| NEW YORK — Oct. 30, 2024 — Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and Detroit Lions punt returner Kalif Raymond are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for Week 8 (October 24, 27-28).
OFFENSE: QB KIRK COUSINS, ATLANTA FALCONS
DEFENSE: LB EDGERRIN COOPER, GREEN BAY PACKERS
SPECIAL TEAMS: PR KALIF RAYMOND, DETROIT LIONS
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Kirk Cousins, Edgerrin Cooper & Kalif Raymond Named Week 8 NFC Players of the Week
Indiana’s Hoosiers Stunning 2024 Transformation
This college football season has been a whirlwind of significant changes. It features the emergence of new conferences. Also the introduction of a 12-team playoff format, and a slew of upsets that have reshaped the rankings. Among the most compelling narratives is the remarkable rise of the Indiana Hoosiers. They have transformed themselves from a dismal 3-9 record last year to an impressive 9-0 start. The team is now teetering on the brink of clinching a coveted College Football Playoff berth.
The turnaround can be largely attributed to head coach Curt Cignetti. He has a proven track record of revitalizing struggling programs. Before taking the helm at Indiana, Cignetti successfully turned around teams at James Madison University and other institutions. Recognizing the need for change after a disappointing prior season, the Hoosiers parted ways with coach Tom Allen. In Cignetti, they found a leader renowned for his ability to effect rapid transformations.
He wasted no time in overhauling the Hoosiers’ roster, leveraging the transfer portal with impressive results. Cignetti signed a staggering 31 players. It included standout quarterback Kurtis Rourke from Ohio University, who has quickly become a key player in the Big Ten. The impact of this influx of talent has been profound. Rourke has excelled on the field, leading in key passing statistics, while transfers like TySon Lawton and Aiden Fisher have made significant contributions to both the offense and defense.
Photo Cred: James Madison
Lawton has emerged as a reliable rusher, complementing star running back Justice Ellison, while Fisher has become a defensive standout, demonstrating the kind of depth and skill that the Hoosiers have historically lacked. Additionally, Cignetti strategically tapped into Indiana’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) resources, which saw a dramatic sixfold increase in funding from the previous year. This financial boost has allowed the program to attract top-tier talent—something that has been a challenge for Indiana, a school often overshadowed by its storied basketball program.
With strong alumni support and increased contributions, the Hoosiers have positioned themselves as a competitive force in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers’ performance on the field has been nothing short of extraordinary. Not only have they secured victories, but they have done so with remarkable dominance, averaging a 35-point margin of victory. Their offense has been explosive, scoring an average of 46.5 points per game while their defense has limited opponents to just 14.1 points.
This season has featured some standout moments, including a jaw-dropping 77-3 victory over Western Illinois and a decisive win against UCLA, showcasing the team’s ability to compete at a high level. As the season progresses, Indiana faces a series of traditional rivals, including matchups against Michigan State and Michigan. A potential showdown with Ohio State looms on the horizon, presenting a significant challenge. Currently, the Hoosiers are projected to have a 66% chance of making the College Football Playoff, but they must continue their winning ways against these formidable opponents to solidify their position.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Cignetti’s leadership and innovative strategies have transformed Indiana into a beacon of hope for struggling programs. It demonstrates that with the right direction and talented athletes, success is indeed attainable. The upcoming games will serve as a true test of their resilience and determination. Fans across the nation are eagerly anticipating how far the Hoosiers can go this season. As they strive for a potential playoff berth, Indiana’s journey embodies the thrilling unpredictability of college football, offering a reminder that even the most unlikely teams can rise to prominence with the right blend of leadership, talent, and tenacity.
Jameis Winston, T.J. Watt & Calvin Austin Named Week 8 AFC Players of the Week
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| Oct 30, 2024 | ||
| Jameis Winston, T.J. Watt & Calvin Austin Named Week 8 AFC Players of the Week | ||
NEW YORK — Oct. 30, 2024 — Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston and a pair of Pittsburgh Steelers – linebacker T.J. Watt and punt returner Calvin Austin – are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for Week 8 (October 24, 27-28). OFFENSE: QB JAMEIS WINSTON, CLEVELAND BROWNS
DEFENSE: LB T.J. WATT, PITTSBURGH STEELERS
SPECIAL TEAMS: Â PR CALVIN AUSTIN, PITTSBURGH STEELERS
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Ohio State back on track for a Big Ten Title
Ohio State has back to back win since losing to now #1 ranked Oregon Ducks. After a bye week and a 1-point defeat, one would expect the Buckeyes to be firing on all cylinders, especially given that Nebraska had just been throttled by No. 13 Indiana 56-7 the week prior. While they managed to secure a 21-17 victory, it’s not a game the Buckeyes will brag about.
