No. 1 seed after Week 15 if they won and the Los Angeles Rams lost. Well, both of those outcomes didn't happen so earning that top spot looks to be gone. They have less than a 1% chance to get the No. 1 seed, which comes with a first-round bye.
The Rams' win over the Detroit Lions did put greater separation between the Packers and their NFC North rival who continues to be shockingly on the outside of the playoff picture. The Lions (8-6) are two games back of the Packers in the loss column and one in the win column with three games to play. Two more wins for the Packers guarantees Green Bay with a better record than Detroit no matter how the Lions finish. Green Bay beat the Lions twice this season.
The Lions' chances to make the playoffs is just 27% after Week 15.
Here are the standings after Sunday's games. The Los Angeles Rams remained the No. 1 seed by winning a shootout over the Detroit Lions, while the Bears switched spots with the Packers after their win over the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay's loss later in the day.
In the hunt: Detroit Lions (8-6), Carolina Panthers (7-7), Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
Eliminated: Minnesota Vikings (6-8), Atlanta Falcons (5-9), New Orleans Saints (4-10), Washington Commanders (4-10), Arizona Cardinals (3-11), New York Giants (2-12)
The Packers' loss dropped them from first to second in the division standings, while the Bears moved back to the top. The division lead will be back on the line when the two teams square off on Saturday for the second time in three weeks.
The Packers have just three games left on their schedule. Their next two games will be played on Saturday night.
Here's the Packers' remaining schedule:
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Packers playoff chances: Next game, NFC standings, remaining schedule
The NFL is called a week-to-week league for a reason.
The Green Bay Packers were reminded of that on Sunday.
One week they're living large having just overtaken the Chicago Bears for first in the NFC North, riding a four-game winning streak and climbing the playoff ladder. The next, they come crashing down with a stinging loss on many levels, falling to the Denver Broncos, while losing their spot in the division and falling to the seventh and final spot in the NFC playoff picture.
That's life in the crowded NFC when one loss can change your position very quickly.
The good news - though it might be hard for Packers fans to find it knowing the injuries the team suffered on Sunday - is that they can change their fortunes in six short days.
The Packers and Bears meet again and first place in the NFC North will again be at stake. A win will get them closer to punching their ticket to the playoffs.
Here's the latest on the Packers' playoff odds, NFC North standings, playoff picture and remaining schedule:
Packers-Bears Round 2 is up next.
For the second time in three weeks, the Packers (9-4-1) and Bears (10-4) will play with first place in the division on the line.
The Packers beat the Bears, 28-21, on Sunday, Dec. 7, in a thriller at Lambeau Field. Now, Green Bay heads to Chicago in the rematch.
Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Soldier Field.
While their long-term prospects took a major hit with the latest round of injuries, the Packers are still in good shape to make the playoffs even after the loss.
According to the New York Times' playoff simulator, the Packers have a 92% chance of making the playoffs following the games on Sunday.
If the Packers beat the Bears next week, their playoff odds will be greater than 99%. A loss drops their odds to 85% and fans will likely begin getting a little more nervous.
Entering the game against the Broncos, there was a chance for the Packers to be the No. 1 seed after Week 15 if they won and the Los Angeles Rams lost. Well, both of those outcomes didn't happen so earning that top spot looks to be gone. They have less than a 1% chance to get the No. 1 seed, which comes with a first-round bye.
The Rams' win over the Detroit Lions did put greater separation between the Packers and their NFC North rival. The Lions (8-6) are two games back of the Packers in the loss column with three games to play. Two more wins for the Packers guarantees the Packers with a better record than Detroit. Green Bay beat the Lions twice this season.
The Lions' chances to make the playoffs is just 27% after Week 15.
Here are the standings after Sunday's games. The Los Angeles Rams remained the No. 1 seed by winning a shootout over the Detroit Lions, while the Bears switched spots with the Packers after their win over the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay's loss later in the day.
In the hunt: Detroit Lions (8-6), Carolina Panthers (7-7), Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
Eliminated: Minnesota Vikings (6-8), Atlanta Falcons (5-9), New Orleans Saints (4-10), Washington Commanders (4-10), Arizona Cardinals (3-11), New York Giants (2-12)
The Packers' loss dropped them from first to second in the division standings, while the Bears moved back to the top. The division lead will be back on the line when the two teams square off on Saturday for the second time in three weeks.
The Packers have just three games left on their schedule. Their next two games will be played on Saturday night.
Here's the Packers' remaining schedule:
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Packers playoff chances: Next game, NFC standings, remaining schedule
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Rise Gymnastics was founded in 2019 and six years later Owner and Founder Kevin Kirkland has continued his goal of helping shape young athletes, through hard work, dedication and their faith.
Rise Gymnastics on Sunday hosted a mock meet in preparation for the upcoming season. In attendance were five top 10 ranked athletes including a National Champion from last season, Swayzie Galvan. We caught up with Swayzie’s mother Miranda to talk about her daughters journey in this sport, as they gear up to defend her title, even moving up a class this year.
The season starts January 9th, with the National Championship taking place in June and July.
Sights and sounds from Sunday’s Mock meet | includes videos and images:
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is unlikely to get any "protection" after making cryptic comments seemingly aimed at the club's ownership, says former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.
The Italian described the build-up to Saturday's Premier League victory over Everton as "the worst 48 hours" since he arrived at the club in June 2024.
In an extraordinary outburst, the 45-year-old suggested that he and his team had not been supported before refusing to clarify who his comments were directed at.
"For me it was very similar to the Mo Salah situation last week where it was very premeditated," said the ex England striker on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, which you can now listen to on BBC Sounds.
"He knows exactly what he is saying and who he is aiming it at and the board and owners at Chelsea will know it is aimed at them."
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the English top flight but had only taken two points from the previous nine available prior to the weekend with a loss at Atalanta in the Champions League also thrown into that run.
And unlike the very public backing that Ruben Amorim received from Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe earlier this season, Rooney believes that Maresca's words will have done himself few favours if the club endure any further blips.
"You've got to respect the owners of a football club. They employ you and bring you in, so it's their way and I feel he's gone a bit against that," Rooney added.
"It is something that's clearly happened, whether it's a disagreement or he feels his job is under pressure and he doesn't feel it should be because of the two trophies he's won and the points he's picked up.
"I don't feel like he's a manager that will backtrack. He has got a passion about him and a drive about him. Whether he has heard things, like the club might want him out and he's been proactive to go on the front foot, you don't know why he's done it. It's very strange.
"I don't think he'll get the protection now he's come out and done what he has done. That will be very difficult for the club to come and protect him, which is a shame."
Watch the Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport YouTube, and iPlayer. Listen on BBC Sounds.
It’s this week’s Murphy’s Law commentary from SoundOff.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Through the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a total of 506 players suit up for them, going back to their days in Minneapolis. Some were forgettable, some were serviceable, some were good and a select few were flat-out legendary.
During the Lakers' 80th season of existence (they were founded back in 1946 as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League), LeBron Wire is taking a look at each player who has worn their jersey, whether it has been a purple and gold one or the ones they donned back in the Midwest during their early years.
Chariton Arnold Ferrin Jr. was a basketball star in college while at the University of Utah. In 1944, he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament as the Utes won the national championship, and three years later, he helped the school win a National Invitation Tournament title.
The Lakers took Ferrin in the third round of the 1948 draft, and he spent three seasons in the NBA, with all of them coming as a member of the Lakers. He averaged 5.8 points and 1.6 assists a game during that time and won championships during both of his first two seasons in the league.
After his NBA career ended, Ferrin had a short stint as the general manager of the American Basketball Association's Utah Stars in the 1970s, and afterward, he was the athletic director for the Utes from 1976 to 1985. During his time as athletic director, the Utes won a total of 10 national championships, including four NCAA titles in women's gymnastics.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers jersey history No. 18 — Chariton Arnold Ferrin Jr.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Season Pass episode 16 is here as High School football 5th round playoff action has concluded. Angelo State athletics coverage also highlighted this evening with ASU athletics on a break for a week before two more games before their holiday break officially starts soon. Here’s your Concho Valley sports recap from Season Pass!
This week’s episode includes:
-High school football playoffs State Semifinals
-Angelo State Athletics fall/winter sports update, including our ASU weekly recap | ASU Volleyball | ASU Men’s hoops | ASU Women’s hoops
– Dallas Cowboys keys to the game before SNF
– And a look at a few other sports stories including the College football playoffs , the Heisman race and Rise Gymnastics.
High School football week 16 recap | Class 3A | State Semifinal:
High School basketball week 16 local recap:
Angelo State Athletics weekly recap:
NFL & College Football updates: Dallas Cowboys, Heisman race, CFP playoff
Army/ Navy game prep | Rise Gymnastics:
Next week is the final episode of Season Pass before the two week holiday break.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
Sears and Murph go back and forth on more topics from the week.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Mr. Soundoff Says – Iowa men’s basketball coach Ben McCollum isn’t in to moral victories. The Hawkeyes lost to Iowa State in the annual CyHawk game, 66-62. Iowa built a 13 point lead but couldn’t hold it.
Despite being big underdogs, and playing well, McCollum says he doesn’t care about all that other stuff. He just wants to win.
John Sears says if you’re a Hawkeye fan you should like what you’re hearing and seeing from Iowa.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
The Minnesota Vikings may be eliminated from playoff contention, but you could not tell by the way this team played tonight. The Vikings went into Dallas and defeated the Cowboys 34-26. The offense looks like it is finally finding some semblance of cohesion, but it still has those growing pains. However, those pains are tolerable as this team has dropped 30+ points in back-to-back games.
With the game officially wrapped up, let's take a look at the winners and losers from today's performance.
Nine is heating up. J.J. McCarthy has put together two nice outings and looks to be figuring some things out. In this one, he went 15/24 for 250 yards and a 2/1 TD/INT ratio. The decision-making has improved dramatically since coming back from his concussion, and when the tempo and accuracy start coming together, McCarthy just might figure things out.
The Minnesota Vikings came into tonight's game ranked 22nd in the NFL in rushing yards per game. In the first half, the Vikings allowed just 44 yards. However, in the second half, the floodgates opened, as this team finished with 138 rush yards. Javonte Williams ran for 91 yards and a touchdown, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. There are certainly some things to clean up, and the rush defense needs to be a priority to sharpen up.
Jalen Nailor had his first career two-touchdown game, as he finished with just three receptions for 47 yards, but those two touchdowns were huge for this offense. Nailor appears to have the trust of McCarthy in the redzone, which, with the struggling connection with Justin Jefferson, McCarthy needs to have someone outside he can depend on. Speaking of which...
Yes, we have a neutral selection, but it needs to be talked about. The statistical performance was not good, as Justin Jefferson finished with just two receptions again for 22 yards. However, it is the eight targets that almost makes him a winner in my eyes. Jefferson had a touchdown early called back by a penalty, and another in the second half that went through his hands. The connection has struggled, yes, but this should be viewed as a positive stepping stone as we head toward the end of the season.
As we discussed at the top, the Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention before the team took the field, as the franchise needed the Cleveland Browns to beat the Chicago Bears. It was a rough start to the year, and it is tough to find positives in this season now that it is basically over. But these last two games should instill some optimism about this franchise and whether they can keep this going.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Winners and Losers from Vikings Week 15 win over the Cowboys
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois women’s basketball extended its winning streak to eight games on Sunday.
The Illini beat North Texas, 81-69, securing head coach Shauna Green’s 200th career win as a Division I head coach.
Illinois sophomore Berry Wallace led the way in scoring with a career high 28 points. The game was unconventionally messy. 50 fouls were called and the two teams combined for 39 turnovers.
Gretchen Dolan scored 19 for Illinois, while Maddie Webber added 16.
The day was highlighted by stellar shooting for Illinois. Green’s team made 11 of 17 shots from beyond the arc, good for 64.7%. The defense was solid for the home team, holding the Mean Green to 40% from the field.
Illinois improved to 10-1 on the season with the victory. Up next: The Illini host Jackson State on Friday, Dec. 19.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
The Los Angeles Lakers visited the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in a "make-up" game after both teams lost in the quarterfinal round of the Emirates NBA Cup on Wednesday. That meant another matchup between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks, the Suns forward who has always tried to brand himself as a villain of James.
Several times during Sunday's game, the two got involved in some extracurricular activities, and the most notable incident came toward the end of the game. After the Lakers had built a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter, Phoenix fought back frantically, and Brooks' 3-pointer with 12.2 seconds left brought it all the way back and gave it a 114-113 lead.
But Brooks bumped James right after that basket and was given a technical foul, which was his second of the game and resulted in his ejection. James was fouled while attempting a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession and hit two of the three resulting free throws, allowing Los Angeles to escape with a 116-114 victory.
After the game, James gave a measured response when asked about the nature of his competition against Brooks.
“He's going to compete. I'm going to compete. We're going to get up in each other's face. Tried not to go borderline with it. I don't really take it there. But we just competed. And did that almost all the way to the end of the game.”
The animosity Brooks has created between himself and the NBA's all-time leading scorer dates back to the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs when he was a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. During that series against the Lakers, he got into multiple incidents with James and got ejected early in the third quarter of Game 3 after committing a flagrant 2 foul on James. Following Game 2 of that matchup, he publicly called the future Hall of Famer "old."
It's one thing for an athlete to try to be, to borrow a term from professional wrestling, a heel. But oftentimes, such an effort sabotages his own team, and that has often been true for Brooks, whether his target has been James or a man on another NBA team.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LeBron James on incidents between him and Dillon Brooks on Sunday
The Los Angeles Lakers had some time off after getting run out of Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday by the San Antonio Spurs in Wednesday's Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal round game. They got back to work on Sunday in a "make-up" game at the Phoenix Suns, who also lost in the quarterfinal round on Wednesday.
The Lakers got out to a solid early lead, but after leading 22-16 with 4:54 left in the first quarter, Phoenix responded with a 20-9 run to go up 36-31 at the end of the period. It looked like Los Angeles still had some of the same deficiencies it displayed on Wednesday — it committed 13 turnovers in the first half, and Phoenix consistently capitalized off those mistakes.
L.A. managed to tie the score at 62 at halftime, and finally, late in the third quarter, it found a formula that worked on the defensive end. After trailing 77-71 with just over five minutes to go in the quarter, it scored an amazing 24 unanswered points stretching into the fourth quarter. The Lakers led 99-79 with 8:40 left in the game, and it looked like they were on their way to an easy win.
But they had to make things hard on themselves. They lost discipline and started to milk the clock offensively instead of continuing to play with some pace, which allowed Phoenix to continually nip away at their lead. After Marcus Smart had a layup attempt blocked with 20 seconds remaining, Dillon Brooks hit a 3-pointer off an offensive rebound to put Phoenix ahead 114-113 with 12 seconds left.
Luckily, the Suns lost just enough composure after that. After hitting that trey, Brooks bumped LeBron James and was called for a technical foul. James missed the technical free throw, but he was then fouled on a 3-point attempt on the ensuing possession. He made two of the three resulting free throws, and after Grayson Allen missed, Marcus Smart was fouled. Smart made the first foul shot and intentionally missed the second to provide the finishing touches on a 116-114 Lakers victory.
Ultimately, the Lakers earned this victory. They pounded the offensive boards and had a 24-10 edge in offensive rebounds and a 54-37 overall advantage in rebounding, not to mention 25 second-chance points. They also attempted 43 free throws compared to 25 for Phoenix, and while they committed a total of 22 turnovers, Phoenix had 20 turnovers of their own.
Hachimura wasn't aggressive offensively in this game, and when he did look to shoot the basketball, he couldn't get his shot to fall. He took only five shot attempts, four of which were 3-pointers, and he made only one of them, which limited him to three points. However, he did have seven rebounds, two steals and one assist in 31 minutes to help the Lakers' cause.
Smart went 2-of-7 from the field and 1-of-5 from 3-point range, giving him eight points, but he helped out in other areas. He had four rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal in 32 minutes, and he was one player who helped the Lakers outhustle and outwork Phoenix for a good chunk of the second half.
Ayton went 10-of-11 from the field, and he wasn't just getting easy layups near the rim. Six of his made baskets came outside the restricted area, and two of them were taken from outside of the paint. He ended up with 20 points, but that wasn't the best aspect of his performance on Sunday.
His effort on the boards was very impressive. He fought hard for rebounds and ended up with 13 of them, and in his spare time, he contributed two steals and one block in 30 minutes.
It's starting to look like James is settling back into a superstar level of production after taking some time to get into game shape following his 14-game absence to start the season. Versus Phoenix, he shot 8-of-17 from the field and scored 26 points, to go along with four assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Had the Lakers bothered to shoot better than 7-of-37 from downtown, James would've easily had a few more assists.
He did, however, commit eight turnovers, with six of them coming in the first half. So far this season, he has kept his turnovers down, but over the years, ball security has been a problem for him at times.
James and his old adversary, Dillon Brooks, got into it a couple of times during this game, other than in the final seconds when Brooks bumped him. In the first half, Brooks pushed James, and in the third quarter, James apparently retaliated by committing an offensive foul on the forward. As has often been the case, Brooks' desire to be the villain backfired — his collision with James near the end of the game got him ejected, as he was called for his second technical foul.
Doncic just couldn't get his shots to go through the hoop consistently in this game. He went 7-of-25 overall and 2-of-14 from 3-point land, and outside of the second quarter, he made only four of his 20 shot attempts. He finished with 29 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. This was the first time in exactly a month he didn't reach 30 points in a game.
The Slovenian superstar also had problems with ball security. He committed five turnovers in the first half and six for the game, and like James, he has had turnover problems over the years.
Vanderbilt made only his second appearance in the Lakers' last 11 games, and he got meaningful playing time for the first time in about a month. It is fair to say he made the most of the 15 minutes he received on Sunday.
He entered the game to start the second quarter, and just 18 seconds into the period, he scored a bucket right after getting an offensive rebound. A few minutes later, he drew a moving screen violation on the Suns. Midway through the second quarter, he got a steal and drew a clear path foul, which resulted in two made free throws for him and a made basket by Doncic on the Lakers' subsequent possession.
Vanderbilt's energy defensively and on the boards made a palpable impact, and he led the Lakers in plus-minus with a plus-13. He grabbed seven rebounds and had two steals, and he scored seven points on five shot attempts. He will never be any type of offensive threat, but he will always be a grinder who will make a real impact on the court whenever he wants to.
LaRavia, as has been the case too often this season, had trouble hitting, as he went 2-of-9 from the field and missed all four of his 3-point tries. But he had eight rebounds, and he played some effective, opportunistic defense in this game, especially in the second half. He tallied two steals and two blocks, and his defensive pressure helped force a number of Suns mistakes when L.A. made its big run in the second half.
In 18 minutes, Hayes snatched nine rebounds, scored 12 points on 4-of-4 field-goal shooting and 4-of-5 from the free throw line and added two assists. During the third quarter, he ran the floor hard on a fast break off a LaRavia steal, and LaRavia fed him for a poster dunk while he got fouled.
He has been playing with very good energy this season, which has allowed him to ably fill in for Ayton when Ayton has gotten rest.
In 19 minutes, Vincent made two of his five shot attempts and one of his three 3-point attempts to score five points, and he also had one steal.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers player grades: L.A. holds on to defeat Suns after uneven effort
COURTESY HONOLULU MARATHON ASSOCIATION Runner Tuemay Weldlibanos won the Honolulu Marathon finishing at Kapiolani Park today with a time of 2 hours and 13.38 minutes.
1 /2 COURTESY HONOLULU MARATHON ASSOCIATION Runner Tuemay Weldlibanos won the Honolulu Marathon finishing at Kapiolani Park today with a time of 2 hours and 13.38 minutes.
COURTESY HONOLULU MARATHON ASSOCIATION Runner Calli Hauger-Thackery was crowned the first female finisher of the Honolulu Marathon today at Kapiolani Park.
2 /2 COURTESY HONOLULU MARATHON ASSOCIATION Runner Calli Hauger-Thackery was crowned the first female finisher of the Honolulu Marathon today at Kapiolani Park.
COURTESY HONOLULU MARATHON ASSOCIATION Runner Tuemay Weldlibanos won the Honolulu Marathon finishing at Kapiolani Park today with a time of 2 hours and 13.38 minutes.
COURTESY HONOLULU MARATHON ASSOCIATION Runner Calli Hauger-Thackery was crowned the first female finisher of the Honolulu Marathon today at Kapiolani Park.
Tsegay Weldibanos from Eritrea and Calli Hauger-Thackery of England won the JA Honolulu Marathon today, both edging the 2024 winners.
Weldibanos covered the 26.2 mile course in 2 hours, 13 minutes and 38 seconds. Yemane Haileselassie finished second in 2 :14 :29.
Hauger-Thackery won in 2 :30 :43, while 2023 and 2024 winner Cynthia Limo was second in 2 :31 :33.
They were are among 28, 746 registrants for the 53rd running of the marathon, with most still on the course three hours into the race. The field dealt with moderate to heavy rain from the 5 a.m. start until about an hour into the race.
The concurrent Start To Park 10K drew 10, 812 entrants, and Saturday’s Kalakaua Merrie Mile had 3, 404. The total of 42, 962 for the Honolulu Marathon Week broke last year’s record by around 4, 000.
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Yes, the Green Bay Packers' loss to the Denver Broncos hurt.
But the injuries, and there were many of them, made it hurt even more.
The Packers lost several players to injury, including to some of their most valuable to the roster, in the 34-26 loss to snap a four-game winning streak.
Here's a look at all the Packers' injuries during the Week 15 game.
This is devastating.
The Packers' impactful edge rusher suffered a knee injury late in the third quarter and the NFL Network is reporting there is fear that Parsons has a torn ACL.
Parsons went down with the non-contact injury as he was approaching Broncos quarterback Bo Nix on a first down play with the Packers nursing a 23-21 lead.
Trainers immediately tended to him and Parsons could be heard saying "I'm out."
If Parsons has a torn ACL he'll be out for the season, ending a dominant first year in Green Bay in the most cruel way for one of the NFL's biggest game changers.
Parsons was acquired by the Packers in a monumental trade before the start of the season and the multi-time All-Pro lived up to the hype and then some.
Now, the Packers defense will have to somehow manage without him.
Before Parsons, it was Christian Watson, the Packers' most explosive player on offense, who left the game in the third quarter with an injury.
Watson has established himself as the Packers' No. 1 offensive threat since returning in late October from his own torn ACL that he suffered in the 2024 regular season finale.
But that momentum could be halted.
Watson exited with a chest injury when he came crashing to the field as he tried to make a catch on a deep ball that was intercepted by Patrick Surtain.
He went to the hospital but has been released and is flying home with the team.
#Packers WR Christian Watson, who was taken to the hospital after suffering a chest injury against the #Broncos, is flying home with the team.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) December 15, 2025
Zach Tom departed Sunday's game in the first half with a right knee injury.
He was confident it wasn't anything long term. But it's a blow for a line that is already missing veteran Pro Bowl center Elgton Jenkins with a season-ending broken ankle.
Tom had signed a massive contract extension this summer.
Better news for the #Packers: RT Zach Tom said there didn’t appear to be any structural damage in his injured right knee. S Evan Williams said he’d have tests on his knee. He said it didn’t feel as badly as when he missed four games in college.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) December 15, 2025
The Packers' second-year safety also departed the game in the second half with a knee injury.
The injury doesn't appear to be long term.
But with the Packers set to face Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and the Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson in the next two weeks being down any one is going to hurt.
The first injury on the day was to Josh Whyle, the Packers' third-string tight end. He suffered a concussion in the first quarter.
He has been on the active roster since tight end Tucker Kraft was lost with a torn ACL in early November.
Whyle, a third-year player, had spent the first part of the season on the practice squad.
The Packers' third-year receiver might not show up on the injury report but it's worth mentioning that he was slow to get up on the team's final drive.
He departed with 56 seconds remaining as the Packers trailed 34-26. It wasn't clear what was ailing him - it appeared to be a lower body injury - but he didn't finish the game.
Reed had just returned last week after missing three months of the season with a broken collarbone and foot injury.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Packers injuries today: Micah Parsons, Christian Watson and more
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WJHL) – East Tennessee State (ETSU) women’s basketball couldn’t sustain its early momentum Sunday afternoon, falling 73-55 to Virginia Tech.
The Lady Bucs came out firing, outscoring the Hokies 16-10 in the opening quarter behind six points and two boards from sophomore guard Carmen Richardson. But Virginia Tech found its rhythm shortly afterward, using a strong second half to pull away.
Senior forward Meghan Downing showed out on the glass, grabbing a season-best 12 rebounds. Downing’s five rebounds in the third quarter also marked the most by any Buc in a single frame this season.
Junior guard Daniela Lopez led ETSU in scoring for the second time this year, finishing with 14 points.
Thirteen Bucs saw the floor as ETSU totaled 55 points, 38 rebounds and nine assists.
ETSU women’s basketball returns home to Brooks Gymnasium where they’ll take on Gardner-Webb on Thursday, Dec. 18, for their final game of 2025.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
LAWRENCE (KSNT) – Kansas soccer head coach Nate Lie joins this week’s episode of K-Nation.
Lie talks about the success of his team in his second year with the program, continued growth and what he wants from his squad in year three.
“It’s always sad to end a season with a group of people whom you admire and respect. When you find success, it hurts to end,” Lie said. “I’m really proud of what we did this season.”
You can watch the full interview above or on Sunday’s episode of K-Nation.
For more sports news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
The University of Dayton men’s basketball team will finish non-conference play this week before heading home for Christmas.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The university had final exams last week, and UD played one game.
The Flyers hosted North Florida on Saturday night at the UD Arena.
TRENDING STORIES:
After a slow start, Dayton went on a 17-0 run to take a 23-point halftime lead. They led by as much as 37 points in an 84-61 victory.
De’Shayne Montgomery led UD with 23 points. He made 9-of-10 shots. Malcolm Thomas came off the bench and scored a career-high 14 points.
Both players had highlight-reel dunks in front of the UD’s all-time dunk leader, Obi Toppin.
The 2020 National Player of the Year was inducted into the UD Athletic Hall of Fame at halftime.
The other inductees were former UD women’s basketball player Kelley Austria, former UD Director of Athletic Communication Doug Hauschild, and former UD men’s cross country runner Chris Lemon.
The Flyers are now 8-3 overall.
Dayton will host Florida State on Tuesday and finish non-conference play on Saturday against Liberty.
Both games will at the UD Arena.
Larry Hansgen will call both games on WHIO Radio.
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The Dallas Cowboys had a shot. It was a long shot, but it was a shot. With four games remaining in their season, the path to make the playoffs was murky, but obvious. The team had to win their final four games, running the table to move from 6-6-1 to 10-6-1, then get help from any one of several teams. Their Week 15 game was one of three remaining contests against teams under .500, and it was at home.
Yet despite the opportunity ahead of them, the Cowboys offense allowed the Minnesota Vikings defense to dictate to them, and the Dallas defense made yet another subpar quarterback have his best game of the season. Second-year QB JJ McCarthy had his best performance as a pro, and Brian Flores turned Brian Schottenheimer's offense timid, as the Vikings won, 34-26.
Dallas had received a little help earlier on Sunday, with the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers all falling, but it makes little difference now. The Cowboys have been eliminated from the wild-card pursuit, and they would have to win their remaining three contests while the Philadelphia Eagles lose their remaining three contests.
The Cowboys allowed an opponent to score 30 points for the seventh time in 2025, tied for most in the NFL. The game started out well, with the defense intercepting McCarthy on his first pass of the game, as Donovan Wilson deflected a pass into the air with Quinnen Williams corralling it.
Dallas capitalized, using a fake field goal to extend the drive before Javonte Williams punched it in. But from that point, the Cowboys' defense didn't have any answers for the beleaguered young QB, who completed several deep balls despite not being on the same page with All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys seemed to move the ball at will, but had no solutions for third downs (2 of 12) or once they got into scoring range. Questionable playcalls were everywhere, and matters were made worse as kicker Brandon Aubrey missed two field goals.
Back under .500, the Cowboys can be eliminated before they next take the field, with the Eagles playing on Saturday against Washington. Dallas will host the 10-4 Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys drop must-win game to Vikings, 34-26, let air out 2025 season
At halftime, they trailed by 17 points. By the end of the third quarter, the Nets’ lead ballooned to 28 points. Less than three minutes into the fourth quarter, it was up over 30 and ultimately stopped at 45 points (tying the Nets’ largest win in franchise history) as the buzzer sounded to end Sunday’s embarrassing effort. It was only the fourth time in franchise history the Bucks have lost by 45 or more points and their worst margin of defeat since a 114-69 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 31, 2007. “No question. Absolutely,” Kuzma said when asked by The Athletic if he viewed this as the low point of the Bucks’ season. “Lost by 45 points to a team that’s trying to lose. They got four wins, five wins, whatever it is now. “No disrespect at all because that’s the beauty of this league, right? There’s so much talent, and if you’re not ready, you’re gonna get your butt whooped. By any team. And we were proof of that tonight.”
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Kyle Kuzma on Bucks' loss to Brooklyn: We lost by 45 points to a team that’s trying to lose
After starting the season with an 8-5 record, the Bucks have lost 11 of their last 14 games. They desperately need to find their way out of the hole they have dug for themselves and find a way to start winning games again, even with Antetokounmpo sidelined with a strained right calf. “Each guy has to look in the mirror and say, ‘What can I do better to help the team? What can I do better to impact winning? What can I do better to help us get back to .500?’” Bobby Portis (10 points, three rebounds) said. “Then, we can start rolling again. “I just think that should be the mindset. One game at a time, obviously, but we have about seven games left (until 2026). Six and one, right back at .500, so I think that should just be the goal, man.”
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: After starting the season with an 8-5 record, the …
“I heard one of the guys said, ‘Man, we’re down that much to this team?’” Rivers recounted. “It’s like, ‘This team? What about our team? We’re 11-16. What are you talking about?’ “We need all of us — including me, it starts with me — but I gotta get these guys right because clearly tonight was not the right night.”
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “I heard one of the guys said, ‘Man, we’re down that …
Three teams in the NFC West have reached double digits in the win column. The Rams, Seahawks, and Niners are a combined 32-10 after 15 weeks. That's an impressive mark, and it sets up a huge game on Thursday when LA visits Seattle. On the field that night will be two of the best receivers -- the two best? -- in 2025. Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are difference makers and will look to be exactly that with the NFC West lead on the line.
The Giants had a home game against a Commanders team that has been battered by injury and Big Blue managed to allow 29 points and lose again.
Just an awful team. Time for another complete overhaul.
The Commanders found a team they could handle in divisional foe the New York Giants. Nothing to get overly excited about but a win is a win.
The Falcons showed up and spoiled things in Tampa. Hard to understand the way this team plays from week to week.
Someone named Charlie Smyth kicked a 47-yard field goal for the Saints, who are now big-time spoilers having beaten the Bucs and Panthers back-to-back.
The Panthers had a chance to take the NFL South lead but in the most mediocre of divisions failed to beat the Saints.
The Buccaneers are struggling but so is everyone else around them in the NFC South. They get a chance to make a statement by beating the Saints in Week 16.
Seems like a long time ago -- it was actually about eight days -- when there was excitement about the Cowboys and their playoff hopes. Pair of losses in a row to NFC North teams have practically dashed those dreams.
The Vikings have come to life against NFC East teams. It is way too late in the season but at least they get a good look at what they have in J.J. McCarthy.
Another game against a strong team and another Lions loss. This team needs to play strong football over the last three weeks to find a wild-card postseason home.
Green Bay had a lead against Denver, saw Christian Watson suffer a chest injury and it derailed the team in the loss to the Broncos. One week the tie plays to the Packers' favor in the standings. This week it has them behind the Bears.
The Bears prepped for a Week 16 game against the Packers by crushing the Browns. This is what a contending team does. Not looking ahead but taking care of business while knowing a huge rematch was on the horizon.
The Raiders were the perfect opponent for a struggling Eagles team. Philly came out and dominated big time, shutting out LV and Jalen Hurts had a big game after a rough outing.
Imagine being 10-4 and in third place in a division. That is where the 49ers sit after 15 weeks of the NFL season.
The Seahawks will need more than field goals on Thursday when they play the Rams. This is a huge game and there has to be concern about Sam Darnold against LA.
The Rams continue to be unstoppable on offense and do enough stopping of opponents on defense to be fierce. No one can control Puka Nacua. LA has to be concerned about Davante Adams' hamstring injury with such a short week and Seattle coming up.
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: NFC Power Rankings after Week 15
Matt Infield: GOOD NEWS for the Grizzlies. Brandon Clarke is listed as doubtful for tomorrow night’s game with the Clippers. He might get an extra game to ramp up, but I’d imagine this puts him in position to return by this Saturday against the Wizards at the latest.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Matt Infield: GOOD NEWS for the Grizzlies. …
Dave McMenamin: “Luka should have shot that.” - JJ Redick on LeBron James taking the technical free throw after Dillon Brooks was tossed with 12.2 seconds left.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Dave McMenamin: “Luka should have shot that.” - JJ …
Jon Krawczynski: Rudy Gobert is OUT for the rest of the game for personal reasons, the team says. Hope everything is OK for him.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Jon Krawczynski: Rudy Gobert is OUT for the rest of …
Geneva takes over the top spot. Aurora Christian moves up and Burlington Central joins rankings.
With records through Sunday and previous rankings in parentheses.
1. Geneva 7-0 (2)
Barrage of five 3-pointers by Nathan Palmer lifts Vikings past Wheaton Warrenville South 51-41.
2. Oswego East 6-2 (1)
Wolves’ winning streak snapped at six straight in back-to-back losses to Bolingbrook and Curie.
3. Kaneland 6-0 (3)
Connor Kimme steps up as a strong third option with 19 points in 92-62 win over Rochelle.
4. Aurora Christian 8-0 (6)
Jacob Baumann tops the 1,000-point mark as the Eagles down Chicago Christian 69-59.
5. Jacobs 6-2 (5)
Samson Averehi scores 18 points as Golden Eagles roll past Dundee-Crown 51-34.
6. Waubonsie Valley 5-2 (4)
Kyler Payne scores 17 points but the Warriors can’t hold on to lead in a 56-54 loss to Oswego.
7. Yorkville 5-2 (7)
Joey Jakstys returns from an injury and provides a spark as Foxes win two of three games.
8. Oswego 4-4 (8)
Bench players outscore Waubonsie Valley’s reserves 14-0 as Panthers rally for 56-54 win.
9. Burlington Central 5-2 (NR)
Basket by Declan Wilson with 1.6 second left slips Rockets past Crystal Lake South 54-53.
10. Marmion 4-2 (10)
Dave Malley embraces sixth-man role with 11 points in 60-25 rout of Aurora Central Catholic.
Senior guard Jayden Riley, a Southern Illinois Edwardsville recruit, scored 36 points with six assists and six steals in leading Yorkville Christian to an 80-70 win over Lemont in the Team Rose Shootout at Mount Carmel in Chicago.
The Green Bay Packers were in control early in the second half against the Denver Broncos, eventually possessing the ball up nine points in the third quarter, but a costly turnover and an avalanche of injuries turned the game on its head, and Matt LaFleur's team gave up 20 points in the second half and lost 34-26 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Here's the good, the bad and the ugly coming out of the Packers' loss in Week 15:
The first 32 minutes: Jordan Love completed 18 of his first 22 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown, and the Packers took a nine-point lead when Josh Jacobs burst off the left side of a duo run and scored from 40 yards out to open the second half. Green Bay scored on five straight possessions to start the contest. Up 23-14, Jeff Hafley's defense immediately forced a three-and-out, giving the Packers the football up two scores in the second half. There was an opportunity for the Packers to score for a sixth straight time and put their foot on the Broncos' throat, but pro football is a 60-minute game. Winning the first 32 minutes means nothing without the finish. And for a multitude of reasons, the Packers did not finish in Denver.
Edgerrin Cooper stops: He delayed the inevitable, but Cooper just wouldn't die, breaking up a pass on fourth down and making a tackle for loss on fourth down in the fourth quarter. He could have been one of the heroes had the Packers offense been able to accomplish anything on a pair of possessions late.
Back-to-back turnover on downs: Even after losing Christian Watson and Micah Parsons to injuries and allowing the Broncos to go on a 20-3 run in the second half, the Packers had a pair of chances to tie the game down eight points in the fourth quarter. The two drives actually netted -4 yards and the Packers never threatened a game-tying score. While the Packers got into Denver territory on the first possession, Jordan Love took a sack on both second down and fourth down. Given one final chance, Love threw four straight incompletions, including an incompletion under pressure that had no chance on 4th-and-15.
Pass defense: Bo Nix came into the game ranked below average in completion percentage, yards per attempt and passer rating, but he shredded the Packers pass defense, completing 23 passes for 302 yards and four scores. Nix's 134.7 passer rating was a season high. The Packers didn't have a sack and dropped several potential interception chances.
Four-series stretch in the third quarter: The Packers took a 23-14 lead on Josh Jacobs' 40-yard touchdown run with 13:59 left in the third quarter. It was a dominant first 31 minutes for the Packers, but everything unraveled in four short series. After a three-and-out, Jordan Love threw an interception to Patrick Surtain II going deep to Christian Watson, who suffered a chest injury on the play. The Broncos then quickly turned the takeaway into a touchdown. After the Packers punted, Micah Parsons suffered a noncontact knee injury chasing Bo Nix outside the pocket, and the Broncos scored the go-ahead touchdown two plays later. Denver didn't trail again. And Watson and Parsons might not play again this season, potentially ruining a promising Packers season.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Good, bad and ugly from Packers' loss to Broncos in Week 15
North Bend’s girls basketball team won a pair of games during the week to keep its record perfect.
The Bulldogs won at Dallas 48-40 and beat Ashland 60-17 to improve to 3-0.
North Bend also is at North Valley on Tuesday before playing in Marshfield’s Les Schwab South Coast Holiday Basketball Tournament starting Thursday. The Bulldogs face Crook County in the opening round.
MUSTANGS TOP MARSHFIELD: Marshfield suffered its first loss of the season when visiting Hidden Valley edged the Pirates 36-34 on Friday.
The Pirates’ game against Phoenix was canceled on Saturday, leaving Marshfield 1-1 entering their home tournament. They play Mountain View in the first round of the event.
EAGLES EDGE COQUILLE: Harrisburg tipped visiting Coquille 35-33 on Friday, handing the Red Devils their first loss of the season.
Coquille also beat Days Creek 60-20 during the week and this week competes in Marshfield’s tournament.
BILLIES BEAT BANDON: Bandon’s girls lost their game in the showcase event at Mac Court in Eugene when Pleasant Hill beat the Tigers 43-29 on Saturday.
It was Bandon’s first loss of the season. The Tigers beat North Valley 44-23 and Powers 41-34 earlier in the week.
This week, Bandon is at East Linn Christian on Thursday, Crosshill Christian on Friday and Santiam on Saturday.
CRUISERS TOP BOBCATS: Before falling to Bandon, Powers beat Myrtle Point 53-33 last week.
This week, the Cruisers are at Mapleton on Tuesday and then head to the northeast Corner of the state for the three-day Bobcat Classic at Union High School. They open against Molalla on Thursday.
PANTHERS BEST PACIFIC: Gold Beach beat host Pacific 54-20 in the Pirates’ lone game of the week.
This week, Pacific is home against Reedsport on Tuesday and at Mohawk on Friday.
SIUSLAW TOPS REEDSPORT: The Brave lost their lone game of the week, falling to host Siuslaw 50-10.
In addition to visiting Pacific this week, Reedsport also is at Toledo on Thursday and faces Umpqua Valley Christian on Friday on the first day of the Tall Timbers Tournament at Elkton High School. Reedsport plays the host Elks on Saturday.
BOYS BASKETBALL
PIRATES WIN TWO: Marshfield’s girls won a pair of home games as they tuned up for their home tournament.
The Pirates topped Hidden Valley 62-49 and beat Phoenix 80-31. Marshfield is 3-1 heading into the tournament, opening against Sutherlin on Thursday.
BULLDOGS WIN: North Bend won at Dallas 56-49 last week to improve to 2-1.
The Bulldogs visit North Valley on Tuesday as they tune up for Marshfield’s tournament. The Bulldogs face Crook County on Thursday.
BANDON WINS AT MAC: Bandon won its game in the Mac Court festival on Saturday, beating North Valley 59-39.
The Tigers improved to 2-2 on the season, having also lost to Days Creek 44-41 in a game played on a neutral court at Powers during the week. Bandon is home against Douglas on Tuesday before visiting East Linn Christian on Thursday, Crosshill Christian on Friday and Santiam on Saturday.
DEVILS DROP TWO: Coquille lost a pair of road games. Days Creek beat the Red Devils 78-54 and Harrisburg beat Coquille 67-27.
The Red Devils are at Gold Beach on Tuesday and St. Mary’s on Friday for their final games before the new year and Bandon’s holiday tournament.
REEDSPORT LOSES TWO: Reedsport dropped a pair of games to larger schools during the week. The Brave fell to Siuslaw 53-45 and lost to Sutherlin 49-42.
This week, Reedsport is at Pacific on Tuesday and at Toledo on Thursday.
BRUINS TOP BOBCATS: Myrtle Point fell on the road to Brookings-Harbor 58-54, falling to 2-2 on the season.
The Bobcats host Camas Valley on Tuesday and visit Douglas on Wednesday this week.
PIRATES FALL: Pacific fell to visiting Gold Beach 79-57 in the Pirates’ lone game last week. This week, Pacific hosts Brookings-Harbor on Monday and also hosts Reedsport on Tuesday and visits Mohawk on Friday.
It’s hard to win a basketball game when the ball isn’t falling through the net.
That was clear for the Chicago Bulls in Sunday’s 114-104 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center.
The Bulls missed 36 shots from behind the arc in the loss, resulting in a dismal 26.5% clip from deep. This is the latest in an icy stretch of shooting after going 32.6% from behind the arc over the last 10 games — the second-worst in the entire league during that span. The hot-and-cold nature of this team’s shooting efficiency has been a key factor in keeping the Bulls from consistently winning this season.
Isaac Okoro went 1-for-8 from deep and Nikola Vučević went 2-for-6. Most notable was a rare 1-for-10 shooting night from Coby White, who led the Bulls in both attempts and misses from behind the arc.
White said the Bulls planned to take a higher volume of 3-pointers against the Pelicans, who pack the paint and limit opportunities at the rim. And a large bulk of that responsibility fell on White, who was playing in only his eighth game of the season as he continues to battle calf injuries. Despite the result, White — a career 36.8% shooter from behind the arc — expressed confidence in his shot selection against the Pelicans.
“I thought all but maybe two were great looks for me. A lot of them felt good coming off my hand, they were either short or long or in and out. I can’t control whether they go in. If I had to go back, I’d take those same shots again. I’ve just got to continue to work to find that rhythm from 3-point range.”
Coach Billy Donovan agreed. He emphasized the importance of increasing shot volume from higher efficiency players on the team: “If Coby White gets up 10 3-point shots, I’m fine with that.”
And despite the team’s lack of finishing, Donovan felt his players produced a more sustainable style of offense — something the Bulls have sought urgently throughout their free fall over the last three weeks.
“We moved the ball,” Donovan said. “We generated good shots. We’ve got to take those 3s. I thought we did a lot of really good things in terms of ball movement.”
A short streak of efficient shooting — going on an 11-for-24 flurry in the third quarter — powered the Bulls to rip off a 14-0 run and regain a 73-72 lead as the Pelicans failed to score a single point for more than four minutes in the third quarter. But that was fleeting for the Bulls, who were overpowered by the Pelicans bench and several ill-timed second-chance scoring opportunities in the fourth quarter.
It was not the worst offensive night of the season — that still belongs to a 91-point performance against the Golden State Warriors earlier this month. But still, winning didn’t last long for the Bulls, who have lost eight of their last nine games.
Here are three takeaways from the loss.
The Bulls offense could use a secondary spark — but it still isn’t coming from Matas Buzelis.
The second-year forward took only five shots in the loss to score nine points. Only two other players (Jalen Smith and Zach Collins) took fewer shots than Buzelis, a player the Bulls hope to position as a centerpiece of production for their offense in future seasons. This is his lowest shot attempt production since the second game of the season, when he logged fewer than 13 minutes after fouling out quickly in a win over the Orlando Magic.
Buzelis aims to develop a strong outside shot, but he’s shooting 32.4% from behind the arc this season — and still struggles to create his own shot from outside. Donovan noted that Buzelis played a lower rotation of minutes due to Chicago’s need to put a larger body on Zion Williamson, swapping in Patrick Williams and Isaac Okoro to avoid pulling a trap over to deal with the bigger body in the paint.
The Bulls continued to experiment with double-big rotations that played Jalen Smith at the four. But coach Billy Donovan did not stick with his closing changes from Friday’s win in Charlotte, when he benched Vučević in favor of Zach Collins down the stretch.
Despite Vučević’s poor shooting night, the Bulls stuck with their starter down the stretch while utilizing forwards to counter Williamson. Collins logged under 12 minutes and Smith logged just under 13 minutes. The pair combined for eight points and two rebounds.
Sunday’s game featured a cheering section for one Pelicans player — rookie Jeremiah Fears, a Joliet native playing in his first hometown game.
Fears played his first two years of high school ball for Joliet West, then transferred to AZ Compass Prep as a junior. His older brother, Jeremy, also played for Joliet West. He immediately drew draft speculation during his solo year in the NCAA playing for Oklahoma, ultimately going No. 7 overall this summer.
The rookie made an impact in front of his local crowd, tallying 20 points and three assists. Fears scored 10 of his points in the fourth quarter to clinch the fifth win of the season for the Pelicans.
SEATTLE — From the way Shane Steichen and Philip Rivers are talking, it does not sound like there is much question about who the starting quarterback will be when the Colts take the field on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” against the 49ers.
Rivers was clearly limited in Sunday’s 18-16 loss to the Seahawks, completing 18 of 27 passes for just 120 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
But the Colts liked the way he managed the game, avoided turnovers and gave Indianapolis a chance to win at the end, although the kickoff unit and the defense weren’t able to hold the lead.
“Very encouraged,” Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said. “There's no question about it. For him to go out there and do what he did after five years off, to have a chance to win it and get a game-winning field goal, close to it, obviously, with 40 seconds left, in a hostile environment, against a tough defense just shows his commitment to coming back.”
Indianapolis decided to roll the dice on a 44-year-old Rivers instead of sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard for several reasons.
Rivers’ experience, knowledge of the offense, ability to get the Colts into the right plays and encyclopedic knowledge of what defenses are trying to do gave him the edge over Leonard’s age and athleticism.
Leonard completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards, no touchdowns and an interception in relief of Daniel Jones last week in Jacksonville, but Leonard is dealing with a reported PCL sprain in his right knee, although he was able to practice in full all week long.
The Colts wanted to see if Rivers could handle the rigors of an NFL game.
From what they saw on Sunday, it looks like the 44-year-old can handle it, even being hit after five years away from the NFL.
“I never minded that part of it,” Rivers said. “My wife always tells me I'm crazy because there's been times in the last three or four years I said I wish I could just throw one and get hit hard. She says, that's not normal. … The one where the ball was snapped didn't feel great, but the other ones kind of got me going in the game.”
Rivers acknowledged that the offense wasn’t very explosive on Sunday.
But he also talked like a quarterback who expects to start next week.
“It's going to continue to get better,” Rivers said. “This is obviously the first one, we're talking about three days of practice.”
Rivers wasn’t entirely happy with his performance.
Or the offense’s. Indianapolis scored 13 points in the first half, but the Colts were held scoreless in the second half until Blake Grupe’s go-ahead field goal with 47 seconds left, giving Indianapolis a one-point lead that Seattle erased in 25 seconds.
“I'm speaking offensively,” Rivers said. “If I can stay healthy — like, I feel good — it's gonna get better as we go, but the catch in that is we gotta win. Doesn't really matter if it's getting better as we go, we gotta win, or it's going to be over in three weeks. That's the catch.”
Rivers was already talking like a quarterback thinking about ways the offense can be better.
The 44-year-old came back to the Colts in a Hail Mary attempt to get Indianapolis into the playoffs. He wants to see it through.
“Certainly going to quickly turn my attention to the 49ers,” Rivers said. “I know they have a Monday night game (at Lucas Oil Stadium). I never got to experience that, either, in that COVID year. And we're going to scratch and fight and claw. I do know that. Not because I'm here. But I do know that any team I've ever been a part of, not because of me, but I've been a part of, will fight like crazy until they tell us the season is over. So you can guarantee that for the next three weeks.”
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Who will Colts start at QB vs 49ers? What Philip Rivers, Shane Steichen said
In dramatic fashion, the New Orleans Saints secured their second straight divisional win, edging the Carolina Panthers 20-17 to complete a season sweep. Now 4-10 on the year, New Orleans oddly finds itself 3-2 within the NFC South – effectively throwing a wrench into the plans of the teams jockeying for position at the top of the division.
How did they do it? By leaning on a young quarterback who continues to deliver when it matters most, paired with a defense that has fully embraced a bend-but-don’t-break identity — and broken through at the most critical moments.
A lot went right once again for the Saints, but let’s break down this Week 15 statement win by answering four key questions:
Simply put: a lot. The Saints showed resilience, composure, and timely execution en route to their second straight divisional victory – one that continues to complicate things for their rivals. At the center of it all was rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who once again proved capable of rising to the moment. After a relatively slow start — aside from an impressive 17-play, 95-yard touchdown drive — Shough took control in the second half. He completed 15 of 19 passes (excluding a late-game spike) and led the Saints on four consecutive scoring drives, three of which ended in points.
What stood out most was his command in long down-and-distance situations. Shough converted seven throws on downs of 10+ yards, nearly adding an eighth on a 17-yard completion to DeVaughn Vele on second-and-18 that left the Saints just a yard short. A quick glance at the third-down numbers tells part of the story as well, with New Orleans converting six of 11 attempts.
It’s clear that Shough has injected confidence into this offense in moments that felt tight earlier in the season. It wasn’t perfect — nor does it need to be — but with Shough under center, the Saints are winning games, and he’s beginning to look more and more like a legitimate part of the franchise’s future. The defense also deserves significant praise. While far from dominant from start to finish, they came up with their biggest plays when it mattered most. Early in the fourth quarter, trailing by seven with Carolina driving, the Saints defense delivered a massive fourth-and-one stop, preventing the Panthers from extending their lead to double digits.
Two drives later, after forcing a three-and-out, defensive end Chase Young made perhaps the play of the game – sacking Bryce Young on first-and-10 after Carolina had just converted a critical third-and-long with under two minutes remaining. The sack swung momentum, forced a punt, and set the stage for the Saints’ game-winning drive. And finally, credit where it’s due – Charlie Smyth delivered. After connecting on a 42-yard field goal earlier, the rookie kicker calmly drilled a 47-yard game-winner with two seconds remaining, the first walk-off kick of his young career. Moments like that can define confidence for a young specialist.The vibes were as high as they’ve been in New Orleans all season.
Despite the strong finish, the Saints once again struggled out of the gate offensively. Two early drives – a 3-play, 4-yard and 6-play, 17-yard drive drained early momentum from a crowd eager for a fast start. While the offense responded in the second half, slow starts like this can be costly against more complete opponents.
The defense faced similar issues early. Carolina scored on three of its first four possessions, consistently moving the ball on the ground and extending drives on third down. Credit the unit for tightening up after halftime, but the early lapses mirrored what we saw against Miami a few weeks ago – the difference this time was finishing the job.Faster starts on both sides of the ball would allow this team to build separation rather than fighting until the final whistle.
The Saints have officially made things interesting. With a rookie quarterback leading the way, New Orleans has rattled off back-to-back wins after once being projected to pick inside the top 3-5 of next year’s draft – with major questions still looming at quarterback. That narrative is starting to shift. If this upward trend continues, the Saints may pivot from searching for a quarterback to aggressively building around one. How they close out the final three games will go a long way in shaping the organization’s offseason approach.
Next Sunday, the Saints return home to host the New York Jets – a matchup with real implications for draft positioning at the top of the board. That said, based on recent play, this is another winnable game for New Orleans and an opportunity to secure a third straight victory.
Finishing the season strong may be the most important objective for this team moving forward. With a young quarterback instilling confidence across the roster, momentum matters — not just for the locker room, but for the veterans already in place and the free agents the organization will evaluate come March.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Instant analysis: What went right, what went wrong in Saints-Panthers
Dec. 14—With three bracket champions and 10 varsity placers, Flathead placed a close second at its own Flathead Invitational girls wrestling meet that concluded Saturday.
Behind champs Bella Downing (120 pounds), Julia Kay (130) and Kiera Lackey (135), the Bravettes piled up 271.5 points, while defending state champion Billings Senior won with 281.5.
Billings West edged Class A Ronan for third place, 185.5 to 184.5. Butte was fifth at 170, and Polson was sixth at 142.
Glacier was 15th at 67.5 points for the tournament, which brought 330 wrestlers to the Gene Boyle Gym for two days of competition.
"I thought our girls really came together," Flathead coach Amber Downing said. "Julia Kay was named outstanding wrestler, based on the difficulty and size of her bracket."
"And it was cool to see the Hard Luck mat, where a lot of the young girls were getting their first action, all the support they got from the team."
Counting those consolation bracket points Flathead had 337.5 while Senior had 290.5.
State champions that won their weight classes on Saturday included Taylor Lay of Helena Capital (125) and Meadow Mahlmeister of Senior (145). Kay fell to Lay in last year's 130-pound final at state.
Bella Downing had three pins and a technical fall; Kay had four pins after her first opponent defaulted with an injury; Lackey had five pins.
Not to be outdone, Sam Bennetts had went 6-2 and had five pints on the way to a fourth-place finish at 126.
Ronan's River Cote won the 105 title, and the Maidens had six place in the top six besides her.
Glacier's Keria Oftedahl was third at 100, which Polson's Ciri Nice won. The Wolfpack also saw Katelyn Spuhler take sixth at 105.
"It seems like our all visiting teams were happy with how we ran things," Amber Downing said, noting the tournament finished ahead of schedule Friday and on time Saturday.
"It was the first oportnty to ever complete for some, and they rose up to the challenge. I'm excited to see them grow throughout the season."
Flathead Invitational
Friday and Saturday
Flathead High School
Team scores — 1, Billings Senior 281.5; 2, Flathead 271.5; 3, Billings West 185.5; 4, Ronan 184.5; 5, Butte 170; 6, Polson 142; 7, Helena Capital 149; 8, Missoula Big Sky 137.5; 9, Billings Skyview 147; 10, Belgrade 143; 11, Browning 111; 12, Simms 92; 13, Gallatin 80; 14, Hardin 77; 15, Glacier 67.5; 16, Columbia Falls 59; 17, Mission 58; 18, Havre 57.5; 19, Eureka 52; 20, Corvallis 50; 21, Frenchtown 49; 22, Choteau 47.5; 23, Helena 40; 24, Whitefish 35; 25, Missoula Sentinel 28; 26, Plains-Hot Springs 17; 27, Bigfork 10; 28, Florence 7; 29, Missoula Hellgate 4.
Individual results
100 — Ciri Nice, Pol, md. Josie Hillman, Cor, 25-13, first; 3, Keira Offedahl, Glacier; 4, Alexus Thompson, Flathead; 5, Jadyn Rowe, Flathead; 6, Mykell Hoyt, Brw.
105 — River Cote, Ron, p. Delilah Bahm, BW, 1:30t; 3, Seria Catt, BSr.; 4, Quinn Lindsley, Bel; 5, Victory Tenney, Sky; 6, Katelyn Spuhler, Glacier.
110 — Payten Van Pelt, West, p. Danyka Doll, Skyview, 0:37, first; 3, Hayley Petersen, Simms; 4, Idania Ocampo, Boz; 5, Brooke Jamieson, MBS; 6, Marie Cheff, Ronan.
115 — Hannah Leonard, Skyview, p. Ashlyn Sausedo, Har, 1:17; 3, Piper Gershmel, BSr; 4, Cadence Crookston, Simms; 5, Sydney Drake, Cap; 6, Avery Faler, Ronan.
120 — Bella Downing, Flathead, p. Alexandria Johnston, Senior, 3:04, first; 3, Ava Dewitt, Senior; 4, Mariska Harrisk, Cap; 5, Violet Turnquist-Linn, Bel; 6, Breiah Davis, Havre.
125 — Taylor Lay, Cap, p. Araeya Nelson, West, 5:38; 3, Adalie Hazlett, Butte; 4, Sam Bennetts, Flathead; 5, Kyra McMahon, Flathead; 6, Lily Fisher, Eureka.
130 — Julia Kay, Flathead, p. Taylor Dorvall, Whitefish, 2:21; 3, Charliee Lund, Bel; 4, Rebel Montanez, Ftn; 5, Leila McKay, Cap; 6, Sierra McGreevey, Ronan.
135 — Kiera Lackey, Flathead, p. Kaiah Dumont, Polson, 3:52; 3, Skadi Smith, Big Sky; 4, Elisa Bernabe, Flathead; 5, Laila Neiss, Ronan; 6, Korah Yerian, C-Falls.
140 — Elizabeth Sherman, Senior, dec. Lindsay Yoder, Simms, 14-7; 3, Addison Clixby, Big Sky; 4, Loretta Matteson, Butte; 5, Ariana Banner, Simms; 6, Haley Wilson, Flathead.
145 — Meadow Mahlmeister, Senior, p. Vanessa Wheeler, Polson, 5:25; 3, Tita Fandrich, Senior; 4, Elizabeth James, West; 5, Alisha Cook, Flathead; 6, Sage Queer, Butte.
155 — Mattie Stepan, Butte, p. Olivia Carnell, Mission, 2:41; 3, Leona Dodson Howe, Ronan; 4, Luisa Rivera-Rosas, Senior; 5, Meadow Ragen, Mission; 6, Kinsley Birdrattler, Browning.
170 — Soraya Shirley, Senior, md. Ashtyn Dziekonski, Capital, 10-0; 3, Hannah Gohde, Gallatin; 4, Hadassah Rea, Ronan 5, Keara Wieczorek, Eureka; 6, Eva Rodriguez, West.
190 — Lauren Krebs, Hardin, p. IsaBela Rangel, Belgrade, 4:27; 3, Brooklen Larsen, West; 4, Malia Glassing, Senior; 5, Keyenaa DeRoche, Browning; 6, Aspen Martinez, West.
235 — 1, Rylee Murgel, Helena, p. Elizabeth Henkins, Big Sky, :10; 3, Chyanne Robinson, Butte; 4, Allie Ballensky, Butte; 5, Manina Left Hand, West; 6, Rylie Massa, West.
Dec. 14—BUTTE — The Flathead Brave Brawlers' run of Jim Street Mining City Duals championships ended at four but they certainly gave it a shot.
Two-time defending AA champion Billings West beat the Brawlers 50-22 in the final dual Saturday at the Butte Civic Center; Flathead went 5-1 at the tournament.
"So proud of this team," coach Jeff Thompson sid. "West is just so sold up and down their lineup but we gave them our best."
The Brawlers beat Billings Senior 52-24 and Butte High 40-28 to advance in Saturday's championship bracket. On Friday they handled Frenchtown 59-18, Helena Capital 58-23 and Three Forks 66-17 in pool competition. Frenchtown, which went 2-1 in Flathead's pool, joined the Brawlers in the championship bracket.
Kellen Downing (138 pounds) and Caleb Poe-Hatten (118) scored pins against West, and Hunter Arriaga (144), Brett Chivers (157) and Colton Conover (175) won their matches. Arriaga went 4-0 in Butte and the rest were 5-0; Arriaga, Downing and Poe-Hatten were named outstanding wrestlers for the Duals.
The Golden Bears came up with six falls and two technical falls in the final.
"The Mining City Duals are always an early-season blueprint of what's out there for competition," Thompson said. "The Braves most definitely are in the mix for a team trophy come February. We have already seen tremendous growth from last week.
"Conor and Liam LeDuc, and Kohen Rilley, only had one loss this weekend. Conor is just really good at 190. Caleb Poe-Hatten beat two state championships this weekend. Aiden Lake won a match against Senior that put 37 points on the board."
Glacier's young squad went 1-4 in Butte, beating Missoula Hellgate 59-24 on Friday before dropping duals with Butte (59-20) and Billings Skyview (53-30). In Saturday's consolation action the Wolfpack lost narrowly to Polson (41-39) and fell to Three Forks (57-21).
"Our lineup at this point doesn't bode well for team scores, but we some some great experience gains for the team," Glacier coach Mark Fischer said. "Matt Ahner, Zander Fuehr and Noah Horn continued their win streaks and remain undefeated.
"Before this weekend we had six kids in the lineup that had never won a match in their life or high school. Four of them got their first wins this weekend."
Columbia Falls went 0-2 on Saturday in the championship bracket. In Friday's pool action the MatCats beat South Fremont (Idaho) 41-36 and Ronan 47-36, and also lost 73-5 to Billings West.
On Saturday they fell to Spokane's Gonzaga Prep 50-28, and then to Frenchtown 46-30.
Blaise Cronk at 165 had an outstanding tournament, scoring three pins plus a technical fall against West for Columbia Falls' only points in that dual. Kolbe Cronk went 4-1 at 138 as well.
The Green Bay Packers gave up a 23-14 lead in the second half, lost several key players to injury and limped to the finish line of a 34-26 defeat at the hands of the Denver Broncos on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. Matt LaFleur's team had its four-game win streak snapped and is now 9-4-1, but the injuries to Micah Parsons and Christian Watson are the big story coming out of this defeat.
Here's what went right, what went wrong and what it means for the Packers moving forward:
-- Jordan Love was red hot in the first half, completing 17 of 21 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown as the Packers scored on their first four possessions.
-- Josh Jacobs played through a right knee injury and produced 92 total yards and two big scores.
-- Credit Edgerrin Cooper. There was no quit in him. He broke up a fourth down pass and had a tackle for loss on fourth down late in the fourth quarter, keeping the Packers alive. He finished with eight tackles, two for a loss and a pass breakup.
-- The Packers run defense limited the Broncos to 2.9 yards per carry and didn't give up a run over eight yards.
-- First-round pick Matthew Golden drew a pass interference penalty on a scoring drive, had a 27-yard catch, an 18-yard catch and an 11-yard catch converting a third down.
-- Pretty much everything after Jordan Love threw a deep ball to Christian Watson with 12:46 left in the third quarter.
-- The offensive line struggled post-Zach Tom. The passing game flat-lined post-Christian Watson. The defense couldn't rush Bo Nix post-Micah Parsons.
-- The Packers defense gave up 23 completions, 304 passing yards and four touchdowns to Bo Nix, who wasn't sacked, didn't have a turnover and finished with a passer rating of 134.7. The secondary got burnt time and time again in big spots. The pass rush produced only three quarterback hits.
-- The Broncos went 4-for-4 scoring touchdowns in the red zone. The Packers were 1-for-4 and settled for three field goals under 40 yards.
-- Courtland Sutton tortured Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine to the tune of seven catches, 113 yards and one touchdown. The cornerbacks weren't good enough on Sunday.
-- Love turned the ball over twice. On the first, he aggressively attacked downfield in a one-on-one opportunity with Christian Watson. On the second, he threw slightly behind Dontayvion Wicks. Both times, Love gave his receiver a chance to make a play. Neither was a perfect throw, and the Broncos made him pay. Denver scored seven points off two takeaways, Green Bay got only three points off one.
-- The Packers were penalized 10 times for 72 yards. Many were completely avoidable infractions. Rasheed Walker was flagged four times.
-- Given two opportunities with the ball down eight points in the fourth quarter, the Packers turned the ball over on downs on back-to-back possessions. Jordan Love took a sack on fourth down ending the first, and his pressured attempt on 4th-and-15 wasn't close to end the game.
-- Xavier McKinney had three passes defensed, but he had two failed opportunities to make a game-changing interception right before Micah Parsons' noncontact injury.
It isn't hyperbole to say this defeat -- and everything that factored into it -- is season-altering for the Packers. Not only is Matt LaFleur's team now 9-4-1 and in second place in the NFC North, but losing Christian Watson and Micah Parsons to injuries significantly lowers the Packers' championship potential entering the final three games. In fact, if both are done for the season, the championship potential for Green Bay might be zero. Watson had supercharged the passing game. Parsons was the most important player on the team not named Jordan Love. They are indispensable players. The Packers might only need one more win to get into the postseason, but winning the division just got a lot more challenging, and it's extremely difficult to envision the Packers going on the road and winning three straight games without Watson and Parsons. It sure feels like an ascending team that was becoming title worthy just had the rug pulled out from under it in the most devastating way.
Somehow, the Packers must shake off this loss, recover from a physical, injury-filled afternoon in the altitude in Denver, put together a game plan without several important pieces available and go into Chicago and beat the Bears -- who won on Sunday -- at Soldier Field on Saturday night. If the Packers want to win the NFC North and host a playoff game in January, winning next Saturday is a must. Big stakes involved in the rematch.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Breaking down Packers' 34-26 loss to Broncos: What went right, wrong
Winning cures everything -- that's a common line you'll hear in football circles, and it's often true. Whether it's personnel disagreements, contract squabbles, or just the ugliness that comes with losing, correcting the course and getting back in the win column seems to bring everyone onto the same page.
And that's where the New Orleans Saints have put themselves. The Saints have beaten two NFC South rivals in back-to-back weeks, putting them at 4-10 on the season. And that's moved them from what would have been a top-three pick in the 2026 NFL draft to fifth, and now seventh, after Week 15's action. New Orleans owns a strength of schedule tiebreaker over the two other 4-10 teams, the Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals.
Here's how the top 10 picks shake out this week:
How many more wins can the Saints get this season? Each of their final three opponents are also picking in the top 10, with the Titans and Jets each having a shot at the first overall pick. Tyler Shough playing well and making clutch throws in big moments -- plus an overachieving defense -- has made a big difference, and we can't rule out the possibility they could win out. That would mean ending the year at 7-10. Their floor is probably around the 15th overall pick. This is seen as a top-heavy draft class so if you don't have a top-four pick you're probably looking at many of the same prospects at No. 7 as at No. 15.
And continuing to build momentum is more important than picking as early as possible in a draft like that. Gaining confidence that Shough is the guy to build around while developing a winning culture is critical. Let's see if they can keep it up down the stretch.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Where Saints pick after last-second Panthers win
Minnesota got vengeance for one of its worst losses of the season on Sunday.
Three weeks after kicking away a late lead in Sacramento, the Timberwolves closed the door on the Kings at Target Center for a 117-103 victory.
Minnesota has now won seven of its last eight games. The last two have come short-handed. Anthony Edwards (foot soreness) and Mike Conley (Achilles tendinopathy) each missed both Sunday’s tilt and Friday’s win over the Warriors).
The Wolves (18-9) played most of the second half against Sacramento without Rudy Gobert. The center logged seven points and 12 rebounds in 20 minutes before exiting early in the third quarter due to what the team said were personal reasons.
Minnesota was unimpressive early and trailed the Kings (6-20) at the break. And the lead was just one early in the final frame before the Wolves finally hit their closing gear with a 26-10 run that quickly moved the game out of reach.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch lauded the improvement his team has shown down the stretch of games of late. The Sacramento collapse from three weeks prior was one of a few of that sort in a short span.
The Kings threatened a rally again late Sunday, as a pair of triples trimmed a 12-point Wolves lead to six with 2 minutes, 22 seconds to play. But Minnesota responded in short order. Naz Reid hit a triple on the other end, then Donte DiVincenzo got a steal he turned into a layup on the other end to quickly boost the lead back to 11 and effectively play the game on ice.
“Just playing with intensity, playing with a little bit more effort and desire,” Naz Reid said in his on-court, postgame television interview.
Bones Hyland, who got his second straight start, scored nine of his 18 points in the final frame. Reid scored eight in the quarter, while Julius Randle had seven and Donte DiVincenzo had five.
That’s the balance Minnesota has flashed over each of its last two wins. The Wolves have five guys drop 17-plus points on Friday. Five players scored 18 or more on Sunday. That included double-doubles for Randle (24 points and 10 rebounds) and Reid (20 points and 11 rebounds), while Jaden McDaniels had 21 points and DiVincenzo and Hyland scored 18 apiece.
Hyland played only four minutes in Friday’s win over Golden State before a knee bruise ended his starting opportunity in the first quarter. He recovered in time to start again Sunday and logged 36 minutes in the win.
“Last game, it was such a bummer. … That one, I couldn’t walk. It was hurting bad,” Hyland said in his postgame television interview. “I wanted to be out there.”
Yes, the balance is part of Minnesota’s way of compensating for the absence of Edwards’ scoring, but Reid seemed to indicate it’s the type of egalitarian offense the Wolves can produce even when their best player returns.
“Even when he is in the game, we’ve got a bunch of guys who can go,” Reid said. “I think it just speaks to the talent that we have. … We have talent all across the board.”
Dec. 14—LANGLEY, B.C. — Tyus Sparks and Ryan Lin scored two goals apiece and the Spokane Chiefs lost to the Vancouver Giants 8-4 in a Western Hockey League game at Langley Events Centre on Sunday.
The Chiefs (16-15-0-0) have lost back-to-back games after winning four in a row.
The Giants (14-17-1-1) broke out to a 2-0 lead on goals 2 minutes, 25 seconds apart in the first period by Colton Gerrior and Ty Haliburda — his 18th of the season.
Sam Oremba scored his seventh goal in his last six games to halve the deficit, then Rhett Sather's shot pinballed off two defenders and in with 31 seconds left in the first to tie it.
The teams traded goals throughout the second period, with rookie Bryson Roberts scoring his first WHL goal off and Owen Martin tallying his ninth of the season, both off primary assists by Mathis Preston.
But it was all Vancouver after that.
Sparks' 11th goal of the season with 5 1/2 minutes left in the period game Vancouver a 5-4 lead after two.
The Giants made it a two-goal game on a one-time blast by Sparks 2 seconds after the expiration of a power play with a little more than 8 minutes left in the game.
They made it 7-4 a few minutes later when Lin's goal was upheld by review and Marek Howell added an empty net goal with 1:16 to go.
The Chiefs host Portland on Tuesday in their last game before the Christmas break.
Dec. 14—Fall 2025 high school sports all-league teams for the Greater Spokane League, Northeast A, Northeast 2B, Northeast 1B and Southeast 1B leagues.
Football
GSL 4A/3A
Offensive MVP: Connor Collins, jr., Cheney. Defensive MVP: Brendan Hughes, sr., Mt. Spokane. All-Purpose MVP: Jonah Keller, sr. Gonzaga Prep.
Coach: John Graham, Cheney. Assistant: Ty Graham, Cheney; Freshman: Bill Schilb, University.
Offense
First Team: QB: Sam Kincaid, sr. (GP). RB: Chris Wilson, sr. (CHE); Max Faagau, sr. (MEA). WR: Tank Best, sr. (CHE); Mason Stinson, sr. (CHE); Isaiah Docken, sr. (GP). OL: Karson Palmer, jr. (CHE); Johnny Doree, sr. (GP); Cooper Daines, sr. (MEA); Jackson Simmons, sr. (MtS); Colten Kuhl, jr. (RL). K: Tyler Bissell, sr. (CV).
Second Team: QB: Landon Thomas, sr. (MEA); RB: Jimmy Grainger, sr. (GP); Toby Thornberg, so. (UNI). WR: Lee Colomb, jr. (MEA); Andrew Thomas, sr. (MtS); Grant Peterson, so. (UNI). OL: Ben Kapaun, sr. (GP); Dom Karr, sr. (MEA); Sean Jones, sr. (MEA); Caleb Kuhl, jr. (RL); Nathan Croff, jr. (UNI). K: Donavan Damiano, sr. (MEA).
Defense
First Team: DB: Andrew Houndonoughbo, sr. (CHE); Porter Pearson, sr. (LC); Rock Franklin, sr. (MtS); Jacobe McClelland, sr. (GP); Jack Pierce, sr. (GP). DL: Nehemiah Areta, sr. (GP); Cooper Daines, sr. (MEA); Jackson Simmons, sr. (MtS); Jaxon Lefler, sr. (UNI). LB: Tank Best, sr. (CHE); Will Jackson, sr. (GP); Luke Hills, sr. (GP); Garrett Miller, sr. (MEA). P: Kyle Rayment, sr. (MtS).
Second Team: DB: Chris Wilson, sr. (CHE); Mason Stinson, sr. (CHE); Tyce Tuggle, jr. (MEA). DL: Skyler Harty, sr. (CV); Bryce DeLange, sr. (CHE); Sam Evans, sr. (LC); Beau Tampien, sr. (MtS). LB: Connor Monks, sr. (CV); Wren Jackson, sr. (GP); Noah Schlosser, sr. (LC); Max Faagau, sr. (MEA). P: Tyler Bissell, sr. (CV).
GSL 2A
Offensive MVP: Nathan Zettle, jr., West Valley. Defensive MVP: Erik Borg, sr., West Valley. All-Purpose MVP: Jerry Allen III, sr., Rogers.
Coach: Adam Fisher, East Valley. Assistant: Geoff Hensley, West Valley. Freshman: Brennen Hill, Deer Park.
Offense
First Team: QB: Tarin Fields, sr. (EV). RB: Elijah Newman, jr. (WV); Nick Neville, sr. (PUL). WR: Nick Elliott, sr. (NC); Erik Borg, sr. (WV); Hands Warrick, jr. (ROG); Marvin Zauana-Kavezeri, jr. (EV). OL: Baron Botello, sr. (EV); Jace Carson, jr. (WV); Blake Gipson, sr. (WV); Caleb Erickson, sr. (DP); Alex Walker, jr. (PUL). K: Nathan Jeffries, sr. (WV).
Second Team: QB: Akiylon Washington, sr. (NC). RB: Casey Stephens, sr. (EV); Evan Brinlee, sr. (DP). WR: Conner Nicholson, sr. (EV); Kale Blades, jr. (DP); Dray Torpey, sr. (CLK). OL: JJ Roberts, sr. (ROG); Gavyn Dealy, jr. (PUL); Dominic Vaughn, sr. (NC); Logan Gehring, sr. (CLK); Damien Shaw, sr. (ROG). Specialist: Adam Knapp, sr. (WV).
Defense
First Team: LB: Connor Dunfield, jr. (WV); Blake Berger, sr. (DP); Theo Engle, sr. (PUL); Mason Watt, sr. (EV). DL: Logan Riley, sr. (WV); Ryder Johnson, sr. (WV); Jacob Proctor, sr. (ROG); Siua Fotofilli, so. (PUL). DB: Conner Nicholson, sr. (EV); Adie Wright, sr. (NC); Nathan Jeffries, sr. (WV). Specialist: Eoin Bogle, jr. (DP).
Second Team: LB: Jason Rinard, sr. (CLK); Everett Long, sr. (ROG); Kainen Jaklitsch, jr. (WV); Brandon Sanchez, sr. (ROG); Hunter Recknagle, sr. (PUL). DL: Alex Walker, jr. (PUL); Gavyn Dealy, jr. (PUL); Darius McKinley, sr. (ROG); Branen Sandven, sr. (DP). DB: Lee Brown, sr. (ROG); Asher Putman, sr. (OG); Wyatt Metcalf, jr. (EV). Specialist: Kole Miller, sr. (DP).
Northeast A
League MVP: Brock Benson, sr., Colville. Offensive MVP: Jeff Winger, sr., Lakeside. Defensive MVP: Bridger Lewis, sr., Colville. Coach: William Benbrook, Colville.
Offense
First Team: QB: Tanner Cummings, jr. (LAK). RB: Sean Trochta, sr. (RIV); Mason Beardsley, sr. (COL). WR: Noah Merrill, sr. (LAK); Dylan Harris, jr. (ML); Sam Sears, jr. (COL). TE: Cy Reeves, sr. (LAK). FB: Bridger Lewis, sr. (COL). OL: Braedon Heater, sr. (COL); Austin Jenkinson, sr. (RIV); Colton Howell, sr. (LAK); Derek Witt, jr. (LAK); Triston Lebsack, jr. (RIV); Toby Fowler, jr. (COL).
Defense
First Team: DL: Mel Hatch, sr. (LAK); Zach Schneider, jr. (RIV); Braedon Heater, sr. (COL); Porter Fain, jr. (LAK). LB: Tanner Cummings, jr. (LAK); Sean Trochta, sr. (RIV); Mason Beardsley, sr. (COL); Gunnar Baker, so. (COL). DB: Dylan Harris, jr. (ML); Jet Winger, sr. (LAK); Noah Merrill, sr. (LAK); Marcus Orgel, sr. (RIV); Parker Sackman, sr. (COL).
Special Teams: Punter: Julian Taylor, sr. (ML). Returner: Parker Sackman, sr. (COL). Kicker: Noah Merrill, sr. (LAK).
Northeast 2B
Offensive MVP: Logan Schultz, sr., Freeman. Defensive MVP: Ares Swain, sr., Newport. Coach: Mark Duxbury, Newport. Assistant: Justin Farnsworth, Freeman.
Offense
First Team: QB: Cody Ells, sr. (Asotin). RB: Kutter Driver, jr. (NEW); Jacob Reimers, sr. (NEW). FLEX: Adin Spuler, jr. (NWC); Hunter Flaa, sr. (REA). WR: Braylon Comfort, jr. (NWC); Daniel Smith, sr. (FRE). OL: Ares Swain, sr. (NEW); Robert Warren, sr. (NEW); Rayben Jurgens, jr. (NEW); Levi Wellner, sr. (FRE); Chase Engle, sr. (ASO).
Second Team: QB: Mason Gassaway, sr. (NWC). RB: Hudson Somes, so. (NWC); Blake Wynecoop, sr. (REA). FLEX: Archer Killian, so. (LRS). WR: Wyatt Campbell, sr. (ASO); Jaelyn Cole, jr. (FRE). OL: Noah Baker, sr. (FRE); Ben Bak, sr. (NWC); Carter Bowman, sr. (ASO); Hayes Hennings, sr. (LRS); Damien Hamburg, jr. (NEW).
Defense
First Team: DL: Noah Baker, sr. (FRE); Rayben Jurgens, jr. (NEW); Damien Hamburg, jr. (NEW); Landon Hall, so. (NEW). LB: Brad Martin, sr. (NEW); Jacob Reimers, sr. (NEW); Logan Schultz, sr. (FRE); Levi Collier, sr. (REA). DB: Cody Ells, sr. (ASO); Tyce Gilbert, sr. (FRE); Daniel Smith, sr. (FRE). FLEX: Colton Newman, jr. (NWC).
Second Team: DL: Carter Bowman, sr. (ASO); Cooper Florence, jr. (FRE); Ben Bak, sr. (NWC); Wyatt Colvin, sr. (REA). LB: Dylan Finney, sr. (ASO); Levi Wellner, sr. (FRE); Jerod Harder, sr. (LRS); Hudson Somes, so. (NWC). DB: Hunter Flaa, sr. (REA); Jaetyn Cole, jr. (FRE); Adin Spuler, jr. (NWC); FLEX: Doug Olson, sr. (LRS).
Special Teams: K: Alex Bowman Boast, sr. (NWC). P: Levi Collier, sr. (REA). KR: Braylon Comfort, jr. (NWC).
Northeast 1B-North
Offensive MVP: Logan Ringstad, sr., Curlew. Defensive MVP: Judah Sutton, jr., Cusick.
Offense
First team: QB: Derek Perez, so. (INC). RB: Judah Sutton, so. (CUS); Connor Bouge, so. (CUR); Dean (SPR). WR: Gaige Stensgar, sr. (INC); Daniel Lyon (CUS). OL: Austin Guyll, sr. (CUR); Tyson Kane, jr. (SPR); Josiah Seymore, jr. (INC). Specialist: Quin Doyen, so. (CUR).
Second team: QB: Sylas Stotts, sr. (CUR). RB: Blaine Rieckers, (SEL); Hoiland (COL); Ricky St. Pierre, jr. (INC). WR: Charles Whitford (CUS); Dustin Hoffman, so. (INC). OL: Judah Creach, jr. (SEL); Kayson Levi, so. (CUR); Walker Leskinen, jr. (INC).
Defense
First team: DL: Dallas Wysong, sr. (CUR); Tyson Kane, jr. (SPR); Jones, (COL). LB: Connor Bouge, so. (CUR); Ricky St. Pierre, jr. (INC); Logan Ringstad, sr. (CUR); Judah Creach, jr. (Selport). DB: Gaige Stensgar, sr. (INC); Jake Olson, so. (CUR). Specialist: Walker (COL). Special Teams: Jake Olson, so. (CUR).
Second team: DL: Kayson Levi, so. (CUR); Walker Leskinan, jr. (INC); Josiah Seymore, jr. (INC). LB: Williams (COL); Hoiland (COL); Abdallah (REP). DB: Daniel Lyon (CUS); Quin Doyen, so. (CUR). Specialist: Charlie Anderson, so. (SEL).
Northeast 1B-South
Offensive MVP: Max Grindy, jr., Almira/Coulee-Hartline. Defensive MVP: Max Grindy, jr., Almira/Coulee-Hartline. Coach: Brandon Walsh, Almira/Coulee-Hartline.
Offense
First Team: QB: Caden Correia, sr. (ACH). RB: Jaeger Brashears, so. (WCK); Nolan Grindy, 9th (ACH); Brady Roberts, sr. (ACH). WR: Brody Pitts, jr. (ACH); Evyn Krause, sr. (WCK). OL: Tucker Bayless, jr. (ACH); Luke Goetz, sr. (ACH); Ian McWalter, jr. (ACH); Cole Snider, jr. (WCK). All-Purpose: Dustin Strozyk, sr. (WCK).
Second Team: QB: Josh Park, jr. (Wellpinit). RB: Aiden Villane, sr. (Odessa); Ronnie McCullough, sr. (WEL). WR: Dane Lone Bear, jr. (WEL); Adyn Peha, sr. (ACH). OL: Miller Stout, sr. (ODE); Jayce Kieffer, 9th (WEL). All-Purpose: Landon McMillan, jr. (ODE).
Defense
First Team: DB: Brady Roberts, sr. (ACH); Adyn Peha, sr. (ACH). LB: Jaeger Brashears, so. (WCK); Brody Pitts, jr. (ACH); Nolan Grindy, 9th (ACH); Dustin Strozyk, sr. (WCK). DL: Cole Snider, jr. (WCK); Tucker Bayless, jr. (ACH); Ian McWalter, jr. (ACH); Evyn Krause, sr. (WCK). All-Purpose: Dane Lone Bear, jr. (WEL); Aiden Villane, sr. (ODE).
Second Team: LB: Porter Wood, jr. (ACH). DL: Caden Correia, sr. (ACH); Miller Stout, sr. (ODE); Evan Tipps, sr. (ACH).
Southeast 1B-Wheat
Co-Offensive MVP: Kyzer Herres, sr., Pomeroy; Lane Collier, Garfield-Palouse. Defensive MVP: Peyton Cannon, sr., Pomeroy. Coach: Cody Chapman, Dayton.
Offense
First Team: QB: JJ Gleason, jr. (Waitsburg). RB: Beau Hazelbaker, jr. (Dayton); Kaleb Kelnhofer, sr. (GAR-PAL). WR: Isa Reyes, sr. (WAI); Landen Henry, jr. (WAI). OL: Peyton Cannon, sr. (POM); Rowen Edwards, sr. (GAL-PAL); Nathaniel Knittel, jr. (POM).
Defense
First Team: DB: JJ Gleason, jr. (WAI); Beau Hazelbaker, jr. (DAY). DL: Nathaniel Knittel, jr. (POM); Jarod Hankins, sr. (WAI); Koyen Fortune, sr. (WAI). LB: Conrad Nelson, so. (POM); Kyzer Herres, sr. (POM); Kaleb Kelnhofer, sr. (GAR-PAL); Martin Vasquez, sr. (WAI). ATH: Cooper Parzuchowski, jr. (GAR-PAL).
Volleyball
GSL 4A/3A
MVP: Mara Sandberg, jr. Gonzaga Prep. Co-Coaches: Nikki Gilbert, Gonzaga Prep; Kara Nitteberg, Lewis and Clark.
First Team: OH: Mara Sandberg, jr. (GP); Mercedes Gilroy, jr. (MEA); Ashlyn Aaron, sr. (UNI). MH: Berkeley Neilson, sr. (MtS); Ryan Libey, jr. (RL). S: Kjersti Jacobson, sr. (FER); Noella Migliuri, sr. (GP); Hailee Biegler, sr. (LC). L: Kela Williams, jr. (MtS); Jade Livingston, sr. (RL).
Second Team: OH: Rowan Greenfield, fr. (GP); Aspen Henry, sr. (CV); Brynn Hooper, sr. (SP); Alayna Smeltzer, jr. (MEA); Brynlee Allred, jr. (RL); Jennavieve Roberts, so. (LC); Karolina Flanagan, sr. (GP). MH: Jayna Humbert, so. (GP); Teagan Schroeder, sr. (SP). S: Delaney Davis, sr. (MtS).
GSL 2A
MVP: Hailey Colyar, sr., West Valley. Coach: Megan McNannay, Pullman.
First Team: OH: Hailey Colyar, sr. (WV); Laney Augir, so. (CLK); Cassie Brooks, sr. (WV). MB: Jasmyne Washington, sr. (PUL). S: Jacey Boesel, sr. (DP); Camber Wolfe, jr. (PUL). L: Khloe Wanberg, sr. (WV); Kate Armstrong, sr. (PUL).
Second Team: OH: Elly Good, sr. (EV); Talia Harbour, sr. (PUL); Hailee Orgill, so. (DP). MB: Rowyn Lee, sr. (PUL); Jordan Cassetto, sr. (CLK); Maddie Ellingston, sr. (DP).
Northeast A
Co-MVPs: Sienna Weinberger, jr., Lakeside; Trinity Auckerman, sr., Medical Lake. Co-coaches: Kari Jones, Lakeside; Hailey Van Soest, Medical Lake.
First Team: Mackenzie Martin, sr. (LAK); Bella Tobeck, jr. (LAK); Juie Smith, so. (ML); Anna Pace, sr. (RIV); Georgia Beardslee, jr. (COL); Layla Jones, so. (LAK).
Honorable Mention: Neeley Pederson, jr. (LAK); Addison Rice, sr. (RIV); Addie Marshall, sr. (COL).
Northeast 2B-North
Co-MVPs: Naomi Rainwater, sr., Davenport; Kaitlyn Waters, sr., Northwest Christian. Coach: Dave Whitehead, Northwest Christian.
First Team: Sarah Harbaugh, jr. (StG); Emersen Sprecher, jr. (Reardan); Kaylia Earl, jr. (Newport); Faith Bell, sr. (DAV); Tatum Hupp, jr. (DAV): Chloe Hammond, sr. (DAV); Macey Shamblin, sr. (NWC); Chlarice Carey, jr. (NWC); Lauren Mathews, jr. (NWC).
Northeast 2B-South
Co-MVPs: Zoe Galbreah, sr., Lind-Ritzville/Sprague; Greta Van Gemert, sr., Freeman. Coach: Josie Anderson, Asotin.
First Team: Isabella Huntley, sr. (Colfax); Brenna Tiegs, jr. (Liberty); Rylee Omlin, so. (LIB); Hannah Towne, sr. (LRS): Zoey Mendez, fr. (LRS); Avery Boswell, sr. (FRE); Logan Pecht, jr. (FRE): Finley Pecht, fr. (FRE).
Northeast 1B-North
MVP: Kate Beardslee, so., Northport. Co-coaches: Norm Gaston, Republic; Shy Guglielmino, Northport.
First Team: Dalilah Colton, sr. (NOR); Ember Berndt, sr. (REP); Liesel Stark, 8th (NOR); Marisa Lyons, sr. (Selkirk); Alison Koch-Booher, sr. (REP); Annika Baker, jr. (CUR); Jacki Ward, so. (COL); Dalilah Littlecrow-Curtis (CUS); Jessa Culianan, sr. (SEL); Kylie Colton (NOR).
Honorable Mention: Ellie Calhoun, sr. (CUR); Shandi Evans, sr. (INC); Courtney Hastings, sr. (SEL); Megan Richard, jr. (REP).
Northeast 1B-South
Co-MVPs: Naomi Molitor, sr., Almira-Coulee-Hartline; Kaylin Gines, jr., Springdale. Co-coaches: Emily Pouley, Wilbur-Creston-Keller; Matt Gines, Springdale.
First Team: Rocksie Timentwa, sr. (WCK); Grace Okamoto, jr. (ACH); Sina Nelson, so. (WCK); Callie Cousins, sr. (WCK); Cloie Isley, sr. (Valley Christian); Brystal Neilsen, jr. (WCK); Emma Brummett, sr. (ACH); Lexi Rimpler, so. (WCK); Samiah Smoger, sr. (WCK).
Honorable Mention: Gemma Tichy (CAND); Brielle Basson, so. (VC); Jordyn Lewis, jr. (Odessa); Trinity Farnsworth, jr. (SPR).
Southeast 1B-Wheat
MVP: Bradyn Henley, sr., Oakesdale. Coach: McKenzie Therrian, Oakesdale.
First Team: Bradyn Henley, sr. (OAK); Elana Flansburg, sr. (GAR-PAL); Clare Bowechop, sr. (GAR-PAL); Grace Perry, jr. (OAK); Megan Crider, so. (OAK); Hollie Van Vogt, so. (POM); Kyra Brantner, jr. (GAR-PAL); Lyla Kjack, so. (OAK); Olivia Cooper, sr. (POM); Morgan Lentz, sr. (GAR-PAL); Sadie Klaveano, sr. (POM); Kendyll Potoshnik, jr. (POM); Kayla Eilertson, sr. (Tekoa-Rosalia).
Second Team: Molly Warren, jr. (POM); Abagale McGuire, jr. (T-R); Marissa Tupling, sr. (DAY); Kaylee Kimble, jr. (GAR-PAL); Alexa Jones, jr. (DAY); Sophie Anderson, sr. (StJE); McKinley Chase, sr. (T-R).
Slowpitch Softball
GSL 4A/3A/2A
MVP: Ella Bendele, sr., Central Valley. Coach: Carl Adams, Mt. Spokane. Asst. Coach: Chuck Scheiwiller, Lewis and Clark.
First Team: P: Avery Fox, jr. (MtS). C: Ellie Robinson, so. (FER). INF: Addison Jay, sr. (MtS); Kapri Bailey, so. (DP); Emme Bond, jr. (MtS); JC Weger, sr. (EV); McKenzie Duncan, sr. (SP). OF: Claire Fulkerson, sr. (UNI); Cora Donley, sr. (CV); Jaycee Coffield, sr. (MEA); Rhiannon Kilgore, jr. (LC); Riley Kincaid, sr. (MtS). EP: Quincy Schuerman, sr. (MtS). U: Laniya Mawdsley, sr. (SP).
Second Team: P: Berkley Noble, sr. (UNI). C: Bailey Tampien, so. (MtS). INF: Vienna Klein, sr. (LC); Ella Jensen, jr. (UNI); Hope Murdock, sr. (MEA); Jillian Marshall, jr. (DP); Whitney Hollen, jr. (CV). OF: Quincy Coder, sr. (RL); Ava DeLeon, sr. (FER); Hayden Wheeler, sr. (UNI); Annie Beito, fr. (CHE); Bethany Rinas, sr. (SP). EP: Cheyenne Kinswa, jr. (UNI). U: Amelia Beito, jr. (CHE).
Girls Soccer
GSL 4A/3A
Offensive MVP: Quinn Mueller, sr., Ridgeline. Defensive MVP: Nora Cullen, sr., Mead. Goalkeeper MVP: Myleah Puletasi, so., Mead. Coach: Casey Curtis, Mead.
First Team: F: Leah Weller, jr. (FER); Bre Caul, sr. (MtS); Keegan Tee, sr. (LC). M: Hailey Orellana, jr. (FER): Ruby Shaw, sr. (LC); Avery Davidson, jr. (MtS). D: Reese Peterson, sr. (MtS); Maylin Nicholson, sr. (LC); Lilly Heaton, sr. (UNI); Caroline Spink, sr. (MEA). GK: Tayler Nordean, jr. (UNI).
Second Team: F: Addison Cox, jr. (UNI); Lydia Lynn, jr. (RL); Charlotte Dix, so. (LC). M: Kinley Collins, jr. (CHE); Paige Stolp, sr. (UNI); Kinlee Lutz, jr. (LC). D: Emery Baker, sr. (MtS); McKenna Litscher, sr. (GP); Makenna Moore, sr. (RL); Mackenzie Stewart, sr. (UNI). GK: Kenzie Shuler, sr. (MtS); Mallory Olson, sr. (CV).
GSL 2A
Offensive MVP: Hayden Anderson, sr., East Valley. Defensive MVP: Alanis Bobo, jr., Pullman. Coach: CC Collins, West Valley.
First Team: F: Claire Busse, sr. (WV); Jenna Howe, sr. (WV); Lauren Matthew, sr. (WV); Chloe Van Wey, sr. (WV). MF: Daniella Lucas, sr. (CLK); Sienna Breneman, sr. (DP); Sidney Johnson, sr. (PUL); Kyia Silva, sr. (WV). D: Kailey Willis, jr. (WV); Cassie Kappen, sr., (WV); Shiah Mullerleile, jr. (EV). GK: Embree Kirby, jr. (EV).
Second Team: F: Vicky Villarino, so. (PUL). MF: Katelyn Marshall, so. (EV); Kate Turnbull, sr. (NC). D: Ashley Eggleston, sr. (CLK); Taylor Darling, jr. (PUL); Saige Stuart, jr. (ROG); Katelyn Reiter, jr. (DP); Olivia Berg, fr. (EV); Gabriella Phillipe, sr. (NC); Audrey Bartlett, sr. (NC); Andrea Wu, so. (PUL). GK: Addison Fritz, sr. (NC).
Northeast A
Offensive MVP: Laninee Higgins, sr., Lakeside. Defensive MVP: Joslyn Craddock, Colville. Co-coaches: Wayne Farris and Darrin Mott, Lakeside.
First Team: GK: Amelia Carroll, sr. (RIV). D: Ava Kelley, jr. (COL); Kailaya Vanderholm (COL); Lyla Heinemann (ML); Annabella McDonald, sr. (RIV); Norah Kaluza, sr. (LAK); Masame Osborn, sr. (LAK). MF: Julia Baker, sr. (COL); Natalie Housworth (COL); Addison Heffernan, sr. (LAK); Halle Cossette, sr. (LAK); Margaret St. Amand, sr. (RIV); Izzy Delzer, so. (LAK); Mikaela Davis, sr. (RIV).
Northeast 2B
Co-MVPs: Rylee Russell, sr. Freeman; Glenna Soliday, sr., Davenport. Coach: James Turner, third year, Upper Columbia Academy.
First Team: Rylee Russell, sr. (FRE); Glenna Soliday, sr. (DAV), Claire Wichman, jr. (NWC); Rylie Rettedal, jr. (NWC); Julianna Pope, so. (NWC); Avery Gass, sr. (FRE); Nora Gass, so. (FRE); Charlotte Soliday, so. (DAV); Gabriella Daniel, fr. (FRE); Chloe Strandy, fr. (NWC). GK: Abbie Strandy, sr. (NWC).
Second Team: Hannah Fish, jr. (NWC); Samantha Stiles, sr. (DAV); Chloe Goodall, sr. (KE); Delaney Abustallo, fr. (FRE); Nicole DuPont, sr. (FRE); Have Dye, jr. (UCA); Paityn Kyle, sr. (NWC); Katie Michaelis, jr. (UCA); Joelle Brandtner, jr. (NEW); Delaney Brandtner, 8th (NEW). GK: Addie Schneider, sr. (DAV); Chloe Reese, sr. (UCA).
Boys Soccer
1B
Co-MVPs: Gavin Eliason, sr., Saint George's; Francisco Gonzalez, sr., Mabton. Coach: Mark Rickard, Saint George's.
First Team: Tallon Greenwood, sr. (Riverside Christian); Ethan Fly, jr. (Upper Columbia Academy); Becket Dornay, jr. (Chesterton Academy); Sean Conway, sr. (CAND); Gavin Eliason, sr. (StG); Eduardo Valdovinos, sr. (Prescott); Christian Camacho, sr. (Mabton); Graham Reichel, so. (StG); Michael Sears, jr. (CAND); Donte DiBiase, sr. (UCA); Micah Morgan, sr. (RC); Francisco Gonzalez, sr. (MAB). GK: Pierce English, sr. (StG).
Second Team: Orlando Mendez, fr. (PRE); Solomon Chen, sr. (StG); Colin Brennan, sr. (StG); Alexander Cisneros, so. (MAB); Scout Jordan, sr. (UCA); Per Sande, sr. (StG); Atom Miller, so. (StG); Lyle Houck, so. (CAND); Will Conway, jr. (CAND); Armando Chavez, sr. (MAB). GK: Victor Garcia, so. (WWVA).
Boys Cross Country
GSL 4A/3A
Coach: Austin Stuchel, Mead.
First Team: Miro Parr-Coffin, fr. (GP); Zach Frazier, sr. (GP); Stejer Franklin, so. (MEA); Becks Bird, jr. (SP); Jovanny Lieb, sr. (MEA); Gatlin Michaelson, jr. (MtS); Andrew Ward, so. (CHE); Jonah Wiser, sr. (MEA); Elijah Tobin, jr. (LC); Aaron Pooler, jr. (MEA).
2.1-Mile Unified First Team: Luke Gottschalk, athlete and Mcquang Nguyen, partner (MEA).
Second Team: Noah Reischman, sr. (MEA); Corbin Eiseman, sr. (LC); Liam Frantzich, sr. (CHE); Elliot Yegge, jr. (NC); Ethan Martin, sr. (CHE); Marshall Loew, jr. (GP); Nathan Smith, sr. (MtS).
GSL 2A
Coach: Mark Esvelt, West Valley.
First Team: John Kiernan III, so. (WV); Cade Udy, jr. (PUL); Avery Peters, jr. (CLK); Evan McKenzie, jr. (WV); Caden Hoskinson, sr. (WV); Aaron Swensen, jr. (PUL); Tryston Harris, so. (ROG); Lucas Mortensen, sr. (WV); Anthony Berube, jr. (WV); Miles Bourterse, jr. (CLK).
Second Team: Quinn Bartley-Peck, jr. (PUL); Trenton Kurle, so. (ROG); Leonid Matveev, jr. (PUL); Ryder Chavez, so. (WV); Isaac Hendrickson, so. (WV); Blake Dobbins, sr. (PUL); Jude Newbold, jr. (PUL).
Northeast A
MVP: Malik Ortiz, jr., Colville. Coach: Gene Blankenship, Medical Lake.
First Team: Isaiah Ortiz, sr. (COL); Mercury Bergquist, so. (ML); Steven Shotts, so. (ML); Matthew Bolles, sr. (LAK); Joshua Fagerholm, fr. (LAK); Connor Schneider, sr. (COL); Jerrin Patrick, jr. (COL); Taegen Hart, fr. (RIV); Brady Stetson, sr. (LAK); Erik Moon, jr. (ML); Silas Kaluza, sr. (LAK); David Parker, sr. (RIV); Josten Simons, so. (LAK).
Girls Cross Country
GSL 4A/3A
Co-Coaches: Todd Hawley, University; Kara Ames, Central Valley.
First Team: Jane Wycoff, sr. (MtS); Erin McMahon, so. (GP); Avery Parker, jr. (MEA); Claire Philips, fr. (MEA); Claire Gee, jr. (GP); Triniti Ramos, so. (FER); Frances Rein, jr. (MtS); Emery Sevy, fr. (RL); Kalia Blanchard, fr. (RL); Kyla Roberts, sr. (UNI).
2.1-Mile Unified First Team: Rosie Mortensen, athlete and Emma Danaraj, partner (FER).
Second Team: Alissa Rennaker, fr. (UNI); Brianna McKell, sr. (MtS); Addy Chaffins, sr. (MEA); Aubrey Harvey, so. (CV); Ella Menard, sr. (FER); Emma Anderson, fr. (LC); Ellie Apatow, so. (FER).
GSL 2A
Coach: Allix Potratz-Lee, Pullman.
First Team: Ada Harris, sr. (PUL); Aubrey Lightfoot, fr. (PUL); Quincy Andrews, sr. (WV); Randy Mattix, fr. (PUL); Katelyn Scharff, fr. (EV); Aviana Marek, jr. (WV); Elise Stoffregen, so. (CLK); Leah Ellingson, fr. (DP); Kaelin Newsom, jr. (DP); Ally Ellingson, fr. (DP).
Second Team: Eisa Johnson, fr. (PUL); Nellie Goggin, jr. (EV); Addy Steppe, jr. (ROG); Peyton Fisher, fr. (EV); Camryn Peterson, sr. (EV); Hazel Ebert, jr. (EV), Rebecca Kwon, fr. (PUL).
Northeast A
MVP: Kaylee Dennler, sr., Medical Lake. Coach: Gene Blankenship, Medical Lake.
First Team: Zadience Zier, sr. (COL); Jillian Owen, sr. (LAK); Ava Meusy, jr. (LAK); Aya McNeill, fr. (ML); Olivia Devine, sr. (LAK); Isla Dotson, jr. (LAK); Isabella Golf, fr. (LAK); Autumn Trout, jr. (ML); Alyssa Riek, jr. (RIV); Feodora Lalicker, jr. (RIV); Faith Jackson, jr. (RIV); Avery Owen, sr. (LAK); Amelia Morris, fr. (RIV).
Dec. 14—SEATTLE — Maybe when the opponent wheels out Gaylord Perry to start at quarterback, it tends to drain a little bit of the competitive fervor from your team.
Nobody wants to be accused of disrespecting their elder, right?
That might stand as an alibi for the Seattle Seahawks defense, but the offense? Dreadful most of the day, except for the right leg of kicker Jason Myers, whose six field goals salvaged an 18-16 win over the visiting Indianapolis Colts at Lumen Field on Sunday.
The Seahawks did almost everything they could to lose this game. But Myers wouldn't let them, booting through the game winner in the final seconds to keep Seattle at the top of the NFC West Standings with an 11-3 record.
Seattle coach Mike Macdonald has preached the importance of complementary football. He might want to clarify that message to his team, as the Hawks played below standard on both sides of the ball for much of the day.
Except for Myers and holder Michael Dickson, and snapper Chris Stoll.
The story all week for the Colts has been how they would replace their three injured quarterbacks.
Coming off three straight losses, the Colts brought 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement. The former Chargers great hadn't played in the NFL in five years.
Father Time catches up to every athlete, and Sunday, the role of Father Time should have been taken the embodiment of Seattle defenders Leonard Williams and DeMarcus Lawrence and the other pass rushers.
Surprisingly, though, not much pressure was brought to bear. Rivers threw 27 passes with only one sack and four quarterback hits. In the second quarter, Rivers threw his first touchdown in five years, putting the Colts ahead, 13-3. At that point the game took on a seriously surreal quality.
An example of first half offensive futility: After a kickoff return to the Seahawks 42, the Hawks offense marched backward with two penalties, a fumble and tackle for loss, to have to punt on fourth down from their own 8.
The Seahawks defense had been so dominant this season, considered among the very best in the NFL. But at that point, they were being out-gained and outscored by a grandfather quarterback who could have been otherwise employed filming TV ads for reverse mortgages.
The 13-6 halftime deficit seemed a small concern after last week's second half against Atlanta, when the Hawks awakened in the second half to outscore the Falcons 31-3.
Yes, they'd only rushed for a total of 3 yards (on 9 carries) in the first 30 minutes against Indy, and star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a mere 3 catches for 31 yards — and had, gasp, a very uncharacteristic drop.
Still, surely, they'd pull off another reversal as they did in Atlanta.
They didn't, and still won. Failing on 11 of 13 third-down conversion attempts, they put their trust in Myers' foot.
In the second half, the defense held the Colts scoreless until the final minute of the game, when kicker Blake Grupe booted a 60-yard field goal to give Indy a 16-15 lead.
With :42 left and the ball on the Seattle 37, quarterback Sam Darnold completed two passes to Rashid Shaheed to set up Myers for the 56-yard game-winner.
"Wins in this league come in all different shapes and sizes," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. "The great teams figure out ways to win. (We were) mentally tough and stuck together, and the way we closed that game out was phenomenal."
Absolutely right, the really good teams find ways. The real good ones don't have to.
They have to rack it up again Thursday with division positioning on the line when the Los Angeles Rams visit.
With that on the line in a few days, this win felt like a fortunate escape.
Get a win without scoring a touchdown?
Get a win with only 49 total rushing yards (22 carries)? Get a win without getting pressure on a largely inert quarterback?
Macdonald gave a hat-tip to Rivers and the Colts staff, devising an attack that kept him vertical.
The plan actually seemed a little audacious, and maybe a little insulting to the Seattle defense.
The Colts made it clear from the start that Rivers was going to hand the ball off to back Jonathan Taylor and maybe toss a few short routes when he had to.
They dared the Hawks to shut them down, and they took the lead and held it until the final minute of the game.
"We responded and we were able to get the win, that's all that matters," said linebacker Ernest Jones IV.
Macdonald reeled off at least half a dozen things the Hawks needed to improve on before they face the Rams.
Although the most important prep for Thursday's game might be to get a few days of ice treatments on Myer's overworked right foot.
BLOOMINGTON — The CBS newsmagazine show 60 Minutes traveled to Bloomington to trace Indiana football's rise from also-ran to powerhouse.
The award-winning program known for its in-depth reporting ran a 13-minute piece on Sunday that featured interviews with coach Curt Cignetti, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, athletic director Scott Dolson, longtime broadcaster Don Fischer and famed musician John Mellencamp.
Here's a recap of the segment that was reported out by Jon Wertheim, a sports journalist and author who is a Bloomington native:
After noting Indiana football's turnaround compared to famed sports movies in the state — "Hoosiers," "Rudy," and "Breaking Away" — Mendoza spoke about the team's sideline being filled with "overlooked" coaches, players and staff.
He became IU's first Heisman Trophy winner on Saturday night told Wertheim that he sometimes feels "imposter syndrome."
"Human nature is like, 'Wow, like, how did I get here?'" Mendoza said in an interview conducted prior to Heisman weekend. "And there's a little bit of an imposter syndrome from that point. 'Whoa, am I supposed to be here? I was a two-star recruit. I wasn't a five star. Who's supposed to be in this position, who's supposed to be on the No. 1 team in the nation.'"
Mellencamp started going to IU games as a kid and later donated the funds for an indoor practice facility the team still utilizes. Wertheim noted his contributions to point out he's not a "bandwagon" supporter of the team.
"No, no, I've been around through thick and thin," Mellencamp said with a smile.
Mellencamp, who was shown watching a game at Memorial Stadium from a suite at the top of the press box that allows him to smoke during games, traced Cignetti's success to the fact that he does not show emotion.
"Not outwardly. Not outwardly," Mellencamp said. "Jon, I've made my worst decisions being emotional. And I bet you have, too."
Wertheim highlighted the changes in college athletics, from the transfer portal to name, image and likeness opportunities for players, that fueled Indiana's transformation. Cignetti brought 13 players over with him from James Madison — six of them are starters on this year's team — and Mendoza was a highly sought after quarterback transfer from Cal.
"There's so many different dynamics that were never there in college football," Mendoza said. "And I think that's why you see so many teams either rising or fizzling."
Mendoza, who reportedly makes $2 million, revealed that he had actually written a paper in high school that athletes shouldn't be paid.
Wertheim asked Dolson about IU investing $60 million into football while the university cuts academic jobs and programs.
"The market is what the market is," Dolson said. "And it costs a lot of money. But we earn that money. We make it through our revenue streams. And at the same time people understand if we can get football going, the impact and the consequences for the rest of the university are — are significant."
“There's no magic here. It's fundamentals,” coach Curt Cignetti says of Indiana’s rise. The Hoosiers went from losingest program in major college football history to undefeated Big Ten champions. https://t.co/Vd0Y3wT5zgpic.twitter.com/jBMJDJTaty
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) December 15, 2025
Wertheim walked viewers through Cignetti's résumé and him landing his first Power Four head coaching opportunity "beyond the usual sell-by date." He recapped his early days on the job, from him calling out IU's rivals at Assembly Hall to uttering his famed "Google Me" catchphrase.
Cignetti explained those moments were all related to his overall frustrations with the vibes in Bloomington surrounding the football program at the time.
"As soon as I walked in the building," Cignetti said. "Facilities that had been neglected. The stadium banners that looked old. The offices that looked like they were from 1980. And then — you know, just the general attitude of the people I met, the lack of excitement."
He continued.
"I was — furious, pretty much. 'Cause all we did was win conference championships year in, year out as a staff — and I mean, we — we win. And so it was a clashing of two worlds. And I wasn't gonna lower my standards."
He wanted to see if the fans were "just dead or on life support" when he called out Purdue, Michigan and Ohio State.
Did he accomplish that mission?
"Little bit," Cignetti said with a smile.
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana football on 60 Minutes, highlights from Cignetti, Mellancamp
BLOOMINGTON — The CBS newsmagazine show 60 Minutes traveled to Bloomington to trace Indiana football's rise from also-ran to powerhouse.
The award-winning program known for its in-depth reporting ran a 13-minute piece on Sunday that featured interviews with coach Curt Cignetti, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, athletic director Scott Dolson, longtime broadcaster Don Fischer and famed musician John Mellencamp.
Here's a recap of the segment that was reported out by Jon Wertheim, a sports journalist and author who is a Bloomington native:
After noting Indiana football's turnaround compared to famed sports movies in the state — "Hoosiers," "Rudy," and "Breaking Away" — Mendoza spoke about the team's sideline being filled with "overlooked" coaches, players and staff.
He became IU's first Heisman Trophy winner on Saturday night told Wertheim that he sometimes feels "imposter syndrome."
"Human nature is like, 'Wow, like, how did I get here?'" Mendoza said in an interview conducted prior to Heisman weekend. "And there's a little bit of an imposter syndrome from that point. 'Whoa, am I supposed to be here? I was a two-star recruit. I wasn't a five star. Who's supposed to be in this position, who's supposed to be on the No. 1 team in the nation.'"
