ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Keionte Scott returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown, Carson B...

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Keionte Scott returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown, Carson Beck threw a scoring pass and No. 10 Miami shocked defending champion Ohio State 24-14 on Wednesday night at the Cotton Bowl in the first College Football Playoff quarterfinal.The Hurricanes (12-2, CFP No. 10 seed) have won two playoff games to get into football’s final four after needing an at-large berth to make the 12-team field, even without playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game. One more win and they will get to play for a national championship in their home stadium.Next for Miami in coach Mario Cristobal’s fourth season is a CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8 against No. 3 seed Georgia or No. 6 seed Ole Miss, the SEC teams in the Sugar Bowl on Thursday night.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>There hasn’t been a national title for “The U” since 2001. The Hurricanes were denied a repeat the following season with a double-overtime loss in the Fiesta Bowl to Ohio State, the only other time the teams met in a bowl game.Now it’s third-ranked Ohio State (12-2, CFP No. 2 seed), which went into the game as a 9 1/2-point favorite according to BetMGM Sportsbook, that won’t be able to win back-to-back national titles for the first time in program history.The Buckeyes hadn’t played since a 13-10 loss to now-No. 1 Indiana in a Big Ten championship game matchup of undefeated teams on Dec. 6. They still got a first-round bye, then lost just like all four teams that went directly to the quarterfinal round in the inaugural 12-team playoff last season.Scott’s second pick-six this season came when he jumped a quick screen pass to the left thrown by Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin, then had a wide-open field to sprint untouched to the end zone for a 14-0 lead with 11:49 left in the first half.That came only 1:42 after Beck’s quick pass to Mark Fletcher Jr. coming out of the backfield for a 9-yard score.Beck, who was part of Georgia’s national titles in 2021 and 2022 when Stetson Bennett was the starter, completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards. The TD throw to Fletcher, who also ran 19 times for 90 yards, was the seventh of 13 consecutive completions for Beck to set a record in the Cotton Bowl, which was played for the 90th time.Sayin, a freshman backup behind Will Howard for Ohio State’s championship run last season, was 22 of 35 for 287 yards with two interceptions and a TD to Jeremiah Smith. Sayin was sacked five times.AP All-America receiver Smith, the Miami native, caught seven of those passes for 157 yards, including a 14-yard TD on a fourth down in the fourth quarter.Carter Davis added a 49-yard field goal in the third quarter and ChaMar Brown ran for a 5-yard TD in the game’s final minute for the Hurricanes, whose 24 points were the most Ohio State gave up this season.The takeawayMiami: The Hurricanes have won six games in a row since an <a href="https://apnews.com/article/smu-miami-score-overtime-fd9c6edb142aeb3b1a4329c61ff61862">overtime loss</a> Nov. 1 at SMU, less than 25 miles from AT&amp;T Stadium, where the Cotton Bowl is played. They also made their CFP debut in the Lone Star State, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/aggies-miami-cfp-playoffs-score-8a08e426917da968bbdc71eaee33e209">winning 10-3 at No. 7 Texas A&amp;M</a> in the first round on Dec. 20.Ohio State: All-America safety Caleb Downs, who started in the CFP for the third season in a row, became the first player to force two fumbles in a CFP game. ... The Buckeyes had gone four consecutive quarters — the equivalent of a full game — until Bo Jackson’s 1-yard TD run to cap its opening drive of the second half.Up nextMiami waits to see who it will play in the Fiesta Bowl. Ohio State is scheduled to open the the 2026 season at home against Ball State on Sept. 5.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up <a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/ap-newsletters">here</a> (AP News mobile app). AP college football: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-football">https://apnews.com/hub/college-football</a>

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 31: Mohamed Toure #1 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts after a stop in the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

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Miami rides 1st-half shutout to upset Ohio State in CFP 

DALLAS (AP) — Tage Thompson scored twice within 2 1/2 minutes midway through the third period and...

DALLAS (AP) — Tage Thompson scored twice within 2 1/2 minutes midway through the third period and had an assist as the Buffalo Sabres beat the Dallas Stars 4-1 on Wednesday night to extend their winning streak to 10 games.That matches both the franchise record and the longest for an NHL team this season, also done by Colorado in November.Josh Doan and defenseman Bowen Byram each had a goal and an assist for the Sabres. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 28 saves in his third start during the streak, allowing one goal in each game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Mavrik Bourque scored for the Stars. They are second in the overall NHL standings and had a six-game point streak snapped (4-0-2).Casey DeSmith stopped 27 shots and lost in regulation for the first time since his first start of the season on Oct. 16. DeSmith went on a franchise-record 13-game point streak (9-0-4).Byram’s goal with 2:55 left in the second period snapped a 1-1 tie.Bourque put in a rebound 15 seconds in on the game’s opening shift. Two of Bourque’s six goals this season have come in the last four games.The Sabres also extended their road winning streak to seven games, the longest in the league this season.Buffalo hasn't trailed after two periods during the streak, leading eight times and tied twice. Thompson gave the Sabres a two-goal lead at 9:21 of the third period and scored again with 8:25 left, his team-high 20th.Sabres goalie Alex Lyon, who has earned seven wins during the streak, returned to Buffalo for further evaluation after suffering a lower-body injury late in Monday’s win at St. Louis.Doan’s score ended his eight-game goalless streak.Up nextSabres: At Columbus on Saturday.Stars: At Chicago on Thursday night.

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 21: Josh Doan #91 of the Buffalo Sabres chats with Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres during a game between the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on December 21, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Sabres rout Stars for 10th straight win

ATLANTA (AP) — For the second time in one week, Anthony Edwards didn’t stick around for the end o...

