It seems the Indianapolis Colts are indeed willing to talk about trading running back Jonathan Taylor after all.
Multiple teams have reached out to the Colts amid their fire sale to see if Taylor is available, per ESPN and NFL Network. The talks "are said to be active and ongoing."
Among those teams who have called the Colts and owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon are the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks.
ESPN also reported that at least one offer included a second-round draft pick with additional compensation for Taylor.
The Colts have already made it clear they would be sellers before the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline following the firing of GM Chris Ballard after a 10-year stint with the franchise.
Indianapolis traded Quenton Nelson, their All-Pro guard and former first-round pick, to the Seahawks. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner also reunited with the San Francisco 49ers just hours after Nelson was dealt this past week.
Wide receiver Josh Downs, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, also reportedly requested a trade. The Colts have reportedly told teams he’s worth a third-round pick, though they wish to keep him if possible despite the trade request.
Taylor, on the other hand, has expressed his desire to stay put in Indianapolis, but he also understands that’s out of his control. The Colts made it clear they’re looking to accumulate draft picks amid a season where they’re 2-5 in the AFC South.
Irsay-Gordon and Taylor reportedly met this week and had an "in-depth conversation to discuss the future," per ESPN. It is believed Irsay-Gordon would like Taylor to be a part of the Colts’ rebuild, though the franchise understands the type of return Taylor, who just signed a two-year extension before the start of this season, could have if dealt.
The Colts have already secured a 2027 third- and fourth-round pick as well as a 2028 fifth-round selection from the Nelson and Buckner deals. Indianapolis is also without a 2027 first-round pick, which the New York Jets own after dealing Sauce Gardner to the Colts in 2025.
Ahead of the Colts’ game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Taylor addressed the trade rumors surrounding him.
"I haven’t heard anything," he said on Thursday, per FOX59’s Mike Chappell. "I can’t control that, obviously. Like you guys know, I’m proud to wear the horseshoe, proud to be here. Similar to Quenton [Nelson] and [DeForest Buckner], they were proud to wear the horseshoe, they were proud to be here. But obviously, circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully that day may not come, but I can’t control that."
Head coach Shane Steichen understands the business of the NFL like Taylor, which is why he’s trying to focus on this upcoming game and the players he has on the roster. It’s hard losing Nelson, a linchpin at left guard, and Buckner, a veteran leader on the defensive line, ahead of a key divisional matchup.
But those are the cards Irsay-Gordon and the front office have been dealt, as they look ahead to building for the future instead of the remainder of the 2026 season.
If the Colts are indeed willing to trade Taylor for the right package, a team would be getting one of the best at his position in the NFL. The 27-year-old has rushed for at least 1,100 yards in four of his six NFL campaigns, and he’s on pace for another after rushing for 587 yards with eight touchdowns through seven games.
Today is Halloween, but Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker got into the spirit a day early, showing up to his media availability in costume.
According to The New York Post, dressing up for Halloween is a tradition for Baker. However, this year’s costume created an awkward situation that highlights a workplace risk few people consider when dressing up for spooky season.
Baker is one of the names floating around the rumor mill as the Cardinals trend toward becoming sellers at the NFL trade deadline.
So, while Baker rolled in dressed in a creepy clown costume, the journalists there still had to ask him about the trade rumors.
And to his credit, he answered them... while still in costume.
"I just live in the present, like today, having a great time with you guys," Baker said. "Going to go out and have a great Friday practice, and just focus on playing against the Dallas Cowboys and trying to get a ‘W’ at their stadium."
It's a good answer, but until you read it, did you have any idea what he was saying? Or, like me, were you distracted by the fact that he was dressed like a clown that drives a primered van and steals people's organs?
People dress up for work on Halloween whether they're bank tellers or NFL players. However, I think we forget that it is still work, and sometimes you'll need to get serious.
And if you're still in the costume, that can be tricky.
If you're a doctor, it might seem like a good idea to dress like a Minion on Halloween. But what about when you have to deliver the news of someone's terminal diagnosis and the zipper is stuck?
Suddenly, it's not as great of an idea, is it?
I mean, maybe it'll have some kind of Patch Adams effect, but I doubt it.
It's no secret that college football has seen its fair share of parity over the past few years.
A sport that was once dominated by the SEC, more specifically Alabama, has become completely wide open in terms of legitimate championship contenders.
It all culminated in a team like Indiana, one of the worst programs in college football history, completing a 16-0 dream season with a national championship just last year.
Now in 2026, the parity has reached an all-time high, with no truly dominant team standing out eight weeks into the season.
Many fans and pundits alike have attributed this to the advent of NIL, and their reasoning is fairly sound.
Of course, the proliferation of talent would become "flatter" when every program is allowed to legally pay money for players.
Not everyone is on board with this theory, though, and one of the voices leading the charge in the opposite direction is none other than "The Film Guy," Brooks Austin.
In an exclusive interview with OutKick, Austin reasoned that it's actually the transfer portal, and not NIL, that is the cause for all this chaos in the ranks of CFB.
"Everybody blames it on NIL," he explains. "I think it has far more to do with freedom of movement. The portal has changed this more than anything else."
As Austin puts it, teams like Bama and Georgia can no longer stack talent and stick it on the proverbial shelf for three years.
"Georgia can pay their backup just as much as Wake Forest can pay him to be a starter... so when a backup defensive tackle has been sitting on the bench for 2 years, he wants to play."
Money is a factor, according to Austin, but it has just as much to do with the disappearance of depth as it does with overall funding.
"I think NIL has certainly created some of this parity and created opportunities for dispersion of talent," he says. "But I think a lot of it also has to do with the fact that we're actually able to transfer, we're able to go."
A perfect example is when the aforementioned Bulldogs and Crimson Tide met in the 2025 SEC Championship Game.
"I remember last year in the SEC championship game, Georgia's down several starters on the offensive line, and Alabama is down several starters on their defensive line," Austin recalls. "I remember that same situation happening in 2022 before the portal got absolutely rampant and Georgia loses the starting left tackle and it's like, OK, don't worry. Here's Broderick Jones. He's a former five-star and he hasn't been playing at all, he's gonna go block Will Anderson for four quarters."
"And, you know, Broderick. I don't know if he stays around for 2 years to sit on the bench nowadays, right?"
A combination of NIL and the transfer portal is certainly proving to be the great equalizer in college football, but it's fairly clear one has a lot more to do with it than the other.
This has to be one of the scariest Halloweens on record for SMU fans, after a shocking loss to Syracuse has seriously hurt their shot at an ACC Championship Game appearance, and may have also ended their chance at a College Football Playoff appearance.
The Mustangs headed to central New York as the No. 19 team in the nation with some serious buzz around them potentially making it to the playoffs come the end of the season.
However, the Orange — a fitting team to pull off a Halloween upset — had other ideas, winning this one 30-27.
One of SMU's big problems on the day involved its offensive line.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings continued his strong season with a whopping 351 passing yards and two touchdowns.
However, there may have been some more that got away, as the Mustangs allowed the Orange to sack him six times, including once with seconds on the clock as SMU worked to get into field goal range.
Meanwhile, Syracuse's Steve Angeli was good for 200 yards and a rushing touchdown, but none of it was as big as the go-ahead touchdown.
With just 17 seconds left on the clock, Angeli hit tight end Noah Meyers to give Syracuse the lead.
There was still time for SMU to potentially send this one to overtime, but an incomplete pass, the aforementioned sixth sack of the day, and a bizarre final play that went nowhere and resulted in a fumble meant Syracuse had secured the upset.
You've got to love a Halloween field-storming. With Big Bird, Ninja Turtles, and more swarming the field, it always feels a bit like a fever dream.
USA Sports announced Saturday that Game 6 of the WNBA Finals averaged 1.5 million viewers on Thursday afternoon. I'll admit, that number raised my eyebrows.
A game that tipped off at 12:30 p.m. Eastern, or 9:30 a.m. in the morning in the Golden State Valkyries' home market, outdrew last year's championship clincher in primetime?
USA Sports says it did, by 4%. The release combines viewers across USA Network, E! and SYFY with streaming led by Peacock, but doesn't break out how much of the audience came from television or streaming.
USA Sports and NBC Sports have been promoting record audiences throughout the Finals, with WNBA PR also distributing their releases through an NBA employee.
NBC called its 2.1 million audience for Game 1 the largest ever for a Finals opener. USA Sports touted Game 3's 1.71 million as the biggest Game 3 audience since 1999 and the highest ever on cable. Those figures, like the Game 6 announcement, combined television and streaming.
NBC's television audience didn't top the old ESPN record
NBC called Game 4 between the Valkyries and Atlanta Dream the most-watched Game 4 in WNBA Finals history, reporting 1.9 million viewers across NBC and Peacock. The release touted a 14% increase over the previous record of 1.67 million for the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx on ESPN in 2024.
Keep in mind, ESPN requires paid access. NBC is available free over the air, and this year's game also had Peacock.
According to Sports Media Watch, NBC's television audience was 1.66 million, slightly below the previous reported ESPN record. Another 232,000 came from streaming measured separately by Adobe Analytics. That addition put NBC's combined figure over the old mark, but NBC didn't include the breakdown in its release.
