Michigan State has hired Jonathan Smith, the former football coach for Oregon State, as their new head coach. The decision comes after both teams ended their regular seasons. Smith, who completed the season with an 8-4 record, shared his gratitude for his time at Oregon State and the support he received from the community. During his tenure, Smith led the Beavers to a 34-35 record, but saw significant improvement in recent years with an 18-7 record since the start of the 2022 season. In 2022, Smith was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year as Oregon State finished with a 10-3 record and ranked No. 17 nationally. Michigan State Athletic Director Alan Haller praised Smith's success in building the Oregon State program and his experience coaching in championship games and the College Football Playoff. He also highlighted the physical and innovative style of Smith's teams. Smith's departure from Oregon State leaves a vacancy that the athletic director will immediately begin searching to fill, conducting a national search to find a suitable replacement.
The Oregon high school football playoffs are coming to a close with the final championship games taking place this week. One of the most anticipated matchups is between No. 4 Central Catholic and No. 2 Tualatin in the 6A division.
Central Catholic, the defending state champions, will face Tualatin in a rematch of last year's state final, which Central Catholic won 44-14. Central Catholic boasts a strong offensive lineup led by quarterback Cru Newman and running back Killian Sombe. The team's defense is led by safety Cade Gehlen and defensive end Matix Carpenter.
On the other side, Tualatin is looking to avenge last year's loss and win its first state title since 1994. Led by quarterback Nolan Keeney and wide receiver Jayden Fortier, Tualatin has an explosive offense. The team's defense, anchored by cornerback Timmy Mitchell and linebacker Dexter Foster, will be critical in stopping Central Catholic's potent offense.
Both teams have had impressive seasons, with Central Catholic going undefeated at 12-0 and Tualatin with just one loss at 11-1. The stage is set for an exciting championship game with the title on the line.
Who will come out on top? Can Central Catholic defend their title, or will Tualatin emerge as the new champions? Football fans in Oregon will find out on Friday at Hillsboro Stadium.
Several teams in Texas high school football have advanced to the regional finals after Friday's playoff games. Lake Travis, Liberty Hill, and Wimberley all secured victories in their respective divisions. Lake Travis defeated San Antonio Brennan 34-7 in the 6A Division I Region IV semifinal, while Liberty Hill triumphed over Corpus Christi Flour Bluff 49-28 in the 5A Division II playoffs. Wimberley recorded a dominant 63-14 win against Ingleside in the 4A Division II action. The remaining regional semifinal games will take place on Saturday. The winners of these games will join Lake Travis, Liberty Hill, and Wimberley in the regional finals. Additional scores from regional semifinals across various divisions were also reported. Fans can report their team's scores to the KXAN website for posting. The upcoming games are highly anticipated as teams vie for a chance to move closer to the state championships. Will any of these teams emerge as victors in the regional finals and move one step closer to the title?
The San Antonio Spurs will face off against the Golden State Warriors in an in-season tournament matchup at Chase Center. Both teams are looking to break their losing streaks and turn their season around. The Spurs have lost their last ten games, while the Warriors have dropped seven of their last eight outings.
Stephen Curry, the star player for the Warriors, returns to the lineup after missing two games with a knee injury. Curry has been averaging 29.4 points per game and has been lethal from beyond the arc, shooting 43.7% on three-point attempts. His performance will be crucial for the Warriors as they try to end their slump.
The Spurs have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 123.1 points per game. Opponents have been shooting 39.2% from three-point range against the Spurs, the second-worst mark in the NBA. Curry's ability to shoot from deep could be a significant advantage for the Warriors in this matchup.
With Curry leading the charge, the Warriors have a good opportunity to secure a victory against the struggling Spurs. However, it remains to be seen if the Spurs can turn their season around and put up a fight against the talented Warriors.
The Oregon Ducks dominated the Oregon State Beavers in a 31-7 victory on Friday night, securing their spot in the Pac-12 Football Championship Game. With this win, the Ducks eliminated Arizona from contention for the title.
