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TL’s Sports Notebook | Nov 17

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While We’re Young (Ideas) on the NBA Cup

By TERRY LYONS, Editor of Digital Sports Desk

BOSTON – The NBA unveiled freshly designed basketball courts without a piece of parquet covering the playing surface at Boston’s TD Garden. There are brand new Wilson basketballs with a special bracket design bouncing around the courts. One thing that’s always apparent when there are changes to the norm and that’s the fact creatures of habit do NOT like too much change.

Last season, the NBA instituted it’s “In-Season” tournament, mimicking the many Futbol/Soccer tourneys staged within the long European soccer league season. There are national leagues (i.e. English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Spanish LaLega, etc) combined with international play (UEFA Champions League) and playing for Cups, or in one case The Cup of Cups. In the USA, college basketball (and ESPN and the Basketball Hall of Fame) stage dozens of mini-tournaments at the start of the season such as the Maui Invitational, Vegas Showdown, Battle 4 Atlantis, Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship (Nov. 21-22 with St. John’s vs Baylor and Tennessee vs Virginia). There’s nothing wrong about that, at all.

The NBA’s “In-Season” tournament has evolved into the “Emirates NBA Cup” complete with all the bells and whistles. Despite criticism from the cynics, last season’s inaugural tournament made a mark as one of the better innovations in the league’s 77 year history. How?

  1. It created additional awareness of NBA basketball early in the season when college and pro football rule the airwaves.
  2. The court designs created much-needed buzz and acted as a differentiator from the regular season games. The buzz was both pro and con, but they spelled “NBA” accurately pre-Christmas (a day many believe the NBA season actually begins). That added to th awareness.
  3. The competition gave emerging clubs, like the Magic, Pistons, Spurs, Rockets, Hawks, and Blazers a playoff-like chance to compete and entertains the fans. This year, all but the Spurs are winners in their Group Play match-ups thus far).
  4. With a cool half-mil on the line, the players certainly embrace the competition.

In summation, the “In Season/Emirates NBA Cup” was an incredible success story and it proved the NBA – more than any other North American pro sports league – is willing to experiment, to innovate and to provide its fans with real added incentive to watch games. The intensity of those games were a notch higher than a typical November or December regular season game because the players are competitive, whether it be for pride or money – and with the NBA Cup – it was a bit of both.

HERE NOW, THE NOTES: Coming soon but not to a golf course near you, is another pro golf property, but instead of a traveling tour format, all the matches will be played at Palm Beach State College in Florida. As a reminder, TGL, presented by SoFi, is a new golf league, combining advanced technology with teams of top players from the PGA TOUR matching up for two-hour weekly competitions in primetime on ESPN or ESPN2 in the USA. … Six (call them the Original Six) TGL teams representing six different cities will go head-to-head in a season-long competition at the new SoFi Center, a first-of-its-kind venue built specifically for TGL. The venue is located on the campus of Palm Beach State College. The league was set to begin last year but a storm damaged the venue and its roof thus delaying the first tee-off until this January 7. … Boston is represented by the Boston Common Golf with a star-studded roster of Rory McIloy, Adam Scott, Hideki Matsuyama and New England’s very own, Keegan Bradley. Tyrrell Hatton was originally on the Boston roster but vacated his spot when he joined LIV Golf. Hideki Matsuyama was chosen by TGL – the parent company of this tour – to replace the outgoing Hatton. No LIV golfers are participating. … McIlroy has an ownership stake in the league and the team while Fenway Sports Group has an ownership stake in the team. Solo artist and singer-songwriter Niall Horan and his investment group Greenbridge Ventures purchased an ownership stake in Boston Common Golf, joining Fenway Sports Group and McIlroy’s Symphony Ventures. In addition to his investment in the team, Horan will serve as an ambassador for Boston Common Golf. Boston’s first match is against the Jupiter Links, headlined by Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Kevin Kisner and Tom Kim. The Links will be playing their second match when they face Boston, a distinct advantage.

BOSTON MARATHON IMPACT: If you live in Boston or the neighboring towns and villages playing host to the annual Boston Marathon, you can see the impact. To prove it in dollars and “sense,” the Boston Athletic Association and Meet Boston sought out the UMass Donahue Institute – Economic and Public Policy Research to measure the entire economic impact of the event. They calculated everything from travel and lodging to tourist habits and per person spending. The grand total is estimated to be a $509m impact.

“The Boston Marathon is more than just a race – it’s a powerful driver that shines a spotlight on the Greater Boston area, attracting visitors and showcasing our city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse communities,” said Martha J. Sheridan, President & CEO of Meet Boston in a prepared statement. “Each year, it brings people together from across the globe, expanding the impact of tourism and enhancing our competitiveness. This iconic race fosters a sense of unity and purpose for all the domestic and international visitors that come to spectate or participate.”

According to the news release, Boston Marathon weekend includes more than the race on Patriots’ Day. The B.A.A. hosts the Boston 5K presented by Point32Health with 10,000 participants, an invitational mile for both students and professional runners, the Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo – a shoppers’ delight, Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, and the Boston Marathon Post-Race Party presented by Samuel Adams. Additionally, sponsors and other affiliated brands provide activations throughout Greater Boston.

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Boston Marathon Photo by Miguel A Amutio on Unsplash

The 2024 Marathon event had 30,000 participants across the Boston 5K, B.A.A. Invitational Mile, B.A.A. Relay Challenge and the Boston Marathon. Participants had an average party size of two, with 77% of spectators who attended indicating they are there to support a family member or friend running. 51% of the participants reside outside of New England, with the median weekend spend of $500. 68% of participants stayed in a Boston area hotel, according to the B.A.A. in its report.

Included in the report is the fact the B.A.A. has 39 full-time employees who earned $5.5 million in total compensation, which includes wages and salaries, taxes, and benefits. These values exclude those who are not actual employees of the Association. Other paid labor and outside contractors are discussed in the next section. To support these employees and other operational costs, the B.A.A. reported revenues of $36.4 million.

EIGHT IS ENOUGH: The NFL concluded its International Series with a close but uninspiring 20-17 Carolina victory over the New York Giants. While it’s tough to pinpoint the absolute worst team in the NFL, surely the Panthers and Giants are on the list of Top 5. While the International Series may not be providing its European fans with the best match-ups, it has established a very viable 9:30am ET game window for the NFL in the USA.

Commissioner Roger Goodell told NFL Network’s Colleen Wolfe that the league is looking to play upwards of eight games outside of the United States of America in 2025, including a first-timer in Ireland.

“We are definitely going to Spain, we announced that,” Goodell said from Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, before ho-hum Giants-vs-Panthers game. “We expect to return to Mexico City. We expect to return to Brazil. We will certainly be back in the U.K. And we’re also looking at the potential of another game in the U.K. area in Ireland, possibly. That’s a possibility. And we’ll certainly be back here in Germany. So if that total’s eight, that’s what we’re shooting for.”

Fiji Island might not make the cut.

While the NFL used to play in Japan in preseason, they’ve yet to crack the code to play a game in China. NFL China was established in Beijing in October of 2007 a year after announcing the league would play a preseason game between New England and Seattle. But that game never materialized. In 2009, there was talk of a rescheduled game but it was never played.

The league was focusing on a potential regular season game in Beijing but some 16 years have passed and there’s nothing on the NFL docket, unless Goodell is playing his media availabilities with a poker face.

