5 days ago
The world mourned the loss of Patrick Stewart on Thursday as the iconic actor passed at the age of 86 after a battle with Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Stewart was a prolific stage actor as well as taking on massive roles in both television and film. He played Captain Jean-Luc Picard for 176 episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, as well as starring as Professor X in eight X-Men movies -- including post-credit scenes and cameos -- across both the Fox and Marvel Cinematic universes (with the ninth coming this December with Avengers: Doomsday).
But one of the things that made Stewart so special and beloved was his willingness to do something goofy or funny. Such was the case in a 2024 Super Bowl commercial for Paramount+. Not only did Stewart star alongside well-known CBS and Paramount+ characters like Survivor's Jeff Probst, Knuckles from Sonic the Hedgehog, daytime host Drew Barrymore and Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa.
Knuckles appears in the new Paramount+ Super Bowl commercial. pic.twitter.com/tuD7G4GfXz
— Sonic The Wereblog (Sonic_Hedgeblog) February 1, 2024
It's a truly ridiculous commercial that features Stewart trying to convince Tagovailoa to throw Arnold of Hey Arnold! to the top of a mountain. "Not built for the moment, I see," Stewart delivers as if he's on stage in the West End.
#well
But one of the things that made Stewart so special and beloved was his willingness to do something goofy or funny. Such was the case in a 2024 Super Bowl commercial for Paramount+. Not only did Stewart star alongside well-known CBS and Paramount+ characters like Survivor's Jeff Probst, Knuckles from Sonic the Hedgehog, daytime host Drew Barrymore and Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa.
Knuckles appears in the new Paramount+ Super Bowl commercial. pic.twitter.com/tuD7G4GfXz
— Sonic The Wereblog (Sonic_Hedgeblog) February 1, 2024
It's a truly ridiculous commercial that features Stewart trying to convince Tagovailoa to throw Arnold of Hey Arnold! to the top of a mountain. "Not built for the moment, I see," Stewart delivers as if he's on stage in the West End.
#well
5 days ago
The New York Yankees entered the offseason facing familiar questions about their offensive identity after another frustrating end to their season. Despite the talent in their lineup, the Yankees were swept by the division rival Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, leaving the franchise to confront concerns about its execution, approach and ability to deliver when the stakes are highest.
The team's reliance on superstar slugger Aaron Judge was laid bare, as the offense struggled to produce while he was sidelined by an injury. And its failure to execute fundamental defensive and baserunning plays has come under fire as well, particularly after the Rays and World Series champion Milwaukee Brewers succeeded with such a different style.
Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi articulated many of the criticisms surrounding the Yankees shortly after their season ended.
"Joe Girardi isn't blaming Aaron Boone for the Yankees' shortcomings, but believes a deeper-rooted culture issue might have contributed to the team being swept in the ALDS," Mark Suleymanov wrote for the New York Post. "Girardi cited Austin Wells' baserunning blunder in Game 1 and Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s disastrous throw in an error-filled Game 2 as examples of the team's fundamental failures — and the concerning response to those mistakes."
And with the Yankees under fire for a power-heavy offense and poor fundamentals, one of their most intriguing infield prospects has spoken out about the kind of change he'd like to see in the sport.
#series #division
The team's reliance on superstar slugger Aaron Judge was laid bare, as the offense struggled to produce while he was sidelined by an injury. And its failure to execute fundamental defensive and baserunning plays has come under fire as well, particularly after the Rays and World Series champion Milwaukee Brewers succeeded with such a different style.
Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi articulated many of the criticisms surrounding the Yankees shortly after their season ended.
"Joe Girardi isn't blaming Aaron Boone for the Yankees' shortcomings, but believes a deeper-rooted culture issue might have contributed to the team being swept in the ALDS," Mark Suleymanov wrote for the New York Post. "Girardi cited Austin Wells' baserunning blunder in Game 1 and Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s disastrous throw in an error-filled Game 2 as examples of the team's fundamental failures — and the concerning response to those mistakes."
And with the Yankees under fire for a power-heavy offense and poor fundamentals, one of their most intriguing infield prospects has spoken out about the kind of change he'd like to see in the sport.
#series #division
5 days ago
Welcome to Week 8 of the fantasy football season! Below I have some players I think you should start and some I think you should sit. As usual, your mileage may vary depending on your available choices, so don't just blindly bench someone if you don't have a better option!
Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers
Prescott has been up and down this season, but he's coming off a strong Monday night game against the Eagles and now faces a bad Cardinals pass defense. Arizona has given up the most adjusted yards per attempt, the most receiving touchdowns, the second worst QB rating, and the second most yards per completion. Prescott is poised to pick up where he left off on Monday night.
If the Cardinals had better backup quarterbacks, I would be worried that Brissett might be benched during a game, but they don't. This week, as long as Brissett plays the whole game, it will be difficult for him not to accumulate fantasy points. I expect the Cowboys will be able to score on the Cardinals, while Brissett inefficiently tries to keep up through the air. Dallas, so far, has allowed the third worst completion percentage, the seventh worst average yards per attempt, and the third-worst yards per completion to opposing quarterbacks.
Murray continued to play poorly last week, but the Vikings also continued to win. Not trailing in games hurts Murray, as he doesn't need to run and throw as much to try to make up points. This week they'll face a Lions offense that should have more success against Brian Flores' top defense than any team this year. The Lions defense also remains the absolute worst at giving up fantasy points to quarterbacks. That has a lot to do with the Lions keeping teams throwing the ball from a deficit, but the results are hard to ignore.
#brissett
Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers
Prescott has been up and down this season, but he's coming off a strong Monday night game against the Eagles and now faces a bad Cardinals pass defense. Arizona has given up the most adjusted yards per attempt, the most receiving touchdowns, the second worst QB rating, and the second most yards per completion. Prescott is poised to pick up where he left off on Monday night.
If the Cardinals had better backup quarterbacks, I would be worried that Brissett might be benched during a game, but they don't. This week, as long as Brissett plays the whole game, it will be difficult for him not to accumulate fantasy points. I expect the Cowboys will be able to score on the Cardinals, while Brissett inefficiently tries to keep up through the air. Dallas, so far, has allowed the third worst completion percentage, the seventh worst average yards per attempt, and the third-worst yards per completion to opposing quarterbacks.
Murray continued to play poorly last week, but the Vikings also continued to win. Not trailing in games hurts Murray, as he doesn't need to run and throw as much to try to make up points. This week they'll face a Lions offense that should have more success against Brian Flores' top defense than any team this year. The Lions defense also remains the absolute worst at giving up fantasy points to quarterbacks. That has a lot to do with the Lions keeping teams throwing the ball from a deficit, but the results are hard to ignore.
#brissett
5 days ago
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning sees a different version of J.J. McCarthy than the one who struggled in Minnesota.
Speaking on The Colin Cowherd Podcast, Manning pointed to McCarthy's recent play with the Giants as evidence that a fresh start is already paying off.
McCarthy, acquired from the Vikings in late September for a 2027 fifth-round pick, has appeared in three games for New York. He first drew notice in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints, when he entered with little to lose and threw for 243 yards in a near-comeback. He followed that with a strong outing in his first start against the Houston Texans, helping the Giants secure an overtime win.