Heisman contender Bo Nix was the star of the game, accounting for three touchdowns and leading the Ducks to a record of 11-1 (8-1 Pac-12) for the regular season. Nix's performance solidified his case for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, with betting odds placing him as a close second behind LSU QB Jayden Daniels.
The Ducks will now face off against the No. 4 Washington Huskies in a rematch for the Pac-12 title. The Huskies were responsible for the Ducks' only loss of the regular season in a thrilling 36-33 game. The championship game is scheduled to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on December 1st and will be broadcast on ABC.
Arizona, who needed both Oregon State to defeat Oregon and a win over ASU to make it to the conference title game, will no longer be in contention for the Pac-12 championship. They are expected to play in the Alamo Bowl against a Big 12 opponent as the Pac-12's third-best team.
The Territorial Cup between Arizona and ASU will kick off on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. MST on ESPN.
Multiple Pac-12 coaches are making headlines as potential candidates for coaching positions around the country. Chip Kelly, the head coach of UCLA, is rumored to be fired soon, with names like Jonathan Smith, Jedd Fisch, and Ryan Grubb being discussed as possible replacements. Meanwhile, the firing of Jimbo Fisher from Texas A&M has created an opening that has attracted attention from several coaches in the Pac-12.
Dan Lanning, defensive coordinator at Oregon, has been identified as a top candidate for the Texas A&M job, although he has denied any interest in leaving Oregon. Kalen DeBoer, the head coach at Washington, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate, although his response was less convincing. Deion Sanders, the head coach of Colorado, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Texas A&M job.
In addition to these rumors, Jonathan Smith, the head coach of Oregon State, has been linked to coaching positions at both Texas A&M and UCLA. Smith, a former quarterback at Oregon State, has helped turn around the program, and his success has drawn interest from other schools.
As the college football season continues, it remains to be seen which coaches will make moves and where they will end up. But for now, the Pac-12 remains a hotbed of coaching rumors and speculation.
Oregon football will be honoring the late Spencer Webb during their game against Oregon State with special gloves and arm sleeves as part of their uniform. The No. 6 Ducks have been paying tribute to Webb since his passing in 2022, with helmet decals featuring Webb's No. 4 inside a spider's web. The gloves and arm sleeves for the game against Oregon State will also feature this decal, as well as the words "4 SPENCE" and "4 EVER" on the fingers, along with the program's DNA traits. Webb, a member of Oregon's 2018 recruiting class, would have been honored alongside the program's other seniors during the game if he had utilized all of his college eligibility. The university has also honored him by placing yellow 4-yard lines at Autzen Stadium and presenting a posthumous degree to his brother. Webb, who played one game for the Ducks, passed away in 2022 while preparing for his junior season.
Penn State's wide receiver Trey Wallace will not be returning to the lineup for the game against Rutgers. This will be Wallace's second time on the sidelines due to injury. Without Wallace, the passing game has been struggling and the receiving corps is lacking rhythm. While Wallace is ruled out for the Rutgers game, his status for the last game of the season is still uncertain.
On the other side, Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai is listed as questionable for the game against Penn State. Monangai leads the Big Ten in rushing and is a key offensive weapon for the Scarlet Knights. If Monangai is unable to play, it could impact Rutgers' offensive strategy and give Penn State an advantage.
In terms of Penn State's overall performance, head coach James Franklin hopes for a great senior day celebration. The team has had a successful run over the last four seasons, with a 30-15 record and a Rose Bowl victory.
Overall, the absence of Trey Wallace and the potential absence of Kyle Monangai may influence the outcome of the Penn State versus Rutgers game. The player availability report shows that Penn State is missing only one key player, Wallace, for this game.
The Miami Heat (10-5) are set to face off against the New York Knicks (8-6) in the NBA In-Season Tournament on Friday. Both teams have had success this season, but the Heat will be looking for revenge after being eliminated by the Knicks in the playoffs last season. The Knicks have won four of the last five regular-season matchups between the two teams, adding to the tension of this game.