ATLANTA (AP) — For the second time in one week, Anthony Edwards didn’t stick around for the end of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ game.This time, the exit was his decision.Edwards left the Minnesota bench and the court during a timeout late in the Timberwolves’ <a href="https://apnews.com/article/timberwolves-hawks-score-952fe800bde0a0d9457cfdf00733be67">126-102 loss</a> at the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The unplanned and unapproved exit of the Minnesota star came during a timeout with 7 minutes, 52 seconds remaining. Edwards apparently disagreed with coach Chris Finch pulling his starters with the Hawks leading 109-80. Edwards tossed his towel and left the bench.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Anthony Edwards heads to the locker room as Chris Finch calls a timeout and subs out the remaining players from the starting lineup, as the Timberwolves go down 29 points against the Hawks, with 7:52 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter. Including Edwards highlights from the… <a href="https://t.co/ebzsB9ozTO">pic.twitter.com/ebzsB9ozTO</a>— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrBuckBuckNBA/status/2006505902346567713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Edwards did not speak with reporters after the game. Finch told reporters after the game the star known as “Ant-Man” should have remained on the bench.“Obviously frustrated with the performance and rightfully so, but he needs to stay out on the floor and root for his team,” Finch said.Edwards led the team with 30 points while making 10 of 18 shots, including three 3-pointers, in 33 minutes.The high-scoring guard began the night ranking eighth in the NBA with his average of 29.1 points per game. He was ejected in overtime of the Timberwolves’ <a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-nuggets-minnesota-timberwolves-anthony-jokic-269d8e6c5b51fd9edbd914f6712cd699">142-138 loss</a> at Denver on Thursday. He scored 44 points before the ejection for arguing foul calls.Edwards, an Atlanta native and former University of Georgia star, had friends and family, including his grandfather, at Wednesday’s game.___AP NBA: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nba">https://apnews.com/hub/NBA</a>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 31: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves runs down the court against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at State Farm Arena on December 31, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Edwards leaves T-Wolves' bench late during loss to Hawks

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — British boxer Anthony Joshua has been released from hospital, Nigerian auth...

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — British boxer Anthony Joshua has been released from hospital, Nigerian authorities said late Wednesday night.The two-time former heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist was involved in a fatal road crash near Lagos on Monday which killed two of his close associates and team members.Joshua had been under "observation" at Lagoon Hospital in Lagos while recovering from minor injuries, promoter Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing said Monday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Lagos state commissioner for information, Gbenga Omotoso, said in a statement on X that Joshua was discharged late Wednesday afternoon after being deemed clinically fit to recuperate from "home.""Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two departed friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening," Omotoso said.Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele were killed in the crash. Ghami was Joshua's strength and conditioning coach while Ayodele was a trainer. Just hours before the crash, Joshua and Ayodele posted clips on social media playing table tennis together.Earlier Wednesday, Hearn paid tribute to the two victims after the vehicle they were traveling in with Joshua struck a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos.Hearn posted on Instagram: "Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time."The crash occurred on a major thoroughfare — the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway which links Ogun state to Lagos, the country's economic capital — at about 11 a.m. local time. Footage on social media showed Joshua being extricated from a wrecked vehicle while he was wincing in pain. Nigeria is the homeland of Joshua's parents.The accident has elicited growing concerns about road safety in Nigeria, where accidents are common.The West African nation recorded 5,421 deaths in 9,570 road accidents in 2024, according to data by the country's Federal Road Safety Corps. Its data showed 340 more people were killed in road accidents last year compared to 2023.Just 10 days before being injured in the accident, Joshua knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a Netflix bout in Miami, a fight he used to improve fitness in a bid to contest future top-flight boxing titles.___AP sports: <a href="https://apnews.com/sports">https://apnews.com/sports</a>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Anthony Joshua celebrates victory over Jake Paul in their heavyweight bout during Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua at Kaseya Center on December 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Nigerian authorities say Joshua released from hospital after crash

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Arch Manning made big plays with his arm and his legs Wednesday in the Citru...

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Arch Manning made big plays with his arm and his legs Wednesday in the Citrus Bowl, throwing two touchdown passes and putting it away <a href="https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/2006509448106488220">with a 60-yard scoring run</a> in a 41-27 victory that ended <a href="https://apnews.com/article/kyle-whittingham-michigan-football-coach-moore-679425221155bf8516ea1d6bb02128cc">a rough month for No. 14 Michigan</a>.Manning was an easy choice as the Citrus Bowl MVP, and that was before he burst up the middle on his 60-yarder that gave the Longhorns (10-3) a 38-27 lead, the first time all game either team led by more than one score.Manning was 21 of 34 for 221 yards passing, and he ran nine times for 155 yards.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He delivered a perfect throw to Kaliq Lockett on a 30-yard TD for a 31-27 lead, the first time Texas led since a field goal on its opening drive.That was one play after he scrambled 15 yards for a first down on fourth-and-2. Manning twice converted on fourth down with clutch runs, both times extending drives that led to touchdowns.Kyle Whittingham, who arrived in Orlando on Saturday to start meeting with players, watched from the box at the Citrus Bowl. The longtime Utah coach takes over a Michigan team (9-4) that produced a strong running game and played tough on defense despite missing its top two defenders who opted out of the game.But there was no answer for Manning, who accounted for about 80% of the Longhorns' offense.Bryce Underwood, Michigan's freshman quarter, kept the Wolverines in the game until a pair of late interceptions sealed it. He was 23 of 42 for 199 yards and two touchdowns, along with three interceptions in the last 18 minutes of the game.Underwood, who ran for 77 yards, scampered for a 5-yard touchdown run by diving to touch the pylon, giving Michigan its last lead at 27-24 with just under 11 minutes to go.Hisd pass was intercepted by Ty'Anthony Smith over the middle after Texas had taken the lead, and Smith picked him another along the sideline on the next drive.Biff Poggi lost for the first time as Michigan's interim coach. Poggi coached victories over Nebraska and Central Michigan when former coach Sherrone Moore served a two-game suspension related to the sign-stealing scandal from 2023.Moore was fired three weeks ago for having an extramarital affair with a staffer, and he was arrested and charged with three crimes later in the day for breaking into the woman's home.Whittingham brings a history of toughness and discipline from his 21 years at Utah, which Michigan hopes can go a long way toward bringing some stability to a culture in chaos.The TakeawayMichigan: Bryson Kuzdzal gave Michigan strength in the running with 82 hard-earned yards on 20 carries. He converted first downs on fourth-and short on three occasions.Texas: While Manning ran the show for the Longhorns, they got great production from freshman running back Christian Clark, who had one touchdown and rushed for 105 yards on 20 carries. Texas was without its leading three rushers, all of whom are entering the transfer portal.Too much yellowThe field only looked like it was sprinkled with Cheez-It crackers from the bowl sponsor. Michigan and Texas combined for 21 penalties. The most devastating for Michigan was a blind side block on a second-and-2 from the Texas 10. Underwood threw an interception two players later.Up nextMichigan: New coach Kyle Whittingham fills out his staff. The Wolverines open at home Sept. 5 against Western Michigan.Texas: Opens at home Sept. 5 against Texas State.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up <a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a>. AP college football: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-football">https://apnews.com/hub/college-football</a>

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 31: Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs with the ball during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Texas Longhorns on December 31, 2025 at Campting World Stadium in Orlando, Fl.