Through those appearances, McCarthy has posted a 95.2 passer rating while throwing for 495 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Manning credited the early reps, particularly in two-minute situations against the Saints, for helping McCarthy settle into a rhythm.
#Giants #helping
Speaking on The Colin Cowherd Podcast, Manning pointed to McCarthy's recent play with the Giants as evidence that a fresh start is already paying off.
McCarthy, acquired from the Vikings in late September for a 2027 fifth-round pick, has appeared in three games for New York. He first drew notice in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints, when he entered with little to lose and threw for 243 yards in a near-comeback. He followed that with a strong outing in his first start against the Houston Texans, helping the Giants secure an overtime win.
Through those appearances, McCarthy has posted a 95.2 passer rating while throwing for 495 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Manning credited the early reps, particularly in two-minute situations against the Saints, for helping McCarthy settle into a rhythm.
#Giants #helping
5 days ago
Atlanta Hawks (3-3, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (1-4, 14th in the Western Conference)
New Orleans; Saturday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta visits New Orleans for a non-conference matchup.
New Orleans finished 26-56 overall with a 17-24 record at home during the 2025-26 season. The Pelicans averaged 115.5 points per game last season, 20.1 on free throws and 33.3 from deep.
Atlanta finished 46-36 overall with a 22-19 record on the road last season. The Hawks averaged 118.5 points per game while shooting 47.4% from the field and 37.1% from 3-point range last season.
#season #hawks #finished
New Orleans; Saturday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta visits New Orleans for a non-conference matchup.
New Orleans finished 26-56 overall with a 17-24 record at home during the 2025-26 season. The Pelicans averaged 115.5 points per game last season, 20.1 on free throws and 33.3 from deep.
Atlanta finished 46-36 overall with a 22-19 record on the road last season. The Hawks averaged 118.5 points per game while shooting 47.4% from the field and 37.1% from 3-point range last season.
#season #hawks #finished
5 days ago
Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love connected on 30 of his 41 passes for 288 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception during the team's Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers.
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why It Matters: Forced to operate without the benefit of a professional-level running attack yet again on Thursday night, Love made lemonade, passing for more than 270 yards for the sixth time this season (and fourth in a row) while running his streak of games with multiple touchdowns to eight. Love has quietly moved into that same category as names like Dak Prescott and Jared Goff, who can produce midrange to low-end QB1 numbers without the benefit of doing any running. Through eight games, Love is on pace to throw for 4,773 yards, 34 TDs, and 13 INTs. Even without rushing numbers, that's borderline QB1 production.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jordan Love tosses three TD passes in win over Carolina
#touchdowns
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why It Matters: Forced to operate without the benefit of a professional-level running attack yet again on Thursday night, Love made lemonade, passing for more than 270 yards for the sixth time this season (and fourth in a row) while running his streak of games with multiple touchdowns to eight. Love has quietly moved into that same category as names like Dak Prescott and Jared Goff, who can produce midrange to low-end QB1 numbers without the benefit of doing any running. Through eight games, Love is on pace to throw for 4,773 yards, 34 TDs, and 13 INTs. Even without rushing numbers, that's borderline QB1 production.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jordan Love tosses three TD passes in win over Carolina
#touchdowns
5 days ago
The Green Bay Packers took down the visiting Carolina Panthers on "Thursday Night Football" to open Week 8 in the NFL. The big stats to know: Jordan Love threw three touchdown passes and Josh Jacobs scored twice, while the Packers defense produced six sacks and held the Panthers to just 3.7 yards per play.
Five other stats to explain the Packers' 27-19 win over the Panthers:
The Packers pressured Bryce Young on 48.9 percent of his dropbacks on Thursday night, and he completed only seven passes for 41 yards and took six sacks while pressured, per Next Gen Stats. Brenton ******* Jr. (6), Dani Dennis-Sutton and Lukas Van Ness (5) led the way in the pressure department for the Packers, who consistently won at the line of scrimmage and forced Young into rushed decisions or improvised throws. Because of the pass protection issues, Young completed only two passes thrown more than 10 yards downfield and attempted only one pass more than 20 yards downfield.
While Bryce Young languished under pressure, Jordan Love consistently got the ball out of his hands quick and on time. Per Next Gen Stats, Love completed 23 of 25 passes thrown in under 2.5 seconds after the snap, completing negating any pass-rush. His 23 "quick" completions were the most in a game by a quarterback this season and by far the most in his career, beating the 19 he had during Week 7 in 2024. Two of his three touchdowns came on quick throws under 2.5 seconds. The Panthers tried to blitz Love, but he consistently found quick answers to beat potential pressure.
The Packers turned the ball over three times: Coleman Owen's fumble on the opening kickoff return, Christian Watson's fumble in the second quarter and Jordan Love's interception to start the fourth quarter. But the Panthers turned those three takeaways into all of three points. And the field goal came after Owen's fumble set up the Panthers inside the 30-yard line. Turnovers can be huge momentum-turning plays in games, but not if a defense stands tall. Jonathan Gannon's group made sure mistakes made didn't turn into a run of points for the Panthers.
#panthers #packers #young #jordan
Five other stats to explain the Packers' 27-19 win over the Panthers:
The Packers pressured Bryce Young on 48.9 percent of his dropbacks on Thursday night, and he completed only seven passes for 41 yards and took six sacks while pressured, per Next Gen Stats. Brenton ******* Jr. (6), Dani Dennis-Sutton and Lukas Van Ness (5) led the way in the pressure department for the Packers, who consistently won at the line of scrimmage and forced Young into rushed decisions or improvised throws. Because of the pass protection issues, Young completed only two passes thrown more than 10 yards downfield and attempted only one pass more than 20 yards downfield.
While Bryce Young languished under pressure, Jordan Love consistently got the ball out of his hands quick and on time. Per Next Gen Stats, Love completed 23 of 25 passes thrown in under 2.5 seconds after the snap, completing negating any pass-rush. His 23 "quick" completions were the most in a game by a quarterback this season and by far the most in his career, beating the 19 he had during Week 7 in 2024. Two of his three touchdowns came on quick throws under 2.5 seconds. The Panthers tried to blitz Love, but he consistently found quick answers to beat potential pressure.
The Packers turned the ball over three times: Coleman Owen's fumble on the opening kickoff return, Christian Watson's fumble in the second quarter and Jordan Love's interception to start the fourth quarter. But the Panthers turned those three takeaways into all of three points. And the field goal came after Owen's fumble set up the Panthers inside the 30-yard line. Turnovers can be huge momentum-turning plays in games, but not if a defense stands tall. Jonathan Gannon's group made sure mistakes made didn't turn into a run of points for the Panthers.
#panthers #packers #young #jordan
5 days ago
An already-depleted Carolina Panthers cornerback room got even thinner on Thursday night.
Rookie Will Lee III, who had been playing some admirable ball in the absences of starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, went down with a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the 27-19 loss. The setback occurred on a 53-yard reception by Green Bay Packers wideout Christian Watson, as the 2026 fourth-round pick went down in his pursuit and would later be carted away to the locker room.
