Can Doc Erase his Postseason Struggles?
In a recent development, the Milwaukee Bucks have made a significant coaching move, agreeing to a lucrative $40 million contract with seasoned coach Doc Rivers that will extend through the 2026-27 NBA season. This decision comes amidst a competitive season where the Bucks currently hold the second seed in the Eastern Conference standings, boasting a record of 31 wins and 13 losses under former head coach Adrian Griffin. Doc Rivers, a coaching veteran with an impressive twenty-four seasons of experience in the league, brings a wealth of knowledge and a winning pedigree to the Bucks.
Photo Cred: Boston.com
Despite facing a dismissal from the head coach position with the Philadelphia 76ers in May of 2023, Rivers has a remarkable track record of consecutive winning titles in the NBA. The timing of this coaching transition in the middle of the season suggests a carefully considered decision by the Milwaukee Bucks organization. It appears to be a strategic move to capitalize on the momentum the team has built and elevate their performance with the guidance of a more experienced head coach.
Sources indicate that there were challenges within the team under the leadership of former head coach Adrian Griffin, with players reportedly expressing disagreements with his coaching style and decision-making. The appointment of Doc Rivers, known for his leadership and ability to connect with players, aims to address these concerns and provide the team with a seasoned leader.
The decision to bring in Doc Rivers signals the start of a new era for the Milwaukee Bucks, and it’s clear that the organization has carefully weighed the pros and cons of this coaching change. With a focus on building upon their recent success, the Bucks aim to secure another NBA title under the guidance of Rivers. This coaching transition also places added pressure on key figures within the team, particularly star player Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Photo Cred: CBS Sports
As the leading superstar, Giannis is expected to play a pivotal role in adapting to the coaching change and ensuring a smooth transition for the team. The Bucks, bolstered by the addition of Damian Lillard, face a challenging path ahead with formidable opponents such as the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers in the current season. The hope is that Doc Rivers can seamlessly integrate with the team, fostering a positive response and steering the Bucks towards another championship victory in Milwaukee.
Turnovers and Foul Trouble Lead to Another Loss for Missouri
Missouri suffered its sixth straight loss on Tuesday, falling 63-57 to Texas A&M at Reed Arena in College Station, Texas. The Tigers faced challenges in ball control and could not avoid fouls throughout the first meeting between the two programs this season.
Too Many Turnovers
Dennis Gates’ team turned the ball over 15 times in the contest, which is the highest in SEC play so far for MU. The Aggies capitalized by scoring 21 points off those turnovers.
In the first half alone, the Tigers turned the ball over 10 times. Forward Jesus Carralero Martin made a bad pass just a minute and a half into the game. Tamar Bates, who finished with two turnovers, also had an off-target pass when Mizzou held a 13-6 lead with 13:49 remaining in the first half.Â
Martin was responsible for two more turnovers within a few minutes from each other. A&M forward Henry Coleman III intercepted his pass, which led to a fast-break three-pointer from Wade Taylor IV. This reduced Missouri’s lead to 13-12 with 10:40 left in the half. With 9:25 remaining, Eli Lawrence stole the ball from another poor Martin pass, giving the forward his third turnover of the night.
Photo Cred: YouTube- Texas A&M Athletics
Bates’ second turnover of the game resulted in a charging call. Five seconds later, Taylor sank his second three-pointer of the night to extend the Aggies’ lead to 22-15 with 5:28 remaining in the first half.Â
MU also experienced shot clock violations on back-to-back offensive possessions towards the end of the first half. Nick Honor believed he scored from beyond the arc, but the basket was reversed as he did not release the ball before the shot clock expired. A&M guard Hayden Hefner increased Missouri’s deficit to 25-15 with 4:28 left by hitting a three-pointer. The Tigers were unable to make a shot in time on the following possession heading into the media timeout.
Sean East II had a very costly turnover with 13 minutes remaining in the game, losing the ball when Missouri was up 39-38 after scoring five consecutive points. The momentum shifted the other way, as Texas A&M then went on a 7-0 run.
