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The Detroit Lions entered their bye week with a 3-2 record, but head coach Dan Campbell believes his team might actually be in a better position than it was a year ago. And considering Detroit was 5-2 at the same point last season, his latest comments are sure to raise some eyebrows.

Speaking to reporters Monday, Campbell explained that he feels more optimistic about the direction of this year’s team despite its inconsistent start. However, the Lions coach also acknowledged a troubling statistic that highlights exactly why Detroit still has plenty to prove.

The Lions haven’t won back-to-back games in more than a year.

Oct 11, 2026; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Dan Campbell Makes Eye-Opening Comparison Between Lions Teams

Following Detroit’s 45-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals and its subsequent bye week, Campbell was asked about his confidence in the team’s development. According to Brad Galli’s report from Monday’s press conference, Campbell indicated that he feels more optimistic in some ways about this year’s 3-2 team than he did about last season’s group when it entered the bye at 5-2.

“We’re ascending and we’re growing, and we’re young,” Campbell said. “That’s exciting. I do feel like we’re on the rise here.”

That’s a fascinating assessment considering the Lions’ uneven performances through their first five games. Detroit has shown flashes of being a dangerous football team, particularly offensively, but defensive inconsistency has prevented the club from building sustained momentum.

Still, Campbell clearly believes the team’s best football could be ahead of it. The Lions’ convincing victory over Arizona provided some evidence to support that optimism, particularly after the defense finally delivered a more complete performance.

As we previously reported, Campbell used the bye week to challenge his coaching staff to evaluate the team’s strengths, weaknesses, and personnel decisions. The goal was to identify exactly what Detroit needed to improve before its critical stretch of NFC North games.

That self-evaluation appears to have reinforced Campbell’s belief that the Lions are still developing rather than approaching their ceiling.

Campbell Admits Lions Have a Major Problem to Fix

While Campbell expressed confidence in Detroit’s future, he wasn’t about to ignore one particularly concerning trend. The Lions have failed to string together consecutive victories for more than a year, something the head coach knows must change if his team hopes to contend for a championship.

“If we want to be the team we want to be, we have to win back-to-back games, and more than once a year,” Campbell said.

That’s a blunt acknowledgment from a coach who has repeatedly emphasized consistency as a requirement for championship-caliber football. Winning one impressive game means very little if Detroit cannot build on that performance the following week.

The Lions’ victory over Arizona was certainly encouraging, but it also followed a disappointing loss to the Carolina Panthers. That pattern has become a source of frustration, with Detroit alternating promising performances and costly setbacks instead of establishing a sustained winning streak.

As we previously highlighted following Campbell’s warning about Green Bay, the coach made it clear that the Cardinals performance wasn’t good enough to guarantee success against the Packers. Detroit needs to become a more complete football team if it wants to compete with the NFC’s top contenders.

Lions Face Immediate Test Against Packers

Campbell won’t have to wait long to find out whether his optimism is justified. Detroit hosts Green Bay on Sunday, October 25, in a matchup that could have major implications for the NFC North race.

The Packers enter the game at 4-2 after defeating the Dallas Cowboys 23-13 on Sunday night, while the Lions are looking to improve to 4-2. As the Lions’ official bye-week assessment detailed, Campbell has been searching for ways to improve the team’s execution and identify the players who can deliver in critical situations.

There is also reason to believe Detroit could look different after the bye. According to Monday’s injury updates, Brian Branch and Cade Mays are both expected to return against Green Bay, giving the Lions additional reinforcements for an important divisional matchup.

But Campbell’s biggest challenge isn’t simply getting players healthy or making adjustments. It’s finding a way to turn individual victories into the kind of sustained success that separates legitimate contenders from inconsistent teams.

Campbell believes the Detroit Lions are ascending, but Sunday’s matchup against the Packers offers an immediate opportunity to prove it. A victory would give Detroit consecutive wins for the first time in more than a year and provide some tangible evidence that the coach’s optimism is justified.

Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

Charley Hull believes that Michael Brennan has the talent to be the world number one in the future, as she explained why she rates the American so highly.

Brennan is one of a number of extremely bright prospects making their way on the PGA Tour right now. The 26-year-old has already won three times, with his maiden victory last year enabling him to skip the Korn Ferry Tour and become a member at the game’s top table.

Most recently, Brennan won the Baycurrent Classic in Japan. He is certainly going to be one name to watch out for in 2027, particularly with a Ryder Cup on the horizon.

Interestingly, Charley Hull believes that Brennan is destined for the very top of the game.

Charley Hull backs Michael Brennan to become world number one

Right now, it is hard to imagine anyone being able to catch Scottie Scheffler at the top of the world rankings, with the 30-year-old proving to be the game’s most dominant player since Tiger Woods.

But speaking to Golfweek, Hull suggested that it seems inevitable to her that Brennan will win one of the game’s four biggest events.

“I was meant to be partners with Michael Brennan this year again in the Grant Thornton, but I can’t because I’m a bridesmaid at my best friend’s wedding, Georgia Hall, who plays on tour. I was pretty p—-d off with Georgia for not picking another date. Michael’s having a great season. If I could play with anyone on the PGA Tour, it would be Michael because he is one of the most impressive golfers I’ve ever seen and he’s going to be a major winner,” she said.

Why Charley Hull was so impressed by Michael Brennan after they played in the same event

Jacob Bridgeman claimed Brennan has the best swing on the PGA Tour after he had won at Yokohama Golf Club earlier this month.

But it was Brennan’s personality that made a big impression on Hull last year, when they teamed up for the Grant Thornton Invitational.