Head coach Dave Canales told reporters after the game that the extent of Lee's injury was "pretty good," and addressed the troubles his defense had in containing Green Bay's passing attack.
"Kinda battled out there and gave everything he [Lee] had on that one to affect the play," Canales stated. "But besides that, early on, they were having a lot of success in some third-and-longer types of situations. I'd love to see us get off the field in those moments—because we did a great job of first and second down, owning the run game and minimizing them. It really should've been an advantage for our defense in those modes."
Packers quarterback Jordan Love finished having completed 30 of his 41 throws for 288 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He also led his offense to a 56.3-percent success rate (nine-of-16) on third downs.
#down #packers #love #injury
Rookie Will Lee III, who had been playing some admirable ball in the absences of starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, went down with a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the 27-19 loss. The setback occurred on a 53-yard reception by Green Bay Packers wideout Christian Watson, as the 2026 fourth-round pick went down in his pursuit and would later be carted away to the locker room.
Head coach Dave Canales told reporters after the game that the extent of Lee's injury was "pretty good," and addressed the troubles his defense had in containing Green Bay's passing attack.
"Kinda battled out there and gave everything he [Lee] had on that one to affect the play," Canales stated. "But besides that, early on, they were having a lot of success in some third-and-longer types of situations. I'd love to see us get off the field in those moments—because we did a great job of first and second down, owning the run game and minimizing them. It really should've been an advantage for our defense in those modes."
Packers quarterback Jordan Love finished having completed 30 of his 41 throws for 288 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He also led his offense to a 56.3-percent success rate (nine-of-16) on third downs.
#down #packers #love #injury
5 days ago
CC Sabathia's stint with the Milwaukee Brewers may have been brief, but the bond he built with the franchise has clearly endured. Following Milwaukee's 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 on Wednesday, which secured the World Series ****** le in five games, Sabathia was quick to celebrate the Brewers' historic accomplishment.
Sabathia took to social media to celebrate Milwaukee's championship, sharing a heartfelt congratulatory message for the team. The former Brewers pitcher recognized a historic achievement that will forever be part of the franchise's legacy in Major League Baseball.
"World Series Champions for the first time ever!! Soak it all in Milwaukee!!!" wrote the former Brewers star.
Sabathia eventually lifted the World Series trophy with the Yankees in 2009, but his time in Milwaukee ended without a championship opportunity. During his only season with the Brewers in 2008, the team was eliminated by Philadelphia in the National League Division Series. The Phillies continued their run all the way to the ****** le, leaving Sabathia and Milwaukee on the outside looking in.
Former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher CC Sabathia heads to the mound to throw a ceremonial first pitch before their game against the New York Yankees Friday, May 8, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
#series #league #title
Sabathia took to social media to celebrate Milwaukee's championship, sharing a heartfelt congratulatory message for the team. The former Brewers pitcher recognized a historic achievement that will forever be part of the franchise's legacy in Major League Baseball.
"World Series Champions for the first time ever!! Soak it all in Milwaukee!!!" wrote the former Brewers star.
Sabathia eventually lifted the World Series trophy with the Yankees in 2009, but his time in Milwaukee ended without a championship opportunity. During his only season with the Brewers in 2008, the team was eliminated by Philadelphia in the National League Division Series. The Phillies continued their run all the way to the ****** le, leaving Sabathia and Milwaukee on the outside looking in.
Former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher CC Sabathia heads to the mound to throw a ceremonial first pitch before their game against the New York Yankees Friday, May 8, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
#series #league #title
5 days ago
Is Dak Prescott worried about Cardinals using same kryptonite plan as Buccaneers, Packers? appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Dallas Cowboys will aim to notch back-to-back wins for the first time this season as they host the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.
It has been an up-and-down campaign for the Cowboys, who are sitting on a 3-4 record. The Cardinals are having a worse season with a 2-5 record.
Dallas beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-21, in Week 7, with Dak Prescott throwing for 212 yards and three touchdowns and CeeDee Lamb tallying five catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns. It was a much-needed victory after the Cowboys suffered back-to-back losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Green Bay Packers.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#cardinals #packers #first
The Dallas Cowboys will aim to notch back-to-back wins for the first time this season as they host the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.
It has been an up-and-down campaign for the Cowboys, who are sitting on a 3-4 record. The Cardinals are having a worse season with a 2-5 record.
Dallas beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-21, in Week 7, with Dak Prescott throwing for 212 yards and three touchdowns and CeeDee Lamb tallying five catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns. It was a much-needed victory after the Cowboys suffered back-to-back losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Green Bay Packers.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#cardinals #packers #first
5 days ago
The Green Bay Packers beat the Carolina Panthers 27-19 at Lambeau Field to improve to 5-3 on the season. They turned what looked like a potentially comfortable victory into a bit of a nail-biter, but overall were good value for the win as they bounced back from a tough loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Here are five takeaways from Green Bay's win on "Thursday Night Football" from Lambeau Field:
There was still plenty wrong with the Packers offense on Thursday night. The run game remained lifeless despite Josh Jacobs' return, there were more drops by Matthew Golden and a fumble by Christian Watson.
But when Jordan Love is rolling like he was for most of this game, none of it seems to matter. He was in a rhythm throughout the first half and much of the second, helped by a pretty decent pocket to throw from.
Love ended the night 30 of 41 (73.2%) passing for 288 yards, three touchdowns and a pick, in a game which was another reminder that as long as he is protected, the offense will put up points.
#night #love #like #offense
Here are five takeaways from Green Bay's win on "Thursday Night Football" from Lambeau Field:
There was still plenty wrong with the Packers offense on Thursday night. The run game remained lifeless despite Josh Jacobs' return, there were more drops by Matthew Golden and a fumble by Christian Watson.
But when Jordan Love is rolling like he was for most of this game, none of it seems to matter. He was in a rhythm throughout the first half and much of the second, helped by a pretty decent pocket to throw from.
Love ended the night 30 of 41 (73.2%) passing for 288 yards, three touchdowns and a pick, in a game which was another reminder that as long as he is protected, the offense will put up points.
#night #love #like #offense
5 days ago
The Tennessee **** ans are having one of the worst seasons in their history. At 1-6, they're off to their worst start to a season in nearly 20 years. Cam Ward's **** ans have struggled on both offense and defense, and they have been unfortunate with injuries.
Ward has also had a troubling start. He has been criticized for his efficiency and decision-making all season. In seven games, he has thrown for 1,179 passing yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions.
There have been rumors of the **** ans looking to go away from Ward, especially after defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons' trade to the Chicago Bears. But NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the **** ans will continue to back Ward despite a 1-6 start.
Fans reacted to Schefter's comments.
"It will be their ultimate downfall. They are not a QB developing team, or they make bad picks with high draft choices. Vince Young, Jake Locker, Will Levis, now it's Cam Ward!" one fan said.
#ward #tennessee #simmons #Chicago
Ward has also had a troubling start. He has been criticized for his efficiency and decision-making all season. In seven games, he has thrown for 1,179 passing yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions.