Honor had another significant turnover for the Tigers. His pass went out of bounds when Mizzou trailed 58-53 with 1:19 remaining, giving the ball right back to the Aggies. Martin (five) and East (four) had the most turnovers in this game for the Tigers.
Foul Trouble Was an Issue as Well
MU drew 26 fouls during the matchup. Bates, Honor, East, Jordan Butler, and Noah Carter each had four fouls.
Bates, who finished the contest with 16 points, had three fouls in the first half. In addition to his charging call, the former Indiana Hoosier committed two defensive fouls. After picking up his fourth foul with 16:23 remaining in the game, he was substituted out.
Photo Cred: TexAgs
Carter was also whistled for three fouls in the first 20 minutes, including two in a 14-second stretch. Carter fouled Coleman as he was going up for a layup on a fast break. He also had a personal foul on Solomon Washington after East’s pass was stolen with 11:42 remaining in the first half. The Northern Iowa transfer was also forced to be subbed out with a little over six minutes remaining in the half after a shooting foul. Gates had to sub Carter out again with 13:03 remaining in the game due to a fourth foul call against him.Â
Butler had two shooting fouls within a minute of each other early in the game. Gates and his staff took the freshman out after he picked up his second foul just five and a half minutes into the contest.
Taking advantage of the errors, A&M attempted 37 free throws throughout the game. Buzz Williams’ team successfully made 27 of 37 (73%) from the charity stripe, leading to the Tigers’ 11th loss of the season.
Jim Harbaugh Departure Impacts the NFL and the Big 10.
In a significant turn of events on January 24th, 2025, the Los Angeles Chargers revealed a groundbreaking agreement with Jim Harbaugh, the highly accomplished head coach of the Michigan Wolverines football team. Harbaugh, fresh off his inaugural National Championship victory with Michigan, will return to the NFL after an almost decade-long hiatus. Harbaugh’s comeback to the professional league follows his successful stint as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, during which he achieved notable success, including a Super Bowl appearance, three playoff berths, and an AP Coach of the Year award.
Photo Cred: NBC
The decision to bring Harbaugh comes in the wake of a disappointing season for the Chargers, culminating in a 5-12 record and the mid-season dismissal of coach Brandon Staley. Staley’s tenure witnessed defensive struggles for the Chargers, ranking 2nd to last in total passing yards allowed and 28th in yards per attempt in passing. Addressing these defensive shortcomings will be one of Harbaugh’s primary objectives.
His success in leading a formidable defensive unit at Michigan, with his proven track record in the NFL, positions him as a pivotal figure in the Chargers’ quest to fortify their defense.
Harbaugh inherities a promising roster featuring franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, whose season was curtailed by finger surgery. The Chargers also face a challenging offseason with key players such as Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, and Khalil Mack entering free agency. Harbaugh’s knows the NFL grind as we was a former QB for the Chargers.
Photo Cred: Chargers
Rebuilding the Chargers’ roster is undoubtedly a formidable task, but with Harbaugh’s history of success and expertise in roster development, optimism prevails among Charger faithful. Once regarded among the NFL’s elite, looks to Harbaugh to guide them back to contention, instilling confidence in fans that positive changes are imminent. The departure of Harbaugh from the college football scene also has implications for the Big Ten, potentially shifting the power dynamics back towards Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes, having faced Harbaugh’s Wolverines in recent seasons, now anticipate a resurgence with the departure of this formidable adversary.
As the Chargers bid farewell to a coach known for audacious decisions, such as going for it on fourth-and-17 from his own 23 in the first quarter, the team anticipates a positive transformation. The move positions the Chargers as legitimate contenders for the AFC West throne, long dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs since 2016. The imminent arrival of the Harbaugh-led Chargers has fans speculating about a potential shift in the AFC West power dynamic. The “Harbaugh-barians” could soon be at the gates, poised to reclaim the team’s status among the NFL’s elite.