Miami's defense has been impressive this season, ranking 6th in points allowed per game. With key players like Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler, the Heat will look to stifle the Knicks' offense and get their revenge. However, injuries may play a factor for the Heat, with players like Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo listed as questionable for the game.
The Knicks, on the other hand, have been playing well this season and are coming off a three-game winning streak before their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. With players like Julius Randle and RJ Barrett leading the way, the Knicks will look to continue their success and secure a win against the Heat.
According to the latest odds, the Knicks are favored by 5.5 points. However, with the Heat seeking revenge and their strong defensive play, this game could go either way. Fans will have to tune in to see if Miami can get the win and seek redemption against the Knicks.
Duncan Robinson's absence from the Miami Heat's shootaround ahead of their game against the New York Knicks raised questions about his availability for the game. According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Robinson was not present at the shootaround because he was undergoing scans for his sprained right thumb. This news, combined with the Heat's poor shooting performance in the game, suggests that Robinson's absence may have been a factor in their 100-98 loss to the Knicks.
Winderman notes that the Heat desperately missed Robinson's 3-point shooting, as they struggled to find another reliable long-range threat. Without Robinson, the Heat shot just 3 of 21 from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter. Jimmy Butler ended up being their best 3-point shooter in the game, which is a clear indication of how much Robinson's presence is valued on the court.
Robinson has been an important contributor for the Heat this season, especially with Tyler Herro still out due to injury. His absence forced the Heat to adjust their lineup, with Josh Richardson filling in for him. However, Richardson's performance wasn't enough to make up for Robinson's absence.
The loss to the Knicks serves as a reminder of how much Duncan Robinson means to the Heat and highlights the importance of his shooting abilities on the court.
In a rematch of their NCAA Tournament game in March, the No. 12 Texas A&M Aggies sought revenge against the Penn State Nittany Lions at the ESPN Events Invitational. And revenge they got, with a convincing 89-77 win.
The Aggies came out hot, shooting an impressive 60% from the field. Henry Coleman III and Wade Taylor led the charge, each scoring 24 points. Coleman, who was held to just 2 points in their previous matchup, dominated the low post and attacked the basket relentlessly. Taylor, who had struggled with his three-point shooting, hit two crucial threes and contributed 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
The game was closely contested in the first half, with both teams trading leads. However, a clock malfunction interrupted play, and when the game resumed, the momentum shifted in favor of the Aggies. A&M went on a 10-0 run, taking control of the game and never relinquishing the lead.
The Aggies' relentless pressure and offensive rebounding kept the Nittany Lions at bay throughout the second half. Coleman and Taylor combined for 47 points, showcasing their offensive prowess. This impressive win demonstrates the depth and consistency of the Aggies' lineup, making them a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
With this victory, Texas A&M has proved that they have what it takes to contend with the top teams in the nation. Can Henry Coleman III and Wade Taylor continue to lead the Aggies to success? Only time will tell.
De'Von Achane will not be playing in the Miami Dolphins' game against the New York Jets on Black Friday. Achane aggravated a knee injury in the previous game against the Las Vegas Raiders and was listed as questionable to play. The Dolphins have taken a cautious approach with Achane's injury, as he missed four straight games earlier in the season due to the same knee injury. Coach Mike McDaniel believes that Achane is not at risk of further injury, but the team wants him to fully recover before putting him back on the field. In Achane's absence, Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., and Darrynton Evans will take over the workload in the backfield. The Dolphins' offense, led by quarterback Tim Boyle, will likely focus on attacking the Jets' weak run defense, which ranks 30th in the league. Despite Achane's absence, Miami remains optimistic as they aim to maintain their top position in the AFC East division.