There have been rumors of the **** ans looking to go away from Ward, especially after defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons' trade to the Chicago Bears. But NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the **** ans will continue to back Ward despite a 1-6 start.
Fans reacted to Schefter's comments.
"It will be their ultimate downfall. They are not a QB developing team, or they make bad picks with high draft choices. Vince Young, Jake Locker, Will Levis, now it's Cam Ward!" one fan said.
#ward #tennessee #simmons #Chicago
5 days ago
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (thumb) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Oct. 29.
SOURCE: Buccaneers.com
Why it Matters: Mayfield returned to action in Week 7, but he only had to throw 11 times as the Buccaneers cruised to a win. He wasn't posting great numbers prior to the injury, so it wouldn't be wise to expect Mayfield to suddenly start delivering great stat lines. For now, he should be considered a QB2.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Full practice for Baker Mayfield Thursday
#mayfield #baker #thursday
SOURCE: Buccaneers.com
Why it Matters: Mayfield returned to action in Week 7, but he only had to throw 11 times as the Buccaneers cruised to a win. He wasn't posting great numbers prior to the injury, so it wouldn't be wise to expect Mayfield to suddenly start delivering great stat lines. For now, he should be considered a QB2.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Full practice for Baker Mayfield Thursday
#mayfield #baker #thursday
5 days ago
Kings' Darius Acuff Jr.'s bonkers first half includes monster tomahawk throwdown appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Sacramento Kings have hit a slow start to the 2026 NBA season. But NBA Draft find Darius Acuff Jr. is rising as an early highlight. Now he's added a monster tomahawk throwdown to his reel, coming against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Acuff took flight in transition, then put Trey Murphy III on a poster.
The recent Arkansas standout went off in the Big Easy. He posted these final first half numbers inside the Smoothie King Center.
Acuff even hit eight of his first 11 shot attempts. He's emerging as the new fast break weapon coach Doug Christie can lean into. Including in the name of reigniting the glory days that involved Christie.
#christie #tomahawk
The Sacramento Kings have hit a slow start to the 2026 NBA season. But NBA Draft find Darius Acuff Jr. is rising as an early highlight. Now he's added a monster tomahawk throwdown to his reel, coming against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Acuff took flight in transition, then put Trey Murphy III on a poster.
The recent Arkansas standout went off in the Big Easy. He posted these final first half numbers inside the Smoothie King Center.
Acuff even hit eight of his first 11 shot attempts. He's emerging as the new fast break weapon coach Doug Christie can lean into. Including in the name of reigniting the glory days that involved Christie.
#christie #tomahawk
5 days ago
ATLANTA (AP) — Onyeka Okongwu scored a season-high 29 points and had 12 rebounds, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 114-111 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
Atlanta snapped a three-game losing streak to improve to 3-3, and halted Cleveland's three-game winning streak. The Cavs are 3-2.
Donovan Mitchell cut Atlanta's lead to one on a driving layup with 20.6 seconds remaining. Nickeil Alexander-Walker made two free throws with 15.3 left to take the lead back to three and Mitchell got two potential tying looks off on the final possession, but misfired on both.
Alexander-Walker added 25 points for Atlanta, and Aaron Wiggins scored 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting off the bench.
James Harden led Cleveland with 24 points, followed by Mitchell with 22. Sam Merrill shot 4 of 8 from 3-point range for the Cavaliers.
#atlanta
Atlanta snapped a three-game losing streak to improve to 3-3, and halted Cleveland's three-game winning streak. The Cavs are 3-2.
Donovan Mitchell cut Atlanta's lead to one on a driving layup with 20.6 seconds remaining. Nickeil Alexander-Walker made two free throws with 15.3 left to take the lead back to three and Mitchell got two potential tying looks off on the final possession, but misfired on both.
Alexander-Walker added 25 points for Atlanta, and Aaron Wiggins scored 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting off the bench.
James Harden led Cleveland with 24 points, followed by Mitchell with 22. Sam Merrill shot 4 of 8 from 3-point range for the Cavaliers.
#atlanta
5 days ago
The Kansas City Royals made their first big offseason move on Thursday by cutting ties with closer Carlos Estévez. The team declined his $13 million club option, which means he hits the open market. Instead of paying that high price, Kansas City will hand him a $2 million buyout. This decision clears the books but leaves a huge hole in the bullpen after he led the league with 42 saves in 2025.
At the same time, the club exercised a $2.5 million option on right-hander Tony Gonsolin. Per MLB.com Royals, this move keeps a former All-Star under contract for 2027 despite his recent injury struggles. It is a low-cost gamble for a pitcher who once went 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 2022. After ending last season with a 5.07 bullpen ERA that ranked 29th in the majors, the Royals must acquire all available pitching help.
Letting Estévez walk feels risky, but the math makes sense for a small-market team. He signed a two-year, $22.2 million deal before 2025 and delivered a 2.45 ERA that year. However, his 2026 season was a disaster filled with injuries and blown saves. He was limited to just one appearance before a comebacker hit his foot and a rotator cuff strain ended his year. According to Yardbarker, his strikeout rate dropped while his walk rate climbed in 2025, showing he was already losing a step.
Paying $13 million for a pitcher who might not even throw a pitch in 2027 is hard to justify. The Royals are better off taking the $2 million buyout and trying to find a cheaper replacement. They need to fix a relief corps that allowed too many runs and lost too many games. The 69-93 record from last year proves the bullpen was a major problem that this move attempts to address.
Bringing back Gonsolin is a different kind of bet, one based on potential rather than recent results. He joined the team on August 13 while recovering from elbow surgery he had in August 2025. In just one major league outing this year against the White Sox, the 32-year-old surrendered five runs across 2 2/3 innings. Per Royals Keep, the $2.5 million price tag is very affordable for a starter with his career stats of 37 wins and 13 losses.
#year #kansas #city
At the same time, the club exercised a $2.5 million option on right-hander Tony Gonsolin. Per MLB.com Royals, this move keeps a former All-Star under contract for 2027 despite his recent injury struggles. It is a low-cost gamble for a pitcher who once went 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 2022. After ending last season with a 5.07 bullpen ERA that ranked 29th in the majors, the Royals must acquire all available pitching help.
Letting Estévez walk feels risky, but the math makes sense for a small-market team. He signed a two-year, $22.2 million deal before 2025 and delivered a 2.45 ERA that year. However, his 2026 season was a disaster filled with injuries and blown saves. He was limited to just one appearance before a comebacker hit his foot and a rotator cuff strain ended his year. According to Yardbarker, his strikeout rate dropped while his walk rate climbed in 2025, showing he was already losing a step.
Paying $13 million for a pitcher who might not even throw a pitch in 2027 is hard to justify. The Royals are better off taking the $2 million buyout and trying to find a cheaper replacement. They need to fix a relief corps that allowed too many runs and lost too many games. The 69-93 record from last year proves the bullpen was a major problem that this move attempts to address.
