AI-assisted summary
• South Florida’s undefeated start to the 2025 season ended with a loss to Miami.
• Despite the defeat, South Florida’s playoff hopes are still alive.
• Its chances are alive, but South Florida still faces a challenging conference schedule.

The magic carpet South Florida rode for the first two weeks of the 2025 season entered the turbulent winds of a hurricane and did not make it out.

In an in-state matchup of ranked opponents, it was all Miami as it overwhelmed the Bulls in a convincing 49-12 victory to reign supreme in the Sunshine State.

After beating Boise State and Florida, a win over the No. 6 team in the country would’ve solidified the Bulls as a team of destiny. At 3-0, not only would they be a College Football Playoff favorite, but it wouldn’t be ridiculous to say they could make some noise in the postseason.

Instead, the Hurricanes marched into the end zone on their opening drive and never looked back, while the defense made life miserable for Byrum Brown and company.

It’s a deflating defeat. But did it ruin South Florida’s season? 

Not even close. 

What’s great about a 12-team playoff is the pressure is taken off the Group of Five teams to stay perfect in order to sit at the table. While the overall competition isn’t as tough as the Big Ten or SEC, it wasn’t fair the underdogs had no wiggle room to prove they deserve a shot.

In this era as a Group of Five team, South Florida has to do two things to ensure itself a spot in the playoff field.

1. Be the highest-ranked Group of Five team
2. Win its conference championship

The Bulls have arguably one of the best resumes of the early season. Two ranked victories and a loss to a Top 10 team, which shouldn’t be penalized as much as it used to be. The College Football Playoff selection committee changed how it views strength of schedule – teams won’t be severely punished for losing to high-quality opponents.

South Florida already positioned itself as the top-ranked Group of Five team in the US LBM Coaches Poll coming into Week 3. Even with the blowout loss, it can assume it will still be in that category when the new poll is released on Sept. 14.

Step one is already in motion. The Bulls have positioned themselves well for when the first College Football Playoff rankings drop on Nov. 14.

It’ll be easy to compare USF’s path to a playoff spot to Boise State last season. The Broncos lost on the road by three points to eventual No. 1 seed Oregon in Week 2 before they ran the Mountain West by winning 10 games in a row. 

The Bulls could do the same in the American and win the conference at 12-1 to undoubtedly secure their spot. The chances of making the College Football Playoff are still well within their grasp – it’s just not an easy road there.

Boise State was clearly the top dog in the conference in 2024. South Florida can’t say the same, because it isn’t the only team in the American capable of making the playoffs.

And it’s not hard to tell who the favorites are in what suddenly has become an intriguing league in the College Football Playoff race.

Last year’s runner-up, Tulane, remains loaded, with former Brigham Young quarterback Jake Retzlaff picking up his momentum from last season. The Green Wave opened the season with a convincing win over Northwestern and headed into another showdown with a Power 4 team in Duke.

There’s also Navy, coming off its first 10-win season since 2019 and with Blake Horvath back under center. You also can’t forget Memphis, winners of 11 games in 2024; Ryan Silverfield has reloaded for 2025.

South Florida will have to play at Memphis on Oct. 25 and at Navy on Nov. 15. Both teams it lost to last season, and ones it could play again in the American championship game.

Can South Florida afford to lose another game? Hard to say, but with a conference championship in hand, it should get in the playoff.

The Bulls may be the best story in college football and the people’s vote to make the 12-team playoff. They’ve proven through marquee wins they can qualify for it, bringing hope not seen since 2007, when Matt Grothe and Mike Ford propelled USF to No. 2 in the initial reveal of the BCS rankings.

But in that remembrance comes a lesson. That team started 6-0 before it lost its next three games and took itself not just out of the national title picture, but the BCS as well.

The season is far from over. The Bulls have nine games left, but in the American, there are teams ready to end the dream in Tampa and thrust themselves into the CFP conversation. 

If South Florida wants to reach unprecedented heights and honor that team of destiny from 18 years ago, it can’t let the loss to Miami derail its season; it’s got to finish the job, and prove this isn’t the same old South Florida.

Christopher Bell made it a clean sweep for Joe Gibbs Racing in the first three races of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

Bell surged to victory Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway, taking the checkered flag after a blistering restart with four laps remaining in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. Bell joined teammates Chase Briscoe, who won the playoff opener at Darlington Raceway, and Denny Hamlin, who won last weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway, in the Round of 12 of the NASCAR playoffs.