TIDBITS: Roki Sasaki will be the next ace pitcher to transfer from the Japanese baseball circuit to Major League Baseball. Sasaki’s teammates are tipping their hands that they believe the star free agent is most likely to land at Chavez Ravine and play for the 2024 MLB champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Dollars point to the Dodgers as they – and the Baltimore Orioles – have some $2m in cash awaiting within their international signing bonus pool, according to the Associated Press. Expect a decision to come down soon as MLB’s international signing window closes on December 15, 2024. … Remember, too, the Dodgers have SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto and best player on the planet Shohei Ohtani on their roster to welcome their countryman. … Congrats to former NBA and St. John’s beat writer turned broadcaster Dave Sims on his new gig as the play-by-play man for the New York Yankees, alongside the great Suzyn Waldman. Sims was calling Seattle Mariners games until the NYY offer came along. Can’t wait to see both Sims and Waldman when the Evil Empire visits Fenway Park next season. … Condolences to Harvard Coach and Duke alum Tommy Amaker on the passing of his father, Harold Amaker of Columbia, South Carolina. Harold earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia, followed by a Ph.D. from LaSalle University in Philadelphia. His academic pursuits set a foundation for what would be a lifetime of advocacy and leadership in education, particularly in supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU’s). … Condolences to the great Hubie Brown and his family as Hubie’s son, Brendan (1970-2024), passed away at the age of 54. Brendan’s wife, Kate, announced Brendan’s passing on Facebook, noting, “He cared deeply for his friends and family and we’re going to miss him so much,” In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

NFL Monday Night Football: Preview

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Houston Texans (6-4) at Dallas Cowboys (3-6), 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC

Edge rusher Micah Parsons returned from injured reserve to post two sacks last week and could be the key to collapsing the Texans’ offensive line to make C.J. Stroud uncomfortable. Stroud hasn’t thrown an interception in three of the past four games and Houston has benefited from a vintage Joe Mixon. He has six games with 90-plus yards from scrimmage and a touchdown, tied for the most in the NFL this season.

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Stroud has WR Nico Collins back from a hamstring injury to threaten Dallas over the top. The same can’t be said for the Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb after backup QB Cooper Rush had just one pass completion of 10 yards in his first start of the season last week. Rush gets the call again and shares the backfield with Rico Dowdle, the decided No. 1 back for Dallas. Lamb has been up to the task in primetime games with Dak Prescott, catching 25 passes for 306 yards and three TDs.

–Field Level Media

Notre Dame Climbs to No. 6

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INDIANAPOLIS – (Wire Service Report) – A lack of upsets at the top of college football resulted in little movement at the top of the Associated Press Top 25 poll on Sunday, as Oregon remained undefeated and keeps its hold on the No. 1 ranking after avoiding an upset at Wisconsin.

The Ducks (11-0) prevailed 16-13 in Madison, Wis., while No. 2 Ohio State (9-1), No. 3 Texas (9-1) and No. 4 Penn State (9-1) all won as well, preserving the top four. Indiana (10-0) remained No. 5 after a bye week.

Previous No. 6 Tennessee lost to Georgia, and previous No. 7 BYU was upset by Kansas, opening the door for Notre Dame (9-1) to move up to No. 6 with its 35-14 blowout of Virginia.

The Fighting Irish have barely been tested since their shocking upset loss to Northern Illinois in Week 2, only once winning by less than 18 (31-24 vs. Louisville on Sept. 28). That could change soon with next weekend’s game against No. 18 Army (9-0).

Four SEC schools round out the Top 10 with identical 8-2 records: No. 7 Alabama, No. 8 Georgia, No. 9 Ole Miss and No. 10 Tennessee.

BYU (9-1) fell seven spots to No. 14 after losing for the first time this season, landing one spot below a team it beat earlier this year, SMU (9-1), who survived an upset bid from visiting Boston College.

Arizona State (8-2) rejoined the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2021 at No. 21 after its 24-14 road win at previous No. 20 Kansas State. Other newcomers included No. 22 Iowa State (8-2), No. 23 UNLV (8-2) and No. 24 Illinois (7-3).

Kansas State, LSU, Louisville and Missouri all fell from the rankings following losses.

The third in-season edition of the College Football Playoff committee’s rankings will be released Tuesday night.

The AP Top 25 poll after Week 12:
1. Oregon
2. Ohio State
3. Texas
4. Penn State
5. Indiana
6. Notre Dame
7. Alabama
8. Georgia
9. Ole Miss
10. Tennessee
11. Miami
12. Boise State
13. SMU
14. BYU
15. Texas A&M
16. Colorado
17. Clemson
18. Army
19. South Carolina
20. Tulane
21. Arizona State
22. Iowa State
23. UNLV
24. Illinois
25. Washington State

–Field Level Media

BOLD – Theoretical CFB Playoff Teams

Dallas Wins WNBA Draft Lottery

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NEW YORK – (Wire Service Report) – The Dallas Wings will pick first in the 2025 WNBA Draft after winning the draft lottery for the first time in franchise history.

Sunday’s lottery awarded the No. 1 overall selection to Dallas, which had 227 chances out of 1,000 to have its number called.

The Los Angeles Sparks, who had the best odds for the No. 1 pick, will draft second for the second straight year. The Chicago Sky will pick third and the Washington Mystics will be fourth.

The four teams to miss the 2024 postseason were assigned number combinations based on their combined records from the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Los Angeles (25-55) had the most assigned combinations (442 out of 1,000), while Chicago was tied with Dallas after having identical 31-49 records since 2023.

The Wings are currently in the market for a new head coach after they parted ways with Latricia Trammell following a 9-31 campaign this past season. The team hired former Sparks and Connecticut Sun head coach Curt Miller as its new general manager earlier this month, and he will lead the search for a new coach.

UConn star guard Paige Bueckers is atop WNBA draft boards as the college season gets in motion. Other options for the Wings could include Southern California forward Kiki Iriafen and Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles.

In 2024, the Wings picked fifth and ninth overall and drafted Ohio State guard Jacy Sheldon and French guard Carla Leite. The Sparks picked Stanford forward Cameron Brink second overall last April and the Sky also went third, taking South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso before adding LSU’s Angel Reese at No. 7.

The expansion Golden State Valkyries will pick fifth in each of the draft’s three rounds. The Valkyries also have an expansion draft on Dec. 6.

–Field Level Media

NFL: Week 11 Previews

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Green Bay Packers (6-3) at Chicago Bears (4-5), 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Green Bay hopes to roar out of the bye week and keep its dominance of the Bears on trend. Head coach Matt LaFleur is 10-0 against the Bears and counterpart Matt Eberflus is 0-4 in his career against the Packers. Since their bye week, the Bears played three games and dipped from 4-2 and contender conversation to hot water, dropping all three games with a total of 27 points. Eberflus made a change at offensive coordinator and promoted Thomas Brown to the play-caller role. While a yo-yo of personnel contributed, Chicago hasn’t been committed to running the ball — 43 attempts in the past two games — compared to the Packers, who have games with 53, 37, 38 and 39 rushes. In turn, No. 1 pick Caleb Williams has been sacked 15 times with zero TDs the past two games. The Bears will know where they stand in the NFC North division by the end of the month. Sunday is the first division game for the Bears. They host the Vikings (7-2) next week and spend Thanksgiving with the Lions (8-1).