“I was meant to play with Daniel Berger last year and then he pulled out. Michael was first reserve. He’s such a nice guy. I had my niece out there with me and he couldn’t have treated her any better. I think he’s great for the game of golf. So, yeah, I see him definitely being a future world number one. Yeah, that’s how high I rate him, his golf game,” she added.

Brennan certainly has the tools to thrive in the current game. He is third on tour for both strokes gained off the tee and driving distance during the 2026 season.

He is also inside the top 75 for approach play and putting. The next challenge for Brennan will be winning one of the elevated events and contending in the majors.

He made the cut at all four majors in 2026 without finishing inside the top-20. Hull is clearly confident that it will not be too long before Brennan is in the mix to win on the biggest stages.

After Thursday night's overtime win by the Broncos over the Seahawks, Prime Video's Ryan Fitzpatrick sharply criticized quarterback Bo Nix, calling his performance "garbage."

Broncos coach Sean Payton clearly doesn't see it that way.

On Monday, Payton was asked by reporters whether he has considered making a quarterback change.

“To answer your question, no," Payton said. "He’s going to become the byproduct of all the finer things that get improved. The improved play from our offensive line, the more efficient we are relative to balance, running the football. That’s our jobs as coaches here. We talked after the game about we’re excited to get that win, and yet at the same time find that improvement we need in all areas. So, it starts with all of us.”

Payton also was asked whether he listens to any of the media comments about Nix, including Fitzpatrick's remarks.

“I try to focus on the next day here," Payton said. "We’re trying to focus on getting ready to play Arizona. That’s kind of where our attention is.”

Payton could have taken the bait to talk about Fitzpatrick. Payton chose not to do it. If he had chimed in, Payton's response could have been nearly as entertaining as Aqib Talib’s takedown of Fitzpatrick.

Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick will get another chance to evaluate and critique Nix. The Broncos face the Steelers on Black Friday, and the game will be televised by Prime Video.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

NFL Week 6 injury roundup: Davante Adams, Ladd McConkey and more appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 NFL season is finally beginning to take shape with Week 6 nearly in the books. Multiple teams are already floundering with the Rams, Chargers, Eagles, and Cowboys all failing to live up to expectations. Unfortunately, all of those teams suffered additional injuries on Sunday that will make their jobs even harder.

These are some of the most important injuries to watch following Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season.

Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams

The 2026 season is turning into a nightmare scenario for the Rams. Now they may have to rescue their season without one of their top wide receivers.

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Adams suffered a non-contact leg injury in Week 6 after cutting into the end zone. He immediately did not want to put weight on that leg before heading to the sideline. He did not return to the game.

LA does not have much depth at the position, which could leave Puka Nacua as a one man show until Adams returns. Rams fans should keep an eye on this situation as it develops throughout the next week.

In other Rams injury news, Blake Grupe suffered a knee injury against the Cardinals. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game. LA added Grupe after releasing Harrison Mevis following the team’s disastrous loss to Buffalo in Week 5.

Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers

Speaking of nightmare scenarios, the Chargers just cannot catch a break this season.

McConkey is the latest Chargers player to go down with an injury. He left the game in the first half with a concussion. Now he faces an uphill climb through the league’s concussion protocol if he wants to play in LA’s next game. Fortunately, the Chargers have their bye in Week 7 so McConkey will have an extra week to get some rest.

Meanwhile, defensive back Deane Leonard also left Sunday’s game with a concussion.

Nolan Smith, Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles may be the team in the most peril following Week 6.

Philadelphia came out of their last game with a handful of new problems, including a pair of brutal defensive injuries. Smith suffered a concussion and did not return to this game. The Eagles also lost Jordan Davis (ankle) and Carson Steele (shoulder) against the Panthers. That leaves Philly with just Dameon Pierce and Jaydon Blue at the running back position.

All of this is on top of Jalen Hurts being ruled out for likely the rest of the season due to blood clots in his lungs.

Romeo Doubs, New England Patriots

The Patriots suffered several injuries in their gritty 26-16 win over the Jets on Sunday.

Doubs is the most high-profile player to come out of this game banged up. He suffered a shoulder injury during a play where he scored a 42-yard touchdown. This injury comes just after A.J. Brown made his return to the lineup.

In other Patriots injury news, Alijah Vera-Tucker (hamstring), Morgan Moses (ankle), and Ben Brown (knee) also left Sunday’s game and did not return.

KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas is another team in turmoil approaching the midway point in the season. Matters went from bad to worse after the Cowboys picked up a few significant injuries on Sunday.

It starts with Turpin, the team’s talented return specialist and backup wide receiver. Turpin suffered a rib injury against the Packers and did not return. If this is a long-term injury, it will make Dallas’ offense and special teams that much worse. And everyone knows the defense is still quite a large problem.

Meanwhile, linebacker Dee Winters also left the game with an ankle injury.

Kendal Daniels, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons faced a truly terrifying injury situation in Week 6.

Falcons linebacker Kendal Daniels suffered a scary injury on Sunday that forced him to leave the field on a stretcher. Daniels was immediately taken to the hospital. Fortunately, he was alert and had movement in all of his extremities after the brutal injury.

Daniels was having a great game before the injury, piling up seven tackles before the frightening incident. Hopefully he can make a full recovery and return for Atlanta at some point in the future.

In other Falcons injury news, Divine Deablo was ruled out after suffering an arm injury.

Sauce Gardner, Indianapolis Colts

Indy must be feeling hopeless after losing to a winless Tennessee squad on Sunday. The future looks even more bleak following their latest injury update.

Sauce went down with a calf injury on Sunday against the Titans. Gardner’s time in Indy has already been marred by multiple injuries, which makes this look even worse. It is unclear how much time Sauce could miss with this injury. Plus, what motivation do the Colts have to rush him back after firing GM Chris Ballard and seemingly giving up on this iteration of the team?

