NEW YORK –– Sept. 7, 2025 –– A look at seven statistical highlights from games played during the 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET windows on Sunday, September 7, the first week of the 2025 season.
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Seven From Sunday – Kickoff Weekend
How the Chicago Sky Can Elevate Their Game with Angel Reese
When the Chicago Sky drafted Angel Reese, they got one of the most talented and decorated women players of the last decade. Reese can be a potential franchise cornerstone whose energy, toughness, and relentless work ethic can reshape the team’s identity. But the Sky has to build the correct team around her. Reese’s impact was immediately felt. She established herself as one of the league’s best rebounders during her rookie year.
But the question remains: how can the Sky best build around her skill set to return to contention? Reese has recently made comments about the future outlook of the team that ruffled a few feathers. But outside looking into it wasn’t wrong. The team is going to miss the playoffs and she is putting pressure on the team to be better.
Reese brings elite rebounding and interior defense. For the Sky, that means prioritizing offensive sets that generate second-chance opportunities. Few players are better at creating extra possessions. With those extra possessions Reese should kick it out after a rebound. The modern WNBA just like the NBA relies on spacing. With Reese being dominant on the inside, she needs perimeter shooters knocking down three pointers as the defense collapses. Adding consistent three-point threats will also allow Reese to do damage when a defender leaves the paint. She currently gets double teamed. As Reese continues to develop a post game, she can dominate one on one match ups.
Reese needs to perfect a mid-range jump shot. Reese has shown she can be effective as a screener and roller. But if she can pick and pop she becomes more dangerous as a threat. Does she roll to the rim or does she pop out for a mid-range shot. She needs to be paired with a guard who can create off the dribble, run the offense, and take some pressure off of Reese. At 6’3” with agility and motor, Reese thrives in transition. The Sky needs a guard to push the pace after a Reese rebound. The Sky can take advantage of her ability to run the floor.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
The Sky should prioritize skill development in Reese post game, mid-range, and perimeter as adding range to her game would stretch defenses and diversify the offense. Chicago has to find out who they are. The Sky has been in rebuild mode since winning the championship in 2021. Angel Reese can be more than just a star rookie she was last year. She brought eyes to the team.
She’s the type of player you can build a franchise around. For the Chicago Sky, the path to improvement lies in embracing her strengths, surrounding her with complementary talent, and allowing her to grow into the leader she’s poised to become. If they can execute that vision, the Sky won’t just get better—they’ll rise back into the conversation as a serious contender.
Missouri Tigers Football: Jayhawk Hunting in Columbia
Roaring their way to 2-0, the Missouri Tigers showed grit, resilience, and relentless fight as they clawed back from a 15-point deficit to outlast their fiercest rival, the Kansas Jayhawks. Saturday’s triumph on Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia marked Missouri’s 58th all-time win in the storied Border War. Mizzou seems legit this year!
Photo Cred: Kansas City Star
A sellout crowd of more than 60,000 fans fueled a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, bringing deafening energy to one of college football’s most heated rivalries. Both teams traded blows throughout the evening, but when the final seconds ticked away, it was Missouri celebrating under the lights with a statement 42–31 victory, while Kansas walked off in silence.
Here are the five most important takeaways moving forward for the Tigers:
1. Wide receivers haven’t skipped a beat.
Despite losing stars Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr., Missouri’s receiving corps hasn’t missed a step. Kevin Coleman Jr. has already emerged as the go-to weapon, torching Kansas for 10 catches, 126 yards, and a touchdown. He consistently created separation, no matter who lined up against him. Tight end Brett Norfleet also made a statement, hauling in two touchdowns and 76 yards to give quarterback Beau Pribula another reliable target.
2. The front seven is elite.
Kansas could find no room on the ground, finishing with just three total rushing yards. Even dual-threat quarterback Jalon Daniels was bottled up, limited to 17 yards on the ground despite his playmaking ability. Missouri’s defensive front dominated the line of scrimmage all night and validated the hype it received in the offseason. If they continue this trajectory, the unit has the potential to be one of the nation’s best.
