2 months ago
Quarterback Jayden Maiava and the USC Trojans host the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns at the LA Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The Trojans will have a chance to improve to 3-0 while Louisiana is looking to secure back-to-back wins to start the season.
It will be the final nonconference game for the Trojans before starting their Big Ten Conference schedule, with a game on the road against Rutgers next week.
Maiava is back for his fourth season of college football, his third with the Trojans. He's already completed 48-of-54 pass attempts for 635 yards and five touchdowns. He's only been sacked once this season and has yet to throw an interception.
Lunch Winfield saw the most time at quarterback for Louisiana in the blowout win over the Lamar Cardinals last week. Winfield completed 16 of 22 passes for 189 yards and two interceptions. He also contributed to the rushing attack with 84 yards and a touchdown. Darrell Smith also rushed for 84 yards and produced two touchdowns.
#louisiana #yards #game #week
The Trojans will have a chance to improve to 3-0 while Louisiana is looking to secure back-to-back wins to start the season.
It will be the final nonconference game for the Trojans before starting their Big Ten Conference schedule, with a game on the road against Rutgers next week.
Maiava is back for his fourth season of college football, his third with the Trojans. He's already completed 48-of-54 pass attempts for 635 yards and five touchdowns. He's only been sacked once this season and has yet to throw an interception.
Lunch Winfield saw the most time at quarterback for Louisiana in the blowout win over the Lamar Cardinals last week. Winfield completed 16 of 22 passes for 189 yards and two interceptions. He also contributed to the rushing attack with 84 yards and a touchdown. Darrell Smith also rushed for 84 yards and produced two touchdowns.
#louisiana #yards #game #week
2 months ago
Second-year safety Zack Harden was the talk of the town for Gophers football in the offseason. He played just 14 defensive snaps last season as a true freshman, but the departure of Koi Perich left a golden opportunity for a young player to ******* ume a bigger role. Harden was getting plenty of hype in the spring and summer, and he showed why on Thursday night against Eastern Illinois.
Harden started at safety alongside Kerry Brown. He played 12 snaps at strong safety, six at slot cornerback and nine at free safety. He produced with four total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave him a 79.2 defensive grade, which was the best in Minnesota's secondary.
Sep 3, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Zack Harden (4) celebrates during the second half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Hailing from Covington, Georgia, Harden was heavily pursued as a high school prospect. He was just a three-star recruit, but he held notable top offers from programs such as Auburn, USC, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and many more. He was the Gophers' 11th-highest-rated signee in their 22-player class in the 2025 cycle, according to the 247Sports Composite, and he has hit the ground running.
Minnesota has had a long history of producing elite safety talent since P.J. Fleck arrived at the school in 2017. Antoine Winfield Jr., Tyler Nubin, Jordan Howden and Koi Perich have all produced at an elite level. Brown has established himself, but Harden has all the traits to be the next star at the position.
#safety #minnesota #brown
Harden started at safety alongside Kerry Brown. He played 12 snaps at strong safety, six at slot cornerback and nine at free safety. He produced with four total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave him a 79.2 defensive grade, which was the best in Minnesota's secondary.
Sep 3, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Zack Harden (4) celebrates during the second half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Hailing from Covington, Georgia, Harden was heavily pursued as a high school prospect. He was just a three-star recruit, but he held notable top offers from programs such as Auburn, USC, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and many more. He was the Gophers' 11th-highest-rated signee in their 22-player class in the 2025 cycle, according to the 247Sports Composite, and he has hit the ground running.
Minnesota has had a long history of producing elite safety talent since P.J. Fleck arrived at the school in 2017. Antoine Winfield Jr., Tyler Nubin, Jordan Howden and Koi Perich have all produced at an elite level. Brown has established himself, but Harden has all the traits to be the next star at the position.
#safety #minnesota #brown
2 months ago
The Indiana Fever have punched their ticket to the playoffs but have also lost two straight after winning five in a row.
They finish a five-game road trip at the Chicago Sky on Sunday at Winfield Arena (7 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock).