Reed Blankenship, Houston Texans

The Texans pulled off a much-needed win against the Jaguars in London. But that victory came at a cost.

Blankenship suffered a concussion on Sunday and was ruled out for the rest of the game. Houston added Blankenship on a three-year deal during the offseason. The veteran safety has played a crucial role in Houston’s defense this season. Houston has the depth to play well without him, but hopefully he is back soon either way.

Other notable injuries from Week 6 include Bears guard Jonah Jackson (hip), Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (shoulder), Packers cornerback Brandon Cisse (stinger), Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (ankle), Jets linebacker Kiko Mauigoa (thigh), and Titans safety Tony Adams (ankle).

Related: Bills’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s spitting behavior vs. Raiders draws harsh earful from Bill Cowher

Related: ClutchPoints’ NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: Rams embarrassed in home loss

With the 2026 Texas high school football and volleyball seasons ramping up towards the halfway point of district play statewide, many of the Big Country’s top high school athletes shined across the Lone Star State last week.

Several athletes had standout performances during last week’s action and have been nominated for this week's edition of the Abilene Reporter-News' City National Bank Big Country High School Athlete of the Week.

The Reporter-News is taking weekly nominations and will release a list of finalists for the City National Bank Big Country Athlete of the Week at the beginning of each week.

Please include statistics from the week's games and any pertinent information or honors.

Students in all varsity sports are eligible and can only be named Athlete of the Week one time per season, per sport, and athletes from one school cannot win more than three consecutive weeks.

The poll will close at 5 p.m. Friday and the winner will be announced shortly afterward.

Nominations are due by 7 p.m. Saturday and can be submitted through email at sports@reporternews.com or Andrew.McCulloch@reporternews.com.

Take a look at this week's candidates and cast your vote.

Who should be City National Bank Big Country High School Athlete of the Week? (Oct. 15-17)

Candidates for the Abilene Reporter-News’ High School Athlete of the Week are listed in alphabetical order below.

Connor Bible, Bangs

Bible ran wild in the Dragons’ 53-10 rout of District 7-2A DI rival Coleman, racking up 244 rushing yards and five touchdown runs on 22 carries in addition to a 32-yard touchdown catch.

Trent Buffington, Brownwood

Buffington rushed for 176 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Lions’ 21-14 loss to Robinson in District 13-4A DII play.

Wyatt Clemens, Ballinger

Clemens passed for 190 yards and also ran for 30 yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns to help Ballinger earn a 34-14 victory over Colorado City to stay atop the District 4-2A DI standings.

Grayson Feagan, Anson

Feagan enjoyed a big night through the air to lead the Tigers to a runaway 68-0 win over Abilene TLCA, throwing for 324 yards and six touchdowns on 15-of-20 passing.

Miles Follis, Stamford

Follis – the Big Country’s leading passer – had a big night for the Bulldogs in a dominant 49-14 victory over Cross Plains in District 7-2A DII action, throwing for 345 yards and four touchdowns on 14-of-20 passing.

Champ Hines, Abilene High

Hines left his mark defensively in Abilene High’s 24-14 loss to District 2-5A DI rival Amarillo High, intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter and scoring on a 96-yard pick six touchdown.

July Johnson, Cisco

Johnson ran for 109 yards and three rushing touchdowns on just 11 carries in the Loboes’ 35-31 road loss to District 5-2A DI rival Hawley.

Trot Jordan, Stephenville

Jordan played one of his best games of the season so far to lead the Yellow Jackets to a 55-21 victory against District 12-4A DI rival China Spring, throwing for 390 yards and four touchdowns on 19-of-23 passing.

Mark Lentine, Hico

Lentine picked off a fourth-quarter pass and returned it 96 yards for a pick-six touchdown in the Tigers’ 49-7 loss to District 5-2A DI rival De Leon.

Kaden McMann, Sweetwater

McMann ran for a jaw-dropping 340 yards and two rushing touchdowns to help Sweetwater take down District 2-3A DI rival Tuscola Jim Ned in a lopsided 32-14 victory.

More: Stamford, Haskell climb in Week 8 Big Country High School Football Top 10 Rankings

More: Big Country high school football district standings – Week 8

More: Richland Springs joins Week 8 Big Country Six-Man Football Top 5 Rankings

More: Big Country six-man high school football district standings – Week 8

Austin Molina, Coahoma

Molina caught three passes for 86 receiving yards and two touchdown grabs, scored on a 67-yard punt return touchdown and tallied three tackles, two pass deflections and an interception defensively in Coahoma’s 63-0 rout of Anthony in District 3-3A DII action.

Caden Monk, Stephenville

Monk reeled in eight receptions for 136 yards and two touchdown catches in the Jackets’ 55-21 win over China Spring to stay atop the District 12-4A DI standings.

Easton Nichols, Anson

Nichols hauled in six catches for 192 receiving yards and a touchdown grab in the Tigers’ blowout 68-0 victory over Abilene TLCA.

Haegen Pinkerton, Haskell

Pinkerton was virtually unstoppable in Haskell’s dominant 62-32 victory over Electra in District 6-2A DII play, throwing for 322 yards and four touchdowns on 12-of-18 passing and running for 206 yards and four additional rushing touchdowns on just 11 carries.

Hud Price, De Leon

Price led the Bearcats to a pivotal 49-7 runaway win over previously undefeated Hico on Friday night, throwing for 235 yards and two touchdowns on 14-of-19 passing and running for 27 yards and a rushing touchdown on three carries.

Landry Sanderson, Goldthwaite

Sanderson racked up 232 yards on the ground and five rushing touchdowns to power the undefeated Eagles to a 55-0 blowout win over District 7-2A DII rival Albany.