I wrote about this measurement issue in July, when CBS and NBC both claimed the season's biggest WNBA audience.
Even the Nielsen numbers come from different measurement systems. Nielsen made Big Data + Panel its standard in 2025, combining its household panel with information from smart TVs and set-top boxes across 45 million households. The 2024 ESPN figure predates that standard.
Nielsen also expanded its out-of-home measurement in 2025, increasing coverage from 66% to 100% of the contiguous U.S. television population, and it includes viewing in places such as bars and restaurants. Then, on Aug. 31 of this year, it introduced changes intended to better capture how many people watch together, using wearable devices that pick up television audio.
Nielsen says its changes are intended to improve accuracy and don't guarantee higher ratings. But if better measurement captures someone who was already watching the WNBA, that person isn't a new fan.
Game 5's headline left out the size of the gap
USA Sports promoted Monday's 1.4 million viewers across USA Network, CNBC and Peacock as the second-most-watched Finals Game 5 ever. Its release acknowledged that the 2024 Liberty-Lynx clincher held the record. What it didn't include was that game's audience: 2.15 million on ESPN, putting this year's reported total about 35% below it.
The 2024 Finals were a best-of-five series, making Game 5 a winner-take-all matchup for the championship. The WNBA expanded to best-of-seven in 2025, and this year's Game 5 began with the series tied 2-2, so neither team could clinch the title. Monday's game also faced Cowboys-Eagles on "Monday Night Football," which drew 18.8 million viewers, plus the World Series at 8.3 million and NBA regular-season games.
The release did, however, highlight an 8% increase over Game 2. It also described Game 5 as the "third consecutive game that USA Sports has posted record viewership."
Who's checking the streaming numbers?
The releases cite Adobe Analytics for their streaming audiences, but they don't identify who independently verified those figures or provide the data behind them.
Adobe's documentation describes an average-minute audience calculation based on time spent watching divided by the content's duration or a selected reporting period. Its software lets customers choose reporting windows and, for certain calculations, whether viewing time includes commercials.
NBC's release doesn't specify those settings or explain how the streaming calculation was matched to its television measurement.
Michael Mulvihill, Fox's president of insights and analytics, posted on X that Nielsen had told clients: "Mixing internal or third-party data with Nielsen metrics to make comparative statements in the press is not permissible." He added, "Hopefully this clear, fair policy will be rigorously enforced during football season."
NBC's own Sept. 14 release for the NFL season opener attributed its combined NBC and Peacock audience to "Nielsen Big Data inclusive of first party data." Its WNBA releases still combine Nielsen and Adobe figures. NBC should explain what independent verification applies to the WNBA streaming numbers and how its record claims fit Nielsen's policy.
For Game 6, USA Sports cited Nielsen's "panel-only" data alongside Adobe Analytics. Its releases for Games 2, 3 and 5 used Nielsen's Big Data + Panel figures, plus Adobe.
Nielsen says Big Data + Panel figures generally take two to three days to arrive, and its press policy allows preliminary reporting for single-day events. So, the panel-only figure could be an early estimate while USA Sports waits for the final number. The Game 6 release doesn't say that, though. And it doesn't label the figure preliminary or explain the switch.
Game 6 was moved from 8 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. so it could be played at State Farm Arena, with the Hawks playing there that night. In announcing the move, the WNBA and NBA said they would join the broadcasters in a coordinated promotional push to get viewers to the new time slot. The move also took the game out of direct competition with "Thursday Night Football."
USA Sports has enough confidence in the figure to rank Game 6 as the fifth-most-watched WNBA Finals game on cable. Then it should be able to tell us whether the number is final and how much of it actually came from cable.
Halloween just became a whole lot scarier for Arizona.
No. 13 Texas Tech (7-1) defeated No. 22 Arizona (6-2) 34-26, delivering a massive blow to the Wildcats' College Football Playoff chances and Big 12 championship hopes. For Texas Tech, it was its 13th-straight win at home, which tied a program record.
After Texas Tech's loss to Cincinnati last week, head coach Joey McGuire benched quarterback Will Hammond for Thomas Castellanos, and the move paid off. Castellanos thrived with both his arm and his legs, as he completed 11 of 24 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns while running for 117 yards and a touchdown. It was his fifth career game with more than 100 rushing yards.
The Texas Tech run game was fantastic, rolling up 332 yards in the win. Running back J'Koby Williams ran for 175 yards and a touchdown. However, it wasn't all great for the Red Raiders, as they fell behind early.
Both teams scored on their opening drives, with Arizona getting on the board first with a 35-yard field goal from kicker Michael Salgado-Medina. Texas Tech responded with a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that was capped off with Castellanos' 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Terrance Carter Jr. to put the Red Raiders up 7-3.
The two teams then traded punts and turnovers on downs before the Wildcats scored their first touchdown in epic fashion. On third-and-12 from their own 6-yard line, quarterback Noah Fifita dropped back into the end zone before scrambling to the sideline.
As he scrambled, Fifita threw a dart to Isaiah Mizell, who then turned on the afterburners and raced up the sideline for a 94-yard touchdown to put Arizona up 10-7.
The Wildcats then built on their lead coming out of the two-minute timeout in the second quarter with the Wildcat formation. Running back Kedrick Reescano took the direct snap and ran for the five-yard touchdown to finish the 14-play, 81-yard drive and put Arizona up 17-7.
The Red Raiders managed a field goal before the first half concluded to cut the deficit to seven, making it a 17-10 game.
Texas Tech built on its end-of-half momentum and scored on the opening drive of the third quarter to tie it 17-17. Castellanos faked a pitch outside before knifing through the Wildcats' defense for an eight-yard touchdown.
The Wildcats didn't blink, however, as they marched down the field with a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that ended with Reescano punching the ball in from the 1-yard line for his second touchdown of the day. However, the Wildcats' extra-point attempt was blocked, so Arizona had just a 23-17 lead.
Texas Tech capitalized on the mistake, as on its second drive of the second half, it rifled down the field to score another third-quarter touchdown. On fourth-and-2 from the Arizona 27-yard line, Texas Tech decided to go for it on fourth down. Wide receiver Kenny Johnson ran a go route, and Castellanos found him for a touchdown.
Texas Tech nailed the extra point, going up 24-23. On defense, it shut down Arizona and kept its good vibes going, as kicker Stone Harrington made his second field goal of the day, a 42-yarder, to put Texas Tech up 27-23.
After trading scores to start the second half, the defenses started to show up.
Arizona's response to Texas Tech's field goal fell short, as it went for it on fourth-and-1 from Texas Tech's 18-yard line, but Fifita's pass was too high for tight end Tyler Powell.
Texas Tech, still up 27-23, had a chance to take a two-score lead but squandered it. Red Raiders running back Cameron Dickey fumbled, and Arizona recovered on Texas Tech's 43-yard line.
However, Arizona did not take advantage of the field position, as it was forced to punt. Yet, it forced a punt from Texas Tech to get the ball back with about four and a half minutes left.
Arizona then went three-and-out, as the Red Raiders' defense once again dominated the series and forced another punt, and then the offense took care of the rest.
On third-and-1, with Arizona needing just one more stop to get the ball back, Williams burst through a hole in the line and scored a 64-yard touchdown, putting the Red Raiders up 34-23. Williams' touchdown marked 17 unanswered points for the Red Raiders.
Arizona got a field goal late, but didn't convert the onside kick, sealing the crushing loss.
There’s a new world record holder in the men’s 100 freestyle, as Jack Alexy, who represented the United States in the 2024 Paris Olympics, smashed the accolade on Saturday.
Alexy, racing for the California Golden Bears in the 2026 USA Swimming Short Course World Championship Trials in Westmont, Illinois, came down the final stretch in the pool with a chance to break the previous 44.84-second record.
Reaching for the wall, Alexy got his hand on it at 44.64. As he looked up at the final time, he slapped the water in elation, understanding that he is in the record books now.
Alexy has flirted with the world record in the past, winning his first individual gold medal in the men’s 100-meter free final at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest in December 2024. He had an official time of 45.38 seconds.
Alexy’s Team USA teammate from Paris, Chris Guiliano, swimming for the University of Notre Dame, finished second in this race with a final time of 45.22. And another Olympian, Caeleb Dressel, came in third at 45.65.
Alexy took home his first gold medal in the 4x100-meter freestyle at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Then, he broke the American and world championship record with a lead-off time of 45.05 seconds in Hungary months later. Guiliano was also on that relay squad.
This world record comes four weeks after Russia’s Egor Kornev equaled the world record in the short-course version of the 100-meter freestyle during the World Cup competition.
"That felt pretty good," Alexy said after his race, per Swimming World Magazine. "The goal was to qualify for the 50 and 100 individually. I was pretty confident I could get that done after this morning.
"I tried to ride the adrenaline of the crowd. Any time I have the opportunity to race against a U.S. field like that at a selection meet, it is more nerve-wracking, which is a good thing. It is a good thing to have that pressure because that is what we will be facing."
