INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 7 SCHEDULE
ADAMS CENTRAL (6-0) AT SOUTHERN WELLS (2-4)
ALEXANDRIA (4-2) AT FRANKTON (0-6)
ANDREAN (5-1) AT ANGOLA (3-3)
ATTICA (2-4) AT RIVERTON PARKE (6-0)
BATESVILLE (3-3) AT GREENSBURG (0-6)
BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (5-1) AT FLOYD CENTRAL (5-1)
BEECH GROVE (4-2) AT SPEEDWAY (0-6)
BLACKFORD (0-6) AT OAK HILL (3-3)
BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (6-0) AT COLUMBUS NORTH (4-2)
BLUFFTON (6-0) AT HERITAGE (4-2)
BOONE GROVE (2-3) AT WHITING (2-4)
BOONVILLE (3-3) AT PRINCETON (3-3)
BREBEUF JESUIT (0-6) AT ARSENAL TECH (2-4)
BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (6-0) AT MADISON (0-6)
CALUMET (5-1) AT WHEELER (5-0)
CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN (0-6) AT UNION CITY (1-5)
CARMEL (5-1) AT BEN DAVIS (1-5)
CASCADE (6-0) AT GREENCASTLE (3-3)
CASTLE (5-1) AT JASPER (5-1)
CASTON (2-4) AT TRITON (4-2)
CENTERVILLE (4-2) AT UNION COUNTY (1-5)
CHARLESTOWN (5-1) AT CORYDON CENTRAL (2-4)
CHURUBUSCO (4-2) AT CENTRAL NOBLE (1-5)
CLINTON CENTRAL (2-4) AT CARROLL (FLORA) (3-2)
CLINTON PRAIRIE (3-2) AT TAYLOR (4-2)
CLOVERDALE (3-3) AT BROWN COUNTY (1-5)
COLUMBUS EAST (3-3) AT BLOOMINGTON NORTH (3-3)
CONCORD (5-1) AT GOSHEN (2-4)
CONNERSVILLE (3-3) AT EAST CENTRAL (5-1)
COVENANT CHRISTIAN (1-5) AT INDIANAPOLIS RITTER (2-4)
COVINGTON (4-2) AT SEEGER (5-1)
CULVER ACADEMY (2-4) AT BREMEN (4-2)
DECATUR CENTRAL (4-2) AT GREENWOOD (2-4)
DELPHI (2-4) AT SHERIDAN (4-1)
DELTA (3-3) AT PENDLETON HEIGHTS (5-1)
EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (1-5) AT LAKE STATION (5-1)
EAST NOBLE (6-0) AT COLUMBIA CITY (4-2)
EASTERN (PEKIN) (1-5) AT SALEM (2-4)
EASTERN GREENE (1-5) AT NORTH DECATUR (5-1)
EASTSIDE (4-2) AT FREMONT (4-2)
EDINBURGH (1-4) AT NORTH CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG) (3-3)
ELWOOD (2-4) AT MISSISSINEWA (6-0)
EVANSVILLE HARRISON (0-6) AT EVANSVILLE CENTRAL (1-5)
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (2-4) AT EVANSVILLE BOSSE (0-6)
EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (6-0) AT EVANSVILLE REITZ (4-2)
FAIRFIELD (3-3) AT GARRETT (2-4)
FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA (0-6) AT FORT WAYNE WAYNE (0-6)
FORT WAYNE DWENGER (4-2) AT FORT WAYNE LUERS (3-3)
FORT WAYNE NORTH (4-2) AT FORT WAYNE SOUTH (1-5)
FORT WAYNE NORTHROP (5-1) AT FORT WAYNE SNIDER (2-4)
FOUNTAIN CENTRAL (2-4) AT SOUTH VERMILLION (2-4)
FRANKLIN (3-3) AT PLAINFIELD (5-1)
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (4-2) AT FISHERS (4-2)
FRANKLIN COUNTY (4-2) AT SOUTH DEARBORN (4-2)
FRONTIER (6-0) AT TRI-COUNTY (1-5)
GARY WEST (2-3) AT GRIFFITH (5-1)
GIBSON SOUTHERN (5-1) AT WASHINGTON (3-3)
GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (3-3) AT YORKTOWN (5-1)
GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN (1-5) AT INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (5-1)
GUERIN CATHOLIC (3-3) AT PIKE (1-5)
HAGERSTOWN (3-3) AT WINCHESTER (5-1)
HAMILTON HEIGHTS (2-4) AT TWIN LAKES (5-1)
HAMMOND CENTRAL (0-6) AT HAMMOND MORTON (4-2)
HAMMOND NOLL (2-4) AT RIVER FOREST (2-4)
HIGHLAND (2-4) AT MUNSTER (1-5)
HOBART (4-2) AT HANOVER CENTRAL (3-3)
HOMESTEAD (4-2) AT CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (3-3)
INDIAN CREEK (4-2) AT TRITON CENTRAL (5-1)
INDIANAPOLIS ATTUCKS (5-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS SHORTRIDGE (3-3)
INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (4-2) AT CENTER GROVE (6-0)
INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (5-1) AT HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (3-3)
INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (4-2) AT CINCINNATI LASALLE (OHIO)
INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (4-2) AT PROVIDENCE (4-2)
INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY (1-5) AT CHRISTEL HOUSE (0-6)
IRVINGTON PREP (1-4) AT FORT WAYNE BLACKHAWK (1-5)
JAY COUNTY (2-4) AT SOUTH ADAMS (3-3)
JEFFERSONVILLE (2-4) AT NEW ALBANY (0-6)
JIMTOWN (1-5) AT KNOX (6-0)
LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (1-5) AT TIPTON (3-3)
LAFAYETTE JEFF (5-1) AT KOKOMO (2-4)
LAKE CENTRAL (2-4) AT CHESTERTON (4-2)
LAKELAND (4-2) AT WEST NOBLE (5-1)
LAPEL (6-0) AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (4-2)
LAPORTE (2-4) AT CROWN POINT (6-0)
LAVILLE (2-4) AT JOHN GLENN (2-4)
LAWRENCE CENTRAL (3-3) AT NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) (2-4)
LAWRENCEBURG (5-1) AT RUSHVILLE (1-5)
LEBANON (5-1) AT DANVILLE (3-3)
LEO (5-1) AT HUNTINGTON NORTH (2-4)
LEWIS CASS (4-2) AT MACONAQUAH (6-0)
LINTON (4-2) AT NORTH KNOX (3-3)
LOWELL (5-1) AT KANKAKEE VALLEY (0-6)
MADISON-GRANT (5-1) AT EASTBROOK (6-0)
MANCHESTER (4-2) AT WHITKO (1-5)
MARTINSVILLE (2-4) AT PERRY MERIDIAN (2-4)
MERRILLVILLE (4-2) AT VALPARAISO (1-5)
MILAN (2-3) AT EASTERN HANCOCK (3-3)
MISHAWAKA MARIAN (2-4) AT NEW PRAIRIE (1-5)
MITCHELL (0-6) AT NORTH DAVIESS (6-0)
MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) (0-6) AT NEW CASTLE (1-5)
MOUNT VERNON (POSEY) (4-2) AT HERITAGE HILLS (5-1)
MUNCIE CENTRAL (3-3) AT ANDERSON (1-5)
NEW HAVEN (1-5) AT BELLMONT (0-6)
NOBLESVILLE (1-5) AT HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (3-3)
NORTH JUDSON (5-1) AT WINAMAC (1-5)
NORTH MIAMI (4-2) AT SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS) (0-6)
NORTH MONTGOMERY (0-6) AT CRAWFORDSVILLE (2-4)
NORTH NEWTON (3-3) AT BOWMAN ACADEMY (3-3)
NORTH POSEY (5-1) AT FOREST PARK (3-3)
NORTH PUTNAM (2-4) AT FRANKFORT (0-6)
NORTH WHITE (2-4) AT SOUTH NEWTON (2-4)
NORTHFIELD (1-5) AT ROCHESTER (5-1)
NORTHRIDGE (0-6) AT WAWASEE (1-5)
NORTHWESTERN (3-3) AT WABASH (1-5)
NORWELL (1-5) AT DEKALB (4-2)
OSCEOLA GRACE AT MONROE CENTRAL (3-3)
OWEN VALLEY (1-5) AT WEST VIGO (0-6)
PAOLI (4-2) AT CRAWFORD COUNTY (4-2)
PARKE HERITAGE (4-2) AT NORTH VERMILLION (0-6)
PENN (6-0) AT ELKHART (4-2)
PHALEN ACADEMY AT EASTERN (GREENTOWN) (5-1)
PIKE CENTRAL (0-6) AT SOUTH SPENCER (1-5)
PIONEER (5-1) AT CULVER (2-4)
PLYMOUTH (3-3) AT NORTHWOOD (3-3)
PORTAGE (0-6) AT MICHIGAN CITY (4-2)
PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (0-6) AT WOODLAN (1-5)
PURDUE ENGLEWOOD (5-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS WASHINGTON (1-4)
RENSSELAER CENTRAL (4-2) AT BENTON CENTRAL (0-6)
RICHMOND (1-5) AT MARION (1-5)
SCOTTSBURG (5-1) AT CLARKSVILLE (3-3)
SEYMOUR (0-6) AT JENNINGS COUNTY (2-4)
SHELBYVILLE (3-3) AT NEW PALESTINE (6-0)
SHENANDOAH (4-2) AT NORTHEASTERN (6-0)
SILVER CREEK (2-4) AT NORTH HARRISON (2-4)
SOUTH BEND RILEY (3-3) AT SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH (6-0)
SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON (2-4) AT SOUTH BEND ADAMS (2-4)
SOUTH PUTNAM (5-1) AT NORTHVIEW (5-1)
SOUTHWOOD (1-5) AT PERU (1-5)
SULLIVAN (3-3) AT EDGEWOOD (5-1)
SWITZERLAND COUNTY (5-1) AT SOUTH DECATUR (2-4)
TECUMSEH (3-3) AT SPRINGS VALLEY (6-0)
TELL CITY (3-3) AT SOUTHRIDGE (2-4)
TERRE HAUTE NORTH (0-6) AT SOUTHPORT (0-6)
TERRE HAUTE SOUTH (4-2) AT MCCUTCHEON (2-4)
TRI (3-3) AT KNIGHTSTOWN (4-2)
TRI-WEST (5-1) AT MONROVIA (3-3)
VINCENNES LINCOLN (3-3) AT EVANSVILLE NORTH (4-2)
WARREN CENTRAL (5-1) AT LAWRENCE NORTH (5-1)
WARSAW (4-2) AT MISHAWAKA (5-1)
WES-DEL (2-3) AT PARK TUDOR (4-2)
WEST CENTRAL (6-0) AT FAITH CHRISTIAN (1-5)
WEST LAFAYETTE (2-4) AT LOGANSPORT (5-1)
WEST WASHINGTON (2-4) AT PERRY CENTRAL (0-6)
WESTERN (5-1) AT TIPPECANOE VALLEY (4-2)
WESTERN BOONE (4-2) AT SOUTHMONT (6-0)
WESTFIELD (4-2) AT AVON (3-3)
WHITELAND (4-2) AT MOORESVILLE (3-3)
ZIONSVILLE (3-3) AT BROWNSBURG (6-0)
_____________
+++INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL SCORES:+++
https://www.maxpreps.com/in/volleyball/scores/?date=10/1/2025
Z RATINGS: HTTPS://WWW.ZVOLLEYBALL.COM/IPV/INDIANA-HS-Z-RATINGS/Z-GIRLS-2025
__________
+++INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER SCORES:+++
https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/scores/?date=10/1/2025
___________
+++INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER SCORES:+++
https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/girls/scores/?date=10/1/2025
___________
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GOLF STATE FINALS
OCTOBER 4,5
FRIDAY TEE TIMES: https://www.ihsaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2025-26%20GGo%20State%20First%20Round%20Pairings.pdf
_________________
+++INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS:+++
https://in.milesplit.com/results
__________________
+++INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TENNIS +++
SECTIONAL DATES: SEPTEMBER 30, OCT 1, 2, 3, 4
1. Avon (5) | Bracket
Avon, Brownsburg, Danville, Plainfield, Tri-West Hendricks.
2. Mooresville (4) | Bracket
Greencastle, Martinsville, Mooresville, South Putnam.
3. Terre Haute North (4) | Bracket
Northview, Terre Haute North Vigo, Terre Haute South Vigo, West Vigo.
4. Bloomington South (5) | Bracket
Edgewood, Bloomington North, Bloomington South, Brown County, Owen Valley.
5. Jasper (4) | Bracket
Forest Park, Jasper, Northeast Dubois, Southridge.
6. Linton-Stockton (4) | Bracket
Bloomfield, Linton-Stockton, Sullivan, White River Valley.
7. Vincennes Lincoln (4) | Bracket
South Knox, Vincennes Lincoln, Vincennes Rivet, Washington.
8. Loogootee (4) | Bracket
Barr-Reeve, Loogootee, North Daviess, Paoli.
9. Princeton Community (5) | Bracket
Gibson Southern, Pike Central, Princeton Community, Tecumseh, Wood Memorial.
10. Mt. Vernon (Posey) (5) | Bracket
Evansville Central, Evansville Mater Dei, Evansville Reitz, Mt. Vernon (Posey), North Posey.
11. Evansville Bosse (Hosted @ Evansville North) (5) | Bracket
Evansville Bosse, Evansville Christian, Evansville Harrison, Evansville Memorial, Evansville North.
12. Tell City (5) | Bracket
Boonville, Castle, Heritage Hills, South Spencer, Tell City.
13. Lanesville (5) | Bracket
Corydon Central, Crawford County, Lanesville, North Harrison, South Central (Elizabeth).
14. New Albany (5) | Bracket
Clarksville, Christian Academy of Indiana, Jeffersonville, New Albany, Providence.
15. Floyd Central (4) | Bracket
Borden, Eastern (Pekin), Floyd Central, Salem.
16. Silver Creek (4) | Bracket
Charlestown, Henryville, New Washington, Silver Creek.
17. Scottsburg (4) | Bracket
Austin, Madison Consolidated, Scottsburg, Southwestern (Hanover).
18. Bedford North Lawrence (5) | Bracket
Bedford North Lawrence, Brownstown Central, Jennings County, Seymour, Trinity Lutheran.
19. East Central (6) | Bracket
Batesville, East Central, Lawrenceburg, Milan, Oldenburg Academy, South Dearborn.
20. Columbus North (5) | Bracket
Columbus East, Columbus North, Edinburgh, Greensburg, Hauser
21. Perry Meridian (4) | Bracket
Decatur Central, Perry Meridian, Roncalli, Southport.
22. Connersville (4) | Bracket
Connersville, Franklin County, Rushville Consolidated, Union County.
23. Center Grove (5) | Bracket
Center Grove, Frankin Community, Greenwood Community, Indian Creek, Whiteland Community.
24. Shelbyville (5) | Bracket
Morristown, Shelbyville, Southwestern (Shelby), Triton Central, Waldron.
25. Ben Davis (4) | Bracket
Ben Davis, Covenant Christian (Indianapolis), Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter, Speedway.
26. North Central (Indpls.) (5) | Bracket
Herron, Indpls. Bishop Chatard, Indianapolis Crispus Attucks, Indpls. Shortridge, North Central (Indpls.).
27. Lawrence North (5) | Bracket
Heritage Christian, Indpls. Arsenal Tech, Indpls. Cathedral, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North.
28. Franklin Central (5) | Bracket
Beech Grove, Franklin Central, Indpls. Lutheran, Indpls. Scecina Memorial, Warrren Central.
29. New Castle (5) | Bracket
Blue River Valley, Knightstown, New Castle, Shenandoah, Tri.
30. Mt. Vernon (Fortville) (4) | Bracket
Eastern Hancock, Greenfield-Central, Mt. Vernon (Fortville), New Palestine.
31. Fishers (4) | Bracket
Anderson, Fishers, Hamilton Southeastern, Pendleton Heights.
32. Richmond (5) | Bracket
Cambridge City Lincoln, Centerville, Hagerstown, Northeastern, Richmond.
33. Fountain Central (4) | Bracket
Covington, Fountain Central, Parke Heritage, South Vermillion.
34. Crawfordsville (5) | Bracket
Crawfordsville, Lebanon, North Montgomery, Southmont, Western Boone.
35. Carmel (4) | Bracket
Carmel, Guerin Catholic, University, Zionsville.
36. Park Tudor (4) | Bracket
Brebeuf Jesuit, Park Tudor, Pike, International School of Indiana.
37. South Bend St. Joseph (Hosted @ South Bend Adams) (4) | Bracket
Glenn, South Bend Riley, South Bend St. Joseph, South Bend Washington.
38. LaPorte (4) | Bracket
LaPorte, Marquette Catholic, Michigan City, New Prairie.
39. Valparaiso (4) | Bracket
Chesterton, Portage, Valparaiso, Wheeler.
40. Hobart (5) | Bracket
Andrean, Hobart, Lake Station Edison, Merrillville, River Forest.
41. Harrison (West Lafayette) (5) | Bracket
Benton Central, Harrison (West Lafayette), Lafayette Jefferson, Rossville, West Lafayette.
42. Frankfort (5) | Bracket
Attica, Frankfort, Lafayette Central Catholic, McCutcheon, Seeger.
43. Logansport (5) | Bracket
Carroll (Flora), Delphi Community, Lewis Cass, Logansport, Twin Lakes.
44. Kokomo (4) | Bracket
Eastern (Greentown), Kokomo, Northwestern, Western.
45. Crown Point (5) | Bracket
Crown Point, Hanover Central, Kankakee Valley, Lowell, Rensselaer Central.
46. Highland (6) | Bracket
Calumet, Griffith, Highland, Illiana Christian, Lake Central, Munster.
47. East Chicago Central (4) | Bracket
East Chicago Central, Hammond Academy of Science and Technology, Hammond Bishop Noll, Hammond Central.
48. Culver Academies (5) | Bracket
Culver Academies, Knox, North Judson-San Piere, Plymouth, Triton.
49. Madison-Grant (5) | Bracket
Blackford, Madison-Grant, Marion, Mississinewa, Huntington North.
50. Norwell (5) | Bracket
Adams Central, Bellmont, Bluffton, Norwell, South Adams.
51. Homestead (5) | Bracket
FW Bishop Luers, FW Canterbury, FW South Side, FW Wayne, Homestead.
52. Peru (5) | Bracket
Maconaquah, Manchester, Peru, Rochester Community, Wabash.
53. Jay County (4) | Bracket
Jay County, Randolph Southern, Union City, Winchester Community.
54. Delta (4) | Bracket
Delta, Muncie Burris, Muncie Central, Yorktown.
55. Alexandria Monroe (4) | Bracket
Alexandria Monroe, Elwood, Frankton, Tipton.
56. Noblesville (4) | Bracket
Hamilton Heights, Lapel, Noblesville, Westfield.
57. Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran (5) | Bracket
FW Blackhawk Christian, FW Bishop Dwenger. FW Concordia Lutheran, FW North Side, New Haven.
58. Carroll (Fort Wayne) (5) | Bracket
Carroll (Fort Wayne), Churubusco, FW Northrop, FW Snider, Leo.
59. DeKalb (4) | Bracket
Central Noble, East Noble, DeKalb, West Noble.
60. Angola (5) | Bracket
Angola, Fremont, Lakeland, Prairie Heights, Westview.
61. Warsaw (5) | Bracket
Columbia City, Tippecanoe Valley, Whitko, Warsaw Community, Wawasee.
62. Concord (4) | Bracket
Concord, Elkhart, Jimtown, Northridge.
63. NorthWood (5) | Bracket
Bethany Christian, Bremen, Fairfield, Goshen, NorthWood.
64. Penn (4) | Bracket
Mishawaka, Mishawaka Marian, Penn, South Bend Adams
________________
+++INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL UNIFIED FLAG FOOTBALL+++
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
________________
+++MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL+++
MLB PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
WILD-CARD SERIES (ALL GAME TIMES ET)
++++NO. 6 DETROIT AT NO. 3 CLEVELAND
GAME 1: DETROIT 2 CLEVELAND 1
GAME 2: CLEVELAND 6 DETROIT 1
GAME 3 (IF NECESSARY): THURSDAY, OCT. 2, 1:08 P.M. (ESPN)
++++NO. 5 BOSTON AT NO. 4 NEW YORK
GAME 1: BOSTON 3 NEW YORK 1
GAME 2: NEW YORK 4 BOSTON 3
GAME 3 (IF NECESSARY): THURSDAY, OCT. 2, 6:08 P.M. (ESPN)
++++NO. 6 CINCINNATI AT NO. 3 LOS ANGELES
GAME 1: LOS ANGELES 10 CINCINNATI 5
GAME 2: LOS ANGELES 8 CINCINNATI 4
++++NO. 5 SAN DIEGO AT NO. 4 CHICAGO
GAME 1: CHICAGO 3 SAN DIEGO 1
GAME 2: SAN DIEGO 3 CHICAGO 0
GAME 3 (IF NECESSARY): THURSDAY, OCT. 2, 3:08 P.M. (ABC)
DIVISION SERIES (GAMES 1-2 AND 5 AT HIGHER SEED, 3-4 AT LOWER SEED)
++++NO. 1 TORONTO VS. NEW YORK/BOSTON WINNER
GAME 1: SATURDAY, OCT. 4
GAME 2: SUNDAY, OCT. 5
GAME 3: TUESDAY, OCT. 7
GAME 4 (IF NECESSARY): WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8
GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY): FRIDAY, OCT. 10
++++NO. 2 SEATTLE VS. CLEVELAND/DETROIT WINNER
GAME 1: SATURDAY, OCT. 4
GAME 2: SUNDAY, OCT. 5
GAME 3: TUESDAY, OCT. 7
GAME 4 (IF NECESSARY): WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8
GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY): FRIDAY, OCT. 10
++++NO. 1 MILWAUKEE VS. CHICAGO/SAN DIEGO WINNER
GAME 1: SATURDAY, OCT. 4
GAME 2: MONDAY, OCT. 6
GAME 3: WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8
GAME 4 (IF NECESSARY): THURSDAY, OCT. 9
GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY): SATURDAY, OCT. 11
++++NO. 2 PHILADELPHIA VS. LOS ANGELES/CINCINNATI WINNER
GAME 1: SATURDAY, OCT. 4
GAME 2: MONDAY, OCT. 6
GAME 3: WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8
GAME 4 (IF NECESSARY): THURSDAY, OCT. 9
GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY): SATURDAY, OCT. 11
++++ALCS (HIGHER SEED HOSTS GAMES 1-2, 6-7, LOWER SEED HOSTS GAMES 3-5)
GAME 1: SUNDAY, OCT. 12
GAME 2: MONDAY, OCT. 13
GAME 3: WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15
GAME 4: THURSDAY, OCT. 16
GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY): FRIDAY, OCT. 17
GAME 6 (IF NECESSARY): SUNDAY, OCT. 19
GAME 7 (IF NECESSARY): MONDAY, OCT. 20
++++NLCS (HIGHER SEED HOSTS GAMES 1-2, 6-7, LOWER SEED HOSTS GAMES 3-5)
GAME 1: MONDAY, OCT. 13
GAME 2: TUESDAY, OCT. 14
GAME 3: THURSDAY, OCT. 16
GAME 4: FRIDAY, OCT. 17
GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY): SATURDAY, OCT. 18
GAME 6 (IF NECESSARY): MONDAY, OCT. 20
GAME 7 (IF NECESSARY): TUESDAY, OCT. 21
++++WORLD SERIES (HIGHER SEED HOSTS GAMES 1-2, 6-7, LOWER SEED HOSTS GAMES 3-5)
GAME 1: FRIDAY, OCT. 24
GAME 2: SATURDAY, OCT. 25
GAME 3: MONDAY, OCT. 27
GAME 4: TUESDAY, OCT. 28
GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY): WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29
GAME 6 (IF NECESSARY): FRIDAY, OCT. 31
GAME 7 (IF NECESSARY): SATURDAY, NOV. 1
__________
+++COLLEGE FOOTBALL+++
WEEK 6 SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, OCT. 2
9 P.M. | SAM HOUSTON AT NEW MEXICO STATE | CBSSN
FRIDAY, OCT. 3
7 P.M. | WESTERN KENTUCKY AT DELAWARE | CBSSN
7 P.M. | CHARLOTTE AT SOUTH FLORIDA | ESPN2
10 P.M. | NEW MEXICO AT SAN JOSE STATE | FS1
10:30 P.M. | WEST VIRGINIA AT NO. 23 BYU | ESPN
10:30 P.M. | COLORADO STATE AT SAN DIEGO STATE | CBSSN
SATURDAY, OCT. 4
12 P.M. | KENTUCKY AT NO. 12 GEORGIA | ABC
12 P.M. |NO. 14 IOWA STATE AT CINCINNATI | ESPN2
12 P.M. | WISCONSIN AT NO. 20 MICHIGAN | FOX
12 P.M. | NO. 22 ILLINOIS AT PURDUE | BIG TEN NETWORK
12 P.M. | BOSTON COLLEGE AT PITT | ACC NETWORK
12 P.M. | CLEMSON AT NORTH CAROLINA | ESPN
12 P.M. | KANSAS STATE AT BAYLOR | ESPN+
12 P.M. | AIR FORCE AT NAVY | CBS/PARAMOUNT+
12 P.M. | ARMY AT UAB | ESPNU
12 P.M. | OHIO AT BALL STATE | CBSSN
1 P.M. | WAKE FOREST AT VIRGINIA TECH | THE CW NETWORK
1 P.M. | UTSA AT TEMPLE | ESPN+
2 P.M. | CAMPBELL AT NC STATE | ESPN+/ACC EXTRA
2 P.M. | OKLAHOMA STATE AT ARIZONA | TNT/TRUTV/HBO MAX
2:30 P.M. | WESTERN MICHIGAN AT UMASS | ESPN+
3:30 P.M. | NO. 7 PENN STATE AT UCLA | CBS
3:30 P.M. | NO. 9 TEXAS AT FLORIDA | ESPN
3:30 P.M. | NO. 16 VANDERBILT AT NO. 10 ALABAMA
3:30 P.M. | BOISE STATE AT NO. 21 NOTRE DAME | NBC/PEACOCK
3:30 P.M. | WASHINGTON AT MARYLAND | BIG TEN NETWORK
3:30 P.M. | UL MONROE AT NORTHWESTERN | BIG TEN NETWORK
3:30 P.M. | OREGON STATE AT APPALACHIAN STATE | ESPN+
3:30 P.M. | NO. 24 VIRGINIA AT LOUISVILLE | ESPN2
3:30 P.M. | SYRACUSE AT SMU
3:30 P.M. | FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AT UCONN | CBSSN
3:30 P.M. | JAMES MADISON AT GEORGIA STATE | ESPN+
3:30 P.M. | CENTRAL MICHIGAN AT AKRON | ESPN+
3:30 P.M. | EASTERN MICHIGAN AT BUFFALO | ESPN+
3:30 P.M. | MIAMI (OHIO) AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS | ESPN+
4 P.M. | KENT STATE AT NO. 5 OKLAHOMA | SEC NETWORK
4 P.M. | MICHIGAN STATE AT NEBRASKA | FS1
4 P.M. | TEXAS STATE AT ARKANSAS STATE | ESPNU
6 P.M. | COASTAL CAROLINA AT OLD DOMINION | ESPN+
7 P.M. | NO. 11 TEXAS TECH AT HOUSTON | ESPN
7 P.M. | UNLV AT WYOMING | CBSSN
7 P.M. | SOUTH ALABAMA AT TROY | ESPN+
7 P.M. | FLORIDA ATLANTIC AT RICE | ESPN+
7:30 P.M. | MINNESOTA AT NO. 1 OHIO STATE | NBC/PEACOCK
7:30 P.M. | NO. 3 MIAMI (FLA.) AT NO. 18 FLORIDA STATE | ABC
7:30 P.M. | MISSISSIPPI STATE AT NO. 6 TEXAS A&M | SEC NETWORK
7:30 P.M. | COLORADO AT TCU | FOX
7:30 P.M. | KANSAS AT UCF | ESPN2
8 P.M. | TULSA AT MEMPHIS | ESPNU
10:30 P.M. | DUKE AT CAL | ESPN
10:30 P.M. | NEVADA AT FRESNO STATE | CBSSN
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+++NFL SCHEDULE+++
WEEK 5
THURSDAY, OCT. 2
SAN FRANCISCO AT LA RAMS, 8:15 P.M. (PRIME VIDEO)
SUNDAY, OCT. 5
MINNESOTA VS. CLEVELAND AT LONDON, 9:30 A.M. (NFLN)
NY GIANTS AT NEW ORLEANS, 1 P.M. (CBS)
DENVER AT PHILADELPHIA
HOUSTON AT BALTIMORE, 1 P.M. (CBS)
DALLAS AT NY JETS, 1 P.M. (FOX)
LAS VEGAS AT INDIANAPOLIS, 1 P.M. (FOX)
MIAMI AT CAROLINA, 1 P.M. (FOX)
TENNESSEE AT ARIZONA, 4:05 P.M. (CBS)
TAMPA BAY AT SEATTLE, 4:05 P.M. (CBS)
WASHINGTON AT LA CHARGERS, 4:25 P.M. (FOX)
DETROIT AT CINCINNATI, 4:25 P.M. (FOX)
NEW ENGLAND AT BUFFALO, 8:20 P.M. (NBC)
MONDAY, OCT. 6
KANSAS CITY AT JACKSONVILLE, 8:15 P.M. (ESPN/ABC)
BYES: ATLANTA, CHICAGO, GREEN BAY, PITTSBURGH
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+++WNBA SCORES+++
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
PHOENIX VS. LAS VEGAS
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NHL PRE-SEASON
PITTSBURGH 5 BUFFALO 3
VEGAS 2 COLORADO 1
VANCOUVER 8 CALGARY 1
SEATTLE 4 EDMONTON 2
ANAHEIM 5 SAN JOSE 2
__________________
+++MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER+++
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
___________________
+++TOP NATIONAL HEADLINES/NEWS RELEASES+++
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS
MLB ROUNDUP: YANKEES EDGE RED SOX TO FORCE GAME 3
Austin Wells hit a tiebreaking single with two outs in the eighth inning and the New York Yankees avoided elimination with a 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of their American League wild-card series on Wednesday night.