AP Award Finalists Announced for 2023 NFL Season
NEW YORK — Jan. 25, 2024 — The NFL and The Associated Press have announced the finalists for their annual awards for the 2023 NFL season. Award winners will be announced at NFL Honors presented by Invisalign, an Align Technology brand, on Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas. NFL Honors, the league’s primetime awards special, will air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on the CBS Television Network and NFL Network and stream live on Paramount+ and NFL+. The program may not air live in all time zones.
The full list of awards and finalists include:
| AP Most Valuable Player presented by Invisalign | Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers |
| AP Coach of the Year presented by Verizon | Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns |
| AP Assistant Coach of the Year | Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions
Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens Jim Schwartz, Cleveland Browns Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans |
| AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by Microsoft Surface | Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys |
| AP Defensive Player of the Year presented by TCL | DaRon Bland, Dallas Cowboys
Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers |
| AP Comeback Player of the Year presented by P&G and the Official Locker Room Products of the NFL (Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Old Spice, Tide) | Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns
Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins |
| AP Offensive Rookie of the Year | Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans |
| AP Defensive Rookie of the Year | Will Anderson, Houston Texans
Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks |
NFL Honors, which debuted in 2012, also features the announcement of the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide and the newest Pro Football Hall of Fame Class the week leading up to the Super Bowl.
On Thursday, Feb. 8, the NFL Honors Red Carpet Show presented by Invisalign airs at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NFL Network leading up to NFL Honors. Local blackout restrictions may apply.
NFL Honors is an NFL Network production in association with Rock Garden Media. For more information about NFL Honors presented by Invisalign, fans may visit www.nfl.com/honors and follow the #NFLHonors conversation on X.
CBS Sports will present Super Bowl LVIII on CBS, Paramount+ and Nickelodeon on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.
Jim Harbaugh’s Return to the NFL: A Quest for Success Beyond College Glory
In a move many anticipated, Jim Harbaugh, fresh from leading the University of Michigan to its first undisputed national championship since 1948, has officially agreed to become the new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh’s successful stint at Michigan, where he revitalized the football program, has undoubtedly contributed to the high expectations surrounding his transition to the NFL. The University of Michigan’s recent undisputed national championship victory showcased Harbaugh’s coaching prowess, and now he faces a new challenge in leading the Chargers to success in the professional league.
Photo Cred: USA Today
An element of this coaching change is the impact on the Chargers’ highly talented quarterback entering his fifth NFL season. The quarterback, yet to be named, is now on the verge of adapting to his fourth offensive system, with the status of the 2023 coordinator, Kellen Moore, hanging in the balance. Despite potential adjustments, the arrival of Harbaugh signals a newfound stability for the Chargers and their quarterback.
Harbaugh, known for his expertise as a quarterback whisperer, steps into the role just as the Pro Bowl passer enters his prime years. The prospect of Harbaugh guiding the Chargers’ quarterback to maximize his estimable potential has fans and analysts eagerly anticipating the upcoming seasons. There is every reason to believe that Harbaugh’s tenure will bring positive developments and elevate the performance of the Chargers, especially their star quarterback, in the near future.
As the Chargers embark on a new era with Harbaugh at the helm, the expectations for success and championship contention are undeniably high. He left an indelible mark with an impressive 86-25 coaching record. Harbaugh, known for his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, looks to have the same impact in LA.
Photo Cred: USA Today
During his initial stint with the 49ers, he had an impressive run that included three consecutive NFC championship appearances and a trip to Super Bowl XLVII. The seasoned football coach, who concluded his playing career with the Chargers from 1999 to 2000, is now on a mission to join an elite cadre of coaches who have achieved success at the collegiate and professional levels. Should he accomplish this feat, Harbaugh would join Barry Switzer, Jimmy Johnson, and Pete Carroll as coaches who have won a national championship and a Super Bowl.