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Arch leads Texas to Citrus Bowl win over Michigan

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Devon Dampier threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 148 yards and t...

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Devon Dampier threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 148 yards and three scores, and No. 15 Utah won the Las Vegas Bowl in <a href="https://apnews.com/article/las-vegas-bowl-utah-nebraska-94d7057f958c25345cc2214046422e4d?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">Morgan Scalley's first game</a> as coach, beating Nebraska 44-22 on Wednesday in the Las Vegas Bowl.Scalley was expected to be the Utes' coach beginning after this game, but <a href="https://apnews.com/article/kyle-whittingham-michigan-football-coach-moore-679425221155bf8516ea1d6bb02128cc?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">Michigan hired Kyle Whittingham</a> on Friday, prompting a quicker change.For Dampier, the question now is whether the junior will return to Salt Lake City or enter the transfer portal and maybe even follow his old coach to Michigan.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This game was considered a sort of audition for Nebraska freshman quarterback TJ Lateef, who passed for 182 yards and had a touchdown each throwing and running. Mekhi Nelson rushed for 88 yards and a TD on 12 carries, but only 16 yards after the first quarter.Utah (11-2) reached 11 victories for just the fourth time in program history and the first time since 2019. The Utes improved their bowl record to 18-9, including 5-2 in the Las Vegas Bowl. They also won two Pac-12 championships at Allegiant Stadium.The Utes outgained Nebraska (7-6) 535 yards to 343. They rushed for 225 yards, giving the Utes a school-record 3,462 for the season. Their four rushing touchdowns gave the Utes 41 for the season, another program record.Utah turned around the game in the second period by outscoring Nebraska 17-0 and outgaining the Huskers 198-17. Nebraska had led 14-7 after the first quarter.This was Nebraska's 30th consecutive loss to an Associated Press-ranked opponent, second to Rutgers' 43-game skid. Coach Matt Rhule has lost 20 straight games to ranked teams, including 0-11 at Baylor.An announced crowd of 38,879 watched the game, a record since this bowl moved to Allegiant Stadium following the 2019 season. The previous record was 32,515 for <a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-las-vegas-wisconsin-badgers-football-arizona-53151389da9beae4e8761aff75ffcebe?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">Wisconsin's 20-13 victory over Arizona State</a> in 2021. It's the ninth-highest attendance for this bowl, which used to be at Sam Boyd Stadium.The takeawayNebraska: The Huskers looked as if they would run all over Utah, rushing 13 times for 94 yards in the first quarter in taking a 14-7 lead. They rushed six times for a yard in the second period as Utah took control.Utah: Tight ends J.J. Buchanan and Dallan Bentley combined to catch 10 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns. The game was a homecoming for Buchanan, who is from the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson.Up nextNebraska: Will host Ohio on Sept. 5 in the first of two games against Mid-American Conference teams and the third against an FCS school.Utah: Will host Idaho on Sept. 3 in what should be an easy tune-up for the season.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up <a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a>. AP college football: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-football">https://apnews.com/hub/college-football</a>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Devon Dampier #4 of the Utah Utes celebrates a touchdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Utah wins Las Vegas Bowl in dominating display over Nebraska

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Kristýna Kaltounková scored early, Savannah Norcross added an insurance goal ...

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Kristýna Kaltounková scored early, Savannah Norcross added an insurance goal late and goaltender Kayle Osborne finished off a shutout as the New York Sirens beat the Vancouver Goldeneyes 2-0 on Wednesday.Kaltounková scored for a third straight match and the fourth time this season when she found the net 1:21 into the first period to give New York (4-0-0-5) the lead. Kaltounková, the top pick in this year’s draft out of Colgate University and Czechia, used an assist from rookie Anna Bargman — her first — to beat goalie Emerance Maschmeyer to the glove side.New York’s fourth line upped the advantage to 2-0 in the third period when Norcross, a second-year forward, scored her first career goal — at 4:39. Emmy Fecteau and Kayla Vespa both notched their first assists this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Osborne, the only goalie to start every game this season, had 27 saves for the Sirens. It is the second shutout this season for Osborne and her first since a 4-0 road win over Ottawa in the season opener. Osborne had one shutout — against Ottawa — last season as a rookie when she made eight starts and 10 appearances.Maschmeyer stopped 24 shots for the Goldeneyes (2-1-1-5).New York went 0-for-5 on power plays. Vancouver was 0-for-4 and has whiffed on its last eight opportunities with an extra skater.Up nextNew York: Hosts Montreal on Friday.Vancouver: Hosts Boston on Saturday.

NEWARK NJ - DECEMBER 31: The New York Sirens celebrate after winning the game against the Vancouver Goldeneyes on December 31, 2025 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Kaltounkova scores winner as Sirens blank Goldeneyes

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Mark Gronowski threw two touchdowns and rushed for another to lead Iowa to a 3...