Mellencamp started going to IU games as a kid and later donated the funds for an indoor practice facility the team still utilizes. Wertheim noted his contributions to point out he's not a "bandwagon" supporter of the team.
"No, no, I've been around through thick and thin," Mellencamp said with a smile.
Mellencamp, who was shown watching a game at Memorial Stadium from a suite at the top of the press box that allows him to smoke during games, traced Cignetti's success to the fact that he does not show emotion.
"Not outwardly. Not outwardly," Mellencamp said. "Jon, I've made my worst decisions being emotional. And I bet you have, too."
Wertheim highlighted the changes in college athletics, from the transfer portal to name, image and likeness opportunities for players, that fueled Indiana's transformation. Cignetti brought 13 players over with him from James Madison — six of them are starters on this year's team — and Mendoza was a highly sought after quarterback transfer from Cal.
"There's so many different dynamics that were never there in college football," Mendoza said. "And I think that's why you see so many teams either rising or fizzling."
Mendoza, who reportedly makes $2 million, revealed that he had actually written a paper in high school that athletes shouldn't be paid.
Wertheim asked Dolson about IU investing $60 million into football while the university cuts academic jobs and programs.
"The market is what the market is," Dolson said. "And it costs a lot of money. But we earn that money. We make it through our revenue streams. And at the same time people understand if we can get football going, the impact and the consequences for the rest of the university are — are significant."
“There's no magic here. It's fundamentals,” coach Curt Cignetti says of Indiana’s rise. The Hoosiers went from losingest program in major college football history to undefeated Big Ten champions. https://t.co/Vd0Y3wT5zgpic.twitter.com/jBMJDJTaty
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) December 15, 2025
Wertheim walked viewers through Cignetti's résumé and him landing his first Power Four head coaching opportunity "beyond the usual sell-by date." He recapped his early days on the job, from him calling out IU's rivals at Assembly Hall to uttering his famed "Google Me" catchphrase.
Cignetti explained those moments were all related to his overall frustrations with the vibes in Bloomington surrounding the football program at the time.
"As soon as I walked in the building," Cignetti said. "Facilities that had been neglected. The stadium banners that looked old. The offices that looked like they were from 1980. And then — you know, just the general attitude of the people I met, the lack of excitement."
He continued.
"I was — furious, pretty much. 'Cause all we did was win conference championships year in, year out as a staff — and I mean, we — we win. And so it was a clashing of two worlds. And I wasn't gonna lower my standards."
He wanted to see if the fans were "just dead or on life support" when he called out Purdue, Michigan and Ohio State.
Did he accomplish that mission?
"Little bit," Cignetti said with a smile.
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana football on 60 Minutes, highlights from Cignetti, Mellancamp
Dec. 14—PULLMAN — Kirby Moore has his first touchdown at Washington State.
Hired on Friday as the Cougars' new head coach, Moore landed Sunday afternoon at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, where he greeted a collection of WSU fans and offered a word of excitement.
"Thank you, guys. I appreciate you coming out," Moore said, stepping out from the passenger seat of a white Jeep Wagoneer SUV. "Excited to be home and build this thing. I'll see you guys at the press conference on Tuesday."
Joining Moore on the flight from Columbia, where he was Missouri's offensive coordinator each of the previous three seasons, was his family, including his wife, Kayla, and their three children: sons Cohen and Crew and daughter Sutton. Also on the flight was WSU interim AD Jon Haarlow, who led the coaching search, as well as team digital media staffer Dayton Byrne.
Moore's introductory news conference is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday.
After greeting fans, Moore and his family headed to Gesa Field, where all five walked around the field. A team photographer snapped pictures, some candid, others posed. On the stadium videoboard was Moore's picture, welcoming him to WSU. The same message beamed across the smaller videoboards that wrap around the stands.
It's hardly Moore's first time at the venue. A native of Prosser, which is about 170 miles west of Pullman, Moore sometimes found himself at Cougar games growing up. A photo of him at the 2012 Apple Cup has been floating around social media throughout the week.
Moore is replacing former coach Jimmy Rogers, who left last weekend for the same job at Iowa State. In less than one calendar year at WSU, Rogers went 6-6, helping lead the Cougars to the Idaho Potato Bowl against Utah State. That game is set for Dec. 22 in Boise.
The Cougars are not expected to owe any buyout on Moore's Mizzou contract, which stipulated that if he were to leave early for a head coach position, his buyout would become zero. The details of his WSU contract have yet to surface.
It remains unclear what Moore's staff will look like.
Moore's coaching career
2025-pres. — Washington State (Head coach)
2023-2025 — Missouri (Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2022 — Fresno State (Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2020-21 — Fresno State (Wide receivers/passing game coordinator)
2017-19 — Fresno State (Wide receivers)
2015-16 — Washington (Graduate assistant/offense)
2014 — College of Idaho (Wide receivers)
EAST RUTHERFORD - In a post-game moment of honesty and humility, Jaxson Dart admitted that he's still searching for ways to cope with all this losing.
The New York Giants have done far more losing than Dart ever anticipated when he took over as their quarterback, especially after upsetting the Los Angeles Chargers and the Philadelphia Eagles in his two of his first three starts.
Then, on the road in Denver the week after that, Dart refused to accept what has been this franchise's unfortunate reality for much of the past decade-plus. And when he scored on a gutsy touchdown run for a two-point lead with 33 seconds left, the rookie from Ole Miss never gave a thought to the idea that somehow, the Giants would find a way to give the game away.
Of course, they did - and Dart's Giants have not won since, testing his patience and his confidence with each of the eight consecutive defeats, the Broncos' collapse included. The latest: Sunday's 29-21 loss to the Washington Commanders after which Dart was asked how he avoids getting as discouraged as others may expect him to be.
"I think I'm still learning that," said Dart, who completed 20-of-36 passes for 242 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed for 63 yards. "I haven't gone this long without a win in my career. You definitely try to obviously learn from the things that you didn't play well enough from. I'm trying to just live week to week and trying to get a little bit of motivation, be a little bit of a spark, just trying to communicate as positively as I can. These hurt, so you've got to try to take it for what it is and try to rally the troops to get better for the next week."
Make no mistake: regardless of what happens with the Giants down the stretch of this lost season, with the firing of head coach Brian Daboll well in the rear view now, with defensive coordinator Shane Bowen fired two games ago and this team still struggling the last two weeks to find a way to change the narrative, the presence of Dart must be an organizational priority.
That comes with preserving and protecting Dart from losing the swagger and aura that preceded his ascension to the position he is in now as the franchise's quarterback of the present and future.
Because after this one, Dart seemed at a loss for how this keeps happening to a team he believes has far more potential than its 2-12 record shows.
"I think that our losses have been pretty simple for the most part: just us not being a team that finishes consistently in the fourth quarter. I think that that's just the reason," Dart said. "That's what we have to fix. I think that when you watch back the tape, you understand why we're not winning games."
Certainly did not take a rocket scientist to figure out why against the Commanders.
The horrendous coverage on Washington rookie Jaylin Lane's 64-yard punt return for a touchdown in the waning moments of the first half. Two critical drops by veteran captain Darius Slayton, one that would have gone for a first down and one that could have been a touchdown.
A foolish personal foul on center John Michael Schmitz that preceded Slayton's second drop, with Schmitz for excessive yapping with Commanders players instead of going back to the huddle on a third-quarter drive on which the Giants were building momentum.
Two missed field goals by Younghoe Koo, but neither had much of a chance as both were from beyond 50 yards and going against the wind. Still, they represented two additional empty possessions. There was also a 51-yard pass play from Marcus Mariota to Terry McLaurin, who spun safety Dane Belton around in coverage before breaking a tackle attempt by cornerback Paulson Adebo on his way to the end zone.
Perhaps the most frustrating development in the game was the officials' seemingly overbearing treatment of Dart himself. The Giants had a first-and-goal from the 1 when Dart tried to get back to the line of scrimmage when a first-down pop pass into the end zone was covered. The officiating crew took Dart off the field even though he did not appear to take a big hit relative to perception, sending him to the sideline and the medical tent for a concussion evaluation.
Any rhythm the Giants had been building was lost when Jameis Winston was forced into the game ice cold from the bench. Dart was cleared soon after, but he missed two plays, only to return and fire incomplete to Wan'Dale Robinson.
Because of the narrative that has been perpetuated by discourse surrounding Dart and the need for him to protect himself on the field, there is reason to question whether that has unfairly created this dilemma in which he is being forced to walk upon a fine line that does not apply to most players.
"I'm not really sure what the reason was I had to come out of the game," Dart said. "It was just a really – it was weird. I don't understand it. ... But I was definitely surprised, just didn't feel like it was that big of a hit at all. Obviously, just the situation that we were in too, first-and-goal on the two, that's a big thing that happens in the game. So, I was definitely surprised."
Dart promises that he is still confident in the Giants' future, even after another uninspiring performance in a half-empty MetLife Stadium. Admittedly, the present is starting to wear on the QB who continues to be adamant in embracing the role of leading a floundering franchise out of the oft-embarrassing malaise that has become its brand, overshadowing the dulled shine of the four Vince Lombardi trophies that sit on display in the lobby of the Giants' training facility.
"It’s little plays that you have to make, and the other team is making, and we're not," Dart said. "And we’re not making enough of those."
For the Giants, that adds up to an eight-game losing streak.
It's something that has become all too familiar for this team.
With three games left, hope is doubtful to return until next season.
And as much as Jaxson Dart continues to fight the apathy that has gotten the best of so many around here, the reality isn't what he expects it to be.
That's more painful than anything he has experienced previously, which is why Dart is motivated and desperate to change that before it's too late.
The Giants' young QB deserves better, and that's the bottom line.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Jaxson Dart at a loss with this Giants' losing and he deserves better
It’s only a coincidence that on the night the Minnesota Wild paid tribute to the movie “Star Wars,” on the ice there was “A New Hope” on display for all to see.
By the time their 6-2 blowout of previously high-flying Boston was complete on Sunday, the high price that Wild general manager Bill Guerin paid to bring defenseman Quinn Hughes to Minnesota was looking like a savvy investment.
Hughes — widely regarded as one of the top defensemen in the NHL — scored a third-period goal, ran the team’s top power-play unit and had fans buzzing all night in his first game in a Wild uniform.
“The crowd was electric from, I would say, warmups to the introductions and throughout the game,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “It was great to see the building like that, and the guys performed the way they did, so it was a great combo.”
Brock Faber is used to trading hockey-related texts with his Wild teammates. But when he was cooking on Friday evening and his phone started to light up with messages from his high school friends, he knew something big was up.
“I don’t have Twitter, really, and I don’t follow any hockey accounts on my only other social media, Instagram, so all my buddies were texting me,” Faber recalled. “They were like ‘Quinn Hughes is coming!’ I obviously was shocked. It was something you never saw coming. Obviously, my buddies were joking that they’re mad because I’m not going to be on the first power play anymore.”
Indeed, when the Wild got their initial man advantage of the night versus Boston, it was Hughes taking the first shift on the blue line. Although, it was the second power-play unit that gave the home team the lead, with Faber setting up Jared Spurgeon for the game’s first goal.
Faber started Sunday’s game alongside Hughes, who early on appeared perhaps a bit jittery, with an uncharacteristic giveaway in the neutral zone and a puck that hopped Hughes’ stick at the offensive blue line.
If there were first-period adjustments to be made, it would be understandable following a span of roughly 50 hours that saw Hughes fly from Vancouver to Newark, learn of the trade that would send him to Minnesota, spend a night with his two brothers that play for the Devils, then head to the “State of Hockey” via Wild owner Craig Leipold’s private jet, with general manager Bill Guerin accompanying him.
“My body was a little fatigued. I didn’t really have my legs today,” Hughes admitted, adding that he came to Minnesota on a below-zero night owning almost nothing in the way of warm winter clothing.
“I definitely have some shopping to do,” he said, after logging nearly 27 minutes on the ice with three shots on goal.
Faber was traded to Minnesota in the offseason without ever playing a game for Los Angeles, the team that drafted him. He was immediately empathic to what his new defensive partner was facing, and equally impressed with what Hughes brought in Game 1.
“For his personal life, he’s just had to up and leave, and 48 hours later, he’s playing for a new team,” Faber said. “That’s hard and he made it look pretty dang easy.”
In his postgame press conference, Hughes had the look of someone who had seen and done a lot in 48 hours, including instilling belief that this could be a special season in the minds of Wild fans. He admitted still getting to know his new team and their system, and promised that there is definitely hope on the horizon in Minnesota.
“A little nerves there in the first, and you could see them on my first power play,” Hughes admitted. “It might take a couple games, but I think as we get to Christmas and after Christmas, we’ll be rolling.”
The NFC South is officially the weirdest division in football. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night to fall to second place in the division standings, but it didn't last long. The New Orleans Saints scored 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to upset the division-leading Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon.
And just like that, the Buccaneers are back on top of the NFC South at 7-7 with three weeks left in the season. The Panthers will host the Bucs in Week 16 with a chance to retake the division lead. The two NFC South rivals will then face off once more in Week 18.
As for the Falcons, they were already out of the division race with a 5-9 record. The same goes for the Saints, who still sit in fourth place at 4-10. Atlanta and New Orleans will face off in the final week of the 2025 NFL season. Check out the updated NFC South standings entering Week 16 below.
The Falcons will face off against the Arizona Cardinals on the road in Week 16. Sunday's game starts at 4:05 p.m. ET. Atlanta will look to get wide receiver Drake London back after missing the last four games.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: NFC South: Panthers lose to Saints, Bucs lose to Falcons
The Carolina Panthers did not carry themselves like a team that was two consecutive wins away from a division title on Sunday.
For the second time this season, the Panthers fell to the last-place New Orleans Saints. This time, they ate a heartbreaking 20-17 loss down in the bayou—one headlined by a myriad of flags.
Thanks to their less-than-sharp play, Carolina was penalized 11 times for a total of 103 yards.
Head coach Dave Canales started out his post-game press conference by acknowledging the sloppy showing.
"We talk about our play style, talk about play smart and finish. That did not show up today," Canales stated. "And that's something we certainly have to talk about."
Carolina's most damaging flag of all came with 12 seconds left in the fourth quarter, when safety Lathan Ransom dove at Saints quarterback Tyler Shough at the end of a slide. The folly gifted New Orleans another 15 yards and set up the go-ahead 47-yard field goal from kicker Charlie Smyth.
A victory would have given the Panthers a one-game lead in the NFC South heading into their Week 16 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A win in that showdown, had Carolina taken care of business in New Orleans, would've clinched the franchise their first division crown since 2015.
Canales was later asked about the effects of spoiling such a golden opportunity.
"Yeah, there's two things goin' on," he replied. "There's a lot of guys who are really disappointed because of the missed opportunity that we had. At the same time, there's a lot of great leaders in that locker room that understand we got a lot of football in front of us.
"We have to make sure that we move on quickly. We look at the film, make sure we tidy up the things that we need to and get ready for the next game."
That next game is slated for 1:00 p.m. ET next Sunday, and will be the biggest game the Panthers have hosted in quite some time.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers HC Dave Canales talks about agonizingly sloppy loss to Saints
In the midst of a resurgent season for Ben Johnson's Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams has already drawn a parallel between himself and Golden State Warriors basketball legend Stephen Curry. He previously compared his game-winning touchdown pass against the Cincinnati Bengals back in early November to a classic Curry dagger 3-pointer from way downtown. While Williams is very far away from having the same reputation or accomplishments as Curry, you could at least see this specific comparison on this singular play basis.
After the Bears blew out the Cleveland Browns 31-3 on Sunday, Williams inadvertently made another connection between himself and Curry, albeit an indirect one that is much more #online-coded for people used to sports memes from social media than anything else. Also, I'm not entirely sure its wording was inadvertent.
When asked about his success carving up the Browns' defense with play-action, Williams said, "he was told" he couldn't do that kind of thing and succeed at the NFL level. That wording is curious, to say the least:
"Yea...I was told I couldn't get under center or turn my back to the defense"
— 79th & Halas Podcast (@79thAndHalas) December 14, 2025
Caleb on his success in play action
For those of you who (thankfully) don't spend that much time on social media, Williams' wording here sure sounds like a famous sports X/Twitter post that notes how there are always people making up strawman arguments by making a point no one else was making. It uses Curry's prolific, all-time 3-point shooting as an example, noting that a person with this mindset would say Curry's critics were calling him out for being a poor shooter, even though no one who was serious has ever said such a thing.
It's been a good template for similar sorts of arguments and rhetoric in the sports sphere over the years:
there’s always someone on twitter arguing with no one. saying stuff like “but I was told steph curry wasn’t a good shooter”
— Bris Bristofferson (@killakow) June 11, 2019
All of this to say, the Bears have been running an under-center offense all season. Williams has been terrific in play action ... all season. Anyone paying attention who is still criticizing Williams notes his occasionally poor accuracy or the Bears' still-developing dropback game, not how he can't play from under center or utilize play action well. That's the Bears' bread and butter under Ben Johnson!
Nonetheless, I appreciate Williams going at his critics and showing some spiciness. That he did it while using the wording of an all-time sports social media post just makes it even funnier. I find it awfully convenient that his wording is reminiscent of a legend he's already compared himself to. That can't be an accident.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Caleb Williams playfully roasted his critics after Bears' blowout win
The Tennessee Titans had no answer for the San Francisco offense in their Week 15, 37-24, loss to the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Tennessee (2-12) did look good in spurts, but the young offense couldn’t keep up with the 49ers' dynamic attack. Cam Ward started strong, looked good, and Tony Pollard continued to produce, but it was not enough to lead the Titans to a victory.
Unfortunately, the Titans lost three safeties early in the contest, and Purdy exploited the lack of depth with a barrage of explosive plays, which put the Titans down and allowed the 49ers' defense to pin their ears back and attack the Titans’ offense and harass Ward throughout the second half of the contest.
Here’s how fans reacted to the loss on social media.
If this meh version of the Titans offense was the version we got all year - all else equal, the #titans would be the middle of the pack-ish team we all expected this year.
— Dern Sharts (@xMillerTime9x) December 15, 2025
As a Titans fan, I’m excited for next year. Get Cam Ward a true WR1 and a new OC and we will see a leap in his numbers.
— Ecçlesiastes. (@the4four3) December 15, 2025
Borgonzi’s first draft class looks legit as well. Excited to see his upcoming moves.
Titans Fall 37-24 on the road against the 49ers
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 15, 2025
Game recap presented by @LGUS
Sigh, sad that we lost 24-37, but at least it’s nice to see that Titans can finally put up 20+ points again
— 🍂🍁I’m Just Tony🍁🍂 (@DaNoodleBowls) December 15, 2025
I can take a loss like today for the Titans, similar to the Seahawks game. They lost because they were talent deficient instead of incompetent.
— Noah McKay (@NoahMcKayUCR) December 15, 2025
inject it into my veins https://t.co/9eA79Ug5iq
— stephhhhh (@StephaniieVoris) December 15, 2025
Don’t let anyone tell you Cam isn’t good or going to be a good QB. He needs to work on plenty but the talent is there. Titans needs to lose out and land the #1 pick. They’ll get a haul and build around him. https://t.co/Cm7agJdXIk
— JD (@ThatdamnDeuce63) December 15, 2025
Tennessee Titans can't stop Brock Purdy, 49ers offense in 37-24 loss https://t.co/8VuVOhSPihpic.twitter.com/ieyjQkEKFE
— The Titans Wire (@TheTitansWire) December 15, 2025
We had some fun, scored some points, and stayed in contention for that #1 pick. Not a bad day. #Titans
— Jim McCaslin (@JimMcCaslin23) December 15, 2025
The #Titans played three alright quarters and one really really gross one.
— Nick Suss (@nicksuss) December 15, 2025
Don't play gross quarters, I guess.
Titans are 2-12.
Quick recap: https://t.co/ROKL7WoKTm
#Titans fall 37-24 to #49ers, dropping to 2-12 on the season.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) December 15, 2025
TN returns home next week to face #Chiefs team that's out of the playoff chase and won't have Mahomes (ACL).
I hate Bo Hardegree so much. Easily the worst play caller I've ever seen.
— Mohammed ☀️ (@mhesen09) December 15, 2025
Worse than Todd Downing.
There's no time left, just throw the ball down field, why are we still running screens?@Titans#Titans#TitanUp
#Titans lose to the 49ers. #TENvsSFpic.twitter.com/deEzucZVTs
— 104-5 The Zone 📻 (@1045TheZone) December 15, 2025
Final:
— Devin Hernandez (@KaBar85) December 15, 2025
🤝 tough game and good luck Titans!#Titans 24 vs #49ers 37#TitanUp vs #FTTB#TENvsSF#BeatTEN#BeatTheTitans#BangBang#9erGang
LET’S GO 9ERS!!!
ALL DAY!!!
EVERY DAY!!!
FAITHFUL TO THE BAY!!!
Listen to this #titans fans https://t.co/YQynjegMkm
— Teen Titan (@TitanTeen_) December 15, 2025
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans fall to San Francisco 49ers: Here's how fans reacted
The mechanism of the injury, early reports following Sunday's loss in Denver and comments from coach Matt LaFleur all paint the same picture on the knee injury suffered by defensive end Micah Parsons.
Parsons went down with a non-contact knee injury while chasing Bo Nix outside the pocket in the third quarter on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the initial belief from the Packers' side is that Parsons tore his ACL, a season-ending injury.
"It doesn't look good, I'll leave it at that," LaFleur said post-game.
Testing will be done in Green Bay on Monday to confirm the diagnosis.
Parsons' left knee buckled while on the chase, and he appeared to be in significant pain after going to the ground. He eventually hobbled back to the locker room.
LaFleur called the day a "double whammy" because of the defeat to the Broncos and the loss of several key players, including Parsons.
"You don't wish that on anybody. It's obviously tough," LaFleur said. "We all know what kind of player he is and the impact he's had on our football team. To lose someone like that, it's tough. But no one is going to feel sorry for us. We need to find a way. Guys have to rally around each other."
Parsons, who was acquired via trade with the Dallas Cowboys in September, had 12.5 sacks during the Packers' first 13 games. He was on an All-Pro pace entering Sunday.
With a recovery timetable of at least nine months ahead, the start of the 2026 season will almost certainly be impacted for Parsons.
The Packers also lost Christian Watson (chest), Zach Tom (knee) and Evan Williams (knee) to injuries on Sunday in Denver.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers fear torn ACL for Micah Parsons: 'It doesn't look good'
The Tennessee Titans (2-12) got off to a decent offensive start, but never strung together enough defensive stops against the San Francisco 49ers (10-4). Unfortunately, the Titans whiffed their way to a 37-24 loss.
The Titans' defense opened things up by allowing a 49ers touchdown drive on the first defensive drive. The Titans marched down the field on their second offensive drive, but only came away with three points after a 63-yard drive. That would be the closest the deficit would get after the scoring started. The Titans' defense looked befuddled, failing to contain Jauan Jennings, Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey for the most part. The deficit would eventually escalate to 31-10. However, there were rare moments when the defense made plays, especially in the fourth quarter. The defense opened up that quarter with a strip sack fumble by your Titans' Wire Week 15 Player of the Game, Jeffery Simmons.
His performance didn't turn around this team on Sunday, but he put in a valiant effort. Not only did he produce on defense, but he also produced on offense with a receiving touchdown immediately following his strip sack fumble. Outside of the bizarre special teams penalty, he showed how to be a consummate pro on this failing football team yet again. He put together an outstanding performance with seven tackles (four solo), two tackles for a loss, one sack, one quarterback hit, one forced fumble, and his second career receiving touchdown! This was, without a doubt, one of the strongest Player of the Game performances of the season.
On the season, Simmons has 55 tackles, 32 solo tackles, nine sacks, and one receiving touchdown.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans Week 15 Player of the Game: DT Jeffery Simmons
The San Francisco 49ers hosted the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Levi's Stadium for an interconference battle in Week 15, and Kyle Shanahan's team went on to earn a 37-24 victory.
Throughout the game, the 49ers had a few players deal with injuries, including wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who suffered an ankle and knee injury on Sunday.
After the game, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided a small update on Pearsall's injuries.
"We'll know more for sure tomorrow," Shanahan said. "He hurt the ankle on the first play and returned and played with that the whole game. And then the knee thing, I think, was just him most likely irritating his PCL from the past. Those linger, so I'd expect him to be alright, but he was battling through a lot today."
Pearsall had five receptions for 20 yards in the last three weeks since returning from his injury. On Sunday, he caught six passes for 96 yards. The 49ers will need him to play to that level going forward if they want to make a run in the postseason.
Shanahan also mentioned defensive lineman Jordan Elliott, who was injured in the locker room pre-game, cornerback Chase Lucas and left guard Spencer Burford as other players who were injured in Week 15.
Shanahan said that Burford's ankle was bad early, and he's hoping that the fact that he returned to the game means it's not a high-ankle sprain.
More 49ers: Kyle Shanahan says 2025 49ers aren't the team he's been most proud of
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Kyle Shanahan provides update on Ricky Pearsall after his 2 injuries
Philip Rivers came back after a five-year retirement to play for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The stage was set for an incredible NFL story. However, the Seattle Seahawks played spoiler by defeating the Colts 18-16 on the sixth of Jason Myers' field goals. It was the fourth time in Seattle's history that it won a game without scoring a touchdown. By returning, Rivers reset the clock on his Hall of Fame candidacy for another five years whenever he retires for good. How did the 44-year-old fare in his return?
Rivers was 18 of 27 on pass attempts, more successful on short throws.
120 yards.
Rivers threw one TD pass and one interception, which was on the Colts' final offensive play.
73.1
134-107
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Philip Rivers' stats in NFL return with Indianapolis Colts
The Tennessee Titans should be big fans of the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders in the final three weeks of the NFL season.
Tennessee (2-12) remains at No. 3 in the projected NFL draft order despite losing at San Francisco on Dec. 14.
At 2-12, the Giants and Raiders have the strength of schedule tiebreaker advantage atop the projected order. The two teams play in Week 17.
Three other teams are at 3-11, including the Browns, Jets and Cardinals.
Here's the current projected 2026 NFL draft order:
PLAYOFF PICTURE: NFL playoff picture, NFL standings update in Week 15
Order updated after Sunday's games
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NFL draft order update, Titans rooting for Giants, Raiders wins
Davante Adams left Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter after suffering a hamstring injury. It happened on a deep shot where Adams came up limping before going down to the ground in pain.
Trainers tended to the receiver and took him to the locker room. He was unable to return as the Los Angeles Rams went on to win, 41-34.
Adams had been dealing with a hamstring injury for the last two weeks, managing it in practice by getting several days off. He aggravated it in Sunday’s game, Sean McVay said, and could miss some time.
After the game, McVay told reporters that it “didn’t look good” and that although he won’t rule Adams out for Thursday night against the Seattle Seahawks, it seems unlikely he’ll be ready to play.
He said it’s the same hamstring Adams has been managing. After speaking to Adams, McVay said the receiver is optimistic but “I can’t imagine that’s good for Thursday,” the coach added.
The Rams visit the Seahawks on Thursday night in a game that could determine the NFC West winner, so it's as big a matchup as Los Angeles will have all season. If Adams is unable to play, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield and Tutu Atwell would be asked to step up.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Davante Adams injury: Latest update, news on Rams WR's hamstring
There were some huge TSSAA basketball performances last week.
Who should be the Ponce Law Nashville area Boys Athlete of the Week? You get to decide.
Vote in our poll below. Voting closes Dec. 18 at noon.
Hudson McKnight, Brentwood: McKnight had 15 points in a 55-52 win over Independence. He also had 18 points in a 76-58 win over Stewarts Creek.
Camden Cole, Eagleville: Cole led the Eagles with 28 points in a 62-30 win over Riverdale.
More: Davis Cochran’s 34 points tops Nashville area’s basketball top performers
Carson Vaughn, Franklin: Vaughn led the Admirals with 21 points and six rebounds in a 70-68 win over Warren County.
Dakota Hull, Lewis County: Hull scored 24 points while also adding four rebounds and a block in a 79-60 win over Spring Hill.
Loni Pughsley, MBA: Pughsley scored 25 points in a 74-70 overtime victory against Shelbyville.
Emerson Lanier, Independence: Lanier made five 3-pointers and finished with 15 points in a 47-45 win over Ravenwood. He also had 15 points and three 3-pointers in a win over Centennial.
Elijah Carter, MTCS: Carter led MTCS with 26 points in an 87-58 win over Zion Christian.
Kade McCormack, Richland: McCormack scored 28 points in a 60-41 win over Cascade.
Ty Cobb, Upperman: Cobb had 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals in a 62-42 win over Lawson.
Callyn Sullivan, Van Buren County: Sullivan had a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds as well as seven assists and one steal in a 65-44 win over Sale Creek.
Tucker Blanks, Zion Christian: Blanks had six 3-pointers and 28 points in a 74-56 win over Dickson Academy. He also scored 20 points with six 3-pointers in an 87-58 loss to MTCS.
Tyler Palmateer covers high school sports for The Tennessean. Have a story idea for Tyler? Reach him at tpalmateer@tennessean.com and on the X platform, @tpalmateer83.
He also contributes to The Tennessean's high school sports newsletter, The Bootleg. Subscribe to The Bootleg here.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TSSAA basketball stars up for Ponce Law Boys Athlete of the Week
The Green Bay Packers lost Zach Tom, Christian Watson, Micah Parsons and Evan Williams to injuries, gave up a 23-14 lead in the second half and lost 34-26 to the Denver Broncos during a devastating day at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday.
Up nine points in the third quarter, the Packers looked on their way to an important win over an AFC contender. But just about everything unraveled from there, and the Packers are now in a precarious spot with three games to go.
Here is an instant analysis of the Packers' season-altering loss in Denver:
Jordan Love threw incomplete on 4th-and-15 with just under a minute to go. The Packers turned the ball over on downs on back-to-back possessions to end the contest.
The Packers allowed Bo Nix to complete 23 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns. His passer rating was 134.7. With or without Micah Parsons, the Packers defense found precious few answers in the passing game.
The Packers were 1-for-4 scoring touchdowns in the red zone. The Broncos went 4-for-4. Settling for field goals (in large part due to penalties in the red zone) and not getting stops inside the 20-yard line eventually sunk the Packers.
Love was terrific in the first half, completing 17 passes for 215 yards. It all unraveled in the second half after he threw an interception to Patrick Surtain II on a play where Christian Watson was injured. Love threw a pair of interceptions and failed to convert on two fourth down opportunities late in the game with the Packers down eight points. His passer rating was around 120.0 at the half. It finished at 68.8.
The Packers were rolling to start the second half after Josh Jacobs ripped off a 40-yard touchdown run to put Green Bay up 23-14. It all went downhill from there.
JOSH JACOBS RUNNING WILD IN DENVER
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025
GBvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxVpic.twitter.com/qEE8ZfYAyX
Right tackle Zach Tom, receiver Christian Watson, defensive end Micah Parsons and safety Evan Williams all left with injuries. Linebacker Quay Walker and receiver Jayden Reed also appeared to get banged up in the second half.
The Packers go to Chicago for a huge NFC North battle in six days. Can Matt LaFleur's team get off the mat, lick their wounds and beat the Bears on the road next week?
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Instant analysis of Packers' 34-26 loss to Broncos in Week 15
The Denver Broncos clinched a spot in the NFL playoffs with a 34-26 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon. Here's a sampling of how Twitter/X reacted to the game.
We're in.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 15, 2025
And we're still climbing. pic.twitter.com/Y4D1u0QcZk
ELEVEN STRAIGHT WINS pic.twitter.com/WzIk0qYWxO
— RG 📷 (@RyanGreeneDNVR) December 15, 2025
BRONCOS ARE 12-2 THE HATERS ARE IN SHAMBLES pic.twitter.com/Ou1kxhgevY
— RG 📷 (@RyanGreeneDNVR) December 15, 2025
WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO SAY NOW?!
— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) December 15, 2025
#BroncosCountry They better stop playing wit us!!! We execute!!! We physical!!! We the truth!!! Stand up!!!
— AqibTalib21 (@AqibTalib21) December 15, 2025
Pack em up! No 🧀 please lol . #broncos#BroncosCountry
— T.J. Ward (@BossWard43) December 15, 2025
Broncos clinch a playoff berth behind an outstanding performance from Bo Nix
— Phil Milani (@philmilani) December 15, 2025
Division and No. 1 still left to check off
They continue to prove they are legit Super Bowl contenders
Bo Nix and the Broncos win their 11th straight game matching the longest winning streak of the Peyton Manning era Broncos!
— Zach Bye (@byesline) December 15, 2025
Bo Nix’s mom was right https://t.co/s1bQRhxUyU
— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) December 15, 2025
Assuming the Broncos can beat Gardner Minshew in Arrowhead, they just have to beat either the Jags or the Chargers to earn the No. 1 seed
— Zach Segars (@Zach_Segars) December 15, 2025
Bo Nix finished 23-of-34 for 304 yards and four touchdowns.
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) December 15, 2025
Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin combined for 198 yards receiving and two TDs.
Broncos defense held Green Bay to 1-of-4 in the red zone.
No play bigger, though, than Pat Surtain's game-turning INT.
Huge HUGE day for Bo Nix, will go a long way to shifting the narrative about him (and yes, that includes from people like me).
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) December 15, 2025
If Bo Nix plays like that, there’s nobody the Broncos cannot beat.
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) December 15, 2025
The Denver Football @Broncos are the best team in football.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) December 15, 2025
*NFL-best 12-2 record
*NFL-best 11-game win streak
*NFL-best 12-game home win streak
*NFL-best
We hope you join us for our postgame show on @AltitudeTV. @Coach_Sanford2 is providing snacks. pic.twitter.com/QJ8wMSLYJV
Broncos win an incredible game.
— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) December 15, 2025
Improve to 12-2.
Best record in the AFC.
Best record in the NFL.
Final: #Broncos 34, Packers 26
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) December 15, 2025
Denver has won 11 straight games, is 12-2 on the season and clinched a playoff spot with the win.
Sean Payton's team is alone with the best record in the AFC. Three regular season games to go.
Now, it's over.
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) December 15, 2025
The Broncos win their 11th straight game to move to 12-2, clinch a playoff spot and grab sole control of first place in the AFC.
The winning streak is the franchise's longest since the Peyton Manning-led 2012 team won the season's final 11 games.
Broncos 34, Packers 26 — FINAL
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 15, 2025
Bo Nix was brilliant, with 4 TDs to 4 different receivers. He was never sacked. The D bent but seldom broke, forcing GB to settle for 4 FGs. DEN clinches its playoff spot & stands alone as the NFL’s best team with a league-leading 12-2 record.
Up next on the Broncos' schedule is a home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 21.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: Twitter reacts to Broncos' 34-26 win over Packers
The Eagles are 9-5, losers and back into the winners' circle after a 31-0 shutout win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon. Philadelphia still has two NFC East contests remaining, but a Dallas loss to Minnesota would all but wrap up back-to-back division titles.
Still, as a divisional matchup with Washington looms, Philadelphia is still comfortably entrenched as the No. 3 seed. It could be locked into that spot depending on what happens with the Packers over the next three weeks.
With preparation for the Commanders set to begin, we look at the updated NFC standings after the Eagles' win, the Rams' win, and the Packers' loss.
1 Rams 11-3: 1st in NFC West -- Clinched playoff berth
2 Bears 10-4: 1st in NFC North
3 Eagles 9-5: 1st in NFC East
4 Buccaneers 7-7: 1st in NFC South
5 Seahawks 11-3: 2nd in NFC West
6 49ers 10-4: 3rd in NFC West
7 Packers 9-4-1: 2nd in NFC North
Detroit Lions (8-6), Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1), Carolina Panthers (7-7)
Minnesota Vikings (5-8)
New York Giants (2-12)
Arizona Cardinals (3-11)
New Orleans Saints (4-10)
Atlanta Falcons (5-9)
Washington Commanders (4-10)
2. (2) Bears 10-4 vs. (7) Packers 9-4-1
3. (3) Eagles 9-5 vs. (6) 49ers 10-4
4. (4) Buccaneers 7-7 vs. (5) Seahawks 11-3
If the season ended today, the Bears and Packers, who are already scheduled to meet in Week 16, would meet in the Wild Card round. Philadelphia would host the surging 49ers, while the Buccaneers would host the Seahawks.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: NFC Playoff Picture: Eagles are the No. 3 seed after Packers' loss
It's been quite the day for the Chicago Bears, who got a blowout win over the Cleveland Browns and now find themselves back in first place in the NFC North.
With the Bears' dominant 31-3 win over the Browns and the Green Bay Packers falling to the Denver Broncos, 34-26, Chicago is back in first place in the NFC North with a 10-4 record. Green Bay's loss drops them to 9-4-1 and second place. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions suffered a 41-34 loss to the Los Angeles Rams to fall to 8-6 as their playoff chances took a massive hit.
Now, for the second time in three weeks, the Bears and Packers will square off for first place in the NFC North as the two historic franchises battle in prime-time on Saturday. Green Bay won the first meeting back in Week 14, as Chicago fell just short of a last-minute comeback.
But the hope is Ben Johnson will have his team ready to flip the script this time at Soldier Field. Heading into the final three weeks of the regular season, the Bears have some difficult matches against the Packers, San Francisco 49ers and Lions.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears back in first place in NFC North after Packers loss in Week 15
Three-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes will not play in the NFL post-season for the first time in his career as the Kansas City Chiefs have been eliminated from play-off contention.
Sunday's 16-13 loss at home to the Los Angeles Chargers means that, despite having three regular season games remaining, the Chiefs will miss out on the play-offs for the first time in 11 years.
Head coach Andy Reid has led the Chiefs to the post-season in each of the past 10 seasons and to the Super Bowl in five of the past six.
They won the NFL's championship game in 2020, 2023 and 2024, and were denied the first Super Bowl three-peat last February.
Mahomes, 30, became the Chiefs' starting quarterback in 2018 and has reached at least the AFC Championship game in each of the past seven seasons, a run bettered only by the New England Patriots (2011-2018)
The Chiefs have also produced the second-longest post-season run in NFL history behind the Patriots (2009-2019).
Kansas City led 13-3 late in the second quarter of Sunday's game but the Chargers fought back with 13 unanswered points to leave their divisional rivals with a 6-8 record.
Mahomes, who has twice been named the season's Most Valuable Player, was trying to put together a game-winning drive when he injured his left knee in a tackle with less than two minutes left.
He needed treatment on the field and was being helped down the tunnel when back-up quarterback Gardner Minshew threw an interception with 20 seconds left, with the Chiefs in position to potentially tie the game with a long field goal.
Coach Reid said after the game that Mahomes will undergo an MRI on either Sunday night or Monday and that his injury "didn't look good".
Travis Kelce has been a regular starter since the 2014 season so has also been a key player in each of Reid's three Super Bowl-winning teams.
The 36-year-old tight end, who is engaged to music superstar Taylor Swift, said last month that he would wait until after the season to decide whether he will retire.
Ouch. The New Orleans Saints' depth chart at running back took another hit during Sunday's game with the Carolina Panthers -- rookie draft pick Devin Neal immediately left the game after scoring a touchdown run in the second quarter.
The ailment has been ruled a hamstring injury and he's now questionable to return. This is particularly unfortunate for the Saints, who also recently lost star running back Alvin Kamara due to a (knee/ankle) injury that has lasted some three games so far. To make matters worse, Neal was downgraded in the third quarter.
This keeps the Saints thin in an area of offense that has already taken a blow and could be a difference-maker in the outcome of games because of how important Kamara is. And with this, the team is quite literally left with just Evan Hull and Audric Estime.
It will be interesting to see how things shake out with these two as the Saints continue to battle the injury bug in a lost season./
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints say rookie RB Devin Neal (hamstring) won't return vs. Panthers
The Washington Commanders tried to give it away. In Sunday's 29-21 win over the New York Giants, the Commanders, up 29-14, saw quarterback Marcus Mariota fumble around midfield. The Giants took advantage, scoring several plays later to make it a one-score game.
Washington still controlled the game. However, running back Jeremy McNichols fumbled and recovered close to midfield. The Giants would get one more shot to shock the Commanders and send the game to overtime, something no one wanted. Fortunately, New York quarterback Jaxson Dart's final two throws fell incomplete, allowing Washington to kneel and come away with the win.
Commanders players were happy. The coaches were relieved, too. The fans? Not so much. At this time of the year, for fans, it's always about draft positioning.
The win moved Washington to 4-10 on the season. It was the Commanders' first win since an impressive 27-10 victory over the Chargers on October 5.
How did Washington fans and media react to the win? Some were shocked, and assumed, somehow, the Commanders would give it away. Let's see some of the best reactions.
And that should do it, barring another fumble of course.
— John Keim (@john_keim) December 14, 2025
I mean... are these guys about to win? Looks like it...
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 14, 2025
WOW...the #Commanders are going to win??
— Chris Russell AKA the 🐓🐓! (@Russellmania621) December 14, 2025
Can you fumble taking knees?
— Kevin Sheehan (@kevinsheehanDC) December 14, 2025
#Commanders defense finally puts an end to this game where Commanders looked for ways to lose a ninth game in a row!#Giants
— Ivan Lambert (@IvanLambert18) December 14, 2025
Washington will win 29-21
My left hand is slightly up. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/87rkGFFQqq
— Fatou B 🫶🏽 (@FatouSadio) December 14, 2025
Congratulations to the #Commanders for their final win of the season.
— Cedonia Ave. (@KMBmoreX) December 14, 2025
8 game losing streak finally broken…
— Shelley (@Shellsyeah81) December 14, 2025
😂😂😂#RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/E17DOWd5HY
I am & always will be a Washington fan. I want what's best for my team. This was a fumble-filled & penalty-filled win at a bad Giants team. Does nothing to make us feel appreciably better about this season. And harms the quest for top-five pick. These last three games are huge.
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) December 14, 2025
As much as I want the Commanders to land the best possible pick — I know the fellas in the locker room needed this win.
— Damien Bartonek (@tvBartonek) December 14, 2025
Happy for them. Lots of holes in this game, they nearly gave it away, but in the end it’s their first win in forever and I’m glad they got it done.
COMMANDERS WIN #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/aDCTsiM7Vu
— Cedric Welton (@CeDD_SAYS) December 14, 2025
Commanders win a football game for the first time in nearly 2 months and sweep the New York Football Giants in the 2025 season. Take the positives in a bad year. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/VGVr2oFLgw
— William Brackin (@Brackintology) December 14, 2025
The Commanders' 8-game losing streak is over. They improve to 4-11 on the season. First win in 10 weeks.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 14, 2025
🏈 Jaylin Lane's 63yd return TD was huge.
🏈 McLaurin caught a 51-yd TD.
🏈 Mikey Sainristil INT
🏈 Von Miller sack
SO THEN THE COMMANDERS AND THE WIZARDS BOTH WIN https://t.co/XLZDlRI2A4pic.twitter.com/lwQYvCGZNo
— Evan Johnson (@thevoiceofevan) December 14, 2025
The #Commanders win. Made it harder on themselves than it needed to be but got it done. Lost season but can’t say this team doesn’t fight. Feels good. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/Kaz9SeOIAV
— Ryan McCafferty (@RMcCafferty_98) December 14, 2025
FINALLY GOT WIN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN TWO MONTHS HAIL TO THE COMMANDERS #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/DjXtmppqRQ
— Aaron Martin II (@BroGod4Life) December 14, 2025
My Commanders have finally won a game! Yeah, they beat the last place Giants. Sigh...
— MarcifromTexas (@marci_crumb) December 14, 2025
Oh well, maybe next season. pic.twitter.com/cPyOVDDaIU
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Fans, media react to first win in over 2 months
A throw by Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love early in the third quarter of Week 15 didn't just end with an interception – it also included an injury to a key Packers player.
Wide receiver Christian Watson remained down on the field after Denver Broncos cornerback – and reigning Defensive Player of the Year – Patrick Surtain II came away with an interception. Watson clutched at his left shoulder after the play was over and needed to be attended to by Green Bay team trainers while on the turf.
Within moments, the Broncos scored a touchdown off of the interception, and the Packers declared Watson questionable to return with a chest injury.
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Christian Watson injury update: Packers WR exits game vs. Broncos
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship is under way at Alexandra Palace in London.
World number one Luke Littler, 18, is the reigning champion following his victory over Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 final and started the defence of his title with a 3-0 win against Lithuania's Darius Labanauskas on the opening night of action.
A record 128 players entered the tournament, increasing from the 96 players that featured in last year's competition.
The tournament will last until the final on Saturday, 3 January 2026.
All times in GMT, seeds in brackets
First round (Best of five sets)
Thursday, 11 December
Friday, 12 December
Saturday, 13 December
Sunday, 14 December
Evening session (19:00)
Monday, 15 December
Afternoon session (12:30)
Evening session (19:00)
Tuesday, 16 December
Afternoon session (12:30)
Evening session (19:00)
Wednesday, 17 December
Evening session (19:00)
Thursday, 18 December
Afternoon session (12:30)
Evening session (19:00)
Friday, 19 December
Afternoon session (12:30)
Evening session (19:00)
Second round (Best of five sets)
Saturday, 20 December
Four matches in afternoon session (12:30) and evening session (19:00) – order to be confirmed
Sunday, 21 December
Four matches in afternoon session (12:30) and evening session (19:00) – order to be confirmed
Monday, 22 December
Four matches in afternoon session (12:30) and evening session (19:00) – order to be confirmed
Tuesday, 23 December
Four matches in afternoon session (12:30) and evening session (19:00) – order to be confirmed
Third round (Best of seven sets)
24-26 December
Saturday, 27 December
Afternoon session (12:30)
Evening session (19:00)
Sunday, 28 December
Afternoon session (12:30)
Evening session (19:00)
Monday, 29 December
Afternoon session (12:30)
Fourth round (Best of seven sets)
Evening session (19:00)
Tuesday, 30 December
Afternoon session (12:30)
Evening session (19:00)
Quarter-finals (Best of nine sets)
Wednesday, 31 December
Thursday, 1 January
Afternoon session (12:30)
Evening session (19:00)
Friday, 2 January (Best of 11 sets)
Semi-finals
Evening session (19:30)
Saturday, 3 January
Final (Best of 13 sets)
Evening session (20:00)
This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
The team will find out everything you need to know and be able to call upon a network of contacts including our experts and pundits.
We will be answering your questions from the heart of the BBC Sport newsroom, and going behind the scenes at some of the world's biggest sporting events.
Our coverage will span the BBC Sport website, app, social media and YouTube accounts, plus BBC TV and radio.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson was injured while attempting to catch a deep ball from Jordan Love during the third quarter of Sunday's showdown with the Denver Broncos. The pass was intercepted, and Watson landed hard on his left shoulder.
Watson was evaluated on the field for a few minutes and then evaluated again on the sideline before exiting the field for the locker room.
The Packers say Watson is questionable to return with a chest injury.
Watson caught three passes for 29 yards before the injury. He came into Sunday with five touchdown catches in his last four games, including a pair of scores during the Packers' win over the Chicago Bears last week at Lambeau Field.
Watson was playing in his eighth game since returning from an ACL injury suffered in January. He had 25 catches for 452 yards and five scores entering Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers lose WR Christian Watson to injury vs. Broncos
Recently crowned world number one Luke Littler is the defending champion as the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship takes place at Alexandra Palace in London.
A record 128 players entered this year's competition, an increase of 32 from last year's extravaganza, including five players from the Women's Series - also a record.
Littler is one of nine previous winners to be playing in this year's competition and the 18-year-old began the defence of his title with a 3-0 win over Lithuania's Darius Labanauskas on the opening night.
The 2026 World Darts Championship started on Thursday, 11 December with an evening session consisting of four first-round matches.
After that, nearly every day will feature an afternoon and evening session with four matches in each.
There is a three-day Christmas break from 24 to 26 December. After that point, there will be two sessions of play each day - except for another rest day on 31 December - but the matches in each session decrease in later rounds where there are fewer but longer matches.
The last day of two sessions is Thursday, 1 January 2026. After that, both semi-finals will be played on Friday, 2 January in an evening session.
The final takes place on Saturday, 3 January in the evening.
The top 32 ranked players were seeded for the tournament. Unlike recent years, the top 32 will enter in the first round, instead of the second.
Seeded players denoted in brackets
First round
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
A record-breaking £5m prize pool will be on offer at the tournament, with £1m going to the winner.
Any player hitting a nine-darter will be awarded an additional £60,000. One lucky fan in attendance will also receive £60,000 from the tournament sponsor, as will Prostate Cancer UK.
Littler, 18, entered as favourite off the back of winning six major finals in 2025.
Luke Humphries, Littler's predecessor as both world champion and world number one, faced Littler in three finals this year and is the current world number two.
World number three Van Gerwen is also in the mix, looking to avenge last year's final defeat and add to his three world titles, with his most recent coming in 2019.
Young players looking for a big run at the World Championship include Josh Rock and Gian van Veen, whose respective form has seen them both enter the world's top 12.
Beau Greaves topped the Women's Series and faces Daryl Gurney first as she looks to become only the second female player to score a win in the tournament, after fellow qualifier Fallon Sherrock who won twice at the event in December 2019.
Three places were on offer from the series, along with a spot for the Women's Matchplay winner, a title taken by Lisa Ashton.
Ashton lost 3-0 to 2023 world champion Michael Smith in the first round on 11 December.
With Greaves qualifying in her own right as runner-up on the development tour, that meant Women's Series runner-up Sherrock, Noa-Lynn van Leuven in fourth and Gemma Hayter, who finished fifth, join third-placed Ashton.
Van Leuven, who was the first transgender player in the tournament last year when she lost in the first round to Kevin Doets, plays two-time champion Peter Wright this time.
The format is set play, unlike other tournaments which are a race to a number of legs.
A set consists of the best of five legs or race to three.
Only in matches where players are level on sets and legs in the deciding set do players need to win by two clear legs.
Phil Taylor is the most successful player in the history of the PDC World Darts Championship, winning 14 of his 16 world titles between 1995 and 2013.
His previous two titles came before a group of leading players broke away from the British Darts Organisation to form their own governing body, now known as the PDC, in 1993.
The past five years have produced five different world champions, with English trio Littler, Humphries and Smith winning the past three.
Littler and Humphries will hope to join the exclusive club of players to have won multiple PDC world titles, with only six managing to achieve that feat so far.
Two players hit nine-darters during the 2025 World Darts Championship.
Dutchman Christian Kist was the first player to hit one, doing so in a first-round defeat by Madars Razma.
Australia's Damon Heta hit one in the third round, but like Kist it came in a defeat as he went out to Luke Woodhouse.
Throughout the tournament, there will be daily round-ups on the BBC Sport website and app.
There will also be live text coverage of the biggest matches as the tournament progresses.
During Thursday's opening night, there was a dedicated preview show on BBC Radio 5 Live, featuring interviews with Littler, Humphries and Van Gerwen. Presenter James Gregg will provide updates on BBC Sounds throughout the competition.
This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
The team will find out everything you need to know and be able to call upon a network of contacts including our experts and pundits.
We will be answering your questions from the heart of the BBC Sport newsroom, and going behind the scenes at some of the world's biggest sporting events.
Our coverage will span the BBC Sport website, app, social media and YouTube accounts, plus BBC TV and radio.
The Cincinnati Bengals have officially returned to NFL laughingstock status and changes need to start happening immediately.
Three straight seasons of missing the playoffs gets people fired in this league. Mailing it in and getting shut out at home against your bitter rival when you’re supposed to be playing to keep postseason hopes alive calls for pinks slips to be handed out.
Everyone has seen enough after the 24-0 loss to Baltimore on a miserably cold Sunday afternoon at Paycor Stadium. And everyone has had enough of the status quo, evidenced by the empty seats and booing from those who braved the 10-degree day.
Well, almost everyone. All that matters is what the Bengals owner thinks. So what’ll it be, Mike Brown?
We all know the answer. Nothing is going to change.
We have Joe Burrow. We’re always close as long as he’s our quarterback. Even he said after Sunday’s debacle we’re “not that far” away from winning a championship.
No, Joe! Don’t say that! It was the worse thing Burrow could’ve said after the Bengals fell to 4-10, because he’s the one player in franchise history that ownership somewhat listens to. Every Bengals fan should fear that ownership and the player personnel department is going to look at the Baltimore game and dismiss it as Burrow having a bad day.
This is the problem in Bengaldom. Ownership always chalks up each loss as a bad performance by one player or a key contributor was out with an injury or the Bengals were a few plays away from victory.
Ownership will likely write off this lost season to Burrow and star defensive end Trey Hendrickson missing several games with injuries. It'll see the Bengals’ historically awful defense as having played a few decent games in the second half of the season and make it believe those defensive players are competent and capable and just need more time.
It’s that losing mentality that keeps Brown and his family in a perpetual state of status quo.
The NFL business model guarantees the Bengals ownership makes hundreds of millions of dollars a year no matter how good or bad the team is. Meanwhile, ownership clings to a run-it-back mentality. Remember, the Bengals still have the same quarterback and star wide receivers who led them on the Super Bowl run in the 2022 season. Just a play here and there, and they’re going back to the Super Bowl!
There’s no accountability in a system like that.
So, logical Bengals fans should stop kidding themselves into thinking someone is getting fired this week.
The Bengals can’t fire Brown and his daughter, Katie Blackburn, who’s No. 2 in charge. They could at least remove themselves completely from football personnel decisions. But we all know that’s not going to happen.
That leaves player personnel director Duke Tobin, who is responsible for not improving the roster since the Bengals lost the AFC Championship game in Kansas City on Jan. 29, 2023. It’s time for the Bengals to part ways with Tobin.
The player evaluation department needs a fresh start. It needs an outsider who isn’t attached to the Brown family to come in and give an honest and objective assessment of what needs to be fixed.
It’d help to have a player evaluator who knows how to draft and sign players that can tackle, rush the quarterback and cover a tight end. Is that too much to ask? For the Bengals, of course it is.
But pay no attention to the few truth tellers in the local and national media. Just trust that Mike, Katie and Duke have all the answers and are going to turn things around in 2026. The message remains the same:
Dear fans,
Why fret when we have Joey Franchise?
Pay no attention to Joe being in a bad mood last week, when he said he wasn’t having fun. He was just upset about losing to Buffalo. He’s perfectly happy here.
Pay no attention to the critics who say he’ll end up like Carson Palmer. Joe’s a good Ohio guy. He’s one of us. He’d never demand a trade.
You should be perfectly happy, too. You have an NFL franchise in your city. Do you know how many millions of Americans don’t have an NFL team in their city to cheer on?
As our head coach Zac Taylor said after a tough, hard-fought loss to the Ravens, when one of those reporters asked about whether changes need to be made: “I believe in everybody we got.”
I do, too. We’re close.
Go Bengals!
Mike Brown
Team President
P.S. Thanks for cleaning the snow off your own seat on Sunday. It helped us save money, and you know how important that is to keeping the NFL in Cincinnati.
Contact columnist Jason Williams at jwilliams@enquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals 'not that far' from title, Joe Burrow says. Yes, they are
FOXBOROUGH — For the majority of the first half, the New England Patriots were able to completely stop Josh Allen. However, one thing Mike Vrabel made clear earlier in the week is that as long as No. 17 is still in the game, the Buffalo Bills can never be counted off.
He wasn't kidding.
Allen finished the game going 19-of-28 for 193 passing yards, along with 22 carries for 107 rushing yards. And it was his precision and poise that allowed Buffalo to mount an impressive comeback, ultimately defeating the Patriots in a game with the AFC East title on the line.
After the game, New England star cornerback Christian Gonzalez had high praise for the Bills quarterback, specifically when asked about what makes him so hard to defend.
"I mean, that is what he does. That is his superpower, that is who Josh Allen is," Gonzalez said. "We talked about it all week. It is just props to them. He went out and came out in the second half and did what he does. We will learn from it. It hurts, obviously, everybody knows this hurts, but we will learn from it. Get in here tomorrow, learn from it, and be ready to move on to Baltimore next week.”
Head coach Mike Vrabel had a similar answer when asked about what he's seen on film from Allen in terms of his ability to alter a game.
"Same thing everybody else sees," Vrabel explained. "He’s 6’5″, 250 pounds, runs fast, hard to tackle, hard to get down on the ground. He has an accurate, strong arm. I’m giving you a dissertation on a league MVP. Just watch all the games and know that it’s the same as it was last week. Had a guy free. Weren’t able to make the play. Last week’s team had a guy free, we weren’t able to make a play. That’s why they drafted him and pay him $60 million. I don’t know what to tell you. Just exactly what we knew what it was going to be, that we were going to need to get a stop or be able to tackle and if we pressured and we came free — so hopefully we get another opportunity to do that."
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Christian Gonzalez's honest reaction to Josh Allen, Bills comeback win
Christian Watson has suffered an injury during the third quarter of the Green Bay Packers' game against the Denver Broncos while he was diving for a deep ball.
The ball was intercepted by Broncos' All-Pro Patrick Surtain as both players went to the ground.
The Packers' wide receiver was tended to be several members of the Packers' medical team with a chest injury. He went to the locker room.
Watson missed the first six games of the season as he recovered from a torn ACL he suffered in the finale game of the 2024 season on Jan. 5, 2025.
The fourth-year receiver, who has battled many injuries in his career, has been playing some of the best football of his career as the team's No. 1 option.
He had five touchdown receptions in the last four games heading into the contest at Denver.
Watson is getting X-rays in the locker room for the chest injury, CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson reported.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Christian Watson injury update: Packers wide receiver hurt vs Broncos
A blanket of early season snow didn't stop dedicated Eagles fans from turning the stadium lots into a holiday-themed tailgate Sunday, even as the weather thinned out the usual pregame crowd.
Festive outfits, Eagles chants and a Christmas tree decorated with miniature liquor bottles helped get tailgaters in the holiday spirit.
"The game before Christmas is always our Christmas party," said Charles Harris of Lansdale. "We bring a tree, we hang airplane bottles - as many as we can - today we have over 140 airplane bottles on the tree."
Fans said the snowfall made for a slow start. The lots weren't nearly as crowded as usual around 10 a.m.
"Yes definitely the quietest," said Hetal Patel of King of Prussia. "I was surprised we didn't see that many cars here."
Others pointed to the team's recent performance as another factor.
"I'm surprised," said Frank Zuber of Hammonton. "But the Eagles haven't played too good the last three weeks so I think that's part of it and of course the weather."
Zuber still arrived early - very early. He was first in line at a lot across from the ballpark after pulling in at 4:30 a.m. "Roads weren't too bad but we took our time and we got here and were first in line. It was awesome," he said.
Harris said he delayed his usual departure because of reports of hazardous conditions. "Yeah I normally leave around 5. I didn't leave until 6:45 this morning from Lansdale because they said it was a little treacherous but I didn't have any problems getting down," he said.
Parking lots opened about an hour later than normal as crews worked to clear snow. For some fans, the winter weather was a shock to the system - including Mac Fabrico, a South Jersey native now living in Florida who flew in for the game. "So we drove on the highway to get here, very slowly, but the plows were out and stuff so we were fine," Fabrico said.
Despite the quieter turnout, fans who braved the conditions kept their holiday tailgate tradition going strong.
How different can a team look after six weeks? Just ask the Houston Texans.
C.J. Stroud threw three touchdowns, including a dagger in the fourth quarter to Nico Collins as the Texans secured their sixth straight win in a 40-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at NRG Stadium.
The Texans, who now are a win away from tying their previous two season total, could clinch a playoff berth before Christmas with a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders next week.
Houston had the offense in rhythm early with a 57-yard touchdown strike to Collins on the second play of the game. The Pro Bowler took the short throw, juked past two defenders and ran untouched into the end zone for the score in just 49 seconds, the fastest scoring drive of the season for the offense.
Collins, who finished with 86 yards on three catches, joined Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins as the only receivers in franchise history to finish with over 1,000 receiving yards in three straight seasons. Dalton Schultz also caught a touchdown and finished with eight catches for 76 yards.
Arizona's offense was bottled up for most of the afternoon behind an underwhelming performance from Jacoby Brissett, though Trey McBride proved to be a problem for the defense. The Pro Bowl tight end finished with 12 catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns.
Michael Wilson notched an 11-yard score with 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but trailing by 19, Arizona needed to go for two. It failed, leading to another scoring drive for Houston, this time resulting in a touchdown pass to Collins.
Second-year defensive back Kamari Lassiter notched his fourth interception on a Brissett's pass in the end zone to begin the third quarter. Houston would capitalize and score on the ensuing drive.
Ka'imi Fairbairn made four of his five field goals, including a 55-yard kick with about nine minutes left in the second. The only kick he missed was blocked at the line of scrimmage before halftime.
While the run game still needs work, Houston found life with Nick Chubb sidelined. Woody Marks scored a 6-yard touchdown to make it 17-0 in the first quarter before leaving in the second quarter with an ankle injury. After Marks left, Jawhar Jordan, a practice squad player, totaled 15 carries for 101 yards in his NFL debut, including a 55-yard run to set up Schultz's touchdown.
The Texans are set to return next Sunday to NRG Stadium for a date with the Raiders at 3:25 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Analysis: Texans' offense finds spark in 40-20 win over Cardinals
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and his team were eliminated from the postseason for a third consecutive season in embarrassing fashion on Dec. 14 at Paycor Stadium.
The Bengals’ 24-0 loss to Baltimore Ravens put the Bengals in a place no one saw coming following 2021-22 seasons. Cincinnati was once viewed as a perennial AFC contender with Burrow at the helm.
Three seasons have passed since the Bengals’ AFC championship appearance, and each one has left Burrow sitting at home when the postseason begins. This week, Cincinnati’s star quarterback dominated the NFL news cycle in a way that left fans and media questioning if Burrow wants out of Cincinnati.
Burrow addressed his comments about finding joy in playing football from his Dec. 10 press conference following the Week 14 loss to the Ravens. When asked if he’s happy playing football in Cincinnati, Burrow took time to clear the air.
“My (Wednesday) comments had nothing to do with Cincinnati,” Burrow said. “My comments had everything to do with me and my mindset, and football.”
The Bengals didn’t score a point on offense against the Ravens. It was an uncharacteristically bad performance by Burrow, and he took full responsibility.
He completed 25 of 39 pass attempts for 225 yards and threw two interceptions, including a pick-six for a second consecutive week.
“I think this is one of the worst games I’ve played,” Burrow said. “I’m honest with myself and my play. I hold myself to a high standard and today didn’t come close.”
Cincinnati’s current record compared to the expectations set for the Bengals ahead of the year begs the question of whether changes will be made internally. Typically, in the NFL, three years of missing the playoffs results in some sort of organizational change.
Burrow is standing by his head coach Zac Taylor and the Bengals’ front office. He was asked directly if he still has confidence in the people in charge of putting together the roster in Cincinnati.
“A lot of confidence,” he said. “Because I know how hard people work at it, and we have the right people. It starts with players playing better, and today it was me.”
Burrow admitted the Bengals “haven’t been a good football team” this year. Cincinnati has the worst defense in the NFL in three major metrics: Points allowed per game (31.2), yards allowed (403.8) and rush defense (157.9).
The Bengals knew they needed to fix their defense following an abysmal season on that side of the ball in 2023. Firing former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was the step the organization believed would fix all of their issues.
And what the Bengals – and the rest of the NFL – found out this year is that Cincinnati’s defensive issues go beyond coaching. The lack of talent and development on the defensive side of the ball is the culprit of the Bengals’ issues.
Cincinnati has drafted 17 defensive players since 2022. Only a handful of those players have panned out. And when the Bengals paid wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Burrow what they did, the organization was going to have to build its defense through the draft.
Free agency should be used to complement what the team builds through the draft. The best teams in the NFL draft consistently well and use free agency to fill holes needed.
Look no further than the Denver Broncos (11-2), Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) and Los Angeles Rams (10-3) as teams that have built defenses through the draft.
The Bengals have become an organization centered around their offense. With Burrow, Higgins and Chase on the roster, the Bengals believe they can win against any team.
And what they’ve now proved two years in a row is that strategy is flawed. Cincinnati needs to build a better team around those three players to at least give them a chance to reach their full potential.
“It’s frustrating,” Taylor said. “This is a team I thought was a talented team that was going to have a chance to do big things this year.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Joe Burrow clears air on future with Bengals amid playoff elimination
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has not had a chance to celebrate since going viral on Black Friday, when he took his shirt off following the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. But that all changed on Sunday.
After a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers last week, the Bears responded in a big way by blowing out the Cleveland Browns, 31-3, on Sunday with a complete showing from both the offense and defense. The frigid temperatures more than likely forced Johnson to keep his shirt on in the locker room, but after the win, he delivered a very passionate "Good, Better, Best" post-game victory speech at Soldier Field.
Take a look inside the Bears locker room as Johnson once again delivered the viral post-game victory speech following their Week 15 win:
brb gotta go run through a brick wall pic.twitter.com/HkZmQTOf5J
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 14, 2025
Johnson handed out two game balls, one to veteran linebacker D'Marco Jackson, who has stepped up in the absence of Tremaine Edmunds, totaling seven tackles, one sack, and an interception. The other game ball went to veteran wide receiver DJ Moore. Picking up his second game of the season where he had two touchdowns, Moore finished the game with four receptions for 69 yards and those two scores.
The reoccurring theme in the locker room was that the team was very thrilled with the victory over the Browns, but there is still a bad taste in their mouth following the loss to the Packers last week. The Bears got the win they had to have in Week 15. But now all the focus shifts to their bitter arch rival in Week 16, a prime-time game that will take place on Saturday night.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears beat Browns: Inside Chicago's winning locker room
Former Clemson football star Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars put a beatdown on the New York Jets in Week 15 NFL action Sunday.
Lawrence threw a career-high five touchdown passes, accounted for another rushing touchdown, and completed 20 of his 32 passes for 330 yards in the Jaguars' 48-20 demolishing of the Jets at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.
The Jaguars (10-4) picked up their 10th win of the season and seem poised to return to the playoffs with three games remaining. They've won five straight and lead second-place Houston (9-5) by one game.
On this day, Lawrence ran for 51 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown scramble in the first quarter as the Jaguars built a 31-10 halftime lead over the Jets (3-11).
Lawrence's Clemson teammate, Travis Etienne, was a factor through the air. Etienne caught three of Lawrence's five touchdown passes, including a 20-yard score with just 21 seconds before halftime. He recorded touchdowns on all three catches for 73 yards total and rushed 12 times for 32 yards.
Etienne's last touchdown came with 13:40 to play in the game and was on a 45-yard swing pass out of the backfield that he took upfield for the game's final score.
After the Jaguars' 28-point thrashing of the Jets, Jacksonville coach Liam Coen met with the reporters to discuss his team's victory. Here's what the first-year Jaguars coach had to say about Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne.
"I thought he was very accurate with the football. Started hot, allowing these guys to continue to be able to catch and run, especially over the middle of the field. The vertical throws, I thought, were very impressive. You know, six total touchdowns. Very proud of Trevor and his preparation, the way that he's practiced, the way that he's continued to lead our offense and do what we're asking him to do at a high level. He's playing at a high level right now."
"I think you would say (it's) one of the best ones he's had, absolutely. You could feel it, like throughout the weeks. The last few weeks, especially, that he's continuously gaining more and more confidence, continuity and chemistry with the guys that he's playing with. Executing the plan. But also, then again he had a ditto play from last week: the rollout to his left across his body, zero blitz. Same exact play that we were actually running as last week.
"Again, that's him being special. That's him being a football player and making a play. So, yeah, I would say that it was one of his better performances that I've seen."
For the season, Lawrence has thrown for 2,880 yards and 18 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. Lawrence hasn't committed a turnover in the past three games.
Coen was asked if Lawrence's success was a result of the first-year coach figuring out the player, or the player figuring out the coach's system. Here was his answer.
"Combination. I would say that that the pre-snap operation has definitely settled. I would say for him. In terms of the motion shifts, there's a lot going on, right? I think that has chilled out for him a little bit in terms of -- we're able to now run more of the same but just out of different looks. So, time on tasks, repetition, carrying plays over from week to week that may be of work that we just want to dress up. I think that that's really helped and allowed him to just go play. And once the ball is snapped, go use his traits and his skillset.
"You saw today, and we've seen over the last few weeks, that we like throwing the football. Him throwing the football is a good thing right now to those guys, and we're protecting at a high level. He trusts the group in front of him protecting, and trusting the guys out on the perimeter to go make plays when the ball is in the air. I think it's probably a combination of those things that sometimes, it just takes a little time.
Coen was asked by a reporter how much it helped to utilize Etienne as a receiver.
"We finally hit a screen for a big one there. (It's) a part of our offense that we've worked hard at and that hasn't exactly been perfect by any means. Look, the totality of your offense, you want to be getting all cylinders at some point to click, right? When you've got a guy like (Etienne) that can make people miss in space, that's got great hands, vision out on the perimeter, just finding different ways to get him the ball.
"He ran a great route right before the half where kind of made it look like an option route. He just studied his feet, got the linebacker to stop and beat him over the top. And then that angle route again that we kind of had similar to last week, the one to Jakobi (Meyers) with the angle route underneath, that he ends up making the great route and throwing a catch on. To have a back be able to do both for you is huge, and (Etienne) just continues to ascend."
Watch Liam Coen's full postgame press conference discussing Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne and more from Sunday's Jaguars win over the Jets.
Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Trevor Lawrence has career day, and Jaguars coach Liam Coen sounds off
The Buffalo Bills played another barnburner on Sunday in Week 15 action, this time against the New England Patriots.
Down and out in a huge 21-0 manner early in the game, the Bills (10-4) completely turned it around to win 35-31 against the Patriots (11-3) on the road at Gillette Stadium.
After everything essentially went wrong, it all went right in the second half for Buffalo.
Miss the action? Want to check it out again?
Full highlights from the Bills' win over the Patriots can be found below:
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Full highlights from Bills' 35-31 comeback win vs. Patriots in Week 15
PETERSBURG, W.Va. — Kaleb Kuhn's season got off to a hot start, scoring 30 points in Petersburg's season-opening 77-54 win over Tygarts Valley on Friday.
Kuhn scored 18 in the second half and made 14 field goals.
Caden Ours tallied 15 points, Peyton Matheny added 11 while Evan Tawney scored 10 for the Vikings (1-0).
Parker Bell led the Bulldogs with 21 points.
Petersburg led 28-17, 46-35 and 56-41 after three frames.
The Vikings head to East Hardy on Monday at 6 p.m.
Northern 74, Hancock 38
ACCIDENT — Caleb Hinebaugh garnered a game-high 24 points, and Northern cruised by Hancock on Friday night at the Igloo.
The Huskies (2-1) jumped out to a 16-2 edge after a quarter, expanding it to 34-13 at the half and 54-29 after three.
Angelo Lacy and Ansel Miller accompanied Hinebaugh in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Aiden Pickerel added nine points, and Jayden McNally scored eight.
Hancock's Colton Welch led the squad with 21 points.
Northern is at Meyersdale on Monday at 7:15 p.m.
Grafton 59, Southern 47
GRAFTON, W.Va. — Southern got to within a point early in the fourth quarter, but Grafton held the Rams without a field goal the rest of the way to win the Sam Bond Memorial Tournament on Friday.
Southern (2-1) trailed 19-15, 33-26 and 47-42 after the first three quarters.
Braden Lucas led the Rams with 17 points, Graham Harvey chipped in eight, and Jacob Brown and Alec Van Scheetz scored seven each.
Grafton was paced by four double-figure scorers in Jacob Moats (12), Jonathan Maier (12), Gage Alexander (12) and Kaden Keener.
Southern hosts Keyser (1-1) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Musselman 60, Keyser 38
MUSSELMAN, W.Va. — Musselman out-scored Keyser 22-11 in the third quarter, taking a 20-point lead and never looking back on Friday.
The Applemen led 17-9 and 26-17 after two quarters.
Cole Barrett led Musselman with 17 points, followed by Elijah Miller's 15 and Wade Bartles with 12.
Braylon McGreevy led the Golden Tornado (1-1) with 12 points.
Keyser heads to Southern (2-0) on Monday at 7:30 p.m.
New Life 43, Bishop Walsh 22
CUMBERLAND — New Life pitched a first-quarter shutout and had three double-digit scorers in a win over Bishop Walsh on Friday.
The Spartans (1-3) were blanked 11-0 in the first. New Life led 20-10 at the half and 30-16 after three quarters.
Bishop Walsh was led in scoring by Michael Caporale with seven points and Carson Hamelin with six.
Jason Grigsby paced New Life with 15 points, followed by Jeffrey Nyaku (12 points) and Noah Burton (11).
Bishop Walsh hosts Cumberland vAlley on Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Highland 60, Paw Paw 52
MONTEREY, Va. — Paw Paw outscored Highland by 10 in the fourth quarter, the Pirates came up short on the road Saturday.
Led by Zach Armstrong's 31 points, Highland led 21-11, 33-20 and 52-34 following the first three periods.
Armstrong hit three triples, equalling Patton Hull for a game high. Hull added 15 points, and Elijah Good scored 11 for Highland.
Paw Paw's Taylor Carder garnered 25 points for the second straight game. Nathan Dick tallied 16, and Braylen Paul chipped in 11.
Paw Paw is at Hancock on Monday at 7 p.m.
No. 20 Louisville women’s basketball was without a top-25 win. No. 11 North Carolina was without a home loss.
Both of those things changed Sunday afternoon as the Cardinals downed the Tar Heels in overtime, 76-66, at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Louisville had previously gone 0-3 against ranked opponents (No. 1 UConn, No. 18 Kentucky and No. 3 South Carolina), while UNC is still looking for a ranked win after falling to the Cardinals, No. 4 UCLA and No. 2 Texas. Louisville will have six days to prepare for its next top-20 team in No. 17 Tennessee during the Women’s Champions Classic. UofL will return home to play Eastern Kentucky at 6 p.m. Wednesday in preparation for the matchup.
The Cardinals only let UNC lead twice: once in the third quarter and again in the final minute of the game. Louisville trailed, 66-65, in the final 10 seconds of the game before turnovers and missed free throws from both teams forced the extra period. The Cards’ final possession ended with Imari Berry, who finished with 13 points, going 1-for-2 from the free throw for the 66-all tie.
Berry was an integral part of the Cardinals’ bench presence during a game where Anaya Hardy picked up two fouls in the first four minutes of the game. The reserves scored eight of the team's 10 overtime points, ending the game with 24.
In addition to the bench, three of Louisville’s starters entered double-digit performances, led by Laura Ziegler’s 17 points followed by Taj Roberts (11) and Elif Istanbulluolu (16).
Louisville had nine-point leads that UNC cut away at in the first three quarters. During the first, the 23-14 lead narrowed to two points by the end of the quarter. In the second quarter, Louisville’s 36-27 lead went down to three before Imari Berry’s buzzer-beater for the Cards’ 38-33 halftime advantage. And the third quarter ended with Louisville’s five-point lead after being up, 51-42, at the 3:46 mark of the frame.
UNC controlled the fourth quarter, outscoring the Cardinals, 15-10, but had no answer in overtime.
This story will be updated.
Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville basketball defeats North Carolina in top-20 matchup
The Chicago Bears blew out the Cleveland Browns, 31-3, Sunday at Soldier Field. It was a chilly affair, making it one of the more difficult games of the season right off the bat.
Early in the game, special teams were on top of their game. Devin Duvernay returned the opening kickoff to midfield, and the punt unit pinned the Browns offense on the one-yard line after the Bears couldn’t score on their opening possession.
After making a defensive stop when Cleveland was pinned in, Chicago took a 7-0 lead. Running back D’Andre Swift scored his sixth touchdown of the season, and Cairo Santos hit the extra point. From there, the Bears were off and running.
Eventually, they took a 14-0 lead, and only climbed up from there. The final score of 31-3 tells the story perfectly of how much the Bears dominated the football game.
Chicago is now 10-4 in head coach Ben Johnson's first year. A double-digit win season was not a lock for the Bears coming into 2025, especially after starting the year 0-2. Everyone from the coaching staff to the executives to the players should be proud of the year that they are putting together.
Quarterback Caleb Williams completed 17-of-28 passes for 242 yards with two touchdown passes and no interceptions. It wasn't a perfect outing for him out in the cold, but he made some big-time throws when he needed to. Williams and the offense accounted for four touchdowns, so it was more than good enough.
In the run game, Swift carried the load with 18 carries for 98 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and two touchdowns. Kyle Monangai, who has had a great rookie year, carried it for 33 yards on 11 carries. It is hard to say which of these guys is going to be the biggest difference maker from week to week, but one of them always seems to step up.
The Bears defense was the biggest difference in this game. They allowed just three points to the Browns, which was even more lackluster than they are used to. They forced rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to throw three interceptions, adding to their league lead in takeaways (30).
Chicago isn't going to play the Browns defense, or one like it every week, or even again this season. But they got back to some of the habits that have made them successful so far this season.
The Bears' 10th win should get Ben Johnson into "Coach of the Year" conversations, if he isn't already. The fact that this team is pushing for the top spot in the NFC North is far from where they were last year at this time (in the middle of a 10-game losing streak). As mentioned before, everyone deserves credit, but Johnson's impact as a first-year head coach is monumental.
Now, as a 10-win team, the Bears made their case for being a playoff team even clearer. They have some tough matchups coming up in the final three games, starting with the Green Bay Packers next week.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs Browns: Instant analysis from Chicago’s Week 15 win
Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out by the Atlanta Hawks for the next two weeks, according to the team.
The Hawks center has been dealing with an illness and is expected to undergo further evaluations. Porzingis has missed seven of the past nine games.
The Hawks (14-12) are hosting the Philadelphia 76ers (14-10) Sunday, Dec. 14 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a battle of Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls.
Porzingis was previously diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome last season while playing with the Boston Celtics. He missed significant time with Boston as a result of the POTS.
The condition “causes a number of symptoms when you transition from lying down to standing up, such as a fast heart rate, dizziness and fatigue," according to the Cleveland Clinic.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Kristaps Porzingis playing today? Hawks center out with illness
The New York Giants came into their Week 15 match against the Washington Commanders riding a seven-game losing streak. The Commanders entered the game with a long losing streak of their own -- eight straight and nine of their last 10.
Someone was going to get off the schneid this week.
The Giants did not get off to a strong start in this game, so there was no lead to blow. In fact, they never led at any point. It was just another disappointing Sunday in a long string of disappointing Sundays for Giant fans.
Here's a breakdown of the studs, duds, and in-betweens from the Giants' 29-21 Week 15 loss to the Commanders.
Tracy had 97 yards from scrimmage (70 rushing, 27 receiving) and had two touchdowns -- one rushing, one receiving. It was a solid showing for the second-year player, who was hoping to build on his productive rookie season, but a shoulder injury and the arrival of Cam Skattebo put. acrimp in those plans. With three games to go, he has a chance to finish strong.
The unit has taken some hits all year with injuries, but they've failed to fill the holes with capable players. In this game, they were playing without punter/holder Jamie Gillan and all of their top returners. Two missed field goals by Younghoe Koo and a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown by Jaylin Lane exemplified the team's lack of understanding of the importance of special teams. There's no sense in firing anyone now, but it doesn't look as if they will be retaining much of this coaching staff.
Belton continues to make plays. He had eight total stops (four solo) with a sack and two forced fumbles in this game, but did allow Terry McLaurin to slip past him and Paulson Adebo for a long touchdown.
For those who thought Slayton's bout with the dropsies was behind him, think again. The Giants inked Slayton to a three-year, $36 million deal this past offseason and need him to produce in big spots. The seven-year veteran had two key drops, one in the end zone, that cost the Giants dearly.
Dart doesn't have his game quite honed yet; he did misfire a few times in spots where the Giants could have used some magic. All in all, not a bad statistical day (20 for 36 passing, 224 yards and two touchdowns, plus 53 yards rushing on nine attempts), but he did have a scare late in the game when he took a shot to the head and had to be evaluated in the blue medical tent.
Carter is starting to flash now that all of his off-field issues appear to be behind him. Seven total stops, a sack, three tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. That line is more like the one the Giants hoped they were getting when they drafted Carter third overall this past April.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Studs and duds from New York Giants' Week 15 loss to Commanders
The Cincinnati Bengals have been officially eliminated from the playoffs.
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The Bengals fell to the Baltimore Ravens, 24-0, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams played in sub-zero temperatures.
This marks the third straight season that The Stripes have missed the playoffs.
Their last playoff appearance was back in 2022.
Cincinnati falls to 4-10 while the Ravens improve to 7-7.
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The Bengals were driving early in the second quarter, but Joe Burrow’s intended pass to Ja’Marr Chase was intercepted and the Ravens took over.
Lamar Jackson threw two late second-quarter touchdown passes to put Baltimore ahead, 14-0.
The Ravens added a field and a Kyle Van Noy pick-six to cap the scoring.
Burrow threw for 225 yards and two interceptions. He was also sacked three times.
Cincinnati’s next game will be Dec. 21 when they play at Miami at 1 p.m.
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The New York Giants, coming off their bye week, sought to end a seven-game losing streak against the Washington Commanders on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
New York endured a difficult first half, trailing 22-7 at halftime.
The Commanders maintained control throughout much of the contest until late in the fourth quarter, when a pair of Washington fumbles allowed the Giants to mount a late rally. Ultimately, the comeback fell short, as New York suffered another one-possession defeat.
Rookie Abdul Carter delivered his strongest professional performance to date, recording seven total tackles -- including three for loss -- and recovering a fumble.
The Giants' struggles were compounded by special teams errors, including a punt returned for a touchdown and two missed field goals.
The Giants' loss dropped them to 2-12 on the year and extended their losing streak to eight straight games. Here's how X reacted:
The Giants lost.
— Tommy Lugauer (@tommylugauer) December 14, 2025
That’s great.
Losing the next 3 & securing the number 1 overall pick.
Even better.
The Giants fall to the Commanders, 29-21. Their 8th straight loss. pic.twitter.com/utMHsLH89O
— Big Blue Film Room (@BigBlueFilmRoom) December 14, 2025
Dear @Giants,
— Giants Fans Online (@NYGFansOnline) December 14, 2025
There is NO SCENARIO other than a new GM and entirely new coaching staff that is acceptable after the season.
Sincerely,
Giants Fans Everywhere
Fire the HC. Fire the DC. Fire Bryan Cox. Get Dart healthy. Curse on Hard Knocks. Recharge in the bye week. Play a lousy opponent at home.
— Ian O'Connor (@Ian_OConnor) December 14, 2025
Nothing works for the 2-12 Giants. Nothing.
Joe Schoen has a non-program.
Well we still have the first pick so there’s that. And Abdul Carter played great.
— The Entertainah (@TheEntertainah) December 14, 2025
Well the good news is Joe Schoen is definitely getting fired
— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) December 14, 2025
Fire everyone
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) December 14, 2025
Jaxson Dart is all of us.
— WBG84 (@WBG84) December 14, 2025
I don't want him being dragged down by this clownshow of a regime.
Do the right thing @Giants. #NYGiants
The Giants are unwatchable at this point.
— Vibes - Eli Racks (@IamEliRacks) December 14, 2025
Rough deal on the Holland contract by Joe Schoen
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) December 14, 2025
Hasn't made a splash play all year. Has given up more key plays than he's made
Schoen used car salesman added him bc he was "hanging around" free agency.
Schoen has obliterated the safety spot from an assets used standpoint.
The Giants were so much better under Brian Daboll
— Marshall Green (@MarshallGreen_) December 14, 2025
wouldn’t be a Giants game without a crucial Slayton drop
— el Jefé (@JefePil) December 14, 2025
“you don’t see him do that too often” 😂 #NYGiants
My mind is made up. We have to go WR in the first round.
— Chuck Knoxx (@chuckknoxx) December 14, 2025
Dart made some elite throws (also missed some) and we still have #1 pick >>>>>>>>>>>>>
— Mr. Chicken (@5on_it) December 14, 2025
That felt very much like a game between teams that had combined to lose 15 straight entering today. Commanders snap their streak, Giants have now lost eight straight. They're 2-12 for the second straight season.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) December 14, 2025
#NYGiants#NYG#giantspic.twitter.com/sd8qIcr9WP
— James (@YEAHJames) December 14, 2025
Good tank game #giants
— skating myself into trouble (@saskysens) December 14, 2025
Abdul Carter has had the best game of his rookie year. All over this field making plays. For a guy who was under tremendous criticism, I love everything about the way he has responded to it all. #NYGIANTS#GIANTS#ABDULCARTER#NFL
— Chuck Knoxx (@chuckknoxx) December 14, 2025
It’s a great day to fire Joe Schoen
— Mr. Chicken (@5on_it) December 14, 2025
The Giants are not tanking! They're just playing Giants football!
— BaddogSports (@MrBaddog7676) December 14, 2025
2-12.
— Giants Daily (@NYGDaily) December 14, 2025
I understand your question.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants fans demand GM Joe Schoen be fired as team becomes 'unwatchable'
The Jacksonville Jaguars took down the New York Jets in dominant fashion to earn their 10th win of the season, 48-20.
It was one of those afternoons where the Jaguars set the tone early and never let it slip, rolling past the Jets behind a performance that showcased a relentless, high-scoring offense.
Three players stood above the rest for their impact on a decisive win, earning this week’s game balls: Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne Jr., and Jakobi Meyers.
Lawrence's performance against the Jets looked like something out of a video game.
He completed 20 of 32 passing attempts for 330 passing yards and threw five touchdowns, while being the Jaguars' leading rusher with 51 yards and a score on five carries.
Despite the quality of the Jaguars' defensive opponent, Lawrence not only looked comfortable on the field but also confident. His decision-making was quick, and when he got into trouble, he trusted his instincts.
He avoided a would-be 20-yard sack by being patient enough to wait for Parker Washington to get open down the field before tossing a 33-yard pass to escape trouble.
This guy Trevor Lawrence is pretty good at football.
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 14, 2025
RT to #ProBowlVote!#NYJvsJAX on CBSpic.twitter.com/0aRrNO8Ase
It is only right to award Etienne the second game ball after his massive performance, helping Lawrence lead Jacksonville's offense.
Etienne Jr. only caught three passes, but was responsible for three of Lawrence's five passing touchdowns. He racked up 73 receiving yards, including a 45-yard touchdown grab to extend Jacksonville's lead to 28.
.@trevorlawrence with his sixth total TD, @swaggy_t1 with his third!
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 14, 2025
RT to #ProBowlVote#NYJvsJAX on CBSpic.twitter.com/DclFZsADSt
He scored the final two touchdowns of the game and was the Jaguars' leading receiver, averaging 24.3 yards per catch. He also racked up 32 yards on 12 carries on the ground and was Jacksonville's second leading rusher.
Meyers finished with five receptions for 71 yards on seven targets, and continued to fit right into the Jaguars' passing offense.
Love this concept. Jakobi Meyers using the stack to blind the CB and get open. pic.twitter.com/oPj07fah4Y
— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) December 14, 2025
The former Las Vegas Raider, who was acquired by Jacksonville in early November, has scored all three of his touchdowns with the Jaguars. He had scored in each of his last three outings and played arguably his best game of the season against the Tennessee Titans in Week 13. He caught all six of his targets for 90 receiving yards.
Meyers entered Week 15 with 55 receptions, 636 receiving yards, and three scores, and is quickly trending to be one of the top targets not only on Lawrence’s offense, but in the league.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars vs. Jets: 3 game balls following Week 15 performance
No lead is ever safe when Josh Allen is the other quarterback on the field. The New England Patriots found that out the hard way by blowing a 21-point lead and falling in defeat for the first time since September on Sunday.
Their 10-game win streak was snapped, and suddenly, the AFC East division is back up for grabs after the Patriots' 35-31 loss to the Bills in Foxborough.
Granted, there will be talk of the Buffalo-leaning officiating, but it's hard to point fingers at the men and women in the pinstripes when the Patriots had every opportunity to win the game.
The offense started off playing with its head on fire. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter. But there's no question that he ended up playing his worst game of the season. It was the first time he had been held to less than 200 yards passing all year, going 14-of-23 passing for 155 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.
Meanwhile, rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson looked like a football cheat code in a game where he racked up 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
And it still wasn't enough.
The Bills got their run game going with running back James Cook and Allen, and it opened up their entire offense to exploit a Patriots defense that simply looked outmatched down the stretch. At one point in the second half, the Bills put together five consecutive touchdown drives. It was a complete defensive meltdown for New England when it mattered most.
Allen finished the game going 19-of-28 passing for 193 yards and three touchdowns. It wasn't a monstrous stat sheet performance, but it was enough to knock off the Patriots on the road in a successful revenge game. Along with the horrendous run defense, special teams also had a rough night for the Patriots with penalties and too many blown tackles.
Bills returner Ray Davis feasted with a 41.0 return average on four returns in the game.
The Patriots still own the lead in the AFC East, but they'll have another tough game on their schedule with a Sunday Night Football showdown on the road against the Baltimore Ravens next week. Things could get tricky if they lose, and the Bills continue to roll down the stretch.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Instant analysis of Patriots' heartbreaking 35-31 loss to Bills
With the AFC East division title on the line, the New England Patriots had the rival Buffalo Bills on the ropes. At least, they should have after going up 21-0 in the middle of the second quarter. In most similar circumstances, this would've been a surefire win for the Patriots and MVP candidate quarterback Drake Maye.
But most of those situations don't involve a Terminator robot playing quarterback, a.k.a. Josh Allen, who is only down and out when the clock reads all zeroes.
Slowly but surely, Allen engineered an unbelievable comeback on the road. And after falling behind by three touchdowns, the Bills scored a touchdown on five straight possessions all the way through the end of the game (aside from a late punt in the closing moments) to steal a massive win over the young Patriots.
In his postgame press conference, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was practically at a loss for words about what had just transpired. In the end, he simply gave credit to a generational quarterback for, you know, being a generational quarterback.
Mike Vrabel on Josh Allen: “That’s why they pay him $60 million. I don’t know what to tell you.”
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) December 14, 2025
Sometimes, there's nothing you can really do to slow a motivated great player. You tip your cap and move on.
Could the Patriots' defense have played better? Could Maye have done more to close out the Bills and bleed the clock? Probably! But Josh Allen clearly wasn't losing Sunday. And it's better to admit it wasn't your day rather than dwell on a series of successive sequences that weren't necessarily in your control.
If there's any consolation for the Patriots, they still control their own destiny for the AFC East title, which would be their first in over half a decade. Vrabel knows that, too. That's likely why he didn't go on some enraged tirade. He has to keep his resurgent team focused on the big picture. That's the sign of a good coach.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Mike Vrabel was at loss for words about Josh Allen after Bills' comeback
The Chicago Bears bounced back in a big way on Sunday, bringing it to the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field with a 31-3 win, in frigid temperatures.
Despite losing wide receiver Rome Odunze in pre-game warmups, the Bears got two-touchdown performances from both running back D’Andre Swift, as well as veteran wide receiver DJ Moore. Chicago’s defense totaled three interceptions and six sacks off of rookie Shedeur Sanders, converting 17 points off the forced turnovers.
With the win, the Bears doubled their win total from last season and is 10-4 on the year, setting up a big matchup against the Green Bay Packers next Saturday. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns, while Chicago also put together 142 rushing yards, with Swift leading the way with 98 yards on the ground.
Finally a Bears game that was stress free
— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) December 14, 2025
#Bears did what they should do to bad teams. They blew out the Browns, 31-3. That's their 10th win. The turnaround continues. Last three playoff-caliber opponents will determine postseason fate.
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) December 14, 2025
This is exactly the game I wanted to see from the Bears today.
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) December 14, 2025
BEARS WIN BEARS WIN BEARS WIN!!!
— Bearsszn (@bearszn) December 14, 2025
CHICAGO DOMINATES THE BROWNS TO MOVE TO 10-4! CHICAGO’S FIRST DOUBLE DIGIT WIN SEASON SINCE 2018! LETS GOOOO! 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/4wv2TXqnKf
AND THATS A DOMINANT BEARS WINNNN
— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) December 14, 2025
10 wins on the season! 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/RIMj0jMHPJ
ARE THE BEARS THE BEST TEAM IN FOOTBALL?
— Adam Rank (@adamrank) December 14, 2025
Seasons with 10+ wins as #Bears head coach for Ben Johnson: 1
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) December 14, 2025
Seasons with 10+ wins for Matt Eberflus, Matt Nagy, John Fox and Marc Trestman combined: 1 pic.twitter.com/RonhrUnE3n
God Bless You. God Bless Me. And God Bless The Chicago Bears!!!! Victory how sweet it is!!!!! 🐻⬇️
— Jerry Azumah (@JerryAzumah) December 14, 2025
With three games left in the season, the Bears have secured their first double-digit-win season since 2018. Impressive debut from head coach Ben Johnson.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 14, 2025
Business handled.
— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) December 14, 2025
See if you can get marginally healthy and prepare for the Packers.#Bears
This is how you take care of business, Bears.
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) December 14, 2025
Great to see the #Bears actually put a game away. The 3-win Browns or not, they needed this type of game.
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) December 14, 2025
OMG THIS IS FUN!!!
— OBVIOUS SHIRTS® (@obvious_shirts) December 14, 2025
Everything is awesome when the Chicago Bears are good at football.
Chicago is a Football city. #DaBears
Can't even tell you how nice it is to watch the last 7 minutes of a Bears game and not have to worry about blowing it
— Chris Rongey (@ChrisRongey) December 14, 2025
Trap games happen to poorly coached teams. This is not a poorly coached teams
— Steve Letizia (@CFCBears) December 14, 2025
10 win BEARS pic.twitter.com/jd541lrfX7
— Da TailGate Show ™️ (@DaTailGateShow) December 14, 2025
10-4 Bears. That was a game where you expected to win and dominate, and they did. Biggest 3 games for the Bears since 2018 start now. Let’s make the playoffs pic.twitter.com/KzvGEOjHN5
— Julian (@Julian4948) December 14, 2025
The bears hold off the browns in a statement win. Bears aren’t going anywhere soon.
— 🅂🄼🄾🄺🄴’🄽_🄹🄾🄴 (@HalasHooligan) December 14, 2025
Winning the games you’re supposed to win is a very big step in a successful football team.
Not the prettiest game, but there’s really good things to build on for next week’s match. And again… pic.twitter.com/nhPXanqIxD
Chiefs eliminated from the playoffs the same day the Bears win their 10th game. pic.twitter.com/7opQ18ncE4
— Alex Patt (@chifanpatt2) December 14, 2025
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Browns: NFL world reacts to Chicago's blowout win
The Miami Dolphins need to see at least two of five AFC contenders fall apart down the stretch if they hope to reach the playoffs. But after four of those teams won in the 1 p.m. ET slate, the Dolphins' path to the postseason is closing quick.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Chargers all earned their 10th win and the Houston Texans improved to 9-5. Even if the Dolphins manage to win out, they can only get to 10-7 and would lose tiebreakers with Jacksonville and LA.
That means the Dolphins will officially be eliminated from the playoffs if they lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night.
Miami's narrow path to the postseason now looks like this:
PLUS at least two of the following three:
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: NFL playoff picture: Dolphins scenarios even more narrow after Week 15
No. 18 Tennessee (7-2) defeated Winthrop (7-5), 112-40, Sunday at Food City Center.
The Lady Vols led, 66-17, at halftime after outscoring the Eagles, 26-2, to end the second quarter of the contest, which was Tennessee's 600th game at Food City Center.
Janaiah Barker posted a double-double for the Lady Vols as she totaled 20 points and 10 rebounds. She converted 6-of-7 field goal attempts, 3-of-4 three-point attempts and 5-of-5 free throw attempts for Tennessee, which made a season-high 16 three-point field goals. Barker scored her 1,000th career point Sunday.
Mia Pauldo scored a career-high 18 points, all in the first half. She also posted a double-double as she had 10 assists. Pauldo also had four steals and was one of five Lady Vols to score 10-plus points against the Eagles. NyaRobertson recorded 13 points, four steals, four assists and one rebound.
Talaysia Cooper totaled 12 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Alyssa Latham had 10 points, five rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks for Tennessee, which forced 29 points off 24 Winthrop turnovers.
Zee Spearman and Jaida Civil scored nine points each. Spearmen also had five rebounds and three blocks, while Civil finished with seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Ryiah Wilson scored 12 points to lead the Eagles.
Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Mia Pauldo has career-high 18 points as Lady Vols defeat Winthrop
The Kansas City Chiefs were defeated by the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 15 of the 2025 NFL regular season.
The game's final score was 16-13 in Los Angeles' favor.
Patrick Mahomes completed 16 of his 28 pass attempts for 189 yards and was intercepted once. He failed to throw a touchdown pass and was injured late in the fourth quarter. The exact nature of Mahomes' injury is unknown at the time of this article's publication.
Veteran backup Gardner Minshew relieved Mahomes on Kansas City's last drive and completed three of his five pass attempts for 22 yards. He was intercepted on the game's penultimate play.
Final. pic.twitter.com/KIBFhmhNKq
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 14, 2025
Veteran running back Isiah Pacheco was Kansas City's leading rusher with 21 yards on 11 attempts. Star tight end Travis Kelce led the Chiefs in receiving with seven catches for 70 yards.
Star pass-rusher Chris Jones did not appear on Kansas City's stat sheet. Instead, the Chiefs' defense was led by rookie lineman Ashton Gillotte and veteran linebacker Drue Tranquill, who registered an interception and 14 combined tackles, respectively.
With this loss and a combination of other results from the NFL's Week 15 schedule, Kansas City has been eliminated from playoff contention.
The Chiefs will look ahead to a road matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Week 16.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Final score: Chiefs lose to Chargers 16-13 in Week 15
Tottenham are hopeful of bringing in Japan international Maika Hamano on loan from Chelsea in January.
The forward, who is under contract with Chelsea until 2029, is seen as a player with high potential having made 26 appearances for the national team.
The 21-year-old has had interest from several clubs as she seeks regular game time ahead of March’s Asian Cup.
However, Tottenham have emerged as the frontrunners and are in a strong position to strike a deal when the transfer window opens on Friday, 2 January.
This particular shoe used to be on the other foot. For years, it was the Knicks who ran out of answers before they ran out of clock.
The Knicks of old ran out of legs, ran out of gas and eventually ran out of hope. They operated a predictable offense that devalued the NBA’s most potent shot. They talked about embracing physicality — until it arrived at their doorstep and knocked them off balance.
Those Knicks wanted to contend. They came close. Their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in a quarter-century proved as much. But even then, they never quite looked the part.
Funny what a sneaky-good offseason can do.
What many viewed as a failed — or at least unnecessarily complicated — summer is quietly pushing this franchise toward new heights. A coaching change. Organizational buy-in. A minute series of calculated roster decisions. Together, they’ve lifted a ceiling that once felt fixed at Madison Square Garden.
Mike Brown’s offseason makeover has been a resounding success, largely because his Knicks look nothing like the Knicks of old. The team now representing the Eastern Conference in the 2025 NBA Cup Final is new and improved — built in the image of the very formula that once undid them.
Take Saturday’s semifinal against Orlando.
The Magic leaned on an 11-man rotation in hopes of running the Knicks into the ground, a tactic that has worked against New York in the past. In theory, it should have worked again — especially with the Knicks missing two perimeter pieces in Miles McBride (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder).
Instead, the Knicks flipped the script.
They’re built — literally and figuratively — to weather this storm. Jordan Clarkson shoots first but defends next. Tyler Kolek is playing with growing confidence and freedom. And under Brown’s run-and-run-more mandate, the Knicks are in better shape than they’ve been in years. Brown’s eight-and-a-half-man rotation beat an Orlando team also missing two key players on Saturday.
That’s real depth.
It means 10 or 11 playable bodies when fully healthy — the same kind of depth the Indiana Pacers once used to knock the Knicks out of consecutive playoff series. The difference now? New York’s starting five is more potent than Indiana’s ever was.
“I didn’t know that 90 percent of the points came from our starters,” Karl-Anthony Towns said after the win. “But it was that 10 percent from the bench that really changed the game. When we needed that boost, and [the Magic] were playing well on their run, that was people like Tyler, Mitch, JC, who came in the game and just changed the energy of the game.”
Depth wasn’t the only thorn in the Knicks’ side in recent years. Physicality was another.
Missteps in Detroit, Atlanta, Houston and Orlando painted a consistent picture of a team that struggled to meet moments requiring teeth and toughness. Now, under Brown, the Knicks are hitting first and asking questions later — another mandate built on aggressive on-ball defense and trust that teammates will cover behind it.
“I think our physicality is extremely better,” Josh Hart said after Saturday’s win. “When you’re able to be physical on the perimeter, you’re able to throw teams off what they do and now your defense is more impactful. You can be in passing lanes and do those kinds of things, protect shots at the rim. So I think our physicality is something that’s driving that, and that’s something we have to do.”
The Knicks also had to solve their own internal contradictions.
Their two best players carried reputations as net-negative defenders, and compensating for them had often put the team in a bind. Jalen Brunson’s ball dominance could stall the offense in previous seasons. This year, it hasn’t.
Brunson is getting off the ball quicker. His 5.18 seconds per touch and 4.86 dribbles per touch are both down year over year, and his scoring is up — 28.8 points per game — despite holding the ball less.
Brown is also extracting improved defense from Towns, who is closer to averaging one block per game this season than at any point in his previous three.
“A guy that was just constant with verticalities, trying not to foul, just being big at the rim was KAT. KAT was our Defensive Player of the Game. It was well deserved,” Brown said after the semifinal victory over the Magic. “He’s been playing a lot better on that end of the floor, and he’s got to keep performing at a high level for us defensively in order for us to continue to get wins, especially in environments like today.”
Brown may spend his miles campaigning for Brunson’s MVP case, but his own résumé is beginning to warrant early Coach of the Year consideration.
The Knicks talked the talk before. Under Brown, they’re walking the walk.
“With his new offense and defense, we’re all adjusting, and he’s doing his best to make it easy for us to transition and for us to impact the game,” Towns said. “I think recently we’ve been playing really good basketball, even though we still could be better, the fact that we’re doing this right now, and we’re still learning, but we’re winning games while learning is a testament to the coaching staff and is a testament to these guys in this locker room that are willing to sacrifice and do whatever it takes to win.”
Jonathan Kuminga's long-term future with the Golden State Warriors is once again the topic of conversation. The explosive forward spent this past summer at loggerheads with the franchise over a new contract. And now, just two months into the season, discussions about a potential Kuminga trade have already begun.
Kuminga enjoyed a bright start to the season. He was part of Kerr's starting unit for the first 12 games of the season. He was also part of the starting lineup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 6, where he struggled from the field, going 1-for-10 over 21 minutes. In the two games that have followed, Kuminga has been glued to the bench.
When speaking to the media about Kuminga's future on Dec. 11, Kerr gave a well thought-out answer.
"I can imagine it's not easy for him," Kerr said. "And we've talked about the situation. My desire for JK is to become the best player he can possibly be, regardless of where he ends up, whether it's here or elsewhere. I tell my guys a lot, there are so few players who end up playing for one team their entire career. It rarely happens. I played for six different teams. None of us knows what's going to happen with JK or with pretty much any of our guys, although I would advise Mike not to trade staff. This is part of being in the league, and I've talked to Moses about this. I've talked to JK about it. I've talked to most of our guys. Really. It's a weird business to be in because you have to fully commit to the team that you're playing for, knowing full well that that team may trade you or cut you."
Unfortunately for Kuminga, it's clear that he's not an ideal fit for how the Warriors are trying to play. It's also clear that he would be better served on a team that can afford him the playing time he needs to reach his full potential. With that in mind, it's logical that he's once again at the forefront of trade talks surrounding the Warriors.
Here’s Steve Kerr on the business side of the Jonathan Kuminga situation and the impact of the looming January 15th trade eligibility date
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 11, 2025
“I can imagine it’s not easy…My desire is for JK to be the best player he can be, regardless of where he ends up, here or elsewhere.” pic.twitter.com/egNDSYK3zX
So, as we get closer to the Feb. 5 trade deadline, it will be interesting to see what teams emerge as potential front-runners for Kuminga. And, more importantly, what those potential trade packages will look like. After all, a deal has to make sense for Golden State in order for them to sign off on a trade.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Steve Kerr provides detailed answer on Jonthan Kuminga's future
On the morning of what would prove to be one of the finest days in St Mirren's history, Stephen Robinson had his team in tears.
The manager, who will now surely go down as one of the best to ever guide the Paisley side, gathered the thoughts, feelings and messages from the families of his squad to motivate them for their Premier Sports Cup final meeting with Celtic.
'This is who you're doing it for' was the message.
"We had a little moment before the game, where the manager showed us a video of all our families and we were all emotional," said defender Miguel Freckleton.
"None of us knew about it, so he stuck on a family photo and then he started going around and everyone was ready for their family.
"It was getting a bit emotional, so it was tough but that definitely gave us a boost of confidence."
Conor McMenamin, who Robinson brought over from Northern Ireland two years ago, joked: "I didn't think it motivated us, we were all sad getting on the bus!"
Injured captain Mark O'Hara admitted: "There were a few tears."
It perhaps sums up Robinson and his management best that he was still able to surprise the squad he knows so well on the day they needed it most.
Few would think getting the waterworks going would work wonders, but it did that and then some as St Mirren carried the weight of responsibility on their shoulders with little fuss.
Before a ball was kicked, the team saluted their supporters in a way that, even then, 22 minutes before Marcus Fraser headed them in front, suggested they knew this was their day.
"We just felt it, we had that belief all week," said the second-minute goalscorer.
"We met the fans at the calendar signing this week and this was all they spoke about," two-goal hero Jonah Ayunga told BBC Scotland.
"To get the chance to play in this, let alone win it and score, I couldn't imagine it any better. Not a bad day's work, eh?"
Not a bad day's work at all.
And in truth, it wasn't even the most gruelling day at the office for the most outstanding of rewards.
When they were here last month for the semi-final against Motherwell, the St Mirren players were met with a 'faith over fear' tifo from the fans.
On a gloomy day at Hampden, St Mirren had all the faith in themselves to achieve their second success in this competition.
"I said to the players if you play with fear, that means you're not organised, that means you don't have belief in you ability," Robinson explained.
"We said have faith, you are stronger, you are quicker, you are good and good players that can cause real problems."
That message rung true in the second half as they dismantled the cup holders.
Having ended the first-half on the back foot after Reo Hatate hammered home a leveller, St Mirren might have been expected to retreat into their shell.
But Robinson ripped up the script.
"I wasn't happy with the last 20 minutes of the first half," he added.
"We changed it, put Keanu Baccus to man-mark [Callum] McGregor, and our two centre-forwards man-marked their outside centre-halves.
"We left the middle one on the ball, and that's where we pressed from.
"I knew we'd create a lot of counter-attacking chances doing that. It's nice for the tactics to come off for once."
Said in jest, it's far from the first time Robinson has masterminded a fine St Mirren win. But this was his most important victory.
Danny Lennon, who led the Saints to their first League Cup triumph in 2013, said Robinson had "laid the foundations for an incredible era" at the club.
Three consecutive top-six finishes and a return to European football for the first time in 37 years brought accolades - but he wanted silverware to show for it.
Robinson had twice taken Motherwell to Hampden finals, falling short against Celtic each time.
He came up trumps in his third final - with no luck involved.
"This is once in a lifetime," said Ayunga. "I've been playing since I was 17, I'm nearly 30, this was the first time I had a chance to win anything.
"The manager deserves it. You see what he's done year upon year. This is the icing on the cake."
McMenamin, 30, added: "We came here and believed in ourselves, believed we could beat Celtic.
"We deserved to put our hands on that trophy. It's the only thing this team hasn't got in the last few years - top-six finishes, Europe. To get silverware now, we'll go down in history."
Go down in history they will. This will be a team who are talked about in the highest regard around Paisley. Robinson won't ever need to buy a pint again.
"I think I've got the freedom of Vienna's nightclub, I know that," he laughed on his way to the town centre party.
With Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. being ruled out with a groin injury prior to kickoff, rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a shot to get more carries and took full advantage of the opportunity. The 5-foot-11, 208-pound back recorded 96 rushing yards and a 16-yard rushing touchdown on 18 carries, averaging over five yards a carry, helping the Commanders capture a 29-21 divisional victory against the New York Giants.
Bill Croskey-Merritt sprints in from 16 yards out!
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025
WASvsNYG on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVntpic.twitter.com/OeWJ4KI7jG
Entering Week 15, Croskey-Merritt tallied 125 carries for 550 yards and four touchdowns. However, he hasn't scored since the Commanders' 27-10 Week 5 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, which is coincidentally the last time Washington won a game. In fact, Croskey-Merritt has only scored in games the Commanders have won. Washington has lost every game he hasn't scored a rushing touchdown. He tallied 10 carries for 82 yards and a score in the Commanders' 21-6 Week 1 victory over the New York Giants, eight carries for 26 yards and a score in Washington’s 41-24 Week 3 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, and 14 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers.Croskey-Merritt’s performance earned him the Commanders’ Week 15 Player of the Game
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Week 15 Player of Game
Phil Parkinson says the club have to be "careful" with Issa Kabore and Liberato Cacace as they both edge closer to a return to action.
The Wrexham boss indicated that left back, Cacace, is closer to returning than Burkina Faso international Kabore.
The 24-year-old is still recovering at parent-club Man City and his chances of participating at AFCON are still up in the air.
"Kabore is a bit longer and further away, he's still at Man City and AFCON is an issue aswell.
"When he came in he really added to the spirit and determination on the pitch and I said to him we've got to be careful and make sure he's right," Parkinson said.
The right wing-back has been out since November due to a hamstring injury he sustained while on international duty.
The Wrexham boss was more optimistic when discussing Cacace's return to fitness, suggesting that the New Zealander was not far off.
He said: "Libby was back on the grass this week so we've just got to keep our fingers crossed that we can get him back because we've got two really good players there."