Photo Cred: The Columbus Dispatch
The Buckeyes set the tone on defense from the outset, forcing a quick three-and-out capped by a sack on third down. However, Nebraska responded by stopping Ohio State on a fourth down in Buckeye territory. After exchanging a few punts, Ohio State finally got on the board with Will Howard delivering a 40-yard strike to Carnell Tate, giving the Buckeyes a 7-0 lead. Nebraska quickly responded with a field goal, making it 7-3, but Ohio State extended their lead to 14-3 after a four-play drive that concluded with a 60-yard bomb to Jerimiah Smith, marking his eighth receiving touchdown of the year.
He has scored in every game thus far, tying Chris Carter’s true freshman record for touchdown receptions in a season. Smith has consistently solidified himself as the WR1 in this talented receiving corps. The momentum seemed to shift in the Buckeyes’ favor after forcing another three-and-out, but a missed field goal gave Nebraska a good field position with two minutes left in the first half. The Cornhuskers marched down the field and capped off the drive with a long 54-yard field goal, ending the half at 14-6.
Offensive struggles plagued the Buckeyes in the second half, as they recorded four three-and-outs and a turnover. While the defense played well, they struggled to get off the field on third downs, allowing Nebraska to extend key scoring drives. The Cornhuskers added a field goal in the third quarter, followed by a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion with ten minutes left in the fourth quarter, taking the lead at 17-14.
Photo Cred: SI
Columbus was shocked, as this game was not expected to be close. Yet, the Buckeyes still had time to reclaim the lead. They executed an eight-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 9-yard pass to Quinshon Judkins. This marked Howard’s third touchdown pass of the day and gave the Buckeyes a 21-17 lead. After exchanging punts, Nebraska had the ball with 3:36 left on the clock and a chance to retake the lead. However, the Buckeyes made a stand, forcing an interception and ending Nebraska’s upset bid.
While a win is a win, the Buckeyes have areas to improve as they prepare to travel to Happy Valley to face No. 3 Penn State in a matchup with significant playoff implications. Although the passing game was efficient—Howard completed 13 of 16 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns—the running game held the offense back. With two of the best running backs in the country, they could only combine for twenty carries and 54 yards. The Buckeyes lost starting left tackle Josh Simmons in their loss to Oregon, and backup Zen Michalski did not perform well.
Photo Cred: SI
The entire offensive line struggled, but they improved against the elite defense in Happy Valley. Penn State’s recent loss to Ohio State felt like a case of déjà vu for Nittany Lions fans, serving as a stark reminder of past seasons filled with promising hopes and bitter disappointments. In yet another closely contested battle, the game showcased the relentless spirit and competitive drive of the Nittany Lions, but ultimately ended in heartbreak against a top-ranked opponent. This defeat starkly highlighted the recurring theme for Penn State fans: every year seems to bring renewed optimism, a belief that “this could be the year” when the team finally breaks through.
Ducks Charge Toward Playoffs! Can They be Stopped?
The No. 1 Oregon Ducks are on an impressive winning streak, and it’s becoming increasingly hard to imagine them being stopped. After a commanding victory over Purdue last week, many anticipated a tougher challenge against the solid No. 22 Illinois Fighting Illini. However, what transpired was far from the close contest that was expected.
Photo Cred: SI
The Ducks, who have occasionally struggled to maintain consistency this season, delivered their most dominant performance of the year. Instead of the usual pattern of offensive stalls interrupted by sporadic big plays, Oregon showcased complete control on both sides of the ball. They marched methodically down the field, executing plays with precision and confidence. By halftime, the score had ballooned to 35-3, effectively rendering the game a foregone conclusion long before the final whistle.
Despite their first-half brilliance, the Ducks have been known to falter in the third quarter. Oregon managed only 63 total yards and failed to score. It led to a lackluster quarter that prompted many in the student section to head for the exits early. However, the defense stepped up magnificently during this stretch, compensating for the offensive struggles. They forced two interceptions from Illinois quarterback Nick Altmeyer and held a previously formidable Illini offense to a mere 9 points for the entire game.