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8) at Detroit Lions (8-1), 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Aaron Glenn has been masterful in helping Detroit rack up nothing but wins since Week 2. One prized pupil is hybrid defensive back Brian Branch, a playmaker and the heartbeat of the group since Aidan Hutchinson (knee) was lost for the season. Branch is the only player in the league with 25-plus passes defensed and 10 tackles for loss since the start of 2023. He’ll get in on the assignments of slowing a two-headed monster at running back with Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby, while also trying to prevent rookie WR Brian Thomas from getting behind the defense. Backup QB Mac Jones makes another start with Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) banged up. Jones passed for 111 yards last week. The Lions found a way to win with Jared Goff at his season’s worst — five interceptions — in Week 10. He passed for 340 yards and two TDs in his last game against the Jaguars. No. 1 WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is going for his eighth consecutive game with a TD catch.

Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) at Miami Dolphins (3-6), 1 p.m. ET, CBS

With one tackle for loss, Raiders DE Maxx Crosby would become the third player in since 2000 with 100 TFLs, and he notched a sack in the last go-round with Miami. He’s the menace in the trenches that worries Miami the most, even as the Dolphins are finding success with the short passing game and explosive RB De’Von Achane. The Raiders are searching for answers that didn’t come from Luke Getsy, the offensive coordinator fired before Las Vegas took a bye in Week 10 to get new play-caller Scott Turner and his more prominent dad, Norv Turner, comfortable with existing personnel. QB Gardner Minshew received a soft endorsement from head coach Antonio Pierce — “what do we have to lose, we’re 2-7” — and starts again after being replaced by Desmond Ridder in a blowout loss at Cincinnati before the bye.

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Los Angeles Rams (4-5) at New England Patriots (3-7), 1 p.m., FOX

Rookie QB Drake Maye awakened Demario Douglas and Ja’Lynn Polk, who were nonfactors during Jacoby Brissett’s run as the Patriots’ starter to begin the season. But the Patriots aren’t fully weaponized relative to their opposition Sunday. Matt Stafford has 25-plus completions in three games in a row because of the dynamic route-runners outside, Puka Nacua (9-98 last week vs. Miami) and Cooper Kupp (7-80). Bell-cow RB Kyren Williams is tied for third in the NFL with 10 total touchdowns to maintain offensive balance. Blocking in front of Stafford might have coach Sean McVay perspiring. New England’s DE Deatrich Wise and LB Anfernee Jennings both had two sacks at Chicago last week and DE Keion White is among the league leaders in snap-to-pressure time based on advanced metrics analysis. New England had nine total sacks in Week 10, when Stafford went down four times.

Cleveland Browns (2-7) at New Orleans Saints (3-7), 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Jameis Winston knows his way around New Orleans, and the former Saints quarterback who previously started for division rival Tampa Bay comes to town trying to keep Cleveland out of the NFL cellar. The Browns are one of four AFC teams with two wins. Injuries on the offensive line and the switches at QB and wide receiver have made for a disjointed outfit in Cleveland. The Saints ended a seven-game losing streak in their first game under interim head coach Darren Rizzi last week, a 20-17 surprise takedown of NFC South-leading Atlanta. QB Derek Carr connected for two touchdowns with WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling. New Orleans allowed more than 400 yards for the fourth time this season, including 181 rushing yards, which is sure to catch the attention of Browns play-caller Ken Dorsey. Dorsey doesn’t mind close games and wants to distribute the weight of the offense away from Winston’s shoulders to RB Nick Chubb.

Indianapolis Colts (4-6) at New York Jets (3-7), 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Playoffs? The Colts are still thinking postseason and reversed their decision at quarterback as coach Shane Steichen pushed the reset button on second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. Steichen sat Richardson days after a 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans on Oct. 27. Richardson not only struggled with accuracy in that game (10-of-32 passing), he tapped out in exhaustion before a key third-down play in the second half. The wake-up call the Colts desired didn’t come from Joe Flacco, who helped steer the Browns to the playoffs after signing in November. Flacco threw a combined four interceptions in losses to Minnesota and Buffalo, including a pick-six in last week’s 30-20 setback to the Bills on Indianapolis’ first play of the game. The Jets’ defense can make life difficult for Richardson, who has completed only 44.4 percent of his 133 passes for 958 yards with four touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s rushed for 242 yards, second on the team, but has fumbled six times in six games. Which Jets team will show up Sunday afternoon is the mystery. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich summarized the defensive effort at Arizona last week saying he saw a “criminal, egregious amount” of missed tackles. Aaron Rodgers continues as the New York quarterback but the 31-6 loss at Arizona was a dud. Rodgers had 151 yards on 22-of-35 passing but lost 23 yards while taking three sacks.

Baltimore Ravens (7-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2), 1 p.m. ET, CBS

For the first time this season the Steelers are staring across the line at an AFC North division opponent and first place is up for grabs when the Ravens come calling. Two new faces make their introduction in the storied rivalry. The Steelers roll out QB Russell Wilson and the Ravens yank the curtain to shine the spotlight on RB Derrick Henry, the NFL’s No. 2 rusher (1,120 yards, 12 TDs) who has a league-leading TD streak of 11 games. The Ravens lead the NFL in total offense (440.2 yards per game). Baltimore is the third team ever with 20-plus points and 375-plus total yards in each of its first 10 games of season. The full story there is the Ravens can’t afford to take their foot off the accelerator because their defense has been user-friendly. The Steelers are giving up only 16.2 points per game, second in the NFL, and have had the number of Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, 1-3 all-time as a starting quarterback against the Steelers.

Minnesota Vikings (7-2) at Tennessee Titans (2-7), 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Why is Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell on the defensive about his quarterback? Sam Darnold is three TDs shy of his first NFL season with 20 touchdowns, but he’s already at 10 interceptions after tossing three last week in a palm-sweat performance against the Jaguars. The Vikings won (12-7), and O’Connell said the focus should be on the result. Darnold does have multiple TD passes in three of four starts on the road for the Vikings and the Titans have proven capable of playing the role of easy prey. They’ve lost four of the past five games and are 1-3 in Nashville this season. Sunday provides another chance for the Titans to determine whether Will Levis can be the long-term solution at quarterback. He has seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2024 but unlike Darnold, there’s no Justin Jefferson to turn to when times are tough. Tony Pollard leads the Titans with 666 rushing yards and three touchdowns but has been hindered by a foot injury. Calvin Ridley is the team’s No. 1 wide receiver with 32 catches for 483 yards and three scores. Jefferson leads the Vikings with 53 receptions for 831 yards and five TDs.

Atlanta Falcons (6-4) at Denver Broncos (5-5), 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS

If Broncos rookie RB Audric Estime can hold onto the football, he’s likely to assume a leading role in Denver’s youth movement. Estime had a career-high 53 rushing yards last week and Javonte Williams has yet to leave the runway in what some projected to be a breakout season. The Falcons are doing just fine with a timeshare between Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier behind Kirk Cousins in the backfield. Robinson is one of three NFC backs with 1,000 yards from scrimmage already in 2024 and can challenge the Broncos’ underappreciated front seven. Denver’s offense needs more of a spark. The Broncos mustered only 260 total yards in last week’s 16-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, when Will Lutz’s 35-yard field goal attempt was blocked as time expired. The week prior, Denver managed only 10 points against a Baltimore defense that had been torched all season.