Bell took the lead in Turn 2 of the restart from Carson Hocevar and held off a hard charge from RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski on the final lap to earn his first career victory at Bristol and his fourth of the 2025 season. Bell edged Keselowski by 0.343 seconds.

“We just know that any week, any given week, it could be us, and it hadn’t been us for a long time,’ Bell said of his victory Saturday night. ‘But Bristol, baby, tonight it’s us!”

Zane Smith finished third, Ryan Blaney fourth and Joey Logano fifth. Corey Heim, Hocevar, Alex Bowman, Briscoe and Ty Gibbs rounded out the Top 10.

The race concluded the first round of the playoffs and ended the championship hopes of four drivers. Bowman, Austin Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, and Josh Berry were eliminated from the playoffs with the lowest points after three races.

The second round, which begins next Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, features 12 drivers still alive in the championship hunt: Bell, Hamlin, Briscoe, Blaney, Logano, Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, William Byron, Tyler Reddick, Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain and Austin Cindric.

The Round of 12 then moves to Kansas Speedway on Sept. 28 before concluding with an elimination race on the Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 5.

NASCAR playoff standings entering Round of 12

Here are the updated NASCAR Cup Series playoff standings following Saturday night’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway as the field was trimmed from 16 to 12 drivers. Four more drivers will be eliminated from championship contention in three weeks at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

1. Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing … +26
2. William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports … +24
3. Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports … +24
4. Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing … +20
5. Ryan Blaney, Team Penske … +19
6. Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing … +10
7. Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports … +5
8. Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing … +1
9. Austin Cindric, Team Penske … -1
10. Joey Logano, Team Penske … -2
11. Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing … -2
12. Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing … -3

Christopher Bell wins NASCAR playoff race at Bristol

Christopher Bell took the lead on a restart with four laps remaining in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway and held off Brad Keselowski for the checkered flag. With the win, Bell automatically advanced to the Round of 12 of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

Four drivers eliminated from NASCAR playoffs

Austin Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, Alex Bowman and Josh Berry were eliminated from championship contention following Saturday night’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, which trimmed the playoff field from 16 to 12 drivers.

Bubba Wallace crashes with 12 laps to go

Bubba Wallace hit the wall in Turn 3 while running in 22nd position on Lap 482 to bring out the caution. Brad Keselowski led a handful of cars down pit road for tires, while Carson Hocevar, Zane Smith and playoff driver Alex Bowman stayed out ahead of shootout to the finish.

Brad Keselowski takes the lead on Lap 450

Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion took the lead in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race with 50 laps remaining at Bristol Motor Speedway. Carson Hocevar runs second, Zane Smieth third, Alex Bowman fourth and John Hunter Nemechek.

Two more playoff drivers clinch berths in Round of 12

William Byron and Tyler Reddick secured enough points to guarantee advancement to the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. They join Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney in the Round of 12. Five more berths remain.

Denny Hamlin loses right front wheel, crashes

Denny Hamlin brought on the caution on Lap 384. Hamlin was battling with pole winner AJ Allmendinger for the 20th position when he appeared to lose his right front wheel one second before making contact with Allmendinger entering Turn 3. Both cars hit the wall and suffered major damage.

Hamlin also received a two-lap penalty for losing the right front wheel. Hamlin won the second playoff race last weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway to secure a spot in the Round of 12.

NASCAR Bristol race: Lap 364 update

Kyle Larson slowed on the track and spun into the inside wall between Turn 1 and Turn 2 after suffering a broken toe link following contact with Daniel Suarez while both battled for 25th. Larson has already clinched a berth in the second round of the playoffs.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. spins, brings out caution

Rickey Stenhouse Jr. spun in Turn 1 after contact from Bubba Wallace on Lap 354 of 500 of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race to bring out the caution flag at Bristol Motor Speedway. Stenhouse was running in the 20th position, while Wallace was seeking to get to pit road before the contact.

During the caution, most of the leaders came down pit road for fuel and tires, though some teams replaced all four tires, while others opted to spend less time on service and just take two tires.

Denny Hamlin stayed out while other drivers pitted. He restarted on the front row alongside Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe, who promptly took the lead from Hamlin.