Indiana guard Kelsey Mitchell had her 22nd consecutive game with 20 or more points in a loss to the Liberty on Saturday. She is averaging 24.6 points a game. Caitlin Clark is adding 21.7 points and 8.7 ******* ists and Aliyah Boston 16.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
Chicago has won three straight and is still alive in the postseason race. Kamilla Cardoso is averaging 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds to lead the Sky. Undrafted rookie Sydney Taylor adds 14.5 points a game.
The Fever and Sky have played twice this season. Indiana won both, including a 90-86 victory on Aug. 8.
#fever #Chicago #straight
They finish a five-game road trip at the Chicago Sky on Sunday at Winfield Arena (7 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock).
Indiana guard Kelsey Mitchell had her 22nd consecutive game with 20 or more points in a loss to the Liberty on Saturday. She is averaging 24.6 points a game. Caitlin Clark is adding 21.7 points and 8.7 ******* ists and Aliyah Boston 16.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
Chicago has won three straight and is still alive in the postseason race. Kamilla Cardoso is averaging 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds to lead the Sky. Undrafted rookie Sydney Taylor adds 14.5 points a game.
The Fever and Sky have played twice this season. Indiana won both, including a 90-86 victory on Aug. 8.
#fever #Chicago #straight
3 months ago
Antoine Winfield Jr. may not have revealed much, but what he did say could be one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense entering the 2026 season.
When asked about the defense during training camp, Winfield smiled before saying he "might be involved in some of the scheme changes," adding that he couldn't say much because he didn't want to give anything away. It wasn't a lengthy answer, but it was enough to spark curiosity about what Todd Bowles could have in store for one of the NFL's most versatile defensive playmakers.
During his All-Pro campaign, Winfield was everywhere. He blitzed off the edge, lined up in the slot, played deep safety, defended the run, and forced turnovers at an elite rate. His unique versatility made him nearly impossible for opposing offenses to account for, as Bowles constantly moved him around the formation to create confusion before the snap.
Last season, however, Winfield wasn't quite the same game-changing presence. Whether it was injuries, opposing offenses adjusting, or simply the way he was deployed, the splash plays that had become synonymous with his game weren't as frequent. For Tampa Bay's defense to return to elite status, getting Winfield back to that All-Pro level has to be one of the coaching staff's biggest priorities.
His comments suggest Bowles may have found new ways to maximize his skill set. That could mean more opportunities to blitz, more snaps closer to the line of scrimmage, or even a hybrid role that allows him to disguise coverages before rotating into different responsibilities after the snap. Bowles has long been known for his creativity, and no player on the roster is better suited to execute those concepts than Winfield.
#winfield #opposing
When asked about the defense during training camp, Winfield smiled before saying he "might be involved in some of the scheme changes," adding that he couldn't say much because he didn't want to give anything away. It wasn't a lengthy answer, but it was enough to spark curiosity about what Todd Bowles could have in store for one of the NFL's most versatile defensive playmakers.
During his All-Pro campaign, Winfield was everywhere. He blitzed off the edge, lined up in the slot, played deep safety, defended the run, and forced turnovers at an elite rate. His unique versatility made him nearly impossible for opposing offenses to account for, as Bowles constantly moved him around the formation to create confusion before the snap.
Last season, however, Winfield wasn't quite the same game-changing presence. Whether it was injuries, opposing offenses adjusting, or simply the way he was deployed, the splash plays that had become synonymous with his game weren't as frequent. For Tampa Bay's defense to return to elite status, getting Winfield back to that All-Pro level has to be one of the coaching staff's biggest priorities.
His comments suggest Bowles may have found new ways to maximize his skill set. That could mean more opportunities to blitz, more snaps closer to the line of scrimmage, or even a hybrid role that allows him to disguise coverages before rotating into different responsibilities after the snap. Bowles has long been known for his creativity, and no player on the roster is better suited to execute those concepts than Winfield.
#winfield #opposing
3 months ago
Whenever you are a successful general manager in the NFL, that means your roster management is among the best. Within that is free agency, trades, and, of course, the NFL Draft. For the Bucs under the leadership of Jason Licht, that last part has not always been a bright spot in their process.
However, in recent years, the draft has been very kind to the Bucs. They have been able to draft foundational pieces such as Antoine Winfield Jr., Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, and Zyon McCollum. With drafting well comes the need to be able to pay all of those players.