Suns wing Damion Lee, who underwent knee surgery last month, is still using crutches, but head coach Frank Vogel says he will be "off of them very soon." The team has not provided a specific timetable for Lee's recovery, but Vogel hopes he will be able to return sometime during the 2023/24 season. Lee's absence adds to the Suns' injury woes, as star forward Kevin Durant is questionable for Friday's game due to foot soreness, and big man Drew Eubanks has been ruled out with a sprained ankle. Additionally, Bradley Beal and Yuta Watanabe are sidelined with longer-term injuries. Despite these setbacks, the Suns remain in contention for a wild card spot in the Western Conference, and a victory in their final tournament game against the Memphis Grizzlies could help their chances. The Grizzlies, however, have been struggling this season, with a 3-11 record, and will rely on Desmond Bane's offensive production in the absence of key players. The Suns have the advantage in perimeter shooting, but will need to maintain mental sharpness and focus on execution in order to secure a win.
Arkansas' football program is facing challenges in recruiting as top commitments in the 2024 class are considering other options. The uncertainty surrounding head coach Sam Pittman's job security is reportedly a factor in these recruits exploring other opportunities. One example of this is four-star defensive lineman Charleston Collins, who was rumored to be flipping his commitment from Arkansas to Ole Miss. However, Collins made a public statement refuting these predictions. Another recruit, Ashton Bethel-Roman, is set to visit Missouri after initially committing to Arkansas. The Razorbacks have also lost Courtney Crutchfield, a top-70 prospect, who decommitted and may end up with a rival SEC school. These developments come at a time when Missouri is having success under coach Eli Drinkwitz, with an 8-2 record and a top-10 ranking. The uncertain future of Pittman's coaching position has given other schools an opportunity to reach out to Arkansas' recruits and attempt to flip them. With the early signing period approaching, Arkansas is working to hold on to its commitments and salvage its recruiting class.
The New York Jets are hoping for a much-needed win as they face off against the Miami Dolphins on Black Friday. However, their starting quarterback Zach Wilson has been benched in favor of Tim Boyle. Despite the change, the Jets' offense has been struggling, managing just two touchdowns in their last four games. On the other hand, the Dolphins, led by Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jalen Waddle, boast an impressive offense, ranking first in yards per game and second in points per game. Their defense has also been forcing turnovers, making it difficult for the Jets to score points. Despite the odds stacked against them, the Jets remain confident in Boyle's abilities and have supported him throughout the week. However, Boyle's record as a starter is 0-3 and he has a poor touchdown-to-interception ratio. With the Jets still aiming to break their 12-year playoff drought, this game will be a crucial test for both the team and their new quarterback. Stay tuned for live updates from the game.
After a disappointing start to the season, the Buffalo Bills made a bold decision to fire offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. The move seemed to pay off in their Week 11 showdown against the New York Jets, as the Bills dominated the game from start to finish with a 45-17 victory. Quarterback Josh Allen looked like his old self, throwing for 275 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite their impressive win, the Bills still face an uphill battle to make it to the playoffs. With a record of 6-5, they have tough matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Kansas City Chiefs coming up. However, their recent change in offensive coordinator could be the spark they need to turn their season around.
On the other hand, the Miami Dolphins continue to impress and currently sit at the top of the AFC East standings. The New England Patriots, who had a bye week in Week 11, are struggling at 2-8 overall.
As the AFC playoff picture starts to take shape, the Bills will need to continue their winning ways and hope that their new offensive coordinator, Joe Brady, can guide them to success. The road to the playoffs won't be easy, but if the Bills can build on their Week 11 performance, they could be a serious threat in the AFC. Only time will tell if the firing of Ken Dorsey was the right move for Buffalo's playoff hopes.
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard has been a disappointment in his first season with the team. Despite signing a four-year, $44 million contract in the offseason, Lazard has struggled to make an impact on the field. In 10 games, he has only recorded 20 receptions for 290 yards and one touchdown. He has also dropped five passes, according to Pro Football Focus. Lazard's lackluster performance has led to his benching for the team's recent game against the Miami Dolphins. The Jets had hoped that Lazard would be a key contributor alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but injuries and poor play have hindered his production. It remains to be seen if Lazard can turn things around in the remaining games of the season. The Jets will have to evaluate their options moving forward, as releasing Lazard would come with a significant cap hit. With the playoffs out of reach for the Jets this season, they may choose to give other wide receivers an opportunity to prove themselves.