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Mark Gronowski threw two touchdowns and rushed for another to lead Iowa to a 34-27 win over No. 13 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Wednesday.Gronowski was 16 of 22 passing for 212 yards, throwing touchdowns passes of 10 and 21 yards to Reece Vander Zee and DJ Vonnahme, respectively, as Iowa got out to a 21-3 lead early in the third quarter.Vanderbilt (10-3) rallied behind Diego Pavia. The Heisman Trophy runner-up threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Tre Richardson and a 16-yarder to Joseph McVay to pull the Commodores within 24-17.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The teams traded scores early in the fourth quarter, with Gronowski making it 31-17 with a 1-yard keeper and Pavia answering with an 11-yard TD run.Iowa (9-4) pushed the lead back to double digits with a 44-yard field goal from Drew Stevens to cap off a 13-play, 49-yard drive that took more than seven minutes. Vanderbilt answered with a 37-yard field goal from Brock Taylor to make it 34-27, but Iowa was able to close out the game with Xavier Williams running for 11 yards on a third-and-1 with 1:55 remaining and the Commodores out of timeouts.Pavia finished with 347 passing yards. Richardson caught six passes for 127 yards and Junior Sherrill had eight catches for 123 yards for Vanderbilt.Vonnahme led the Hawkeyes with seven catches for 146 yards and Kamari Moulton rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown. Gronowski had 54 rushing yards.<h3>The takeaway</h3>Iowa: The Hawkeyes are 4-3 in the ReliaQuest Bowl (formerly known as the Outback Bowl) in seven trips under coach Kirk Ferentz. It’s the 11th time Iowa has won nine or more games in a season under Ferentz.Vanderbilt: Despite the loss, the Commodores set a school record with 10 wins and signed coach Clark Lea to a six-year contract extension in November.<h3>Up next</h3>Iowa: Hosts Northern Illinois on Sept. 5.TCU: Hosts Austin Peay on. Sept. 5___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Karson Sharar (43) celebrates with teammates after a sack during the Reliaquest Bowl between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Vanderbilt Comodores, December 31, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida

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Iowa takes down Vanderbilt, Pavia in ReliaQuest Bowl

New England Patriots defensive lineman Christian J. Barmore is facing a domestic assault and batt...

New England Patriots defensive lineman Christian J. Barmore is facing a domestic assault and battery charge after his girlfriend told police he threw her to the ground in August at his home outside Boston.A criminal complaint issued Dec. 18 claims Barmore, 26, briefly took the woman’s phone, threw her to the ground and grabbed her by the shirt inside the home in Mansfield, Massachusetts.Mansfield Police Sgt. John Armstrong said the woman called police on Aug. 25 to report what had occurred almost three weeks earlier. The woman told police she had stayed at the home periodically during their relationship of several years.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barmore’s lawyer, David Meier, issued a statement Wednesday saying “the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place.” Meier called it a personal matter and said he expected it to be “resolved in the near future and both parties will move forward together.”The woman told police she took their daughter early the morning of Aug. 8 into Barmore’s bedroom, where Barmore was upset because the thermostat was 2 degrees warmer than he preferred. She said their daughter wanted to see him.She claimed Barmore “picked up the child, placed her on the floor just outside the master bedroom, turned back into the room and slammed the door shut,” according to police.As the woman packed her belongings to leave later in the day, Barmore took the phone from her hand and disconnected a call with the woman’s mother, according to the criminal complaint. When she headed for the front door to call for help, police said, Barmore allegedly “grabbed her before she could and threw her to the floor.”Barmore grabbed her by the shirt but “eventually let go” and the woman got up, she told police. A car provided by the team picked up the woman and their daughter and drove them to Delaware. She provided police with a photo showing bruises she said occurred when she was thrown to the floor.New England coach Mike Vrabel said Barmore was away from the team with an illness Wednesday but that he hadn’t heard anything that would make him unavailable to play Sunday.“We’ve made a statement and we’ve taken the allegations very seriously,” Vrabel said, referring to allegations against both Barmore and receiver Stefon Diggs. Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery in a dispute with his former private chef.“I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now. Let the process take its toll,” Vrabel said.An arraignment was scheduled for early February. The charge is a misdemeanor.The team’s public relations office e-mailed a statement saying it had been aware of the matter when it occurred and notified the league.“The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process. We will respect that process, continue to monitor the situation closely, as we have over the past few months, and cooperate fully with the league,” the Patriots said.Barmore was a second-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Alabama.___Scolforo reported from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Associated Press reporter Kyle Hightower contributed from Foxborough, Massachusetts.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 21: Christian Barmore #90 of the New England Patriots looks on during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Patriots' Barmore facing assault, battery charge

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday that he hasn't hea...

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday that he hasn't heard anything from the NFL that would prevent Stefon Diggs from playing in Sunday's regular-season finale as the receiver <a href="https://apnews.com/article/stefon-diggs-strangulation-assault-charge-2b90b18384193dbd98043ceca3dedb8e">faces strangulation and other criminal charges</a> in connection with a dispute with his former private chef. 
The Patriots voiced their support for Diggs in a statement Tuesday after the allegations became public. Vrabel echoed that support.
“We’ve made a statement and we’ve taken the allegations very seriously,” Vrabel said. "I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now. Let the process take its toll.” 
<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>
Diggs didn't speak with reporters Wednesday as he has typically done throughout the season. But he was in the locker room prior to practice and on the practice field with the team. 
The NFL issued a statement saying Diggs is eligible to play. 
News of the charges against Diggs emerged after a court hearing Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
According to police, the chef told investigators that Diggs hit her and tried to choke her during a discussion about money.
Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, said in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” Meier described the allegations as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated. 
A court arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23.
Vrabel said he didn't anticipate the situation being a distraction for his team. The Patriots are currently 13-3 and have already wrapped up their first AFC East title since 2019. With a victory against Miami on Sunday and a loss or tie by the Denver Broncos against the Chargers, New England would also secure the conference's top seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye.
“I think these are allegations. ... Things that we have to handle,” Vrabel said. "Every day there are distractions, some are smaller than others. I’m confident that we’ll focus on the Dolphins.” 
Diggs, 32, joined New England before this season after a trade from Houston. He has been a standout player for the Patriots, leading the team with 82 catches and 970 yards receiving. 
___
AP reporters Mike Casey in Boston, and Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania contributed.
___
AP NFL: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nfl">https://apnews.com/hub/NFL</a>
</div>

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Mike Vrabel and Stefon Diggs #8 of the New England Patriots celebrate on the sideline during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Ken Seals passed for 258 yards and the game-winning touchdown in overtime as T...