Meet Alex Surat, Our ASU/Pac-12 Intern
- Why are you so interested in sports journalism?Â
Sports have been a huge thing growing up in my life. My whole family was into sports, and I knew I would always have an affiliation with sports. Growing up I was never good at math or science, but I was always good at writing. I ended up going down the STEM path of college because of a scholarship I received when I was in high school, only to end up changing my major towards Media of Arts and Sciences. This pathway gave me the option to be able to still pursue the idea that I had when I was younger, becoming a sports journalist.Â
2. What is your favorite sport and why?
My favorite Sport is basketball. Growing up my whole family played basketball. My father, my mother, my two older brothers and older sister. We would always watch the Los Angeles Lakers play as a family at home and would play at the park as a family whenever we were all free. I went on to play all 4 years in high school as the starting point guard for the varsity team and would eventually have some offers to play in college. Even though my basketball career is over I still play recreationally and will always love the game of basketball.Â
3. What is your favorite sports moment?Â
My favorite sports moment would have to be when the underdogs come out victorious. I am a sucker for the underdog story of that team or player that everyone is counting out or believe that they won’t get anywhere, only to shock the world because of their drive and determination. Growing up I was always seen as the underdog because of my height and people that were close to me that didn’t believe in me.Â
4. What is your favorite genre of music?Â
My favorite genre of music is broad! I like all kinds of music to be honest and it is hard for me to state which is my favorite. As far as what I am listening too right now would be hip-hop, alternative, Christian, lo-fi, and more!
5. What are your favorite hobbies?Â
My favorite hobbies right now would be working out, playing basketball, discovering and listening to new music, making coffee 24/7, and recently I started reading my Bible more.
6. How can people follow you on social media?Â
Instagram: a_boogievert
Twitter: alex_surat
Facebook: Alex Surat
Ohio State Falls to Nebraska 83-69 in Big Ten Clash
In a Big Ten showdown on Tuesday, Jan. 23, the Ohio State Buckeyes (13-6, 3-5 Big Ten) faced a tough defeat against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (15-5, 5-4 Big Ten), losing 83-69 in Lincoln. The Buckeyes, currently struggling on the road, were unable to secure a victory in this matchup. Despite a promising start with an early 22-13 lead, sophomore Bruce Thornton leading in scoring with 16 points and contributions from graduate player Jamison Battle and sophomore Bowen Hardman, the game took a turn.
Photo Cred: Buckeyes Wire
A pivotal moment came with an Ohio State forward Zed Key foul at the 10:54 mark in the first half, sparking an 18-8 run by the Cornhuskers. This run allowed Nebraska to regain the lead by the end of the first half, establishing a 43-35 advantage. The second half mirrored the first, with the Cornhuskers maintaining control and preventing the Buckeyes from reclaiming the lead. Despite efforts by Ohio State, the closest they came was at the 17:25 mark when Zed Key’s layup narrowed the gap to 56-53 Cornhuskers.
However, Nebraska continued to extend their lead, ultimately securing the win with a 16-point differential and a final score of 83-69. Leading the scoring for the Cornhuskers were forward Rienk Mast with an impressive 34 points and guard Brice Williams contributing 14. Statistically, Nebraska dominated across various categories, outperforming Ohio State in rebounds (35-28), assists (19-17), and three-point shooting (51.9% to 34.8%). Turnovers also favored the Cornhuskers, with Ohio State committing 9 compared to Nebraska’s 6.
Photo Cred: The Daily Nebraskan
The Buckeyes now hold a 1-4 record in their last five games, while the Cornhuskers maintain a 3-2 record in the same span. Looking ahead, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are set to face the Maryland Terrapins at the Xfinity Center in College Park, MD on Sat, Jan. 27, at noon. Meanwhile, the Ohio State Buckeyes will travel to Evanston, Ill., to take on the Northwestern Wildcats at 8:30 p.m. on the same day.
What To Look For – Conference Championships
NEW YORK –– Jan. 24, 2024 –– Below are among the top storylines in the AFC and NFC Conference Championships:
- Former MVPs, Top Defenses Meet in Baltimore
- Chiefs Seeking Historic Super Bowl Run
- Ravens, Jackson Rushing into Championship Game
- Lions Look for First Super Bowl Berth
- 49ers Seek Eighth Super Bowl Appearance
AFC Championship: Kansas City (13-6) at Baltimore (14-4) – 3 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
NFC Championship: Detroit (14-5) at San Francisco (13-5) – 6:30 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX Deportes)
FORMER MVPS, TOP DEFENSES MEET IN BALTIMORE
Sunday’s AFC Championship in Baltimore between the KANSAS CITY CHIEFS and BALTIMORE RAVENS will feature former MVP quarterbacks PATRICK MAHOMES and LAMAR JACKSON. Mahomes earned the honor in 2018 and 2022, while Jackson won the award in 2019.