Seattle Seahawks (4-5) at San Francisco 49ers (5-4), 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX

QB Brock Purdy had a season-high 353 passing yards last week in Christian McCaffrey’s first game of the season. McCaffrey returns to Levi’s Stadium on Sunday for the first time since January as the 49ers attempt to break up the logjam in the NFC West. McCaffrey has seven touchdowns and an average of 168.4 yards from scrimmage in seven career games against the Seahawks and WR Deebo Samuel averages a TD per game against Seattle. WR DK Metcalf plans to return from a knee injury this week with Seattle coming out of its bye week. The Seahawks have lost five of six games since a 3-0 start. Sagging defensive numbers are not encouraging with McCaffrey in the 49ers’ lineup. In the 12-point defeat by San Francisco on Oct. 10, the Seahawks allowed a season-worst 228 rushing yards and 6.9 yards per carry to a 49ers’ attack powered by Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo.

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Kansas City Chiefs (9-0) at Buffalo Bills (8-2), 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

At Buffalo’s Highmark Stadium for a matchup of AFC frontrunners and division leaders, the KC Chiefs put their highwire act on display and go for a 10-0 start and 16th consecutive win dating to last season. QB Patrick Mahomes is 4-3 against Josh Allen and the Bills, averaging 289.1 passing yards per game with 16 total touchdowns in seven career starts including the playoffs. Mahomes might have his best detail of skill players yet this season with JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) pegged to play alongside De’Andre Hopkins for the first time. With seven of nine wins coming in one-possession games this season, the Chiefs do have one cause for concern with the third-most reliable kicker in NFL history, Harrison Butker, landing on IR with a knee injury. Untested 25-year-old rookie Spencer Shrader could be called upon in a tight game Sunday in his K.C. debut. Buffalo claimed the past three regular-season games in the series, all of which were played in Kansas City. And the Bills can still tap into a revenge factor. The eventual repeat Super Bowl champion Chiefs eliminated the Bills in the AFC divisional playoffs 27-24 at Buffalo in January. The Bills rank third in points per game (29) — the Chiefs average 24.3 — and Allen didn’t throw two picks in a game until a win over the Indianapolis Colts last week. Buffalo leads the NFL in turnover margin at plus-13. And the Bills bring a respectable defense of their own. The group is allowing just 19.3 points per game and has 19 takeaways, the latter figure ranking second in the league.

-Field Level Media

Celtics’ Tatum Wins It in OT

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BOSTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Boston’s Jayson Tatum made a 3-pointer as time expired in overtime to give the Celtics a 126-123 victory over the visiting Toronto Raptors on Saturday night.

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Tatum had 24 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in the win. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 27 points.

Jakob Poeltl tossed in a career-high 35 points for Toronto, which fell to 0-8 in road games this season. Poeltl, who was 16 of 19 from the floor, also had 12 rebounds.

RJ Barrett added 25 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists for the Raptors, who have lost seven games in a row and 11 of their last 12. A Barrett layup tied the game with 55.1 seconds left in overtime before Tatum connected on the game-winning shot.

Boston’s Al Horford scored a season-high 18 points. The Celtics also received 18 points from Derrick White.

Toronto lost despite having a 76-42 edge in points in the paint.

The Celtics were without Jrue Holiday, who missed the game because of left knee tendinopathy. Before the game Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said he didn’t expect Holiday’s injury to linger. It was the first game Holiday has missed this season.

Boston used a 12-0 spurt to take a 14-4 lead, but the Raptors were within two points, 28-26, after 12 minutes. A Jamison Battle 3-pointer capped a 9-0 run that put Toronto in front 45-44 with 5:37 left in the second quarter, but the Celtics had a 56-54 halftime lead.

A 16-4 run gave the Raptors a 64-58 lead and Toronto led 68-61 after a Poeltl jumper with 8:05 left in the third. The Celtics moved in front 76-74 after an 11-2 run and Boston had an 86-85 lead entering the final quarter.

Toronto was up 114-112 following a Barrett basket with 59 seconds left, but Neemias Queta tied the game on a layup with 42.1 seconds to play. Neither team scored again in regulation.

–Field Level Media

NCAA Football: Top 25 Update

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PROVO – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Kansas’ Devin Neal rushed for two touchdowns and a fluke occurrence on a punt led to the go-ahead score as his Jayhawks notched a 17-13 upset of No. 6 BYU in Big 12 play on a chilly Saturday night in Utah.

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Jalon Daniels completed 12 of 19 passes for 169 yards and one interception, but his biggest contribution was a fourth-quarter punt that struck a member of the Cougars and was recovered by the Jayhawks (4-6, 3-4) at the BYU 3-yard line. Neal scored the winning points on the next play, and Kansas protected the lead.

The setback is a major blow for the Cougars (9-1, 6-1), who dropped into a first-place tie with Colorado and will slip downward when the next College Football Playoff rankings are unveiled on Tuesday.

BYU’s Jake Retzlaff completed 18 of 28 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Hinckley Ropati had a scoring reception for the Cougars.

Neal extended his school record to 45 rushing touchdowns, and his 52 yards rushing made him the first player in program history to top 4,000 on the ground. His total sits at 4,003.

No. 1 Oregon 1, Wisconsin 13

Atticus Sappington’s 24-yard field goal capped a 10-point fourth-quarter rally as the Ducks staved off an upset with a comeback victory over the host Badgers.

Oregon (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten), which entered averaging 35.7 points per game, took over at the Wisconsin 43 after a 12-yard punt return with just under seven minutes left. On third-and-4, quarterback Dillon Gabriel eluded pressure and scrambled 8 yards for the first down at the 8. After Gabriel’s third-down pass was incomplete, Sappington hit his third field goal of the game to put the Ducks up 16-13 with 2:36 remaining.

Wisconsin (5-5, 3-4) lost its third straight. The Badgers need one more victory to keep its streak of 22 consecutive bowl games alive.

No. 2 Ohio State 31, Northwestern 7

Chicago native Carnell Tate had two touchdown catches and Quinshon Judkins ran for two short scores as the Buckeyes overcame a slow start to defeat the Wildcats at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Tate, who had four receptions for 52 yards, made an 8-yard TD catch on the first drive for the Buckeyes (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) in the second half to make it 28-7 before a pro-Ohio State crowd. The score was set up by a 68-yard catch-and-run by Jeremiah Smith, who finished with four catches for 100 yards. Ohio State made it 31 straight points on a 28-yard field goal by Jayden Fielding with 44 seconds left in the third.

Northwestern (4-6, 2-5) quarterback Jack Lausch was 21-of-35 passing for 201 yards with Bryce Kirtz making seven catches for 92 yards.

No. 3 Texas 20, Arkansas 10

Quinn Ewers passed for 176 yards and touchdowns early and late to Matthew Golden as the Longhorns did just enough on the road to beat the Razorbacks in a key Southeastern Conference clash in Fayetteville, Ark.

The game was the first for the two programs as league foes since 1990 when they were a part of the now-defunct Southwest Conference. The intensity still was high as the Longhorns (9-1, 5-1 SEC) stayed on track for a spot in the SEC Championship Game in their inaugural season in the conference. Jaydon Blue rushed for 83 yards on 14 carries as Texas outgained the Razorbacks 315-231 in total yards.

Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green had 149 yards passing but absorbed six sacks for 48 yards in losses and threw an interception for the Razorbacks (5-5, 3-4).