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Ken Seals passed for 258 yards and the game-winning touchdown in overtime as TCU rallied to beat No. 16 Southern California 30-27 on Tuesday night in the Alamo Bowl.After being sacked for a 10-yard loss on second down, Seals was facing third-and-20 from the 35 when he found running back Jeremy Payne with a short toss in the left flat. Payne caught the ball at the line of scrimmage and wriggled past four defenders, breaking multiple tackles as he bolted down the sideline into the end zone.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"THE GAME IS NOT OVER ... The game is over." 😅 TCU TIPTOES ITS WAY TO A WIN IN THE VALERO ALAMO BOWL 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/tgoQM1E43d">pic.twitter.com/tgoQM1E43d</a>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/2006240628053622997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>A sixth-year senior completing his collegiate career, Seals was named Offensive MVP for leading his hometown team to victory.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Payne had six catches for 50 yards and the game-ending touchdown. He also rushed for 73 yards and a TD on 13 carries.Seals directed a 13-play, 59-yard drive in the final 2:44 of regulation to force overtime on a 27-yard field goal by Kyle Lemmermann as time expired.It was the fourth overtime in the bowl’s 33-year history.TCU (9-4) limited USC (9-4) to a field goal on the opening possession of OT despite incurring a pass-interference call in the end zone that gave the Trojans a first down at the 2-yard line.Trojans junior quarterback Jayden Maiava passed for 280 yards and a touchdown but threw two interceptions.USC failed to score early in the third quarter following an interception by Christian Pierce. The drive ended when Maiava’s pass was intercepted in the end zone.Jaden Richardson scored on a one-handed grab for USC in the front left corner of the end zone with 49 seconds remaining in the third. Richardson reached back with his right arm as he was falling backward, pulling the ball into his chest and tappping his right foot inbounds for a 21-yard touchdown reception from Maiava.Taniela Tupou’s two-point reception extended USC’s lead to 21-14.TCU grabbed a 14-13 lead in the first half on a pair of short rushing touchdowns that capped 75-yard drives.Jon Denman opened the scoring with a 5-yard run with 13:36 remaining in the second quarter.Seals added a second touchdown nine minutes later on a 1-yard run.The takeawayUSC: The Trojans failed to win 10 games for the third straight season.TCU: The Horned Frogs had a prolific offense this season but must start anew next year. TCU lost offensive coordinator Kendal Briles to South Carolina, starting quarterback Josh Hoover entered the transfer portal and top wide receiver Eric McAlister is headed to the NFL.Up nextUSC: Will host Fresno State on Sept. 5 next year in what could be the first game of Maiava’s Heisman Trophy campaign.TCU: Will face North Carolina on Aug. 29 in Dublin, Ireland, to kick off next year’s college football season.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up <a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a>. AP college football: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-football">https://apnews.com/hub/college-football</a>

SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 30: Texas Christian University Horned Frogs running back Jeremy Payne (26) gets congratulated by the team after scoring a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans during the Valero Alamo Bowl football game at the Alamodome on December 30, 2025 in San Antonio, TX.

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Payne's improbable OT TD lifts TCU over USC in Alamo Bowl

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — David Olano kicked a 29-yard field goal as time expired, and Illinois bea...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — David Olano kicked a 29-yard field goal as time expired, and Illinois beat Tennessee 30-28 Tuesday night in the Music City Bowl.Illinois (9-4) posted the first back-to-back nine-win seasons in program history along with winning the first game between these programs. Coach Bret Bielema had alerted his Fighting Illini to where they stood before this bowl.“We don’t have to read about other years anymore," Bielema said. “I think people usually either read about history or write history, and this group’s writing history and I think we’ll continue to do that.”<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Olano's winning kick was his third field goal of the game. Luke Altmyer threw for 196 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score. Leon Lowery Jr. recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown, and Illinois had four sacks.Tennessee (8-5) finishes the season having lost two straight held to a season-low 278 yards total offense. The Vols also missed out on a fourth straight season with at least nine wins.“Obviously everybody’s disappointed, but this has got to be something that you take with you through the offseason and probably use this as motivation and give us a chance to get better and get stronger," Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said. "And we’ll be back ready to roll in '26, I promise you that.”The Fighting Illini helped the Big Ten stay undefeated this bowl season, improving to 6-0. The Southeastern Conference dropped to 2-5 with this loss.Tennessee trailed by as many as 10 points twice and took a 28-27 lead when Joakim Dodson returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown with 4:58 left. It was the freshman's first kickoff return of his career.Illinois never gave the ball back.“Really cool to end it that way,” Altmyer said.DeSean Bishop also ran for 93 yards and two TDs, and Joey Aguilar ran for a TD for Tennessee.Illinois smothered a Tennessee offense that ranked inside the top 10 nationally for yards per game, averaging 40.8 points. The Vols had scored at least 40 in seven games during the regular season. Illinois finished with 417 yards total offense.The Fighting Illini went up 17-7 after Joe Barna sacked Aguilar and stripped the Tennessee quarterback of the ball, which bounced into the end zone where Lowery covered it up for the TD with 11:48 left in the third quarter.Altmyer made it 24-14 with a 2-yard keeper late in the third quarter.TakeawaysIllinois didn’t have leading tackler with outside linebacker Gabe Jacas, the Big Ten Conference sack leader, having opted out for the NFL draft. The defense, ranked 56th nationally holding opponents to 23.3 points a game, turned in its best performance this season.Tennessee played without three defensive starters. On offense, the Vols didn't have lineman Wendell Moe, who started 11 games but was on crutches, and Chris Brazzell II, the SEC’s leading receiver, who opted out to prepare for the NFL draft. Aguilar also snapped a streak of 36 straight Division I games throwing for at least 200 yards.Up nextIllinois has to find a replacement for Altmyer. Bielema also has to replace a left tackle with J.C. Davis heading to the NFL draft.Tennessee needs an experienced quarterback in the transfer portal. Aguilar is among the plaintiffs with Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia seeking to stop the NCAA from enforcing eligibility rules against former junior college players. George MacIntyre is a freshman, with Faizon Brandon, an early enrollee.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up <a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/ap-newsletters">here</a> (AP News mobile app). AP college football: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-football">https://apnews.com/hub/college-football</a>

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Illinois Fighting Illini kicker David Olano (24) walks around the field holding the championship trophy following the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl between the Tennessee Volunteers and Illinois Fighting Illini, December 30, 2025, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Illinois downs Tennessee as SEC falls to 2-5 in bowls

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Kimi Koerbler scored two goals and Switzerland beat Germany 4-0 on Tuesday...