Markquel Sims, Abilene Cooper

Sims rumbled for 181 rushing yards and three touchdown runs on 25 carries to lift the Cougars to a pivotal 41-35 road win against Wichita Falls Legacy in District 2-5A DII action.

Zaden Tello, Comanche

Tello picked up 128 yards and two touchdowns on the ground to help lead the Indians to a blowout 40-0 win over District 5-3A DII rival Dublin.

Jagger Wiley, Hawley

Wiley threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns on 15-of-18 passing and also scrambled for 70 yards and a rushing touchdown on 14 carries in a 35-31 victory over District 5-2A DI rival Cisco.

Braylen Williams, Hawley

Williams reeled in six catches for 155 receiving yards and two touchdowns to lift the Bearcats to a hard-fought 35-31 win over Cisco in District 5-2A DI action.

VOTE HERE

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Vote for Big Country High School Athlete of the Week for Oct. 12-18, presented by City National Bank

Vijay Singh
Credit: Raj Mehta/GettyNEED TO KNOW

• Vijay Singh just made golf history
• The 63-year-old golfer became the second oldest to win a tournament on the PGA Tour Champions
• Singh won the SAS Championship by two strokes over Ernie Els

Vijay Singh battled the cold — and an aching back — for a historic golf win!

The PGA Tour Champions golfer became the second-oldest player to win on the circuit at age 63 following a two-shot victory at the SAS Championship on Sunday, Oct. 18.

“This was a big one,” Singh said after closing out the tournament in Cary, N.C., with a 9-under total. “It’s been a tough year, all year, and then I didn’t know how I was going to play this morning. My back doesn’t do very well in cold. I didn’t hit my irons as good as I wanted to, but I got the job done.”

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The only other golfer older than Singh to win a tournament on the 50-and-older circuit is Bernhard Langer, who won at the age of 67 in 2024 at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship at Phoenix Country Club.

Vijay Singh
Credit: Raj Mehta/Getty

Singh has won 34 times on the PGA Tour, but Sunday marked only his sixth win on the senior tour, according to the Golf Channel. His last win was during the Ally Challenge in August 2023.

The win was the Fijian golfer’s first top-10 finish this year. 

Amid a crowded leaderboard, the golfer made four birdies in a six-hole stretch as the field around him faltered. His six straight pars were enough to beat Ernie Els, who finished the tournament at 7-under.

The tournament’s defending champion, Alex Cejka, and Tag Ridings tied for third at 6-under, three strokes back.

For Singh, the win was proof that practice pays off.

“This one feels good right now,” he said. “Hopefully it’s going to boost me up for the next few events to come and for next year. I think I kind of rededicated myself a little bit. I have been very lazy practicing.”

He added, “I’ve been working out, but I haven’t been practicing very much. So I think I have to start doing that, which I started doing that again and I think that’s why I won today, I guess. Just the extra work that got me through.”

Read the original article on People

Following the Jacksonville Jaguars' Week 6 loss to the Houston Texans, here is a look at which players received the best and worst PFF grades.

Now, before we dive into all that, I do want to mention that while PFF's grading system is certainly helpful at quantifying a player's performance, it is not the be-all and end-all when it comes to evaluations. It is one tool out of many that are out there and should be treated as such.

For some context around these grades, below is the grading scale.

• 39.9 or less: Poor
• 90.0+: Elite
• 80-89.9: High quality
• 70-79.9: Good
• 60-69.9: Above average
• 50-59.9: Average
• 40-49.9: Below average

Jaguars' 5 highest-graded players on offense v. Texans

• WR Travis Hunter: 91.3
• RB Chris Rodriguez: 80.2
• TE Nate Boerkircher: 78.8
• RB Bhayshul Tuten: 75.4
• RT Cole Van Lanen: 74.4

On just nine offensive snaps, Hunter had four receptions for 59 yards and a score. The Jaguars' running backs were also quite good.

Jaguars' 5 highest-graded players on defense v. Texans

• LB Ventrell Miller: 90.6
• S Antonio Johnson: 80.3
• S Kaevon Merriweather: 73.9
• LB Dennis Gardeck: 70.6
• S Eric Murray: 66.5

Miller has been consistently good this season. Gardeck had a team-high three QB pressures.

Jaguars' 3 lowest-graded players vs. Texans

• WR Brian Thomas Jr.: 41.8
• LB Foye Oluokun: 42.8
• CB Jarrian Jones: 42.8

Thomas Jr. had two targets, no receptions, and a dropped pass.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: PFF grades: Jaguars best and worst performers vs. Texans in Week 6

AUSTIN, Texas — Arch Manning remains the starting quarterback for No. 19 Texas despite the Longhorn’s offensive struggles in consecutive losses, coach Steve Sarkisian said.

“There’s no doubt about it, Arch can play better for us, but he’s our starter,” Sarkisian said in his weekly news conference. “We need to see a better version of him this week.”

The Longhorns have consecutive losses in the regular season for the first time since 2021. Texas (4-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) next plays No. 7 Mississippi (5-1, 3-1).

Manning, a fourth-year player, has struggled in his second season as the full-time starter and the Texas offense has had trouble scoring. The nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning was the top recruit in the country coming out of high school.

Since his arrival, Manning was projected as a potential Heisman Trophy winner.

“The player is in there,” Sarkisian said. “It’s our job to get it out of him.”

Manning ranks 11th among SEC quarterbacks with 1,295 yards passing, a 64% completion rate, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also has three fourth-quarter turnovers that proved critical in losses to Florida and Oklahoma.