Since Josh Jacobs was arrested in May after an incident in which a woman claimed he threw her to the ground, records show several other women have come forward with allegations of their own against him.
The other women's abuse allegations are detailed in records from the Hobart/Lawrence Police Department first obtained by NBC 26. The documents also contain new details about the incident that led to the Green Bay Packers running back’s arrest in May.
"We will review these allegations as part of the investigation which has remained open," the NFL told OutKick in a statement.
One woman contacted police in June 2026 about an alleged incident involving Jacobs in January 2022. The woman told police that the allegations against Jacobs from the investigation into the May incident sounded similar to her experience with him, according to the records. The woman was not identified.
The woman believed her alleged experience with Jacobs could be relevant to the May 2026 case, and she contacted police because she wanted people to believe the woman involved in the incident.
The woman claimed she had communicated with Jacobs for about six months before spending around 11 hours at his home. The woman then alleged that after she told Jacobs she hadn’t come there for sex, he became angry, slapped her across the face and told her not to disrespect him.
She said he allegedly took her phone and threw it into a swimming pool when she attempted to leave, and that he grabbed her by the hair, threw her onto a bed, pinned her down, threw her to the floor and said, "I should kill you right now." She said Jacobs also spit on her.
The woman said she hadn’t previously reported the alleged incident to law enforcement because she remained friends with Jacobs afterward and was concerned her allegations wouldn’t be believed.
Another woman told police she allegedly had sex with Jacobs in April 2021. The woman said his condom broke, so she told Jacobs to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases because they both had been involved with other people.
The woman claimed Jacobs later removed her from the residence, grabbed her by the arms and bicep area, pushed her against a wall and threw her belongings out. She told police that she sustained bruises to her arms and swelling in her rib area.
Hobart/Lawrence police said they obtained records from that incident indicating that officers observed "no visible signs of injury, bruising or damage consistent with a physical altercation."
Another woman alleged she had met Jacobs through social media and that he flew her to a residence in May 2022. She described an alleged altercation in which Jacobs grabbed her by the hair, placed his hands on her head and neck, dragged her, scratched her chest and took her phone after it fell to the floor.
The woman claimed she got bruises on her arm and scratches to her chest and neck. She said she didn’t report the incident to police because she wasn’t a U.S. citizen at the time and Jacobs told her she could be deported.
Jacobs' lawyers — David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld and Clarence F. Duchac III — issued a statement Saturday on their client's behalf:
"The Brown County District Attorney’s office had these uncorroborated, old, and previously unreported allegations for months. They conducted their own exhaustive investigation, along with the police department, and the D.A. determined that only two misdemeanor charges were warranted. They then entered into a plea agreement with Josh Jacobs. Josh has repeatedly expressed his remorse and is honoring the terms of the agreement."
OutKick reached out to the Packers and Jacobs’ agent but did not immediately receive a response.
The records released Friday also offered more details of the May 23 incident that led to Jacobs’ arrest. According to the criminal complaint released in August, the woman told them that Jacobs grabbed her and threw her to the ground as she was trying to exit a garage door, causing her to hit her head. Police said Jacobs also took her phone from her while she was on the ground.
The records released Friday noted the woman said that while they were still in the home, Jacobs lunged at her, pinned her on the bed with his body weight on her chest and put his hand on her mouth and nose, so that she felt she couldn’t breathe.
She also indicated that she believed she lost consciousness for a brief time when the confrontation moved to the garage.
Jacobs pleaded no contest last month to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property.
Jacobs had not been allowed to play or practice while on the commissioner’s exempt list. He was removed from the list last week, but the NFL is still conducting its investigation.
In his two games since returning to the 5-3 Packers, Jacobs has rushed 32 times for 75 yards and a touchdown, averaging just 2.3 yards per carry. The three-time Pro Bowler has been more productive as a receiver, catching 11 passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
After scoring one of his touchdowns in the Packers’ 27-19 win over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Jacobs had a controversial touchdown celebration.
He insisted he wasn’t making light of his recent arrest and that the celebration was instead inspired by a gospel song.
I went 4-1 in Week 7 and picked up 3.11 units, while ChatGPT finished 2-3 and lost 1.33 units. There’s something especially satisfying about winning four bets when your opponent spends several paragraphs explaining why it wasn’t taking three of them.
Was there some sweating involved? Absolutely. My 49ers-Falcons under cleared by half a point, and the Packers covered by half a point. Those count exactly the same as Cincinnati winning by 22. I checked.
The only thing standing between me and a perfect week was Tennessee. I guess asking the Titans to win a football game was me being a bit greedy. It happens.
Anyway, we’re back for Week 8.
Both of us get five selections from the same odds board, with a maximum price of -120. Odds were captured Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET.
The stakes are adjusted so every winning bet produces one unit of profit. For example, -110 requires risking 1.10 units, while +110 requires 0.91 units. A push returns the stake and counts as zero units.
Before getting to the new picks, let’s enjoy a results section I actually want to write.
San Francisco 49ers-Atlanta Falcons Under 49½ (-106) ✅ (+1 unit)
New York Giants-Houston Texans Over 42½ (-110) ✅ (+1 unit)
Green Bay Packers +3½ (-110) ✅ (+1 unit)
Cincinnati handled Baltimore 35-13, giving both of us a relatively comfortable winner (although the first half was anything but comfortable). Tennessee, meanwhile, lost 27-24 to Cleveland. I backed the Titans to win outright, and that was my one mistake.
Both my totals were sweats, but in a crazy turn of events, the sweats both went my way. Green Bay completed the 4-1 card by losing 20-17 in Detroit. Honestly, the Packers should have won outright, but it doesn't matter for me either way.
Denver Broncos-Arizona Cardinals Under 43½ (-113) ❌ (-1.13 units)
Kansas City Chiefs +3 (-115) ❌ (-1.15 units)
The robot cashed Pittsburgh’s 16-10 win over New Orleans in Paris and joined me in backing Cincinnati. Unfortunately, those were its only winners. AI went 0-3 on its other bets and ended the week on a dud of a performance from the Chiefs. I tried to warn the robot about all three of its losses in my pre-week analysis, but it just never listens.
SEASON REPORT CARD
DAN: 19-15-1, +3.20 units
Spreads/Moneyline: 12-11-1, +0.54 units
Totals: 7-4, +2.66 units
GPT: 15-19-1, -5.36 units
Spreads/Moneyline: 9-13, -4.90 units
Totals: 6-6-1, -0.46 units
Dan Z.’s Plug Your Nose and Hit ‘Place Bet’ Bet of the Week: 4-2, +2.01 units
Dan’s Week 8 NFL Betting Card
Dallas Cowboys -6½ (-120)
Baltimore Ravens +3½ (-120)
Indianapolis Colts-Jacksonville Jaguars Under 46½ (-108)
Los Angeles Chargers +7 (-118)
Kansas City Chiefs-Denver Broncos Under 41 (-115)
1. Dallas Cowboys -6½ (-120)
Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET
Dan’s analysis:
We’re going to pay the juice to get under a key number with Dallas. The Cowboys offense finally broke out last week after back-to-back subpar performances in Weeks 5 and 6, and I think they’ve got another big week coming. The Cardinals struggle to score in the red zone, so I think Dallas can win by at least a touchdown. At -6½, that’s enough to cash.
GPT’s analysis:
Dallas’ red-zone efficiency gives it a clear advantage against an Arizona offense that struggles to finish drives. The Cardinals’ offensive-line injuries strengthen that case. My concern is Dallas’ defense allowing Arizona to stay close or score a late touchdown. A seven-point win covers, but that defensive vulnerability kept Dallas outside my five.
2. Baltimore Ravens +3½ (-120)
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET
Dan’s analysis:
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but we’re paying the juice. I hate betting against Buffalo because Josh Allen is Him, but Baltimore should come out firing with Lamar Jackson back. I’m actually a little surprised this spread is only around a field goal with Buffalo at home, which makes me think bookmakers are begging for Bills action. We’re going to go against their wishes and pay for the hook to get Baltimore at +3½.
GPT’s analysis:
Jackson’s return gives Baltimore a credible way to exploit Buffalo’s vulnerable defense. My concern is his lingering ankle pain against a Bills offense capable of building a lead. I prefer the over, which made my card, but the hook makes Baltimore appealing: a three-point Buffalo victory still cashes this ticket.
3. Indianapolis Colts-Jacksonville Jaguars Under 46½ (-108)
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET
Dan’s analysis:
The Jags are coming off a bye after back-to-back London weeks, so I see their offense starting slowly in this one. The Colts can’t really score at all, just traded Quenton Nelson and are looking to trade Josh Downs and Jonathan Taylor. With all the uncertainty around a team that already has offensive problems, it’s hard to see where the points are going to come from. Jacksonville’s defense was playing really well before the second London game, when it gave up 34 points against Houston, but the Colts are a perfect bounce-back spot.
We agree on this one. Indianapolis’ passing struggles, Jacksonville’s strong run defense and forecast wind support a limited Colts contribution. Losing Quenton Nelson creates another protection concern. The biggest risk is Jacksonville scoring heavily against a defense that just traded DeForest Buckner, particularly if Daniel Jones supplies short fields.