The 24-year-old made the move to north Wales from Italian side Emopli in the summer but has only made seven appearances for the Red Dragons following an injury-hit start to his career with the Welsh club.
He last featured on 5 November in a 0-0 draw against Portsmouth when he suffered a calf injury that has kept him out of action ever since.
The New York Giants entered their Week 15 matchup against the Washington Commanders hoping to end a seven-game losing streak following their bye week. However, a sloppy first half proved too costly to overcome, as New York fell 29-21, dropping to 2-12 on the season and extending the losing streak to eight consecutive games.
Despite the defeat, second-year running back Tyrone Tracy stood out as the Giants Wire Player of the Game, although rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter made a push for the honor.
Tracy accounted for the Giants’ first two touchdowns with a pair of standout plays. He delivered an impressive run on third-and-10 from the 12-yard line in the first half and later caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Jaxson Dart on the team’s opening drive of the second half.
The second score highlighted Tracy’s receiving ability, a skill he developed while playing that role in college.
a Dart to Tracy for @Giants 6!
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025
WASvsNYG on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVntpic.twitter.com/zwQiFRoT2D
Tracy finished the game with 70 rushing yards and one touchdown on 15 carries, along with 27 receiving yards and one touchdown on three receptions.
In a season that has seen somewhat underwhelming production from Tracy -- particularly after rookie Cam Skattebo was lost for the year -- his performance provided a meaningful contribution to the offense.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants vs. Commanders Player of the Game: Tyrone Tracy Jr.
The San Francisco 49ers hoped that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall would step up as the team's top receiver in 2025 with Brandon Aiyuk recovering from an ACL injury.
Unfortunately, this season has been plagued by injuries for Pearsall, and that trend continued early in San Francisco's Week 15 battle with the Tennessee Titans at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.
On the 49ers' first offensive play of the day, Brock Purdy hit Pearsall for an 8-yard gain. Titans safety Kevin Winston Jr. rolled up on Pearsall while taking the receiver down to the ground.
Pearsall got up slowly and jogged to the sideline before entering the blue medical tent.
San Francisco will rely on Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, Demarcus Robinson and Skyy Moore for the remainder of the game if Pearsall can't go.
More 49ers: Kyle Shanahan says 2025 49ers aren't the team he's been most proud of
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers' Ricky Pearsall suffers injury early in first quarter vs. Titans
What they started in balmy Brazil, the Chargers finished on a bitter cold day at Arrowhead Stadium.
They completed a season sweep of Kansas City with a 16-13 victory, solidifying their own playoff chances while driving a stake through the postseason hopes of their AFC West rival.
The Chiefs, who haven’t missed the playoffs since 2014, were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss.
Read more:NFL outlines plan for a more performance-driven officiating program
The come-from-behind victory gave the 10-4 Chargers a double-digit win total with three games to go and kept alive their designs on winning a division currently led by the Denver Broncos.
Cameron Dicker kicked three field goals to bring back the Chargers, who were facing a 13-3 deficit in the second quarter before scoring 13 unanswered points.
Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustained an apparent leg injury late in the game and had to helped to the locker room. He was replaced by Gardner Minshew, who was intercepted by Derwin James Jr. to end the game.
With a temperature of 15 degrees at kickoff, this was the third-coldest game in Chargers history, although their defense looked at home in the frigid weather. Tuli Tuipulotu and Odafe Oweh each collected two sacks of Mahomes, and linebacker Daiyan Henley had a pivotal fourth-quarter interception of the Chiefs quarterback near the goal line.
Chargers safety Tony Jefferson was ejected in the fourth quarter after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Tyquan Thornton that knocked the Chiefs receiver out of the game. Earlier in the second half, Jefferson flattened Rashee Rice with another huge hit.
It marked just the second time in 13 years the Chargers beat the Chiefs (6-8) twice in the same season.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Things got chippy between the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers on Sunday ... before a ball was even snapped (or kicked).
During pregame, Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw got into a dust-up with Packers players near midfield. The inside linebacker was later joined by outside linebacker Nik Bonitto before quarterback Bo Nix pulled him back. Denver cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian also got in on the action.
Here's some video from The Athletic's James Palmer:
Things getting really chippy pregame in denver! 👀 pic.twitter.com/jPqbrBRJQp
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) December 14, 2025
And more footage from a fan in the stands:
Packers at broncos fight pre game #GoPackGopic.twitter.com/GLLvOSekOu
— Taylor Meikle ™ (@TayMeikle88) December 14, 2025
Greenlaw was still fired up about 30 minutes later during pregame introductions:
Beware Dre Greenlaw in this one. Just came out in pregame introductions smacking his own helmet and barking in the general direction of the Packers' sideline after dust-up pregame.
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) December 14, 2025
Denver and Green Bay also had a few scuffles when the Broncos hosted the Packers for a joint training camp practice two years ago. Greenlaw wasn't even on Denver's squad in 2024, but it appears that he's instigating things at Empower Field at Mile High today.
UPDATE: CBS Sports showed footage that appeared to show Alex Singleton did the first push:
So this is how the Packers and Broncos fight started 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/dxCZ00bEX5
— Michael🇲🇽 (@RespectMyCos) December 14, 2025
The Broncos and Packers are both in contention for the No. 1 playoff seeds in their respective conferences, so today's game has big implications for both sides.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL news: Broncos-Packers got chippy before the game even started
The search for the next Michigan football coach is underway.
It's been a tumultuous few days for the Michigan athletic department, which is now looking at an expanded investigation into its handling of former coach Sherrone Moore and his firing on Wednesday, Dec. 10, as well as the surrounding circumstances. Moore was later arrested and arraigned in court on Friday, Dec. 12, on charges of third-degree felony home invasion, misdemeanor stalking and misdemeanor breaking and entering.
As Michigan navigates the fallout from the scandal, it'll be athletic director Warde Manuel's responsibility to land the Wolverines' next head coach very late in the hiring cycle as many of the top candidates have either re-committed to their current schools or just moved to a new one.
Who are the top candidates? Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, one of the names connected to the Michigan job, made a definitive statement that he's happy in Tuscaloosa on Sunday, Dec. 14. So what's next?
SEIDEL: Sherrone Moore saga is a scandal entangled with so many other scandals
Here’s the latest on the Michigan football coaching search:
Well, never say never, but Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer made his intentions about as clear as possible.
Even though DeBoer has his Crimson Tide in the 12-team playoff with a matchup against Oklahoma on Friday, he's been a popular name since the Michigan job came open on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
In a statement on Sunday afternoon, DeBoer seemed to squash nearly any debate about if he'll be on the move from Alabama after this season.
"My family and I are very happy in Tuscaloosa and remain extremely grateful for the support of President (Peter) Mohler, Greg Byrne, the Board and so many others," DeBoer said in a statement posted on Alabama's official fan page. "We have an incredible opportunity in front of us, so my sole focus is on Alabama football and our preparations to play Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff.
"I have not spoken and have no interest in speaking with anyone else about any other job. I am fully committed to this program and look forward to continuing as the head football coach at the University of Alabama."
— Yea Alabama (@yea_ala) December 14, 2025
Dillingham, the 35-year-old Sun Devils coach, announced after Saturday, Dec. 13, bowl practice he will be staying in Tempe, Arizona. He had been linked as a potential candidate to fill the job at Michigan.
"This place is just − it's a special place to me," Dillingham said, according to The Arizona Republic, adding his agent is having discussions with university officials on an extension.
The Michigan opportunity "will be good for somebody," Dillingham said. "It doesn't change how I feel about here."
Arizona State will face Duke on Dec. 31 in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, the same day Michigan faces Texas in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
Just hours after former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore was arraigned in a Washtenaw County court on Friday, Dec. 12, Michigan football shared a simple message on "X."
"Focused on the next game."
While the regular season is over, Michigan is still set to play Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 31 in Orlando.
Biff Poggi has been named the team's interim coach, and this is the first look at him leading the team (with the exception of when he served as the interim for Weeks 3 and 4 this year).
It also seems to be a pretty clear indication that despite the coaching change, Michigan is still planning to play its bowl game.
Either way, Michigan football made it clear with this post: they are moving on from Sherrone Moore and focusing on football. Or at least they're going to try.
Focused on the next game. pic.twitter.com/llOAJCfFux
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) December 12, 2025
A former Notre Dame QB as Michigan football's next head coach?
It's possible.
Michigan football is reportedly interested in talking to Rees, according to Cleveland.com, who starred as a quarterback at Notre Dame. He moved up the coaching ranks fast, getting his big break as offensive coordinator with Notre Dame in 2020, where he served in the role for three years before moving to Alabama to be the offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide in Nick Saban's last year. He has spent the last two years with the Browns, first as a passing game specialist and then as offensive coordinator this year.
Rees also reportedly talked to Penn State before the Nittany Lions landed on Iowa State coach Matt Campbell.
It's an interesting proposition, as Rees is seen as an up-and-coming young coach, but it can be wonky trying to hire NFL coaches into the college game due to the schedule. But in this circumstance, it just might work. The Browns are out of playoff contention so their season should drag out, and Michigan is in a position to wait longer than normal because early signing day for recruits is over and the transfer portal won't open until January.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football coach search rumors, news, candidates
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Dylan Wu needed extra holes to retain his PGA Tour card for 2026. Wu, a 29-year-old American, two Canadians, a Colombian and an Argentine were the five pros from a field of 176 to survive the 72-hole pressure-cooker that is PGA Tour Qualifying School at Dye's Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass and Sawgrass Country Club.
Wu, with his brother Jeremy on the bag, edged Ben Silverman on the first playoff hole with a birdie in his return to No. 18 at Dye's Valley.
"It means a lot to do it together," Wu said. "It means a lot to do it after the year I've had."
Here are the five pros who booked their ticket in the big leagues.
Ewart, 26, played like a Tour-bound player from start to finish, shooting the low score at Sawgrass CC in the first round, making a hole-in-one on the fifth hole at Dye’s Valley on Friday to share the 36-hole lead, and shooting 67 on Saturday in his return to Sawgrass CC. On Sunday, he was stuck in neutral with a bogey at nine but carded four birdies on the back nine to go from on the bubble to medalist of the 2025 PGA Tour Q-School.
After playing this season on PGA Tour Americas, Ewart was making his first start at Final Stage but you’d never know it. He followed a simple philosophy. “I try to dumb it down. It’s just another tournament, right?” Ewart said of Q-School. “You don’t go to a tournament to finish in the top 50. Just do my preparation and treat it like any other week as hard as that may be.”
Ewart, who won 14 times at Division II Barry University, is a native of Vancouver.
The Colombian native pumped his fist as he wrapped up a final-round 69 to finish T-2 at 12-under 268. The 36-year-old Rozo had made 255 career Tour-sanctioned starts but had never held a PGA Tour card. He also was sidelined for a season after undergoing wrist surgery. He shared the 54-hole lead but started slowly on Sunday, making two bogeys on the front nine. He didn't make his first birdie until No. 10 and tacked on two more to earn his card on the PGA Tour.
The 29-year-old Argentine did it again. He sank a bomb for eagle at the par-5 16th to shoot 3-under 67 and seal the deal of regaining a PGA Tour card for next season. Tosti made his move on Saturday with birdies on five of his first seven holes to surge up the leaderboard. He entered the final day one off the pace for a Tour card at 9-under 201 and T-6. The former Florida Gator earned his Tour card at Q-School last year but missed his last six cuts of the regular season and didn’t play in the fall, dropping to No. 137 in the season-long standings.
The 31-year-old Canadian opened his final round Sunday with six straight pars, which didn't bode well for his chances of regaining his PGA Tour card. But he remained patient and reeled off four birdies in a six-hole stretch beginning at No. 7. He tacked on one last birdie at 15 to shoot 4-under 66 and finish 12-under 268 and T-2.
A past champion of the Tour’s RSM Classic, Svensson struggled this season, finishing No. 167 in the season-long standings and without a top-10 finish. But now the fellow Barry University grad, just like the medalist Ewart, is headed back to the Tour for another season.
Wu picked a good time to find his game. The 29-year-old from Northwestern University finished 168th in the season-long standings and counts four missed cuts and a DQ in his last six starts on Tour. But he birdied five of his first eight holes on Sunday and sank a long eagle putt at 16 to shoot 66 and finish T-5 at 11-under 269. He and Ben Silverman returned to 18 for a playoff for all the marbles, and it was Wu who delivered the birdie to seal the deal.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: These 5 golfers earned 2026 PGA Tour cards at Q-School
Seven Indianapolis Colts players are inactive for the team's Week 15 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
On game days, teams were permitted to have 48 players active.
So with two practice squad elevations, plus the 53 players already on the active roster, seven players had to be made inactive.
(Please note that this article will be updated.)
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 7 Colts players inactive for Week 15 game vs. Seahawks
Cincinnati Bengals defensive back DJ Turner was injured during the third quarter of the team's NFL Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium.
Turner injured his hand and went to the locker room during the team's NFL Week 8 loss to the Jets at Paycor Stadium.
Turner suffered leg cramps during the third quarter of the team's NFL Week 7 win against Pittsburgh.
Turner made an acrobatic interception just before halftime against the Steelers, catching the attention of Thursday Night Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit.
"I think DJ Turner right now is playing as well as any corner in the NFL," Herbstreit said during the broadcast.
During the 2024 season, Turner suffered a season-ending clavicle injury during the Week 11 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals defensive back DJ Turner injured vs Ravens in NFL Week 15
Cincinnati Bengals defensive back DJ Turner was injured during the third quarter of the team's NFL Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium.
Turner injured his hand and went to the locker room during the team's NFL Week 8 loss to the Jets at Paycor Stadium.
Turner suffered leg cramps during the third quarter of the team's NFL Week 7 win against Pittsburgh.
Turner made an acrobatic interception just before halftime against the Steelers, catching the attention of Thursday Night Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit.
"I think DJ Turner right now is playing as well as any corner in the NFL," Herbstreit said during the broadcast.
During the 2024 season, Turner suffered a season-ending clavicle injury during the Week 11 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals defensive back DJ Turner injured vs Ravens in NFL Week 15
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Baccellia was stretchered off the field after suffering a neck injury in his team's Week 15 game against the Houston Texans.
Baccellia's injury occurred after he returned a kickoff late in the first half. It wasn't immediately clear how the XX-year-old receiver was injured, as the Texans swarmed him as he tried to get the ball to the 30-yard line.
Baccellia remained down after the hit, however, and Cardinals medical staff tended to him on the field. They examined him, removed the facemask from his helmet and was eventually stretchered off the field after being loaded onto a backboard.
The crowd on hand at NRG Stadium – home of the Texans – cheered on Baccellia as he left the field. He gave a thumbs up to the crowd as he exited, according to multiple reporters who were at Sunday's game.
🙏prayers up for Andre Baccellia. pic.twitter.com/MpoNMcUKnq
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 14, 2025
Boston Celtics starting center Neemias Queta has been making strides on both ends of the court. And he has been putting in the work sharpening his skills in the pick and roll to make himself more of a threat on the offensive end of the court with Boston's backcourt players like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
The Portuguese big man spoke about that process of growth after a recent Celtics practice, specifically with how his two-man game with Pritchard has been going with the focus on that aspect of his game. "It's getting better, like everything we do," said Queta via CLNS Media.
"It's different when you get to run it every day," added the Celtics center. "You get more repetitions with it."
"I'm figuring out his game more and figuring out how to get him open more, what he likes, what he doesn't like," continued Queta.
"He's getting to know how I get out of screens too. It's a work in progress, and we're getting better at it."
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Neemias Queta on improving his play with Celtics teammate Payton Pritchard
The Dallas Cowboys are still alive in the NFC playoff race, but they don't have much margin for error. Dallas basically has to win out and hope for some help in order to sneak into the postseason picture. They also have to be healthy, though, which unfortunately isn't always a guarantee in a game as dangerous as pro football.
The status of Cowboys starting tight end Jake Ferguson is a perfect example. Ferguson is currently nursing a calf injury and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday night's home matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Dallas. However, Ferguson's designation seems to be more cautionary by the team's training staff than anything else, as he is expected to play as normal.
That's great news for the Cowboys, to say the least:
#Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson (calf) and DE Jadeveon Clowney (hamstring) are both listed as questionable and both expected to play on Sunday vs. the #Vikings, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 14, 2025
Ferguson has been a key cog for Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott this season. Here's hoping he looks healthy and plays well for Dallas on Sunday night.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Jake Ferguson injury update: Is Cowboys TE playing on Sunday night?
Investec Champions Cup Pool Four
Bristol Bears (33) 61
Tries: Genge, B Grondona, Marmion, Ravouvou, Oghre, Janse van Rensburg, Batley, Boshoff, S Grondona Cons: Jordan 8
Pau (0) 12
Tries: Brau-Boirie 2 Con: Mondinat
Bristol Bears made it two wins from two in the Champions Cup pool stage, scoring nine tries in a comfortable home victory against French club Pau.
Bristol narrowly beat Scarlets in their opening fixture but this was a much more comfortable outing for the Bears.
They scored five tries in a dominant first half, the first of them from England prop Ellis Genge inside the first minute.
Ben Grondona crossed himself before setting up Kieran Marmion for Bristol's third, Kalaveti Ravouvou wrapped up a try bonus point after being fed by Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Gabriel Oghre went over from a line-out catch-and-drive just before the interval.
Janse van Rensburg, who becomes eligible for England selection in November 2026, showed excellent handling to collect Marmion's kick and take Bristol's lead to 40 points early in the second period.
The other scores in their emphatic victory came from Joe Batley, Aidan Boshoff and Santiago Grondona, while Tom Jordan kicked eight of his nine conversion attempts.
The victory puts Bristol third in Pool Four with nine points from two games, one point behind last season's two Champions Cup finalists - Northampton Saints and defending champions Bordeaux Begles.
Pau, the surprise package in France's Top 14 this season, were not at full strength at Ashton Gate and are bottom of the pool after defeats by Northampton and Bristol.
Young centre Fabien Brau-Boirie crossed for their two tries in a losing cause.
Louis Rees-Zammit had been named to start at full-back for Bristol when the teams were announced on Friday.
However, Bears director of rugby Pat Lam said before kick-off that the Wales international had been left out as a precaution after he felt tightness in his calf during a training session.
Bristol lock Joe Batley, speaking to Premier Sports:
"To score that many tries and the quality of the tries as well - being a forward, I very much enjoyed the maul try before half-time - we showed a little bit of everything that we can do as a team. We can go from 80 [metres] or we can go from five metres.
"I'm really happy we kept the intensity up, especially being that far ahead at half-time.
"I'm gutted we let them in a couple of times but we can't fault the fight. It was very positive."
Bristol, fifth in the Prem, return to league action at Harlequins on Saturday, 20 December (18:00 GMT).
Next up in the Champions Cup is a trip to South Africa to face Bulls on 10 January, 2026, with the Bears rounding off the pool stage with a home fixture against Bordeaux eight days later.
Bristol: Elizalde; Ravouvou, Janse van Rensburg, Williams, Boshoff; Jordan, Marmion; Genge, Oghre, Chawatama, Rubiolo, Batley, Owen, B Grondona, Harding.
Replacements: Thacker, Woolmore, Halliwell, S Grondona, Ivanishvili, Wolstenholme, Worsley, Carrington.
Pau: Luc; Grandidier Nkanang, Brau-Boirie, Valentino, Carol; Mondinat, Robson; Bibi Biziwu, Rey, Tokolahi, Jolmes, Capelli, Kpoku, Paul, Tuipulotu.
Replacements: Delhommel, Seneca, Zabala Arrieta, Picquette, Credoz, Souverbie, Decron, Hewat.
Referee: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Robbie Jenkinson (Ireland) and Padraic Reidy (Ireland)
TMO: Leo Colgan (Ireland)
Brentford boss Keith Andrews, speaking to BBC MOTD: "To concede pretty late after making some changes to manage the game a little bit but I have to say overall it was probably a fair result. They had a particularly good second half, I thought we controlled a lot of the first half in that they had a couple moments but we controlled it. Then in the second half, the momentum shifted a little bit in their way, we scored and it was disappointing we couldn't see it out."
On being cautious in the game: "The table doesn't lie. We faced a Leeds team who are a pretty different prospect to a team from three weeks ago, the results they've had against the big teams and the performances they've probably deserved them. We knew it was going to be very difficult, they've changed the system and the way they play so we were always very respectful but I like I said, overall I think it was probably a fair result."
On Jordan Henderson and his goal: "He played a slightly different role today slightly more advanced, I gave him the opportunity to get forward more. He finished it reasonably well with the help of a little nick."
On defending the Dominic Calvert-Lewin goal: "Always disappointing. Calvert-Lewin doesn't really need much in terms of what he's about. We knew his big strengths, everyone in our dressing room knew his strengths - so it's stopping crosses beating him and in that scenario we didn't do that."
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The sky is falling in Tampa Bay as the Buccaneers come off yet another loss, this one in even worse fashion than the week prior, when they lost to the New Orleans Saints. The loss on Thursday to the Atlanta Falcons has their playoff chances at just over 50% which means they need to win out to give themselves the best chance at winning the NFC South. Thankfully for them, two of their final three games will be against the Carolina Panthers, who now lead them by half a game heading into Sunday's slate of games.
Despite the remaining optimism, this team has limped through the season, both literally and figuratively, after a 5-1 start. Because of that, it seems increasingly likely that Todd Bowles will not be back, so we wanted to explore some options on both sides of the ball with one college coach in the mix as well.
This team remains steadfast and capable of winning a Super Bowl. The team is also at a crossroads, so this hire is going to be critical of whether this Super Bowl window they are in remains open or closes. Here are our choices for who should be the next head coach of the Bucs.
Previous Coaching Experience: Been with the Rams in various roles since 2017, Quality Control Assistant for the Chargers from 2015-2016
The Bucs have a defensive-minded coach in Todd Bowles, but his approach has either become dated or teams no longer fear it. If you watch the Los Angeles Rams in 2025, you see a team capable of winning the Super Bowl and keeping the Bucs to just seven points when they play. Chris Shula has shown he can get the most out of his defense, while also taking castoffs and putting them in roles to succeed. A prime example of that is former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes, who has played like a top talent after being benched in Washington. Pair that with his ability to create pressure, and this team would be given the breath of fresh air that they need.
Previous Coaching Experience: Vikings offensive coordinator in 2021 and Saints offensive coordinator in 2024
Klint Kubiak has taken the magic that Kevin O'Connell and the Minnesota Vikings bestowed upon Sam Darnold in 2024 and expanded upon it in 2025. The Seahawks offense, led by Darnold under center and Kubiak calling plays, is averaging 29.8 points per game and 362.2 yards of offense. Seeing him be able to work with Baker Mayfield, as well as the rest of the skill players, could be a recipe for success. For rookie Emeka Egbuka, he has seemingly hit a wall this season, whereas Jaxson Smith-Njigba has become the leading receiver in the NFL. Those same results could be captured in Tampa Bay with their roster, so if they go offense for head coach, this could be the hire.
Previous Coaching Experience: Head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 2020-2024, Head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 2006-2018, and NFL offensive coordinator from 2000-2005 (Saints and 49ers)
This may seem like a less-than-ideal hire, but McCarthy has proven to be a winner over the course of his career. On top of it all, McCarthy can command an offense and get the most out of his quarterbacks. For a team that has Baker Mayfield heading into a contract year in 2026, seeing what they have in him with a healthy roster next season is pivotal. He should also be able to build out a good staff to help the young players on defense maximize their potential as well, so while it won't be an exciting hire, it could be a smart one.
Previous Coaching Experience: Been with the Detroit Lions in various roles since 2021, played in the NFL for eight years before entering coaching
During his playing days, Kelvin Sheppard was a hard-hitting and rangy linebacker for several teams. He is currently coaching for one of the teams he played for, and the job he has done for them is worthy of being considered for a head coaching job. He would be a former coach in the locker room who can bring higher energy, and also understand and relate to more of the players than most candidates. It may not be the greatest selling point, but Sheppard could be a really fun under-the-radar hire.
Previous Coaching Experience: College Defensive Coordinator from 2017 to 2021 (Cincinnati and Notre Dame)
This is a name that will be thrown out for a lot of jobs, but the Bucs ownership has shown they are willing to take chances on college coaches in the past. Both John McKay and Greg Schiano were hired from the college ranks, with one working out and the other not so much. In the case of Freeman, he has shown he is a players' coach through and through, while also bringing a high energy that this team could use as their leader. It isn't likely to happen, but personally, he would be my second choice among those listed here for the job.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 5 replacements for Todd Bowles as head coach of the Bucs in 2026
After two weeks on the road, the New Orleans Saints return home to take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 15. This is an NFC South rematch from Week 10, when the Saints won in Carolina by a 17-7 score. The Saints enter this one with a 3-10 record, but fresh off a road upset of the division leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That win pushed the Panthers into first place, as they come off their bye with a 7-6 mark.
Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough notched his first career win in that Panthers game. He did it by throwing for 282 yards, a franchise single-game rookie record. New Orleans also dominated Carolina's offense, holding the Panthers to only 175 total yards and forcing 2 turnovers. As these teams take the field for their rematch, here are the New Orleans players who most stand in the way of Carolina taking control of the NFC South.
Neal, a rookie sixth round choice, gets his third straight start in place of the injured Alvin Kamara. In their first matchup, Kamara picked up 83 of the Saints 122 rushing yards. Providing balance for Shough is a major key for offensive success, but that load now falls to Neal with Kamara on the sidelines.
New Orleans rushed for 139 yards against Tampa Bay. It was their second highest ground output of the season. Neal picked up 70 of those yards on the ground. He did so despite poor blocking from his offensive line, bullying his way through first contact with impressive power and effort. This kind of production will be needed against a Panthers defense that ranks 17th against the run for New Orleans to sustain balance. The Saints had a season-best 388 total yards in their first meeting against Carolina. Shough and the running game will both be crucial to duplicate that success.
Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele both need to have good days against the Carolina secondary. In their first meeting, Olave had a season-high 104 receiving yards on 5 catches against Panthers coverage. Vele is finally starting to become a part of the Saints attack, catching 14 passes for 170 yards in the last three games. They'll both need to provide consistent targets for Shough against Carolina corners Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. However, the Saints might create even more damage from their matchup advantage at tight end.
Juwan Johnson has 58 receptions for 614 yards on 80 targets for the Saints this season. Opposing tight ends have had their way with the Panthers all season, with six tight ends gaining at least 58 receiving yards against them. Topping that list is Johnson, who caught 4 balls for a season-best 92 yards in the first meeting against Carolina.
New Orleans has quietly put together a strong cornerback unit. McKinstry leads the Saints with 3 interceptions and 10 passes broken up in his second season. Rookie Riley has an interception and 6 pass breakups. Each player gives up around 61% completion percentage when targeted, but the majority of their completions have been on highly contested throws. Factor in the playmaking skills of Alontae Taylor and this defense has a formidable coverage trio.
The Saints held Carolina quarterback Bryce Young to only 124 passing yards in their first meeting. Panthers wideouts Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker combined to catch 7 of their 12 targets in that game, managing just 81 yards, with no other wide receiver catching a pass. McMillan, a highly-touted rookie, is the Panthers leading receiver with 57 receptions and 826 yards with 6 scores. If McKinstry and Riley can take McMillan out of the game and prevent Xavier Legette or Coker from making an impact, a limited Panthers passing game stalls to a stop. This is the most underrated matchup of today's game.
Under pressure, Bryce Young is one of the worst quarterbacks in the league. Young has thrown for over 300 yards twice this season, but failed to pass for even 200 yards in 10 of 11 other outings. Even when not sacked, Young loses accuracy and gets a good amount of balls batted down under pressure. Jordan had the Saints one sack of Young in their first meeting this year, while Young led all players with 4 pressures.
Even while getting a big assist from Carl Granderson against the Buccaneers, Young and Jordan bring the team's primary pressure off the edge. Jordan leads the Saints with 6.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss along with 12 pressures on the year. Young has arguably been the team's defensive MVP and has 5 sacks to go along with a team-high 20 pressures. Additionally, Young and Jordan must win their battles on the edge to contain outside runs by Rico Dowdle. If they can accomplish that, the Saints can pinch defenders inside to shut down interior runs by the Panthers.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL Week 15: Players to watch in Saints vs. Panthers rematch
Stay up to date right here throughout Sunday afternoon as the Indianapolis Colts take on the Seattle Seahawks.
Of course, all eyes will be on Phillip Rivers, who will be starting at quarterback for the Colts in this game. Two NFL coaches -- one offensive and defensive -- recently highlighted how they would game plan for Rivers.
To see how these two teams compare and who may have the advantage in certain areas, you can find that here.
Lastly, here is who the experts are predicting to win this game.
Welcome back, Phil.
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025
INDvsSEA -- 4:25pm ET on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVntpic.twitter.com/r780c9wFWf
Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app, ESPN+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Highlights, news, updates from Colts vs. Seahawks in Week 15
Steven Thompson was St Mirren's League Cup hero on the only other time they won the trophy.
This time, he was on BBC Radio Scotland watching his boyhood club replicate the feat 12 years on, and it's clear he was feeling it.
"It's very nostalgic. Although it was 12 or 13 years ago, I was down there doing the same thing with my kids when they were wee," he said.
"You can't describe the feeling, it's just magnificent.
"For the manager - three consecutive top six finishes and now lifting a trophy, he'll get the freedom of the town.
"St Mirren needed to get everything right - and they did that. They should be so proud of how they played as a team and how they, individually, played to their maximum."
Tom English on BBC Sportsound
I think Dundee United midweek will give them a hell of a game, I think anybody would give Celtic a game at the moment. For half an hour in the first half, Celtic looked good, full of running, but they were devoid of belief in the second half. St Mirren absolutely neutralised them. Stephen Robinson out-managed Wilfried Nancy hands down with a tiny fraction of the Celtic budget.
James McFadden on BBC Sportsound
To see how far Celtic have gone back is absolutely astounding. As the season goes on you're seeing the lack of real quality they have but there are still some good players in there.
We're seeing Celtic don't have the players to play a 3-4-3. In large parts of the first half it was good, it did look good, you could see it could start to click but when you have to make changes you don't have the players to come in and drive it on.
Pat Bonner on BBC Sportsound
I'm frustrated to think Celtic can do okay in the first half then come back out and get it totally wrong. They could not adapt to St Mirren's tactical change. St Mirren absolutely deserved it in that second half.
Liam Scales is a left centre-back and he played most of that first half as a left full-back, high up the pitch, Tierney ahead of him. That wasn't your conventional back three. Why not play with a back four? That's what it was in the first half. I know Scales played some good balls in the first half but he's not a left-back, he's a centre-back who can step forward and play.
The Washington Commanders (3-10) are still hunting for their first victory since Week 5, and are looking to do so against their divisional rival, the New York Giants (2-11).
The Commanders hold a 22-7 lead at the half, thanks to a rushing touchdown from Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a 63-yard punt return from Jaylin Lane, and a trifecta of field goals from Jake Moody. The two teams have a combined record of 5-21, and one of Washington's wins came against New York in Week 1, a 21-6 victory. The Commanders have dropped eight straight games, and the Giants have lost seven. Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention.Quarterback Jayden Daniels is sidelined again after re-aggravating his left elbow injury in the Commanders' 31-0 shutout loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15. Marcus Mariota is starting at quarterback in his place. Mariota and Daniels have now started the same number of games in 2025 (seven each).Mariota has completed five of 11 attempts for 80 yards. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been ruled out with a groin injury, and Jeremy McNichols got the start at running back in his place. Here are three quick takeaways from the first half:
With Rodriguez Jr. ruled out prior to kickoff, McNichols and Croskey-Merritt’s production was set to increase. However, while McNichols was awarded the start against the Giants, Croskey-Merritt has gotten a majority of the carries and is playing his best game since Washington’s Week 6 loss to the Chicago Bears. Croskey-Merritt has recorded 60 rushing yards on eight carries, scored Washington’s first touchdown of the day, and is averaging 7.5 yards per carry. He broke away for a 16-yard scamper – the longest of the day – up the middle for his fifth touchdown of the season.
Bill Croskey-Merritt sprints in from 16 yards out!
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025
WASvsNYG on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVntpic.twitter.com/OeWJ4KI7jG
McNichols has recorded 15 yards on eight carries, averaging just 1.9 yards per carry. However, he has hauled in a 16-yard reception, while Croskey-Merritt has yet to catch a pass.
In just the second game since Week 2, wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown, and Deebo Samuel are all on the field at the same time. McLaurin was sidelined with a quad injury sustained against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 and reaggravated it against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6. He is playing in his third game back from injury and has recorded a catch for three yards. Brown was placed on IR after suffering a groin injury against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. He missed 10 consecutive games before returning against the Vikings last week. He is the Commanders’ leading receiver at the half, recording a catch for 28 yards; however, he is questionable to return with a back injury. Samuel has been the healthiest of the trio, despite missing Washington’s Week 6 contest against Dallas with a heel injury. He has caught a pass for 14 yards and has the third most receiving yards at the half. The three have combined for three of the Commanders' five receptions and 45 of the team's 80 receiving yards. Tight end John Bates caught a 19-yard pass, and McNichols notched a 16-yarder.
After giving up 31 unanswered points to the Vikings last week, Washington’s defensive unit has tightened up and allowed just seven points in the first half. After Younghoe Koo missed a 52-yard field goal on the Giants' opening drive, the Commanders' defense forced back-to-back drives resulting in punts, allowing just 29 yards on seven plays. While New York put together a 10-play, 65-yard touchdown drive with just over 3:30 remaining in the half, Washington’s defense has otherwise kept New York out of the red zone.
After the Giants' touchdown possession, Washington once again forced a three-and-out, forcing the Giants to punt to Jaylin Lane, who returned it 63 yards to the house to give Washington a 19-7 lead.
83 TO THE HOUSE!
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 14, 2025
📺 #WASvsNYG FOX pic.twitter.com/elWHrmXvjt
Following Lane's punt return, the Commanders' defense took just four plays to give the ball back to their offense. Dart threw an interception to Mike Sainristil, who returned it 55 yards to the Giants' 24-yard line.
Agent 0️⃣
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 14, 2025
📺 #WASvsNYG FOX pic.twitter.com/0qwCZ01xP8
Quan Martin and Frankie Luvu have each recorded a team-high three tackles, while Preston Smith and Jacob Martin have both deflected a pass from Jaxson Dart. Luvu and Smith have laid two combined quarterback hits on Dart, and Von Miller recorded an eight-yard sack right before the half.
Miller passed Jared Allen for 12th place on the all-time NFL sack list (136.5). The list was established in 1982.
Despite giving up 31 points to the Vikings a week ago, Washington was still able to sack J.J. McCarthy four times for a loss of 12 yards.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 3 first-half takeaways vs. Giants
The Women's Super League has wound down for the winter break and Manchester City find themselves at the top of the tree as we enter the festive period.
At the halfway mark, Andree Jeglertz's side are six points clear of defending champions Chelsea, who have won the last six titles.
Arsenal, Manchester United and surprise package Tottenham are following closely behind in the race for a European place.
Down at the other end, winless Liverpool are rooted to the bottom of the table and occupy the relegation play-off place, two points adrift of fellow strugglers West Ham.
BBC Sport looks at how things stand, what the Opta Supercomputer is saying and what managers and pundits are thinking.
The 2024-25 season was a disappointing one for Manchester City - they finished fourth and missed out on a place in the Champions League.
But their failure to qualify for Europe might prove a blessing in disguise.
City are on a 10-game winning streak and thriving under Jeglertz, who has reignited the club's title ambitions and introduced an energetic, high-pressing brand of football since arriving in July.
"They've just gone about their business quietly and grown in confidence, and I think if you're six points clear at the end of Christmas then you'd be looking forward to that break and to go again in January," ex-England defender Lindsay Johnson told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"They're showing they've got what it takes to go and win this league and take it from Chelsea possibly. Their quality is hard to deal with."
But Jeglertz is not getting carried away.
"We can't take anything for granted. What we have done, nobody will take that away from us but it's in spring that everything will be determined," he said on 5 Live.
City's tally of 30 points from their opening 11 games has only been bettered once in the last eight WSL campaigns, with Chelsea picking up 31 points last season.
The team that have been top after 11 matches has gone on to lift the trophy in six of the last eight seasons.
Despite slipping up in recent weeks, Chelsea will be keen to keep their tight grip on the WSL and add a seventh successive trophy to their collection.
The Blues have already dropped nine points this season - three more than they dropped over the entire 2024-25 season - and they saw their 34-game unbeaten run ended by Everton earlier this month.
But Sonia Bompastor believes her side can make up the six-point gap and "reverse the situation" - even if City are, as she says "performing really well".
"Since I joined the club, we have always been at the top of the table. This is the first time we are behind. That's fine, sometimes that happens, I still trust my players and know the quality we have," she told Sky Sports.
"I'm really enjoying watching my team play. The fact the players can adjust to different systems is really important. We can be more unpredictable."
Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham are hot on Chelsea's tails, with just four points separating the four sides.
While Arsenal and United are expected to be there, or thereabouts, when it comes to Champions League places - having finished second and third respectively last season - Spurs have emerged as surprise contenders for a European spot.
After finishing 11th last season, Tottenham are exceeding expectations under new head coach Martin Ho.
Spurs have won six of their 11 WSL games and have held Arsenal and United to draws - although they let a three-goal lead slip against the Red Devils on Sunday.
Speaking after their stalemate against United, former England midfielder Fara Williams told BBC Two: "To come away with a draw and be disappointed shows they are ambitions now and they are wanting to compete with these teams in the top four.
"They look like a different team, a more organised team, [with] more structure to them and their position suggests they've improved massively."
Arsenal and United have less cause for celebration but they retain a small glimmer of hope in the title race and are firmly in the hunt for a European place.
Opta's Supercomputer simulates every WSL match and estimates where each team will finish. Here's who they have predicted to win the title this season:
And here's the Supercomputer calculations for each team's chances of finishing in the top three and earning a European place:
With the WSL expanding to 14 teams next season, there is no outright relegation this term.
Instead, the team that finishes bottom will play the third-placed team in WSL 2 in a play-off, with the winner earning a place in the top division next season.
As it stands, Liverpool would be the team to go into that play-off, having picked up just two points in their opening 11 games.
They head into the New Year without a win and there is little cause for positivity for under-pressure boss Gareth Taylor, who said the club have "regressed".
Since the 2017-18 season, only twice has the bottom-placed team after 11 games survived relegation - Leicester in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
But Liverpool can take belief from the fact there are only six points separating the bottom four teams.
West Ham have won just once this season, while Everton and Leicester's stats aren't much better - having each claimed just two league victories.
Opta Supercomputer's predictions for who will finish bottom of the WSL and go into a relegation play-off:
Saracens went top of the Premiership Women's Rugby table with a bonus-point win at Exeter, while Aoife Wafer made her long-awaited Harlequins debut in a 22-17 victory over Sale.
Sarries are level on points with defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury, who are on a bye week after starting the campaign with six consecutive bonus-point victories.
They were made to work hard for their win by Exeter, who led 14-5 late in the first half thanks to two tries from Canada centre Alex Tessier.
May Campbell and Julia Omokhuale replied to ensure Sarries were only four points behind at the interval, before Louise McMillan and Donna Rose crossed to wrap up a 24-14 victory.
In Saturday's other match, Trailfinders ran in nine tries in a convincing 57-10 win against bottom club Leicester, while Loughborough Lightning overcame Bristol Bears 31-19 on Sunday to move up to fourth in the table.
Loughborough trailed by five points at the break despite a brace of tries from Mae Sagapolu but second-half tries from Lis Maude and Alev Kelter secured a bonus-point victory.
Reneeqa Bonner, Emma Orr and a superb breakaway try from full-back Ella Lovibond had given the Bears a 19-14 half-time lead but they were unable to post any points in the second half.
At Twickenham Stoop, England full-back Ellie Kildunne scored the first of Quins' four tries after Scotland international Rhona Lloyd had given the visitors an early lead.
Beth Wilcock, Sarah Parry and Connie Powell secured a try bonus point, although Shona Campbell's late score set up a nervous finale.
It was announced in May that 22-year-old back row Wafer, the 2025 Women's Six Nations player of the tournament, would move to Harlequins from Leinster after the Women's Rugby World Cup.
However, injuries sustained in Ireland's quarter-final defeat by France in September meant she has had to wait until the seventh round of league fixtures to make her first appearance for her new club.
She came off the bench to play the final 30 minutes.
Quins' win moved them above Trailfinders, for whom Vicky Laflin scored two first-half tries in their emphatic victory over Leicester.
With the Longhorns 2025 season early in the books, Steve Sarkisian and his staff are shifting their focus to the 2026 campaign and the future. That includes building the 2027 class, with many targets still on the board. One player they are chasing is four-star wide receiver Quentin Hale.
Currently, Hale is ranked as the seventh-best player at his position in his class by 247Sports. They also rank the Los Angeles native as the 54th-best player in the nation and the sixth-best from California. That is partly why some of the top nations in the country have made him a priority on the recruiting trail.
Four-star WR Quentin Hale talks top list as more programs getting involved with the Los Angeles Cathedral standout.https://t.co/TSZLSHPmsPpic.twitter.com/RusqTSROsF
— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) December 13, 2025
While the Longhorns have made their interest clear, they do face competition. The Cathedral High star has also received offers from LSU, Miami, Alabama, Ohio State, North Carolina, Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Notre Dame. With no commitment date set, the list could grow in the coming weeks and months. His ability to make a difference in the passing game would make him a great addition to any offense.
During the 2024 campaign, Hale put himself on the map with a career year. He hauled in 63 catches for 995 yards. The potential future Longhorn also found the end zone 14 times and made an impact every time he stepped on the field. Due to his stellar play, Hale is now in high demand as his game continues to improve.
Long Beach Poly 2027 CB Donte Wright, a Georgia commit, drawing the assignment of Cathedral 2027 WR Quentin Hale pic.twitter.com/vwScrSJp0S
— Tracy McDannald 📎 (@Tracy_McDannald) July 12, 2025
Although the list of programs interested continues to grow, it is a good sign for Texas that it is still in the mix. Their focus now will be set on themselves apart, to ensure they can add Hale's speed to the offense as they chase a national title.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas Football still in the mix for four-star WR recruit Quentin Hale
Joshua Van proved he is fearless of Manel Kape by accepting calls for a UFC flyweight title showdown in less than two months' time.
Kape made his case for a crack at gold on Saturday with a first-round TKO of Brandon Royval in the UFC on ESPN 73 main event. Afterward, he unleashed on the champ, claiming that Van (15-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) is "scared" and promising to be the "worst nightmare in his life" until they meet inside the cage.
After Van won the 125-belt belt in unceremonious fashion at UFC 323 this month with a 26-second injury TKO result against Alexandre Pantoja, the major question has been if Pantoja will be healthy soon enough for an immediate rematch, or if another contender such as Kape or Tatsuro Taira will slide in for an opportunity.
It's clear Van is willing to put that belt up to grabs soon, and said he's happy to meet Kape's proposed timeline for a matchup at UFC Fight Night 266 on Feb. 7 in Houston, the city where Van currently resides (via X):
Houston TX @ManelKape
— Joshua Van (@JoshuaVanBT) December 14, 2025
Let’s run it! Talk is cheap @ufc
The UFC Fight Night 266 card at Toyota Center already has an announced main event in the form of ex-middleweight champion Sean Strickland against Anthony Hernandez.
It remains to be seen if the promotion would be willing to bump that fight in favor of Van vs. Kape, which would mark the rare instance of a UFC title fight on a non-numbered event.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Joshua Van responds to Manel Kape's call for UFC title in Houston
The Seattle Seahawks are taking on the Indianapolis Colts for the first time since the 2021 season. Overall, these teams have only met 13 total times previously, with the Colts holding a narrow 7-6 edge over the Hawks. Seattle will have to contend with perhaps the most bizarre quarterback situation of all time, as the 44-year-old Philip Rivers has returned from retirement this week after nearly five full years away from the sport.
Indianapolis is not a team the Seahawks play often, obviously, and the Rivers situation brings an entirely new dynamic to this matchup. We spoke with our friend Paul Bretl of Colts Wire to get a better idea of what the Seahawks are going to be facing. Our questions and Bretl's answers are below.
That's the million-dollar question right now. I think what the Colts are banking on is some stability. Rivers is very familiar with the Colts' offense from his time working with Shane Steichen when the two were with the Chargers. That experience should help him hit the ground running in that regard and allow him to hopefully manage the game better than Riley Leonard or Brett Rypien would.
The Colts have to win the turnover battle, and I think they have to do so by two-plus takeaways. Turnovers will limit Seattle's possessions and take points off the board. They'll also give the Colts' own offense more scoring opportunities and perhaps some better field position. I'll also add that a big day for Jonathan Taylor is likely required as well.
I'm sure many are familiar with Colts' first-round pick, tight end Tyler Warren, but he's really a crucial part of making this offense go. He's been one of the more productive receiving tight ends in football this season, but along with that, he's very versatile and a capable blocker. That do-it-all skill set opens up the playbook for Steichen and can create opportunities for others.
The pass rush. The Colts will be starting rookie Jalen Travis at right tackle with veteran Braden Smith on injured reserve, and it remains to be seen how Rivers is going to handle a stout pass rush after all that time off.
I'm picking the Seahawks. Four-plus years away from football for Rivers is a long time, and I think the Seattle defense will give him and the Colts' offense fits.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks vs Colts: 5 things to know about Seattle's Week 15 opponent
The Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans battle on Sunday in Week 15. The Cardinals have lost five straight games, while the Texans have won five in a row.
What happened in the game?
Below are in-game live updates
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals vs. Texans live blog, updates, highlights, injuries
The Cincinnati Bengals were accused ahead of an NFL Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium in a story by Pro Football Talk of not removing snow from stadium seats, which PFT called an apparent violation of league policy.
The Bengals responded as follows, when reached for comment by PFT: "Seat aisles were prioritized and are in good shape. Seats are easily wiped off and ushers are equipped to help there."
"We'll see what the NFL has to say about the failure of the Bengals to fully comply with the snow-removal rules," PFT's Mike Florio wrote.
Florio also included the following about the NFL's playing field specifications: "Each home club is responsible for having a snow removal plan in place and ensuring that its stadium has adequate snow removal equipment available. Snow and ice must be removed from the stadium before all games. This applies to the playing field, sidelines, seating bowl, aisles, pedestrian ramps, walkways, parking lots, etc. This also applies to the sidelines; snow may not be pushed into piles and remain against stadium walls so that it interferes with standard game or sideline operations."
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Read the Bengals' statement about removing snow from stadium seats
The ultimate goal for every football player who laces up their cleats is to make it to the NFL. That number drastically decreases after high school, and even if you are talented enough to play in college, the probability of making a professional roster is slim. However, unlike several other sports, football requires a large number of players to function, and scouts love to attend end-of-season events to see if they can find a diamond in the rough.
Texas A&M has several players projected to be drafted during the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft. For those athletes, it might be in their best interest to skip some of these All-Star games. For others, it could be their last chance to get in front of the people who will pound the table for them to be on a roster.
One player who is not afraid to put it all on the line and work hard no matter the situation is Aggie tight end Nate Boerkircher. He began his career at Nebraska as a walk-on and eventually worked himself into the starting lineup, recording six receptions for 106 yards. With A&M in the market for a tight end, they brought in a few, but Boerkircher rose to the top. He split time with Theo Melin Ohrstrom and proved to be the most versatile at his position.
During the regular season, he scored a career-high in touchdowns with three receiving and one rushing. Throughout the year, he demonstrated that he could be counted on in crucial situations—whether it was catching a game-winning touchdown against Notre Dame, laying a block to spring a runner, or picking up a short-yardage conversion out of the backfield.
This performance earned him a Panini Senior Bowl invite, which he accepted.
Officially Accepted!
— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) December 14, 2025
TE Nate Boerkircher (@NBoerkircher) from @AggieFootball is headed to the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl 🔥#TheDraftStartsInMobile#WherePlayersPlaypic.twitter.com/IiJ6vstiXM
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M football’s Nate Boerkircher invited to Senior Bowl showcase
Investec Champions Cup Pool Two
Toulon (18) 45
Tries: Alainu'uese, Brex, Drean, Ludlam, Baubigny Cons: Garcia 4 Pens: Garcia 4
Bath (13) 34
Tries: Hill, Carreras, Green, Hennessey Cons: Russell 4 Pens: Russell 2
English champions Bath battled hard but fell to a 45-34 defeat by Toulon in a compelling Champions Cup contest at Stade Mayol.
Second-half tries from Gael Drean and former England back row Lewis Ludlam helped the hosts take a 38-27 lead with under 10 minutes to play.
Louie Hennessey ran a superb line to take Max Ojomoh's pass and race over to give Bath hope, but the French side drove Teddy Baubigny over in the corner in stoppage time for a fifth try that denied Bath a losing bonus point.
Bath, who trailed 18-13 at half-time, did secure a try bonus point which means they go top of Pool Two with six points from two matches.
Bath started their Champions Cup campaign with an emphatic win over Munster last weekend, while three-time champions Toulon were looking to bounce back after a poor defeat in Edinburgh.
Johann van Graan brought in 20-year-old Vilikesa Sela to replace injured England prop Will Stuart as Bath went toe to toe with Toulon's imposing pack.
Finn Russell's penalty kick gave Bath the lead but second row forward Brian Alainu'uese muscled over from a line-out move to put the hosts ahead.
Both sides traded penalties before Ted Hill burrowed between two defenders from a tap penalty to briefly give Bath the lead.
After Mateo Garcia's penalty levelled the scores at 13-13, Toulon regained the lead. Former Harlequins prop Kyle Sinckler powered towards the posts before being hauled down, Toulon moved the ball wide and Juan Ignacio Brex strolled over.
Toulon thought they had scored again in the final action of the first half, but Bath held the ball up to keep the deficit to five points.
Garcia kicked another penalty as the hosts started to dominate up front in the second half but Bath showed their resilience to keep in touch.
Scrum-half Tom Carr-Smith, making his first European start in place of captain Ben Spencer, was involved as Santiago Carreras dived over for the visitors' second try.
Russell's conversion closed the gap to one point but back came Toulon. Sinckler again played a prominent role with a surging run and Toulon worked the ball to the rapid Drean, who eluded some desperate tackles to restore the home side's eight-point cushion.
Bath turned to their bench and replacement Arthur Green grounded the ball from close range.
But Ludlam buried over for Toulon's bonus-point try from a five-metre scrum, and Garcia's steely conversion from the touchline extended their lead to eight points once again.
Hennessey's try showed Bath's resilience but a driving Toulon maul proved to be unstoppable as the hosts scored their fifth try in stoppage time.
Toulon: Ferte; Drean, Brex, Sinzelle, Tuicuvu; Garcia, Serin; Gros, Lucchesi, Sinckler, Rebbadj, Alainu'uese, Ludlam, Ollivon, Mercer.
Replacements: Baubigny, Ametlla, Priso, Mezou, Abadie, White, Smaili, Karaba.
Bath: Carreras; Cokanasiga, Ojomoh, Redpath, Arundell; Russell Carr-Smith; Obano, Dunn, Sela, Roux, Molony, Hill, Underhill, Barbeary.
Replacements: Tuipulotu, Van Wyk, Du Toit, Richards, Reid, Le Roux, Hennessey, Green.
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Saba Abulashvili (Georgia) and Saba Makharadze (Georgia)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Injuries continue to hit the Pittsburgh Steelers hard, specifically along the offensive line, where one key starter has been ruled out for the Week 15 Monday night clash with the Miami Dolphins.
On Saturday’s injury report, offensive tackle Andrus Peat (concussion) was ruled out for the Week 15 action after failing to clear protocol.
Signing with Pittsburgh on a one-year deal in August, Peat provided solid depth at both tackle and guard, which proved valuable when starting offensive tackle Broderick Jones was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a neck injury.
In Peat’s absence, fourth-string offensive tackle Dylan Cook will likely see the first start of his career under the bright lights on Monday Night Football against the Dolphins.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' Andrus Peat ruled out for Monday Night Football
World number four Stephen Bunting survived a huge scare to set up a second round tie with Nitin Kumar after the Indian's historic victory at the PDC World Championship.
Fan favourite Bunting required a final set tie-break to to overcome Poland's Sebastian Bialecki 3-2.
"I'm lucky to get away with that. I need to regroup and get back on the practice board," Englishman Bunting told Sky Sports.
"That's the nervous one out of the way, I'll be better in the next round."
Bunting averaged 119 in the first set and soon went two ahead but the Pole fought levelled before 'The Bullet' rallied to win the decider 4-2 and finish the match with a 96 average and nine 180s.
Earlier, Kumar made history as the first Indian player to win a match on the famous Alexandra Palace stage with a sensational victory over Dutchman Richard Veenstra.
The 40-year-old had lost in all four of his previous first-round encounters, but his 3-2 win puts him in the last 64 of the competition.
Kumar's scoring was inferior to Veenstra's, but his finishing proved crucial, boasting a 75% checkout success and hitting all his last seven doubles.
"I don't know what to say right now. I'm overwhelmed, I'm happy," said Kumar, who is nicknamed 'The Royal Bengal'.
"If you dream it, anything is possible. I've dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship (in 1994)."
Asked about what his victory could do for darts in India, he said: "I've opened the floodgates to a billion of them.
"I'm sorry, 10 years down the line if you have eight people in the World Championship walking on to Bollywood music, don't blame me."
Veenstra hit five 100-plus finishes, with his highest coming at 144. Kumar was not as flamboyant with his scoring, but proved to be incredibly consistent as the crowd roared him on.
Three-time BDO world champion Glen Durrant said on Sky Sports: "It was one of the greatest games I have ever commentated on.
"It's not just the quality of the match, it's the impact for Nitin Kumar and what it does for Indian darts."
Two seeds exited the competition on Sunday - world number 23 Dimitri van den Bergh and 27th-ranked Ritchie Edhouse.
Belgium's Van den Bergh was out of sorts from the first dart and was comfortably beaten 3-0 by Scottish debutant Darren Beveridge.
In the afternoon session, Edhouse was knocked out by Jonny Tata, who was also making his first appearance.
Former European champion Edhouse was stunned 3-0 by the New Zealander, to taste defeat at this stage for the fourth time in a row.
But the same fate did not follow fellow seed Joe Cullen after he eased past Bradley Brooks with a 3-0 win.
The world number 32 was in fine form to produce his second-highest average on the world stage with 99.33.
Another debutant, Englishman Dom Taylor, progressed to the second round with a 3-0 win over Sweden's Oskar Lukasiak.
Meanwhile, the evening session saw the Netherlands' Lukas Wenig beat Wesley Plaiser 3-1 while England's James Hurrell beat Stowe Buntz by the same scoreline.
Afternoon session
Ritchie Edhouse (27) 0-3 Jonny Tata
Dom Taylor 3-0 Oskar Lukasiak
Richard Veenstra 2-3 Nitin Kumar
Joe Cullen (32) 3-0 Bradley Brooks
Evening session
Lukas Wenig 3-1 Wesley Plaisier
Dimitri van den Bergh (23) 0-3 Darren Beveridge
Stephen Bunting (4) 3-2 Sebastian Bialecki
James Hurrell 3-1 Stowe Buntz
Afternoon session (from 12:30 GMT)
Brendan Dolan v Tavis Dudeney
Cameron Menzies (26) v Charlie Manby
Mensur Suljovic v David Cameron
Peter Wright (30) v Noa-Lynn van Leuven
Evening session (from 19:00 GMT)
Martin Lukeman v Max Hopp
Dirk van Duijvenbode (29) v Andy Baetens
Jonny Clayton (5) v Adam Lipscombe
Connor Scutt v Simon Whitlock
The Chicago Bears (9-4) being one of the best teams in the NFL is debatable. However, at 9-4, being one of the most successful through this point is not debatable. They have beaten all of the bad teams that they've played, but they also have some really nice wins over good teams as well. That includes the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in their house.
This week, the Bears take on the Cleveland Browns (3-10) in a game that will have tremendous implications. Chicago is having a good year, but nothing is set in stone for them as they attempt to make the playoffs. Cleveland, although 3-10, can't be taken lightly. They have a borderline elite defense, they play hard, and they are in every game. Their offense keeps them from winning more right now, but you never know what Shedeur Sanders will do for them as he gets more time under center.
If the Bears are going to be ready, they need everybody to contribute. These five players must stand out in a big way if they are going to win:
This is a must-win game for Chicago, and Caleb Williams must step up. He wasn't very good against the Packers in the first half, but he turned it on in the second half. Green Bay forced Williams to throw more by stacking the box, which may have shown the league how to beat the Bears. Seeing how Williams responds to that level of adversity is making him a must-watch player on Chicago more than usual. If he comes in, establishes the running game, and makes his throws at a higher clip, the Bears will have a great chance to win.
Ozzy Trapillo is going to have Myles Garrett lining up opposite him in this one. Garrett, who's three sacks shy of the NFL single-season sack record, is one of the best players in the NFL at his position, which makes Trapillo's job that much more important. Having a great left tackle is a must in the NFL, but a player like Garrett magnifies that need. Trapillo may split the reps with Theo Benedet, who will have eyes on him as well due to the matchup. If the Bears somehow see these guys play well, Caleb Williams will be kept much cleaner, which will make winning the game easier.
Joe Thuney, a solid veteran left guard, is also going to be there to help whoever is in at left tackle handle Myles Garrett. Thuney, who has been to multiple Pro Bowls and Super Bowls, knows what it takes to be impactful against the best. Double-teaming Garrett and taking on other work on that side of the offensive line is going to be expected of him, and the tools are there for him to do his job well.
There are a lot of missing players on the offensive line of the Browns. This is Montez Sweat's (and the rest of the defensive line) chance to be an impactful player. The Bears offense is going to have no walk in the park, taking on Myles Garrett and company. Due to this, their defense is going to need to be on top of its game. A couple of sacks and lots of pressure on Shedeur Sanders would go a long way. Sweat has mostly been a disappointment since the Bears made the big trade to get him. However, a big play here and there to end the season will soften the blow of his production lacking.
Jaylon Johnson, since coming back from injury, has not made the impact that is expected of him when he's fully healthy. Johnson gets somewhat of a pass because he is working his way back to productivity, but this is his chance to finally have a huge impact. Shedeur Sanders can't get comfortable throwing the football. Whether the pass rush finally shows up or not, the defensive backs have the assignment of making throwing the ball difficult for Sanders. This defense as a whole leads the NFL in takeaways, and Johnson would love to become the next impactor in this regard. When healthy, Johnson is one of the best defensive backs in the NFL. He can shut down half a field, use his hands to make plays, and intimidate quarterbacks into mistakes with his ability to create turnovers and defend. Keep an eye on him in this one against the Browns, as his impact could be felt in a big way. If Johnson shuts down half the field, allowing others to make plays on defense, he is doing his job very well.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Browns: 5 players to watch for Chicago
AMES — Iowa State basketball is back in action for a Sunday, Dec. 14 men's matinee against visiting Eastern Illinois.
The Cyclones are set to host the Panthers at Hilton Coliseum for a 12 p.m. CT tip-off. The game is available on ESPN+.
No. 4 Iowa State (10-0) is coming off a 66-62 win over Iowa in the annual Cy-Hawk game. Eastern Illinois (2-7) enters with a four-game losing streak, which includes a 68-59 loss to Eastern Kentucky in its most recent outing on Dec. 10.
Refresh this page often for live updates and highlights from Iowa State vs. Eastern Illinois.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State vs Eastern Illinois score, live updates for basketball
This week, the Pittsburgh Steelers have the opportunity to sit back, watch the rest of the NFL Week 15 slate play out before they square off with the Miami Dolphins. Right now, the Steelers are on top in the AFC North, and frankly, their best shot to even make the playoffs is to win the division and not try to sneak in as a wild-card team. With that being said, here are the three games the Steelers should watch this Sunday.
This is the game of the day for the Steelers. After Pittsburgh beat Baltimore last week, they took a full game lead over the Ravens in the division. If the Bengals can pull off the home upset it would extend the Steelers lead and give them a little cushion going forward.
The Texans currently hold the No. 7 seed in the AFC and the final spot in the playoffs. At 8-5, they are the one team who could drop off if they struggle and a loss at home against the Cardinals would be a great start for the Steelers if they have to try and get in as a wild card.
The Colts season is in jeopardy after a rash of injuries at quarterback. This week, they are trotting out 44-year-old Philip Rivers, who hasn't played football since 2020. This bodes well for the Seahawks and, in turn, the Steelers, who need to see some of these bubble teams drop some games to give the Steelers more opportunities.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 3 games for the Steelers to watch in Week 15
The Cleveland Browns, now officially eliminated from playoff contention at 3-10, will go on the road this weekend to take on one of the most surprising teams of the 2025 NFL season.
The Chicago Bears have surged into the NFC playoff picture under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Just a year after going 5-12, the Bears sit at 9-4 heading into Week 15 and are holding on to the seventh seed in the NFC playoffs at the moment. With a win over Cleveland and a little help from Denver in their matchup against Green Bay, the Bears could take back first-place in the NFC North as soon as Sunday evening.
Sunday's matchup with the Bears is the first of three consecutive games against current playoff teams for the Browns, which means it's the first of three consecutive opportunities for the Browns to play spoiler in the race for the postseason. Here are five key matchups the Browns will need to win if they're going to do so.
Sanders comes into Week 15 on the heels of the best game of his (very) young NFL career. The rookie fifth-round pick racked up 393 total yards and four touchdowns and helped rally the team for an attempted fourth-quarter comeback against the Titans that fell just shy in the final moments. Despite the Bears' impressive season, their defense has struggled mightily at times -- giving Sanders another opportunity to build his case to lead the Browns' offense beyond the final few games of this season.
Chicago's defense is healthier than it has been at times this season, but the Bears will still be without standout nickel defender Kyler Gordon on Sunday. On the season, the Bears' defense is allowing 357.3 total yards per game to opposing offenses -- the sixth-worst mark in the NFL.
Wyatt Teller has already been ruled out of Sunday's game, meaning Jenkins is in line to make his second consecutive start for the Browns at right guard. With questions looming about the state of Cleveland's offensive line after this season ends, Jenkins has an opportunity to make a strong impression heading into the final stretch of the year.
Chicago's interior duo hasn't been phenomenal, but Dexter is having a nice season for a second-year pro. Per Pro Football Focus, he's recorded 28 quarterback pressures to go along with five sacks this season, and has had three games where he pressured the opposing quarterback four or more times. Jarrett isn't what he was at his peak, but he's still flashed a disruptive ability this season, recording four pressures and a quarterback hit in Chicago's Week 11 win over Minnesota.
The Bears' aerial attack has been inconsistent this year, but Chicago's new coaching staff has transformed the ground game into a dominant threat. Through 13 games, the Bears have rushed for just shy of 2,000 yards -- 152.6 per game -- which puts them second in the NFL, just behind the Bills. Lead running back D'Andre Swift is on pace for a career-high in rushing yards, and needs just three more first downs to set his career high in that mark. Rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai is putting together an impressive debut campaign as well, rushing for 648 yards so far this season.
The Browns' run defense has been stellar overall this season, but the unit is coming off its worst performance of the season -- the Titans rushed for a season-high 184 yards last week -- and is extremely banged up. Maliek Collins is out for the season, Adin Huntington has been ruled out of Sunday's game, and rookie first-round pick Mason Graham is questionable, having only logged one limited practice heading into Sunday's game.
Garrett is still chasing history, and he'll need to bring down the quarterback who has been the league's most elusive passer so far this season. After taking a near-historic 68 sacks as a rookie, Caleb Williams has been sacked just 20 times this season, which is tied for 21st-most among all NFL QBs.
If Garrett wants to bring Williams down and make him uncomfortable, he'll first need to win his matchups against the Bears' starting left tackle. Per PFF, Benedet has allowed just two sacks this season, and has allowed 22 total pressures in seven starts.
This is the first time all season that special teams have been included in the weekly list of matchups, but the Browns' special teams unit has clearly affected games to the point that it's worth mentioning as a factor. Last month, the Browns had a game in which they allowed two special teams return touchdowns (in a seven-point loss!), and last week's loss to the Titans featured a 41-yard return on the opening kickoff, a muffed punt, and a blocked kick that helped Tennessee build a 14-point fourth-quarter lead.
It's not hard to build a case that the Browns would have a much better record right now had they gotten better play out of their special teams unit. If they're going to pull off an upset in Chicago on Sunday, they can't allow Devin Duvernay -- who has a career-high 847 kickoff return yards this season -- to break one off.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns vs. Bears: Five matchups to watch this weekend in Chicago
As the senior amateur schedule draws to a close at an iconic South Florida PGA Tour venue, the Midwesterners are off to a great start. After the first round of the Golfweek Tournament of Champions, three of the top five players on the senior division leaderboard hail from Iowa and Missouri.
Sean McQueary from Springfield, Missouri, climbed into a share of the lead on Saturday afternoon at PGA National’s Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with help from the hole-in-one he made on the par-3 seventh. McQueary knocked it in from 200 yards to dramatically reverse the trajectory of his round after having just made a bogey on the previous hole. McQueary added three birdies and a bogey for a 3-under 69, good enough for a share of the lead with Michael Nealy.
McQueary is a past Missouri Senior Amateur champion, having won that title in 2023.
Nealy, who hails from Boca Raton, Florida, competes frequently in Florida State Golf Association events and last month finished first in a Winter Series stableford event.
Gene Elliott of Norwalk, Iowa, is a Hall of Famer in his state and a past champion of the U.S. Senior Amateur. Unsurprisingly, Elliott posted an opening 70 and trails McQueary and Nealy by only a shot.
Brian Lovett of St. Louis and Bryan Hoops of Tempe, Arizona, are tied for fourth after rounds of 1-under 71.
Notably, reigning U.S. Senior Amateur champion Mike McCoy, also of Norwalk, Iowa, is part of a six-way tie for sixth after a round of 1-over 73. Jerry Gunthorpe, who won the Golfweek Senior Desert Showdown last month, is solo 12th another shot back.
In the Super Senior division, yet another player from the Midwest has the advantage after Round 1. Tim Barry of Kansas City, Missouri, posted a 2-over 74 for a one-shot lead over Philip Ohler of Katonah, New York.
Given the timing of the TOC at the end of the year, the race for Golfweek National Senior Amateur Player of the Year award will wrap up later this month. Notably, Stevie Cannady of Pooler, Georgia, and Richard Kerper of Oldsmar, Florida, are T-3 and fifth, respectively, in the Super Senior division. Those men also rank third (Kerper) and fourth (Cannady) in the Golfweek National Senior Amateur Rankings for Super Seniors.
Peter Van Ingen of Palm Beach, Florida, leads the Legends division after a 3-over 75 but Bobby Lundquist of Sanford, Florida, is close on his heels after a 76.
Bill Engel of St. Augustine, Florida, and Sam Robinson of Jacksonville, Florida, are tied for the lead in the Super Legends division after both opened with 78. Robinson has a narrow lead in the Super Legends points race over John Osborne (who is T-4 two shots back) with Engel being the third man on that points list.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Midwesterners set the pace early at Golfweek Senior TOC
Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season kicked off on Thursday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost at home to the Atlanta Falcons in a matchup of division rivals and throwback uniforms. From there, we have inched towards the day we find ourselves on: the Sunday of Week 15.
Before the action-packed Sunday kicks off, we have a viewing guide to help you navigate your local listings. It can be challenging to know which games will be available where you live, so the folks at 506 Sports have done the work for you, and we wanted to share.
Here's a look at the broadcast maps for Week 15.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Broadcast maps for Week 15 of 2025 NFL season
This article originally appeared on PGHHockeyNOW.
The Pittsburgh Penguins (14-8-8) set a low-water mark Saturday when they squandered a 5-1 third-period lead and lost in overtime to the rebuilding San Jose Sharks, 6-5. The loss mystified coach Dan Muse and players alike, and Muse stepped forward to point the first finger of blame at himself. The Penguins get another crack at victory this weekend when they host the Utah Mammoth at PPG Paints Arena.
Saturday was a jaw-dropping spectacle of lost leads befitting a spot in a Ripley’s museum. The Penguins led 5-1 with 13 minutes remaining. They led 5-2 with six minutes remaining, yet their extraordinary struggle against the extra attacker was their undoing, and San Jose scored a pair of goals with an empty net to tie the game.
Emergency call-up Sergei Murashov is expected to start Sunday if newly acquired Stuart Skinner is not yet available due to immigration visa issues.
Defenseman Brett Kulak is also awaiting his visa after being acquired with Skinner from Edmonton on Friday.
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LSU football running back Kaleb Jackson announced his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal Friday morning after spending three seasons in Baton Rouge. Jackson had an efficient freshman year for the Tigers, but continued to play mainly in a reserve role over the past two seasons due to the arrivals of Caden Durham, Harlem Berry, and others.
Jackson and Ju’Juan Johnson’s decision to transfer has left LSU’s running back room quite bare. The headliners, Durham and Berry, are still in town, but there isn’t another scholarship running back behind them.
The Tigers do not have any other back committed as part of their 2026 class either. They are in a peculiar spot, as Berry and Durham are both very young and talented backs who will be hard to displace on the depth chart. Given how college football operates today, with young players eager to get playing time as early as possible, recruiting depth pieces in the upcoming transfer portal period will be a challenge.
One option is recruiting a seasoned, bigger back to handle the Tigers’ short-yardage snaps, as Berry and Durham are both somewhat light backs, weighing 190 and 205 pounds, respectively. A fitting candidate for this role is former Texas running back CJ Baxter, who is listed at 6-1 and 227 pounds, according to 247Sports. Baxter had an excellent freshman season in Austin, rushing for 659 yards and five touchdowns, but he suffered a season-ending injury ahead of the 2024 season and was unable to take over the lead role in 2025.
Here's a look at what Baxter could bring to the Tigers’ running back room:
Baxter finds a way 🤘 @c4era_pic.twitter.com/5orSubSIrq
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 21, 2023
Whether that’s the route Lane Kiffin decided to take or not, there needs to be at least one reliable option added to the roster when the portal opens on January 2.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: What does LSU football's RB room look like after four-star transfer?
The Arizona Cardinals take on the Houston Texans in Week 15. It is a lopsided matchup. The Texans have won five games in a row as they have the AFC South division lead in sight. They have the league's top defense in points allowed, yards allowed and first downs allowed. They have two great pass rushers.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, are down four starting offensive linemen, have no run game and no Marvin Harrison Jr. The offense has only scored 17 points in each of the last three games. They have lost five games in a row and are 1-7 since Jacoby Brissett is the starting quarterback.
The Cardinals are 10-point underdogs on the road. NFL experts are unanimous in their picks.
The NFL's preview video for the Cardinals-Texans game has 10 NFL Network analysts making predictions for this game. Here are the picks. Notice they all pick the Texans to win.
While all pick the Texans to win, no one picks them to cover the 10-point spread. Three predict a push.
On the surface, this game looks hopeless. We will see what happens. They kick off at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL picks: Experts unanimous in picking Texans over Cardinals
Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season kicked off on Thursday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost at home to the Atlanta Falcons in a matchup of division rivals and throwback uniforms. From there, we have inched towards the day we find ourselves on: the Sunday of Week 15.
Before the action-packed Sunday kicks off, we have a viewing guide to help you navigate your local listings. It can be challenging to know which games will be available where you live, so the folks at 506 Sports have done the work for you, and we wanted to share.
Here's a look at the broadcast maps for Week 15.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Broadcast maps for Week 15 of 2025 NFL season
HOVERAir is teaming up with the Freeride World Tour (FWT) 2026 to bring fans closer to the action than ever before, capturing breathtaking aerial footage of the world’s top freeriders as they tackle some of the most challenging off-piste terrain in Spain and beyond. Using the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX with its new Ski Mode, the camera offers hands-free, seamless filming that puts every twist, turn, and jump into stunning perspective.
This partnership represents a major step forward in snow sports technology. Thanks to HOVERAir’s advanced AI, athletes and fans can now capture every thrilling moment without a drone pilot or camera crew. The Ski Mode is designed specifically for the demands of snow sports, following skiers and snowboarders through high-speed descents, sharp carving turns, and adrenaline-fueled runs—delivering smooth, dynamic footage that brings the slopes to life like never before.
New Ski Mode Enhances Filming for Snow Sports
The Ski Mode for the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX ensures the camera adapts to the fast-paced movements typical of freeride skiing and snowboarding. With the ability to capture 8K resolution footage, it offers a cinematic experience for both athletes and fans. The PROMAX camera is small and light, weighing just 192 grams, and can easily be controlled via manual or autonomous modes, giving users complete control over their filming experience.
The HOVERAir X1 PROMAX is equipped with a range of features designed to enhance the user experience for both professionals and amateur snow lovers. Features like Smart Ascend, which automatically avoids obstacles and people, ensure safety while filming in dynamic environments. Additionally, voice commands for hands-free operation allow for ease of filming while engaging in snow sports activities. Whether capturing park tricks, snowboard runs, or off-piste skiing, the HOVERAir system makes it easy for riders to document their adventures without interruption.
Freeride World Tour Partnership and FWT 2026
The partnership between HOVERAir and the Freeride World Tour will provide a new level of dynamic storytelling in the world of extreme snow sports. The FWT 2026 begins in January 2026 with the BAQUEIRA BERET PRO in Spain, where HOVERAir’s cameras will follow freeriders as they navigate steep lines and deep snow. This collaboration will allow fans to see the competition from new angles, making it more immersive and exciting.
Nicolas Hale-Woods, CEO of the Freeride World Tour, expressed excitement about the partnership: “The Freeride World Tour has always embraced innovation that enhances the fan and rider experience. HOVERAir cameras help our FWT athletes capture new angles effortlessly and hands-free, bringing a new level of dynamic storytelling to the mountains.”
As the Freeride World Tour moves through its stops in 2026, HOVERAir’s camera technology will provide spectacular aerial shots of the action, offering both competitors and fans a new perspective on this thrilling event.
Improved Features for Challenging Winter Conditions
The HOVERAir X1 PROMAX is specifically designed for challenging winter conditions, with enhanced features that enable smooth filming even in the coldest environments. The camera is compatible with cold-weather accessories, including the Thermo Smart Battery, which operates reliably at temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). This ensures that the camera can continue filming without interruption, even in harsh alpine conditions.
Moreover, the PowerCase, a portable charging case, provides on-the-go charging, making it perfect for skiers and snowboarders who need to keep their gear powered throughout long days on the slopes.
A Complete Filming Solution for Snow Sports Enthusiasts
HOVERAir’s new X1 PROMAX camera and Ski Mode provide a complete filming solution for those seeking to capture their snow sports adventures. The camera is ideal for athletes and creators who want to enjoy their time on the slopes while effortlessly recording their experiences. Whether you’re hitting the slopes with friends, capturing your first powder day, or filming your best run yet, the PROMAX makes it simple to get high-quality aerial footage without the need for a separate camera crew or drone pilot.
With Masabi integration for easy flight, HOVERAir makes it easier than ever to capture and share winter adventures. The camera’s autonomous features, including Spiral Mode and Dolly Zoom, expand creative possibilities, allowing users to add cinematic flair to their recordings.
Perfect Holiday Gift for Snow Lovers and Creators
As the holiday season approaches, the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX makes the perfect gift for snow lovers and aspiring filmmakers. Whether you’re an athlete looking to document your snow sports experiences or a creator seeking to share your winter adventures, HOVERAir provides a reliable, high-tech tool for capturing stunning footage.
For a limited time, HOVERAir is offering special holiday pricing, with the PROMAX available for $599 and the PROMAX Ski Bundle designed for cold-weather use available for $1069.
Looking Ahead: HOVERAir’s Growing Influence in Snow Sports Filming
HOVERAir’s partnership with the Freeride World Tour is just the beginning of its mission to transform how snow sports are captured. With its advanced technology, epic moments on the slopes are now within reach for everyone from professional athletes pushing their limits to casual skiers enjoying the thrill of the ride. As the winter season unfolds, the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX is poised to become an essential companion for adventure filmmakers and winter sports enthusiasts around the world, making every descent and jump unforgettable.
The post HOVERAir Partners with Freeride World Tour 2026 to Offer Aerial Filming with New Ski Mode appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Two years ago, then-USC true freshman linebacker Tackett Curtis elected to enter the transfer portal. He transferred to Wisconsin, where he spent the past two seasons. Now, Curtis is reportedly set to enter the portal once again.
Curtis arrived at USC as a highly-touted recruit out of the state of Louisiana in the 2023 cycle. In his lone season with the Trojans, he recorded 40 total tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass defended. Following the season, however, Curtis decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal and ultimately landed at Wisconsin.
Curtis spent the past two seasons with the Badgers. In 2024, he returned to the Coliseum with Wisconsin and had two tackles in a 38-21 Trojans victory. Now, he will enter the portal again in search of a new home for his final season of eligibility.
The NCAA transfer portal will officially be open from January 2-16. However, due to restrictions caused by the academic calendar and the reality that pretty much everyone tampers nowadays, expect plenty of players to announce their intentions to enter the portal before then so that they can begin to look towards finding their new schools.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Former USC football linebacker Tackett Curtis enters transfer portal
The Dallas Cowboys could desperately need elite George Pickens on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Will they get him? Will they see him on the field at all?
Something was seriously off with Pickens the last time the Cowboys took the field. Many observers pointed to a slew of body language indicators and questions arose about just how locked in he was during the game. With the national spotlight on Dallas after three wins in a row, and the primetime kickoff, the game against the Detroit Lions had a lot of eyes on it. So when fellow top wideout CeeDee Lamb left the game shortly after halftime with a concussion, many expected Pickens to pick up the slack, like he did early in the year when Lamb was out.
Only he didn't. There were routes where balls were catchable and he didn't give much effort, and something seemed completely off as he turned in his worst receiving yardage total since Week 1 and overall worst catch percentage outing. One under-discussed angle was whether or not Pickens was dealing with injuries, and he was indeed on the Week 14 injury report heading into that game.
Pickens had been dealing with not one, but two issues. He emerged from the victory over the Eagles listed with both knee and calf injuries, and carried those issues with him out of the win over Kansas City as well.
Pickens was listed as Limited for Monday of last week's contest. However, Pickens was able to be return to full participant status on both Tuesday and Wednesday. The star receiver didn't receive a game designation, however there's still a possibiity that things just weren't fully right for him. Whatever the reason, the Cowboys can't have another outing like that from Pickens, or they could lose to the Minnesota Vikings on SNF.
Fortunately, Pickens was not listed at all this week on the injury report. If anything was lingering, he should be fully clear of it now 10 days after the team last set foot on the field.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Is George Pickens playing today? Update for Cowboys WR in Week 15
Champions Cup: Harlequins cruising against Bayonne, Edinburgh trailing Castres
The Eagles are 8-5 and the top team in the NFC, and are set to get their most important asset back in the lineup. Lane Johnson suffered an ankle injury early in the second quarter of Philadelphia's game against Detroit at Lincoln Financial Field.
Johnson was initially diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury, and the thought was that the Eagles' star right tackle could miss 4-6 weeks. Johnson will miss Sunday's game vs. Las Vegas, but looks on track to practice this week and face Washington in Week 16.
Today is Lane Johnson’s fourth game missed due to his foot injury, so a potential return next week for the #Eagles’ All-Pro is right on the expected timeframe. https://t.co/Y02TZPuDng
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 14, 2025
Johnson has missed games against Dallas, Chicago, the Los Angeles Chargers, and Sunday's game against the Raiders.
Entering Week 11, Johnson was one of only two NFL tackles with a 0.0% knockdown percentage (0 sacks, 0 QB hits allowed), joining Tytus Howard.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Lane Johnson to return in Week 16 after missing four games
Along with the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks game, what other Week 15 matchups should you have your eyes on?
We are entering the final month of the regular season, and the Colts are on the outside looking in at the current AFC playoff picture, so a little help along the way wouldn't hurt.
In the AFC South, the 8-5 Colts are one game back of the 9-4 Jacksonville Jaguars. They are also tied with the 8-5 Houston Texans.
The good news is that the Colts still play each of these teams twice, but Jacksonville and Houston losing before then wouldn't be a bad thing.
The Jaguars are at home against the Jets this week, while the Texans are at home against the Cardinals.
Along with Houston being head of the Colts in the wildcard race, so are the 9-4 LA Chargers and the 9-4 Buffalo Bills.
The Chargers are at Kansas City in Week 15, and the Bills are at New England.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Indianapolis Colts Week 15 playoff rooting guide
Star linebacker Nick Bolton was included in the Kansas City Chiefs' final injury reports for Week 15.
Will Bolton be able to take the field to face the Los Angeles Chargers this afternoon?
Here's the latest update on Bolton's status:
Bolton was dealing with an illness earlier this week and needed to miss Kansas City's practice session on Thursday. However, he was a full participant in the Chiefs' workouts on Wednesday and Friday.
Bolton was not given an official game status designation for Week 15 and is expected to suit up for Kansas City this afternoon. He should not need to miss any time due to his illness.
If Bolton is forced to the sideline in today's contest, the Chiefs will expect linebackers Drue Tranquill, Jack Cochrane, and Jeffrey Bassa to fill his place in Steve Spagnuolo's defense.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Nick Bolton: Will Chiefs' star LB play vs. Chargers in Week 15?
Great Britain and Northern Ireland's Megan Keith claimed silver behind Italy's Nadia Battocletti in the women's race at the European Cross Country Championships in Portugal.
Battocletti, who became the first woman in championship history last year to win individual titles at Under-20, U23 and senior level, won in 24 minutes 52 seconds.
Keith, who is from Inverness, crossed the line in 25:07 and Turkey's Yasemin Can was third in 25:13, while Great Britain were second behind Belgium in the team standings for the women's race.
In the men's race, Briton Scott Beattie had to settle for fourth, despite throwing himself across the finish line in a tight finish with Switzerland's Dominic Lobalu.
They were both given a time of 22:23 behind Spanish winner Thierry Ndikumwenayo, who clocked 22:05, and France's Jimmy Gressier, who was second in 22:08.
Britain's Innes Fitzgerald had earlier put in an impressive performance to win a third successive gold in the women's U20 race.
She won in 14:35, with France's Lucie Paturel second in 15:07 and Emma Hickey, 16, of Ireland third in 15:10 as Britain won the team event in the category.
A mixed relay team of Holly Dixon, Ava Lloyd, Callum Elson and Jack Higgins also won a medal as they claimed bronze behind winners Italy and second-placed Portugal.
Ireland's Nick Griggs won the U23 men's title.
No. 1 Tennessee (12-0) defeated Bowling Green (10-4), 21-15, in the national championship game at SaberCats Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Vols won their second rugby national championship in program history and first under head coach Scott Tungay.
Tennessee led the Falcons, 14-7, at halftime.
The Vols trailed Bowling Green, 15-14, with 10 minutes remaining. With a one-point lead and 10 minutes remaining, officials ruled Joey Apel scored a try for Bowling Green after a loose ball from a scrum. Tungay challenged the call and officials reversed Bowling Green’s score, allowing for the Vols to have a chance in coming back during the final 10 minutes.
Roman Funkhouser scored Tennessee's winning try with two minutes remaining to record a, 21-15, win over Bowling Green.
After the contest, Tungay discussed the final 10 minutes of the national championship game and him challenging Bowling Green’s score on “The College Rugby Show."
“I just knew if we didn’t do something in that corner, our boys have been in this place before and dug theirselves out, but if you’ve got that little flag – you throw it,” Tungay said. “The last 10 minutes was hard. Something’s going to happen, something’s going to happen, and the boys did it. I’m just so proud of them and what they brought this year.”
Tungay’s challenge in the national championship game can be watched below.
Tennessee head coach Scott Tungay’s challenge allowed for the Vols to win a championship in the final 10 minutes. pic.twitter.com/aAS0m8NQz1
— Dan Harralson (@danharralson) December 14, 2025
More: Tennessee rugby wins 2025 national championship
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Coach's challenge detailed in Tennessee rugby national title game
The 2025 NFL season keeps being pushed forward by all 32 offensive lines across the league. That will resume on Sunday as the bulk of Week 15's schedule kicks off in the NFL.
While the flashy players are all throwing, catching, and running in all the touchdowns every week, there are those in front of them making the magic happen. Offensive lines need their love, too.
Where does your favorite NFL team rank, head-to-head, among all 32 O-line units in the league? We don't have hard stats to determine the best offensive line, but we have analytical ones.
Here's how all 32 NFL offensive lines rank heading into Week 15, according to Pro Football Focus:
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: NFL Week 15: Ranking all 32 NFL offensive lines heading into Sunday
The final weeks in the NFL are coming in the 2025 season. And although the current NFL playoff picture is very much muddled, there are actual postseason spots up for grabs in Week 15.
Three teams this week have a chance to get into the playoffs if everything goes their way, with two in the AFC and one in the NFC, which shows you how tight everything is right now.
So it’s time once again for that always fun and sometimes complicated breakdown of what needs to happen for certain teams heading into this week. Let’s break it all down by team and scenario:
The New England Patriots can clinch the AFC East if:
The Patriots can clinch a playoff spot with any of the following:
The Denver Broncos can clinch a playoff spot with any of the following:
The Los Angeles Rams can clinch a playoff spot with:
This article originally appeared on For The Win: NFL playoff scenarios for Week 15 for AFC and NFC teams
The New England Patriots will try to claim the AFC East throne in Sunday's Week 15 showdown with the Buffalo Bills.
This will be the much-anticipated rematch from the first meeting between the two teams back in Week 5, when the Patriots stunned the Bills in a 23-20 upset win on the road. Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye outdueled Bills MVP quarterback Josh Allen and picked up the team's biggest win so far this season.
And now the Bills are looking for revenge.
They could certainly get it if they beat the Patriots at Gillette Stadium and put an end to their 10-game winning streak. The Bills are coming off a 39-34 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, while the Patriots are fresh off a bye week. They handed the New York Giants a 33-15 loss when they were last in action in Week 13.
Stay tuned to this page on Patriots Wire for score updates and highlights from the game.
Patriots 0, Bills 0
The Patriots and Bills play Sunday in Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season. It's expected that Patriots rookie left guard Jared Wilson will return as a starter. However, running back Terrell Jennings has been ruled out (concussion) for the game, and linebacker Robert Spillane is questionable with a foot injury.
Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app, ESPN+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial.
The Patriots and Bills are slated to play on Sunday, December 14 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Foxborough will serve as the backdrop for the Week 15 game at Gillette Stadium.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots vs. Bills: Live updates, score, highlights from Week 15 game
The Cincinnati Bengals enter the Week 15 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens as slight underdogs at Paycor Stadium.
It’s the second meeting in just 17 days for the fierce AFC North rivals. The Bengals remain ever-so-slightly alive in the playoff race at 4-9, while the Ravens hope to keep a division crown within reach at 6-7.
For the Bengals, a path to the postseason exists because that AFC North is so miserable this year. It’s tiny, yet there: Joe Burrow’s team needs to win out and get some help.
But a loss to the Ravens would put an end to things.
RELATED: Joe Burrow's mindset, past frustrations with Bengals hinted in report
Two weeks ago now, Burrow stormed back earlier than expected from injury on Thanksgiving and delivered that memorable win over the Ravens in Baltimore. In the 32-14 beatdown, the defense appeared to have new life while he threw for two scores.
But last week again Buffalo on the road, the Bengals blew a healthy lead courtesy of a pair of critical Burrow interceptions.
It was a good illustration of how razor thin the margin of error for the Bengals is once again. The team just couldn’t cobble together wins without Burrow this year and now he needs to play perfect ball again for them to have even the slightest of chances.
Whether the Bengals can actually complete the season sweep of the Ravens is a tough call. Baltimore has lost two in a row, sure, but they were both AFC North bouts. Prior to that, they’d won five in a row after a bye week.
Lamar Jackson has accounted for 2,060 passing yards and 16 touchdowns against five interceptions over 10 games. Derrick Henry is up over 1,000 yards again on a 4.6 per-carry average with 10 scores.
Jackson, though, has battled injuries over the last few weeks and routinely doesn’t get a full week of practice now. That could be an x-factor in the freezing temperatures.
This one might come down to game script. If the Bengals can run the ball well and somebody like Ja’Marr Chase can make a big play early, it lessens the chances Henry can start pounding the ball in a negative wind chill and take over the game.
Just two games ago, it felt unlikely that the Bengals could win without Trey Hendrickson and Tee Higgins. They did anyway. Now they have to do it again. Let’s say the Burrow return boost propelled the team last time. This time? The threat of outright elimination.
Prediction: Bengals 27, Ravens 20
RELATED: NFL insider floats idea of Bengals' Al Golden getting another chance
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Final score predictions for Ravens vs. Bengals in Week 15
Dec. 14—MISSOULA — Get ready for Brawl II.
Michael Wortham caught two touchdown passes and ran for another score, Keali'i Ah Yat threw for 303 yards and three TDs and Montana swamped South Dakota 52-20 in an FCS quarterfinal game Saturday.
The No. 3-seeded Grizzlies' second straight 50-point outing gave them a chance to avenge their lone loss this season, a 31-28 setback to Montana State in the 124th Brawl of the Wild on Nov. 22.
The 12-2 Cats, who beat Stephen F. Austin 44-28 Friday night, host the 13-1 Grizzlies at 2 p.m. semifinal. It will air on ESPN.
Wortham was a marvel, at one point throwing a cross-field later to Eli Gillman to convert a third-and-20 Saturday. By the he'd moved past Marc Mariani for single-season all-purpose yards: He has 2,295.
"It feels good to see the things we practice work in the games," Wortham said. "We've got to keep it rolling; our job's not finished, and we've got the boys next week."
For the most part the Grizzlies were in command Saturday in front of 22,725 fans at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Wortham had 11 catches for 201 yards, with TDs covering 53 and 51 yards. Any hope the Coyotes had probably disappeared when Drew Deck tore off a Griz playoff-record 93-yard punt return in the third quarter.
But Montana had momentum throughout, taking the opening kickoff and driving 65 yards, the first 31 coming on a Wildcat run by Wortham. Deck — the Glacier product had his first two-touchdown day at UM — capped it with a 1-yard touchdown catch.
It became 10-0 after Jareb Ramos jarred the pass loose from LJ Phillips, Jr., on the USD star's third carry and Kenzel Lawler recovered for the Griz. Montana cashed that in for a 24-yard Jo Silver field goal.
A 13-play, 77-yard drive ended with a Gillman 1-yard TD run early in the second quarter, before Wortham split USD's coverage and caught a 53-yard score that put UM up 24-0 with 5:30 left in the first half.
South Dakota closed to 24-8 just before halftime, Phillips breaking loose on a fourth-and-1 for a 23-yard score. The Coyotes (10-5) had the ball to start the second half but went nowhere; they punted and Deck was able to exploit a gap in the coverage, make a cut near midfield and outrace two pursuers for UM's first special teams TD of the season.
"It was an adjustment at halftime of getting them a little different return than we gave them the first half, and kind of caught them," Montana coach Bobby Hauck said. "It was well-blocked and obviously Drew did a great job. You can't block everybody and he did a good job of getting it to the end zone."
It was 31-7, and Wortham's second defense-splitting TD made it 38-7 with 14:53 left in the game.
South Dakota — with Phillips in concussion protocol after two second-half carries — rallied, first getting a 69-yard, thought-he-was-down catch and run from Jack Martens, then a 91-yard drive that Aiden Bouman topped with a 20-yard pass to Tysen Boze.
With their lead cut to 38-22 and 8:42 left in the game, the Grizzlies tacked on two late TDs: An 11-yard run by Wortham and a 20-yard run by backup running back Hashim Jones.
Bouman threw for 231 yards, completing 15 of 32 passes against Montana's blitzing defense. His last attempt was intercepted by Peton Wing ahead of Jones' TD.
"I thought the second half we did a better job of understanding what they were doing up front," Bouman said. "But it just wasn't enough to get it done today."
"Too many explosive plays," first-year USD coach Travis Johansen said. "And I thought getting it to a two-score game with 8 minutes left, we could have got a stop, and I thought we might get an opportunity to make a one-score game late.
"Didn't get it done but I'm really proud of our football team."
Hauck is proud as well. He mentioned more than once in November the possibility of playing the Bobcats twice. The No. 2 and 3 seeds meet for the 125th time Saturday.
"We're going to enjoy this one, certainly," Hauck said. "It's a good win for us. And you know, we'll be excited to play (MSU), I guarantee that."
Dec. 14—GREAT FALLS — Cooper Pelc scored 15 points and Glacier had four players in double figures as the Wolfpack defeated Great Falls 60-43 in AA boys basketball Saturday.
Dylan Banzet added 14 points for the Wolfpack. Asher Knopik had 12, while brother Carter Knopik tallied 10 points. The win secured a split on the opening weekend for the Wolfpack, who move to 1-1.
Andrew Boutilier led all scorers with 23 points for the Bison. Elijah Campbell added 10 as Great Falls fell to 0-2 on the season.
The Wolfpack jumped out to a 17-11 lead after one quarter and held the Bison to just 18 points in the second half.
Glacier returns home for the first time this season Friday against Bozeman at 7 p.m. in the Wolf Den.
Glacier 17 15 13 15 — 60
Great Falls 11 14 10 8 — 43
GLACIER — Cooper Pelc 4 6-8 15, Ethan Kastelitz 2 0-0 6, Chase Sliter 0 0-0 0, Tate Kahler 0 0-1 1, Hudson Kastelitz 0 0-0 0, Talis Pitts 0 0-0 0, Hunter Daniels 0 0-0 0, Blake Pittman 1 1-2 4, Dylan Banzet 5 2-3 14, Asher Knopik 5 2-4 16, Carter Knopik 3 3-4 10. Totals 21 14-22 60.
GREAT FALLS — Andrew Boutilier 6 6-8 23, Zander Reeves 2 0-0 4, Zaiden Reeves 0 0-0 0, Jacoby Grealish 0 0-2 0, Cagen Getten 0 0-0 0, Noah Fleming 1 4-4 6, Jonah Perry 0-0 0, Elijah Campbell 5 0-1 10, L Kilian 0 0-0 0. Totals 14 10-15 43.
3-point goals — Glacier 7 (E Kastelitz 2, Banzet 2, Pittman, Pelc, C Knopik) , Great Falls 5 (Boutilier 5). Fouls — Glacier 18, Great Falls 15. Fouled out — none.
Dec. 14—GREAT FALLS — Ben Cunningham scored 13 of his 20 points in the first half to lead CMR to a 61-50 victory over Flathead in AA boys basketball Saturday afternoon.
Caleb Taylor added 10 points for the Rustlers, eight coming in the second half. Carson Pike, who hit a buzzer-beating three against Glacier Friday, and Miles Duda added 9 each.
Ben Reichner led the Braves (1-1) with 12 points, going 4-4 from the line and making two 3-pointers. Lance Schneller scored nine points, Max Shostak added another eight.
CMR (2-0) jumped out to a 17-12 lead by the end of the first period. By halftime, the Braves trailed 33-23.
Flathead scored 13 points in the third and fourth quarters. They finished the game 11-17 from the stripe.
The Braves return home next weekend to Gallatin on Friday at 7 p.m. and Bozeman on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Flathead 12 11 13 13 — 50
CMR 17 16 14 14 — 61
FLATHEAD — Sam McConnell 0 0-0 0, Benny Forman 0 0-0 0, Eli Coopman 2 1-2 5, Ollie Rosenberg 1 0-0 3, Ben Reichner 3 4-4 12, Lance Schneller 4 1-2 9, Karson Johnston 0 0-0 0, Hunter Fann 0 0-0 0, Reece Brotherton 0 0-0 0, Boston Case 2 1-2 6, Max Shostak 2 3-3 8, Kyler Kossman 3 1-4 7. Totals 17 11-17 50.
GREAT FALLS CMR — Blake Bendel 2 0-0 4, Roman Block 0 0-0 0, Drew Etcheberry 0-00-0, Jaxon Dixon 0 0-0 0, Caleb Taylor 5 0-0 10, Carson Pike 4 0-0 9, Ben Cunningham 8 2-2 20, Ethan Young 0 0-0 0, Ruben Chevis 2 0-0 5, Rochrich Soldano 2 0-2 4, Miles Duda 4 1-4 9. Totals 27 3-8 61.
3-point goals — Flathead 5 (Reichner 2, Rosenberg, Case, Shostak) CMR 4 (Cunningham 2, Pike, Chevis) Fouls — Flathead 13, CMR 16. Fouled out — none.
Dec. 14—MISSOULA — Of all of Michael Wortham's scintillating plays on a record-setting Saturday, perhaps the best was the hook-and-lateral on third-and-20 late in Montana's 52-20 FCS quarterfinal win over South Dakota.
Way behind the sticks because of a holding penalty and wanting to build on a 38-22 lead, Montana went to Wortham, who hauled in a 5-yard pass from Keali'i Ah Yat.
Wortham then flung a spiral across the field to Eli Gillman at the USD 47-yard line and Gillman, held in check in the run game, picked up 16 of what was a 21-yard gain down to the Coyotes' 29-yard line.
Three snaps later Wortham scored his third TD of the day, an 11-yard run.
But that lateral....
"Glad that was executed at that point of the game," Wortham said. "It was awesome."
"Scored on the defense (with it) during the spring game," Griz coach Bobby Hauck noted. "We practiced it with the lights out on Wednesday (a power outage hit campus)."
For the day Wortham had 269 all-purpose yards, including 43 rushing out of the Wildcat formation and 25 on kickoff returns. His season total of 2,295 surpasses Marc Mariani's 2008 total of 2,265.
"Mariani's going to call me and ask why he never got to play quarterback," Hauck said.
Is That Good?
Drew Deck's 93-yard punt return for a touchdown is not just the longest in UM's postseason history — Jefferson Heidelberger took one against Northwestern State on Nov. 30, 2002 — but the longest in the NCAA Playoffs ever.
The previous mark was 92 by Dejon Brisset of Richmond in 2016, against North Carolina A&T.
South Dakota coach Travis Johansen felt it was a back breaker, coming when it did and pushing UM's lead to 31-7.
"Got inside a little bit; we needed to get the ball closer to the sideline," Johansen said of the punt. "When he gets space and gets downhill, really from that point its people on blocks and a lot of open space."
Two Grizzlies have longer punt returns in the regular season: Mariani (2008) and Tuff Harris (2006) both had 94-yarders.
Hi-Jo Silver
For the second straight game junior Jo Silver handled place-kicking duties for the Grizzlies, supplanting senior Ty Morrison.
"He's been hitting it really, really well, like an All-American the last month," Hauck said of Silver. "And Ty has been a little bit of a slump and hasn't been hitting it well. "We aren't really quick to change guys at any position, and that one in particular, but it was time to do that. They're both competitive and want to be out there and you can see how they interact that they pull for each other."
After hitting an upright with his first PAT kick in last week's 50-29 win over South Dakota State, Silver has both his field goal attempts and 12 straight PATs.
Morrison remained the Grizzlies' punter and averaged 43 yards on two attempts with one inside the 20.
Somewhat Mutual
Hauck got philosophical when talking about this year's Grizzlies, who had a complete makeover on defense — all 11 starters — and have blended in veterans with transfers like Wortham.
Asked if he'd had time to enjoy the season, Hauck replied emphatically yes.
"I would say the reason for that is these are my dudes," he said, motioning toward Wortham and linebacker Caleb Otlewski. "I have great guys on this ball team and the only disappointment will be at some point this season is going to end. At the max we have two left.
"I love these guys, I love working with them every day. I think the feeling is somewhat mutual, occasionally. It doesn't have to be every day, that's not the way this works. But I love my guys, and I'm having a blast every day."
QUICK KICKS: Gillman managed 38 rushing yards on 18 carries, while L.J Phillips, Jr. Picked up 74 yards on 15 attempt before leaving the game. ... Jack Martins had three catches for 93 yards for USD. ... Otlewski had a game-high 10 tackles for UM. ... Prince Ford had Montana's only sack, for 1 yard. ... The Griz outgained the Yotes 449-353. ... 12 of USD's 15 first downs came after halftime.
Dec. 14—Margaret Schulte and the Bison took control in the third quarter and never looked back.
Schulte finished with 17 points, 14 coming in the aforementioned third frame and Great Falls pulled away for a 62-42 victory over Glacier in AA girls basketball Saturday at the Wolf Den.
"Hats off to Great Falls, they nailed some shots and they were just more aggressive," Glacier coach Amanda Cram said.
Scarlet Harris tallied 13 for the Bison, Kendall Gonser added eight.
The Wolfpack started strong, jumping out to a 10-6 advantage midway through the first quarter. Karley Allen scored eight in the first frame for Glacier. The senior finished with a team-high 11 points.
The Bison battled back to take their first lead at 19-18 as Gonser found the bottom of the net. Great Falls held on to a 23-22 advantage heading into the half.
"I was super pleased with our first half, I thought the girls executed, exactly what our gameplan was, more disappointed in our third quarter," Cram said. "The youth are not used to the type of energy we need to come out of halftime."
The Bison added the first four points of the third quarter before Olivia Warriner knocked down a 3-pointer to make it 27-25. Warriner had 11 points for the Wolfpack.
Great Falls took control from there.
The Bison sparked a 22-2 run to close out the frame, headlined by a 9-0 spurt for Schulte.
Harris got to the basket early in the fourth to give Great Falls its largest lead of the day at 55-30.
"If anything, this is going to make us more prepared for when conference play comes, that's why we just want to keep after it," Cram said.
Glacier cut the deficit down to 60-40 thanks to a pair of free throws from Clara Ahner, but the Wolfpack got no closer.
"We have had some good energizers from JV and we still need to develop them, but what I really enjoy is that it doesn't matter if it is a JV player or a varsity player, everyone is willing to do the work," Cram said.
The Wolfpack girls head on the road for matchups against Bozeman on Friday at 7 p.m. and Gallatin on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Great Falls 8 15 26 13 — 62
Glacier 13 9 5 15 — 42
GREAT FALLS — Aunika Clemons 1 0-0 2, Magaret Schulte 5 3-4 17, Ashley Little 2 0-0 4, Tatum Swingley 1 2-2 4, Steele Harris 6 1-10 13, Paetyn Mora 0 0-0 0, Kendall Gonser 3 3-5 8, Harper Dirk 1 2-4 4, Taylee Hodke 1 0-0 3, Mia Cerna 3 0-1 7, Aza Trombley 0 0-0 0. Totals 23 11-26 62.
GLACIER — Nika Wangerin 0 1-2 1, Lucy Holloway 0 0-0 0, Karley Allen 2 7-9 11, Miley Fritz 1 0-0 3, Remi Osler 3 2-4 8. Olivia Warriner 3 4-7 11, Alauna Hagen 0 1-4 1, Addison Brisendine 2 0-0 4, Ava Grady 0 1-2 1, Clara Ahner 0 2-2 2. Totals 11 16-28 42.
3-point goals — Great Falls 6 (Schulte 4, Hodke, Cerna) Glacier 3 (Allen, Fritz, Warriner). Fouls — Great Falls 23, Glacier 16. Fouled out — Dirk.
Dec. 14—Carrina Kaluza led all scorers with 24 points as CMR bested Flathead 60-46 in AA girls basketball on Saturday afternoon at Flathead High School.
Kieva Mapes scored 13 points for the Rustlers; Rilee Mares added seven.
Freshman Brynn Kossman led the Bravettes (0-2) with 15 points. Makenna Aldrich and Grace Gall each added eight. Caitlin Converse, who left early with a quad injury against Great Falls Friday, had seven.
The Rustlers (2-0) jumped out to a 13-5 lead after one quarter and extended their advantage to 35-21 at the half.
The Flathead girls travel next weekend to face Gallatin on Friday at 7 p.m. and Bozeman on Saturday at 1 p.m.
CMR 13 22 14 11 — 60
Flathead 5 16 19 6 — 46
GREAT FALLS CMR — Carrina Kaluza 7 9-12 24, Rilee Mares 3 1-2 7, Kieva Mapes 5 3-6 13, Kenna Christenson 2 0-0 5, Zoe Holm 3 0-0 6, Kayla Shultz 2 0-0 5, Ella Cran 0 0-2 0, Madeline Stump 0 0-0 0. Totals 22 13-22 60.
FLATHEAD — Reese Rosenberg 0 0-0 0, Makenna Aldrich 3 2-4 8, Teagen Flint 1 0-0 2, Gracie Mae Kilmer 0 0-0 0, Taylor Greene 0 0-0 0, Caitlin Converse 2 1-2 7, Grace Gall 2 3-3 8, Lexi Herion 1 4-6 6, Brynn Kossman 5 5-6 15. Totals 14 15-21 46.
3-point goals — CMR 3 (Kaluza, Christenson, Shultz) Flathead 3 (Converse 2, Gall) Fouls — CMR 18, Flathead 15. Fouled out — none.
The Los Angeles Rams enter Week 15 sporting one of the NFL's best records, 10-3. Despite this, they are well on their way toward landing a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The reason for this? The Atlanta Falcons traded their first-round pick for the upcoming draft as part of a 2025 NFL Draft trade. The Falcons moved back into the end of the first round to land edge rusher James Pearce Jr. while the Rams were content to move down and accrue some extra draft capital.
The move appears ready to pay off in spades for the Rams, as they will be poised to add a blue-chip player to an already championship-worthy roster during the 2026 NFL offseason.
Just how good will the Rams' pick be? The Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on "Thursday Night Football," which will make the pick more likely to stay at the latter end of the back 10 or just outside of it.
There are eight teams with three wins or fewer entering Sunday. Each could be in contention for the number one pick: the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns all enter Week 15 in possession of a top-five pick, but will they be able to say the same after the week is over?
Here's what to know about the 2026 NFL Draft order as the 2025 season enters the home stretch.
Here's a look at the updated first-round order as Week 15 results come in, according to Tankathon, which calculates strength of schedule differently from the NFL:
This is how USA TODAY Sports' Ayrton Ostly projected the top five picks in his latest mock draft:
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL draft order 2026: Updated first-round picks for Week 15
Elliot Powell says his Jersey Bulls side "got away with it" after three goals in the final quarter saw them beat Erith Town 3-1.
The visitors took a 58th-minute lead through Aaron Jeffrey before impressive youngster Stanley Dunne came off the bench to score his first goal for the Bulls with a fine individual effort nine minutes later.
Jonny Le Quesne hit the bar two minutes later before Lorne Bickley headed the islanders into a 73rd-minute lead.
The win was rounded off with an excellent Francis Lekimamati strike from around 45 yards as Bulls moved up to 11th place in Isthmian League South East.
"It was a very 'unlike us' performance for 60 minutes, we were pretty diabolical to be fair and I thought them scoring maybe just woke us up a little bit and after that it was much more like us," Bulls manager Powell told BBC Radio Jersey.
"We had some pretty tough words at half-time and we've got to start games a lot quicker than that.
"We've got away with it against a side that are obviously down near the bottom of the table, I thought they were compact, they were decent to be fair to them.
"But we're not going to get away with that against better sides so we're going to have to learn to start games a little bit quicker, but that last half an hour showed a lot of character, a lot of resilience and more importantly a lot of quality to get the three points."
Powell was also keen to praise Dunne, who was making just his fourth appearance for the island side.
"I thought he was excellent," he said.
"I said after about 10 minutes I thought he was going to get man of the match and every credit to everyone that's developed Stan to this point, notably his club St Paul's who have been fantastic with us in terms of how we can use Stan this year.
"He's obviously a big player for them and I think he's going to be a big player for us going forward as well.
"I think it's a good day for them as well because he's come on and has literally changed the game almost single-handedly at times. I think it was a very mature performance from a young lad."
Star wide receiver Rashee Rice was listed on all of the Kansas City Chiefs' injury reports this week ahead of the team's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Will Rice's injury affect his ability to play against the Chargers this afternoon?
Here's the latest on Rice's status:
Rice is said to be dealing with a hamstring injury, but it didn't affect his ability to be a full participant in all of Kansas City's practice sessions in Week 15.
The Chiefs didn't give Rice an official game status designation on Friday, so fans shouldn't expect him to miss any time due to his hamstring injury.
If Rice needs to exit the field this afternoon, Patrick Mahomes will give more targets to veteran wideouts Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Rashee Rice injury: Will Chiefs WR play vs. Chargers in Week 15?
When Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters traded for left tackle Laremy Tunsil last offseason, it made waves across the NFL. Top left tackles are rarely traded, especially when they're in the prime of their career. What was wrong with Tunsil? Why did the Houston Texans trade him with two affordable years remaining on his contract?
While we may never know the exact reason, it's pretty clear Houston didn't want to pay Tunsil again. He'd already signed two contract extensions since the Texans acquired him in 2019 and would turn 31 just before the 2025 season began.
While the trade was costly from Washington's perspective, Tunsil has been as advertised and more. Not only does he remain an elite pass protector, but Tunsil's run blocking has also impressed the Commanders.
"To me, more than anything this season is just how he can move bodies in the run game," offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said last week. "I knew he was a dominant pass protector, but the run game of stuff has been phenomenal."
Tunsil has also been a great teammate, serving as a mentor for rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. Coaches and teammates have noticed the work Tunsil has put in with Conerly.
"He's going to get a lot of money," Kingsbury said.
Uh oh, the pressure is on you, Adam Peters.
As for Tunsil, he knows how this works. He operates as his own agent. Of course, he expects to be paid.
"Whatever happens, happens,” Tunsil told Tashan Reed of The Washington Post recently. "Of course, I want to be paid. Of course, I want to stay with this organization.......When we get to the offseason, we can handle it."
Make no mistake, Washington didn't trade multiple draft picks to Houston for Tunsil not to extend him. He's been phenomenal, and the Commanders have the cash and cap room. They also have a young quarterback to protect in Jayden Daniels. While Daniels has been in and out of the lineup this season with injuries, don't blame Tunsil. A primary reason Peters traded for Tunsil was Daniels.
The 2025 season didn't go as planned for the Commanders. Almost everything has gone wrong except the acquisitions of Tunsil and Conerly. Washington's offensive line looks to be a building block moving forward. That's why the Commanders must extend Tunsil — and they will.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Laremy Tunsil wants and deserves to be paid
How will the New York Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game look in Week 15?