Game 3 of the best-of-three set will be played Thursday in New York, and the winner will advance to face the top-seeded Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Division Series on Saturday.
Boston reliever Garrett Whitlock (0-1) got the first two outs in the eighth before Jazz Chisholm Jr. walked. Following a mound visit, Wells put the Yankees ahead when he lined a full-count changeup down the right field line. Chisholm scored from first, sliding in headfirst just ahead of the throw from right fielder Nate Eaton.
New York’s Ben Rice hit a two-run homer in the first inning off Brayan Bello and had two hits in his postseason debut. Aaron Judge hit an RBI single in the fifth as the Yankees beat the Red Sox in the postseason for the second time in the past 11 meetings since Game 3 of the 2004 AL Championship Series.
Trevor Story drove in three runs off New York starter Carlos Rodon. He hit a two-run single in the third and blasted a game-tying homer to open the sixth.
Guardians 6, Tigers 1
Brayan Rocchio belted a go-ahead solo homer and Bo Naylor had a three-run shot as part of a five-run eighth inning, giving Cleveland a victory over Detroit in Game 2 of their American League wild-card series.
Rocchio’s 379-foot shot to right field occurred after Troy Melton (0-1) retired C.J. Kayfus to start the eighth, giving Cleveland a 2-1 advantage. Steven Kwan followed with a double and was driven in by Daniel Schneeman.
The Central Division champion Guardians forced a winner-take-all Game 3 at home Thursday, when they will attempt to become the first team to advance after losing Game 1 since the current wild-card format became permanent in 2022. The Tigers left 15 on base and went 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position.
Padres 3, Cubs 0
Manny Machado belted a two-run homer in the fifth inning, helping visiting San Diego square their National League wild-card series against Chicago at one win apiece.
Fernando Tatis Jr. scored on a sacrifice fly from Jackson Merrill in the first inning. Luis Arraez contributed two of the seven hits for the Padres. Adrian Morejon (1-0) relieved starter Dylan Cease in the fourth inning and did not allow a hit over 2 1/3 scoreless innings.
Opener Andrew Kittredge (0-1) gave up the first inning run and Shota Imanaga pitched the next four innings, allowing Machado’s blast. San Diego pitching allowed only four hits; Seiya Suzuki accounted for the lone extra-base hit, a two-out double in the fourth.
Dodgers 8, Reds 4
Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched into the seventh inning, Mookie Betts produced four hits and three RBIs and the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied for an 8-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday to advance to the National League Division Series.
After sweeping the best-of-three NL wild-card series, Los Angeles will visit the Philadelphia Phillies for Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday. The Dodgers will compete in the division series for the 13th consecutive year.
Betts hit three doubles to tie a Dodgers playoff record for a single game, and teammate Teoscar Hernandez knocked in two runs.
REPORT: ALBERT PUJOLS LEADING CANDIDATE FOR ANGELS’ MANAGERIAL JOB
The Los Angeles Angels are trending toward hiring a familiar face as their next manager, The Athletic reported on Wednesday.
Per the report, Angels owner Arte Moreno’s leading choice for the role is longtime superstar Albert Pujols, and that the decision itself could very well be in the former slugger’s hands.
Pujols, 45, spent 10 of his 22 seasons in his eventual Hall of Fame career with the Angels. He’s also still tied to the club, as he rejoined the Angels’ organization as a special assistant as part of a 10-year personal services contract.
The three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star concluded his playing career with the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers and has been managing in the Dominican Winter League since retiring after the 2022 campaign. He is expected to serve as the skipper of the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The Angels announced Tuesday that they had declined the option on former manager Ron Washington’s contract for 2026. They said they will begin the process of hiring a new manager “immediately,” marking the end of Ray Montgomery’s interim stint.
The Angels (72-90) finished last in the American League West for the second straight season, 18 games behind the division champion Seattle Mariners.
General manager Perry Minasian’s status is uncertain after the team missed the playoffs for the 11th consecutive season, per The Athletic. Minasian has been in his current position since 2020.
BRAVES MANAGER BRIAN SNITKER WON’T RETURN IN ’26, MOVES TO ADVISORY ROLE
Brian Snitker will not return as manager of the Atlanta Braves, transitioning to an adviser role in 2026 for his 50th season with the franchise.
Snitker will be inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame next season, the team said Wednesday.
Named manager about a month into the 2016 season to replace the fired Fredi Gonzales, Snitker compiled an 811-668 (.548) record in Atlanta. He led the Braves to six National League East titles, seven consecutive playoff appearances and the World Series championship in 2021.
Snitker, who turns 70 this month, stands behind Hall of Fame managers Bobby Cox (2,149) and Frank Selee (1,004) for most wins in franchise history.
An Illinois native, Snitker signed with the Braves in 1977 as an undrafted free agent catcher. He served a variety of roles within the organization, including 20 seasons as a minor league manager.
It was Braves legend Henry Aaron who set Snitker on a managerial path. In 1980, when Aaron was the team’s farm director, moved Snitker into a coaching role in 1980 and named him manager of Class-A Anderson (S.C.) in 1982.
The Braves finished the 2025 season with a 76-86 record, the first season the club was under .500 since 2017.
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NFL NEWS
THURSDAY NIGHT PREVIEW
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-1) AT LOS ANGELES RAMS (3-1)
All-Time Series History
Regular Season: SF leads series, 77-70-3 (LAR won past 3)
Postseason: Series tied, 1-1
The Last Time…
Regular Season: 12/12/24: LAR 12 at SF 6
Postseason: Postseason: NFC-C 1/30/22: SF 17 at LAR 20
49ERS NOTES:
QB BROCK PURDY passed for 309 yards & 2 TDs last week, his 11th-career 300-yard game, 2nd-most in NFL since 2023. Aims for his 5th in row with 275+ pass yards & 2+ TD passes. Passed for 292 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 137.1 rating in last road meeting (9/22/24). • RB CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY had 6 catches, 141 scrimmage yards (92 rec., 49 rush) & 31st-career rec. TD last week. Is 1 of 3 RBs (James Cook & Bijan Robinson) with 100+ scrimmage yards in each of 1st 4 weeks. Ranks 3rd in NFL in scrimmage yards (530) & receptions (31). Has 28 receptions (7 per game), 651 scrimmage yards (162.8 per game) & 5 TDs (4 rush, 1 rec.) in 4 career games vs. LAR, incl. 135+ scrimmage yards in each game. Aims for his 4th in row on Thursday with 115+ scrimmage yards & rush TD. • WR RICKY PEARSALL ranks 4th in NFL with 327 rec. yards in 2025 & has 50+ rec. yards in 5 of his past 6. Aims for his 8th in row with 4+ catches. • WR JAUAN JENNINGS has 50+ rec. yards in 4 of his past 5 on road. Had career highs in catches (11), rec. yards (175) & rec. TDs (3) in last road meeting (9/22/24). • TE JAKE TONGES had career-high 58 rec. yards & 2nd-career TD catch last week. • LB FRED WARNER had 8 tackles & 17th-career FF last week. Had 15 tackles in last meeting. Has PD in 4 of his past 5 vs. LAR. Has 79 tackles (8.8 per game) in 9 career Thursday games. • LB DEE WINTERS led team with career-high 10 tackles & had TFL & PD in Week 4. Aims for his 3rd in row with PD. • DL BRYCE HUFF has sack in 2 of his past 3 & aims for his 4th in row with TFL. • CB DEOMMODORE LENOIR aims for his 4th in row with TFL. Had 2 PD in last meeting. • S MARQUES SIGLE had career-best 8 tackles & 1st-career PD last week & is only rookie DB with 5+ tackles in each of 1st 4 weeks.
RAMS NOTES:
QB MATTHEW STAFFORD passed for 375 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 123.5 rating last week, his 18th-career game with 375+ pass yards. Aims for his 4th in row with 2+ TD passes. Has won 4 of his past 5 Thursday starts. • RB KYREN WILLIAMS had 94 scrimmage yards (77 rush, 17 rec.) last week & has 50+ scrimmage yards in 32 straight games, longest active streak in NFL. Has 12 TDs (10 rush, 2 rec.) in his past 10 at home. Has 328 scrimmage yards (109.3 per game) & 5 TDs (3 rush, 2 rec.) in 3 career games vs. SF, incl. 3 TDs (2 rush, 1 rec.) in last home meeting (9/22/24). Aims for his 4th in row on Thursday with 100+ scrimmage yards. • WR PUKA NACUA had 13 receptions for career-high 170 yards & 10th-career TD catch last week, his 7th-career game with 10+ catches & 100+ rec. yards. Became 2nd player ever (Cooper Kupp – 2022) with 10+ catches & 100+ rec. yards in 3 of his team’s 1st 4 games of season. Leads NFL with 42 receptions, tied-most by player in team’s 1st 4 games of season all-time. Had career-high 15 receptions for 147 yards in his only career home game vs. SF (9/17/23). • WR DAVANTE ADAMS aims for his 4th in row with rec. TD & 5th in row with 50+ rec. yards. Has 106 career reg. season rec. TDs, tied with Mike Evans for most among active players & tied 9th-most in NFL history. Has 46 receptions (9.2 per game) for 633 yards (126.6 per game) & 7 rec. TDs in 5 career games vs. SF, with rec. TD in each game & 7+ catches & 130+ rec. yards in 4 of 5 games. • LB BYRON YOUNG is 1 of 2 (Brian Burns) with sack in each of 1st 4 weeks. Has sack in 3 of his 4 career games vs. SF & aims for his 4th in row vs. SF with TFL. • LB JARED VERSE aims for his 3rd in row with sack & FF. • DE KOBIE TURNER had 2 sacks in last meeting. • S KAM CURL had career-high 3 PD & 1st-career game with 2 INTs last week. Aims for his 7th in row with 5+ tackles. Had 2 PD in last meeting. • S QUENTIN LAKE had 2 PD in last meeting. Aims for his 4th in row with 5+ tackles.
RAMS LOOK TO EXTEND WINNING STREAK OVER RIVAL 49ERS ON THURSDAY NIGHT
San Francisco (3-1) at Los Angeles Rams (3-1)
Thursday, 8:15 p.m. EDT, Prime Video
BetMGM NFL Odds: Rams by 7
Against the spread: 49ers 2-2; Rams 3-1
Series record: 49ers lead 78-71-3.
Last meeting: Rams beat 49ers 12-6 in Santa Clara, California on Dec. 12, 2024.
Last week: 49ers lost to Jaguars 26-21; Rams beat Colts 27-20.
49ers offense: overall (5), rush (28), pass (2), scoring (23).
49ers defense: overall (T-5), rush (17), pass (6), scoring (7).
Rams offense: overall (4), rush (13), pass (3), scoring (13).
Rams defense: overall (9), rush (10), pass (T-9), scoring (T-10).
Turnover differential: 49ers minus-5; Rams plus-3.
49ers player to watch
RB Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey had 92 yards receiving last week for his most since joining the Niners. He is one of four players in the league with at least 100 yards from scrimmage in every game this season. The only 49ers players to do it in each of the first five games in a season are Roger Craig (1988) and Paul Hofer (1980).
Rams player to watch
WR Puka Nacua had 13 receptions for a career-high 170 yards and a touchdown against the Colts, his third game this season with at least 10 receptions and 100 yards. Nacua leads the league in receptions (42) and yards receiving (503), and he has at least 118 yards from scrimmage in each of the first four games. In three games against San Francisco, he has 26 receptions for 285 yards and one touchdown.
Key matchup
Rams QB Matthew Stafford vs. 49ers defense. When the 37-year-old Stafford gets in a rhythm, as he did in a two-minute drill at the end of the first half or on the game-tying touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, there might not be a better passer in football. That is why San Francisco will need big efforts from its pass rush and secondary to disrupt Stafford’s timing with Nacua and Davante Adams. The 49ers have five sacks through four games and failed to sack the Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence on Sunday, while the defensive backs held Jacksonville to a single pass play of more than 20 yards.
Key injuries
49ers: QB Brock Purdy is questionable this week with a sore toe. Purdy missed two games because of the injury before returning last week but had soreness after the game. Mac Jones would make his third start if Purdy can’t play. … WR Ricky Pearsall (knee) and WR Jauan Jennings (ribs, ankle) are also questionable for the game. … CB Renardo Green could return after missing the previous game with a neck injury.
Rams: LG Steve Avila (ankle) was active but didn’t play against Indianapolis. Whether he is healthy enough to regain his spot in the starting lineup this week isn’t clear. … RT Rob Havenstein (ankle) and TE Tyler Higbee (hip) have not practiced this week but the veterans should be good to go, albeit at less than 100%.
Series notes
The Rams have won three straight over their Bay Area rivals following a nine-game regular-season losing streak. … Each of those three Los Angeles wins have been by six points or fewer. … San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan is 10-7 against his friend and former colleague Sean McVay.
Stats and stuff
San Francisco has won two division games to open this season after going 1-5 vs. the NFC West last season. … The 49ers have held opponents to a 32% conversion rate on third down for the second-best mark in the NFL. … San Francisco has no TD runs through four games for the first time since 1990. … The 49ers have tied an NFL record set last season by the Giants by going 11 straight games without intercepting a pass. … The 49ers have been outrushed by 27.5 yards per game, their worst mark through four games since 2010 when they were minus-29.3. … San Francisco had no sacks and no QB hits last week for the first time since Week 2 of the 2015 season. … LB Fred Warner had his 17th career forced fumble last week for the most by a Niners player since at least 1994. … The Rams have allowed 86 and 85 yards rushing in their past two games. They most recently held three straight opponents under 100 yards in Week 11-13 of the 2023 season. … Stafford needs 11 completions to pass Philip Rivers (5,277) for eight in NFL history for completions. … Nacua has 42 receptions and is tied with Cooper Kupp and Michael Thomas for most through four games in league history. … Los Angeles has scored eight touchdowns in 16 red zone drives, including five touchdowns in nine goal-to-go situations (55.6%). … OLB Byron Young has at least one sack in each game this season, and his five total sacks is tied with the Giants’ Brian Burns for the league lead.
Fantasy tip
The distribution of touches between Rams RB Kyren Williams (13 carries, three receptions) and Blake Corum (nine carries, two receptions) versus the Colts might have given fantasy owners pause. Williams was much more effective, finishing with 94 yards from scrimmage, and the game plan may not be so pass heavy every week, so it’s not worth worrying about going forward.
WEEK 5 POWER RANKINGS: NFC FEELING TREMORS, KC REBOUNDS
While the NFL rests on a traditional off-day Tuesday, Field Level Media NFL writers reviewed their notes to rank all 32 teams entering Week 5.
Philadelphia kept putting up wins and is the last undefeated team left in the NFC, while Kansas City turned in an almost-vintage showing to pile on the injury-ravaged Ravens.
League-wide, the health situation stands one rung short or carnage for Baltimore and multiple other teams dealing from a shorter deck only one month into the season due to injuries.
There have been reasons to doubt the Packers the past two weeks, and the Buccaneers are in the passing lane with the Seahawks — Week 5 opponents — for the current No. 2 position in the NFC behind Philly.
We’re still buying the Bills, even if the defense inspires doubt.
It’s almost time to project fits for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, and the lowest level of our rankings warrant some mocking. The New York teams are still in the running, with the Jets “passing” the Giants and joining the Saints and Titans as the last teams left without a win.
Here’s the league-wide pecking order from our view entering Week 5:
32. New Orleans Saints (0-4)
Last Week: L, 31-19 at Buffalo Bills
Up Next: vs. New York Giants (1-3), 1 p.m. ET
There is plenty of love for rookie QB Jaxson Dart in these parts. The Saints’ effort hasn’t been an issue, but a talent gap is undeniable.
31. Tennessee Titans (0-4)
Last Week: L, 26-0 at Houston Texans
Up Next: at Arizona Cardinals (2-2), 4:05 p.m. ET
With Tennessee holding a league-worst point differential of minus-69, opponents have 11 more touchdowns than the Titans through only four games. The Brian Callahan Watch is officially underway in Nashville.
30. New York Jets (0-4)
Last Week: L, 27-21 at Miami Dolphins
Up Next: vs. Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1), 1 p.m. ET
If Aaron Glenn can’t get more out of his talent-laden defense, the Jets are c-o-o-k-e-d.
29. Carolina Panthers (1-3)
Last Week: L, 42-13 at New England Patriots
Up Next: vs. Miami Dolphins (1-3)
Impossible to predict the direction of the Panthers on the premise of their past two results. Wide-lens view implies another long year in Carolina.
28. Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)
Last Week: L, 28-3 at Denver Broncos
Up Next: vs. Detroit Lions (3-1), 4:25 p.m. ET
No time to lick their wounds, the Bengals might be guilty of folding early as WR Ja’Marr Chase assessed after being outscored by 63 points in two blowout losses without Joe Burrow.
27. New York Giants (1-3)
Last Week: W, 21-18 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Up Next: at New Orleans Saints (0-4), 1 p.m. ET
Did the Giants get it right with Jaxson Dart? He elevated energy and made winning plays. Next mission: a winning streak. New York has played 25 games since its last back-to-back wins.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)
Last Week: L 25-24 vs. Chicago Bears
Up Next: at Indianapolis Colts (3-1), 1 p.m. ET
The real Ashton Jeanty made an appearance with three total TDs, the kind of positive Pete Carroll needs after letting a win slip away.
25. Cleveland Browns (1-3)
Last Week: L, 41-17 at Detroit Lions
Up Next: vs. Minnesota Vikings (2-2), 9:30 a.m. ET (London)
Dillon Gabriel gets the keys in a difficult-to-navigate matchup with blitz happy Vikings coordinator Brian Flores. At least he’s in his usual surroundings leading up to the game, and the Browns have surrounded the rookie with a flawless offensive line and top-notch skill players.
24. Miami Dolphins (1-3)
Last Week: W, 27-21 vs. New York Jets
Up Next: at Carolina Panthers (1-3), 1 p.m. ET
Subtracting Tyreek Hill might lead to a needed reset for the offense and QB Tua Tagovailoa. Going the other way is the beginning of the end for coach Mike McDaniel.
23. New England Patriots (2-2)
Last Week: W, 42-14 vs. Carolina Panthers
Up Next: at Buffalo Bills, 8:20 p.m. ET (Sunday)
For the non-believers, Drake Maye is on the right path. Proof? Last week he became the first player ever under the age of 24 with at least two touchdown passes and a completion percentage of 75 or higher in three consecutive games.
22. Houston Texans (1-3)
Last Week: W, 26-0 vs. Tennessee Titans
Up Next: at Baltimore Ravens (1-3), 1 p.m. ET
The Texans pitched a shutout last week and have to like their chances at Baltimore with Lamar Jackson (hamstring) on the shelf. Houston is 2-11 all-time against the Ravens.
21. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
Last Week: W, 34-27 vs. Washington Commanders
Up Next: Bye week
Moving offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to the sideline seemed to jolt his memory that Drake London becomes an unguardable best in the slot. Falcons likely to spend bye week considering what to do if Robinson bolts for Oklahoma State.
20. Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1)
Last Week: Tie, 40-40 vs. Green Bay Packers
Up Next: at New York Jets (0-4), 1 p.m. ET
Outscored 132-114, the Cowboys cannot be taken seriously as contenders until they get consistent stops. Green Bay scored points on every second-half possession last week.
19. Chicago Bears (2-2)
Last Week: W, 25-24 vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Up Next: Bye week
Survived Vegas with a patchwork secondary and erratic offense. Come will come out of bye week for a “Monday Night Football” visit to Washington.
18. Arizona Cardinals (2-2)
Last Week: L, 23-20 at Seattle Seahawks
Up Next: vs. Tennessee Titans, 4:05 p.m. ET
Consecutive division losses by a grand total of four points might be progress or an ouch in the standings for the Cardinals come December.
17. Minnesota Vikings (2-2)
Last Week: L, 24-21 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin
Up Next: vs. Cleveland Browns (1-3) in London, 9:30 a.m. ET (Sunday)
Carson Wentz draws another difficult assignment in the Browns. Cleveland’s back seven is being overlooked due to the strong start to the season (again) from Myles Garrett.
16. Washington Commanders (2-2)
Last Week: L, 34-27 at Atlanta Falcons
Up Next: at Los Angeles Chargers (3-1), 4:25 p.m. ET
Averaging 154.8 rushing yards per game but have allowed 10 sacks, which might be helping the Commanders decide to take their time getting Jayden Daniels back on the field.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
Last Week: W, 24-21 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Up Next: Bye week
Doing enough to sit above .500 with no running game and weak run defense. Finding one or both are top priority during the bye week.
14. Baltimore Ravens (1-3)
Last Week: L, 37-20 at Kansas City Chiefs
Up Next: vs. Houston Texans (1-3), 1 p.m. ET
If John Harbaugh had the option of flexing his team into a bye week, he’d be pulling that trigger. A health situation is nearing crisis levels and Baltimore can’t get to the quarterback (four total sacks) or stop the run (141.3 yards per game). Without Lamar Jackson (hamstring), life won’t get any easier.
13. Denver Broncos (2-2)
Last Week: W, 28-3 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Up Next: at Philadelphia Eagles (4-0), 1 p.m. ET
Denver has two of the top first-step pass rushers, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and two of the best pass blockers in an edge matchup worth checking out. When the Buccaneers backed off the blitz last week, the Eagles failed to move the ball.
12. San Francisco 49ers (3-1)
Last Week: L, 26-21 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Up Next: at Los Angeles Rams (3-1), 8:15 p.m. ET (Thursday)
Crossing fingers and toes Brock Purdy can play with the 49ers staring down a high-energy pass rush and three-game losing streak in this matchup.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1)
Last Week: W, 26-21 at San Francisco 49ers
Up Next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2), 8:15 p.m. ET (Monday)
Maybe they are great at stealing signs in Jacksonville, or maybe rookie coach Liam Coen has shifted the culture. Kansas City is a great test given the Chiefs have won seven in a row in this series.
10. Indianapolis Colts (3-1)
Last Week: L, 27-20 at Los Angeles Rams
Up Next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (1-3), 1 p.m. ET
Offense and backfield combination of Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor deserving of credit coming their way. Resurgence of DT DeForest Buckner in the middle has been one of the less-discussed keys to a sizzling start.
9. Green Bay Packers (2-2)
Last Week: Tie, 40-40 at Dallas Cowboys
Up Next: Bye week
Somewhere Matt LaFleur is still steaming about the second-half defense from the Packers last week, and he’ll have plenty of extra time to dissect how Green Bay wound up tied in Dallas.
8. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
Last Week: W, 23-20 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Up Next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1), 4:05 p.m. ET
Fine, we were wrong about Sam Darnold. Last week he produced his 15th start with at least a 100 QB rating since 2024, second-most in NFL.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
Last Week: L, 31-25 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Up Next: at Seattle Seahawks (3-1), 4:05 p.m. ET
Head coach Todd Bowles has to require more out of his defense to win the type of game the Bucs face on Sunday. They held the accelerator too long against the Eagles, when the little-too-late adjustment to play coverage and stop the run with base personnel worked like a charm and opened the door for a rally.
6. Los Angeles Chargers (3-1)
Last Week: L, 21-18 at New York Giants
Up Next: vs. Washington Commanders (2-2), 4:25 p.m. ET
Still a great team? Losing left tackle Joe Alt last week is an enormous blow to the Chargers, hitting at the core of the team identity with Rashawn Slater (torn patellar tendon) already on season-ending IR.
5. Los Angeles Rams (3-1)
Last Week: W, 27-20 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Up Next: vs. San Francisco 49ers (3-1), 8:20 p.m. ET (Thursday)
No layups in the NFC West, and the Rams can’t exhale if Brock Purdue is out. They’ve never held Christian McCaffrey to less than 135 total yards in four career games. He has 28 receptions and five total touchdowns in those matchups.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)
Last Week: W, 37-20 vs. Baltimore Ranves
Up Next: at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1), 8:15 p.m. ET (Monday)
Flickering hope for a full revival of Patrick Mahomes and the passing game emerged in the second half at New York. It’s a good time for the Chiefs to see the flame-fanning Ravens’ defense, which was torched by the Bills (41 points in Week 1) and Lions.
3. Detroit Lions (3-1)
Last Week: W, 34-10 vs. Cleveland Browns
Up Next: at Cincinnati Bengals (2-2), 1 p.m. ET
Detroit leads the NFL in scoring offense (34.3 points per game), while Cincinnati has one garbage time TD in the past two games. Take cover, Bengals fans.
2. Buffalo Bills (4-0)
Last Week: W, 31-19 vs. New Orleans Saints
Up Next: vs. New England Patriots (2-2), 8:20 p.m. ET (Sunday)
The last time the Bills started a season 5-0 was 1991. Josh Allen and James Cook are clicking, and Super vibes are easy to see. Buffalo has won 14 straight at home and put up points in 15 of 16 quarters this season.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (4-0)
Last Week: W, 31-25 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Up Next: vs. Denver Broncos (2-2), 1 p.m. ET
Running men with an old-school investment in using the offensive line as a tool for sustained success, Philadelphia doesn’t the lowly offensive ranking (251.5 yards per game). When Plan A is Saquon Barkley and Plan B is Jalen Hurts (516 rushing yards, seven TDs combined), who can blame them?
–Field Level Media
RAVENS QB LAMAR JACKSON ABSENT FROM THE PORTION OF PRACTICE OPEN TO REPORTERS
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was not at practice Wednesday during the portion open to reporters.
The two-time MVP left last weekend’s loss at Kansas City with a hamstring injury, and by the end of that game, all four of Baltimore’s first-team All-Pros from last season were injured. The Ravens host Houston on Sunday.
Baltimore does have experienced backups in Cooper Rush, who started eight games for Dallas last season, and Tyler Huntley.