4. Los Angeles Chargers +7 (-118)
Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET
Dan’s analysis:
I can’t believe I’m doing this again. I swore off the Chargers, and yet here we are. This just feels like such a big game for the Chargers, and the Rams are all sorts of banged up. Jim Harbaugh said simplifying the playbook was an option. I’m hoping that means leaning on the run game and trying to limit possessions, which favors the Chargers getting a full touchdown. That's why I’d rather pay -118 for +7 than take +6½ at -102.
This is obviously "Dan Z’s Plug Your Nose and Hit ‘Place Bet’ Bet of the Week," but that doesn’t even do it justice. Plug your nose, close your eyes, hell, have someone else place the bet for you.
GPT’s analysis:
The Chargers’ defense and extra preparation give this bet a foundation, while Joe Alt returning and Ladd McConkey being cleared offer hope for offensive improvement. My concern remains an offense averaging just 15 points. Taking a touchdown is understandable, with a seven-point defeat returning the stake, but I prefer the under.
5. Kansas City Chiefs-Denver Broncos Under 41 (-115)
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET
Dan’s analysis:
The Chiefs are second in the NFL, allowing just 17 points per game, and the Denver offense stinks. Quarterback guru and offensive "genius" Sean Payton has a team that has scored 20 points or fewer in four of its seven games. But the Denver defense is rock solid as well. I expect both teams to lean heavily on their run games in an important divisional matchup, so the under is the play for me.
GPT’s analysis:
Denver’s inefficient offense, both teams’ slower pace and Pat Surtain’s return support the under. Rashee Rice returning and injuries elsewhere in both secondaries are the biggest concerns. I lean under, although it missed my five: ordinary stalled possessions can keep this below the number without requiring either defense to dominate.
GPT’s Week 8 NFL Betting Card
For full transparency, I used GPT-6.1 Sol with the thinking effort set to ultra. I supplied the odds board captured Saturday at noon ET and gave it the following prompt:
"Pick your five best bets for Week 8 based on the odds provided. No bet can be priced worse than -120. Review every spread, total and moneyline that falls within those parameters and determine whether it belongs among your five picks. Explain exactly why you’re selecting each of the five bets. Also explain exactly why you’re passing on the eligible bets you don’t select. Use at least 10 different sources for each game so you have a broad understanding of everything surrounding each game. Before delivering the results, do a fact-check and ensure that everything is correct."
Baltimore Ravens-Buffalo Bills Over 54½ (-105)
Cleveland Browns +3½ (-108)
Indianapolis Colts-Jacksonville Jaguars Under 46½ (-108)
Minnesota Vikings +3 (+100)
Los Angeles Chargers-Los Angeles Rams Under 45½ (-113)
1. Baltimore Ravens-Buffalo Bills Over 54½ (-105)
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET
GPT’s analysis:
Buffalo leads the NFL in offensive points per drive at 3.13 while allowing the most defensive points per drive at 2.76. That combination supports scoring from both teams, particularly with Lamar Jackson cleared to return. Jackson’s residual ankle pain and Buffalo listing DJ Moore, Dalton Kincaid and Spencer Brown as questionable are meaningful concerns. Still, Baltimore gets its starting quarterback back against a defense that has repeatedly struggled to end possessions.
The number requires 55 points, but Buffalo’s offensive efficiency and defensive vulnerability make the over my preferred bet.
GPT’s projected score: Bills 31, Ravens 28
Dan’s analysis:
This number is way too high for me to play, but I don’t necessarily hate it. I’d just rather back Baltimore than bet this total.
2. Cleveland Browns +3½ (-108)
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET
GPT’s analysis:
Cleveland averages 19 points per game and Pittsburgh 21.9, making the extra half-point above a field goal particularly useful. The Browns have Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson back, while Pittsburgh is missing defensive backs Brandin Echols and Doneiko Slaughter. Cleveland tackle Tytus Howard’s questionable status is the biggest concern against a Pittsburgh pass rush that has Alex Highsmith cleared to play.
I prefer taking the points to asking Cleveland to win outright. Pittsburgh can win a competitive divisional game by a field goal, and this ticket still cashes.
GPT’s projected score: Steelers 23, Browns 20
Dan’s analysis:
I’m not buying Cleveland, and I honestly considered Pittsburgh. But the Browns seem to find a way to keep games close, so that’s why I passed.
3. Indianapolis Colts-Jacksonville Jaguars Under 46½ (-108)
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET
GPT’s analysis:
Daniel Jones has four touchdown passes against seven interceptions, while Jacksonville allows just 3.23 yards per carry. That makes it difficult for Indianapolis to compensate for its passing problems through Jonathan Taylor. Quenton Nelson’s departure adds another protection concern, although Sauce Gardner being cleared helps the Colts’ defense. Forecast winds of 13–16 mph provide additional support for the under; showers are expected mainly later in the afternoon.
The biggest concern is Jacksonville scoring heavily against a defense that just lost DeForest Buckner. Still, Indianapolis’ limited scoring outlook makes the under preferable to laying double digits.
GPT’s projected score: Jaguars 27, Colts 16
Dan’s analysis:
We’re on the same page here, GPT. No notes.
4. Minnesota Vikings +3 (+100)
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET
GPT’s analysis:
Minnesota leads the NFL in defensive EPA per play and ranks second in defensive DVOA, while Detroit ranks 25th in defensive DVOA. That gives the Vikings a credible way to limit Detroit while finding enough offense against a vulnerable defense. Aaron Jones and Brian O’Neill are cleared, and Detroit safety Kerby Joseph is out. Jared Goff’s excellent performance against blitzes is the biggest concern against Brian Flores’ aggressive approach.
This is my strongest selection at the supplied prices. Even money makes taking the full field goal attractive, with a three-point defeat returning the stake.
GPT’s projected score: Lions 24, Vikings 23
Dan’s analysis:
Another one where I considered playing the other side because the Vikings just aren’t that good. But the defense is legit enough to keep it within a field goal, so I passed on the Lions.
5. Los Angeles Chargers-Los Angeles Rams Under 45½ (-113)
Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET
The Chargers average just 15 points per game and rank last in offensive EPA per play. Their defense has been considerably better, ranking ninth in EPA per play, while the Rams rank seventh. That supports an under without requiring the Rams to win comfortably. Joe Alt returning and Ladd McConkey being cleared give the Chargers reasons for improvement after their bye. Derwin James’ absence also creates opportunities for Matthew Stafford.
Those are legitimate risks, but the Chargers’ sustained offensive problems and both defenses’ efficiency make staying below 46 more appealing than choosing a side.
GPT’s projected score: Rams 24, Chargers 17
Dan’s analysis:
This number is pretty high for a Chargers offense that is probably the worst in the NFL. I understand the under, but I’d rather take the points with the Chargers.
That’s it for Week 8! We paid some hefty prices to get the numbers we wanted, and I really want to follow up my 4-1 week with another winning slate. Check back next week to see if the strategy pays off.
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Daron Payne suffered a season-ending Jones fracture at practice Friday, according to ESPN.
For the reeling Commanders, it’s a crushing blow. Payne has been an anchor on their defensive line since being drafted with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Alabama.
In six games this season, the Pro Bowl tackle has recorded 14 tackles and one sack. Across his nine-year career, Payne has 446 tackles and 38 sacks in 136 games.
Payne has also been remarkably durable throughout his career; he has never missed more than two games in a season during his career and has played an entire season six times.
Losing Payne for the rest of the season is a blow that the 1-4-1 Commanders might not be able to handle. The Commanders were already yielding 28.7 points per game with him in the lineup, the second-worst mark in the NFL. Only the Arizona Cardinals have a worse scoring defense (29.7 points per game).
One area in which the Commanders' defense was about average was against the run, as it allowed 100.5 rushing yards per game, good for 14th in the NFL. However, without Payne, that number will likely rise.
The next three games for the Commanders will determine if they have a chance to rally in the weakened NFC East. They play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, followed by the Los Angeles Rams at home before playing the New York Giants on Thursday.
If they can win two of those three games, they have a chance to stick around in the NFC East race. If they lose two or all three of those games, it will essentially seal their fate as a bottom-dweller in the NFC.
Without Payne, a trip to the NFC’s basement feels all the more likely.
A little less than two weeks ago, the James Madison Dukes were one of the toasts of the college football world.
The Sun Belt darlings were 7-0, and new head coach Billy Napier looked like he had exorcised all of the demons that plagued him at his previous stop in the Sunshine State.
The Dukes were lighting up the scoreboard, and talks of a College Football Playoff appearance were starting to crop up all around Harrisonburg.
Since then, the mood has soured considerably in the Shenandoah Valley, thanks to a two-game losing streak that has effectively ended any CFP dreams that purple and gold-clad fans had swirling around in their heads.
But it isn't just the number in the loss column that has JMU fans vexed, it's how those losses happened and who they happened against that is causing all of the consternation.
Both games were almost identical to one another in terms of how they went, as the Dukes were healthy favorites against both Appalachian State and Troy and raced out to considerable first half leads before stagnating in the second half, losing both games in overtime.