3. Offensive line takes a big step forward.
The difference between Week 1 and Week 2 was crystal clear in the trenches. Missouri’s offensive line set the tone, paving the way for a rushing attack that closed out the game in emphatic fashion. With under four minutes left, Jamaal Roberts broke loose for a 63-yard dagger that put the Tigers up two scores. Roberts, Ahmad Hardy, and Pribula combined for 261 rushing yards and two touchdowns, proving the run game can be just as dangerous as the pass.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
4. Drinkwitz is coaching to win.
Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz knows the opportunity in front of him and isn’t shying away from bold decisions. His aggressiveness was pivotal, with Missouri converting four of five fourth-down attempts to keep drives alive and finish with touchdowns instead of field goals. That mindset not only fueled the victory, but also ignited the crowd. Drinkwitz clearly trusts his players to deliver in the biggest moments.
5. Secondary needs tightening.
If there’s one concern, it lies in pass defense. Jalon Daniels threw for over 200 yards and led quick scoring drives in the fourth quarter, even after Kansas abandoned the run. Missouri’s secondary will need to shore up coverage against explosive offenses down the road. With South Carolina coming to Columbia in two weeks, adjustments must be made quickly.
Missouri is off to a dream start, but the Tigers know the work isn’t finished. With their toughness, talent, and fearless coaching, this team has the tools to make noise on the national stage—especially if they clean up the areas that still need polish.
USC Dominates Georgia Southern in Clay Helton’s Return to the Coliseum
The USC Trojans welcomed back former head coach Clay Helton in a Saturday afternoon showdown against the Georgia Southern Eagles — and made sure his return was a rough one. While Georgia Southern struck first, scoring within the opening two minutes, USC quickly settled into rhythm and never looked back, cruising to a commanding 59–20 victory.
Quarterback Jayden Maiva wasn’t quite as sharp as in his season debut, but he continued to show poise and control, completing 16 of 24 passes for 412 yards and four touchdowns — setting a new career high and surpassing his previous mark of 360 yards against Notre Dame last season, according to USC Athletics. Freshman quarterback Husan Longstreet also made an impact off the bench, completing 4 of 6 passes and rushing for 34 yards.
At wide receiver, Makai Lemon turned in a breakout performance with a 74-yard reception in the first quarter — the longest of his career — finishing with four receptions for 158 yards. Ja’Kobi Lane, a junior, added highlight material of his own with a one-handed touchdown grab, finishing the day with three catches for 91 yards.
“At times at receiver, there are plays where that’s the only way you’re going to get it, and that’s great — but it’s not something you want to rely on,” said head coach Lincoln Riley. “The great highlight was awesome; it was a phenomenal catch. But we want the high-percentage plays too.”
Running back Waymond Jordan anchored the Trojans’ ground game with 162 rushing yards on 16 attempts, rebounding after a fumble on the opening kickoff led to Georgia Southern’s first score.
“This is kind of the first adversity he’s had here,” Riley said. “He was disappointed about [the fumble], but he’s typically very responsible when he carries the ball. We didn’t have a problem showing confidence in him to come back, and I thought all of our guys on the sideline made sure he didn’t get down — and he responded.”
For Georgia Southern, quarterback JC French IV struggled to find rhythm, completing 19 of 35 passes while adding 179 rushing yards. Redshirt junior Turner Helton — son of the former USC coach — went 4 of 9 for 24 yards in relief. Wide receiver Camden Brown caught three passes and scored two touchdowns, while Dalen Cobb added six receptions and one touchdown.
Helton, reflecting on the loss, emphasized the importance of the team’s early-season growth.
“These first two games were kind of a training test for us — being on the road, being far away, having that opportunity to go through some adversity,” Helton said. “Our kids handled it well. We all wanted better results, but to see their growth from week one to week two — how they held together and bonded — it’s just going to make us a better football team.”
Defensively, USC linebacker Eric Gentry led the way with 10 solo tackles, followed by redshirt senior safety Bishop Fitzgerald with six. For Georgia Southern, linebacker Brandon Tyson tallied nine solo tackles and two assists, while veteran Brendon Harrington contributed eight total tackles. Though Georgia Southern’s defense provided more resistance than USC’s opener against Missouri State, the Trojans’ offensive firepower once again proved too much to handle — solidifying their early-season momentum and spoiling Helton’s homecoming.