Playoff driver Chase Elliott crashes out of Bristol race

Chase Elliott slammed into the outside wall head on in Turn 3 after John Hunter Nemechek made contact with the back of the No. 9 Hendrick Chevrolet on Lap 311. Elliott was running 10th at the time and was trying to squeeze into the bottom lane in front of Nemechek, who said he got rear-end contact from Denny Hamlin.

Elliott’s crew pushed the No. 9 Chevy behind the wall to try to repair the major damage but to no avail. Elliott was forced out of the race, and currently sits as the 12th and final driver positioned to make the second round of the playoffs … pending the final 180 laps of the race. Elliott currently leads teammate Alex Bowman by 23 points and Austin Dillon by 24 points in the playoff standings.

NASCAR Bristol Night Race Lap 300 update

Chase Briscoe leads the field on a restart with 200 laps remaining after a spin by Noah Gragson. Chris Buescher runs second, Bubba Wallace third, Ryan Blaney fourth and Christopher Bell fifth. All but Buescher are playoff drivers; Briscoe, Wallace and Blaney have already clinched spots in the second round of the playoffs.

Ryan Blaney clinches berth in second round of playoffs

Ryan Blaney, who won the opening stage of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway and finished second in Stage 2, became the fifth driver to advance to the Round of 12 of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Seven spots remain open, while four drivers will be eliminated at the end of the race.

Ty Gibbs wins Stage 2 of NASCAR Bristol Night Race

Ty Gibbs, who has led a race-high 163 laps, outdueled Ryan Blaney to the start-finish line to win Stage 2 of the Brass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Blaney edged Gibbs to win the opening segment.

Alex Bowman finished third, Brad Keselowski fourth and Carson Hocevar fifth. Austin Cindric, Chris Buescher, Bubba Wallace, Zane Smith and Denny Hamlin rounded out the Top 10.

Daytona 500 winner William Byron, who had gone a lap down in the closing laps of Stage 2, received the wave-around to get back on the lead lap. Byron was running 19th, leaving half the field at least one lap down.

Shane van Gisbergen spins, bring out caution

Shane van Gisbergen spun out in Turn 3 from 33rd position with 12 laps remaining in the second stage to bring out the caution. All lead lap cars except Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who was running in the seventh position, made their way to pit road for fuel and tires. Ty Gibbs emerged as the leader after pit stops, followed by Alex Bowman and Brad Keselowski.

With his spin, van Gisbergen put himself in a must-win position to advance to the next round of the playoffs.

NASCAR Bristol Night Race: Lap 180 update

Ty Gibbs continues to lead the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol with 70 laps remaining in the second stage. Gibbs has led more than 120 laps in the race so far. Carson Hocevar has powered into the second position followed by playoff drivers Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace. Jon Hunter Nemechek runs fifth, and playoff driver Alex Bowman has rebounded from an early spin to drive up to the sixth position.

Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace advance in NASCAR playoffs

With their finishes in the opening stage of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, and Bubba Wallace have officially clinched berths in the Round of 12 of the playoffs.

Wallace finished fourth in Stage 1, while Kyle Larson finished 24th. But Larson had built up enough points in the first two races of the first round to secure advancement on points along with Wallace.

Larson and Wallace join Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin, who had already advanced to the Round of 12 after winning the first two races of the first round.

Ryan Blaney wins Stage 1 of NASCAR Bristol Night Race

Ryan Blaney passed Ty Gibbs on the penultimate lap of the 125-lap opening stage then held off the Joe Gibbs Racing driver in a side-by-side battle to the finish line to win Stage 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, collected 10 stage points and a valuable playoff point he can carry into the second round.

William Byron finished third, Bubba Wallace fourth and Zane Smith fifth. Chris Buescher, AJ Allmendinger, Brad Keselowski, John Hunter Nemechek and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. rounded out the Top 10.

Caution flag waves as Josh Berry’s car catches fire

Smoke filled up the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford of Josh Berry as he came down pit road. Berry’s car began to catch fire while he was still out on the track. As he maneuvered his vehicle down pit road, he radioed his crew that he could not see as smoke began to engulf the interior.

Berry was able to vacate his car under his own power as safety officials quickly put out the fire, and the caution flag waved on Lap 80. But Berry’s championship hopes came to an end with his race over early. Berry entered tonight’s race 16th in the playoff standings and needed a great race to advance to the next round.