No. 4 Penn State 49, Purdue 10

Drew Allar passed for three touchdowns and Tyler Warren found the end zone twice as the Nittany Lions rolled over the host Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind.

Allar finished with more touchdowns than incompletions, as he went 17 of 19 for 247 yards without a turnover for the Nittany Lions (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten). Warren totaled eight catches for 127 yards and a score and also had a 48-yard scoring run.

Hudson Card passed for 151 yards and Max Klare had 91 receiving yards and a touchdown for Purdue (1-9, 0-7), which has not won since Week 1 and has not beaten Penn State since 2004. The Boilermakers have faced three top-five opponents in the last month, losing those games by a combined margin of 129-10.

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No. 12 Georgia 31, No. 7 Tennessee 17

Carson Beck completed 25 of 40 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns as the Bulldogs kept their Southeastern Conference Championship Game and College Football Playoff hopes alive by beating the Volunteers in Athens, Ga.

Beck also added a rushing score for the Bulldogs (8-2, 6-2), who bounced back from last week’s 28-10 loss at Ole Miss. Nate Frazier ran for 68 yards and a touchdown, while Oscar Delp caught four passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Georgia beat Tennessee for the eighth straight year.

Nico Iamaleava completed 20 of 33 passes for 167 yards for Tennessee (8-2, 5-2), which had its four-game winning streak snapped. Dylan Sampson led the Volunteers with 101 rushing yards and a score.

No. 8 Notre Dame 35, Virginia 14

Jeremiyah Love ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns and Riley Leonard threw three touchdown passes to lead the Fighting Irish past the Cavaliers in South Bend, Ind.

Notre Dame won its eighth consecutive game and inched closer to securing a playoff berth. Love has scored at least one touchdown in 10 straight games, making him the program’s fourth running back to do so. He also broke loose for a 76-yard score in the third quarter to put the Irish ahead 35-0.

Virginia (5-5) was unable to carry over the momentum from last week’s upset up Pitt. The Cavaliers benched quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who completed only 8 for 21 passes for 69 yards with three interceptions, and replaced him with Tony Muskett in the second half. Muskett scored the Cavaliers’ only two touchdowns.

No. 10 Alabama 52, Mercer 7

Jalen Milroe threw a pair of touchdown passes and Ryan Williams scored one rushing and one receiving TD as the host Crimson Tide cruised past the Bears in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

The 10th-ranked Crimson Tide (8-2) received a collective effort from its offense, defense and special teams and was able to incorporate several reserve players into the game in the second half after taking a commanding 38-7 lead over the Bears (9-2). Milroe completed 11 of 16 passes for 186 yards, didn’t throw an interception and ran for 43 yards and a touchdown on six carries to lead Alabama.

Mercer had a three-game winning streak snapped, but already clinched a berth in the FCS playoffs and a share of the Southern Conference championship. Whitt Newbauer completed 15 of 22 passes for 140 yards and an interception as Mercer was held to 202 yards of total offense.

No. 13 Boise State 42, San Jose State 21

Ashton Jeanty ran for three touchdowns and the Broncos overcame a 14-0 first-half deficit to the host Spartans to continue its march toward a hopeful playoff berth.

The victory keeps the Broncos (9-1, 6-0 Mountain West) in control of the one open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff reserved for the highest-ranked Group of 5 team, and in the lead in the Mountain West Conference. Jeanty, who entered Saturday as the nation’s leading rusher, ran for 159 yards in the win. Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen completed 22 of 30 attempts for 286 yards and a touchdown.

The Spartans’ Walker Eget threw for a career-high 446 yards on 34-of-50 passing with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss. Justin Lockhart had 10 catches for 172 and a TD and Nick Nash added nine catches for 126 yards and a score for San Jose State (6-4, 3-3).

No. 14 SMU 38, Boston College 28

Kevin Jennings went 24-for-35 passing for 298 yards and three touchdowns as the Mustangs held off the visiting Eagles in Atlantic Coast Conference action in Dallas.

Jennings found three different receivers for touchdowns as the Mustangs (9-1, 6-0) remained unbeaten in their first ACC season. Jordan Hudson had seven catches for 99 yards and a score. Brashard Smith rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

In his first start since Thomas Castellanos was benched and entered the transfer portal, Grayson James completed 18 of 32 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown with an interception for Boston College (5-5, 2-4). Kye Robichaux rushed for two touchdowns and 90 yards on 21 carries.

No. 15 Texas A&M 38, New Mexico State 3

Marcel Reed passed for 268 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score to lead Texas A&M to a victory over New Mexico State in College Station, Texas.

Texas A&M (8-2) bounced back after a bye week that followed their first Southeastern Conference loss to South Carolina. Reed completed 20 of 31 passes and threw one interception.

New Mexico State (2-8) dropped its third in a row and suffered its eighth loss in its past nine games. Seth McGowan was one of the few bright spots for New Mexico State, rushing for 75 yards on 14 carries.

Arizona State 24, No. 16 Kansas State 14

Sam Leavitt was 21-of-34 for 275 yards and three touchdowns as the Sun Devils defeated the Wildcats in the first Big 12 Conference matchup between the two teams.

The Sun Devils (8-2, 5-2) built a 24-0 lead in the third quarter before K-State got its offense going. Arizona State reached Kansas State territory on each of its first nine drives and was 9-of-15 on third downs.

Avery Johnson finished 24-of-40 for 258 yards, but he had two interceptions and no touchdowns for Kansas State (7-3, 4-3).

No. 17 Colorado 49, Utah 24

Shedeur Sanders threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns as the Buffaloes withstood a late rally in a win over the Utes in Boulder, Colo.

Sanders connected on 30 of 41 passes and had an interception. Travis Hunter made big plays on offense along with an interception and pass defended on defense. He added five receptions for 55 yards and a 5-yard rushing touchdown. LaJohntay Wester had 10 receptions for 77 yards and a 76-yard punt return for a touchdown. Drelon Miller caught six passes for 108 yards and a touchdown, while Will Sheppard had five catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns for Colorado (8-2, 6-1 Big 12).

Isaac Wilson was 21-of-40 passing for 236 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions for Utah (4-6, 1-6). Utah’s Dorian Singer had five receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown and Caleb Lohner had a touchdown catch.

New Mexico 38, No. 18 Washington 35

Quarterback Devon Dampier rushed for a 1-yard touchdown with 21 seconds left and the Lobos rallied from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to upset the Cougars in Albuquerque, N.M.

Dampier gained 193 yards on 28 carries and scored three times as the Lobos improved to 5-6 and stayed alive for a bowl bid. He also completed 11 of 25 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown as New Mexico finished with 534 total yards.

John Mateer hit 25 of 36 passes for 375 yards and four touchdowns for Washington State (8-2). His 37-yard strike to Kyle Williams, the wide receiver’s third touchdown catch of the night, gave Washington State a 35-31 edge with 3:12 left. Williams finished with nine catches for 181 yards.

Stanford 38, No. 19 Louisville 35

Emmet Kenney kicked a 52-yard field goal as time expired to lift the host Cardinal to an upset of the Cardinals.