Manning’s decision-making as plays develop has been notably hesitant and he has been sacked 17 times this season.

Texas’ No. 2 quarterback, KJ Lacey, was a top-rated recruit but has little game experience. The 6-foot, 188-pound sophomore has played in two games this season and completed 7 of 8 passes for 63 yards. He hasn’t played since Texas beat UTSA 30-6 on Sept. 19.

Lacey normally gets snaps with the first-team offense during the week and that won’t change, Sarkisian said.

Manning’s struggles aren’t the only problem with the Texas offense.

Sarkisian’s play-calling has been heavily criticized, Texas has scored more than three touchdowns just once this season and the Longhorns average just 135 yards per game rushing, which ranks among the worst in the SEC.

Sarkisian noted that every team now has a loss and Texas is still in the mix for a conference championship.

“It’s easy to listen to the outside noise, the ‘sky is falling and the season’s over,’” Sarkisian said. “We’ve got to get back on the horse, we’ve got to ride.”

Bethlehem senior Jack Pauze winds up a shot against Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, in Delmar, NY. (Jim Franco/Times Union) (Jim Franco/Times Union)

Fields for the Section 2 boys' soccer tournament were announced Monday.

Shaker, Bethlehem, Schalmont, Cobleskill-Richmondville, Maple Hill and Northville received the top seeds.

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Hover over each matchup for further information.

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This article originally published at Brackets: Fields set for 2026 Section 2 boys' soccer tournament.

Auburn football has released its initial depth chart for Saturday's game against the LSU Tigers in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The Tigers stunned then-No. 1 Georgia last week in a unique way, by spending more time on offense than on defense. Auburn's offensive line saw a shakeup last week as Jacob Strand started and played the bulk of snaps at left tackle over Jo Simmons, and Wilson Zierer played the most snaps of his young career (80) at left guard. Both players remain starters at their respective positions heading into Week 8 against LSU.

Defensively, the biggest question mark is if linebacker Xavier Atkins will return to the field to face his former team on Saturday. The answer remains unclear, as Atkins and Auburn head coach Alex Golesh are still "working through" the issue according to a report by Tyler Raley of Auburn Undercover. He is listed as the starter at linebacker on the depth chart released Monday; however, an official answer could come as early as Wednesday, when the first SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report is released.

Here is a look at the projected depth chart for the Auburn Tigers' Week 8 game vs. LSU.

Offense

• QB: Byrum Brown (Tristian Ti'a)
• RB: Jeremiah Cobb (Omar Mabson II or Bryson Washington or Nykahi Davenport)
• WR: Chas Nimrod (Bryce Cain)
• WR: Keshaun Singleton (Brian Williams Jr.)
• WR: Christian Neptune OR Jeremiah Koger OR Deshawn Spencer
• LT: Jacob Strand or Jo Simmons
• LG: Wilson Zierer (Jacobe Ward)
• C: Cole Best (Kenneth McManus IV)
• RG: Kenneth McManus or Cole Skinner
• RT: Stanton Ramil (Wilson Zierer)
• TE: Jake Johnson OR Arlis Boardingham OR Jonathan Echols

Defense

• DT: Cody Sigler or Walter Mathis Jr.
• DT: Dallas Walker IV (Jourdin Crawford OR Malik Autry)
• DE: Chris Murray or Darrion Smith (Nate Johnson)
• Buck: Da'Shawn Womack or Jared Smith (Joe Phillips)
• LB: Elijah Melendez or Bryce Deas
• LB: Xavier Atkins or De'Marcus Riddick
• LB: Bryce Deas (Michael Matthews-Canty)
• Star: Sylvester Smith-Reed or Champ Anthony (Blake Woodby)
• S: Kaleb Harris or Champ Anthony
• S: Eric Winters or Anquon Fegans (Fred Gaskin III)
• CB: Andre Jordan Jr. OR Champ Anthony (Blake Woodby)
• CB: Rayshawn Pleasant (Gavin Jenkins)

Special Teams

• K: Alex McPherson (Connor Gibbs)
• P: Hudson Kaak (John McGuire)
• KR: Rayshawn Pleasant (Bryce Cain)
• PR: Bryce Cain OR Christian Neptune
• LS: Hudson Powell (Travis Wakefield)

Taylor Jones is the lead writer for Auburn Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) and BlueSky. Follow Auburn Wire on X and Facebook. 

This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football's depth chart for Week 8 SEC matchup vs LSU

The final two minutes of each half have been alarming moments for the New York Jets under Aaron Glenn.

In his two seasons as head coach, Glenn's squad has been outscored 119-49 in the closing minutes of the second and fourth quarters, according to ESPN Research. That's the worst point differential in the NFL during that span.

So, what gives?

The Jets can be moving the ball on offense throughout, only to often have things jam up as they approach halftime or the end games. Same for the defense, which can go from being stingy to sieve-like at the same point in games. Clock and timeout management have also been issues.

“Just the two-minute situation, we’ve got to get better at that,” Glenn said after the Jets' 26-19 loss at New England on Sunday. “I must say, offense and defense, that we have to get better at that. We have to be able to possess the ball more to go ahead and put stress on their defense to try to score points. On defense, you’ve got to make sure we stop them when we get that opportunity.”

Bad coaching? Bad play execution? Bad luck? All of the above?

“To me, I look at it as a shared process,” Glenn said Monday.

Against the Patriots, the Jets trailed 7-3 in the second quarter when they gave up a 12-play drive that resulted in a field goal. The offense got the ball with 1:46 remaining before halftime and went three-and-out. New England marched down the field and scored a touchdown with 20 seconds left to take a 17-3 lead.

By the way, New York has been outscored 100-6, according to TruMedia, in the final two minutes of the second quarter under Glenn, who's 3-8 in one-score games.