It will mark the fifth Conference Championship Game in NFL history featuring two former MVP quarterbacks and the first in which both quarterbacks are under the age of 30.
The Conference Championships to feature two former MVP quarterbacks in NFL history:
| GAME | TEAMS | ROAD QB | Â HOME QB | RESULT |
| 2023 AFC Championship | Kansas City at Baltimore | Patrick Mahomes | Â Lamar Jackson | ??? |
| 2020 NFC Championship | Tampa Bay at Green Bay | Tom Brady | Â Aaron Rodgers | TB 31, GB 26 |
| 2015 AFC Championship | New England at Denver | Tom Brady | Â Peyton ManningHOF | DEN 20, NE 18 |
| 2013 AFC Championship | New England at Denver | Tom Brady | Â Peyton ManningHOF | DEN 26, NE 16 |
| 1997 NFC Championship | Green Bay at San Francisco | Brett FavreHOF | Â Steve YoungHOF | GB 23, SF 10 |
Each quarterback will be facing one of the top defenses in the league this season. Baltimore led the NFL in scoring defense in the regular season, allowing 16.5 points per game, and in sacks, with 60. Kansas City ranked second in each category, allowing 17.3 points per game and totaling 57 sacks.
Sunday will mark the sixth Championship Game in NFL history featuring the top-two scoring defenses from the regular season and the first since the 2004 AFC Championship Game (New England at Pittsburgh on Jan. 23, 2005).
Sunday’s contest will also be the third Championship Game all-time to feature the two teams with the most regular-season sacks, joining the 2015 AFC Championship (New England at Denver on Jan. 24, 2016) and 2004 NFC Championship (Atlanta at Philadelphia on Jan. 23, 2005)
 CHIEFS SEEKING HISTORIC SUPER BOWL RUN
The KANSAS CITY CHIEFS are appearing in their sixth-consecutive Championship Game, the second-longest streak in NFL history. With a victory on Sunday, the Chiefs will become the third team ever to advance to four Super Bowls in a five-year span, joining the BUFFALO BILLS (1990-93) and NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2014, 2016-18).
Head coach ANDY REID has led the Chiefs to each of their last three Super Bowls and also brought the Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX following the 2004 season. With a win on Sunday, Reid will become the fourth head coach in NFL history to advance to five-or-more Super Bowls, joining BILL BELICHICK (nine Super Bowl appearances) and Pro Football Hall of Famers DON SHULA (six) and TOM LANDRY (five).
The head coaches to appear in the most Super Bowls in NFL history:
| HEAD COACH | TEAM(S) | SUPER BOWL APPEARANCES |
| Bill Belichick | New England | 9 |
| Don ShulaHOF | Baltimore Colts, Miami | 6 |
| Tom LandryHOF | Dallas | 5 |
| Andy Reid | Philadelphia, Kansas City | 4 |
Quarterback PATRICK MAHOMES has compiled a 13-3 record in his first 16 career postseason starts, totaling 38 touchdown passes and 4,561 passing yards with a 106.7 passer rating.
With a victory in Baltimore, Mahomes will tie Pro Football Hall of Famers TERRY BRADSHAW (14 postseason wins), JOHN ELWAY (14) and PEYTON MANNING (14) for the third-most postseason wins by a starting quarterback in NFL history. Only TOM BRADY (35) and Pro Football Hall of Famer JOE MONTANA (16) have more.
