| NEW YORK — Nov. 20, 2024 — New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill, Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens, and Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Karl Brooks are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for Week 11 (November 14, 17-18).
OFFENSE: TE TAYSOM HILL, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
DEFENSE: S KAMREN KINCHENS, LOS ANGELES RAMS
SPECIAL TEAMS: DL KARL BROOKS, GREEN BAY PACKERS
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Taysom Hill, Kamren Kinchens & Karl Brooks Named Week 11 NFC Players of the Week
Third Annual John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 28
| NEW YORK — Nov. 21, 2024 — The National Football League continues to honor and commemorate the late John Madden with the third annual John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 28.
Madden once said, “There’s no place that I would rather be today on Thanksgiving than right here, right now, at a football game,” and the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration brings together all the things that were important to him – family, football, food, tradition and fun. This year’s edition of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration will feature the following elements:
The John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration began in 2022 as a way to honor the late icon’s indelible legacy. Media Contact: Andrew Howard, Andrew.Howard@NFL.com |
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Lamar Jackson, Taron Johnson & Leo Chenal Named Week 10 AFC Players of the Week
| NEW YORK — Nov. 13, 2024 — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson and Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for Week 10 (November 7, 10-11).
OFFENSE: QB LAMAR JACKSON, BALTIMORE RAVENS
DEFENSE: CB TARON JOHNSON, BUFFALO BILLS
SPECIAL TEAMS: LB LEO CHENAL, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
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Inside the NBA: The Legacy Continues for the Show
ESPN has confirmed that it will take over the broadcast rights for Inside the NBA when the NBA’s new 11-year media rights deal begins with the 2025-26 season. This announcement puts to rest months of speculation surrounding the future of the beloved basketball show, which has become iconic for its unique mix of insightful basketball analysis, sharp-witted pop culture commentary, and lighthearted banter among its hosts. The show, which has been a staple of TNT’s coverage since its debut in 1989, will no longer be airing on the network after its long run, as ESPN and ABC will now handle the broadcast distribution.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
However, TNT Sports will continue to play a key role in the show’s production, meaning that while the network loses its rights to air NBA games, it will still oversee the creation of the program. This allows the familiar and popular on-air team of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith to remain a central part of the broadcast, despite the change in where fans will watch the show. The move also comes as part of the NBA’s broader shift toward modernizing its media strategy, with the league placing an increasing emphasis on digital and streaming platforms, such as Amazon, in its next phase of broadcasting.
The possibility that the NBA will honor its deal with Amazon, which is reportedly set to become a major streaming partner, adds an additional layer of uncertainty to the landscape. If Amazon becomes the dominant platform for NBA broadcasts, it could mark the end of an era for TNT’s NBA coverage, potentially signaling the last season of Inside the NBA on the network. This looming possibility has sparked concern among fans, who have expressed disappointment over the prospect of losing one of the most iconic and entertaining teams in sports broadcasting history.
Photo Cred: Mickey Blog
As media giants like ESPN, Amazon, and others battle for dominance in securing NBA broadcasting rights, the ramifications for both the sport and its long-time fans are significant. For Inside the NBA fans, the idea of saying goodbye to the dynamic chemistry between Barkley, O’Neal, Smith, and Johnson is especially bittersweet. Their humorous, insightful, and often irreverent commentary has become a signature feature of the show and a major part of what has made it so beloved for decades.
While the future of Inside the NBA on TNT remains uncertain, especially as the NBA negotiates its evolving media deals, one thing is clear: the show has had an undeniable impact on basketball broadcasting and culture, and it will remain a significant part of the conversation in the years to come. Whether Inside the NBA finds a new home on ESPN or potentially elsewhere, it’s hard to imagine the program without its charismatic and dynamic crew. With so many changes on the horizon, fans are left reflecting on the legacy of the show and its future in the ever-changing world of sports media.
Seven From Sunday – Week 11
NEW YORK –– Nov. 17, 2024 –– A look at seven statistical highlights from games played during the 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET windows on Sunday, November 17, the 11th week of the 2024 season
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Kyler Murray, Zack Baun & Jake Bates Named Week 10 NFC Players of the Week
| NEW YORK — Nov. 13, 2024 — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for Week 10 (November 7, 10-11).