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Kimi Koerbler scored two goals and Switzerland beat Germany 4-0 on Tuesday in Grand Casino Arena at the world junior championship.Switzerland (1-0-0-2) clinches a spot in the quarterfinals by eliminating Germany, which was outscored 22-5 in losing all four matches in Group A. The Swiss play Slovakia on Wednesday to close out the preliminary round. The Germans will play winless Denmark in the relegation round.Koerbler used assists from Gian Meier and Niklas Blessing to score for the first time in the tournament, giving Switzerland a 1-0 lead at 11:42 in the first period. Leon Muggli and Lars Steiner set up Jamiro Reber’s first goal less than 90 seconds later — on a power play — for a two-goal advantage.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Koerbler scored unassisted 68 seconds into the second period and Ludvig Johnson netted his first goal five minutes later for a 4-0 lead.Switzerland peppered goalie Lennart Neisse with 47 shots, while Germany managed only 20 shots against Elijah Neuenschwander.In Group B at 3M Arena at Mariucci, Krisjanis Sarts scored late in the first period and Alberts Smits scored twice on power plays in the second to help Latvia beat Denmark 6-3 and clinch a spot in the quarterfinals.Latvia (1-0-1-1) closes out Group B play against Czechia on Wednesday.Antons Macijevskis, Bruno Osmanis — on a power play — and Kristers Ansons added goals for Latvia. Osmanis and Olivers Murnieks both had two assists and Ansons and Smits collected one.Oliver Larsen had a goal for Denmark (0-0-0-4) and assisted on a score by William Bundgaard. Anton Linde scored with 1:18 remaining. Denmark was outscored 28-8 in four prelim matches.

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 30: Basile Sansonnens #13 of Switzerland checks Lenny Boos #17 of Germany in the second period of a Group A stage game during the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship at Grand Casino Arena on December 30, 2025 in St Paul, Minnesota.

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BOSTON (AP) — New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing strangulation and ot...

BOSTON (AP) — New England Patriots star wide receiver <a href="https://apnews.com/article/stefon-diggs-patriots-3448d7c351360e6290dc927a21a46c6b">Stefon Diggs</a> is facing strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef, police said.News of the charges emerged after a court hearing Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, said in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.”<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Meier said the allegations never occurred, describing them as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated. A court arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23.“The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction,” Meier wrote.In a statement, the Patriots said they were also standing by Diggs: “We support Stefon,” the team said.A police narrative in a court filing about the case said a woman came to the Dedham Police Department on Dec. 16 to say that two weeks earlier, while working as a private chef for Diggs, he came into her bedroom and became angry during a discussion about money. The woman told police Diggs “smacked her across the face,” she tried to push him away and then he “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.”“She said that he was behind her with his arm wrapped around her,” wrote Officer Kenneth J. Ellis. “She said that she did feel like she had trouble breathing and that she felt like she could have blacked out.” Diggs threw her on a bed and said “lies” when she told him she had not been paid, Ellis wrote.The chef sought payment for a week in November when Diggs was having houseguests and she had to go home, Ellis wrote. The woman “left her position” and the home in Dedham but returned on Dec. 9 to retrieve her property. At that point, she told police, Diggs referred her to his assistant, who told the woman she had to sign a non-disclosure agreement before she would be paid. She did not sign it, police said.The woman was reluctant to file charges until last week, Ellis wrote, when “she let me know that she had changed her mind from a few days ago” and wanted criminal charges.Diggs, 32, established himself as one of the NFL’s best wide receivers during a run with Minnesota and Buffalo from 2018 to 2023, when he had six consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times.After a lackluster stint in Houston last year, Diggs ended up in New England, signing a three-year, $69 million deal in free agency that guaranteed him $26 million.Diggs has proven a reliable target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye and is a big reason why the team has once again clinched the AFC East title as the team heads toward the playoffs.Off the field, though, his tenure with the Patriots got off to a rocky start when a video surfaced on social media in May showing Diggs <a href="https://apnews.com/article/cardi-b-new-england-patriots-stefon-diggs-93182b80cfdc518198271fe4b3fe88e8">passing what appeared to be a bag of pink crystals</a> to women on a boat.It wasn’t clear what the substance was, and an NFL spokesperson said the league would not comment. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said the team would handle that matter internally.Grammy Award-winning rapper Cardi B has posted photos in recent months of the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/cardi-b-stefon-diggs-baby-85548f92749dddc25e5a4ccf04235b04">newborn son</a> she has with Diggs.___AP reporter Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, contributed.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 13: Stefon Diggs #8 of the New England Patriots looks on after an NFL football game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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LIV Golf will end the year with no decision whether the Official World Golf Ranking will approve ...

LIV Golf will end the year with no decision whether the Official World Golf Ranking will approve the 54-man league to receive ranking points like golf’s other tours around the world.The OWGR also said tournaments that are played over 54 holes or even 36 holes will have a reduction in points compared with standard 72-hole events.OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman had said two weeks ago one hurdle was the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/liv-golf-world-ranking-trevor-immelman-792846f7e551357e4445af666c943654">vast majority of LIV players</a> were invited to join instead of earning their way, as is the case with the other 24 tours that are part of the OWGR system.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>An update sent Wednesday said only that the board continues to evaluate LIV’s application the Saudi-funded league submitted in late June.“We remain committed to the OWGR’s mission, which requires honoring the meritocracy woven into the professional game,” Immelman said in a statement. “As such, discussions have been regular and remain ongoing. To be clear, progress has been made, but there is no decision to share at this time.“We will continue to work closely with LIV Golf as it continues to evolve to ensure its application is handled with fairness, integrity and consistency, as stated previously.”Immelman also had previously said the 54 holes that LIV played for its first four years were never that big of an issue. LIV is moving to 72 holes for the 2026 season.LIV begins its season Feb. 4 in Saudi Arabia. It has been hopeful of being part of the OWGR system because the four majors used it as part of its qualifying criteria.Several tours that are part of the OWGR are scheduled for 54 holes, such as the Big Easy developmental tour in South Africa and the MENA Tour based in Dubai.The OWGR said 54-hole tournaments — or those reduced to 54 holes because of weather — will get 75% of the original field rating and points distribution. Tournaments that wind up being played over 36 holes would get 50% of the original field rating.The European Tour had a couple of tournaments reduced this year to 54 holes, such as the South African Open and Singapore Classic.___AP golf: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/golf">https://apnews.com/hub/golf</a>

BOLINGBROOK, IL - AUGUST 09: The LIV GOLF logo is pictured during day two of LIV Golf Chicago on Saturday, August 09, 2025 at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, IL.