The starting quarterbacks with the most playoff wins in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM(S) | PLAYOFF WINS | |
| Tom Brady | New England, Tampa Bay | 35 | |
| Joe MontanaHOF | San Francisco, Kansas City | 16 | |
| Terry BradshawHOF | Pittsburgh | 14 | |
| John ElwayHOF | Denver | 14 | |
| Peyton ManningHOF | Indianapolis, Denver | 14 | |
| Brett FavreHOF | Green Bay, Minnesota | 13 | |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City | 13* | |
| Ben Roethlisberger | Pittsburgh | 13 | |
| *entering Sunday | Â | Â | |
Three of Mahomes’ 13 postseason wins have come in the AFC Championship. With a win this week, Mahomes – who will be 28 years and 133 days old on Sunday – will become the youngest quarterback ever to win four Championship Games, surpassing TOM BRADY, who was 30 years and 170 days old when he won his fourth Championship Game.
With two touchdown passes on Sunday, Mahomes will tie Pro Football Hall of Famer PEYTON MANNING (40 touchdown passes) for the fifth-most postseason touchdown passes in NFL history. Only TOM BRADY (88 touchdown passes), AARON RODGERS (45) and Pro Football Hall of Famers JOE MONTANA (45) and BRETT FAVRE (44) have more.
The players with the most postseason touchdown passes in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM(S) | TOUCHDOWN PASSES | |
| Tom Brady | New England, Tampa Bay | 88 | |
| Joe MontanaHOF | San Francisco, Kansas City | 45 | |
| Aaron Rodgers | Green Bay | 45 | |
| Brett FavreHOF | Green Bay, Minnesota | 44 | |
| Peyton ManningHOF | Indianapolis, Denver | 40 | |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City | 38* | |
| *entering Sunday | Â | Â | |
Since the beginning of last year’s postseason, Mahomes has totaled 10 touchdown passes with no interceptions in his past five playoff games. He can become the first quarterback in NFL history without an interception in six consecutive postseason games (minimum 20 attempts in each game).
Tight end TRAVIS KELCE enters Sunday with 145 receptions, 1,694 receiving yards and 18 touchdown receptions in his postseason career, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer JERRY RICE all-time in each category. With seven receptions at Baltimore, Kelce will surpass Rice (151 receptions) for the most postseason receptions in NFL history.
The players with the most postseason receptions in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM(S) | RECEPTIONS |
| Jerry RiceHOF | San Francisco, Oakland Raiders | 151 |
| Travis Kelce | Kansas City | 145* |
| Julian Edelman | New England | 118 |
| *entering Sunday |
Last week in the Divisional round, Kelce totaled five receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns, his 12th consecutive postseason game with at least five receptions. With five catches at Baltimore, he will tie JULIAN EDELMAN (13 consecutive games) for the longest streak of postseason games with at least five receptions in NFL history.
Last week also marked Kelce’s fourth career playoff game with multiple touchdown receptions. If he accomplishes the feat again on Sunday, he will join Pro Football Hall of Famer JERRY RICE (five games) as the only players ever with multiple touchdown receptions in five postseason games.
The players with the most postseason games with multiple touchdown receptions in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM(S) | GAMES |
| Jerry RiceHOF | San Francisco, Oakland Raiders | 5 |
| Rob Gronkowski | New England, Tampa Bay | 4 |
| Travis Kelce | Kansas City | 4* |
| *entering Sunday | Â | Â |
 RAVENS, JACKSON RUSHING INTO CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
The BALTIMORE RAVENS are seeking their third Super Bowl appearance in franchise history and first since winning Super Bowl XLVII following the 2012 season.
In the regular season, Baltimore had the league’s top rushing attack, averaging 156.5 yards per game on the ground. With a victory against Kansas City on Sunday, the Ravens will become the fourth team since 1990 and first since SEATTLE in 2014 to lead the league in rushing and make the Super Bowl in the same season.
The teams to appear in the Super Bowl after leading the league in rushing in the regular season since 1990:
| SEASON | TEAM | SUPER BOWL | RUSHING YARDS PER GAME |
| 2014 | Seattle | XLIX | 172.6 |
| 1992 | Buffalo | XXVII | 152.3 |
| 1991 | Buffalo | XXVI | 148.8 |
In the Divisional playoffs, quarterback LAMAR JACKSON became the first player ever with two touchdown passes, two rushing touchdowns, 100 rushing yards and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in a game. He also has recorded at least 100 rushing yards in three of his five career postseason games.