Bringing back Gonsolin is a different kind of bet, one based on potential rather than recent results. He joined the team on August 13 while recovering from elbow surgery he had in August 2025. In just one major league outing this year against the White Sox, the 32-year-old surrendered five runs across 2 2/3 innings. Per Royals Keep, the $2.5 million price tag is very affordable for a starter with his career stats of 37 wins and 13 losses.
#year #kansas #city
5 days ago
Thursday night's American Conference matchup between Florida Atlantic and North Texas featured a strong candidate for fumble of the year.
Following a 28-yard pass from Tayven Jackson to Dalton Carnes, the Mean Green had an opportunity to break a 24-24 tie before the half with a field goal or perhaps even a touchdown with 27 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
On the next play, Jackson flipped a short pass to Jahiem White out of the backfield. White made a dash toward the first-down marker, then attempted a hurdle toward the line to gain.
However, FAU defensive back Travis Jackson hit White as he was in the air, causing the ball to pop loose. White did not get out of bounds before losing the ball and the carom went back onto the field, recovered by defensive lineman Tycoolhill Luman.
FAU took over at its 34-yard line with 11 seconds left before halftime. That didn't give the Owls much time to do anything else but attempt three short passes before ending the half on a deep throw that fell incomplete.
#jackson
Following a 28-yard pass from Tayven Jackson to Dalton Carnes, the Mean Green had an opportunity to break a 24-24 tie before the half with a field goal or perhaps even a touchdown with 27 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
On the next play, Jackson flipped a short pass to Jahiem White out of the backfield. White made a dash toward the first-down marker, then attempted a hurdle toward the line to gain.
However, FAU defensive back Travis Jackson hit White as he was in the air, causing the ball to pop loose. White did not get out of bounds before losing the ball and the carom went back onto the field, recovered by defensive lineman Tycoolhill Luman.
FAU took over at its 34-yard line with 11 seconds left before halftime. That didn't give the Owls much time to do anything else but attempt three short passes before ending the half on a deep throw that fell incomplete.
#jackson
5 days ago
DrewDober credits TerenceCrawford with helping him adjust his approach against RafaelAlves.
Dober met Crawford at B&B Boxing in Omaha, Nebraska, andrecalls the boxer leaving him bloodied during their first sparringsession. Years later, Crawford offered advice from ringside thatDober says helped him finish Alves at UFC277 in Dallas.
Dober said Crawford switched to southpaw to mirror his stance andbloodied his nose with a jab. He recalled absorbing three punchesfor every one he attempted to throw.
"Terence Crawford bloodied my nose in the first 30 seconds of ourspar. I was a young fighter in a North Omaha gym," Dober wrote onX. "Never heard of the guy they called 'Bud.' He saw I was asouthpaw, switched to southpaw too, and stuck me with one jab. Iwas bleeding like a stuck pig."
Crawford attended Dober's fight against Alves at UFC 277 in 2022.Dober said he struggled to connect cleanly because of Alves' headmovement. As he returned to his corner after the opening round, henoticed Crawford calling from the front row and urging him toattack the body.
Dober followed that advice, finding success in the second roundbefore knocking out Alves with a body punch in the third.
"In the fight against RafaelAlves, I'm trying to hit him in the face, I'm throwing punchesand this man has amazing head movement…" Dober recalled. "After thefirst round, I'm going over to my corner and I see Terence Crawfordin that front row. And he's just yelling at me, 'Drew, Drew.' So, Ilook at him and he goes, 'Go to the body, go to the body.' I waslike, if Crawford says it. So, in the second round, I started goingto the body and started finding success. So, in the third round, Ithrew a liver shot and I dropped him with that liver shot."
Dober (29-15, 1 NC) has won his last two fights by stoppage andwill face ChrisDuncan (15-3) at UFC334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
#bloodied
Dober met Crawford at B&B Boxing in Omaha, Nebraska, andrecalls the boxer leaving him bloodied during their first sparringsession. Years later, Crawford offered advice from ringside thatDober says helped him finish Alves at UFC277 in Dallas.
Dober said Crawford switched to southpaw to mirror his stance andbloodied his nose with a jab. He recalled absorbing three punchesfor every one he attempted to throw.
"Terence Crawford bloodied my nose in the first 30 seconds of ourspar. I was a young fighter in a North Omaha gym," Dober wrote onX. "Never heard of the guy they called 'Bud.' He saw I was asouthpaw, switched to southpaw too, and stuck me with one jab. Iwas bleeding like a stuck pig."
Crawford attended Dober's fight against Alves at UFC 277 in 2022.Dober said he struggled to connect cleanly because of Alves' headmovement. As he returned to his corner after the opening round, henoticed Crawford calling from the front row and urging him toattack the body.
Dober followed that advice, finding success in the second roundbefore knocking out Alves with a body punch in the third.
"In the fight against RafaelAlves, I'm trying to hit him in the face, I'm throwing punchesand this man has amazing head movement…" Dober recalled. "After thefirst round, I'm going over to my corner and I see Terence Crawfordin that front row. And he's just yelling at me, 'Drew, Drew.' So, Ilook at him and he goes, 'Go to the body, go to the body.' I waslike, if Crawford says it. So, in the second round, I started goingto the body and started finding success. So, in the third round, Ithrew a liver shot and I dropped him with that liver shot."
Dober (29-15, 1 NC) has won his last two fights by stoppage andwill face ChrisDuncan (15-3) at UFC334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
#bloodied
5 days ago
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (knee) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Oct. 29.
SOURCE: Chiefs.com
Why it Matters: Mahomes has failed to throw a touchdown pass in each of his last two games, and with Travis Kelce (ankle) and Rashee Rice (hamstring, knee) both battling injuries, he could be without two of his main weapons. Mahomes is shaping up to be a QB2 in Week 8.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Mahomes practices in full
#city
SOURCE: Chiefs.com
Why it Matters: Mahomes has failed to throw a touchdown pass in each of his last two games, and with Travis Kelce (ankle) and Rashee Rice (hamstring, knee) both battling injuries, he could be without two of his main weapons. Mahomes is shaping up to be a QB2 in Week 8.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Mahomes practices in full
#city
5 days ago
What looked like it would be a back-and-forth game between the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers, but the Packers have run away with it, scoring 21 unanswered points since mid-way through the second quarter.
They added to their lead with a four-yard receiving touchdown from running back Josh Jacobs on their opening drive of the second half. Jacobs now has two touchdowns in the game, one rushing and one receiving. This is his first game with multiple touchdowns since Green Bay's loss to the Denver Broncos last season.
Here is a look at Jacobs' receiving touchdown, courtesy of the NFL's official social media:
The Panthers had not scored since their touchdown on the first play of the second quarter. Since then, they have punted the ball twice, and quarterback Bryce Young has thrown an interception. Their opening drive of the second half ended in a turnover on downs at midfield. However, the Panthers were able to get a field goal on their next drive, making Green Bay's lead only 14 points.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: WATCH: Jacobs scores 2nd TD vs Panthers to give Packers 17-point lead
#panthers #touchdown
They added to their lead with a four-yard receiving touchdown from running back Josh Jacobs on their opening drive of the second half. Jacobs now has two touchdowns in the game, one rushing and one receiving. This is his first game with multiple touchdowns since Green Bay's loss to the Denver Broncos last season.