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ATLANTA (AP) — Bijan Robinson rushed for 195 yards, including a 93-yard touchdown, Zane Gonzalez ...

ATLANTA (AP) — Bijan Robinson rushed for 195 yards, including a 93-yard touchdown, Zane Gonzalez kicked a 51-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining and the Atlanta Falcons recovered after blowing two 21-point leads to upset the playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams 27-24 on Monday night.Robinson's 93-yard touchdown run was the longest in Atlanta history and Jessie Bates III scored on a 34-yard interception return. Bolstered by those big plays, the Falcons led 21-0 at halftime and 24-3 early in the second half.Matthew Stafford recovered from throwing three interceptions to help the Rams (11-5) pull even at 24. Stafford's 11-yard touchdown pass to Puka Nacua with 2:46 remaining tied the game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>“I love the way that we found a way to get back in the game, but we weren't able to close it out,” Rams coach Sean McVay said.The Falcons (7-9) extended their winning streak to three games as Robinson also set the team record for most scrimmage yards in a season.The Rams lost their second straight. They began the week leading the NFL in scoring and yards and were shut out in the first half. After trailing 21-0 at halftime, the Rams were kept out of the end zone until Stafford's 27-yard touchdown pass to Terrance Ferguson late in the third quarter.“This is a humbling league and we got humbled tonight,” McVay said.Los Angeles cut Atlanta's lead to 24-17 when Emmanuel Forbes Jr. blocked a 37-yard field goal attempt by Gonzalez and Jarred Verse returned the recovery 76 yards for a touchdown. It was the Rams' first blocked kick returned for a touchdown since 1986.Stafford's second interception, on a throw picked off by Atlanta rookie Xavier Watts, gave the Falcons the ball at their 7 in the second quarter. Robinson broke through the line and took off down the sideline, outrunning the Los Angeles defense for the NFL's longest run of the season.“He’s a special player,” Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins said. “What he can do in both the run game and pass game is very unique.”Watts' second interception, the third thrown by Stafford, stopped the Rams on a fourth-down play from the Atlanta 27 with 9:04 remaining.Falcons coach Raheem Morris credited cornerback A.J. Terrell and the defense for limiting Nacua to five catches for 47 yards.“I think the defensive staff did a great job again, limiting a great football player,” Morris said.Scrimmage yards recordRobinson needed 151 rushing and receiving yards to break William Andrews’ team scrimmage yards record of 2,176 set in 1983. Robinson had five catches for 34 yards, including a 4-yard touchdown reception, to finish with 229 scrimmage yards in the game and 2,255 for the year.Sudden surge of interceptionsStafford, who earned his third Pro Bowl honor this season, began the week leading the NFL in touchdown passes and passing yards. He had thrown only five interceptions before his turnover-plagued effort against the Falcons.Stafford completed 22 of 38 passes for 269 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He has a career-best 42 touchdown passes this season.It was his first three-interception game since Week 1 of 2022.“It boils down to execution every week, right?” Stafford said. “Either you execute and make the throws or you don’t. And I didn’t do that tonight, so it hurt us and we weren’t able to overcome it.”Credit to the blockersRobinson gave thanks to his line and wide receiver Drake London for the key blocks on his 93-yard scoring run. London had a downfield block on a defensive back to help clear Robinson's path.“It takes everybody for those kind of runs to happen,” Robinson said.Rams starters will playMcVay didn't hesitate when asked if his starters would rest in Sunday's final regular-season game against Arizona.“No, we're playing,” McVay said. “We were playing anyway. We need to play.”The Rams will open the playoffs on the road, an outcome that was set after NFC West rivals Seattle and San Francisco both won on Sunday. They entered the night as the No. 5 seed.Injury reportRams: WR Davante Adams (hamstring) and two starting offensive linemen __ RG Kevin Dotson (ankle) and LT Alaric Jackson (ankle) __ were held out. Adams participated in pregame drills. RB Blake Corum limped off with a right ankle injury in the second quarter and did not return. ... S Jaylen McCollough (hip) was questionable to return. ... CB Roger McCreary (hip) was active as he came off injured reserve.Falcons: DL Brandon Dorlus (left knee) needed help leaving the field in the third quarter and did not return. ... CB Mike Ford Jr. (ankle) was questionable. ... CB Mike Hughes missed his second consecutive game with an ankle sprain. ILB Josh Woods was inactive due to a personal matter.Up nextRams: The Rams will try to build on their 6-1 home record when they play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in their final regular-season game.Falcons: Atlanta closes its season at home on Sunday against New Orleans. The Falcons took a 24-10 win at New Orleans on Nov. 23.___AP NFL: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nfl">https://apnews.com/hub/nfl</a>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates a touchdown by Bijan Robinson #7 (not pictured) with Chris Lindstrom #63 against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Boston College forward James Hagens scored in a 1:03 span late in the seco...

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Boston College forward James Hagens scored in a 1:03 span late in the second period and early in the third, and the United States overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Slovakia 6-5 on Monday night in the world junior hockey championship.Hagens, from Hauppauge, New York, tied it at 4 with 45 seconds left in the second, then gave the Americans the lead 18 seconds into the third.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
18 SECONDS INTO THE THIRD AND THE UNITED STATES LEAD 🫨🇺🇸 James Hagens has his second of the game! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldJuniors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldJuniors</a> <a href="https://t.co/0lg5vvZmr2">pic.twitter.com/0lg5vvZmr2</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2005807463098880290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The United States matched Sweden at 3-0 in Group A play ahead of their New Year’s Eve showdown. In the early game, Sweden had four power-play goals in an 8-1 romp over Germany.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>“We have to be careful with some things like taking too long shifts or getting stuck on the blue lines,” Swedish captain Jack Berglund said. “Stuff like that can punish us against the U.S. If we have a bad change, bad turnover, they will come with speed. We need to be ready for that.”Caleb Heil backstopped the U.S. in goal. He’s from Victoria, Minnesota, and plays for Madison in the USHL. Fellow Minnesotans Brendan McMorrow and Will Zellers scored. McMorrow is from Lakeville and plays at Denver. Zellers, from Maple Grove, plays for North Dakota.Ryker Lee of Michigan State and AJ Spellacy of Windsor of the OHL added goals. Tomas Chrenko scored twice for Slovakia.In the opener, Swedish captain Jack Berglund, Anton Frondell, and Viggo Bjorck each scored twice.“We had, from the start, good energy,” Berglund said. “We came at them hard.”In Group B at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Adam Jiricek scored at 3:39 of overtime to give Czechia a 2-1 victory over pool leader Finland. Czechia and Canada — which faced Denmark in the late game — are tied for second with five points, two behind the Finns.Czechia won after Emil Hemming tied it for Finland with 19.3 seconds left in regulation.Finland’s Veeti Vaisanen received a major penalty and game misconduct for cross-checking at 1:06 of the first period. Matej Kubiesa scored 46 seconds later on the power play, snapping a shot past Petteri Rimpinen. The Finns spent seven of the first 10 minutes short-handed.___AP sports: <a href="https://apnews.com/sports">https://apnews.com/sports</a>