What's even more damning is that the second half swoons have been happening quite a bit this year, with James Madison being outscored in the final 30+ minutes in four of the eight games they've played against FBS competition.
If only someone could have warned Dukes fans before they hired a guy like Napier.
Oh wait...
If you read my buddy and fellow Gator fan Zach Dean's latest edition of Nightcaps, you're already aware that there is somewhat of a mea culpa happening on social media between James Madison fans and Florida supporters.
My Orange and Blue brethren spent all offseason repeatedly cautioning the JMU faithful about Napier's tendencies and pig-headed nature when it came to coaching.
Dukes fans were confident the issues had been fixed, even pointing to the fact that a self-reflective Napier went on a speaking tour talking about how he "looked in the mirror" and took ownership of how things fell apart in Gainesville.
He even hired an offensive coordinator, something he was practically begged to do for four years while coaching at Florida.
The national media got on board, too, wondering if Florida really was just some toxic situation where even the best coaches went to kill their careers.
The media and Dukes fans even doubled down when JMU got off to that aforementioned 7-0 start.
Then it all came crashing down, and the same issues that sank Napier in The Swamp reared their ugly head in the Commonwealth.
Poor clock management, stagnant second half offenses, head-scratching play calls in high-leverage situations.
You can find a handful of Florida games from 2022-25 that resemble the two most recent JMU losses to a T, so much so that many Gator fans were accurately predicting what would happen next.
A tiger can't change its stripes, and although Napier went out and hired an OC and did some reflecting in the offseason, this is who he is.
In his final season at Louisiana as the head coach of the Ragin' Cajuns, Napier uttered the now infamous "scared money don't make money" catchphrase that made him a hot candidate during the 2021 hiring cycle.
Ironically, every coaching moment for Billy after that has been the definition of "scared money."
This latest masterpiece sums it all up perfectly.
Napier coaches with a style that offers the lowest possible margin for error.
It's why, even in games he was dominating while at Florida, the game would always usually come down to one score in the fourth quarter.
His swan song in The Swamp, a shocking 29-21 upset over then-top-10 Texas, saw the Gators bludgeoning the Longhorns on both lines of scrimmage.
Any coach worth his salt would have put his foot on Texas' throat and put the Longhorns away early, but Napier and company "turtled" in the second half, making a few boneheaded decisions in the process, to allow the Bevo Boys to have a chance to tie the game late in the fourth.
And perhaps the worst part of it all is who came before Napier at James Madison.
The coaches directly preceding Billy in Harrisonburg were Curt Cignetti and Bob Chesney, two of the most calculated, ruthlessly efficient coaches in the game of college football right now.
Everything they did made sense from an analytics standpoint, and their teams were (and are) well coached and almost never "play with their food."
I'm sure Dukes fans are experiencing some form of shock having to go from coach Cig and Chesney to Sun Belt Billy, but as I mentioned above, they were warned.
The Florida Gators are still orange and blue. The Georgia Bulldogs are still red and black.
Other than that? Nothing will be recognizable in today's annual SEC rivalry game. And I mean nothing.
For starters, the game won't be in Jacksonville for the first time in three decades. It won't return to Duval until 2028 due to stadium renovations. Today, it'll be at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta. Next year, it'll be in Tampa.
The name of the game itself has also undergone major changes. For years, it was known as "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party." Fans still affectionately call it that even though the NCAA changed it ... for obvious reasons.
This year, arguably the SEC's biggest rivalry game outside of LSU-'Bama will be known as — and I hope you're sitting down for this — the "Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic."
So, yeah — a lot has changed. None of it is particularly good. Perhaps the most contentious change at the moment? The roof at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will be closed this afternoon despite glorious weather conditions in Atlanta.
Fans from both teams — divided on just about everything else — were firmly united in this one.
They hate it:
Neutral site games STINK
I could go on and on. Nobody is happy right now. Again, both these fanbases hate each other, but they've found some real common ground when it comes to this year's game.
I'm with them, by the way. Frankly, I think this game should be in Athens, and I think next year's game should be in Gainesville before it returns to Jacksonville in 2028. That seemed like a no-brainer to me.
But the schools decided to play it at a neutral site because, I assume, corporate checks hit the bank account a little differently. Those are important in today's NIL world, you know?
Personally, I think neutral site games in college football are just awful. They stink. The best thing college football has going for it is the campus atmosphere. That's why we love it, right? It's what makes College GameDay and Big Noon Kickoff great. It's why the college football playoff is great — at least for the first round.
But over the past decade or so, there's been this shift to neutral site games. You see it all the time in the season-openers. There's just no juice. No spark. It doesn't quite hit the same.
And don't get me started on the international games. Throw those in the trash can and toss the bag into a landfill. There is nothing worse than an international college football game. Nothing.
This New York Jets star will reportedly not be taking off anytime soon.
The 2-5 Jets have gotten off to a slow start, prompting trade interest in wide receiver Garrett Wilson. However, there is "no way" the Jets will part with Wilson, according to ESPN.
Last year, the Jets rocked the trade deadline when they traded away star cornerback Sauce Gardner and stud defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, netting a haul of picks that included three first-rounders. In theory, if they were to trade Wilson, they could get a similar haul, but at some point, the Jets simply need to keep building blocks on the team instead of trading them for future assets if they hope to contend again.
Jets ownership also loves the 26-year-old receiver and would not want to trade him, according to the report. Wilson himself said he does not want to be traded out of New York.
"I want to be here, man," Wilson told reporters Wednesday. "I want to win games, and that's the one thing we've been missing on here. I love it here. Do I love it more than I love winning? Nah, to be completely honest, but I'm hopeful.
"I've never been the best optimistic guy, but I've found a way and dug deep, and I've been optimistic for three, four, five years now. And that's why these (losses) each weekend hurt a little more."
Further dampening the possibility of a potential trade, the Jets paid Wilson handsomely just 15 months ago. He signed a four-year, $130 million extension that runs through 2030.
Despite subpar quarterback play in his five seasons with the Jets since being selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Wilson has been productive. In seven games this season, Wilson has 37 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns.
He will look to build on those totals — while remaining with the Jets — through the rest of the season and beyond.
Well, the high school football regular season — at least down here in Florida — has come to a close.
That's right. Feels like we were just reigniting the stadium lights for the first time in August, and now we're off to the postseason. Time flies when you're having fun!
For anyone paying attention, you know this has been my Saturday routine for two months now.
I've taken it upon myself here at OutKick to highlight at least one high school football play/ player/ story each and every weekend during the season. These guys are all about to be millionaires with the silly NIL rules, so we might as well get ahead of the curve and start identifying them early.
So far this year, we've seen a wild Hail Mary in Florida, an entire California team get suspended because the mascot shot the bird to some fans, a giant running back in Kentucky smashing heads, and perhaps the best running back in the nation out of Tennessee.
It's been quite a ride. I love Friday night lights — both the TV series and the actual game itself. Nothing beats high school football. In a world of NIL deals, it's the last pure form of amateur athletics left.
Now, on the note, let's head out to Illinois, where two teams scored so many points in last night's playoff game, they had to move stadiums in the fourth quarter because of darkness.
True story:
This is why we play the game!
Amazing. Goodness gracious, you're just not getting that sort of content at the college or pro level.
Well, scratch that, we used to get it once a week back in the "Pac-12 After Dark" days, but the NCAA took that from us. Crooks!
Anyway, back to this offensive explosion ... take a look at that box score! Take a look at these final stats, courtesy of Don O'Brien, who's head I imagine was SPINNING covering this game last night:
Chicago Goode's Aedan Cleveland finished with 322 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Those are Derrick Henry numbers back when he broke hearts at Yulee High School down here in Florida.
Not to be outdone, Quincy signal-caller Bryson Little threw for 675 yards a state single-game record eight touchdown passes. He rushed for two more just for good measure.
There were, unofficially (because most stats in high school football are) over 1,400 yards of total offense between these two teams, which were originally scheduled to play on Saturday. The game was moved to Friday, and kicked off at 3 p.m. at Goode's field, which doesn't have lights.
Both defenses apparently didn't get the memo, and the lights became an issue late in the game. Refs decided to hit the pause button at 88-84 with just under four minutes left, and moved the game to a venue about five miles away.
Welcome to Screencaps, "America's Best Daily Column," as named by the readers. Screencaps, which publishes seven-days-a-week, is a mix of sports, pop culture, and emails from sane readers from around the world. This column isn't for the coastal elites. Give us a week to steal your heart. Our track record is pretty good. Let's have some fun.
Here I thought these two would grow old together
Talk about a Friday night news dump. While you were at dinner/Halloween parties, TMZ reported last night that Bill Belichick and his 25-year-old girlfriend JorDON Hudson called it quits in late 2025 & JorDON has already moved on to another man, according to "sources close to JorDON."
I smell an upcoming media blitz from JorDON. Maybe a book. Definitely a podcast series for her own future media company.
Despite the breakup, Hudson is still seen at North Carolina football games. Why? TMZ says its source contends that the couple remains "committed to their business partnerships and remain close friends."