Here are the uniform and helmet combinations both teams will wear on Sunday at EverBank Stadium:
Note: Announced via the Jaguars' team website.
Week 15 fit
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 11, 2025
tops: ⚪️ bottoms: 🟢 pic.twitter.com/SP5sXirqxJ
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets at Jaguars: What uniforms, helmets both teams wear in Week 15
Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, but on Saturday evening, he found out that Indiana’s quarterback Fernando Mendoza was the winner of the prestigious award.
The Irish back had the third most votes, only trailing the winner and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, but was well behind both of them in the total points. Love did get 46 first-place votes, which showed that he impressed more than a few of the voters.
Two of the four finalists won’t be playing in the College Football Playoff, and three of the top-10. It’s unfortunate, as Pavia and Love were clearly two of the best players this fall, but neither will get a chance to play for a championship in what looks to be their final collegiate seasons.
Congratulations to Jeremiyah, for an amazing season, along withg what could be one of the best careers ever for a Notre Dame running back.
Final Heisman voting. pic.twitter.com/rH0HHVEapu
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoATH) December 14, 2025
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChen
This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Jeremiyah Love comes up short in his bid for the Heisman Trophy
Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool "are absolutely united and go forward as one" after Mohamed Salah returned to the squad for Saturday's win over Brighton.
Salah came off the bench for his first Liverpool appearance since claiming he had been "thrown under the bus" by the club following last weekend's 3-3 draw with Leeds.
The 33-year-old was left out of the squad for the midweek Champions League win at Inter Milan, but returned for the Brighton game following talks with manager Arne Slot and claimed an assist in the 2-0 win.
Salah joins up with the Egypt national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on Monday and could miss up to eight Liverpool games if his country go all the way to the final on 18 January.
"We showed this week that we are absolutely united. We go forward as one," said Van Dijk, who made his 250th Premier League appearance for Liverpool on Saturday.
"Mo is going to Afcon and we all hope that he'll be successful there and he'll come back and be important for us for the rest of the season.
"The other side of it is that we all know football and we have no idea what is going to happen. I hope that he stays because he is one of my leaders and still very important for the football club. But there's more parties to this situation."
Van Dijk also praised Arne Slot for how he handled the events of recent days, with Liverpool now unbeaten in five games since losing to PSV at Anfield in the Champions League.
"I think he has handled the situation very well - calm in his own way and it's a very tricky situation," said the Netherlands defender.
"There's a lot of noise and pressure from the outside world and rightly so because we've not been up to the standard we've shown in the last few seasons.
"We've just got to keep going. He's at a club which is very together and that's how it has been before our time at the club, and that's something we have to keep going.
"We go through the good times together, as a team, as a club and as a fanbase, but sometimes when the difficult moments arise we also have to stick together. This moment of time is a very good moment to see how everyone responds."
Boss Rob Edwards has dismissed fears Wolves' wretched season will wreck his players' World Cup hopes.
The winless strugglers are bottom of the Premier League with just two points after a narrow 2-1 defeat by league leaders Arsenal on Saturday.
Joao Gomes has not played for Brazil since March while Norway's Jorgen Strand Larsen has just one Premier League goal this season.
South Korea's Hwang Hee-Chan has started just five league games this season while Ladislav Krejci holds ambitions with the Czechia, who are in the play-offs, and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has qualified with Haiti
Santiago Bueno [Uruguay] and Jhon Arias [Colombia] are also hoping to go to the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year.
"There's been one or two who aren't playing saying: 'How can I get into the team? I need to play because there's a World Cup," Edwards said.
"But I don't think there's any of them thinking that [they will not go to the World Cup] because of the position we're in. They're still playing Premier League football. If they're at their level and doing their thing then there's no reason why they can't get selected for their national teams.
"There's no-one that's approached me because of the situation we're in."
Edwards also eased fears Wolves - who have not won in the Premier League since April - would look to sell off their best talent in January if they were preparing for relegation.
"That's not been communicated to me at all," he said. As I see it at the moment I don't think we're in that kind of position where we would have to be selling any of the 'better ones'. I don't think that's the case."
But the head coach confirmed Wolves are looking to move some players on as they look to recruit more Premier League experience next month.
He added: "It'll work both ways, there will be some people who will move on in January and we can freshen up. We need that, we can all see it.
"We're getting closer to a period of time where maybe we can make some changes."
Another 2025 NFL Sunday is here, this time in Week 15, with a full slate of games to watch and enjoy. That's right, it's time for some football!
And if you're here, you may be wondering who is calling the game you're watching. Fear not! We have answers.
Below is the list of all the Sunday games and their announcing teams in order of play-by-play announcers, analysts and reporters. We won't list the Monday games, because we know who usually does Monday Night Football for ESPN.
So, here it is: All the announcers for this Sunday! (All times listed are Eastern.)
Ian Eagle, J.J. Watt and Evan Washburn
Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth and Jen Hale
Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston and Allison Williams
Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta and Aditi Kinkhabwala
Joe Davis, Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma and Megan Olivi
Tom McCarthy, Ross Tucker and Tiffany Blackmon
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
Adam Amin, Drew Brees and Kristina Pink
Andrew Catalon, Charles Davis, Jason McCourty and AJ Ross
Jason Benetti, Robert Griffin III and Sarah Kustok
Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi
Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth and Melissa Stark
This article originally appeared on For The Win: NFL Week 15 announcers for Fox, CBS, NBC games in 2025
© <p>Who is Danny/Adobe Stock</p>
When it comes to the 2026 NFL draft, all bets are off for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They are set to have three or four significant needs that could take up their first-round pick. It will all depend on where the Steelers end up picking and which top prospects declare.
In a new three-round mock draft from Pro Football Network, the draft takes an interesting approach to the Steelers draft, and while it starts off strong, it takes some strange turns in the third round. Let's break down the picks.
First round - WR Makai Lemon - USC
Second round - QB Jayden Maiava - USC
This is a great start and a smart choice by the Steelers. Landing Lemon and Maiava in the first two rounds not only gives the Steelers one of the best pass catchers in the draft but also lands them a high-ceiling quarterback prospect who threw Lemon all those passes. Excellent start, filling two huge needs.
Third round - CB Daylen Everett - Georgia
Third round - WR Omar Cooper Jr. - Indiana
Third round - CB Malik Muhammad - Texas
This is where things go a little off the rails. We don't dislike any of the prospects selected but taking a second wide receiver and two cornerbacks doesn't feel like something the Steelers front office does and it doesn't hit the mark for some other top needs. Everett is an exceptional prospect and a great fit so we leave him at that first pick of the round but switch things up with the other two.
Instead of Cooper, I'd go with Cincinnati's Dontay Corleone to line up with Keanu Benton on on the inside of the defensive line or Florida State defensive tackle Darnell Jackson Jr. to be a potential replacement for Cameron Heyward down the road. Instead of Muhammad, we would have gone with Duke guard Brian Parker II to provide depth and develop into a starter.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Breaking down the Steelers picks in a new 3-round mock draft
The 2025 fantasy football playoffs are officially underway.
In the playoffs, start-sit decisions become significantly more magnified. Make the wrong call and your season could be over in the blink of an eye. To assist with your most difficult lineup decisions, you’ll find Week 15 fantasy football rankings below (scroll to the bottom for complete rankings). Toggle between standard, half PPR (point per reception), and full PPR to see where players rank in your league’s format.
Our team at the USA TODAY Sports Network also has you covered for all your fantasy football needs. Looking for up-to-date player news? We’ve got it. Be sure to check out the rest of our Week 15 fantasy content as well.
Start/sit: Overall | Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end
Analysis: 11 streamers for Week 15 | 13 risers and sleepers
Given the volatility of this league and fantasy football in particular, these rankings will be updated up to a half hour before the Sunday afternoon games kick off. Let’s get to it.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins was a staple of the injury report all week before his team takes on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15.
Higgins re-entered concussion protocol to start the week, but practiced on a limited basis in batches, giving a little hope that he would be able to go against the Ravens.
Those Bengals have a chance to keep slim playoff hopes alive with an upset of the visiting Ravens at Paycor Stadium. If not, they will be mathematically eliminated.
Here’s the latest on Higgins.
RELATED: Bengals end Jermaine Burton era, release former third-round pick
Impossible to say, given the fickle nature of concussions. The fact this is Higgins’ second trip to concussion protocol over just a handful of weeks is really concerning, at least from an outsider’s perspective. That made it pretty surprising that he was practicing even limited this week already.
No more Jermaine Burton in Cincinnati (or anywhere), so the Bengals have just five players on the 53. Jordan Moore, Xavier Johnson and Kendric Pryor are on the practice squad and available. But Iosivas and Tinsley are the most likely to get major reps with Higgins out.
RELATED: Bengals' head coaching situation getting some attention around NFL
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Is Tee Higgins playing today? Latest updates on Bengals WR for Week 15
MIAMI — Gimmicks come with expiration dates, as the Miami Dolphins learned with the evolution and then devolution of their Wildcat, quarterback-free approach in 2008 and 2009.
Now the question becomes whether the Heat are on a similar timetable, eight weeks into the shunning of NBA staples such as pick-and-roll sets in favor of a constant-movement wheel of offense, drive-and-kick passing, pace-on-steroids.
For weeks, as the Heat’s high-octane act toured the NBA, the questions were constant of the dramatic deviation by coach Erik Spoelstra. Eventually, and somewhat sheepishly, Spoelstra asked the questioners simply go with his previous comments.
The intention never was to come off as the smartest man in the room.
And then came Tuesday night’s NBA Cup game in Orlando, with the question again parsed pregame.
“If you’ve noticed,” Spoelstra said candidly and frankly, “the last few games our offense hasn’t been that good.”
After a 15-0 start, it wasn’t good that night against the Magic, either.
With that loss, the 14-11 Heat are now idle until Monday night’s visit by the Toronto Raptors to Kaseya Center.
It is a week off that can create a mental reset amid a four-game losing streak.
Or should the reset be something greater?
Because, perhaps, the Heat should have seen this coming.
A year ago, the Memphis Grizzlies opened their season with a similar approach to the one adopted ahead of this season by Spoelstra. An architect there was offensive guru Noah LaRoche.
And where is LaRoche now? “He’s a part of our staff,” Spoelstra said.
Actually, it later was clarified that LaRoche is a consultant.
No matter, the common thread and common voice is there.
And how did it go last season for the Grizzlies? Hellbent on offense at the start of the season to the degree that the same questions fielded by Spoelstra over these first two Heat months were being fielded by Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins.
As in then-Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. Because by season’s end, opponents had scouted the offense’s intricacies, the scoring stalled at moments of truth, and on March 28, Jenkins was ex-Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, in a Memphis housecleaning that also had LaRoche cast aside.
The parallels certainly are there.
Among the reasons it went south for the Grizzlies was a defense that no longer could keep pace with the offense.
As in, perhaps, the Heat’s recent defensive regression (No. 20 in the NBA the past six games)?
Another reason? It left Ja Morant less than sated, his trademark pick-and-rolls legislated out of the Grizzlies’ approach.
As in, perhaps, Tyler Herro’s ongoing attempt to play as seamlessly in the new Heat offense as Norman Powell?
The Herro question stands particularly pertinent with him now back six games after missing the first 17.
If Herro was with the Heat from the outset, and if it was uneven with Herro at the October start, would an adjustment have come then, as it might need to now?
Granted, players have bristled for years over systems, including as Phil Jackson guided championship Bulls and Lakers teams with Tex Winter’s triangle principles.
But even then, there was accommodation.
For the Heat, breakneck could have its breaking point.
When it comes to distance run this season, the Heat went into this break second in the NBA at 17.6 miles per game and first in the league and first in average player speed of 4.6 mph. The other team in the Top 2 in each of those categories? The 6-18 Indiana Pacers.
So, yes, about more than a system.
With Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, the Dolphins’ Wildcat stood as the rage in the NFL.
Until it didn’t.
For this season’s first six weeks, it was all Heat hype.
Until it isn’t?
At his stubborn Heat coaching best, when his players failed his rigid principles, including lock-and-trail defense, Pat Riley’s answers were simple and to the point — do it better.
So now, with the LaRoche system, it could be the same with Spoelstra — do it better.
Or perhaps history should be the guide.
Recent history.
As in the 2024-25 Memphis Grizzlies.
No, Spoelstra isn’t going anywhere. And he is not nearly the same rigid, unbending sideline presence as at the start of his coaching tenure nearly two decades ago.
But the league is catching up, if it hasn’t already caught up.
Or, perhaps, this was the plan all along, to maximize the benefits of something different, and then tinker and refine from there, basically scout the other teams’ scouting.
“We’re not scoring in the 140s no more,” center Bam Adebayo said just ahead of his five-day break created by Tuesday night’s failure in Orlando. “That was fun. We were sharing the game, playing together. We have to figure out how to put points on the board.”
Or find another way to have fun, if necessary, to avoid the Grizzlies’ reality.
____
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Match of The Day: "It was a roller coaster. The longer the game went on, they had hope and we had to accelerate our game and take more risks.
"In the first half we created a lot of situations without any clear big chances. After scoring the goal we had a period of two minutes where we were deep and very passive and we conceded that goal and it was a very poor goal.
"We pushed and we found a way to score the goal with the connection between Gabi [Jesus] and Bukayo and delighted obviously because that was what we wanted."
What delighted you the most?: "At the end, the final reaction. But we know that it wasn't enough. We hadn't conceded a single shot in the box the whole match and then their first action we looked so passive and it was not at the level required to win the game comfortably."
But title winners find a way?: "We did find a way and that's a very positive thing, if not we'd be very frustrated and rightly so, but there are things to improve obviously and the match should have been bigger especially with what we produced in the game even though there are a lot of things to improve. But that's it - win the game and go on."
Arsenal captain Bukayo Saka, speaking to TNT Sports: "Yes, sometimes you need it [luck]. Today, it went our way.
"We will take the points and move forward. We won't know until May, but we can be happy tonight that we left with three points.
"Coming to the Emirates we want to make the teams know that it is going to be tough here and it is not going to be an easy game.
"It was frustrating at times, I'll be honest. The message to the boys was to stay patient and trying things - in the end we got our reward.
"It is high [morale] and we have a break now up until next week."
Did you know?
St Erngat's Moneyglass manager Maxi Curran said he was confident that there is "more to come" from his side after their All-Ireland Ladies SFC final defeat against Kilkerrin-Clonberne.
Despite a solid first-half showing, the Antrim and Ulster champions were undone by a 15-minute scoring blitz from holders Kilkerrin in the second half as the Galway side triumphed 2-8 to 1-5 to collect their fifth successive All-Ireland title.
But Curran was encouraged by the showing from his young side in their first final against a strong outfit.
"It was disappointing, but we knew it was going to be a massive challenge. You don't go on a run of five years and 53-odd games unbeaten and not have a serious level of quality in their group and that's what they have," he told BBC Sport NI.
"Experience is a big thing and we didn't have very much of it and they have a bucketful of it, but ultimately their quality shone through in the end. We made too many unforced errors, whether that be nerves or what not but that was the difference.
"We made more mistakes, and they were clinical and whatever mistakes they did make we didn't punish them as they did to us."
Few would have expected the five-in-a-row Antrim champions to even reach the grand stage of Croke Park at the start of the year.
They finally claimed a first Ulster title in November with an emphatic 3-10 to 0-6 final victory over Errigal Ciaran.
With confidence high, they then sprung a surprise in the All-Ireland semi-finals as they edged past Kilmacud Crokes 1-12 to 1-10.
Overcoming fellow history makers Kilkerrin proved a step too far this year, but Curran was keen to reflect on a successful campaign and feels his players will be driven to come back stronger next year.
"Hopefully it is the start of something. It is a very young team and a very young group, and you'd like to think there is more to come," he continued.
"We're immensely proud of what the girls have done, they have brought a lot of pride to the parish, to Antrim and the province. It was a big scalp to get past Kilmacud and even Clann Eireann in the Ulster semi-final.
"When the dust settles and they look at their Ulster medals, hopefully they will feel proud of what they've done. Getting the Ulster monkey off our back was huge this year and that will surely give us a bit of confidence. I think the future is very bright for Moneyglass."
This is another big game at the bottom of the table.
I am so pleased for Leeds boss Daniel Farke because I was fed up with the rubbish being talked about how he cannot manage in the Premier League.
Leeds have had a tough run of games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool and it felt like there were people out there who were waiting and even wishing for Farke to fail, so he would be sacked.
I am delighted that it has turned out very differently. The performances, the guts, and the quality that Leeds have shown has been brilliant, even in defeat at City, and against Chelsea and Liverpool they have picked up points too.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goals have made the difference, and they will go into this game full of belief, and thinking they have got a real chance.
Brentford are still favourites, though, because their home form is so good - with five wins, a draw and just one defeat under Keith Andrews so far.
The Bees were pretty limp when they went to Spurs last week but on their own patch it is a different story. They have won their past three games there, against Liverpool, Newcastle and Burnley so, like Leeds, they will be full of confidence.
I remember Farke's last game as Norwich manager in November 2021, when his team beat Brentford but he was sacked a few hours later. This time, I am backing Brentford to win, but Farke's future should not be in doubt.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
Read the full predictions and have your say here
I have backed against my old team Aston Villa in the past couple of weeks but they proved me wrong by beating Brighton and then doing the same to Arsenal.
Unai Emery's side just keep on going and keep on winning too, and they always seem to find a way to get over the line. They have won seven games in a row now in all competitions, and I think they are amazing.
I am not going to back against them this time, that's for sure. They have got a brush with Basel on Thursday but playing in the Europa League has not affected them too much recently.
West Ham have turned a corner under Nuno Espirito Santo, but so has Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Watkins is starting to look more like his old self, and he could make the difference here to continue Villa's winning run.
Jarrod Bowen will ensure they don't have an easy game, but Villa have got enough goals right through their team to take the points even if Watkins doesn't score on Sunday.
I was absolutely delighted to see Emi Buendia get the winner against Arsenal. He has had a lot of injuries to contend with at Villa but I saw a lot of him at Norwich and he is a terrific player.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
Read the full predictions and have your say here
Sunderland have had the week off while Newcastle had to work so hard against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, only to let their lead slip away late on.
Apart from their brilliant performance against Everton a couple of weeks ago, Newcastle's away form hasn't been great, especially straight after they've played in the Champions League.
I am expecting that pattern to continue on Sunday, and their fatigue is likely to be a factor in how this game goes because of Sunderland's intensity.
We saw against Arsenal how relentless Regis le Bris's side are. They bullied the Gunners, and it was amazing to watch.
Everyone talks about how Granit Xhaka has been phenomenal for the Black Cats, and he has been brilliant, but Noah Sadiki, who plays alongside him in midfield, has also been one of the signings of the season and deserves some attention too.
I am expecting this to be the best game of the weekend, and I am also expecting Sunderland to win it.
Some derby games can be hyped up and then end up being disappointing, but I can't see this one letting anyone down.
I love the way Eddie Howe sets Newcastle up too, and he is a brilliant manager, but the Black Cats will take the bragging rights.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
The playoffs don't officially start until January 10, but every game from here on out for the Ravens will have postseason implications as they try to chase down the Steelers in the AFC North. Baltimore travels to Cincinnati to battle the embattled Bengals (4-9) at Paycor Stadium (1 p.m. kickoff). This AFC North clash will be cold, and it'll feature two teams that remain in playoff contention, with Baltimore sitting one game behind 7-6 Pittsburgh, who defeated the Ravens, 27-22, last Sunday. Cincinnati is coming off a 39-34 loss at Buffalo.
The postseason script is real, with the Ravens set to play three of their final four regular-season games on the road: at Cincinnati, vs. New England, at Green Bay, and at Pittsburgh.
In fairness, Higgins missed the first matchup, but Zach Orr has to have a scheme set up to limit Ja'Marr Chase, who has dominated the Ravens.
“If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing this,” Burrow said. “I have been through a lot. If it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for? That is the mindset I am trying to bring to the table.” Those were Burrow's words following a recent practice. No, he's not retiring or requesting a trade, but Sunday offers another opportunity for Baltimore to make Burrow feel even worse.
The Ravens face the Bengals, Patriots, Packers, and Steelers down the stretch. They likely need to win out, definitely need to defeat the Steelers, and can not afford a loss to Cincinnati.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 3 reasons for optimism as Ravens battle Bengals in Week 15
IndyStar is expanding #AskJoel off X at halftime to the Indianapolis Colts' entire game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday here at IndyStar.com.
The Colts (8-5) are coming off a devastating loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars that including a season-ending injury to quarterback Daniel Jones. Are you ready for 44-year-old grandpa Philip Rivers, who has been retired for 5 years, to start and face one of the NFL's best defenses? We'll find out if that's what's happening starting at 4:25 p.m.
#AskJoel his thoughts on Philip Rivers and the Colts fast dwindling playoff hopes. Start asking IndyStar Colts Insider Joel A. Erickson your questions now and he will answer them during the game and provide expert commentary right here:
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Philip Rivers: Ask IndyStar's Joel A. Erickson about the Colts vs Seahawks game
IndyStar is expanding #AskJoel off X at halftime to the Indianapolis Colts' entire game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday here at IndyStar.com.
The Colts (8-5) are coming off a devastating loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars that including a season-ending injury to quarterback Daniel Jones. Are you ready for 44-year-old grandpa Philip Rivers, who has been retired for 5 years, to start and face one of the NFL's best defenses? We'll find out if that's what's happening starting at 4:25 p.m.
#AskJoel his thoughts on Philip Rivers and the Colts fast dwindling playoff hopes. Start asking IndyStar Colts Insider Joel A. Erickson your questions now and he will answer them during the game and provide expert commentary right here:
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Philip Rivers: Ask IndyStar's Joel A. Erickson about the Colts vs Seahawks game
It's not a stretch to say the Detroit Lions built much of their offense around one trade.
In arguably the biggest transaction in franchise history, the Lionstraded franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford on Jan. 30, 2021, in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff, first-round draft picks in 2022 and 2023 and a third-round pick in 2021.
It seemed to be a straightforward swap at the time, with two franchise quarterbacks switching teams and the Lions getting critical draft capital in return. But the Lions used the extra picks to make more big deals, turning the original blockbuster trade into a franchise-altering one.
Let's take a look at what the Lions ultimately received in exchange for Stafford.
The biggest chip for the Lions in the trade was Goff – a player the Rams were eager to get rid of.
The four-time Pro Bowler has since played his best football in Detroit, throwing for at least 29 touchdowns passes in each of his last three seasons (and on his way to hitting that marks in 2025) and finishing fifth in the NFL MVP vote in 2024.
Goff had some initial hard feelings about being sent off "to die" in Detroit, but has since called the trade "the greatest thing that ever happened to me." He has started every game over the past four seasons (68 including playoffs).
[ How Lions kept Matthew Stafford trade request secret in critical time ]
Melifonwu was taken with the 2021 third-round pick the Lions got from Los Angeles, selected No. 101 overall out of Syracuse. Melifonwu started 11 games combined in his first three seasons with Detroit from 2021-23, posting his best season in 2023 with two interceptions, three sacks, eight passes defended and 33 tackles.
Melifonwu dealt with injuries throughout most of the 2024 season, however, and only appeared in three games that year. The Miami Dolphins signed Melifonwu during 2025 free agency.
The Lions used the 2022 first-round pick from the Super Bowl champion Rams, No. 32 overall, to package in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. They moved up 20 spots and selected Williams at No. 12 overall.
Williams has delivered on his promise over his past two years in Detroit after injuries and suspensions cut his first two seasons short. Williams put up a 1,001-yard season with 58 catches and seven touchdowns in 2024, and is on his way to break the 1,000-yard mark once again in 2025.
He signed a 3-year, $83 million contract extension with the Lions in September.
As part of the trade with the Vikings, the Lions also landed Minnesota's second-round pick in the 2022 draft, No. 46 overall, which the Lions used to select Paschal.
Paschal gradually became a fixture on the defensive line, starting four games in each of his first two seasons (2022 and 2023) and 10 in 2024. Paschal has not appeared for the Lions in 2025, however, after a back injury suffered in the spring has kept him on the sidelines.
With the Rams going 5-12 in 2022 and handing over the No. 6 overall pick, general manager Brad Holmes maneuvered around the draft board once again. He sent that pick and a third-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for picks 12, 34 and 168.
The Cardinals took offensive tackle Paris Johnson at No. 6, while the Lions used the No. 12 pick on Gibbs, a selection many experts questioned at the time. That skepticism has mostly worn off this year.
Gibbs has been one of the best player in the NFL in his third season, currently second among all running backs in total touchdowns (16) while averaging 134.7 total yards per game. He has set records all throughout his young career, and enters Week 15 against the Rams tied with franchise legend Barry Sanders for the most touchdowns in NFL history before turning age 24.
Not finished by a long shot, the Lions selected LaPorta with the 34th overall pick out of Iowa in the 2023 draft, a pick they got from the deal with Arizona.
LaPorta immediately set the NFL record for most receptions by a rookie tight end in a season (89), caught 10 touchdowns. and was named to the Pro Bowl. He has been out since mid-November after undergoing surgery on his back after an injury in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The last player the Lions selected using capital involved from the Stafford trade was Martin, picked 96th overall out of Western Kentucky in the 2023 draft.
Martin struggled getting on the field in his first two seasons with Detroit, making only one start and five appearances from 2023-24. The Lions waived Martin before the 2025 regular season began after an ineffective preseason, and after a stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, he currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Need to catch up on the news during your lunch break? Sign up for our Sports Briefing newsletter to get daily summaries of Detroit sports!
You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Matthew Stafford trade: Lions got big haul in Rams deal for Jared Goff
LEXINGTON — After Adolph Rupp, Rick Pitino might be the best coach in Kentucky basketball's rich history.
Or it could be John Calipari.
Pitino's winning percentage (81.4) is second only to Rupp (82.2). But Calipari, who stayed nearly twice as many seasons (15) as Pitino (eight) at UK, leads his coaching rival in total victories (410 to 219) as well as Final Four appearances (four to three). Pitino and Calipari won one national title with the program.
Had Pitino not departed Lexington for the NBA in 1997, he undoubtedly would have added to his sterling legacy with the Wildcats. Instead, he returned to the college game in 2001 — at Kentucky's in-state rival Louisville, no less.
Pitino and the Cardinals clashed with Calipari's Cats 10 times (UK held an 8-2 edge in those bouts) before the former's tenure came to an end in 2017. Kentucky has won two-thirds of its games against Pitino (12 of 18) as the opposing coach.
Now, with Pitino guiding St. John's and preparing to face UK — led by one of the captains of his national-title-winning 1995-96 squad, Mark Pope — on Dec. 20 in this year's CBS Sports Classic in Atlanta, we look back at the most memorable matchups between the Wildcats and their legendary ex-coach:
Dec. 21, 2016: Louisville 73, Kentucky 70
Synopsis: No one could have known at the time. But this was to be the last Battle of the Bluegrass with Pitino in charge of Louisville. He was dismissed less than 10 months later amid a recruiting scandal. But what a game this was. Ten ties. Nine lead changes. And an unlikely hero for UofL: Quentin Snider. In his two previous meetings with UK, he didn't score a point. In this victory, which snapped a four-game skid in the series for the Cards, he exploded for a career-high 22 points, helping the hosts fend off the Cats.
Dec. 29, 2012: Louisville 80, Kentucky 77
Synopsis: After Calipari assumed the reins in Lexington ahead of the 2009-10 season, he immediately changed Kentucky's fortunes against Louisville. Prior to his arrival, the Cardinals had won back-to-back games over the Wildcats and four of seven dating to 2002. Calipari won his first four games as UK's coach versus Louisville. That's why this contest meant so much for Pitino's program. It ended the four-game slide in the in-state rivalry — and occurred in the same season the Cardinals won their third national title (which has since been vacated, though calls remain to return the championship banner to the rafters of the KFC Yum! Center). UofL held on for a three-point win at home behind a trio of double-digit scorers: Russ Smith (21), Chane Behanan (20) and Peyton Siva (19). It also was a day Gorgui Dieng never will forget — not as much for his play as for what occurred off the court. He scored six points and pulled down seven rebounds (tied for the team high). More importantly, his parents, Momar Dieng and Seynabou Diagne, sat only six rows behind Louisville's bench, the first time they watched their son in person in a college basketball game.
March 31, 2012: Kentucky 69, Louisville 61
Synopsis: Without question, this was the biggest game in the history of the UK/UofL rivalry. It's the only time they've met on the grandest stage in the sport. It was the second time Pitino and Calipari squared off in the Final Four. Pitino's Cats downed Calipari's Minutemen, 81-74, on March 30, 1996; UK went on to win it all. Calipari avenged that loss almost 16 years to the day. UK's superstar forward, Anthony Davis, tortured UofL on this New Orleans night, posting a double-double (a game-high 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field and grabbing 14 rebounds, another game high) to go along with five blocks. UofL outrebounded UK, 40-33; that included a 19-6 advantage in offensive boards. But the Wildcats were simply too tough, leading by as many as 13 in the second half. The Cards didn't go down quietly, however, ripping off a 15-3 run to knot the game at 49 with 9:11 remaining. Kentucky made more plays down the stretch, though, advancing to the national title game for the first time since its previous championship in 1998.
Courier Journal Sports (@courierjournal_sports) • Instagram photos and videos
Jan. 2, 2010: Kentucky 71, Louisville 62
Synopsis: Pitino and Calipari already had faced each other 13 times as college coaches — five times when Pitino was at UK while Calipari led UMass, then eight more meetings when Pitino took over at UofL while Calipari guided Memphis. Not to mention six tussles when they were NBA coaches (Pitino with Boston and Calipari with New Jersey). But this contest marked their first time on opposing sidelines in the Bluegrass State's marquee series. To say it was intense was an understatement. The teams combined for five technical fouls. It also was sloppy: The squads combined for 37 turnovers. Freshman big man DeMarcus Cousins came up big for Kentucky: 18 points, 18 rebounds. Both game highs. Teammates Patrick Patterson and John Wall had 17 points apiece to help the Wildcats improve to 15-0.
Dec. 29, 2001: Kentucky 82, Louisville 62
Synopsis: This one speaks for itself. Recalling this game, Pitino earlier this year said it was "the toughest day of my coaching career" with the Cardinals. "I had to walk into Rupp Arena (for the first time with UofL). I tried not to show it," he said, referring to the scorn the home crowd showered upon him. That was about as memorable as the game got. Though the Cardinals trailed by only four points (36-32) at the break, the Wildcats dominated the second half en route to a 20-point win.
The pregame scene the last time a former Kentucky coach returned to Rupp…
— Kentucky Bias (@kentuckybias) January 29, 2025
How different will Caliparis “welcome back” be? pic.twitter.com/aeKcqUGZuC
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball game St. John's, UK history versus Rick Pitino
Sam LaPorta’s season is pretty much over.
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said Friday, Nov. 21, that LaPorta underwent back surgery and likely will miss the rest of the year, including Sunday's game against the L.A. Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California..
“So look, Sam did have a procedure and he's going to be out for a while,” Campbell said during his press conference in Allen Park. “A while. I think we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season, at some point. I think that's very, very slim.”
ANOTHER OPTION How Detroit Lions WR Tom Kennedy has overcome odds to stick in NFL
LaPorta injured his back in the Lions’ Nov. 9 win over the Washington Commanders, was placed on injured reserve and missed a Nov. 16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brock Wright is recovering from a trachea injury and not expected back until the playoffs, and Shane Zylstra, out for weeks, was listed as questionable on Friday, and activated from IR on Saturday. He and Anthony Firkser – with two catches for 11 yards in three games – are the only tight ends on the Lions' 53-man roster entering Sunday's game.
LaPorta is fourth on the Lions with 40 catches for 489 yards and three touchdowns and has been a key red-zone and third-down threat this year.
HELLO AGAIN: Matthew Stafford still remembers many Lions fans didn't want him
Here's the Lions' roster of tight ends for Sunday's game against the Rams:
LaPorta, who turns 25 in January, set a then-rookie record with 86 catches as a second-round pick out of Iowa in 2023.
He is eligible for a contract extension this offseason and considered one of the Lions’ core homegrown players.
“The good news is the procedure went really well, long-term,” Campbell said.
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Sam LaPorta injury update: Will Detroit Lions TE play vs Rams?
The Arizona Wildcats proved why they're the No. 1 ranked team in the country Saturday night at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Arizona turned a two-point deficit at halftime into a second-half rout of the 12th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in a 96-75 blowout.
Alabama (7-3) overcame a seven-point deficit early and took the lead on a 3-pointer from Labaron Philon with inside of 11 minutes to play. Latrell Wrightsell's tray briefly pushed the Crimson Tide lead to seven at 37-30.
It was a former Alabama player who helped Arizona fuel a 9-0 run. Jaden Bradley knocked down three shots in a row as the Wildcats caught up with the Tide in the final two minutes of the half.
Arizona (9-0) pounced after intermission. A 14-2 run to open the second half gave the Wildcats a 53-45 lead they would never relinquish -- and one they pushed to as many as 24 in the final minutes.
Alabama was simply manhandled on the boards, being out-rebounded 52-32, including 22-3 in offensive rebounds. Brayden Burries led the Wildcats with 28 points, and Motiejus Krivas added 14 to go with 14 rebounds. Tobe Awaka pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds in 23 minutes.
"We've got rebounding issues," Alabama coach Nate Oats said after the game. "Until we fix them, we're not going to be able to beat a good team."
Philon led the Crimson Tide with 24 points to go with 10 rebounds, and Wrightsell scored 21. Alabama's next highest scorer was forward Taylor Bol Bowen with eight points.
After the game, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd met with reporters to discuss his team's 21-point win over the Crimson Tide. Here's what the fifth-year Wildcats coach said about Alabama.
"A great environment. Thanks to the University of Alabama and Birmingham. You guys, you brought a great crowd and it was a ton of fun competing here. Obviously, you could say that after a win, but I would have said it after a loss, too. So, it was fun coming down here and seeing everybody come out and watch two really strong programs go at it."
"I'm thankful for Nate for giving us the opportunity and scheduling the series with us. Hopefully, maybe we can continue something like that in the future. I mean, he's a hell of a coach."
Bradley finished the night with 13 points, five rebounds, and seven assists in 31 minutes against his former team.
Lloyd said of Bradley afterwards:
"You know, Jaden didn't have a bad experience at Alabama. And Jaden's such a good guy. It's just, I think if you guys did a little research, we literally, in the last three years, we probably have a top 25 transfer team-from-Arizona players out there. It's just kind of what happens this day and age. So, there's no ill will towards anything. I mean, we didn't even talk about it. And obviously, Jaden is so steady as a person that he came back here and just played his normal game. He's not going to try to do anything over the top. There was no revenge or anything like that."
Arizona out-rebounded Alabama, 22-3, on offensive boards. Lloyd was asked if he'd ever part of a game with such a discrepancy.
"You coach and you play in so many games, I don't know. But we really wanted to come out and we wanted to put it to them on the glass. We feel like we have an advantage there on most nights, and I think we were plus-20 on UConn a few weeks ago. Now, they were missing one of their big guys, so let's factor that in, as well. We knew a theme for the week for us was early energy, early effort. Because against Alabama, you have to start your possessions like that. You can't ease into anything.
"And then the word we really hammered in on them was endurance. You have to have competitive endurance against a team like that because they just keep coming at you, coming at you, coming at you. Our guys, I thought they did that, and then we were able to kind of ... the game started OK. They made a little run. I felt like the place got going a little bit.
"We didn't say anything crazy at halftime. Just, 'Hey, let's see if we can come out and land the first punch and see what happens.' Fortunately, we landed a few haymakers, made some defensive plays. Obviously, Brayden got in his own little flow, and it was pretty special."
Watch Tommy Lloyd's full postgame press conference below.
Follow us at @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Arizona basketball coach Tommy Lloyd speaks out after win over Alabama
Earlier this season, the New York Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll after no progress or improvement had been made since his first season. He did take the team to the playoffs once, but failed to make it past the divisional round.
The Giants are gearing up to play the Washington Commanders this week, and the organization is also considering who they want to interview for the vacant head coaching position. Names like interim head coach Mike Kafka, Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and former Giants' defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo have all been speculated about.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic now reports the Giants have compiled a list of early candidates, and among them is Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman.
The New York Giants have a list of candidates for their head-coaching vacancy. I’m told the names on it include Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak … and Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman.
I also expect Freeman to garner interest from other NFL organizations. The 39-year-old has spent the past four years leading Notre Dame, taking the Irish to the national championship game last season. Last December, he agreed to a lucrative contract extension through 2030. And though he has never coached in the NFL, his leadership, people skills and ability to thrive in one of the most high-profile jobs in the country are what’s drawing the interest of general managers and owners.
Jeff Hafley, Lou Anarumo, Kliff Kingsbury, and Klint Kubiak are all well-known names in the NFL. They all have solid histories in their roles and are looking to make the jump to (or back to) head coach. Any of them could be a fit, should they choose to interview with the Giants.
Marcus Freeman, though, is definitely garnering interest from the NFL after how he's led his Notre Dame team since being hired in 2021. They made it to the National Championship in 2024, but were snubbed from the playoffs in 2025 (which many disagree with). He has handled everything thrown at him with poise and grace, but the NFL is a different beast than college.
Freeman knows this, as he had a brief professional career before being diagnosed with a heart condition that forced him to retire without seeing the field. However, his knowledge of the game and his ability to get players to buy in is something the Giants desperately need. He has not said he has intentions of leaving Notre Dame, but that doesn't mean teams won't be reaching out.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants' coaching list includes Marcus Freeman, Lou Anarumo
NEWARK – The basketball was loose under Seton Hall’s basket. Najai Hines threw his 6-foot-10, 265-pound body on the floor, hitting the Prudential Center’s hardwood with the ferocity of an anvil dropped from a skyscraper. He beat two Rutgers players to the ball, tipping it to an open teammate.
There were many sequences in Saturday’s Garden State Hardwood Classic when Hines – a freshman center out of Plainfield High School – played with a pride that seemed personal as the Pirates thumped the Scarlet Knights 81-59. But that one was the quintessence of selfless effort, because it won’t show up in a box score or on a metrics analyst’s spreadsheet.
“It’s amazing to watch, honestly,” Hal point guard Budd Clark said. “It’s amazing to play with him. He’s a monster.”
In just 22 minutes of action, Hines tallied 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting and grabbed six rebounds – five offensive – while blocking four shots.
In one particularly telling sequence, he ripped an offensive rebound out of the hands of Rutgers center Emmanuel Obgole and bullied past the 6-10, 260-pound postgrad for a bucket.
“He gets us wanting to play with the same intensity he does,” Hall guard A.J. Staton-McCray said. “He gives us that juice, gives us that energy.”
He also gave it to the crowd, which cheered every hustle play from all the Pirates – and there were plenty – but roared a bit louder when the big fella made them.
“That’s probably the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of,” Hines said. “Seeing all those faces cheering us on, it’s a great feeling on top of playing basketball.”
College basketball fans don’t obsess over where their players come from, as long as they can play, but when a hometown kid succeeds, it means a little bit extra. When asked if he brought a hometown edge to the battle for Jersey bragging rights, Hines didn’t want to go there.
“This is how I should be every night,” he said. “Every practice, every game, whatever it is, this is how I should be. I just did what I was supposed to do.”
Hall coach Shaheen Holloway pushed that button hard last week as Hines dragged in practice.
“Even today in the walkthrough, I got into him, and I thought he came out and responded,” Holloway said. “I want him to play the way he’s capable of playing, just being physical and throwing his body around.”
Leading into the Rutgers game, Holloway identified Obgole as a pressure point he wanted squeezed.
“He’s a big kid, right?” Holloway said. “So I told (Hines), ‘You’re gonna have to match his intensity. I watched him and the games he played well, (Rutgers) played well.’”
Hines erased Ogbole, who is six years his senior, and you get the feeling he is just scratching the surface.
The Big East is on notice.
Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: After beasting Rutgers, Seton Hall's 'monster' puts Big East on notice
Sherrone Moore started out looking calm, breaking into an easy smile, standing on a football field, wearing a Michigan cap, staring into a TV camera — the moment most of America was introduced to him.
“First on the win, to say this has been a crazy 24 hours for your guys,” Fox sideline reporter Jenny Taft said after Michigan football beat Penn State on the road on Nov. 11, 2023. “To win on the road, in this environment, when there were doubts — Sherrone, what does it mean to you?”
Then, it was like a flip was switched. Moore was overcome with emotion and started wiping tears. "I want to thank the Lord," Moore said. "I want to thank coach (Jim) Harbaugh."
Harbaugh had missed the game as part of a three-game suspension by the Big Ten, a couple weeks after the public learned about the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal. Barely 24 hours before the game in Happy Valley, Moore had been named acting head coach.
"I (expletive) love you man,” Moore said, his voice cracking. Now, he was sobbing. “I love the (expletive) out of you man.”
Moore jabbed his finger at the camera and his tone shifted again: “We did this for you!”
Blake Corum, the star Michigan running back, walked up and they slapped hands. Moore kept sobbing. He wrapped his arm around Corum, hugging him around his neck. “These guys did it man,” Moore continued, his voice cracking. “Talk to him, man. Love you.”
Moore spun and walked off. At the time, his raw emotion seemed endearing.
But now, after a week that saw Moore go from discussing a Citrus Bowl opponent to sitting for an arraignment in district court on Friday, Dec. 12?
Everything feels different. Everything looks different, even that video. Now, it’s difficult to watch, and it's disturbing seeing somebody melt down on national TV, unable to maintain any sense of composure, overcome with emotion.
Seventy-six days after that postgame moment with Taft, Moore was named the school’s 21st football coach. The feeling was, Moore would continue what Harbaugh had built, just like he did in that game.
But Moore’s tenure has unraveled in a stunning, spectacular way.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel fired Moore for cause Wednesday, after finding “credible evidence” of "an inappropriate relationship with a staff member," and "a clear violation of University policy,” according to a statement from Manuel.
There are so many layers to this story, and so many tentacles, too.
It’s an epic story with a sudden rise and a spectacular collapse.
It’s a story filled with controversy and NCAA violations, scandals and suspensions, arrests and allegations — so many, involving so many coaches, it’s hard to keep them all straight.
It’s a story with a darkness and a troubling undertone. On the day Moore was fired, he was later arrested and held in jail. Two days after that, on Friday, Moore was charged with felony home invasion, misdemeanor breaking and entering and misdemeanor stalking related to a domestic relationship.
But this story has something else. Something incredibly human that should remain private — in the wake of all of this, it’s hard not to feel for his wife and family. The true victims in this story.
“This breach of trust by Coach Moore is painful for many in our community, first and foremost, the individuals directly involved in this situation," interim Michigan President Domenico Grasso said in a message to students and faculty members on Thursday. "All of the facts here must be known, so the University’s investigation will continue.”
NEW: Warde Manuel's future tied to Michigan's Sherrone Moore investigation
When you try to pull together a coherent narrative of Moore’s time at Michigan, all the controversies and scandals start to bump into one another. Like a wild, slow-motion demolition derby that was happening just under the surface — just out of sight, and most of it self-inflicted.
So, let’s go back in time, to a day that changed everything.
It was Sept. 1, 2023 — the day Connor Stalions went into "KGB" mode, as he called his elaborate sign-stealing operation. Decked out in Central Michigan gear, he disguised himself as a member of the Chippewas football staff and found a spot on the sideline as CMU played Michigan State in East Lansing. Later, an NCAA investigation found that Stalions was attempting to steal signs and gain a competitive advantage.
Did Moore know about it? Did he talk to Stalions that day? It’s not clear, although the NCAA did find that he had deleted numerous texts to Stalions.
The next day, Moore was supposed to coach his first game as Michigan’s sole offensive coordinator — a tremendous moment for this young coach.
But Moore wasn't allowed to be on the sideline for Michigan's season opener against East Carolina on Sept. 2. He and head coach Harbaugh were suspended — a ban self-imposed by the program — as the NCAA investigated recruiting violations for pandemic-era recruiting violations.
Yes, you need a bingo card — or rather, a cheat sheet of cheating — to keep all of the allegations straight at Michigan.
But Harbaugh (who took a three-game ban) and Moore watched the game together at Moore’s house, while Moore’s wife, Kelli, made sandwiches, according to Harbaugh.
"We had a good time," Harbaugh said a few days later in Ann Arbor. "It was excellent."
Now, that anecdote takes on a completely different feel. How their private lives and scandal had blended together for years.
One more tidbit from that moment?
Jesse Minter was the acting head coach for Michigan, as the Wolverines won, 30-3. Now, Minter is the Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator and he’s been mentioned as a possible replacement for Moore. For the record, Minter, also, was found to have violated NCAA recruiting rules and agreed to a one-year show-cause penalty.
Actually, we have to go a little farther back than that moment: Why was Moore promoted as sole offensive coordinator?
That’s a whole different scandal. Matt Weiss, who had shared the responsibilities with Moore in 2022, was fired after allegations of computer access crimes, illegally accessing and downloading photos and other personal data from the athletes. Weiss has been indicted on 14 counts of unauthorized access and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft — a case still moving through the federal court system, though Weiss was fired by U-M in January 2023.
That all led to Moore as sole offensive coordinator — even while he was suspended for a game.
That’s the culture of this timeframe for the Wolverines — one scandal wrapped inside another, an NCAA turducken with plenty of other unrelated scandals scattered around like side dishes in a holiday dinner.
All of them colliding just under the surface.
Moore's firing has quickly overshadowed how Moore was an absolutely fantastic assistant coach and a gifted recruiter who played a big role in Michigan’s 2023 College Football Playoff championship.
Moore was hired from Central Michigan as a tight ends coach in 2018 when Harbaugh completely revamped his staff, wanting to bring in younger coaches to help recruiting.
After three seasons, Moore received a significant promotion, taking over the offensive line — a position he had played at Oklahoma, but never coached — and he crafted one of the best units in the country. For two straight seasons, Michigan's offensive line won the Joe Moore Award, given annually to the best offensive line in college football.
"Sherrone Moore is a shining star," Harbaugh told reporters in November 2021. "It's always been easy to see. Tremendous coach, teacher, has a tremendous connection to the players.”
Players raved about Moore’s enthusiasm, energy and the vibe he brought to the team. And assistant coaches on staff marveled about his talent.
"I think they're the best O-line in the country and I think they're the best-coached O-line in the country," Minter told reporters in 2022. "I think Sherrone Moore, any position, is one of the best position coaches I've had the chance to be around.”
By 2023, it was all coming together for Michigan. That strong, well-coached offensive line. A talented, two-headed running game. And the Wolverines were barreling toward the national championship, continuing to win even as Harbaugh racked up suspensions. He missed six games that season, and Moore was acting head coach for four of them.
"I have 10 coaches that will be future head coaches," Harbaugh told reporters in November 2023. "And Sherrone is — he's the best of the best. His toughness, mental toughness, physical toughness. And there's nobody that doubts Sherrone Moore — his dedication, his connection, his commitment to the team."
But again, even as Michigan was winning, those controversies and scandals kept bumping into each other. Harbaugh missed the final three games of the 2023 season — that Big Ten ban over the sign-stealing scandal, before the NCAA had even taken action — and Moore took over as the acting coach on game days.
Then, on Nov. 17, 2023, U-M fired Chris Partridge, reportedly for his part in the sign-stealing fiasco: The linebackers coach was alleged to have destroyed evidence in connection with the scandal.
Two days later, Moore was the acting coach again against Ohio State, with the Wolverines playing for a spot in the Big Ten championship game. And if it was an audition to prove he could one day be Michigan’s coach, he nailed it.
"Coach Moore said from the get-go that he's going to call the most aggressive game he's ever called," Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy said after Michigan's monumental 30-24 win in Columbus.
Moore was bold and aggressive, making the right calls — while simultaneously serving as the steady hand the program needed at a crucial moment — and he simply outcoached Ohio State coach Ryan Day, who lost his third straight game to Michigan.
"It goes back to the kids, how they prepare, how they attack things, and how they work," Moore said. "I'd be doing them a disservice if I try to be conservative. When they're going out there running 150s in the summer — blood, sweat and tears — working their tails off in the weight room, doing everything they can, they put their trust in me as a play-caller on offense to be aggressive in these games. That's what they want. So that's what we gave them."
The three games at the end of the 2023 season were Moore's dress rehearsal, of sorts. He won a top-10 road game against Penn State, with 32 straight runs to end a 24-15 victory. He led the Wolverines to a win against Maryland as U-M became the first NCAA program with 1,000 wins. Then, the Wolverines beat Ohio State for a third consecutive year, locking up a trip to Indianapolis before Harbaugh was reinstated.
Moore had done his job. He had held the team together, setting up the national championship run. And it was clear to many that Moore was ready to take over a team.
Something, actually, Harbaugh had predicted in 2022.
"Beyond ready," Harbaugh told reporters, "to be a head coach."
When Harbaugh jumped to the Los Angeles Chargers a few days after the CFP title, Moore was the obvious choice to replace him.
“Sherrone stepped up this fall and served as the interim head coach when the program and especially the team needed him,” Manuel said in a statement. “Sherrone handled that situation in a way that sealed my already-growing confidence in him. He didn’t make it about him, it was always about the team!“
On the surface, the program was in great shape. The Wolverines were the defending national champs and had won 40 of their previous 43 games, including three straight outright Big Ten titles.
But Moore was actually taking over a tough situation. Harbaugh took several key coaches with him to the NFL, including Minter, head strength & conditioning coach Ben Herbert, defensive line coach Mike Elston and defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale.
And Jay Harbaugh, Jim’s son, left for the Seattle Seahawks.
Meanwhile, the NFL raided the Michigan roster, taking 13 Wolverines in the draft — a program record and the most of any school that year. That left the Wolverines in a precarious position, just trying to keep the program headed in the right direction.
MAIZE AND BUSTED: All the Michigan athletics scandals, embarrassments under Warde Manuel
But before Moore could even coach a game, more controversies around the program found their way into the headlines:
Moore’s first season was uninspiring.
Michigan’s offense was a mess. The Wolverines had one of the worst scoring offenses, grounded by a brutal passing attack that cycled through three starting quarterbacks, did not have a wideout with either 250 receiving yards or three touchdowns and didn't have any games with 225 passing yards.
The Wolverines lost four of five games in the middle of the season and everything seemed bleak.
Until one stunning day that salvaged the season for the Wolverines: Dec. 1, 2024.
Michigan 13, Ohio State, 10 — a shocking upset for the ages.
"You talk about a gritty performance by a bunch of guys! I love these dudes!" Moore gushed to a Fox reporter. "This is why you come to Michigan!"
It should have been one of Moore’s finest moments — the Wolverines' epic fourth consecutive victory over the Buckeyes.
But it ended in ugliness. In yet another controversy.
The Wolverines tried to plant a flag on the midfield "O" in Ohio Stadium, and a fight broke out. It got so crazy that multiple law enforcement agencies had to break it up, using pepper spray to separate the players.
"It was emotions on both sides," Moore said. "I did see they had the flag and guys were waving it around and their guys charged us. There's emotion on both sides. It can't happen. Rivalry games get heated, especially this one, it's the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that one better."
The remnants of those program-wide controversies kept popping up during the 2025 season, Moore's second as the full-time coach.
Michigan slapped a two-game suspension on Moore for his deleted texts to Stalions as part of the program's sign-stealing scandal, but the timing was almost laughable. He coached the opener and U-M's marquee Week 2 trip to Oklahoma — his alma mater — before handing the reins to assistant Biff Poggi for Weeks 3 and 4. The Wolverines clobbered Central Michigan and then won a three-point road victory over Nebraska in the conference opener. The NCAA's cavalcade of punishment for the program for its sign-stealing violations, meanwhile, included another suspension for Moore (though this one, a one-gamer, was set to be served in the 2026 season opener).
And even though Michigan finished the season with a 9-3 record, something significant was obvious: The Wolverines were no longer feared.
Not like Ohio State, which beat down Michigan at the Big House, 27-9, for a spot in the Big Ten title game, and a virtually locked-in CFP berth.
Not like Big Ten newcomer Oregon, which earned the CFP's No. 5 seed.
And not even like Indiana — once the losingest program in the country, and now a powerhouse. The Hoosiers won the Big Ten and became the No. 1 team in the country.
Michigan had slipped into the conference's next tier — able to beat bad teams but not the elite. Still, Michigan earned a right to continue playing. And Moore was preparing his team to play Texas — Michigan's SEC doppelganger — in the Citrus Bowl.
But then, everything unraveled.
According to police statements and information provided at Friday's arraignment, this is what happened:
Moore and a staff member had an intimate relationship for a number of years but it went sour, according to Kati Rezmierski, first assistant prosecutor for Washtenaw County.
“Our victim broke up with this defendant on Monday morning early,” Rezmierski said at the arraignment. “There continued to be — the defendant — making numerous phone calls and sending numerous texts, from that time moving forward, that she did not answer, did not respond to and did not want.”
The staff member then went to officials at Michigan and “cooperated” with the investigation into improper behavior. Considering the timing, it is reasonable to assume that was the "credible evidence" Manuel described in his statement explaining Moore's firing.
“As we all now know, at some point on Wednesday, our defendant was fired from his employment,” Rezmierski said.
Then, everything began to spiral out of control. Moore went to the staffer's residence, entering through an unlocked door without permission.
“Barged his way into that apartment,” Rezmierski said. “Immediately then proceeded to a kitchen drawer. Grabbed several butter knives and kitchen scissors and began to threaten his own life: ‘I’m gonna kill myself. I’m gonna make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life.’
“A series of very threatening, intimidating, terrifying — quite frankly — statements and behaviors there in that apartment. It was only then, your honor, when the victim, she called her attorney and at some point indicated she was going to call the police and then he left.”
Moore left the residence before responding officers arrived.
“I understand there isn’t evidence to suggest that he directly threatened the victim with any of those implements that I’ve indicated,” Rezmierski said. “The totality of the behavior is highly threatening and highly intimidating. She was terrorized, your honor.”
Moore was found by police in Saline. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to a local hospital for evaluation before he was taken to the Washtenaw County Jail.
At the arraignment, the prosecution asked for Moore to go through a mental health evaluation, be forced to wear a GPS tether and be prohibited from going to the victim’s residence or place of employment. To not have any contact with her. No stalking behavior of any kind. And to surrender any weapons.
“In light of the totality of all of those circumstances, we consider the defendant to be a risk to public safety, a risk to this victim,” Rezmierski said.
The ripples and ramifications have only started.
As far as the current team, Michigan is getting ready for the Citrus Bowl, set for Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 31. Poggi is, again, acting coach.
Newly signed recruits will be given the opportunity to leave the program — two have already — as will veteran players on the roster, once a new coach is named.
Meanwhile, Michigan has started searching for a new coach, who will inherit various NCAA penalties. The Wolverines were handed four years of probation for the sign-stealing sandal, plus fines that could total $30 million, a 25% reduction in football official visits during the 2025-26 season and a 14-week prohibition on recruiting communications in the football program during the probation period.
One lucky thing for Michigan?
No postseason ban.
But the stench around the program is thick after the NCAA found "sufficient grounds for a multiyear postseason ban."
Now, big questions remain.
Who will make the hire? Michigan has an interim president and Manuel, the athletic director, has come under fire after a series of scandals in the athletic program.
INSTANT REACTION: Sherrone Moore firing by Michigan accelerates what seemed inevitable
There are even questions about how he handled the firing of Moore.
One report suggested that Manuel was informed by prominent donors that Moore had mental health issues on Sunday, Dec. 7 — three days before the firing — according to WWJ-TV's Rachel Hopmayer.
And Manuel fired Moore alone, without a human resources representative or any security in the room, according to a report Thursday from NBC Sports' Nicole Auerbach.
All of that created even more uncertainty and questions. Michigan continues to investigate the situation and has asked students with any more information to leave it on a tip line.
On Friday afternoon, at the arraignment in 14A-1 District Court in Ann Arbor, Moore appeared on a video feed, wearing what looked like an all-white jail uniform.
It was so incredibly jarring to see Moore appear in that setting. Not on TV being asked questions by a reporter after a game. But getting instructions from a no-nonsense court official.
“You are not to use alcohol, marijuana, or any other controlled substance that is not prescribed to you,” Magistrate Odetalla Odetalla said from the bench.
Moore stared into the camera, showing no emotion, his hands folded in his lap.
Odetalla continued: “You are not to possess or purchase a firearm or any other dangerous weapon. You are not to engage in criminal conduct of any kind whatsoever. You may not leave the state of Michigan without permission of the court. Prior to your release, you will be placed on a GPS tether. You will not be released before that GPS tether is placed upon you, you must continue all mental health treatment as a condition of your bond.”
Odetalla said the name of the victim in this case will not appear in any court records.
“You may not have contact with that individual," he said. "That means no calling, no writing, no video chatting, no texting, no emailing or any other form of contact the human mind can possibly fathom. No one in the world thinks that this person is going to reach out to you. Should they do so? And again, no one thinks that they're going to, you may not reply in any form or fashion. The victim's address will not be placed on the record. You may not go to that location for any reason whatsoever. Are we understood? On the no-contact and no go to?”
Suddenly, Moore looked so ordinary.
This man who was once the football coach at Michigan, in charge of one of the biggest brands in the sport — if not all of sport — and making millions a year.
This man who was deemed a repeat offender by the NCAA.
This man who had climbed so high and crashed so fast.
This man who — if the allegations prove true — did all of this to himself.
Moore responded simply: “Yes, your honor."
The court case will continue in January.
Is it a tragedy?
Yes. For his wife and kids. They're who I truly feel sorry for.
Contact Jeff Seidel: jseidel@freepress.com. Follow him on X @seideljeff.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Sherrone Moore scandal started well before Michigan football firing
The New England Patriots will host the Buffalo Bills for an AFC East divisional clash on Sunday.
In one of the biggest games of the season, the Patriots will be looking to clinch the AFC East, while the Bills hope to play the role of spoiler and retake the division.
This will either be a revenge game or a changing of the guard. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye and the Patriots upset Josh Allen and the Bills at Orchard Park in Week 5. This will be an opportunity for the Bills to return the favor and stay in the hunt for the AFC East throne.
The Patriots will be coming off a bye week, which means they should be well-rested for this game. In their last outing, they dominated at home in a 33-15 win over the New York Giants. Meanwhile, the Bills handled their business in an offensive shootout with the Cincinnati Bengals. Allen was the biggest difference in the end to help the Bills come away with a 39-34 victory.
The story of the first game was the Patriots' ability to shut down Buffalo's run game. However, the Patriots have been among the worst teams in the league against the run over the last three games. They have allowed an average of 123.7 rushing yards over that time span.
On the other side of the ball, the Patriots won't have left tackle Will Campbell for this matchup, but they will get their starting left guard, Jared Wilson back. They will also get defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga back on the field. So they could be more formidable in the trenches.
But containing Allen will be key. Can the defense play disciplined enough to force mistakes and shut down easy scrambling lanes for the mobile quarterback?
Here are the final predictions from the Patriots Wire staff:
Danny Jaillet: Patriots 31, Bills 28
Jordy McElroy: Patriots 28, Bills 31
Sophie Weller: Patriots 24, Bills 21
Jacob Rebb: Patriots 28, Bills 24
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots Wire staff predictions for Patriots-Bills Week 15 game
I don't remember what year I first voted for the Heisman Trophy, but I do remember putting Marvin "Shade Tree" Jones on one of those early ballots. That must've been 1992, the year the Florida State linebacker won the Butkus Award and the Lombardi Award. He was a unanimous all-American and The Sporting News college football player of the year.
Jones finished fourth in balloting for the Heisman Trophy, far behind a quarterback and two running backs. He appeared on 179 ballots out of about a thousand.
Texas Tech football linebacker Jacob Rodriguez fared about the same this year. I'm writing this before the awards presentation on Saturday, but the Heisman Trust on Thursday revealed the players who finished fifth through 10th, and Rodriguez got fifth.
More: Rodriguez stands strong on cover of our Texas Tech commemorative book
More: Texas Tech football 'D' stars dot USA TODAY Sports All-America team
Maybe Jones and Rodriguez would have fared better had voters been allowed to cast a ballot with more than three names. That's the format, then and now: Three spots on the ballot. Three points for a first-place vote, two points for a second-place vote, one point for a third-place vote.
I don't know that it would significantly change outcomes, but I've long thought voters should be directed to rank the top five, maybe top seven, for college football's most outstanding player. It stands to reason that an award for the most outstanding player in college football will be a familiar face on one of the best teams. That's the reason why the award leans toward quarterbacks, running backs and receivers. Once those players are accounted for, there's one or no spots for anyone else.
Get out of here with the regional-bias argument. The ballots for media panelists who make up the majority of the electorate are distributed equally — 145 voters in each of six geographic regions of the country.
I also hear and see the phrase "popularity contest" as when one's favorite gets shorted. It's a lazy criticism. Implied in the "popularity contest" complaint is that Heisman voters will always lean to candidates from the most tradition-rich programs. That's certainly not happening when Indiana, Vanderbilt and Texas Tech are supplying three of the five top vote-getters.
It also fails to explain runner-up finishes in recent years from Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and TCU quarterback Max Duggan. Heck, Cornell running back Ed Marinaro was runner-up to Auburn quarterback Pat Sullivan in 1971, and Holy Cross two-way player Gordie Lockbaum finished fifth in 1986 and third in 1987.
Arguably, no college football player in 2025 has been more popular than Rodriguez, the Texas Tech linebacker who won the Butkus Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Lombardi Award and the Bednarik Award. His wife Emma, the U.S. Army helicopter pilot, was ubiquitous on TV broadcasts throughout the conference season.
College football analyst Robert Griffin III spent much of the season running his own personal PR campaign for Rodriguez. Others got on board, too.
FOX had Rodriguez in person on its Big Noon Kickoff show in Cincinnati during the Red Raiders' late-season open date. The panel — including former Heisman winners Matt Leinart, Mark Ingram and Griffin — joined J-Rod in striking the Heisman pose. The same afternoon, a TNT studio crew full of former NFL players interviewed him, Takeo Spikes being particularly complimentary.
It was a Jacob Rodriguez car wash on a November Saturday when the Red Raiders weren't even playing. How often does something like that happen?
And, at least to some extent, it all worked. As we monitored oddsmakers over the final month, Rodriguez moved up the list of Heisman candidates from the consensus ninth choice on Nov. 22 to the consensus seventh on Nov. 27 to consensus sixth on Dec. 5 to finishing fifth.
Brings to mind the old saying: He didn't lose. He just ran out of time.
History suggests, though, this was the most likely outcome.
Since 1970, there have been 28 players finish sixth or higher in Heisman voting who were not quarterbacks, running backs or wide receivers. Of the 28, including Rodriguez this year, 20 finished fourth, fifth or sixth.
Coming from a school that's not a traditional power isn't what decided the issue. Brian Bosworth from Oklahoma, Orlando Pace from Ohio State and Ndamukong Suh from Nebraska got fourth. Ross Browner from Notre Dame, Tyrann Mathieu from LSU and Will Anderson from Alabama were fifth-place finishers. Ohio State linebackers Randy Gradishar, Chris Spielman and A.J. Hawk also finished sixth. So did Miami's Warren Sapp.
Strongly disagree, though, that the Heisman Trust should rebrand college football's top prize as being for quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers only. Sure, it usually works out that way.
But every so often, the stars align so that Charles Woodson or Travis Hunter wins or a John Hicks or a Hugh Green comes close.
It'll happen again, and we don't want to close the door on that opportunity.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Would a change to Heisman voting format have helped Jacob Rodriguez?
Melbourne High's boys swim team ended the 2025 season with their names etched throughout the school's record books after setting marks in both relays and individual events.
The Bulldogs broke three relay records after setting new school records in the 200-yard medley, 200-yard freestyle and 400-yard freestyle relays. The Bulldogs also had two of their relay squads qualify for the state meet for the first time.
"To me, it's the ultimate testament to what team work truly means and how individual commitment translates to team success," Melbourne swim and dive coach Vanessa Ziade said. "I feel super proud of my team because they have worked hard individually and as a team for a few seasons to get to this point."
Swimmers Tyler Hart, Enzo Widjaja, Sawyer Hackett and Samuel Orellana combined for a time of 1:39.23 to set a new school record in the 200-yard medley relay.
Cameran Stewart, Hackett, Orellana, and Widjaja swam a time of 1:30.52 in the 200-yard freestyle relay to set a record in the event.
Hackett, Stewart, Orellana, and Widjaja also set a record with a time of 3:24.2 in the 400-yard freestyle relay this season.
"I think they were quite surprised at first because we didn't have a solid handle on past swim records because over time these records were not retained in any one place, so after spending a few days scouring for as many records I could find, it became clear that this was going to be a record-breaking year," Ziade said. "They were presented with special awards for these achievements at the end of season swim banquet and were quite excited about all of the cool hardware they received."
Along with swimming on all the record-breaking relay squads, Hackett set new school records this season in the 50-yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard IM. The junior also owns school records in the 100-yard breaststroke and 100-yard butterfly after setting the records in the events in past seasons.
"It makes me feel exceptionally proud of him for putting in the work year-round to achieve the goals he set for himself," Ziade said. "Sawyer's performance on an individual level and the team's performance in the relay creates a legacy and sets the bar higher with standards of excellence and expectations for future athletes."
Ziade has worked with the swim and dive team for nearly a decade and for her the team's strong 2025 season was something that she was extremely proud to be a part of. She also ended the season with a nice achievement of her own after she was named boys coach of the year.
"After nearly 10 years of dedication to the Melbourne High swim and dive team, I was honored to be recognized by my peers. I was selected as the Brevard County boys swim and dive coach of the year. This esteemed award truly signifies the culmination of my journey and validates the principle, philosophy, and methods I have used as a coach throughout my tenure," Ziade said.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Melbourne High boys swim teams had record-breaking season in 2025
She’s an eighth grader playing varsity.
But Florida High girls basketball combo guard Callie James commands the floor as if she’s a polished graduating senior.
Just nine games into her first year playing high school basketball as a middle schooler, the Seminoles’ head coach, Darryl Marshall, considers James as “one of those special players that Florida High normally gets.”
Marshall thinks James’ trajectory will be comparable to that of past Florida High girls’ basketball stars and current NCAA Division I players Tonie Morgan and Jordan Rosier. Morgan is a senior shooting guard for the Kentucky Wildcats, while Jordan Rosier is a guard for the South Alabama Jaguars.
“She’s been a blessing to us,” Marshall said of James.
The Seminoles are riding a two-game winning streak, having last hosted and defeated in-town opponent the Lincoln Trojans 52-46 on Thursday, Dec. 11.
James scored 11 points as Florida High fought off a late comeback effort by Lincoln, led by the reigning All-Big Bend Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Jamiya Brown, who had a game-high 22 points.
On the season, James leads the team with 15.4 points per game on a 56 percent field goal rate and 50 percent from three. She’s one of the Big Bend’s top scorers, led by Wakulla junior Amariyah Donaldson’s 18 points per game.
Defensively, James averages Florida High’s most steals with 1.4.
“I love it,” James told the Tallahassee Democrat. “I just got to knock down shots, help my teammates with assists, rebounds, everything.”
How does an eighth grader get to play varsity basketball?
“Skill and energy” at tryouts, James explained.
And now the eighth grader is on an 11-woman roster, which includes a seventh grader and three freshmen.
“We’ll have our chemistry by 11th grade or next year, and I believe we’ll go to state with them,” said James, envisioning the future.
Marshall spoke glowingly of James’ upside, as he will get to spend four more seasons coaching and instructing her after this year.
“She’s got a big learning curve ahead of her,” Marshall said. “With her basketball IQ, the way that she can think the game through, and see the floor, she’s going to be fine.”
James hasn’t even scratched the surface.
But when it’s time to graduate from Florida High in 2030, she may be a nationally recognized name and a coveted talent with endless options to play collegiately.
“By the time she graduates, I really feel like she’ll be a top 50 player in the nation,” Marshall said.
“She’s on that level.”
James knows with work ethic and support, she’ll accomplish all she desires ― the championships, the accolades, the opportunity to play on the next level.
“It’s amazing to have people believe in me,” James said. “People have my back, helping me.”
Florida High returns to the hardwood on Friday, Dec. 19, when it travels to Pensacola to face Booker T. Washington. Tipoff is at 6 p.m.
Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Callie James leading Florida High girls' basketball as an eighth grader
Today in Boston Celtics history, Jamel Thomas debuted for the stored franchise in 1999. An alumni of Providence College, Thomas was not picked up by any ball club in the 1999 NBA Draft despite his well-known sterling familial basketball pedigree.
Part of a notable basketball clan that was made up of his brother, Sebastian Telfair, and cousin Stephon Marbury, the Celtics saw potential in the Brooklyn, New York native, and inked Thomas to his first NBA contract on Dec. 13, 1999. The 6-foot-6 wing only had a three-game stint with the Celtics, though. His first game was a 117-88 drubbing by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thomas produced 4 points, 2 assists and a rebound in just over 8 minutes of playing time. The New Yorker hit 2 of his 4 field goal attempts, of which none were 3-point attempts, and did not get to the line -- but he also did not foul or commit a turnover.
The trio of games Thomas played for the Celtics did not evidently inspire confidence. The former Providence standout was waived on Dec. 23, 1999.
It was on this date in 2005 that the Celtics held the Indiana Pacers to 71 points in an 85-71 win. The 71 points was one of the lowest point totals in modern NBA history.
Boston was led by Paul Pierce's 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, and Mark Blount's 22 points and 5 boards.
Today is also the date former Boston big man John Mahnken left us in 2000. Born in 1922 in West New York, New Jersey, Mahnken played his NCAA ball for Georgetown, serving in the Army in the World War II. He played for a number of BAA (a precursor league of the NBA) teams before he was traded by the (then) Tri-Cities Blackhawks (now, Atlanta Hawks) to Boston in 1950.
He played four seasons for the Celtics with a brief stint in-between with the (defunct) Indianapolis Olympians before retiring in 1953, averaging 3.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
Finally, 14 years earlier in 1986, former Celtic Dick Mehen passed away. The Tennessee grad was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1922, and signed with the (defunct) Toledo Jeeps of the National Basketball League (NBL - a precursor league of the NBA, not to be confused with today's NBL of Australia) after going undrafted in the 1947 BAA Draft.
Mehen played for that team, the (defunct) Waterloo Hawks and the (also defunct) Baltimore Bullets before he was dealt to Boston for Kenny Sailors and Brady Walker in 1950. The West Virginian played seven games for the Celtics, averaging 6.3 points, 3.7 boards and 1.6 assists per game.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: Thomas debut; Cs hold Pacers to 71; Mehen, Mahnken pass
Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub spoke with reporters before practice recently, announcing the return of injured returner Nikko Remigio after last week’s absence and the team’s performance without him.
“The kick returns were good. The punt return, we had a lot of chances – our defense played great. They made them (Texans) punt eight times in that game. (Texans P) Tommy (Townsend) had a good game too himself, hung the ball pretty well, but there were a couple of times there where we might have been able to get something.” said Toub, “We had a punt returner (Xavier Worthy) in there that (was his) first time in an NFL game and he got us through the game with the fair catches. Probably would need more work to get more confidence to be able to time it up and see that the coverage was good (and) blocking was good, so he could get it fielded, but Nikko’s (Remigio) coming back. Nikko is going to go right back in there again.”
Remigio missed the Week 14 game after suffering a concussion in practice last Friday. Worthy had one recorded punt return for six yards, while Tyquan Thornton and Brashard Smith split four kick return opportunities, averaging 27 and 25, respectively.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs STC Dave Toub announces the return of an injured receiver
An incident between a member of England's security staff and a TV cameraman "wasn't ideal", according to Brendon McCullum.
Australian network Seven accused the member of the tourists' backroom staff of a physical confrontation following Saturday's events at Brisbane Airport.
As England prepared to board a flight to Adelaide, the altercation was filmed and later broadcast on Seven's TV and social channels.
"Hopefully it's been dealt with and everyone's able to move on," said England head coach McCullum.
"I didn't see it. I don't know to what level it was. We have a security team that is trying to protect the players. I don't know where on the line that sat."
The back-and-forth at Brisbane Airport came at the end of England's break in the Queensland beach town of Noosa, where they were regularly captured on camera, including by Seven.
The coverage followed a pattern of intense media scrutiny that has followed England around Australia.
Cricket Australia has previously issued reminders to all media that teams will not be available for interview in transit through airports, and all images should be captured from a respectful distance.
A statement from Seven issued on Saturday read: "While conducting routine filming in a public space, the camera operator was physically confronted despite acting respectfully and professionally."
Speaking on Sunday, McCullum said: "You know when you come to Australia, there's a lot of eyeballs. There's a lot of intensity and scrutiny on everything you do.
"I feel like we've managed ourselves pretty well throughout this tour. I thought the boys were outstanding over the last week we've had in Noosa.
"They've been engaging with a lot of locals and everyone was in good spirits. There was some good banter flying both ways and I think everyone treated that with the respect it deserved."
Players being filmed in airports is a regular occurrence in Australia.
Last year, India star Virat Kohli took exception to being recorded at Melbourne Airport.
And Australia all-rounder Cameron Green said he had "sympathy" for the situation England find themselves in.
"You never like getting filmed, especially when you want to get away from it," said Green.
"There's always sympathy for anyone in life that's getting filmed in public or in a private space. It's never a nice feeling.
"That's the expectation as a cricketer for Australia or England, you're probably going have a fair amount of media scrutiny.
"When you're going really well you like the extra attention when you're not, you don't enjoy it. It's just part of the job, unfortunately."
Noel Mikaelian beat Badou Jack by a unanimous points decision in Los Angeles to regain the WBC cruiserweight title.
Mikaelian had been narrowly beaten by Jack in May and lost the belt, but the German earned a convincing win on Saturday as the three judges scored the fight 115-111, 116-110, 116-110 in his favour.
The bout was a scrappy affair in which Mikaelian, 35, was deducted a point in the seventh round for a punch to the back of his 42-year-old Swedish opponent's head.
A point was then taken off Jack in the eighth for punching after the bell, with officials and both corners having to step into the ring to separate the pair as they continued to fight.
Mikaelian improved his record to 28 wins and three defeats from his 31 fights, while Jack has 29 wins, four defeats and three draws from 36 outings.
NEW YORK — The person who picked the playlist at Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman afterparty on Saturday night at Elsie Rooftop knew the assignment.
More than 100 friends, teammates, coaches and family members belted out ABBA’s “Fernando” to welcome the Heisman Trophy winner to the proceedings.
The sing-along was an outlet for the group’s enthusiasm that reached a fever pitch while waiting nearly two hours for Mendoza to join them while he wrapped up the many media obligations that come with winning the award.
Before he could celebrate, Mendoza had to hit Times Square with the Heisman Trophy. He was joined by a large group of his IU teammates to pose for photos amidst a sea of confused onlookers.
The famed intersection was packed with holiday revelers snapping selfies, many of whom paused to check out the loud interlopers chanting “HeisMendoza.”
More: Why did Fernando Mendoza with the Heisman Trophy? These moments stand out.
Mendoza’s teammates weren’t able to be at the actual the ceremony — attendance is limited to a small party for each finalist — and hustled to the Marriott Marquis from their private watch party to welcome the quarterback to the press conference he participated in after the event ended.
They couldn’t contain their excitement as reporters asked Mendoza questions about winning the prestigious award.
Indiana offensive lineman Carter Smith yelled out “hell yeah" at one point when a media member brought up coach Curt Cignetti’s “no self-imposed limitations line.”
It made for a unique scene with one veteran reporter who had covered the event for the last two decades posting on social media the support Mendoza received from his teammates at the event was like nothing he’d ever seen.
Indiana football celebrating Fernando Mendoza in Times Square pic.twitter.com/R4SaiAVzhG
— Michael Niziolek (@michaelniziolek) December 14, 2025
Cignetti was in the room as well, having left the intense demeanor he's known for on the sidelines back in Bloomington. During the broadcast, he compared Mendoza to Jerry West, one of his childhood idols, for their shared ability to thrive in clutch moments.
He paid Mendoza an even higher compliment while speaking to reporters after the ceremony.
"I think everything that Fernando represents, you see in the closeness of this team and how tight they are,” Cignetti said. “I think a lot of that is an embodiment of him, what he's brought to our team, a unity so to speak."
It all goes back to the selfless attitude Mendoza displayed throughout the weekend while struggling to discuss his own success. The quarterback who swept all the national player of the year awards could never entirely take credit for his accomplishment.
He told everyone who would listen that his journey wouldn’t have been possible without all the people that helped him along the way. This season his teammates in Bloomington did a lot of the heavy lifting, but before they arrived on the scene it was those family members across town who watched the ceremony with baited breath.
They were at the center of the powerful message he delivered in his acceptance speech.
“I want every kid out there who feels overlooked and underestimated, I was you,” Mendoza said. “I was that kid too, I was in your shoes. The truth is, you don't need the most stars, hype or rankings, you just need discipline, heart and people who believe in you and your own abilities. I hope this moment shows you that chasing your dreams are worth it no matter how big or impossible they seem.”
At the afterparty, Mendoza went around offering hugs to everyone who attended as a small bit of thanks for the role they played in him winning the award. While the music drowned out much of what was said in the room, the joy on his face cut through all the noise.
When the Heisman Trophy arrived on scene — wheeled in by one the Heisman Trust handlers on cart while boxed up in a protective case — the anticipation that had just dissipated with Mendoza’s arrival returned.
They opened the case for Mendoza to hoist the trophy up for everyone to see. He received an ovation that hit different from the ones he received from strangers a few hours earlier while walking down the streets of New York.
Mendoza could have soaked in the cheers for longer, but he was eager for everyone to get their own Heisman-moment by getting photos with a trophy people in the room had only ever glimpsed on television.
Lost in the excitement was Mendoza’s younger brother Max, 10, making his way over to the nearly empty box of shirts adidas provided, picking one up with the name they share emblazoned in big Crimson letters alongside the words “Heisman Winner.”
Max beamed with pride at his brother’s accomplishment with a smile that brought home the family’s new reality — Fernando Mendoza is the best player in college football.
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Fernando Mendoza’s star shines bright as IU football’s first Heisman winner
After five losses in their last six games, all of which came on the road, the South Bay Lakers returned home to face the Rip City Remix, a team they defeated 141-130 nearly a week ago in Oregon.
At the UCLA Health Training Center, the Lakers were red-hot offensively early. They scored 41 points in the first quarter and held the lead for most of the first half en route to a 76-68 halftime lead. But afterward, South Bay went into a drought and got caught up in a dogfight.
With 2:50 to go in the fourth quarter, it trailed 117-108, and despite scoring six points in a row to make things interesting, it ended up on the wrong side of a 122-116 decision.
Power forward Drew Timme led South Bay with 27 points on 11-of-18 field-goal shooting, to go along with eight rebounds and seven assists. Wing Kobe Bufkin scored 18 points and guard Chris Mañon contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block.
Bronny James made an appearance for South Bay, and he made four of his 10 shot attempts and three of his eight 3-point tries. He finished with 11 points, six assists and two rebounds.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: South Bay Lakers recap: G League Lakers fall short to Rip City
Veteran promotion-winning manager Phil Brown believes Wrexham's owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have shown others the way to successfully run a football club.
The Red Dragons have gained three successive promotions under the Hollywood duo and remain within striking distance of the Championship's play-off places as the midway point of the league campaign approaches.
And at a time where established clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday have endured immense struggles with ownership, Brown - who won promotion from the Championship with Hull City - lauded Reynolds and Mac for the work they have done at the Stok Cae Ras.
When asked if the pair have led the way when it comes to running a club, Brown told the Football Daily 72+ EFL Pod: "One million per cent. I think so. They're committed.
"We've seen some horrendous examples of people who think they can come into football and do it.
"These are two guys, they played it down for the first three or four years and they've got three promotions out of it. It's crazy."
And Brown, who managed in all three English Football League (EFL) divisions as well as the Premier League, added: "It's brilliant the way that they've done it.
"It's global because everybody's interested in the story, being a Welsh team in the English leagues, it's got glamour, it's got everything about it."
The north Wales side recently confirmed Apollo Sports Capital (ASC) - majority owners of Spanish giants Atletico Madrid - have become minority investors of the club.
Following that announcement, majority owners Reynolds and Mac were in attendance for their side's 2-2 draw with Watford in north Wales as Ollie Rathbone netted in added time to extend his side's unbeaten home run in the league to eight matches.
Former Jamaica international Jobi McAnuff feels the latest investment serves as an additional statement of intent when it comes to Wrexham's desire to reach the Premier League.
"I think it's another sign of their ambition which I think anyone around the Wrexham story is in absolutely no doubt whatsoever," said McAnuff.
"Just from a purely business perspective, to get it to that next level, they've done such a good job.
"I know everyone talks about the Hollywood stuff but in terms of a football club and community, what they've brought to it has been nothing short of fantastic."
McAnuff, whose clubs included West Ham, Cardiff City, Crystal Palace and Reading, says Wrexham's success is about more than hard cash.
"Yes, they've spent money but they've spent it wisely and every time they've gone up, they've competed and gone beyond what was in the league," he added.
"Inside Wrexham it's about 'how we've got here, we've been competitive, how do we take it to that next level?'.
"By working with a company that has experience of that, I think it's a very sensible move from their part."
Manager Phil Parkinson has been pivotal to the Welsh side's success under Reynolds and Mac.
And Brown - currently in charge of National League North side Peterborough Sports - feels the 58-year-old has been among the best bosses in the EFL since he took charge of Wrexham in the summer of 2021.
"The most important thing is the quality of the football and the quality of the manager," said the 66-year-old who has managed at 10 different clubs.
"Phil Parkinson, it has to be said, is one of the best managers in the country at the moment because of what he's done over the last three or four years."
On Parkinson, McAnuff added: "I think he goes under the radar for the job he's done. People just assume you've got resources that maybe some of the other clubs haven't got, but you've still got to go and deliver that.
"He has delivered season on season what the club has wanted, which is success and to climb up the leagues - the pace at which they've done it has been absolutely incredible.
"This was always going to be the challenge, not just for the club but for Phil as well, to prove that he can take a club into this league and be competitive, which I think they have done."
It's a game which means so much to so many, and for so many reasons.
For St Mirren, the objective is a straightforward one. Win the Scottish League Cup for only the second time in the club's history. Be heroes. Legends. Deities of Paisley who will never have to buy a beer again.
In the other half, it's about another trophy to add to the cabinet. But, it's also about arresting a run of two straight defeats for new Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy with the deafening din of fan unrest bellowing towards the club's board.
Whatever happens at Hampden on Sunday, it promises to be a defining day for both sides.
St Mirren arrive at the national stadium with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Any team who faces either half of the Old Firm in a cup final will know they are up against a huge task. Vastly higher amounts of resources, money, fans and quality set the bar high.
Yet, Stephen Robinson's team will emerge from the Hampden tunnel on Sunday with a steely-eyed determination and a swagger of self belief.
It's founded on both their own ethos and also the fortunes of their opponents.
St Mirren faced in-form Motherwell in last month's semi-final, a game many tipped the Lanarkshire team to win given their heralded brand of intricate football. Instead, they were outfought, out-thought and outplayed by Saints on the way to a deserved 4-1 victory.
It was a tactical lesson from Robinson who masterminded the perfect game plan to nullify his old club.
During his time at Fir Park, he guided them to a final at Hampden twice in the one season. On both occasions, they came up short against Celtic.
This time, he'll surely feel that it can be third-time lucky.
St Mirren and Celtic have played each other twice on league duty this season, and Saints have been desperately unlucky to lose both by a late goal.
The cause for concern for the 13,000 or so Saints fans going to Hampden will come from their form since beating Motherwell in that semi-final.
Five games have been and gone with just one win, albeit that came in their last game with a 2-0 victory over Dundee United.
St Mirren sit ninth in the league - although with two games in hand over some of their rivals - but Robinson is famous for his team being well drilled and hard to play against.
They are tags which Saints took umbrage with in the wake of that Hampden win last month. While many presumed they would just try to stifle Motherwell, the Paisley side were ruthless, clinical, and played with a desire which blew away Jens Berthel Askou's team.
Group D winners
St Mirren's journey to Hampden began all the way back in July, in the group stages. After a goalless draw in their opener against Arbroath, who snatched the bonus point with a shootout victory, the Buddies beat Forfar 2-1 then skelped Annan 8-2, helped by a hat-trick from Mikael Mandron.
A 2-1 closing victory over Ayr, thanks to Killian Phillips' double, earned top spot with 10 points from 12.
Second round: St Mirren 1-1 Hearts (5-4 on pens)
The Paisley side had their work cut out against high-flying Premiership leaders Hearts in round two.
Alex Gogic put Saints ahead before half-time, only for Oisin McEntee to level with just over 10 minutes to play. The tie went the distance and Shamal George's save from Claudio Braga's penalty in the shootout proved decisive as the Buddies squeezed through.
Quarter-final: Kilmarnock 2-2 St Mirren (3-5 on pens)
Yet again St Mirren had to progress on spot-kicks. Mandron and Jayden Richardson struck either side of Robbie Deas' equaliser but a late penalty from Bruce Anderson took the tie to a shootout.
Malik Dijksteel capitalised on Kyle Magennis' miss for the hosts to set up a semi-final against Motherwell.
Semi-final: Motherwell 1-4 St Mirren
The Buddies had no reason to fear as they cruised past Jens Berthel Askou's highly-praised Steelmen and were two to the good at half-time thanks to Mandron and Dan Nlundulu.
Callum Hendry pulled one back late on but it wasn't enough to mount a comeback as Robinson's side found another two goals courtesy of Richard King and Mandron.
Nancy's introduction to life in Glasgow as Celtic manager has been a challenging one, to say the least.
The former Columbus Crew head coach has two games and two defeats under his belt in what is a pivotal week for the defending Scottish champions.
Following the sudden resignation of Brendan Rodgers, Martin O'Neill was sworn in to take temporary charge.
Amid amusing anecdotes in press conferences, leaping about on the touchline and chat about stealing tracksuits as a souvenir of his second spell at Parkhead, a ship that was heading for trouble was steadied.
Rangers were defeated in the League Cup semi-final, a heroic showing in Rotterdam stunned Feyenoord, and the gap to league leaders Hearts was narrowed to three points before their visit to Glasgow last Sunday.
It proved to be Nancy's first game, and one in which the Edinburgh club surged to a 2-1 victory as howls of ire around Celtic Park were swapped for swathes of empty seats before full-time.
Next was Thursday's 3-0 Europa League loss to Roma, with the margin of defeat not reflective of the large gulf between the two teams on the night.
Discussion of whether Nancy should have been excused from taking charge across this hat-trick of games before beginning his era has raged across the air waves, column inches and social media pages.
Fan dissatisfaction at the club's board also doesn't help the backdrop to this one.
Already there is pressure on Nancy, there always is in this part of town. But what has gone in the last week, and even before he even set foot in Glasgow, has raised the tension level.
Winning the club's 23rd League Cup will not cure Celtic of all its problems. Months of supporter frustration at league placing, a failed transfer window and a botched attempt at Champions League progression will take some undoing.
However, victory over St Mirren would provide a firm foothold for the Frenchman to dig into. It's the chance for a first win on the board, an incredibly early shot at a first trophy at the club, and a platform on which to stabilise and build.
If they don't win, the level of fury from fans could be off the scale.
Second round: Celtic 4-1 Falkirk
Celtic kicked off their trophy defence under Brendan Rodgers back in August, beating Falkirk 4-1 at home with Daizen Maeda, Alistair Johnston and Dane Murray on target along with a Liam Henderson own goal.
Quarter-final: Partick Thistle 0-4 Celtic
They followed that up by swatting aside Partick Thistle 4-0 in the quarter-final at Firhill. Sebastian Tounekti scored his first goal for the club and Yang Hyun-jun, Liam Scales and substitute Luke McCowan also netted.
Semi-final: Celtic 3-1 Rangers AET
By the time of the semi-final against Rangers, Rodgers had resigned and former manager Martin O'Neill was back in charge as a stop-gap measure.
Questions were raised about the 73-year-old's return but O'Neill kept the momentum going as Celtic sailed to a 3-1 win after extra time over their fierce rivals.
Goals from Jonny Kenny, captain Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand secured their passage to the final.
St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson: "There will be a nervous energy, of course. We aren't Celtic who get to every cup final or every other cup final.
"So we have to embrace the day and enjoy the day but most of all what I coin it with is have faith over fear. Really believe in the system, in each other, in the staff, and the stuff we've put on in preparation.
"We see all the photographs of the teams that have been very, very successful here and won trophies and they're held in such high regard. What I try and do is to tell the players 'We want your names there, we want your pictures there'.
"They've got their pictures up for the European achievements, for the top-six achievements, now we want them up [for winning the cup]. We want them to be remembered, we want them to be recognised everywhere they go for the rest of their life."
St Mirren defender Marcus Fraser: "In 10, 20 years, people will probably still be talking about it [a win] and you can obviously write your own chapter in the club's history.
"So I think that's one of the key aspects that we want to do, really grab the opportunity with two hands and if we can get up on that wall, then in a few years' time, when you walk by it, that would be a great feeling."
Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy: "Yes, I would like to win the trophy. I'm pretty sure that, if we don't win it, it's going to be difficult, because when we lose, this is painful.
"But, again, I am optimistic as a person. So hopefully we're going to do it. And also if it's going to validate what we are doing. But, if not, I don't want to think about this because, for the moment, I want to stay positive and this is the way I think.
"I'm going to have many, many other times to show, to do my stuff and to convince the fans that I am the right guy."
Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan: "We're disappointed as a team with the last two results and we need to get on top of it.
"We have to [stick by Nancy], there's no way around it. He's the manager, he's got his staff with him, we're players at this club. He's the one that's going to lead us into victories with whatever style and whatever management the way he wants.
"Once it clicks then we're hopefully thinking that's going to propel us into the performances we need and winning games most importantly."
BIRMINGHAM — Unflinching is one word to describe Nate Oats' leadership of Alabama basketball. On nights like Saturday against No. 1 Arizona, that adjective can be swapped out with stubborn.
It's hard not to wonder what that 96-75 final score would've looked like had Oats called a timeout to regroup the Crimson Tide when Arizona (9-0) ran away early in the second half. As Wildcat freshman Brayden Burries pounded away with two threes and a couple of layups for 15 of his game-high 28 points, Alabama struggled to cough up just five points.
No. 12 Alabama (7-3) could've huddled to figure out a solution to contain Burries, but Oats stood on the sideline arms crossed. His face, contempt with disappointment, suggested he was either sitting between belief that the Crimson Tide could find a way to win and perform like it did in the first half, or the idea of just letting his players feel just how much a lack of toughness costs.
Based on Oats' response to reporters when asked why he didn't pause the game, he was thinking the latter.
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While Oats has admitted in the past, most recently when Alabama blew a lead to Tennessee in the last 30 seconds of a 79-76 loss, that he should've called a timeout, he repeated an answer he's given before − when Alabama fell 104-82 to Florida in the SEC Tournament.
"Am I going to call timeout to tell them to play harder?" he asked. "Call a timeout and make adjustments?"
Oats was firm.
"I'm not going to call a timeout and tell them to play harder," Oats said.
In Oats' eyes, his players "should be competitors." Simply put, if the adjustment is effort, that's something Oats believes "they need to figure it out on the fly."
Despite Burries' attack, Oats didn't find that adjusting the defense is where Alabama would find its answer to bounce back.
"I didn't think there was any defensive adjustments to make," Oats said.
Not seeing any adjustments to be made implied that reevaluating how Alabama handled 7-foot-2 center Motiejus Krivas on the offensive glass, giving up four rebounds in just a few minutes to the Lithuanian as Arizona took over on the scoreboard wasn't something that could be solved on a clipboard.
"The adjustment was to play harder," he continued.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why Alabama basketball HC Nate Oats didn't call timeout in Arizona loss
Strengthening its commitment to Mick Cronin, UCLA quietly awarded its men’s basketball coach a new five-year contract last summer that runs through the 2029-30 season, according to documents reviewed by The Times through a public-records request.
The contract that was signed by Cronin and athletic director Martin Jarmond in May and took effect June 1 will pay Cronin $4.5 million per season, a slight raise over the $4.1 million he was making under the previous contract that was set to expire after the 2027-28 season.
“I’m honored to be the coach at UCLA,” Cronin told The Times late Saturday night after his team’s 82-72 loss to Gonzaga at Climate Pledge Arena. “For me, I have no inklings of being anywhere else. I’ve had many offers to do so. I’m where I want to be so I’ll always say the same thing — it was surreal when I got the job and I'm just working hard to do everything we can to upgrade our program to a point to where we can try to win the title for our fans, and that’s all I really worry about. I’m at that point in my career, so if they want to extend me, I take it because I’m not looking to go anywhere."
The contract was not announced at the time it was signed, according to an athletic department spokesperson, because of the financial climate within the university, particularly given the prospect of federal funding cuts.
Read more:'That's Bernie Madoff level': UCLA's Mick Cronin says agent greed drives player movement
Cronin’s contract was signed not long after he guided UCLA to the second round of the NCAA tournament, where the Bruins lost to Tennessee. Cronin’s previous teams reached the Final Four in 2021 and the Sweet 16 in 2022 and 2023.
Cronin, 54, has compiled a 145-67 record in seven seasons with the Bruins, his accomplishments including a Pac-12 title in 2023 that his team won by a four-game margin over second-place Arizona.
His new contract includes a buyout provision that calls for him to be paid $22.5 million if he’s terminated without cause through March 31, 2026. The buyout amount drops to $18 million if he’s terminated without cause through March 31, 2027; $13.5 million through March 31, 2028; $9 million through March 31, 2029; and $4.5 million through March 31, 2030.
The buyout includes a mitigation clause that would offset UCLA”s buyout obligations through future employment over the duration of the contract.
Read more:'I want to do my part.' How Dave Roberts helped UCLA land new coach Bob Chesney
If Cronin were to leave for another job, he would owe UCLA $15 million through March 31, 2026, with that amount dropping to $12 million through March 31, 2027; $8 million through March 31, 2028; $6 million through March 31, 2029; and $4 million through March 31, 2030.
The bonus structure in Cronin’s contract calls for him to make $25,000 for a conference championship and $15,000 for a conference tournament championship. He’ll get an extra $45,000 if the Bruins make the NCAA tournament, $25,000 for making the second round, $40,000 for making the Sweet 16, $25,000 for making the Elite Eight, $50,000 for making the Final Four, $25,000 for making the championship game and $50,000 for winning the national title. If Cronin is selected conference coach of the year, he’ll make an additional $10,000.
Cronin could be awarded additional amounts for his team’s academic performance, along with retention bonuses of $500,000 if he’s employed through April 15, 2026; $600,000 if he’s employed through April 15, 2027; $700,000 if he’s employed through April 15, 2028; and $700,000 if he’s employed through April 15, 2029.
Sign up for UCLA Unlocked for big game takeaways, recruiting buzz and more UCLA sports insights.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In a significant disruption to the travel industry, three major European airlines—EasyJet, Air France, and British Airways—have been forced to cancel over 30 flights across multiple European destinations due to severe weather conditions. The cancellations have affected key routes, airports, and regions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and raising questions about the readiness of airlines to handle weather-related disruptions. The most impacted countries include the UK, France, Portugal, and several other European nations, where travelers were left scrambling for alternative flights and accommodations.
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|
| EZY7751 | A320 | Porto / Oporto (OPO / LPPR) | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Sat 12:55PM WET |
| EZY1469 | A20N | Geneva Cointrin Int’l (GVA / LSGG) | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Sat 02:05PM CET |
| EZY8521 | A320 | London Gatwick (LGW / EGKK) | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Sat 01:05PM GMT |
| EZY1281 | A20N | Basle-Mulhouse (EAP / LFSB) | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Sat 02:45PM CET |
| EZY8328 | A319 | Leonardo da Vinci Int’l (Fiumicino Int’l) (FCO / LIRF) | London Gatwick (LGW / EGKK) | Sat 02:55PM CET |
| EZY7634 | A320 | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS / LPPT) | Sat 02:30PM WET |
| EZY2471 | A320 | London Luton (LTN / EGGW) | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Sat 02:40PM GMT |
| EZY2877 | A320 | Bristol Int’l (BRS / EGGD) | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Sat 03:20PM GMT |
| EZY7752 | A320 | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Porto / Oporto (OPO / LPPR) | Sat 03:35PM WET |
| EZY5334 | A320 | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Berlin-Brandenburg (BER / EDDB) | Sat 03:45PM WET |
| EZY2715 | A320 | Bristol Int’l (BRS / EGGD) | Malaga (AGP / LEMG) | Sat 04:10PM GMT |
| EZY7966 | A320 | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS / EHAM) | Sat 04:25PM WET |
| EZY1470 | A20N | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Geneva Cointrin Int’l (GVA / LSGG) | Sat 05:25PM WET |
| EZY8522 | A320 | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | London Gatwick (LGW / EGKK) | Sat 05:35PM WET |
| EZY7755 | A320 | Porto / Oporto (OPO / LPPR) | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Sat 06:15PM WET |
| EZY1282 | A20N | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Basle-Mulhouse (EAP / LFSB) | Sat 06:30PM WET |
| EZY2472 | A320 | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | London Luton (LTN / EGGW) | Sat 07:20PM WET |
| EZY7635 | A320 | General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS / LPPT) | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Sat 07:20PM WET |
| EZY2716 | A320 | Malaga (AGP / LEMG) | Bristol Int’l (BRS / EGGD) | Sat 08:30PM CET |
| EZY2878 | A320 | Madeira Int’l (Funchal) (FNC / LPMA) | Bristol Int’l (BRS / EGGD) | Sat 07:30PM WET |
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|
| AFR693 | B772 | Raleigh-Durham Intl (KRDU) | Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG / LFPG) | Sat 07:05PM EST |
| AFR1212 | BCS3 | Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG / LFPG) | Linate (LIN / LIML) | Sun 07:25AM CET |
| AFR1213 | BCS3 | Linate (LIN / LIML) | Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG / LFPG) | Sun 09:55AM CET |
| AFR972 | A332 | Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG / LFPG) | Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport (FNBJ) | Sun 10:40AM CET |
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|
| BAW178 | B772 | John F Kennedy Intl (KJFK) | London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL) | Sat 08:15AM EST |
| BAW695 | A320 | Vienna Int’l (Schwechat) (VIE / LOWW) | London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL) | Sat 02:45PM CET |
| BAW497 | A320 | Gibraltar (GIB / LXGB) | London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL) | Sat 03:20PM CET |
| BAW2159 | B772 | Hewanorra Int’l (UVF / TLPL) | Point Salines Int’l (GND / TGPY) | Sat 04:19PM AST |
| BAW133 | B788 | London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL) | King Abdulaziz Int’l (JED / OEJN) | Sat 08:30PM GMT |
| BAW2158 | B772 | Point Salines Int’l (GND / TGPY) | Hewanorra Int’l (UVF / TLPL) | Sat 06:53PM AST |
| BAW8 | B789 | Tokyo Int’l (Haneda) (HND / RJTT) | London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL) | Sun 09:45AM JST |
| BAW132 | B788 | King Abdulaziz Int’l (JED / OEJN) | London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL) | Sun 08:00AM +03 |
| BAW2158 | B772 | Hewanorra Int’l (UVF / TLPL) | London Gatwick (LGW / EGKK) | Sun 08:45PM AST |
EasyJet flights have been heavily impacted, especially those flying to and from Madeira, a popular island destination. The following airports are affected:
Air France’s cancellations have primarily affected travelers flying from Paris, with a significant number of flights disrupted at Charles de Gaulle. The following airports were hit the hardest:
British Airways saw a wide array of cancellations impacting both short-haul and long-haul flights. The airlines’ operations were most disrupted at the following airports:
The cancellation of these key routes, many of which connect major European cities with popular holiday destinations, led to a massive disruption in holiday plans. Passengers were forced to either wait for alternative flights or cancel their trips altogether.
These routes, especially the Paris-Milan corridor, are vital for both business and leisure travelers. The severe weather led to delays and cancellations, affecting both regional and international flights.
The international and Caribbean routes operated by British Airways faced severe disruptions, affecting both leisure and business travelers heading to top destinations worldwide. Heathrow, as the primary hub, suffered the most, leading to delays in connecting flights.
Passengers traveling on EasyJet, Air France, and British Airways faced massive disruptions due to these cancellations. Many travelers were left stranded at airports across Europe, with limited accommodation options and few available flights to rebook. Business travelers, particularly those with tight schedules or connecting flights, were hit hard by the delays, while tourists faced ruined vacations and expensive rebooking costs.
The weather-related cancellations disrupted not only holiday plans but also impacted economic activities in various regions, especially in areas where tourism plays a crucial role in the local economy.
The cancellation of flights had far-reaching consequences for local tourism. In places like Madeira and the Caribbean, where the economy relies heavily on seasonal tourists, the immediate cancellation of flights led to empty hotels and resorts. For Madeira, this disruption was especially damaging, as it is known for attracting visitors seeking a scenic, peaceful getaway during the winter months.
Similarly, disruptions at airports in Paris, London, and Milan affected the flow of business travelers and tourists heading to key attractions in these cities. The ripple effect of cancellations led to reduced foot traffic in popular tourist destinations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the British Museum.
Despite these disruptions, the tourism and travel industries are already looking for ways to recover from the setback. Airlines have taken immediate steps to improve passenger communication during such events and are looking into more robust contingency plans to handle future disruptions caused by extreme weather.
Additionally, airports are investing in improving their infrastructure and offering better customer service for affected passengers. The key takeaway for travelers is to stay informed and flexible with travel plans, especially during the winter months when weather-related cancellations are more frequent.
The airline industry will learn valuable lessons from these cancellations, and with new technologies and improved communication strategies, the industry is poised to recover. Future improvements will help minimize the disruptions caused by weather-related cancellations, ensuring that passengers can enjoy smoother, more predictable travel experiences in the future.
The post Europe Faces Travel Mayhem: EasyJet, Air France, and British Airways Disrupt 33 Flights and 201 Delays Amid Severe Weather – Passengers Left Stranded Across the UK, France, Portugal, and More, Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
Grabbing Jalen Williams' intentionally missed free throw, Alex Caruso flew to the rim. He grabbed the offensive rebound and flung a desperate heave as the final one second ticked away. No luck. For the first time in over a month, the reigning NBA champion was on the wrong side of a final score.
The Oklahoma City Thunder had a frustrating 111-109 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Their trip to Las Vegas ended after a couple of days as they lost in the 2025 NBA Cup semifinals.
Some in-game gamesmanship occurred before we even started. For the first time in his career, Victor Wembanyama came off the bench. He missed 12 straight games with a calf strain and was on a minutes restriction, but not starting was a curveball everybody whiffed on.
The Thunder took advantage early. Playing with their ideal starting lineup for the first time since the 2025 NBA Finals, they had a 12-4 lead three minutes in. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander nailed a signature baseline jumper. Everything went smoothly. They had a 31-20 lead after the first quarter.
And no Wembanyama, either. A surprising decision. But he eventually checked in to start the second quarter. As expected, he completely changed the dynamics. He got it within four points by himself. That turned this into a new ballgame.
After a short first substitution, the Thunder got their lead back up. Caruso's second-chance layup created a 47-31 lead with a little under four minutes left. It felt like they were on the verge of blowing it open. But then Wembanyama checked back in and took over.
Everybody knows what he does on both ends of the floor. When healthy, he's one of the five best players. His presence also rubbed off on the rest of his teammates. The Spurs returned to hitting on their outside shots. Soon after he checked in, San Antonio scored the final 13 points of the first half.
The Thunder only scored 18 points in the second frame. They entered halftime with just a 49-46 lead. The final four minutes went about as disastrously as you could imagine. The Spurs were right back in it. A surprise considering how the game first played out.
After the break, the Spurs' momentum carried over. It didn't take long for them to score 10 straight points in the opening stages of the third quarter. Devin Vassell knocked down an outside jumper to put the Thunder in a 62-56 deficit with a little under eight minutes left in the third frame.
For the first time in forever, the Thunder were punched in the mouth. The offense bogged down. It was the ugliest it's looked since the playoffs. Gilgeous-Alexander calmed things down a little, but San Antonio's role players were better than OKC's. The Thunder were in a 78-77 deficit after the third quarter. That meant more crunch time.
The 2025 NBA Cup delivered. Bring up the logistical nightmare it is, but the Thunder and Spurs went back and forth as they seesawed the lead. Chet Holmgren went after Wembanyama a couple of times. And vice versa. That's the matchup everybody wants to see, considering their not-so-subtle rivalry.
Knocking down an outside jumper, Williams gave the Thunder a 101-100 lead with a little under three minutes. And then Wembanyama took over. Carefully monitoring his minutes, the Spurs were able to play their franchise superstar for most of the final frame. He hit an unreal jumper and swished in a pair of free throws.
Down 105-101 with a minute left, the Thunder couldn't answer. Too many missed shots and turnovers finally caught up to them. The final 24 seconds turned into a game within a game. The Thunder intentionally fouled to keep their slim hopes alive. The Spurs did the same to stiff-arm them on the scoreboard. OKC's 32 points in the final frame weren't enough.
After all that, the Thunder couldn't muster up one last good look. Time ran out on them. The buzzer sounded as the Spurs walked away with their biggest win of the season. Comes with the territory as the reigning NBA champion who is in 70-win talks.
The Thunder shot 41% from the field and went 9-of-37 (24.3%) from 3. They shot 24-of-27 on free throws. They had 20 assists on 38 baskets. Five Thunder players scored double-digit points.
Gilgeous-Alexander had 29 points and five assists. Holmgren finished with 17 points and seven rebounds. Williams also had 17 points and seven rebounds. Alex Caruso tallied 11 points and eight rebounds. Isaiah Hartenstein totaled 10 points and nine rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Spurs shot 41% from the field and went 13-of-42 (31%) from 3. They shot 24-of-32 on free throws. They had 21 assists on 37 baskets. Four Spurs players scored double-digit points.
Wembanyama had an awesome 22 points and nine rebounds. Vassell had 23 points and five rebounds. De'Aaron Fox finished with 22 points and four assists. Stephon Castle tallied 22 points and six rebounds.
Well, this is the formula to beat the Thunder. If you can ugly up their offense, you have a chance. The Spurs did that with the NBA Cup stakes on the line. Poor outside shooting and uncharacteristic bad ball security slowly made OKC look human for the first time in a while. Any hopes of an NBA Cup were quickly dashed away.
If you're the Thunder, this is just the first of three matchups in two weeks with the Spurs. Two more upcoming dates centered around Christmas will let them get their revenge. It'll be exciting to see how they adjust as Wembanyama has turned into one of the NBA's best players who is uniquely impossible to defend against. The NBA schedule-makers will get their money's worth in those contests.
Let's look at Thunder player grades:
As Holmgren set a screen, Gilgeous-Alexander found himself up against Wembanyama. Going with his usually reliable stepback 3-pointer, his attempt clanked at the front of the rim. The seven-footer contested his jumper just enough.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 29 points on 12-of-23 shooting, five assists and four rebounds. He shot 1-of-7 from 3 and went 4-of-4 on free throws.
Usually the NBA's most efficient scorer, Gilgeous-Alexander looked more human in this matchup. Sure, he still had above-average efficiency, but not at the marks that have him in the same conversations as Wilt Chamberlain. The Spurs forced him to settle for several jumpers. And with the right mix of perimeter defenders, they made him earn his buckets.
This is probably the most uncomfortable Gilgeous-Alexander has looked in a while. The superb ball security wasn't there either, with five turnovers. That's the other layer of his superpowers that don't get as much shine as his scoring ability. Castle did an excellent job at keeping up with him. San Antonio swarmed him every time he had the ball in his hands.
The NBA's league leader in clutch buckets was jettisoned into the background. This time, it was Wembanyama's turn to get the oohs and aahs from both the Las Vegas crowd and the Amazon broadcast. By the end, it felt like a San Antonio home game.
The Thunder needed more out of Gilgeous-Alexander. He usually delivers when needed. But when you combine his off-night with the rest of the roster not really showing up, you get this result. Alas. That's part of the NBA's ebbs and flows.
Shai with the block and the score 💪 pic.twitter.com/cUW2Upudm0
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 14, 2025
Tre ball 👌 pic.twitter.com/lUbnTYb4I4
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 14, 2025
How does he do it 😳 pic.twitter.com/SE7G0bSSoQ
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 14, 2025
Shai slams it home
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 14, 2025
Your @OGandE Power Play of the Game pic.twitter.com/nbtHl2Tgpj
Going at Wembanyama, Holmgren drove to the rim. He planted his feet and went with the turnaround jumper. Let's just say things didn't go well. He had his shot loudly rejected. That's the play that will make the rounds on social media, but don't let one bad play wash away everything else he did.
Holmgren finished with 17 points on 3-of-8 shooting and seven rebounds. He shot 1-of-3 from 3 and went 10-of-12 on free throws. He also had one block.
Instead of feeding into his rivalry, Holmgren played winning basketball. He helped the Thunder build up an early advantage. And when the offense dried up, he was the only other consistent scorer who helped Gilgeous-Alexander put up points. His in-game process was awesome.
But then a poor fourth quarter kinda soured things. He only scored four points and he went to the free-throw line plenty of times. A couple of critically missed free throws hurt OKC's percentages to pull off a comeback. Getting blocked by Wembanyama punished the 23-year-old for the tunnel-vision shot in an offense that couldn't get going.
You can criticize Holmgren for his poor second half, but several other Thunder players deserve a larger slice of the blame pie for this loss. It was a poor finish, but he was also one of the main reasons why they were even in that position to begin with.
Chet gets down the court and to the RACK‼️😤 pic.twitter.com/56rjFZ1BsV
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 14, 2025
Leading the fastbreak, Williams bulldozed to the basket, but his layup attempt didn't even reach the air. On the next possession, he went one-on-one with Castle. He got his spot in the elbow, but his mid-range jumper bounced off the rim. That about summed up his night.