Here is a look at Jacobs' receiving touchdown, courtesy of the NFL's official social media:
The Panthers had not scored since their touchdown on the first play of the second quarter. Since then, they have punted the ball twice, and quarterback Bryce Young has thrown an interception. Their opening drive of the second half ended in a turnover on downs at midfield. However, the Panthers were able to get a field goal on their next drive, making Green Bay's lead only 14 points.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: WATCH: Jacobs scores 2nd TD vs Panthers to give Packers 17-point lead
#panthers #touchdown
5 days ago
Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert speaks up on his reluctance to throw it down appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch called out Rudy Gobert for his finesse plays during a combined 0-for-13 stretch, the starting center questioned his finishes as well. Amid a two-game skid, the Timberwolves lost Anthony Edwards to a knee injury that will keep him out for at least two months. As Minnesota will look to find success without their All-Star forward, many anticipate Gobert to step up offensively.
Instead, he finished with one point, four rebounds, and one steal in the Timberwolves' 119-114 loss to the Golden State Warriors. In addressing Finch's recent comments about finishing loud in the paint, Gobert agreed with the notion of dunking the ball more often, per Sports Illustrated Andrew Dukowitz.
"Sometimes I tell myself, 'Why didn't I dunk that, too?' I guess it depends," Gobert said. "I guess, most importantly, is to react, to be decisive. To be strong and to be decisive. If I'm going to dunk it, go dunk it. If they foul me and call it, it is how it is. But I gotta be more decisive and more balanced, more poised."
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#rudy #sports #preferred
After Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch called out Rudy Gobert for his finesse plays during a combined 0-for-13 stretch, the starting center questioned his finishes as well. Amid a two-game skid, the Timberwolves lost Anthony Edwards to a knee injury that will keep him out for at least two months. As Minnesota will look to find success without their All-Star forward, many anticipate Gobert to step up offensively.
Instead, he finished with one point, four rebounds, and one steal in the Timberwolves' 119-114 loss to the Golden State Warriors. In addressing Finch's recent comments about finishing loud in the paint, Gobert agreed with the notion of dunking the ball more often, per Sports Illustrated Andrew Dukowitz.
"Sometimes I tell myself, 'Why didn't I dunk that, too?' I guess it depends," Gobert said. "I guess, most importantly, is to react, to be decisive. To be strong and to be decisive. If I'm going to dunk it, go dunk it. If they foul me and call it, it is how it is. But I gotta be more decisive and more balanced, more poised."
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#rudy #sports #preferred
5 days ago
Valkyries bash 'unacceptable' start in WNBA Finals Game 6 loss to Dream appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
ATLANTA – Call it nerves, call it fatigue, call it championship anxiety, call it all of the above. Whatever was going on with the Golden State Valkyries in the first quarter of their 80-69 loss to the Atlanta Dream in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals, something wasn't right.
Their offense, which had had the juice and the fight the last two games to overcome the inefficient nature of how it functions, came out far too careful and tepid as the Dream blew up every on-ball screen they tried to set. Their defense, which has been the driving force of their magical run to the Finals, got torched. Atlanta rained down bucket after bucket as they shot 11-of-15 from the field and 6-of-8 from beyond the arc in the opening period, justifying the thunderous home crowd's decision to call out sick from work to watch their team shine.
Didn't matter that they eventually amped up their ball pressure and started forcing the Dream into some lazy passes. Didn't matter that they decided to get back to attacking the rim with reckless abandon in the second half, with their trips to the free-throw line helping them cut the deficit down to eight with 1:15 left in the game. Because by the time the Valkyries found the gear that makes them the Valkyries, it was too late.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#valkyries #dream #finals
ATLANTA – Call it nerves, call it fatigue, call it championship anxiety, call it all of the above. Whatever was going on with the Golden State Valkyries in the first quarter of their 80-69 loss to the Atlanta Dream in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals, something wasn't right.
Their offense, which had had the juice and the fight the last two games to overcome the inefficient nature of how it functions, came out far too careful and tepid as the Dream blew up every on-ball screen they tried to set. Their defense, which has been the driving force of their magical run to the Finals, got torched. Atlanta rained down bucket after bucket as they shot 11-of-15 from the field and 6-of-8 from beyond the arc in the opening period, justifying the thunderous home crowd's decision to call out sick from work to watch their team shine.
Didn't matter that they eventually amped up their ball pressure and started forcing the Dream into some lazy passes. Didn't matter that they decided to get back to attacking the rim with reckless abandon in the second half, with their trips to the free-throw line helping them cut the deficit down to eight with 1:15 left in the game. Because by the time the Valkyries found the gear that makes them the Valkyries, it was too late.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#valkyries #dream #finals
5 days ago
The tiny town of Wheeler is now home to a World Series champion.
Native son Brandon Woodruff has earned a ring after his Milwaukee Brewers finished off Tampa Bay in five games, winning 4-1 on Wednesday night. It's the first World Series ****** le in franchise history.
Woodruff, 33, has spent his entire professional career in the Brewers organization, including the last 10 in the majors – making him the longest-tenured current Brewer. He's been one of the team's most consistent pitchers – when healthy. Woodruff missed the entire 2024 season with an injury to his throwing shoulder, and he has battled similar ailments the past two seasons. He made 12 starts in 2025 and nine starts this year.
After pitching on July 4, Woodruff was shut down due to shoulder issues and did not pitch the rest of the regular season. His numbers: a 2-2 record and 2.98 ERA.
But surprisingly, the right-hander did not need surgery and got healthy enough to be included on Milwaukee's World Series roster. And then, in Game 3 on Monday, Woodruff got the final three outs of a 10-1 win. He allowed one run on two hits and had one strikeout.
#World
Native son Brandon Woodruff has earned a ring after his Milwaukee Brewers finished off Tampa Bay in five games, winning 4-1 on Wednesday night. It's the first World Series ****** le in franchise history.
Woodruff, 33, has spent his entire professional career in the Brewers organization, including the last 10 in the majors – making him the longest-tenured current Brewer. He's been one of the team's most consistent pitchers – when healthy. Woodruff missed the entire 2024 season with an injury to his throwing shoulder, and he has battled similar ailments the past two seasons. He made 12 starts in 2025 and nine starts this year.
After pitching on July 4, Woodruff was shut down due to shoulder issues and did not pitch the rest of the regular season. His numbers: a 2-2 record and 2.98 ERA.
But surprisingly, the right-hander did not need surgery and got healthy enough to be included on Milwaukee's World Series roster. And then, in Game 3 on Monday, Woodruff got the final three outs of a 10-1 win. He allowed one run on two hits and had one strikeout.
#World
6 days ago
Oct. 29—VERMILLION, S.D. — Long before Austyn Modrzewski became the starting quarterback at the University of South Dakota, he was a first grader in Littleton, Colorado, who had already discovered something special about throwing a football.