Ryan Blaney last of playoff drivers to hit pit road

Ryan Blaney found a way to preserve his tires long after every other driver came down pit road under green. The Team Penske driver was the last playoff driver to change tires and may have to make only one more stop in Stage 1, while most of the field will likely have to make two stops before the segment ends.

Joey Logano goes a lap down early at Bristol

Race leader Ryan Blaney put is Team Penske teammate Joey Logano a lap down in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race after just 30 laps as Logano, the reigning series champion has struggled early.

Meanwhile, tire issues are plaguing multiple drivers with quite a few having to hit pit road early to replace tires. That includes playoff drivers Bubba Wallace, Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick.

Green flag waves in NASCAR Bristol Night Race

Pole sitter AJ Allmendinger leads the field, and NASCAR Cup Series drivers have taken the green flag in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The opening stage is 125 laps.

NASCAR playoff eliminations begin at Bristol

The 16-driver NASCAR Cup Series playoff field will be reduced to 12 tonight at Bristol Motor Speedway. Here are the four drivers below the cut line ahead of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race:

• 13. Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing (-11 points behind 12th)
• 14. Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing (-15)
• 15. Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports (-35)
• 16. Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing (-45)

What time does the NASCAR playoff race at Bristol start?

The Bass Pro Shops Night Race is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee.

What TV channel is the NASCAR playoff race at Bristol on?

The Bass Pro Shops Night Race will be broadcast on USA Network. Pre-race coverage will start at 7 p.m. ET.

Will there be a live stream of the NASCAR Cup race at Bristol?

Yes, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race will be streamed on Peacock and the NBC Sports website.The race can also be streamed on Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Watch NASCAR Cup races on Fubo

AJ Allmendinger on pole for Bristol Night Race

Kaulig Racing driver AJ Allmendinger, widely considered one of NASCAR’s best road-course racers, was the surprise pole winner for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Allmendinger will start first alongside Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series champion.

How many laps is the NASCAR Cup race at Bristol?

The Bass Pro Shops Night Race is 500 laps around the 0.533-mile track for a total of 266.5 miles. The race will have three segments (laps per stage) — Stage 1: 125 laps; Stage 2: 125 laps; Stage 3: 250 laps.

Who won the most recent NASCAR races at Bristol?

Kyle Larson earned his second consecutive win at Bristol Motor Speedway, dominating the day race on April 13, 2025. Larson started third and led 411 of 500 laps before beating Denny Hamlin by 2.250 seconds. Ty Gibbs, Chase Briscoe and Ryan Blaney rounded out the top five.

And one year ago in the 2024 playoff race, Kyle Larson dominated the field again, leading 462 of 500 laps to take the checkered flag. He gapped Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott by more than seven seconds in one of his best drives of the year. Hamlin finished third, followed by Bubba Wallace and Christopher Bell.

NASCAR playoff standings

Here’s how the field stacks up with the gap to leader in parentheses. The bottom four drivers will be eliminated after Bristol.

1. Denny Hamlin
2. Chase Briscoe (-5)
3. Kyle Larson -17)
4. Bubba Wallace -27)
5. Ryan Blaney (-35)
6. William Byron (-38)
7. Tyler Reddick (-40)
8. Christopher Bell (-45)
9. Chase Elliott (-49)
10. Joey Logano (-56)
11. Ross Chastain (-58)
12. Austin Cindric (-66)
13. Austin Dillon (-77)
14. Shane van Gisbergen (-81)
15. Alex Bowman (-101)
16. Josh Berry (-111)

What is the lineup for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race?