The Jets were within a score in the fourth quarter when Jason Sanders' 40-yard field goal made it 23-16 with 7:24 left. But again, the defense allowed the Patriots to go on a 13-play drive that ended with another field goal with 1:14 remaining, making it a 10-point game — and sealing things for New York.

“Just being able to finish,” Glenn said Monday. “Listen, I totally understand that stat and I know that on both sides of the ball, we have to get better at that. And that's one thing that we work on quite a bit. The thing is, we just have to continue to work and usually when you do that, the work's going to take care of itself and those things are going to end up showing up on Sunday.”

What’s working

The running game. There was some concern when Breece Hall went down with a quadriceps injury two weeks ago that the Jets' rushing attack would suffer. Braelon Allen has kept it going and been impressive. The third-year running back had 78 yards on 17 carries a week after having a career-high 116 yards and a TD against Cleveland.

“He’s shown that he has the capability of being the bellcow," Glenn said, adding that Hall remains the starter but Allen has proven he can help shoulder the load out of the backfield.

What needs help

Creating better opportunities for Garrett Wilson. The star wide receiver leads the AFC with 35 receptions and his 48 targets are second in the conference, but he had just two targets through the first three quarters Sunday and finished with four catches for 44 yards.

Wilson, who was targeted six times overall, did his best after the game to not amplify his frustration: “I just try to keep playing my role,” he said, "waiting for that moment they want to call on me.”

Whether Wilson has created separation enough is one question, but being able to get him in a rhythm early should be a priority for offensive coordinator Frank Reich.

“I think any time you watch the tape and we see Garrett in a 1-on-1 situation, you think of that as an opportunity,” Glenn said. “But again, there's only one ball. ... Obviously, Garrett's going to get his targets.”

Stock up

WR Omar Cooper Jr. The first-round pick was a bright spot in his return from a stint on the injured reserve list. After being sidelined since spraining an ankle in Week 1, Cooper caught six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown.

“What he did is showcase who he is: He’s a playmaker,” quarterback Geno Smith said.

Stock down

Pass rush. After getting eight sacks against Cleveland, the pass rush disappeared in New England and New York failed to sack Drake Maye — even with the Patriots losing three of their offensive linemen during the game.

“I mean, we can always do better and we’ve just got to get better,” said rookie edge rusher David Bailey, who had three sacks last week.

Injuries

LB Kiko Mauigoa injured a thigh Sunday after being sidelined three games with a quadriceps injury. ... Hall, WR Adonai Mitchell (finger), LG Dylan Parham (knee) and edge rusher Joseph Ossai (ankle) will be evaluated through the week.

Key number

0-7 — That's Glenn's record against AFC East opponents as New York's head coach.

Next steps

Glenn and the Jets will get a chance at a so-far elusive division win when they face the winless Miami Dolphins (0-5) at home on Sunday.

___

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

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Of course Blazers owner Tom Dundon publicly denies secret relocation talks appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

ThePortland Trail Blazers are just days away from kicking off their 2026 NBA season, with a new-look team ready to hit the floor. The Blazers’ offseason has in some ways been overshadowed by the controversies of owner Tom Dundon, who has come to represent everything that fans resent about penny-pinching owners in professional sports.

Among the controversies has been speculation that Dundon has had talks about moving the team out of Portland amid issues around the Moda Center, but now, the owner has spoken on those talks with a much different tone.

“That is not accurate,” he said, per Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic.

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However, Vorkunov also reported that “Dundon was met with resistance during those conversations, and the league told him to focus on trying to make the Blazers work in Portland, sources said.”

In addition to the potential relocation issue, Dundon also generated criticism by refusing to allow two-way players to travel with the team for their playoff series last year against the San Antonio Spurs, skimping on t-shirts for fans in attendance for their two home postseason games, and only offering head coach Micah Nori one guaranteed season on his contract.

It’s been a quick rise to the bottom of the NBA ownership hierarchy in fans’ eyes for Dundon, with the Blazers also making some puzzling moves on the court ahead of the upcoming season. The team added to their already crowded backcourt rotation by trading for Ja Morant, with the tandem of him and Damian Lillard expected to be among the worst defensive backcourts in recent NBA history, in addition to other moves.

In any case, the Blazers are set to kick off their new year on Wednesday evening with a home game vs the Phoenix Suns.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 14: Head Coach Rick Pitino of the St. John's Red Storm during the second half of a college basketball exhibition game against the Drexel Dragons at Carnesecca Arena on October 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is no surprise that after winning back-to-back Big East titles, St. John’s enters the 2026-27 season with a number next to its name.

The Red Storm enter the season as the No. 13 team in the country in the AP Top 25 men’s basketball preseason poll released on Monday. This marks the first time St. John’s was ranked in back-to-back preseason polls since 1990-91 and 1991-92. Last season, the Red Storm entered the campaign with their highest preseason ranking in program history at No. 5.

Bitter rival UConn, picked to finish first in the Big East preseason poll, was the only other Big East program ranked. The Huskies enter the season at No. 4 and were the highest-ranked team without a first-place vote. Two other Big East programs received votes: Villanova gained six, and Marquette got three.

Including UConn, St. John’s will face at least four opponents ranked in the preseason poll. The Red Storm will play either No. 11 Louisville or No. 19 Texas Tech in the second round of the Players Era Festival tournament in Las Vegas, host fifth-ranked Arizona on December 5, and face No. 20 Alabama one week later in Birmingham on December 12.

St. John’s is coming off its first Sweet 16 appearance in more than a quarter-century and has hauled in the top-ranked transfer class, according to 247Sports, led by top-five transfers Tounde Yessoufou from Baylor and Keyshawn Hall from Auburn. The Red Storm also landed a talented international class led by former European league pros Quinn Ellis and Babacar Sane.