He initially lined up at running back when he started playing tackle football. But it did not take long for those around him to recognize that the ball belonged in his hands, and preferably in the air. Even at that age, Modrzewski was doing something rare for a young player in his area: leading an offense that could throw the football.
By second grade, he was training specifically to play quarterback. Sunday mornings and several days throughout the week became practices for his mechanics, improving his footwork and developing a position that had already become his passion. By third grade, he was learning to read defenses.
Football was never simply something Modrzewski played. It was something he worked to understand. He competed across state lines, trained year-round and developed an appreciation for the quarterback position long before most children his age had even thought about their athletic futures.
"I always wanted to be a running growing up back because they always get the ball," Austyn Modrzewski said earlier this season. "And in the first practice, we didn't have a quarterback so I kind of just stepped up and started throwing some ****** . I had fun doing it, and I was like, 'I'm not half bad at throwing.'"
#modrzewski #long #austyn #even
He initially lined up at running back when he started playing tackle football. But it did not take long for those around him to recognize that the ball belonged in his hands, and preferably in the air. Even at that age, Modrzewski was doing something rare for a young player in his area: leading an offense that could throw the football.
By second grade, he was training specifically to play quarterback. Sunday mornings and several days throughout the week became practices for his mechanics, improving his footwork and developing a position that had already become his passion. By third grade, he was learning to read defenses.
Football was never simply something Modrzewski played. It was something he worked to understand. He competed across state lines, trained year-round and developed an appreciation for the quarterback position long before most children his age had even thought about their athletic futures.
"I always wanted to be a running growing up back because they always get the ball," Austyn Modrzewski said earlier this season. "And in the first practice, we didn't have a quarterback so I kind of just stepped up and started throwing some ****** . I had fun doing it, and I was like, 'I'm not half bad at throwing.'"
#modrzewski #long #austyn #even
6 days ago
EVANSTON, Ill. — Against the window seal of David Braun's office conference room at Northwestern, a bronze statue of a man glares toward visitors.
An award Braun won in 2023, the miniature depiction of Bear Bryant, dressed in his trademark suit and a houndstooth hat, is fitting considering the program's upward trajectory and that his offense, under new coordinator Chip Kelly, is showing flashes of yesteryear: the Wing-T, Wishbone and option concepts that Bryant used to claim six national championships at Alabama more than four decades ago.
"You can call them dated. That's not fair," Braun says with a smile. "But creative!"
Life is good here in this northern Chicago suburb.
The 6-1 and 18th-ranked Wildcats are off to their best start since 2012; the fall foliage sweeps across this campus like a painter's brush; the university alignment and athletic investment is as its best since before the tumult around the clumsy handling of the end of the Pat Fitzgerald era; the program opened a more than $850 million new stadium earlier this season; and the offense is an entertaining throwback under one of the sport's most heralded gurus.
#bryant #evanston #northwestern #bear
An award Braun won in 2023, the miniature depiction of Bear Bryant, dressed in his trademark suit and a houndstooth hat, is fitting considering the program's upward trajectory and that his offense, under new coordinator Chip Kelly, is showing flashes of yesteryear: the Wing-T, Wishbone and option concepts that Bryant used to claim six national championships at Alabama more than four decades ago.
"You can call them dated. That's not fair," Braun says with a smile. "But creative!"
Life is good here in this northern Chicago suburb.
The 6-1 and 18th-ranked Wildcats are off to their best start since 2012; the fall foliage sweeps across this campus like a painter's brush; the university alignment and athletic investment is as its best since before the tumult around the clumsy handling of the end of the Pat Fitzgerald era; the program opened a more than $850 million new stadium earlier this season; and the offense is an entertaining throwback under one of the sport's most heralded gurus.
#bryant #evanston #northwestern #bear
16 days ago
OLD LYME — Vivian Boller was a freshman already playing regularly for the Lyme-Old Lyme girls soccer team when she brought a request to her coach.
"She was playing outside midfield and she wasn't taking any throw-ins," coach Caroline Wallace said. "And she came up and said, 'Caroline, I want to take the throw-ins,' and I was like, 'Go for it.'"
It may seem like a simple request from a young soccer player, but there was a little more to it. Boller was born without a left arm, and in soccer, throw-ins are done with both hands on the ball.
"I have a vague memory of it," Boller said, "but it's still in the back of my mind. Playing for my (youth) team, I remember going up for a throw-in because my coach really liked to play quick, once the ball goes out, you grab it and play it immediately. I went to grab it and the other coach said something along the lines of, 'She can't do that. That's not legal.'"
No one, though, can tell Vivian Boller, now a junior, she can't do something and expect it to stick. It hasn't been an issue in high school, where Boller now plays center midfield with a traditionally powerful girls soccer program. She also plays guard for the basketball team and competes in sprints and jumps for the two-time state champion girls track team.
#boller #throw #vivian
"She was playing outside midfield and she wasn't taking any throw-ins," coach Caroline Wallace said. "And she came up and said, 'Caroline, I want to take the throw-ins,' and I was like, 'Go for it.'"
It may seem like a simple request from a young soccer player, but there was a little more to it. Boller was born without a left arm, and in soccer, throw-ins are done with both hands on the ball.
"I have a vague memory of it," Boller said, "but it's still in the back of my mind. Playing for my (youth) team, I remember going up for a throw-in because my coach really liked to play quick, once the ball goes out, you grab it and play it immediately. I went to grab it and the other coach said something along the lines of, 'She can't do that. That's not legal.'"
No one, though, can tell Vivian Boller, now a junior, she can't do something and expect it to stick. It hasn't been an issue in high school, where Boller now plays center midfield with a traditionally powerful girls soccer program. She also plays guard for the basketball team and competes in sprints and jumps for the two-time state champion girls track team.
#boller #throw #vivian
16 days ago
Texas A&M took care of business in Week 7, earning its second shutout win of the season after defeating The Citadel 41-0 behind 264 rushing yards and three touchdowns from sophomore RB Jamarion Morrow. With freshman back KJ Edwards adding 116 rushing yards, the Aggie offense needs to keep a "ground and pound" approach, especially if redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed remains the starter.
On defense, Texas A&M didn't have to do much, as the Bulldogs barely attempted to throw the ball, running 47 times for 140 yards, resulting in a one-dimensional attack that didn't require defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill to scheme up pressure, just needing to stop the run and tackle in ******* e, which was accomplished.
The SEC experienced its most chaotic week in what feels like a decade-plus, as No. 1 Georgia, No. 7 Texas, and Texas A&M's next opponent, Alabama, lost at home and on the road, resulting in a seismic shift in the US LBM Coaches Poll and AP Top 25.
As I stated above, Texas A&M will head to Tuscaloosa for the first time since the 2022 season to face Alabama, and after an impressive start to the year against bad defenses, sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell has passed for just 185 yards against Georgia (loss) and 147 yards and an interception during Saturday's loss at Tennessee.
Still, expectations are that the former five-star prospect will rebound at home against Texas A&M's respectable but beatable defense, especially given the Aggies' pass-rush issues. The Aggies enter the week as 15.5-point underdogs, and ESPN FPI gives Texas A&M a 16.5% chance to defeat Alabama (83.5%).