Williams finished with 17 points on 5-of-16 shooting, seven rebounds and four assists. He shot 2-of-5 from 3 and went 5-of-6 on free throws. He also had four steals.
The Thunder needed more from Williams. He only had seven points through three quarters. His drives to the basket resulted in several makeable misses. I guess that's what happens when you have to be paranoid about Wembanyama's presence. The jumper also didn't fall — which was the story for everybody in an OKC uniform.
As awesome as Williams is, he occasionally has duds like these. They get magnified when the rest of the team doesn't pick up the slack. Usually thriving in them, the bench lineup minutes were awful. He couldn't get it going as Wembanyama took over the game.
Let's see how Williams responds, but this was a bad game from him. Nobody among OKC's star trio had a stellar performance. At least not to their championship-level standards. They'll get a chance to sit on this loss for four days and see how they can solve San Antonio's defense.
The kind of cookies you can only get in OKC 🍪 pic.twitter.com/Tpyx5ZQ5va
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 14, 2025
Right on target 🎯 pic.twitter.com/Q7HvQSNfK9
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 14, 2025
After Ajay Mitchell intercepted Castle's pass, Caruso was ahead in the fastbreak. A cross-court pass landed in his hands. As soon as that happened, he flew off the court. A rare one-handed dunk had the entire OKC bench hyped. You don't usually see those anymore from the 31-year-old.
Caruso finished with 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting, eight rebounds and three assists. He shot 1-of-3 from 3. He also had three steals.
It came in a loss, but this was one of Caruso's best games of the season. And it shouldn't be a shock to see it happen under the national spotlight. This is about as close as you'll get to the playoffs with the NBA Cup. All of the glitz and glamor involved is duplicated from that environment.
Going back and forth, Caruso almost carried OKC to the finish line. He had seven points in the fourth quarter. Needing to get stops, he was the one on Wembanyama despite the significant size difference — a la Nikola Jokic in last year's playoffs.
If Caruso had better luck, a couple of near-plays in the final moments could've added to his mythos. The first was on a ball that went out of bounds after he committed a foul in the final seconds. If nothing was called, that could've been OKC possession. The second was on the final play as he somehow managed to collect a missed free throw and put up a wild shot attempt.
This is why you brought over Caruso. When there are high stakes involved, he's one of the five players the Thunder trust the most. Even if those consequences feel artificial in the NBA Cup, he doesn't need much convincing to go all out.
Wave after wave of offensive intensity 🤝 https://t.co/aHBXW7WhXCpic.twitter.com/I1CzWPaqTy
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 14, 2025
Don't stop working 💪 pic.twitter.com/aASpSbGpjE
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 14, 2025
ALEX. CARUSO. pic.twitter.com/2TMOwJELxz
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 14, 2025
THIS ENERGY 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/5zDzFYjPVT
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 14, 2025
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Player grades: Wembanyama too much in Thunder's 111-109 loss to Spurs
The San Francisco 49ers have put together a 9-4 record (and currently hold the sixth seed in the playoffs) through the first 14 weeks of the 2025 season despite having several key players miss significant time due to injuries.
Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Ben Bartch and first-round pick Mykel Williams have all suffered season-ending injuries, while Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall all missed long stretches. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who suffered a torn ACL in Week 7 last year, hasn't played at all.
Again, despite all of this, the 49ers are 9-4 and are just one game out of the top spot in the NFC West with four games to go.
On Friday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked if the 2025 team is the group that he's been the most proud of, and he quickly shot that down.
“No," Shanahan said with a laugh. "I mean, I’m proud of a lot of seasons. I was really proud of us having the second pick in the Draft in ’18, being a 4-12 team, starting 8-0, being the one seed and getting really close to winning a Super Bowl in ’19. I was really proud in ‘21, I think I might be wrong, where we had to win like five out of the last six games to get the seventh seed and get us all the way to the NFC Championship with a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. I was proud of that. I was proud of our ‘23 team of getting down to our third-string quarterback and win seven in a row to get the two seed and to go to Philly and have a chance to go to the Super Bowl. I was really proud of our ‘23 team going to the Super Bowl. I’m really proud of this team this year.”
San Francisco has had some great years under Shanahan, and while this team may not reach the heights or peaks that others have, the players and coaches certainly deserve respect for whatever they're able to accomplish.
More 49ers: 49ers star says he'd love to play with WR Brandon Aiyuk again
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Kyle Shanahan says 2025 49ers aren't the team he's been most proud of
The Buffalo Bills hold their offensive line in high regard as the team has invested in the group tasked with protecting quarterback Josh Allen over the years.
Anchored by two strong tackles in Spencer Brown and Dion Dawkins, it's hard to compare O-lines across the NFL. There are no hard stats for that such as catches or yards.
But there is Pro Football Focus.
According to the analytics outlet, here's how every offensive line in the NFL stacks up head-to-head heading into Week 15, including the Bills:
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: PFF: Where does the Bills' offensive line rank in the NFL in Week 15?
While the New York Jets are clearly a team in rebuilding, their offensive line is a place on the roster that gives optimism.
Anchored by two young tackles with loads of potential in Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu, many in New York feel good about the position group. However, there are no hard stats like catches or yards to compare offensive linemen across the NFL.
But there is Pro Football Focus.
According to the analytics outlet, here's how every offensive line in the NFL stacks up head-to-head heading into Week 15, including the Jets:
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: PFF: Where does the Jets' offensive line rank in the NFL in Week 15?
The Arizona Cardinals will be on te road on Sunday taking on the Houston Texans. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET from NRG Stadium. The Cardinals are not expected to win. They are 9.5-point underdogs.
The Texans have won five straight games and have the league's top defense, allowing the fewest yards, fewest first downs and fewest points. It doesn't bend. It doesn't break.
To preview this game on the podcast, Texans Wire managing editor Cole Thompson joined me for a new episode this week. In this show we preview the game and make predictions.
Thompson discusses the following with me:
Enjoy the show!
Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating!
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals at Houston Texans opponent preview, predictions
In a high school football season full of surprises, the biggest of all was a Heisman Trophy winner guiding his alma mater to a state championship on Saturday night in California's toughest division in his rookie season of coaching.
Who had Carson Palmer and Santa Margarita on their bingo card toppling Sierra Canyon, Orange Lutheran, Corona Centennial and Corcord De La Salle in a four-game postseason stretch that left the Eagles as Southern Section Division 1 and CIF Open Division state champions?
The final piece of the puzzle was solved with Santa Margarita's 47-13 win over De La Salle on Saturday night at Saddleback College, the ninth consecutive season a Southern California team has won California's highest bowl game.
Trent Mosley is The Flash. Lincoln Riley is thinking how can we use him. 13-0 Santa Margarita. pic.twitter.com/R7zPnXsJTu
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) December 14, 2025
It's been fruitless to think anyone was beating Santa Margarita (11-3) over the last month with a healthy Trent Mosley. Two weeks ago, he dazzled Corona Centennial in the Division 1 final with 10 catches for 292 yards. On Saturday, even though De La Salle knew what he could do, Mosley still was unstoppable. In the first half, when Santa Margarita opened a 35-7 halftime lead, Mosley had eight catches for 134 yards and touchdowns from 34 and six yards and also ran seven yards for another touchdown. He finished with 11 receptions for 183 yards.
Trent Mosley. I’m waiting for the MVP chants. pic.twitter.com/TOrVtuqR5l
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) December 14, 2025
With his underrated speed, upper-body strength and the skills to play multiple positions, Mosley has been the best player in California for weeks. Santa Margarita has been getting him the ball much more in the postseason, and opponents have had no answers for defending him.
"Mosley is incredible," De La Salle coach Justin Alumbaugh said of the USC commit. "He does some special things on the football field."
Said Mosley: "It feels great. We've worked hard. I wanted to come out and do my best. It's sad to go but a what a great way to end it."
How Santa Margarita rose to the top with Palmer at the helm is an equally compelling tale. Palmer was hired with little coaching experience but his decision making, judgment and connections from the NFL world became clear with the all-star coaching staff he put together, none more important than retaining defensive coordinator Steve Fifita, last season's interim coach. With nine returning defensive starters and three defensive line transfers, the Eagles had no weaknesses on a defense that repeatedly neutralized the best offensive players game after game.
"It's been an unreal year from start to finish," Palmer said. "I could not be more proud of these guys, could not be more proud of our coaching staff and support system."
The rookie head coach Carson Palmer wishes his team could keep playing after winning two titles. pic.twitter.com/DZjRGXijey
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) December 14, 2025
Quarterbacks were pressured by a line that had Lenny Vandermade recording nine sacks in the postseason. The linebackers. led by Dash Fifita and Leki Holani, were able to move freely and make tackles with blockers preoccupied by the line. The secondary, led by sophomore star Ca'ron Williams, had the freedom to be aggressive thanks to knowing quarterbacks wouldn't have much time to release the ball. Siua Holani closed the scoring with an interception return with 1:36 left in the fourth quarter.
The champs. Santa Margarita. pic.twitter.com/sTyKOXShO4
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) December 14, 2025
De La Salle (12-1) thought it would have a chance to end Northern California's losing streak. Santa Margarita had not seen the veer-option attack used by De La Salle. Steve Fifita even had dreams about the veer watching so much film to prepare his players. But the Eagles were ready for quarterback option plays and for power runs up the middle. And De La Salle didn't help matters by committing four personal fouls in the first four minutes of the game. The only touchdowns for De La Salle came on touchdown runs by Jaden Jefferson after recovering Santa Margarita fumbles.
The reason Santa Margarita became so dominant over the last month was the improvement in the offense. Quarterback Trace Johnson became comfortable and injured players came back, including tight end Luke Gazzaniga, who had touchdown receptions from 20 and two yards on Saturday.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Joe Cordina is in line for a shot at becoming a two-weight world champion after dominating Gabriel Flores Jr in California on the way to a unanimous victory on points.
Wales' former IBF super-featherweight belt holder Cordina outboxed his American opponent, with judges scoring the contest 117-110 115-112 114-113.
The fight at the Adventist Health Arena in Stockton was billed as a final eliminator for the WBO lightweight world title which was won by Abdullah Mason in an epic encounter with Sam Noakes in November.
Cordina, 34, was docked a point in the sixth round for rabbit punching, but was more in control than the judges' cards suggested.
"I got the win, but it wasn't exactly the way I wanted to do it," said Cordina.
"You can't come in and nick a fight off me. I kept applying pressure and forced him to the ropes, and he couldn't keep up with the pace."
The victory in Flores Jr's backyard is a second win in the lightweight division for Cordina, who returned from a 14-month lay-off with a hard-fought points win over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz in July to claim the vacant WBO global lightweight title.
Cordina now boasts a professional record of 19 wins and one defeat (with nine KOs), his only loss coming to Anthony Cacace in May 2024 when he lost his 130lb title in Riyadh.
Flores, 25, did give the Cardiff-born fighter a scare in round seven with an uppercut that buckled his knees, but the American saw a six-fight winning steak ended to slip to 27-3 (eight KOs).
Cordina, who went into his first bout in America ranked number six by the WBO, should now emerge as their number one contender and mandatory challenger to Mason.
It was another centennial celebration for the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. This time, some alumni put on their old threads.
Chris Chelios, Jeremy Roenick, Gary Suter, Bob Murray and Brian Noonan skated across the ice and were cheered on by the United Center faithful. The 2025-26 Hawks came out to join them shortly after.
One player who wasn’t on the ice for the matchup against the Detroit Red Wings was Connor Bedard, who suffered a shoulder injury a day prior and missed a game for the first time since his rookie season. The puck dropped and it was time to see how the Hawks would play without their star.
And well … they might want to forget this one.
The Hawks were outclassed in a 4-0 loss — their fourth in five games. Right wing Alex DeBrincat worked the puck past goaltender Arvid Söderblom 55 seconds in and the visitors never looked back, cruising to their fourth win in five games.
“When you get scored on right away, that’s a bit of a gut punch,” Hawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “I don’t know if I’d classify it’d as (that) bad, to be honest with you.
“I thought we had chances in the first that we didn’t convert on and they converted, so then the score is what the score is and we’re chasing it. You can say to me (that) they’re sitting on a lead, (but) it was (4-0), it wasn’t 10-0.”
Bedard, who leads the Hawks with 19 goals and 25 assists in 31 games, underwent an MRI on Saturday, and the Hawks are still awaiting clarity on the severity of the injury, per Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. Bedard was injured on a last-second faceoff Friday night in a 3-2 road loss to the St. Louis Blues.
Blashill said he doesn’t expect Bedard to travel with the team on its upcoming three-game Canadian trip, which begins Tuesday night in Toronto.
Blashill made lineup adjustments in the absence of Bedard. One included recalling 20-year-old forward Nick Lardis from the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, who had a hectic journey for his NHL debut.
“We were heading to Grand Rapids (Michigan) yesterday night,” Lardis said. “We were about 15 minutes out and I got the call, so we had to turn the buses back around. It was pretty crazy. I drove in here pretty late last night. I didn’t go to bed until 3 or 4 a.m. It was hard to sleep, but it was a cool memory for sure.”
The winger played on the third line with Oliver Moore and Ryan Greene. It’s a young line, but Blashill did this with intent.
“I wanted him to be comfortable,” Blashill said. “I think sometimes when you come up and play your first game, you start deferring. He’s played with (Moore) this year. (Greene), they’re similar ages. (They can) come up and play, and I thought they did a good job of that.”
Lardis had two shots on goal and skated in Bedard’s spot on the top power-play unit in his 15:32 of ice time. He was a bit starstruck, which was expected for a 20-year-old seeing his first NHL action.
“It was pretty special playing against Detroit (with) Patrick Kane in the building,” Lardis said. “It was a lot of fun.”
Everything you can say about Kane and the Hawks already has been written, but the 19-year veteran proved he still can put on a show at the United Center, even at age 37. He and DeBrincat — both of whom played for the Hawks — worked seamlessly on a 2-on-1 breakaway created by a Connor Murphy turnover, with Kane putting the Red Wings up 2-0 at 4:35 of the first.
It was Kane’s 498th career goal and seventh point against the Hawks. He needs two goals to become the 50th player in NHL history to reach 500. Debrincat added an empty-net goal with 3:46 to play in the third.
In the wake of Bedard’s injury, Blashill also moved Frank Nazar to the top-line center. It was more of the same for Nazar, whose run of games without a goal hit 20 in the loss.
Nazar’s last goal came on Oct. 28, and without Bedard, the Hawks need the 21-year-old forward to regain the form that saw him register five goals and six assists in the season’s first 10 games. Blashill wants Nazar to keep at it and not lose confidence.
“I can’t sit here and say that stuff doesn’t wear (because) of course it does,” Blashill said. “If he plays like he did tonight, he’ll get the rewards he wants.”
It was the second half of a back-to-back and 24 hours removed from Bedard’s “freak” injury. And while it wasn’t an encouraging showing from the Hawks, they’ll have a few days to regroup and try to figure out how to replace Bedard.
“Any time you lose a player, how much you feel that loss depends on how well the guys that are in the lineup play,” Blashill said. “Connor has been a great player for us (and) he’s been a go-to guy for us, there’s zero doubt about that.
“Connor is a guy that can change the game on one shot. You lost that in your lineup, so then let’s find ways to make sure that our details are great defensively. If anything, it should just heighten our awareness. This is stuff that we want to get better at anyways, it just makes it even more important right now.”
Manel Kape said he was going to make it look easy against Brandon Royval, and made good on that promise.
In the final fight of the year, Kape (22-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) took on a high-stakes matchup against former title challenger Brandon Royval in the main event of UFC on ESPN 73 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. While it wasn't explicitly labeled as a No. 1 contender bout, there was an opportunity to make a case with a strong enough performance. Well, it doesn't get much better than a brutal first-round knockout, which Kape pulled off, leaving Royval (17-9 MMA, 7-5 UFC) on the canvas at 3:18.
Kape put the pressure on from the beginning of the fight, but didn't necessarily rush things. He studied how Royval responded to his movements, and countered his opponent's shots well. He then found an opening for a crushing right hand that dropped Royval, and the follow-up swarm marked the finish to the bout as referee Herb Dean rushed in.
HE WILL NOT BE DENIED.@ManelKape ends 2025 with a show-stopping R1 TKO! #UFCVegas112pic.twitter.com/f50LAA8kT4
— UFC (@ufc) December 14, 2025
Now on a three-fight winning streak, Kape turned his attention to the recently crowned flyweight champ Joshua Van.
"You replaced my place, now you have my belt," Kape said during his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. "If I didn't break my feet in July, I would be the champion right now. Now, baby, listen very well: I'm here. Your daddy. Your daddy is gonna take your diapers."
Kape suggested the two meet for a flyweight title fight on Feb. 21 at the UFC Fight Night event in Houston. Not only is the city Van's backyard, but it's also where Kape got his first UFC win, so he has fond memories and wants to make more.
"Nobody can deny my belt," Kape said. "I'm the best here. I'm the f*cking best."
Kape ties the longest active UFC knockout streak with three, matching Ilia Topuria, Ateba Gautier, Michael Morales and Azamat Murzakanov.
For Royval, the result marks back-to-back losses. After losing a decision against Alexandre Pantoja for the title at UFC 296, he rebounded with two split decision wins against Brandon Moreno and Tatsuro Taira, but has now lost two to Van and Kape.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 112: Manel Kape floors Brandon Royval in opening round
BOSTON – Before the lights went out at Matthews Arena for the last time, they shined brightly on Boston University center Brandon Svoboda.
The sophomore from Pittsburgh scored two goals including the game-winner at 18:21 of the third to lift the Terriers to a 4-3 victory over Northeastern, on Saturday night. Svoboda’s fourth of the season was the final goal scored at Northeastern’s historic Matthews Arena.
The Terriers’ victory over the Huskies was the last sporting event played inside Matthews Arena, which officially opened its doors as Boston Arena in April of 1910.
“I got a lucky bounce and I capitalized on it and put it in the back of the net,” said Svoboda. “Playing the last game ever in this building is pretty special and what was it, 1910 this place was built so it was pretty special being the last team playing in this building.
“We are a young group and we are figuring it out so it was obviously a big deal to get a W in the last game in this arena.”
BU improved to 9-8-1 and 6-3-0 in Hockey East going into the semester break while the No. 11 Huskies fell to 10-6-0 and 5-4-0 in the conference.
“It was just a big win for us going into the semester break,” said BU coach Jay Pandolfo. “The first half has not been ideal for us so to finish it that way, to come back in the third period to win a hockey game in this environment, where this is their last home game here and they wanted to win and we found a way to pull it off.”
Northeastern purchased the structure in 1979 and renamed it Matthews Arena three years later. The demolition of the old barn nestled between Mass. Ave and Gainsborough Street will begin in January and the new arena is scheduled to go online in September of 2028.
“Having a new facility is definitely a big selling point,” said NU coach Jerry Keefe. “It is going to have all the amenities you need to develop players and I think this generation of recruits like the shiny and the new.”
The first Beanpot Tournament was played at Boston Arena in 1952, so it seemed appropriate that Northeastern would play its final game against a neighboring Beanpot opponent. BU played its home games at Boston Arena from 1918 to 1971 before moving into its new facility on Babcock Street.
Pandolfo enjoyed many Matthews moments both on the ice and behind the bench. Pandolfo also played in the final Beanpot game at the old Boston Garden.
“I always enjoyed playing here that’s for sure,” Pandolfo said. “It was a fun place to play and I always enjoyed it and I enjoyed coaching there. It is a great environment and a special old building.
“That’s the biggest attachment for me and that I just enjoyed it. My grandfather played at Northeastern, my mom’s dad and that makes it special as well. It was also Boston University’s home rink as well for a long time and that is a big reason we are here closing it out with Northeastern.”
The Huskies had some extra zip in their blades that created several scoring opportunities, all of which deftly handled by BU netminder Mikhail Yegorov.
NU went up 1-0 on a power play goal by freshman center Jacob Mathieu at 11:28 of the first. Mathieu found an opening outside the BU crease and redirected Giacomo Martino’s wrister from the left circle for his fifth of the season.
NU went up 2-0 at 14:36 when junior center Tyler Fukakusa finished a two-on-one break with his second goal of the season. BU got on the board when Svoboda netted a power play goal at 17:40, his third of the season.
“We were playing fine but we just made some mistakes so to get out of that first period 2-1 was important no question about that,” said Pandolfo.
BU tied the game 2-2 on sophomore center Sacha Boisvert’s second of the season at 13:38 of the second. NU went up 3-2 when sophomore left wing Joe Connor beat the buzzer at 19:59 with his sixth of the season. NU tied the game 3-3 on Kamil Bednarik tally at 18:02 of the third. Svoboda would score 19 seconds later to complete the comeback.
“You give up a late goal at the end of the second period after a power play, that can really hurt you,” said Pandolfo. “But our guys were determined to come back.”
Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV) – In a sport defined by precision and balance, Manitowoc Lincoln senior gymnast Ella Zutz is redefining what’s possible and showing how sports can truly change a life.
Gymnastics demands total body awareness, yet Zutz competes at a high level on one foot. It’s a reality she has lived with since childhood. But what could have been a limitation became a foundation for confidence, resilience and self-belief.
“I had a foot accident when I was two years old,” Zutz said. “I was taken to the Children’s Hospital, where I had surgeries every day for two weeks.”
Long before she ever stepped onto a competition floor, Zutz was learning how to navigate daily life differently. Those early challenges shaped her mindset, but gymnastics, in particular, helped transform adversity into strength.
“After I learned to re-walk, my parents put me in gymnastics just to help me get going,” Zutz said.
Now a senior, Zutz is a key part of a small Lincoln gymnastics team where every ounce of effort and attitude matters.
“What keeps me motivated is how far I’ve come,” Zutz said. “I wouldn’t have thought I’d get to do this, but I worked hard to get here.”
Gymnastics has given Zutz confidence, especially on the floor exercise, where she says she feels the most free and powerful.
“Seeing her growth on floor from freshman to senior year is just really fun to see,” teammate Khloe Jalbert said.
With a limited roster, Zutz’s energy and determination lift the entire team. Head coach Jacque Bartow described her as someone whose attitude elevates the gym.
“For us, it’s like, ‘Oh, Ella doesn’t have a foot,’” Bartow said. “When we go to other gyms and spaces, all eyes are on her. Then you sit back and realize what she is doing is truly amazing.”
Zutz says that after everything gymnastics has given her, she hopes others facing adversity can find strength through sports as well.
“There are going to be mean people and people who tell you that you can’t do things,” Zutz said. “But just trust yourself and know that you can.”
Bartow says Zutz’s impact stretches beyond gymnastics itself and will continue to shape the program for many years to come.
“It’s that whole idea that you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it,” Bartow said. “In the future, when we hold youth clinics and kids see Ella out there doing these things, it’s incredibly inspiring.”
From the gym to everyday life, Zutz shows that limits exist only if you let them. Through determination, courage and the lessons learned on the mat, she proves that challenges don’t define you — your attitude does.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.Head coach Brendon McCullum said England are unlikely to make changes to their batting line-up for the crucial third Ashes Test in Adelaide, which begins on Wednesday.
England, 2-0 down after the first two Tests, must beat Australia at the Adelaide Oval to keep their hopes of regaining the Ashes alive.
Number three Ollie Pope and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith may have been candidates to be left out if England had considered making changes.
But asked if he anticipated fielding the usual top seven, McCullum said: "I would have thought so.
"We've been in positions where we have made some mistakes, and that can happen at times. But for us to go on and win this series, it's not about throwing out what has been successful for us over the last few years. It's about having more conviction.
"Knee-jerk reactions and chopping and changing settled batting line-ups is not really our way."
It is unusual for McCullum to address the media before a Test, and he explained his appearance on Sunday was because "we know where we are in the series".
In wide-ranging comments, McCullum:
With changes to the top seven now seemingly off the table, England could opt to refresh their bowling line-up.
Conditions in Adelaide, including the high temperatures forecast when the Test begins on Wednesday (23:30 GMT on Tuesday), could necessitate the inclusion of specialist spinner Bashir.
All-rounder Will Jacks was chosen ahead of Bashir in Brisbane, though captain Ben Stokes insisted Bashir remains England's first-choice spinner.
The 22-year-old was earmarked for this trip more than a year ago, but has not played a Test since July because of a broken finger and has figures of 2-266 from his two tour games in Australia.
Tongue would be the most likely candidate to come in if England want a new paceman, with Gus Atkinson possibly making way.
"We need to have a look at the conditions," McCullum told BBC Sport. "We have a squad of 16 here, which in a five-Test series, we know we will have to call upon the majority if not all of those.
"We will work out what we think is the best option to be successful in these conditions."
Heavy defeats on Ashes tours have often brought changes to England regimes.
This series was billed as a huge opportunity for England to win back the urn, yet the tourists are at risk of being out of the series at the earliest possible opportunity.
Though McCullum and Stokes are contracted to England until the end of the next home Ashes in 2027, their positions - along with that of director of cricket Rob Key - will come in for intense scrutiny if England are beaten in Adelaide.
Asked if a loss would put his job under pressure, McCullum said: "I don't know, but it doesn't really bother me, to be honest.
"I certainly don't coach to protect the job. I coach to get the best out of people and that's the same with the skipper. We both go about that in our same way with the same level of conviction and that won't be changing this week just because the prize is at its highest.
"I firmly believe that if we play our best cricket, we are a massive chance in this Test match. If we do that, then the narrative changes and the series momentum changes."
In the run-up to the second Test, England chose not to send players from the first Test to join a day-night England Lions game against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.
The tourists instead opted for five days of training in Brisbane which, in the aftermath of the Gabba defeat, McCullum claimed left them "overprepared".
On Sunday, the former New Zealand captain said he stood by his comments, but also explained he made them to draw attention away from the players.
"There's things that you say and things that you do - in the job you're in, sometimes it's better for the scrutiny to be on yourself," said McCullum.
"There is no perfect preparation. If there was and you could hit 4,000 balls to guarantee an average of 90, or bowl however many balls to guarantee 10 wickets, then we'll do it - don't worry. But that doesn't exist.
"Five intense days leading up to a Test match is not the best way to prepare. We'll be working out these next three days to make sure we get ourselves in the right frame of mind and skill level to be able to perform."
England returned to training on Sunday following a break in the Queensland resort town of Noosa.
Their approach has often attracted criticism, in particular their off-field activities during this tour.
On Sunday they began their training session with intense fielding drills, which have been uncommon for England under Stokes and McCullum.
"I do feel like there's a feeling that we go about our work in a very casual manner, but it couldn't be further from the truth," added McCullum.
"The level of intensity with which we try to operate with and the hard edge we try to bring to the team, is all encompassing. It's how we try to live our lives and set about this cricket team."
John Cena's final match left the crowd in Washington, D.C. stunned ... and not in a good way. Carrying on with what has become a decades old tradition of "passing the torch," Tripe H and the WWE booking team had Cena tap out to Gunther. Yes, the 17-time champion went out on a losing note. The match was exciting. The crowd was enthralled. And then stone silence when Cena tapped after a merciless series of elbows and about the 100th sleeper hold attempt by Gunther. Check out the highlights:
"It's been a pleasure serving you all these years. Thank you.”
— 🔥Sagar AJ Boy ™☝🏻(#WWE AND #AEW Fan Account) (@SagarAJ111) December 14, 2025
John Cena says goodbye. At
Saturday night's main Event#ThankYouCena | #SNMEpic.twitter.com/HBPE0jihTO
The fans heavily booed Triple H after John Cena tapped out in his final #WWE match at Saturday Night's Main Event. pic.twitter.com/aKhfnuNPu3
— Wrestle Ish (@WrestleIsh) December 14, 2025
The last time is now. 🐐
— usa news today (@usanewstodayy) December 14, 2025
John Cena just wrestled his FINAL WWE match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
No gimmicks. No comeback talk. Just the end of an era.Thank you, Cena.
🫡💔 pic.twitter.com/S9QkCcB76k
What a sendoff for John Cena ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y1R3MTsWBL
— ESPN (@espn) December 14, 2025
THANK YOU JOHN CENA ❤️🫡
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 14, 2025
🏆 17x World Champion
🏆 5x U.S. Champion
🏆 4x Tag Team Champion
🏆 2x Royal Rumble Winner
🏆 Intercontinental Champion
THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME 🐐 pic.twitter.com/3dPhvopjDd
The GOAT.
— WWE (@WWE) December 14, 2025
There will never be another John Cena! 🥹 pic.twitter.com/8dT8jUQjma
John Cena took off his APL sneakers and left them in the ring officially retiring from the WWE 😢🫡 pic.twitter.com/sbLsGroLTI
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) December 14, 2025
There is something so poetically chaotic yet peaceful and beautiful, that in John Cena’s final moments in his wrestling career in the WWE… he was smiling. #ThankYouCena#SNMEpic.twitter.com/y7J8U7drHA
— Miscellaneous (@Snokes7) December 14, 2025
John Cena graduated high school, played college football, became a bodybuilder, joined the WWE, became the top star in the company, went to Hollywood, and retired from WWE after a 23-year career…
— Eagles Fan Central (@PhilaFanCentral) December 14, 2025
all before the Cowboys made it back to an NFC Championship Game.#ThankYouCenapic.twitter.com/x40qWeEhOB
It's over.
— WWE (@WWE) December 14, 2025
Gunther taps out John Cena. pic.twitter.com/0O2lTpl3p1
Salute to the GOAT 🐐
— MLB (@MLB) December 13, 2025
One final time tonight for John Cena 🥹 #ThankYouCenapic.twitter.com/prc2Bsgoj9
I don't think @TripleH thought this through. It's not the push they think they're giving Gunther. They would have just given the fans the win. Saturday Night's Main Event crowd is not happy.
— Mike Odyssey (@MikeOdysseyYT) December 14, 2025
John Cena showed us love — now it’s our turn.
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 13, 2025
Tune-in TONIGHT as @JohnCena faces Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event, live from Washington, D.C. The Last Time Is Now. 👋 #LetEmKnowpic.twitter.com/1GpuKgGiX2
Who in the hell are you?
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) December 13, 2025
I'm John Cena.
From his unforgettable moments in the ring to his inspiring presence outside of it, John Cena has truly left an indelible mark on the world of sports entertainment. I am proud to have been part of his journey, and what a ride it has been… pic.twitter.com/NKnTDFi868
John Cena will partake in his final match tonight. In honor of that, here’s a floating Phoenix Suns jersey. pic.twitter.com/Kj6iimP2hQ
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 13, 2025
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: John Cena wrestled his final match on Saturday Night's Main Event
PEORIA — Jean-Guy Trudel spelled out a clear message to his Peoria Rivermen team Saturday, and he didn't need any letters to do it.
The four-time SPHL Coach of the Year stripped the leadership letters off his players' jerseys before a rematch against Knoxville.
The Rivermen responded with a 5-0 victory that gave them a split in the weekend series before 3,989 who braved a winter storm to watch inside Carver Arena.
The Rivermen did it, technically, without a captain or two assistants.
Trudel's decision to remove the "C" from veteran captain Alec Baer's jersey and the "A" off Garrett Devine's and Josh Martin's jerseys came overnight, after the Rivermen lost to Knoxville on Friday and slipped into sixth place. But it was something Trudel had been thinking about all week as he assessed his team amid four losses in six outings.
"Leadership has to be above and beyond, it has to be special," Trudel said. "If you don't lead, you don't stay with the Peoria Rivermen. This is who we are, it's how we win, it's our culture to play fast, play heavy and play like this team means everything in the world to us.
"Leaders have to earn it every day. We're going to wait before we put any letters back on any uniforms. We're going to see who responds. We're going to see who steps up. It's a simple message: The Rivermen Way, or the highway."
Devine responded with a two-goal, +4 game in which he imposed his will on the Ice Bears with a high-motor outing from start to finish.
Rivermen linemate and newcomer Khaden Henry? He merely notched a hat trick in his second game with the team, one of them a spectacular skill display. He produced 3 goals on 13 shots and a +4 rating in two games.
"We didn't really have any choice but to receive Jean-Guy Trudel's message," Devine said. "It was a big game for us. A big inflection point. Early in a year you can reach a point where your season goes one of two ways, and I'm really proud of the way the guys responded and did a lot of the right things. The letter stuff is what it is. Guys know who the leaders are and it's everyone's job to lead.
"Everyone stepped up and played as a team effort, on the ice, off the ice, locker room, bench, everywhere. It's a matter of doing this every single night, every single guy.
"That's the biggest thing with our team, the way we're composed right now. Every single guy has to bring it, every single guy has to be a leader, every single guy has to do everything."
This story will be updated with more interviews and information.
Dave Eminian is the Journal Star sports columnist, and covers Bradley men's basketball, the Rivermen and Chiefs. He writes the Cleve In The Eve sports column for pjstar.com. He can be reached at 686-3206 or deminian@pjstar.com. Follow him on X.com @icetimecleve.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: A challenge: Rivermen team responded with win after coach removed leadership letters
Marc Stein: The Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs hang on to win 111-109 ... dropping the Thunder to 24-2 and bringing a halt to OKC's 16-game win streak. Either San Antonio or New York will be the NBA's third NBA Cup champion.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Spurs shock OKC in Victor Wembanyama's return, will face Knicks in NBA Cup final
Central East beat Pacifica 42-28 to clinch the CIF State Division 1-A championship.
It's the second state title in program history following when the then Central Grizzlies beat Sierra Canyon to win the D1-AA crown in 2019.
RELATED: Central celebrates 2019 state title with parade
The Bengals have won back-to-back Central Section championships under head coach Kyle Biggs and 5 in the last 8 years. ""It was a great game and i'm just really proud of the way we battled and came through," Biggs told Spectrum Sports after the game. "I'm proud of my guys." Biggs improves his coaching record to 107-21 in his 10th season at Central East.
Leading Pacifica 35-28 with 4:12 to play, Biggs decided to go for it on fourth and 3 at his own 48. Junior quarterback Jelani Dippel lofted a deep ball to EJ Morgan and the Cal signee came down with a remarkable over the shoulder catch to move the chains.
The play that might have won a state title for Central East. EJ Morgan hauls it in on 4th and 3 (!). What a gutsy call from Kyle Biggs and an incredible catch for the Cal signee EJ Morgan. @ABC30https://t.co/G2JpbJJEyu
— Stephen Hicks (@StephenABC30) December 14, 2025
Shortly after, Arizona signee Brandon Smith ran in his 3rd touchdown of the game to extend the Bengal lead.
Bayon Harris, a junior who holds the program record for receiving yards, came down with 11 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown. He also had a 90-yard touchdown called back for holding. Dippel finished the night throwing for 371 yards and 2 touchdowns and also ran in a touchdown.
The Bengals finish the season with a record of 14-1.
For sports updates, follow Stephen Hicks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
If you go there now, you see an empty basketball floor in a decaying brick building. But if you narrow your gaze and let your mind drift, you can picture the crowds of wanna-be players over the decades, stuffing the narrow rafters, waiting for their chance. You can hear the excited yells and sneaker squeaks and the pounding dunks of a leather ball through a metal rim. You can feel the stifling heat of hot summer nights with no air conditioning and dreams of making a name for yourself sizzling beneath the hardwood floor.
And when you consider the talent that once sprinted up and down that court — from Dave Bing to Magic Johnson to Earl Cureton to Jalen Rose — you can feel yourself start to sweat.
This place is called St. Cecilia’s — or to many, the Saint — a legendary part of Detroit’s history, but like too many parts of our city, one that has fallen into disrepair, decay and disregard.
That is about to change.
On Thursday, Dec. 11, during our annual SAY Detroit Radiothon, I was joined on stage by the current mayor of Detroit, Mike Duggan, the former mayor, Dave Bing, and — via telephone — the current Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield (who was on her honeymoon), all of whom came together to help me announce the revitalization of a city landmark.
St. Cecilia’s, its adjacent 25-room school building, and the areas and lots surrounding both, will soon be the site of the new SAY Detroit Play Center at St. Cecilia’s.
The 8-acre campus on the city’s west side will be home to hundreds of afterschool kids from around the city, featuring academic labs, STEM robotics, arts programs, community spaces and, of course, sports, from a brand new football field to a rebirthed basketball facility that will honor the greats who played on that hardwood, while transforming it to a state-of-the-art level.
The Saint is rising.
“I am so excited,” Sheffield said, when she heard the news. “These are the partnerships that I believe are extremely important. And my husband — I finally can say that — he grew up playing in St. Cecilia’s. It’s very near and dear to the community. ... It’s near and dear to my heart.”
This is admittedly an ambitious project, one that may cost, in the end, close to $10 million. As the founder of SAY Detroit, that would make me nervous, had we not done a similar thing over the last decade on the city’s east side, at another abandoned facility called the Lipke Rec Center.
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Although not as storied by NBA greats as St. Cecilia’s, Lipke was also once a home to many Detroit kids, who played sports and swam there from the 1950s through the early 2000s.
But like so many rec centers in Detroit, Lipke closed during the bankruptcy years and fell into decay.
Back in 2014, Mayor Duggan asked SAY Detroit if we could somehow find a use for one of those closed facilities. We visited many and finally chose Lipke, even though all the HVAC equipment had been stolen off the roof and the swimming pool was covered in mold.
Ten years later, through the amazing enthusiasm — and elbow grease — of community partners and volunteers, Lipke has been transformed it into a vibrant hive of activity. There’s a football field donated by Matthew Stafford, a baseball field donated by the Detroit Tigers and a large basketball court, rejuvenated by Tom Gores, owner of the Pistons. Stafford and other investors added a 15,000-square-foot education annex a few years ago.
The SAY Detroit Play Center at Lipke now serves 300 kids from all over the city, who are transported from their schools and taken back home when they are finished. Sure, kids can play sports — but only after they complete 90 minutes of study in our digital learning center. They also fan out, in even greater numbers, to a recording studio, an E-Gaming hub, and STEM robotics and arts and dance programs.
Our goal for St Cecilia’s is follow the blueprint we used at Lipke. The sizes aren’t the same — there is less acreage the second time, for example, yet a larger school building — but the philosophy will be consistent: involve the community, lean on those who loved and used to use the space, raise funds through partnerships with foundations, companies and individuals, transport kids safely to and from their schools and homes, and hire caring, dedicated people to direct the academics and recreation.
We have already gathered several million dollars toward this project, chiefly from the Wayne and Joan Webber Foundation and an anonymous, but large, donor. Gores also pledged $100,000 toward it at Thursday’s event.
We should note that others have dreamed of reinvigorating this storied place, including Bing, Rose and notably Cureton, the former Piston, who, as a teenager, used to take two busses just to play with the talent at St. Cecilia’s.
On Thursday, at the radiothon, Earl’s widow, Judith Pickop, and their daughter, Sari, sat with us when we made the announcement.
“My dad loved Detroit and I think that reflected in his love for St. Cecilia’s,” Sari said. “The city offered him so much … an opportunity to grow, to learn, and become the person he became.”
That will be the goal of this new facility. To grow. To learn. To become the person you can become.
And to touch history. Detroit history. It was fun to hear Bing recall how, during a holdout from the Pistons in the early 1970s, he kept his game sharp by playing at St. Cecilia’s, and how Sam Washington, the legendary athletic director there, convinced him to get the NBA to donate the fines he was accumulating so he could buy a new scoreboard.
It was fun to hear former Police Chief Ike McKinnon recall how, during the uprising-plagued year of 1967, his officers would get stress reduction and recreation at St. Cecilia’s and how Washington would feed them.
Mayor Duggan noted how our Lipke project had not only revitalized that facility, but sent property values in the area soaring, and uplifted the immediate neighborhood.
We hope to do that twice.
There are ghosts now in the paint-peeling walls. We will not chase them out. Rather, we will give them a home among the sudden high-pitched squeals of children enjoying new facilities, and families knowing their kids have a place to go for hours after school and in the summer, a place where they can improve their grades, their college chances and their jump shots.
The Saint is rising.
If you would like to be a part of this effort, or join us somehow in the rebirth, please contact us at Saydetroit.org.
History never dies. It just sometimes gets ignored. That ends now at St. Cecilia’s. Let’s make it front and center again.
Contact Mitch Albom: malbom@freepress.com. Check out the latest updates with his charities, books and events at MitchAlbom.com. Follow him @mitchalbom on x.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mitch Albom: St. Cecilia’s is on the rise – on wings of new partner
This isn’t the banner the Knicks envisioned chasing this season — but after a 132-120 quarterfinal victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, the NBA Cup is within reach. And recent, limited history says competing for the in-season tournament banner gives you a head start in chasing the real thing later down the line.
In 2023, the first year of the Cup, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers to claim the league’s inaugural in-season trophy. The Pacers went on to make an Eastern Conference finals appearance the following spring, and came a Tyrese Haliburton Game 7 injury away from a Cinderella ending last season.
In the Cup’s second year, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder. That Thunder team responded by winning its first NBA championship later that same season, outlasting Indiana in the 2025 Finals.
Now it’s Year 3 of the league’s newest experiment — and the pattern is no longer coincidence.
After two straight quarterfinal exits, the Knicks are one of the final two teams standing in Las Vegas. They defeated the Toronto Raptors in the quarterfinal on Tuesday then punched their ticket to the NBA Cup Final agains the Magic on Saturday night.
And just like that, they’ve joined a short list of teams with a 50% chance of doing something much bigger next.
The New York Knicks are for real. They entered the season with championship aspirations, and a third of the way through the year, they’re finally beginning to look the part. And while an in-season tournament banner was never the target, competing for one has given the world a glimpse into the heights this team’s ceiling has pushed toward this year.
“I was one of those guys when they came up with the Cup idea, I was like, ‘Oh, man, for what? In the middle of the season? We are trying to do this and that and practice and blah, blah, blah,' ” head coach Mike Brown recalled after practice on Friday. “It’s a fantastic experience for everybody. You really applaud how the NBA has tried to continue to find ways to make this more meaningful across the board. So it’s a pleasure to be here.”
So the Knicks look the part. Jalen Brunson looks the part, too.
Brown has been vocal about wanting his All-Star point guard to finally receive MVP consideration. Performances like the one Brunson delivered Saturday make it impossible to have the conversation without him.
The Knicks’ captain dissected an Orlando defense specifically built to grind him down — a physical, switch-heavy unit designed to make every touch uncomfortable. Instead, Brunson made it look easy: 40 points on 16-of-27 shooting from the field and eight assists in New York’s highest-pressure game of the season.
“Yeah, [the Magic] are really physical. That’s what [Orlando’s head coach, Jamahl Mosley] prides himself on. The way that they have been able to do it makes them very successful,” Brunson told reporters after practice on Friday. “There’s a lot of ways you combat it. Obviously with physicality. But I would move it, with space and transition, getting stops and running. I think no matter what, they are going to play their solid basketball. We have to play ours and do it to the best of our abilities.”
Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 29 points and eight rebounds, and OG Anunoby added 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, as the Knicks advanced to a 17-0 record in games they lead after three quarters.
Jalen Suggs scored 26 points for the Orlando Magic but left in the second half due to injury. Paolo Banchero scored 25 points, and Desmond Bane added 18, but the Magic couldn’t match New York’s firepower with both teams missing key contributors on the injury report. Miles McBride is nursing an ankle injury, and Landry Shamet is recovering from a shoulder sprain, while fringe All-Star Franz Wagner remains out with a high ankle sprain of his own.
Now it’s one more game in Las Vegas against the best of the West. The NBA Cup is beginning to be a true playoff preview, and the Knicks are living up to the early billing they can compete for their first title in decades this season.
Lake Mary scored a thrilling Hail Mary touchdown on the game’s final play and beat Vero Beach 28-27 to capture their first state football championship in school history.
Notre Dame signee Noah Grubbs connected with FIU signee Barrett Schulz inside the five-yard line and when he almost got tackled, Tavarius Brundidge Jr. took the ball and scored with no time remaining.
OH MY GOODNESS!!!@LMRamsFootball with the HAIL MARY FOR THE WIN to capture their FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in program history.@NoahGrubbsQB to @BarrettSchulz and @22Aproblem_ with the all-time assist to capture the Class 7A crown in Miami. #SCTop10
— Alex Walker (@AlexWalkerTV) December 14, 2025
🎥: @ShaneWhitehead9pic.twitter.com/hVLbPvyTn6
Lake Mary trailed 21-3 at halftime at Pitbull Stadium in Miami and scored nine points in the final fifteen seconds of the game to complete the thrilling comeback.
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There is no more satisfying feeling for a fighter than going out on your own terms.
Sometimes the sport retires you before you can have a say in the matter, but sometimes you get the choice of when and how.
For Brett Johns, Saturday night marked the final bout of his 13 and a half year professional career - a career which saw him win two world titles and become the first Welshman to fight in the UFC.
While it was not the fairytale third world title ending he had hoped for on Saturday night - suffering a second round stoppage defeat to Nikolay Grozdev - his legacy will remain.
'The Pikey' laid the foundations for many to follow.
Johns' coaches and peers have been paying tribute to the man.
"Working with Brett for me has been a massive privilege," said Jack Shore.
"It started as an amateur training with the best fighter in Wales and one of my idols.
"He joined my gym and not only became one of my main training fighters, but he's become one of my best friends."
Shore went onto make his UFC debut in September 2019, and became the first Welsh fighter to be ranked in the promotion, reaching 15 on the bantamweight rankings in March 2022.
"I've shared hours and 100's of rounds with Brett," added Shore.
"Not only is he the best fighter I've ever trained with, but he's one of the greatest people you could ever wish to meet, which means far more than any of his fighting accolades, which let's be fair are pretty good!
"He laid the foundations of Welsh MMA and has lead the way for over 15 years.
"A true Welsh legend and still one of the best fighters in the world.
"I first met Brett when I was 19, totally starstruck after one of my amateur fights.
"I later got to train with Brett when I was 20 and have done ever since.
"The knowledge he shared with me on my way up, not just on the mats but also how to develop my character and how to go about this sport as you work your way up has no doubt played a massive part to where I am today.
"Without Brett, who knows if the path would have been as clear to get to the top of this sport from where we are from.
"Above all, he's an amazing human being and an amazing friend, my brother.
"A real people's champion and forever a MMA legend.
"He's one of the greatest and most influential Welshman of all time, thank you brother."
"The first time I met him I must have been about 15 or 16," said Pedersen.
"He was in the changing room coaching some other boys and I was starstruck like 'Oh my God that's Brett Johns Cage Warriors champion', so I didn't really speak to him that night.
"I ended up going down on the Friday to train with him at his dad's judo gym, and obviously I sparred with him, he manhandled me and I thought 'Oh my God this guy is next level', which obviously he is.
"I started to train with him on the regular, next thing you know I moved to Swansea, started training with him full time."
Pedersen says he is really grateful for everything he has experience with Johns.
"What he's done for my career is second to none.
"To have that type of mentor where you know you're training with one of the best fighters in the world gives you confidence through and through as well and the tips he's given me over the years, not just in fighting but in life, it's always going to stick with me and will always go a long way."
"What he's done for the sport just in Wales, again second to none.
"He's fought some of the best fighters in the world and beat some of the best fighters in the world.
"He's genuinely like my older brother, the guy is an icon, living legend."
Pedersen believes Johns could still go again if he wanted to.
"The mad thing is he's not slowing down.
"In training, he's 33 now, he feels better than ever so he could probably decide to do whatever he wants.
"Whatever he does decide to do I'll be happy for him and back him all the way, living legend."
"I have been fortunate to be able to watch Brett Johns' career from his very first fight on my event, right up to date," said Shore.
"He is one of the Welsh GOATS, and a pioneer, the first Welshman to ever compete on a UFC event.
"His accomplishments are second to none.
"I believe his most impressive achievement is having two fights on the same night, fighting eight full rounds to become the Cage Warriors world champion.
"Not many men on this planet could even dream about doing that."
Shore was also quick to speak to the character of the Brett Johns as a person.
"He is the perfect professional both in and out of the cage, a great fighter and an even greater man.
"Any young fighter looking to have a successfully MMA career should look to him as the blueprint for success.
"If this was his last fight he has my blessing, but... never say never."
After 27 professional bouts and two world title wins, it's time for Brett Johns be the world champion dad he desires to be as he and his wife look forward to welcoming their second child in February.
Before we do anything else, I have to ask for forgiveness for my first half-saltiness during my live updates article while the Ohio State basketball team was laying a turd on the floor of Rocket Arena in Cleveland vs. West Virginia. The Buckeyes looked uninspired and uninterested in playing the game of American basketball, and I was not kind.
The second half was another story. The Buckeyes erased a 16-point deficit in the second half and came all the way back to force not one, but two overtimes that can only be explained by a gut check, an instant classic. Both teams battled and made shots down the stretch, but Ohio State was able to withstand it all and win by a narrow 89-88 score.
There's a lot to take from this one, and as we normally do, we have pulled out three things we think we learned about this team. Suffice to say, a very negative column has turned more positive after what we all just witnessed. Hopefully, you stayed up for it all.
THE TOUGHER TEAM#GoBucks | #FightToTheEndpic.twitter.com/5UMfD0xDbE
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 14, 2025
OK, let's get the bad out of the way first. The first half was bad -- like really bad. On offense, Ohio State was standing around the perimeter, the wrong guys were settling for long-range shots, there were many instances of questionable judgment with fouls and turnovers, and there was a lack of energy and hustle. It was about as bad as it could get, and as a result, the Buckeyes went into the locker room down 37-27.
The second half didn't start much better, but then Ohio State began to climb out of the hole with better energy on both ends of the floor, better shot selection, and better action. It was like two teams played both halves. It's great that the Buckeyes came back and won this one to save me from having to buy another computer because of it being planted up against the wall, but this team has to be more consistent. There have been far too many lapses for long periods of time, and you can't expect to have a miracle finish like what we saw tonight more than a few times a season.
Find that way of playing from the jump and go do some things this year.
AMARE BYNUM 😳🔨🔨🔨
— Drive The Lane (@DriveTheLanePod) December 14, 2025
Doing it all off the bench for THE BUCKEYES! https://t.co/Swi2pDoz0ppic.twitter.com/l9Wc6JAug4
One of the big reasons why Ohio State was able to turn things around was the play of freshman Amare Bynum. In the first few games of the season, he looked like he was feeling things out, but there were still flashes of an athletic presence that nobody else on the Buckeyes has.
He's now making a big difference. His energy in starting the second half was contagious and sparked the turnaround for the entire team. He possesses some fast-twitch ability and a mindset to go with it that this team will need going forward. This sure did feel like his coming-out party, and we might be seeing a star in the making. He finishes with 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, but also hauled in eight rebounds and had three assists from a non-guard spot.
He can't replace Bruce Thornton or any more of the guards, but it looks like Brandon Noel might have to be relegated to a bench player after tonight because Ohio State is a much better team with him on the floor.
BRUCE THORNTON GAME-WINNER FOR THE BUCKEYES IN 2OT 🤯
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 14, 2025
Ohio State trailed by as many as 14 😳 pic.twitter.com/jaDHnGd4Rp
Some guys just have the clutch gene and want the ball when it's winning time. Ohio State senior guard Bruce Thonton checks that box. He struggled throughout the first half and a little into the second, but as the sands of the hourglass began to run out, he made shot after shot. Whether it be free throws because of getting fouled, getting the team into its offensive set and not turning the ball over in extreme pressure situations, or hitting the game-winner, he was the one who willed this team home.
Thornton could have left and gone somewhere else for his senior season, but he chose to stick around for Jake Diebler and the program, and I can only imagine where this team would be without him on the roster. I don't know if this team makes the NCAA Tournament or not -- there are still things that have to get better -- but I know it doesn't have a chance without him.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State basketball beats West Virginia: 3 things we learned
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman Trophy triumph made noise as far afield as Rupp Arena on Saturday night.
Indiana could not claim too many fans in the building, in the Hoosiers’ first regular-season game against Kentucky in 14 years, unsurprising given the venue. But the ones who made the trip east on I-64 made themselves heard more than once during a 72-60 loss.
That included what has become a familiar chant among IU fans, one that broke out not long into the game and yet owing absolutely nothing to what was happening on the floor.
As news filtered through the arena that Mendoza had won his program’s first Heisman Trophy, fans seated in small clusters — including one group just a few feet away from the media seating area — began loudly chanting “Heis-Mendoza!” at the news.
It was the latest reminder of IU’s brave new world, with football and basketball co-existing so significantly, so late into the calendar. Curt Cignetti’s team, the No. 1 seed in this year’s College Football Playoff, will next play in the Rose Bowl, on New Year’s Day in Los Angeles.
The Hoosiers await the winner of the 8/9 game between Oklahoma and Alabama, in Norman.
In the meantime, they’ve spent the pre-Christmas period resting on the field, while cleaning up off it. Mendoza and Cignetti were named Big Ten offensive player and coach of the year, respectively, while Carter Smith won the conference’s lineman-of-the-year award.
Cignetti has also won multiple national coach-of-the-year awards, with more potentially on the way.
Mendoza added a clutch of trophies to his mantle this weekend in New York, including not just the Heisman Trophy but the Davey O’Brien Award for nation’s best quarterback and the Maxwell Award for nation’s best player. Mendoza is also the first Hoosier to win the O’Brien Award, and the second (after Anthony Thompson) to win the Maxwell.
More than a dozen Hoosiers have landed All-Big Ten and/or All-America honors since their Big Ten championship game triumph a week ago. A handful — including Smith, Aiden Fisher, Riley Nowakowski, Pat Coogan, Isaiah Jones and others — traveled to New York to celebrate with their quarterback.
Alberto Mendoza, Fernando Mendoza’s backup and younger brother, also made the trip. Both brothers became visibly emotional when Fernando referenced his younger brother during his acceptance speech.
The Hoosiers ultimately left Rupp Arena empty handed Saturday. But their football program once again left them celebrating, nonetheless.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana fans chant HeisMendoza at basketball game vs Kentucky on Heisman night
Dec. 13—JAMESTOWN — After the University of Jamestown men's basketball team pulled off a 71-70 win over the University of Minnesota-Duluth, the UJ women entered Harold Newman Arena with enthusiasm and energy — ready to complete the sweep.
UMD took all of the Jimmies' energy away.
The Bulldogs defeated UJ 82-36 on Saturday afternoon, to drop the Jimmies' record to 4-5 overall and 2-3 in conference. Head coach Thad Sankey and company will be back in action on Wednesday at the University of Minnesota-Crookston. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
From the opening tip, the Bulldogs were in control.
The Bulldogs surged out to a 7-0 lead to start the ball game but Jessika Lofstrom got the Jimmies back within four with an outside shot at the 6:51 mark of the first quarter. In the next seven minutes, the Bulldogs added 15 points to their score while the Jimmies added three on a shot from Samantha Paulsen. Lofstrom led the Jimmies in first half scoring with five points.
As the game went on, it was clear the Jimmies were simply outmatched.
The Jimmies committed 14 turnovers and only shot 25 percent from the floor and 20 percent from deep in the first half. The home team capitalized on one of two shots from the line. UMD was 53.3 percent shooting and 35.7 percent from deep. At the line, the visitors went 3-for-5. UMD out-rebounded the Jimmies 28-18
At the half, UMD led 40-15.
"As soon as No. 23 was loosening us up with cuts and No. 11 gets in rhythm, and then No. 42 is getting deep paint touches — that's a hard combo," Sankey said in a postgame interview with Jamestown's 107.1 FM. "That's a hard combo for everybody to guard but we have to be able to take at least one of those things away.
UMD's No. 23, Claire Bjorge was responsible for seven points and four assists, while No. 11, Myra Moorjani, cracked into double-digits with 10 points and nabbed three rebounds, three assists, two turnovers and one steal. No. 42, Lexi Karge, was the Bulldogs' leading scorer with 16 points. She also grabbed four rebounds.
In the third quarter, the Bulldogs put up 13 points in the time it took for the Jimmies to score one point. With just over five minutes to play, Paulsen got the Jimmies' first two-point bucket of the half on a breakaway.
Quarter No. 4 was the Jimmies' best of the night — matching UMD's 16 points scored. Daviney Dreckman was the team's leading scorer with nine points while Paulsen finished with seven. As a team, the Jimmies were 15-for-57 shooting and 4-24 from 3-point range. The team recorded 20 turnovers and 28 total rebounds.
"We take the steps we need to take as a team with great effort," Sankey said. "These learning processes hurt. Tonight hurt. Unless we come back and get back on course, great effort doesn't really matter — it doesn't really matter. ... The learning opportunity for us is the difference between wanting to be good and working to be good. We have a lot of work to do to be good."
University of Minnesota-Duluth 82, University of Jamestown 36
UMD 22 18 26 16 — 82
UJ 6 9 5 16 — 36
UMD — Lexi Karge 16, Maria Counts 11, Myra Moorjani 10, Karly Jusczak 8, Claire Bjorge 7, Ashley Fritz 7, Lexi Karlen 7, Drew Johnston 6, Lilly Radcliffe 3, Vanessa Bickford 3, Gabrielle Kirchner 2, Keagan McVicker 2. Totals: 32-60 2FG, 12-27 3FG, 6-9 FT, 11 fouls. 3-pointers: Counts 3, Moorjani 2, Bickford 1, Johnston 2, Fritz 1, Karlen 1, Jusczak 1, Radcliffe 1.
UJ — Daviney Dreckman 9, Samantha Paulsen 7, Jessika Lofstrom 5, Halle Crockett 4, Hali Savela 3, Kiara Jangula 3, Alexa Ham 2, Allie Berns 2, Haidyn Crockett 1. Totals: 15-57 2FG, 4-24 3FG, 2-4 FT, 14 fouls. 3-pointers: Lofstrom 1, Dreckman 1, Jangula 1, Paulsen 1.
After a historic season, the Kutztown Golden Bears fall just short of playing for the NCAA Division II football championship game.
Kutztown lost to Harding 49-20 Saturday afternoon at Andre Reed Stadium in the NCAA Division II semifinals.
It was a season of success for the Golden Bears, as they recorded the winningest season in school history with 14 wins, captured their third consecutive PSAC championship, and advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Division II playoffs for the second time in the last three years.
The sting of defeat was a new feeling for this year’s Golden Bears, but it came on a day when the Bison simply outplayed them in below-freezing temperatures.
As for the Bison (15-0), their season continues as they travel to McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney, Texas, to face Ferris State in the NCAA Division II Championship on Dec. 20 at 4 p.m.
Ferris State (15-0) has won three titles in the past four seasons, including the 2024 championship, when the Bulldogs defeated Valdosta State 49–14.
They have dominated those title games, winning by an average score of 49–15 and establishing themselves as a true powerhouse in recent years. Earlier in the day, Ferris State defeated Newberry at home, 49–17.
It was an unusual sight for the Golden Bears defensively as they faced a Wing-T, triple-option offense, one that was historically dominant this season.
The Bison broke the single-season team rushing record with 6,308 yards and counting, eclipsing the all-division college football mark of 6,160 yards set by themselves in 2023.
The Golden Bears had no answers, as Andrew Miller, a Harlon Hill Trophy finalist and the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year, rushed for 157 yards and four touchdowns to lead his team to victory.
The Bisons scored at will on the ground, completing just one pass for 20 yards in the game. Braden Jay and Cole Keylon also posted dominant performances. Jay rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown, while Keylon, the quarterback, added 96 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Harding quarterback Cole Keylon rushes for a 10-yard touchdown against Kutztown University during a 49-27 victory over the Golden Bears in an NCAA Division 2 semifinal at Andre Reed Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
For Kutztown, the offense struggled after scoring 50 or more points in each of its first three playoff games. Judd Novak, also a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, threw his first interception of the season in the third quarter, putting the Golden Bears in a 28–7 deficit with eight minutes remaining.
The redshirt junior completed 20 of 37 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns, two of which came with seven minutes left when the game was essentially decided. On the ground, Novak rushed for 125 yards on 12 carries, including a 74-yard touchdown run.
Kutztown University’s Judd Novak runs for a 74=yard touchdown during a 49-27 loss to the Bisons in an NCAA Division 2 semifinal at Andre Reed Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
VINITA — Asia Roper jogged toward the Claremore bench expecting to hear it.
A quick scolding. A reminder to be smarter from her father, Claremore girls basketball coach Lynn Roper, after her fourth foul sent her to the sideline midway through the third quarter.
Instead, the moments that followed nearly turned Friday night's Big Dawg Shoot-Out semifinals on their head before becoming the defining chapter in one of the most dramatic performances of her career.
With Roper sidelined at the 4:25 mark of the third quarter and Claremore holding what appeared to be a comfortable 12-point lead, the game flipped in stunning fashion.
Kiefer seized the opening, ripping off a 20-2 run that erased the deficit and turned it into a 6-point advantage, while Roper could only watch from the bench as momentum swung violently away from the Lady Zebras.
“I was just trying to stay positive,” Asia Roper said. “Like, ‘This is not it. It is not over. It’s fine. We’ll get through this.’”
And they did.
The senior star returned early in the fourth quarter and delivered a takeover performance that propelled Claremore to a 62-58 victory over the Lady Trojans inside the James E. Sooter Activities Center at Vinita High School.
She scored 15 of the Lady Zebras' final 20 points over a decisive 6:50 stretch, finishing with 36 points and 7 rebounds to send them to their first tournament championship game since Jan. 26, 2016.
“I’m just glad we won,” Asia Roper said. “I didn’t really care how many points I had because if we didn’t win, I would’ve been mad. I was literally telling my teammates, ‘Guys, we are not losing.’ I was telling myself we’re not losing, so I went to the high post and called for the ball. I think me coming back in helped the energy a little bit, too. They [Kiefer] weren’t scoring as much, and we were doing better on offense. I didn’t give the option [to lose] to anybody.”
That night in 2016 came at the Port City Classic in Catoosa, a season that ended with Claremore finishing as the Class 5A state runner-up.
Friday’s win also marked the program's first 4-0 start since the 2007-08 season, another year that ended with a state-tournament appearance.
“I think it’s my first time being 4-0, probably ever,” Asia Roper said. “I’m really happy with our team. I think we play really good together. Last year we were figuring things out, and this year we have it, so I’m just happy to have good teammates.”
The pivotal moment that changed the game didn’t come from the floor, but from the bench.
Earlier in the game, coach Lynn Roper and his staff had agreed Asia Roper would re-enter the game at the 6:00 mark of the fourth quarter to protect her from fouling out.
Assistant coach Lauren McSpadden added one caveat: unless Kiefer went on a game-breaking run.
That condition was met moments later when the Lady Trojans' Coley Rowton scored a fast-break layup to push them ahead 46-40. McSpadden immediately made the call, and coach Roper didn’t hesitate or argue. He turned, called his daughter’s name and sent her to the scorer’s table.
“She’s just as big a part as I am for our success,” coach Roper said. “She bounces stuff off me, I bounce stuff off her and that’s how we coach. I told her when I got hired and she was already in the program, ‘I want to hear everything you have to say all the time.’ I talk with the boys coach, I talk with other coaches — I’m always learning from other coaches. This is only my second year as a head coach at this level, so I’m still learning every game. I learn a lot from year and vice versa. The rule is typically six minutes in the fourth, but she was like, ‘Nope, we’ve gotta get her in now.’ I looked up, saw seven minutes, and I was like, ‘All right, let’s go.’ It just looked like that was a good point [to bring her in].”
Before she could even check back in, Autumn Roper delivered a crucial bucket in the paint, keeping the Lady Zebras within striking distance and helping spark what became a game-winning 22-12 run.
“I’m glad she stepped up because we needed somebody to,” Asia Roper said. “Me coming out brought the energy down a little bit, but she kept it up.”
From there, Asia Roper took control.
She scored on drives, buried a momentum-swinging 3-pointer to tie the game at 50, converted a 3-point play that put Claremore ahead 55-51 with 2:30 remaining and calmly knocked down free throws in the final seconds to close the door.
Autumn Roper finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds, while Alayna Eberley added 8 points and 2 boards as the Lady Zebras overcame a 31-27 rebounding deficit [17-7] on the offensive glass] and 22 turnovers to survive.
Kiefer, which briefly looked poised to steal the game, was led by Rowton’s 19 points and 2 rebounds. Posey LaBouff added 11 points, Claire Hoover chipped in 11 and 5, and Channing Hallum finished with 10 and 7 as the Lady Trojans capitalized on Claremore’s foul trouble and offensive drought in the second half.
Elle Adams added 7 points while co-leading the team with 7 rebounds.
Still, when it mattered most, the ball belonged to Asia Roper, and she delivered.
Claremore now moves into the Big Dawg Shoot-Out championship game riding momentum, history and the confidence that comes from knowing its best player can swing a game even after watching it slip away from the bench.
With that history comes playful memories that a father like Lynn Roper cherishes, even if he is the only one who remembers.
“I want to correct Asia because when I coached her in sixth-grade rec league, we were undefeated,” he said, referring to her comment about never having been 4-0. “She probably forgot that — nobody remembers that.”
VINITA — With a berth in the Big Dawg Shoot-Out championship hanging in the balance, it often looked like neither team was eager to seize it.
Between 61 combined turnovers, 22 missed free throws and a steady stream of errant layups that flirted with nothing but air, Sequoyah and Salina spent Friday night searching unsuccessfully for the dagger that would separate them.
In the end, the Lady Wildcats found just enough offense to escape with a 32-25 victory over the Lady Eagles in the semifinals inside the James E. Sooter Activities Center at Vinita High School.
In a game where free throws, rebounding and turnovers largely canceled each other out, the biggest difference came from beyond the arc.
Salina made 2 3-pointers. Sequoyah made none.
That margin proved decisive.
The Lady Wildcats' second 3-pointer — a deep shot from Jordan Hawk — snapped a 25-24 Lady Eagles lead and ignited a game-ending 8-0 run. Sequoyah did not score again after Abilene McGee’s free throw gave them their first and only lead of the night with 5:04 remaining.
The Lady Eagles' struggles from the perimeter loomed large.
Lanie Thompson, who torched Catoosa with 5 3-pointers in the opening round, was held to 5 points and could not get a shot to fall from deep.
The game was a grind from the opening tip.
Salina jumped out early behind Maci Proctor and Izzy Pritchett, leading 11-4 after the first quarter. Sequoyah clawed back in the second behind Emmyn Gibson and Abilene McGee, trimming the deficit to 16-12 at halftime despite continued turnover issues.
The third quarter was more of the same with frantic possessions, missed chances and constant trips to the free-throw line.
Gibson sparked a brief surge, and Lexis Breshears tied the game at 22 entering the fourth, setting up what appeared to be a tense finish.
However, after McGee’s free throw gave the Lady Eagles a 25-24 lead, the Lady Wildcats finally delivered the separation it had been searching for.
Hawk’s 3-pointer broke the tie, and Salina added points off free throws and a Zoe Stephenson basket to pull away as Sequoyah went scoreless over the final five minutes.
The Lady Wildcats committed 33 turnovers and the Lady Eagles 28, with the teams combining for 32 giveaways in the second half alone. Free throws told a similar story, as Sequoyah went 9-of-19 [47.4%] and Salina 10-of-22 [45.5%].
Gibson led the Lady Eagles with 9 points and 7 rebounds, while Breshears added 7 boards alongside 3 points. Thompson finished with 5 points and 3 boards, and Sequoyah grabbed 16 offensive rebounds compared to the Lady Wildcats' 9 but could not convert enough second chances.
For Salina, Pritchett led the way with 8 points and 7 rebounds, while Jordan Hawk added 7 points and 3 boards, including the game’s biggest shot.
The loss ended the Lady Eagles' hopes of setting up an all-Claremore championship game against the Lady Zebras — a rare matchup that hasn’t occurred since Jan. 21, 2016, when Claremore beat Sequoyah 49-38 in the Catoosa Port City Classic.
The Lady Wildcats advanced to Saturday’s championship game at 7 p.m. against the Lady Zebras. Sequoyah will play Kiefer in the third-place game at 5:30 p.m.
Lady Eagles coach Lee Ott was unavailable for comment after the game.
Dec. 13—JAMESTOWN — The Jamestown High School boys basketball team had a one point lead over Devils Lake at the halfway point.
The Firebirds flipped the script in the second half.
Max Palmer's six 3-pointers paced the Firebirds' 70-48 win over the Blue Jays Saturday afternoon. The loss puts Jamestown's record at 2-1 overall. Jamestown will open up the conference season on Tuesday with a tilt against Bismarck Century. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Jerry Meyer Arena.
While Palmer notched 28 points to lead all scorers, senior Abel Dolokelen put up a respectable 17 points to lead the Blue Jays. Edison Walters chipped in another 10 points while Kale Verke put seven on the books.
As a team, the Jays hit 18 field goals and went 8-15 from the free throw line.
Devils Lake 70, Jamestown 48
DL 30 40 — 70
JHS 31 17 — 48
DL — Max Palmer 28, Bryar Exner 15, Mason Palmer 11, Ben Brodina 9, Kade Fee 4, Egan Laite 2, Alex Hammond 1. Totals: 25 FG, 11-20 FT, 19 fouls. 3-pointers: Max Palmer 6, Exner 2, Brodina 1.
JHS — Abel Dolokelen 17, Edison Walters 10, Kale Verke 7, Eric Van Berkom 3, Gradin Thorlakson 3, Hudson Rode 3, Liam Frey 3, Mason Joseph 2. Totals: 18 FG, 8-15 FT, 19 fouls. 3-pointers: Dolokelen 1, Walters 1, Verke 1, Rode 1.
Penn State guard Vega Ioane has announced he has opted out of the Pinstripe Bowl and has declared for the 2026 NFL draft.
The 6-4, 330-pound Ioane, a fourth-year junior, played in 44 games for the Nittany Lions, including 32 starts. He’s projected to be a first-round pick.
“The past four years have been a journey of a lifetime,” he posted on social media, “and an unforgettable experience that I couldn’t be more grateful for. This family and football program that took me in has helped shape me into the man I am today.
“And for that, an expression of gratitude will never be enough.”
He specifically thanked former Penn State coach James Franklin and former offensive line coach Phil Trautwein.
Ioane has been named to the All-America second team by the Walter Camp Foundation, The Athletic and Sports Illustrated. He was selected to the All-America first team by CBS Sports and On3.
He allowed no sacks for the second straight season and three pressures on 310 pass blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He was voted to the All-Big Ten first team by a media panel and to the second team by the coaches.
Ioane became the fourth Penn State player to opt out of the Dec. 27 Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson, joining safety Zakee Wheatley, defensive tackle Zane Durant and running back Nick Singleton.
In other personnel moves, Trautwein has left Penn State after six seasons to join Jon Sumrall’s staff at Florida, Trautwein’s alma mater.
Trautwein’s departure leaves interim head coach Terry Smith, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, Marques Hagans (wide receivers), Deion Barnes (defensive line), Dan Connor (linebackers), Anthony Poindexter (safeties) and Justin Lustig (special teams coordinator) as the remaining assistants from Franklin’s Lions coaching staff.
Penn State announced Friday that three assistant coaches and seven others have officially joined Matt Campbell’s new staff.
Taylor Mouser will be the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, Ryan Clanton will coach the offensive line and Deon Broomfield the secondary.
In addition, Skip Brabanec will serve as football chief of staff, Derek Hoodjer as general manager, Aaron Hillmann as director of sports performance operations, Reid Kagy as head strength and conditioning coach, Brandon Pietrzyk as assistant strength and conditioning coach, Trent Slattenow as director of personnel and Jack Griffith as recruiting assistant.
All but Griffith worked with Campbell at Iowa State.
VINITA — Ryder Phillips likes to call himself QB1 for Catoosa boys basketball.
On Friday night, that self-appointed title felt less like bravado and more like prophecy.
With the Big Dawg Shoot-Out semifinals on the line, Phillips was the one standing at the free-throw line twice in the final 20 seconds, shoulders squared and eyes steady. He split a pair with 18 seconds remaining, then returned after a defensive stop with six ticks left.
He again missed the first but made the second, and that single point proved to be the difference as the Indians survived for a 58-57 victory over Miami inside the James E. Sooter Activities Center at Vinita High School.
“I knew I was gonna make a second one because I knew I was gonna miss it,” Phillips said. “I had to come through, but I have enough confidence in my teammates to let them know they gotta get a stop.”
Moments later, the Wardogs' Beckett Sooter buried a running 3-pointer at the buzzer that would have sent the game into overtime if not for Phillips’ calm conversion seconds earlier.
One could argue that is why he calls himself QB1. He was the player with the ball in his hands when the game hung in the balance.
“I would say I'm probably the most vocal person out here,” Phillips said. “I would say my role is being the point guard, being the main guy, being QB1. Every night, though, it could be somebody else being a leader. I might not have the best night, but AJ [Timmons] can go have 20, TJ [Tory Hooks Jr.] can go have 20, Ant [Anthony Barnes] could go have 20 — anybody on the roster can get 20. I’ve got confidence in everybody, and not one person is the best on the team. It's everybody. It's how we play together. That's how we play.”
Phillips finished with a team-high 16 points and 4 rebounds as Catoosa improved to 6-0 and advanced to the Big Dawg Shoot-Out championship game for the second-consecutive season.
Friday’s thriller was already the second meeting between the teams this season. Catoosa edged Miami 58-55 in the Dec. 2 opener, and the sequel proved just as tense.
“I think we just fought through every level of adversity, stuck together as a team and found a way to hit some big free throws at the end,” Catoosa first-year coach Rodrick Hall said.
The Wardogs [1-3] made their intentions clear early behind Waike Roblyer, who scored their first 16 points and finished with a game-high 25 points and 9 rebounds.
Despite Roblyer’s early dominance, the Indians stayed composed, closing the first quarter with a narrow 14-13 lead after a Phillips 3-pointer stemmed the momentum.
“He's a monster,” Hall said of Roblyer. “He played really well. We made some adjustments on him and slowed him down a little bit, but I don't think there's any stopping the kid.”
Catoosa gained separation in the second quarter with a balanced attack.
AJ Timmons sparked an 18-point period with a 3-pointer and aggressive drives, while Phillips drained consecutive triples to push the lead to 32-24 at halftime.
The Indians looked poised to pull away in the third, stretching its advantage to 15 points after a Rodrick Hall Jr. 3-point play and a Tory Hooks Jr. basket. However, Miami responded with a flurry from beyond the arc.
Lane Walther hit a trio of 3-pointers in the quarter, trimming the deficit and keeping the Wardogs within striking distance heading into the fourth.
The final eight minutes turned into a possession-by-possession grind.
Every Catoosa run was answered, and every Miami push was met with timely shots or defensive stops. Anthony Barnes knocked down a key 3-pointer midway through the quarter, but the Wardogs continued to chip away, pulling within two points in the final minute.
That set the stage for Phillips.
After a Miami bucket cut the lead to 56-54, Phillips stepped to the line with 18 seconds left and made one of two. Following a stop by the Indians defense, he returned with six seconds remaining.
He missed the first, but calmly knocked down the second — the point that ultimately sealed it. The Wardogs' final heave fell through the net, but it wasn’t enough.
The Indians had seven players score at least 5 points, showcasing the depth that has fueled its unbeaten start. Timmons added 13 points and 5 rebounds, and Barnes and Rodrick Hall Jr. chipped in 7 apiece while combining for 6 boards.
Catoosa will face Rogers County rival Claremore, a rematch of last year’s title game that the Indians won 62-54.
“It's a big deal,” coach Hall said. “I want to make sure the legacy continues and gets better. So every chance we get to do something special, we want to do it.”
Phillips is excited for the opportunity as well.
“I'm ready to go get a two-timer,” he said. “I'm ready to be a two-timer.”
VINITA — Even with a 17-point cushion heading into the fourth quarter, Claremore boys basketball coach Randy Rutherford wasn’t satisfied.
And he made sure his team knew it.
Grove had just closed the third quarter with back-to-back 3-pointers, trimming what once looked like a runaway into something far less comfortable by his standards.
During the brief break before the final frame, the first-year Zebras coach gathered his players and delivered a blunt message.
“This game isn’t over,” Rutherford told them. “You are 1-2 right now. You can be 1-3 or 2-2. Which one do you want?”
“2-2, coach,” the team answered together.
“Then start playing like it,” Rutherford said.
They did exactly that.
Claremore clamped down defensively, refused to let the Ridgerunners mount any sustained run and stretched the lead to as many as 21 points on its way to a convincing 52-34 victory in the Big Dawg Shoot-Out semifinals Friday night inside the James E. Sooter Activities Center at Vinita High School.
“It’s a process,” Rutherford said. “We’re a little bit more talented than that team is, so if we can impose our will, then it should turn in our favor. But if you don’t focus on the detail stuff, then they have a chance.”
The Zebras [2-2] were in control from the opening tip, racing to a 13-5 lead after the first quarter and holding Grove to just 11 points in the first half.
That defensive effort was especially notable considering the Ridgerunners were coming off an 84-26 blowout of Salina in the opening round. Claremore took that high-powered offense out of rhythm early and never let it find its footing.
“The teams that we’ve already faced, these teams haven’t faced anybody of that caliber,” Rutherford said. “When they face our man-to-man defense, they don’t know how to face that. We felt very confident coming into the game about how our defense would affect them after watching film. We knew they like to shoot a lot of 3s, so we took the 3-point line out. We knew they couldn’t cover us inside, so everybody’s doubling Tobin, we knew our guards were going to get loose, we hit some shots and then the ballgame was in our favor.”
Tobin McGill powered the Zebras inside with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Mike Tarver and Nolan Sherl added 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Claremore extended its halftime advantage from 23-11 to 39-22 after three quarters, though Grove’s late surge in the period prompted Rutherford’s emphatic reminder before the final eight minutes.
The Zebras responded by opening the fourth with defensive stops and efficient offense, pushing the margin beyond 20 at 47-26 and finishing strong.
“We’ve been waiting on somebody to run us in a zone,” Rutherford said. “They ran a zone, and we’ve got good stuff against the zone.”
The Ridgerunners [3-1] were led by a balanced effort, with Colby Watson, Bradee Rutherford and Cody Churchwell each scoring 6 points, while Aiden Knight added 5 points and 6 rebounds. However, they were unable to overcome Claremore’s early defensive dominance and steady execution down the stretch.
With the win, the Zebras advanced to the Big Dawg Shoot-Out championship game for a second-straight season and will face Rogers County rival Catoosa at 8:30 p.m. Saturday in a rematch of last year’s title game, which the Indians won 62-54.
It marks Claremore’s fourth appearance in the tournament championship game, having also reached the final in 2021, 2022 and 2024. The Zebras are still seeking their first Big Dawg title, with each previous championship loss coming against teams nicknamed the Indians — Stilwell in 2021 and 2022 and Catoosa last season.
“We’re excited about the challenge tomorrow,” coach Rutherford said. “Catoosa is a good team, and like I told our guys, all the teams play about the same. They’re going to run a little run-and-jump, they’re going to want to play man and they’re going to want to shoot a bunch of 3s. Defensive transition, guard the 3-point line, stop the ball, stop the paint strong side and let’s see what they can do against us.
“It’ll be a good game tomorrow. I know they’re going to be ready to play, and we’re excited about it.”
CHICAGO — Case Keenum is well aware of the jersey — the infamous, fan-altered jersey of former Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch with a long list of his successors under his nameplate.
Keenum should know it. He’s on it.
“I’ve seen that shirt,” said Keenum, who played for the Browns from 2020-21 and joined the Bears as a free agent in April. “I think I’m probably the only undefeated quarterback on that list. … Minimum two games, right?”
It’s true. Keenum started two games in 2021 and won both, but he knows that’s not what the spirit of the jersey is all about.
It’s a meme about futility.
It’s about a franchise’s exhaustive yet fruitless search for a solution at the game’s most important position.
“Cleveland is its own little entity,” Keenum said. “It’s got this blue-collar, not-ever-given-anything, had-to-earn-everything-it’s-gotten, been-overlooked, kind-of-little-brother-type mentality. I’ve really had that type of time my whole life, my whole career. So being able to share it with a group of people in a city like that I really enjoyed.
“You know, you could probably make those types of shirts at a lot of different places.”
To his point, a Bears fan could’ve made a Cade McNown jersey with all of his successors.
The Browns have had 42 quarterbacks start at least one game since they were reinstated (after a three-year absence) in 1999, including No. 1 pick Couch. The Bears have had 30 quarterbacks make at least one start since they drafted McNown at No. 12 that same year.
It’s a trauma bond for two fan bases.
Perhaps Bears and visiting Browns fans can discuss it during Sunday’s game when they’re huddled together for warmth amid subzero wind chills at Soldier Field.
The Browns have had a staggering number of starters since ‘99.
The full list, in alphabetical order, includes: Derek Anderson, Jacoby Brissett, Jason Campbell, Tim Couch, Austin Davis, Jake Delhomme, Ty Detmer, Trent Dilfer, Ken Dorsey, Jeff Driskel, Joe Flacco, Charlie Frye, Dillon Gabriel, Jeff Garcia, Bruce Gradkowski, Robert Griffin III, Kevin Hogan, Kelly Holcomb, Brian Hoyer, Case Keenum, Cody Kessler, DeShone Kizer, Thaddeus Lewis, Johnny Manziel, Baker Mayfield, Josh McCown, Luke McCown, Colt McCoy, Nick Mullens, Doug Pederson, Brady Quinn, Shedeur Sanders, Connor Shaw, Tyrod Taylor, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, P.J. Walker, Seneca Wallace, Deshaun Watson, Brandon Weeden, Jameis Winston, Spergon Wynn and Bailey Zappe.
Here’s the Bears’ list: Tyson Bagent, Matt Barkley, Henry Burris, Jason Campbell, Chris Chandler, Jimmy Clausen, Todd Collins, Jay Cutler, Andy Dalton, Chase Daniel, Justin Fields, Nick Foles, Mike Glennon, Brian Griese, Rex Grossman, Caleb Hanie, Brian Hoyer, Chad Hutchinson, Craig Krenzel, Shane Matthews, Josh McCown, Cade McNown, Jim Miller, Kyle Orton, Nathan Peterman, Jonathan Quinn, Trevor Siemian, Kordell Stewart, Mitch Trubisky and Caleb Williams.
In 27 years, the Browns have averaged about 1 1/2 quarterback starters per season, but they outdid themselves in 2023 with five: Driskel, Flacco, Thompson-Robinson, Walker and Watson.
Of course, injuries played a factor in the number of starters, as it does with several teams most seasons.
The Browns have had 20 quarterbacks start at least eight games since 1999, the most in the league.
The Bears have had only 11 make eight starts, about average in the league, but they have had 23 make at least four starts, tied for the highest in that span.
However you dissect the numbers, various Bears and Browns front offices have spent a lot of man hours trying to find a long-term solution to their quarterback quandaries, often to no avail.
“You look at quarterback in general, I think it’s probably the toughest, most scrutinized, most unique position in all of sports — we get the ball in our hands every play,” said Keenum, 37, who’s on his ninth team in his 14th season. “No one position in all sports relies more on their team and the entire building, and no other position in all sports has the entire team and the building relying on them.”
Keenum was the primary backup for Mayfield, who eventually joined Couch, Manziel, Quinn and Weeden among Browns first-round quarterbacks who didn’t pan out for them (though Mayfield has found success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
“When you put that type of expectations and stress and pressure on a kid sometimes, that’s not a recipe for success if you’re not making decisions at a very high level based on how it affects that kid,” Keenum said.
He praised Bears coach Ben Johnson in that regard.
“Ben’s done an incredible job — every decision he’s made (has been) with everybody in the building in mind, specifically our quarterback,” Keenum said. “It’s not just him, it’s getting the entire building on it. That’s one thing that you can see that’s going on with Caleb Williams.”
George Bozeka is president of the Pro Football Researchers Association (PFRA) and author of several NFL-related books and articles.
His son, Jon Bozeka, is a longtime broadcaster in Northeast Ohio who covers the Browns for Infinity Sports Network and Sirius XM.
In their own ways, they’ve both spent years studying their hometown Browns and they’re both left scratching their heads.
“I think it’s been a huge source of frustration for Browns fans,” George Bozeka said about the team’s quarterback search. “One theory that I have, and I think Jon shares this with me, is that in the modern NFL, they don’t really develop quarterbacks like they used to historically.
“When I was younger, in the ’60s and ’70s, they always said it took about three to five years to develop a quarterback. Now it’s all about instant gratification. A quarterback is drafted high, they expect him to go in and excel immediately. And I think that’s been part of the problem for the Browns.
“They’ve had quarterbacks that have, you know, done well for short periods of time, like for a season, and then they come back to earth and the mediocrity sets in.”
Jon Bozeka said Browns fans would get their hopes up — like during Derek Anderson’s Pro Bowl season in 2007 — only to come crashing down a year or two later. Rinse and repeat with Mayfield.
“I can’t even begin to tell you the excitement when Joe Flacco led the Browns to the playoffs, like, two years ago, you would have thought Joe Flacco was the second coming of Otto Graham around here,” Jon Bozeka said. “People were making T-shirts. There was excitement. … That season, that moment for Browns fans was so unique here that everybody wanted that to work again this year, and it just didn’t.”
Bears fans have ridden similar waves with Trubisky and Fields.
Joe Ziemba, PFRA member and author of “Bears vs. Cardinals: The NFL’s Oldest Rivalry” and other Chicago-related books, can testify to what many Bears fans felt when Fields was selected with the 11th pick in 2021.
“I remember even where I was, I was in an Ace Hardware store, and someone told me the Bears are going to get Fields,” he said. “I said, ‘You’re kidding.’ I’ve seen him in college going nuts at Ohio State.”
Two seasons later Fields and the Bears parted ways.
“I think the system, I think the staff let him down a little bit in terms of his developing further,” Ziemba said
Jon Bozeka said of Trubisky, Fields’ predecessor and the No. 2 pick in 2017: “People here wanted him really badly. He’s a local kid. He’s a Mentor (Ohio) kid.”
There’s still time for Trubisky, who’s in his second season in Buffalo, to be added to that Browns jersey.
The original jersey was the brainchild of Cleveland-based ad agency owner Tim Brokaw, who retired it after 24 names in 2016, when the Cavaliers won the NBA championship.
But it has been resurrected in various forms, handmade or Photoshopped, with some gaining similar notoriety.
“Just because the list is 42, I think we mentally all have that image in our head,” Jon said.
George Bozeka believes both Chicago and Cleveland have a “bruised” psyche when it comes to this subject because of their storied histories that predate the 1970 merger.
“I think it’s painful for the fan bases to constantly go through this,” he said. “There’s more expectation. I think that’s why there’s more impatience.”
Ziemba said Bears fans focus on the modern quarterback carousel and the lack of a 4,000-yard passer in their history but forget about the greats of yesteryear.
“You had somebody like Ed Brown in the ’50s, but no one’s ever heard of Ed Brown, and he probably started more games (66) than anybody,” he said, with the exception of Jay Cutler (102).
“I’m always looking at someone like Sid Luckman, who I still consider the best quarterback in Bears history. “(Bears founder George) Halas had this keen eye for selecting guys, and Luckman wasn’t even a quarterback at Columbia. But since Halas felt that as a tailback, he could fit in with the C formation, he picked him up on a last minute trade with Pittsburgh and added him.
“Of course he’s a Hall of Famer and still holds a lot of the records.”
The Bozekas hold up Graham — a three-time NFL champion — as one of the league’s all-time greats, though they acknowledge fans hang their hat on the fact the Bears have had two quarterbacks lead them to a Super Bowl and one won.
“Even though the Bears haven’t done it since ’85 … Cleveland has so consistently experienced that heartbreak,” Jon Bozeka said. “It’s painful that they can’t get the position that’s the most important position in sports right.”
Caleb Williams’ 57.8% completion percentage has invited a bit of scrutiny, but it’s notable that Luckman, passing pioneer though he was, had just a 51.8% career completion percentage.
“And yet he’s considered the dominant guy,” Ziemba said. “But the game was different, and the strategies were different.”
The point is, numbers don’t necessarily make a franchise quarterback. Wins do.
The question for both the Bears and Browns is: Can Williams and Shedeur Sanders become those players?
Recently, Ben Johnson said to throw out the stats when it comes to Williams, who came with Sears Tower-high expectations when he was drafted at No. 1 in 2024.
At this early stage of building a franchise quarterback, only the process and the mindset matter.
“It’s the coachability aspect of it,” Johnson said. “He’s doing a really good job right now of being critical of himself. We see it the same way. We’ll watch tape together and (he says), ‘I’ve got to be better there.’
“Even the walk-through. I mean, we just had a walk-through and he’s a little pissed off walking off. He’s like, ‘I had two in there that I could’ve gotten a little bit cleaner’ in a walk-through setting. Well, we just installed the play, so that’s natural. When he’s critical of himself and he’s taking to coaching, I know good things are coming down the horizon.”
Williams said he and his coach talk every day about everything, from family to football.
And that includes goals and expectations.
“The playoff mentality, the championship mentality, that’s where we want to be,” Williams said. That’s where you want to be every year. … Whether it’s your first year or 10th year, you don’t go into a year not thinking about that.
“That’s one. And then managing those expectations, managing actually being possibly in that position, that’s going to take experience, that’s going to take trusting in him, that’s going to take us just trusting the process.”
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski likes what he has seen of Williams.
“He’s a really, really good young player,” Stefanski said. “He can make a ton of plays both on schedule and off schedule, has elite arm talent to throw the ball around the field.
“And … he’s very elusive, extremely elusive. He can get out of the pocket to the left, to the right, vertical in the pocket. He’s a hard guy to bring down and that adds another element to their team.”
Sanders’ path has been a bit more arduous than Williams’.
He was a projected first- or second-rounder but fell to the fifth and suddenly found himself fourth on the depth chart behind Flacco, Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was drafted in the third round.
There had been murmurs through the preseason and regular season about why Sanders hadn’t gotten more first-team reps or a chance to start, but Sanders finally got his first start Nov. 23, a 24-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Last week, he threw for 364 yards and produced four total touchdowns in his third start, a 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen hadn’t seen a lot of tape on Sanders before this season but said: “I see a guy that plays with a little bit of a swagger. He’s got a little moxie to him. I think he brings a little bit of excitement to that football team.”
And yet, there are still questions about whether he’ll be in Cleveland long term.
“I just go here, enjoy my day, work hard, do everything I can,” Sanders said. “And if I’m here, I’m here. If I’m not, I’m not. Like it’s nothing in my control. So, I try to control what I can control. That’s going out there and making the right reads, going out there doing the right things, being the person I am. And things will fall how they are supposed to.”
Even if it’s lip service, Stefanski seems compelled to include Gabriel in the conversation about Sanders’ progress, lest he fuel more chatter about the Browns’ muddy quarterback vision.
“I don’t think you can quantify development,” Stefanski said. “With all of our players, we have a development plan that we feel strongly about. … What’s great about our young class, Shedeur, in this case our entire rookie class, is these guys want to get better.”
The Browns have at least committed to starting Sanders the rest of the season.
Starter or benchwarmer, solution or temporary fix, if Sanders harbors any concerns about his NFL future, he’s not showing it at the podium.
“I’m comfortable being uncomfortable,” he said. “You’ve got to understand, that’s just the situation I’m in, and I’m fine with that. I love that.”
Come Sunday at noon, Williams and Sanders will be focused on the game and little else. Realistically, Williams and the Bears need this win against the 3-10 Browns to maintain control of their playoff hunt.
For Sanders, it’s a four-game audition.
Two years ago, Williams and Sanders traded 11 total touchdowns between them when Williams’ USC Trojans defeated Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes 48-41.
“It was a good atmosphere, a good game,” Williams said this week. “We ended up coming out with the victory, and Shedeur was a hell of a player.”
____
The pre-match spotlight might have been on Leigh Halfpenny's return to Cardiff colours for the first time in more than 11 years.
But it ended up being one of the kickers he now also mentors who grabbed the headlines with a last-gasp match-winning penalty against Ulster in the Challenge Cup.
Cardiff and Wales fly-half Callum Sheedy stepped up to slot over the kick that sealed a 29-26 win to send the Arms Park crowd home happy.
"It is nice with times like that when the hard work pays off," said Sheedy.
"I'm really pleased it went over. Those kicks come once a season or once every couple of seasons, so I'm chuffed."
The thirty-year-old added: "With a match-winning kick it focuses you even more and you go back to your process.
"It was actually the stillest night I've ever had at the Arms Park. Usually the wind's going everywhere, so someone's looking down on me."
It was all the more pleasing for Sheedy given his goal-kicking has come under scrutiny since his arrival at Cardiff from Bristol.
"I've been round long enough to know that people will jump on you when you miss a few kicks," said Sheedy.
"It's fine, it's part of the job, there's no problem at all. But I've also had plenty of kicks where they've been under pressure.
"I played 10 years in the Premiership, every kick's pretty big there.
"I missed a few kicks last year, I'll miss some more. But nights like tonight is what all the hard work's for, so I'm pleased it went over.
"I'm just glad we got the result. That kick was the icing on the cake."
Sheedy praised the scrummaging efforts of his forwards after they gained the set-piece penalty for the fly-half, as Cardiff came back from a 14-point deficit in the final 15 minutes.
"That scrum that won us the penalty was unbelievable," he added.
"To be fair to the boys to do it on [Ulster's] put-in was class."
Sheedy admits he would not have taken the kick if Halfpenny had still been on the field at the end, with the full-back replaced after 58 minutes in his first Cardiff game for 4,347 days.
"I would have had a great view of Leigh winning the game, which would have been just as special," Sheedy admitted.
Sheedy praised Halfpenny's influence since he arrived at Cardiff at the beginning of the season to take up a player-coach role with responsibility for kicking.
"I've worked hard with Leigh since he has come in," the Cardiff-born outside-half added.
"It's been unbelievable to be able to work alongside him. People pay a lot of money to go and watch Leigh kick and I get to do it as a job.
"I feel privileged to be able to learn from someone as unbelievable as him."
Sheedy says Halfpenny has not tried to change too much but has provided invaluable advice.
"He's very good," said Sheedy.
"I remember the first time we had a chat about kicking and he was saying he's not coming in to change me or how any of us kick, because we all have our different styles.
"It's if we wanted to lean on him in any way."
Sheedy was impressed by Halfpenny's expertise.
"What I found with Leigh is he could watch a kick and would know exactly what was right or wrong," he added.
"Something technical like when you're opening up too early or you're closing off with your kick.
"Something we wouldn't know, he's just got an eye for it. You can tell he's been top of the game for 17 years, even if you just look at what he does in the week.
"The visualisation he does and how professional he is with the preparation he does for each session.
"It's eye-opening for me and I'm 30. So someone younger will be taking so much from him."
Melquizael Costa closed out a career year in electric fashion at UFC on ESPN 73 with a devastating head kick knockout against Morgan Charriere.
Costa (25-7 MMA, 6-2 UFC) became the first to stop Charriere (21-12-1 MMA, 3-3 UFC) with strikes in MMA competition when in the first round of the featherweight bout at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, he landed a precious left head kick that broke the guard of his opponent and instantly put him unconscious at the 1:14 mark of Round 1.
It was a thrilling performance to put a cap on a 4-0 year for Costa, and you can watch the reply of the highlight finish below (via X):
THAT JUST HAPPENED 🤯@MelkCostaCauthy makes quick work with a RD 1 KO!
— UFC (@ufc) December 14, 2025
[ #UFCVegas112 is live NOW on the @ESPN app ] pic.twitter.com/rDfJtqcOF0
With a six-fight winning streak overall at 145 pounds, Costa trails only Lerone Murphy (nine) and Movsar Evloev (eight) for runs of consecutive victories in the weight class.
After the performance that put him alongside Joshua Van as the only UFC fighters to go 4-0 in 2025, Costa said he is looking to carry his momentum into an even bigger year in 2026.
"This year I've been working a lot," Costa said in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. "I want the top 15 (in 2026), then a top 10 then the last of the year, the belt."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 112 video: Melquizael Costa closes 4-0 year with vicious KO
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) – The Peoria Rivermen won 5-0 at Carver Arena Saturday night for Teddy Bear Toss night.
Fans braved the sub-zero wind chill and six inches of snow that fell hours before puck drop to participate in the toss.
Garrett Devine scored a short-handed goal roughly eight minutes into the game and the Rivermen never looked back. Thousands of teddy bears were dropped onto the ice after the win.
It was Devine’s first of two goals on the night.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
BRAZIL, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Northview quarterback Colton Bath announced his commitment to play college football at Army.
Bath accumulated over 3,000 passing yards, 1,000 rushing yards, and 60 total touchdowns while at Northview.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
Dec. 13—BOZEMAN — The suddenly top-seeded Montana State Bobcats advanced to the FCS semifinals Friday, and it was a bit of a slugfest that turned on turnovers.
Adam Jones ran for 114 yards and two touchdowns and also caught a scoring pass in the Bobcats' 44-28 win over Stephen F. Austin, while Justin Lamson was his usual steady self with 246 yards on 20 of 26 passing.
There was enough scoring to keep 19,807 fans inside Bobcat Stadium until the end.
Montana State (12-2), at No. 2 the top seed because of No. 1 North Dakota State's loss last week, never trailed while winning its 12th straight game. The Bobcats will host either No. 3 Montana or No. 11 seed South Dakota next Saturday, at either 2 or 5:30 p.m. Mountain.
The Grizzlies and Coyotes battle Saturday in Missoula.
Stephen F. Austin (11-3), which had won 11 straight, fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter; quarterback Sam Vidlak fumbled on the Jacks' first possession, and MSU's Caden Dowler intercepted a pass that should have been caught on their second.
Those turnovers led to Jones' first two TDs, on a 1-yard scoring run and a 21-yard reception, to cap drives of 65 and 57 yards.
In the second quarter SFA made an end zone interception of a Lamson pass, but it mattered little: MSU forced a punt and drove to a 47-yard Myles Sansted field goal for a 17-0 lead.
The gap grew to 24-0 after Vidlak, the former Griz quarterback and current Southland offensive MVP, fumbled again on a hit from Kenneth Eiden IV. The play was reviewed and upheld; Carson Williams had returned the ball 27 yards to the SFA 5-yard line, and Lamson hit Luvins Valcin for a 3-yard TD.
Vidlak recovered from there, leading a TD drive in the final 1:41 of the first half. He hit Clayton Wayland for 11 yards and the score and found Wayland again with a two-point PAT pass.
The Lumberjacks cut the gap to 24-14 with a 70-yard drive coming out of the half, capped by Jaylan Jenkins' 5-yard run.
To that point MSU had rushed for just 27 yards, but from there the Bobcats picked up 227 and that's as close as SFA got.
"I would say this," Bobcat coach Brent Vigen said. "We were at not quite to 200 yards passing and that's the ebb and flow there. What they were doing as far as selling out stopping the run game allowed us opportunities to throw the ball. Ultimately we did find a way to break through the second half."
Another Sansted field goal pushed MSU's lead to 27-14; Lamson's 5-yard scoring run made it 34-14 at 3:04 of the third quarter. The junior QB threw for 188 yards in the first half and was 3 of 6 passing after that.
Jenkins added a 6-yard scoring run before the third quarter ended, but MSU went up 41-24 on Jones' 16-yard run at 14:36 of the fourth quarter. It was set up by Julius Davis' 64-yard run; Davis cruised into the end zone but was called for taunting, and the personal foul moved the ball back to the SFA 20.
And so it went. Gavin Rutherford had a 3-yard scoring run with 10:05 left in the game for SFA, but MSU held on while getting a third Sansted field goal.
Vidlak was 26 of 43 passing for 242 yards and was sacked five times; Kylon Harris caught 11 passes for 85 yards. Jenkins rushed for 44 yards while Jerrell Wimbley led SFA with 75 yards on 11 carries.
Jones, in addition to his 114 rushing yards on nine carries, had five catches for 46 yards. His TD catch and run came on a third-and-20 call.
"Winning third down is important, so you hate to see yourself in a third-and-20 like that," Vigen said. "But it was a huge play. It was a check down so it was a good, timely pass by Justin and a great finish by Adam."
Davis rushed for 96 yards on 17 carries and Lamson ran for 16 yards on 12 carries.
Dowler led MSU with eight tackles and picked up his sixth pick, all in the last five games. Eiden had three sacks; Zac Crews had 1.5 sacks and forced Vidlak's first fumble.
One possible cause for concern: The Cats were penalties 12 times for 100 yards. The total included six false starts in a game where the Lumberjack D-linemen were obviously mimicking signals — and were flagged for it, twice.
"I know we had a few procedure penalties and they had a couple delay of games," Vigen said. "They got called for it twice and we got called way too many times."
The Lumberjacks had seven penalties, a few that were very untimely. In the end MSU had too much.
"They've got a terrific ballclub," SFA coach Colby Carthel said. "We didn't play our best game tonight and that's because of the Montana State Bobcats. That's also on me and our staff. We didn't quite have them ready to play at the level we're used to playing.
"That's the only thing that's really disappointing about tonight, because it was a beautiful ballgame; it could have been a great one."
WASHINGTON, DC — John Cena ends his wrestling career in defeat.
The iconic WWE wrestler lost the final match of his storied run, as Gunther emerged victorious at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Dec. 13.
After a thrilling battle that had several twists and turns, it came down to the Sleeper Hold.
Toward the end of the match, punches were traded when the two stars got to their feet, and it was Gunther who broke it with a powerbomb. He followed it with a Frog Splash and Cena avoided the loss, but Gunther didn't stop, hitting another Sleeper Hold. Cena got up several times but Gunther continued to drag him back down. Just when Cena broke out of it, Gunther locked it back in.
Cena got out one more time to land the AA but the pin didn't work, and it was immediately followed up with another submission hold. The crowd chanted "don't give up" as Cena started to fade. The referee checked Cena's hand and he was able to keep it up before the three-count.
But Gunther kept the hold on. Cena finally tapped out and Gunther won to stun the crowd.
It's over.
— WWE (@WWE) December 14, 2025
Gunther taps out John Cena. pic.twitter.com/0O2lTpl3p1
With the result, Cena’s wrestling career is complete. The Massachusetts native made his WWE debut in June 2002 and went on a historic 23-year run in the company. He was the face of wrestling for nearly two decades, embarking on several notable feuds with a ton great moments and championship reigns.
At Money in the Bank 2024, Cena announced 2025 would be his final year of in-ring competition, beginning a farewell tour that took place across the world and would culminate at Capital One Arena in the nation’s capital.
A tournament was held to determine who would get the opportunity to be Cena’s final opponent, and Gunther emerged as the winner, defeating LA Knight in the final for the right to face the future WWE Hall of Famer. Now, Gunther gets the honor of beating Cena in his final match.
With his wrestling career over, Cena ends as a 17-time WWE Champion – the most in company history – as well as a Grand Slam Champion – with reigns as the Intercontinental, United States and Tag Team Champion. He also won the 2012 Money in the Bank match and is a two-time Royal Rumble match winner, in 2008 and 2013.
It likely won’t be the last time Cena appears in WWE, but the last time was now for him as a wrestler.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Did John Cena win his last WWE match? Result, highlights
Lake Taylor High School wins the Class 3 state football championship over Kettle Run High School at Liberty University, Dec. 13, 2025.
LEXINGTON, KY — A second-half offensive outage undercut Indiana's upset attempt, in the Hoosiers' first game at Rupp Arena in 15 years Saturday night, a 72-60 Kentucky win.
Here's what I liked and disliked, and what the Hoosiers' loss means.
Last time out: Lamar Wilkerson's records epitomizes IU 'keeping it hot' in much-needed win
Indiana doesn't need to endure some dark night of the soul over what happened Saturday. The Hoosiers faced a Kentucky team back in friendly confines and badly needing a win.
But Saturday also tells us what we already knew: This IU team is limited in ways it might not be able to meaningfully overcome this season. At least not without making a lot more shots than what the Hoosiers managed, once again, away from home. There's work to do before Big Ten play resumes.
Want more Hoosiers coverage? Sign up for IndyStar's Hoosiers newsletter. Listen to Mind Your Banners, our IU Athletics-centric podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the latest on IndyStar TV: Hoosiers.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball score today vs U of K, game stats, Tucker DeVries
LEXINGTON, KY — A second-half offensive outage undercut Indiana's upset attempt, in the Hoosiers' first game at Rupp Arena in 15 years Saturday night, a 72-60 Kentucky win.
Here's what I liked and disliked, and what the Hoosiers' loss means.
Last time out: Lamar Wilkerson's records epitomizes IU 'keeping it hot' in much-needed win
Indiana doesn't need to endure some dark night of the soul over what happened Saturday. The Hoosiers faced a Kentucky team back in friendly confines and badly needing a win.
But Saturday also tells us what we already knew: This IU team is limited in ways it might not be able to meaningfully overcome this season. At least not without making a lot more shots than what the Hoosiers managed, once again, away from home. There's work to do before Big Ten play resumes.
Want more Hoosiers coverage? Sign up for IndyStar's Hoosiers newsletter. Listen to Mind Your Banners, our IU Athletics-centric podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the latest on IndyStar TV: Hoosiers.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball score today vs U of K, game stats, Tucker DeVries
Many people were concerned about the Los Angeles Lakers' defensive shortcomings coming into this season, and Wednesday's 132-119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs was a reality check about how serious those shortcomings are right now.
In that loss, the Lakers gave up 27 fast-break points and allowed the Spurs to shoot 17-of-38 from 3-point range. It was a constant string of transition opportunities, dribble penetration and 3-point attempts for San Antonio, and Los Angeles was caught flat-footed against that type of attack.
Veteran guard Marcus Smart told the media what happened when the team held a video session on Friday to go over its defensive breakdowns against San Antonio.
"Nobody likes to go watch film after you get your ass kicked. It's tough, 'cause the film never lies. It exposed us a lot, which we already knew….The scouting report against us is we're not guarding people. And if we want to be great in this league and do what we're trying to do, you have to be able to guard."
Right now, the Lakers rank 21st in defensive rating, 23rd in fast-break points per game allowed, 25th in opponents' points off turnovers per game and 27th in opponents' 3-point shooting percentage. Expect other teams to give the Lakers a steady diet of transition basketball and dribble penetration until L.A. does something to prevent opponents from excelling in those categories.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Marcus Smart talks about Lakers' defensive video session on Friday
LEXINGTON — "Effort" isn't an official statistic. Neither is "hustle." If they were, however, Kentucky basketball would have had an overwhelming advantage in both categories Saturday night against Indiana.
In a game the Wildcats struggled nearly every which way offensively — from the field, on 3s and at the free-throw line — it was good old-fashioned fortitude that won out.
UK rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit to earn a 72-60 victory over IU at Rupp Arena.
It marked the first win over a power-conference opponent this season for coach Mark Pope and Kentucky (7-4) after dropping matchups to Louisville, Michigan State, North Carolina and Gonzaga. After 20 minutes, it appeared the Cats were headed to another defeat. The Hoosiers (8-3) went into the locker room ahead 39-32.
The visitors' lead still stood at seven (49-42) with 14:18 remaining.
But then UK engineered a 16-2 run to take a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
The primary component of the game-altering run: Mouhamed Dioubate, the junior forward taking the court for the first time in almost a month. He suffered an injury late in the loss to Michigan State on Nov. 18.
He made his presence felt Saturday, as he posted a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) off the bench. Multiple baskets during the 16-2 second-half spurt were simply Dioubate refusing to give up on a play, continually tipping up the ball until it fell into the basket.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball shows better effort, rallies for win vs Indiana
Dec. 13—The snarky reaction to the news is that Washington State University has just hired Kirby Moore as its next "interim" football coach.
After all, impermanence has been the recent reality.
But nobody needs a reminder of recent coach defections in these early moments of excitement for Cougar fans.
From the outside, Friday's hiring of the former Missouri offensive coordinator looks like a victory for the Cougars.
There lies the hope.
Consider it especially commendable considering there's a new corps of administrators pulling the levers of power in Pullman. They managed to get it done quickly, without any unproductive flirtations and rejections coming to light.
Those things hurt, and almost always give off the feeling that you ended up settling for a second or third choice.
Plus, Moore comes from an estimable — and regional — lineage, with his father, Tom, a Washington state prep coaching legend at Prosser, and his brother, Kellen, in his first season as head coach of the New Orleans Saints.
Does that help with contacts and recruiting? Can't hurt.
Some fans voiced the hope that a new coach with ties to WSU, or to the region, would give him greater reason to put down roots in Pullman. Moore checks that box.
And if he is followed by the customary influx of portal additions seeking new opportunities with a coach they're accustomed to, they'll be athletes coming from an SEC school, not off FCS rosters.
Further, Moore's coaching history places him on a branch from the Chris Petersen coaching tree. Petersen's successes followed him from Boise State to the University of Washington; his reputation is as a principled winner.
Since Moore is the fourth head football coach hired since Mike Leach left in January, 2020, many Cougar fans might be skittish that coaches coming to Pullman are unlikely to stay on a long-term basis.
The two most recent have decamped for better money, and the one before that, what? Oh, yeah, the COVID thing. That's a lot of staff juggling.
Like the last two, Moore, 35 , is young and on the rise. That's surely a better option than bringing in an older warhorse and saddling him up for a last ride.
His style? A report from the Columbia Missourian, cited Moore's influence during an 11-win season in 2023, which included a Cotton Bowl win over Ohio State. The Tigers slipped to 8-4 this season, but the four losses were all to Top-10-ranked teams.
He will likely bring more of an offensive perspective to the job than the last two coaches, with experience on the defensive side of the ball, which should appeal to members of the fan base who long for the high-scoring excitement of the Mike Leach era.
And if he has success, Moore, too, will be attractive to predatory athletic directors whose coaches have failed, jumped ship for moneyed opportunities, or been indicted for scandalous behavior.
Those offended that WSU has become a springboard school for coaches and players will continue to face that reality.
It may be something that just has to be owned, and perhaps capitalized upon.
Right now, the Cougars have a history of lost quarterbacks, but they certainly should have earned considerable respect for having groomed and developed quarterbacks like Cam Ward and John Mateer, who brought wins and excitement to Pullman before cashing in on big-money deals at Miami and Oklahoma.
Why wouldn't a hot, rising quarterback want to give the Cougars a try? Every season being a new start with limitless opportunities.