Also missing from practice Wednesday were: fullback Patrick Ricard, tackle Ronnie Stanley, linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerbacks Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie and Marlon Humphrey.
VIKINGS QUARTERBACK J.J. MCCARTHY IN ‘NEXT PHASE’ OF REHAB BUT ANKLE STILL NOT FULLY HEALED
WARE, England (AP) — Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will begin to get “a little bit more active” but won’t be rushed back from a sprained right ankle, head coach Kevin O’Connell said Wednesday.
Carson Wentz is set to start his third straight game when Minnesota faces the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season after undergoing knee surgery, is “working his way back,” O’Connell said after practice near the team’s hotel north of London.
“He is kind of entering the next phase of his rehab where he can get a little bit more active. Looking forward to getting him back on the field practicing with the team as soon as we can,” O’Connell said.
“But at the same time we want to be really smart and make sure we let that high ankle fully heal,” he added. “Then he can really start attacking it and working his technique and fundamentals and get re-acclimated, which I think he’ll do pretty quickly.”
The Vikings have their bye week next week before they host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7.
Van Ginkel still sidelined
Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) missed Sunday’s game — a 24-21 loss in Dublin to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and is not expected to practice this week. On Tuesday, O’Connell said the linebacker is “rehabbing, and he’s feeling like he’s progressing.”
Michael Jurgens did not practice Wednesday because of a hamstring problem. He had filled in for center Ryan Kelly, who left Sunday’s game with a concussion.
Vikings captain Brian O’Neill has a sprained MCL — hurt early in Sunday’s game. On Tuesday, O’Connell described the right tackle as “week-to-week” with a eye toward a return in Week 7.
On Wednesday, the Vikings opened the 21-day practice window for linebacker Tyler Batty (knee) and fullback C.J. Ham (knee) — and both were full participants at practice.
CARDS PLACE TREY BENSON ON INJURED RESERVE WITH KNEE INJURY; RUNNING BACK COULD RETURN THIS SEASON
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals have placed running back Trey Benson on injured reserve because of a knee injury, putting another dent into the team’s backfield depth.
Coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed on Wednesday that Benson will be out at least four weeks, but could return later in the season. The second-year back out of Florida State has run for 160 yards this season.
Benson had just moved into the starter’s role after veteran James Conner went down with a season-ending foot injury against the 49ers on Sept. 21. Conner had run for at least 1,000 yards in each of the previous two seasons.
The Cardinals’ options at running back now include Emari Demercado, Michael Carter and Bam Knight.
Gannon also said that second-year defensive lineman Darius Robinson (chest) would miss Wednesday’s practice. Robinson had the first sack of his career in last Thursday’s loss to the Seahawks.
ROOKIE DILLON GABRIEL SELECTED AS BROWNS STARTING QB AFTER JOE FLACCO IS BENCHED
CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie Dillon Gabriel will get his first NFL start on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns face the Minnesota Vikings in London.
The Browns announced on Wednesday that they were benching Joe Flacco after he struggled to lead the offense in the first four games.
“From the second he’s been here, he’s been working very hard, very intelligent young man,” coach Kevin Stefanski said about Gabriel. “He’s done a nice job throughout practice. This whole season, he’s been learning how to get yourself ready and understand the rhythm of an NFL week and what that looks like.”
Stefanski added it was his decision to make the change this week — despite making an overseas trip — because he felt it was in the best interest of his 1-3 team moving forward.
Cleveland is ranked next-to-last in scoring, averaging 14 points per game. The team has scored 17 points or fewer in nine straight games going back to last season. Gabriel will be the fifth different starting QB in 10 games, joining Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Bailey Zappe and Flacco.
“From the beginning this is the moment you look forward to as a competitor. But it’s part of my job to be ready, to be that sense of hope for everyone to continue to be better and come together and create momentum for each other,” Gabriel told reporters before Wednesday’s practice. “So excited for that, but just also extremely focused at doing my job at a high level.
Flacco also met with reporters before practice and said that he didn’t foresee a quarterback switch happening.
“I think I said it on Sunday, anytime you’re in this league, everybody’s always getting evaluated and the job of a quarterback is to help your team win football games,” he said.
The Browns practiced at their complex before flying to London.
Gabriel was selected in the third round of April’s draft. He finished his college career as the Football Bowl Subdivision total touchdowns lead with 189 at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon. He was third in the nation with a 72.9% completion rate and was a Heisman Trophy finalist as he led Oregon to a Big Ten title.
Gabriel has seen action in two games — Week 2 at Baltimore and Week 4 at Detroit — and has completed three of four passes for 19 yards and a touchdown. He was selected as the backup quarterback at the end of training camp after the Browns traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders.
During the preseason, Gabriel led the Browns to either a touchdown or field goal on five of his seven drives. He also directed a pair of two-minute, first-half drives against the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams.
In his two preseason outings, Gabriel completed 25 of 37 passes for 272 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
“The more turns you got, the more confident and comfortable you are in certain situations. So super glad I was able to get those turns and want to continue to build on that and we will throughout this process,” Gabriel said. “But like I said, a whole week of prep going into a game, knowing the job cold is my job and I’ll continue to do that. Excited for it.”
Among the 33 quarterbacks who have made at least 56 pass attempts, Flacco is last in the league with a 60.3 passer rating, has the second-worst completion rate (58.1%) and his six interceptions are second most.
The 18-year veteran completed only 16 of 34 passes for 184 yards, two interceptions and a fumble in last Sunday’s 34-10 loss to Detroit.
The Browns offense is ranked 27th in total yards (279.8 yards per game), 20th in passing (195 ypg) and 30th in rushing (84.8 ypg).
The switch to Gabriel is also sure to reignite questions about where Sheduer Sanders might eventually factor down the line. Stefanski said Sanders will remain the third-string quarterback this week with Flacco being Gabriel’s backup.
Sanders dropped to the 144th pick and fifth round after many thought he would go in the first two rounds. He completed 17 of 29 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns in two preseason games.
Gabriel will be facing a Minnesota defense that has a 37.4% blitz rate, third highest in the league.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said on Wednesday that they scouted Dillon during the draft process and know what type of player he can be.
“He’s got really unique athleticism, quickness in the pocket to evade the rush, and has always been able to make plays on schedule and also be a weapon off-schedule,” O’Connell said.
“We’re going to have to make sure we can adapt to that athleticism and still find a way to contain him while defending one of the better run games in the league and some really talented skill players as well.”
JETS RUNNING BACK BRAELON ALLEN SEEKING SECOND OPINION ON ‘PRETTY SERIOUS’ KNEE INJURY
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets running back Braelon Allen is seeking a second medical opinion on what coach Aaron Glenn called a “pretty serious” knee injury that will likely sideline him for several weeks.
Allen was injured early in the second quarter Monday night in New York’s 27-21 loss at Miami while returning a kickoff. The 2024 fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin went down and then struggled to put weight on his left leg as he walked to the locker room.
He was quickly ruled out by the team for the rest of the game.
“He’s going to get a second opinion, so we’re still going through exactly how we’re going to designate that,” Glenn said Wednesday of whether Allen will be placed on the injured reserve list. “So you guys give me a little time with that so we can try to figure that out. But as you guys know, a pretty serious knee injury.
“So we’ll see exactly where he’s going be when it comes to designating if he’s going to be on IR or not.”
According to a few published reports, Allen is dealing with a sprained MCL. When asked if that was accurate, Glenn said, “yeah,” before adding: “Well, I don’t want to say that until he gets a second opinion.”
Either way, it appears the Jets and their run-first offense will be without their No. 2 running back behind Breece Hall for at least a few games. The 21-year-old Allen rushed for 334 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie and caught 19 passes for 148 yards and a score.
This season, he has 76 yards and a TD on just 18 carries, along with two catches for 17 yards. Allen also had a momentum-swinging fumble against the Dolphins when he lost the football just before he crossed the goal line for what would’ve given the Jets a 7-3 lead on their opening possession. Miami recovered and scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive to go up 10-0.
With Allen sideline, fellow second-year running back Isaiah Davis is likely to see increased opportunities behind Hall. Davis has rushed five times for 27 yards and caught three passes for 24 yards while also averaging 29.4 yards on 11 kickoff returns.
“Prayers up for my guy B.A. and a healthy recovery and a smooth recovery, too,” quarterback Justin Fields said. “I know the guys in the locker room will be there for him to keep his spirits up. I think as far as just the running back room goes, I’m excited to see what Isaiah can do with a more intimate role with the offense and him being out on the field more.”
Fields is actually second on the team in rushing with 178 yards rushing, 60 behind Hall. But the Jets don’t have a lot of depth at the running back position after Hall and Davis. Kene Nwagnwu, the team’s primary kick returner when healthy, has missed the past three games with a hamstring injury. Glenn said he’s day to day and it’s uncertain if Nwangwu will be back for the game Sunday against Dallas.
Rookie Lawrance Toafili, an undrafted rookie from Florida State, is on the practice squad and the only other running back on the roster other than fullback/tight end Andrew Beck.
As for other injuries, nickel cornerback Michael Carter II remains in the concussion protocol after getting hurt in Miami. Glenn acknowledged “there’s a good chance he’ll be out” because of the quick turnaround in the schedule.
Recently acquired cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. is set to practice this week. Glenn said Brownlee has a chance of playing Sunday in Carter’s spot as the slot cornerback or on the outside after dealing with an injured ankle suffered while playing for Tennessee.
Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson remains day to day with an ankle injury that has sidelined him the past two games.
COMMANDERS QUARTERBACK JAYDEN DANIELS IS CLEARED TO RETURN TO PRACTICE
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was medically cleared by team doctors and was set to fully participate in practice on Wednesday after missing two games with an injured left knee.
“He’s definitely chomping at the bit to get going,” coach Dan Quinn said.
Another bit of good news for the injury-hit Commanders arrived on Wednesday: Starting right guard Sam Cosmi began his 21-day practice window after starting the season on the physically unable to perform list.
Cosmi tore the ACL in his knee during the playoffs last season, when Daniels led the club to the NFC title game.
Washington (2-2) plays at the Los Angeles Chargers (3-1) on Sunday.
Daniels, last season’s AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, got hurt in the fourth quarter of Washington’s 27-18 loss at the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 11 and has not played since — or even been able to go through everything in practice with teammates.
The QB has been working on his own, including this weekend while the team was in Atlanta for a game, and did return to practicing in a limited fashion last week.
Without him, the Commanders went 1-1 while starting Marcus Mariota at quarterback, beating the Las Vegas Raiders 41-24 in Week 3, then losing to the Atlanta Falcons 34-27 in Week 4.
Quinn declined to offer any sort of specific updates before practice about other injured players, such as wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown or tight end John Bates. The three of them sat out the game at Atlanta.
“All are trending up,” Quinn said.
McLaurin, who missed training camp while negotiating a new contract, injured his quadriceps muscle on a catch against Las Vegas and missed every practice last week.
The 2024 second-team All-Pro is Washington’s best receiver, and Quinn previously gave McLaurin’s status as “week-to-week.”
In two personnel moves Wednesday, Washington signed wideout Robbie Chosen to its practice squad and put defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle that needs surgery.
DOLPHINS PLACE TYREEK HILL ON IR WITH KNEE INJURY, BRING BACK VETERAN CEDRICK WILSON JR
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins placed receiver Tyreek Hill on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday and brought back veteran receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Hill posted on his X account Wednesday morning that he had successful surgery to repair multiple damaged ligaments in his left knee, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The five-time All-Pro suffered the injury after making a catch in the third quarter of Miami’s win over the New York Jets on Monday night.
Hill was to remain in the hospital overnight Wednesday out of “precaution,” coach Mike McDaniel said.
Hill caught 21 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown in his four games this season.
McDaniel said Tuesday the Dolphins were comfortable with the receivers on their roster, including speedy receiver Jaylen Waddle and second-year receiver Malik Washington, but would possibly sign a receiver for depth.
Wilson played for the Dolphins in 2022-23 but made just three starts. He caught 34 passes with 432 yards and three touchdowns. Wilson, who began his career in Dallas, started four games for the New Orleans Saints last season.
McDaniel said Wilson will not practice this week because of a “minor” procedure he had a few weeks ago, which McDaniel noted the team was aware of before signing him.
LIONS’ ALIM MCNEILL BACK AT PRACTICE FOR FIRST TIME SINCE ACL TEAR LAST SEASON
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions welcomed Alim McNeill back to the practice field, starting the 21-day evaluation period before he comes back to play after having a season-ending knee injury last season.
“He’s ready to go,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said on Wednesday. “I’m sorry for some of those guys that are going to have to line up across from him.”
McNeill, a defensive tackle, tore his right ACL in a Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills last season. He was tied for the team lead with seven tackles for losses when he was injured last season and had seven quarterback hits.
The NFC North-leading Lions (3-1) play at Cincinnati (2-2) at Sunday.
Nearly a year ago, the Lions showed how much they value him with a four-year contract extension worth $97 million with $55 million guaranteed. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound McNeill signed his deal in the same year that the franchise gave quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell contract extensions.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes drafted McNeill in the third round — No. 72 overall — in 2021 out of North Carolina State.
After starting in six games and playing in 17 as a rookie, McNeill started 44 straight games over the following three seasons. McNeill had five sacks in 2023, the most by an interior defensive lineman for the Lions since Ndamukong Suh had 8 1/2 sacks in 2014.
BUCCANEERS RUNNING BACKS COACH SKIP PEETE IS DOING FINE AFTER MEDICAL EPISODE AT PRACTICE
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs coach Skip Peete was in stable condition after experiencing a medical episode during the team’s walk-through practice Wednesday, and coach Todd Bowles later said he was primarily dehydrated.
Team medical personnel attended to Peete, who was responsive and coherent before being transported for further medical evaluations.
Bowles said Peete is “doing fine” and still undergoing tests.
Peete is in his third season with the Buccaneers.
NFL SEES A SURGE IN BLOCKED KICKS, IMPACTING GAMES SIGNIFICANTLY
Kickers and punters have never been more dangerous in the NFL, with long field goals becoming routine and booming punts launched with regularity.
None of that matters, though, if the kicks are getting blocked.
And that’s been happening at a staggering pace in the first month of the season. There have been 16 blocked kicks — on punts, field goals and extra points — for the second most through four weeks since at least 1991. The only season with more came in 2014, when there were 19 blocks in the first four weeks.
It’s not just the number of blocks, but also the impact they have had on games. That was very evident this past week.
It started with the Philadelphia Eagles, who opened their game at Tampa Bay by getting a punt block by Cameron Latu that Sydney Brown returned 35 yards for a touchdown.
That came after the Eagles got a win in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams when Jordan Davis blocked a potential game-winning field goal and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown. Philadelphia became the fourth team to score on a blocked field goal or punt return in consecutive games since 2000, with the Eagles also doing in 2014, San Francisco in 2008 and Baltimore in 2002.
Philadelphia also blocked a field goal earlier in the fourth quarter against the Rams to become the first team since at least 1978 to have a blocked punt or field goal on three straight possessions, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Chicago sealed a win this week with a block of its own. Josh Blackwell blocked Daniel Carlson’s 54-yard attempt to preserve a 25-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
That was the third block in the final minute of regulation on a field goal that could tie or give a team the lead in the past two weeks, with Cleveland also getting one in a Week 3 win over Green Bay. That’s tied for the most such blocks in the final minute of regulation in any entire season since 2011, when there were four.
The week’s most thrilling game also had a consequential block. Dallas blocked an extra point by Green Bay and returned it for a 2-point score in the first half of a game that ended up in a 40-40 tie — the second-highest scoring tie ever.
That was just the 10th blocked extra point returned for a score since the NFL changed the rules in 2015 to allow them. Before that, a blocked extra point recovered by the defense was a dead ball. The last time it had happened was by Houston against the Chargers in last season’s playoffs.
Rattler remains winless
Spencer Rattler is still seeking his first NFL win 10 starts into his career with the New Orleans Saints.
Rattler became the ninth quarterback since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to lose his first 10 career starts, but that doesn’t necessarily means all is lost, as two of the other players on that list ended up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Troy Aikman began his career in Dallas 0-11 before leading the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles. Warren Moon lost his first 10 starts with the Houston Oilers following a successful career in the CFL. He went on to make nine Pro Bowls, win Offensive Player of the Year in 1990 and throw for 49,325 yards in a career that ended in Canton.
The quarterback with the most consecutive losing starts to begin a career is DeShone Kizer, who went 0-15 for the winless Cleveland Browns as a rookie in 2017 and never started again.
Two other players lost their first 10 starts without ever winning, with Zach Mettenberger doing it for Tennessee and Brodie Croyle for Kansas City.
The other players on the list are Jack Trudeau (12 straight losses), Stan Gelbaugh (11) and Derek Carr (10).
Tennessee rookie Cam Ward has started his career with four straight losses. He became the fifth quarterback picked No. 1 in the common draft era to start and lose in each of the first four weeks of his rookie season, joining Trevor Lawrence (2021), Peyton Manning (1998), Drew Bledsoe (1993) and Troy Aikman (1989).
Dual-threat backs
Bijan Robinson and Ashton Jeanty showed off their dual-threat ability on Sunday.
Robinson had a career-high 181 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in Atlanta’s win over Washington, while Jeanty gained 155 yards and scored three TDs for Las Vegas against Chicago.
Robinson had 106 yards receiving and has topped the century mark twice in the first four games, joining Alvin Kamara (2018), Thurman Thomas (1991), Paul Palmer (1988) and Paul Hofer (1980) as the only running backs to do that.
Robinson has 314 yards rushing and 270 yards receiving so far this season, joining Matt Forte (2011) and Marshall Faulk (2001) as the only players with at least 300 yards rushing and 270 yards receiving in the first four games of a season.
After a slow start to his rookie season, Jeanty broke through in a major way in the loss to the Bears.
Jeanty ran for 138 yards with a 64-yard TD and caught two touchdown passes to join De’Von Achane and Kareem Hunt as the only rookies with at least 100 rushing yards, a touchdown run and two TD catches in a single game.
Jeanty also joined some illustrious company in Raiders history, becoming the first rookie to score three TDs in a game for the team since Bo Jackson did it in his memorable Monday night breakthrough performance on Nov. 30, 1987, against Seattle.
Houston’s offense has a problem
The Houston Texans are putting to the test the theory that defense wins championships.
The Texans (1-3) got their first win of the season on Sunday when they beat Tennessee 26-0. They lead the NFL by allowing only 12.8 points per game. They are the first team since the 1974 Dallas Cowboys to have a losing record after four games despite allowing fewer than 13 points per game.
Since the NFL implemented rules to open up the passing game in 1978, the Texans are the 91st team to allow fewer than 13 points per game in the first four contests. The others combined for a 300-60 record and an .833 winning percentage.
BY THE NUMBERS: AFTER MUDFEST IN 2007, NFL’S GAME COUNT IN LONDON HITS 40
LONDON (AP) — The NFL will reach a milestone Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings face the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It will be the 40th regular-season game in London.
The first one was in the 2007 season when the New York Giants beat the Miami Dolphins 13-10 at a wet and muddy Wembley Stadium.
Wembley has hosted 26 of the 39 games so far. Tottenham’s stadium opened in 2019 and has staged 10. Twickenham Stadium, the home of English rugby, has held three games.
Here are some facts and figures:
2
There have been two shutouts — and both were in 2017. Drew Brees threw two touchdown passes in New Orleans’ 20-0 victory over Miami at Wembley on Oct. 1. Three weeks later, Todd Gurley ran for 106 yards and a touchdown for the Los Angeles Rams in a 33-0 win over Arizona at Twickenham.
4
The Vikings are 4-0 in London with victories in three different stadiums: 34-27 over Pittsburgh in 2013 at Wembley; 33-16 over Cleveland in 2017 at Twickenham; 28-25 over New Orleans in 2022 at Tottenham; and 23-17 over the New York Jets last season, also at Tottenham. It’s been a different quarterback each time. Kirk Cousins was at the helm three years ago in Kevin O’Connell’s first year as head coach, and it was Sam Darnold last season. Carson Wentz has started Minnesota’s past two games this season in the place of the injured J.J. McCarthy.
9
The kickers took center stage in Baltimore’s 24-16 win over Tennessee in Week 6, connecting on a total of nine field goals. Justin Tucker was 6 for 6 for the Ravens; Nick Folk 3 for 3 for the Titans.
12
The number of interceptions Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks have thrown in the English capital in three games. Josh Johnson threw three interceptions, including a pick-6, in their 35-7 loss to New England in 2009; Josh Freeman threw four interceptions two seasons later in a 24-18 loss to Chicago; and Jameis Winston topped both with five picks — and a fumble lost — in a 37-26 loss to Carolina in 2019.
13
The number of games the Jacksonville Jaguars have played in London. The Jags have a 7-6 record in their lucrative home away from home. They play at Wembley on Oct. 19 against the Los Angeles Rams. The Jags played back-to-back London games the past two seasons — winning three of the four games. Speculation of relocating to London was silenced a year ago when the Jaguars got NFL approval for a $1.4 billion “stadium of the future” in Jacksonville.
21
The Atlanta Falcons blew a 21-point lead — hello, foreshadowing — in a 22-21 loss to the Detroit Lions at Wembley on Oct. 26, 2014. Matt Stafford led a drive from Detroit’s 7-yard line with 1:38 on the clock and needing a field goal to win it. Matt Prater’s 43-yard attempt was wide right but the whistle was blown for a delay of game penalty. Prater connected on his second chance, this time from 48 yards.
27
There’s only been one tie — or “draw” as the locals say — in a London game. Washington and Cincinnati finished 27-27 at Wembley on Oct. 30, 2016. Washington’s Dustin Hopkins missed a 34-yard field goal attempt with 2:13 left in overtime. The teams combined for 65 first downs and 961 total yards. Kirk Cousins threw for 458 yards.
28
Joe Flacco’s nightmarish day for the Baltimore Ravens ended after three quarters, benched for Ryan Mallett, after completing 8 of 18 passes for just 28 yards and two interceptions in a 44-7 loss to the Jaguars in the 2017 season. The 40-year-old Flacco returns on Sunday with the Cleveland Browns when they face the Vikings.
166
Chris Ivory had a career-high 166 rushing yards on 29 carries to help the New York Jets beat the Dolphins 27-14 on Oct. 4, 2015, at Wembley. His 3-yard touchdown run opened the scoring in the first quarter.
220
Cooper Kupp caught seven passes for a career-high 220 yards in a 24-10 victory for the Rams over the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 27, 2019, at Wembley. His day included a 65-yard TD reception on a trick play in the first half.
860
Total yards of offense compiled in the New Orleans Saints’ 37-32 win over the San Diego Chargers in 2008. It made up for the stinker the year before when the Giants beat the Dolphins 13-10 in the first-ever regular-season game in London. Eli Manning went 8 of 22 for 59 yards in ’07. A year later, Philip Rivers threw for 341 yards, and Drew Brees went for 339 yards — and both had three TDs.
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COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 6: NO. 3 MIAMI-NO. 18 FLORIDA ST AND NO. 16 VANDY-NO. 10 ALABAMA TOP SCHEDULE
It’s the first week of October, the point in the season when conference races and the chase for College Football Playoff begin to ramp up.
There are only two Top 25 matchups Saturday: No. 3 Miami at No. 18 Florida State and No. 16 Vanderbilt at No. 10 Alabama. Miami goes for its first win in Tallahassee since 2019 (and its third this season against a ranked opponent) while the Seminoles are in bounce-back mode after losing in two overtimes at Virginia.
There is no shortage of other big games.
The Atlantic Coast Conference’s other big game sends No. 24 Virginia to unbeaten Louisville. In the Southeastern Conference, once-beaten Mississippi State is at No. 6 Texas A&M and Florida, loser of three straight, hosts No. 9 Texas.
In the Big 12, Houston is 4-0 for the first time since 2016 and will face its toughest test to date when No. 11 Texas Tech visits, and No. 14 Iowa State is on the road against a Cincinnati team that’s won three straight.
Best game
No. 16 Vanderbilt (5-0, 1-0 SEC) at No. 10 Alabama (3-1, 1-0), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Vanderbilt will try for its first 6-0 start since 1928 while the Crimson Tide are looking to avenge last year’s monumental loss as the nation’s No. 1 team in Nashville.
Alabama once again is coming off a win over Georgia and will host a Vandy team looking for a second road win against a ranked opponent. It will be the first time since 1937 Alabama and Vandy have met when both are ranked.
Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson has 11 touchdown passes and no interceptions, his confidence is high after the Georgia game and he’ll be going against a secondary that’s given up eight TD passes the last two games. Vandy’s Diego Pavia averages more than 300 yards per game in total offense and will face an Alabama defense having to adjust after losing LBs Qua Russaw and Jah-Marien Latham to injuries.
Under the radar
Washington (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) at Maryland (4-0, 1-0), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)
Maryland’s pattern under seventh-year coach Mike Locksley has been to start fast and wilt the deeper it goes into Big Ten play. The unbeaten Terrapins have another prove-it opportunity after opening with four straight wins.
The Terps have 64 new players, a positive since Locksley acknowledged he “lost the locker room” over NIL pay disparity in 2024. Among the newcomers is Malik Washington, the second true freshman in 20 years to throw for at least 250 yards in each of his first four games. The No. 5 national quarterback recruit in the 2025 class has eight TD passes against one interception.
The Huskies have a rising star of their own in sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who has completed 76% of his passes with six TDs and no interceptions.
Heisman watch
The Heisman Trophy front-runner, as judged by BetMGM Sportsbook wagering, has changed nearly every week with Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, Carson Beck and John Mateer all taking turns as the leader.
Oregon’s Dante Moore is the choice this week, at 15-to-2 odds, after he led the Ducks to a 30-24 win over Penn State in two overtimes. Moore connected on a career-high 29 of 39 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns. He’s thrown for at least three TDs in four of five games.
Moore’s 14 TD passes rank fourth in the nation, and he’s thrown just one interception. The Ducks have an open date this week before Indiana and another Heisman candidate, Fernando Mendoza, visit Oct. 11.
Miami’s Beck, the second choice at 9-to-1, has an opportunity to woo Heisman voters in his prime-time game against Florida State.
Numbers to know
9 — Texas’ road win streak in conference games.
17 — Consecutive field goals by Cincinnati’s Stephen Rusnak, who is 6 for 6 this season after going 11 for 11 at Charlotte last season. He’s the only kicker in the country to be perfect in 2024 and 2025.
27 — Consecutive quarters in which BYU has scored entering its Friday game against West Virginia.
57 — UNLV defense’s FBS-leading number of interceptions since 2022. The Rebels’ eight picks this season are tied for second.
1994 — Last time Duke started Atlantic Coast Conference play 3-0, which would be its record with a win at California.
Hot seat
Wisconsin’s lopsided loss to Maryland as a 10-point home favorite cranked up the heat another notch on Luke Fickell. Athletic director Chris McIntosh did issue a statement of support for Fickell, who has a buyout north of $25 million.
Injuries, particularly at quarterback, have hamstrung Fickell. But Fickell’s original hiring of Phil “Air Raid” Longo as offensive coordinator was a mistake, and new coordinator Jeff Grimes’ unit is averaging a Big Ten-worst 4.96 yards per play. The Badgers do have the nation’s best run defense but are vulnerable against the pass.
Five of the final eight opponents are in this week’s Top 25, including three in the top 10. The gantlet starts Saturday at No. 20 Michigan.
ONCE HEISMAN FRONT-RUNNERS, QBS ARCH MANNING AND DJ LAGWAY HAVE BECOME SEC DISAPPOINTMENTS
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Texas’ Arch Manning and Florida’s DJ Lagway opened the season as Heisman Trophy hopefuls, even considered front-runners by some.
The highly touted quarterbacks with TV commercials, endorsement deals and probably as much name, image and likeness money as anyone in college were supposed to be the next great ones at their schools.
Can’t-miss prospects? Sophomore superstars? Future first-round NFL draft picks?