On Sunday, Jackson can become the fifth player in NFL history with at least 100 rushing yards in four of his first six career postseason contests, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers TERRELL DAVIS (five games), JOHN RIGGINS (five) and EMMITT SMITH (four) as well as MARSHAWN LYNCH (four).
Jackson has 467 career postseason rushing yards and can become the fifth quarterback in NFL history with 500 career postseason rushing yards, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer STEVE YOUNG (594 rushing yards), JOSH ALLEN (563), RUSSELL WILSON (527) and COLIN KAEPERNICK (507).
The quarterbacks with the most postseason rushing yards in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | GAMES | RUSHING YARDS |
| Steve YoungHOF | San Francisco | 22 | 594 |
| Josh Allen | Buffalo | 10 | 563 |
| Russell Wilson | Seattle | 16 | 527 |
| Colin Kaepernick | San Francisco | 6 | 507 |
| Lamar Jackson | Baltimore | 5 | 467* |
| *entering Sunday | Â | Â | Â |
 LIONS LOOK FOR FIRST SUPER BOWL BERTH
The DETROIT LIONS are playing in their second Championship Game in franchise history (1991) and look to make to their first Super Bowl appearance.
Quarterback JARED GOFF is looking to become the fifth starting quarterback to advance to the Super Bowl with multiple franchises, joining TOM BRADY (New England and Tampa Bay), Pro Football Hall of Famer PEYTON MANNING (Indianapolis and Denver), CRAIG MORTON (Dallas and Denver) and Pro Football Hall of Famer KURT WARNER (St. Louis Rams and Arizona). Goff previously led the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl LIII appearance following the 2018 season.
The starting quarterbacks to advance to the Super Bowl with two franchises:
| QUARTERBACK | FIRST TEAM | SECOND TEAMÂ |
| Tom Brady | New England | Tampa Bay |
| Peyton ManningHOF | Indianapolis | Denver |
| Craig Morton | Dallas | Denver |
| Kurt WarnerHOF | St. Louis Rams | Arizona |
Rookie running back JAHMYR GIBBS recorded 68 scrimmage yards with a rushing touchdown on Super Wild Card Weekend and 114 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown in the Divisional playoffs. On Sunday, he can become the fourth rookie in NFL history to record a rushing touchdown in three playoff games, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer TONY DORSETT (1977), JAMAL LEWIS (2000) and SONY MICHEL (2018).
Wide receiver AMON-RA ST. BROWN, who recorded seven receptions on Super Wild Card Weekend and eight receptions in the Divisional playoffs, can become the third player in NFL history with at least seven receptions in each of his first three career playoff games, joining MICHAEL THOMAS and WES WELKER.
Rookie tight end SAM LAPORTA had nine receptions in the Divisional round, the most receptions by a rookie tight end in a playoff game in NFL history, and has the most receptions by a rookie tight end (12) in postseason history.
With six receptions in the NFC Championship Game, LaPorta can surpass AUSTIN COLLIE (17 in 2009) for the fourth-most postseason receptions by a rookie in NFL history.
The rookies with the most postseason receptions in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | SEASON | RECEPTIONS |
| Ja’Marr Chase | Cincinnati | 2021 | 25 |
| Joseph Addai | Indianapolis | 2006 | 22 |
| Torry Holt | St. Louis Rams | 1999 | 20 |
| Austin Collie | Indianapolis | 2009 | 17 |
| Â | Â | Â | Â |
| Sam LaPorta | Detroit | 2023 | 12* |
| *entering Sunday | |||
Including the postseason, LaPorta has totaled 98 receptions for 968 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. On Sunday, he can join JA’MARR CHASE (2021) as the only rookies all-time with at least 100 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdown receptions, including the postseason.