The senior’s heroics led to the crowd rushing to the field and snapped a six-game skid for the Cardinal (3-7, 2-5 ACC). It also capped a sensational comeback for Stanford, which trailed by 14 with less than 10 minutes remaining. Stanford got a season-high 298 yards passing and three touchdowns from Ashton Daniels, while freshman receiver Emmett Mosley V had 13 catches for 168 yards and three TDs.

Duke Watson ran for 117 yards and three scores on 11 carries for the Cardinals (6-4, 4-3), who rallied and appeared to take control of the game in the second half.

No. 20 Clemson 24, Pittsburgh 20

Cade Klubnik broke two tackles and scrambled up the field for a 50-yard go-ahead touchdown as the Tigers kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive by escaping Pittsburgh with a road victory.

Pitt used a 13-0 scoring run in the fourth quarter to take a 20-17 lead with 1:36 remaining after a 47-yard field goal from Ben Sauls capped off an eight-play, 26-yard drive that burned nearly three minutes off the clock. Clemson (8-2, 7-1 ACC) needed three plays to move back in front. Klubnik dropped back to pass and took off at midfield zig-zagging and then sprinting up the field for the longest touchdown of the game.

Nate Yarnell, starting in place of an injured Eli Holstein for Pitt, completed 34-of-54 passes for 350 yards and a touchdown. Panthers tight end Gavin Bartholomew had the TD reception during Pitt’s fourth-quarter comeback. Klubnik completed 27 of 41 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers. Antonio Williams hauled in 13 of Klubnik’s passes for 149 yards and both of Clemson’s scores through the air.

No. 21 South Carolina 34, No. 23 Missouri 30

LaNorris Sellers passed for 353 yards and five touchdowns as the Gamecocks edged the Tigers 34-30 in Columbia, S.C.

Rocket Sanders scored the decisive touchdown on a 15-yard shovel pass reception with 15 seconds left as the Gamecocks (7-3, 5-3 Southeastern Conference) kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Sellers completed 21 of 30 passes and also rushed for 45 yards.

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook returned from ankle and wrist injuries to complete 21 of 31 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown. Nate Noel rushed for 150 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers (7-3, 3-3 SEC), and Blake Craig kicked field goals from 38, 37 yards and 25 yards.

Florida 27, No. 22 LSU 16

DJ Lagway passed for 226 yards and a touchdown and the Gators handed the Tigers their third consecutive loss in Gainesville, Fla.

Lagway returned from a one-game absence due to a strained hamstring to complete 13 of 26 passes and Florida (5-5, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) moved within one victory of bowl eligibility with two games to play. Elijhah Badger caught six of Lagway’s passes for 131 yards and a touchdown.

Garrett Nussmeier completed 27 of 47 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown for LSU (6-4, 3-3), but he was sacked seven times.

No. 25 Tulane 35, Navy 0

Makhi Hughes rushed for two touchdowns and the Green Wave defense smothered the Midshipmen in Annapolis, Md., in their American Athletic Conference showdown.

Darian Mensah threw for 138 yards and two scores and also ran for a TD for Tulane (9-2, 7-0 AAC), which clinched a berth in next month’s conference title game against No. 24 Army. Hughes finished with 82 yards on 22 carries. He capped a 65-yard drive to open the third quarter with a 1-yard scoring run to extend Tulane’s lead to 21-0.

The Midshipmen (7-3, 5-2) played most of the game without star quarterback Blake Horvath, who left with a rib injury after a 9-yard rush during Navy’s third possession. Braxton Woodson, who came on for Horvath, turned the ball over twice in a rough outing. He completed 3 of 10 passes for 13 yards with an interception and rushed 13 times for 24 yards while fumbling the ball away deep in Navy territory.

–Field Level Media

SMU Avoids Boston College Upset

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DALLAS – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Kevin Jennings went 24-for-35 passing for 298 yards and three touchdowns as No. 14 SMU held off visiting Boston College 38-28 in Atlantic Coast Conference action Saturday in Texas.

Jennings found three different receivers for touchdowns as the Mustangs (9-1, 6-0) remained unbeaten in their first ACC season. Jordan Hudson had seven catches for 99 yards and a score.

In his first start since Thomas Castellanos was benched and entered the transfer portal, Grayson James completed 18 of 32 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown for Boston College (5-5, 2-4).

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Kye Robichaux rushed for two touchdowns and 90 yards on 21 carries.

Boston College got back within 31-28 after Robichaux capped a 10-play drive with a 3-yard touchdown with 5:52 remaining in regulation. On its ensuing drive, though, James was sacked twice after a Jordan McDonald fourth-and-one conversion.

After the turnover on downs, Jennings found Key’Shawn Smith for a 5-yard score on fourth down to ice the game for SMU.

After Collin Rogers missed a 24-yard field goal at the end of an 11-play opening drive to the red zone, SMU forced a three-and-out and proceeded to score the first touchdown when Jennings completed a 15-yard pass to Roderick Daniels Jr. along the left side.

Boston College turned the ball over on downs on the ensuing drive before the teams combined to trade scores on each of the next four possessions, beginning with a Rogers 35-yard field goal late in the first.

James began to find his rhythm from there, as a 23-yard strike to Lewis Bond over the middle set up Robuchaux’s 2-yard touchdown run — capping a 13-play, 75-yard drive — with 9:49 left in the second.

Aided by a pass interference penalty on third down, the Mustangs responded with a 4-yard run by Brashard Smith to take a 17-7 lead.

James’ 13-yard strike to Kamari Morales with 1:03 left before halftime brought the Eagles within 17-14, but after both quarterbacks traded interceptions within a span of three plays, Rogers booted a 41-yard field goal as time expired.

The Eagles scored on an eight-play, 83-yard drive out of halftime as James reached the end zone on a 20-yard run, giving them their first lead at 21-20.

Halfway through the third, Jennings reversed the score again when he hit Hudson for a 38-yard touchdown and Brashard Smith added a 2-point conversion, completing a 1:53 drive.

After forcing another three-and-out, the Mustangs added Rogers’ 37-yard field goal with 4:02 left in the quarter to make it 31-21.

–Field Level Media

Diamond Out of the Rough

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HOUSTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) Regional sports network giant Diamond Sports Group is ready to exit bankruptcy after getting judicial approval. Judge Christopher Lopez, representing the Southern District of Texas, approved the company’s Chapter 11 reorganization.

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DSG stated in a press release that its plan “will reduce its debt from almost $9 billion to $200 million. Upon completion of its restructuring, Diamond will be well capitalized with more than $100 million in cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet.”

The ruling came a day after MLB and the Atlanta Braves dropped their objections to DSG’s reorganization. The Braves came to a revised deal with DSG to keep the company as its primary broadcaster.

Other baseball teams still partnering with DSG are the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays.

However, MLB stated Thursday that it will oversee broadcasts of Cincinnati Reds games. MLB previously took over the telecasts for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins and San Diego Padres.

DS also retains the rights to 13 NBA teams (the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs) and eight NHL teams (the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning).

DSG chief executive officer David Preschlack said in a statement, “Today is a landmark day for Diamond, as we embark on a new path for our business. Diamond is now unencumbered by legacy debt, financially stable and enthusiastically supported by new ownership. Over the last 18 months, we have worked tirelessly to strengthen our business, including by reaching revised multi-year rights agreements with team and league partners, go-forward carriage agreements with major distribution partners, a broad naming rights partnership with FanDuel and a commercial agreement with Amazon.