A month into the season, Manning and Lagway are two of the most disappointing players in the Southeastern Conference, prompting some to wonder if their performance will ever match their pedigree.
Manning and Lagway will share the spotlight Saturday when the ninth-ranked Longhorns (3-1) open SEC play at reeling Florida (1-3, 0-1) in the Swamp. It’s a matchup that features the nation’s top QB recruit in 2023 (Manning) and the top QB recruit in 2024 (Lagway).
Both are searching for better results after four starts in 2025.
“Eventually it is going to pop,” Lagway said. “And when it pops, it is going to be hard to stop. I will tell you that right now.”
Manning, the nephew of retired NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of family patriarch Archie Manning, has nine touchdown passes, five rushing scores and three interceptions. But 10 of those TDs came against San Jose State and winless Sam Houston State.
He completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a 14-7 loss at then-No. 3 Ohio State in the season opener. He has looked more comfortable since but playing in front of 90,000 at raucous Florida Field and against a stout defense offer huge tests for the New Orleans native.
“I’m looking around the country at the high-profile players, I don’t know if any of them are living up to what everybody said they were supposed to be,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said.
Lagway was supposed to save Florida. He went 6-1 as a starter as a freshman and hoped to carry that success into his second season. But he spent the better part of seven months rehabbing various injuries, including core-muscle surgery, a sore throwing shoulder and a strained left calf.
The layoff proved costly, with Lagway looking anywhere from rusty to lost. His mechanics have improved with each start, but his confidence remains a work in progress.
“We just need a little spark and it’s going to set a blaze,” Lagway said.
Lagway has thrown for 690 yards, with five touchdowns and six interceptions this season. Three of the TDs came in a victory against Long Island, and five of the picks came in a loss at LSU. He also threw for 61 yards at Miami in his last game.
Coach Billy Napier responded by getting Lagway consecutive days of 11-on-11 work during Florida’s off week in hopes of getting him caught up.
“I see the look in (his) eye,” Napier said. “We’re trying to do our best for him in terms of creating an environment where he can continue to get back in his rhythm. That’s the most important thing right now.”
Texas is a 7-point favorite for its first game in Gainesville since 1940, an indication oddsmakers believe Arch Manning can do something Uncle Peyton failed to do in two visits with Tennessee (1996, 1998). Eli won his only game at Florida Field with Mississippi in 2003.
More recently, the Swamp has rattled a number of young QBs. The list includes Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart (2024), LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier (2024), Auburn’s Bo Nix (2019), LSU’s Joe Burrow (2018) and Missouri’s Drew Lock (2016).
None of them were Heisman contenders at the time. Odds for Lagway and Manning have dropped significantly in the last month, with BetMGM Sportsbook now listing Lagway at 300-1 (opened at 18-1) and Manning at 20-1 (opened at 6-1). The best they can hope for Saturday is a victory and some vindication after early season slipups.
“College football players are getting critiqued and criticized more now than they ever have in the past,” Sarkisian said. “This is a different era that we’re in, and I think that we’ve got to do a great job as coaches of — I don’t want to say shelter — but we got to protect our guys because they’re not pros yet.
“We’ve got to do a really good job of putting them in the right mental space to where they’re still enjoying playing the game of football with their college football teammates. … They need to play football and not work football.”
NO. 21 NOTRE DAME IS RELYING ON A HIGH-SCORING OFFENSE TO GET BACK INTO THE PLAYOFF PICTURE
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — No. 21 Notre Dame protected quarterback C.J. Carr in his first career start, a top 10 matchup on the road.
Since unleashing Carr in the second game, the Fighting Irish offense has become a scoring machine.
Notre Dame has topped the 40-point mark in three straight games and the 50-point mark in each of its last two, and they may need to do it again when high-scoring Boise State visits South Bend on Saturday.
“Where he’s at, is rare,” coach Marcus Freeman said before Carr makes his fifth career start. “Performing at the level he’s playing at is rare. But C.J. Carr is rare. He’s blessed with great talent and has the unique trait very few people have — he’s a competitive, selfless individual. Whatever it takes to win, he has that trait, and he’s mature in the way he prepares. It leads to improvement and really good results.”
Carr certainly has been turning heads. He leads all freshmen nationally in yards per attempt, yards per completion, passing efficiency and passing yards per game, and ranks in the Top 20 in each of those categories among all quarterbacks.
But he isn’t doing this alone.
The Irish (2-2) have one of the nation’s top rushing duos, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. They’ve combined for 614 yards and 11 TDs on the ground and are showing they can catch the ball by combining for four more scores through the air. Price also has a kickoff return for a TD.
“You want to stop the run? Good, OK, we can beat you. We can throw 400 yards like we did last week,” Notre Dame running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider said. “You want to take that away? Well, we can run for 200, 300 yards, whatever it takes to win.”
Notre Dame’s receiving corps is rounding into form, too.
Jordan Faison has lived up to the high expectations with a team-best 19 catches while the supporting cast seems to be improving by the week. Malachi Fields has been a solid second option, Eli Raridon looks like the next in a long line of good tight ends to play at Notre Dame and Will Pauling, the transfer from Wisconsin, caught his first TD pass last weekend.
Add another good offensive line, a favorable schedule and the prospect of Carr’s continued improvement to the mix and the suddenly strong Irish offense could carry this team — if given the chance.
“I don’t know he’s ever going to get all the keys to the Ferrari, but, I mean, we’ll let him take it out for a spin every once in a while,” offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said, referring to Carr running the offense. “He’s done a nice job with it.”
They can’t stop now, either, given Notre Dame’s narrow margin for error.
Two early losses, at then-No. 10 Miami and at home against then-No. 16 Texas A&M by a total of four points, put Notre Dame’s playoff hopes in jeopardy and although it has rebounded with lopsided wins over Purdue and Arkansas, one more loss would almost certainly eliminate the 2024 national runner-up from the playoff picture.
The next step in the long road back is against another playoff team from last season, Boise State. The Broncos (3-1) rebounded from their 34-7 season-opening loss to South Florida with their usual style — scoring 49 points per game in routs of Eastern Washington, Appalachian State and Air Force.
With Notre Dame’s defense still struggling, the offense may need to exceed its three-game scoring average of 50.7 points over the past three weeks, creating the possibility of a shootout Saturday, a prospect Faison embraces.
“It’s very fun,” Faison said. “I mean, we go in there with the expectation of doing whatever it takes to win. We might score seven points, we might score 50 points, doesn’t matter. But hey, it’s obviously fun knowing that we’re going to go into there and try to perform.”
MIAMI’S CARSON BECK READY FOR ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE AT FLORIDA STATE ON SATURDAY NIGHT
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Miami quarterback Carson Beck has experienced playing in some historic college football stadiums under often hostile circumstances.
He threw for 439 yards last year for Georgia at Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium in front of 100,000 or so fans. He threw for 313 yards two years ago at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. He has won at Texas and Tennessee, both of those crowds topping the 100,000 mark. He has won at Auburn and before a raucous crowd at Georgia Tech.
And now, Doak Campbell Stadium awaits.
Florida State’s crowd is always electric when Miami comes to town and even more so when a ranked and unbeaten Hurricanes team is on the opposite sideline. Beck is fully aware of what the environment in Tallahassee will be like Saturday night when the third-ranked Hurricanes (4-0) open Atlantic Coast Conference play by taking on the 18th-ranked Seminoles (3-1).
“The rivalry that this game is and what it means to not only the players, but also the fan bases, I’m sure that this stadium is going to be packed.” Beck said. “I’m sure it’s going to be rocking. I’m really excited for that opportunity.
“I am sure it’s going to be loud. We know we’re working through that and practicing through that with crowd noise and those types of things during practice. It’s going to be an electric environment. And we’re excited for the opportunity and challenge.”
It has all the elements that a Miami-Florida State game should have: title implications, prime-time television, tons on the line for both teams.
The Seminoles know their realistic ACC hopes — which took a hit with last week’s overtime loss at Virginia — might hinge on the outcome of this game. The Hurricanes are looking to kick off ACC play on the right foot and finish off a state title of sorts, having already beaten South Florida and Florida this season.
Beck, whose 2024 season at Georgia had some rocky moments and tons of criticism, has played like a Heisman Trophy candidate through his first month with the Hurricanes — completing 73% of his passes for nearly 1,000 yards through four games. And Florida State coach Mike Norvell is taking notice.
“You see a quarterback that’s been through it,” Norvell said. “He’s played obviously at a really high level throughout his career. He’s had his challenges. … You can see that here in Miami he’s feeling very comfortable with what they’re asking him to do and what they’ve been able to accomplish here in the early part of the season.”
Beck has seen Florida State before — sort of.
Georgia played Florida State in the Orange Bowl to conclude the 2023 season. The Seminoles were unbeaten but didn’t get picked for the College Football Playoff — then a four-team event, unlike the 12-team field now — in large part because quarterback Jordan Travis had been lost to a broken leg. Many Seminoles players opted out of the bowl game to begin focusing on the NFL draft and the Bulldogs waltzed to a 63-3 win over a watered-down lineup.
Beck knows the FSU team he’ll see Saturday will be far more competitive than that Orange Bowl lineup was.
“Obviously, they’re very talented up front,” Beck said. “They do a really good job. Their secondary is very athletic, very talented. So again, we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
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NHL NEWS
ERIK JOHNSON RETIRES AFTER 17-YEAR NHL CAREER, HIGHLIGHTED BY 2022 STANLEY CUP WIN WITH AVALANCHE
DENVER (AP) — Defenseman Erik Johnson announced his retirement Wednesday after a 17-year career that was highlighted by a 2022 Stanley Cup title with the Colorado Avalanche.
Picked No. 1 in the 2006 NHL draft by St. Louis, Johnson was traded to the Avalanche as part of a blockbuster deal in 2011. He played in 1,023 regular-season games with the Blues, Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers. He finished with 95 goals, 253 assists, 1,717 blocks and 1,695 hits.
The 37-year-old Johnson has long been a fan favorite in Denver, where he spent 14 of his 17 seasons. His most iconic moment, though, may have taken place away from the ice. He led the crowd in the singing of “All the Small Things,” by Blink-182 after the parade to celebrate Colorado hoisting the Stanley Cup. It was the theme song that season.
In a statement, Johnson said: “I am retiring with a heart full of gratitude.”
He thanked organizations, teammates, coaches, staff members, family, friends and, of course, the fans.
“Your passion made every moment unforgettable,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s 14 seasons in Colorado — 2011 to 2022-23, along with a return late last season — trails only Adam Foote (17) for most seasons among Avalanche/Nordiques blueliners. His 731 regular-season games in an Avalanche sweater are also second only to Foote (967) among the franchise’s defensemen.
The player known as “EJ” is first in franchise history in blocked shots (1,373) and third in hits (1,288) among defensemen. The Bloomington, Minnesota, product leaves the NHL rink 25th on the most games played list among American-born defenseman in league history.
His first NHL game was with St. Louis on Oct. 4, 2007, against the then-Phoenix Coyotes. He had an assist on a goal by Keith Tkachuk.
His last regular-season game was with Colorado on April 13 at Anaheim. He scored an empty-net goal. Johnson also played in two games in the first-round series against Dallas, where the Avalanche lost in seven.
“Hockey has been my life, and I’m grateful for every second,” Johnson said. “I’m excited for what’s next and will always cherish this journey.”
AFTER A 111-POINT SEASON THAT INCLUDED OVECHKIN’S RECORD, THE CAPITALS TRY FOR AN ENCORE
Washington Capitals
Last season: 51-22-9, reached second round of playoffs.
COACH: Spencer Carbery (91-53-20 in two seasons).
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 8 vs. Boston.
DEPARTURES: F Andrew Mangiapane, F Taylor Raddysh, F Lars Eller.
ADDITIONS: F Justin Sourdif, D Declan Chisholm.
GOALIES: Logan Thompson (31-6-6, 2.49 goals-against average, 0.910 save percentage), Charlie Lindgren (20-14-3, 2.73, 0.896).
BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 28-1.
What to expect
Alex Ovechkin’s successful pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goals record was only part of a memorable season in Washington. After barely making the playoffs in 2023-24, the Capitals soared to a division title with the best record in the Eastern Conference and won a playoff series for the first time since their Stanley Cup title in 2018. Several core players from that championship team — Nicklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Braden Holtby — have moved on, but Washington has managed to rebuild on the fly, missing the postseason only once in the past decade. The big question this season is whether it will be Ovechkin’s last in the NHL. He’s entering the final year of his current contract.
Strengths and weaknesses
The good: This is a team that can play four lines and three defense pairings and feel reasonably comfortable with them all. The Capitals had seven 20-goal scorers last season, with Ovechkin, Tom Wilson and Aliaksei Protas reaching 30. John Carlson and Jakob Chychrun bring plenty of skill on the blue line. Neither goalie is necessarily a Vezina candidate, but each has shown he can get hot for a significant period of time.
The not-so-good: Although its farm system continues to produce capable NHL players, Washington lacks the type of top-end talent it had when it finally made its Stanley Cup run. That can happen when you haven’t been bad enough to land a bunch of high draft picks. Ovechkin managed to produce a 44-goal season at age 39, but any decline from him will leave Washington relying on a number of good-but-not-great players to provide scoring punch. Of those seven 20-goal scorers, five set career highs in goals in 2024-25. Can they avoid regression?
Players to watch
Ovechkin enters the season with 897 goals, meaning he’s three away from becoming the first player with 900. Protas jumped from six goals to 30, and at age 24 he might still have another level he can reach. The one time the Capitals did miss the playoffs recently, they drafted Ryan Leonard with the eighth overall pick. The 20-year-old forward made his debut late last season.
NEW YORK ISLANDERS IN A TRANSITION PERIOD GET AN INFUSION OF HOPE WITH NO. 1 PICK MATTHEW SCHAEFER
New York Islanders
Last season: 35-35-12 (82 points), missed the playoffs.
COACH: Patrick Roy (second full season with New York; 185-139-41 career).
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 9 at Pittsburgh.
DEPARTURES: D Noah Dobson, LW Matt Martin, GM Lou Lamoriello.
ADDITIONS: Rookie D Matthew Schaefer, LW Jonathan Drouin, RW Max Shabanov, G David Rittich, GM Mathieu Darche.
GOALIES: Ilya Sorokin (30-24-6, 2.71 goals-against average, .907 save percentage), Rittich (16-14-2, 2.84, .887 with Los Angeles).
BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 150-1.
What to expect
It’s a bit of a transition year after ownership decided not to renew longtime NHL executive Lou Lamoriello’s contract and hired Tampa Bay assistant Mathieu Darche as general manager. There’s plenty of long-term optimism on Long Island after winning the draft lottery and selecting defenseman Matthew Schaefer to inject some much-needed talent into the roster. Short term, it would take a lot for Roy’s team to make the leap to serious playoff contender. If everything goes right, the Islanders could be in the mix.
Strengths and weaknesses
The good: Mathew Barzal is back after injuries limited him to 30 games last season. Roy has the ability to play Barzal at center or on the wing. Sorokin should keep them in games if he can stay healthy and play 55-plus games.
The not-so-good: Barzal said he doesn’t know if he’ll ever be 100% healthy after taking a shot off his left kneecap. Special teams was a sore spot last season, when the Islanders were second-worst in the league on the power play and the penalty kill. There just might not be enough high-end talent on the ice on any given night to challenge top teams.
Players to watch
All eyes are on Schaefer, who is getting eased in on the third pair alongside dependable vet Scott Mayfield. The 18-year-old is a terrific skater, but the learning curve at the position is steep. Flashes of skill will come through, even as Schaefer has some growing pains. Anthony Duclair and Roy patched things up over the summer after the coach publicly criticized the play of the winger, who said he was still not back to form after tearing a groin muscle off the bone.
NEW YORK RANGERS BEGIN A NEW ERA UNDER 2-TIME STANLEY CUP-WINNING COACH MIKE SULLIVAN
New York Rangers
Last season: 39-36-7 (85 points), missed the playoffs.
COACH: Mike Sullivan (first season with New York; 479-311-127 career).
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 7 vs. Pittsburgh.
DEPARTURES: LW Chris Kreider, D K’Andre Miller, RW Reilly Smith, D Zac Jones, coach Peter Laviolette.
ADDITIONS: Sullivan, D Vladislav Gavrikov, rookie F Gabriel Perreault, RW Taylor Raddysh.
GOALIES: Igor Shesterkin (27-29-5, 2.86 goals-against average, .905 save percentage), Jonathan Quick (11-7-2, 3.17, .893).
BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 25-1
What to expect
It’s a new era with Sullivan bringing his two-time Stanley Cup-winning experience to the Original Six franchise not far removed from a trip to the 2024 Eastern Conference final. Last season was a massive disappointment, from the drama surrounding captain Jacob Trouba until he was traded to Anaheim in December to top players Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox underachieving. In hiring Sullivan, general manager Chris Drury is counting on one of the best coaches in the sport getting more out of the entire roster. The Rangers have the talent to make the playoffs, and that’s the expectation.
Strengths and weaknesses
The good: Goaltender Igor Shesterkin, starting a new long-term contract, gives his team a chance to win every time he starts. He can also steal games and could again be in the mix for the Vezina Trophy, which he won in 2022. Fellow Russian Artemi Panarin is going into the final year of his deal and was one of the stars whose play did not dip last season, producing at over a point-a-game pace.
The not-so-good: Blue line depth is a question after the top pairing of Fox and newly signed Vladislav Gavrikov. A lot is being expected of young defenseman Braden Schneider, who’s coming off shoulder surgery. Trading Kreider to the Ducks opens a void for someone who can stand in front of the net and tip pucks in for goals. Recently named captain, top center J.T. Miller is also in charge of establishing a strong locker room culture after the tumult that was last season.
Players to watch
Zibanejad, opening the season on Miller’s right wing, is firmly in the spotlight to bounce back from being minus-22. Opportunities are also there in the top six for Alexis Lafrenière and Will Cuylle to take on big roles. Gavrikov, signed to a seven-year, $49 million contract in free agency, was brought in to be a stabilizing force on defense and free up Fox to play more like the guy who won the Norris Trophy in 2021.
THE CAROLINA HURRICANES ARE CHASING AN 8TH STRAIGHT PLAYOFF BID AS AN EASTERN CONFERENCE FAVORITE
Carolina Hurricanes
Last season: 47-30-5, lost in Eastern Conference final.
COACH: Rod Brind’Amour (325-160-49 over seven seasons).
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 9 vs. New Jersey.
DEPARTURES: D Brent Burns, D Dmitry Orlov, D Scott Morrow.
ADDITIONS: F Nikolaj Ehlers, D K’Andre Miller, D Mike Reilly.
GOALIES: Pyotr Kochetkov (27-16-3, 2.60 goals-against average, .898 save percentage), Frederik Andersen (13-8-1, 2.50, .899).
BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 19-2.
What to expect
After reaching the playoffs for the seventh time in as many seasons under Brind’Amour, there were not major changes to the roster. Mainstays like center Sebastian Aho, forwards Seth Jarvis and Andrei Svechnikov, and defenseman Jaccob Slavin are locked up long term. The Hurricanes will again be one of the favorites to contend for the Stanley Cup out of the Eastern Conference, though these days that would mean punching through the roadblock of the two-time reigning champion Florida Panthers, who have eliminated the Hurricanes in the East final two of the past three seasons.
Strengths and weaknesses
The good: Aho (team-best 74 points) and Jarvis (team-best 32 goals) are in their prime, while Svechnikov — a former No. 2 overall draft pick — is coming off a huge postseason with eight goals. Slavin headlines the defensemen, which include key returnees in Jalen Chatfield, Sean Walker and Shayne Gostisbhere. Andersen has been the veteran capable of taking the lead in net for the playoffs.
The not-so-good: There aren’t many holes, though the team has been on a multi-year hunt for another high-end finisher that could raise its postseason ceiling. That included trading for Jake Guentzel in 2024 before trading his rights away ahead of free agency as well as the January trade for star forward Mikko Rantanen before having to ship him out at last year’s deadline. Carolina has also been looking for upgrades at second-line center and will have to find the right defensive pairings with the departures of Burns and Orlov; top prospect Alexander Nikishin was thrown into the playoffs as a rookie due to injuries last year.
Players to watch
The Rantanen saga led to the addition of 22-year-old forward Logan Stankoven, who has already landed an eight-year extension through 2033-34 and opened training camp getting center work. The Hurricanes made two major additions, first with the trade that landed Miller from the New York Rangers. Then came a big get in free agency with Ehlers, who picked the Hurricanes over multiple suitors to sign a six-year deal in July and is part of the Hurricanes’ hunt for scoring punch.
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS LOOKING TO MAKE JUMP BACK INTO PLAYOFFS AFTER COMING CLOSE LAST SEASON
Columbus Blue Jackets
Last season: 40-33-9, missed playoffs.
COACH: Dean Evason (second season with Columbus; 187-110-36 career).
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 9 at Nashville.
DEPARTURES: G Daniil Tarasov, LW James van Riemsdyk, D Jack Johnson, C Sean Kuraly, F Justin Danforth, C Luke Kunin, RW Kevin Labanc,
ADDITIONS: C Charlie Coyle, LW Miles Wood, C Isac Lundestrom, D Brendan Smith, RW Hudson Fasching, G Ivan Fedotov.
GOALIES: Elvis Merzlikins (26-21-5, 3.18 goals-against average, .892 save percentage), Jet Greaves (7-2-2, 1.91 goals-against average, .938 save percentage).
BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 100-1.
What to expect
Columbus was the inspirational story of last season, coming within two points of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference after the death of star forward Johnny Gaudreau in August 2024. The Blue Jackets were last in the conference in 2023-24, but had a 23-point improvement last season. Now, they need to make the next step and qualify for the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. They are led by defenseman Zach Werenski, who finished second in Norris Trophy voting after he led the team with a career-high 82 points, a 25 point jump from 2023-24. With Weresnski, centers Sean Monahan (19 goals, 57 points) and Adam Fantilli (31 goals, 54 points) give the Blue Jackets a trio of formidable scorers, but defense and goaltending must improve.
Strengths and weaknesses
The good: Werenski could make the Team USA roster for the upcoming Olympics after leading all skaters in points at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Fantilli is going into his third season and will try to join Rick Nash as the only players in franchise history with consecutive 30-goal seasons.
The not-so-good: Columbus allowed 3.26 goals per game last season, eighth-highest in the league. The team’s 89.1 save percentage rate was 19th out of 32 teams, which has many wondering if Elvis Merzlikins will remain the No. 1 goaltender. Jet Greaves is expected to challenge for the top spot after winning his last five starts last season, including two shutouts.
Players to watch
Team captain Boone Jenner missed most of last season due to shoulder surgery, but had seven goals and 19 points in 26 games once he came back. Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood were acquired from Colorado during the offseason to provide some depth to the third and fourth lines. Coyle had 17 goals and 35 points for Boston and Colorado last season. He can help at times when the Blue Jackets need a defensive-minded center on the ice.
EVEN WITHOUT BARKOV, THE FLORIDA PANTHERS EXPECT THEY HAVE ENOUGH FOR ANOTHER CUP RUN THIS SEASON
Florida Panthers
Last season: 47-31-4, won second consecutive Stanley Cup.
COACH: Paul Maurice, 4th season with Florida, 28th season overall (916-767-247).
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 7 vs. Chicago Blackhawks.
DEPARTURES: D Nate Schmidt, C Nico Sturm, G Vítek Vaněček.
ADDITIONS: G Daniil Tarasov, C Luke Kunin, D Jeff Petry.
GOALIES: Sergei Bobrovsky (33-19-2, 2.44 goals-against average, 0.905 save percentage), Daniil Tarasov (7-10-2 with Columbus, 3.54, 0.881).
BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 10-1.
What to expect
The goal is clear: Win the whole thing again. The path to that goal is not so clear. Captain Aleksander Barkov is likely out for the entirety of the regular season with two torn knee ligaments, forward Matthew Tkachuk is probably out until December at least while he recovers from offseason surgery, and the depth is sure to be tested. That said, the Panthers somehow found a way to keep Aaron Ekblad, Brad Marchand and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett when all were free agents last summer. Sergei Bobrovsky seems to still be at his peak and now has Daniil Tarasov backing him up. They come from the same town in Russia; Bobrovsky idolized Tarasov’s dad, much in the same way that the younger Tarasov grew up idolizing Bobrovsky.
Strengths and weaknesses
The good: There is enough talent on the roster, in theory, to overcome the statistical losses that come with Barkov missing the season. Anton Lundell and Mackie Samoskevich are among the forwards poised to make big jumps, and it’s not like the defense — which added Seth Jones in a trade for the playoff push last season — was leaky to begin with. Marchand’s presence cannot be understated; he still has tons in the tank.
The not-so-good: It’s a brutal schedule again, with lots of home games in the first half of the season and lots of road games in the second half of the season. The depth will be utilized, which means there’s not a lot of room for further issues. And the Panthers, who have played more games in a three-year span (including playoffs) than any team in NHL history, will see more on-ice miles added this season because about half their regular roster may be playing in the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Players to watch
Where does one begin to answer that question on this team? There’s Sam Reinhart, one of the game’s top scorers. There’s Marchand, who has made the incredible switch from Panthers villain to Panthers legend. Bobrovsky, in the final year of his contract. A kid like Samoskevich, whose time might be now. Jones, who seemed to get more comfortable with the Panthers every week after the trade. Niko Mikkola, Lundell, Gustav Forsling, the list goes on and on, which is why the Panthers truly believe they have a shot at winning it all again.
EXPECTATIONS REMAIN LOW IN BUFFALO, WHERE RUFF-COACHED SABRES SEEK TO SNAP 14-SEASON PLAYOFF DROUGHT
Buffalo Sabres
Last season: 36-39-7, extended NHL-record playoff drought to a 14th season.
COACH: Lindy Ruff (900-718-160 and 78 ties over 17 seasons with 3 teams).
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 9 vs. New York Rangers.
DEPARTURES: RW JJ Peterka, D Connor Clifton, G James Reimer, D Jacob Bernard-Docker, F Sam Lafferty.
ADDITIONS: RW Shane Doan, D Michael Kesselring, D Mason Geertsen, F Justin Danforth, G Alex Lyon, G Alexandar Georgiev.
GOALIES: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonnen (71-65-15, 3.06 GAA, 0.898 save percentage) and Alex Lyon (51-38-11, 2.99 GAA, 0.902 save percentage).
BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 100-1.
What to expect
Not much from a team that has languished at the bottom of NHL standings since the end of Ruff’s first tenure as coach. He’s back for a second stint and entering his second season says he’s got a better grasp of what needs to be addressed. Ruff wants Buffalo to be more defensively responsible and play with a grittier style with the additions of Doan and Kesserling. The Sabres have talent but there are questions about chemistry and culture. They’re further challenged playing in an Atlantic Division steeped in high-end teams.
Strengths and weaknesses
The good: Buffalo’s blue line features two No. 1 draft picks in captain Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, plus a No. 4 selection in Bowen Byram. The Sabres bulked up with the addition of the 6-foot-5, 215-pound Kesselring. Buffalo is also strong down the middle with centers Tage Thompson, trade deadline addition Josh Norris and Ryan McLeod. Thompson, however, might shift to the wing.
The not-so-good: Luukkonnen has been inconsistent but the Sabres have hit pause on goalie Devon Levi’s ascension, having the 23-year-old start yet another season developing in the minors. Forward depth is a concern with Buffalo relying heavily on Thompson and Alex Tuch to lead the offense, especially now with Peterka traded to Utah. General manager Kevyn Adams has often hoped in vain for Buffalo’s youth to produce; he acknowledged second-guessing himself for not making a move to spark the team during its 0-10-3 tailspin spanning November and December.
Players to watch
Norris, the key piece in a trade that sent Dylan Cozens to Ottawa in March, is finally healthy after aggravating a torn oblique injury upon his arrival in Buffalo. Though he’s topped 20 goals three times, including a career-best 35 four years ago, Norris has yet to play a full campaign over his six NHL seasons. Tuch is another player to watch both on and off the ice. The ninth-year player’s contract is up after this season, with the two sides far apart in discussions on a long-term extension.