Defensive end AIDAN HUTCHINSON recorded one sack in the Divisional playoffs and two sacks on Super Wild Card Weekend, his first two career playoff games. With two sacks against San Francisco, he would become the third player since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, to record at least five sacks in his first three career playoff games, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer RICHARD DENT (6.5 sacks) and LAMARR WOODLEY (six).
49ERS SEEK 8TH SUPER BOWL APPEARANCE
The SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS have appeared in four of the past five NFC Championship Games (2019, 2021-23) and, including Sunday, have 19 Championship Game appearances, the most among all NFL clubs.
The 49ers are seeking to become the fifth franchise with eight Super Bowl appearances, joining NEW ENGLAND (11 Super Bowls), DALLAS (eight), DENVER (eight) and PITTSBURGH (eight).
Quarterback BROCK PURDY, who started and won in the Divisional playoffs last week and recorded two wins as a rookie starting quarterback during the 2022 postseason, can become the fourth starting quarterback to win four playoff games in his first two career seasons in NFL history, joining BEN ROETHLISBERGER (five wins), MARK SANCHEZ (four) and RUSSELL WILSON (four).
The starting quarterbacks with the most playoff wins in their first two seasons in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | PLAYOFF WINS |
| Ben Roethlisberger | Pittsburgh | 5 |
| Mark Sanchez | N.Y. Jets | 4 |
| Russell Wilson | Seattle | 4 |
| Brock Purdy | San Francisco | 3* |
| *entering Sunday | ||
Running back CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY totaled 128 scrimmage yards (98 rushing, 30 receiving) and two rushing touchdowns in the Divisional playoffs and has recorded at least 50 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in each of his first five career playoff games.
On Sunday against Detroit, McCaffrey can become the third player in NFL history with at least 50 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in each of his first six career playoff games, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers MARCUS ALLEN (first seven playoff games) and TERRELL DAVIS (seven).
The players with at least 50 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in the most consecutive games to begin a postseason career in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM(S) | GAMES |
| Marcus AllenHOF | L.A. Raiders | 7 (Jan. 8, 1983 – Jan. 5, 1986) |
| Terrell DavisHOF | Denver | 7 (Jan. 4, 1997 – Jan. 17, 1999) |
| Larry Fitzgerald | Arizona | 5 (Jan. 3, 2009 – Jan. 10, 2010) |
| Curtis MartinHOF | New England, N.Y. Jets | 5 (Jan. 5, 1997 – Jan. 17, 1999) |
| Christian McCaffrey | Carolina, San Francisco | 5* (Jan. 7, 2018 – Jan. 20, 2024) |
| Randy MossHOF | Minnesota | 5 (Jan. 10, 1999 – Jan. 6, 2001) |
USC Trojans Face Uphill Battle After Loss to ASU Sun Devils
In a game that initially appeared promising for the USC Trojans, they faced a disappointing defeat against the ASU Sun Devils this past Saturday. The Trojans, leading in the first half, saw the Sun Devils seize control towards the end, setting the tone for a challenging second half. As the game unfolded, the Trojans engaged in a fierce battle with the Sun Devils. However, as the second half progressed, the Trojans found themselves gradually losing ground.
Photo Cred: Arizona Sports
With 10 minutes and 54 seconds remaining in the second half, the Trojans trailed by only three points, with the score standing at 53-56. Unfortunately, that narrow margin proved to be the last time the Trojans were within striking distance, ultimately leading to their defeat. The USC Trojans currently find themselves in the second-to-last position in the Pac 12 division standings, with a conference record of 2 wins and 6 losses.
Their recent 4-game losing streak in the conference, including a defeat against the Wildcats before facing the Sun Devils, has added to their challenges. Despite an overall record of 8 wins and 11 losses, comparable to UCLA’s record within the Pac 12, the Trojans face a tough road ahead. Ironically, the Trojans are set to face UCLA, their Pac 12 counterparts, this Saturday at 5:00 pm. With hopes of breaking their current losing streak, the Trojans will strive to turn the tide and secure a crucial victory against the Bruins.