Coaches, too. Jake Dickert jumped in for the evicted Nick Rolovich and righted the ship midway through the 2021 season. He was bright and personable and seemed happy in Pullman.
The most painful part of Dickert's departure might have been that he was lured away by Wake Forest, which, historically, would have seemed no better than a lateral move.
Jimmy Rogers' one season, going 6-6, was commendable in the way he managed to get an entirely new roster to be competitive. His 2025 Cougs were close against a couple powerful teams, which made some late mistakes only more painful in narrow losses.
It's happened to the Cougars before, of course. But, remember, two previous occasions of coaching turnovers led to long, successful tenures.
In the late '70s, Warren Powers and Jackie Sherill each left after only one season before Jim Walden put down roots for nine years.
Dennis Erickson stayed two years before leaving for Miami. Of course he did. He could — and did — win two national championships there. I'd argue that the WSU program was better for having had him.
And, after Erickson, Mike Price took over for 14 seasons, earning two Rose Bowl appearances.
We'll learn much more in coming days about Kirby Moore. But, initially, it feels extremely promising.
The most important goal, now, is building a winning program and recapturing the confidence of Cougar athletes and supporters.
Worries about keeping him around can be dealt with at some time down the road.
So, coach Moore, welcome to Pullman, where hope and reality might learn to occupy the same space.
Dec. 13—It's Spirit Week in the Greater Spokane League. That means raucous crowds, musical numbers, cheerleaders, noisemakers — and plenty of boys and girls basketball.
The festive week is one of the highlights of the season bringing together student bodies, faculty and sports teams in the spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition. Add in the bright lights of a college or downtown arena and it makes for an annual tradition that will produce a lifetime of memories for all involved.
This year's festivities start Tuesday in Cheney, where the Blackhawks host Rogers on Reese Court at Eastern Washington University in the fifth "Railroad Rumble," the youngest of the spirit week games. The girls game starts at 5:30 p.m.; the boys are at 7:30.
Last year at the Arena, the Rogers boys won 44-39 while the Cheney girls came out on top 42-24. Rogers won the spirit competition using a "Minions" theme.
This season, the Pirates boys are off to a fast start at 3-1, while Cheney is at 2-2. Both girls teams are struggling out of the gate with a combined record of 2-7.
On Thursday, the scene shifts to the Numerica Veterans Arena downtown, where Ferris is the designated host against Lewis and Clark in the granddaddy of all of the spirit games, in the 43rd battle for Chuck the "Rubber Chicken."
The schools have been waging an intense but friendly rivalry since 1983, when a student competition was adopted to increase student spirit. The symbol of the rivalry, an ugly rubber chicken, was chosen to symbolize a reward "deeply sought but without actual value."
"I played in the 'Stinky Sneaker' back in 2012, so I love this environment," LC girls coach Sydney Floriani said last year. "It's super fun. There's nothing like playing in the Arena, and Rubber Chicken is just one of the best-attended events in Spokane."
Last year, LC swept the basketball games as the Tigers girls pulled out a close one over Ferris 52-47 and the boys won 58-49, while Chuck went to LC for the third time in four years.
The LC boys are off to a 3-3 start this season while Ferris is 2-3. Both girls teams are 3-2 thus far.
Friday night, North Central and Shadle Park go head-to-head in the "Groovy Shoes" rivalry games. Shadle swept the basketball games last season, 57-37 in the boys game and 52-42 in the girls. In the spirit competition, North Central retained the shoes for the ninth consecutive season.
This season, the NC boys are 2-2 while Shadle is 1-4. The Highlanders girls are 2-3 and NC is 0-4.
The "Stinky Sneaker" games between Central Valley and University is Feb. 3 at Eastern Washington.
Dec. 13—PULLMAN — Not long after losing its most successful coach in program history, Washington State's women's soccer team found a qualified replacement, hiring a proven winner from within the region who has a history in the NCAA Tournament.
Chris Citowicki, who guided Montana to four national tournament appearances in eight years leading the program, was named WSU's new head coach on Friday. The eighth coach in WSU program history, Citowicki replaces Todd Shulenberger, the program's winningest coach (113-67-34), who was hired Dec. 1 by Ole Miss.
Citowicki led Montana to five Big Sky regular-season championships — topping the conference in each of the past three seasons — and four conference tournament titles. The Grizzlies claimed the regular-season and conference tourney championships this year to advance to the NCAAs, where they fell to Washington in the first round.
"He has a proven record of success and his dedication to developing student-athletes — not just as players, but as leaders, students, and members of our community — stood out immediately," WSU interim athletic director Jon Haarlow said in a statement. "He brings an infectious passion and energy that will resonate throughout our program. I have no doubt Chris will continue to elevate Cougar Soccer for many years to come."
Citowicki finished his Montana tenure with a 79-39-32 record. He was the Big Sky's coach of the year in 2023. Under Citowicki, the Grizzlies became the first team in Big Sky history to go unbeaten in conference play in back-to-back seasons (2023-24).
Montana also qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2018, 2020 and 2021. The Grizzlies were 0-4 in the national tourney under Citowicki. They lost to Shulenberger's Cougars in the first round in 2018 and 2021. But Montana got its first win over WSU this year, beating the Cougs 1-0 in September.
"I have been a huge fan of the Washington State program for a long time," Citowicki said via release. "To have the opportunity to step into that setting and represent WSU and Coug nation is a huge honor. The family and I cannot wait to move to Pullman and get started."
WSU has a history of soccer success, with 14 NCAA Tournament appearances — five in 11 years under Shulenberger. The Cougars advanced to the College Cup national semifinals in 2019. But the team has missed the NCAA Tournament in each of the past four seasons.
WSU went 16-12-11 over the past two years as an affiliate member of the West Coast Conference, finishing seventh in the league this year. The Cougs join the revamped Pac-12 next season.
Citowicki served as associate head coach at North Dakota before being hired by Montana in 2018. He was the head coach at Division III St. Catherine (Minnesota) from 2011-16. Citowicki assisted at D-III Augsburg (Minnesota) in 2010 after a couple of years as a grad assistant at D-II Bemidji State, from where he earned a master's degree in sports studies in 2008. He also spent eight years working with the Minnesota Olympic Development Program.
From Poland, Citowicki's family left the country when he was young and he spent most of his upbringing in Australia before enrolling at D-II Lock Haven in Pennsylvania, where he played a year of soccer.
Dec. 13—LOGAN, Utah — The Idaho women's basketball team stumbled down the stretch and lost step with Utah State, which finally broke free from a back-and-forth game.
The Vandals lost 80-73 to the Aggies on Saturday at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum in a nonconference matchup that featured 17 lead changes. But Idaho (8-4) shot 2 of 9 from the field over the final three minutes, allowing the Aggies (4-5) to break open a tightly contested game.
Idaho was paced by a trio of standout guards. Ana Pinheiro had 18 points and eight rebounds. Hope Hassmann totaled 14 points, eight assists and six rebounds, and Kyra Gardner logged 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Vandals outrebounded Utah State 46-38 (19-8 offensively), leading to 17 more shot attempts than the Aggies. But Idaho shot 37.7% from the field, 9 of 36 (25%) from 3-point range, while Utah State hit 48.3% of its attempts. Guard Aaliyah Gayles led Utah State with 18 points and nine boards.
Former Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov is now a winning UFC fighter after an excellent debut in the promotion.
In the feature prelim of UFC on ESPN 73 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Amosov (29-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) took on welterweight mainstay Neil Magny. Amosov took a few moments to figure out Magny (31-14 MMA, 24-13 UFC), and ended the fight in the first round by submission at 3:14.
As all fights begin, there were a few striking exchanges on the feet to start, and Amosov was willing to exchange. Hwoever, he saw an opening along the fence for the clinch, and scored a trip takedown. From there, Amosov worked in a few punches as he transitioned into an anaconda choke, trapping Magny and forcing a tap.
Check out video of the finish below (via Instagram):
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 112: Yaroslav Amosov wins debut in first round
A former Spartan and now SEC star was arrested early on Saturday morning.
Former Michigan State defensive end Zion Young was arrested early on Saturday morning on suspicion of DWI, speeding, and failure to properly affix his license plate, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website. PowerMizzou reported the news on Young on Saturday.
Zion Young was a member of the Michigan State program in 2022 and 2023, where he shined as a young player and looked to have a bright future. Unfortunately, after the coaching change, Young made the difficult decision to move on from the program. He transferred to Missouri.
Young was an All-SEC first team selection this season and appears destined for a future in the NFL as well.
Click on the post below to read more on this news related to Young:
#Mizzou defensive end Zion Young was arrested early Saturday morning in Boone County.https://t.co/ngoTaMVkrG
— PowerMizzou (@PowerMizzoucom) December 13, 2025
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Former MSU DE, Mizzou star Zion Young arrested on suspicion of DWI
LAS VEGAS — When discussing his team’s keys to success ahead of Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal against the Knicks, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley had one name on the top of his list to try to slow down:
New York All-NBA guard Jalen Brunson.
The Magic failed to accomplish their goal as Brunson posted 40 points in a 132-120 victory over Orlando at T-Mobile Arena.
Although Jalen Suggs (26 points), Paolo Banchero (25) and Desmond Bane (18) combined for 69 points, New York had Karl-Anthony Towns (29 points) and OG Anunoby (24) total 53 in addition to Brunson.
Neither side took good care of the ball. The Magic scored 21 points off 12 takeaways and the Knicks tallied 17 off 14 Orlando turnovers.
The New York win ties the regular-season series at 2-2, with Orlando dropping a second game to the Knicks in less than a week. The Magic fell by six on Sunday on the road.
While the Knicks (18-7) advance to Tuesday’s Cup championship to face the winner of Saturday’s late Spurs-Thunder game, the Magic (15-11) will have multiple days off before they travel to Denver for a Thursday game.
It’s not hard to imagine where the Magic would have been without a strong offensive showing from Suggs in the first two quarters.
The Magic guard went mano a mano with Brunson as each guard notched 25 points in the first half. Suggs scored 10 in the opening frame and added 15 in the second as he missed just five shots from the floor.
Often putting his body on the line, Suggs provided a spark for Orlando early but scored only one point in the final two quarters.
He appeared to move slowly in the second half and went to the locker room with 7:35 left in the game. The Magic said he was questionable to return due to a sore left hip and he did not make his way back.
While Suggs got going early, the same couldn’t be said for Banchero, who missed his first four shots from beyond the arc and had eight points at the half.
Banchero added eight points in the third quarter and nine in the finale frame but wasn’t efficient from distance (0 for 7) and had five turnovers.
Besides Suggs, Bane was Orlando’s only other double-digit scorer in the first half (11 points) as he hit his first 3 and drove regularly to the basket. But he picked up his third foul with about two minutes left in the second quarter and fouled out with just over a minute remaining in the game.
Wendell Carter Jr. hit a pair of 3-pointers as he scored 14 points in 35 minutes.
Starting in place of Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain) for a second game in a row, Anthony Black struggled. He shot 1 for 6 from 3 and turned the ball over four times.
Jase Richardson checked into the game after Suggs exited midway through the fourth quarter.
The No. 25 pick made his first pair of buckets, including a 3-pointer that brought Orlando within six points of the Knicks with under five minutes to play.
Richardson took advantage of his late action, posting nine points in 8 minutes with two assists and a rebound.
The University of Dayton men’s basketball team put on a show on snowy Saturday night at the UD Arena.
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De’Shayne Montgomery and Malcolm Thomas got the crowd going with several dunks in an 84-61 victory over North Florida.
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Montgomery led UD with 23 points while Thomas added 14.
Amael L’Etang had a double-double: 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Javon Bennett scored 10.
The Flyers won with Dayton legend Obi Toppin in the building.
He was one of four people inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame.
The other inductees were former UD women’s basketball player Kelley Austria, former UD Director of Athletic Communication Doug Hauschild, and former UD men’s cross country runner Chris Lemon.
UD Hall of Famer Johnny Davis celebrated earning his UD degree in front of the Flyer Faithful on Saturday night.
Dayton’s next game will be Tuesday night when they host Florida State at the UD Arena at 7 p.m.
Pregame coverage on WHIO Radio begins at 6 p.m.
The game will also be carried here at WHIO.com.
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This isn’t the banner the Knicks envisioned chasing this season–but after a 132-120 quarterfinal victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, the NBA Cup is within reach. And recent, limited history says competing for the In-Season Tournament banner gives you a head start in chasing the real thing later down the line.
In 2023, the first year of the Cup, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers to claim the league’s inaugural in-season trophy. The Pacers went on to make an Eastern Conference Finals appearance the following spring, and coming a Tyrese Haliburton Game 7 injury away from a Cinderella ending last season.
In the Cup’s second year, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder. That Thunder team responded by winning its first NBA championship later that same season, outlasting Indiana in the 2025 Finals.
Now it’s Year 3 of the league’s newest experiment — and the pattern is no longer coincidence.
After two straight quarterfinal exits, the Knicks are one of the final two teams standing in Las Vegas. They defeated the Toronto Raptors in the quarterfinal on Tuesday then punched their ticket to the NBA Cup Final agains the Magic on Saturday night.
And just like that, they’ve joined a short list of teams with a 50 percent chance of doing something much bigger next.
The New York Knicks are for real. They entered the season with championship aspirations, and a third of the way through the year, they’re finally beginning look the part. And while an In-Season Tournament banner was never the target, competing for one has given the world a glimpse into the heights this team’s ceiling has pushed toward this year.
“I was one of those guys when they came up with the Cup idea, I was like, ‘Oh, man, for what? In the middle of the season? We are trying to do this and that and practice and blah, blah, blah,” head coach Mike Brown recalled after practice on Friday. “It’s a fantastic experience for everybody. You really applaud how the NBA has tried to continue to find ways to make this more meaningful across the board. So it’s a pleasure to be here.”
So the Knicks look the part. Jalen Brunson looks the part, too.
Brown has been vocal about wanting his All-Star point guard to finally receive MVP consideration. Performances like the one Brunson delivered Saturday make it impossible to have the conversation without him.
The Knicks’ captain dissected an Orlando defense specifically built to grind him down — a physical, switch-heavy unit designed to make every touch uncomfortable. Instead, Brunson made it look easy: 40 points and eight assists on 16-of-27 shooting from the field in New York’s highest-pressure game of the season.
“Yeah, [the Magic] are really physical. That’s what [Orlando’s head coach, Jamahl Mosley] prides himself on. The way that they have been able to do it makes them very successful,” Brunson told reporters after practice on Friday. “There’s a lot of ways you combat it. Obviously with physicality. But I would move it, with space and transition, getting stops and running. I think no matter what, they are going to play their solid basketball. We have to play ours and do it to the best of our abilities.”
Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 29 points and eight rebounds, and OG Anunoby added 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, as the Knicks advanced to a 17-0 record in games they lead after three quarters.
Jalen Suggs scored 26 points for the Orlando Magic but left in the second half due to injury. Paolo Banchero scored 25 points, and Desmond Bane added 18, but the Magic couldn’t match New York’s firepower with both teams missing key contributors on the injury report. Miles McBride is nursing an ankle injury, and Landry Shamet is recovering from a shoulder sprain, while fringe All-Star Franz Wagner remains out with a high ankle sprain of his own.
Now it’s one more game in Las Vegas against the best of the West. The NBA Cup is beginning to be a true playoff preview, and the Knicks are living up to the early billing they can compete for their first title in decades this season.
It wasn't pretty, but Michigan State basketball found a way on the road on Saturday afternoon.
The Spartans fended off an upset bid from Penn State for an important road win on Saturday afternoon. Michigan State led by as many as 10 points in the second half, but needed a strong finish to beat the Nittany Lions by the final score of 76-72.
Divine Ugochukwu has a career-high 23 points in the victory, knocking down all five of his three-point attempts to lead the Spartans offensively to the win. Michigan State also got double-digit scoring numbers from Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper (10 points each) in the win.
With the victory, Michigan State improves to 9-1 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play. The Spartans will now play a trio of mid-major opponents before returning to conference play in early January.
Check out highlights from the win in the video below -- courtesy of FOX Sports:
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Highlights: MSU basketball survives upset scare, beats Penn State
Diego Pavia fell short of adding another piece of history to his Vanderbilt football legacy.
The Commodores quarterback was named the runner-up in the 2025 Heisman Trophy on Saturday, Dec. 13 during an awards ceremony inside Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room in New York City.
Beating him for college football's most sacred honor was Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. Pavia finished ahead of Ohio State's Julian Sayin and Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love.
REQUIRED READING: Celebrate Diego Pavia's year, Vanderbilt's historic 10-win season with 'ANCHOR DOWN' book
Pavia was the first Vanderbilt player to have been named a finalist and receive an invite to New York for the annual award ceremony that is put on by the Heisman Trophy Trust. He was the lone player from the SEC to be named a top-four finalist this season.
Here's everything to know about how Pavia did in the Heisman race, including the finalists' stats and the voting results:
No, Pavia did not win the Heisman Trophy in 2025. He was instead named the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy race on Saturday night in New York.
Pavia finished 957 votes behind Mendoza.
Despite losing out on college football's highest individual award, Pavia has brought a new wave of success while creating a new culture at Vanderbilt over his two seasons with the Commodores. The former New Mexico State transfer has led the Commodores to their back-to-back seasons with a winning record in over two decades, which includes the program's first 10-win season this year.
In his two seasons, Pavia has led Vanderbilt to go 17-9 record, with five of those wins coming against top-25 ranked opponents. He enters the postseason ranked in the top 10 among Division I FBS quarterbacks with 27 touchdown passes and a completion percentage of 71.2%.
Here's the full points total for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, including first-place votes:
Here's a breakdown of Pavia's stats this season at Vanderbilt:
Here's a look at the regular season stats for the three other 2025 Heisman Trophy finalists:
Here's an updated look at past Heisman Trophy winners dating back to 2016:
For the full list of Heisman Trophy winners, click here.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Did Diego Pavia win Heisman Trophy? Vanderbilt QB's stats, voting
Jason Beede: FINAL: Knicks 132, #Magic 120 Jalen Brunson notches 40 points in the 12-point win over Orlando as New York advances to the Cup championship. Jalen Suggs scored 26 but just 1 after halftime when dealing with a sore left hip.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Knicks advance to NBA Cup final behind Jalen Brunson's 40-point game
College football's most prestigious brotherhood has welcomed its newest member.
Following the conclusion of the Army-Navy Game, the Heisman Trophy award — the sport's highest individual honor — was handed to the top college football player in the country during an awards ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13 in New York.
Indiana football's Fernando Mendoza beat out the three other finalists — Ohio State's Julian Sayin,Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia and Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love — as the recipient of the 2025 Heisman Trophy race, marking the 13th time a quarterback has won the award since 2010.
Here's what you need to know about the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner:
REQUIRED READING: Heisman Trophy ceremony live updates: Highlights from award ceremony
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza was named the recipient of the 2025 Heisman Trophy on Dec. 13 during an awards ceremony in New York City.
With Mendoza winning the Heisman Trophy, he becomes the first Indiana player to win the Heisman.
The type of season that Mendoza had with the Hoosiers was far from impressive, as the former Cal quarterback continued to lead Indiana to new heights — like earning the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff after upsetting Ohio State in the Big Ten championship — during its historic turnaround under Curt Cignetti.
"I can't say enough about the way he competes," Cignetti said of Mendoza after Indiana's Big Ten championship win over Ohio State. "He's got the heart of a champion, and played great tonight and when we needed him."
Mendoza had been either the betting favorite for the Heisman or in the top three of the best-Heisman odds on BetMGM for much of the season. He was the favorite on BetMGM in each of the last two weeks, including last week at -5000 odds.
The moment that perhaps solidified Mendoza's Heisman candidacy came late in the fourth quarter of the Big Ten championship game when he connected with Charlie Becker for a 33-yard catch on third-and-6 backed up in the Hoosiers' side of the field.
REQUIRED READING: Fernando Mendoza's mom is Heisman finalist's best friend, inspiration
Mendoza received a total of 2,392 points from Heisman Trophy voters, including 643 first-place votes. He edged out Pavia by 957 votes.
Here's the full points total for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, including first-place votes:
Here's a look at the stats of the four Heisman Trophy finalists in 2025:
Here's a look at the past 10 Heisman Trophy winners with the addition of Mendoza to the list:
For the full list of Heisman Trophy winners, click here.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heisman Trophy winner 2025: Voting results, finalist stats
Dec. 13—ROCHESTER — The Rochester Community and Technical College men's basketball team used a balanced effort to get past Minnesota North College-Hibbing 87-56 on Friday night.
RCTC moved to 5-6 with the win, while Hibbing is 2-10.
Tycen Vig led the Yellowjackets with 16 points. Carson Brown had 15 and Sam Hemrey came off the bench to score 14.
Charlie Morning and Josh Fiecke both had 10.
RCTC blistered from 3-point range, hitting 9 of 17 tries. Morning was 3-for-5.
NEW YORK — Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza joked at the start of the weekend that growing up he thought his best shot at winning the Heisman was in a video game.
The former two-star recruit once contemplated walking away from the sport thanks to the lack of interest from Power Four teams, but thanks to the advice of his mother Elsa, Fernando fought through the adversity to become the top player in the sport after winning the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night.
Mendoza is Indiana football’s first Heisman Trophy winner, beating out fellow finalists, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love for the award.
“All those (struggles) were blessings,” Mendoza said this weekend. “They lit a fire underneath myself in order to make myself work harder and get to the point where I am today.”
He entered the weekend as a heavy favorite for the award after leading IU to a top seed in the College Football Playoff and Big Ten championship.
Mendoza had a series of Heisman-worthy moments during the Hoosiers' first perfect regular season with game-winning drives against the likes of Oregon and Penn State. His final Heisman pitch came in the Big Ten title game against Ohio State.
After almost getting knocked out of the game on the first play, he made a series of clutch throws down the stretch to lead IU to its first league title since 1967.
The Heisman completed a sweep of major national awards for Mendoza.
He won the Walter Camp Award, Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien Award in the days leading up the Heisman ceremony. He was also named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Quarterback of the Year.
Mendoza was only the second finalist in program history — former IU running back Anthony Thompson was runner-up in 1989 — and sixth top-10 finisher. Thompson was also the only other player in program history to win the Walter Camp and Maxwell, and Mendoza is the first player to win the Davey O’Brien.
Mendoza was joined in New York by a large contingent of teammates and coaches. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, athletic director Scott Dolson, offensive coordinator Mike Shahanan and quarterbacks coach Chandler Whitmer all attended the ceremony.
Cignetti compared Mendoza to Jerry West, one of his idols growing up in West Virginia, during an interview with Holly Rowe during the ceremony.
"I can't think of a bigger compliment to pay a competitor," Cignetti said.
Pat Coogan, Carter Smith, Riley Nowakowski, Aiden Fisher and Charlie Becker were among the players that paid their own way to the city to support Mendoza and had a private watch party at a local steakhouse.
"He's everything the Heisman is about. He encapsulates what the trophy means and stands for, and the history of the trophy,” Coogan said Saturday morning.
Mendoza's brother Alberto, IU’s backup quarterback, was also in New York and joined Fernando at the ceremony alongside their parents.
Throughout the weekend, Mendoza pledged to follow Cignetti’s “24-hour celebration” rule and get back to work on prepping for the CFP after traveling back to Bloomington on Sunday night.
“We are all honored to play in the Rose Bowl,” Mendoza said. “That’s a dream, especially my first three years I played at Cal, everyone always talked about the Rose Bowl what a great honor and such a magical place to play.”
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Fernando Mendoza wins Indiana football's first Heisman Trophy
NEW YORK — Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza joked at the start of the weekend that growing up he thought his best shot at winning the Heisman was in a video game.
The former two-star recruit once contemplated walking away from the sport thanks to the lack of interest from Power Four teams, but thanks to the advice of his mother Elsa, Fernando fought through the adversity to become the top player in the sport after winning the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night.
Mendoza is Indiana football’s first Heisman Trophy winner, beating out fellow finalists, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love for the award.
“All those (struggles) were blessings,” Mendoza said this weekend. “They lit a fire underneath myself in order to make myself work harder and get to the point where I am today.”
He entered the weekend as a heavy favorite for the award after leading IU to a top seed in the College Football Playoff and Big Ten championship.
Mendoza had a series of Heisman-worthy moments during the Hoosiers' first perfect regular season with game-winning drives against the likes of Oregon and Penn State. His final Heisman pitch came in the Big Ten title game against Ohio State.
After almost getting knocked out of the game on the first play, he made a series of clutch throws down the stretch to lead IU to its first league title since 1967.
The Heisman completed a sweep of major national awards for Mendoza.
He won the Walter Camp Award, Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien Award in the days leading up the Heisman ceremony. He was also named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Quarterback of the Year.
Mendoza was only the second finalist in program history — former IU running back Anthony Thompson was runner-up in 1989 — and sixth top-10 finisher. Thompson was also the only other player in program history to win the Walter Camp and Maxwell, and Mendoza is the first player to win the Davey O’Brien.
Mendoza was joined in New York by a large contingent of teammates and coaches. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, athletic director Scott Dolson, offensive coordinator Mike Shahanan and quarterbacks coach Chandler Whitmer all attended the ceremony.
Cignetti compared Mendoza to Jerry West, one of his idols growing up in West Virginia, during an interview with Holly Rowe during the ceremony.
"I can't think of a bigger compliment to pay a competitor," Cignetti said.
Pat Coogan, Carter Smith, Riley Nowakowski, Aiden Fisher and Charlie Becker were among the players that paid their own way to the city to support Mendoza and had a private watch party at a local steakhouse.
"He's everything the Heisman is about. He encapsulates what the trophy means and stands for, and the history of the trophy,” Coogan said Saturday morning.
Mendoza's brother Alberto, IU’s backup quarterback, was also in New York and joined Fernando at the ceremony alongside their parents.
Throughout the weekend, Mendoza pledged to follow Cignetti’s “24-hour celebration” rule and get back to work on prepping for the CFP after traveling back to Bloomington on Sunday night.
“We are all honored to play in the Rose Bowl,” Mendoza said. “That’s a dream, especially my first three years I played at Cal, everyone always talked about the Rose Bowl what a great honor and such a magical place to play.”
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
| Place | Name | School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Total Points |
| 1. | Fernando Mendoza | Indiana | 643 | 191 | 51 | 2,362 |
| 2. | Diego Pavia | Vanderbilt | 189 | 352 | 164 | 1,435 |
| 3. | Jeremiyah Love | Notre Dame | 46 | 157 | 267 | 719 |
| 4. | Julian Sayin | Ohio State | 8 | 118 | 172 | 432 |
| 5. | Jacob Rodriguez | Texas Tech | 17 | 56 | 132 | 295 |
| 6. | Jeremiah Smith | Ohio State | 4 | 18 | 36 | 84 |
| 7. | Gunner Stockton | Georgia | 3 | 6 | 22 | 43 |
| 8. | Trinidad Chambliss | Ole Miss | 2 | 5 | 7 | 23 |
| 9. | Caleb Downs | Ohio State | 2 | 3 | 10 | 22 |
| 10. | Haynes King | Georgia Tech | 2 | 1 | 10 | 18 |
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Fernando Mendoza wins Indiana football's first Heisman Trophy
Auburn's Elyjah Freeman was held out of the starting lineup for the Tigers neutral-site tilt against Chattanooga on Saturday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. However, he still managed to make a giant impact on the outcome of the game.
Freeman scored 19 points and secured seven rebounds in the 92-78 win as the "sixth-man" off the bench, as freshman Sebastian Williams-Adams took over the slot usually reserved for him in the starting five. It was a surprise to see Freeman not in the starting lineup to begin the game, however, it was not a move made by head coach Steven Pearl, but rather by Freeman himself.
Freeman shot 40% or less in three of Auburn's previous five games before Saturday, and felt that it was time to allow Williams-Adams to get more time on the floor.
"Elyjah Freeman came into my office and said, listen, I think it'd be good if I came off the bench and let Sebastian (Williams-Adams) kind of run in there and start at the four, because he recognizes how important Sebastian is to winning and how much more he gets others involved," Pearl said postgame. "So, you know, just shows unbelievable maturity and growth from a young man like that."
Pearl feels that the sudden change gave Freeman confidence and allowed him to play more freely, which helped out the starting five in areas of struggle during the contest.
"I think it helped (Freeman's) performance and his confidence, just because he got more touches off the bench, which is really good, you know, but that starting group still got to do a better job," Pearl said. "We were way too lackadaisical in the first five minutes of the game."
Here is a look at who Auburn Wire writers, as well as Auburn fans, voted for as their "Tiger of the Game" after Auburn's 92-78 win over Chattanooga on Saturday in Atlanta.
Tahaad Pettiford pieced together another great road performance by scoring 20 points and registering 2 assists. Pettiford averages 26.4 points per game away from Neville Arena, and will need to keep that same energy next Saturday when the Tigers face Purdue in Indianapolis.
Freeman did not get the start in the game, turning the keys over to freshman Sebastian Williams-Adams. However, he still managed to make a giant impact on the game. Freeman scored 19 points and secured 7 rebounds in the win, and was perfect (3-for-3) from the free throw line. Freeman has now reached double-figures in points three times this season, and its the first time he has reached the feat since scoring 14 points in Auburn's win over Jackson State on Nov. 19.
Another day, another stellar performance from Keyshawn Hall. Hall led the team in points with 22 on Saturday, and secured 11 rebounds. Hall has scored at least 10 points in every game this season, and has logged five double-doubles. He also fueled Auburn's 78% free throw shooting efforts by connecting on 11-of-14 opportunities.
Auburn fans have spoken, and Keyshawn Hall is the "Tiger of the Game" for Auburn's win over Chattanooga by earning 52.6 percent of the vote, beating out the likes of Tahaad Pettiford, Sebastian Williams-Adams, and Elyjah Freeman. To have a say in who wins "Tiger of the Game" next time, visit Auburn Wire on X following every game to cast your vote.
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn basketball's key players from win over Chattanooga
The magic season for Indiana football continued on Saturday night in New York City at the 2025 Heisman Trophy ceremony.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza won this year's Heisman Trophy award, with Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia placing second in the final tally.
10 great Heisman outfit photos for 2025 ceremony
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin finished third and fourth in the final vote, respectively. Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez finished fifth in voting.
Mendoza likely cemented his Heisman Trophy over Pavia in the second half of last Saturday's Big 10 championship game against Ohio State. You can see the final voting tally below.
Final Heisman voting. pic.twitter.com/rH0HHVEapu
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoATH) December 14, 2025
What a year for Indiana and Mendoza!
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Heisman Trophy final voting results: Fernando Mendoza wins 2025 award
The Florida Tech women's soccer team has won its first national championship.
The Panthers (17-3-6) defeated Franklin Pierce (New Hampshire) 3-0 on Saturday at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, Colorado, claiming the NCAA Division II national title.
Lauryn Wood got Florida Tech on the board in the 13th minute off an assist by Alice Mottershead.
The first half ended with the Panthers leading 1-0.
Florida Tech added to its lead in the second half when Peyton White found the back of the net in the 73rd minute.
Rio Naganawa and Sofia Posner were credited with assists on the play.
The Panthers got an insurance goal in the 82nd minute when Naganawa scored, with assists by Mottershead and Posner.
Goalkeeper Kaitlin Sinkler notched the shutout with seven saves. It was her 11th clean sheet of the season.
Franklin Pierce (17-3-5) made its eighth appearance in the championship game in program history, having won five championships.
With Florida Tech's win, the Sunshine State has cleaned up with Florida State's women's soccer team winning the NCAA Division I national title, while Florida Tech won the Division II national championship.
(This is a developing story. Check back for updates)
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida Tech women's soccer wins Division II national championship
Azzi Fudd scored 17 points to help the No. 1 ranked UConn women's basketball team to a 79-51 victory over No. 17 USC in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon.
Fudd was one of four players in double figures for the Huskies (10-0), whose largest lead was 39 points.
"On a team like this, you have to play unselfish basketball," Fudd said. "You have to be aggressive whether it be from 3 or taking it to the rim."
Sarah Strong again has a dominant performance for UConn with 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks. Ashlynn Shade had 15 points, four rebounds and four assists. Freshman Blanca Quiñonez had 12 points off the bench.
The Trojans (7-3) had 20 turnovers, leading to UConn 26 points. The Huskies also dominated inside with 44 points in the paint compared to 22 for USC.
Kennedy Smith had 16 points and seven rebounds for the Trojans. Londynn Jones had 14 points off the bench. Freshman Jazzy Davidson added 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: No.1 UConn women's basketball destroys USC to keep record perfect
NEW YORK – Indiana redshirt junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the school’s first Heisman Memorial Trophy as college football's most outstanding player Saturday night, capping a stunning two-year turnaround for the Hoosiers, the No. 1 seed in this year's College Football Playoff.
Mendoza coming out of nowhere to win the award is an understatement, as he was not listed on any of the Heisman Trophy oddsmakers' lists or the Big Ten Conference's preseason honors lists.
None of that mattered to the 22-year-old Miami, Florida product, as he completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards. He led the nation with 33 touchdown passes (an Indiana school record), ranked second in passer rating, and was the third Big Ten quarterback since 2000 with three-straight games of at least four passing touchdowns and no interceptions.
More: Fernando Mendoza steps into Heisman spotlight as Indiana’s reluctant star
Who is No. 1? Ranking best, worst Heisman Trophy winners since 2000
Mendoza becomes the first Heisman winner from the Big Ten since Ohio State QB Troy Smith won in 2006.
A quarterback winning the Heisman is, of course, no surprise now that 20 of the past 24 winners played the position. Three Alabama players — running backs Mark Ingram (2009), Derrick Henry (2015), and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (2020) — and last year’s winner, two-way star Travis Hunter of Colorado, are the only non-quarterbacks who have had their personalized identity engraved on the nameplate of the 45-pound trophy.
Mendoza, who transferred to Indiana from Cal this past offseason, received 643 first-place votes and 2,362 total points. Diego Pavia, who put the perennial cellar-dweller Vanderbilt on the map and led them to their first 10-win season in 122 seasons of playing football, was second in the voting (189 first-place votes, 1,435 points).
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love came in third (46, 719) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was fourth (8, 432).
Mendoza was on 95.16% of the total ballots and won all six voting regions.
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was fifth in the balloting (and got 17 first-place votes), followed by Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, and Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King rounded out the top 10.
Before getting back to business and preparing for the College Football Playoff, where the top-seeded Hoosiers will take on the winner of No. 8 seed Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, Mendoza, who is full‑time Master of Business Administration student at Indiana's Kelley School of Business, spent the week racking up lots of other awards, taking home the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award, Walter Camp Award and the AP College Football Player of the Year award.
Mendoza's journey to the top of college football was a story in itself. Playing at Christopher Columbus High School, a private Catholic school, he was a two-star recruit and was ranked the 72nd-best quarterback prospect in his class by ESPN. With only one Power Four scholarship offer, Mendoza initially committed to Yale before shifting his focus to California.
Even after arriving at Berkeley, he didn't find immediate success, redshirting in 2022, but took control the next season, starting the final eight games for the Bears. Over three seasons at Cal, he threw 30 touchdowns, achieving that success despite playing for three different offensive coordinators.
But transferring 2,200 miles east to Bloomington proved an easy decision, as his younger brother, Alberto, was already on the roster as a quarterback and he had earned his undergraduate degree from Cal in just three years. And despite a playoff appearance last season, Indiana still entered the season with the most losses in college football history, was 9-27 in the three seasons before coach Curt Cignetti arrived, and had not won a bowl game since 1991.
This season, with expectations through the roof, the Hoosiers were ranked No. 19 in the preseason AFCA Coaches Poll, and they dominated their first eight opponents, including a major road win against then-No. 3 Oregon, setting the stage for Mendoza's two Heisman moments.
On Nov. 8, the Hoosiers trailed Penn State 24-20 with 1:51 remaining in the fourth quarter. Despite being sacked on the drive's first play, Mendoza completed four straight passes before delivering the game-winning throw, a strike to Omar Cooper Jr., who made an exceptional catch for a 7-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone with 36 seconds remaining to finish the 10-play, 80-yard drive and keep their undefeated season alive.
In the season's biggest moment in the Big Ten Championship game against top-ranked Ohio State, Mendoza led Indiana on a crucial drive to start the second half, completing a 51-yarder to Charlie Becker before throwing his only touchdown pass, a 17-yarder to Elijah Sarratt.
He then clinched the game late in the fourth quarter, connecting with Becker again for a 33-yard gain to convert a third down, allowing Indiana to run down most of the clock and win their first Big Ten championship since 1967.
Now, Mendoza, who is the seventh transfer to win the Heisman in the last nine years, will attempt to lead his team to another unprecedented accomplishment – a first national championship.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fernando Mendoza wins 2025 Heisman Trophy, becoming Indiana's first winner
The Ducks put an emphatic end to their losing streak.
Behind the most efficient offensive performance of the season and most productive in six seasons, Oregon defeated UC Davis, 104-62, in a nonconference men’s basketball game Dec. 13 in front of an announced crowd of 5,299 at Matthew Knight Arena.
It was the first 100-point game for the Ducks since Nov. 9, 2019, and the 13th in coach Dana Altman’s 16 seasons. It was also the most points Oregon has scored in a game since that 106-75 win against Boise State.
“I thought our ball movement was better so we got better shots,” Altman said. “… I thought we played pretty hard, pretty active, played with more energy, which was good to see.”
Jackson Shelstad scored 21 and had a career-high nine assists to lead the Ducks (5-5), who had lost five straight coming into the game. Takai Simpkins also scored 18 with three 3-pointers.
Kwame Evans Jr., who missed the Ducks’ last game with an illness, had a double-double in his return to the starting lineup with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Reserve forward Ege Demir also had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
“Just a confidence booster for us,” Shelstad said. “We just gotta keep the momentum going into Portland (at home Wednesday). … It’s good for us to come out and have a good one like that."
Oregon came into the game shooting 40.2% from the field with a season high of 47.2% before making 60.7% against UC Davis (5-4), which shot just 35.1% from the field Saturday.
Simpkins made 7 of 8 shot attempts, Evans was 5 for 5, Demir was 7 for 12 and Shelstad was 7 for 13.
“Everybody put work in, and the work showing.” Simpkins said. “Everybody shot good, everybody feeling good. Hope it just goes into the next game and the games after that.”
The Ducks pounced on the Aggies early, taking a 16-0 lead before UC Davis made its first basket in eight tries at the 13:33 mark of the first half. That remained the Aggies' only field goal until there was 8:34 to play in the first half.
Oregon didn’t have such problems. It made 54.3% from the field in the first half and lead 52-16 at the break.
“We jumped on them because we made a big point on just coming out and talking on defense, playing hard and when we started like that it just set the tone for the whole game,” Shelstad said. “We just gotta come out like that every night.”
The starting center has been dealing with an ankle injury since the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas the week of Thanksgiving.
He missed games against Creighton and USC, but returned to play Dec. 6 against UCLA. He started again Saturday but played just seven minutes in the first half and finished with four points, one rebound and two blocks.
“He wasn’t moving very good and that ankle’s still bothering him a little bit and he didn’t practice much this week,” Altman said. “He says it’s not painful, it’s just stiff. He doesn’t have the power off it. There was no sense taking a chance in the second half.”
The Ducks are back at Matthew Knight Arena Wednesday for an 8 p.m. game against Portland on Big Ten Network.
The Pilots are 6-4 with all of their wins coming at the Chiles Center in Portland, where they have a game against Kent State at 2 p.m. Sunday. Portland also has a win against UC Davis, 67-63 on Nov. 9.
Chris Hansen covers University of Oregon football, men’s basketball, track and field, cross country and softball for The Register-Guard. You can reach him at chansen@registerguard.com.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Oregon men's basketball clicks on offense as Ducks snap losing streak
Fernando Mendoza has been on an incredible journey from his home in Miami to the Calgorithm to No. 1 Indiana. And now the Heismendoza campaign (unofficial, as he and his school haven't officially promoted his candidacy) has kept the Heisman Trophy in the hands of a South Florida native for the second straight year.
Mendoza won college football's top honor over Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia, Ohio State's Julian Sayin and Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love. Earlier in the week, the Indiana quarterback claimed the AP Player of the Year award. He'll lead the 13-0 Hoosiers to just their second Rose Bowl ever in January as the top-seeded team in the College Football Playoff.
Firsts have been a running theme throughout Mendoza's incredible season. The 22-year-old who starred at Christopher Columbus High School is the first Heisman winner of Cuban descent and just the third with Latino or Hispanic heritage. He is the first Indiana player to win it, as well, as part of the program's first outright Big Ten championship team since 1945. The night before, Mendoza became IU's first Davey O'Brien winner as the nation's top quarterback, as well as its second Maxwell Award winner for player of the year.
Mendoza led FBS with 33 touchdown passes and, adding in his six rushing scores, was responsible for 39 for the season, second only to USF's Byrum Brown. The redshirt junior threw for 2,980 yards on a .715 completion percentage with just six interceptions, and his 181.4 passer efficiency rating was second only to Sayin. He made his mark early on, throwing for four touchdowns in his second game after transferring from California and following that up with five TDs in back-to-back games. His 2-minute drive and unbelievable touchdown to beat Penn State in November broke the voice of Fox's Gus Johnson in one of the biggest moments of the 2025 college football season.
MORE ON THE FAMILY: Why Fernando Mendoza's mom inspires him while living with MS
Mendoza now gets to celebrate with his family. He can keep the party going in his own quarterback room, as little brother Alberto Mendoza is his backup at Indiana. He can live it up with his father, also named Fernando Mendoza, who played alongside Miami Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal in high school. And he can enjoy the moment with his mom, Elsa Mendoza, whom he has frequently called his inspiration and guiding light as she lives with multiple sclerosis.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman Trophy. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia came in second, followed by Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and then Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin.
The Hoosiers were at risk of losing their first game of the season Nov. 8 at Penn State. Trailing by four with 1:51 left, Mendoza opened Indiana's drive by getting sacked at his own 13-yard line. He went to work from there, going 4 of 6 for 80 yards to get to the 7-yard line. The defense turned it on to force incompletions on the next two plays, and then rushed him up on the middle on third down with 36 second left. While falling away, Mendoza threw a dart in the back of the end zone, where Omar Cooper somehow brought it in with one toe scraping the grass in play for a go-ahead touchdown that led Fox announcer Gus Johnson to declare: "Give that man the Heisman!"
In a defensive struggle for the Big Ten championship, Mendoza had thrown a nice back-shoulder bullet to Elijah Sarratt early in the second half to give Indiana a 13-10 lead. That score held when Ohio State missed what would have been a game-tying field goal with less than 3 minutes to go. On third down after two straight rushes to force the Buckeyes into using their timeouts, Mendoza let loose a gorgeous moonball to Charlie Becker for 33 yards, putting the ball past midfield and all but icing the game, the No. 1 playoff seed and the Heisman Trophy.
Until Mendoza, Indiana has never had a Heisman winner. The closest was running back Anthony Thompson, who was the runner-up to Houston quarterback Andre Ware in 1989.
Mendoza becomes the first player of Cuban descent to win the Heisman Trophy. He is the third player of Latino or Hispanic descent to earn the award: Stanford's Jim Plunkett (1970) was of Mexican-American heritage, and the grandfather of Alabama's Bryce Young (2021) was born in Mexico.
Here are the past 10 winners of the Heisman Trophy:
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Fernando Mendoza wins 2025 Heisman Trophy. Highlights from his season
Fernando Mendoza has been on an incredible journey from his home in Miami to the Calgorithm to No. 1 Indiana. And now the Heismendoza campaign (unofficial, as he and his school haven't officially promoted his candidacy) has kept the Heisman Trophy in the hands of a South Florida native for the second straight year.
Mendoza won college football's top honor over Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia, Ohio State's Julian Sayin and Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love. Earlier in the week, the Indiana quarterback claimed the AP Player of the Year award. He'll lead the 13-0 Hoosiers to just their second Rose Bowl ever in January as the top-seeded team in the College Football Playoff.
Firsts have been a running theme throughout Mendoza's incredible season. The 22-year-old who starred at Christopher Columbus High School is the first Heisman winner of Cuban descent and just the third with Latino or Hispanic heritage. He is the first Indiana player to win it, as well, as part of the program's first outright Big Ten championship team since 1945. The night before, Mendoza became IU's first Davey O'Brien winner as the nation's top quarterback, as well as its second Maxwell Award winner for player of the year.
Mendoza led FBS with 33 touchdown passes and, adding in his six rushing scores, was responsible for 39 for the season, second only to USF's Byrum Brown. The redshirt junior threw for 2,980 yards on a .715 completion percentage with just six interceptions, and his 181.4 passer efficiency rating was second only to Sayin. He made his mark early on, throwing for four touchdowns in his second game after transferring from California and following that up with five TDs in back-to-back games. His 2-minute drive and unbelievable touchdown to beat Penn State in November broke the voice of Fox's Gus Johnson in one of the biggest moments of the 2025 college football season.
MORE ON THE FAMILY: Why Fernando Mendoza's mom inspires him while living with MS
Mendoza now gets to celebrate with his family. He can keep the party going in his own quarterback room, as little brother Alberto Mendoza is his backup at Indiana. He can live it up with his father, also named Fernando Mendoza, who played alongside Miami Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal in high school. And he can enjoy the moment with his mom, Elsa Mendoza, whom he has frequently called his inspiration and guiding light as she lives with multiple sclerosis.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman Trophy. XXXXXXXX came in second.
The Hoosiers were at risk of losing their first game of the season Nov. 8 at Penn State. Trailing by four with 1:51 left, Mendoza opened Indiana's drive by getting sacked at his own 13-yard line. He went to work from there, going 4 of 6 for 80 yards to get to the 7-yard line. The defense turned it on to force incompletions on the next two plays, and then rushed him up on the middle on third down with 36 second left. While falling away, Mendoza threw a dart in the back of the end zone, where Omar Cooper somehow brought it in with one toe scraping the grass in play for a go-ahead touchdown that led Fox announcer Gus Johnson to declare: "Give that man the Heisman!"
In a defensive struggle for the Big Ten championship, Mendoza had thrown a nice back-shoulder bullet to Elijah Sarratt early in the second half to give Indiana a 13-10 lead. That score held when Ohio State missed what would have been a game-tying field goal with less than 3 minutes to go. On third down after two straight rushes to force the Buckeyes into using their timeouts, Mendoza let loose a gorgeous moonball to Charlie Becker for 33 yards, putting the ball past midfield and all but icing the game, the No. 1 playoff seed and the Heisman Trophy.
Until Mendoza, Indiana has never had a Heisman winner. The closest was running back Anthony Thompson, who was the runner-up to Houston quarterback Andre Ware in 1989.
Mendoza becomes the first player of Cuban descent to win the Heisman Trophy. He is the third player of Latino or Hispanic descent to earn the award: Stanford's Jim Plunkett (1970) was of Mexican-American heritage, and the grandfather of Alabama's Bryce Young (2021) was born in Mexico.
Here are the past 10 winners of the Heisman Trophy:
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Fernando Mendoza wins 2025 Heisman Trophy. Highlights from his season
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is your 2025 Heisman Trophy winner. The ceremony had four finalists, including Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, but in the end, it was Mendoza who shone in some of the biggest moments, including in a 13-10 win over the Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship game last Saturday.
Mendoza becomes the 79th Heisman winner and the first from Indiana. He also ends the streak of Big Ten players missing out on the award, the last being Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith back at the end of the 2006 season.
This season, Mendoza 226-of-316 passes (71.5%) for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns. He will next be in action on January 1 in the Rose Bowl with No. 1 seed Indiana taking on the winner of No. 8 seed Oklahoma and No. 9 seed Alabama.
Congratulations to the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, @IndianaFootball quarterback Fernando Mendoza!#Heisman | #MoreThanATrophypic.twitter.com/DMqXA16ode
— The Heisman Trophy (@HeismanTrophy) December 14, 2025
Congrats to Mendoza, and now let's get behind Sayin and his chances of winning the bronze statue next season as a redshirt sophomore. He should be one of the favorites heading into next season.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: The 2025 Heisman Trophy was announced on ESPN Saturday night
NEW YORK — Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza joked at the start of the weekend that growing up he thought his best shot at winning the Heisman was in a video game.
The former two-star recruit once contemplated walking away from the sport thanks to the lack of interest from Power Four teams, but thanks to the advice of his mother Elsa, Fernando fought through the adversity to become the top player in the sport after winning the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night.
Mendoza is Indiana football’s first Heisman Trophy winner, beating out fellow finalists, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love for the award.
“All those (struggles) were blessings,” Mendoza said this weekend. “They lit a fire underneath myself in order to make myself work harder and get to the point where I am today.”
More: Indiana football DC Bryant Haines signing lucrative extension
He entered the weekend as a heavy favorite for the award after leading IU to a top seed in the College Football Playoff and Big Ten championship.
Mendoza had a series of Heisman-worthy moments during the Hoosiers' first perfect regular season with game-winning drives against the likes of Oregon and Penn State. His final Heisman pitch came in the Big Ten title game against Ohio State.
After almost getting knocked out of the game on the first play, he made a series of clutch throws down the stretch to lead IU to its first league title since 1967.
The Heisman completed a sweep of major national awards for Mendoza.
He won the Walter Camp Award, Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien Award in the days leading up the Heisman ceremony. He was also named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Quarterback of the Year.
Mendoza was only the second finalist in program history — former IU running back Anthony Thompson was runner-up in 1989 — and sixth top-10 finisher. Thompson was also the only other player in program history to win the Walter Camp and Maxwell, and Mendoza is the first player to win the Davey O’Brien.
Mendoza was joined in New York by a large contingent of teammates and coaches. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, athletic director Scott Dolson, offensive coordinator Mike Shahanan and quarterbacks coach Chandler Whitmer all attended the ceremony.
Cignetti compared Mendoza to Jerry West, one of his idols growing up in West Virginia, during an interview with Holly Rowe during the ceremony.
"I can't think of a bigger compliment to pay a competitor," Cignetti said.
Pat Coogan, Carter Smith, Riley Nowakowski, Aiden Fisher and Charlie Becker were among the players that paid their own way to the city to support Mendoza and had a private watch party at a local steakhouse.
"He's everything the Heisman is about. He encapsulates what the trophy means and stands for, and the history of the trophy,” Coogan said Saturday morning.
Mendoza's brother Alberto, IU’s backup quarterback, was also in New York and joined Fernando at the ceremony alongside their parents.
Throughout the weekend, Mendoza pledged to follow Cignetti’s “24-hour celebration” rule and get back to work on prepping for the CFP after traveling back to Bloomington on Sunday night.
“We are all honored to play in the Rose Bowl,” Mendoza said. “That’s a dream, especially my first three years I played at Cal, everyone always talked about the Rose Bowl what a great honor and such a magical place to play.”
| Place | Name | School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Total Points |
| 1. | Fernando Mendoza | Indiana | 643 | 191 | 51 | 2,362 |
| 2. | Diego Pavia | Vanderbilt | 189 | 352 | 164 | 1,435 |
| 3. | Jeremiyah Love | Notre Dame | 46 | 157 | 267 | 719 |
| 4. | Julian Sayin | Ohio State | 8 | 118 | 172 | 432 |
| 5. | Jacob Rodriguez | Texas Tech | 17 | 56 | 132 | 295 |
| 6. | Jeremiah Smith | Ohio State | 4 | 18 | 36 | 84 |
| 7. | Gunner Stockton | Georgia | 3 | 6 | 22 | 43 |
| 8. | Trinidad Chambliss | Ole Miss | 2 | 5 | 7 | 23 |
| 9. | Caleb Downs | Ohio State | 2 | 3 | 10 | 22 |
| 10. | Haynes King | Georgia Tech | 2 | 1 | 10 | 18 |
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza named Heisman Trophy winner
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman Trophy. The transfer from Cal-Berkeley, has led the Hoosiers to a 13-0 record and the top seed in the College Football Playoff tournament. Mendoza makes Indiana the 21st school to have one Heisman Trophy winner. There are 20 schools that can boast about multiple Heisman winners, but for this exercise, it's time to look at the ones that produced one. Next up for Mendoza is trying to lead IU to its first national championship through the CFP.
Heisman winner: Jay Berwanger
Year: 1935
Heisman winner: Davey O'Brien
Year: 1938
Heisman winner: Nile Kinnick
Year: 1939
Heisman winner: Bruce Smith
Year: 1941
Heisman winner: Doak Walker
Year: 1948
Heisman winner: DIck Kazmaier
Year: 1951
Heisman winner: Ernie Davis
Year: 1961
Heisman winner: Terry Baker
Year: 1962
Heisman winner: Gary Beban
Year: 1967
Heisman winner: Jim Plunkett
Year: 1970
Heisman winner: John Cappelletti
Year: 1973
Heisman winner: Tony Dorsett
Year: 1976
Heisman winner: George Rogers
Year: 1980
Heisman winner: Doug Flutie
Year: 1984
Heisman winner: Barry Sanders
Year: 1988
Heisman winner: Andre Ware
Year: 1989
Heisman winner: Ty Detmer
Year: 1990
Heisman winner: Robert Griffin III
Year: 2011
Heisman winner: Marcus Mariota
Year: 2014
Heisman winner: Lamar Jackson
Year: 2016
Heisman winner: Fernando Mendoza
Year: 2025
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Schools that have produced 1 winner of the Heisman Trophy
The Golden State Warriors have had over 600 players don the more than 60 jersey numbers used by their players over the more than 75 years of existence the team has enjoyed in its rich and storied history.
Founded in 1946 during the Basketball Association of America (BAA -- a precursor league of the NBA) era, the team has called home the cities of Philadelphia, San Francisco, Oakland, and even San Diego.
To commemorate the players who wore those numbers, Warriors Wire is covering the entire history of jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team. For this article, we begin with the 14th of 15 players who wore the No. 33 jersey for the Warriors.
That player would be Golden State forward alum Chris Wright. After ending his college career at Dayton, Wright went unselected in the 2011 NBA Draft, playing in other leagues until until he signed with the Dubs in 2011.
His stay with the team lasted until he signed with the Toronto Raptors in 2012.
During his time suiting up for the Warriors, Wright wore only jersey No. 33 and put up 2.9 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors jersey history - No. 33 - Chris Wright (2011-12)
CHICAGO — Connor Bedard’s stellar start to the season is on hold. But for how long is the question.
The Chicago Blackhawks center will miss at least Saturday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center after suffering a right shoulder injury a night earlier. He was injured in the final second of the Hawks’ 3-2 road loss to the St. Louis Blues on Friday night.
Bedard was positioned in the right faceoff circle with Blues center Brayden Schenn with 0.8 seconds remaining in the third period. Schenn plowed through Bedard to prevent a quick shot, and Bedard’s arm twisted in the process.
Bedard skated to the locker room wincing in pain with his concerned teammates looking on. Hawks coach Jeff Blashill quickly ruled out Bedard for Saturday’s game, and the center will be reevaluated Monday.
Blashill had no timeline update on Bedard as of Saturday morning, so the Hawks — and their fans — will have to wait anxiously to see how serious the injury to the star center is. Blashill also addressed the play, saying he saw no ill intent from Schenn and calling the injury a “freak accident.”
“Brayden Schenn’s a really good hockey player, he’s not trying to do damage to him there,” Blashill said Saturday. “Connor gets injured before any push happens.”
Bedard, a hopeful for Canada’s Olympic roster, is off to the best start of his career, registering 44 points on 19 goals and 25 assists in 31 games. The star center trails only Eddie Olczyk (65 goals, 180 points) for the most goals and points in franchise history before age 21. Bedard has 64 goals and 172 points and doesn’t turn 21 until July 17.
Forward Nick Lardis was recalled from the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs and could make his NHL debut Saturday night. The 20-year-old left winger has never shied away from shooting the puck.
A Hawks third-round pick in 2023, Lardis has 13 goals and 13 assists in 26 games with Rockford this season. He hasn’t lost a step from his time with the OHL’s Branford Bulldogs, with whom he had 117 points (71 goals, 46 assists) in 65 games in 2024-25.
The NHL is a different beast from the AHL, but pro hockey is also a large step from the juniors, and Lardis has had no trouble adjusting. It’s not the ideal call-up for the winger, but he has a chance to make his NHL stay permanent.
“He’s a guy who’s scored a lot of goals throughout his young career going back to junior and he’s had a pretty good start to his American league,” Blashill said. “We felt like (Lardis) gives us another potential offensive guy that can come in and provide some scoring punch.
“You never know how guys are going to come in and play. I don’t want him to dip his toes into the water, I want him to jump right in. Hopefully he can come and give us a good minutes.”
Blashill will make Frank Nazar his top-line center in the absence of Bedard. The forward out of Michigan hasn’t scored since Oct. 28, but has been effective in setting up his wingers for scoring chances.
Without Bedard, someone will have to fill the void and be the offensive anchor for the Hawks. It would be perfect timing for Nazar to snap out of his drought in the next couple of games.
“(Frank) becomes the No. 1 center (and) that comes with some responsibility,” Blashill said. “He’s proven he can do it, (so) he’s got to go out and play at that high level that he’s showing at different times this year and a year ago.”
Ryan Greene will move back to the center position, Blashill said. Forward Dominic Toninato, who was recalled from Rockford on Tuesday, will see ice time as well.
Dalton Johnson: Draymond Green is not on the injury report, indicating he’ll return for the Warriors tomorrow night in Portland @nbcswarriors.bsky.social. Al Horford remains OUT, but nobody else is on the injury report
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Dalton Johnson: Draymond Green is not on the injury …
BALTIMORE, MD — Down 16-7 in the third quarter, No. 25 Navy scored the game’s final 10 points, including the go-ahead touchdown 6:37 to play, and beat Army 17-16 in the 126th meeting in the series.
With the win, Navy retains the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy given to the winner of the round-robin series between the Bowl Subdivision service academics for the second year in a row.
After scoring on the game’s opening drive, costly mistakes by the Navy offense helped the Black Knights stake a 13-7 lead after making a 45-yard field with three seconds left in the second quarter. That scoring drive was set up an Army fumble recovery.
The Blake Knights added another field goal to take a 16-7 lead after defensive back Justin Weaver intercepted Navy quarterback Blake Horvath early in the third quarter. Weaver originally made a 32-yard touchdown return before an official review showed his knee was on the ground when he made the interception.
But the Midshipmen added a field goal of their own later in the third quarter, capping a 13-play, 72-yard drive that saw Horvath run or pass on all but two snaps.
The game shifted on a costly Army mistake. After forcing a Navy punt and taking over at their own 24-yard line with 11:54 left in the fourth quarter, the Black Knights gave the ball back to the Midshipmen on an interception by quarterback Cale Hellums, who missed an open receiver streaking downfield and then underthrew his intended target along the right sideline.
The Midshipmen went on a 50-yard drive capped by a Horvath touchdown pass to go ahead 17-16. The touchdown was Horvath’s 10th through the air, giving him at least 10 touchdowns as a passer and a runner in each of his two seasons as the starter.
Navy’s defense then delivered a key stop on Army’s ensuing possession, drawing a holding penalty that pushed the Black Knights back near their own goal line and then nearly intercepting Hellums’ desperation third-down heave down the middle of the field.
Taking over with 4:50 play at their 38-yard line, the Midshipmen gained one first down but then nearly handed the ball back to Army after Horvath fumbled when fighting to convert a third-down run.
On further review, though, officials ruled Horvath was down by contact, leaving Navy facing 4th-and-short from the Army 40-yard line. Instead of punting, the Midshipmen went for the conversion: Horvath handed the ball to running back Alex Tecza, who bulled forward for the first down.
With the Blake Knight out of timeouts, Navy was able to go into victory formation to seal the victory.
The Midshipmen have won 10 games in back-to-back years for the first time in program history. After nearly playing for the American championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth, Navy will face Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl. Army’s season will continue against Connecticut in the Fenway Bowl.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Navy defeats Army with fourth-quarter pass by Blake Horvath
It was not clear exactly who or what Enzo Maresca was referring to in his cryptic comments, but it seemed obvious he was looking to send a message.
In the previous 48 hours, Chelsea had returned from his native Italy after defeat in Bergamo to Atalanta, held a single training session at Cobham, attended a pre-match news conference where he appeared relaxed and ended a four-game winless run by beating Everton.
It was clear from Maresca's regular news conferences that he believed his tenure at Stamford Bridge had been a success so far.
He was proud to have won the Club World Cup and Conference League while qualifying for the Champions League in his first season. There had been mixed messaging over whether the latter was a target before the campaign, but it increasingly became a club objective after Chelsea made such a positive start under his leadership.
It meant Maresca ended last season ahead of schedule while delivering on the project. He had still not lost more than two league games in a row.
It is clear, therefore, that Maresca has felt exposed by criticism while managing the youngest squad in the Premier League. He has also been without Cole Palmer for most of this season, Moises Caicedo for several matches and Levi Colwill for the entirety of the campaign - all regarded as among Chelsea's best players in their positions.
On Saturday night, the 91st Heisman winner will be announced, as Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love are the four finalists who will contend for the most prestigious award college football has to offer.
All four players led their teams to double-digit wins. At the same time, Mendoza and Sayin are headed to the College Football Playoff after Indiana's Big Ten Championship win over the Buckeyes vaulted the Hoosiers to the No. 1-seed, receiving a first-round bye in the CFP.
For Texas A&M fans, former star quarterback Johnny Manziel, who won the program's second Heisman Trophy after his historic 2012 redshirt freshman season, was back in the news after Bleacher Report revealed back-to-back rushing comparisons to Jeremiyah Love's prolific 2025 rushing production, which led to him becoming a Heisman finalist.
Manziel threw for 3,706 yards and 26 touchdowns, while rushing for an incredible 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns on 201 carries, averaging seven yards per carry. Love, whose entire job is running and catching the ball, ran for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 199 carries, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.
This takes nothing away from Jeremiyah Love's incredible season, but is just another reason Johnny Manziel's 2012 season is still regarded as the most outstanding Heisman-winning campaign, outside of former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton's 2010 Heisman season.
After throwing for 2,932 yards and 25 touchdowns, Texas A&M star QB Marcel Reed did not make the Heisman finalist cut.
There will never be another Johnny Football 💰🏆 pic.twitter.com/e3kkLTXp4Z
— Bleacher Report CFB (@BR_CFB) December 13, 2025
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Why former Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel was a generational dual-threat
Former UCF defensive backs coach Brandon Harris is joining Jon Sumrall's staff at Florida in the same capacity, according to a report from CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz.
Sumrall swept the rug from under Mike Norvell and Florida State after reports came in earlier in the week that Harris would join the Seminoles. With a five-year history of coaching in the Sunshine State, Harris is a big addition for the Gators from both a coaching and recruiting standpoint.
A former second-round pick who played college ball for the Miami Hurricanes, Harris started his coaching career in Dade County with Florida International University as a graduate assistant in 2019. He joined Florida State as a defensive analyst in 2020 and then returned to FIU as a position coach overseeing the cornerbacks. Florida Atlantic brought him on in the same role in 2022, promoting him to co-defensive coordinator the next season.
Florida is expected to hire UCF defensive backs coach Brandon Harris, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 13, 2025
Florida State had been working to hire him. Ultimately, he’s headed to Florida. The former Miami and NFL cornerback helped UCF rank 25th nationally in pass defense this season. pic.twitter.com/vTJYOC6X5l
Harris joined UCF in 2025 and helped the Knights put together one of the best passing defenses in program history. UCF allowed just 185.1 passing yards per game, the third-lowest since the Knights became an FBS program in 1996. The Black and Gold ranked 25th nationally in pass defense.
Having spent time in programs all throughout South Florida, Harris gives Sumrall a direct pipeline to one of the nation's hotbeds of high school football talent.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida Gators football hiring UCF DB coach Brandon Harris
Dec. 13—In last week's SuperTour competition, Ari Endestad of the Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center only cracked the podium once, with a third-place finish in the men's classic sprint.
On a bone-chilling Friday afternoon at Kincaid Park, he earned the top spot in the first race of this weekend's Anchorage SuperTour in dramatic fashion.
Thanks to a clutch last-second lunge, he won the men's freestyle sprint race by a fraction of a second ahead of the University of Utah's Zachary Jayne.
"It was pretty unbelievable," Endestad said. "I can't believe I was able to win today, and it really came down to the last second. I had to wait for like, 10 minutes to hear who got it."
Determining the victor required photo analysis because of how close the razor-thin margin was at the finish line. The tip of Endestad's ski crossed at 2 minutes, 40 seconds flat while Jayne was right on his heels at 2:40.01.
"That lunge was so long that I almost broke my ski off because I had lunged so hard," Endestad said.
When he saw Jayne to the left of him in his peripheral vision about to retake the lead, Endestad knew he had to lunge.
"Somehow I pulled it off today," Endestad said.
Reaching the top of the podium was even sweeter because he shared the stage with his teammate, Michael Earnhart of Eagle River, who came in third with a time of 2:41.73.
"It's a strong team with four of us that made it to the final," Endestad said.
That made it feel more like just another warm-up session for him.
"It was crazy to look around, and it just felt like the pressure was off a little bit," Endestad said. "I'm not scared that they're going to hurt me. We're just going to go out and try to win. We practice this a lot, we go down the hills as a team and try to see who comes out first."
Friday's result gives him a lot of confidence heading into the U.S. Cross-Country Sprint Ski National Championship early next month, and the FIS points he earned will go a long way toward earning a spot on the World Cup tour circuit — which could lead to the Olympics.
On the women's side, Lauren Jortberg of Centre National d'Entraînement Pierre-Harvey won the women's race comfortably with a mark of 3:06.07.
"It was so fun today," she said. "I love skating and I love sprinting so it's my favorite event."
There was a much closer race to second place as Division I dual-sport athlete Samantha Smith of Stanford and SVSEF Gold Team clocked in at 3:10.76 to edge past former APU team member Hailey Swirbul, who came out of retirement to compete this winter and finished third in a time of 3:10.81.
Jortberg fired out of the gate and didn't waste much time creating a considerable gap between her and the rest of the field with an approach that continues to serve her well.
"The hill here is hard to pass on and it's definitely my strength," she said. "I didn't give anyone a free draft effect. I wanted to ski the hill how I wanted to and give myself space and not have any tangles or clashes."
Kincaid's course is one of her favorites to sprint race on although she's not a fan of how breathtakingly frigid the weather can be during competitions.
Being this aggressive early in the season has paid off for Jortberg as this marked her third first-place finish after making it to the top of the podium in last week's races.
"It's good to keep going hard and not just play tactics so that you're fit throughout the whole season," Jortberg said.
She plans to return home next week to focus on getting ready for nationals after receiving a huge boost to her confidence.
"This has been kind of an amazing start to the season for me," Jortberg said. "A lot of racing, a lot of good feeling and results too but for me, it's not really about that. Just knowing that I'm skiing well and how I want to is an amazing feeling and I'm excited to keep the ball rolling this season."
The final SuperTour races conclude Sunday with a 10K classic race starting at 10:30 a.m. at Kincaid.
ATLANTA — Georgia basketball coach Mike White and Cincinnati coach Wes Miller connected in the summer to set up another high-major game to add to their nonconference schedules to help them come March.
It turned out to be another boost for a Bulldogs team that is exceeding preseason expectations.
The Bulldogs downed the Bearcats 84-65 on Saturday Dec. 13 in the Holiday Hoopsgiving event at State Farm Arena.
Georgia followed up its pasting of Florida State in Tallahassee on Dec. 2 with a shaky start following an 11-day layoff in an ESPNU game at a neutral site.
“Sometimes these environments can be difficult for young people,” White said afterwards.
Georgia trailed by as much as 11 in the first half, but went to halftime tied and outscored the Bearcats 47-28 in the second half when White thought the Bulldogs attacked Cincinnati’s zone and press well.
“I probably hyped up their defense too much,” White said. “That’s probably why we were really stagnant early in the game.”
Miller punched the air in disgust when Blue Cain was fouled on a 3-point try with 10:54 to go.
Cain sank all three free throws to push the lead to 61-51.
The junior guard was 5 of 12 from the field including 0 of 6 on 3s, but sank 12 of 14 free throws for a career-high 22 points.
“I just tried to let the game come to me,” Cain said.
Georgia was picked to finish 13th in the SEC, but began the day 3rd in the NCAA NET rankings among SEC teams and at No. 15 overall. The Bulldogs are sixth among SEC teams in the KenPom ratings at No. 25.
Georgia is leaning on its depth with 11 players in the rotation.
"Strength in numbers is definitely one things that stands out,” said Cain who played 33 minutes for a team that eight others played at least 12 minutes Saturday.
Georgia is starting three transfers White landed from the portal this offseason: guards Jeremiah Wilkinson and Jordan Ross and forward Kanon Catchings.
“We’ve come along way, we continue to get better,” White said mentioning a four-point exhibition win at Georgia State. “It’s another good win for us.”
Georgia also has a neutral site win over Xavier, a home win over Georgia Tech and an overtime loss to Clemson on its pre-SEC resume.
“We’ve got a really healthy locker room and we’ve got a high skill level,” White said. “I said really when the portal closed, this is probably the best passing team I’ve ever coached.”
Georgia tied its season high with 15 turnovers Saturday but had 18 assists with Cain leading the team with 5.
“Our turnovers need to come back down, but the assist turnover ratio is pretty good,” White said. “It could really good here the next couple of months if we continue to grow.”
The Bulldogs have set themselves up to start SEC play 12-1 if they can avoid stumbling at home in buy games left against Western Carolina (No. 275 KenPom) on Dec. 18, West Georgia (No. 311) on Dec. 22 and Long Island (No. 234) on Dec. 29.
The Bulldogs started 12-1 last season, went 8-10 in the SEC and reached its first NCAA Tournament since 2015.
Georgia was projected this week by ESPN’s Joe Lunardi as a No. 8 seed.
SEC play starts Jan. 3 against Auburn in Athens.
The Tigers had a game with Chattanooga that followed Georgia-Cincinnati on the same court. That allowed Georgia coaches to stick around and watch Auburn up close.
“We’ve got a lot of tough ones ahead of us,” White said.
The SEC may be down compared to its historically strong last season, but White said: “I don’t care what people are writing right now. It’s the best league in the country.”
Georgia still doesn’t have a Quad 1 win. It is 0-1 in that category with the loss to Clemson.
The Bulldogs worked on their defensive rebounding during its long layoff from games, but the Bearcats still had 14 offensive rebounds.
White thought the Bulldogs were better defensively than their numbers indicated entering and for a fourth straight game improved on its opponent’s field goal percentage from the last game.
Cincinnati made 23 of 65 shots for 35.4 percent.
“These guys, they work, they like to compete,” White said. “They’re bought into continuing to grow, especially defensively.”
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Where Georgia basketball stands with toughest nonconference games done
The North Carolina Tar Heels returned to the basketball court Saturday afternoon, hosting USC Upstate after a week off for final exams.
UNC, favored by nearly 30 points ahead of tip-off, started with strong transition offense. The Spartans slowly crept themselves back into the game, at one point taking a 21-20 lead, with approximately eight minutes left in the first half.
Upstate's lead lasted just under two minutes. North Carolina came roaring back out of the under-8 media timeout, closing the first half on a 17-7 run, en route to an 80-62 victory that ended with lockdown defense.
The Tar Heels (9-1) held the Spartans (6-6) scoreless for nearly six minutes, a defining factor in their first half-closing run. Jaydon Young gave UNC a lead that never disappeared, scoring his lone points on a clutch 3-pointer, while Caleb Wilson, Luka Bogavac and Henri Veesaar all scored during their team's much-needed run.
Perimeter shooting, an issue of inconsistency for North Carolina through its first nine games, was another defining factor in Saturday's win. Bogavac and Jonathan Powell, the latter of whom tied his career-high with 17 points, each drained three trifectas.
The Spartans (6-6) kept themselves within striking distance thanks to their own perimeter shooting, finishing 10-of-27 (37%). Upstate also gave itself plenty of second-chance point opportunities, wining the offensive rebounding battle 11-7.
Every good team needs an early-season scare, which the Tar Heels got plenty of from the Spartans. Take a look at our five takeaways from today's win.
Powell, a West Virginia transfer, is typically UNC's first man off the bench. He's a defensive-minded guard who also packs a scoring punch.
Saturday was Powell's breakout game in a Tar Heel uniform, tying his career high with 17 points. Powell drained six shots overall, three shots from deep and two free throws, while adding two steals and a rebound.
Seth Trimble will take over starting shooting guard duties when he returns from injury, which could be very soon, but Powell's breakout provided the Tar Heels with a fringe starter.
As great a game UNC played, guys struggled from the charity stripe. The Tar Heels made just 14 of their 22 free throws, with Caleb Wilson making a team-high seven – but also missing six.
North Carolina has to convert on its free chances, which prove the deciding factors come tournament time. Expect Hubert Davis having his players spend extra time at the charity stripe in ensuing practices.
Most of the Tar Heels' offensive production comes from their post players, but head coach Hubert Davis made it an offseason priority to upgrade his team's perimeter shooting.
After a rough start from deep to begin its 2025-26 season, UNC is finally getting perimeter shots to fall. North Carolina made 10 threes on 23 attempts (43 percent) against Upstate, with Bogavac and Powell each making three.
The Tar Heels shot the ball well overall (28-of-55, 51%), but perimeter shooting was the offensive difference Saturday.
Saturday was a rare day for UNC in one area: offensive rebounding, a program staple. USC Upstate out-rebounded the Tar Heels, 11-7, but didn't always convert on second-chance opportunities.
If this happened against a team like Kansas or Duke, there's a good chance North Carolina loses. Luckily, defense pulled through and kept the visiting Spartans at bay.
Even with exams all last week, UNC practiced every day. Davis denied exams as an excuse for the Tar Heels' lackluster play at times today, but in reality, his guys weren't 100 percent focused on basketball.
North Carolina has a quick turnaround, hosting ETSU on Tuesday at 8 p.m. With no final exams to worry about, players can zero in on their next opponent.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Five takeaways from Saturday victory vs. USC Upstate
Cris Cyborg put in another dominant performance as she submitted Sara Collins to retain her featherweight title at at PFL Lyon, before calling out Briton Dakota Ditcheva.
After wearing Collins down over two rounds, the Brazilian secured a rear-naked choke in the third to claim only the second submission victory of her 32-fight career.
The bout marked the penultimate bout of Cyborg's legendary career, with the 40-year-old confirming she plans to retire next year.
For her final MMA bout, Cyborg - who has won world titles in four different promotions - called out undefeated Manchester flyweight Ditcheva and Northern Ireland's Leah McCourt.
"I would like to fight in MMA again next year but it would be my last fight. I would like to do some boxing before I finish because I love it, maybe here in Lyon," said Cyborg.
"I would like to fight Leah McCourt. If she is not available, I can go and cut weight and meet in the middle with Ditcheva.
"She is beating everybody in her division. We will think about what to do but I believe it will be good."
Cyborg is widely regarded as one of the best women's mixed martial artists of all time after triumphing in 29 of her 32 fights during an enduring 20-year career.
Her 21 wins by knockout have formed a reputation as a knockout artist, but it was her grappling which proved the difference against Australian Collins.
Former judoka Collins, 35, came into the bout having won the first six fights of her career but appeared overwhelmed by Cyborg's pressure.
Cyborg pushed forward throughout, landing a number of thudding kicks and, despite two takedowns from Collins, she was able to reverse the second before applying a rear-naked choke to secure the win.
Cyborg climbed the cage before roaring at the crowd in celebration as she retained her belt, which has been rebranded as a PFL championship after the promotion acquired Bellator in 2023.
Cyborg has never fought professionally at flyweight so a catchweight bout with Ditcheva is the most likely scenario.
During her days with the UFC, however, she described the possibility of cutting down to 135lbs as "literally impossible" and has opened up previously about how difficult it can be to make weight as a featherweight.
Ditcheva, meanwhile, is booked to fight Dutch flyweight Denise Kielholtz in February and would be at a huge physical disadvantage if the fight were to happen.
In 2024, the 27-year-old became the first British woman to win an MMA world title when she beat Taila Santos to win the PFL's flyweight tournament.
Ditcheva has grown into one of Britain's most marketable fighters after winning the first 15 fights of her career - 12 of them via stoppage.
The 33-year-old McCourt, who has won eight of her 12 bouts, hasn't fought since being submitted by Collins last year.
In the main event, Russia's Vadim Nemkov won the PFL heavyweight world title by making short work of Brazil's Renan Ferreira.
The 33-year-old dominated the action as he took Ferreira down early, before working his way to an arm triangle submission.
The first-round win cements Nemkov as a two-division champion after the former Bellator light-heavyweight title holder moved up to heavyweight last year.
Following his success, he called for match-up with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
Last week Ngannou said his PFL contract ends "soon", before adding "they have to give me a fight".
The 39-year-old joined the PFL in 2023, but has fought just once in the organisation, knocking out Ferreira in the first round of their bout last year.
The ninth-ranked Oklahoma women's basketball team won its 10th straight game Saturday in Oklahoma City, beating No. 23 Oklahoma State, 92-70.
The Sooners won for the seventh straight time in the rivalry. OSU's last victory came in March 2021.
A big third quarter opened things up for the Sooners as they outscored Oklahoma State, 30-19, in the period. The Sooners shot 13 of 21 from the field, including a 4-of-7 mark from 3-point range. The difference made it a 72-56 game heading into the fourth.
Raegan Beers led the way for OU, notching a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Sahara Williams added 18 points. Aaliyah Chavez and Zya Vann also scored in double figures with 15 points apiece. Micah Gray led Oklahoma State with 22 points, but she needed 23 field-goal attempts to get that total.
Oklahoma's margin of victory against OSU was the biggest since the current winning streak against the rivals from Stillwater started when OU won, 84-58, in January 2022.
Ball movement helped Oklahoma pull away as the Sooners collected 24 assists on their 39 field goals. Oklahoma State relied more on the one-on-one style as OSU managed just nine assists on its 28 makes from the floor.
The passes led to easier bucks as Oklahoma shot 51% from the field against OSU's 38% and the Sooners outscored Oklahoma State, 50-28, in the paint.
Oklahoma has just one nonconference game remaining before Southeastern Conference play begins on New Year's Day. The Sooners host North Carolina Central for a noon tip on Monday, Dec. 22.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma women handle Oklahoma State hours after men did the same
The Falmouth boys hockey team started their season with a statement win over Division 1's Franklin.
Kody Pokraka scored twice and Finn Oberacker added another marker in a 3-1 win at Franklin Pirelli Arena on Saturday.
Gavin Powderly tallied a hat trick of assists, while Travis Smith had one of his own. Jackson Smith had a strong game in goal for the Clippers (1-0-0) in a non-league win.
In other high school sports action:
Plymouth South 5, Falmouth 2: The Clippers (0-1-0) lost their season opener on the road.
Upper Cape 54, Carver 30; Middleborough 54, Upper Cape 30; Upper Cape 60, Barnstable 24: The Rams opened up their sophomore season by going 2-1 on Saturday at the Barnstable Quad with wins over the Red Hawks and sectional finalists Carver.
Andrew Gilpatrick, Daniel Hingston, and Jack Walsh all went 3-0 with three pins on the day. Shane Neill, Landon Neill, freshmen phenom Matthew Childs, Julian Cowan, Johnathan Chick all had two wins for the Rams.
Relay Carnival Invitational: Sandwich topped the podium at the event with a combined score of 145. Martha's Vineyard (119) and Nantucket (91) both had strong showings as they rounded out the top three in second and third, respectively. Barnstable (44) and Nauset (42), who placed first in the mixed 400 and mixed 500 relays, both swam well.
Allen Gunn covers high school sports for the Cape Cod Times. You can contact him at agunn@gannett.com and follow him on X at @allentgunn.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod and Islands high school scores and highlights for Dec. 13
Week 14's 40-33 loss in Detroit will end up costing several Cowboys players more than just a chance to improve their playoff chances. Three Cowboys have been fined by the NFL for illegal actions taken during the game.
For the second week in a row, the opening kickoff brought a fine for one Cowboys special-teamer. Fullback Hunter Luepke will be docked $8,537 for unnecessary roughness after leading with his helmet as he brought down Lions return man Jacob Saylors. The hit was not noticed by officials and did not draw a penalty flag in the moment.
Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens received his sixth fine of the season for grabbing the facemask of cornerback Rock Ya-Sin while running a route late in the second quarter. The 15-yard penalty wiped out a first-down catch by Pickens and will now cost the wideout a hefty $11,593.
The fine caps off what was a very rough night for Pickens, who was also flagged for setting an illegal pick and fumbled inside the 10-yard-line while catching just five of nine targets and catching a fair bit of flak afterward for his perceived lack of effort.
Additionally in the game, defensive end James Houston was nabbed for a hit to quarterback Jared Goff. Replays showed that Houston did indeed contact Goff's facemask as he delivered a fourth-quarter pass.
We were in trouble when they just let Branch launch into Dak’s head with no penalty. Refs was on that bs. Then they call this on James Houston. @dak@NFLpic.twitter.com/78nJwuqcmU
— a G like Me (@rwsportstravel) December 6, 2025
This one was particularly costly, as it moved Detroit from their own 45 to the Dallas 13 after the penalty yardage was tacked on to the completed throw. The Lions scored a touchdown just a few snaps later and increased their three-point lead to 10. The high QB hit will also personally cost Houston $5,722.
Those fines bring the Cowboys players' collective total in 2025 to $259,933. Pickens alone accounts for over $90,000 of that figure.
Detroit linebacker Alex Anzalone was also fined $17,968 for unnecessary roughness after he was spotted striking Tyler Booker in the aftermath of Jake Ferguson's second-quarter fumble. His cheap shot to Booker's back went unnoticed by officials in real time.
Todd is on X at @ToddBrock24f7. Also, follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys WR George Pickens, 2 others fined after Week 14 loss
Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker participated in a second straight practice Saturday, Dec. 13, heading into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Mortgage Matchup Center.
"Responding well," Suns coach Jordan Ott said after Saturday's practice about Booker, who has been sidelined with a right groin strain. "That's encouraging. No issues. Practiced today. We'll just see exactly how it responds. Every day it's a little bit more, but it seemed to be pretty good."
Booker showed even better movement during media viewing after Saturday's practice and has made major progress from how he looked after Wednesday's morning shootaround at Oklahoma City.
The Suns won't have a shootaround Sunday due to the 6 p.m. start.
Devin Booker (right groin strain) for 3 off movement.
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 13, 2025
Moving much better.
Has missed last three with injury. #Sunspic.twitter.com/FvyvQvi10G
"Still you go through the night, see how he responds," Ott said. "There's always that check-in whether we have shootaround or not with all of our guys. We'll continue to see how he progresses, but he looked pretty good when he was out there. That part was really good."
Booker missed Phoenix’s past three games with a right groin strain he suffered in the first quarter of a 125-108 victory Dec. 1 over the Lakers in Los Angeles.
"Looks good, getting back to it day-by-day," Suns forward Ryan Dunn said about Booker after Saturday's practice. "He's been helping off the floor a lot with us so that's been good, but he's taking his time, getting ready for whenever he gets back."
The Suns (14-11) are 1-2 without Booker, the team’s leading scorer at 25 points a game.
"Responding well. That's encouraging. No issues. Practiced today. Just see exactly how it responds."
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 13, 2025
Suns coach Jordan Ott on Devin Booker (right groin strain) heading into Sunday's game vs Lakers.
Has missed last three games with injury.
"If Book is able to play, that… pic.twitter.com/CqcYxgYtS8
"If Book is able to play, that changes some of the dynamics of it all," Ott later said about facing the Lakers. "That's a good thing to add to our group. Gives us confidence anytime we see him out there with our group."
Phoenix is 3-5 in its past eight games.
The Lakers (17-7) are 2-3 in their past five games after their seven-game winning streak was snapped by the Suns.
This matchup was added so that both teams, which lost in the NBA Cup quarterfinals Dec. 10, would have an 82-game schedule.
The Lakers are fourth in the West while the Suns are seventh.
Defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder pummeled Phoenix, 138-89, in handing the Suns their largest margin of defeat ever in the history of the franchise.
“Definitely don't like how that game went, especially for this team, the whole Valley Nation, but we can't dwell on it,” Suns guard Jordan Goodwin said after Friday’s practice. “We still got the Lakers here in a couple of days. So we're trying to get that one.”
The Suns will have had three days between the Thunder game and Sunday's matchup against the Lakers.
"I needed this," Dunn said. "We were on the road a little while. We had some great games, played in some good environments. The whole month of December, we were basically on the road basically the whole month."
Then again, losing to Oklahoma City by an insane 49 points has the Suns itching to play again.
"Normally you do, but when you get your ass kicked, you don't," Suns guard Collin Gillespie when asked about getting some rest. "You want to get back out there."
The San Antonio Spurs took down the Lakers, 132-119, in Los Angeles to reach the NBA Cup semifinals Dec. 13 at T-Mobile Arena in Vegas to take on the No. 1 seeded Thunder.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suns' Devin Booker trending toward return at home against the Lakers
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Scotstown were crowned Ulster champions for the first time since 1989 after a dramatic extra-time victory over Kilcoo.
On a night when county stars like Paul Devlin, Conor McCarthy and Kieran Hughes all contributed significantly to a gripping final, it was Scotstown goalkeeper Rory Beggan who had the most telling say in the 0-19 to 0-16 win.
The 2018 All-Star kicked 11 points for his side in a game it felt they had to win twice over.
The Monaghan champions, who were making their fourth attempt at a fifth provincial crown, had led by as many as eight points midway through the first half and were three ahead at the beginning of injury time.
Whether it has been their nip-and-tuck county final against Inniskeen Grattans, or their titanic tussle with Newbridge in the semi-finals, Scotstown games are, however, nothing if not value for money.
And so it proved again as Kilcoo, displaying all the steel that took them to an All-Ireland title in 2021, staged a furious comeback to level at 12 points apiece with virtually the last kick of regulation.
Scotstown regrouped to take control of extra time, even if few in the crowd at the Athletic Grounds would have dared to believe the game was won until the final whistle blew to spark joyous scenes among the Monaghan supporters in Armagh.
The seemingly unlikely comeback at the end of regulation came after a dramatic second-half that had begun with Scotstown leading 0-6 to 0-1.
Kilcoo were playing into the considerable wind in the first half with the conditions hampering their attacking efforts.
Despite a sizeable edge in possession through the opening period, there were just five minutes until the break before they registered their sole score of the first half.
The point was provided by Eugene Branagan, but even the wavering trajectory of the ball as it bisected the posts was evidence of the difficulties endured by the Down side's players when shooting into the swirling breeze.
By that stage, Beggan had already kicked the first pair of two-pointers among his tally and there seemed only one winner when his side's lead was stretched to eight midway through the second half.
But, having struggled to find their range with the wind at their backs in the early stages of the second half, Kilcoo belatedly mastered the conditions to reel Scotstown in.
Devlin finally got his side off the mark in the second half with a two-pointer 13 minutes after the restart, with the forward adding a further three points as the Down champions cut the deficit to only a point in the closing stages.
A drilled effort from Kieran Hughes was matched by Tommy Mallen from just inside the arc, before Beggan stepped up with another two-pointer to give his side that seemingly crucial three-point cushion heading into injury time.
But his Kilcoo counterpart Niall Kane answered in kind with the clock already well in the red.
Rather than mere consolation, Kilcoo regained possession with the three minutes of indicated added time already up and Callum Rogers gathered and spun brilliantly to send the game into extra time.
Rather than be flattened by letting the long-sought title slip from their grasp, Scotstown lifted themselves from the floor in extra-time with Beggan kicking two frees and a 45, in addition to three points from Conor McCarthy, to end their 36-year wait.
The late Louisville basketball star Junior Bridgeman joined an exclusive group Saturday, when his No. 10 jersey was retired during halftime of the No. 11 Cardinals' game against rival Memphis at the KFC Yum! Center.
Bridgeman, who played under the late Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum at UofL from 1972–75 and went on to become one of the world's wealthiest athletes, died in March at age 71 after suffering a medical emergency during a fundraising event at the Galt House. His No. 10 is only the sixth retired in program history.
The other retired numbers are Russ Smith (No. 2), Charlie Tyra (No. 8), Wes Unseld (No. 31), Darrell Griffith (No. 35) and Pervis Ellison (No. 42).
About a month after Bridgeman's death, during a Louisville Athletic Association board meeting, athletics director Josh Heird gave an emotional tribute to the former Card and pillar of the community. "We're going to find a way and a time to honor this man," he said.
Saturday, his family and teammates during UofL's run to the 1975 Final Four were in attendance as a banner featuring his likeness and jersey number was added to the Yum! Center rafters.
"On the court, he gave us unforgettable moments. Off the court, he carried himself with unmatched humility and class, setting a standard of human excellence that continues to inspire our program every day," Heird said in a statement when this ceremony was announced in October. "Retiring his jersey is not only a tribute to his incredible career, but also a way for Card Nation to say, 'Thank you.'"
Bridgeman, an East Chicago, Indiana, native, ranks 29th among Louisville's all-time leading scorers with 1,348 points on 51.7% shooting across 87 games. He holds the program record for the most points scored in an NCAA Tournament game: 36 during a first-round victory over Rutgers on March 15, 1975.
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bridgeman eighth overall in the 1975 NBA Draft, then traded him to the Milwaukee Bucks. He spent most of his 12 years at the sport's highest level with Milwaukee and finished his professional career averaging 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.
The Bucks retired Bridgeman's jersey in 1988. In 2024, he bought a 10% stake in the franchise.
Bridgeman began building his business empire while he was playing in the NBA, starting with fast food and then working his way into Coca-Cola bottling and owning magazines such as Ebony and Jet. In 2016, Forbes listed him as the world's fourth-wealthiest athlete — behind only Michael Jordan, David Beckham and the late Arnold Palmer.
Around Louisville, he's known for his philanthropy and helping inspire business leaders.
"He lived by the Scripture reading where it says, 'To whom much is given, much is required,'" said Dana Johnson, the vice president of economic inclusion at Greater Louisville Inc., during a March interview with The Courier Journal. "He was very intentional about giving back and really pouring into individuals, just on a personal level, a spiritual level, sharing his experiences."
UofL coach Pat Kelsey on Friday called Bridgeman "arguably the greatest citizen in the history of this city," right up there with Muhammad Ali. His biggest takeaway from their interactions? The billionaire entrepreneur's humility.
"We can sit in here for hours talking about all the good that he's done for the world and for the community, but it's the things that he did out of the kindness of his heart — not wanting any attention," Kelsey said. "... I'm blessed in the short amount of time (I had) to get to know him. I wish I had more time to get to know him better, but the stories will live on. His legacy will live on."
Isaac McKneely will be the last Cards player to wear No. 10. Bridgeman's number will be off limits after the 2025-26 season.
"I'm never going to live up to what he did here as a Louisville Cardinal," the senior guard said before the season tipped off. "Hopefully, I can do 1% of what he did — on the court, obviously, but off the court, as well."
This story will be updated.
Courier Journal business reporter Olivia Evans contributed to this report.
Reach Louisville men's basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville basketball retires Junior Bridgeman's No. 10 jersey
K.C. Johnson: Clean L2M report from Bulls-Hornets, including Zach Collins' legal contest on Kon Knueppel's 3-pointer, originally called a foul before video review overturned call.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: K.C. Johnson: Clean L2M report from Bulls-Hornets, …
Duane Rankin: "I think we're holding our own. The competition out here is stacked from the first seed to the 15th seed." Ryan Dunn as 23 of Phoenix's 25 games so far have come against Western Conference opponents. The Suns (14-11) are 13-10 in those games. #Suns
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Duane Rankin: "I think we're holding our own. The …
The Pacers have downgraded Andrew Nembhard (left calf soreness) and Tony Bradley (left quad strain) to questionable for Sunday's game against Washington.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The Pacers have downgraded Andrew Nembhard (left calf …
The parade of postseason college football awards has started, and with it, the various All-American teams. Not all All-American teams are created equal, however, because to be considered a consensus All-American, just five publications are recognized. Those five are the Associated Press (AP), American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Sporting News, Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), and Walter Camp Football Foundation.
We just received our first of those five All-American teams on Friday, and four Ohio State players made the first team, while two more appeared on the second team. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, linebacker Arvell Reese, and safety Caleb Downs were all named first-team All-Americans.
Smith, widely known as the best receiver in the game, was snubbed for the Biletnikoff Award on Friday. He's caught 80 passes for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns. You can bet that he'll make more All-American lists going forward. Smith has had back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons and still has his junior year to go.
McDonald has flashed on the scene this year in the middle of the defensive line and is a potential first-round NFL draft pick come April. He clogs up the middle and has tallied 57 tackles with eight tackles for loss and three sacks.
Reese has also come out of nowhere to be considered one of the best linebackers in the country and also a potential first-round NFL draft pick. He has been used all over the field because of his ability to run and react to plays at several levels. He's had 62 tackles with ten tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Downs has already taken home the Jim Thorpe Award and is considered by many as the best defensive player in the game, though he did not win the Bednarik Award. Like Reese, he is one of the linchpins of the defense, often lining up at all three levels. He has registered 60 total tackles with five tackles for loss, two interceptions, and a sack so far this year.
Not to be forgotten, quarterback Julian Sayinn and defensive end Caden Curry were honored as Second-Team All-Americans. Sayin is one of four Heisman Finalists and will be a part of all the ceremonies on Saturday night.
2025 @waltercampFF All-America First and Second Teams --- the nation's oldest All-America team! https://t.co/7eED8be6eOpic.twitter.com/o8fcU09Qdr
— Walter Camp Football (@WalterCampFF) December 13, 2025
Ohio State is the only program to have four First-Teamers. We'll keep an eye out as the other four main publications announce their All-American teams and see if any of the four making the First-Team can continue the march towards making consensus honors.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Six Ohio State players named to the Walter Camp All-American Team
The Dallas Cowboys have issues on the defensive side of the ball. Whether one thinks it's coaching or talent, or a combination of both, it's clear that the coming offseason means they will have to focus on that side of the line of scrimmage. If the club does what they usually do in free agency and stays relatively within their own confines, then the 2026 NFL draft will be the primary mechanism for them to add talent.
With two first-round picks, the club has a chance to double-dip on defense. In their latest three-round mock, Pro Football Network did just that, and then some. Not only did they give Dallas two defenders, they gave the Cowboys two players from the same school. The Cowboys selected safety Caleb Downs with their own selection, and then turned around and grabbed LB Sonny Styles with the pick they got from the Green Bay Packers.
15) Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Defensively, the Cowboys can go many ways in the 2026 draft, almost to the point of being best player available, and in this case, that would be Ohio State's Swiss Army Knife safety, Caleb Downs.
Downs is well worth going in the top ten of his class. Still, because the safety position is such an intriguing spot to rank in the NFL Draft, he fell to No. 15. His IQ, athleticism, and coverage skills are off the charts, to be frank, if he were eligible last season, I would have drafted him in the first round then as well.
28) Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
As it currently stands, the Dallas Cowboys hold pick No. 28 via the Green Bay Packers stemming from the mid-season Micah Parsons trade. This will allow Dallas to secure another key defensive player for their squad and tap into the Ohio State program for a second time.
Sonny Styles has been the unsung hero on a Buckeye defense that features two of the class's top talents. In 86 tackle attempts this season, Style's has yet to miss one and has proven to be a versatile piece on this Ohio State defense.
The Cowboys' current safety play has been a huge issue for them. Donovan Wilson is set to be a free agent, and fellow starter Malik Hooker is entering the final season of his three-year deal. There stands a chance that both are with another team next season, shining the light on the importance of finding help in the offseason.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys have thrown Band-aids at the linebacker spot. They spent couch-cushion money on Jack Sanborn in free agency, traded a Day 3 pick for Kenneth Murray in the offseason, then did the same for Logan Wilson at the trade deadline. None of it has helped as DeMarvion Overshown is the only sure talent the team has at the position.
Adding Downs and Styles could easily shore up the middle of the back seven, to follow along with their trade acquisitions of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark at defensive tackle.
Linebacker and safety aren't exactly seen as wise investments for the first round, though, based on the overall value of the positions shown in contract averages. The prevailing thought is a team is better off getting wholesale prices on premiere-paid positions rather than ones that can be bought "more cheaply" in free agency.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys select back-to-back Buckeyes in new 2026 mock draft
Vadim Nemkov only needed four minutes to become PFL heavyweight champion on Saturday.
In the 2025 PFL Europe 4 main event, Nemkov (20-2) submitted Renan Ferreira (13-5) with an arm-triangle choke to capture the vacant strap. The event took place at LDLC Arena in Lyon, France.
Nemkov mediated the hulking nature of the 6-foot-8 Ferreira when he immediately dragged the fight down to the canvas. Ferreira was able to briefly reverse Nemkov, but the Fedor Emelianenko protege quickly gained position back. He moved into proper position for an arm-triangle choke and got the submission exactly 4:00 into Round 1.
After the fight, Nemkov said "I really want to fight Francis (Ngannou)."
PFL CEO John Martin has hinted the winner of Saturday's bout could be next for the heavyweight legend Francis Ngannou, who still has one fight left on his deal with the promotion.
Vadim Nemkov claims PFL heavyweight gold with a quick submission of Renan Ferreira at #PFLLyon then says he wants Francis Ngannou next.
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 13, 2025
🎥 @PFLMMApic.twitter.com/Ma4ClrJC0b
Nemkov, 33, has looked stellar since moving up to heavyweight, going 3-0. Success is nothing new for Nemkov, having held the Bellator light heavyweight title for an extensive period of time.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Vadim Nemkov quickly wins PFL title, calls for Francis Ngannou
Paul Lim became the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship as the 71-year-old claimed a stunning victory over Jeffrey de Graaf.
Backed by a partisan crowd at the Alexandra Palace, the Singapore veteran claimed a 3-1 success over the Dutch-born Swede.
He beat a record held by Northern Irishman John MaGowan, who was 67 when he knocked out Chris Mason in the first round of the tournament in December 2008.
"Just to make it here is an achievement. I don't wish for anyone to miss but when they miss you have to take the opportunity," Lim told Sky Sports.
Lim could face Luke Humphries in the second round, should the 2024 world champion come through his opening match against Ted Evetts later on Saturday evening.
Lim, who thew the first world championship nine-darter at the BDO event at Lakeside in 1990, beat Humphries when the pair last met at the Ally Pally five years ago.
"He [Humphries] puts so much effort and time into what he is doing, he is a good guy, a gentleman and a great player," added Lim.
"So I hope on a given day it can happen again [if I play him] but I never give up. He is good but he can be beaten."
The crowd cheered Lim, who is 72 next month, to the rafters when he won the first set but De Graaf appeared to have the momentum after he levelled the match.
However, Lim got his nose in front after a scrappy third set as De Graaf wilted while the experienced 'Singapore Slinger' held his nerve in a tense fourth, sealing victory with an average of 86.52.
Five-time world championship semi-finalist Wayne Mardle said Lim was able to "take his chances" to secure an "incredible" win.
"If you have the desire, the passion but most of all the ability humans can achieve amazing things - and that was amazing," said Mardle on Sky.
De Graaf was six years old when Lim made his PDC debut 29 years ago.
In the afternoon session, Gary Anderson booked his place in the second round with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Adam Hunt.
Two-time champion Anderson, 54, was given a stern examination by world number 84 Hunt but the Flying Scotsman was able to battle back from 2-1 down to progress.
Anderson, seeded 14th, will next play the winner of the match between Connor Scutt and Simon Whitlock .
"That's probably the best Adam has played all season. The first game is the hardest, but I'm through," Anderson told Sky Sports.
Anderson, who won back-to-back world titles in 2015 and 2016, held his nerve to win the first set 3-2 against the 32-year-old Englishman.
However, he missed double top in the deciding leg in the second set and Hunt took his chance to level the match up with a confident 72 checkout.
Hunt won the third set as Anderson's average plummeted but the Scot raised his game in the fourth and took control early in the decider as Hunt failed to recover from an early break of throw.
Elsewhere, Welsh amateur David Davies secured a dream tie with defending champion Luke Littler in the next round after causing a minor upset on his World Championship debut.
Davies claimed a 3-0 win over Belgium's Mario Vandenbogaerde - 66th in the PDC rankings - thanks to a checkout average of 37.5%.
Andrew Gilding saw off a spirited effort from 22-year-old tournament debutant Cam Crabtree as he progressed with a 3-1 win over his fellow Englishman thanks to an average of 97.89.
Luke Woodhouse recovered from a sluggish start as he fought back from a set down to beat Croatia's Boris Krcmar 3-1.
Afternoon session
Mario Vandenbogaerde 0-3 David Davies
Andrew Gilding 3-1 Cam Crabtree
Luke Woodhouse (25) 3-1 Boris Krcmar
Gary Anderson (14) 3-2 Adam Hunt
Evening session
Jeffrey de Graaf 1-3 Paul Lim
Wessel Nijman (31) 3-0 Karel Sedlacek
Luke Humphries (2) v Ted Evetts
Gabriel Clemens v Alex Spellman
Afternoon session (12:30 GMT)
Ritchie Edhouse (27) v Jonny Tata
Dom Taylor v Oskar Lukasiak
Richard Veenstra v Nitin Kumar
Joe Cullen (32) v Bradley Brooks
Evening session (19:00)
Lukas Wenig v Wesley Plaisier
Dimitri van den Bergh (23) v Darren Beveridge
Stephen Bunting (4) v Sebastian Bialecki
James Hurrell v Stowe Buntz
The San Francisco 49ers have added star running back Christian McCaffrey to the injury report with a back injury, and he will be listed as questionable for the game against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 14.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that McCaffrey is "expected to be good to go" for the contest despite being added to the injury report.
The Titans (2-11) visit the 49ers (9-4) at Levi's Stadium (3:25 p.m. CT, FOX). McCaffrey is the engine the 49ers' offense is based around, as he's not only the NFL's third-leading rusher by attempts, but he's also the league's fifth-leading receiver by catches.
He's touched the football 322 times in 13 games, which works out to three more touches per game than any other player. Only Atlanta's Bijan Robinson and Indianapolis' Jonathan Taylor have gained more yards from scrimmage this season than McCaffrey.
Injuries have plagued McCaffrey throughout his career; he's only played one full season without missing a game since 2020. If McCaffrey is unable to go against the Titans, his likeliest replacement would be Brian Robinson Jr., who ran for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Titans in 2024 while playing for Washington.
Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on X @nicksuss. Subscribe to the Talkin’ Titans newsletter for updates sent directly to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Christian McCaffrey injury update, latest on star RB for Titans-49ers
The Detroit Lions placed Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch on injured reserve Saturday, Dec. 13, officially ending his season.
Branch tore the Achilles in his right leg in last week's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Lions coach Dan Campbell said Branch underwent surgery last week and faces an 8- to 12-month timeline for return.
The Lions activated tight end Shane Zylstra off IR to take Branch's place as part of a slew of roster moves Saturday.
Zylstra, who hasn't played since injuring his knee in Week 2, adds depth at tight end, where the Lions had just one player on their 53-man roster – Anthony Firkser.
Starting tight end Sam LaPorta is out for the season after back surgery, and backup Brock Wright is on IR with a trachea injury that likely will keep him out until the playoffs.
IN GOFF WE TRUST? In a year full of challenges, Jared Goff still is one of NFL's top QBs
Along with Zylstra, the Lions elevated tight end Giovanni Ricci and safety Erick Hallett from the practice squad to the active/inactive list.
In addition, the Lions announced that offensive lineman Christian Mahogany was not activated from injured reserve and he was ruled out for Sunday vs. the Rams. Safety Thomas Harper was also downgraded to out with a concussion.
Lions announce roster moves:
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 13, 2025
Placed S Brian Branch on Reserve/Injured.
Activated TE Shane Zylstra from Reserve/Injured.
Elevated TE Giovanni Ricci and S Erick Hallett from the Practice Squad to the Active/Inactive list. pic.twitter.com/E7bwearLwg
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions injury report vs Rams as Brian Branch placed on IR
The Eagles announced on Saturday that they have elevated safety Andre Sam from the practice squad for their Sunday matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. This marks the third time this season that the Eagles have elevated Sam, which means they will need to add him to the active roster if they want him to play again in 2025.
Sam, a rookie free agent signed by the Eagles out of LSU in 2024, spent his first season on the team's practice squad. Sam made his NFL debut during the Week 14 victory over the Panthers. Before that, Sam was elevated for the previous two games against the Bears and the Chargers, where he played exclusively on special teams for 19 snaps.
We are elevating S Andre’ Sam for tomorrow’s game. pic.twitter.com/cVfqubzVOy
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 13, 2025
The 5-foot-10, 194-pound Sam will provide additional depth at safety behind Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, and Marcus Epps.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles elevate Andre' Sam for Sunday's game vs. Raiders
It's been a forgettable regular season for Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon, and it's coming to an end. The Bears announced they have placed Gordon on injured reserve due to his groin injury, which will sideline him for the remainder of the regular season.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the team is hopeful they can get Gordon back for the postseason if Chicago makes it that far. The Bears also elevated running back Brittain Brown and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin from the practice squad ahead of their game against the Cleveland Browns.
The #Bears are placing CB Kyler Gordon (groin) on Injured Reserve, knocking him out four games with the hopes he returns for the playoffs, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 13, 2025
The second IR stint for Gordon. Chicago signed CJ Gardner-Johnson to fill the void and he’s been a revelation in the slot. pic.twitter.com/XN9QDGNHmD
Hopes were high for Gordon coming into this season. The talented nickel cornerback signed a three-year extension worth more than $31 million in the spring, and the new coaching staff expressed excitement with having him on the roster. Unfortunately, Gordon suffered a lower body injury during training camp and hasn't been the same since. Gordon has dealt with hamstring, calf, and groin injuries that have kept him out of all but three games this year. He finishes the season with seven tackles, one for loss, and a fumble recovery.
With Gordon sidelined, the Bears will rely on veteran Chauncey Gardner-Johnson the rest of the way at the nickel corner spot. Gardner-Johnson signed with the Bears back in October and has played a crucial role in solidifying the back end of the defense and helping the Bears reach a 9-4 record heading into Week 15.
The playoffs are within reach for the Bears, and they will have to get there without Gordon's help. We'll see if the fourth-year cornerback can make one last comeback in January.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears place CB Kyler Gordon on injured reserve
Dan Woike: A couple of notes from Lakers practice today. - The Austin Reaves calf strain is minor, and Redick says he expects him to be out a week. Injury happened before SA game at some point. - A lot of talk about trying to re-establish better defensive habits and not given to the team simply being a lousy defensive team. - Jared Vanderbilt said he's eager to try and help solve some of the defensive issues. TBD whether he gets that chance. - Marcus Smart praised Adou Thiero's defensive potential, said he's a willing learner. - Redick said Thiero, because of the knee issues, is still on a minutes restriction. Also said no rookie in history of the NBA has been good off-ball defensively.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Austin Reaves' calf strain considered minor
Dave McMenamin: Jarred Vanderbilt on whether there was a direct conversation from the coaching staff that he would be out of the rotation: “Kind of here and there, I guess” On being back in the rotation: “It was a surprise” On how he’s handling all this: “I’m good … supporting the team”
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Dave McMenamin: Jarred Vanderbilt on whether there was …
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Dave McMenamin: “This is my job. I'm not gonna just …
Joey Linn: The Clippers canceled practice today and just did film. Ty Lue said the decision was because certain players couldn’t practice, but he wouldn’t say who. “I can’t say. I don’t think I can say that.”
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Joey Linn: The Clippers canceled practice today and …
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Justin Russo: Derrick Jones Jr. has progressed to some …
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Sean Highkin: Latest injury updates from Tiago …
When the NBA Cup launched in 2023, it was far from a finished project. Several players were ignorant of the tournament’s rules, the special courts were polarizing in both form and function, and it didn’t even have a proper name. It was called the NBA In-Season Tournament before the league renamed it the NBA Cup last year and added the Emirates airline as the title sponsor. But there’s been virtually no change with the NBA Cup format between Years 2 and 3. While there are still sporadic issues with the NBA Cup court design, the tournament is here to stay. It looks like a permanent fixture on the NBA calendar, as Adam Silver’s vision is finally falling into place.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: When the NBA Cup launched in 2023, it was far from a …
There’s another upside. For some teams and players, the games have turned into a dry run for the playoffs. “It’s good prep for the postseason,” Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said last year ahead of the NBA Cup final in Las Vegas. “It’s obviously heightened stakes than a regular season, 82-game season, and it’s good to get reps in games that mean a little bit more and have stakes to it.” Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder lost in the NBA Cup final, but he would eventually lead Oklahoma City to the 2025 NBA championship, securing regular-season and Finals MVP in the process.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: There’s another upside. For some teams and players, …
“It definitely helped,” Gilgeous-Alexander told Andscape about the Cup loss earlier this month. “Losing in general helps all the time. It’s easy to learn from losing. It definitely just showed us the formula for losing. The way we played that night, we didn’t give what the game required, and it showed us that.” Magic guard Desmond Bane, who was fined $35,000 earlier this week for unsportsmanlike conduct when he threw a ball at Knicks forward OG Anunoby, summed up the benefits of the NBA Cup on Wednesday after Orlando defeated the Heat to advance to the semis. “That’s huge, man. I just lost $35,000. I gotta go get it back somehow,” Bane said. “But I’m excited. Great opportunity for us to play some meaningful basketball early in the season.”
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “It definitely helped,” Gilgeous-Alexander told …
With Shai, all conversations start with his proprietary blend of bucket-getting. SGA is putting up arguably the greatest combination of volume and efficiency of the modern era. 32.6 points per game is both wildly impressive and dramatically underselling just how dang good he’s been, so let’s put it in context. To compare across years, we can look at per-possession scoring data (to normalize for pace and playing time). For efficiency, we can look at Basketball-Reference's relative True Shooting, which shows how much better a player’s TS% is compared to league average at the time. Here’s something fun. Only five players in the modern era have put up 40 or more points per 100 possessions and posted a rTS% of at least 115 (meaning 15% higher than league average):
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: With Shai, all conversations start with his …
With the Chargers' (9-4) clash with AFC West division rival Chiefs (6-7) at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium looming, both teams have released their Friday injury reports and projected game statuses ahead of the crucial matchup.