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS HIRE FAN FAVORITE RICK TOCCHET, BUT WILL IT END THEIR PLAYOFF DROUGHT?
Philadelphia Flyers
Last season: 33-39-10; missed playoffs.
COACH: Rick Tocchet, first season with Flyers (286-265-87 in 9 seasons).
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 9 at Florida.
DEPATURES: F Ryan Poehling, F Morgan Frost, G Ivan Fedotov.
ADDITIONS: C Trevor Zegras, G Dan Vladar, C Christian Dvorak, D Dennis Gilbert, D Noah Juulsen.
GOALIES: Sam Ersson (22-17-5, 3.14 GAA, 0.883 and 12-11-6, 2.80 GAA, 0.898 with Calgary)
BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 150-1.
What to expect:
A sixth consecutive year out of the playoffs. General manager Danny Briere and the rest of the front office have preached patience during a rebuild that may not pay off with a playoff appearance for another season or two. The playoff drought is one reason why the Flyers hired Tocchet, a fan favorite from his playing days in Philadelphia to guide the team through its critical next phase. Tocchet amassed 508 points and more than 1,800 penalty minutes in an orange and black jersey. He later won Stanley Cups as an assistant in Pittsburgh and rebuilt struggling squads in Tampa Bay, Arizona and, most recently, Vancouver.
Strengths and weaknesses
The good: The Flyers have a solid foundation on defense behind Travis Sanheim and Cam York. Sean Couturier is a former winner of the Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward in the NHL. Nick Seeler and Jamie Drysdale form a solid defensive pair and they should help keep the Flyers afloat as they navigate another choppy season. With a strong prospect pipeline, ample draft capital and cap flexibility, Briere and president of hockey operations Keith Jones believe now is the time to lock in their leadership, and the Flyers hope most of that can be found with their defensive stars.
The not-so-good: The goaltending was among the worst in the NHL last season and Ivan Fedotov is gone. The Flyers allowed the fifth-most goals of any team last season with a stunningly low 0.872 save percentage. The team signed Dan Vladar, a career backupand exactly where Ersson should have been with the Flyers had franchise goalie Carter Hart not left them in a tough spot two-plus seasons ago.
Players to watch
Matvei Michkov was as good as advertised in his rookie season with the Flyers. Still only 20 years old, Michkov had 26 goals and 63 points as the Russian adjusted to life in the NHL. Michkov could be the breakthrough star the Flyers crave as they make the climb back toward the playoffs and relevancy in the crowded Philly sports scene.
NEW JERSEY DEVILS GET JACK HUGHES BACK HEALTHY AND HOPE TO MAKE A DEEPER PLAYOFF RUN
New Jersey Devils
Last season: 42-33-7 (99 points), lost in the first round to Carolina.
COACH: Sheldon Keefe (second season with New Jersey; 431-254-130 career).
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 9 at Carolina.
DEPARTURES: C Erik Haula, F Stefan Noesen, F Nathan Bastian, F Daniel Sprong, F Tomas Tatar, assistants Chris Taylor and Ryan McGill.
ADDITIONS: F Connor Brown, F Evgenii Dadonov, F Juho Lammikko, rookie F Arseny Gritsyuk, assistant Brad Shaw.
GOALIES: Jacob Markstrom (26-16-6, 2.50 goals-against average, .900 save percentage), Jake Allen (13-16, 1, 2.66, .908).
BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 14-1.
What to expect
The Devils are getting first-line center Jack Hughes back healthy after he crashed into the boards and injured his right shoulder in March, an injury that required surgery and ended his season. New Jersey is firmly in win-now mode with so many players in their prime. General manager Tom Fitzgerald signed Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov for more offense up front after finishing 20th in the NHL in goals scored. The expectation is for this group to take the next step. The Devils should compete with the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division. If they get back to the playoffs, they’ll have some demons to exorcise to make a run.
Strengths and weaknesses
The good: The Devils were a top-five team at keeping the puck out of their own net last season, so running it back in net with Markstrom and Allen is a nice luxury. Keefe is a chic pick to win the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year. A big part of his influence is on special teams, where New Jersey had the league’s second-best penalty kill and ranked third on the power play. Defenseman Luke Hughes also signed a seven-year deal after missing the first couple of weeks of training camp.
The not-so-good: Everything about the Devils screams regular-season success, and someone has to step up when the playoffs begin to show they can actually take that next step when it matters most. A long-term injury to Johnathan Kovacevic will test their blue line depth over the first couple of months. And when Kovacevic is ready, it’s a test for GM Tom Fitzgerald to get his team under the salary cap.
Players to watch
Jesper Bratt is coming off putting up 88 points in 81 games and could be a big producer again while trying to audition for Sweden’s Olympic team. Captain Nico Hischier was already named to Switzerland’s roster but will still be plenty motivated. Jack Hughes is tired of the questions about staying healthy, which is justified given the last injury was more bad luck than anything else, and he’s the star who can carry New Jersey when needed.
BOSTON BRUINS AIM FOR A COMEBACK WITH NEW COACH MARCO STURM
Boston Bruins
Last season: 33-39-10, missed playoffs.
COACH: Marco Sturm, hired June 5. First-time NHL coach.
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 8 at Washington.
DEPARTURES: Coach Joe Sacco, F Vinny Lettieri, D Ian Mitchell, D Parker Wotherspoon.
ADDITIONS: F Viktor Arvidsson, F Matej Blumel, D Jordan Harris, F Tanner Jeannot, F Michael Eyissimont, F Sean Kuraly.
GOALIES: Jeremy Swayman (22-29-7, 3.11 goals-against average, .892 save percentage), Jonas Korpisalo (11-10-3, 2.90, .893).
BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 200-1.
What to expect
The Bruins bailed on coach Jim Montgomery after 20 games last season and didn’t improve under interim Joe Sacco, having a fire sale at the trade deadline in which they jettisoned captain Brad Marchand, forwards Justin Brazeau Charlie Coyle, Marc McLaughlin and Trent Frederic along with defenseman Brandon Carlo. They finished with 76 points, last in the Eastern Conference and tied for the fourth-worst record in the NHL. This season will be a transition and then some.
Strengths and weaknesses
The good: Swayman never really found his groove last season after holding out in training camp and signing an eight-year, $66 million contract two days before the opener. If he can post anything resembling his 2022-23 season, when he went 24-6-4 with a 2.27 GAA, the Bruins might be able to eke into the playoffs.
The not-so-good: The forward lineup for this season looks weak beyond David Pastrnak. The defense could be better with the healthy return of Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, but depth beyond that is thin.
Players to watch
Blumel and Alex Steeves were the top two goal-scorers in the AHL last season. Swayman needs to bounce back from his off season. Will the team play without a captain after trading Marchand last season? If not, the elder statesman is Pastrnak, who may not fit the mold, with McAvoy emerging as the veteran with the most sway in the room.
DETROIT RED WINGS CELEBRATING 100TH SEASON AMID FRANCHISE-RECORD POSTSEASON DROUGHT THAT MAY NOT END
Detroit Red Wings
Last season: 39-35-8, missed playoffs.
COACH: Todd McLellan (26-18-4 as midseason replacement for Derek Lalonde).
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 9 vs. Montreal.
DEPARTURES: F Vladimir Tarasenko, G Alex Lyon, D Jeff Petry, C Craig Smith.
ADDITIONS: G John Gibson, LW James van Riemsdyk, C Mason Appleton, D Travis Hamonic, D Jacob Bernard-Docker.
GOALIES: Gibson (11-11-2, 2.77 goals-against average, 0.911 save percentage), Cam Talbot (21-19-5, 2.93).
BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 90-1.
What to expect
The Red Wings are celebrating their 100th year as a franchise but the festivities may not extend to the playoffs. Detroit has a franchise-record, nine-year postseason drought and it seems like a stretch to predict the skid will stop in the spring. The team’s best chance to exceed low expectations is for winger Lucas Raymond or defenseman Moritz Seider to suddenly become a superstar. The Red Wings’ relatively significant moves were acquiring a backup goaltender (Gibson) in a trade with Anaheim and signing the 36-year-old van Riemsdyk (36 points last season) and the 29-year-old Appleton (22).
Strengths and weaknesses
The good: Raymond, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane and Marco Kasper are scorers the Red Wings can count on. Seider has not missed a game in his four NHL seasons and has averaged 45 points per year, providing much-needed stability and talent on the blue line. The 32-year-old Gibson and 38-year-old Talbot give the team a lot of experience in net. McLellan has 624 career wins, ranking fourth among active NHL coaches, and is entering first full season to give the team some continuity from the bench.
The not-so-good: General manager Steve Yzerman, a beloved Hall of Fame player for the franchise, has not been able to make enough moves to turn around a franchise he was hired to guide in 2019. Detroit does not have a superstar, a void the franchise has had since 2012 when four-time Stanley Cup champion and seven-time Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom retired. When the Red Wings’ top two lines are on the bench, they may struggle to score.
Players to watch
Gibson started the fewest games (28) in a decade last season for the Ducks and he’s going to have every opportunity to play much more as Detroit’s No. 1 goalie. Raymond had a team- and career-high 80 points last season and the team desperately needs him to become an All-Star for the first time. Simon Edvinsson, the No. 6 overall pick in 2021, showed some promise in his first full NHL season with seven goals and 24 assists last year. Kane, who had 59 points last season, is 32 points from breaking the NHL’s all-time record for points by a player born in the United States (Hall of Famer Mike Modano, 1,374 points).
DEVILS AGREE WITH DEFENSEMAN LUKE HUGHES ON A 7-YEAR, $63 MILLION CONTRACT
The New Jersey Devils have agreed to terms with young defenseman Luke Hughes on a seven-year contract worth $63 million.
General manager Tom Fitzgerald announced the deal Wednesday. Hughes will count $9 million against the salary cap through the 2031-32 NHL season — $1 million more annually than brother and No. 1 center Jack.
Luke Hughes was one of just a couple of restricted free agents left unsigned with opening night just about a week away. Anaheim over the weekend got Mason McTavish under contract, while Nashville’s Luke Evangelista still has nothing completed.
Devils training camp went on for nearly two weeks without Hughes, who missed all those sessions while his camp and the team were negotiating to keep him in New Jersey long term. He is expected to join the team for practice Thursday.
Hughes, who just turned 22, has 93 points in 155 regular-season games so far in his career. He also has two points in four playoff games while skating 20 minutes a night.
Jack Hughes hopes Luke gets a chance in his third full year in the league to run the top power-play unit and play big minutes.
“That’s so important for him because he’s got so much upside,” Jack Hughes said. “He’s a great skater. He’s a really good defender, too. I think he can be a true No. 1 for us.”
GUIDE TO THE 2025-26 NHL SEASON AND MILAN OLYMPICS: HOW TO WATCH AND MORE
The puck drops on the NHL season Oct. 7 with a tripleheader that includes the Florida Panthers raising a Stanley Cup banner for a second consecutive year and Mike Sullivan making his New York Rangers coaching debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins team he spent much of the past decade with.
This is the final 82-game season before the schedule expands to 84 apiece for each of the league’s 32 teams beginning in 2026-27. It’s also expected to be the final October start before training camp and exhibition play shrink and opening night gets moved up to late September.
The league will take a two-week break in February so players can compete at the Olympics in Milan.
What to know
The Panthers are looking to become the first NHL team to threepeat since the New York Islanders won four championships in a row from 1980-83. They likely won’t have captain and top center Aleksander Barkov all season after surgery to repair torn ligaments in his right knee from a noncontact injury during training camp.
NHL players are back in the Olympics for the first time since 2014 when Canada won its second consecutive gold medal. It’s the first full-fledged international tournament featuring the world’s best since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The 4 Nations Face-Off with the U.S., Canada, Sweden and Finland provided a taste of the kind of quality and pace that can be expected.
Connor McDavid, widely considered the game’s best player, is still chasing the Stanley Cup in his 11th season in the league. He is in the final year of his contract with the Edmonton Oilers, and his future is the talk of the sport.
Stanley Cup favorites
Edmonton and Vegas are 8-1 co-favorites at BetMGM Sportsbook to hoist the Cup in June. Carolina and Colorado are 17-2, Dallas is 9-1 and Florida and Tampa Bay are each 14-1. The longest shots on the board are rebuilding Chicago and San Jose at 500-1.
How to watch
ESPN and TNT air games nationally in the U.S., with Sportsnet as the rightsholder in Canada.
There are 100 exclusive games between ESPN, ABC, ESPN+ and Hulu, including all three on opening night and the Stadium Series when Tampa Bay hosts Boston outdoors at the home of the NFL’s Buccaneers. ESPN also has the Stanley Cup Final in June.
TNT has 72 games, including Washington’s season opener with Alex Ovechkin at 897 goals after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record, and the Winter Classic between the Panthers and Rangers on Jan. 2 at the home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins.
What the season looks like
More than 900 games will take place between October and Feb. 4, including Pittsburgh and Nashville playing twice in Sweden in November. The league will then pause for the Olympic break.
The men’s hockey tournament in Milan begins Feb. 11 with Finland vs. Slovakia and Sweden against host Italy. The gold-medal game is set for Feb. 22.
NHL play resumes on Feb. 25. The trade deadline is March 6 and the final day of the regular season is April 16. The playoffs begin April 18 and the last possible day for the Stanley Cup Final is June 21. Free agency begins July 1.
START TO THE NHL SEASON IS CRUCIAL FOR PLAYERS ON THE OLYMPIC BUBBLE
During the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year, Hockey Canada officials figured maybe three-quarters of the championship Canadian team would also play for Olympic gold at the Winter Games in February.
But with two additional spots available, the first few months of the NHL season are crucial to players on the Olympic bubble hoping to make the team and travel to Milan.
“Some players are going to rise up,” Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong said. “There’s a lot of guys that didn’t make that team that are going to want to have a great October, November, December.”
Armstrong, U.S. GM Bill Guerin and the other federations have until Dec. 31 to submit provisional rosters of 22 skaters and three goaltenders. The so-called long lists of 45 skaters and five goaltenders to choose from is due Oct. 15.
Expect some serious variation for the Americans in Milan, looking to win Olympic gold for the first time since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.
“We can’t really run it back with the same team — we’ve got to see who’s playing well,” Guerin said. “Other guys are going to play their way on to the team. We had a bunch of guys that showed up for the world championships and produced our first gold medal there in 90-something years, and there are guys that have put themselves in a much better spot because of that. We just really have to start from scratch again and rebuild the team.”
Some candidates on the edge:
Clayton Keller
Keller was not just one of the players in his prime who went to worlds and helped deliver the first U.S. title there since 1933. Utah’s captain also wore the “C” and was a point-a-game producer. Getting left off the 4 Nations team fueled the 27-year-old center.
“It definitely motivated me, for sure, and I wasn’t going to just let it harp on me and have a bad rest of my season,” Keller said. “I think it did the opposite for me.”
Keller had 30 points in 26 games after the season resumed, followed by his success at worlds. Barring injury, he’s a good bet to play at the Olympics.
Robert Thomas
Injuries didn’t give Thomas a realistic shot to play for Canada at the 4 Nations, then he showed Armstrong — also his GM with St. Louis — what he could do when healthy. Thomas was the NHL’s top scorer after the break with 40 points, though he’s not satisfied with that success.
“I feel like most people look for people doing well, teams doing well — winners, and so I think that’s how you focus on it,” Thomas said. “Get your team off to a really good start, win a lot of games and put yourself in a good spot in the standings, and I think that should speak enough on your impact for the game.”
Thomas, 26, has an inside track to Milan but does not want it to be because he plays for Armstrong with the Blues.
“He’s got a job to do,” Thomas said. “He can’t pick favorites. His name’s on the line at the end of the day, so he’s got to pick the best team.”
Tage Thompson
Thompson was also on the U.S. world championship-winning team after he and Buffalo missed the playoffs. He had nine points, and his size at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds makes him an ideal fit as Guerin and Co. build the team.
“I did feel like I should have been on the 4 Nations team,” Thompson said. “That gave me a bit of a chip on the shoulder the second half of the season and the summer of training and just kind of adds one more thing on your plate that you’re playing for.”
Thompson has never played in the NHL playoffs because the Sabres have the longest active drought at 14 seasons. Given management wanting to see how guys on the bubble handle pressure situations, going to worlds could give Thompson’s case a huge boost.
Macklin Celebrini
A couple of years ago, 2023 No. 1 pick Connor Bedard looked as though he might be the youngest player for Canada at the 2026 Games. Bedard would need to light the league on fire with Chicago out of the gate to get back in that discussion.
San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini, on the other hand, is another story. The 2024 No. 1 pick accepted Canada’s invite to worlds, played alongside Sidney Crosby and put himself right in the mix.
“I thought Celebrini had a fabulous tournament there coming in as a rookie, an 18-year-old,” Armstrong said.
It helps to have the seal of approval from Canada’s likely captain, who scored the golden goal in 2010 and was a big part of repeating as Olympic champs in 2014.
“I skated a little bit with him in the summer, too, in Halifax, and I want to say he’s even better than he was at worlds even over the couple months,” Crosby said. “I know he’s working hard. I’m sure this is something that’s on his radar, but yeah, I loved playing with him. I think that he’s just going to get better and better.”
Others on the bubble
Armstrong singled out Montreal’s Nick Suzuki and Washington’s Tom Wilson as other players not at the 4 Nations who played well in the second half last season. Wilson would give Canada a big, physical puck retriever with wining experience, while Suzuki would probably have to stand out above the crowd to be considered.
Jason Robertson and Cole Caufield are intriguing talents up front for the U.S., figuring Chris Kreider and Brock Nelson are probably not going to make it. Patrick Kane also has an outside chance as an elder statesman if he gets off to a strong start.
OILERS ACQUIRE GOALIE CONNOR INGRAM FROM MAMMOTH FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The Edmonton Oilers have acquired goalie Connor Ingram from the Utah Mammoth for future considerations.
The Mammoth will retain $800,000 of Ingram’s $1.95 million salary for the upcoming season in the deal announced on Wednesday.
Ingram returned from the NHL’s player assistance program last season just before the start of training camp, but was waived by the Mammoth and did not participate. He had been in the players assistance program since the death of his mother in March.
Ingram will likely start the season at Bakersfield of the AHL, but could compete for the Oilers’ backup job. He went 8-9-4 with a 3.27 goals-against average and .882 save percentage in 22 games with Utah last season.
Ingram is 39-44-15 with a 3.14 goals-against average in 102 games with Nashville and the Arizona/Utah franchise.
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GOLF NEWS
AKIE IWAI STARTS HOT, TAKES FIRST-ROUND LEAD AT LOTTE CHAMPIONSHIP
Six weeks after earning her initial LPGA victory, Akie Iwai sits in first place after the opening round of the Lotte Championship in Ewa Beach, Hawaii.
The 23-year-old Japan native shot an 8-under-par 64 on Wednesday at Hoakalei Country Club to hold a one-stroke lead over Taiwan’s Peiyun Chien, Australia’s Gabriela Ruffels and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka.
The Thai duo of Pornanong Phatlum and Patty Tavatanakit share fifth place with South Korea’s A Lim Kim, the defending champion, at 66. Jessica Porvasnik and South Koreans Youmin Hwang and Sung Hyun Park are tied for eighth place at 67.
Iwai opened the tournament on the back nine and birdied three of her first four holes. She added two more birdies on either side of the turn, then birdied four out of five from No. 4 to No. 8 before making her lone bogey of the day at No. 9.
“Everything felt good, so my driver was all consistent,” said Iwai, who won the Standard Portland Classic in mid-August. “Yeah, and then played good and (the) putting was good. … I’m looking forward to tomorrow, too.”
Ruffels had a start that was similar to Iwai’s. She started on the back nine and ran off four birdies over the opening five holes, though she mixed in one bogey. Ruffels added another four birdies.
“I feel like I’m playing better golf as the season is kind of closing,” said Ruffels, who is 66th in the Race to CME Globe points list and needs to get to No. 60 to qualify for the season-ending championship. “Kind of had a rough start the first couple of events of the season, but I feel like my game is kind of getting there.
“Yeah, today was a really good one.”
Chien’s bogey-free round featured four birdies on the front nine and three on the back nine.
Hataoka was 1 under at the turn after playing the back nine, then had a string of five consecutive birdies. She bogeyed No. 6 but rebounded to birdie Nos. 7 and 9.
“Back side, I (was) hitting great putts, so that’s why I (shot a) low score today,” Hataoka said.
World No. 2 Nelly Korda shot a 69 and is tied for 25th place.
MARTIN KAYMER: LIV GOLF IN TALKS WITH ‘SEVERAL’ PLAYERS ABOUT MAKING SWITCH
Martin Kaymer says that he is recruiting several players at present to make the switch from the DP World (European) Tour, which is under the PGA Tour, to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour.
Kaymer, 40, was one of several high-profile stars to make the switch in 2022, but his motives likely run deeper than a pure allegiance to LIV.
Kaymer’s teammate Frederik Kjettrup of Denmark was recently relegated from the league for failing to secure any points, creating an opening on the Cleeks team, captained by Kaymer.
The Cleeks team finished a spot out of last place this year after finishing in 11th a year ago.
In an interview with Bunkered, Kaymer noted, “We are already on the case talking to several players. We have had a lot of interest, which is a great thing.”
Germany’s Kaymer, who reached a No. 1 ranking in 2011 and has won two majors (2010 PGA Championship, 2014 U.S. Open), further pointed to having a good deal of interest from players on the European Tour.
“I have had calls from managers, they wanted to talk,” he said. “There is a lot of interest.”
Despite the interest he says that he has received, Kaymer is making public his desire to recruit players who aren’t solely motivated by money.
“People are just thinking about the rumours of millions of dollars left, right and centre,” Kaymer said. “We are not that kind of team. Of course, you get paid well if you play well, but not just because you put a signature on a contract.”
SUNDAY TV RATINGS THE LOWEST IN HOME RYDER CUP THIS CENTURY
The hole that the United States Ryder Cup team dug themselves into during the first two days of last weekend’s event appears to have had an impact on the biennial event’s TV ratings.
Sunday’s final round at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, N.Y. averaged 3.22 million viewers, the lowest viewership numbers for a Ryder Cup on American soil this century. It was an 8 percent decrease from the 3.51 million viewers who tuned into the Americans’ dominating 2021 victory at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
Across the pond, Sky Sports reported 5 million average viewers for this year’s Ryder Cup in the U.K., a new network record and a 45 percent increase from the 2023 event in Rome.
Team Europe entered Sunday’s individual competition with a commanding 11.5 to 4.5 lead after winning each of the first four sessions. The Americans made an impressive surge, losing just one of the 11 individual matches that were played. That resulted in a ratings surge up to 5.3 million viewers just after 5 p.m.
However, the Europeans survived with a 15-13 win to snap a streak of five straight Ryder Cups won by the hosts.
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+++TOP INDIANA HEADLINES/NEWS RELEASES+++
COLTS FOOTBALL
3-TIME ALL-PRO LB SHAQUILLE LEONARD TO RETIRE WITH COLTS
Three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard officially will retire from the NFL this weekend.
The Indianapolis Colts announced Wednesday that Leonard will call it a career at halftime of their home game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. He will hold a press conference that morning at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Leonard played parts of his first six seasons with the Colts, who selected him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He promptly won the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and was named as a first-team All-Pro that season after leading the league in tackles with 163.
Leonard, 30, was named as a first-team All-Pro in both 2020 and 2021 and was named to three Pro Bowls (2019-21). He led the NFL with eight forced fumbles in 2021.
Leonard became the highest-paid linebacker in the league in August 2021 when he signed a five-year, $98.5 million extension. He was released by the Colts in November 2023 after he became frustrated with his playing time.
“Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac’s palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery,” late Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay said in a statement after Leonard’s release. “Off the field, he’s a servant leader and assisted numerous families in both his hometown and the Indianapolis community. We’re thankful for Shaq and the contributions he made to our organization. We wish him and his beautiful family the best moving forward.”
Leonard, who finished his career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, totaled 637 tackles, 17 forced fumbles, 16 sacks and 12 interceptions in 75 games (71 starts).
COLTS CB XAVIEN HOWARD RETIRES, PUTTING FAMILY AHEAD OF FOOTBALL
Four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard retired Wednesday after his first four games with the Indianapolis Colts and nine seasons in the NFL.
Howard, 32, was not at practice Wednesday, with the Colts’ injury report indicating it was due to a personal matter. Howard said in a social media post that he was choosing to retire for family reasons, that his “dream has now changed” and he is “no longer willing” to put football ahead of family.
“My purpose has been fulfilled in this sport, but my kids are more important to me than football,” he wrote. “I’ve had a hell of a career, and even though it’s ending in a unique way, I’m cool with that because for once I’m putting my family first and I’m proud and excited about that decision.”
He also thanked the Miami Dolphins for drafting him and giving him an opportunity to play in the NFL, and the Colts for letting him “continue to live out my dream.”
Indianapolis (3-1) later placed him on the reserve/retired list and signed safety Trey Washington to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.
After sitting out the 2024 season, Howard signed as a free agent with the Colts in August. He started all four games at outside cornerback and made 11 tackles and recovered one fumble.
However, he had a rough outing Sunday in the team’s 27-20 road loss to the Los Angeles Rams, whose star receiver Puka Nacua finished with season highs of 13 receptions on 15 targets for 170 yards and one touchdown.
Howard said afterward that he didn’t think Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was targeting him, calling it “football at the end of the day.”
Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said earlier Wednesday that Howard could remain a starter.
“As the head coach, obviously, I have final decision on all those things and we have those conversations throughout the week,” Steichen said. “Looking back, too, with Xavien, those were two elite receivers (Nacua and Davante Adams) that we were going up against last week. So, again, we’ll go through the process this week and evaluate everything like we do every week.”
Howard was first-team All-Pro in 2020 and selected to the Pro Bowl four times, most recently in 2022.
He spent his first eight seasons with the Dolphins, who selected him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Baylor. He had 331 tackles, 29 interceptions — two returned for touchdowns — 95 passes defended, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries — two returned for TDs– and two sacks in 100 games (99 starts) for Miami from 2016-23.
He also has eight tackles and one interception in two playoff games (one start) with the Dolphins.
Howard led the NFL in interceptions in 2018 (seven) and 2020 (10), the latter when he also had a league-head 20 passes defended and was selected first-team All-Pro.
His 29 career interceptions were third among active players behind Harrison Smith (37) of the Minnesota Vikings and Kevin Byard (32) of the Chicago Bears.
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PURDUE FOOTBALL
GAME 5 PREP: PURDUE HOSTS #22 ILLINOIS FOR CANNON TROPHY GAME
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – After a week off, Purdue Football returns to the gridiron for another rivalry trophy matchup. The Boilermakers host No. 22 Illinois with the Cannon Trophy up for grabs. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
QUICK HITS
Purdue holds a 40-31-2 advantage in Cannon Trophy games. The first Cannon Trophy game took place in 1943, but the two teams have battled on the gridiron since 1890 with the Boilermakers leading the all-time series 48-46-6.
The Boilermakers have won four of the past five over the Fighting Illini as well as seven of the past nine.
Purdue has won two of the past three meetings when facing a ranked Illinois team.
Strange but true, the Boilermakers and Fighting Illini have met twice on October 4 throughout history. Both games resulted in Purdue victories (43-10 in 2003, 38-27 in 2014).
Purdue has defeated seven ranked teams over the past seven seasons despite being the underdog in each of those games.
Defensive end Trey Smith began his career at Illinois, redshirting for the Illini in 2023 before joining Purdue in the spring of 2024.
Purdue ranks second nationally in net punting with a 48.0 average.
The Boilermakers have only committed 17 penalties this season, ranking 12th nationally.
Purdue is one of 18 teams nationwide and one of only four Big Ten teams that has not lost a fumble this season.
Myles Slusher (23) and Tahj Ra-El (22) join 2018 Boilers Derrick Barnes (25) and Markus Bailey (22) as the only two pairs of Purdue teammates to have at least 22 solo tackles through the first four games of a season since 2006.