Week 2 FWAA-NFF Super 16
FWAA-NFF SUPER 16 POLL (Week 2 – Sept. 5)
Ayokunle Spencer (Panel)
WEEKLY SUPER 16
POLL
1 Ohio State
2 Oregon
3 Georgia
4 Miami (FL)
5 LSU
6 Penn State
7 Florida State
8 Tennessee
9 Notre Dame
1 0 Oklahoma
1 1 Illinois
1 2 Texas
1 3 South Carolina
1 4 Iowa State
1 5 Indiana
1 6 USF
A New Era: NFL to Begin 2025 Season with Record 16 Black Starting Quarterbacks
The 2025 NFL season marks a historic milestone for Black athletes and for the game of football itself. For the first time in league history, 16 Black quarterbacks are slated to start in Week 1—an unprecedented moment that reflects both progress and perseverance across generations. The NFL is in a good place.
According to USA Today, Bryce Young, Caleb Williams, Cam Ward, C.J. Stroud, Dak Prescott, Geno Smith, Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, Jordan Love, Justin Fields, Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, Michael Penix Jr., Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Spencer Rattler are all listed as QB1 for their respective teams to begin the season. The sheer depth of talent at the position speaks to a transformation that once seemed nearly impossible.
Photo Cred: Sportico
Troy Vincent Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, reflected on the significance of this milestone, emphasizing that it represents far more than just numbers on a depth chart.
“This milestone speaks to the normalization of how access, talent, perseverance, and leadership meet opportunity,” Vincent told BET. “It reflects the inclusive nature of the game, and it will continue to inspire the next generation to lead and compete at the highest level of football.”
The journey to this moment was not without struggle. For much of its early history, the NFL limited opportunities for Black athletes to play quarterback, long considered the “thinking position” in football. Outdated stereotypes, systemic racism, and front-office bias kept many Black players from even being considered for the role.
In 1968, Marlin Briscoe made history when he became the first Black quarterback to start in modern professional football, suiting up for the Denver Broncos. Though his opportunity was brief, Briscoe’s success planted the seed for change. Two decades later, Doug Williams shattered another barrier when he became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, leading Washington to victory in 1988 and earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
That breakthrough was followed by Warren Moon’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, a recognition of his trailblazing career both in the NFL and the Canadian Football League. Michael Vick added yet another landmark moment in 2001, becoming the first Black quarterback selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. His electrifying style of play expanded the imagination of what a quarterback could be and inspired a generation of athletes who followed.
These pivotal moments set the stage for the modern era, where excellence at the position became undeniable. Steve McNair shared an MVP award in 2003. Cam Newton dominated his way to an MVP in 2015 while leading Carolina to the Super Bowl. Lamar Jackson claimed the award in 2019 with a record-shattering season, and Patrick Mahomes has become the face of the league with multiple MVPs and Super Bowl championships. Collectively, these players proved that Black quarterbacks were not only capable of thriving but capable of redefining the position altogether.
Warren Moon, who fought through barriers and skepticism throughout his career, expressed pride in how far the position has come. Speaking with USA Today Sports, Moon said the milestone is both personal and historic.
“Just like last year and even the years prior, it just makes you proud to see the number continue to keep rising,” Moon said. “Because I know what that position used to be thought of for African Americans to play, and I was part of that. It’s great that the league and ownership and society and everybody is bought in and sees that these guys can play at a very, very high level, and they continue to keep giving them more opportunities. The more opportunities they give them, they’re turning them into a starting quarterback position. I love it.”
As the 2025 season kicks off, this new wave of Black quarterbacks stands not only as leaders of their franchises but as torchbearers of a legacy built by pioneers who fought for their chance. Their presence on the field represents more than wins and losses—it is a reflection of progress, resilience, and the power of representation in shaping the future of the game.
Are the LSU Tigers Ready for a Title Run?
After upsetting Clemson in Week 1, LSU football climbed to No. 3 in the latest AP Poll. The Tigers defeated the Tigers 17-10 in the “Battle of Death Valley.” Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and center Braelin Moore earned SEC Player of the Week honors for their standout efforts in the win.
Nussmeier was sharp, completing 28-of-38 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown. Making his first start for LSU, Moore anchored the offensive line by playing all 70 snaps and helping limit Clemson to just one sack. Defensively, cornerback Mansoor Delane was recognized as the Bednarik National Player of the Week. The Virginia Tech transfer recorded two tackles, an interception, and two pass breakups, spearheading one of LSU’s strongest defensive outings against a Top 10 opponent in recent memory.