The Red Storm have already picked up two preseason victories in the last week, a 29-point blowout over Drexel and a frenzied quadruple-overtime squeaker over Rutgers.

St. John’s wraps up preseason play with one more exhibition against No. 7 Texas on Sunday, October 25 at Madison Square Garden (12 p.m.). Broadcast information is to be announced.

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Florida State’s Mike Norvell is now calling out ‘absolute joke’ of a call that ruined Hail Mary TD vs. Miami appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

In a highly anticipated rivalry game against Miami, an On3 report examined whether Mike Norvell’s future with Florida State has become more secure after his team took top-ranked opponents to double overtime. This performance may have shielded him from immediate pressure regarding a midseason firing, despite suffering a heartbreaking loss amid complaints about officiating and support from the roster.

Initially, the discussion focused on job security and officiating controversies, but the outrage following the game escalated over a specific penalty. ESPN’s Andrea Adelson shared a report on X, highlighting Norvell’s strong reaction to the holding penalty that negated a crucial Hail Mary touchdown. Norvell referred to the call as an “absolute joke,” expressing his disappointment: “We had to go convert the 2-point play, but for those kids not to be able to finish the game on the field in that moment is really disappointing. That was bad.”

The dramatic conclusion compounded an already difficult night for the program. As reported by Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, star running back Ousmane Kromah suffered a season-ending foot and ankle injury during the double-overtime defeat. This injury is a significant setback for the FSU offense, which will now have to continue the season without their third-leading rusher in the ACC.

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Related: Tennessee’s Josh Heupel stays cryptic on QB decision vs. South Carolina

Related: Texas football’s Steve Sarkisian issues challenge to Arch Manning while deflecting report on backup

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76ers’ Joel Embiid fires back at ‘sacrifice’ narrative with defiant declaration appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With expectations higher than ever for Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers, the seven-time All-Star center made a defiant stance ahead of Opening Night. Four-time champion LeBron James will make his 76ers debut against the defending champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. His decision to join Philadelphia during free agency undoubtedly raised the stakes, especially after the Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown in exchange for Paul George and draft capital.

While some wonder how the 76ers will make it work with a roster full of stars, including Tyrese Maxey, Embiid said he doesn’t believe players should sacrifice for the team, per ESPN’s Kris Rhim.

“I’m against the concept of sacrificing,” Embiid said. “I think the way I explained it was you do what you do best, and we’re going to support you. … I don’t think anybody has to take a backseat.”

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Joel Embiid finished with 27 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block in 29 minutes of the 76ers’ 125-120 overtime loss to the Celtics in their preseason finale. After the game, Embiid gave reporters an encouraging health update on how his body’s feeling ahead of the upcoming season.

“It’s good to dunk. I thought I would never dunk again,” Embiid said. “I guess I don’t know what happened. I kind of got possessed.”

For Brown, the 76ers are far from finished. However, he’s seeing much-needed strides toward improvement every day.

“We’re not where we want to be yet,” Brown said. “So that’s just part of it. It’s a part of coming together, a new group with a bunch of guys, different style, but we just got to keep getting better every day.”

While some warn the 76ers about upcoming hurdles, veterans with championship experience like James and Brown are leading the way for budding stars like VJ Edgecombe and Maxey; the Sixers are in great shape to compete for a title. However, whether they take the right steps to get there remains to be seen.

Related: Victor Wembanyama MVP? LeBron James, 76ers NBA champs? Brett Siegel’s 2026-27 awards, season predictions

Related: Why Brian Windhorst thinks LeBron James may want to watch Knicks’ NBA title celebration on Opening Night

NEW YORK (AP) — The price of a qualifying offer for this year’s major league free agents rose 5.1% to $23.15 million from $22,025,000.

The figure is determined by the average of the top 125 major league contracts this year. The price dropped by $100,000 to $17.8 million in 2019, then rose to $18.9 million in 2020, fell $500,000 in 2021 and rose to $19.65 million in 2022, $20,325,000 in 2023 and $21.05 million in 2024.

Qualifying offers began after the 2012 season, and only 18 of 157 offers have been accepted.

A free agent can be made a qualifying offer only if he has been with the same team continuously since opening day and has never received a qualifying offer before.

Among the top players who can become free agents after the World Series and are eligible to receive qualifying offers are Seattle outfielder Randy Arozarena, New York Yankees left-hander David Bednar, Minnesota catcher Ryan Jeffers, Pittsburgh second baseman Brandon Lowe, San Diego left-hander Adrian Morejon, Baltimore left-hander Trevor Roger and Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki.

A record four players accepted last year from among the 13 who received offers: Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga, Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff, New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham and Detroit second baseman Gleyber Torres.

Other potential free agents ineligible for qualifying offers this offseason include Philadelphia second baseman Luis Arraez, Baltimore right-hander Chris Bassitt, New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette, Arizona right-hander Zac Gallen, San Diego right-hander Michael King, Padres left-hander Robbie Ray, Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Tarik Skubal and Toronto outfielder George Springer.

Bichette and King must decide on player options.

A qualifying offer can be made through the fifth day after the World Series, and a player has a week after that to accept.

If a team makes a qualifying offer to a player who signs a major league contract with another club before the amateur draft, his former club would receive a draft pick as compensation at the end of the first round or at the end of competitive balance round B. The placement depends on the amount of the new contract and the revenue-sharing and luxury tax status of the team losing the player.