“These critical achievements and a realigned business are enabling us to emerge as a sustainable, go-forward entity that drives value for our partners and fans.”

–Field Level Media

Can Patriots Put 1+1 Together?

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FOXBORO – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Stringing wins together has been nearly impossible for the New England Patriots for the better part of the past three seasons.

New England hasn’t posted back-to-back victories since a three-game winning streak in 2022. The Patriots will attempt to accomplish the feat on Sunday when the Los Angeles Rams roll into Massachusetts.

The Patriots (3-7) suffocated the Bears last Sunday, notching a season-high nine sacks from their defense in a 19-3 win. They held Chicago to 142 yards of total offense and 1 of 14 third down conversions.

However, considering they haven’t had consecutive wins in almost two years, New England coach Jerod Mayo has made it clear to his team that it needs to play with a sense of urgency to stay in the win column.

“Big win from there, and just build on it,” Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said. “Sense of urgency, what coach Mayo is preaching. I think it starts with cleaning up from the game (last) Sunday, cleaning up some little things that I think we could have ended up being a bigger margin of victory for us, especially offensively.

“I think we’ve got another chance here at home. L.A.’s coming off a short week, so we’ve got to prepare for them. They’re good up front on defense, so we’re preparing for them.”

Los Angeles has a quicker-than-usual turnaround following a 23-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. The Rams (4-5) were never able to find the end zone, getting five field goals from Joshua Karty to at least keep the game competitive.

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It marked the end of a three-game winning streak for Los Angeles, which is still within striking distance of the Arizona Cardinals (6-4) for the lead in the NFC West. Rams linebacker Jared Verse realizes that time is of the essence when it comes to making a playoff push, though.

“We can’t dwell on this (loss against Miami), ‘Oh no, woe is me,’ ” Verse said. “We have to move on.”

Verse was among the few bright spots for Los Angeles against the Dolphins. The rookie had four tackles (two for loss), one sack, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Still, Verse believes he can be even better against the Patriots.

“I’ll never be satisfied with the way I play,” he said. “I think there were definitely a couple plays here and there that I could have made if I did a little bit more.”

Offensive linemen Joe Noteboom and Rob Havenstein are both dealing with ankle injuries that forced them to miss practice on Wednesday. Cornerback Charles Woods (ankle) and defensive lineman Neville Gallimore (neck) did not practice as well. Linebacker Byron Young (knee) was limited during the session.

Four Patriots players did not practice on Wednesday, including defensive end Deatrich Wise (foot) and linebacker Sione Takitaki (knee). Safety Kyle Dugger was limited by an ankle injury and tight end Hunter Henry was limited because of a foot issue.

New England and Los Angeles are facing each other for the first time since Dec. 10, 2020, when the Rams beat the Patriots 24-3.

–Field Level Media

Hockey Hall Deepens Selection Committee

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TORONTO – (Staff Report from Official News Release) – Lanny McDonald, Chair of the Board of the Hockey Hall of Fame, announced new appointments to the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee as confirmed at the Directors’ meeting held yesterday in Toronto.

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Jarome Iginla and Ed Olczyk will join the Selection Committee commencing with the 2025 nomination and election proceedings (replacing David Branch and Mike Gartner, each having served their full-term limit of 15 years). McDonald also announced that Ron Francis will become Chair of the Selection Committee, taking over from Gartner who will transition to Chair of the Board in June 2025.

“One of the things that makes the Selection Committee so strong is the regular inclusion of new voices and the opportunity for highly knowledgeable hockey people to contribute in the process of honouring excellence in our game,” said McDonald. “To this end, we are very pleased to welcome Jarome and Ed to the committee, and thrilled that Ron, a long-time member and one of hockey’s great leaders, has agreed to serve as Chair. I would also like to express our appreciation and gratitude to David and Mike for their outstanding contributions over the past several years.”

Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020, Jarome Iginla played over 15 seasons with the Calgary Flames and led the team in scoring during 11 of those seasons. A three‐time NHL First All‐Star Team member, Iginla recorded 1,300 points in 1,554 regular season games over his phenomenal 22-year NHL career. He was also a member of Team Canada at three Olympic Games, winning gold medals in 2002 and 2010.

Ed Olczyk, a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame (Class of 2012), played more than 1,000 games recording 794 points throughout 16 NHL seasons. During the 1989–90 season Olczyk scored a point in 18 consecutive games, which was then the longest streak by an American-born player in NHL history. Following his playing career, Olczyk has served as an NHL coach and is a two-time Emmy award winning broadcaster.

Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007, Ron Francis ranks second on the NHL all‐time assist list and is a two‐time Stanley Cup champion. After his playing career, the Hurricanes officially retired Francis’ No. 10 jersey on January 28, 2006, and the long‐time Carolina Hurricanes captain would serve the club in a variety of capacities before being named General Manager in April 2014. He is currently the Executive Vice-President and General Manager of the Seattle Kraken, a position he has held since the expansion club commenced operations in 2019.

In addition to these new appointments, Brian Burke, Marc de Foy, Anders Hedberg and Pierre McGuire were re-appointed to the Selection Committee each for a further three-year term expiring December 31, 2027.

The Selection Committee will meet in late June 2025 to consider duly nominated candidates for election into Honoured Membership and the annual Induction Celebration will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025

TL’s Sunday Sports Notes | Nov 10

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By TERRY LYONS, Editor-in-Chief of Digital Sports Desk

BOSTON – On Wednesday night, it took some inner strength to push my human motor to commute to Boston’s TD Garden to take in the Golden State Warriors vs. the Boston Celtics basketball game. The night before was spent gazing at a TV screen, aghast at the one-sided results pouring in, not just at the top of the ticket but in Senate contests as well. Tuesday night to the early morning hours Wednesday was not a pleasant experience for half of the USA, but the sun rose brightly this past Wednesday morning and it set by 4:30pm, three hours before the Warriors and Celtics would tip-off their NBA game.

After a quick bite with family members at a North End pizza joint, it was time to enter Boston Garden with 19,155 best friends to take-in the game between the 2022 NBA Finalists. It was time to escape from the realities of life and disappear into an amazing place, a place many of us retreat to every day or night – we concentrate 100% of our energy and focus into a sporting event whether it be on TV or, ideally, in person.

Earlier this Fall, a good escape into an NFL Sunday was sometimes interrupted by endless commercial spots for the New Hampshire Governor race.

Blah. We were served up with unwanted and uncalled for stress, thrust upon us weekend after weekend during our sports get-a-way in the Commonwealth. But, for an NFL Sunday, we have the solution, the NFL RedZone, seven hours of commercial free action.

Away from the never-ending world of politics, escaping into sports is a really good thing. Whether its children playing in the backyard or participating in organized teams sports, the experience allows for teaching moments, lifetime lessons and important building of lifetime bonds with friends and the sports they play. Kids can escape and forget their problems in a second. Sometimes, adults need a little more time.

The Boston College vs Syracuse football game offered an escape pattern, without a cloud in the dark blue sky. A brisk breeze combined with bright sunshine at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill and a crowd was entertained by a great ACC rivalry game, as the home team won 37-31. Some fans left the stadium with some tint, as the sun beat down upon their faces, the kind of sun Led Zeppelin sang of in Kashmir.

It was a great place to escape from life’s bummers.

Think about it. Great competition for the players, combined with tailgating, cheering and revelry for the fans, some 44,500 strong. That’s a pretty good way to forget your troubles for a couple hours.