Photo Cred: MSN
As a team, LSU totaled 25 first downs, 354 yards of offense, and held possession for more than 37 minutes. The victory strengthened the Tigers’ case as a legitimate national title contender. It also marked just the fifth time in program history that LSU has defeated a Top 4 team on the road.
Clemson, meanwhile, mustered only 261 yards of offense and was shut out in the second half. LSU scored a touchdown in each of the final two quarters to secure the win. Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney pointed to quarterback Cade Klubnik’s struggles as a decisive factor. Klubnik finished 19-of-38 passing for 230 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception.
Clemson recorded just a single sack due to LSU having to extend a play rather. LSU recorded over 100 yards rushing, 74 from Caden Durham. It was enough to get a job done, especially given that one of LSU’s two touchdowns came from a gap run in short yardage, something that has been a bugaboo for previous teams.
Photo Cred: Oregon Live
“Our biggest issue against LSU was that our best player didn’t play well,” Swinney told reporters Tuesday, per WYFF. “(No.) 2 will respond, I promise you that.”
The win was particularly significant for LSU, which had lost its previous five season openers, including three under current head coach Brian Kelly. Kelly was visibly frustrated after last year’s opening loss to USC, even slamming his fist on the table in his postgame press conference. Is this the year that LSU finally gets back to the National Championship.
NFL Combines Live Action and AI to Create Larger-Than-Life Float Celebration Paying Tribute to Fans of Each Team
| League Puts Fans Front and Center in “You Better Believe It,” Spotlighting All 32 Fanbases in A Joyous, High-Energy Kickoff Anthem
Set to Reimagined Quad City DJ’s Classic Song, Short Film Includes Cameos from Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, Recording Artist Normani, Entertainer Druski and TikTok Star Rizzler NEW YORK — Sept. 4, 2025 — The National Football League debuted “You Better Believe It,” its high-energy 2025 Kickoff campaign that combines artificial intelligence and live action to create a larger-than-life, all-32 team fan celebration. Set to a remixed version of Quad City DJ’s classic “Come On, Ride the Train” performed by recording artist Normani, the 60-second spot plays out like a music video, which captures the shared hope that this could be any team’s year. Fans of all 32 teams are depicted on a massive float, as they sing the catchy “Come On, Ride the Float” chorus, along with team-specific verses. Through live-action and AI tools, the NFL featured distinct homages and cultural references for fans of each team, whether it’s picturing Washington Commanders’ Major Tuddy as a flying pig, showing a ginormous ice sculpture of “Joe Cool” or referencing the “Black Hole” section of Allegiant Stadium. “Our fans are at the heart of this campaign – their joy, optimism and belief in what’s possible – and we embraced AI to bring them even closer to the game they love,” said Tim Ellis, NFL chief marketing officer. “By combining technological innovation and human creativity, we had the opportunity to pay tribute to each of our 32 fanbases in one unified fantastical celebration and build a world as limitless and imaginative as they are.” To bring the fantastical vision of “You Better Believe It” to life, the NFL partnered with 72andSunny to blend live-action, computer-generated imagery (CGI) and generative AI (GenAI) tools. GenAI and CGI allowed the team to infuse the reality-bending float with callbacks to various team fanbases and to shape visual references to clubs, like the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. This mix of emerging technology and traditional craft gave the team the freedom to experiment, layer in nods to all 32 fanbases and create a world that feels larger than life, resulting in a craft-driven production enhanced by innovation. While AI was used to scale the campaign concept, the NFL ensured the cast and crew both in front of and behind the camera were representative of its wide fanbase. “You Better Believe It,” directed by Kerry Furrh and Olivia Mitchell of TUSK, features star-studded cameos from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, recording artist Normani, entertainer Druski, and TikTok star Rizzler, who each bring their own connection to the game. “I’ve always been an NFL fan, so getting the chance to be part of this season’s Kickoff campaign was a no-brainer,” said Druski. “Being part of the NFL Kickoff commercial is such a monumental and personal moment for me,” said Normani. “I cannot remember a time when football was not a huge part of my household growing up, so now that I’m part of an NFL campaign, it means the world to my family.” As the 2025 Kickoff anthem, “You Better Believe It” is a true celebration of the excitement and anticipation of what’s to come for fans, but also for players. As the sole player in the campaign, Jalen Hurts said, “The start of the season marks a new opportunity and a new journey with a new team. We all have a great desire and hunger to win, and it’s something you build one game, one day and one rep at a time.” “You Better Believe It” premiered today across NFL Network, NFL+, and national broadcast partners, with more behind-the-scenes content to follow on NFL channels and club platforms. Additional “You Better Believe It” vignettes will premiere throughout the season. Media Contact: Sammi Liang, NFL Communications (sammi.liang@nfl.com) |
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Missouri Tigers Football Preview: Kansas Jayhawk Hate Week
A showdown like no other is set for Saturday, Sept. 6, inside Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers brace for an unwelcoming visit from the Kansas Jayhawks—a bitter reunion after 14 long years of separation. For over a decade, this rivalry has sat dormant, waiting to be reignited, and now, the embers are being stoked into a full blaze. One of the oldest rivalries in college football, dating back to 1891, this clash has always been about more than just the game.