Arden Walker, a sophomore defensive end for the Colorado Buffaloes, is being groomed as a potential leader for the team's defense next season. Walker, who transferred from Missouri in the offseason, has impressed coaches with his play and work ethic. Defensive ends coach Nick Williams recently praised Walker and said he expects him to take another step forward as a player next season.
Walker has been a consistent contributor on the edge rusher group, recording 10 tackles, one sack, and a fumble recovery this season. Despite playing behind more experienced players, Walker has shown potential and a strong understanding of the game. He credits his time at Missouri for helping him become a student of the game and improve his IQ.
One of Walker's biggest influences has been Jordan Domineck, a sixth-year senior who leads the Buffaloes in tackles for loss and sacks. Walker has learned a lot from Domineck and believes he's ready to step into a leadership role next year.
With one game left in the season, Walker reflects on the learning curve the team has gone through and sees it as the start of something great. He recognizes the importance of continuity in the offseason and looks forward to bringing the team together for spring ball.
As the Buffaloes wrap up their first season under head coach Deion Sanders, Walker's potential for the future is something to be excited about. With two years left at Colorado, he has the opportunity to become a key leader for the defense.
The New York Jets may be missing two key starters when they take on the Miami Dolphins in the first-ever NFL Black Friday Game. Left tackle Mekhi Becton and slot cornerback Michael Carter II did not practice on Thursday, casting doubt on their availability for the game.
Becton suffered an ankle injury in the last game against the Buffalo Bills and was listed as questionable. Coach Robert Saleh stated that Becton is giving his all to recover in time for the divisional game.
Carter II, who missed last week's game with a hamstring issue, is officially listed as doubtful. Brandin Echols filled in for him in the previous game.
In addition to Becton and Carter II, offensive tackle Billy Turner's availability is also in question due to a finger injury. Receiver Garrett Wilson and safety Tony Adams, who both have minor injuries, are expected to play. Linebacker Chazz Surratt is set to return after missing three games with an ankle injury.
The Jets (4-6) will kick off against the Dolphins (7-3) at 3:00 pm ET on Black Friday. The game will be broadcasted on Prime Video nationally and on WNYW FOX 5 for local New York fans.
The New York Jets have activated offensive tackle Duane Brown from the injured reserve list, just in time for their game against the Miami Dolphins. Brown, who has been sidelined with a hip injury since the start of the season, is set to reclaim his starting job at left tackle. The team had until Thursday afternoon to activate Brown, as his 21-day practice window was expiring. If he hadn't been activated, he would have had to spend the rest of the season on injured reserve.
The 38-year-old Brown has had a history of injuries during his time with the Jets. Last season, he played through a torn left rotator cuff for most of the year. Despite his injuries, Brown has been recognized for his selflessness on the field and was the first recipient of the team's "Selfless Warrior Award."
The Jets have been dealing with multiple injuries on their offensive line, including a sprained ankle for left tackle Mekhi Becton. Brown's return will provide much-needed stability for the team as they face the Dolphins in the NFL's first game after Thanksgiving.
Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders has been a reliable asset for the team, leading the NFL in extra points made. While he may have fewer field goal attempts and made than other kickers, Sanders is confident in his abilities and ready to contribute whenever needed. The Dolphins' offense has been aggressive, often going for it on fourth down, which has led to fewer field goal opportunities for Sanders. However, when called upon, he has made clutch kicks, including a game-winning 50-yarder in the final game of last season. His accuracy is impressive, making him the most accurate kicker in Dolphins history. Though he has had less success from 50 yards or more since his All-Pro season in 2020, Sanders remains confident in his leg strength and believes in himself. With the Dolphins' offense performing well and the team leading the NFL in red zone offense, Sanders may have fewer field goal chances but is a reliable option to extend their lead with extra points. Can Sanders continue to deliver for the Dolphins?