For those keeping track at home, Bill's record with JorDON at UNC was 4-8 (.333%). His record this year without JorDON through seven games is 4-3 (.571%) with a massive home game today against the Miami Hurricanes.
Never forget the happier times for these two like back in the summer of 2025 when JorDON posted this. What a run. We'll never forget the love they shared with one another.
Here are my notes from Screencaps the III's final school Halloween parade:
There was a disturbingly low number of kids in football costumes. (2) Michigan football kids; (1) 49ers kid; (1) Eagles kid. No Ohio State costumes.
Huge props to the kid who was dressed as Marty McFly. His mom even found him a little skateboard to carry. It had to be the costume of the year.
One of the 1st graders was dressed as a Waste Management worker and he was pulling a cooler that was made to look like a Waste Management trash can. The kid will probably end up a multi-millionaire without going to a day of college.
What's up with so many kids wanting to be Michael Jackson? One of you has a kid who's going as MJ. Tell me how the kids came up with this idea.
I was happy to see some of the kids dressed up like Jason from Friday the 13th and the school allowed it.
• Greg in Nebraska writes: My wife thought this was amazing. I thought you and the Screencap crew might enjoy it.
Readers are fascinated with Cheerios figuring out how to develop a resealable bag
• CF in Kansas says: Thank you Cheerios! It's about time. When I shared the news with my son-in-law his response was: "My cereal bag origami skills are no longer needed???" 🤣
As for what to do with the ziploc bags after the cereal is gone, I'm going to rinse out the baggies and reuse them. My mom did the same thing and I remember her telling me "I was a child of the Depression; throwing them away after one use is wasteful."
Readers are also fascinated with the topic of how you do grocery shopping in 2026
This topic is just going to keep getting hotter. This week, I wrote about how 15% of Americans are now not stepping foot, regularly, into grocery stores. Instead, they're shopping on their phones and picking up like back in the COVID days, but the practice has exploded.
• Galen D. checks in:Thanks for continually having your thumb on the pulse of topics that drive mainstream America! On the subject of Delivery or No, I have a new perspective.
As I moved from Johnson City, TN to Sunset Beach, NC things have drastically changed in the last few months. We have gone from a "food desert" to a new Publix and a SuperWalmart opening within a month of each other this week and only 2 miles away. I am well versed in Publix (Pub Sub, BOGOs, etc), but is Walmart delivery worth it? Of course, I will do my own veggie, fresh fruit, etc, but what are the experiences with just a regular delivery? Is it worth the monthly charge? Thanks ScreenCaps Nation for any input!
• Jim T. in San Diego wants all of us to remember: Oh my goodness, the idea of getting your groceries delivered surely has a bunch of panties getting bunched up in SC Nation.
Which cracks me up because home delivery pre-dates the modern supermarket!
My grandmother used to get her meat from a butcher shop - yes, an entire store that only sold meat! - over off Shiloh Springs Road. And she want to Mumma's for her produce. And guess what? She could phone in her order, and they'd both deliver at no extra charge. So did the bakery. And when "supermarkets" showed up, she'd call the IGA and they'd deliver at no cost.
The whole time I was growing up in Kettering, we had our milk and other dairy delivered to our house 3x a week. We even had an insulated milk box on our front porch for the deliveries.
So none of this is new.
And for those grousing that you need to man up and go forage at the local Kroger's like our ancestors did, guess what? Your time has value.
We use home delivery probably once a week. My wife enjoys shopping as she works from home, and shopping gets her out of the house and away from us for a bit.
As for Bob in Cincy - Dorothy Lane Market is the bomb, at least the one on State Route 48 between Kettering and Centerville. Was in there a couple years ago while back home visiting, and laying in supplies for a cookout, and was blown away by DLM's beer and wine selection, that fact that the snack aisle only had a couple Lays products - everything else being regional chips, pretzels, etc.
And the meat counter was insane!
• Geoff in SD wants in: As the main driver of all things food in our house, I'm 100% on board with letting the store employees pick out anything that is pre-packaged. I'll take the time to go shopping for fruits, veggies, and meat with my wife, but with 5 kids in the house with no drivers yet, and none of them driving, I think we're at least at the relative peak of busy-ness, and might be at the absolute peak, so I'll take any assistance that I can get. I'm even pushing for home delivery of groceries, so that I can schedule the delivery for right after school, and my middle schoolers can put them away!
At OutKick/Fox News Digital, I'm allowed to write such things
• Brad S. is impressed: I loved the way you started 'Caps today: It's like shooting fish in a barrel right now for this column.
Sadly, I'll bet some PETA idiots will complain!
Chili's has things figured out
• Mark in NorCal stops by: Went to Chili's for the first time in forever last night. Place was packed!! We have been told that nobody is spending $. Not last night! Chili's might be getting it right as a burger and fries were around $15 and really good. Unlimited refills on sodas and the bottomless chips were a hit before the meal came out. Was surprised by the experience.
Then this morning I came across a report that Private Equity is swimming around Wendy's which would be the final nail in their coffin.
Travel ball parents hitting their wall
• Duncan is ready for fall/winter: It's my son's last weekend of travel ball for the fall. Check out this schedule:
13 straight editions of Screencaps comes to an end with this one
• Deb from Marco Island says: Not only will you not need to set the alarm on Sunday morning, you'll get an extra hour to sleep (or stay up the night before). Daylight Savings ends.
Kinsey: I can't wait, Deb. You won't hear me complaining even if I wake up at 4:45 due to my internal clock. As long as I don't hear that alarm tomorrow morning, all will be right in my world.
That's it this morning. Stay safe out there tonight. It's going to be amateur hour. I'm off to Screencaps the III's final soccer game. After that, it's time to start enjoying fall festivities and hang our new $22 fold-up skeleton that I bought from Aldi (helluva find!) from the basketball hoop. The boys were fired up after I suggested it. Now I just need to figure out a way to tie fishing line to the skeleton to make it look like 'Bones' is flying through the air.
ATLANTA - There is obviously a different feel to the annual "World’s Largest Cocktail Party" this year thanks to the showdown between Florida and Georgia being played inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, compared to its usual home in Jacksonville.
Between the normal tailgate experiences that take place over the 24 hours to kickoff and the overwhelming feel of tradition for this showdown that happens on a yearly basis, it's actually the fans who are feeling a bit underwhelmed by the game being played in Atlanta this season.
Thanks to ongoing renovations at EverBank Stadium, which is home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, this highly-contested game is calling Atlanta and Tampa home for the next two years.
Sure, there isn’t much either team can do about its usual venue, with the game scheduled to return in three years along the Florida coast.
But fans of both teams were hoping that the opportunity to play this rivalry game in both Athens and Gainesville over these two years would have been on the table for the first time since the 1994 and 1995 seasons, which was also due to renovations in Jacksonville.
"I don't really understand it, though I know it comes down to money," Andrew, from Ocala, told OutKick. "It would have been pretty cool to make the trip to Athens and experience what it's like to play this game in a home stadium.
"Honestly, I think they fumbled an opportunity to do something different. Where the heck are we supposed to tailgate here in Atlanta? Don't get me wrong, I'm excited for the actual game, but I think we're going to be missing out on the normal tailgate fun that we usually host in Jacksonville."
Money, you say? Yes, it comes down to the almighty dollar.
The Cocktail Party was put up for bids, and money talks...
If you were under the impression that these neutral site games were going away in favor of more home-and-home series in college football, I think you're forgetting about how much each team is paid for these types of games.
When both universities put this showdown up for sale, the offers started pouring in. Sure, it helped that Atlanta is the home of the SEC Championship game (that could be ending this season), but it also came down to how much Falcons owner Arthur Blank was willing to pay each team to play this game inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment, which runs multiple venues and events for the city of Atlanta, is paying each school $7.5 million to host the, while the city of Jacksonville is paying $1.5 million each over the next two years for their promised return to Florida.
Each team also received 29,071 tickets for this game, so it should still look like the annual showdown in Jacksonville. But, obviously that would not have been the case if this was played in Gainesville, with SEC guidelines noting that each visiting school receives around 4500-6000 tickets.
Starting to see why this game was never going on-campus? It should be noted that only the home team would see the revenue generated by this game if it were to have been played in either Gainesville or Athens.
When you factor in the cost of staging a game like this, it makes more financial sense to keep it at a neutral site.
But, that doesn’t take away the frustration from some fans who made the trip to Atlanta.
"I just don't care for another game inside this darn stadium," Thomas, a Georgia fan, told OutKick. "Hell, we should just turn this into our second-home with the SEC Championship game. I guess that's actually a compliment to Kirby Smart and my Dawgs, but it would've been interesting to make a trip to Gainesville, even if I hate the Gators.
"I just hope it has the same feel as Jacksonville does every year. But yeah, I am excited to see us whoop Florida's ass, but it would’ve been nice to do it in their home stadium at least once in my lifetime under these circumstances."
Now that the CFP is expanding, bowl sites and cities are looking for inventory
And, there will be more neutral site games to come in the future in college football.
A city like Nashville is the perfect example; it already hosted Ole Miss and Louisville to start the season. After agreeing to cancel their home-and-home series, both Georgia and Florida State agreed to play inside the Tennessee Titans' new stadium in 2029, with them preparing to take home a nice payday in the process.