That was the topic of conversation on the latest episode of Inside Football. Host and former general manager of the Arizona Cardinals, Steve Keim, was on with Licht, and he discussed how hard it is to draft well and keep everyone.
"The negative side of having some great drafts is you can't pay everybody. . .Keeping the gang together is probably my biggest stresser."
The Bucs have several notable contracts expiring this upcoming season, the biggest being quarterback Baker Mayfield. But of all those players we mentioned above, they have all been extended over the past couple of seasons.
#draft #bucs
However, in recent years, the draft has been very kind to the Bucs. They have been able to draft foundational pieces such as Antoine Winfield Jr., Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, and Zyon McCollum. With drafting well comes the need to be able to pay all of those players.
That was the topic of conversation on the latest episode of Inside Football. Host and former general manager of the Arizona Cardinals, Steve Keim, was on with Licht, and he discussed how hard it is to draft well and keep everyone.
"The negative side of having some great drafts is you can't pay everybody. . .Keeping the gang together is probably my biggest stresser."
The Bucs have several notable contracts expiring this upcoming season, the biggest being quarterback Baker Mayfield. But of all those players we mentioned above, they have all been extended over the past couple of seasons.
#draft #bucs
4 months ago
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew this offseason would mark the end of an era. Franchise icons Mike Evans and Lavonte David both moved on, leaving behind massive holes in the locker room and on the field after serving as the faces of the organization for more than a decade. While many expected the departures to send Tampa Bay tumbling down the NFC South standings, one national outlet believes the Buccaneers are far from the division's weakest team.
Bleacher Report recently predicted the last-place finisher in every NFL division entering the 2026 season, and the Buccaneers weren't the team selected in the NFC South. Instead, the Atlanta Falcons were projected to finish at the bottom of the division, signaling confidence that Tampa Bay has enough talent to remain competitive despite losing two franchise legends.
General manager Jason Licht has spent the past several seasons building a roster capable of sustaining success instead of entering a lengthy rebuild whenever veteran stars depart. That approach will be tested this season, but the foundation remains in place. Baker Mayfield is coming off another productive yet turbulent-at-times season and still has one of the league's better offensive lines protecting him, led by All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs. On the outside, second-year receiver Emeka Egbuka is expected to take on a much larger role following Mike Evans' departure, while Chris Godwin Jr provides a proven veteran presence in the receiving corps.
Defensively, Todd Bowles still has plenty of talent to work with. Vita Vea remains one of the NFL's premier defensive tackles, Antoine Winfield Jr. continues to anchor the secondary, and the additions of Alex Anzalone and first-round edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. should help soften the loss of Lavonte David while adding more playmaking ability to the front seven. There are certainly questions surrounding the Buccaneers as they enter a new chapter without two of the greatest players in franchise history. Replacing Evans' production and David's leadership won't happen overnight.
However, Tampa Bay's roster still features enough proven veterans and ascending young talent to compete in the NFC South. If Bleacher Report's projection is any indication, the Buccaneers may be transitioning into a new era, but that doesn't mean they're headed for the bottom of the division.
Bleacher Report recently predicted the last-place finisher in every NFL division entering the 2026 season, and the Buccaneers weren't the team selected in the NFC South. Instead, the Atlanta Falcons were projected to finish at the bottom of the division, signaling confidence that Tampa Bay has enough talent to remain competitive despite losing two franchise legends.
General manager Jason Licht has spent the past several seasons building a roster capable of sustaining success instead of entering a lengthy rebuild whenever veteran stars depart. That approach will be tested this season, but the foundation remains in place. Baker Mayfield is coming off another productive yet turbulent-at-times season and still has one of the league's better offensive lines protecting him, led by All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs. On the outside, second-year receiver Emeka Egbuka is expected to take on a much larger role following Mike Evans' departure, while Chris Godwin Jr provides a proven veteran presence in the receiving corps.
Defensively, Todd Bowles still has plenty of talent to work with. Vita Vea remains one of the NFL's premier defensive tackles, Antoine Winfield Jr. continues to anchor the secondary, and the additions of Alex Anzalone and first-round edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. should help soften the loss of Lavonte David while adding more playmaking ability to the front seven. There are certainly questions surrounding the Buccaneers as they enter a new chapter without two of the greatest players in franchise history. Replacing Evans' production and David's leadership won't happen overnight.