(Car number in parentheses)

1. (16) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet
2. (12) Ryan Blaney (P), Ford
3. (2) Austin Cindric (P), Ford
4. (54) Ty Gibbs, Toyota
5. (5) Kyle Larson (P), Chevrolet
6. (11) Denny Hamlin (P), Toyota
7. (24) William Byron (P), Chevrolet
8. (23) Bubba Wallace (P), Toyota
9. (20) Christopher Bell (P), Toyota
10. (21) Josh Berry (P), Ford
11. (47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet
12. (77) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet
13. (1) Ross Chastain (P), Chevrolet
14. (45) Tyler Reddick (P), Toyota
15. (48) Alex Bowman (P), Chevrolet
16. (9) Chase Elliott (P), Chevrolet
17. (7) Justin Haley, Chevrolet
18. (6) Brad Keselowski, Ford
19. (42) John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota
20. (60) Ryan Preece, Ford
21. (17) Chris Buescher, Ford
22. (22) Joey Logano (P), Ford
23. (3) Austin Dillon (P), Chevrolet
24. (38) Zane Smith, Ford
25. (71) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet
26. (41) Cole Custer, Ford
27. (43) Erik Jones, Toyota
28. (88) Shane Van Gisbergen (P), Chevrolet
29. (35) Riley Herbst, Toyota
30. (4) Noah Gragson, Ford
31. (19) Chase Briscoe (P), Toyota
32. (8) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
33. (33) Austin Hill, Chevrolet
34. (51) Cody Ware, Ford
35. (99) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet
36. (34) Todd Gilliland, Ford
37. (10) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet
38. (67) Corey Heim, Toyota
39. (66) Chad Finchum, Ford

Texas A&M football coach Mike Elko was not happy after the Aggies’ allowed a Notre Dame scoring drive in the first quarter.

In fact, Texas A&M’s sideline on the road in Notre Dame, Indiana, might need a replacement chair after he voiced his displeasure to his defense.

While yelling at players on the sideline, Elko picked up a chair and tossed it out of rage. NBC play-by-play commentator Noah Eagle had some fun with the situation after the chair toss was shown on the TV broadcast.

‘That chair, we’re gonna have to check on,’ Eagle said. ‘Because the well-being doesn’t appear to be super high.’

NBC later zoomed in on the thrown chair, which was laying sideways behind the Aggies’ bench.

It’s unclear what made Elko so angry, but star cornerback Dezz Ricks was flagged for a personal foul after shoving Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love into the Fighting Irish bench after Love already ran out of bounds. CJ Carr then made a 47-yard pass to put Notre Dame on Texas A&M’s 4-yard line, setting up the touchdown to finish the drive.

Texas A&M is looking to avoid being swept in its home-and-home series against Notre Dame, as the Aggies fell 23-13 to the eventual national championship runners-up a season ago in College Station, Texas.

Elko is in his second season as Texas A&M’s head coach after serving in the same role at Duke for two seasons from 2022-23. Elko was previously the defensive coordinator for the Aggies from 2018-21, and was the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame for one season in 2017.

Texas A&M fans are hoping Elko’s butt-chewing — and chair throw, for that matter — can ignite the Aggies moving forward.

At the 1:04 mark of the second quarter, Anderson tackled Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon, immediately collapsing on the field and lying prone on the turf. He was tended to by medical staff members for several minutes on the field, with members of both Texas A&M and Notre Dame kneeling in silence as he was tended to.

He eventually was stretchered off the field and gave a thumbs up as he exited the game. NBC’s Kathryn Tappen reported that Texas A&M coach Mike Elko told her that Anderson was taken to Beacon Memorial Hospital, a nearby Level 2 trauma center, in an ambulance for ‘precautionary reasons’ and that Anderson has ‘feeling in all of his limbs.’

Prior to his injury, Anderson was tied as the leading tackler among Texas A&M defenders with four tackles. The 5-foot-10 safety entered Saturday’s top-25 ranked matchup vs. Notre Dame with six total tackles and a quarterback hit in Texas A&M’s first two games of the season.

Here’s the latest on Anderson’s injury:

Bryce Anderson injury update

Anderson sustained an injury in the final minutes of the first half against Notre Dame following a hit on Raridon.

NBC’s broadcast showed Anderson being tended to by members of Texas A&M’s medical staff and medical staff at the stadium. NBC’s Kathryn Tappen reported that Anderson’s pads and jerseys were taken off of him and had a neck brace placed on him.

Anderson gave a thumbs up to those in the stadium as he was taken off the field. Prior to being taken off the field, the entire Aggie team went over to greet him after he was stabilized by the medical staff that tended to him.

Coming out of halftime, Tappen reported that Anderson was taken to a Beacon Memorial Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center that is located two miles away from Notre Dame Stadium, in an ambulance for further evaluation. She added he has ‘feeling in all of his limbs.’