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: James Hagens #10 of the United States celebrates his goal against Slovakia in the second period of a Group A stage game during the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship at Grand Casino Arena on December 29, 2025 in St Paul, Minnesota.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — OJ Arnold had 152 yards rushing on 11 carries, Terrance Gibbs and Weston ...

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — OJ Arnold had 152 yards rushing on 11 carries, Terrance Gibbs and Weston Bryant each had a rushing touchdown, and Georgia Southern beat Appalachian State 29-10 on Monday to win the Birmingham Bowl.Georgia Southern (7-6) has made a bowl appearance in four consecutive seasons — all under fourth-year coach Clay Helton — for the first time in program history.The Mountaineers went three-and-out on the game’s opening drive before Georgia Southern put together an 11-play, 66-yard drive that culminated when Gibbs ran for a 1-yard touchdown about 6 1/2 minutes in that gave the Eagles the lead for good.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Arnold ripped off a 58-yard run on the first play from scrimmage in the second half and, two plays later, Weston Bryant scored on a 3-yard run. JC French IV threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Sanders Jr. about five minutes later that made it 26-7.Matthew Wilson was 12-of-22 passing for 128 yards and threw two interceptions for Appalachian State (5-8). He added 110 yards rushing — which included a 6-yard scoring run, the first TD of his career — late in the first half. Wilson, a redshirt freshman who is listed on the Mountaineers' roster as a quarterback/defensive back, made his first appearance.Noah Gillon, who started at QB for the Mountaineers, was 4-of-7 passing for 64 yards and threw two interceptions in Georgia Southern territory.Tripp Bryant made field goals of 23,36 and 27 yards for the Eagles.Georgia Southern beat the Mountaineers <a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-southern-appalachian-state-score-5ecfbf6877030e3759a34a6b1585ea00">25-23</a> on Nov. 6.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up <a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/ap-newsletters">here</a> (AP News mobile app). AP college football: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-football">https://apnews.com/hub/college-football</a>

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - DECEMBER 29: Davion Rhodes #91 of the Georgia Southern Eagles holds the JLab Birmingham Bowl Vulcan trophy after beating the Appalachian State Mountaineers 29-10 at Protective Stadium on December 29, 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama.

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his determination to score 1,0...

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his determination to score 1,000 goals by the end of his career.And the 40-year-old Portugal superstar is in no doubt he’ll get there.“I will reach that number for sure, if no injuries,” Ronaldo said late Sunday at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he was named as the best player in the Middle East.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ronaldo moved onto 956 career goals by scoring twice for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday. His tally includes men’s international record of <a href="https://es.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/0257-0e001aafb4e9-7c6ad3889ce0-1000--cristiano-ronaldo-s-143-international-goals-opposition-w/">143 goals for Portugal</a>, which Ronaldo is set to lead into next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.By the time the World Cup begins, Ronaldo — a five-time world player of the year — will be aged 41.“I am still very motivated to carry on,” the former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus striker said on stage after receiving his award. “It doesn’t matter (where) I play — Middle East, in Europe — I always enjoy to play football, to win trophies, to score goals and I want to carry on.“You know what my goal is: I want to win more trophies and I want to reach the number that you will all know.”The World Cup is one of the few trophies missing from Ronaldo’s collection. He won the European Championship with Portugal in 2016.___AP soccer: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/soccer">https://apnews.com/hub/soccer</a>

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 27: Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC celebrates scoring their first goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Okhdood at Al Awwal Park on December 27, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday that he plans to return ne...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday that he plans to return next season, batting away any thought of an impending retirement by making a tongue-in-cheek joke about his status with a franchise he has led to three Super Bowl titles."I mean, I think I’m coming back, right?" Reid told local Kansas City reporters on a Zoom call. "If they’ll have me back, I’ll come back. You never know in this business. That’s a tough one. But I plan on it, yeah."The 67-year-old Reid is accustomed to answering questions about his future in February, after the Chiefs have played in the Super Bowl, which they had done each of the past three years. But he’s less familiar with facing those questions in the final days of December, when the Chiefs have long since been eliminated from postseason contention.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kansas City is 6-10 as it prepares for its season finale this weekend in Las Vegas.Reid, who signed a five-year, $100 million extension with the Chiefs in April 2024, spent his first 14 seasons as an NFL head coach in Philadelphia, where he led the Eagles to 130 regular-season wins and 10 more in the playoffs. That included four seasons that ended in the NFC title game and another that ended with a loss in the Super Bowl.Reid’s past 13 years have come in Kansas City, where he has won at an even greater clip.With Alex Smith at quarterback the first five years and Patrick Mahomes under center since, the Chiefs have piled up 149 regular-season wins and gone 18-8 in the playoffs. This season will end streaks of 10 consecutive playoff trips, nine straight AFC West titles, seven consecutive AFC title game appearances and the past three years in the Super Bowl.In five trips to the big game, Reid and Co. have brought three Lombardi Trophies back to Kansas City. Bill Belichick is the only coach with more Super Bowl rings, capturing six of them with Tom Brady and the Patriots.Reid has 307 wins overall. He needs 18 to pass George Halas for third on the NFL’s career list behind Belichick and Don Shula.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 25: Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid in the first quarter of a Christmas Day NFL game between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs on December 25, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.

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Reid plans to return as Chiefs coach next season

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