Slusher ranks sixth in the nation, averaging 5.75 solo tackles per game, while Ra-El ranks ninth nationally with 5.50 solo tackles per game.
Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne is one of three players in the FBS with at least one passing, rushing and receiving touchdown this season (Kiael Kelly – Ball State, Luke Altmyer – Illinois). He is the first Big Ten quarterback to have at least one passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in a season since Iowa’s Spencer Petras in 2020.
Devin Mockobee is currently ranked in the program Top 10 in several career categories: 100-yard rushing games (4th), rushing yards (5th), rushing touchdowns (9th).
Nitro Tuggle has hauled in a TD reception in each of the past three games, the first Boilermaker to have a touchdown catch in three straight games since All-American Charlie Jones in 2022.
Tuggle and Arhmad Branch crack the Big Ten’s Top 5 in yards per reception. Branch is third with 20.6 yards per catch, while Tuggle ranks fifth in the league with 18.9 yards per catch.
Spencer Porath is a perfect 7-for-7 on field goals this season, the most consecutive makes by a Purdue kicker to start a season since Mitchell Fineran made nine in 2021.
CANNON TROPHY HISTORY
The Cannon was conceived by Purdue students more than 100 years ago but was first presented as a trophy by an Illinois alumnus 77 years ago.
It all started in 1905 when a group of Purdue students took the weapon to Champaign in anticipation of firing it to celebrate a victory. Although Purdue did win the game 29-0, Illinois supporters, including Quincy A. Hall, had discovered the Cannon in its hiding place – in a culvert near the old Illinois field – and confiscated it before the Purdue students could start their “booming” celebration. Later, Hall moved the Cannon to his farmhouse near Milford, Illinois, where it survived a fire and gathered dust until Hall suggested it be used as a trophy between the two schools when the rivalry was resumed in 1943 after a 12-year lapse.
The Tomahawk Service and Leadership Honorary at Purdue and Illini Pride now share the maintenance duty for the Cannon.
SUCCESS VS. RANKED OPPONENTS
Purdue has beaten seven ranked teams over the past seven seasons despite being the underdog in each one of those games.
Three of those wins were against Top 3 teams, while Purdue handed five of those ranked teams their first loss of the season.
The victories during the 2021 campaign (No. 2 Iowa, No. 3 Michigan State) gave Purdue multiple wins over Top 5 teams in one season for the first time since 1960 (No. 3 Ohio State, No. 1 Minnesota).
Five of the seven wins have been by double digits, the biggest being a 29-point victory over No. 2 Ohio State in 2018.
Purdue has won two of the past three matchups against a ranked Illinois team. The Boilermakers knocked off No. 23 Illinois in 2011 (21-14) at home, beat No. 21 Illinois on the road in 2022 on their way to the Big Ten West title, and fell in a double overtime thriller last season.
The Boilermakers have faced off with the No. 22 team in the nation just twice before, falling against Washington in 1990 and Notre Dame in 2012.
MOCKOBEE CANNON BALL
When the Cannon Trophy is on the line, Devin Mockobee thrives. The Purdue running back has racked up 343 total yards (275 rushing, 68 receiving) and four touchdowns in three career games against Illinois.
As a redshirt freshman, Mockobee produced his fourth 100-yard game of the season (Purdue freshman record) with 106 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries to help the Boilermakers upset No. 21 Illinois 31-24 in Champaign. Mockobee outrushed Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals), who rushed for less than 100 yards for the first time that season (98 yards).
He added 67 rushing yards and a touchdown as a sophomore, leading to a dominant 44-19 Purdue victory in West Lafayette.
Last season, Mockobee eclipsed the 100-yard mark again. Averaging 9.3 yards per carry, he ran for 102 yards and a touchdown. Mockobee also caught three passes for 31 yards and a receiving touchdown, rallying the Boilermakers from a 21-point halftime deficit to force overtime.
BROWNE’S BIG DEBUT
Ryan Browne made his first career start a season ago, on the road against the Illini (Oct. 13, 2024). After Purdue fell behind 24 points in the second half, he nearly led the largest comeback in Purdue Football history.
Browne recorded 415 yards of total offense, throwing for 297 while adding 118 on the ground to join Brandon Kirsch (2002) as the only Purdue quarterbacks since 1970 to record 250 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in the same game.
The Clarkston, Michigan, native also became just the sixth Boilermaker quarterback to eclipse 100 yards rushing in a game, joining Mike Phipps, Bob Bobrowski, Gary Danielson, Rob Henry and Kirsch. His 118 rushing yards were the most by a Purdue quarterback since Henry had 132 at Northwestern on Oct. 9, 2010.
Browne’s day on the ground eclipsed his 85-yard game he had in relief against Northwestern in 2023, and he joined Drew Brees as the only Purdue quarterbacks (since 1996) to produce a pair of 80-yard rushing games.
For his performance, Browne was named Shaun Alexander Player of the Week.
PERFECT PORATH
Just four games into his sophomore year, Spencer Porath has already made as many field goals as he did all of last season. He went 7-for-11 as a freshman, and he is a perfect 7-for-7 to start the 2025 campaign.
Porath’s perfection through the first third of the season has been the best start by a Purdue kicker since Mitchell Fineran made his first nine field goals in 2021.
In just 13 career games, Porath has moved into a tie for 18th on the Purdue career charts with 14 made kicks.
Last time out, he made a career-high three field goals at No. 21 Notre Dame. That included a career-long 48-yard field goal in the second quarter.
Against Southern Illinois, he scored 10 points thanks to a pair of field goals and splitting the uprights on four PATs. For his performance, Porath became Purdue’s first Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week since J.D. Dellinger six seasons ago (Nov. 11, 2019).
DEALING WITH DELAYS
The past two games, Mother Nature has brought lightning to Purdue gamedays to lead to delays totaling nearly five hours.
The start of the Boilermakers’ game against USC (Sept. 13), the first Big Ten contest of the Barry Odom era, was delayed three hours and five minutes.
One week later, Purdue forced a fumble and was driving in Notre Dame territory before the game was called due to lightning in the area. That delay lasted one hour and 54 minutes before resuming the second quarter and transitioning right into the second half.
Two years ago (Sept. 9, 2023), Purdue and Virginia Tech were part of the longest weather delay in college football history (five hours, 27 minutes). After resuming play, the Boilermakers emerged with a 24-17 road victory.
BY LAND, AIR AND RE(SEA)VING
Ryan Browne has accounted for nine touchdowns through the first four games of the season.
Not only has he thrown for six touchdowns while adding a pair on the ground, the Purdue quarterback also has caught a touchdown pass.
Using a little trickery against Notre Dame, Devin Mockobee took the handoff from Browne before tossing the ball back to the quarterback in the flat. Wide open on the swing pass, Browne caught the first pass of his career and strolled into the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown.
Browne became just the second player in the country to have at least one passing, rushing and receiving touchdown (Kiael Kelly – Ball State) this season, and is now one of three. Browne was the first Big Ten quarterback to accomplish the feat since Iowa’s Spencer Petras in 2020. Illinois’ Luke Altmyer joined Browne after catching a touchdown pass against USC this past weekend.
Since 2001, Browne is one of two Purdue QBs to record a receiving touchdown (David Blough – 2018). He joined Blough, Brandon Hance (2001) and Drew Brees (1999, 2000) as the only Boilermaker quarterbacks since 1995 to catch a touchdown pass.
FROM GEORGIA TO PURDUE
In the offseason, the Purdue wide receiver room welcomed a pair of Georgia transfers who have become an important part of the Boilermaker offense.
After making the move north, Michael Jackson III and Nitro Tuggle have combined for 28 catches for 400 yards and four touchdowns through the first four games of the season.
Jackson leads the Boilermakers in receptions (18) and receiving yards (211), while Tuggle’s three receiving touchdowns are tied for a team best.
Scoring a touchdown against Notre Dame, Tuggle became the first Purdue wide receiver to find the end zone in three straight games since Charlie Jones (Cincinnati Bengals) accomplished the feat during his 2022 All-American season.
Both receivers had their biggest games as Boilermakers in the B1G opener against USC. Jackson paced Purdue with seven receptions for 70 yards, and Tuggle added four catches for 69 yards and a touchdown, all season highs for the dynamic duo.
SOLO TACKLE STARS
The Purdue secondary features two of the nation’s best when it comes to making solo tackles.
Myles Slusher and Tahj Ra-El both rank Top 10 nationally in solo tackles per game. Slusher leads the Boilermakers, ranking sixth in the country with 5.75 solo tackles per game, while Ra-El sits ninth among defenders nationwide (5.50 solo tackles per game).
Slusher (23) and Ra-El (22) joined 2018 Boilermakers Derrick Barnes (25) and Markus Bailey (22) as the only two pairs of Purdue teammates to have at least 22 solo tackles through the first four games of a season since 2006.
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PURDUE WOMEN’S SOCCER
BOILERS FACE RIVAL INDIANA IN GOLDEN BOOT GAME
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue hosts rival Indiana at Folk Field this Friday, October 3rd, at 7:00 pm EST for the annual Golden Boot game.
In 2023, the Hoosiers took claim over the boot with a 1-0 victory over the Boilers in West Lafayette. In 2024, the teams battled to a scoreless draw, with the official ruling being that the team with the most recent victory keeps the boot.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
The Indiana Hoosiers are currently 3-4-4 on the season, suffering losses to Saint Louis, Bellarmine, Maryland, and Rutgers. Additionally, the Hoosiers drew with Xavier, Illinois, Washington, and Oregon, while securing victories against Youngstown State, Ball State, and Ohio. The Hoosiers are still looking for their first Big Ten win.
The Hoosiers are led by Maggie Ledwith and Grace Hamm with three goals on the season. Sarah Sirdah, Aleyna Quinn, and Abbey IIer each have two goals for Indiana.
SERIES HISTORY
This will be the 30th all-time meeting between the Hoosiers and the Boilermakers, with Purdue leading 16-5-8 series matchup. The teams first met on October 22nd, 1999, and the last meeting ending in a 0-0 draw on the road at Bloomington.
PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
October 3rd: Join us for Greek Night, Alumnae Day, and the Golden Boot Game!
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PURDUE VOLLEYBALL
BOILERMAKERS TRAVEL TO LA
Match Schedule:
Thursday, 10/2 | 10 p.m. ET | Los Angeles, Calif. | BTN
#13 Purdue at #24 UCLA
Saturday, 10/4 | 9:30 p.m. ET | Los Angeles, Calif. | BTN
#13 Purdue at #17 USC
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – No. 13 Purdue volleyball sets out for Los Angeles for a pair of Big Ten top-25 showdowns, beginning at #24 UCLA on Thursday, followed by #17 USC on Saturday. Both matches will air on the Big Ten Network.
THE NEED TO KNOW
Purdue is 8-2 over the last 10 matches
The Boilers are entering a stretch where six of its next eight opponents are ranked or recieving votes in the latest top-25 poll, including three top-17 teams. Only the Nebraska and Minnesota matches will be played on Purdue’s home court.
The team has two top-15 wins under their is coming off a 3-1 win vs. #10 SMU, their second top-15 win this season.
It is the 11th consecutive year Purdue has notched at least one top-10 win.
Purdue’s efficient offense has led to over a .350 team hitting % in three of the last six matches.
Taylor Anderson leads the Big Ten in assists (502) and 11th in the nation in assists/set (10.68).
Kenna Wollard ranks second in the Big Ten in kills (212) and 20th in the nation in kills/set (4.51).
SET SUCCESS
Over the last seven matches, Purdue ows a 19-4 record in sets won., 10/17/2007).
LAST WEEK’S LOOK-BACK
Purdue went 1-1 in Mackey Arena during the Big Ten play opening weekend, sweeping Washington and falling in four to Illinois.
The block was at a season-best against Illinois despite the loss, posting 14 blocks in the outing, double the Illini’s block output.
CALIFORNINA STATE OF MIND
The Boilers are making their first trip to California since 2016, where they also played a top-25 opponent in #9 Stanford on its home turf (W, 3-2 on 9/9/2016). The next day Purdue took on Cal Poly, also producing a 3-1 win.
PURDUE & UCLA
Purdue has never played at UCLA. In fact, the teams have met just three times in its history: 2024, 1981, 1979.
Two of the three meetings between the teams – including the last two – went to five sets.
PURDUE & USC
Purdue has played at USC just once in the teams’ history in 2006.
Purdue is looking for its first win at USC.
Only two matches in the seven-match series history have been decided in straight sets – with the last coming just a year ago in West Lafayette.
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NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
CARR EARNS MANNING AWARD QUARTERBACK OF THE WEEK HONOR
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Freshman quarterback CJ Carr has been selected as the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week, earning the honor from the group of Manning Award Stars of the Week, for his performance at Arkansas.
Carr was recognized nationally in several instances this week, not only as a Manning Award Star of the Week, but as the Shaun Alexander Award Freshman of the Week, and a member of the Davey O’Brien Great 8.
Carr put on a show as he led the Irish to a 56-13 victory over Arkansas. Carr, who played just the first three quarters due to the lead, completed 22 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns as he quarterbacked the Irish offense to 641 total yards on the day.
Carr’s 354 passing yards on the day were the most by an Irish quarterback since 2022. Carr passed for 294 yards and four touchdowns in the first half. The 294 passing yards in the first half for QB CJ Carr were the third-most in program history for the first half, and the most since 2008. His four first half passing touchdowns are tied for the second-most in Notre Dame history, just behind Ian Book’s five against Bowling Green on October 5, 2019.
Carr leads all freshmen nationally in yards per attempt (10.49 – fifth among all FBS players), yards per completion (15.37 – sixth among all FBS players), passing efficiency (181.1 – 10th among all FBS players), and passing yards per game (272.8 – 20th among all FBS players).
Notre Dame’s whopping 641 total yards of offense on the day were the most yards by an FBS team this weekend. Notre Dame’ 42 points scored in the first half were the most in a half by a non-SEC team visiting an SEC team.
Notre Dame’s 420 total yards in the first half were the most in a first half for Notre Dame since 2018, and the 42 points in the first half tie for the third-most in program history. The 641 total yards are the most for Notre Dame since 2017.
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NOTRE DAME MEN’S GOLF
MEN’S GOLF CONTINUES STRONG START TO SEASON AT WINDON MEMORIAL CLASSIC
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The University of Notre Dame men’s golf team completed their two-days at the annual Windon Memorial Classic Tuesday afternoon with a fifth-place team finish and score of 847(-17). Jacob Modleski highlighted the event for the Irish, eagling two holes on the week and finishing seven-under for a team-low score and eighth-place individual finish.
Modleski posted three rounds under par to finish the trip with a score of 209(-7). The junior opened the week with a first round tally of 70(-2) before ending the day with a second round total of 69(-3), including an eagle on hole three (par 4) and a trio of birdies on the back half. Modleski concluded the tournament with his second eagle of the week, registering a three-stroke count on hole eight (par 5). The top-10 finish is his third of the season, having previously taken fifth at the first two tournaments of the season and his seven-under finish was one stroke shy of his season low.
Nate Stevens took second for the Irish, finishing 21st overall behind a pair of rounds under par on Monday before posting a 72(E) count in his final round. The senior recorded a first-nine score of three-under to open the tournament, including an eagle on a par-4 fifth hole. He finished the round with a score of 70(-2) before adding a score of 71(-1) to his 36-hole day to close out Monday. The 213(-3) score was his lowest of the season.
Calen Sanderson finished with an even-par score of 216 through his three rounds played at the annual event. After posting a score of 70(-2) in the opening round, Sanderson finished day one of competition with a second round score of 68(-4), the team’s lowest individual round score of the week. Tuesday saw him post a third round tally of 78(+6) to finish the three rounds with a 216(E) final score.
Junior Rocco Salvitti finished with a 217(+1) score to close out the tournament, opening with a score of 69(-3) in round one before finishing the day at a plus-one tally behind a second round score of 76(+4). His final round saw him jump five places in the standings as he finished 42nd individually with an even-par third round.
Christopher Bagnall also competed for the Irish in the Chicago-area, finishing 70th overall with a score of 223(+7) through 54 holes. The junior posted a tournament low tally of 69(-3) in the second round while bookending his outing with a pair of 77(+5) scores.
The Irish return to play next week as they are set to compete on their home soil when they host the 2025 Men’s Fighting Irish Classic, October 6-7.
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BUTLER MEN’S BASKETBALL
TIP TIMES AND TELEVISION ASSIGNMENTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2025-26 BUTLER MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Butler has announced the game times and national television coverage for the 2025-26 men’s basketball schedule.
Once again, all of Butler’s will be available to a national audience.
The upcoming season marks the first of a six-year BIG EAST media agreement, which will span from 2025-26 through 2030-31, encompassing coverage on FOX Sports (FOX, FS1), NBC Sports (NBC, Peacock), TNT Sports (TNT, truTV), and ESPN (ESPN+).
Ten games on Butler’s home schedule will feature weekend tips (Friday, Saturday or Sunday).
Seven of Butler’s home games feature afternoon starts with the sun shining through the Hinkle Fieldhouse windows.
Two of Butler’s home games have start times built around fans’ potential holiday plans: the 2 p.m. tip against Wright State Nov. 28 (the Friday after Thanksgiving) and the 2 p.m. tip against NJIT on Dec. 22.
FS1 will air nine Butler games during the upcoming season. ESPN+ and Peacock will each have five Butler contests. TNT and truTV will air five Bulldog games, while truTV will have an additional three games. CBS Sports Network will broadcast both contests of the Greenbrier Tip-Off Nov. 21 and 23. The 2026 BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Tournament will have games air on Peacock, FS1 or FOX.
Tip times and television assignments for two games are yet to be announced: the Nov. 15 road game at SMU and the Dec. 13 BIG EAST home opener against Providence.
Both of Butler’s home exhibitions (Oct. 17 vs. Notre Dame and Oct. 29 vs. Indiana State) will tip at 7 p.m.; broadcast information for those two contests will be announced soon.
SCHEDULE: https://butlersports.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule/2025-26
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BUTLER MEN’S TENNIS
BALTHAZOR AND LAMA TAKE FLIGHTED DOUBLES TITLE AT O’CONNELL MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
The Bulldogs joined a strong field over the weekend at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, home of the Cincinnati Open.
The three-day James O’Connell Memorial Tournament drew Butler along with BIG EAST rival Xavier, Ball State, Dayton, Furman, IU Indy, Lipscomb, Northern Kentucky, and Tennessee Tech.
Butler’s performances were highlighted by Siddhartha Lama and Nicholas Balthazor winning the doubles B Flight, taking four matches along the way. The Butler duos of Nicolas Arts and Rahulniket Konakanchi and Ronin Kasday and Aidan William each posted a pair of wins as well.
In singles play, Arts won his first three matches in the B flight before falling in the finals in a match tiebreaker after splitting the first two sets against Dayton’s Ridstrom. Konakanchi won three matches to advance to the championship match of the C Flight.
The Bulldogs will close out the fall portion of their schedule with the ITA Ohio Valley Regional that begins Oct. 9 on the Purdue campus.
2025 James O’Connell Memorial Tournament
Butler Results
SINGLES
First Round – Flight A
Snyder (Furman) def. Kasday (Butler), 6-4, 6-3
Baldi (Butler) def. Alvarez (TTU), walkover
First Round – Flight B
Ridstrom (UD) def. Shirley (Butler), 7-5, 6-4
Arts (Butler) def. Verdose (Lipscomb), 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 (7)
First Round – Flight C
Mendibe (UD) def. Lama (Butler), 6-3, 6-4
Konakanchi (Butler) def. Poulos (NKU), 6-4, 6-3
Dore (UD) def. William (Butler), 6-4, 3-6, 1-0 (7)
First Round – Flight D
Balthazor (Butler) def. Han (Furman), 6-4, 6-3
Singh (Butler) def. Puig (NKU) 6-1, 6-2
Second Round – Flight A
Szymczak (Lipscomb) def. Baldi (Butler), 6-3, 6-4
Second Round – Flight B
Arts (Butler) def. Sift (Furman), 6-3, 6-1
Second Round – Flight C
Konakanchi (Butler) def. Ecarma (Furman), 6-4, 2-6, 1-0 (6)
Second Round – Flight D
Nolan Hayward (BSU) def. Balthazor (Butler), 2-6, 7-5, 1-0 (7)
Sukkho (IUI) def. Singh (Butler), 6-3, 6-1
Semifinals – Flight B
Arts (Butler) def. Bravo (NKU), 6-1, 5-7, 1-0 (5)
Semifinals – Flight C
Konakanchi (Butler) def. Mendibe (UD), 7-6 (1), 7-6 (2)
Final – Flight B
Ridstrom (UD) def. Arts (Butler), 6-0, 6-7 (10), 1-0 (2)
Final – Flight C
Dore (UD) def. Konakanchi (Butler), walkover
Second Round (Backdraw)
Kasday (Butler) def. Burckhart (TTU), 6-4, 6-4
Dunsirn (IUI) def. Shirley (Butler), WO
Duggal (Furman) def. Lama (Butler) 2-6, 6-2, 1-0 (7)
Vlahos (Lipscomb) def. William (Butler), 4-6, 6-0, 10-4
Third Round (Backdraw)
Kotarski (Xavier) def. Kasday (Butler), 6-3, 6-2
Other singles matches
Baldi (Butler) def. Dispas (Furman), 7-6, 6-3
Kasday (Butler) def. Allen (Furman), 6-3, 6-4
Ridstrom (UD) def. Arts (Butler), 6-0, 6-7, 1-0(2)
Lama (Butler) def. Totorica (Xavier), 3-4, retired
Verdese (Lipscomb) def. William (Butler), 6-4, 3-0, retired
Pettingell (Xavier) def. Balthazor (Butler), 6-1, 6-4
Baldi (Butler) def. Drew Hayward (BSU), 6-2, 6-1
Lama (Butler) def. Fletcher (BSU), 6-2, 7-6
William (Butler) def. Salvador (NKU), 4-6, 7-5, 1-0 (5)
DOUBLES
First Round – Flight A
Synder/Han (Furman) def. Arts/Konakanchi (Butler), 6-4
Alvarez/Spaks (TTU) def. Baldi/Singh (Butler), 6-2
First Round – Flight B
Shirley/Kasday (Butler) adv. on bye
Balthazor/Lama (Butler) def. Yepez/Oshavie (TTU), 6-3
Quarterfinals – Flight B
Sukkho/Mercer (IUI) def. William/Kasday (Butler), 6-1
Balthazor/Lama (Butler) def. Joly/Sift (Furman), 6-4
Semifinals – Flight B
Balthazor/Lama (Butler) def. Mendibe/Nygaard (UD), 6-3
Final – Flight B
Balthazor/Lama (Butler) def. Ecarma/Duggal (Furman), 6-4
DOUBLES BACKDRAW
Arts/Konakanchi (Butler) def. Milette/Drew Hayward (BSU), 6-1
Perlov/Szymcaek (Lipscomb) def. Baldi/Singh (Butler), 6-3
Arts/Konakanchi (Butler) def. Dore/Ridstrom (UD), 6-3
William/Kasday (Butler) def. Campbell/Grossman (Xavier), 6-4
Pimenta/Salvador (NKU) def. Baldi/Singh (Butler), 6-4
Mendibe/Nygaard (UD) def. Arts/Konakanchi (Butler), 7-6
William/Kasday (Butler) def. Joly/Sift (Furman), 7-5
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BUTLER WOMEN’S SOCCER
NO. 15 GEORGETOWN USES STRONG SECOND HALF TO DEFEAT BUTLER
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Butler women’s soccer team traveled to No. 15 Georgetown and came away with its first loss since August, and its first conference loss of the season. The Bulldogs (4-2-5, 1-1-2 BIG EAST) trailed by only one goal at the half, but the league-leading Hoyas (8-2-2, 4-0-0 BIG EAST) scored an additional four goals after the break for the 5-0 shutout.
Butler’s Addison Ash had a career-high eight saves in the match, and teammate Piper Wilkison had a career-high three saves.
The challenging road trip for the Bulldogs will continue as the team travels to No. 22 Xavier on Saturday, October 4.
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BALL STATE FOOTBALL
FOOTBALL GAMEDAY: BALL STATE WELCOMES DEFENDING MAC CHAMPS TO OPEN CONFERENCE PLAY
MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball State returns to Scheumann Stadium following a bye week and a six-point defeat at Connecticut two weeks ago. The Cardinals beat New Hampshire 34-29 in a home-opening win at Scheumann Stadium three weeks ago, behind a 308-yard rushing effort.
— Saturday’s noon matchup celebrates Community Day for Ball State, and features a Hall of Fame weekend that is highlighted by Friday evening’s annual induction of the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame. Among six inductees this weekend is former football star and nine-year NFL veteran Willie Snead, who returns to Muncie and Scheumann Stadium this weekend as the third-leading receiver in program history.
— Trailing 10-7 at halftime and 17-10 through three quarters, Ball State stayed in contention at UConn two weeks ago by amassing 19 first downs and outgaining the Huskies in total offense. Quarterback Kiael Kelly threw for a career highs of 17 completions and 209 passing yards. The Cardinals scored their final touchdown on a pass from Kelly to Dahya Patel, and tried an onside kick with 11 seconds left in the contest.
— It was the first time a Ball State team compiled more first downs and more total offense in a non-conference road game since beating No. 19 San Jose State in the Offerpad Arizona Bowl in 2020.
— Kelly’s exploits were shared by wide receiver Qian Magwood who caught a 53-yard pass late in the first period that was the longest catch of his career and the longest throw of Kelly’s. One play later, on the first play of the second quarter, the two connected on a trick-play TD to get Ball State on the scoreboard, with Magwood finding Kelly for a 19-yard score that was Magwood’s first career pass and Kelly’s first career receiving TD.
— Defensively, UConn grad Alfred Chea had a career-high eight tackles to pace the Cardinals against his former team. Sniper DJ Fields had a career-best six tackles and a pass breakup as Ball State limited UConn to 181 passing yards. It was the fewest allowed by Ball State this season.
WHAT A WIN MEANS:
— Ball State will snap a five-game losing skid against the Bobcats. Ball State’s last win in the series was a 52-27 rout in 2012.
— Ball State will win consecutive home games for the first time since beating Central Michigan and Kent State in 2023.
INSIDE THE SERIES: OHIO
— The Bobcats are riding their longest winning streak in the series history, as they come into Saturday’s matchup with five consecutive victories against the Cardinals.
— Ball State defeated Ohio in the MAC Championship game in 1989, which stands as one of the most historic campaigns in the program’s lifespan. The year not only featured a conference title, but the Cardinals’ first Div. 1A bowl appearance.
— Ball State has won 8 of 13 meetings against the Bobcats at Scheumann Stadium, though Ohio has won the past two encounters in 2019 and 2022.
— The Cardinals scored 52 points in their last home victory against Ohio, in November 2012. It was the most points Ball State has ever scored in the series.
— Among the Ball State touchdowns scored that day was a 42-yard pass from Keith Wenning to Willie Snead, both of whom are inductees in the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame. Wenning was inducted in last year’s class, Snead is to be inducted on Friday evening.
— The Cardinals and Bobcats met in the final game of the 2024 regular season, the day after Thanksgiving last year. Ohio clinched a trip to the MAC Championship Game with a 42-21 Friday afternoon win over Ball State which was led by interim coach Colin Johnson.
SNEAD TO BE INDUCTED INTO BALL STATE ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME ON FRIDAY, OCT. 3
— A two-time All-MAC wide receiver and a semifinalist for the 2013 Fred Biletnikoff Award, former Cardinals standout Willie Snead has been named to the 2025 Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame induction class that will be honored on Oct. 3 at the Ball State Alumni Center.
— Snead still ranks first all-time among Ball State receivers in single-season receiving yards (1,516), receptions (106) and touchdowns (15). His 13 games with 100 or more receiving yards remains a Ball State record and he is one of only two players in program history to record two 1,000-yard seasons.
— Snead’s 2,991 career receiving yards trail only Justin Hall (3,385) and Dante Ridgeway (3,030) among Cardinals leaders.