Mike Elko comments on Bryce Anderson’s injury

Following Texas A&M’s thrilling 41-40 win over Notre Dame, Elko told reporters in South Bend that ‘all signs are positive’ regarding his safety ‘at this point.’

‘Still praying for Bryce. At this point, all signs are positive. I don’t think we are done with every diagnostic testing but so far every test that we’ve run through has come back positive,’ Elko said.

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• The Milwaukee Brewers have clinched the first MLB playoff spot of the 2025 season.
• The team earned at least a wild-card spot in the playoffs after the New York Mets’ 3-2 loss to the Texas Rangers
• The Brewers have the best record in the league and lead the NL Central.

The Milwaukee Brewers have clinched the first MLB playoff spot of the 2025 season.

The Brewers have the best record in the league and lead the NL Central. The team earned at least a wild-card spot in the playoffs after the New York Mets’ 3-2 loss to the Texas Rangers on Saturday.

Since 1970, it will be just the 11th time that Milwaukee will appear in the playoffs. The Brewers have reached the postseason six times in the last seven years but haven’t won a series since 2018.

The Brewers had won as many as 11 consecutive games earlier this season.

Brewers’ remaining regular-season games:

• Sept. 14: St. Louis Cardinals
• Sept. 16-18: Los Angeles Angels
• Sept. 19-21: at St. Louis Cardinals
• Sept. 22-24: San Diego Padres
• Sept. 26-28: Cincinnati Reds

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers left the game against Vanderbilt with an injury and is not reportedly not likely to return.

The Gamecocks quarterback went down late in the second quarter of the Saturday, Sept. 13 contest at Williams-Brice Stadium. He took a hit above the shoulders as he was throwing the ball and stayed on the ground as the team training staff attended to him on the field. He walked off alongside trainers and coach Shane Beamer as the Gamecocks trailed 14-7.

Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson was flagged for targeting and was ejected from the game.

LaNorris Sellers injury update

The SEC Network broadcast reported Beamer said Sellers is out for the remainder of the game. Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported Sellers didn’t go into the injury tent after he left the field.

It’s a brutal injury for South Carolina, as Sellers is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC and is a big reason why the Gamecocks are ranked No. 11 and considered a College Football Playoff contender.

Who is South Carolina backup QB?

Stepping in for Sellers is senior Luke Doty. A versatile player, he has played in 41 games in five seasons with South Carolina, with six starts at quarterback and three at receiver. He is 141-for-232 for 1,543 yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions in his career.

AI-assisted summary
• The NFL held a moment of silence for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was slain while giving a speech.
• The gesture drew criticism for honoring a figure known for divisive and controversial rhetoric.
• An NFL spokesperson stated Kirk was honored as a national figure, similar to how the league acknowledges other national tragedies.

It was more like damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

The NFL asked fans at Lambeau Field and viewers of its national showcase on Thursday night to reflect on the slaying of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. On one level, it was an admirable gesture. A day earlier, Kirk was gunned down while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University, a fate that – regardless of where you stand on his political views – no one deserves in a nation that pledges freedom of speech.

Sure, the moment of silence was well-intended.

On another level, though, the NFL fumbled big time. Especially when it comes to the lack of sensitivity for the many Black players (who make up roughly two-thirds of the player population), coaches and staffs with NFL teams and at league headquarters – in addition to others from any race or creed in the NFL universe with values that run polar opposite to what Kirk preached.

Kirk’s platform routinely carried undertones of racism. Or homophobia. Or sexism.

Or outright examples of all the above. And then some.

For the NFL to use its stage to incorporate a moment of silence for a man – not an elected official, mind you – who used divisiveness and stereotypes as fuel for his agenda runs so counter to messages the league often promotes in the name of unity.

Talk about a mixed message. Remember the slogans teams must choose from to be stenciled in the back of the end zones at every NFL stadium: End Racism. Stop Hate. Choose Love. Inspire Change. It Takes All of Us.

What a slippery slope, Roger.

NFL moment of silence: An ‘expression of sympathy,’ or approval of divisive ideology?

“Though I could not have disagreed more adamantly with everything that Charlie Kirk said and proposed, I unequivocally and absolutely agreed with and defended his right to say it and to take the political positions he took based on it!” Dr. Harry Edwards told USA TODAY Sports in an e-mail exchange on Friday. “This is the America we must strive to create, perpetuate and defend – or NOBODY IS SAFE!”