Photo Cred: SI
Dillon Gabriel had another commendable outing, completing 18 of 26 passes for 3 touchdowns, including a rushing score. While he usually displays pinpoint accuracy, Gabriel has recently developed a concerning tendency for questionable decisions and errant throws in short-yardage situations. This led to several missed opportunities and one interception—though none of these miscues significantly impacted the overall outcome. Nevertheless, it’s something to monitor as the Ducks prepare for the looming playoff season.
Another standout player for Oregon was running back Noah Whittington. While his stat line—56 yards on 7 carries—may not seem overwhelming, anyone who watched the game couldn’t help but admire his strength and resilience. Averaging an impressive 8 yards per carry, Whittington consistently fought off multiple Illinois defenders with every run. His Marshawn Lynch-like ferocity culminated in a spectacular 18-yard touchdown run. During which he lowered his shoulder to deliver a punishing hit on an Illini defender before strolling into the end zone.
Seven From Sunday – Week 8
NEW YORK –– Oct. 27, 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, October 27, the eighth week of the 2024 season.
- With two games remaining in Week 8, 11 games were within one score (eight points) in the fourth quarter and eight games were decided by seven-or-fewer points.
There have been 66 games decided by seven-or-fewer points and 56 games decided by six-or-fewer points this season, both the most such games through Week 8 in NFL history.
Five teams – Arizona, Cleveland, Green Bay, New England and Washington – recorded a game-winning score in the final two minutes of regulation.
Washington defeated Chicago, 18-15, as rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels found wide receiver Noah Brown for a 52-yard touchdown pass as time expired. It marked the first 50-yard game-winning touchdown pass as time expired since Week 14, 2018 (Miami’s Ryan Tannehill 69-yard touchdown pass to Kenyan Drake).
Daniels became the second rookie quarterback since 1970 to record a 50-yard game-winning touchdown pass as time expired, joining Cleveland’s Tim Couch in Week 8 of the 1999 season (56-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Johnson).
Arizona’s Chad Ryland and Green Bay’s Brandon McManus became the first kickers since Greg Joseph (with Minnesota in Weeks 15-16, 2022) to convert a game-winning field goal on the final play of a game in consecutive weeks.
Kansas City improved to 7-0 and became the seventh reigning Super Bowl champions to win each of their first seven games, joining the 2015 and 2019 New England Patriots, 2011 Green Bay Packers, 2007 Indianapolis Colts, 1998 Denver Broncos and 1990 San Francisco 49ers.
- Three rookie quarterbacks – Washington’s Jayden Daniels, New England’s Drake Maye (first-career win) and Denver’s Bo Nix – earned wins in Week 8.
Between Daniels (six wins), Nix (five – the most-ever by a Broncos rookie), Chicago’s Caleb Williams (four) and Maye (one), rookie quarterbacks have combined for 16 wins this season, the second-most by rookie quarterbacks in the first eight weeks of a season since 1950, trailing only 2012 (17).
With Chicago’s Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Washington’s Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 selection, both starting against each of other in Week 8, it marked the sixth time in NFL history that the top two selections in the NFL Draft met as starting quarterbacks in their rookie season.
Nix recorded four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) and a 124.2 passer rating in Week 8, becoming the fourth rookie quarterback with at least three touchdown passes, one rushing touchdown and a passer rating of 120-or-higher in a game since 2000, joining Justin Herbert (Jan. 3, 2021), Cam Newton (Dec. 24, 2011) and Deshaun Watson (Oct. 1, 2017).
- The Detroit Lions defeated the Tennessee Titans, 52-14, in Week 8 and have scored 172 points in their past four games (Weeks 4, 6-8), the most points by a team in a four-game span since the 2019 Baltimore Ravens (172 points from Weeks 9-12).
Lions quarterback Jared Goff recorded a 129.9 passer rating on Sunday and became the third player in NFL history with a passer rating of 125-or-higher in four consecutive games (minimum 15 attempts per game), joining Russell Wilson (five straight games in 2015) and Ryan Tannehill (four in 2019).
Goff has 42 career games with a passer rating of 110-or-higher, the second-most such games by a player in his first nine seasons in NFL history. Only Russell Wilson (63 games) has more.
Goff has completed 83 percent of his pass attempts (88 of 106) in his past five games, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning [80.2 percent (105 of 131) from Weeks 13-17, 2008] for the highest completion percentage by a player in a five-game span (minimum 100 attempts) in NFL history.