Dozens of homemade signs for ESPN’s College GameDay show provided comfort for ESPN commentator Kirk Herbsteit whose dog, Ben, passed away this week – a devastating loss to Herbstreit and college football fans everywhere, all who saw Ben on the GameDay set each Saturday for years. (ESPN)

Surely, the Alabama at LSU game in Baton Rouge provided ESPN GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit with a couple hours of distraction and enjoyment Saturday, just a few days after his loyal dog, Ben, passed away after battling cancer. Herbstreit updated college football fans on November 4, but things took a turn and Ben headed for his short walk to Dog Heaven.

Thousands of tributes came in on social media – totaling some 150,000+ by night time – and ESPN paid tribute to Ben, who earned star status with fans and Kirk’s colleagues as he traveled to games, no matter where the week-by-week GameDay schedule destination led them. There has been no better example of the bond between man and dog displayed weekly over the years by the monument of a man and his companion.

“Our love of football is what unites us every weekend,” said Herbstreit in his on air eulogy to his departed dog. “What I experienced with Ben was just that, and so much more.”

Here’s the ESPN memorial feature for Ben – not a dry eye in the house. Click HERE

HERE NOW, THE NOTES: In their third FIBA 3×3 Men’s World Tour competition in as many weeks, Team Miami secured their fifth FIBA 3×3 World Tour title of 2024 with a tournament victory at the Neom Masters in Neom, Saudi Arabia. For the USA contingent, Dylan Travis, James Parrott, Mitch Hahn and Trey Bardsley. Parrott, Miami’s versatile 6-foot-4 slasher, earned MVP honors for the second time in his 3×3 career. … In case you haven’t heard of Neom, it’s a brand news, state of the art tech center community being built in the desert of Saudi Arabia. … Indoor sports can play a major role in the new tech townand competitive 3×3 is a nice start. The FIBA-sanctioned tournament is among the attractions for the Neom Beach Games of 2024. … In addition to the LIV Golf Tour, Saudi Arabia has been attracting other world sports, such as Formula 1 racing, boxing, mixed martial arts and a list of others all in queue as facilities are being constructed.

TIDBITS: Two days after election day, a day after the fans of Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics gave an opposing coach a piece of their minds for USA Basketball Olympic Games snubs gone by, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr was asked about his viewpoint on the result of the Presidential election.

Kerr: “I believe in democracy. I think the American people have spoken and voted for Donald Trump. I want him to do well the next four years. I want our country to do well.”

Kerr (added, sarcastically): “I’m just thankful there wasn’t any voting fraud this time. Last time, all those illegal immigrants who crashed the border, raped and murdered people and then voted six times, that was unfortunate. But thankfully, this time everything was clean. It’s great that every election has been really valid except for that last one four years ago. Twinkle in my eye as I say that, in case you didn’t see it.”

We’ve featured a few Jack McCallum-like “Sign of the Apocalypse” news items, but this week, how about a new subsection in the column?

YOU CAN’T MAKE IT UP: On Friday afternoon, a charter airline pilot flying the Auburn Tigers to a game at Houston (game scheduled Saturday night, 9:30pm CT) had to turn around and return to the airport of origination as a fight broke out on board between two Auburn players. Auburn took a second flight to Texas and arrived in Houston at 1:00am. … Reports are sketchy, at best, but some are attempting to downplay the incident, tagging it as horseplay. Note to Auburn: Do not let your horses play in a metal tube at 30,000 feet with jet fuel flowing to jet engines fully operational. It might not end well.

Rory Thinks Trump Can Solve Anything

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ABU DHABI  – (Wire Service Report) – Rory McIlroy said President elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House “clears the way” for a deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

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Trump recently said on the “Let’s Go!” podcast that he could negotiate a deal between the two sides in about “15 minutes.”

Of course, the “15 Minutes” has passed by ten times over.

“He might be able to,” McIlroy said Wednesday when asked about Trump’s remarks. “He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too.”

McIlroy spoke at a press conference for the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

“Yeah, I think from the outside looking in, it’s probably a little less complicated than it actually is. But obviously, Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He’s got a great relationship with golf. He’s a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?

“But I think as the President of the United States again, he’s probably got bigger things to focus on than golf.”

McIlroy was also asked about a report in the London-based tabloid The Sun that claimed he and Tiger Woods had helped to negotiate a $1.3 billion deal between the rival golf leagues.

“It’s the first that I’ve heard of it,” the Northern Irishman said. “I know (PGA Tour commissioner) Jay (Monahan) was in Saudi Arabia last week … and was having some meetings. But no, I think I would have heard if there was.

Fenway to Host ’25 Secretaries’ Cup

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BOSTON – (Staff Report from Official News Report) – Fenway Park Events announced that Fenway Park will host the 2025 Secretaries’ Cup, a longstanding annual football matchup featuring the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) and the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The matchup is a cherished college athletic tradition featuring the only two federal service academies that compete in NCAA Division III sports. The game will kick off at 12:00 p.m. ET and be broadcast live on ESPN+.

“The U.S. Coast Guard is excited to bring the Secretaries’ Cup rivalry to a whole new level by hosting the game at historic Fenway Park in 2025,” said Dan Rose, Director of Athletics, U.S. Coast Guard Academy. “We are looking forward to seeing the entire Coast Guard community in blue and orange in Boston next fall to support our service’s team at this iconic venue.”

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“We are honored to be part of the Secretaries’ Cup at Fenway Park, a venue that epitomizes history, tradition, and excellence,” said Kristofer Schnatz, Director of Athletics at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “This matchup is more than a football game—it’s a celebration of service, camaraderie, and the unwavering commitment of our Midshipmen and Cadets. We can’t wait to see the USMMA community in full force in Boston, cheering on the Mariners at this iconic landmark.”

“We are thrilled to bring the Secretaries’ Cup to Fenway Park,” said Brett Miller, Director of Business Development, Fenway Park Events. “This game is rooted in tradition and serves as a powerful showcase of service, camaraderie, and competition. We look forward to hosting the athletes, their families, and fans at Fenway Park for what will be a truly unforgettable experience.”

Since its inception in 1981, the Secretaries’ Cup has symbolized the dedication, sportsmanship, and commitment to teamwork and service of student-athletes from both academies. The matchup marks the final game of the regular season for NCAA Division III football. In 2017, USMMA joined the NEWMAC conference as a charter member for football, making it a conference game.

NFL Sunday Night Football: Preview

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Cincinnati Bengals (4-6) at LA Chargers (6-3), 8:20 ET, NBC

The Chargers have won the past three meetings in the series with Cincinnati and put their league-leading defense (13.1 points per game allowed) on display against Joe Burrow. The Bengals QB is putting up MVP-caliber numbers and pumping the ball to WR Ja’Marr Chase, who put on a memorable show last week: 11 receptions, 264 yards, three TDs. Los Angeles has held opponents under 18 points the past six consecutive games and only one team — the Steelers in September — has put up 20.

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The Chargers are not a flashy offensive outfit and operate behind a physical offensive line that sets the tone in the running game to soften defenses to play-action threats from QB Justin Herbert. The Bengals are familiar with the Los Angeles RB duo of Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, offseason imports from the Ravens’ scrap heap who had a few stories to tell in scouting meetings this week. They’ve combined for 838 rushing yards and Dobbins has six touchdown runs.