Qualifying offers began at $13.3 million. Other players who accepted are Baltimore catcher Matt Wieters, Houston outfielder Colby Rasmus and Dodgers left-hander Brett Anderson ($15.8 million for 2016); Mets second baseman Neil Walker and Philadelphia right-hander Jeremy Hellickson ($17.2 million for 2017); Dodgers left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu ($17.9 million for 2019); Chicago White Sox first baseman José Abreu and Minnesota right-hander Jake Odorizzi ($17.8 million for 2020); San Francisco right-hander Kevin Gausman and Mets right-hander Marcus Stroman ($18.9 million for 2021); Giants first baseman Brandon Belt ($18.4 million for 2022; Texas left-hander Martín Pérez and Giants outfielder Joc Pederson ($19.65 million for 2023); and Cincinnati Reds right-hander Nick Martinez ($21.05 million for 2025).

___

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

The kickoff time and TV details for South Carolina football's Week 9 SEC game at Oklahoma have been announced.

The Gamecocks (3-3, 1-3 SEC) vs the Sooners (3-3, 1-2) will start at 4:15 p.m. ET in Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Oct. 31. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network, the SEC announced Oct. 19.

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer is 1-1 against Oklahoma, winning on the road in Norman in 2024 before losing at home in Columbia last year.

South Carolina upset then No. 15 Florida on Oct. 10 with a 38-19 victory in Gainesville and had an open date before hosting No. 11 Tennessee (6-1, 3-1) on Oct. 24 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Oklahoma is coming off a loss to Kentucky on Oct. 17 and plays at Mississippi State on Oct. 24.

South Carolina football 2026 schedule

• Sept. 5: 57-0 win over Kent State
• Sept. 12: 45-9 win over Towson
• Sept. 19: 41-34 loss to Mississippi State
• Sept. 26: 49-18 loss to Alabama
• Oct. 3: 35-34 overtime loss to Kentucky
• Oct. 10: 38-19 win over Florida
• Oct. 24: vs Tennessee (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/SEC Network)
• Oct. 31: at Oklahoma (Flex, TV TBD)
• Nov. 7: vs Texas A&M (Afternoon, TBD)
• Nov. 14: at Arkansas (Flex, TBD)
• Nov. 21: vs Georgia (TBD)
• Nov. 28: at Clemson (TBD)

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky ‪@bylulukesin.bsky.social‬

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: South Carolina football vs Oklahoma start time, TV set for Week 9 Halloween game

The Chicago Bears saw a massive boost from the return of cornerback Kyler Gordon, who played in his first game in nine months in Sunday's 31-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Having three sacks and two forced fumbles in a game is impressive for any player. But for a cornerback to accomplish that in their season debut after barely being able to play last season due to injury is even more impressive. That is what Gordon was able to accomplish for the Bears in their dominant win over the Falcons.

“He was ready to play,” said head coach Ben Johnson. “We had a week last week that was probably different than most, just in terms of not knowing who was going to be active, who was going to be playing for us, quarterback position all the way throughout the roster. And so, I talked with Kyler [Saturday] morning and [said], ‘Hey, I think we want to activate you. Are you ready to go?’ And he said, ‘Absolutely,’ and he sure enough was.

"So, huge spark there for us on the defense. I thought [defensive coordinator Dennis Allen] put him in some good spots, but he’s so twitchy. He’s very hard to block as a blitzer. Tight in coverage also. We’ve got to make sure that we keep him on that right track. We’ve tried to limit his role a little bit, just making sure he was in good football shape. But those snaps that he had were huge ones for us today.”

Gordon's NFL career has been hampered by various injuries so far. However, this may be the first time Gordon was able to go into a game 100 percent healthy, or at least close to it, and that is the kind of performance he had. This is a very encouraging sign for the Bears’ defense. Even though they are still dealing with other defensive injuries, this defense can perform at a high level.

Chicago is working on a short week with their next game against the reigning AFC Champion New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football. New England is coming off a 26-19 win against the New York Jets, so both teams will be going into this Week 7 game with a 4-2 record.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson reacts to Bears CB Kyler Gordon's career day vs. Falcons

Enes Kanter Freedom has said he will be at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta on Wednesday as a fan.

The former NBA player made the announcement on social media on Monday.

“As you all know, this all started with an interview featuring Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries, when she said, ‘I have no problem with trans athletes playing on my team or against my team.’ Her words gave me so much hope and motivation to come out as a woman and officially declare for the WNBA Draft. I can’t wait to watch my favorite player, the woman who inspired me to become who I am today!” Freedom said in his post.

His most recent appearance at a WNBA game came in late August, when he attended a fixture between Chicago and Indiana, with Chicago hosting.

He was ejected from that game and banned from the arena after a heated interaction with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. Sky owner Michael Alter stated that Kanter Freedom began to "chirp" and "engage" Cloud. Alter said he believed Kanter Freedom intended to provoke Cloud, an LGBTQ+ advocate.

Enes Kanter Freedom was involved in a confrontation with Natasha Cloud back in August (Getty)

"He has demonstrated to us unequivocally that he has the potential to be a threat," Alter said following the incident, according to reports. "That he is not able to control himself to the extent where we can be comfortable that he may (not) step towards the court again and towards the players.

"So that is the basis for which we will not permit him into the building until such time as he can prove otherwise."

The league declined to comment when asked about the possibility of Freedom attending the Finals.

Freedom and Royce White, another former NBA player, have declared for the WNBA draft, saying they identify as women. But a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press in August that the two are not eligible.

The WNBA has been the subject of recent debates on whether transgender women – people assigned male at birth who transition to align with their gender identity – should be allowed to participate in the league.

There has never been such a player in the WNBA. The league's collective bargaining agreement says the WNBA is restricted to women.

It contains no more specific language about gender identity or sex assigned at birth.