Per the Dec. 12 injury report, the Chargers have ten players listed.
Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen and outside linebacker Khalil Mack were listed as full participants for the second consecutive day after not participating on Wednesday due to both earning a "rest" day. Tight end Will Dissly (Shoulder) also was a full participant for a second straight day after being held out of Wednesday's practice, but his status is indeed due to a potential ailment.
Quarterback Justin Herbert (Left Hand) and wide receiver Ladd McConckey (Foot) both held a "limited practice" designation for the third day in a row. For Herbert, the "limited practice" is likely out of precaution with his surgically repaired finger, and he is still expected to start against the Chiefs.
full #LACvsKC game status pic.twitter.com/8aEW7vIe2g
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 12, 2025
As for the Bolts' game status designation on the report, linebacker Troy Dye (Hip) and wide receiver Quentin Johnson (Groin) were listed as "limited" on Friday and subsequently are considered "questionable" for Sunday's game. Dye did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, while Johnson's status is the only addition to the injury report for Friday.
After three days of non-participation, defensive back Elijah Molden (Hamstring) and guard/tackle Trey Pipkins (Ankle) are considered "doubtful," while Derius Davis (Ankle) is listed as "out".
As for Kansas City, the Chiefs have listed wide receiver Hollywood Brown (Not Injury-Related; Personal), guard Trey Smith (Ankle), Tackle Wanya Morris (Triceps/Knee), and offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor (Knee) have been ruled out.
Cornerback Trent McDuffie (Knee) is considered "questionable" following a "full participant" designation on Friday after two straight "limited" practices.
Trent McDuffie is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 12, 2025
Hollywood Brown, Trey Smith, Wanya Morris, and Jawaan Taylor have been ruled out.
The Charger-Chiefs game on Sunday will air on CBS, with kickoff scheduled for 10 a.m. PT.
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Chargers vs Chiefs: Final Injury Report and Game Status
As the Los Angeles Chargers (9-4) prepare for their crucial Week 15 matchup against their AFC West division rival Kansas City Chiefs (6-7) from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 14, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh delivered a brief reaction when questioned during his Friday media appearance about former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore's firing and arrest.
“I’m still processing that,” Harbaugh said. “Still processing that like a lot of people, I’m sure."
Jim Harbaugh on Sherrone Moore:
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) December 12, 2025
“I’m still processing that. … Still processing like a lot of people, I’m sure.” pic.twitter.com/15mrCEO46p
Harbaugh coached the Wolverines to an 86-25 overall record in nine seasons in Ann Arbor, Mich., including an undefeated 2023 National Championship-winning campaign. Harbaugh also starred at quarterback for Michigan under College Football Hall of Fame head coach Bo Schembechler from 1982-86, during which he collected numerous honors, including third place in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1986.
As reported by the Detroit Free Press, along with numerous other local, regional, and national news outlets, the University of Michigan fired Moore “for cause” on Wednesday afternoon following credible evidence being presented to the university and its Board of Regents that he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
Moore was arrested just a few hours after his dismissal and placed in custody at the Washtenaw County Jail in Michigan as part of what police called an assault investigation.
According to court documents released on Friday, Dec. 12, Moore faces criminal allegations of felony third-degree home invasion, misdemeanor stalking-domestic relationship, and misdemeanor breaking and entering.
Moore had spent eight seasons at Michigan, including six years on Harbaugh's staff in various assistant coaching/coordinator roles. Following Harbaugh's acceptance of the Chargers' head coaching job, Moore was hired a few weeks later after earning the recommendation from Harbaugh to be the next Wolverines' head coach.
While this certainly has no impact on the Chargers' ability to claim victory over the Chiefs on Sunday, it is notable to hear Harbaugh's reaction to the fast-moving, chaotic events in Ann Arbor on Thursday.
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: What Chargers' HC Jim Harbaugh said about Sherrone Moore's firing
As the Los Angeles Chargers (9-4) prepare for their crucial Week 15 matchup against their AFC West division rival Kansas City Chiefs (6-7) from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 14, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh delivered a brief reaction when questioned during his Friday media appearance about former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore's firing and arrest.
“I’m still processing that,” Harbaugh said. “Still processing that like a lot of people, I’m sure."
Jim Harbaugh on Sherrone Moore:
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) December 12, 2025
“I’m still processing that. … Still processing like a lot of people, I’m sure.” pic.twitter.com/15mrCEO46p
Harbaugh coached the Wolverines to an 86-25 overall record in nine seasons in Ann Arbor, Mich., including an undefeated 2023 National Championship-winning campaign. Harbaugh also starred at quarterback for Michigan under College Football Hall of Fame head coach Bo Schembechler from 1982-86, during which he collected numerous honors, including third place in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1986.
As reported by the Detroit Free Press, along with numerous other local, regional, and national news outlets, the University of Michigan fired Moore “for cause” on Wednesday afternoon following credible evidence being presented to the university and its Board of Regents that he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
Moore was arrested just a few hours after his dismissal and placed in custody at the Washtenaw County Jail in Michigan as part of what police called an assault investigation.
According to court documents released on Friday, Dec. 12, Moore faces criminal allegations of felony third-degree home invasion, misdemeanor stalking-domestic relationship, and misdemeanor breaking and entering.
Moore had spent eight seasons at Michigan, including six years on Harbaugh's staff in various assistant coaching/coordinator roles. Following Harbaugh's acceptance of the Chargers' head coaching job, Moore was hired a few weeks later after earning the recommendation from Harbaugh to be the next Wolverines' head coach.
While this certainly has no impact on the Chargers' ability to claim victory over the Chiefs on Sunday, it is notable to hear Harbaugh's reaction to the fast-moving, chaotic events in Ann Arbor on Thursday.
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: What Chargers' HC Jim Harbaugh said about Sherrone Moore's firing
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a Week 15 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, which will be anything but a cake walk despite Cleveland's 3-10 record. And that has everything to do with one player: Star pass rusher Myles Garrett, who's on the cusp of NFL history.
Garrett has been one of the league's top edge rushers since being drafted first overall by the Browns in 2017, where he's totaled at least 10 sacks in eight of nine seasons in the NFL. This year, Garrett has a league-best 20 sacks through 13 games, and he's just three shy of eclipsing Michael Strahan's single-season sack record (22.5).
Quarterback Caleb Williams has developed a reputation as Houdini in the pocket, as he's been able to evade defenders, including most recently Micah Parsons, who was held without a sack last week. But Garrett is a whole other monster, and Williams is determined not to let Garrett set the single-season sack record against him.
“I’m going to try and make sure that he doesn't get the sack record on us and on me," Williams said. "But, I think those games have prepared the offensive line, us as a game plan, and going against those type of players where they're just the S-tier players where you just have to make sure every single snap, every single play, everything is not allowing them to wreck the game. That's something that he can do. That's something that he's done throughout his whole career. And so, we're excited for the challenge."
It won't be an easy task, especially with rookie left tackle Ozzy Trapilo expected to line up against Garrett most of the time. While head coach Ben Johnson has a plan for how to address Garrett, Williams understands just how easily he can wreck a game.
“He has, as the kids say, a deep bag of tricks," Williams said. "Whether it's his euro step, his speed, his off the ball, they'll put him at the linebacker area and let him just kind of do his thing. So, he has a deep bag of tricks and it's going to be a good challenge for us as an offense, us as an offensive line. Running backs, everybody accounts for him, and everybody else in that field. He has a deep bag of tricks and when somebody is well polished as he is throughout the NFL, and throughout his years in NFL, that's what makes him Myles Garrett.”
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Caleb Williams determined not to let Myles Garrett get sack record
While Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future remains in doubt, his legacy at Anfield cannot be questioned.
And if Saturday's 2-0 win over Brighton does prove to be his last game for the Reds, he has managed to break one final record.
Once taunted as a Chelsea flop before he revived his career at Fiorentina and Roma, the Egyptian now stands alone as the player with the most goal involvements in Premier League history for a single club.
Having come on as a 26th-minute substitute - his first appearance since claiming he had been "thrown under the bus" by the club last week - his corner was headed in at the back post by Hugo Ekitike on the hour mark.
Salah's 277 goal involvements (188 goals, 89 assists) for Liverpool meant he moved above former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney (183 goals, 93 assists) in the standings.
Liverpool parted with £34m to sign Salah from Roma in 2017 - a fee that now seems like peanuts after his jaw-dropping 364 goal contributions in 421 club appearances in all competitions (250 goals and 114 assists).
After an uninspiring two-year spell at Chelsea, few would have believed the 33-year-old would go on to break countless records, win eight major trophies and become a Liverpool icon.
He scored just twice in 19 appearances for the Blues before he joined Roma in 2016 after a loan spell with them, and fellow Serie A side Fiorentina.
Following his return to English football with Liverpool, Salah has certainly made his mark.
The phrase "Only Mo Salah" frequently does the rounds on social media to highlight his exceptional and often unique achievements.
So let's take a look at the records he has broken during his eight years on Merseyside.
Will Salah add the all-time most Premier League goal involvements to this list of records?
Former Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers striker Alan Shearer leads the way on 324, Rooney follows on 311 and Salah is further adrift on 279 - including his two Chelsea goals.
In normal circumstances it would not be beyond the Egyptian to finish on top, but recent developments mean he may not be at Anfield long enough to do so.
Ex-England striker Shearer leads the way at the top of the scoring charts with 260 goals, while Salah is 70 adrift.
Shearer's tally came in 441 games while playing as a striker. Salah has struck 190 times in 315 games mainly from the right wing.
The Egypt international is the only active Premier League player on the all-time top 10 list, but he faces a race against time to topple Shearer.
In April, he signed a two-year deal to extend his stay at Anfield until 2027. But clubs in Saudi Arabia are keen to sign him in January, should Liverpool decide to sell Salah.
If he stays, Salah has a maximum of a season and a half to score 70 goals.
Father Time could also finally be catching up. Having hit his best Premier League numbers last season, they have slowed down this term.
At the same stage last season, he had registered 22 goal involvements (13 goals, nine assists) in the league. His slow start to the current campaign has him 15 behind, with four goals and three assists.
When Salah's contract expires, he'll be just shy of turning 35, but Liverpool's summer acquisitions of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz suggest the Reds have already been planning for life after Salah, whenever that comes.
Before Salah's arrival in June 2017, Liverpool had not lifted a trophy since the League Cup five years earlier.
But alongside Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool built one of the most feared front threes in Europe and Salah was at the heart of it.
The heartbreak suffered in the 2018 Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid proved to be the catalyst for him to fire Liverpool to every major trophy available.
Here is a list of Salah's honours with Liverpool:
The Green Bay Packers added running back Emanuel Wilson to the injury report with an illness and elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad to the gameday roster on Saturday. Strong is now available to coach Matt LaFleur for Sunday's showdown with the Denver Broncos.
Wilson is listed as questionable to play. So is starting running back Josh Jacobs, who only practiced once this week because of recurring swelling and stiffness in his injured knee. The only healthy running back on the 53-man roster for the Packers is Chris Brooks, making Strong a necessary elevation for Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Wilson, if available, would be looking at an increased role at running back and a potential start in place of Jacobs. But with his status now in question, the Packers may need to scramble at the position before facing the NFL's No. 1 ranked defense against the run.
Brooks is a capable blocker and receiver who has played in all 13 games for the Packers this season. Strong, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, has played in 46 career games. His 125 career touches have gained 692 yards, and he's also returned 24 career kickoffs.
The Packers previously elevated Strong in Week 7 and Week 12 (when Jacobs was out). He was not active for either game. Strong is now out of elevations from the practice squad.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers add RB Emanuel Wilson to injury report, elevate RB Pierre Strong Jr.
Head coach Mike Macdonald shouted out the Seattle Seahawks grounds crew on Friday for keeping the fields usable during the most extreme period of rain the city has seen this year.
Brady Henderson shared the comments on X at 2:30 p.m. PST on Friday.
Macdonald gave a shoutout to the Seahawks' grounds crew for keeping the fields at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center usable this week despite all the rain the area has gotten. The team practiced outside the last two days in anticipation of more wet weather Sunday at Lumen Field.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) December 12, 2025
The team has been practicing outside this week in preparation for what looks to be a rainy Sunday game. The forecast shows only a 10% chance of precipitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. when Lumen Field’s gates open through the afternoon and evening, but there will likely be some water on the field and rain from the morning throughout the game. With low-50s temperatures and cloudy projected skies, any level of wetness will be amplified.
Even more pertinent, though, is the projected winds. During warmups, the winds look to be around 11 miles per hour, and during the game, they should be at 7 mph. Seahawks kicker Jason Myers is known for prioritizing accuracy over power and his range could be limited or extended based on wind, but his accuracy could be tampered with as well.
More importantly, our hearts go out to all those affected by the flooding that’s plaguing Washington state right now. Record-setting downpours have forced several areas into emergency evacuations and flood watch warnings. While some of them began to recede on Friday, Gov. Bob Ferguson said the situation is “not just a one- or two-day crisis” and that the water levels would “remain high for an extended period of time”. President Donald Trump has signed the state’s request for an emergency declaration as communities around western and central Washington fight for safety and for their homes.
We at Seahawks Wire aim to help you look forward to Sunday’s game, but our hearts are with the communities of Sumas, Nooksack, Deming, Burlington, Everson, Mount Vernon, and every other community affected by the floods this week. We dedicate our writing to you and hope that no matter how the Seahawks play, they can bring you a tiny bit of joy in these dire circumstances. You help us unite behind our Seahawks week-in, week-out, so we hope to offer what little we can to unite behind you. We’ll be rooting for your communities on defense against these floods and on offense in bouncing back from them like 12s rooting for the Seahawks on gameday.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Macdonald shouts out Seahawks' grounds crew amidst extreme rain
Cesar Almeida and Cezary Oleksiejczuk meet on the UFC on ESPN 73 main card Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 2-2-1
UFC main cards, 2025: 120-86-3
Almeida (7-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) has seen good results since joining the UFC in April 2024, winning three of his four appearances. The 37-year-old has won two in a row and will look to pick up momentum off a knockout of Abdul Razak Alhassan back in January.
Oleksiejczuk (16-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is making his UFC debut roughly three months after earning his contract on Dana White's Contender in September. The 25-year-old will enter on a four-fight winning streak.
Aside from the matchmakers showing their sense of humor by booking back-to-back weeks of first-name parity fights, Cesar Almeida vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk should be fun for as long as it lasts.
Despite Almeida and Oleksiejczuk having some underrated competency on the floor, both parties prefer sorting things out on the feet.
Almeida, who tends to start slow and get his reads, has steadily been translating the slickster stylings that served him well in his kickboxing career. The potential problem, however, is that said style has allowed him to be caught cold and stunned early in his MMA fights.
Should Almeida press his luck and get caught cold against a puncher as fast and as powerful as Oleksiejczuk early, then none of us should be shocked if it's enough to finally crack the Brazilian's vaunted durability.
Still, as deceptive as Oleksiejczuk's experience might be, I have a hard time backing a relatively unproven fighter whose primary win conditions are first-round knockouts.
It feels like a risky pick, but I'll side with the older fighter in Almeida to survive the initial storm en route to a somewhat surprising win on the scorecards.
Despite the oddsmakers initially opening the Brazilian as a moderate favorite, public money has flipped the line in the Polish fighter's favor, listing Oleksiejczuk -220 and Almeida +176 via FanDuel.
Almeida and Oleksiejczuk are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 11:30 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts live on ESPN2 and streams on ESPN+.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 112: Almeida vs. Oleksiejczuk prediction, start time
LSU football quarterback Garrett Nussmeier wore the LSU uniform for five seasons, including two as the starter. He climbed the leaderboard for career passing yards and finished among the best.
Nussmeier finished No. 3 on LSU's all-time leading passers list with 7,699 passing yards. Tommy Hodson (9,115) and Joe Burrow (8,565) rank first and second, respectively. He came into the season with 5,772 yards and needed over 3,000 yards.
Had Nussmeier somewhat replicated his numbers from last season, he would reign atop the list. He appeared in nine games in 2025, dealing with torso injury for much of the season, finishing with 1,927 passing yards and 12 touchdowns.
A Lake Charles, LA native, Nussmeier would've likely been an early round pick in last year's NFL Draft but chose to return to Baton Rouge to chase a national championship with his home state school. Instead, the Tigers lost three of four games midseason and played themselves out of contention for the College Football Playoffs.
| Rank | Player | Years | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tommy Hodson | 1986–1989 | 9,115 |
| 2 | Joe Burrow | 2018–2019 | 8,565 |
| 3 | Garrett Nussmeier | 2021–2025 | 7,699 |
| 4 | Jeff Wickersham | 1982–1985 | 6,921 |
| 5 | Jayden Daniels | 2022–2023 | 6,725 |
| 6 | JaMarcus Russell | 2004–2006 | 6,625 |
| 7 | Jamie Howard | 1992–1995 | 6,158 |
| 8 | Herb Tyler | 1995–1998 | 5,876 |
| 9 | Zach Mettenberger | 2011–2013 | 5,783 |
| 10 | Jordan Jefferson | 2008–2011 | 4,733 |
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Where Nussmeier finished on LSU's all-time passing yards leaderboard
DENVER − With Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson battling an illness, tailback Pierre Strong Jr. was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for game day ahead of the Dec. 14 matchup at the Denver Broncos.
Wilson was added to the injury report as questionable Dec. 13 because of his illness. The Packers already listed Josh Jacobs as questionable with a knee injury that kept him out of practice until Friday this week.
It’s the third time Strong has been elevated on game day, using his maximum allotment for a season. His last came Nov. 23 against the Minnesota Vikings when Jacobs was inactive because of a knee injury. He also was elevated when the Packers traveled to the Arizona Cardinals in October.
This article originally appeared on Packers News: Packers elevate practice-squad tailback, Emanuel Wilson questionable
Tutu Atwell has been eligible to return from injured reserve since Week 13 but the Los Angeles Rams opted not to activate him for either of their previous two games. That will change this week, though.
Atwell has officially been added to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, making him eligible to play his first game since Week 7 in London. This season, Atwell has four catches for 164 yards and one touchdown, which was an 88-yarder against the Colts.
In addition to activating Atwell, the Rams also promoted safety Tanner Ingle from the practice squad. That could be a precautionary measure after the team added safety Jaylen McCollough to the injury report on Saturday due to an illness.
McCollough is now questionable to play against the Lions, which could give Ingle a chance to contribute as the Rams’ third safety behind Kamren Kinchens and Kamren Curl. In all likelihood, though, Ingle will only play special teams.
Kickoff between the Rams and Lions on Sunday is at 4:25 p.m. ET from SoFi Stadium.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams roster moves: Tutu Atwell activated, DB added to injury report
Coventry City boss Frank Lampard said his players "showed a lot of spirit" to hold on to a 1-0 win against Bristol City.
Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth made a number of key saves to deny the Robins throughout the match and late on as they pushed for an equaliser.
"To lose a game and draw a game probably put a bit more importance on this, a bit more feeling. People would have been looking at us to see how we reacted against a strong team," Lampard told BBC Radio CWR.
"It was great, the players' attitude from minute one was really good, really sharp and continued that.
"We pushed them back and they're one of the highest pressing teams in the league, highest regains, and we played a lot of the game in their half.
"Absolutely not our best performance but sometimes in the endurance test of a season, you look at all the games, your comfortable wins, the games where you have to fight and dig in for the win - games that give you challenges like that [but you] keep a clean sheet, get a goal and we showed a lot of spirit in the team."
What is next for Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts as the quarterback heads into the upcoming offseason, set to be a free agent?
CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones recently provided some insight into that question, along with what he is hearing.
Jonathan Jones says that Indianapolis will "surely want Jones back," but the two sides agreeing to contract terms is going to be the challenge, given Jones' Achilles injury.
One option that the Colts have is using the franchise tag, but that comes with what could be a $40 million price tag for the 2026 season.
"That's a big number for a player coming off a serious injury," Jonathan Jones wrote, "and there's no way to anticipate whether Indianapolis would issue the tag now when their doctors would need to fully evaluate Jones months after surgery."
Jonathan Jones adds that if the Colts don't franchise tag Daniel Jones, he could end up hitting free agency. At which point, the best situation for Daniel Jones could present itself elsewhere.
Multiple sources have told Jonathan Jones that the Minnesota Vikings could be a "potential landing spot."
"Unless the Colts are willing to issue the franchise tag, I don't see it as a slam dunk that Jones is back with Indy next year," Jonathan Jones wrote.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: What's next for Daniel Jones and Colts? NFL insider weighs in
The New England Patriots are reportedly placing second-year running back Terrell Jennings on injured reserve, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Jennings has been in concussion protocol from a head injury he suffered in the Patriots' Week 13 win over the New York Giants. By going on injured reserve, he will officially have to miss the next four games of the season. He would then have an opportunity to return just in time for the playoffs.
Jennings has contributed sparingly this season with Antonio Gibson out with a torn ACL and Rhamondre Stevenson banged up at one point. He has 23 carries for 73 yards and one touchdown, along with one catch for nine yards.
The Patriots elevated veteran backup D'Ernest Johnson from the practice squad to serve as the No. 3 running back option behind Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. Johnson will have an opportunity to play the rest of the way with Jennings sidelined for four games.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots reportedly placing RB on injured reserve ahead of Bills game
It's home sweet home for the Chicago Bears, who return to Soldier Field after a two-game road trip to take on the lowly Cleveland Browns. The Bears (9-4) had their five-game winning streak snapped last weekend at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, losing 28-21, and are looking to rebound against Cleveland as they look to maintain a favorable position in the playoff race.
On the other side of things, the Browns (3-10) are limping towards the end of the season. The team is battered and bruised as they work through numerous injuries on both sides of the ball and are coming off a baffling 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans last weekend.
By all accounts, this game is a get-right opportunity for the Bears, and it will take place in extremely cold conditions. The game-time temperature is expected to be in the single digits, which will have effects on both teams. And with the numerous injuries the Browns are working through, this game could get messy. Here are our bold predictions for Sunday's AFC-NFC tilt:
DJ Moore's stock is at a season low coming off last week's game against the Packers. Statistically speaking, it was Moore's worst professional game, as he caught just one pass for negative yardage, something he had never done before at the NFL level. His usage was a topic of conversation for Bears fans and was brought up to coaches as well. Many are left wondering where he fits in head coach Ben Johnson's offense, but this is a perfect bounce-back opportunity.
The Browns will be without cornerback Denzel Ward, and their secondary as a whole is suspect. And while Odunze is likely going to make his return, we'll see how much quarterback Caleb Williams relies on him in the passing game. In fact, it would be a surprise to see the Bears push the ball downfield much at all given the extreme cold that is coming to Soldier Field. And with the Browns' excellent pass rush, Williams will want to get the ball out early. Moore will see more looks on short patterns and will find a way into the end zone thanks to his catch-and-run abilities.
The days of "Bear Weather" gracing the lakefront for a Bears game are going to be numbered soon enough if and when the new stadium gets constructed in the suburbs. But this weekend is one of those games, and that means a steady dose of ground-and-pound football should be on Johnson's menu. Especially considering the Browns lost their best run defender and just allowed 184 rushing yards to the Titans.
The Bears have a formula that works with D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. The two-headed monster continues to punish defenses with long drives that usually result in touchdowns. The Bears already have three games this year with over 200 rushing yards. This will be No. 4 as Chicago dominates the time of possession.
When the Bears are on offense, all eyes will be on the Browns' defense. Specifically defensive end Myles Garrett, who is having a historic season. Garrett is abusing offensive lines this season, totaling 31 tackles for loss and 20 sacks. He's within striking distance of breaking the single-season tackle for loss record (39) set by JJ Watt and the single-season sack record (22.5) set by Michael Strahan and TJ Watt.
While it may seem impossible to stop Garrett this year, it has been done, and the Bears have done a fine job of neutralizing star pass rushers. They didn't allow Micah Parsons to get a sack last week and did enough to keep players like Maxx Crosby and Brian Burns away from the quarterback. Only TJ Watt was a premier edge rusher to get home in recent weeks. With all of the focus surrounding Garrett, the Bears will have a plan in place to stop him, whether that's extra help for left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, moving the pocket to the opposite side, or quick passing options. Garrett will make an impact, but he won't leave Soldier Field with a sack.
The Browns are a mess up front. Their entire starting offensive line is dealing with injuries that have knocked out four out of five starters, and the fifth, Joel Bitonio, is a game-time decision. We have seen how patchwork offensive lines have performed for the Bears in previous years, and with a rookie quarterback under center, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will be licking his chops.
While Sanders has performed relatively well in his three starts, he's privy to holding onto the ball too long. This is an opportunity for Allen to send extra pressure while also relying on his back seven to create coverage sacks. Sanders will struggle to operate in the pocket, and the Bears will find a way to take him down at least five times.
If Sanders and the offense end up having trouble with the Bears' pass rush, he's bound to make mistakes with the football. The Bears have forced a turnover in all but two games this season, the most since 2018. Yet somehow, they have just one defensive score, which took place all the way back in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings when Nahshon Wright took an interception to the house. It feels like a defensive score is coming.
The Bears have prepared for the last two weeks to play in frigid temperatures, while the Browns were seen practicing indoors a few days ago. The hits feel different in cold weather, and mistakes are going to happen on the Browns' side of the ball. Either a Sanders interception or a fumble recovery is going back the other way for a Bears score. It will be the message Chicago wants to send after suffering last week's loss against the Packers.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Browns: Bold predictions for Sunday's matchup
In the early stages of its non-conference schedule, defense was the biggest problem for No. 22 St. John’s.
But over the last three games, the work-in-progress Red Storm have shown they’re not immune to cold stretches on offense, either.
That remained the case in Saturday afternoon’s 91-64 win over Iona at Madison Square Garden, as St. John’s (6-3) started just 1-for-13 from the field and at one point went more than seven minutes between baskets.
The Red Storm trailed underdog Iona, 10-2, more than five minutes into Saturday’s matinee, and they committed five turnovers in the game’s first seven minutes.
They missed 11 consecutive shots between the 19:38 and 12:30 marks of the opening half, with a Zuby Ejiofor lay-up finally ending the drought.
St. John’s rolled from there, taking the lead for good with a Lefteris Liotopoulos 3-pointer with 10:42 remaining before halftime.
That was part of an 18-2 run by the Johnnies, whose defense mostly handled the sharp-shooting but undersized Gaels.
But Saturday’s slow start followed a Nov. 26 loss to Auburn in which St. John’s managed only five points in the final 4:50 regulation; and last weekend’s 63-58 win over Ole Miss in which the Red Storm shot 34% from the field.
Helping to keep Iona (8-4) in check was Ejiofor, who recorded eights blocks, matching the career high he set in the Red Storm’s previous game against Ole Miss.
Ejiofor flirted with a triple-double, finishing with six points and 10 rebounds.
St. John’s led, 36-26, at halftime, but Iona cut into the deficit early in the second half behind a torrid stretch from leading scorer C.J. Anthony.
Anthony scored on three of four possessions, including a deep 3-pointer that made it a 48-44 game with 14:22 left in regulation.
But Oziyah Sellers answered with a 3-pointer on the next St. John’s possession, and he drilled another less than three minutes later that put the Johnnies up, 58-44.
Sellers led the Johnnies with 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-7 on 3-pointers. He made all four 3-pointers in the second half.
The performance marked a bounce back for the senior Sellers, who totaled only 11 points over the previous two games after averaging 21.0 in the two before that.
Bryce Hopkins and Joson Sanon added 13 points apiece Saturday for the Red Storm.
For the first time since the season opener, sophomore Ian Jackson — a former five-star recruit from the Bronx — started for St. John’s.
Jackson, a gifted scorer who spent his freshman season at North Carolina, opened the game at point guard. He started 2-of-8 with five turnovers before getting going late in the second half after the other starters had been removed. Jackson finished 14 points on 4-of-11 shooting to go with five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Saturday marked Rick Pitino’s first time facing the Gaels since he left Iona to become the St. John’s head coach in March 2023.
Pitino coached Iona, a small school in New Rochelle, for three seasons from 2020-22 and led the Gaels to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Earlier in the week, Pitino shared his appreciation for Iona, which gave him his first NCAA job since he was fired from Louisville in 2017 amid a federal investigation into fraud and corruption in the sport. Pitino was cleared by the Independent Accountability Resolution Process (IARP) in 2022.
“I have tremendous affection for Iona, obviously, for a lot of reasons,” Pitino said.
St. John’s is set to face its first Big East opponent of the season on Tuesday night when it hosts DePaul at Carnesecca Arena.
Injuries have really started to pile up for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The secondary, in particular, has been banged up most of the year which has forced multiple roster changes and shuffling of positions. After the Steelers moved Jalen Ramsey to safety, veteran James Pierre stepped up in his spot and played well enough to allow the team to cut ties with Darius Slay.
This week, the Steelers take on the Miami Dolphins, and they might have to do it without Pierre. Pierre missed Thursday and Friday practices, dealing with a calf injury. On Saturday, Pierre said he doesn't expect to be ready to play by Monday night.
If Pierre cannot go, look for Brandin Echols to fill in for him but we could also see Ramsey back at cornerback and safety Chuck Clark starting alongside Kyle Dugger at safety. Pittsburgh is running out of options and there isn't anyone on the practice squad who has any experience this season.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers injury updates: Will CB James Pierre play vs the Dolphins?
While the focus of every Alabama Crimson Tide fan is on the 2025 College Football Playoff, the NFL Draft machine whirls on without any thought to anything else.
The draft, to be held next April in Pittsburgh near Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) is 131 days away. With the college football regular season over, many draft-eligible players will be sitting out bowl games with eyes toward future paychecks.
Alabama, meanwhile, still has a College Football Playoff game to play and hopefully a national championship run to put together. They'll face the Oklahoma Sooners in the CFP's first game, Friday at 7 p.m. CT at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The game will be televised on ABC and ESPN.
Which Alabama players from Kalen DeBoer's 2025 team could soon join other former Crimson Tide stars on NFL rosters in 2026? On Saturday, USA TODAY Sports' NFL Draft analyst Ayrton Ostly looked at the top 10 draft prospects at every position on offense.
Here are his thoughts on Alabama players.
Ty Simpson's struggles since November began have been well-chronicled both here and elsewhere, but per USA TODAY Sports' analysis, the first-year SEC starter is still a top NFL Draft quarterback.
He's even the second-best quarterback in the 2026 draft class, Ostly writes. Simpson ranks one spot below Indiana Hoosiers star Fernando Mendoza as the top QB in this year's class, and is one spot ahead of Oregon's Dante Moore.
Ostly explains:
"Simpson has shown a lot of good in his lone season as the starter for the Crimson Tide, but his lack of experience will be a major knock, as will his performances against Georgia and Oklahoma. The son of a FCS football coach, Simpson could grow into the best of the group with all of the traits evaluators liked out of Mac Jones but with more mobility."
Simpson enters the CFP with 3,268 passing yards and 26 touchdowns to five interceptions in 13 games.
USA TODAY Sports' ranking of the top 10 offensive tackles eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft sees Alabama's Kadyn Proctor in the top five, but not at No. 1. Proctor ranks third on the list, behind Utah's Spencer Fano and Miami's Francis. Mauigoa.
Ostly said of Proctor:
"Proctor is a true outlier athletically at 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, but his inconsistency has hampered his outlook."
Brailsford, a junior in his fourth different season with Kalen DeBoer since Washington, has started 11 games this season. USA TODAY Sports ranks him as the ninth-best interior lineman in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Logan Jones of Iowa is one spot ahead of Brailsford.
"Jones' athleticism and run blocking acumen at center will make him an ideal fit in a zone-based scheme but he'll need to improve his play strength to last long-term. Brailsford is the smallest of the bunch at 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds and that shows up against bigger opponents despite his twitchy athleticism." --USA TODAY Sports' Ayrton Ostly.
Another player dating to DeBoer's time at Washington, Bernard checked in at No. 7 on the list of best draft-eligible wide receivers. Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson and Ohio State's Carnell Tate were ranked the top two receivers in the 2026 draft class.
Ostly said of Bernard:
"Bernard is a savvy wide receiver who knows how to attack both inside or outside. He's not elite at anything but very good at pretty much everything."
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football has four top 10 NFL Draft eligible players on roster
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca described the build-up to Saturday's victory over Everton as "the worst 48 hours" since he arrived at the club.
The Italian delivered a cryptic message in his post-match news conference despite the 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
The three points, which lifted Chelsea back into the Premier League top four, might have improved the mood after defeat at Atalanta in the Champions League extended Chelsea's winless run to four matches.
However, when asked about Gusto's assist and overall performance, Maresca surprisingly revealed his frustration over the previous two days at the club.
"The way the players want to learn has been fantastic and this is the reason why I praise them - because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a complicated week," he said.
"Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because many people didn't support us."
Pressed on what he meant, the former Leicester City manager added: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team."
When asked if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he replied: "In general. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at fans or the media: "I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans."
Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's injury and suspension issues, pointing out they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the season, as well as losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two significant injuries.
"I really praise the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, five of them without Moises Caicedo, 11 of them without Cole Palmer, almost all of them without Liam Delap," he said.
"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are doing fantastic. Today was five games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer there, we said many times that he's our best player but we play almost all season without our best player.
"We play five games in the Premier League without Moises Caicedo. This is the reason why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would like people outside to appreciate because the effort from the players is fantastic."
Chelsea's victory over Everton consolidated their position in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come next week.
It was not immediately clear who or what caused Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the worst of his time as Chelsea manager.
In that period, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy after a match in Bergamo, held a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-match news conference where he appeared relaxed, and secured a win over in-form Everton.
It was not obvious whether any specific media reports had unsettled him, whether social media comments played a role, or if it was something more significant from within the club at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca only sought to deny that it was an issue related to the club's fans, some of whom have still have yet to fully warm to him since he joined from Leicester in July 2024.
When asked for comment, Chelsea just put the remarks down as an emotional reaction to an emotional win, with Maresca's next new conference on Monday before the Cardiff match.
The Browns made an interesting roster move on Saturday, signing former Ravens seventh-round pick (No. 243) Garrett Dellinger to the active roster. Dellinger was the third offensive lineman drafted this year by the Ravens, the most offensive linemen drafted by Baltimore since 2018.
Back in August, Dellinger was among six players who were signed to the Browns' practice squad before the regular season began. Dellinger was a late roster cut and chose the opportunity in Cleveland over Baltimore.
Dellinger was a Ravens 7th round pick. The Ravens wanted to keep him on their practice squad but he chose the opportunity in CLE.
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) December 13, 2025
Probably, Bitonio is a go and Dellinger is an emergency guy at guard and center. https://t.co/x2sBzYWtWy
Dellinger entered the NFL as an experienced offensive guard with 30 career starts (including 24 at left guard). During his time at LSU, Dellinger was flagged just twice for penalties in 1,937 snaps. Despite playing just 268 pass-blocking snaps due to injury, he surrendered only three total pressures and did not allow a sack.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Browns sign Ravens draft pick Garrett Dellinger to the active roster
A crucial hire for any football program is the strength and conditioning coach. A strength and conditioning coach spends more time with the players than anyone else, and is responsible for the physical development of players and injury prevention techniques for the team. Pat Fitzgerald has found his guy to be the programs next head of strength and conditioning.
According to a report from 247Sports, Joel Welsh will be the Spartans next strength and conditioning coach. Welsh has most previously been the director of sport performance at Central Michigan since 2019, and has previously worked with Iowa from 2012-to-2016 as an assistant strength and conditioning coach.
SCOOP: #MichiganState is set to hire Joel Welsh as strength & conditioning coach, sources tell us & @mzenitz.
— Justin Thind (@JustinThind) December 13, 2025
He was Central Michigan’s director of sport performance and previously worked at Iowa from 2012-2016.
More (FREE): https://t.co/CHzL1fpJPFpic.twitter.com/nVqw9wiCSx
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Rex_Linzy
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State set to hire strength and conditioning coach, per report
The rain at this week's DP World Tour event has become such an issue that not only have players had to contend with delays, but they've had to rethink the golf course.
The rain at the Royal Johannesburg Club in Johannesburg, South Africa, halted play during the third round of action, forcing the Alfred Dunhill Championship to be decided in just 54 holes.
But also, the water forced the tournament directors to make a decision on the sixth hole, which had become waterlogged. The hole is typically a par 5, but is now playing a 177-yard par 3.
For the remainder of the third round, the 6th hole will play as a par 3 instead of a par 5 and will measure at 177 yards 🎯#DunhillChampspic.twitter.com/JEkxqLX9ue
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) December 13, 2025
About half of the players got off the first tee on Saturday before play was halted. Tournament director David Williams said the consistent rain forced the difficult decision.
"It's tough when you have to do this, but we suspended twice this morning, and the course became unplayable again very quickly, particularly the lower lying holes and because it's been raining throughout the day, and there is more on its way, we've taken the decision to suspend the third round. We're going to restart tomorrow at 6:30 (a.m.)," Williams said.
Current scenes 🌧️#DunhillChampspic.twitter.com/Oelolftm6L
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) December 13, 2025
While the field is looking to chase Spain's Eugenio Chacarra, who owns a two-shot lead, Sunday will also be a race against time. Although there's a window that should all the players to get on the course, more inclement weather is due to arrive late Sunday.
"The good thing is now that the players know what's going on. They know the tournament's over 54 holes. They can go back now, they can have a rest, or they can do better practice or whatever they want to do," Williams said. "The idea or the hope is that it should stop raining tonight at around about 7 o'clock and be clear right through to about 12:30 tomorrow. We'll restart the final group tomorrow at around about 20 past seven, and we should hopefully be finishing around about 12:30.
"And around about that time, the weather is going to start to deteriorate again, and the forecast for tomorrow afternoon is rain and thunderstorms, so we're just gonna try and get ourselves a nice 54-hole tournament in."
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Deluge at DP World Tour event forces change to hole
The Buffalo Bills and quarterback Josh Allen have been a polarizing topic at times this season due to the QB and team's performances in their four losses.
But that hasn't stopped analysts, commentators, and fans from picking them as Super Bowl contenders in their predictions.
And you can count WWE superstar and NFL fan Seth "Freakin" Rollins among them.
Rollins appeared as a guest on Good Morning Football and pointed to reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen as the reason, saying, "He is going to take this team to the promised land."
"They haven't been the most efficient version of the Buffalo Bills, but Josh Allen is still Josh Allen, reigning MVP, best player in the league, bar none. And yes, maybe this season isn't the most exciting statistically, but he's still completing 70% of his passes, still has over 3,000 yards, still throwing for a lot of touchdowns, making plays with his feet when it matters," Rollins remarked.
"And when crunch time comes, when it's time, when they get to the playoffs, which looks like Buffalo's going to move their way in there, barring anything crazy, when crunch time comes, I want the ball in my best player's hands, the best player in the league."
Watch Rollins' full commentary below:
"He is going to take this team to the promise land"@WWERollins is predicting #BillsMafia in the Super Bowl 🏆 pic.twitter.com/yUELQupoEG
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) December 11, 2025
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: NFL AFC WWE Buffalo Bills Josh Allen Seth Rollins
The New York Jets will face a stiff challenge on defense this week. They'll play the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15, who are coached by the brilliant offensive mind of head coach Liam Coen.
With the pressure mounting on Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, it'll be worth paying attention to how his unit responds to Coen's.
Jets Wire has identified three potential X-factors for the Jets on defense versus the Jaguars offense in Week 15.
Isaiah Oliver has become an every-down starter for the Jets at cornerback following injuries (Jarvis Brownlee) and trades (Sauce Gardner). He played a season-high 64 snaps versus the Dolphins last weekend. The Jaguars have a slew of productive pass catchers, so Oliver will be called into action.
Making Trevor Lawrence uncomfortable in the pocket is key to achieving success on Sunday. Jets defensive tackle Jowon Briggs has been the most underrated member of the defensive line this season. Briggs will attempt to collapse Lawrence's pocket, possibly baiting the turnover-prone QB into a mistake.
Linebacker Jamien Sherwood had a team-high 11 tackles last weekend. The Jaguars love running the football between the tackles with Travis Etienne Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten. Sherwood will be tasked with playing an aggressive downhill brand of ball.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets at Jaguars: 3 X-factors on defense for Week 15
Week 15 marks an NFC South rematch when the New Orleans Saints host the Carolina Panthers. The Saints are 3-10 after their road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday. That victory moved the Panthers into a first place spot in the division, as Carolina comes off their bye with a 7-6 mark. Back in Week 10, the Saints handily beat the Panthers by a 17-7 score in Carolina.
Winning in Carolina was the first career victory for rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. The Saints still don't have a productive offense by the numbers, ranking just 26th in total yardage and 30th in points scored. However, they've shown signs of progress under Shough in his five starts, particularly with their passing attack. The Saints take on a Panthers defense that ranks 18th in yards allowed. Carolina is around the middle of the pack in most defensive categories, but today's analysis focuses on how they match up against Shough and the pass.
Carolina has allowed only four opposing quarterbacks to throw for at least 250 yards and no 300-yard games. One of those outings was accomplished by Tyler Shough, who set a Saints rookie passing record with 282 yards against Carolina in Week 10. The Panthers have allowed five 100-yard receivers and nine more players to gain at least 60 receiving yards against them. Top cornerback Jaycee Horn leads that secondary with his 5 interceptions and 44% completion percentage against his coverage.
Horn is the best cover man in what's otherwise been an erratic secondary. Mike Jackson has a team-high 13 passes broken up and 3 interceptions, returning those for 102 total yards and a touchdown. No defensive back other than Jackson and Horn (6) has more than 3 passes broken up. Travis Moehrig and Nick Scott are physical and active at safety, but haven't been strong in coverage. Chau Smith-Wade at nickelback and Lathan Ransom at safety have been promising but each vulnerable to lapses.
Carolina has also been below par in coverage from their linebackers. Christian Rozeboom has solid instincts in zone duties but doesn't match up well athletically in man coverage. Trevin Wallace is almost the opposite - good enough athleticism to stay with backs, tight ends, and even wideouts but must improve instincts in zones.
The Panthers have the pieces on paper for a decent pass rush, but the numbers have not supported that lineup. Derrick Brown is the most disruptive of the group and actually is second on the team with 7 passes broken up by tips. Brown also leads the team in sacks, but has just 4 takedowns, 9 QB hits, and 11 pressures. A'Shawn Robinson is a physical specimen at nose tackle, but doesn't always play up to those abilities with 2.5 sacks and 6 QB hits. Tershawn Wharton has developed into an underrated contributor on the defensive line, but this entire front should produce better than their numbers.
Rookie second round choice Nic Scourton is forming into a solid pass rusher on the edge. Scourton has 3 sacks but 7 QB hits and 11 pressures. Fellow rookie Princely Umanmielen, a third round pick, has also flashed explosiveness at the position. He's shown far more upside than veteran D.J. Wonnum, who has provided next to no pass rush production.
In the five games since Tyler Shough took over as starter, the Saints passing production has improved to close to 217 yards per outing. Shough has looked like the rookie you'd expect at times but has also displayed the poise, accuracy, and other tools of a quality starter. He's coming off his lowest passing yardage since getting the job against Tampa Bay. In the win, he still completed several critical third down throws and also made big plays with his legs.
Shough would benefit from better protection from his offensive line. Getting right tackle Taliese Fuaga back against the Panthers will help. Fuaga and rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks form a strong edge duo, capable of one-on-one responsibilities against most pass rushers. The guard combination of Dillon Radunz and the human turnstile Cesar Ruiz has been awful. Luke Fortner has been adequate at center, but isn't good enough to make up for the massive shortcomings on either side of him.
Protection issues have forced the Saints to leave a tight end like Foster Moreau or rookie running back Devin Neal in for extra protection. Neal has been strong in blitz pickup, but is also a solid check-down option. He isn't nearly the receiver that Alvin Kamara is out of the backfield. With Kamara (knee) again sidelined, Neal and Moreau are the best check-down options available to Shough unless Taysom Hill is actually used by Kellen Moore as a receiving option.
Wideout Chris Olave is well on his way to his third 1,000-yard season in four years. Olave has 76 receptions for 811 yards and 5 touchdowns on 120 targets. No other wideout on the roster is even close to those numbers, but Olave has left a lot of plays on the field. Devaughn Vele has emerged as a trusted option for Shough. Underused early in the year, Vele has 20 receptions for 224 yards, with 14 of them and 170 yards coming in the last three weeks. Mason Tipton has provided a spark as a kickoff returner and has elusiveness after the catch as a receiver, but hasn't added much in that capacity.
Like Olave, tight end Juwan Johnson has left too many plays on the field and has disappeared for crucial stretches. Also like Olave, he provides a matchup problem for defenses and is a key member of the attack. Johnson has 58 catches on 80 targets for 614 yards. In their victory in Carolina, Shough set a Saints rookie passing record with 282 passing yards. Olave (104) and Johnson (92) both had a season-high in yardage during the win.
Johnson is one of six tight ends to have at least 58 receiving yards against Carolina, so expect him to be a big part of the game plan. If Horn is locked up on Olave, then Vele may emerge as a key go-to target. This is the first start Shough is making against a repeat opponent. How the Panthers and the rookie adjust in the rematch should be a major determining factor in who emerges as the victor.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Tyler Shough, Saints passing game are key to winning Panthers rematch
When it comes to good intel on the Boston Celtics, few out there are more trusted than the Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach. And Himmelsbach just released an update on what will be the biggest story of the Celtics season, once it happens. We are alluding to the return of injured star forward Jayson Tatum, who has been quite visibly advancing in the rehab of his torn Achilles tendon sustained vs. the New York Knicks in the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals.
With videos of the St. Louis native playing some (admittedly not NBA game speed) 1-on-1 at the Auerbach Center making the rounds on social media this week, a post by Tatum with an image saying "soon" has kicked up the anticipation to a near frenzy among fans. But per Himmelsbach, it might be a good idea to tap on the brakes just a bit.
"Seven months have passed since Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon during the conference semifinal series against the Knicks, and within the organization he continues to indicate that he would like to return this season," writes the Globe reporter.
"It probably falls somewhere between possible and likely, but a league source stressed that the team remains several steps away from even considering the decision," continues Himmelsbach. "Tatum must still reach several mile markers in his recovery before discussions about a return can be considered."
Knowing what we know about his reporting, it is safe to say that whenever the Duke alum returns to action, it is not going to be this week, this month, or maybe even this calendar year. But given it could still be this season, perhaps it still qualifies as "soon".
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Think Tatum is returning to the Celtics soon? You may want to think again
Premier League: Smith Rowe gives Fulham early lead at Burnley
Holders Kilkerrin-Clonberne proved too strong for Antrim's St Erngat's Moneyglass as they picked up their fifth successive All-Ireland Ladies Club SFC with a 2-8 to 1-5 victory at Croke Park.
Moneyglass saw off last year's beaten finalists Kilmacud Crokes in the semi-final, but Galway powerhouses Kilkerrin proved a step too far for the Ulster champions, who had created history by even getting to their first final.
Maxi Curran's side trailed 1-4 to 1-2 at half-time after a competitive first half, but Kilkerrin used a dominant 15-minute spell after the break to ease to a routine win.
Kilkerrin become only the second side ever to win five All-Ireland Ladies titles in a row after Waterford's Ballymacarby, who won seven successive All-Irelands between 1989-1995.
It was an assured start from the Antrim and Ulster champions, who were content to remain patient and work openings.
Defending champions Kilkerrin would land the first score of the game on eight minutes however, as Lynsey Noone was brought down after dancing inside and Olivia Divilly slotted over the free for the first score of the game.
Eva Noone added another free soon after with Cathy Carey responding for Moneyglass with a curling effort from play.
The Galway side then worked their first score from play through captain Louise Ward to re-establish their two-point advantage.
Leah Stewart opted to slot over a fine individual score to finish off a nice Moneyglass move when it looked like she could have fashioned a goal chance.
The game really sparked into life on 23 minutes when Chloe Miskell scored the first goal of the game for Kilkerrin, firing home from close-range after she was found by Nicola Ward, who had charged forward.
Curran's side responded a minute later through the alert Stewart. She was on hand to palm home into the net after Carey's effort came back off the post and fell into Stewart's path to make it a one-point game.
Divilly was accurate with a routine tap over free late in the half to give Kilkerrin a two-point lead at the break.
Willie Ward's side were fast out of the blocks in the second half with three quick scores from Aisling Madden, Eva Noone and Miskell extending their advantage to five.
They continued to dominate and pulled away further with a second goal on 44 minutes from Lynsey Noonan.
She fired home after being fed by Divilly before Eva Noone got her third point of the game.
Moneyglass, as they did in the semi-final, showed spirit by coming back and getting the next three points in the game to reduce the deficit to six.
But Kilkerrin used all their big game experience as they saw out the win which sealed a fifth successive All-Ireland title for the Galway and Connacht winners.
FullCourtPass: Carmelo Anthony believes LeBron James could lead the NBA in scoring at age 40 "If he really wanted to, he could lead the league in scoring. ... If he really said, 'Yo, this year I'ma go average 30,' he can do it in year 23."
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Carmelo Anthony: LeBron James could lead the NBA in scoring this year if he really wanted to
Michael Scotto: The Xinjiang Flying Tigers and Kevon Harris have agreed to a deal, Senior VP of @CSETalent Darrell Comer told @hoopshype . Harris was on a two-way deal with the Houston Rockets and averaged 19.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in the G League. Last season, he was G League Next Up Game MVP
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Michael Scotto: The Xinjiang Flying Tigers and Kevon …
Pistons PR: The Detroit Pistons have recalled guard Chaz Lanier from the Motor City Cruise, the NBA G League affiliate of the Pistons. In two games with the Cruise, Lanier averaged 33.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 64% from the field and 58% from 3-point range.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Pistons PR: The Detroit Pistons have recalled guard …
Mr. BuckBuck: John Hollinger: “One of the things I've been told about the [Derik Queen] trade is that New Orleans didn't even understand what it was trading. And that Atlanta had in its front office, because Atlanta had Bryson Graham in their front office who had just come from New Orleans.”
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Mr. BuckBuck: John Hollinger: “One of the things I've …
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Jones quarterback DerronColeman and Lake Mary quarterback Noah Grubbs have been on similar missions their entire senior seasons. The end is nearly here for the high school careers of the best two quarterbacks in the Orlando area. Never before have there been two elite Orlando-area quarterbacks sign with Power 4 programs in the same class. Coleman has signed with Miami and Grubbs with Notre Dame.
They ended their junior years with the same bad taste in their mouths. Grubbs and Lake Mary lost to Venice in last year’s Class 7A state championship game, 52-19. Coleman and Jones lost that nightmare of a game against Plantation American Heritage in the 4A state championship game, 40-31.
They have each gargled through 14 opponents this season trying to wash out that taste, trying to get back to the state title game and redeem themselves. They made it. Jones (13-2) will face Heritage (8-5) again in a 4A title rematch Saturday at 12:30 at FIU’s Pitbull Stadium in Miami, the scene of last year’s failure. Lake Mary (11-3) has the nightcap Saturday at 7:30. The Rams take on Vero Beach (14-0).
Investec Champions Cup, Pool One
Sharks (21) 28
Tries: Kolisi, Fassi, Van der Merwe, Williams Cons: Whitehead 4
Saracens (15) 23
Tries: Dan, Spink, Willis Cons: Burke Pens: Burke 2
Saracens' ill-discipline proved costly as they fell to a frustrating 28-23 Investec Champions Cup defeat by the Sharks in torrential rain in Durban.
The Prem side were set to take a deserved lead into the half-time break but a late tackle by Saracens captain Andy Onyeama-Christie gave the ball back to the Sharks.
The South African side powered up the field and punished Saracens by freeing up Edwill van der Merwe to go over in the corner for a 21-15 lead.
With Saracens trailing by just three points in the second half, hooker Theo Dan was shown a yellow card for a high tackle.
Almost immediately the home side surged into a crucial 28-18 lead when Springbok scrum-half Grant Williams sprinted over.
With supreme effort, Saracens cut the gap to five points through Tom Willis' try, but the Sharks held on under immense pressure to secure their first win in Pool Three in JP Pietersen's first game as head coach.
Saracens, who left out experienced stars Maro Itoje, Jamie George and Owen Farrell, claimed a losing bonus point to move to six points following their bonus-point home win last weekend.
Sharks: Fassi; Van der Merwe, Hooker, Esterhuizen (capt), Mapimpi; Whitehead, Williams; Ganyane, Mbonambi, Jacobs, Jenkins, Van Heerden, Kolisi, Tshituka, Buthelezi.
Replacements: Swart, Mazibuko, Mdanda, Orie, Romao, Hatton, Jaden Henrikse, Jordan Henrikse.
Saracens: Daly; Segun, Spink, Hartley, Hall; Burke, Bracken; Mawi, Dan, Riccioni, Isiekwe, Wilson, McFarland, Onyeama-Christie (capt), Willis.
Replacements: Hadfield, O'Driscoll, Street, Tizard, Michelow, Earl, Simpson, Losowski.
Yellow card:Dan (58)
Referee: Luc Ramos (Fra)
Assistant referees: Kevin Bralley (France) and Flavien Hourquet (France)
TMO: Julien Castaignede (France)
More to follow.
Champions Cup: Scarlets lead champions Bordeaux, Munster v Gloucester - radio and text
European Challenge Cup
Montauban (8) 22
Tries: Maurouard, Tuculet, Kanika Cons: Fortunel, Castel Pens: Fortunel
Ospreys (19) 33
Tries: Moriarty, Morse, Giles, Daniel, Hardy Cons: Walsh 4
Ospreys recorded a second Challenge Cup bonus-point victory by defeating Top 14 strugglers Montauban in France.
Mark Jones' side followed up their 24-21 win against Connacht with a five-try victory that included scores from Ross Moriarty, Morgan Morse, Keelan Giles, Efan Daniel and Kieran Hardy, and eight points from captain Jack Walsh.
Montauban, who are 13th in the French Top 14 league after only winning one game so far this season, responded with tries from hooker Jeremie Maurouard, lock Noa Kanika and full-back Segundo Tuculet, who was shown a first-half yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.
Ospreys wing Ryan Conbeer was also sent to the sin-bin in the second-half for pushing an opponent off the ball.
There was a welcome return for Wales centre Owen Watkin, who came on as a second-half replacement for his first game in 11 months after suffering a serious knee problem, while influential number eight Morgan Morris also returned from long-term injury.
Ospreys were missing rested Wales internationals Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas, Dan Edwards, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Rhys Davies, James Ratti and Harri Deaves, with fly-half Walsh leading the side and being named player of the match.
The win came at the end of a turbulent week off the field for the Ospreys, with the threat emerging of losing Wales captains Jac Morgan and Lake to Gloucester next season.
There are also question marks over the region's future, with the owners Y11 Sport & Media linked with taking over Welsh Rugby Union-owned Cardiff, which could produce the desired number of three professional sides wanted by the governing body.
Despite this backdrop of uncertainty, Ospreys demonstrated significant character and also proved on the field they are still a threat to be reckoned with.
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones told S4C: "We started well. We talked around getting the speed right, particularly against this very physical forward-orientated side.
"We knew we needed to take their legs away and the accuracy in the first 30 minutes, with the intent to play, was the deciding factor and gave us confidence."
Ospreys will return to United Rugby Championship (URC) action when they host Munster in Bridgend on Saturday, 20 December before Welsh derbies at Scarlets (26 December) and at their temporary Bridgend home against Cardiff (1 January).
Montauban host Pau in the Top 14 next Saturday.
Montauban: Tuculet; Ahmed, Fonnicola, Popoali'i, Vallee; Fortunel, Zabalza; Aouf, Maurouard, Simutoga, Bitz, Kanika, Quercy (capt), V Fifita, Viiga.
Replacements: Firmin, Bue, Ma'afu, Uanivi, Castel, Leflamand, Mathy, Pomponio.
Sin-bin: Tuculet 14
Ospreys: Nagy; Conbeer, Boshoff, Cokanasigsa, Giles; Walsh (capt), L Davies; C Jones, L Lloyd, Henry, Sutton, Fender, Moriarty, G Evans, Morse.
Replacements: Daniel, S Thomas, Hire, L Jones, Morris, Hardy, Watkin, Hopkins.
Sin-bin: Conbeer 45
Referee: Adam Leal (Eng)
Assistant referees: Hamish Grant (Eng), Wayne Falla (Eng)
TMO: Stuart Terheege (Eng)
The United States Navy is moving quickly toward building a new class of frigates. The goal is speed, reliability, and proven design. While this is a defense development, it also carries meaningful relevance for global travelers exploring America’s coastlines.
For visitors interested in maritime heritage, naval history, and scenic port cities, this announcement draws attention to several U.S. destinations where shipbuilding and tourism meet.
The Navy has decided to pursue a fresh frigate design after challenges with its previous program. The new approach focuses on faster delivery and reduced complexity. Officials aim to use an existing American design instead of modifying a foreign platform.
This shift helps control costs and speeds up construction. It also strengthens shipyards already located in well-known coastal regions. For travelers, this means continued access to vibrant naval towns with strong local economies and visitor infrastructure.
Major naval shipyards are often located in cities rich with history, waterfront attractions, and cultural experiences. These areas are ideal for travelers seeking more than beaches alone.
Marinette, Wisconsin
Located along Lake Michigan, Marinette is a key shipbuilding center. Visitors enjoy peaceful waterfront walks, maritime museums, and charming small-town hospitality. The surrounding Great Lakes region is perfect for boating, fishing, and scenic drives.
Norfolk, Virginia
Home to the world’s largest naval base, Norfolk is a must-visit for travelers interested in naval heritage. The city offers historic ships, harbor cruises, and lively waterfront dining. Museums and guided tours provide insight into America’s maritime power.
Jacksonville and Mayport, Florida
Florida’s Atlantic coast blends naval activity with relaxed beach travel. Mayport’s naval presence supports ship visits, while nearby Jacksonville offers sandy beaches, river cruises, and coastal wildlife tours.
San Diego, California
San Diego remains a global symbol of naval operations. Travelers enjoy harbor tours, historic vessels, sunny beaches, and vibrant neighborhoods. Naval heritage here blends seamlessly with laid-back coastal tourism.
Naval shipbuilding cities offer public attractions that are welcoming and educational. Travelers do not need military access to enjoy the experience.
Popular visitor activities include:
Many cities host annual maritime festivals that celebrate naval traditions. These events often include ship tours, cultural performances, and food markets.
The Navy’s renewed focus on frigates helps sustain local economies tied to the sea. This supports hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and cultural centers.
Travelers benefit from:
Naval communities often have a strong sense of pride and hospitality. Visitors quickly feel welcomed.
Spring through early autumn is ideal for coastal travel in the United States. Weather is pleasant, and outdoor attractions are fully open.
Summer months offer:
Travelers should book accommodations early during peak seasons, especially in California and Florida.
While the frigate program is defense-focused, it ensures long-term investment in coastal infrastructure. Ports remain active, clean, and accessible. Museums and public attractions receive continued support.
For international travelers, this means:
These cities remain safe, organized, and welcoming for families, solo travelers, and history enthusiasts.
The U.S. Navy’s new frigate initiative highlights destinations often overlooked by mainstream tourism. Instead of crowded landmarks, travelers can explore authentic port cities with deep maritime roots.
From the Great Lakes to the Pacific Coast, these locations offer:
This blend of defense history and tourism creates a meaningful travel experience.
The U.S. Navy’s decision to move forward with a new frigate program is not just a strategic step. It reinforces the importance of America’s coastal cities as global travel destinations.
For travelers seeking history, sea views, and cultural depth, these naval hubs offer unforgettable journeys along the nation’s shores.
The post Explore America’s Coastal Gems: How the U.S. Navy’s New Frigate Program Opens Doors to Scenic Ports and Maritime Adventures appeared first on Travel And Tour World.USC men's basketball is back in the win column. After suffering a frustrating loss against Washington last weekend, the Trojans took down San Diego on Tuesday to improve to 9-1 on the season. It wasn't always pretty, but the Trojans got it done.
That's kind of the name of the game for the Trojans for the rest of this calendar year. USC has 3 more non conference games to finish off 2025, before restarting Big Ten conference play on January 2, all of which the Trojans should be expected to win. Without key players such as Alijah Arenas, Rodney Rice and Amarion Dickerson, the Trojans just need to survive and get it done and hope those players can return to the lineup early in 2026.
So, USC turns its attention to Washington State. Here are five things to watch as USC takes on the Cougars on Sunday evening in search of the Trojans' tenth win of the season:
USC has shuffled its starting lineup a little bit this season, mostly due to injuries. But on Tuesday against the Toreros, the Trojans made a significant non-injury related lineup change, swapping Ryan Cornish into the starting five and moving Terrance Williams II to the bench.
Here's what Eric Musselman said about the lineup change after the game:
"We need to get something out of all five starters," Musselman said. "We felt like Ryan had the right mentality. We felt like Ryan would move the ball, and then defensively, Ryan took a couple of charges. He's given us a little bit of a defensive intensity and some toughness that I thought we needed."
Will Cornish continue to start moving forward, or was that just a one-time, matchup related decision? If Cornish is back on the bench, will Williams II return to the starting five or will someone else take his place? Let's keep an eye on all of that.
Ever since star USC guard Rodney Rice went down with injury during the Maui Invitational, Chad Baker-Mazara has been excellent offensively as the Trojans' clear primary scoring option.
He scored 31 points against San Diego, making him the first USC player to score 20 or more points in four straight games since Byron Wesley in 2013-14.
Will he make it five straight? Or will the Cougars be the first team to figure out how to slow him down?
This has been a season-long storyline that becomes more relevant in this game. USC has dramatically exceeded expectations on the offensive side of the ball, but the tough defensive identity that is typical of Eric Musselman-led teams hasn't shown up nearly as prominently.
USC is allowing 78.5 points per game and allowing its opponents to shoot 41% from the field. That's not awful, and they have won in spite of it, but it's not elite. Those totals make the Trojans tied for 286th in the country in opponent points per game allowed and 102nd in the country in opponent field goal percentage allowed.
Playing Washington State represents an opportunity for the Trojans to tighten things up on that side of the basketball. The Cougars have struggled to score in their last three games. Their opponents have held them to under 64 points in each of their last 3 outings, all losses.
Could this be a confidence-building game for the Trojans defensively?
Speaking of confidence boosters, there are few teams in the entire country that could use a pick me up more than Washington State. The Cougars are 3-7 on the season, and have lost to several programs from smaller conferences that would historically be considered inferior. None of their wins have inspired much confidence either.
If the Cougars can find a way to beat the Trojans, or at least remain competitive until the bitter end, that could help turn their season around.
On the other hand, if the Trojans hand them a massive blowout and send their season spiraling to a new low, it's just going to make it that much harder for the Cougars to turn their season around.
One of Washington State's most exciting players, Ace Glass, is from Southern California. Glass grew up in Rialto, CA and went to Rancho Cucamonga High School.
The freshman guard is certainly the Cougars' most dangerous player. He has averaged 16.6 points per game this season, and had a 40-point outing versus Arizona State in the Maui Invitational. But he struggles with consistency and efficiency.
Could Glass be motivated by being back in Southern California? Will his friends and family from the area come watch and fuel him to the best performance of his young career?
Or can the Trojans force him into a poor shooting night?
It's a clear battle of wills between these former Pac-12 rivals, and it could turn out to be a Christmas season classic.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC men's basketball faces Washington State Cougars at Galen Center
New Michigan State football head coach Pat Fitzgerald has made the latest hire to his program on Saturday. Jacob Schmidt has been tabbed as the program's new Chief of Staff.
Schmidt worked with Fitzgerald in Evanston at Northwestern as a director of football operations for over a decade. Since David Braun took over the program, he has shifted into more of a leader in Northwestern's NIL space.
The hiring of Schmidt will be replacing Dan Van De Riet, who served as the Chief of Staff under Jonathan Smith for the past two years.
NEWS: #MichiganState has hired Jacob Schmidt as Pat Fitzgerald’s Chief of Staff, per sources.
— Justin Thind (@JustinThind) December 13, 2025
He was Northwestern’s director of football operations for almost 11 years, before spending the last 3 years leading NU’s NIL collective.
Read (FREE): https://t.co/2m4lq09J45pic.twitter.com/t1YubM2dc4
A fun note, Schmidt also made an impact on the football field in his time at Northwestern, going from walk-on to starting running back in his career, going for over 1,300 all purpose yards in his career.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Rex_Linzy
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Pat Fitzgerald tabs Jacob Schmidt as Chief of Staff of Michigan State
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers had to battle the Indiana Pacers on Friday night without the services of star guard Tyrese Maxey who was sidelined with an illness. With that much production sitting at home, the Sixers needed somebody to step up in his place against a pesky Pacers team.
That's where Joel Embiid stepped in. The big fella served a reminder to everybody that he, in fact, can still do this as he dropped 39 points on 12-for-23 shooting with nine rebounds in a 115-105 win over the Pacers.
"Without Tyrese, I just had to do a little bit more than usual, but I think I’ve had a good three or four days," Embiid said of his performance. "Just working every day and trying to get back in a rhythm and I think that’s what it comes down to."
Maxey, watching from home, gave a big shoutout to Embiid and the Sixers on his Instagram story.
Tyrese Maxey reacts to Joel Embiid’s big game while watching from home #Sixerspic.twitter.com/wif73l6KHc
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) December 13, 2025
Embiid and Maxey have been close since the Sixers selected Maxey in the 2020 draft. With his younger teammate sidelined, Embiid wanted to make sure he put on a show for him.
"I called him after the game to check on him and see how he’s doing," Embiid stated. "We miss him, obviously. The game would’ve been much easier if he played. He’s that good. We just gotta do what he can. He deserves to get that rest and kinda reset a little bit. He’s been doing a lot for us so, hopefully, that made him happy."
As for his teammates who were on the floor with him, Embiid's performance isn't too much of a surprise. They work with him every day. So, while it has been a lot of work to get to this point, his teammates are not surprised by the results.
"I’m happy for Jo. I’m really happy for him," said rookie VJ Edgecombe. "He sold on the 40 points that I’m gonna consistently remind him about, but like I said, I’m really happy for him, man. He’s showing y’all that ain’t nothing’s wrong with the basketball. The only thing is health which is unfortunate, but he’s still a great player regardless of the different things and obstacles he has to face. He’s still a great player, still an MVP-caliber player in this league."
Paul George, another player who has had to work his way back from injury, has been in the gym with Embiid as they both work their way back from their respective knee injuries. He has seen the big fella put in the work to be in this position and he's happy to see it all paying off.
"I’m happy for him," George added. "People don’t understand how much work he does and how much goes just into his day-to-days of getting prepared and getting ready for games. I talk to him and he’s got a list of things he does. He’s a hard worker man when it comes to taking care of his body and doing whatever it takes to get on the floor and be available for us. We appreciate all his efforts and happy that it showed out and he got back to his usual self with tonight’s game."
The Sixers will take on the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday on the road to continue their season.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Tyrese Maxey, Sixers react to Joel Embiid's big performance vs. Pacers
The Arizona Cardinals will face the Houston Texans on Sunday. The game kicks off from NRG Stadium in Houston at 1 p.m. ET. The game airs on FOX and will be called by Chris Myers and Mark Schlereth.
It is one of four games that will air on Fox in the early time slot.
It is not a nationally televised game, so it will only air in certain areas of the country.
Where will it air?
506 Sports released their TV coverage maps for Week 15. The Cardinals-Texans game can be seen in the areas in the below graphic that are yellow.
That covers almost all of Arizona, plus a small area of California to the west of Yuma. It also covers most of Texas (excluding the areas in and around Dallas and El Paso), some of New Mexico and a small area of Louisiana and Arkansas.
It is likely going to be an ugly game where the Cardinals are beaten handily. They have many players out with injuries, and the Texans have the best defense in the NFL. It's probably good not much of the country will see the game.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals at Texans TV coverage map in Week 15
Dec. 13—***
The winningest program in college football history would need a long run of mediocre to see that designation go away. It probably isn't going to happen to Michigan.
But firing its young coach two years in is a bad look. As is the mess left by Jim Harbaugh, who won a title then fled to the NFL ahead of the NCAA police.
Michigan will play Texas in the Citrus Bowl wit an interim coach, then move quickly to bring in the next guy.
It needs to a be a winner. One with with no off-the-field issues.
Matt Campbell would have been a great choice, but Penn State figured that out and hired him first Good call by the Nittany Lions.
Michigan would be thrilled if Marcus Freeman (a former Buckeye) would leave South Bend for Ann Arbor. But if the rising star makes a move it is most likely going to be to the NFL, where the transfer portal and NIL don't exist.
The school is unlikely to hire someone who has never been a head coach before. Too risky.
The repair work with will start immediately, with the team's recruits the first stop. The 2026 recruiting class has dropped six spots in a week, with the fall slide likely to continue.
If he is willing to listen, Alabama's Kalen DeBoer would be an ideal fit. He has made the College Football Playoff with two other programs.
He understands the Midwest and the Big Ten. He worked at Indiana, Southern Illinois and Eastern Michigan among his many stops.
Two years after replacing Nick Saban, if DeBoer is sick of hearing "That's not how Nick did it," he might be open to a move.
If Michigan lands DeBoer, it will challenge Ohio State and Indiana for Big Ten supremacy sooner rather than later.
Dec. 13—Illinois has already played through essentially one-third of the 2025-26 regular season, with Saturday's game against Nebraska the 11th of 31 scheduled. Ty Rodgers, meanwhile, is still in the pre-basketball activities portion of his recovery from offseason knee surgery.
"He's getting closer to being able to gain enough strength back in the leg," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said before Friday afternoon's practice at State Farm Center. "He had some atrophy and things that were just repercussions of the surgery. They want to get it back to a certain level of strength. Then start doing some basketball-related stuff.
"He's doing some light jogging. He's got a basketball in his hands, shooting some shots and some of those things. The explosive stuff he hasn't done yet, but he's getting much, much closer to that. We feel really, really positive where that's at and what his progress is to this point."
Will Rodgers be available at any point this season? It's a scenario Underwood said he didn't want to speculate about at this time.
"I wouldn't want to put any guesses out there, so to speak," the Illinois coach said. "There's the physical. There's the mental. There's a ways to go in that. Let's get him in practice and see what that looks like. I'm not going to speculate on what that might look like yet. It's probably way too early. Just happy that he's making the right progress and headed in the right direction where he's getting close to doing some basketball stuff."
Appleton West High School alumnus Danny Jansen, who spent the latter portion of the 2025 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, signed a two-year, $14.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers, a source told MLB.com.
The Rangers reportedly made a flurry of moves Dec. 12, including the signing of another 2025 Brewers player, Tyler Alexander, though the club hadn't confirmed the signings as of the morning of Dec. 13.
Jansen joined the Brewers shortly before the trade deadline, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, where he was stationed after signing a one-year offseason deal.
Jansen, 30, batted only .215 last year between his two stops but still posted a highly respectable .779 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) in 25 games with the Brewers, including three home runs. Jansen was often left on the bench with William Contreras handling such a large share of the catching innings; Jansen didn't even appear in the postseason despite his place on the Brewers roster throughout.
Jansen homered and drove in two runs in a 4-2 win over Cincinnati on Sept. 28, a win in the regular-season finale that represented a franchise-record 97th victory for Milwaukee.
Alexander posted a 6.19 earned-run average with the Brewers in 21 games at the start of the 2025 season before the club released him in June, and he finished the year with a 4.26 ERA per 31 games with the White Sox.
Former Brewers left-handed reliever Hoby Milner is going the opposite direction of Jansen, relocating from Texas back to the Midwest, this time as a member of the rival Cubs.
Milner reportedly signed a one-year deal worth $3.75 million with the Cubs.
Milner posted a 3.84 ERA with the Rangers in 2025 over 70 innings of work, his highest career workload. From 2021-24 with the Brewers, Milner posted a 3.64 ERA. He turns 35 in January.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former Brewers catcher Danny Jansen gets multi-year deal with Rangers
No. 23 Tennessee (8-4, 4-4 SEC) will conclude its 2025 football season in the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl on Dec. 30. The Vols will face Illinois (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten) at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Kickoff between the Vols and Fighting Illini is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. EST (ESPN).
Ahead of the Music City Bowl, Tennessee junior linebacker Arion Carter announced he declared for the 2026 NFL draft.
"With a lot a lot of prayer and conversations with my family and those closest to me, I've decided to declare for the NFL draft," Carter announced.
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound linebacker appeared in 31 games for the Vols from 2023-25. He totaled 161 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, 10 pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
The NFL draft will be held April 23–25, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
More: Two Tennessee cornerbacks projected as first-round picks in NFL draft
More: Illinois defensive lineman announces transfer ahead of Tennessee game
Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee linebacker declares for NFL draft ahead of Music City Bowl
The Chicago Bears (9-4) will battle the Cleveland Browns (3-10) on Sunday, where Chicago is looking to get back in the win column ahead of a crucial divisional rematch in Week 16.
The Bears are coming off a close 28-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers, which marked their first defeat in the last six games. Chicago got off to a rough start in the first half, trailing 14-3, before mounting an impressive second-half comeback. Quarterback Caleb Williams led three consecutive scoring drives, including the game-tying touchdown in the final minutes. After the defense allowed a Packers touchdown, Williams appeared poised for another comeback drive. Unfortunately, it ended in an interception in the end zone.
The Bears are 7.5-point home favorites against the Browns, according to BetMGM. But what do the experts think? Here's a look:
Experts overwhelmingly believe the Bears will beat the Browns on Sunday. Here’s how the final tally looks:
Bears: 45
Browns: 3
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Browns: Experts make game picks for Week 15
The Georgia Bulldogs have three players on the All-SEC freshman team, which is the most in the conference.
Georgia redshirt freshman running back Chauncey Bowens made the team despite a nagging injury slowing him down over the last several weeks. He went down with an injury in the SEC championship against Alabama and it is unclear if he'll be 100% for the College Football Playoff.
Bowens posted 98 carries for 516 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns this season. He took over for Nate Frazier as Georgia's top running back during early parts of the year while Frazier dealt with fumble issues.
Offensive lineman Dontrell Glover, a true freshman, and former three-star recruit also made the All-SEC freshman team. Glover made an instant impact with Georgia this season. He appeared in all 13 games for UGA including several starts. He along with five-star recruit Juan Gaston both saw a lot of early playing time with Georgia as true freshmen. However, Gaston did not make the All-SEC freshman team.
Defensive lineman Elijah Griffin has lived up to his five-star recruiting ranking in his first season in Athens and earned an All-SEC freshman team nod. Griffin has recorded 18 tackles and a sack this season and has already shown a significant amount of proficiency as a pass rusher.
Georgia redshirt freshman defensive back Ellis Robinson is the Bulldogs' biggest snub from the All-SEC freshman team. Robinson is playing at an elite level and leads the SEC with four interceptions.
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Three UGA football players make All-SEC freshman team
For Steven Thompson, it was when he had to have a word in the ear of Esmael Goncalves. For Danny Lennon, it was once he'd finished his breakfast from Angie and Bunty at St Mirren's training ground.
Each member of the Buddies' 2013 League Cup-winning squad will have their own moment where they thought something special might be on the cards at Hampden.
Having defeated Celtic at the national stadium in the semi-final, Lennon's men made the march to Mount Florida as underdogs again with Hearts waiting in the showpiece.
BBC Scotland recalls the build-up, the match and the much-deserved celebrations with manager Lennon and striker, goalscorer and lifelong Buddie Thompson.
For a club to win a competition for the first time, a humdinger of a run is the way to go.
Though they opened up with a routine rout of then Second Division side Ayr United, St Mirren required a 92nd-minute finish from Lee Mair to hop the third round hurdle of Hamilton Academical.
That set up a quarter-final away day to Aberdeen, and after a penalty shootout win, a date at Hampden against treble-hunting Celtic was set.
Neil Lennon's side had beat Barcelona just months before and so, as Thompson said: "I don't think anybody gave us any chance in the semi-final.
"We had a really tough run to get to the final, but I believe the performance in the semi-final was as good a St Mirren performance as I was certainly involved in.
"We were absolutely incredible that day."
Thompson scored what proved to be the winner as St Mirren progressed 3-2 to set up a showdown with Hearts, with Lennon insisting his team were "still underdogs".
"Most people go and spend a few days at a hotel the weekend of the cup final, but we totally reversed that," the then manager explained.
"We went away a week to 10 days before, up to St Andrews, and did all our preparation.
"Then, coming back down the road, you think your work's done and it's about just trying to get everybody through for the game.
"We didn't even stay over in the hotel the night before the game. We kept it very, very normal and left from the training ground... After we had a lovely breakfast for the girls, Angie and Bunty.
"It probably wasn't until then that you realised how important it was, or what the occasion itself was.
"When you're driving from Paisley to Hampden, coming over Mount Florida, and you're starting to see the black and white scarfs at that time of day, that's when it really hit, what memories and history we could create.
"Paisley and Renfrewshire must have been emptied that day, they were all at Hampden."
While it hit Lennon on the day, the final was "all-encompassing" for his star striker and St Mirren fan Thompson.
"Because I'd grown up as a St Mirren supporter, and the first game I went to was the 1987 Scottish Cup final, I knew you didn't get these opportunities very often, and so I was aware of the size of it," Thompson explained.
"There was a lot of experienced players in the team and we were trying to make sure everybody was focused.
"I remember we'd recently signed Goncalves and I was trying to get into his head about just how big this was for the club in the week leading up to it.
"While we were training up in St Andrews, he was kind of messing about a bit and I had to have a very stern word with him to just underline how big an occasion this game was."
It was so big, that both Lennon and Thompson admitted the Buddies were "too wrapped up in the occasion" in the opening 20 minutes - to the degree they were "very lucky" to only be behind to Ryan Stevenson's deflected-goal in the 10th minute.
A "tactical tweak" from the touchline helped them get a foothold in the game, and the aforementioned Goncalves scored a "fantastic team goal" to level things before the break.
"After that, when we got them in at half-time, we just spoke about having to play," Lennon recalled.
"It's the only opportunity that some of us might have, to play in a cup final and having gradually got ourselves back into the game, we couldn't have started the second half any better."
Thompson - who Lennon labelled "an absolutely fantastic penalty-box striker" - peeled off the shoulder to strike what would prove to be his favourite goal in a stellar career.
"I can't really remember the 10 seconds after the ball hit the net," the goalscorer said.
"I remember making a really good connection with the ball and seeing it fly high into the roof of the net and then after that it was just 10 seconds of absolute madness.
"That just flipped the whole script, really."
Connor Newton capped off a cracking move with a thunderous strike to send St Mirren well on their way to glory and Lennon didn't miss the chance to savour the special occasion.
"I just remember turning round and taking that moment in, watching the St Mirren fans rather than what was happening," Lennon said of the "fantastic" third goal.
"That lives long in my memory, that moment," he added.
"At that stage, there's still a long way to go, 25 minutes or so and it was at that stage, you think 'do you stick, do you twist, do you do anything?'
"We really had the momentum at that stage, but when you're holding on to something, in a cup final, you tend to get a little bit deeper and give up a little bit more territory.
"Hearts had nothing to lose at that stage and threw everything at us - including Stevenson's second in the 86th-minute.
"But, we handled it well and fortunately for us, came through and managed to bring that big cup home."
And bring the cup home they did. Once it'd done a fair few rounds of the Hampden pitch and changing room, of course.
Following a thrilling final, though, most in black and white just needed a wee moment to take it all in. This was history, after all.
"When I joined St Mirren, I certainly didn't think in my wildest dreams that I would end up lifting the first League Cup with them," Thompson said.
"So, when the game was over, it was actually a relief more than anything because the pressure and the build-up had just been so intense."
The celebrations didn't let-up either. The Buddies were given the big treatment.
"The celebrations for me didn't really start until we got on the open-deck bus," Lennon added. "As a manager, you don't really get to celebrate with the players, because you're doing media, so you miss out on a great deal.
"But once we were on that open-deck bus and were going down the streets of Paisley, where the town centre was full of every man, woman, dog... There were old ladies hanging out the windows - it was fantastic, a great memory."
Thompson recalled: "It's our moment and it's a moment nobody can ever take away from us.
"It's an indelible mark in the club's history that will be there forever.
"It's just such an incredible feeling to know that you've been part of history."
Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher and Wisconsin native T.J. Watt needed surgery to address a partially collapsed lung, the unexpected result of a dry-needling physical-therapy treatment at the Steelers facility.
Watt's older brother, retired NFL superstar J.J., provided an update on X about T.J.'s condition.
"Recovery timeline is still TBD, but all went well and he is being released from the hospital today," J.J. wrote Dec. 12. "He and his family are very appreciative of everyone’s kind words and well wishes."
Yesterday TJ had successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 12, 2025
Recovery timeline is still TBD, but all went well and he is being released from the hospital today.
He and his…
Pneumothorax, or a punctured lung, is a possible result of dry needling, though very rare.
Dry needling refers to a form of physical therapy with large needles designed to stimulate blood flow around muscular and soft tissue injures. Former Packers employee and NFL commentator Andrew Brandt said it's common for players to receive treatment at their own facilities.
"For insertion around chest, there is some risk of pneumothorax that needs to be fully explained before treatment," Brandt wrote.
For insertion around chest, there is some risk of pneumothorax that needs to be fully explained before treatment.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) December 12, 2025
Not clear w/Steelers whether done by a trainer/employee or an outside contractor.
Potential team and practitioner liability would be different, depending on which.
T.J., who was not on the injury report prior to the development, won't play Dec. 15 on Monday Night Football when the Steelers face the Dolphins and presumably will be lost for multiple weeks. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network posted Dec. 12 that Watt was expected to play again this season.
ESPN reported that the NFL Players Association had been in touch with Watt over the incident. "Our main immediate priority is supporting T.J.'s health and full recovery," the NFLPA said in a statement.
Watt, 31, who has been named a Pro Bowler each of the past seven years and received top-five standing in the defensive player of the year voting in five of those years, may not have the numbers that match his recent production but remains a difference maker. In 13 games this season, he has seven sacks, two fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, seven passes defended and an interception, with 10 tackles for loss and 18 quarterback hits.
Watt played football at Pewaukee High School and became an All-American linebacker at the University of Wisconsin. He momentarily became the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a three-year, $123 million contract extension before the year.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: T.J. Watt needs surgery for collapsed lung after treatment mishap
The Cleveland Browns are not an opponent the Bears should take lightly, even if they are missing players at just about every position. The Bears have hopes to win the division and make the playoffs, so this is not a game they can afford to lose. The Browns, however, are just hoping the start of the 2026 season can come sooner. The Browns still have much left to play for, and Myles Garrett, trying for the sack record, is one big factor that can disrupt the Bears' getting a much-needed win. The Bears are clearly the better team, but the Browns have matchups they still can take advantage of.
Here is my analysis of how the Bears stack up against the Cleveland Browns at every position:
Shedeur is coming off the best performance in his small sample size this season as a starter against Tennessee. Shedeur has brought energy to this offense and made it way more of an explosive unit. The obvious answer is Caleb Williams, mainly because of the big gap in experience. Caleb Williams is the more talented quarterback and has a higher ceiling as well. Williams still has had his fair share of mistakes this season, and he hasn't had the perfect year 2 to the level of his counterpart, Drake Maye. I have hope that sometime soon, both quarterbacks featured in this matchup will be in contention for being top ten quarterbacks in the NFL. I believe both quarterbacks will have impressive showings and have a touchdown battle in this one, just like their days in college, when Shedeur was at Colorado and Caleb at USC.
Quinshon Judkins has been the best rookie running back in the NFL this season and is on pace for a 1000 rushing season. Teams have played the Browns offense differently and have stacked the box, making it more difficult for Judkins to have dominant performances. I like what he has done this season, but with his poor offensive line starting 5 going into this game, I think he will have limited production versus the Bears. The Browns will be without Maliek Collins, a huge loss to their interior, and with how the Bears' offensive line has been playing, I see the Bears' running backs having great success. Kyle Monangai has been just as effective as Judkins all while sharing carries. I think Monangai will be the better rookie running back on the field in this one. D'Andre Swift will also find his own success, and the recipe of two running backs being equally effective on the ground will come into place for another week for the Chicago Bears. I see both Swift and Monangai running for over 50 yards on the ground, and Judkins running for less than 60 yards.
The Browns have the worst set of playmakers on offense than any other team in the NFL. Harold Fannin Jr. has been a special surprise this season and has been the best tight end in his draft class as of late. He and Shedeur Sanders are building a great rapport. Jerry Jeudy is a nice receiver, but this season has been a huge disappointment. He still can have 100 yards receiving on any given Sunday. The Bears' weapons are the clear favorites in this matchup. Even without number one receiver Rome Odunze out, D.J. Moore, Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, and Cole Kmet are a great bunch of playmakers. Caleb Williams has the necessary pieces for him to have a great day against a great defense, and Sheduer will have to get as much out of his connection with Fannin Jr. to have success against an underrated Bears defense. I think this will be a game where rookies on both sides dominate. I think Fannin Jr. will have the big game for the Browns. For the Bears, it will be another rookie tight end that is on the rise, with Colston Loveland and dynamic rookie receiver Luther Burden, who lead the Bears in receiving yards in this game.
The Browns will be without 4 of their 5 starting offensive linemen for this game, and their 5th starting linemen, Joel Bitonio, is questionable. Ironically, the Bears will have to face former Bear Tevin Jenkins, who will get a chance to start. It sounds like Shedeur Sanders will be running for his life, and the Bears' defensive line has a great matchup ahead of them. The Bears' offensive line has had 4 of their main key starters play every game, and Ozzy Trapilo has fit in very well alongside the core 4. There are not many better offensive lines than the one in Chicago. The Bears have the clear edge on that position. Myles Garrett carries the Browns' defensive line as the best unit in this one. Even if the defensive line featured one man in Myles Garrett, I would still take that unit over what the Bears have.
With the Bears' linebackers group still missing Tremaine Edmunds, I would give the edge to the Browns. Carson Schwesinger has been elite all season as a rookie and has finally given the Browns stability at the linebacker position. Myles Garrett is so dominant and deserves all the recognition he gets. Carson Schwesinger deserves more credit for how good the browns have been this year. With T.J. Edwards getting back in the swing of things, I would say Carson Schwesinger is the best linebacker in this game. Devin Bush and Jerome Baker are quality linebackers to follow Schwesinger's lead.
The Browns' secondary on its best day is just as good as the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately for the Browns, they will be without stud cornerback Denzel Ward. Ward can lock down an entire side of the field by himself. Tyson Campbell is a nice addition to complement Ward, and the Browns have solid safety play with Grant Delpit. Without Ward, this secondary is easily getable. The Bears, on the other hand, have two players who will more than likely get All-Pro nods. Jaylon Johnson might be on a pitch count in this game as well, but the Bears will get Tyrique Stevenson back, making this secondary deeper than it has been in past games. The Bears have the better secondary and will provide their opponent with the toughest matchup.
The Bears have been a great special teams unit over the last few games, and Richard Hightower deserves massive credit for how the Bears have performed in that category. I think the Bears' special teams unit gives them the edge in many matchups, and this week versus the Browns is no different.
Kevin Stefanski has won two Coach of the Year awards in his tenure in Cleveland. Stefanski has seen great success in Cleveland, restoring this team to being a competitive team in the AFC. That has not been the case for the last two years. This season, Stefanski gave up play-calling duties, and this Browns offense has still been a complete mess. Stefanski has not handled his quarterback situation that well this season, and to say Stefanski still deserves grace because of his previous success is an injustice for this franchise. The Browns have a lot of problems on this team; Kevin Stefanski is not a solution to any of them. Ben Johnson, on the flipside, has turned the Bears from a team that didn't know how to win to a team that is now a legit playoff team this year. In my opinion, as things currently stand, Ben Johnson is a better coach than Kevin Stefanski. I think Ben Johnson will get the best of Stefanski this week and make Stefanski's seat even hotter.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Position-by-position analysis of Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns
In his first team meeting with Virginia Tech, it's safe to say that former Penn State head coach James Franklin didn't pull any punches when it came to his former team.
Franklin was fired by the Nittany Lions in the middle of October after losing two straight games to unranked UCLA and Northwestern squads after starting 3-0 and being ranked the preseason No. 2 team in the country. This came a year after they had made it all the way to the CFP semifinals. Now, what with the fallout with the Nittany Lions and his ensuing hire, he decided to take a parting shot at the program.
In his first team meeting with his players at Tech, he highlighted a potential reason for those two pivotal losses that may stun Penn State fans and staff alike. “I’m a players’ coach,” he began. “That’s all I care about. When things changed at Penn State, the reason I struggled is because I care about the players.”
While on the surface, those words could be motivational in nature, it has heavy implications for what that means the rest of the staff at Penn State thought of the players. It sheds a bad light on the program while only vaguely addressing the deeper issues in the team.
With no specifics to explain Franklin's words, it's tough to say if he truly was critical of the squad. Still, it's interesting to see how flippant the comment seems.
I guess if he continues his winning ways in Blacksburg, no one will care much about what he says.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Franklin critical of Penn State in first team meeting with Virginia Tech
Dec. 13—Kiera Mapes and Ella Cron combined for 25 points to lift Great Falls CMR past the Glacier girls 70-40 on Friday evening in AA girls basketball at the Wolf Den.
Glacier's Karley Allen finished with 18 points, sinking three 3-pointers, but an early deficit proved to be too much.
CMR wasted no time setting the tone. They forced early turnovers and that led to multiple transition points and a 20-5 first quarter lead.
Glacier responded in the second quarter, settling more into the offense and improving their ball movement. Behind Allen and Olivia Warriner the Wolfpack closed the half on a 8-0 run, trailing 35-20 into the break.
The Rustlers opened the third quarter on a 7-0 run to remove any doubt. Nine different CMR players scored.
Glacier coach Amanda Cram emphasized growth over the final score. With injuries and several players stepping into varsity roles for the first time, she viewed the night as part of the process.
"We knew that this was going to be, in some respect, a rebuilding year," Cram said. "We brought a lot of kids up who weren't even on JV, and I'm proud of their effort."
Cram pointed to the team's willingness to adjust and learn throughout the game, particularly against a physical and seasoned opponent.
"I thought they made the adjustments that I wanted them to make, and we tried different things. It certainly was a night that we learned."
CMR 20 15 21 14 — 70
Glacier 5 15 11 9 — 40
GREAT FALLS CMR — Steely Stubblefield 1 0-0 2, Sophia Couno 0 0-2 0, Carina Kainza 3 0-0 9, Rilee Maves 3 2-4 8, Rylee Virts 0 0-0 0, Mia Larson 0 0-0 0, Kiera Mapes 5 2-3 13, Kenna Christensen 2 0-0 5, Zoe Holm 1 2-2 4, Kayla Schultz 3 2-3 9, Ella Cron 5 2-2 12, Madaline Stump 3 0-0 8. Totals 27 10-16 70.
GLACIER — Nika Wangerin 2 0-0 4, Lucy Holloway 1 0-0 2, Karley Allen 5 5-6 18, Miley Fritz 0 0-0 0, Remi Osler 3 1-1 7, Olivia Warriner 2 1-2 6, Alauna Hagen 0 1-2 1, Ava Grady 0 0-0 0, Addison Brisendine 0 0-0 0, Clara Ahner 1 0-0 2. Totals 14 7-11 40.
3-point field goals — CMR 6 (Kainza 1, Mapes 1, Christensen 1, Schultz 1, Stump 2) Glacier 4 (Allen 3, Warriner 1) Fouls — CMR 14, Glacier 13.
Dec. 13—The Bravettes started strong, but the Bison finished stronger.
Mia Cerna scored 12 points, including eight in the final quarter and Great Falls overcame a 14-point second half deficit to down Flathead 42-39 in AA girls basketball Friday in the Boyle Gym at Flathead High School.
Flathead (0-1) had two chances to send the game to overtime as Grace Gall's 3-pointer rattled off the rim, but a travel from Great Falls (1-0) gave the Bravettes 3.1 seconds to put up another shot.
Reese Rosenberg had a good look from the top of the key, but it rimmed out and the Bison escaped with the victory.
"We had some really good rotations defensively," Bravettes coach Kaylee Fox said. "I think down the stretch we got a little bit tired, our legs got a little bit tired, and we lost a couple people in our half-court defense."
Kendall Gonser added 11 points for Great Falls, eight of those coming in the second half.
Freshman Brynn Kossman led the Bravettes with 10 points. Kossman joins Flathead as a transfer from Eureka; she featured prominently for the Lions a season ago as an eighth-grader.
Kossman knocked down a pair of free throws early in the third quarter to put Flathead up 27-13, but then Bravettes junior Caitlin Converse left the game with a quad injury and Great Falls seized control. Converse had nine points in the game.
"Caitlin not only is a great ballhandler, but she's also a leader for us, so just not having her voice on the court was an impact," Fox said.
Fox was unsure if Converse will play in Saturday's game against CMR. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. in the Boyle Gym.
A 15-1 Bison run tied things at 28 late in the third quarter. Gall knocked down a shot to restore Flathead's lead just before the buzzer, 30-28. The sophomore forward ended with nine points.
"Down the stretch, I think we just had a few possessions where we rushed shots," Fox said. "They were pressing us, sped us up a little bit, we would like to have those possessions back and have better opportunities to run the clock a little bit."
Early in the fourth Cerna hit a triple to put the Bison ahead 33-32, their first lead since it was 5-4 midway through the first.
Gall answered with a triple of her own and Flathead led 35-33.
Great Falls went on a 6-2 spurt, capped by a Gonser bucket, to lead 41-37.
Kossman finished inside for Flathead before Cerna added a free throw with 19 seconds left.
Fox felt that her team showed a lot of promise for the season.
"I thought there were a lot of really good things that happened tonight," Fox said. "I thought our girls played really hard and we learned a lot of lessons from playing in this close game and playing a very physical team."
Great Falls 7 5 16 14 — 42
Flathead 14 9 7 9 — 39
GREAT FALLS — Annika Clemons 0 0-0 0, Margaret Schultz 5 0-0 10, Ashley Little 0 0-0 0, Tatum Swingley 0 0-0 0, Scarlet Harris 0 0-0 0, Paetyn Mora 2 2-2 7, Kendall Gonser 3 4-8 11, Harper Dirk 1 0-5 2, Taylee Hodke 0 0-0 0, Mia Cerna 3 4-6 12, Aza Trombley 0 0-0 0. Totals 14 10-21 42.
FLATHEAD — Reese Rosenberg 1 0-0 2, Makenna Aldrich 1 0-2 2, Teagan Flint 0 0-0 0, Gracie Mae Kilmer 0 0-0 0, Tayler Greene 1 1-5 3, Caitlin Converse 3 2-2 9, Cheyenne Heino 0 0-0 0, Grace Gall 3 2-8 9, Makenna Korf 1 0-0 2, Lexi Herion 1 0-0 2, Brynn Kossman 2 6-6 10. Totals 13 11-23 39.
3-point goals — Great Falls 3 (Cerna 2, Mora, Gosmer). Flathead 2 (Gall, Converse). Fouls — Great Falls 21, Flathead 19. Fouled out — Harris, Aldrich.
Five Indianapolis Colts assistant coaches under Shane Steichen could be in store for some promotions in the not-so-distant future.
Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated put together his list of the top 43 head coaching candidates to know for the 2026 offseason. He also listed a number of future coordinators to keep our eyes on.
In terms of head coaching candidates, Colts' defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter made Orr's list.
Anarumo has already been mentioned as a name to watch with the New York Giants' head coaching opening.
In Anarumo's first season as the Colts' defensive play caller, this unit ranks 13th in points per game allowed, while navigating injuries.
Indianapolis is also third in yards per rush and 16th in yards per pass surrendered. The Colts are also near the top of the NFL in interceptions.
He has a strong track record with the Bengals as well.
Anarumo runs a malleable and quick-to-adjust defensive scheme that adapts to what each opponent is doing and what his players do best. In part, that's how he earned the nickname the "Mad Scientist" during his time in Cincinnati.
"The Bengals’ defense fell apart despite making some upgrades," wrote Orr, "while Anarumo’s Colts are a top-10 unit in EPA per play."
Cooter has previous experience as an offensive coordinator, but with Steichen calling plays, perhaps the next step in his progression as a coach is stepping into a play-calling offensive coordinator role.
But with that said, Cooter obviously plays a key role in the day-to-day prep on the offensive side of the ball and building out the game plans that are then executed on Sundays.
The Colts' offense currently ranks fifth in points per game, is fourth in yards per rush, and sixth in yards per pass attempt.
Orr mentions that in joining the Colts, Cooter's focus has been on "improving run and pass game marriage."
Among the Colts' assistants who made Orr's list as potential future coordinators are tight ends coach Tom Manning, quarterbacks coach Cam Turner, and offensive pass game coordinator Alex Tanney.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 5 Colts coaches who could earn future promotions
Tennessee wide receiver Braylon Staley was named SEC Freshman of the Year by the Associated Press on Friday.
A redshirt freshman for the Vols, he also earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors from the league's coaches.
In addition, three other Tennessee players received All-SEC honors from the Associated Press. Wide receiver Chris Brazzell II and offensive lineman Wendell Moe Jr. earned All-SEC First-Team honors, while cornerback Colton Hood was named the All-SEC Second Team.
The redshirt freshman ranked sixth in the conference for receiving yards (806) and receiving yards per game (67.2). Staley led all SEC freshmen in both categories. He also tied for the league lead among SEC freshmen with six touchdown receptions.
Brazzell II emerged as one of the nation's top receivers in 2025. He was a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist. He totaled 1,017 receiving yards, ranking ninth in Tennessee history. Brazzell II led the league nine touchdown receptions, while recording four 100-yard games.
Moe Jr. was consistently rated as one of the nation's top blockers by Pro Football Focus and had the highest grade of all Vols' offensive linemen (73.7), a mark that led all offensive guards in the SEC. He allowed one sack and 11 quarterback pressures, while playing 689 offensive snaps.
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Braylon Staley, three other Vols earn SEC honors from Associated Press
Award season is here in college football, and while we wait for the Heisman Trophy to be given out on Saturday night, we saw a bunch of other prestigious honors awarded on Friday night.
Among those was the Mackey Award, given to the top tight end in the nation for the 2025 season. Oregon Ducks' TE Kenyon Sadiq was named as a finalist for this award, but unfortunately, he did not win. That honor ultimately went to Vanderbilt Commodores TE Eli Stowers, who finished the year with 62 catches for 769 yards and four touchdowns.
While Stowers had great numbers, his TD production was outdone by Sadiq, who had 40 catches for 490 yards and eight touchdowns. Remarkably, Sadiq caught a TD pass on average once every five times he got the ball.
Regardless of whether or not he won the Mackey Award, Sadiq is believed to be the best tight end in the nation and the No. 1 player at the position in his draft class. He will undoubtedly be the first TE off of the board in the 2026 NFL draft this spring, assuming that he declares, and will likely be a first-round pick.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks TE Kenyon Sadiq misses out on Mackey Award
PFL is back for what will be its second-to-last show of 2025.
Two title fights sit atop 2025 PFL Europe 4, which takes place Saturday at LDLC Arena in Lyon, France. The card streams on ESPN Ulmtd beginning at 11 a.m. ET.
In the main event, the vacant PFL heavyweight world title is up for grabs as Vadim Nemkov (19-2) and Renan Ferreira (13-4) go for gold. In the co-main event, all-time great Cris Cyborg (28-2) competes for one of the final times as she battles surging up-and-comer Sara Collins (6-0) for the women's featherweight title.
MMA Junkie will have you covered with live results updates which can be found below. Enjoy the fights!
MAIN CARD (ESPN Unlmtd, 11 a.m. ET)
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: 2025 PFL Europe 4 live updates, results (11 a.m. ET)
The Washington Commanders and New York Giants face off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this Sunday in their second of two meetings this season.
Neither the Giants nor the Commanders is having a good season. The Giants have a whole two wins, and the Commanders have three. Both teams have suffered a multitude of injuries, and the Giants even fired their head coach. It's been rough to watch either of these teams this year, but this game will be different from their first meeting in Week 1.
Not only are the rosters different because of injuries, but the Giants have switched to Jaxson Dart at quarterback, and the Commanders will see Marcus Mariota under center instead of Jayden Daniels. That's not the only difference, but the change in quarterbacks has a huge impact on the rest of the team, which in turn affects each player's fantasy value.
Given that fantasy football playoffs start this week, the impact a quarterback has on his teammates is incredibly important.
There are several interesting matchups in this game, so let's take a look at players you should start and sit in your fantasy football league.
The Giants have been terrible at stopping the run this season, allowing the 2nd-most fantasy points to running backs in the league. Rodriguez has been the Commanders' most reliable running back over the last several weeks, averaging 5.2 yards per carry in the shutout loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Giants have allowed 17 rushing touchdowns this season and an average of 154.2 rushing yards per game. Rodriguez could have a huge game.
Let's face it, both of these defenses aren't worth carrying on your fantasy roster, let alone starting this week. They are both shaky, they're facing a division rival, and this is likely to be an offensive game. Don't start either defense this week; they'll both be shredded in fantasy.
The Commanders give up the 2nd-most fantasy points to tight ends in the league, and Johnson has emerged as one of Jaxson Dart's most reliable targets. He averages nearly 11 yards per reception and has found the end zone five times this season. He's likely to feast on Sunday against a Commanders' team that allows over 250 passing yards per game.
With Rodriguez emerging as the Commanders' top running back, Jacory Croskey-Merritt doesn't have much fantasy value anymore. Washington is still using a committee of running backs, but Chris Rodriguez is getting the bulk of the carries. Croskey-Merritt could have more fantasy value next season as he develops, but he should remain on your bench this week.
When Terry McLaurin returned from injury, it was with vengeance. In his first game back, he recorded seven catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. Last week, he had just three receptions for 41 yards, but losing Jayden Daniels in the middle of the game definitely affected that. This week, Mariota will be back under center, and McLaurin could feast against a Giants' secondary that ranks 29th in the league against wide receivers.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Week 15 fantasy start/sit vs. Giants
The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. It will be the first matchup of the season between the squads. This is also the 2025 NBA Cup semifinals.
The Thunder (24-1) have won a franchise-record 16 in a row. They destroyed the Phoenix Suns in a 138-89 win to advance in the NBA Cup on Wednesday. They led by as many as 53 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 28 points and eight assists in three quarters.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (17-7) had an easy 132-119 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday to go to Las Vegas. Stephon Castle went off for 30 points and 10 rebounds.
This is the healthiest the Thunder have been all season. Only three names are absent. Isaiah Joe (knee soreness) is out. Nikola Topic (testicular surgery) is out. Thomas Sorber (torn ACL) is out.
Same with the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama (calf strain) is probable. David Jones Garcis (G League two-way) is questionable. Harrison Ingram (G League two-way) is out. Riley Minix (G League two-way) is out.
Tipoff from Las Vegas is set for 8 p.m. CT.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Full injury report for Saturday's Spurs vs. Thunder matchup
Victor Wembanyama should provide a boost for the San Antonio Spurs as he's expected to make his return Saturday in the NBA Cup semifinals.
Wembanyama did not play Wednesday in the Spurs’ 132-119 road victory in the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the Los Angeles Lakers. With the victory, the Spurs advanced to the NBA Cup semifinals, where they will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson told reporters there’s a chance that Wembanyama could return against the Thunder. His potential availability would be beneficial to the team and improve its chances of beating the defending NBA champions and reaching the tournament final.
Wembanyama has missed the past 12 games due to injury.
Here's the latest update on Wembanyama's injury status:
The Spurs are expecting Wembanyama to return to action. On the injury report released Friday, Dec. 12, the Spurs upgraded him to probable for the team’s NBA Cup semifinal against the Thunder. He has not played since San Antonio's game against the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 14.
Despite his absence, the Spurs have gone 9-3 in the 12 games that he's missed.
"There was no reason to take an inconsiderate risk. ... I (had) to trust the process a lot. Because it wasn't always painful," Wembanyama said when talking about his recovery process on Friday. "It was almost never painful or even uncomfortable."
Luke Kornet was tabbed as the primary replacement for Wembanyama, as he has started 11 of the past 12 games. Kornet is averaging 7.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 16 games played this season.
Wembanyama has averaged 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 4 assists in 12 games played this season, career highs in all three statistical categories. He's also averaging 3.6 blocks per game.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victor Wembanyama injury update, Spurs vs Thunder NBA Cup status
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Bryan Cook spoke with reporters on Friday during his press conference, praising the growth of teammate Jaden Hicks’ development in the secondary this season.
“I think maturity. We’re applying pressure to him (Jaden Hicks) a little bit more. We launched the game, we launched the ball towards the defensive aspect too and to just me more mature and fall into the brotherhood. A lot of guys come from different places and different walks of life. As a rookie, you’re just trying to figure everything out. I feel like now, he’s embodied into what we have built here from our rookie year.”
Hicks has stepped up admirably into an impactful role this season with the offseason departure of veteran Justin Reid. The secondary has grown and made significant progress when healthy, but fans and the coaching staff notice any missteps.
“That’s the kind of thing we try to keep doing. Comradery – especially as a defensive back. It’s definitely big, and because when balls are flying, a lot goes on the defensive side as far as making sure everybody has the right checks and the right position,” said Cook, “But for him, I’m proud of him (and) happy he’s moving forward. He’s had some struggles but at the end of the day I feel like they’re a learning path for him and just seeing how he’s handled it, it gives me a lot of happiness for him.”
Hicks has had an up-and-down year, which could make his role in offseason discussions a topic of debate. The remainder of the year could determine the immediate future for the secondary.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs DB Bryan Cook praises the growth of a teammate in the secondary
Ahead of the Denver Broncos' game against the Green Bay Packers this weekend, we asked Zach Kruse of Packers Wire five questions about Green Bay's squad and their matchup in Denver. View our questions and Zach's answers below.
He's been healthy, first and foremost. While he had his left thumb banged up during the preseason, and his left shoulder more recently, his legs are healthy after a 2024 season in which he played through a knee and groin injury for nearly the entire year. In 2025, Love has been accurate, deadly from clean pockets and against the blitz and really efficient down to down, game to game. There have been some tough moments in the passing game, namely in Cleveland early in the year and in the immediate aftermath of losing Tucker Kraft, but Love has been on fire over the last month. He's playing really good football ahead of a tough matchup in Denver on Sunday.
More than anything, the arrival of Parsons has changed how teams are scheming against the Packers. Most teams are leaning on a heavy dose of the run game and quick passing game to negate Parsons' incredibly consistent ability to disrupt passing plays. And when teams do pass, they are often committing two or three blockers to Parsons. In true dropback situations where he's been one-on-one against a blocker, Parsons' win rate is very high. The Packers have moved Parsons around, both on left and right edges but also inside, where he's been given chances to stand up and pick his spots over the center and guards.
I'd unwrap a red-hot finish for Jordan Love to end the regular season and into the postseason. The Packers defense with Micah Parsons is Super Bowl caliber. So if Love is playing at an elite level, like he has over the last month or so, the Packers will be as tough to beat as any team in the playoff field come January and February. As Broncos fans know, a great quarterback and a dominant defense playing well at the end of the year gives you a chance to unwrap the ultimate gift -- a Lombardi Trophy.
I wouldn't say there is a glaringly obvious "fatal flaw" of this team. But the Packers are not a team without real concerns entering this final stretch. The loss of Tucker Kraft robbed the offense of its "easy" button and forced fairly substantial schematic changes. The loss of Devonte Wyatt took away the Packers' best interior defender and pass-rusher, and it's fair to wonder if the defense will be able to hold up well enough against the run in the postseason. And the offensive line, while appearing to improve every single week, is still inconsistent, and they need to pass a fairly massive test on Sunday in Denver.
The Packers win by creating explosive plays on offense and disrupting the quarterback on defense. The Broncos present a serious test for Matt LaFleur's team on both fronts, given the talent on Denver's defensive front and in the secondary, and the quality of the Broncos offensive line from left to right. Can the Packers string together enough long drives and convert in the red zone to win on the road, where the Broncos are 6-0? I'm not so sure. I could certainly envision the Packers winning a defensive battle, especially if Jordan Love takes care of the football, and I'm expecting this one to be low scoring and close late. But the guess here is the Broncos defensive front wins one or two important matchups in big spots and the close-game champion Broncos escape with another one-score win. Broncos 20, Packers 17.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos vs. Packers: 5 things fans should know
Mohamed Salah made his return for Liverpool in Saturday's Premier League game against Brighton.
The 33-year-old Egypt forward was named as a substitute but came on in the 26th minute following an injury to defender Joe Gomez.
Liverpool fans cheered as Salah came on.
It was his first time in a Reds squad since claiming he had been "thrown under the bus" by the club following last weekend's 3-3 draw with Leeds.
Reds boss Arne Slot only named eight substitutes instead of nine for Saturday's game.
Salah did not travel to Italy for their 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan.
He is due to head to the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.
With Saudi Pro League clubs interested in signing Salah when the transfer window reopens next month, there is the possibility this could be his final game for Liverpool.
Saudi clubs have been interested in Salah for some time and Liverpool rejected a £150m offer from Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023.
He still has 18 months left to run on the deal he signed in April.
Salah is Liverpool's third top goalscorer of all time with 250 strikes in 421 games - but he has not started for Liverpool in five consecutive games.
Last weekend Salah said he had invited his family to come to the Brighton game, adding: "I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to Africa Cup of Nations. I don't know what is going to happen when I am there."
Earlier in the week Slot said "I have no clue" if Salah had played his last game for the club.
But after positive talks during the week, Salah was named in the squad to face Brighton.
Salah's agent Ramy Abbas is due to talk to the club while Salah is on international duty at Afcon.
New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones has one goal for his team as the Patriots return from the bye week to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
The Patriots have been playing at a high level throughout the entire season. However, they have allowed 75 first-quarter points this year. One of the more recent examples came against the New York Jets back in Week 11 when they allowed 14 unanswered points in the first quarter.