OFFENSE: QB KYLER MURRAY, ARIZONA CARDINALS
DEFENSE: LB ZACK BAUN, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
SPECIAL TEAMS: K JAKE BATES, DETROIT LIONS
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Oregon, Ohio State, Texas & Indiana Top Week 12 FWAA-NFF Super 16
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Ohio State Dominates & Eyes CFB Playoffs
The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes faced off against Northwestern at Wrigley Field, with the Wildcats playing at the historic venue due to ongoing stadium renovations. As heavy favorites, Ohio State anticipated a dominant performance, but Northwestern came out with a deliberate game plan aimed at shortening the contest. Northwestern received the opening kickoff and took a methodical approach, running down the clock by waiting until the play clock was under five seconds before snapping the ball.
Photo Cred: SI
Their opening drive spanned 11 plays and consumed 7 minutes, though it ended in a turnover deep in Ohio State territory, preventing them from putting points on the board. Ohio State moved the ball effectively on their first possession but failed to score. Meanwhile, Northwestern stuck to their strategy and managed to take a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter. This marked the moment when the Buckeyes woke up. From there, Ohio State took control of the game, scoring touchdowns on three consecutive drives. Meanwhile, the defense stifled Northwestern’s offense, forcing three straight three-and-outs to close the half. The Buckeyes went into the locker room with a commanding 21-7 lead.
Photo Cred: SI
Offensive Standouts and a Strong Rushing Attack
Running back Quinshon Judkins led Ohio State’s rushing attack with 76 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. TreVeyon Henderson, not far behind, rushed for 74 yards but was kept out of the end zone. The duo has formed one of the most dynamic backfields in the country, producing at a high level while rotating to keep fresh legs on the field—a strategy that should serve the Buckeyes well in the postseason.
Quick Strikes in the Second Half
After receiving the second-half kickoff, the Buckeyes wasted no time extending their lead. Quarterback Will Howard connected with wide receiver Jerimiah Smith on a crossing route, with Smith taking it 68 yards to set up a first-and-goal inside Northwestern territory. The drive ended with Howard hitting Carnell Tate on an 8-yard slant for a touchdown, putting Ohio State ahead 28-7.
This was Tate’s second touchdown of the game and his first in front of a home crowd. The Chicago native had a standout performance, totaling 52 yards and two touchdowns. His first score came in the first half on a remarkable diving catch that closed out the half. While Tate led the team in touchdowns, Smith was the top receiver for Ohio State, hauling in four catches for 100 yards.
Defensive Dominance
After allowing an early touchdown, Ohio State’s defense shut out Northwestern for the remainder of the game. The Buckeyes limited the Wildcats to just 251 total yards of offense, with 151 of those coming on Northwestern’s first two drives. The defense’s lockdown performance helped the offense, which totaled 420 yards of offense, led by Howard’s 247-yard, two-touchdown passing performance.
A Controlled Victory
Though it wasn’t the blowout some Buckeye fans might have hoped for, Ohio State exerted control over the game and showed its depth and discipline. With a 28-7 win, the Buckeyes now shift their focus to a highly anticipated top five matchup against Indiana in Columbus. The winner of that game will likely claim a spot in the Big Ten Championship, barring any surprises in the final week of the regular season.
Is the 12 Team College Football Playoff Bracket Flawed?
As we look ahead, it’s likely that this week’s rankings will change significantly by the time Championship Weekend arrives. College football fans have become accustomed to seeing rankings shift throughout the course of the season. Teams may rise or fall based on their performance in critical matchups. So, fans should focus on their team’s performance and not get too caught up in the current rankings. That said, one issue with the current playoff projections is becoming clear to many: the 5-seed may be the most favorable position to be in.
Photo Cred: FOX
While winning a Conference Championship is a significant achievement, the ultimate goal for most programs remains the National Championship. The path to that title may be more favorable for the 5-seed than for some conference champions. To earn a bye in the College Football Playoffs, a team must be one of the four highest-ranked conference champions. A Group of 5 team—such as Boise State could potentially be ranked higher than one of these Power 5 champions. Thus, earning the coveted bye. This format could make the early rounds of the playoffs more exciting. Teams will get the chance to compete in front of their home crowds.
Currently, the 5-seed looks like a strong position for teams aiming to make a run to the College Football Semifinals. The 5-seed will likely be awarded to a team that lost in either the Big Ten or SEC Championship Game. Right now, that’s projected to be Ohio State. The Buckeyes, who lost to No. 1 Oregon earlier this season, have the inside for a home playoff game against the Group of 5 representative. At the moment, Boise State is considered the frontrunner to be that Group of 5 team, but Army is also in contention, especially with a massive game coming up against Notre Dame.