Miami Dolphins starting right guard Robert Hunt has been sidelined for the past two games with a right hamstring injury. Hunt, who has never missed a game before this season, is eager to get back on the field. He has been working with a trainer during practice sessions and is hoping to be cleared to play in Friday's game. However, coach Mike McDaniel is cautious with injuries and wants to ensure the best players are available and healthy for the final stretch of the season. The decision to clear Hunt to play will depend on his progress and the medical staff's assessment of his injury.
In addition to Hunt, rookie running back De'Von Achane is also listed as questionable to play in Friday's game. Achane aggravated his knee injury in the previous game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He has been a limited participant in practice, and coach McDaniel has emphasized the importance of Achane's confidence and readiness to play.
If Hunt is not cleared to play, Liam Eichenberg will likely start as right guard. Eichenberg has held his own in previous games and will be called upon again if needed. The Dolphins have also elevated running back Darrynton Evans from the practice squad to provide depth at the position in case Achane is unable to play.
It remains to be seen whether Hunt and Achane will be able to take the field on Friday, but their availability will have a significant impact on the Dolphins' offensive lineup.
On this year's Black Friday, South Florida's sports scene was ablaze with games from multiple professional teams. The Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, and Florida Panthers all took the field, and the excitement was palpable, not to mention the Hurricanes and Owls. The FAU men's basketball team kicked off the marathon at 11 a.m., followed by the Miami Hurricanes' football team facing off against Boston College at noon. The Dolphins took to the field against the Jets in the NFL's first-ever Black Friday game at 3 p.m. The Miami Heat wrapped up the evening with a game against the New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m., while the Florida Panthers capped off the day with a match against the Winnipeg Jets at 8 p.m. The Panthers' success in recent years has helped them gain traction and a spot in South Florida's sports market. Fans were ecstatic about the packed schedule, with one player expressing that it was their "favorite day of the year." It was truly a remarkable day for sports enthusiasts in South Florida.
The Miami Dolphins have made a move to bolster their running back position for their upcoming game against the New York Jets. With injuries to De'Von Achane and Salvon Ahmed, the Dolphins have elevated Darrynton Evans from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
Achane, who re-injured his knee last Sunday, is expected to sit out this week's game. The Dolphins may also be cautious with his return in the coming weeks to ensure his knee is fully healed for the final stretch of the season. Raheem Mostert, who has been dealing with an ankle issue, is expected to be available for Friday's game.
Darrynton Evans joined the Dolphins earlier this week, rejoining the team after a stint with the Chicago Bears. In his career, Evans has rushed for 230 yards on 60 attempts with 1 touchdown. He also has 12 receptions for 120 yards and a score.
If Evans sees playing time on Friday, it will likely be in a limited role, given his lack of experience with the Dolphins' playbook. The Dolphins will likely turn to Jeff Wilson Jr. if Mostert's ankle issues persist.
Overall, the Dolphins' decision to elevate Evans provides much-needed depth to their running back position, ensuring they have options in the absence of Achane and Ahmed.
The Iowa Hawkeyes are preparing for their final regular-season game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and a lot is at stake for both teams. Iowa is looking to secure a win to solidify their bowl eligibility, while Nebraska is hoping to end their season on a high note. Kirk Ferentz, the head coach of the Hawkeyes, provided some injury updates, revealing that Diante Vines and Beau Stephens will not be able to play in the game. Despite these setbacks, Iowa has seen positive developments in their offensive line play and the performance of quarterback Deacon Hill. Hill has shown great improvement in his passing accuracy over the past few games, and Ferentz attributes this progress to a combination of Hill's growing comfort in his position and the team's efforts to emphasize his strengths. The Cornhuskers, on the other hand, have had a challenging season but have shown flashes of potential under their new coaching staff. Coach Rhule has led the team to a 5-6 record and they will be looking to finish the season strong against the Hawkeyes. Both teams are expected to give it their all in what promises to be an intense and pivotal matchup.