— Snead had 100-yard receiving games against eight different MAC opponents, but none in two meetings against the Bobcats. His only score against Ohio was the 42-yard TD in Ball State’s last home win against the Bobcats, in 2012.
— He played only his freshman (2011), sophomore (2012) and junior (2013) seasons before declaring for the NFL draft in 2014. He went undrafted, though spent time on practice squads with Cleveland and Carolina during the 2014 season before making his NFL debut with New Orleans in 2015.
— He represented the Cardinals in bowl games in 2012 and 2013, and recently retired from a nine-year career in the NFL (Browns, Saints, Ravens, Raiders, Panthers, 49ers, Dolphins).
MAGWOOD & KELLY CONNECT
— Two of the three times that Kiael Kelly and Qian Magwood connected on pass routes at UConn, they were explosive.
— On the final play of the first quarter, Kelly found Magwood on a screen pass. Magwood sprinted down the right sideline for 53 yards for what was the longest catch of Magwood’s career and the longest pass of Kelly’s.
— One play later, to open the second quarter, Kelly handed to Magwood on a reverse, and ventured into his own route in the right flat. On the first pass of his career, Magwood found Kelly for a 19-yard TD, reaching the end zone for Ball State’s first score.
— Two consecutive plays covered 72 yards with career longs and career firsts for both of them.
ALL-PURPOSE ASHLEY
— Active in the run game, pass game and Ball State’s primary kickoff returner, Qua Ashley is averaging 128.0 all-purpose yards per game to lead the Mid-American Conference and rank 18th nationally.
— He is one of five MAC players averaging over 100 all-purpose yards per game, including Ohio receiver Chase Hendricks, fifth in the MAC at 104.2.
— Ashley boasts 295 rushing yards over four games, with 47 receiving. He owns 170 yards on kickoff returns.
BETTER CALL SAUL
— Transfer punter Adam Saul ranks fourth in the MAC and 35th nationally with a 44.4-yard punting average.
— Saul owns three punts of at least 50 yards this year, including a 55-yard boot at UConn and his career-long 67-yarder at Purdue.
— Six of his 21 punts have landed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
SACK LEADERS
— Through its first three games, Ball State led the Mid-American Conference and was fourth in the nation in total sacks, with 11.
— After recording none at UConn, the Cardinals currently are sixth in the MAC.
— Ball State senior Nathan Voorhis collected 4.5 sacks over his first three games and remains the MAC leader in total sacks. Central Michigan’s Michael Heldmen also boasts 4.5 sacks, though over five games.
— Voorhis’ 1.13 sacks per game currently are tied for third nationally.
VOORHIS LEADING DEFENSIVE LINE SURGE
— Nathan Voorhis (pronounced VORR-is) has had a sack in three of Ball State’s four games. His 2.5 sacks against New Hampshire set a career-high and his 4.5 sacks through three games were ranked fourth nationally among all FBS players.
— Despite no sacks at UConn, his average sacks per game now rank third nationally.
— He is one of 13 FBS players with at least 4.5 sacks overall.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES
— Current sack leader Nathan Voorhis boasts 4.5 sacks on the year, already just one shy of last year’s leader, Riley Tolsma, who had 5.5.
— Since 2000, only five Ball State players have registered at least eight sacks in a season. Voorhis is vying to become the sixth.
INTO THE BACKFIELD
— Against Auburn and New Hampshire, the Ball State defense generated exactly five sacks and eight TFL in consecutive games.
— The Cardinals defense thrived in the New Hampshire backfield on Sept. 13, allowing just two offensive touchdowns and forcing four field goal attempts.
— Despite allowing 42 points during a Sept. 6 visit to Auburn, the Cardinals got consistent pressure into the Tigers’ backfield. Ball State managed eight tackles for loss that totaled 41 yards. The Cardinals recorded five sacks and forced four fumbles.
— At Connecticut, the Cardinals didn’t record a sack but they limited the Huskies to just 181 passing yards — the fewest by an opposing offense this season. Linebacker Jack Beebe and sniper Ashton Whitner were credited with tackles for loss at UConn.
LIMIT THE FLAGS
— Ball State has been penalized 20 times for 163 yards so far in 2025. The 163 penalty yards is the third-fewest in the MAC and ranks 20th among FBS teams.
— Only UMass and Akron boast fewer penalty yards than the Cardinals thus far.
— Ball State ranks fifth in the MAC and 26th nationally with just 40.75 penalty yards per game.
STRONG IN RUN GAME IS UREMOVICH MANTRA
— Since hired last December, head coach Mike Uremovich has preached a strong run game.
— Ball State rushed 37 times for 176 yards at UConn. The Cardinals have averaged 242 rushing yards over their past two games.
— Ball State’s 308 rushing yards against New Hampshire were the most Ball State rush yards since Nov. 23, 2019 when they ran for 330 at Kent State.
— The Cardinals had 243 yards on just 15 carries at halftime against UNH. It was just the 15th 300-yard rushing game in Ball State’s 101-year football history.
ASHLEY THE FEATURE BACK
— Qua Ashley carried a career-high 18 times at UConn for 86 yards. He has averaged 120 rushing yards over his past two games.
— Ashley’s 154 rushing yards against New Hampshire were the most by a Ball State back since Marquez Cooper had 162 vs. Central Michigan in 2023.
— Ashley’s 72-yard TD run against the Wildcatss was Ball State’s longest run play since a 73-yard TD run by Walter Fletcher against Ohio in 2019.
— Ashley’s 72-yard TD run vs. UNH was the longest run of his career and the longest offensive play of Ball State’s season.
— It was the first 100-yard rushing game of Ashley’s career.
MORE RUSHING: 100 x 2
— Qua Ashley (154) and Kiael Kelly (101) both rushed for 100+ yards against New Hampshire.
— The last time two Ball State players had 100+ rushing yards in the same game was in Kelly’s last home start: Kelly and Marquez Cooper and both had 136 yards vs Miami (Nov 25, 2023). Kelly’s 136 rushing yards in that game are a career high.
KELLY PASSING HIGHS
— Kiael (pronounced ky-ELL) Kelly had career highs with 17 completions and 209 passing yards at UConn two weeks ago, in addition to catching the first touchdown pass of his career.
— Kelly’s 53-yard strike to Qian Magwood, one play before his 19-yard TD reception from Magwood, was the longest throw of his career.
— In the midst of a 100-yard rushing game against New Hampshire two games ago, Kelly also tossed two passing TDs for the first time in his career.
KELLY AS QB1
— Kiael Kelly has appeared in 28 career games and been a starter in 13 games overall (twice at WR, once as utility QB).
— But in the 10 games in which he has started as Ball State’s primary QB, Kelly has amassed 807 rushing yards on 165 carries, for an average of 80.7 yards per game.
— He has rushed for 90+ yards in five of his 10 starts as QB1.
— Ball State finished 3-3 after Kelly took the quarterback reins in Week 7 of the 2023 season.
— With Kelly at the helm in 2023, Ball State averaged 235.3 rush yards over its last six games.
RUSH AND PASS FOR 100
— Against New Hampshire, Kiael Kelly became the first Ball State player with 100 yards rushing (101) and passing (105) since 2000.
— Since at least 1995, it was just the third time a Ball State player has rushed and passed for over 100 yards in the same game.
CAREER RUSHING BY A CARDINALS QB
— Kiael Kelly is always a threat to gain yards with his legs, and he enters the Ohio game 545 yards shy of the Cardinals’ career record for rushing yards by a quarterback. He is currently third in career rush yards by a QB.
— He tallied 83 yards in one game as a reserve in 2022. He rushed for 724 yards during a six-game stint as starter in 2023, and he compiled 91 lining up as a QB or wildcat last season.
— Those 724 yards over just six games in 2023 stand as a Ball State single-season record for a quarterback.
— He boasts 1,068 career rush yards overall through four games of the 2025 season.
Ball State Career Rushing Yards by a Quarterback
Player Yards Carries
1. Art Yaroch, 1973-76 1,613 421
2. Riley Neal, 2015-18 1,363 325
3. Kiael Kelly, 2022-present 1,068 240
4. Dave Wilson, 1976-79 693 320
5. Talmadge Hill, 2000-03 582 309
GAMES WITH 100 RUSHING YARDS BY A QB
— Kiael Kelly is just the second quarterback in Ball State history to rush for at least 100 yards in two different games. The other, Art Yaroch (pronounced yuh-ROW), quarterbacked the Cardinals from 1973-76 — in Ball State’s first season in the MAC in 1975, and in their first league championship season a year later.
SIX TIGHT ENDS
— Likely the Cardinals’ deepest position, five primary tight ends see regular action for Ball State — Kameron Anthony, Drew Cassens, Koby Gross, Maximus Webster and Tate Hoover. Another, veteran Jackson Constantine who has played at LB, DL, OL and now TE, is a regular on special teams units.
— In fact, in the game at UConn, all six had played within the game’s first two offensive series. Constantine played on the Cardinals’ kickoff team and when Ball State took over on offense, Anthony, Cassens and Hoover all lined up on the first play. Gross and Webster were quick substitutions during a 3-and-out offensive series.
— Anthony is a highly regarded redshirt freshman who caught his first career pass against New Hampshire, for a 10-yard touchdown. He is the biggest target of all of them.
— Cassens is a transfer from Butler where he played with Uremovich in 2024. He also logged two seasons at Northern Illinois.
— Gross is a transfer from Florida A&M who hails from San Ramon, California. He was All-SWAC for the Rattlers before arriving at Ball State.
— Webster, is the fastest of the tight end crew, and with good hands is a staple in the pass game.
— Hoover, a junior college transfer from Kansas, has started in three games and also is active on special teams.
— So far this year, Gross has four catches, with one apiece by Anthony, Cassens and Webster.
CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH A RECEPTION
— Wide receiver Eric Weatherly has caught a pass in 27 consecutive games, counting 23 over every game with Bucknell the past two seasons.
Only 12 receivers in the country have caught passes in more consecutive games.
CAREER DAY FOR HAMILTON
— Redshirt freshman Donovan Hamilton (also goes by DJ) hauled in seven catches for 61 yards in the loss at Connecticut. His 21-yard catch against New Hampshire was the first of his career.
— It was the best single game by a Ball State receiver this year, vaulting him with a single catch of Cardinals’ leading pass-catcher Eric Weatherly (9 catches).
— Hamilton attended Purdue last year, but did not play as a true freshman.
BY THE NUMBERS
10 – While Ball State outpassed UConn and gained more first downs two weeks ago, 10 of 19 first downs were gained through the air.
44.4 – Senior punter Adam Saul ranks fourth in the MAC and 35th nationally with an average of 44.4 yards per punt.
128 – All-purpose yards per game by Qua Ashley lead the MAC and rank 18th in FBS. He totals 295 rushing yards, 47 receiving and 170 on KOR.
228 – Team passing yards at UConn were the most in any game led by Kiael Kelly at QB. It was the first 200-yard passing game (209) of his career.
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BALL STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER
SOCCER CONTINUING MAC PLAY AT OHIO THURSDAY AND VS WMU SUNDAY
The Ball State soccer team will play at Ohio on Thursday and at home against Western Michigan on Sunday as it continues Mid-American Conference play.
Links to the video streams and live stats for the 4 p.m. Thursday game and 1 p.m. Sunday contest can be found above and on the schedule page. Sunday will be Alumni Day at the Briner Sports Complex, and Ball State soccer alumni will be recognized for their contributions to the program.
The Cardinals (4-4-2, 1-2-1 MAC) got an early second half goal from Delaney Caldwell but fell 2-1 at Buffalo on Thursday night before getting the weekend off from competition.
Ohio (3-5-4, 1-1-3 MAC) tied 1-1 at Eastern Michigan on Sunday after falling 1-0 at Western Michigan on Thursday. The Bobcats are currently tied for sixth in the MAC standings with six points.
Head coach Aaron Rodgers is in his 13th season as the head coach at Ohio, and the Bobcats were picked to finish third in the MAC preseason poll.
Ohio ranks third in the league in both goals-against average (.833) and save percentage (.818), while the team’s +1 goal differential is fifth in the MAC.
Senior goalkeeper Celeste Sloma paces the conference and ranks No. 7 in NCAA Division I with 1,080 minutes in goal. Her 45 total saves rank second among MAC goalies, while her goals-against average (.833) and save percentage (.818) numbers are third-best in the league.
Western (7-2-1, 3-0-1 MAC) topped Toledo 3-0 on Sunday after beating Ohio 1-0 last Thursday, with both games being at home. The Broncos will also host UMass on Thursday afternoon before making the trip to Muncie.
Head coach Lewis Robinson is in his fourth season in charge at WMU. The Broncos haven’t lost a regular season MAC match since 2022 (27 in a row) and have won the regular season title twice in a row and the 2024 MAC Tournament.
Western Michigan leads the league in corner kicks per game (6.40, No. 32 nationally) and total goals (19) while ranking fourth in the MAC in goals-against average (.900).
Senior midfielder Madi Canada’s four assists are tied for the most in the league, while senior forward Abby Werthman is second in the league in points (13) and third in goals (five).
Next on the calendar for the Cardinals will be an afternoon match at Eastern Michigan on Thursday, Oct. 9.
SUNDAY HOME COOKING: Sunday’s match vs the defending MAC champion Broncos will be Ball State’s fourth out of five home matches played on a Sunday this season.
Six of the eight scheduled regular season home contests for the Cardinals this year are set for Sundays, with the other two on Thursdays.
Addie Chester recorded a hat trick in the last meeting between the Broncos and Cardinals on Oct. 27, 2024 in Kalamazoo.
CHESTER CHURNING OUT GOALS: Senior forward Addie Chester added to her Mid-American Conference leading goals total with a pair in the 2-2 draw with Butler on Sept. 7 to increase it to six goals on the season. The Muncie native was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in three weeks thanks to the performance.
Chester is only the sixth MAC women’s soccer player in the last 15 seasons (since 2011) to score six goals in her team’s first five matches of the season. She begins this week ranking No. 53 in NCAA Division I in goals per game (0.67) and No. 46 in points per game (1.67).
The Muncie native has improved her Ball State career totals to 16 goals, 11 assists and 43 points with the strong start to the season. Chester is 9th, T-10th and T-8th in those categories, respectively, in school history.
Chester paces the Mid-American Conference in goals (six) and points (14) so far this season.
CALDWELL CAREER MILESTONE LOOKOUT: Senior forward Delaney Caldwell recorded goals in the season opener vs Purdue on Aug. 17, on Sept. 18 vs Central Michigan and last Thursday at Buffalo, but is within striking distance of setting a program record in another category.
Caldwell is three assists away from tying Ehren Reagor’s program record of 18 in a career, while she is two goals away from cracking the Top 5 in that career category as well.
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INDIANA STATE ATHLETICS
SYCAMORE ATHLETICS ANNOUNCES 33RD HALL OF FAME CLASS
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The Indiana State Department of Athletics announced its 33rd Sycamore Hall of Fame Class on Wednesday morning. The 2026 Hall of Fame Class features Larry Judge (Track & Field), Jeremy Lucas (Baseball), John Mascari (Track & Field/Cross Country), Ed McKee (Administration), Bobby Turner (Football), and Katie Wise (Track & Field).
The distinguished six-person class will be formally inducted on Friday, January 23, in the Sycamore Banquet Center starting at 6 p.m.
Tickets are now on sale for the event and available for purchase by contacting John Sherman at John.Sherman@indstate.edu or 812-237-3047. Single tickets are available for $50, while a table of eight can be purchased for $350. Tickets remain on sale through December 15.
Larry Judge – Track & Field (1985-87)
NCAA Indoor Championships – Shot Put (1985)
Missouri Valley Conference Indoor & Outdoor Shot Put Champion (1987)
All-MVC Indoor & Outdoor (1987)
USA Track and Field Joe Vigil Sport Science Award (2016)
Coached two United States record holders; eight Olympians, five NCAA Champions, five NCAA runner ups, 102 All-Americans, 47 conference champions.
Coached 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Assistant Coach 2026 Paralympic Games Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
USATF master coach
Jeremy Lucas – Baseball (2010-12)
Joe Carter Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year (2012)
1st team All-Missouri Valley Conference (2012)
Two-time 2nd team All-MVC (2010, 2011)
Two-time All-MVC Academic team (2011, 2012)
Led Sycamores in runs scored (53 – 2012), hits (78 – 2012), batting average (.333 – 2011; .345 – 2012), home runs (9 – 2012)
Drafted in 12th round by Cleveland Indians (2012)
John Mascari – Track & Field/Cross Country (2012-15)
NCAA Outdoor 10,000 Meters All-American (2014)
Two-time NCAA Cross Country All-American (2013, 2014)
Four Time Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Champion (2012-2015)
Three-time Indoor & Outdoor All-MVC (2013, 2014, 2015)
Four-time NCAA All-Great Lakes Region selection (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
Two-time Great Lakes Region Cross Country Champion (2013, 2014)
Top 8K Performance in school history (23:39 – 10/31/15 in Evansville)
Top 8K Performance in school history at Gibson Championship Course (24:16 – 10/18/14)
Top 10K Performance in school history (30:05 – 11/15/13 in Madison Wisconsin)
Top 10K Performance in school history at Gibson Championship Course (30:18 – 11/23/13)
School Record holder in 5,000 meter indoor (13:54.88– 2015); 5000 meter outdoor (14:10.80 – 2014); 10,000 meter outdoor (28:38.22 – 2015)
Ed McKee – Sports Information Director (1971-80)
Served from 1971-1980 as sports information director at Indiana State University
Responsible for media relations for Larry Bird, Bruce Baumgartner, Kurt Thomas, and Wallace Johnson; all Indiana State Athletic Hall of Famers
Drafted by the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and enjoyed a brief basketball career playing semi-pro ball
Director of Basketball for Special Olympics International
Spent 25 years at George Washington University
Bobby Turner – Football (1969-71)
All-Conference
Played both football and basketball
16 career interceptions (1969-71)
Tied school season record 9 interceptions (1969)
5 interceptions (1971)
13 punt returns 162 yards (1971)
Inducted into Indiana Football Hall of Fame (2023)
Coaching ranks: Haworth HS (1972-1974), Indiana State University (1975-1982), Fresno State University (1983-1988), Ohio State University (1989-1990), Purdue University (1991-1994), Denver Broncos (1995-2009), Washington Redskins (2010-2013), Atlanta Falcons (2015-2016), San Francisco 49ers (2017-present)
Katie Wise – Track & Field (2012-15)
Six-time NCAA All-American (100m Outdoor 2013, 2014, 2015; 60m Indoor 2014; 200m Outdoor 2014; 4×100 Relay Outdoor 2014)
Three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference Indoor & Outdoor (2013, 2014, 2015)
All-MVC Scholar-Athlete (2015)
MVC Indoor Championships Track MVP (2014)
School records: 2nd indoor 60 meter (7.25 – 2014); 3rd indoor 200 meter (24.04 – 2014); 2nd outdoor 100 meter (11.15 – 2015), outdoor 200 meter (23.06 – 2014); 2nd outdoor 4×100 meter relay (2015); 4th outdoor 4×100 meter relay (2013); 5th outdoor 4×100 meter relay (2013)
Gold medal NACAC Under 23 Championships 4×100 meter relay (2014)
Silver medal NACAC Under 23 Championships 100 meter (2014)
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PURDUE FT. WAYNE VOLLEYBALL
‘DONS HOST PHOENIX AS #HLVB PLAY ROLLS ON
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Purdue Fort Wayne women’s volleyball will play host to the Green Bay Phoenix this weekend (Oct. 3-4).
Game Day Information
Who: Green Bay Phoenix
When: Friday-Saturday, October 3-4
Where: Fort Wayne, Ind. | Gates Sports Center
Live Stats: Link
Watch:Match 1 | Match 2
Tickets:Match 1 | Match 2
Match Notes: Link
Attendance Challenge
The Purdue Fort Wayne or Indiana Fort Wayne student who attends the most Mastodon home athletics events this year will win an iPad at the end of the 2025-26 school year! Make sure to check in and get your QR code scanned at the game to start tracking your attendance.
Know Your Foe
Green Bay is 3-11, 2-1 in the Horizon League, beating Youngstown State 3-1 twice to open league play. The Phoenix are coming off a 3-0 loss at Milwaukee. Katie Schulz is leading the Phoenix with 3.53 kills per set, while Diane Pichelman is the reigning Horizon League Player of the Week after averaging 5.13 kills per set with a .402 hitting percentage against Youngstown State.
Series History
Green Bay leads the series 12-7 and has won six of the last seven contests. The last time the two met was in the Horizon League Championship quarterfinal last season, which Green Bay won 3-1.
League Leader
In Horizon League play, Riley Rosneck has the best kills (5.00) and second-best points per set (5.23) marks in the league.
So Good I Can’t Barrett
Becky Barrett is top-60 nationally and fifth in the Horizon League with 220 digs this season.
That’s My(a) Middle
Mya Plemons has 65 blocks this season, which leads the Horizon League and is a top-30 mark nationally.
When Life Gives You Plemons
Mya Plemons has a .328 career hitting percentage, the second-best in program history and the best in the rally scoring era.
Last Time Out
Purdue Fort Wayne dropped a 3-0 match at IU Indianapolis on Tuesday evening (Sept. 30).
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SOUTHERN INDIANA MEN’S TENNIS
USI OPENS FALL SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Tennis opens the fall portion of the 2025-26 schedule this weekend when it travels to Nashville, Tennessee, to play in the Horizon Fall Tournament this weekend (October 3-5). The individual conference tournament is being hosted by Belmont University at the Beaman Family Tennis Complex.
The winners of the singles and doubles tournament will receive a bid to the ITA Conference Masters Championships November 6-9 in San Diego, California.
The fall season concludes with the ITA Ohio Valley Regional October 9-14 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue University will host the regional.
The Screaming Eagles are coming off of a 5-10 record in 2024-25, 2-2 in the Horizon League. USI also advanced to the Horizon League Tournament for the first time since moving to Division I last season.
USI sophomore Jy Hibbert and senior Axel Sabourin led the Eagles last season with six singles wins each and combined for a team-best six doubles victories at number one doubles. Five of Sabourin’s six singles wins came in dual match play at number two singles, while Hibbert posted all six of his singles wins at number four singles.
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SOUTHERN INDIANA MEN’S SOCCER
EAGLES HOST PAIR OF OVC CONTESTS THIS WEEKEND
EVANSVILLE, Ind.- University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer hosts Houston Christian University and the University of the Incarnate Word this weekend at Strassweg Field. The match against Houston Christian is slated for Thursday at 7 p.m. The game against Incarnate Word is on Sunday at 11 a.m.
Admission to both matches is free thanks to ProRehab. The games can also be seen with a subscription to ESPN+.
In their last match, the Screaming Eagles opened Ohio Valley Conference play in Lynchburg, Virginia, against Liberty University. The Flames topped the Eagles 6-1. Liberty held a 27-5 shot advantage, including 16-3 on goal. Freshman Tony Murphy scored USI’s first goal since the team’s two-goal performance against Indiana University Indianapolis on September 6.
Freshman Jacob English returned in goal, recording a season high of 10 saves. Freshman duo Joaquin d’Escoto and Edin Cvorovic each recorded a shot on goal. Sophomore Ahiro Nakamae tallied a shot as well.
USI (1-7-0, 0-1-0 OVC) and Houston Christian (5-2-1, 0-0-1 OVC) have met each of the past two years. The Huskies won one game, while the other ended in a draw. Last year, HCU traveled to Strassweg and left with a 2-0 victory. In 2023, the Eagles traveled south for the game and recorded a 1-1 draw.
The Eagles and Incarnate Word (4-2-3, 0-0-1 OVC) have met twice since the two teams joined the OVC, with last year ending in a 0-0 draw in Evansville. When the two teams met in 2023, the Cardinals came out on top 4-0.
Incarnate Word and Houston Christian opened their conference schedules against each other in San Antonio, Texas. The teams left the hard-fought match with a 1-1 draw. The Cardinals opened the game with a 32nd-minute goal from sophomore Diego Robles, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime. The Huskies bounced back early in the second half, with senior D’Alessandro Herrera scoring the equalizer at 57:24.
HCU is led by junior Ryan Okerayi, who has recorded a goal in five of the team’s eight matches, including the game-winner against the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The Huskies’ stellar defense is anchored by three-time 2025 OVC goalkeeper of the week senior Alex Aitken, who has allowed just five goals so far this season, while recording 32 saves.
For the Cardinals, Robles leads the team with three goals on 13 shots, while junior Noe Robles is right behind with two goals on 17 shots. Graduate Alejandra De La Torre has been a stalwart between the posts, allowing just six goals on 45 shots in nine games.
After this weekend, the Eagles continue their homestand for a second straight weekend of OVC action at Strassweg Field, as the team hosts Liberty (October 9) and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (October 12) before hitting the road for Macomb, Illinois, for a game against Western Illinois University on October 16.
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VALPO VOLLEYBALL
ILLINOIS STATE, BRADLEY ON TAP FOR VOLLEYBALL THIS WEEKEND
Valparaiso (10-5, 1-1 MVC)
Friday, Oct. 3 – at Illinois State (6-8, 1-1 MVC) – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4 – at Bradley (8-6, 2-0 MVC) – 5 p.m.
Next Up For Valpo Volleyball: A stretch of four straight MVC matches on the road kicks off this weekend for the Valpo volleyball team, as the Beacons make the trip to central Illinois to take on Illinois State and Bradley.
Previously: Valpo split its opening weekend of conference action, taking down Drake in four sets before coming up just short against preseason favorite and three-time defending conference champion UNI.
Looking Ahead: Two more road matches await the Beacons next week, as they make a mid-week trip to UIC before heading to Southern Illinois.
Following the Beacons: Both matches this weekend are scheduled to be streamed on ESPN+. Live stats are also available for both matches via ValpoAthletics.com.
Head Coach Carin Avery: In her 24th season as head coach at Valpo, Carin Avery is the all-time winningest head coach across all sports in the history of Valpo Athletics. She has won 517 matches (517-262, .664) at the helm of the program and has led Valpo to three league regular season and three league tournament titles. The program has made seven postseason appearances under Avery, including three NCAA Tournament appearances, and advanced to the championship match of the 2021 NIVC. Avery has coached 61 All-League recipients over her tenure at Valpo, which has spanned three different conferences. She is Valpo’s all-time leader in both victories and winning percentage, and owns a 572-286 (.667) record overall as a head coach.
Series History: Illinois State – The Redbirds own a 14-6 advantage in the all-time series, including a 12-4 mark since Valpo joined the MVC. The Beacons have won the last two matchups however, including a four-set win at the ARC in the lone meeting last season.
Bradley – Valpo holds an 18-12 edge in the all-time series against the Braves, including a 10-5 mark since joining the Valley. The Beacons have won six in a row in the series, including a 3-1 win last season at the ARC in the lone meeting of the year. Prior to that result last season, the last four matches in the series had all gone the full five sets in Valpo’s favor.
Scouting the Opposition: Illinois State – The Redbirds enter Friday’s match at 6-8 overall this year and are 1-1 in MVC play, having beaten Indiana State and fallen to Bradley on opening weekend. Khenedi Guest leads all MVC players with 1.29 blocks/set, while Arianna Rossi ranks fourth in the Valley with 4.24 digs/set.
Bradley – The Braves sit at 8-6 overall this year and are 2-0 after the opening weekend of MVC play, with wins over Evansville and Illinois State. Maria Drapp leads all MVC players with 9.28 assists/set, while Irene Mostardini sits second in the Valley with 0.48 service aces/set.
Conquering Central Illinois: A road trip which treated Valpo very poorly its first few years in the MVC has turned into a happy bus ride of late. In Valpo’s first four seasons in the Valley (excluding the COVID spring 2021 season), it went a combined 1-8 in its road matches at Illinois State and Bradley. But, in 2022 and 2023, the Beacons went a combined 4-0 against the Redbirds and the Braves on their respective home courts. Last season, the lone meetings between the teams were at Valpo.