Edwards, the renowned sociologist and San Francisco 49ers consultant, was watching Amazon Prime when the Packers-Commanders pre-game coverage pivoted to the moment of silence that quickly blew up into controversy with instant Internet reaction. His perspective is rich, dating to his intense activism during the 1960s, which included organizing the Olympic Project for Human Rights, which culminated with the iconic black-gloved salutes by track stars John Carlos and Tommie Smith on the medal stand at the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City.

Mindful of several assassinations and violent crimes that defined an era during the ‘60s and early ‘70s, Edwards bowed his head and reflected on Thursday.

“I would hope that the Charlie Kirk ‘moment of silence’ is an expression of empathy and sympathy for his family and a poignant pause in punctuation for what MUST become a transformative event for this society, for this nation and for us as a people,” Edwards said. “If we are not both attentive and determined to change paths, we could find ourselves repeating this sorrowful history.”

Green Bay Packers hold moment of silence for Charlie Kirk

Memo to those who need to know it: Such optimism is sorely needed amid the vitriol that has become routine these days in the political realm and beyond. Yet in reflecting on Kirk, it is difficult, if not impossible, to ignore the rhetoric that defined his rise. That’s why, against a backdrop that includes debate of whether the founder of Turning Point USA is the martyr that supporters portend, it’s not a stretch to think that some may interpret the league’s decision to use its national stage to mourn his death as tacit approval of his ideology.

It was a good thing the moment for Kirk wasn’t connected to the tribute that paid homage to 9/11 victims, which came 20 minutes later. It’s striking, though, to assess the extremes. The 9/11 tragedy unified this nation like nothing else in my lifetime. The politics that Kirk espoused as a close ally to Donald Trump sowed division.

Still, the NFL expressed the proper, apolitical sentiment in honoring Kirk. The PA announcer stated: “The NFL condemns violence in our communities. It will take all of us to stop hate.”

Bourbon Street attack, New York HQ shooting and Charlie Kirk among NFL remembrances

The NFL has traditionally been responsive in honoring victims, including those affected by mass shootings, hurricanes and wildfires, with moments of silence. This calendar year began with the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and the league paid homage to victims in the immediate aftermath and weeks later at Super Bowl 59. There were also tributes to victims from aviation crashes in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia in January. And as the preseason kicked off, there was a moment of silence before the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in August for victims of the mass shootings at 345 Park Avenue, the Manhattan skyscraper that houses NFL headquarters and other companies.

Why the moment for Kirk? This was the same man who once declared himself through with the NFL several years ago, over the Colin Kaepernick-inspired national anthem protests. 

“He was a national figure,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told USA TODAY Sports. “The murder took place about 24 hours before the game.

“There have been a variety of moments of silence and tributes in-stadium and on-air in all games or a game immediately following events that rise to a national level. Clubs also often hold moments following a tragic event that affects their community.”

McCarthy was also certain to point out that “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the Black National Anthem, has been performed at NFL events since the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police in 2020.

The call to hold the moment of silence on Thursday, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in attendance at Lambeau Field, was a league decision. It seemed to flow with its perceived capitulation to Trump, as it theoretically tries to reduce the chances of becoming the type of target it became during the President’s first term. McCarthy was unsure what will transpire for the 13 games on Sunday. He said the decisions will be left to the teams.

In other words, stay tuned. There’s potential for more controversy for the league that means so much to so many. To Blacks and Whites. Democrats and Republicans. Liberals and Conservatives. Immigrants and Native Americans. Women and Men. Fantasy Football Aficionados and Football Purists.

It takes all of us? That’s a message easier said than done. In more ways than one.

On Bluesky: jarrettbell.bsky.social

A scary moment happened in Arkansas vs. Mississippi after a Razorback cornerback Kani Walker had to be carted off the field.

The incident happened on the first play of the fourth quarter at Vaught Hemingway Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13. Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss found Deuce Alexander for a 35-yard strike to get into Arkansas territory.

However, Kani Walker took an inadvertent knee to the back of the helmet and stayed down on the field. Team personnel attended to Walker for several minutes as it appeared to be a serious injury. The mood was somber as players from both teams looked on while EMS workers also came onto the field and removed Walker’s helmet.