Detroit wide receiver Kalif Raymond, with 190 punt return yards (including a 90-yard punt-return touchdown and a 64-yard punt return) and a touchdown reception on Sunday, became the fourth player in NFL history with at least 150 punt-return yards, a punt-return touchdown and a touchdown reception in a game, joining Travis Benjamin (Sept. 20, 2015), Jermaine Lewis (Dec. 7, 1997) and Steve Smith Sr. (Dec. 8, 2002).
- Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins passed for 276 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions for a 145.9 rating in the Falcons’ 31-26 win at Tampa Bay.
Cousins has 10 career games with at least three touchdown passes and a passer rating of 140-or-higher, becoming the sixth quarterback in NFL history with at least 10 such career games, joining Tom Brady (21 games), Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (20), Aaron Rodgers (20), Drew Brees (18) and Tony Romo (10).
Cousins had 785 passing yards and eight touchdown passes in two games against Tampa Bay this season, becoming the fourth player since at least 1948 with at least 750 passing yards and eight touchdown passes against an opponent in a season, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Dan Marino (874 passing yards and eight touchdown passes against the New York Jets in 1988), Joe Montana (874 and eight against Atlanta in 1990) and Y.A. Tittle (761 and 10 against Washington in 1962).
- Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes passed for 262 yards with two touchdowns and tight end Travis Kelce had 10 receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown in the Chiefs’ 27-20 win at Las Vegas.
Mahomes has 81 career regular-season wins and surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (80 wins) and Ben Roethlisberger (80) for the third-most wins by a starting quarterback in his first eight seasons in NFL history. Only Tom Brady (86 wins) and Russell Wilson (86) have more.
Mahomes has 96 career wins, including the postseason, and surpassed Russell Wilson (95 wins) for the second-most wins, including the postseason, by a starting quarterback in his first eight seasons in NFL history. Only Tom Brady (100 wins) has more.
Mahomes is the third quarterback ever to record three career winning streaks of 12-or-more games, including the postseason, joining Tom Brady (five such streaks) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (three).
Mahomes has 30,075 passing yards in 103 games and surpassed Matthew Stafford (109 games) as the fastest player to reach 30,000 career passing yards in NFL history.
Mahomes recorded his 70th career game with at least two touchdown passes and became the fourth player in NFL history with 70 such games in his first eight career seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton Manning (74 games) and Dan Marino (72) as well as Russell Wilson (72).
Kelce recorded his 75th career regular-season touchdown reception and surpassed Jason Witten (74) for the fifth-most touchdown receptions by a tight end in NFL history. Only Antonio Gates (116 touchdown receptions), Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez (111), Rob Gronkowski (92) and Jimmy Graham (89) have more.
Kelce had 10 receptions in Week 8, his 11th career game with at least 10 receptions, tied with Zach Ertz (11 games) and Jason Witten (11) for the second-most such games by a tight end in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez (15 games) has more.
- ·Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts totaled four touchdowns (three rushing, one passing) and a 132.5 rating while running back Saquon Barkley recorded 111 scrimmage yards (108 rushing, three receiving) in the Eagles’ 37-17 win at Cincinnati.
Hurts, who had two rushing touchdowns and a 119.3 rating in Week 7, is the first player in NFL history with multiple rushing touchdowns and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in consecutive games.
Hurts became the second player in NFL history with three rushing touchdowns, a touchdown pass and a passer rating of 130-or-higher (minimum five pass attempts) in a game, joining Greg Landry (Oct. 1, 1972, with Detroit).
Hurts recorded his third-career regular-season game with three rushing touchdowns, surpassing Daunte Culpepper (two games), Johnny Lujack (two) and Tobin Rote (two) for the most such games by a quarterback in NFL history.
Barkley is the third player in NFL history with at least 110 scrimmage yards in six of his first seven games with a team, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson (with the Los Angeles Rams in 1983) and Kareem Hunt (with Kansas City in 2017).
- Las Vegas rookie tight end Brock Bowers had five receptions for 58 yards in Week 8.
Bowers has 52 receptions this season, tying Eddie Royal (52 receptions) for the third-most receptions by a player in his first eight career games in NFL history. Only Puka Nacua (61 receptions) and Saquon Barkley (58) had more.
Bowers has 535 receiving yards this season, becoming the third tight end ever with 500 receiving yards in his first eight career games, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka (581 receiving yards) and Kyle Pitts (546).
- Additional notes from Sunday include:
- The Baltimore Ravens scored 24 points with 387 yards of offense on Sunday, becoming the fourth team in NFL history to score at least 20 points and record at least 375 total yards in each of their first eight games of a season, joining the 2013 Denver Broncos, 2007 New England Patriots and 2000 St. Louis Rams.