Battling the Panthers: Facing a UNI squad which has now won 39 straight regular season matches against MVC opponents and 45 straight overall, Valpo was up to the task on Saturday, playing point-for-point with the Panthers. While the Beacons dropped the match 3-1, they matched UNI with 92 points over the four sets, becoming the first MVC program to tie or win the total points battle with UNI since Drake in the 2022 MVC title match. This comes one season after the Beacons went up 2-0 against UNI at the ARC before falling in five sets – the only MVC team to push UNI to a fifth set in its current regular season winning streak.
A Defensive Weekend: Valpo’s defense stood out in both of its matches last weekend. The Beacons held Drake to .087 hitting in Friday’s win, recording 12 blocks, and then limited UNI to .101 hitting on Saturday, posting 13 more blocks. UNI’s hitting percentage was especially notable, as it was the Panthers’ lowest hitting percentage against an MVC foe since Valpo held UNI to .058 hitting in a Valpo win at the ARC March 15, 2021. For the season, Valpo’s opponents are hitting just .150, best in the Valley and good for 12th nationally.
Digging It and Killing It: The Beacons rank among the nation’s best on both sides of the ball this season. Valpo currently sits atop the MVC rankings with 17.21 digs/set, a mark which ranks eighth nationally, while it is second in the Valley and 26th nationally with 13.91 kills/set. Notably, that latter mark would be the program’s best kills/set average in a season since 2015.
Avoid the Block: A big key to the Beacons’ success, or lack thereof, so far this season has been their ability to avoid the opponents’ block on the attack. In Valpo’s five losses, its opponents have posted an eye-popping 80 blocks (3.64/set), while in Valpo’s 10 wins, its opponents have only tallied 67 blocks (1.97/set).
Pickett Gets It Done: Sophomore middle Jessica Pickett earned the first conference weekly award of her career this week, as she was tabbed MVC Player of the Week after standing out in the middle on both sides of the net. Pickett hit .391 on the opening weekend of conference play with 2.88 kills/set and a team-best 1.50 blocks/set, ranking among the Valley’s top-10 for the week in blocks/set, points/set and hitting percentage. She opened the weekend by hitting .500 with 11 kills — just one off her career best — and six blocks in the win over Drake, and followed the next night against UNI with a team-best 12 kills to match her career high, as well as six blocks.
Steady in the Back: Senior libero Emma Hickey also earned recognition from the MVC for her performances last weekend, as she was named Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season and the sixth time in her career. Hickey, who currently ranks seventh nationally in digs/set, averaged 6.25 digs/set — best among MVC players for the weekend — and committed just one serve reception error on 45 attempts over the pair of matches. She registered a match-best 27 digs, as well as seven assists, in the Friday win over Drake before tying for match-high honors with 23 digs Saturday versus UNI.
An Eye on the Record Books: With 50 more digs last weekend, Hickey continued her march up various record books. The senior enters this weekend with 2,373 career digs, which at her career pace, it’ll be a photo finish for her to perhaps catch Taylor Root for second place in program history. Other charts to keep an eye on include the MVC career leaders – where she is currently 50 shy of former Drake standout Alana Wittenburg or 7th – and the NCAA career leaders – where she is 165 away from the top-25 all-time. Hickey leads all active NCAA players (all divisions) in career digs and owns over 600 more digs than any other active Division I player.
Right Side, Strong Side: Sophomore right side Ava Helming enjoyed a strong rookie season in 2024, earning a spot on the MVC All-Freshman Team, and has taken her game to another level this season. Helming enters the weekend pacing the Beacons and ranked seventh in the Valley with 3.23 kills/set. She has led Valpo in kills in nine of the season’s first 15 matches and has reached double digits 10 times as well.
A Balanced Attack: As they have over the past few years, the Beacons once again feature a very balanced attack this year. Helming is Valpo’s only player in the top-600 in the nation in kills/set. Sophomore outside Jordyn Gove, senior right side Sam Warren and sophomore outside Kadence Brumitt all average between 2.18 and 2.39 kills/set, while sophomore middle Lilly Merk checks in just shy of two kills/set.
Still Underclassmen: It’s easy to forget, given the number of returnees this year’s Beacon squad features, that a large number of those returnees are still just sophomores. 78.7% of the team’s kills and 77.9% of the team’s blocks have come courtesy of the underclassmen.
Players of the Week: With its two most recent honorees, Valpo has racked up five weekly awards from the MVC office this season. Emma Hickey was recognized as Defensive Player of the Week for the first time this year following the opening weekend of the season, which saw her earn All-Tournament Team honors at the USI Invitational as she averaged 6.60 digs/set and committed just one serve reception error on 49 attempts. On Sept. 15, the Beacons boasted a pair of award winners: Lilly Merk was named Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in her career after averaging 1.50 blocks/set, highlighted by a 12-block effort in Valpo’s upset bid at Northwestern, while Keira Lucas was tabbed Freshman of the Week as she averaged 2.44 kills/set on .302 hitting and 2.00 digs/set while committing just one serve reception error on 49 attempts at the Lehigh Steel Classic.
Capturing Crowns: Valpo has continued its penchant for winning in-season tournament titles under Carin Avery this season, claiming a share of the crown at the USI Invitational and sweeping its way to the Lehigh Steel Classic title. Valpo has won 36 in-season tournament titles in Avery’s time as head coach. The team has won at least one tournament in 18 of her seasons, and multiple tournaments 12 times. Those tournament titles have come in 14 different states.
All-Tournament Accolades: Over the course of Valpo’s four early-season tournaments, six players combined to earn a total of nine All-Tournament Team honors.
– Leatherneck Classic: Emma Hickey, Lilly Merk
– Lehigh Steel Classic: Kadence Brumitt (MVP), Addy Kois
– EMU Tournament: Ava Helming, Merk
– USI Invitational: Helming, Hickey, Sam Warren
New-Look Conference Slate: With MVC membership down to 11 volleyball programs, the conference schedule has been pared back to 16 matches this season, meaning there will be four teams each team plays only once. Valpo’s matchups against Drake and UNI on opening weekend were its lone looks at the Iowa-based schools this season, while the Beacons will also face Evansville and Indiana State just once apiece. In addition, the MVC Tournament will feature just six teams this season after previously featuring eight programs.
MVC Success: Valpo is looking to continue its run of success in conference play again this season, as the program has finished in the top-half of the Valley standings in each of its eight years in the conference, the only MVC program to accomplish that feat. Going back further, Valpo has posted top-half conference finishes in 22 of Avery’s 23 seasons – as well as qualifying for the conference tournament in each of her 23 seasons – and 31 of the last 32 years overall.
Looking Back at Last Year: Valpo is coming off an 18-win season in 2024, a campaign highlighted by the amount of production generated by the team’s youth. Jessica Pickett set program freshman records for hitting percentage and blocks, while Ava Helming had the third-most kills by a freshman in Avery’s tenure as both rookies earned spots on the MVC All-Freshman Team. On the more veteran side, Emma Hickey became the fastest player in program history and tied for the fastest in MVC history to reach 2,000 career digs.
Who’s Back: In a nutshell, everybody who could be. All 16 players who ended last season on the Beacons squad with remaining eligibility return for Valpo in 2025. That group accounted for 78.1% of the kills, 84.4% of the service aces, 78.0% of the digs and 93.9% of the blocks from the 2024 season.
Who’s Gone: Valpo graduated just two players from last year’s squad: Abby Boyle and Elise Swistek. Swistek’s production will be the big piece to replace, as she closed her time at Valpo as one of just 10 players in program history to surpass 1,000 kills (1,018; 19th) and 1,000 digs (1,479; 12th).
Who’s New: The Beacons welcome two freshmen to the large group of returnees this year. Keira Lucas is an outside hitter who was a three-time All-State honoree at Northview [Ind.] H.S., while Olivia Wagner is a setter who helped lead Lakeville South [Minn.] H.S. to the 2024 Minnesota Class AAAA state championship.
Winning Tradition Continues: The Beacons secured a winning 2024 season as they completed the campaign with an 18-14 record, the 21st winning season in 23 years under head coach Carin Avery. Valpo has won 20 or more matches in 18 of Avery’s 23 seasons as well, and has averaged 22 wins per season in Avery’s tenure.
Young But Mighty: Legendary college basketball coach Al McGuire is credited for having said “The best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores.” If that’s the case for last year’s class of Valpo volleyball freshmen, opponents are in for a rough time this season. Last year’s freshman class accounted for 59.1% of the team’s kills, 31.1% of the aces and 73.6% of the blocks in the 2024 campaign. That comes out to a total of 58.7% of the team’s points accounted for by freshmen last season, a mark which ranked third nationally among D-I programs, trailing only Mississippi Valley State and Le Moyne – two programs which combined for just eight wins, compared with the Beacons’ 18 victories. Prior to last season, none of Avery’s teams in her time at Valpo had freshmen account for even 30% of the team’s points.
Digging Deep: Valpo continued its long tradition of strong back row play last fall, finishing the 2024 campaign 19th nationally with an average of 17.20 digs/set. The program has ranked among the top-30 nationally in digs/set in every season since 2009, including 14 seasons among the top-20 and four seasons among the top-10 – highlighted by the 2017 campaign in which Valpo led the nation with 20.03 digs/set. Other top finishes include fourth nationally in the spring 2021 season (20.37/set), a fourth-place rank in 2010 and a sixth-place finish in 2015. Since the move to 25-point scoring, only seven teams have averaged more than 20 digs/set over the course of a season, and Valpo is the only program to have done it twice. 2018 saw Valpo lead the nation with 2,613 total digs – a mark which set a program single-season record and a Division I record in the 25-point era. Valpo also boasts two of the top-10 athletes in D-I history in career digs – Rylee Cookerly (2nd; 3,175) and Taylor Root (10th; 2,752).
Libero on Lockdown: Senior Emma Hickey has been quite simply one of the nation’s most prolific liberos since stepping on campus prior to the 2022 campaign. She’s ranked among the top-15 nationally in digs/set in each of her first three seasons, ending last season in third position with 5.72 digs/set. Her 715 total digs last year were sixth-most in a single season in program history.
The Pickett Fence: Sophomore Jessica Pickett made a big impact at the net in her first season of collegiate volleyball last year. An MVC All-Freshman Team honoree, Pickett ranked third in the Valley in blocks/set (1.14, 139 total) and fourth in hitting percentage (.331). She set Valpo freshman records for both hitting percentage and total blocks – her hitting percentage ranked third overall and second in the 25-point era in Valpo’s single-season record book, while he block total ranked eighth overall and third in the 25-point era.
At the Helm(ing): Sophomore Ava Helming joined Pickett as an MVC All-Freshman Team honoree last season for her strong work on both sides of the net at the right pin as a rookie. Helming ranked second on the team with 293 kills and 78 blocks – her 293 kills is tied for third-most by a freshman under head coach Carin Avery, while 78 blocks ranks sixth by a freshman under Avery. The only other freshman to rank among the top-10 in both kills and blocks by a rookie in the Avery era was another right side in Morgan Beil, who developed into a three-time All-Horizon League performer.
Next Stop, 600: Head coach Carin Avery reached yet another milestone last October, winning her 500th match in charge of the Valpo program with the Beacons’ win at Murray State. Valpo’s all-time winningest coach in any sport, Avery’s 500th win came in her 752nd match in charge of the program. Avery is the second current MVC coach to win at least 500 matches at their current institution, joining UNI’s Bobbi Petersen.
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UINDY VOLLEYBALL
GREYHOUNDS DIG PINK, SPEED PAST THOROBREDS ON WEDNESDAY
INDIANAPOLIS – The UIndy volleyball team played for a cause bigger than the game on Wednesday evening, raising money for breast cancer awareness in its Dig Pink match against Kentucky State at the Ruth Lilly Fitness Center. The Greyhounds swept the visiting Thorobreds on the court with total game play just reaching the 70-minute mark.
All ticket proceeds, as well as items won from the silent auction, count toward the program’s overall goal of fundraising $1,000 for the Side-Out Foundation. To help UIndy Volleyball surpass its goal, please click here to donate.
The Greyhounds dominated from start to finish on Wednesday, attacking at .515 clip against the Kentucky State defense. Cailtin Blomberg totaled a match-high 13 kills on 16 attempts, while rookie Paige Boettcher chipped in eight in the win.
UIndy committed just six attacking errors, with The Maddies™ – Maddie Berger and Maddie Lynch – combining for 13 kills without a mistake. Carly Fonda accounted for just over half of the team’s 51 assists with 26 helpers, with Lucia Brown and Macy Bruton also reaching double digits.
The Greyhound defense scooped up exactly 50 percent of the Thorobreds’ attacks, as Bruton led the way in the pink libero jersey with 12 digs. Fonda, who also recorded all three of the team’s service aces, finished with six digs, the most by a player not named Bruton.
Taylor Welch saw her first collegiate action in the win, tallying four kills and a block.
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MARIAN VOLLEYBALL
NO. 22 MARIAN DROPS THREE-SET MATCH AT GRACE
Winona Lake, Ind. – Shorthanded due to injury, the Marian volleyball team put up a fight in sets one and three, but were unable to capture a win against Grace College as the Lancers swept the Knights 3-0. Marian falls to 12-6 and 4-5 on the season following the loss.
After a strong hitting performance on Saturday against Goshen, the Knights could not find the same offensive numbers on Wednesday, as Grace dominated the attack throughout the match. The Lancers hit .227 in set one and .211 in set three, winning the two games by a combined eight points. In set two, Grace defeated Marian 25-12, hitting .500 in the game while Marian had a 0.000 hitting percentage.
The opening set was a back-and-forth battle early on, until a 3-0 run pushed an 11-9 Grace lead into a 14-9 edge. The Knights would rally back and fight to take the lead, using an 8-2 scoring spree to jump in front 17-16. The rally came after a timeout was called trailing 15-10, as Avery Toole, Mya Cunningham, and Chloe Cook willed Marian into the lead. The Lancers would answer with a 5-1 spree of their own, reclaiming the lead and building a 21-18 cushion. Grace would go on to win the set 25-20, as the Knights committed a pair of errors to seal their fate in the set.
Set two belonged to Grace, as they broke through the early back-and-forth start and took an 11-7 lead on the Knights. Khori Dryden would halt Grace’s momentum, however, only temporarily, as Grace continued to build up their attack. Marian totaled seven attack errors in the set, which aided the home team’s 25-12 victory in set two.
Marian responded early in set three and gained an 8-6 lead on Grace, but was unable to sustain the scoring attack, as a 5-0 run jumped the Lancers back into the lead. Marian stayed in the fight and capitalized on Grace’s attack errors to stay in the game, eventually taking a narrow 13-12 lead on a Lexa Zimmerman service ace, but it would not be enough to keep the hosts down. Grace would reclaim the lead for good at 16-15, and pushed the set to match point with a 24-19 lead. Two kills from Khori Dryden would extend play as the Knights fought until the finish, but it would not be enough to force set four, as Marian fell 25-22 in the final set.
Dryden led the Knights with nine kills and 12 digs, while Sami Luttel had a team-high 14 assists. Ava Tindall and Sarah Bennett each had one block assist in the loss, and Zimmerman had the team’s only ace.
The Knights will start the second half of Crossroads League play next Wednesday, traveling to Spring Arbor for a mid-week match with the Cougars.
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MARIAN WOMEN’S SOCCER
KOGER AND WERT’S BRACES HIGHLIGHT SHUTOUT AGAINST MOUNT VERNON
Indianapolis, Ind. – The Knights shine in 5-0 shutout against Mount Vernon on Wednesday evening. The Knights move to 11-0 on the season and 3-0 in the Crossroads League.
Sienna Mullen opened up the game with an early shot with the assist from Katie Koger in the first 34 seconds of play to take the early lead. The Cougars followed up with their singular shot of the game but came up short to Lily Ames’ effort in goal. Katie Koger quickly tacked another goal on the board in the third minute of play taking the two goal lead. The Knights recorded eight more shots in the first half but came up short ending the half with a 2-0 lead.
Olivia Parmer opened up the second half with a shot that was a tad to high. Taylor Wert followed up with a pair of goals within a minute of eachother to extend the lead to four. Parmer and Koger recorded the assists on each goal. Koger followed up Wert’s goal with her second of the day with the assist from Parmer to extend the lead to five. Marian recorded nine more shots but came up short ending the game with a 5-0 shutout.
Taylor Wert and Katie Koger lead the Knights in goals with two each while Sienna Mullen recorded one. The Knights dominated in shots with 23 with a combination from, Mullen, Sammie King, Jordan Love, Koger, Olivia Parmer, Wert, Silvia Quezada, Sophia Lewis, Allie Tredway, and Kylie Conrad. In goal Lily Ames earned her ninth win of the season recording one save. Mychaela Johnson came in as relief for the second half finishing the shutout.
Marian will be back in action on Saturday, October 4th as they take on No. 18 Grace in a ranked matchup at home at 2 p.m.
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+++SMALL INDIANA COLLEGE SPORTS WEB SITES+++
UINDY ATHLETICS: https://athletics.uindy.edu/
MARIAN ATHLETICS: https://muknights.com/
INDIANA WESLEYAN ATHLETICS: https://iwuwildcats.com/
EARLHAM ATHLETICS: https://goearlham.com/
WABASH ATHLETICS: https://sports.wabash.edu/
FRANKLIN ATHLETICS: https://franklingrizzlies.com/
ROSE-HULMAN ATHLETICS: https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/
ANDERSON ATHLETICS: https://athletics.anderson.edu/landing/index
TRINE ATHLETICS: https://trinethunder.com/landing/index
BETHEL ATHLETICS: https://bupilots.com/
DEPAUW ATHLETICS: https://depauwtigers.com/
HANOVER ATHLETICS: https://athletics.hanover.edu/
MANCHESTER ATHLETICS: https://muspartans.com/
HUNTINGTON ATHLETICS: https://www.huathletics.com/
OAKLAND CITY ATHLETICS: https://gomightyoaks.com/index.aspx
ST. FRANCIS ATHLETICS: https://www.saintfranciscougars.com/landing/index
IU KOKOMO ATHLETICS: https://iukcougars.com/
IU EAST ATHLETICS: https://www.iueredwolves.com/
IU SOUTH BEND ATHLETICS: https://iusbtitans.com/
PURDUE NORTHWEST ATHLETICS: https://pnwathletics.com/
INDIANA TECH ATHLETICS: https://indianatechwarriors.com/index.aspx
GRACE COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://gclancers.com/
ST. MARY OF THE WOODS ATHLETICS: https://smwcathletics.com/
GOSHEN COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://goleafs.net/
HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php
TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/
VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index
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+++SPORTS EXTRA+++
+++TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY+++
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Oct. 2
1908 — Addie Joss of the Cleveland Indians pitched a perfect game, defeating the Chicago White Sox, 1-0.
1916 — Grover Alexander pitched a 2-0 three-hitter against the Boston Braves for his 16th shutout and 33rd victory of the season.
1920 — The only tripleheader in this century was played, with the Cincinnati Reds defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first two games. The Pirates won the nightcap, which was called after six innings because of darkness.
1938 — Bob Feller struck out 18 Detroit Tigers to set a single-game record that stood until Steve Carlton broke it in 1969.
1968 — Bob Gibson set a World Series record by striking out 17 Detroit Tigers in Game 1.
1978 — In a one-game playoff for the AL East title, Bucky Dent hit a three-run homer off Mike Torrez to lead the New York Yankees to a 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
1986 — Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets became the first pitcher in baseball to strike out 200 batters in each of his first three seasons as he fanned seven en route to an 8-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
1991 — The Toronto Blue Jays clinched the American League East title and became the first team in sports history to draw four million fans in one season.
1995 — The Seattle Mariners, behind Randy Johnson’s three-hitter, beat California 9-1 in a one-game playoff for the AL West title.
2001 — Sammy Sosa, Chicago Cube, becomes the first player in MLB history to total 60 home runs in three seasons.
2005 — Roy Oswalt got his 20th win to lead the Houston Astros over the Chicago Cubs 6-4, clinching the NL wild-card berth and capping a historic comeback. Houston started the season 15-30 and became the first team since the 1914 Boston Braves to make the postseason after falling 15 games under .500.
2009 — B.J. Upton became the first player in Tampa Bay history to hit for the cycle. He went 5 for 5 with a career-high six RBIs in a 13-4 win over the New York Yankees.
2013 — Tampa Bay posted another must-have win on the road, beating the Cleveland Indians 4-0 in the AL wild-card game. The Rays playing in their third city over four days advanced to the best-of-five division series.
2016 — Baltimore’s Matt Wieters homered from both sides of the plate and Kevin Gausman gave the Orioles a clutch pitching performance to beat the New York Yankees 5-2 and snag a playoff spot on the final day of the regular season.
2018 — Tony Wolters hit a tiebreaking single with two outs in the 13th inning, and the Colorado Rockies beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 in an epic NL wild-card game.
+++TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY+++
Oct. 2
1906 — Canadian world heavyweight boxing champion Tommy Burns KOs American challenger ‘Fireman’ Jim Flynn in 15 rounds to retain his title in Los Angeles, California.
1950 — Jim Hardy throws six touchdown passes, including five to Bob Shaw, as the Chicago Cardinals pound the Baltimore Colts 55-13.
1969 — Seattle Pilots’ last game in Seattle; crash to 98th season loss, 3-1 to Oakland in front of just 5,473; move to Milwaukee as the Brewers next season.
1970 — Fourteen members of the Wichita State football team are killed in a plane crash in the Rocky Mountains.
1980 — Larry Holmes registers a technical knockout in the 11th round against Muhammad Ali to win the world heavyweight title in Las Vegas.
1983 — The Green Bay Packers score 49 points in the first half, including 35 in the second quarter, in a 55-14 rout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
1988 — Future world heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis, representing Canada, wins super-heavyweight gold medal at the Seoul Olympics; beats American Riddick Bowe by 2nd round TKO.
1991 — Steffi Graf becomes the youngest woman to win 500 matches as a professional when she beats Petra Langrova of Czechoslovakia 6-0, 6-1 in the Leipzig International Tournament.
1993 — In the first all-British world heavyweight title fight, Lennox Lewis retains his WBC heavyweight title with a seven-round knockout of Frank Bruno in Cardiff, Wales.
1993 — California rallies from a 30-0 deficit to beat Oregon 42-41. Dave Barr throws three second-half touchdowns, including a 26-yarder to Iheanyi Uwaezuoke with 1:17 left in the game.
1994 — North Carolina’s 92-game winning streak in women’s soccer ends with a scoreless tie in overtime against Notre Dame.
1994 — Don Shula’s Miami Dolphins beat son Dave’s Cincinnati Bengals 23-7 in the first meeting between father and son coaches in professional sports.
2001 — Sammy Sosa becomes the first player in major league history with three 60-homer seasons, but the Reds hold on for a 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Sosa’s solo shot comes in the first inning.
2004 — Rice and San Jose State play in the highest-scoring regulation game in Division I-A history, with the Spartans winning 70-63. The 133 points surpass the total from Middle Tennessee’s 70-58 victory over Idaho on Oct. 6, 2001. The schools combine for 19 touchdowns to break the Division I-A record of 18.
2004 — Jeff Kent becomes all-time home run leader for MLB 2nd basemen when he hits 2 in Astros’ 9-3 win v Rockies; 302 overall HR to break Ryne Sandberg’s major league record established in 1997.
2004 — Montreal Expos earn the last win in the franchise’s MLB history, beating New York Mets, 6 – 3 at Shea Stadium; Brad Wilkerson hits the Expos’ final home run in 9th inning, his 32nd of the year.
2006 — Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is given a five-game suspension — the longest for on-field behavior in NFL history — for stomping on Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode’s head and kicking him in the face.
2009 — Ninth-grader Alexis Thompson shoots a 3-under 69 for a share of the lead with top-ranked Lorena Ochoa and three others after the second round of the Navistar LPGA Classic.
2011 — Dallas has its largest lead blown in a loss in franchise history, frittering away a 24-point third-quarter cushion in a 34-30 loss to Detroit. The Lions turned a 20-point halftime deficit into an overtime win at Minnesota the previous week.
2016 — The United States win the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2008. Ryan Moore two-putts on No. 18 for a 1-up victory over Lee Westwood, giving the Americans a 15-10 lead that seals the win over Europe. The 17-11 victory over Europe is their biggest rout in 35 years at the Ryder Cup.
2016 — Atlanta’s Matt Ryan passes for 503 yards and four touchdowns, while wide receiver Julio Jones has 12 catches for 300 yards and a touchdown in Atlanta’s 48-33 win over Carolina.
2016 — Veteran broadcaster Vin Scully called his final LA Dodgers game after a record 67 MLB Seasons.
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+++TV SPORTS+++
(ALL TIMES EASTERN)
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND/OR BLACKOUTS
Thursday, Oct. 2
AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL (WOMEN’S)
5 a.m.
FS2 — AFL: Fremantle at Hawthorn
5 a.m. (Friday)
FS2 — AFL: Essendon at Melbourne
AUTO RACING
5:25 a.m. (Friday)
ESPN2 — Formula 1: Practice, Marina Bay Street Circuit, Marina Bay, Singapore
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
9 p.m.
CBSSN — Sam Houston St. at New Mexico St.
COLLEGE SOCCER (WOMEN’S)
6 p.m.
SECN — Missouri at LSU
7 p.m.
ACCN — Wake Forest at NC State
ESPNU — Arkansas at South Carolina
8 p.m.
SECN — Texas at Texas A&M
COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S)
7 p.m.
FS1 — Creighton at Marquette
8 p.m.
BTN — Illinois at Wisconsin
9 p.m.
FS1 — Utah at Arizona
10 p.m.
BTN — Purdue at UCLA
GOLF
7 a.m.
GOLF — DP World Tour: The The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, First Round, The Old Course at St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Noon
GOLF — Korn Ferry Tour: The Compliance Solutions Championship, First Round, The Patriot Golf Club, Owasso, Okla.
4 p.m.
GOLF — PGA Tour: The Sanderson Farms Championship, First Round, The Country Club of Jackson, Jackson, Miss.
7 p.m.
GOLF — LPGA Tour: The LOTTE Championship presented by Hoakalei, Second Round, Hoakalei Country Club, Oahu, Hawaii
HORSE RACING
1 p.m.
FS2 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races
MLB BASEBALL
1 p.m.
ESPN — A.L. Wild Card: Detroit at Cleveland, Game 3 (If Necessary)
3 p.m.
ABC — N.L. Wild Card: San Diego at Chicago Cubs, Game 3 (If Necessary)
6 p.m.
ESPN — A.L. Wild Card: Boston at N.Y. Yankees, Game 3 (If Necessary)
9 p.m.
ESPN — N.L. Wild Card: Cincinnati at L.A. Dodgers, Game 3 (If Necessary)
NBA BASKETBALL
Noon
NBATV — Preseason: Philadelphia vs. New York, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
5:30 a.m. (Friday)
NBATV — Preseason: Melbourne United vs. New Orleans, Melbourne, Australia
NFL FOOTBALL
8:15 p.m.
PRIME VIDEO — San Francisco at L.A. Rams
NHL HOCKEY
7 p.m.
NHLN — Preseason: Detroit at Toronto
SOCCER (MEN’S)
12:40 p.m.
CBSSN — UEFA Europa League: Lille at AS Roma
3 p.m.
CBSSN — UEFA Europa League: Aston Villa at Feyenoord
3:45 p.m.
FS2 — 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup Group Stage: U.S. vs. France, Group E, Rancagua, Chile
6:45 p.m.
FS2 — 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup Group Stage: Nigeria vs. Saudi Arabia, Group F, Talca, Maule, Chile
TENNIS
6 a.m.
TENNIS — Beijing-WTA Quarterfinal 1 & 2; Shanghai-ATP 1st Round
12:30 a.m. (Friday)
TENNIS — Beijing-WTA Quarterfinal 3 & 4; Shanghai-ATP 2nd Round
6 a.m. (Friday)TENNIS — Beijing-WTA Quarterfinal 3 & 4; Shanghai-ATP 2nd Round