A cart came on the field and Walker was later loaded onto a stretcher. Once on it, the Arkansas team huddled around their hurt teammate as he was taken off to a round of applause from the crowd.

Walker gave the thumbs up as he was taken off the field.

The ESPN broadcast reported Walker was being transported to a local hospital out of precaution and that he was moving his extremities.

Walker is in his first year with Arkansas after transferring from Oklahoma. He has recorded seven tackles and three passes defended in the first two games of the season.

A lot of buzz and expectations surrounded Texas football entering the 2025 college football season, with Arch Manning taking over the reins of the Longhorns’ offense as a full-time starter for the first time in his career.

Three weeks into the season, Manning and the Longhorns offense haven’t exactly risen to meet those expectations.

Those struggles appear to have turned into frustration for Longhorn fans, as they booed the team as they headed into halftime at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13. The Longhorns held only a 14-3 lead over UTEP. Curiously, the Miners are quarterbacked by Malachi Nelson, another 5-star quarterback from Manning’s recruiting class.

Despite scoring two rushing touchdowns in the first half, Manning continued to struggle operating and moving the Longhorns offense, as he completed 5 of 16 passes for 69 yards and an interception. He finished the first half with 10 consecutive incompletions.

The Longhorns created just 187 total yards of offense in the first half, with 118 of those coming on the ground. Texas went 1 for 9 on third-down conversions in the first half as well. The Manning-led offense entered the day converting only seven for 26 third-down attempts (26.9%) ranking 119th among all Division I FBS programs.

Heading into the UTEP game, Sarkisian downplayed rumors that surfaced following Texas’ win over San Jose State that Manning has been playing injured to begin the season. In Texas’ win on Sept. 6, ESPN’s cameras caught Manning grimacing during a side-arm pass. Sarkisian said his quarterback ‘doesn’t have any’ injuries.

Texas led UTEP 17-3 at the end of the third quarter. Should the Longhorns hold onto their lead for the win, they will move to 2-1 on the season going into their Week 4 game against Sam Houston on Saturday, Sept. 20.

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Bob Goodenow, who led the NHL Players’ Association through big gains and contentious negotiations, has died at 72, the NHLPA announced on Sept. 13.

No cause of death was given, but the union called it a ‘sudden passing.’

‘The modern NHLPA, and the work it has done to improve the quality of life for thousands of players past and present, is a direct result of the foundation that Bob Goodenow built. His impact on the game of hockey is lasting and profound,’ the union said in a statement.

Goodenow played at Harvard University, for Team USA and in the International Hockey League. He was a player agent before he joined the NHLPA in 1990 as deputy executive director. He became executive director in 1992, succeeding the controversial Alan Eagleson.

The NHL went through a strike in 1992 and lockouts in 1994-95 and 2004-05 during Goodenow’s tenure. The 2004-05 lockout led to a canceled season as players and the NHL clashed over the league’s desire for a salary cap.

Players eventually accepted a salary cap as the league resumed play in 2005-06. Goodenow stepped aside in 2005 and was replaced by Ted Saskin.

Goodenow and the league also reached agreements to have NHL players take part in the Olympics.

‘During his tenure, Bob was relentless in the fight for players’ rights. He negotiated landmark gains in salary, free agency, pension and health benefits, and he led the players in taking control of their name, image and likeness rights in 1992,’ the NHLPA said in a statement. ‘He also helped to establish pioneering programs, such as player salary disclosure, the second medical opinion program for players, the agent certification program, and he worked with the NHL to implement the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program for players and their families.

‘Bob brought players into the modern business era of the game, building robust licensing and sponsorship programs at the NHLPA, investing in technology and education, and ensuring that players had a voice in shaping the future of the game. To deliver in these areas, and others, Bob took the NHLPA’s professional staff from only three people to more than 50 employees by the end of his tenure. Under Bob’s leadership, the Players’ Association and the league jointly launched the World Cup of Hockey in 1996 and brought NHL players to the Olympic Games for the first time in 1998 in Nagano, followed by Salt Lake City in 2002.’

“Bob was a skilled attorney and tenacious advocate for the players he represented as an agent and as the head of the Players’ Association,’ Bettman said in a statement. ‘We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Wendy, their three children, Joe, Katharine and Kerry, and his many friends and admirers throughout hockey.”