Baltimore, with 1,600 rushing yards this season, are the fourth team since 1980 with at least 1,600 rushing yards in its first eight games of a season, joining the 1984 Chicago Bears (1,677 rushing yards), 2006 Atlanta Falcons (1,641) and 2019 Baltimore Ravens (1,639).
- Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson totaled 335 yards (289 passing, 46 rushing) with two touchdown passes and no interceptions for a 101.8 rating on Sunday.
Jackson has 501 rushing yards this season, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history with at least 500 rushing yards in seven consecutive seasons and the second quarterback ever with at least 500 rushing yards in seven career seasons, joining Cam Newton (seven).
Jackson is the second quarterback ever to record at least 40 rushing yards in each of his team’s first eight games of a season, joining Michael Vick in 2006.
- Baltimore running back Derrick Henry rushed for 73 yards and recorded his 99th-career rushing touchdown in Week 8, becoming the first player in NFL history with a touchdown in each of his first eight games with a team.
- In his 60th career game, Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow connected with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for a first-quarter touchdown on Sunday.
Burrow has 112 touchdown passes and surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas (111 touchdown passes) as well as Andrew Luck (111) and Deshaun Watson (111) for the fourth-most touchdown passes by a player in his first 60 games in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino (145 touchdown passes), Patrick Mahomes (144) and Justin Herbert (114) had more.
Chase, who has seven touchdown receptions this season, became the fourth player in NFL history with at least seven touchdown receptions in each of his first four career seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Bob Hayes and Randy Moss as well as Joey Galloway.
- Arizona tight end Trey McBride had nine receptions for 124 yards in the Cardinals’ 28-27 comeback victory at Miami in Week 8 and became the third tight end in NFL history with at least five receptions in eight consecutive road games, joining Travis Kelce (10 consecutive road games from 2019-20) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez (nine from 2004-05).
- Green Bay safety Xavier McKinney had his league-leading sixth interception of the season in the Packers’ 30-27 win at Jacksonville.
McKinney is the fifth player since 2000 with an interception in six of his team’s first eight games of a season, joining Corey Chavous (2003 with Minnesota), Trevon Diggs (2021 with Dallas), Doug Evans (2001 with Carolina) and Brian Russell (2003 with Minnesota).
- The Baltimore Ravens scored 24 points with 387 yards of offense on Sunday, becoming the fourth team in NFL history to score at least 20 points and record at least 375 total yards in each of their first eight games of a season, joining the 2013 Denver Broncos, 2007 New England Patriots and 2000 St. Louis Rams.
Penn State’s Hard-Earned Victory: Triumph and Trouble at Camp Randall
The Penn State Nittany Lions entered Camp Randall Stadium seeking to leave Wisconsin still undefeated. James Franklin’s team accomplished that goal, defeating the Badgers 28-13. However, the win came at a cost, as starting quarterback Drew Allar left the game with an apparent knee injury. Ironically, while the Lions triumphed on a site that once served as a Union Army base, they may face significant challenges for the remainder of the season.
Missed Opportunities
Though the final score suggests a comfortable margin, Wisconsin largely controlled the game and deserved a better fate. The Badgers’ self-inflicted mistakes, however, undermined their efforts. They dropped at least half a dozen passes that stalled drives; receivers found separation and were open, but the ball slipped through their hands, leading to their unraveling. Additionally, quarterback Braedyn Locke’s decision-making warrants scrutiny. Backed up near his own goal line, he gambled instead of playing conservatively, resulting in a pick-six thrown directly to a Penn State defender. In an instant, the air was let out of the stadium, as one ill-timed throw negated much of the defense’s hard work in containing the Lions.
Photo Cred: Terrance Biggs
A Hero Emerges
When Allar slammed his helmet to the turf, it was clear his day was over. Backup quarterback Bo Pribula stepped in, completing 84% of his passes and throwing a touchdown. However, it was Pribula’s mobility that made the difference. Unlike the pocket-bound Allar, Pribula was able to move and extend plays. While six carries for 28 yards may not seem impressive, many of those yards came at crucial moments. They allowed drives to continue and shifting the momentum in favor of Penn State.