Photo Cred: Mizzou
Missouri and Kansas have been intertwined in conflict since the mid-19th century, when Bleeding Kansas turned the border into a battlefield. Missourians sought to sway Kansas’s entry into the Union, igniting a period of raids, riots, and violence that left a scar on both states. When the universities finally collided on the gridiron in 1891, the animosity simply shifted from politics to sport. Every matchup since has carried the weight of that legacy—more than 100 meetings steeped in history, pride, and every ounce of bitterness across the Missouri River.
This year, the spotlight is brighter, the tension heavier, and the stakes higher. The Tigers enter with momentum, but head coach Eli Drinkwitz knows that in a rivalry this fierce, momentum is fragile. Execution, composure, and toughness will decide who walks away with bragging rights. The greatest leap for most teams comes early in the season, between the first and second games.
Missouri benefits from opening on a Thursday night, giving them extra days to rest, regroup, and sharpen their focus. Mistakes from the opener can be addressed, and a more polished product should take the field Saturday. But this is no longer Central Arkansas—the Jayhawks will not be forgiving. Even with home-field advantage, the Tigers must bring their sharpest performance to defend Faurot Field.
Everything begins with stopping quarterback Jalon Daniels. He is the heart of Kansas’s offense, a playmaker who thrives when the pocket breaks down and chaos ensues. Missouri’s secondary must clamp down on the easy completions, forcing Daniels to hesitate and hold the ball. That hesitation will allow the Tigers’ formidable defensive line to close in, collapsing the pocket and limiting his ability to extend plays. Fundamentals will be key—tackling in space, maintaining gap integrity, and avoiding broken plays. If Missouri can consistently win third downs, they’ll tilt the game in their favor.
Missouri’s offense must lean on its physical identity, establishing the run early and often. Running back Ahmad Hardy brings toughness and power, capable of wearing down defenders over four quarters. Behind a seasoned offensive line, his punishing style can sap energy from the Jayhawks’ front seven, opening the door for explosive plays later. That’s when the Tigers’ vertical threats can strike. Marquis Johnson has the speed to stretch the defense deep, while Kevin Coleman Jr. provides balance—whether as a blocker in the run game or a reliable target in the middle of the field.
Together, they create a multi-layered attack Kansas will struggle to contain. But X’s and O’s don’t tell the full story of a rivalry this charged. Emotions will run hotter here than in almost any other game this season. Tempers will flare. Pushing, shoving, and post-whistle scuffles have defined this matchup in the past, and it will be up to Missouri’s leaders to keep cool under fire.
Photo Cred: Rock M Nation
Coaches can stress discipline all week, but when the whistles blow, it’s the players who must balance passion with poise. A single careless penalty could swing momentum, undoing an otherwise flawless effort. The Tigers open as favorites, bolstered by a raucous home crowd hungry for redemption after years without this rivalry. But history shows that when Missouri and Kansas collide, nothing comes easy. Pride, history, and bragging rights are all on the line.
To seize victory, the Tigers must play with controlled aggression, unwavering focus, and relentless effort—from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. This isn’t just another nonconference game. It’s Missouri versus Kansas. It’s border war renewed. And come Saturday night, one side will leave Memorial Stadium with more than a win—they’ll leave with a statement.
National Football League and iHeartMedia Announce NFL Podcast Network’s 2025 Fall Programming Lineup
Featuring New Shows ‘Late-Round Fantasy Football Podcast’ and ‘NFL Cover Zero’
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