#texas #yards #week #georgia
On defense, Texas A&M didn't have to do much, as the Bulldogs barely attempted to throw the ball, running 47 times for 140 yards, resulting in a one-dimensional attack that didn't require defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill to scheme up pressure, just needing to stop the run and tackle in ******* e, which was accomplished.
The SEC experienced its most chaotic week in what feels like a decade-plus, as No. 1 Georgia, No. 7 Texas, and Texas A&M's next opponent, Alabama, lost at home and on the road, resulting in a seismic shift in the US LBM Coaches Poll and AP Top 25.
As I stated above, Texas A&M will head to Tuscaloosa for the first time since the 2022 season to face Alabama, and after an impressive start to the year against bad defenses, sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell has passed for just 185 yards against Georgia (loss) and 147 yards and an interception during Saturday's loss at Tennessee.
Still, expectations are that the former five-star prospect will rebound at home against Texas A&M's respectable but beatable defense, especially given the Aggies' pass-rush issues. The Aggies enter the week as 15.5-point underdogs, and ESPN FPI gives Texas A&M a 16.5% chance to defeat Alabama (83.5%).
#texas #yards #week #georgia
16 days ago
Patrick Mahomes has admitted he is still missing some of his explosiveness following his serious knee injury, despite helping the Kansas City Chiefs maintain their unbeaten start to the NFL season.
The Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 22-6 to move to 5-0, with Mahomes throwing for 272 yards. The quarterback has looked impressive since returning from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, but he knows there is still work to do.
Mahomes suffered the injury in December and recovered in time to start the new season. However, his latest comments suggest he has not yet returned to full physical sharpness.
Speaking to reporters after the victory over the Chargers, Mahomes explained that his knee had been feeling better following the team's bye week, although he is still working to regain his previous level of explosiveness.
"After the bye week, I felt better physically… There's still some burst I don't have… But that's something we'll continue to work on," Mahomes said, via Charles Goldman.
#injury #season
The Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 22-6 to move to 5-0, with Mahomes throwing for 272 yards. The quarterback has looked impressive since returning from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, but he knows there is still work to do.
Mahomes suffered the injury in December and recovered in time to start the new season. However, his latest comments suggest he has not yet returned to full physical sharpness.
Speaking to reporters after the victory over the Chargers, Mahomes explained that his knee had been feeling better following the team's bye week, although he is still working to regain his previous level of explosiveness.
"After the bye week, I felt better physically… There's still some burst I don't have… But that's something we'll continue to work on," Mahomes said, via Charles Goldman.
#injury #season
16 days ago
It was everything the Houston Cougars envisioned when they joined the Big 12.
A ranked matchup, the program's first at TDECU Stadium since 2015. A sellout crowd of 42,544. And most importantly, a statement victory to catapult the Cougars further into the national conversation.
In front of the fourth-largest crowd in TDECU Stadium history, No. 20 Houston outlasted No. 18 Oklahoma State in an offensive shootout, earning its fourth consecutive victory and securing bowl eligibility with a 35-32 win.
"I really felt like we had a homefield advantage," Houston head coach Willie Fritz said. "They were loud and the student section I thought was outstanding. I appreciate everybody coming out and hopefully you saw what UH football is all about and also the experience here."
Houston never trailed after the first quarter, largely thanks to quarterback Conner Weigman. The rising Heisman candidate delivered arguably his finest performance in his five years of college football, bouncing back from an interception on the opening drive to throw for career-highs of 343 yards and five touchdowns. He completed 72.7 percent of attempts while consistently solving every puzzle the Oklahoma State defense threw at him.
#houston #stadium #victory #fourth
A ranked matchup, the program's first at TDECU Stadium since 2015. A sellout crowd of 42,544. And most importantly, a statement victory to catapult the Cougars further into the national conversation.
In front of the fourth-largest crowd in TDECU Stadium history, No. 20 Houston outlasted No. 18 Oklahoma State in an offensive shootout, earning its fourth consecutive victory and securing bowl eligibility with a 35-32 win.
"I really felt like we had a homefield advantage," Houston head coach Willie Fritz said. "They were loud and the student section I thought was outstanding. I appreciate everybody coming out and hopefully you saw what UH football is all about and also the experience here."
Houston never trailed after the first quarter, largely thanks to quarterback Conner Weigman. The rising Heisman candidate delivered arguably his finest performance in his five years of college football, bouncing back from an interception on the opening drive to throw for career-highs of 343 yards and five touchdowns. He completed 72.7 percent of attempts while consistently solving every puzzle the Oklahoma State defense threw at him.
#houston #stadium #victory #fourth
16 days ago
In a way, the Dallas Cowboys' loss to the Buccaneers on Thursday night at home was not quite as bad a loss as what we saw on Sunday in Green Bay, at least from coach brian Schottenheimer's perspective. Sounds absurd, sure, given that the Cowboys lost to a previously winless team that was starting an undrafted rookie, Jalon Daniels, on their home field last week. But there was a chance that could be viewed as a one-off. There was a chance that could be rock bottom, and that the Cowboys could rebuild this season from there. Starting against the Packers at Lambeau Field.
Instead, what we saw on Sunday was confirmation of the worst fears that lingered from the Buccaneers game: That this team and its NFL Super Bowl aspirations had been broken in that loss, that something snapped and might not be able to be repaired. Because, though the defense played better on Sunday–after the first half, at least–the offense appeared beyond repair, a steep three-week drop that has seen Dak Prescott throw four interceptions in two games, after having thrown just four in nine games before that.
Around Cowboys media and fans, the finger of blame is increasingly turning to Schottenheimer, and calls for the team to take action are mounting.
From Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "Believe it or not, this roster is good enough. Is it elite? No. Is it great? No. But it should be good enough, and it's nowhere close to even average. The Cowboys are on a train to nowhere, and the blame falls on the coaches leading it."
Believe it or not, this roster is good enough.Is it elite? No. Is it great? No. But it should be good enough, and it's nowhere close to even average.The Cowboys are on a train to nowhere, and the blame falls on the coaches leading it.
#good #buccaneers
Instead, what we saw on Sunday was confirmation of the worst fears that lingered from the Buccaneers game: That this team and its NFL Super Bowl aspirations had been broken in that loss, that something snapped and might not be able to be repaired. Because, though the defense played better on Sunday–after the first half, at least–the offense appeared beyond repair, a steep three-week drop that has seen Dak Prescott throw four interceptions in two games, after having thrown just four in nine games before that.
Around Cowboys media and fans, the finger of blame is increasingly turning to Schottenheimer, and calls for the team to take action are mounting.
From Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "Believe it or not, this roster is good enough. Is it elite? No. Is it great? No. But it should be good enough, and it's nowhere close to even average. The Cowboys are on a train to nowhere, and the blame falls on the coaches leading it."
Believe it or not, this roster is good enough.Is it elite? No. Is it great? No. But it should be good enough, and it's nowhere close to even average.The Cowboys are on a train to nowhere, and the blame falls on the coaches leading it.
#good #buccaneers