Longo’s Sorcery
Despite the loss, Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo demonstrated exceptional play-calling and design. The Badgers created opportunities in both the run and pass games. If not for drops and poorly thrown passes, their offensive plan could have been more effective. Before the interception return, Penn State had no answers, as Wisconsin moved the ball with ease. With an upgrade at skill positions in the future, the Badgers could evolve into an exciting offense, a stark contrast to their recent history.
Immediate Future for the Nittany Lions
Penn State will return home to Happy Valley to face an angry Ohio State team eager to hand the Lions a loss while improving their own playoff chances. This upcoming game is arguably the most critical contest in James Franklin’s coaching career. With a record of 1-9 against the Buckeyes, Franklin faces the daunting task of either exorcising the demons of past seasons or allowing the misery to continue. There’s no need for hyperbole—this is a pivotal moment.
Photo Cred: Terrance Biggs
The Badgers’ Destiny
Following a trip to Iowa to face the Hawkeyes, Wisconsin will return to Madison to host the undefeated, top-ranked Oregon Ducks. Barring a catastrophic collapse, the Badgers are on track for bowl eligibility, which would cap a decent 2024 season. However, for a fanbase that expects excellence from the Packers, Bucks, and Brewers, settling for mediocrity in college football feels inadequate. Wisconsin possesses the resources and facilities to become a formidable Big Ten contender. With Luke Fickell and Phil Longo at the helm, the Badgers have the potential to achieve greater success in the seasons to come.
Breaking Ground in the NBA: The First Father-Son Duo
History was made in the NBA on opening night this past Tuesday, and it was a moment that basketball fans will remember for years to come. While Boston Celtics fans were celebrating the raising of their 18th championship banner in a jubilant ceremony, something equally significant unfolded on the West Coast. LeBron James kicked off his record-tying 22nd season in the NBA, facing off against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This season is especially poignant for LeBron, as he now shares the court with his son, Bronny James.
Photo Cred: NBC
In a landmark move, the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny in the second round of the NBA draft, selecting him with the 55th overall pick. It’s uncommon for second-round picks to see immediate action, but the significance of this moment made it impossible to overlook. This matchup marked the first time in NBA history that a father and son have played together in a professional game. Furthermore, they became only the second father-son duo to achieve this milestone across all professional sports, following the legendary pairing of Ken Griffey Jr. and his father, Ken Griffey Sr., who were both in attendance to witness this momentous occasion.
With just four minutes left in the second quarter and the Lakers holding a commanding 51-35 lead, the coaching staff made the call that many had been eagerly anticipating: LeBron was set to check in alongside Bronny. As the crowd realized what was happening, fans jumped to their feet, their cheers echoing throughout the arena, creating an electric atmosphere. This was not just a game; it was a celebration of family, legacy, and the enduring spirit of the sport. For the James family, both on and off the court, it was an unforgettable milestone.
Photo Cred: Sporting News
Bronny took to the floor for three brief minutes in the second quarter, although his time on the court was quiet—he recorded just one rebound and didn’t score. Fans are still eagerly waiting for the moment when the first assist from LeBron to Bronny will occur, but the mere fact that they shared the court was a historical highlight of the evening. The Lakers ultimately triumphed over the Timberwolves with a final score of 110-103, bolstered by a dominant performance from Anthony Davis.
Bronny James is anticipated to join the team on their upcoming trip from Monday to November 6. Following that, he will likely alternate between the active roster and the franchise’s South Bay G League affiliate, although coach JJ Redick noted that these plans may be subject to change. The NBA season has just begun, and with it comes the promise of more exciting moments as the James family embarks on this extraordinary journey together in the world of professional basketball.
FWAA-NFF SUPER 16 POLL
FWAA-NFF SUPER 16 POLL (Week 9 – Oct. 25)
Ayokunle Spencer (Panel)
WEEKLY SUPER 16
POLL
1 Oregon
2 Georgia
3 Penn State
4 Texas
5 Miami (FL)
6 Ohio State
7 BYU
8 Notre Dame
9 Texas A&M
1 0 Indiana
1 1 Tennessee
1 2 Pittsburgh
1 3 Iowa State
1 4 Clemson
1 5 SMU
1 6 Kansas State
Saquon Barkley, Cobie Durant & Jake Bates Named Week 7 NFC Players of the Week
| NEW YORK — Oct. 23, 2024 — Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for Week 7 (October 17, 20-21).
OFFENSE: RB SAQUON BARKLEY, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
DEFENSE: CB COBIE DURANT, LOS ANGELES RAMS
SPECIAL TEAMS: K JAKE BATES, DETROIT LIONS
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