Granted, they were able to settle down on defense and roll to a 27-14 victory. But the Patriots can't afford to make the same mistakes against the Josh Allen-led Bills. The unit has played better in recent weeks, and Jones is hopeful that the effort continues the rest of the way.
"Always start fast. That's the main thing," Jones told media members. "Take advantage of opportunities. Especially on defense. We need to turn the ball over. And then give the ball back to 10. He's been doing really well."
The Patriots can clinch the AFC East division with a win over the Bills on Sunday.
They found a way to upset the Bills on the road earlier in the season, and they'll once again be underdogs at home in the rematch. Starting off fast and putting pressure on the Bills early could mean the difference between winning and losing.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Marcus Jones reveals area for Patriots improvement ahead of Bills game
The Athletic's Mike Jones recently highlighted several NFL Coach of the Year Candidates, including the Jacksonville Jaguars' Liam Coen.
"Coen and company find themselves in the driver’s seat in the division and in line to end the organization’s playoff drought," wrote Jones.
After winning just four games a season ago, Coen has the Jaguars at 9-4 as they enter Week 15. Jacksonville is the leader in the AFC South and is the three seed in the AFC playoff picture.
This collective Jaguars team is playing its best football at the moment.
The Offense ranks ninth in points per game and has been surging since the bye week, totaling 30-plus points in three games, while scoring at least 25 points in all six games.
The defense has been stingy as well, with the front getting after the quarterback with more consistency as of late. Jacksonville has also forced numerous turnovers in recent games.
However, perhaps what stands out the most about this Coen-led Jaguars team is their resiliency.
After blowing a 19-point fourth-quarter lead to Houston, the Jaguars were 5-4, and it felt like a fork in the road moment for this team. But since then, Jacksonville has won four games in a row, which tells us a lot about the makeup of this team.
I don't know how much that specific moment would factor into any Coach of the Year voting, but the Jaguars' response under Coen was extremely impressive.
Along with Coen, Mike Vrabel, Kyle Shanahan, Ben Johnson, Mike Macdonald, Sean Payton, and Sean McVay were the other candidates mentioned.
Jones believes that the award will go to either Vrabel or Shanahan.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: NFL Coach of the Year: Analyst has Jaguars' Liam Coen among candidates
The Oklahoma Sooners were given their 2026 schedule for the program’s third season in the Southeastern Conference on Thursday. It was already known what teams OU would be playing next year, but now we know when those games will take place.
This year will look a little different in the SEC, with the league moving from eight conference games to nine. All 16 teams are also required to play at least one team from the Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, or Notre Dame each year going forward. The SEC will continue to play without divisions, and the top two teams will play in the SEC Championship Game. Starting in 2026, and going until at least 2029, each team will play three annual rivals each season, while hosting and visiting every other team once in the four-year span. For OU, their yearly rivals will be Texas, Missouri and Ole Miss.
In addition to at least 10 games against Power Four opposition, the college football regular season will be one week shorter in 2026 than it was in 2025, due to the way the calendar falls, with teams playing 12 games in 13 weeks, with one bye week. The SEC gets going on Labor Day Weekend in Week 1 of the new season.
The Sooners will see a bunch of different teams next year from their first two seasons in the SEC, but it’s still a tough schedule for a team that will be coming off of (at least) a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Here are three takeaways from OU’s 2026 schedule, as Brent Venables and his squad will look to build on a strong 2025 season.
Aside from their nine league games and the big non-conference matchup on the road against Michigan, the Sooners will host UTEP and New Mexico in September, meaning there are 12 FBS opponents on the docket, and none from the FCS.
Only one other SEC team can say the same, as Texas also won’t be playing an FCS team in 2026. In Oklahoma’s case, they aren’t scheduled to face an FCS opponent until at least 2029, and it may be even further down the road than that. The addition of another conference game is making everyone’s schedule harder, but the Sooners are certainly not taking the easy road at all.
After the season-opener at home against UTEP, the Sooners will head to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan in an important early season clash. However, the early portion of the schedule is unforgiving for Oklahoma. The Sooners will head back home to take on New Mexico before going right back on the road to play defending SEC Champion Georgia to close out September.
It doesn’t stop there though, as OU gets their only bye week of the season in Week 5 after the Georgia game, before their annual date with Texas in the Red River Rivalry on October 10th in Dallas. If Oklahoma can make it through that portion of the schedule in good shape, it’ll tell us a lot about this team early on. You’ll be hard-pressed to find an opening six weeks in the country that are tougher than Oklahoma’s.
The month of October should be a bit more manageable for Oklahoma. They’ll host Kentucky, visit Mississippi State, and host what could be a tricky South Carolina team in the three-week stretch after they leave the Cotton Bowl. Then, the slate gets rough again in the month of November.
The Sooners will head to The Swamp to face Florida to open the month, followed by back-to-back home games (for the only time all season) against Ole Miss and Texas A&M, two playoff teams this year. Then, Oklahoma will close out the regular season on the road against Missouri, a team that will be hyped up for a game that they consider to be a rivalry matchup.
It’s yet to be seen what many of the teams in the SEC will be in 2026, but that’s once again a pretty tough schedule for the Sooners in Year 3 in the league. Venables and his team put together a remarkable November stretch run in 2025. If the Sooners can survive a very strong opening schedule, they may have the opportunity to build a resume with strong November wins and make a push for the playoff again in 2026.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X@Aaron_Gelvin.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: OU's 2026 schedule: 3 takeaways
After a five-game absence due to a quad injury, Steph Curry made his highly anticipated return to the lineup on Friday night at Chase Center. The All-Star point guard showed no signs of rust, going to work early against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Curry tallied 10 points in the first frame on his way to a game-high 39 points. Curry recorded 39 points on 14-of-28 shooting from the field with six made 3-pointers to go along with five assists and five rebounds against the Timberwolves. Yet, it was not enough to answer the short-handed Timberwolves.
With Anthony Edwards sidelined, the Timberwolves spoiled Curry's fiery return with a 127-120 win over the Warriors on Friday night in San Francisco. The Timberwolves and Warriors battled all night in a game that featured 27 lead changes, the second most of any game in the NBA this season. However, it was the Timberwolves that had the final say.
In the fourth quarter, the Warriors clung to a three-point advantage to start the final frame. However, a scoreless stretch in the fourth quarter flipped the lead back in favor of the Timberwolves. The Warriors went ice cold for nearly five minutes in the fourth quarter as the Timberwolves went on a 17-0 run to take a 10-point lead with under six minutes remaining in the game. Yet, the Warriors weren't done.
Golden State quickly erased Minnesota's advantage behind Curry, De'Anthony Melton and Moses Moody. After a deep Curry 3-pointer, the Warriors stole the lead back from the Timberwolves with two minutes on the clock.
Over the final two minutes of the game, the Warriors went cold again, scoring just five points after Curry's go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:09 on the clock. As the Warriors struggled down the stretch, former Warriors Donte DiVincenzo made a pair of 3-pointers to swing the game back in favor of the Timberwolves and seal the game, 127-120.
DiVincenzo, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert all tallied 21 or more points against the Warriors. Naz Reid tallied 18 points off the bench in Minnesota's 127-120 victory over the Warriors.
Quinten Post continued his impressive sophomore season for the Warriors, scoring 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting from the field with four made triples to go along with six boards and three asissts.
Jonathan Kuminga went his second straight game without playing a minute for the Warriors. Seth Curry and rookie Will Richard also didn't crack the rotation on Friday night.
The Warriors tough defense that has only allowed over 100 points once in their last six games was leaky on Friday, allowing 127 to the Timberwolves without Edwards. Golden State's defense has only allowed 127 or more five times on the season.
The Warriors will now get Saturday off before traveling to Portland for the start of a mini two-game road swing. The Warriors will meet the Trail Blazers on Sunday at 6 p.m. PT.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Timberwolves spoil Steph Curry's return in back and forth battle
It was a historic night for Notre Dame football and Jeremiyah Love, as he became the first Irish back to win the Doak Walker Award on Friday night.
This wasn’t a surprise at all, as he was clearly the most impressive back this fall in college football. Love ran for 1,372-yards on 199 carries with 18 touchdowns while adding 27 receptions for 280-yards and 3 more scores.
He was a complete back, and Notre Dame limited his carries throughout the season due to Jadarian Price being extremely effective as well. Love was clearly the star and it wasn’t a surprise for social media to react that way to him winning. Check out below the best reactions to Jeremiyah Love winning the Doak Walker Award.
You inspire us all, Jeremiyah.
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 13, 2025
The 2025 Doak Walker Award Winner, Jeremiyah Love 🫶#GoIrish🫶 | @JeremiyahLovepic.twitter.com/EfXxA43lIN
It’s pretty easy to root for Love, he’s one of the most exciting players in the game. Him winning this award would be a fitting end to his Irish career, as many expect him to leave early to the NFL.
Jeremiyah Love on being the first Fighting Irish RB to win the Doak Walker Award: “There’s a lot of weight that comes with that. I’m setting the standard for running backs here at Notre Dame. I’m just hoping the next guys that come after me can set a higher standard than I did.” pic.twitter.com/X8aBPir7dm
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) December 13, 2025
There have been plenty of very, very good running backs in Notre Dame’s history, but no other on can say they’ve won the Doak Walker like Love can. At minimum the modern standard, as we won’t forget his fantastic three years any time soon.
The best of the best 🫶🏽🫶🏽 https://t.co/rrKSL4QlzA
— Ja’Juan Seider (@coachseider) December 13, 2025
Seider coached some of the best backs in the country over the last few years, but Love stands out above them all. He’s been dominant since he got his first touch, and deserved this award.
Jeremiyah Love is joined on ESPN by his parents, Marcus Freeman, Jadarian Price and Ja'Juan Seider.
— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) December 13, 2025
Freeman: "Now I gotta convince him to come back for one more year."
If there is one person that can stop Love from going to the NFL, it’s Freeman, but I think it’s still highly unlikely. If he played another position, we might see him suiting up for the Blue and Gold next fall. However, Love being a back, it makes sense for him to leave.
Jeremiyah Love: The Doak Walker Award Winner for Best Running Back🏆
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 13, 2025
92.9 PFF Grade This Season, 1st Among All RBs pic.twitter.com/rGwa5K9D5i
Sure, Love passed the eye test all year, but also did with the advanced metrics. PFF is widely used and the Irish back topped the charts in 2025.
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Social media reacts to Jeremiyah Love winning the Doak Walker Award
With all the talk about how great rookie tight end Tyler Warren has been this season (and it's well-deserved), there's another rookie who's been almost as good − but who has been avaialable on most fantasy football waiver wires for more weeks than he's been rostered.
Harold Fannin of the Browns is coming off his best day as a pro in Week 14, catching eight of 11 targets for 114 yards and a touchdown. And he's better positioned to help fantasy managers win a title with Warren's quarterback situation in Indianapolis a huge question mark.
On the season, Warren is the TE4 (12.4 PPR average), while Fannin is the TE6 (11.1 PPR average).
(Rankings by Elisha Twerski, whose complete Week 15 rankings for every position will be updated up until kickoff on Sunday.)
*-double-check status before kickoff
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Week 15 TE rankings (2025)
American Lindsey Vonn became the oldest skiing downhill World Cup winner at St Moritz in Switzerland on Friday.
The 41-year-old retired from the sport in February 2019 because of knee problems but made her competitive return in December 2024.
Vonn has collected one gold and two bronze Olympic medals in her career to date and is on track to represent the USA at the 2026 Games in February.
She crossed the line in one minute and 29.63 seconds - nearly a second quicker than second-placed Magdalena Egger - to wrap up her 83rd World Cup win and first since 2018.
"I knew I was skiing fast but you never know until the first race," Vonn told TNT Sports.
"I think I was a little faster than I expected. It's a very exciting time. Obviously my goal is Cortina but if this is the way we start, I think I'm in a good spot."
Vonn seized skiing's oldest World Cup winner record from Switzerland's Didier Cuche, who had held it since his victory in the super-G at Crans Montana, USA in 2012 aged 37.
The oldest winner on the women's circuit was Austrian Elisabeth Goergl for her victory in the super-G at Val d'Isere, France in 2014, at the age of 33.
It was Vonn's 83rd World Cup victory and first since she won in Are, Sweden, in March 2018.
Vonn has four overall World Cup titles from a glittering career that has spanned 20 years.
"The win means so much to me. I knew in the summer I was on the right path, and all the hard work has paid off," Vonn added.
"I thought I might retire after the last race of the Olympics, because I didn't think I'd be competitive for a title, but I might need to change my approach."
Friday's event marked the beginning of the downhill World Cup campaign, with a further eight races taking place before the World Cup Finals at Kvitfjell in Norway on 21 March.
On Saturday, Vonn followed up her landmark win by finishing second in the season's second World Cup downhill race, which took place on the same St Moritz slope.
She was just 0.24secs behind German winner Emma Aicher after failing to recover from a slip in the middle section which stalled her momentum.
"I fell on my hip in the middle of the course and then I was off track for the bottom part of the course, where I skied so well yesterday," Vonn told Discovery.
"So it happens, that's ski racing... on to the next one."
Vonn then narrowly missed out on a third World Cup podium of the weekend, finishing fourth in Sunday's super-G.
Alice Robinson claimed victory, becoming the first skier from New Zealand to win a World Cup super-G. The 24-year-old is leading the season's standings in women's giant slalom and has six World Cup wins in the discipline.
Robinson edged France's Romane Miradoli into second place, while Italy's Sofia Goggia was third, 0.08secs ahead of Vonn.
Meanwhile, Vonn's American team-mate Mikaela Shiffrin, the most successful World Cup skier of all time with 104 career wins, missed the last gate when looking set for a competitive time, skiing out on a course set by her own coach.
Ryan Mason showed little emotion as the final whistle blew at The Hawthorns, but inside there must have been deep satisfaction in the way his team had outwitted an in-form Sheffield United side.
West Brom had appeared brittle, lax and low on confidence in the first half of this Friday night tussle.
Sheffield United troubled the home side on numerous occasions. West Brom's restless fans jeered careless moments of indecision and only one side seemed destined for victory.
That all changed after the break and those same supporters will hope the level of intensity and aggression from their team doesn't relent as they emerge from the run of form that has put Mason's coaching under the spotlight.
Whatever he said or did at the break had a swift impact.
In Aune Heggebo, West Brom have a striker finding razor-sharp form. His goal, and the one by Karlan Grant, were both splendidly taken strikes at the end of fluid attacking moves.
There could easily have been more goals especially given Sheffield United's apparent weariness in the second 45 minutes.
West Brom clearly have talented players. Nat Phillips was excellent in defence while Mikey Johnston's all-action display in midfield caught the eye.
It is understandable on the evidence of the second-half showing why West Brom fans believe their side should be operating much higher up the league. Time will tell if Mason can now consistently get the best out of his players in order for them to do so and their dreadful away form must be ended quickly.
L1/L2: Four early games incl Huddersfield v Wigan & Bristol Rovers v Swindon
Australian TV network Seven has accused a member of the England staff of a physical confrontation at Brisbane Airport.
England were travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide on Saturday afternoon before the third Test.
While the team moved through the airport, a member of the England security staff attempted to place himself between a cameraman and the squad.
The back-and-forth continued through the airport and the footage was broadcast by Seven.
Throughout the series Cricket Australia has issued instructions to media that teams will not be available for interview in transit through airports and all images should be captured from a respectful distance.
In the Seven report, journalist Tom Wilson said cameraman Nick Carrigan was "well within his rights to be filming" and "respects the unwritten rules of not getting too close".
A spokesperson from Seven said: "There was an incident at Brisbane Airport involving a 7NEWS camera operator and a member of the England cricket team's travelling party.
"While conducting routine filming in a public space, the camera operator was physically confronted despite acting respectfully and professionally.
"The safety and wellbeing of our staff is paramount. This matter is being taken seriously and is now being managed through the appropriate channels."
England have not commented, but it is understood Seven has raised the incident with the touring team.
Cricket Australia has also declined to comment.
The episode comes as England ended their break in Noosa and prepare to return to training on Sunday before the crucial third Test.
England, 2-0 down after defeats in the opening two Tests, must win at the Adelaide Oval to keep their hopes of regaining the Ashes alive.
England have drawn plenty of attention from local media during the Ashes tour - players were trailed through Perth airport when they arrived in the country in November.
Seven was one of the outlets to follow England to their break in Noosa and, to this point, the network believes its interactions with the travelling party has been positive.
Both players from England and Australia were captured when the arrived at Adelaide airport on Saturday afternoon.
Interactions with media in airports is one difference players encounter touring in Australia when compared to playing in the UK, due to the necessity of internal flights in the country.
Last year, India batter Virat Kohli was involved in an exchange with reporters at Melbourne airport when he believed he was being filmed without permission.
It's been a long season in Philadelphia, with the Eagles showing inconsistent results on offense and the team currently enduring a three-game losing streak.
However, one bright spot during the skid has been star wide receiver A.J. Brown, who's recorded three consecutive 100-yard receiving games and four straight with double-digit targets. Brown started very slowly this season (and made his feelings about that widely known), but he's stepped up his production right when fantasy managers have needed it. And this week, he gets to face the Las Vegas Raiders.
(Rankings by Elisha Twerski, whose complete Week 15 rankings for every position will be updated up until kickoff on Sunday.)
*-double-check status before kickoff
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Week 15 WR rankings (2025)
Will the Indianapolis Colts' Week 15 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks be on TV in your area?
Let's take a look.
The Colts will enter this game at 8-5 and in desperate need of a win. Indianapolis has lost three games in a row and four of their last five.
They now trail the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South by a game and are on the outside of the current AFC playoff picture.
Of course, all eyes will be on the Colts' quarterback situation and whether or not Phillip Rivers starts on Sunday.
As of Friday, Shane Steichen did not name a starter, but the feeling from some of the media members around the team is that it will be Rivers who gets the nod.
Awaiting the Colts' offense this week is a Seattle defensive front that ranks third in quarterback pressure rate and is fourth in sacks.
Kickoff is set for 4:25 PM ET and the game will be aired on CBS. The game will be played in Seattle.
On the call will be Andrew Catalon, Charles Davis, Jason McCourty, and AJ Ross.
According to 506Sports.com, those in the blue will be able to watch this game.
The game will be broadcast on CBS on Sunday afternoon.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: What channel is Colts vs. Seahawks Week 15 game on?
The Texas A&M Aggies have learned their fate for the program's Elite Eight matchup, which will take place on Sunday at John Cook Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.
After reverse sweeping the Louisville Cardinals in the Sweet 16 and earning the school's first Elite Eight appearance since 2001 on Friday night, the Aggies will now face No. 1 seed Nebraska. The Cornhuskers dominated their contest against Kansas, as they swept the Jayhawks to advance to the regional final against the Maroon and White.
Following the entertaining and competitive bout between Texas A&M and Louisville, Nebraska followed up by displaying why it is the top-seeded program in the country. The Cornhuskers allowed just 35 total points, while earning 41 kills of 80 attacks and hitting .450 in the impressive performance against the Jayhawks.
we eLITe! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/H3Cj1762VZ
— Nebraska Volleyball (@HuskerVB) December 13, 2025
The Aggies, who struggled at times to close out sets against Louisville on Friday night, will have their hands full against another gritty, talented and depth-filled squad. The unit includes leaders like Rebekah Allick, who went 9-of-9 in attacks against Kansas. Nebraska had five players record at least five kills in the sweep of the Jayhawks, as they continue their hunt for the program's sixth national title.
Sunday's match between these two powerhouses will not come easy for either team, however. Both units will have to earn every point and set to pull out a win and advance one step closer to competing for the grandest prize in college volleyball.
Texas A&M's match against No. 1 seed Nebraska has a projected start time of 2 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on NBC.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M volleyball's Elite Eight opponent unveiled
For the first time since 2001, the Texas A&M Aggies are in the Elite Eight after reverse sweeping Louisville, 3-2, at the John Cook Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Friday night.
After a back-and-forth battle, the first and second sets fell into the hands of the Cardinals, but the Aggies were not giving up that easily. In one of the most miraculous moments in program history, Texas A&M accomplished the unthinkable. The dominant reverse sweep performance helped the Maroon and White secure just its third appearance in the Elite Eight in school history, setting up a massive matchup against the No. 1 seed Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Senior Logan Lednicky led the way for the Aggies in Friday's contest with 20 kills and 12 digs, while Ifenna Cos-Okpalla anchored the middle with 12 blocks and nine kills in the win. Kyndal Stowers also had a tremendous night, as the sophomore from Denton, Texas, recorded the set-winning kill in the third, fourth and fifth frames.
As Texas A&M begins preparations for Sunday's match against Nebraska, here is everything head coach Jamie Morrison, Lednicky and Cos-Okpalla said after the extraordinary night in Lincoln:
"The first thing I have to say is I'm proud of my team," Morrison said. "We've talked about belief all season and for some reason in my head at that moment I was like, 'We're going to figure out a way to get out of this.' Obviously, Louisville is a very, very good team. They're well-coached, they have great players."
"We did what we've done all year. We were gritty. We believed in each other. We played good volleyball. We showed to the world who we were in the biggest moments and that's what we're going to continue to do."
"Floating on air. That was the most insane experience I have ever been a part of. We were honestly in a similar situation last year, but came up a little short. I think that kind of played into this situation (with) us coming out on top and being in pressure moments all season," Lednicky said.
"We've spent a lot of time under tension and I think tht was something we all said when we were in that fifth set, just knowing that we've been here before, we played here before, we've been in this exact situation before," Cos-Okpalla said. "It's really on us to turn it around and capitalize and I think we did just that."
"They showed who they are in a moment where most teams might fold and give up. We didn't. We leaned into what we needed to do. We leaned into them. We showed the world who we are and that's one of the biggest things we talk about in our program," Morrison said choking up. "We're a really good volleyball team made up of really high-character individuals that are able to go do something like that and it's going to continue to happen for years to come."
"That's less than ideal. We had the lead and we just couldn't finish," Lednicky said. We talked about it on the sideline a little bit, but we were in there like the first two sets. Both of them, we just couldn't close out. Honestly, that lock the hallway talk was much needed and very beneficial. We kind of all just said like we're not going to let them sweep us. We belong here, we've earned the right to be here and I think we kind of turned it around, flipped the page from there."
"I will say, it was in the third, I think. There's like a random paper on the middle of the first table. We all looked over and I don't know who put that there, I think it's a God thing, but it was like it said something great is about to happen and we had kind of came out stong in that third and we were all like literally why not us. Something great is about to happen."
"We kept a lot of the same pieces and just added even more and we've all improved. The people that were here last year have improved significantly since last year as well. This season alone, we've been in a lot of tension situations going to five with Texas, playing TCU in the second round, super intense match. I think all those tension moments kind of led into that fifth set," Lednicky said.
"Just being able to step up defensively. The team as a whole honestly, even when I wasn't getting blocks. I think even if I wasn't getting blocks or getting good touches, I think I was in a good enough spot to funnel out the space so the defense could work behind me," Cos-Okpalla said.
"When I took over this program, it has histoy and I was actually talking to Sam in the hallway and my umber one thing that I said when I first got here was get it back to where it was and take it further and we have it back to where it was of consecutive tournament appearences, Sweet 16s and Elite Eight for the third time and now it's time in two days to take it further. We got a really good team, regardless of who wins this in front of us, but we're going to go get ready for that," Morrison said.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything Texas A&M HC, players said after 3-2 Sweet 16 win
The coaching profession is an interesting one, and for former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, it’s been a roller coaster ride.
After going undrafted following a solid Irish career, he quickly moved over to the coaching side, starting as a graduate assistant for Northwestern in 2015. The next season Rees would go off to the NFL, as an offensive assistant for the San Diego Chargers. He’d then make his way to South Bend, as the quarterbacks coach starting in 2017, then getting elevated as the offensive coordinator in 2020.
Rees would then make the shocking move to Alabama in 2023, as he’d spend a season there before returning to the NFL and the Cleveland Browns. After starting as the pass game specialist and tight ends coach, he was elevated to the offensive coordinator earlier this year after the firing of Ken Dorsey.
Now Rees could make a return to the college game, as Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com is reporting that Michigan is interested in him as its new head coach after firing Sherrone Moore earlier this week.
The report also states that Rees talked to Penn State prior to them hiring Matt Campbell as well. The Browns would rather keep him around, but it’s looking like he will have more than a few more opportunities to lead a team or program in the near future.
#Michigan has interest in #Browns OC Tommy Rees for its head coach vacancy, league source tells clevelanddotcom: ---> https://t.co/uBKbevDNGM
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 12, 2025
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Could Tommy Rees become the HC of one of Notre Dame’s Big Ten rivals?
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers were able to walk away with a 115-105 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night thanks to a big performance from Joel Embiid. The big fella had 39 points on 12-for-23 shooting along with nine rebounds and three assists. It was a performance the Sixers desperately needed with Tyrese Maxey sidelined with an illness.
VJ Edgecombe added 22 points and five assists, Paul George added 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and Dominick Barlow had 10 points and eight rebounds. Quentin Grimes added 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Here are the three biggest takeaways following the win over the Pacers:
The Sixers needed Embiid to have a big game. Yes, he has been bothered by a ton of injuries. It's fair to wonder if he can do this on a consistent basis, but those questions and wonders are for a later date. For now, it's time to appreciate what Embiid was able to do on the basketball court on Friday night. He looked like himself again. He was going to work in the post. He was attacking the basket. He was getting to the free-throw line. He was talking trash. Overall, he just looked like the Embiid of old. At least, for one night.
"He worked at it this week a lot," said coach Nick Nurse after the win. "I think the practices helped. His own individual work away from practice certainly helped which is a great sign that he's doing that and feeling good or better-ish to do some of that. I think that was it. I think, again, I keep saying, he's best when he's driving. I thought he drove it a lot to draw the fouls early. That puts them in a tough situation with how to play him. Probably the best thing about it all was, 39's great, but it came in a lot of different schemes they threw at him. I thought he really read the different stuff pretty good most of the night."
With Maxey sidelined, the Sixers needed the guards to step up and produce. That meant more opportunity for Edgecombe to step in and give the team some good production from the perimeter. He scored 14 of his 22 in the first quarter to set the tone for Philadelphia and make sure the offense got kickstarted. He shot 6-for-10 from the floor and 7-for-10 from the foul line which is a good sign for the Sixers. On top of all of that, he didn't commit a single turnover. If he's able to keep this type of performance going, then he and the team will be in great shape.
"He was great tonight," Nurse said. "I just think he got himself mentally prepared to understand he needed to provide kind of a complete package tonight. He got aggressive early. Some of the stuff we tried to polish up got him some baskets early. Some execution out of some press breakers and things like that, that we've been working on. I think that got him going. I love the pull-up 3s in transition. That just shows how confident he's playing. Those look awesome. When we get that fully integrated into his mindset, I think that's a huge weapon. But he guarded good, he took care of the ball, he ran the team good, and he obviously got us off to a great start in that first half with 18 big ones."
The Sixers needed some ball-handlers on Friday with Maxey sidelined and George stepped up in a big way. Obviously, Edgecombe did a great job, but the Sixers put the ball in George's hands and the 9-time All-Star handled business. He scored 23 points in 8-for-17 shooting, 4-for-7 from deep, and had six rebounds and five assists in 33 minutes on the night. Sure, he had four turnovers, but the Sixers generally got good shots all throughout the night when the ball was in his hands.
"I think, again, he's showing that he is a guy who can score and create his own shot. Both from 2 and from 3," Nurse explained. "Again, if he's gonna sneak in a few drives--which he had late--again, it's gonna make it all the tougher if he can score from all three levels, but I thought he did a good job of just, again, settling things down. He's an experienced player, he's got the ball in his hands, and it just comes down to make the right read. If there's nothin there, you gotta go to work and score a big bucket. He looked pretty good tonight."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following home win over Pacers
The season is over, and the conference champions have been named. Now the postseason is set to start with a few bowl games, even kicking off this weekend.
The Big 12 is sending eight teams to the college football postseason. Only the conference champion, the fourth-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders, made the College Football Playoff. Texas Tech earned a top-four seed and, with arguably the best defense in the nation, should be tough out for anyone.
Seven other Big 12 teams reached six wins and qualified for a postseason bowl game. Here is the full rundown of where every Big 12 team is going bowling this winter. This will be updated with scores once the results are final.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Full Big 12 2025-26 bowl schedule, matchups and results
Regardless of what happens, there will be a new NBC Cup champion.
After the Los Angeles Lakers won the inaugural event in 2023 – then called the NBA In-Season Tournament – and after the Milwaukee Bucks won it last season, the NBA Cup trophy will now go to one of the four semifinal teams: the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder.
Both East and West games will take place Saturday, Dec. 13 in Las Vegas, with the final set for Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Here’s everything you need to know about the two matchups in the 2025 NBA Cup semifinals: the Orlando Magic vs. the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder:
NBA CHAMPS: Insane stats show just how dominant Thunder are this season
It’s mid-December and these two teams might already be tired of one another.
Saturday’s showdown will mark the fourth matchup between these two teams, and, interestingly, all of them have come in the last month. The Magic won the first two contests, though New York took the more recent meeting, 106-100, on Sunday, Dec. 7.
The Knicks are playing their best basketball of the season, having won eight of their last nine. During this recent stretch, Jalen Brunson has been stellar, averaging 28.2 points and 5.7 assists per game over that stretch.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges have also produced big games over this recent stretch, though New York’s most promising development has been the return of forward OG Anunoby, who had missed nine games with a hamstring injury. Since his return, Anunoby has helped spark intense defensive effort from the Knicks, who have allowed opponents to score just 104.3 points per game in that span.
While New York got healthy, Orlando will be without one of its stars.
Forward Franz Wagner suffered an awkward fall during this most recent loss against the Knicks Sunday and was later diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain that will likely sideline him for at least a couple of weeks.
While the Magic won their following game, Tuesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Miami Heat, Wagner leads the Magic in scoring (22.7 points per game), so Orlando will need to adjust.
The good news for the Magic is that guard Desmond Bane, after a slow start to the season, has picked up his scoring; over his last six games, he has produced three separate 37-point performances.
This matchup, however, will be strength on strength, and could very well be a future preview of a playoff showdown. The Magic rank sixth in the NBA in defensive rating (111.5), while the Knicks rank second in offensive rating (121.8).
∎ Prediction: Knicks win, 116-107
The Thunder are the best team in basketball. The Spurs, with their core of young talent, might be the squad to eventually contend with Oklahoma City, in what could be a blossoming rivalry in the West.
But, right now, it’s the Thunder who are dominant. They have sprinted out to a 24-1 record and are on pace to obliterate the single-season record for scoring margin – which they set last season.
Because late leads have been so out of hand, reigning Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has sat more fourth quarters (13) than ones he has played (11). Despite that, he’s averaging 32.6 points per game, which is second best in the NBA.
Yet, the wild thing is that the Thunder’s preferred starting lineup still hasn’t played a single minute this season, as Jalen Williams missed extended time before his return Nov. 28, and center Isaiah Hartenstein is currently out.
For the Spurs, it’s a different story. The team is expected to have star phenom Victor Wembanyama back from a left calf strain, as San Antonio upgraded him to probable on the injury report that dropped Friday, Dec. 12.
Wembanyama has missed the last 12 games with the injury, but the Spurs have been steady – if not stellar – in his absence. San Antonio has gone 9-3 in that span, and guards De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper have been the catalyst in getting the Spurs to push tempo.
It will be interesting to see if San Antonio opts to keep that strategy now that Wembanyama is expected back. The main issue, however, is that the Thunder are not only the best defensive team in basketball – and by a wide margin – but they also excel in transition, clogging lanes.
San Antonio, though, presents unique matchup problems for Oklahoma City. Chet Holmgren will likely be tasked with defending Wembanyama, though it will take an overall concerted effort. This could very well be a preview of the Western Conference finals.
∎ Prediction: Thunder win, 109-108
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Knicks, Magic, Thunder, Spurs play in NBA Cup semifinals. Who wins?
Glentoran manager Declan Devine lamented his side's lack of a clinical edge in their 1-0 loss to Larne in Friday's Irish Premiership game at Inver Park.
Benji Magee drilled home a low shot with eight minutes remaining of the encounter, leaving the Glens without a win from their past five top division matches.
Devine's side, who have collected just two points from those five outings, lie 11 points adrift of Larne and Coleraine, who sit top of the league table on goal difference.
"We have to look at ourselves in terms of not taking opportunities. We've dominated the game against a good side away from home at a difficult venue," bemoaned the Glens boss.
"We've given up one opportunity in the game and we've got punished, yet we've created four or five good chances and not taken them.
"It's a very difficult time for us at the moment because our performances haven't been bad in recent games but our points tally has been poor. There's no shying away from that.
"You can have all the domination that you want but at the end of the day it comes down to having three points in the bag. You've got to put that ball in the back of the net."
With meetings against Coleraine and Linfield to come in their next two games, things don't get any easier for the Glens.
"I know we're really close to being a really good side, I think we'll still be in the mix, and we don't fear anyone in the league, but we've got to tidy up and make sure we are more ruthless, have more cohesion about us in terms of digging out a clean sheet.
"We can't fall further behind [the leaders].
"We've gone behind in each of the last five games so when you give away that first goal it's extremely hard to come away with three points.
"We wanted to send our supporters home happy [against Larne] as they were magnificent for us. The players are distraught because it was a game we didn't deserve to lose."
Women's Super League: Everton v Arsenal under way at Goodison Park
The New York Giants host the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EDT.
This will be the second meeting of the season between the Giants and Commanders. Their first matchup was Week 1, when the Commanders soundly won, 21-6. But this Washington team isn't the same team the Giants faced in Week 1, nor are the Giants the same team either. Both teams have a ton of injuries to impactful players, and both teams have struggled to be relevant in 2025.
If the Commanders win on Sunday, they'll have swept the Giants for the second consecutive season, something they haven't done since the 1980s. The Giants absolutely do not want that, and even though they are favored by a few points, they'll have to play a clean game to avoid the sweep.
That said, let's take a look at six keys to a Giants' victory in Week 15.
The Commanders have the fourth-ranked rushing attack using their committee of running backs, and the Giants are second-to-last in run defense. Chris Rodriguez has carried most of the load, even though rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has more rushing yards this season. Rodriguez has been relied upon the most in recent weeks, but the Giants can't just focus on him. Croskey-Merritt is a definite threat when he's on the field, and Jeremy McNichols has the potential to break off a big run, too.
The Giants can't allow their run defense to ruin the game this week; they have to find a way to stop the run.
The Giants' special teams unit has been a point of contention this season, and in Week 13, it showcased just how bad it's gotten. Jamie Gillan was injured on a botched field goal attempt, and the unit surrendered a 94-yard punt return for a touchdown. Younghoe Koo has struggled at times in place of Graham Gano, and the Giants' kicker woes have been a problem for years.
The Giants cannot afford to let rookie Jaylin Lane or veteran Deebo Samuel (if he plays) break off a big return on Sunday. Special teams must be efficient in every way to keep this game within reach.
The Giants may not have a postseason run in their future this year. This season was an ugly one in a decade's worth of ugly seasons, but they have to dig deep and play with emotion. They're at home, in front of their home fans, something they'll only do two more times after this week. Show the fans that the effort is still there, the desire to win is still there, and the passion for the game is still there. Fans may be frustrated and disgruntled at how their team has played for so many years, but if they see the team putting forth maximum effort, it will go a long way toward their belief that the Giants can get to the other side of all this ugliness.
Is this thing on repeat? Broken record aside, penalties and missed tackles, and drops have affected this team all season. They are their own worst enemy. So much so that the Giants have beaten themselves more than any team has beaten them in 2025. Against a division opponent that knows this team very well, the Giants cannot afford all of these self-inflicted wounds. They have to limit pre-snap penalties, missed tackles, and drops. If they don't, the game will get out of hand, and quickly.
The Commanders have the 27th-ranked pass defense in the NFL. Their overall defense is weak in general, but their secondary has been riddled with injuries. Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos are both on injured reserve (IR), and veteran Jonathan Jones is questionable with a rib injury. So, even if Jones does play, he won't be at full capacity.
The Giants need to let Jaxson Dart rip it against this undermanned unit. That said, Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Theo Johnson, and the rest of the receiving corps MUST catch the ball. It is imperative that drops are minimal on Sunday.
For the love of all things, can we please play four quarters? As Tom Coughlin would say, "Finish. Finish. Finish." A football game is made up of four 15-minute quarters. Four. Not three. Not two. Four. Let's make sure the Giants don't disappear at the end of the game, this week, mkay?
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders: 6 keys to victory in Week 15
The Denver Broncos (11-2) are set to host the Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) in Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Check out NFL.com's preview (and expert game picks) in the video below.
After facing the Packers, up next on Denver's schedule are the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) in Week 16.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos vs. Packers: Video preview and expert game picks
The Washington State Cougars take the field against the Oregon State Beavers at Martin Stadium on Oct. 17, 2015 in Pullman. Washington State defeated Oregon State during that day's game, 52-31. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
The Washington State University football coach is one of the highest-paid public employees in the state. Yet WSU is bringing aboard its fourth head coach since 2020.
The Pullman school announced Friday that it was hiring Kirby Moore away from Missouri to replace Jimmy Rogers, who lasted less than a year.
The question now is whether Moore’s tenure will be different and usher in a new era of stability.
Moore, 35, has been the offensive coordinator at Missouri for the past three seasons.
He grew up in the Yakima Valley town of Prosser, and is the younger brother of New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore.
Kirby Moore was a wide receiver at Boise State from 2009-2013, then started his coaching career at the College of Idaho in 2014. Moore spent the next two seasons at the University of Washington, working as a graduate assistant and offensive assistant.
A press conference introducing Moore will be held next Tuesday. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.
“Coach Moore is the real deal, and exactly who we needed to propel us to the top of the new Pac-12,” WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell said Friday. “Our student-athletes have lucked out.”
Moore said in a statement that, “Becoming a first-time head coach at a special place like Washington State is a dream come true for my family and I.”
WSU’s football coach is paid well over $1 million a year. Despite that salary, the position has seen recent turnover due to a combination of the pandemic and two ambitious coaches using WSU as a stepping stone.
The coaching turmoil comes as WSU seeks to stanch dropping enrollment while remaining relevant in the turbulent college football landscape.
Cantwell has said repeatedly that a successful football program is key to reversing an enrollment decline of some 6,000 students at WSU in recent years. That starts with the right coach as Washington State University transitions to the new-look Pac-12 next season.
The highest-paid employees of the state of Washington are almost always the football and men’s basketball coaches at the University of Washington and WSU, each making well over $1 million per year. By contrast, Gov. Bob Ferguson makes about $230,000 annually.
Rogers was hired away from South Dakota State last winter for a salary of $1.57 million per year. He led the Cougars to a 6-6 record, and shortly after announced he was leaving for his dream job as head coach at Iowa State.
Prior to Rogers, Jake Dickert spent just over three years leading the Cougars, making about $2.5 million per year, before jumping ship last year for Wake Forest.
Dickert’s predecessor, Nick Rolovich, was hired in 2020 to replace the legendary Mike Leach. Rolovich coached during the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, and was fired early in the 2021 season for refusing the state’s order that he get a COVID vaccination. Rolovich sued the state for $25 million, but lost in federal court.
The last football coach to spend any real time in Pullman was Leach, who was at one time the state’s highest-paid employee at $3 million per year. Leach led the Cougars to six bowl games in eight seasons before leaving after the 2019 season for Mississippi State, part of the powerful SEC. Leach died in 2022.
To be sure, the WSU job comes with some disadvantages. Pullman is a town of about 35,000 people located 75 miles south of Spokane in wheat farming country. It is far from the glitz of big cities, and recruiting top athletes there can be a challenge. Now that top players are demanding millions of dollars in “name, image, likeness” money to sign with a team, those difficulties are magnified.
Rogers this week insisted he did not intend to leave Pullman after one season, but could not turn down a job he had wanted for years.
“I didn’t take the Washington State job and move across the country to abandon it in one year. I didn’t,” Rogers said at his introduction Monday at Iowa State. “I took that jump because I believed in that product and what I could produce there.”
Rogers said that he would have liked to coach the Cougars in the Idaho Potato Bowl against Utah State on Dec. 22, but the administration decided an assistant coach would do that instead.
Complicating the problems at Washington State is that Athletic Director Anne McCoy was unceremoniously fired a few weeks ago by Cantwell for not raising enough in donations to the athletic department.
For all the coaching changes, WSU’s football team has remained pretty good. The Cougars will go to their ninth bowl game in ten years this season, unprecedented success for the program.
“Washington State has proven time and again that it can be a job that coaches can have success at,” broadcaster and former Washington State quarterback Alex Brink said.
Cantwell has said the dramatic changes in the college football world that left Washington State behind require a coach who views name, image, likeness money and the transfer portal as strategic tools, not impediments.
Cantwell has also worked this year to improve the football fan experience in Pullman. That includes funding for a new scoreboard and other upgrades inside 33,000-seat Martin Stadium, in an effort to boost tepid attendance.
“We’ve got alcohol in the stands. We’ve got a whole plethora of things happening right outside the stadium,” Cantwell said. “Keep an eye on us. It’s getting better and better and better every game.”
This week, Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Kansas City Chiefs Executive Vice President and Chief Media & Marketing Officer Lara Krug.
In her interview with Easton Jr., Krug discussed 'Merry Mischief,' an all-new holiday short set to premiere on Christmas Eve, and her thoughts on the team's international marketing reach over the past few years.
"I think we really try to think through what is true for us as the brand and the Chiefs organization, but then how do we get to know our audience and fans better?" said Krug. "So we're very fortunate to get to play amazing games every season. We're very fortunate to be playing on Christmas night again, and I am sure it will be a huge game. We also know that so many of our fans want to interact with us in more ways and more often. I always say, I wish we could stack hundreds of stadiums on top of each other to allow for more fans to come."
The 'Merry Mischief' teaser is now live on the Chiefs' YouTube channel, with the full-length short being released at 8 a.m. CST on Wednesday, December 24th. Both the teaser and the full-length short will also be available on the club's social accounts.
Merry Mischief awaits this Christmas Eve 🎁 pic.twitter.com/kJ6F0XwTRw
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 2, 2025
The Chiefs began the season playing in Brazil against the Los Angeles Chargers and have recently played a game in Germany. Each country is garnering attention and increasing its popularity well beyond the United States.
"It has been such an amazing journey to watch our fans continue to grow in countries like Germany, like Brazil, like Spain, the UK, watching fans that maybe went from knowing about American football and maybe knowing a bit about, you know, some of the teams to now", said Krug, "Oftentimes, especially in Europe, staying up till two and three in the morning with the seven hour time change to watch the game, but then also following us on social media and wanting to interact."
From the debut of KC O'Wolf to a Legends Chat with Dustin Colquitt, we had a brilliant time at Chiefs House Dublin 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/zv60UHRuO2
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 4, 2025
"We're running this campaign globally and all the countries that we have marketing and commercial rights in, and so just watching our team evolve creatively on finding ways to interact with those international fans," said Krug. "Knowing how they became a fan, or how deep their fandom may be, may look different country to country, but there is something pretty inherent in all of it, which is that they want to feel part of Chiefs Kingdom. So it's our job and responsibility on the marketing team to reach fans where they are and hopefully give them an amazing experience with the Chiefs.
For schedules, contest info, and all the details on the 2025 Kingdom Christmas season, visit www.chiefs.com/kingdomchristmas/ and follow @Chiefs on all social platforms.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs EVP Lara Krug discusses the team's popularity internationally
Phil Parkinson feels Wrexham need to strike the right balance in and out of possession as they look to return to winning ways against Watford (15:00 GMT).
The Red Dragons' nine-game unbeaten league run was ended by Hull City in midweek, although Wrexham have not lost any of their past seven Championship games at Stok Cae Ras.
Alongside Portsmouth, the Hornets have the joint-worst away record in the league, although Parkinson says his side will need to be wary of Watford's talents.
"They've got some talented players who've been with the club a while," the Wrexham boss told BBC Sport Wales.
"They've got talent, they can be open at times, but equally they've got players who've got good attacking ability.
"It's up to us to get the balance right in our game to make sure that we're in good shape out of possession, but equally that we show quality with the ball ourselves and I think if we do that we'll get opportunities."
Wrexham sit just one point and two places behind Watford in the Championship table ahead of the meeting between the sides.
But following his side's disappointing defeat by Hull on Wednesday night, Parkinson urged his players to concentrate on their own performance against Javi Gracia's men rather than overly focusing on the opposition.
"We said to the lads that Watford are a difficult team to really pin down in terms of how they play," added Parkinson.
"It's a day of us concentrating on ourselves as a group and getting our standards to where they need to be and that's what we're going to do."
Panic has begun to set in following the loss of T.J. Watt, who recently underwent surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung following a dry needling mishap, but one insider has provided a silver lining through these troubling times for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After Watt’s surgery, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport provided a much-needed update on the veteran Steeler, including whether or not Watt would return during the 2025 regular season.
"My understanding is [Watt] is expected to play again this season," Rapoport said. "We heard from Mike Tomlin and some other Steelers players who obviously send their best wishes to T.J. Watt. You hope he is back sooner rather than later."
#Steelers star TJ Watt is expected to play again this season following surgery on his partially collapsed lung after a dry needling treatment, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 12, 2025
Sometimes this heals on its own. This didn't, so surgery was necessary. A scary 24 hours. But full recovery expected. pic.twitter.com/QY15gzmJIk
With Watt ruled out in Week 15, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig will be the Steelers’ starting edge rusher tandem and could see more starting opportunities together as the veteran defender recovers from his lung surgery.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' T.J. Watt expected to return this season after lung surgery
Seven Scottish clubs will be missing key players during the busy festive period after Africa Cup of Nations squads were submitted on Thursday.
Overall, 10 players based in Scotland are heading for the tournament in Morocco and will be unavailable to their clubs, at the very latest, from Monday.
When they will return depends on how far their national team progress in the competition, which starts with the group stage on 21 December and finishes with the final on 18 January.
Each of the sides currently sitting in the top five of the Scottish Premiership will lose at least one player, with the other two coming from Championship promotion hopefuls St Johnstone and Dunfermline Athletic.
That is a significant increase from the three players who headed to Afcon 2023 from the Scottish Professional Football League.
With three players heading for Afcon, Hibs are worst hit by absences.
Rocky Bushiri: Will be looking to add to his four caps with DR Congo and the 26-year-old will probably be most sorely missed given he has become a key part of David Gray's central defence.
Miguel Chaiwa: Just as he has won himself a couple of consecutive starting places in Hibs' midfield after his summer move from Young Boys, the 21-year-old will now will be looking to add to his 11 caps for Zambia.
Jordan Obita: Has faced stiff competition from the fit-again Nicky Cadden for a starting place at left-back in recent weeks and now the Oxford-born 32-year-old will be battling to add to his six caps for Uganda.
Uganda have yet to publicly announced which two players from their provisional 30-man squad have missed out, but Hibs are assuming he is heading to Morocco.
However, Hibs head coach David Gray, as of Friday afternoon, still did not know if any of the three would be permitted by their national associations to face Rangers on Monday.
The trio will at the very least miss games against Dundee United (A), Heart of Midlothian (H) and Aberdeen (H) - and possibly Kilmarnock (A).
Celtic would have possibly also had three players in Morocco if it had not been for 59-cap Kelechi Iheanacho's recent hamstring injury.
The 29-year-old former Manchester City, Leicester City and Middlesbrough striker's recent return to action came too late for him to force his way into a Nigeria squad that does include former Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers, now of Panathinaikos.
However, new manager Wilfried Nancy will still be without two wide men.
Sebastian Tounekti: Has become a regular starter since his summer purchase from Hammarby. The 23-year-old has played three times for Tunisia since switching allegiance from his Norway birthplace in 2021.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha: Another who has switched allegiances, the Belgium-born 24-year-old made his DR Congo debut last month in a World Cup qualifying win over Nigeria, the winger coming off the bench to score in the penalty shoot-out.
However, his impact with Celtic since his summer transfer from Royal Antwerp has been limited to two starts out of 11 appearances.
The duo will be missing against Dundee United (A), Aberdeen (H), Livingston (A) and Motherwell (A) - and likely Rangers (H).
Rangers could also have had as many as three players heading to Morocco.
However, having had an indifferent start to the season with the Ibrox side, midfielder Mohamed Diomande failed to make the Ivory Coast squad looking to retain the trophy and will have to wait to add to his eight caps.
Meanwhile, Tunisia had been trying to persuade Youssef Chermiti to represent his father's nation, but the off-form striker has not yet switched allegiances from Portugal.
That leaves just one Rangers player heading to Afcon.
Nasser Djiga: The 23-year-old centre-half, who has eight caps for Burkina Faso, has struggled since arriving on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, with John Souttar and Derek Cornelius both injured, he has become first choice along with Emmanuel Fernandez in recent weeks and his absence leaves head coach Danny Rohl short of other options but hopeful Djiga will be allowed to face Hibs on Monday.
Djiga will at least miss Hearts (A), Motherwell (H) and St Mirren (H) - and likely Celtic (A).
Premiership leaders Heart of Midlothian will be missing just one player, but he is one who has been starting to have more of an impact in recent weeks.
Pierre Landry Kabore: The 24-year-old, signed from Estonian club Narva Trans in August, has found his feet at Tynecastle since scoring a hat-trick in Burkina Faso's 3-1 World Cup qualifying win over Ethiopia in October to take his total to six in six appearances for his country.
He followed that with a double in Hearts' win over Dundee and, although not yet an automatic starter, will be a much-missed option for head coach Derek McInnes.
Kabore will definitely miss Rangers (H) and Hibernian (A) - and likely Livingston (H).
In terms of impact, Motherwell's loss is probably greatest of all since they are losing the joint top scorer in the Premiership so far this season.
Tawanda Maswanhise: The 23-year-old - who signed in August 2024 after being released by Leicester City - has not looked back since scoring twice in his first appearance of the season, against Clyde in the Premier Sports Cup.
Only Hearts and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland can match his eight top-flight goals this season and his influence, whether playing wide or through the middle, will be sorely missed while he adds to 14 caps for Zimbabwe in Morocco.
Well will definitely be without Maswanhise for Dundee (H), Rangers (A) and Celtic (H) - and likely St Mirren (H).
St Johnstone lead the Championship by three points at the time of writing, but they could do without losing one of their most experienced players.
Uche Ikpeazu: The Harrow-born 30-year-old striker has nevertheless struggled for game time since returning to Scotland. A cult hero in his two seasons with Hearts, he headed off to England in 2020 and returned via Port Vale in the summer but only three of his 23 appearances have been starts, scoring four goals.
Now he will be hoping to add to his three Uganda caps, assuming he is not one of the two to be dropped from the provisional squad.
Will miss Hearts B (A - Challenge Cup), Greenock Morton (H), Ross County (A) - and likely Arbroath (H).
Dunfermline have had the rare distinction for Scotland's second tier of having games called off this season because of their number of international call-ups.
Those have mainly been at under-21 level, but they also have one player making a name for himself at senior level.
Alfons Amade: The 26-year-old has been in and out of Neil Lennon's starting line-up since arriving at East End Park from Septemvri Sofia this summer.
However, the Germany-born midfielder has made 13 appearances for Mozambique since switching allegiances last year, including starts in a recent World Cup qualifying win over Somalia and a narrow defeat by this year's Afcon hosts, Morocco.
Amade will definitely miss Queen of the South (A - Challenge Cup), Ayr United (H) and Raith Rovers (A) - and likely Ross County (H).
With the top two and the four best runners-up from each group advancing to the round of 16, which is being held between 3-5 January, what are the chances of the SPFL's contingent making an extended stay in Morocco?
Group A
Chaiwa's Zambia (ranked 90th in the world) are in the same group as Scotland's World Cup opponents, Morocco, currently the highest-ranked African side at 11, but will hope to at least progress as a best runners-up with Mali (52) and Comoros (108) being their other opponents.
Group B
Going by world rankings, Maswanhise should be one of the first to head home considering Zimbabwe (129) face an uphill task to avoid finishing bottom of a section including Mo Salah's Egypt (34), South Africa (61) and Angola (89).
Nearly forgot to mention his three team-mates from Scottland - the Harare-based Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League club!
Group C
Nigeria (38) and Tounekti's Tunisia (40) should be vying for top spot in their section, while a Uganda squad (85) containing Obita and Ikpeazu are left fighting it out for third with Tanzania (112).
Group D
Bushiri and Balikwisha's DR Congo (56) will be second favourites for their group containing Senegal (19), Benin (92) and Botswana (138).
Group E
Djiga and Kabore's Burkina Faso (62) are also second favourites for their section behind Algeria (35) and ahead of Equatorial Guinea (97) and Sudan (118).
Group F
Amade is another who could face an early return with his Mozambique (102) the lowest ranked in their group behind holders Ivory Coast (42), Cameroon (57) and Gabon (78).
When each returns to the SPFL depends on how far their national team progress. The group stage ends between 29-31 December, the last-16 is 3-5 January, the quarter-finals 9/10 January, the semi-finals 14 January, third-place play-off 17 January, and the final on 18 January.
EAST LANSING — For the first time this season, Michigan State basketball will face two new circumstances.
Playing after a loss. And playing a true road game.
The ninth-ranked Spartans, coming off a home loss to No. 3 Duke, resume Big Ten play against Penn State in University Park, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, Dec. 13 (noon, Big Ten Network).
“We have concerns like we always do,” MSU coach Tom Izzo said after practice Thursday. “But they get a little more because of the circumstances we’re dealt with. … Hopefully, we’re over our little hangover of losing that game at home.”
Here is a look at what to expect from the final Big Ten game of 2025 for MSU (8-1, 1-0) against the surging Nittany Lions (8-2, 0-1).
PAYDAY: Michigan State makes Tom Izzo highest-paid basketball coach in Big Ten
MSU has been off for finals this week following Saturday’s 66-60 loss to the Blue Devils at Breslin Center, a nationally televised opportunity both Izzo and his players felt they let slip. It spoiled the Spartans’ season-opening eight-game win streak that included neutral-court wins over Kentucky and North Carolina and a home victory over Arkansas.
But falling at home for the first time since Feb. 11 to Indiana – MSU’s only loss last season at Breslin – also has amplified motivation.
“You can tell that everybody is excited for the next game,” senior forward Jaxon Kohler said after Thursday’s practice. “Everybody just can’t wait to get back there on the floor against another team and kind of right our wrongs. That Duke loss gave us a fire.”
With his team once again an opponent during a T-shirt giveaway, Izzo is expecting a raucous environment at the typically staid Bryce Jordan Center. Much like how his team got an energy boost with the public introduction of football coach Pat Fitzgerald while stomping Iowa in the Dec. 2 Big Ten opener, 71-52, Izzo believes new PSU football coach Matt Campbell will add excitement for a Penn State fanbase that typically forgets about Mike Rhoades’ basketball program.
“I’m sure it’ll be Fourth of July and Christmas. … Which shouldn’t bother us, because we’re used to playing in front of big crowds, even on the road,” Izzo said. “But it might up them. And plus, Mike’s a hell of a coach.”
MSU’s only true road test so far this season came during the exhibition season, a 76-69 defeat against No. 5 UConn in Hartford, Connecticut.
ON THE GRIDIRON: Michigan State board formally approves hiring Pat Fitzgerald as football coach
Figuring out his two-guard situation remains one of Izzo’s biggest priorities between now and the resumption of Big Ten play, with PSU and three more nonconference games – Dec. 15 at home vs. Toledo, Dec. 20 vs. Oakland in Detroit and Dec. 29 at home vs. Cornell – between now and the Jan. 2 trip to Nebraska.
Izzo went from starting sophomore Kur Teng to inserting senior transfer Trey Fort into the lineup before going back to Teng over the past two games. Against Duke, MSU turned to lanky freshman Jordan Scott for a longer look at shooting guard, and sophomore transfer Divine Ugochukwu also has split his minutes between the one and the two when he and starting point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. are on the court together.
“We’ve made no secrets. We’re trying to find the right thing,” Izzo said. “We’re giving everybody a little bit of a chance.”
Among that quartet, Teng leads the way with 5.4 points a game in his 14.4 minutes while Fort averages 15.8 minutes and 5.3 points. Combined, the Teng-Fort-Scott-Ugochukwu group is shooting just 28.9% from 3-point range (28-for-97). The rest of the Spartans are a combined 33-for-84 from deep (39.3%).
Rhodes is off to a second straight strong start in three seasons with the Nittany Lions, who opened the 2024-25 campaign 12-2 before losing 13 of their last 17. PSU finished 16-15 overall and 6-14 in conference play, and it was one of the three teams to not qualify for the 2025 Big Ten Tournament.
The Nittany Lions have feasted on mid-major foes so far this season, with their lone nonconference loss a 77-65 neutral-court defeat by Providence on Nov. 22. They opened Big Ten play Tuesday on the road at Indiana and were completely shellacked, 113-72.
Point guard Kayden Mingo (6-foot-3) leads PSU at 15.4 points with four assists, 2.1 steals and 3.8 rebounds per game, while fellow freshman shooting guard Melih Tunca (6-5) is averaging 12.8 points with 3.5 assists a game. Center Ivan Juric (7-0) posts 9.7 points and four rebounds, while forward Josh Reed (6-10) averages 10 points and 3.9 boards. Junior guard Freddie Dilione (6-5) adds 13.3 points a game off the bench.
MSU has won four straight and seven of its past eight meetings against the Nittany Lions.
The energy influx is short-lived for the Nittany Lions, as Fears and the Spartans assert themselves quickly with a distancing run from the outset. The friendly rims open for MSU’s outside shooters from there, giving Izzo’s team a two-game cushion to begin the quest to repeat as Big Ten champs heading into 2026. The pick: MSU 82, Penn State 69.
Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him @chrissolari.
Subscribe to the "Spartan Speak" podcast for new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State basketball gets new test with first true road game
The Friars and Bulldogs open Big East play on Saturday, Dec. 13. Providence will arrive in Indianapolis after three straight wins, including back-to-back victories over in-state rivals Rhode Island (90-71) and Brown (86-79). Jamier Jones and Jaylin Sellers each scored 16 points to lead the Friars past the Bears. Jason Edwards added 12 points and Stefan Vaaks and Ryan Mela posted 10 each.
Butler will be eager to get back to its winning ways after a 77-68 setback to Boise State on Dec. 6 ended a four-game winning streak. Michael Ajayi scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Butler (7-2), which suffered its first home loss of the year. Drayton Jones added 12, and Finley Bizjack, who had registered 20 or more points in his last three games for Butler, was held to just 10 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the field.
The Friars are 7-5 all time at Hinkle Fieldhouse, including 1-2 last season.
The Friars will face the Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 13. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
The game will be televised on TNT/truTV and can be heard on WPRO radio (630 AM and 99.7 FM).
Odds will be posted here.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: How to watch Providence play Butler on Saturday Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.
As playoffs continue and the fall sports come to a close, look back on our favorite photos of the 2025 season.
More: SEE IT: The Augusta Chronicle's best 2025 fall sports photos
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: look back on our favorite photos of the 2025 season
The 2025 Heisman Trophy ceremony is approaching the evening of Dec. 13, with Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin among the four finalists up for the award.
Sayin was one of the top betting favorites to win the award throughout the season, but a 13-10 loss in the Big Ten championship to Indiana and quarterback Fernando Mendoza hurt his chances.
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was Ohio State's last Heisman Trophy finalist before Sayin, nominated for the award in 2023.
Below are the four finalists for the Heisman Trophy in 2025.
Sayin led the FBS in completion percentage (78.43%) and passer rating (182.1); his completion percentage is the highest of all time in a single season in the FBS. Oregon's Bo Nix completed 77.45% of his passes in 2023.
Love emerged as a late Heisman candidate. He finished fourth in the FBS with 1,372 rushing yards and fifth with 6.89 rushing yards per carry.
Pavia led Vanderbilt to its first 10-win season and led the SEC in completion percentage (71.2%), passing touchdowns (27), yards per attempt (9.4) and passer rating (171.54).
Mendoza led the nation in passing touchdowns (33) and led Indiana to its first Big Ten championship since 1945, helping the Hoosiers over tough conference games against No. 5 Oregon and the No. 2 Buckeyes.
As of Dec. 12, Julian Sayin has the lowest betting odds of the Heisman Trophy finalists at +50000, per BetMGM. Below are the odds of the four finalists to win the award.
The Heisman was a two-man race for a majority of the regular season between Sayin and Mendoza. The competition peaked when the two quarterbacks faced off in the Big Ten championship game on Dec. 6.
While Sayin had a decent stat line, completing 72% of his passes for 258 yards and a touchdown, he threw a costly interception that resulted in the Hoosiers scoring an early field goal. Twice in the red zone on third-down situations, Sayin was unable to complete passes to move the chains in the second half.
Meanwhile, Mendoza, who had fewer passing yards and a lower completion rate than Sayin in the game, made multiple clutch throws. He made a 51-yard pass to Charlie Becker and a 17-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt to give the Hoosiers the lead, and Mendoza followed that with a 33-yard dagger to Becker on Indiana's last offensive drive, leaving Ohio State with too little time to mount a comeback.
While a straight-up statistical comparison would seem to make the Heisman Trophy race close, Mendoza outplayed Sayin and likely secured the Heisman Trophy in the title game.
The Heisman Trophy ceremony is at 7 p.m. Dec. 13.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Will Julian Sayin win Heisman Trophy tonight? Odds, predictions
Shortly after he was placed on injured reserve (neck) on Oct. 31, Jacksonville Jaguars safety Eric Murray walked gingerly through the locker room and slowly sat on the bench in front of his stall.
My first thought? Murray’s season was over.
Turns out, Murray had the same kind of thought.
“For sure, it was touch and go,” he said. “To be honest, I didn’t know what would happen.”
Murray said the issue involved a nerve and he missed five games before returning in the Jaguars’ win over the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 7. He had two tackles, a pass break-up and forced fumble.
“He’s getting back into the swing of it,” coach Liam Coen said. “His presence was definitely felt (with) his communication and confidence. I think he’s going to take a step forward as he gets more and more comfortable after not playing in a long time.”
Murray said he didn’t require a neck brace as a part of his recovery but did use a cervical pillow to sleep at night.
“It was uncomfortable,” he said. “But I had to make sure I took care of myself and made (the pillow) a part of my routine.”
The Colts game was a personal success for Murray, who signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract with the Jaguars in March.
“I didn’t have any flare-ups after any tackle so it was good,” he said.
Murray’s return coincided with Andrew Wingard missing the Colts game with a concussion. Wingard was cleared from the concussion protocol on Dec. 11 and the Jaguars are likely to go with him and Murray as the starters against the New York Jets on Dec. 14. Antonio Johnson should be an option to play the dime defender role.
1. Bradley on Rivers: One Jaguars player following Philip Rivers’ return to the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts is practice squad quarterback Carter Bradley.
Before the 2024 draft, Bradley, along with Drake Maye (now with New England) and Bo Nix (now with Denver), trained with Rivers at QB Country in Mobile, Ala.
Rivers was coaching high school football in the area and Bradley had completed his career at South Alabama.
“It was amazing,” Bradley said. “He just loves the game. You saw how excited he was to talk about the game every time he gets the chance and just the leadership aspect of things.”
More: More from O'Halloran: Jacksonville Jaguars' most underrated player? Teammates weigh in
Bradley laughed when I asked if he could keep up with Rivers’ fast-talking style.
“He’s excited when he gets to talk ball,” Bradley said. “He’s awesome to be around. It’s just ball, ball, ball all the time. He was throwing it super-well when we were down there and he’s still slinging it.”
Bradley’s dad, Gus, the former Jaguars coach, was the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator during Rivers’ final three seasons with the Bolts (2017-19).
2. Dickerson making impact: Cut by Miami on Aug. 26, defensive tackle Matt Dickerson signed with the Jaguars’ practice squad two days later.
Dickerson, who played three games as a call-up before he was signed to the active roster on Dec. 3, unseated Austin Johnson from the rotation against Indianapolis. In 64 defensive snaps (32 vs. the Colts) over four games, two half run stuffs among his five tackles.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time and been through so many ups and downs in my career trying to find the right fit,” said Dickerson, 30. “I’m doing everything I can to add value to the defense. We’re able to play free and fast and have fun out there.”
Said defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile: “He did such a great job when he was playing scout-team defense and was getting after it and competing on every play. That gave us an even better look at what he’s capable of doing and he’s been able to do that in the games.”
3. Run-game improvement needed: In the last five weeks, the Jaguars’ running game ranking has gone from 11th to 14th to eighth for two weeks to 11th to 15th (121.7 yards per game). And Coen isn’t happy about it.
“Still a lot of meat left on the bone in the run game,” he said. “(There were) details, fundamentals and techniques that need to improve (with) guys staying off the ground and playing a little cleaner. We had a few targeting issues (against Indianapolis) and a few fundamentals issues that weren’t completely up to the standard by any means.”
In my game charting, I count any rush gaining 1 or fewer yards (not counting short-yardage conversions and touchdowns) as a “bad” run play. In Games 1-7, the Jaguars had 29 “bad” runs (4.1 average), but have 49 in Games 8-13 (8.2 average), including a season-high 11 against the Colts.
4. Lane remembers Navy-Army games: Among Jaguars rookie safety Rayuan Lane’s 49 games at Navy were four games against Army.
“Ugh, 2-2 (record),” Lane said.
The annual Army-Navy game is Dec. 13 in Baltimore.
“It’s intense,” Lane said. “Every student is there so to be able to put on a show and beat Army and go through that together was huge and amazing.”
Was the urgency ratcheted up against Army?
“Oh, yeah, for sure,” Lane said. “It’s physical, it’s violent and it’s intense. Probably the most intense game I was a part of in all four seasons.”
5. Extra points: The win over Indianapolis clinched a winning season for the Jaguars on Dec. 7. The earliest winning-season clinch dates in team history are Nov. 21 (Game 10, 1999), Nov. 29 (Game 13, 1998) and Nov. 13 (Game 13, 1997), and the latest is Jan. 7, 2023 (Game 17 of 2022 season). … One leftover from my chat with Raines High School quarterback TJ Cole: His favorite NFL quarterbacks are the Rams’ Matthew Stafford and Buffalo’s Josh Allen. … A main reason why Jaguars-Denver on Dec. 21 wasn’t moved to Sunday primetime is the Broncos play at Kansas City on Thursday, Dec. 25, and the league avoids shortening the recovery time even by 3-4 hours.
Jets at Jaguars: The Jaguars’ four wins by at least 16 points is tied for second-most in the NFL (Seattle and the Los Angeles Rams have five apiece). Make it five. Jaguars 31-13.
Top game — Buffalo at New England: The Patriots can wrap up the AFC East win a win, but the Bills have Josh Allen and the Patriots don’t. Bills 28-24.
Lock — Tennessee at San Francisco: The 49ers, off their bye, are a 12 1/2-point favorite over Tennessee, off a rare win. 49ers 38-14.
Upset — L.A. Chargers at Kansas City: And this is the end for the Chiefs (5 1/2-point favorite). The Chargers on a short week travel across two time zones and get the season sweep. Chargers 30-24.
Records: 2-2 last week, 29-21 overall.
Contact O’Halloran at rohalloran@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars safety Eric Murray makes impact in return from neck injury
Today in Boston Celtics history, the storied franchise raised Dennis Johnson's jersey up to the rafters, honoring the pair of NBA titles and seven seasons the San Pedro, California native played for Boston. An alum of both Los Angeles Harbor College and Pepperdine -- Johnson graduated from the former, a junior college, to the latter -- the combo guard was picked up with the 29th overall pick of the 1976 NBA Draft by the (then) Seattle SuperSonics (now, Oklahoma City Thunder).
DJ (as he was often called) played for that team and the Phoenix Suns before being dealt to Boston in 1983, winning a title with the Sonics in 1979. The Celtics acquired Johnson for Rick Robey and draft assets, quite a steal in retrospect. The Californian retired at the end of the 1991 season when the Celtics did not offer him a new contract and began working with the team as a scout. He accepted a position as one of the team's assistant coaches in 1993, which he would remain until 1997.
Johnson continued as an assistant or interim head coach or scout until his passing in 2007. As an additional, posthumous honor, he was admitted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 -- rest in peace.
It was also on this date in 2003 that former Boston big man Kendrick Perkins played his first game as a Celtic.
It was in a 105-98 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Gund Arena and saw Perkins play a mere 28 seconds of garbage time, far too little time to record anything to his stat line. Mercifully it was not indicative of his later career.
Today is also the birthday of Celtics short-timer Charles Claxton, father of current Brooklyn Nets big man Nick Claxton. He came into this world in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands in 1970. The undrafted Georgia alum played a total of three games for Boston in the 1996-96 NBA season, averaging 0.7 points and rebounds per game.
Claxton shares that birthday with former Celtics floor general Andre Turner, born this day in Memphis Tennessee in 1964. Oddly enough, Turner also just played three games as a Celtic before being waived in 1986.
On this date in 1961, Hall of Fame big man Wilt Chamberlain hung 52 points and 30 rebounds on the Celtics at the old Boston Garden playing for the (then) Philadelphia (now, Golden State) Warriors. As was often the case with Chamberlain, the Celtics still came away with the 123-113 win with only two other of his teammates scoring in double figures after Wilt's dominant play took them out of the game.
In a 109-97 win over the (then) Seattle SuperSonics on this day in 1989, Boston Hall of Famer Larry Bird scored a triple-double nearly as impressive as Wilt's big game. The Hick From French Lick dropped 40 points, 11 boards, and 10 assists to get the win for the Celtics.
A triple-double of similar impact was had by Boston legend Antoine Walker on the same date in 2002 in a 115-100 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Employee No. 8 logged 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists to come 7 points shy of Bird's feat on the same day 13 years earlier.
Finally, it was also on this date in 1965 that Boston signed big man Woody Sauldsberry as an unrestricted free agent in what would prove to be the last stop of his NBA career.
The Texas Southern product played 39 games with the team for the rest of the season, logging 4.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: DJ jersey retired; Perkins debut; Claxton born
Gainbridge Super League women's soccer
Who: Sporting Club Jacksonville vs. Fort Lauderdale United.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.
Where: Hodges Stadium, University of North Florida.
Early start: This is the first of Sporting Jax's two home games to move to an afternoon kickoff, along with the Dec. 20 game at UNF against Tampa Bay Sun FC.
Shutout streak: Sporting Jax goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks has been rock-solid in the net behind her defensive line, recording three consecutive shutouts to boost the club into second place.
Super scorer: Paige Kenton continues to shine in an attacking role, climbing into the league top five with six goals thus far. Only Sporting Jax's Ashlyn Puerta (10 goals) and Lexington's Addie McCain and Catherine Barry (seven each) have scored more in 2025-26.
Almost break time: This is Sporting Jax's penultimate contest of the calendar year. After the Dec. 20 game, the league takes a six-week winter break and will resume at the end of January.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Sporting Jax-Fort Lauderdale United women's soccer preview
The Washington Commanders (3-10) look to snap an eight-game losing streak in Week 15, when they face the New York Giants (2-11) at the Meadowlands. This is a rematch from Week 1, when the Commanders dominated the Giants 21-6. Much has changed for both teams over the past three months.
Injuries have been an issue for both franchises. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels has been in and out of the lineup with injuries and will miss Sunday's game. Marcus Mariota will start in his place for the seventh time this season. For the first time, the Commanders will see Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Russell Wilson started for New York in Week 1. Dart has also been in and out of the lineup with injuries, but he's shown that the Giants finally have a young quarterback to build around.
Heading into Week 15, the Giants currently hold the No. 1 overall spot in the 2026 NFL draft order. The Commanders are No. 6. A lot will change if New York wins. The Giants are battling their own misery, having lost seven in a row, but have been much more competitive than Washington.
What's changed since Week 1? To gain more insight into the 2025 New York Giants, we interviewed Giants Wire managing editor Dan Benton. You can find Dan's work here.
Dart has certainly impressed beyond initial expectations. He -- along with rookie running back Cam Skattebo pre-injury -- has generated quite a buzz among Giants fans, but there is a lingering concern over his aggressive style. It's endearing because it represents an old-school style of play, but worry is also attached, given his four concussion evaluations (and one concussion) this season. A player can only take so many big hits, and while it's more sustainable on a younger body, it could be career-shortening on the back end. Still, it's hard not to be excited about the team's future with Dart under center.
Abdul Carter came out of Penn State with some character concerns, and those have proven legitimate, albeit somewhat overblown. That's New York media for you. Still, he's dealt with chronic tardiness this season, drawing fines from Brian Daboll before his firing and two benchings under Mike Kafka. By all early accounts, he did quite a bit of self-reflection during the bye week and has returned recommitted, arriving early, staying late, watching more film, etc. Time will tell if Carter stays on that path, but the Giants certainly hope he will. He has a ton of talent -- game-changing talent -- and can be as dominant as he allows himself to be.
Initially, I would have said Kafka was a legitimate candidate for the head coaching job -- and he will draw an interview -- but I think he's done himself a disservice in recent weeks. Early on, he dealt with a lot of low-hanging fruit (see: firing Shane Bowen) that reflected well, but then came the team's Monday night meltdown against the New England Patriots when his play-calling and clock management were called into question, followed by an extremely bizarre post-game press conference. Meanwhile, some of his changes have led to internal revolt, resulting in the recent firing of Bryan Cox over airplane seating. Ultimately, I don't think he gets the job. However, he may land a head coaching job elsewhere.
While Brian Burns has transformed into an elite talent, the rest of the defense has maddeningly underperformed. The front seven was supposed to be the strength of this team, but they're dead last in run defense and are near the league lead in missed tackles. A lot of that also falls on the secondary, where safety Tyler Nubin has failed to take that next step, and cornerback Deonte Banks has established himself as a bust. Injuries have certainly played a role in that, but it's hardly an excuse. The general manager has failed to establish depth, and the coaching staff, especially under the now-fired Shane Bowen, misused their personnel. The result on the field mirrors all of the ugly statistical and analytical data.
Here we are again... The Giants and Commanders are battling for the top of the draft order. It's like deja vu, isn't it? Who wants to win? Should they both strive to lose? Luckily (perhaps unluckily?) for Washington, they are starting a backup quarterback, which the Giants notoriously struggle against. There's no reason to believe that will change on Sunday, especially against Washington's stout rushing attack and with depleted reserves. Ultimately, the Commanders score the victory and lose in the process, while the Giants are defeated and actually win in the process. The NFL is wild sometimes. Commanders 23, Giants 21.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Previewing Week 15 matchup with Giants Wire
BLOOMINGTON — For the first time in 14 years, Thursday, when an Indiana basketball coach faced his first question about the Kentucky series, he didn’t have to deflect.
Darian DeVries is the first man in IU’s head job since Tom Crean to inherit a series with Kentucky, after the longtime intrastate rivalry was put back on the schedule by Mike Woodson and John Calipari, two old friends who will now never coach in the rivalry they helped reignite.
Asked during a pregame news conference Thursday for his intentions regarding Indiana’s annual meeting with the Wildcats — which hasn’t been played in the regular season since 2011 — DeVries strenuously endorsed its return to the schedule.
“I think it’s a great series,” he said. “I hope we can continue this forever. This is the first year of a four-game stretch. I think it’s great for both programs. I think it’s great for college basketball.”
Words that will win him a fair few friends in southern Indiana. It's been a while since IU-Kentucky didn't feel overly political.
Imagine, then, what victory Saturday night in Lexington would do. For DeVries, this is the kind of opportunity too few of his predecessors seized, one he should not pass up.
DeVries and the Hoosiers travel to Rupp Arena for a primetime showdown with a team trying to pull itself out of a dive. Kentucky has lost every high-major game it’s played so far this season, only once in four tries having allowed fewer than 83 points.
The Wildcats’ most recent meaningful matchup came in a de facto home atmosphere in Nashville against Gonzaga, that atmosphere turning toxic as Kentucky scored just 20 first-half points and lost by 35.
“The games they’ve played well, they’ve scored easily,” DeVries said. “The games they’ve struggled, they just haven’t shot it.”
The calls for Mark Pope’s job that followed are plainly premature. And there’s every chance, in time, he turns Kentucky back into a tournament team and an SEC contender this winter.
But Indiana — admittedly imperfect itself — probably could not have picked a more ideal time to return to Rupp Arena for the first time in 15 years. A team still in search of a quality nonconference win itself cannot turn this opportunity down.
The Hoosiers endured their own rocky patch last week, losing at Minnesota before an ugly start undercut them in Indianapolis against Louisville.
DeVries said IU has been focused on improving from lessons learned in those games, chiefly among them crisper offensive execution.
“I thought the Minnesota game for us offensively was something we had to learn from. It wasn’t just the movement, it’s the combination of everything we had going, being a little stagnant,” he said. “It was more about, how do we set better screens? How do we set up those screens? For both Lamar (Wilkerson) and Tucker (DeVries).”
That emphasis paid dividends during a midweek demolition of Penn State that saw Wilkerson score an Assembly Hall-record 44 points in just 24 minutes. DeVries knows Kentucky at Rupp will be more challenging.
Insider: Lamar Wilkerson's records epitomizes IU 'keeping it hot' in much-needed win
Indiana has not won in Lexington against Kentucky since 1988, the same year — fans pointed out this week — the Hoosiers last defeated Ohio State, before last weekend’s Big Ten championship game.
That’s a bit of a misnomer. Soon after that win, the series moved largely to its neutral-site format between Indianapolis and Louisville, and while IU has not beaten Kentucky at Rupp Arena in 37 years, the two teams have played there just three times since.
Saturday still stands as a meaningful opportunity, for Indiana to secure a valuable resume-building win, and for DeVries to score meaningful points with his fanbase at the first available opportunity.
Too many of his predecessors have let similar moments pass them by, early in their tenures, or failed to build on ones they seized. DeVries can only take care of the second if he starts by addressing the first.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball vs Kentucky preview: Darian DeVries series opportunity
One win in 10 games and no wins in six - but just how worried should Dundee United fans be about their team's current run of form?
Following defeat at St Mirren last Saturday, manager Jim Goodwin conceded his side are "going through a really difficult period" at present.
After an impressive fourth-placed finish on their return to the Scottish Premiership last term, a new-look squad started this campaign with promising displays.
But early-season optimism has turned to dread that the Tannadice club could be dragged into another scrap at the wrong end of the table.
With three straight home games against Motherwell, Celtic and Hibernian on the way, BBC Scotland analyses the severity of their current predicament.
Runs of form like the one United are currently enduring will naturally trigger fear among the support.
However, they remain eight points of the foot of the table and have a four-point cushion between themselves and city rivals Dundee in 11th.
It is certainly not the time to be hitting any panic buttons. In a congested top flight, the complexion of United's season could again change quickly.
Had Goodwin's side not conceded a 98th-minute penalty to draw 2-2 with Rangers last week, you would not be reading this right now.
"The only way out of it is for us to stick together," former Aberdeen boss Goodwin told BBC Scotland on Saturday. "We deserve all the criticism that comes our way."
That criticism has intensified over the course of United's current six-game winless run that includes a 3-0 home loss to Premiership newcomers Falkirk.
Goodwin's defence has looked vulnerable, failing to keep a clean sheet in their past 10 matches, and the shaky form of goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko, who has come out of the team since a calamitous display in that defeat by Falkirk, has not helped.
"They are finding it difficult to replicate the form they had last season and a lot of it is down to the defending," said Sportscene host and former United forward Steven Thompson.
"They look fragile and they are gifting goals to teams."
There have been calls from some fans for Goodwin to steer away from his back three set-up, which has featured Krisztian Keresztes, Iurie Iovu and Bert Esselink for almost all of this season.
On a per-90 basis, Keresztes and Iovu rank high for blocks, with the former also high for clearances, but that suggests they are having to do too much defending.
The fact only Dundee and Falkirk's goalkeepers are tested more would also imply that, so there is work to do to tighten United up out of possession.
Their underlying numbers when it comes to goals per game and expected goals (xG) suggest they are not in a false position of eighth in the Premiership table.
It is the same story for their goals-against-per-game average and their xG against tally.
They also rank eighth for big chance creation and seventh for touches in the opposition box.
Summer signings Zach Sapsford and Ivan Dolcek have shown encouraging signs, but the form of the latter has fallen off sharply after an impressive start.
The attacking duo were part of a bold summer transfer strategy that excited fans in the infancy of the campaign, but they are now starting to ask questions.
Jenny: Goodwin should have the next few matches to turn it round. If he doesn't it's time for United to look elsewhere. Almost any other manager in the Premiership could do more with some of the players he has.
Kieran: Goodwin is on borrowed time now and games coming up are not getting easier. St Mirren didn't need to do anything special to get their goals - our season so far has a whiff of deja vu from 2022.
Philip: Goodwin has to go now before we get dragged into a relegation battle. No width, no pace. A striker with nice touches but offers nothing inside the box. Ryan Strain is not a wing-back. I think Ferry has gone backwards or carrying an injury. Goodwin out.
Gary: Pathetic. You cannot be this inconsistent week in, week out. The system Goodwin is sticking to doesn't work either. The three at the back needs changing to a solid back four - 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. Ditch this obsession with the back three.
Great Britain's Zoe Atkin narrowly missed out on gold as she took silver at the freeski halfpipe World Cup event in China.
The 22-year-old was top of the standings after a first run score of 90.25 in the final compared to Chinese rival Eileen Gu, who registered 85.25.
However, Gu produced an impressive second run to take victory with a 91.75 run, while Atkin did not improve with her second attempt.
The result gave Atkin, who shared the overall World Cup title with China's Li Fanghui in the women's halfpipe last season, her 11th World Cup podium finish.
Indra Brown, a 15-year-old from Australia, finished third as she managed a best score of 82.00 from her two runs to secure a first World Cup podium finish on her debut.
"I've never seen anything like it before. Hopefully I'll never see it again."
Jamaica netballer Khadijah Williams should have been preparing for a series against England but instead she and some of the other players found themselves helping relief efforts in their homeland after the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October.
The hurricane swept across the Caribbean, destroying homes and infrastructure and flooding neighbourhoods. About 1.5 million people have been affected - more than half the country's population - and 28 people were killed.
It took Williams' team-mate Abigale Sutherland several days to track down her grandfather, whose roof had been blown off his house, and the lack of power also meant training together as a national side became impossible.
Jamaica's two home legs of the four-test series were cancelled but they will play England twice this weekend in the Horizon Series, which you can watch on the BBC.
For both teams, these fixtures are about a lot more than the result.
"I didn't hear from my grandfather for several days. When I heard from him, I started crying, and was like 'thank God'," Sutherland told BBC Sport.
"I was listening to the radio station hoping not to hear his name. It was a sense of relief knowing that he lost so much, but that he's still here."
Many parts of the island lost power and electricity, making any sort of communication difficult.
"We didn't have any phone service at all," Williams said.
"It was challenging and scary, you didn't know whether people were OK."
Residents of Jamaica have described the landscape as being "flattened", and many still do not have electricity or access to water.
Williams and fellow 'Sunshine Girl' Shanice Beckford were among those who joined the relief efforts, handing out care packages that included food, sanitary products and nappies.
"I literally cried the entire time. It is heart-breaking to see what our fellow countrymen are going through," said Beckford, who has won two Commonwealth Games bronze medals and a silver for Jamaica.
"They don't have anything. But the fact that we can help put a smile on their faces and give out those packages, is really heartwarming."
Last year Jamaica claimed a convincing victory against England to win the inaugural Horizon Series 2-1.
This year's series had been set to start with the opening two matches in Jamaica in early December but England Netball and Netball Jamaica cancelled them after the hurricane.
Jamaica, third in the world rankings, will still face England, ranked fourth, in a two-match series at the Copper Box Arena, London.
But this year, their preparations have been very different.
"We weren't able to train for two weeks," Beckford said. "We weren't on court because of the impact, no lights, no electricity, no signal."
Sutherland added: "So our coaches sent a few things we had to do on our own while we were home. Some weren't able to do that, but we did what we could."
England Netball will donate £1 to Netball Jamaica's chosen charity, World Central Kitchen, from every Horizon Series ticket sold - and has also announced fans will be able to contribute to the British Red Cross' Disaster Fund.
The fixtures may be taking place under challenging circumstances, but England captain Francesca Williams said her team's approach remains unchanged.
"We're definitely not holding back," Williams told BBC Sport.
"You are always going to put out your best performance possible and do what you can to help the team win. That's showing the other team the most respect, playing to your best ability."
While these matches represent "more than the scoreline", the Jamaican side will be "coming just as hard" as they would if it were in different circumstances, Williams said.
But for them, it is also a chance to bring joy to people back home.
Sutherland said people in Jamaica "are setting their alarm, and putting on their black, green and gold" to watch the games on television.
She hopes the TV audience include her grandfather if the power is restored to his area in time.
"He's really excited that I'm on tour, asking how he will watch the game," she said.
"It means a lot to him. He walks around telling everybody: 'My granddaughter is a Sunshine Girl!'"
England have left their Ashes break in Noosa and will resume training on Sunday before the crucial third Test in Adelaide.
The tourists, who must win at the Adelaide Oval to keep their hopes of regaining the urn alive, flew from Brisbane on Saturday.
England spent four nights in the beach town of Noosa, a trip that was planned well ahead of the series and not altered despite defeats in the opening two Tests.
Captain Ben Stokes' men attracted plenty of attention during their time on the Sunshine Coast.
They were pictured in bars, playing golf and on the beach. The England squad were happy to interact with locals and media alike - Stokes even posed with two radio presenters dressed in full whites carrying signs that read: "For sale - moral victories" and "Bazballers anonymous - free counselling".
Australian newspapers have paid close attention to England's downtime. The Brisbane Courier Mail claimed England are "not even trying anymore", the Advertiser from Adelaide labelled the tourists "rub a dub duds" and Sydney's Daily Telegraph carried the headline "Surfed and Turfed".
Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie told ABC radio: "The tourism commission will be licking their lips. It's been Noosa, Noosa, Noosa.
"There's been a lot of criticism about the England team having a break. I don't have a problem with it. I think it's absolutely fair and reasonable."
England's decision to take the break in Noosa has continued the debate around their preparation and training on the tour of Australia.
Billed as a huge opportunity for England to earn a rare win down under and the most anticipated Ashes for a generation, this series is at risk of being over at the earliest opportunity.
Defeat in the second Test in Brisbane extended England's winless run in Australia to 17 Tests, dating back to their last series win here in 2010-11. If they do not win in Adelaide, this will be the fourth consecutive Ashes down under that the destination of the urn will have been settled inside three matches.
England were criticised for playing only one warm-up match before the first Test - a three-day match against the second-string England Lions.
The decision not to send any players from the first Test XI to join a Lions pink-ball match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra also came under scrutiny.
England instead opted for five days of training before the second Test, which head coach Brendon McCullum claimed left them "overprepared" for the defeat at the Gabba.
"Where questioning comes of England is choosing not to get practice in Canberra under lights against the PM's XI, then training in Brisbane and they lost that game," said Gillespie.
"The messaging out of the England camp could have been better. Saying 'we've overprepared' for a Test - everyone would argue no. They had a great opportunity to prepare under lights with a pink ball and they chose not to because they felt it would not simulate conditions in Brisbane.
"Where was that excuse before the first Test in Perth, when they played on a low, slow wicket at Lilac Hill before a fast, bouncy wicket at Perth Stadium? The contradictory messaging coming out of the England camp has opened them up for criticism."
McCullum is due to speak to the media on Sunday as England begin three days of training before the third Test starts on Wednesday (23:30 GMT on Tuesday).
England's Sunday training session could provide clues to possible changes to their XI for the first red-ball Ashes Test in Adelaide since 2013 - the two since then have been day-night matches played with a pink ball.
A freshen up of the pace attack seems likely, with Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson as one option.
With spin likely to play a role in Adelaide, England have a decision to make over Shoaib Bashir.
Bashir has been overlooked for the first two Tests while England opted for the all-round skills of Will Jacks in Brisbane, albeit with Stokes maintaining Bashir remains the number one spinner.
Bashir has been backed by England with this series in mind, yet has struggled so far, picking up two wickets in his two tour matches. Whoever the tourists pick, they will have a significant experience disadvantage compared to Australia veteran Nathan Lyon, himself due to return after being left out in Brisbane.
The visitors may also ponder replacing Ollie Pope at number three. Pope's position has been a long-term source of scrutiny since Jacob Bethell made his Test debut in New Zealand a year ago.
Pope's highest score in this series is 46. He had played 14 innings against Australia without passing 50.
Though Bethell's career has stalled since that New Zealand tour - the 22-year-old is still to make a first-class century - he made 71 for the Lions against Australia A last weekend.
Despite their 2-0 lead, Australia will also make changes for Adelaide. Captain Pat Cummins will return after missing the first two Tests with a back injury.
To make room for Cummins and Lyon, the hosts look likely to omit Brendan Doggett, then one of his fellow seamers - Scott Boland or Michael Neser.
Australia must also decide on opener Usman Khawaja, who missed the second Test with a back injury.
Travis Head and Jake Weatherald have formed a promising partnership in his absence. If Khawaja does return, it would likely be at the expense of batter Josh Inglis, though Australia could leave both men out in favour of all-rounder Beau Webster in order to provide cover for the returning Cummins.
The 2025 All-Northern Section volleyball team, featuring 24 of the top players from the recently completed season, has been announced.
Pleasant Valley and Orland lead the pack with three selections each, with Orland head coach Miranda Coughlin taking home the newly named Mike Haworth Coach of the Year Award.
Six teams earned two selections, including Foothill, Shasta, West Valley, and University Prep, with U-Prep outside hitter Audrey Berg winning Most Valuable Player honors.
See the complete All-Northern Section Volleyball team here.
First Team
Second Team
Third Team
MVP: Audrey Berg, University Prep
Mike Hawthorn Northern Section Volleyball Coach of the Year: Miranda Coughlin, Orland
Written by Kevin Askeland
For 35 years, Northern California high school sports writers have come together to recognize the section’s top prep athletes through the annual All-Northern Section teams. Now, as the tradition reaches a new milestone, the group is expanding its legacy of appreciation by honoring the people who helped shape those athletes.
Beginning this year, the long-standing “coach of the year” award will be renamed to celebrate the exceptional leadership, mentorship, and impact of Northern Section coaches — an acknowledgment that their guidance is as integral to high school sports as the standout performances on the field.
The names of those coaches being honored will be announced with the presentation of each All-Northern Section team. First up is the volleyball coach of the year honor, now named the Mike Haworth Northern Section Volleyball Coach of the Year Award in honor of the longtime Enterprise coach.
The winner of 13 Northern Section volleyball championships, Haworth coached the Hornets from 1984 to 2015. He was the Northern Section coach of the year in 1997 and 2012. He also coached boys basketball and softball during his tenure with the Hornets and he won a total of 27 Northern Section championships as a high school coach — the second-highest total in section history.
Members of this year's panel of sports writers include Aaron Williams of MaxPreps (formerly the Record Searchlight), Brett Abrams of the Record Searchlight, Justin Couchot of the Enterprise-Record, Jeff Larson of the Appeal-Democrat, Jennifer Corriea of the Colusa Sun-Herald, Rick Silva of the Red Bluff Daily News and Kevin Askeland of MaxPreps (Formerly Willows Journal/Orland Press-Register).
Brett Abrams is a sports reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. He covers high school and local sports in the Redding area. Reach out to Brett with any sports tips or news on X (formerly Twitter) @brabrams_ or by email at Brett.Abrams@Redding.com. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: All-Northern Section volleyball team announced for 2025
ORCHARD PARK - Brandin Cooks just smiled the other day when he was asked whether he’s a little frustrated that he hasn’t been able to contribute much in his first two games with the Buffalo Bills.
“No man, I’m extremely blessed, I’m thankful for this opportunity, thankful for the Saints for working with me on this,” the 12th-year wide receiver said.
Meaning, he asked the woebegone Saints for his release in the hopes of hooking on with a playoff team, they granted his wish, and with the Bills bringing him in Cooks went from playing out a dreadful slog of a season in the Bayou to chasing a Super Bowl with Buffalo.
“Nothing but great things to say about those guys over there in New Orleans, but to be here now and have this opportunity to play this type of football, I’m definitely fortunate and I look forward to continuing to build,” Cooks said as he gets ready for Sunday’s showdown in New England.
Cooks has had just 25 snaps where the Bills were passing and he was in the route tree, and Josh Allen has thrown his way only twice. One was a 13-yard reception at Pittsburgh that resulted in a first down; the other came against the Bengals on which he drew a pass interference penalty. That’s been it.
“Absolutely not (frustrated), and I don’t say that to be, like, politically correct,” he said. “The first game in Pittsburgh, the run attack that we had going on was great. This game, snow game, things happen, whatever the case may be. My mindset is when I have my opportunity, take advantage of it, right? So coming here, working with Josh, working with the offense, learning the playbook, getting up to speed, all that stuff is going to take care of itself, and I really believe that. I truly feel that.”
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady praised Cooks on Monday for his great attitude, knowing that contrary to what he says, like every wide receiver, he wants to be involved a little more than he has thus far, especially on a team that, in the last two games has gotten just 12 catches for 101 yards combined from its wide receiver corps. For comparison, the NFL’s leading receiver, Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba, by himself averages 109.8 yards per game.
“You have to be selfish to be a wide receiver, you got to want the football, it’s in you,” Brady said. “It’s got to be a part of you, but you have to want to win more. I saw B. Cooks up in the lunch room, going and talking to him, the happiest, the smile on his face, and he had one target (in each game). But the buy in from him is, I just want to win football games. Every receiver, I hope they want to get 10 balls a game. I hope they come out of every game being like man, I can do more. But I hope the priority over that is … we won.”
We don’t know if Joshua Palmer can return for this game, but whether he does or doesn’t, Cooks needs to be more of a threat down the stretch. He was signed to add a vertical element to a passing game that sorely needs it.
“I think we’re in a really good spot,” Allen said. “He works his tail off in practice and he’s obviously been around the league for a very long time, and it’s no mistake. You can tell by his habits of why he’s been around the league and played at such a high level for such a long time. He’s been a true professional, he’s always in the wide receiver room, in the playbook, and when we come out to practice he’s friggin’ flying around. So yeah, I feel very, very good and I think comfort is just gonna continue to grow.”
Khalil Shakir, who has been the Bills’ top receiver the past two years, said the addition of Cooks should start paying dividends once he’s fully ingrained, and that day is not far off.
“He fits right in and I think his ability to pick things up super fast and learn our offense as quick as he has, it’s pretty great to see,” Shakir said. “At this point, I don’t even think he’s still learning stuff, I think he has it down. He’s been a great dude to be around, too, just his energy, his vibe. Honestly, his leadership, too, and him being in the league for a while now and just being able to pick his brain on the little things about being a great wide receiver.”
Of course, Shakir, Allen and Brady were saying the same things last season when the Bills acquired wily veteran Amari Cooper. That really didn’t work out in terms of production, and so far, a similar scene is playing out with Cooks, though he still has time to make an impact.
“When those opportunities come, I do believe I can help change the game for the better,” Cooks said. “But I’m just trusting that process, trusting (Brady), trusting Josh. And when we get there, we get there.”
Sal Maiorana has covered the Buffalo Bills for more than four decades including 36 years as the full-time beat writer/columnist for the D&C. He has written numerous books about the history of the team, and he is also co-host of the BLEAV in Bills podcast/YouTube show. He can be reached at maiorana@gannett.com, and you can follow him on X @salmaiorana and on Bluesky @salmaiorana.bsky.social.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Brandin Cooks ready to boost Buffalo Bills' passing attack
The New York Rangers are taking on the Montreal Canadiens inside Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
Here's how to watch the Rangers game, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
Cable/Network TV: MSG (for fans in the Rangers local broadcast area)
Start time: 7 p.m.
You can stream the game on The Gotham Sports App.
Gotham Sports App is available with a cable or satellite login and also has options for non-cable subscribers and for individual games.
You can also stream if you have subscriptions to Spectrum, Optimum, Verizon Fios, DirecTV Stream or fuboTV. Nationally televised games may be available on ESPN+ (if broadcast on ABC, ESPN or carried by ESPN+), Hulu (ESPN+ broadcasts) or MAX (TNT/TBS/TruTV broadcasts).
NY Rangers 2025-26 schedule: See full slate of regular-season games here
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Watch Rangers vs Canadiens game today: Channel, time, streaming
Thousands of passengers are facing severe disruptions across the US today as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, SkyWest, and several other carriers experience a staggering 95 cancellations and 3,332 delays. These disruptions are affecting major airports in cities like New York, Phoenix, Seattle, Minneapolis, San Diego, and more. Travelers flying through these hubs are feeling the brunt of the delays, which are caused by factors such as airport volume, deicing, and weather-related issues. As flights are delayed or canceled, passengers are left scrambling for alternatives and facing long waits at terminals.
The ongoing disruptions are causing significant inconvenience for both domestic and international travelers, including those flying to and from destinations in Canada, Mexico, and Europe. With no immediate resolution in sight, passengers are advised to stay informed and prepare for extended delays.
Today, the total number of delays and cancellations within, into, or out of the United States has reached alarming numbers. Across various U.S. airports, there have been 3,058 delays and 98 cancellations reported. This highlights the widespread nature of the disruption, affecting several airports and airlines, and travelers are urged to stay informed for updates.
Several major airports are facing disruptions due to a variety of factors. Here’s a detailed analysis of the airports and their current issues:
Newark, one of the busiest airports in the U.S., is experiencing significant delays due to airport volume. The average delay here is reported to be around 35 minutes. As a major hub, these delays are likely affecting passengers traveling to and from key destinations on the East Coast and beyond.
At MSP, deicing operations have caused substantial delays. Winter weather is forcing airlines to de-ice their planes, leading to longer turnaround times and subsequent delays. This is especially common during the winter months, and passengers can expect continued delays until the weather improves.
Phoenix, known for its consistently sunny weather, is experiencing departure delays due to terminal initiatives. These delays, which are averaging 15 minutes and increasing, suggest operational issues related to capacity management or gate assignments.
San Diego is also struggling with ground delays due to airport volume, with an average delay of 27 minutes. As a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers, these delays are likely to cause ripple effects, especially for passengers heading to vacation spots or connecting through this West Coast hub.
Seattle is facing departure delays due to compacted demand, with delays reaching an average of 30 minutes. This is likely a result of high passenger traffic, and as the holiday season approaches, travelers can expect these conditions to persist.
SLC is experiencing delays related to deicing, which is a common issue during winter. These delays are likely to continue as the airport prepares for winter storms that require aircraft to be treated for safe departures.
Teterboro, an important airport for private and business aviation, is facing departure delays due to wind. The average delay here is 30 minutes, and it is gradually decreasing as the wind conditions improve.
| Airport | Cancelled | Delayed |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage Intl (ANC) | 6 | 18 |
| Billings Logan Intl (BIL) | 11 | 3 |
| Chicago O’Hare Intl (ORD) | 6 | 116 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth Intl (DFW) | 2 | 108 |
| Denver Intl (DEN) | 3 | 82 |
| Houston Bush Int’l (IAH) | 9 | 100 |
| John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) | 5 | 59 |
| LaGuardia (LGA) | 4 | 71 |
| Los Angeles Intl (LAX) | 2 | 85 |
| Minneapolis/St Paul Intl (MSP) | 3 | 71 |
| San Francisco Intl (SFO) | 3 | 43 |
| Schulz-Sonoma County (STS) | 8 | 4 |
Several U.S. airlines are facing disruptions as well, contributing significantly to the delays and cancellations across the country:
These airlines, which operate flights at major U.S. airports, are facing the brunt of the delays and cancellations. Passengers flying with these carriers should expect longer wait times at the airport, and should monitor their flight status closely for updates.
For passengers traveling through these disrupted airports and airlines, here are some steps to minimize the impact of delays and cancellations:
The travel disruptions affecting U.S. airports and airlines today highlight the complexities of managing high passenger volumes, weather challenges, and operational issues. With over 3,000 delays and nearly 100 cancellations reported, passengers are urged to stay informed and be prepared for longer wait times. By staying in touch with airlines and planning accordingly, travelers can reduce the impact of these disruptions on their journeys.
Let’s hope that these delays and cancellations subside soon, and that smooth travel conditions return in time for the upcoming holiday season.
Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports
The post Thousands of Passengers Suffer Across US as Alaska, American, Delta, SkyWest and Other Airlines Face 95 Cancellations and 3,332 Delays in New York, Phoenix, Seattle, Minneapolis, San Diego and More appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
© <p>Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure</p>
In 2026, Asia Pacific is poised to drive the largest expansion in international air travel worldwide. The region’s airports and outbound markets are expected to see a significant surge, contributing massively to global growth. According to recent forecasts, international departures from Asia Pacific will rise by 9.3%, reaching a staggering 588 million, which will account for approximately 25% of global air departures. This growth highlights the strategic importance of Asia as a major hub for international travel, with key airports across China, Southeast Asia, and beyond reporting robust increases.
Several airports in Asia Pacific are at the forefront of this surge. In China, major hubs like Beijing Capital are projected to grow by 23.6%, Guangzhou by 21.4%, and Shanghai Pudong by 20.9% in terms of international departures. This expansion is reflective of China’s growing importance in the global tourism and business travel sectors, with increasing numbers of both inbound and outbound flights.
In Southeast Asia, significant growth is expected across Manila, where international departures are forecast to rise by 20.6%, followed closely by Bangkok Don Mueang at 18.4% and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi at 17%. These airports are emerging as critical links for both regional and long-haul travelers, cementing the role of Southeast Asia in connecting international markets.
Beyond the airport growth, outbound travel from several Asia Pacific countries is also witnessing impressive growth. China and Taiwan are leading the charge, with a forecasted 13% increase in international departures. Meanwhile, South Korea is expected to see 12% growth, and Thailand will experience a rise of 11.5% in outbound travelers. Other countries such as Singapore, Macau, Cambodia, and Myanmar are also projected to witness double-digit increases in outbound travel, further emphasizing the region’s role as a major player in global tourism.
In contrast to the booming markets of China and Southeast Asia, Japan is projected to see more modest growth in 2026. Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda airports are forecast to experience growth rates of just 2.8% and 1.6%, respectively. This lower growth can be attributed to various factors, including Japan’s relatively mature tourism infrastructure and a slowdown in certain segments of international travel.
While Asia Pacific is undoubtedly the leader in air travel growth, other regions are also experiencing notable trends. Europe, the world’s largest market for international departures, is expected to see a more modest growth rate of 2.2%. However, airports in Northern Europe, such as Germany, Stockholm Arlanda, and Frankfurt, are poised for stronger performance, with growth rates of 7.3%, 14%, and 8.5%, respectively.
In North America, international departures are projected to increase by 7.6%, driven by major U.S. hubs like Miami, New York JFK, and Los Angeles, which will see significant growth. Latin America and the Caribbean are also expected to experience growth, though at a more moderate pace of 6%, with some airports like Havana and Curaçao reporting dramatic increases in international departures.
In the Middle East, Dubai remains the dominant airport, but growth is expected to be minimal, at around 1%. However, airports in emerging markets, such as Beirut (+25.5%), Tehran (+17.7%), and Addis Ababa (+15.3%), will contribute significantly to the region’s overall growth. Outbound travel from countries like Iraq and Lebanon will also see impressive increases, adding to the region’s growing influence on global air travel.
As Asia Pacific leads the global surge in air travel, it presents a wealth of opportunities for travelers. To make the most of this booming region:
The Asia Pacific air travel surge in 2026 will not only boost airport infrastructure and outbound travel but will also have a ripple effect on the global tourism industry. With increased connectivity, destinations across Asia will benefit from a boost in both international arrivals and tourism revenue. This trend highlights the need for continued investment in the tourism sector, ensuring that both travelers and the industry can capitalize on the growth potential.
The post Asia Pacific’s 2026 Air Travel Surge: China, Thailand, and Southeast Asia Airports Driving Global Growth – Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
© <p>jeremietardieu / Getty Images</p>
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport has been named the most convenient airport in America for business travel, surpassing other major U.S. airports like Boston Logan, Reagan Washington National, Los Angeles, and Denver. According to a new report, this ranking highlights Hartsfield-Jackson’s dedication to minimizing ground-time friction with clear signage, direct gate routes, and strategically placed elevators.
While Boston Logan, Reagan Washington National, Los Angeles, and Denver have long been popular choices for business travelers, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta outshines them all in terms of convenience. The study also reveals that convenience plays a crucial role in shaping the business travel experience, making it essential for corporate travelers to consider airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta for their future trips. This comprehensive guide to the most convenient U.S. airports for business travel is a must-read for anyone seeking smoother, more efficient journeys.
Corporate Traveler has released its much-awaited Business Travel Airport Guide, shedding light on the most desirable airports for business travelers. The guide ranks U.S. and international airports across multiple categories, such as security efficiency, accessibility, dining options, and overall convenience. By gathering insights from travel managers, Corporate Traveler has highlighted the importance of a seamless airport experience in reducing travel friction. This comprehensive report serves as a valuable resource for businesses aiming to enhance the travel experience for their employees, ensuring that efficiency and comfort go hand in hand.
In the U.S., Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport leads the way for business travel, with 15% of travel managers ranking it as the best. Known for its efficiency and smooth operations, it stands out as the top choice for frequent flyers. Following closely are LaGuardia Airport in New York (11%) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (9%), both of which are praised for their convenience and quick transit times. George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and Boston’s Logan Airport round out the top five. These airports excel in providing high-quality amenities and services that ensure business travelers can manage their time effectively.
When it comes to international travel, Singapore Changi Airport is the undisputed leader, with 21% of travel managers naming it the best. The airport’s cutting-edge facilities, fast immigration clearance, and extensive dining options set it apart from others. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and London Heathrow Airport follow closely, both scoring 16%. These airports provide smooth transit experiences and world-class services that are essential for business travel. The convenience of quick connections, seamless transfers, and premium lounges make these airports highly desirable for global business travelers.
Efficiency remains a top priority for business travelers. Nearly half of the survey respondents (49.1%) cited efficient security screening as the most important factor when selecting an airport. This focus on time-saving measures ensures that business professionals can spend less time in queues and more time focusing on their work. Airports like Logan Airport in Boston and LaGuardia in New York were recognised for their swift and reliable security measures. The faster travelers can get through security and customs, the quicker they can focus on their meetings or travel to the next destination.
Accessibility has become increasingly important in recent years. Airports that prioritize inclusive design and traveller assistance are becoming the new standard. Boston Logan Airport leads the way in accessibility, with a strong focus on inclusive facilities and mobility. Los Angeles International Airport and Denver International Airport also rank highly for accessibility, with features like elevators, ramps, and dedicated assistance staff. These improvements ensure that business travelers, regardless of their physical needs, can navigate the airport with ease, ensuring a smoother start to their journey.
For business travelers, high-quality dining options are essential for staying productive during layovers. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is once again the leader, offering a wide variety of premium dining choices. From quick snacks to sit-down meals, the airport caters to all preferences. Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles International Airport follow closely, offering diverse options that allow business travelers to recharge. These airports understand that efficient dining options not only keep travelers nourished but also allow them to continue their work while enjoying a meal.
For many business travelers, airport lounges serve as a refuge from the chaos of busy terminals. Los Angeles International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York have been recognized for their outstanding lounges, which provide a tranquil space to work or relax. These lounges offer quiet seating, reliable Wi-Fi, and premium amenities, making them ideal for business professionals in need of some downtime before their flight. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, also a top contender for its lounge quality, provides numerous spaces for travelers to unwind or conduct meetings in comfort.
Airport improvements are vital for maintaining a smooth travel experience, especially for business travelers. LaGuardia Airport in New York has made significant strides in upgrading its facilities, improving security processes, and enhancing overall design. It was named one of the fastest-improving airports in the U.S., with new modernized terminals and expanded services. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Denver International Airport also saw significant improvements, contributing to their strong rankings in overall airport excellence.
Corporate Traveler’s Business Travel Airport Guide provides invaluable insights for both business travelers and companies. The guide highlights the importance of airports focusing on efficiency, accessibility, and the overall traveler experience. It underscores the need for seamless connections, quality dining, fast immigration processes, and comfort-focused lounges to ensure that business trips are productive and stress-free. By choosing airports that prioritise these factors, business travelers can significantly reduce travel friction and ensure smoother transitions during their journey.
The post Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Beats Boston Logan Reagan Washington National, Los Angeles, Denver and Other US Airports as Most Convenient in America for Business Travel, New Report Shows Much More Than You Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Port Canaveral has officially earned recognition as the world’s busiest cruise port, processing 8.6 million passenger movements during fiscal year 2025.
The achievement marks a 13 percent increase over the previous year and represents the highest passenger volume in the port’s history.
The milestone underscores Port Canaveral’s dominance in the North American cruise market, where it serves as homeport for 18 vessels across seven major cruise brands.
The port currently supports over 1,000 sailings annually, solidifying its position as a critical hub for cruise operators seeking reliable, high-capacity infrastructure.
“This distinction reflects our commitment to providing a quality experience and supporting our cruise partners’ business growth,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral’s CEO, in a statement.
The achievement arrives as Port Canaveral advances its Port Canaveral Advantage initiative, a $912 million, five-year capital improvement program designed to expand capacity and modernize operations. The project includes expansion of two existing cruise terminals, development of a seventh new terminal campus, additional parking facilities, and deployment of new technology aimed at streamlining the boarding process and passenger convenience.
For travel advisors, Port Canaveral’s continued investment in infrastructure matters significantly. The port’s geographic position as a drive-to market, with approximately 75 percent of passengers driving from within the southeast, offers advantages over fly-to homeports.
Easy terminal access, ample adjacent parking, and Central Florida’s centralized location make it an attractive option for cruise passengers seeking easy cruise embarkation.
As cruise demand continues to grow, Port Canaveral’s infrastructure investments position it to maintain its market leadership while accommodating projected future growth in passenger sailings from the Central Florida region.
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