There will be others as well, as Dallas and even Las Vegas are still in the market for a neutral-site game, and both have already hosted such games in the past.
So, with the CFP on the brink of expanding to 24 teams, there could be openings across what is known as "bowl season."
"It might not be in the next two or three years, but we're already looking at potential options to potentially host games at the beginning of each season," one bowl game executive told OutKick.
"Playing more home games in an expanded playoff means lesser big-brand teams being available for our postseason matchups. We already know that adjustments are going to have to be made in some form, and I don't expect us to just disappear like some want to report. It's all about adjusting with the times, so maybe it could benefit us to open the season with our game, compared to ending it."
Today, Georgia and Florida fans gather for what should be dubbed the "World's Largest Indoor Cocktail Party' in a city well-versed in hosting big games.
Angel Reese has taken a crafty, scrappy and mouthy road to her first ever Game 7 in WNBA history.
She has already made her presence heard in the series, taunting Golden State with a "too small" gesture. But Reese’s history of making statements stretches back well before her first Finals appearance.
From her championship-game taunts directed at Caitlin Clark in college to public criticism of her own team in Chicago, Reese has repeatedly made headlines with her words and gestures. Those moments have sparked debates over sportsmanship, player treatment and the scrutiny that comes with stardom.
Reese has, at times, explicitly embraced the attention.
"I’ll take the bad guy role," she said in June 2024, while arguing that she also deserved credit for women’s basketball’s growing popularity.
As she prepares for Saturday’s championship showdown, here is a look back at the trash talk, pointed comments and public clashes that have accompanied her rise.
After her LSU Tigers knocked off Caitlin Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes, Reese made a gesture that changed the sport forever.
As LSU closed out its 102-85 national championship victory over Iowa, Reese waved her hand in front of her face in Clark’s direction, then pointed toward her ring finger. The "you can’t see me" gesture, popularized by wrestler John Cena, was one Clark had used during Iowa’s Elite Eight win over Louisville.
The celebration became a debate of its own. Critics accused Reese of poor sportsmanship, while defenders questioned why her gesture drew backlash when Clark’s had been celebrated. Reese, named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, stood by it.
"I don’t fit in a box that y’all want me to be in," Reese told reporters afterward. "But when other people do it, y’all say nothing."
Clark herself declined to join the criticism.
"I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all," she told ESPN two days later, defending trash talk as part of competition.
April 3–7, 2023 — ‘We’ll go to the Obamas’
Reese’s next public clash reached the White House.
A day after LSU won the national championship, then-first lady Jill Biden suggested that runner-up Iowa should also visit the White House, an honor traditionally reserved for the champions.
Reese’s response was short: "A JOKE." She posted it on Twitter with three laughing emojis.
Biden’s office subsequently clarified that her suggestion was meant to celebrate the historic game and women athletes, and that she looked forward to hosting LSU. Reese remained unimpressed, referring to that response as an apology during an appearance on the "Paper Route" podcast.
"I don’t accept the apology," Reese said.
She argued that LSU would not have received an invitation had it lost, then offered an alternative destination.
"They can have that spotlight. We’ll go to the Obamas. We’ll see Michelle. We’ll see Barack."
President Joe Biden ultimately invited LSU and men’s champion Connecticut, without including Iowa. By April 7, Reese said she would attend with her teammates, explaining that she wanted to do what was best for the team.
The episode ended with a warmer exchange: Reese attended the May 26 celebration, hugged Jill Biden and presented her with a jersey.
March 10, 2024 — ‘Not scared of South Carolina’
Reese left her final SEC championship game with a loss and a message for the winners.
LSU, the defending national champion, had been trying to hand undefeated South Carolina its first loss of the season. The Gamecocks held on for a 79-72 victory in Greenville, South Carolina, after a physical game that boiled over into a late confrontation.
Reese and South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso had spent much of the afternoon battling inside. During the second quarter, Reese pulled Cardoso’s hair as she headed upcourt. On another possession, Cardoso pushed Reese in the back, and Reese responded with an elbow to Cardoso’s face that drew an intentional foul.
The scuffle near the end of the game began with other players.
With South Carolina ahead 73-66 and 2:08 remaining, LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson committed an intentional foul on MiLaysia Fulwiley after a turnover. Johnson then bumped South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins while heading toward her bench. Cardoso rushed in and shoved Johnson to the floor.
Cardoso was ejected for fighting, and five other players were ejected for leaving their benches.
Reese walked away from the confrontation and was not ejected. But her postgame comments threw a jab in a different way.
"We’re not scared of South Carolina," she told reporters, repeating the declaration before offering a warning to LSU’s upcoming NCAA Tournament opponents.
"Anybody seeing us moving forward should be scared."
May 23–25, 2024 — ‘One player’ and a deleted post
Reese was three games into her WNBA career when she weighed in on who deserved credit for the league’s growing spotlight.
After Chicago’s 90-81 victory over the New York Liberty, she celebrated the win with a pointed post on X.
"and that’s on getting a WIN in a packed area not just cause of one player on our charter flight," Reese wrote, adding a kissing emoji. She subsequently deleted the post.
The comment followed Charles Barkley’s criticism of WNBA players he accused of being petty toward Clark. Barkley said they should thank the Indiana Fever rookie for the attention and money she was bringing to the league, including its newly introduced charter flights.
The WNBA had announced its full charter program earlier that month, citing years of work to strengthen its business.
Although many interpreted Reese’s post as a swipe at Clark, Reese later told the Chicago Sun-Times that Barkley was her target.
"He knows it was directed towards him and whoever is not actually educated on what’s going on in the league," she said.
Reese argued that numerous players, including herself, had contributed to the WNBA’s growth.
June 1–3, 2024 — ‘It’s because of me, too’
Reese’s first WNBA meeting with Clark brought a controversial foul, a fine and another declaration about her place in the spotlight.
During Indiana’s 71-70 victory over Chicago, Sky guard Chennedy Carter knocked Clark to the floor with an away-from-the-ball shoulder check. The WNBA subsequently upgraded the foul to a flagrant 1.
Broadcast footage showed Reese standing and clapping from Chicago’s bench after the contact, drawing further scrutiny. The league also fined Reese $1,000 for failing to make herself available for postgame interviews.
She pointed back to LSU’s 2023 championship game against Iowa and the attention that had followed, arguing that the sport’s growth extended beyond one player.
"It’s because of me, too, and I want y’all to realize that," Reese said.
June 16, 2024 — ‘A special whistle’
Reese’s next complaint came after her own foul on Clark went to review.
During the third quarter of Indiana’s 91-83 victory over Chicago, Reese attempted to block a Clark layup and struck her across the head, sending her to the floor. Officials initially called a common foul, then upgraded it to a flagrant 1 after reviewing the play.
Reese defended her attempt to contest the shot.
"It was a basketball play. I can’t control the refs," she said afterward.
She also argued that Chicago had not received enough calls when attacking the basket, saying a review of the film showed missed fouls.
"I guess some people got a special whistle," Reese said, without naming a player.
Reese and fellow Sky rookie Kamilla Cardoso each finished with five fouls. Chicago coach Teresa Weatherspoon also expressed frustration with calls she believed her post players should have received.
Clark offered a more restrained assessment of the contact.
"It’s just part of basketball," she said, adding that Reese "was trying to make a play on the ball."
Oct. 3, 2024 — ‘Why don’t y’all box me out?’
Reese turned criticism of her rebounding into a challenge for her opponents.
During an episode of "Unapologetically Angel" featuring Dwyane Wade, she defended the skill that had become her calling card during her rookie season.
"Why don’t y’all box me out? How come y’all don’t box me out?" Reese asked.
Her rebounding had become a recurring point of debate, with critics highlighting possessions in which she collected her own missed shots. Reese argued that her success on the glass was being turned into a reason to criticize her.
She finished the season leading the WNBA with 13.1 rebounds per game, including a league-best 5.1 offensive rebounds. She also shot 39.1% from the field.
Reese acknowledged during the conversation that her offense needed work and said improving it would be an offseason priority. Her message about rebounding was more defiant: opponents had their chance to stop her.
Jan. 31, 2025 — ‘Sabrina can’t f---ing guard’
Reese took her trash talk to the Unrivaled League — and a television microphone picked it up.
During a timeout in the first season of Unrivaled, the offseason 3-on-3 league, Reese delivered a blunt assessment of New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu’s defense.
"Sabrina can’t f---ing guard!" Reese said while her Rose BC coach, Nola Henry, was wearing a microphone. Ionescu was playing for the opposing Phantom BC.
Phantom won 75-63 behind Ionescu’s 32 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. She also blocked a Reese layup in the fourth quarter. Reese finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.
Asked about the remark during a Ringer NBA Show interview released Feb. 18, Ionescu defended trash talk as an ordinary part of basketball. She also had a reminder about the result.
"I don’t pay too much mind to that one because we won and I had 32 points," Ionescu said.
Feb. 1, 2025 — Unrivaled’s first ejection
Reese’s next Unrivaled milestone came with an early exit.