While the Group of 5 team would certainly have its share of talent, the 5-seed would likely be a heavy favorite in that matchup. Assuming the 5-seed wins that first-round game, they would likely face the winner of the ACC or Big 12 Championship Game in the quarterfinals. That would be another highly winnable game for the 5-seed, which would likely come into that matchup as the favorite. This would set up a path where the 5-seed could potentially avoid some of the “blue blood” programs until the semifinals.
Photo Cred: NCAA
Of course, all of this is still speculation, as there are four weeks of football left before the final rankings are released. Anything can happen over the final month of the regular season. Conference Championship games will have a significant impact on the playoff picture. While winning a Conference Championship is undoubtedly a huge advantage, landing the 5-seed or even the 6-seed wouldn’t be the worst-case scenario.
Sure, it means that one additional game would be added to your schedule. In the end, the key for teams in the hunt for the playoffs will be to take care of business. The rankings will undoubtedly shift. Whether a team secures a bye or not, the goal remains the same: win out, make the playoffs, and put themselves in position to compete for the ultimate prize—the National Championship.
UAB forfeits 17-point lead against UCONN, moving to 2-7
In a heart-wrenching collapse on Saturday afternoon, the UAB Blazers saw a 17-point lead evaporate in the second half, ultimately falling to the UCONN Huskies in front of 18,000 fans at Protective Stadium. The loss not only pushed the Blazers to a 2-7 record but also officially eliminated them from bowl contention for the 2024 season. Head coach Trent Dilfer entered halftime with high hopes, having seen his team dominate early, only to watch those hopes unravel in the final two quarters as UCONN scored three unanswered touchdowns to steal the victory.
Photo Cred: AL.com
The game began promisingly for UAB, with a fast start in the first half, but the second half told a different story. Junior quarterback Jalen Kitna, coming off a historic performance in the previous week, struggled as the game wore on. His once-promising play faltered as the Huskies adjusted their defense, and the incompletions began to mount. Kitna, who had been a bright spot for the Blazers this season, finished the game with 233 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. His turnover total for the season now stands at 10 in just five games, raising concerns about his consistency and decision-making moving forward.
Despite Kitna’s struggles, UAB’s receiving corps continued to show promise. Three different receivers recorded over 50 yards, with freshman standout Corri Milliner leading the charge. Milliner, who had already made a name for himself this season, delivered a key touchdown reception in the second quarter, showing flashes of brilliance that suggest a bright future for the young playmaker. However, it wasn’t enough to offset the offensive struggles that emerged in the second half.
Photo Cred: AL.com
The Blazers’ ground game, led by running back Lee Beebe Jr., was one of the few bright spots for UAB in this frustrating loss. Beebe, who had a rough outing the previous week, bounced back in impressive fashion with 136 total scrimmage yards. His 25-yard touchdown run in the second quarter gave UAB a commanding 17-point lead heading into the halftime break. But as the game wore on, the Blazers’ inability to capitalize on their momentum and close out drives became a major factor in their demise.
Defensively, UAB continued to struggle with consistency. Despite early success in keeping UCONN’s offense at bay, the Blazers’ defense faltered when it mattered most. The Huskies made key adjustments at halftime, and their running back, Cam Edwards, took full advantage. Edwards, a sophomore, averaged an impressive 7.5 yards per carry on 11 attempts, finishing with 82 rushing yards and a pivotal touchdown in the fourth quarter that brought UCONN back into the game.
The Blazers’ defense simply couldn’t get stops when they needed them, allowing the Huskies to score 21 unanswered points and complete the stunning comeback. With the loss, UAB’s playoff aspirations have officially been dashed, and their focus now shifts to finishing the season on a positive note. But with tough matchups still ahead, including a road trip to face the 8-2 Memphis Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, the Blazers face an uphill battle.
Photo Cred: UAB
While Memphis is favored to win, head coach Trent Dilfer and his team have a chance to make a statement against one of the top teams in the American Athletic Conference. However, another defeat would only add to the mounting pressure on Dilfer and his staff as the team inches closer to the offseason. With questions surrounding both the offensive and defensive units, significant changes could be on the horizon for the Blazers as they look to rebuild and recover for the 2025 season.