However, Tampa Bay's roster still features enough proven veterans and ascending young talent to compete in the NFC South. If Bleacher Report's projection is any indication, the Buccaneers may be transitioning into a new era, but that doesn't mean they're headed for the bottom of the division.
4 months ago
When the T20 World Cup begins on Friday, it will be the first women's World Cup in the UK since England famously won the 50-over ******* le in 2017.
Everyone remembers the iconic final at a sold-out Lord's - one of the most significant days in the history of the women's game.
But leading up to it there was the dropping of legendary captain Charlotte Edwards, a poor opening-day defeat by India, a tense group stage and a nail-biter of a semi-final against South Africa.
This is the story of England's 2017 World Cup triumph, told by those who were at the centre of it - captain Heather Knight, openers Tammy Beaumont and Lauren Winfield-Hill and bowler Anya Shrubsole.
A shock group-stage exit? T20 World Cup team guide
Everyone remembers the iconic final at a sold-out Lord's - one of the most significant days in the history of the women's game.
But leading up to it there was the dropping of legendary captain Charlotte Edwards, a poor opening-day defeat by India, a tense group stage and a nail-biter of a semi-final against South Africa.
This is the story of England's 2017 World Cup triumph, told by those who were at the centre of it - captain Heather Knight, openers Tammy Beaumont and Lauren Winfield-Hill and bowler Anya Shrubsole.
A shock group-stage exit? T20 World Cup team guide
5 months ago
Harrison Smith was a first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2012 NFL Draft. He has played for this franchise for the last 14 seasons, and it appears as if he is probably never going to play in the NFL again. Smith during the 2025 NFL season with Minnesota recorded 54 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and 10 pass deflections.
Smith is one of the greatest Vikings defensive players over the last 20 seasons and maybe of all-time. There is no doubt that he is going to be a first ballot hall of famer. Smith is also going to wind up in Minnesota’s ring of honor one of these days as well.
Nathan Jahnke of profootballfocus.com listed his all Vikings offensive and defensive teams over the last 20 years. At the safety position, he has Anthony Harris and Smith at the safety positions. This is not a surprise by any means and he said about the Minnesota star safety,
“The secondary is the strength of this defense, led by Harrison Smith and Antoine Winfield. Both have built résumés worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. Minnesota has not enjoyed the same level of success at cornerback, however. Outside of Winfield, Xavier Rhodes and Everson Griffin earned spots largely because of their longevity, narrowly beating out players such as Captain Munnerlyn and Terence Newman.”
Smith was always a game-wrecker on defense week in and week out. He had five or more interceptions four times. Smith recorded 75 or more tackles 11 times. He is no doubt going to be a first ballot hall of famer. This was one of the best defenders that the Vikings have ever had.
Smith is one of the greatest Vikings defensive players over the last 20 seasons and maybe of all-time. There is no doubt that he is going to be a first ballot hall of famer. Smith is also going to wind up in Minnesota’s ring of honor one of these days as well.
Nathan Jahnke of profootballfocus.com listed his all Vikings offensive and defensive teams over the last 20 years. At the safety position, he has Anthony Harris and Smith at the safety positions. This is not a surprise by any means and he said about the Minnesota star safety,
“The secondary is the strength of this defense, led by Harrison Smith and Antoine Winfield. Both have built résumés worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. Minnesota has not enjoyed the same level of success at cornerback, however. Outside of Winfield, Xavier Rhodes and Everson Griffin earned spots largely because of their longevity, narrowly beating out players such as Captain Munnerlyn and Terence Newman.”
Smith was always a game-wrecker on defense week in and week out. He had five or more interceptions four times. Smith recorded 75 or more tackles 11 times. He is no doubt going to be a first ballot hall of famer. This was one of the best defenders that the Vikings have ever had.
1 yr. ago
Holy ****** , I didn’t even see Winfield. That’s nuts. Feels like A.I. maybe generated the list and combined Anthony Winfield Jr. & Sr. into the same player. How are 4 HOFers left off this list?