During Rose BC’s game against Laces BC, Reese received two technical fouls late in the second quarter after being called for a foul while guarding Tiffany Hayes.
Reese waved her hand after the call, drawing the first technical. She appeared to argue that her gesture was directed at Hayes rather than the referee, but received a second technical and was ejected — a first for the new league.
"While I understood her frustration completely, she’ll grow from that in terms of keeping her composure," Rose coach Nola Henry said.
Reese finished with six points and 15 rebounds, and Rose won 83-69.
Her response continued on X.
"Happy BHM. yall know i had to be the first," Reese posted, referring to Black History Month.
She also called Sports Illustrated’s coverage of the ejection "clickbait," adding, "everything i do keep going viral."
Feb. 21, 2025 — ‘Hootie Hoo’
Reese borrowed the Lunar Owls’ celebration after helping spoil their perfect start in Unrivaled.
She delivered 22 points and 21 rebounds — the league’s first 20-point, 20-rebound performance — as Rose BC beat the previously unbeaten Owls 72-63 on Feb. 21. The Owls entered the game 8-0.
As Reese left the court, she flapped her arms and shouted "Hootie Hoo," mimicking her opponents’ signature chant.
May 17, 2025 — Another Clark clash
Reese’s second WNBA season opened with another confrontation with Clark.
With 4:38 left in the third quarter of Chicago’s opener against Indiana, Clark committed a hard foul after Reese grabbed an offensive rebound, knocking Reese to the floor. Reese jumped up and moved toward Clark before Fever center Aliyah Boston stepped between them.
Officials upgraded Clark’s foul to a flagrant 1 after reviewing the play and assessed offsetting technical fouls to Reese and Boston.
Crew chief Roy Gulbeyan explained afterward that Clark’s foul involved unnecessary contact. He described Reese’s penalty as a "verbal technical" and Boston’s as a "physical taunt technical."
Reese kept her postgame assessment brief.
"Basketball play. Refs got it right. Move on," she said.
Clark said during an in-game interview that there was "nothing malicious" about the foul.
Indiana won 93-58. Clark finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while Reese recorded 12 points and 17 rebounds.
July 6, 2025 — Risking a ‘cheap’ fine
Reese decided the risk of a fine was worth airing her complaints about WNBA officiating.
After Chicago’s 80-75 loss to Minnesota, she said she had questioned an official about the Sky’s lack of free throws entering the fourth quarter. According to Reese, the official responded that it was "not her job."
Chicago finished with eight free-throw attempts to Minnesota’s 17. Four of the Lynx’s attempts came after Chicago fouled in the final 15 seconds.
Reese called for the officiating to improve and dismissed the potential financial penalty as cheap.
"I don’t give a damn if I get fined," she said. "I am tired of this s---."
She carried that frustration onto X, describing a photo showing contact around her waist during a rebound as "diabolical."
In another post, she shared her press conference comments and tagged the WNBA with a message: "idgaf. DO BETTER."
July 10, 2025 — Taking on RG3
Reese appeared to push back against former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III’s claimed inside scoop on her relationship with Clark.
In a July 10 post condemning a racist image of Reese, Griffin also claimed people in her circle had contacted him and claimed she had grown to hate Clark.
Hours later, Reese posted a pointed response without naming Griffin.
"lying on this app when everybody know the first and last name of everybody in my circle for clout is nastyyyy work," she wrote.
Reese’s assessment of Chicago’s roster brought consequences from her own organization.
In a Chicago Tribune interview published Sept. 3, Reese called for roster upgrades and raised the possibility of eventually leaving if the Sky didn’t improve.
"I’m not settling for the same s--- we did this year," she said.
She specifically questioned relying on point guard Courtney Vandersloot, then 36 and recovering from a season-ending ACL injury.
"We can’t rely on Courtney to come back at the age that she’s at," Reese said. She also said Vandersloot could remain an asset, while advocating for a younger, experienced guard.
In a televised interview, Vandersloot said: "My age is absolutely not a factor. I am coming back."
Rachel Banham told the Sun-Times she felt "blindsided" by Reese’s comments. Players held a meeting after their Sept. 3 game, and Reese apologized.
"I didn’t intentionally mean to put down my teammates," Reese said, arguing that her language had been taken out of context.
On Sept. 5, the Sky announced Reese was suspended for the first-half of a Sept. 7 game against Las Vegas, citing "statements detrimental to the team."
Reese ultimately missed the second half, too, with a back injury.
It marked the beginning of the end of Reese in Chicago, as she was traded to the Atlanta Dream ahead of the 2026 season, in April.
Eleven days after Chicago traded her to Atlanta for two first-round draft picks, Reese used her introductory news conference to explain what she wanted from her new basketball home.
"I enjoyed being able to grow within my first two years, but I wanted more. I love to win, I love to compete and I wanted to be surrounded by people that can make me better," she said. "I don’t care about anything else that comes with it. I want to win and being able to come to an organization that really cared about their players."
June 14, 2026 — Trading words with Isabelle Harrison
Reese’s back-and-forth with a former teammate ended with that teammate getting tossed.
Reese and Toronto Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison, who played together in Chicago during Reese’s 2024 rookie season, had been jawing throughout their matchup in Toronto. Their encounter escalated in the third quarter.
With 6:05 remaining in the period, Harrison pulled Reese to the floor as the Atlanta forward worked inside. Players from both teams converged, and Reese’s teammates pulled her away. Officials initially called a common foul, then upgraded it to a flagrant 2 after reviewing the play, ejecting Harrison. No additional penalties were assessed during the confrontation.
Harrison had scored 17 points before her early exit. Reese remained in the game and finished with 15 points and 17 rebounds, including a career-high 11 offensive boards, as Atlanta won 102-77.
July 2, 2026 — ‘Disrespectful’ All-Star results
Reese took aim at All-Star voting after Atlanta failed to land a single starter.
Speaking before the Dream’s July 2 game against Washington, Reese called the results "disrespectful," particularly toward teammates Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. She credited the guards with driving Atlanta’s success and said she would speak up for them.
"For us not to have anyone was just a slap in the face, but they’re not going to say anything. I am."
Reese also congratulated the selected starters and said they deserved their spots. She expected Atlanta’s players to make the roster when reserves were announced.
The starting lineup came from a weighted vote: Fans accounted for 50%, with players and media contributing 25% each. Howard and Gray finished fifth and sixth among guards, with four starting spots available. Reese finished seventh among frontcourt players, one place outside the six-player cutoff.
Five days later, all three were announced as All-Star reserves, selected by the league’s head coaches.
Sept. 21, 2026 — Trading ‘too small’ taunts with Jonquel Jones
Reese gave Jonquel Jones the "too small" treatment. Jones returned the favor.
During Atlanta’s September matchup with New York, Reese backed down the Liberty center and scored a short shot in the second quarter. She followed the basket with the familiar gesture, pinching her fingers together to suggest Jones couldn’t handle her inside.
Jones answered in the third quarter. She backed Reese toward the basket, scored as Reese fell to the floor and delivered her own "too small" celebration.
Both finished with double-doubles: Reese had 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Jones recorded 18 points and 12 boards. Atlanta won 95-84, moving closer to securing home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.
Sept. 30, 2026 — Waving Washington out of the playoffs
Reese picked up a technical for taunting Washington, then waved the Mystics out of the playoffs.
With 4:08 remaining in Game 2 of their first-round series, Reese blocked Michaela Onyenwere’s layup and grabbed the rebound. She turned to exchange words with Onyenwere, who swatted the ball from her hand. Officials assessed Reese a technical foul for taunting.
After Atlanta completed its 93-75 victory and two-game sweep, Reese and teammate Allisha Gray raised their hands and waved goodbye toward Washington’s players.
Veteran teammate DeWanna Bonner stepped between them and pulled both players’ hands down.
Reese finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and three blocks as Atlanta advanced to the semifinals.
Speaking afterward, she praised Washington’s young roster and predicted future success for the Mystics. But she also offered her assessment of the series: "the best team came out on top."
Oct. 9, 2026 — Jawing with Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones
Reese had words for two Liberty stars as Atlanta closed out New York.
The first exchange followed a second-quarter basket by Dream rookie Isobel Borlase, who appeared to push off against Sabrina Ionescu without drawing an offensive foul. On the next possession, Ionescu pushed Borlase while setting a screen and was called for an offensive foul.
Reese ran over and repeatedly spoke to Ionescu. Rhyne Howard stepped between them and pushed Ionescu, while Reese continued talking before DeWanna Bonner led her away. Officials reviewed the confrontation and assessed no technical fouls, ruling that no hostile act had occurred.
Minutes later, Jonquel Jones blocked Reese’s shot and bumped her with her chest. The two stood chest-to-chest and exchanged words before teammates separated them. This time, both received technical fouls.
Reese finished with 22 points and nine rebounds in Atlanta’s 85-83 victory, completing a three-game sweep and sending the Dream to their first Finals since 2013.
Afterward, Reese described competing against respected peers as "literally war," adding that "the respect is given."
October 2026 — Finals taunts and a Game 7 showdown
Reese brought her "too small" taunt to the Finals, along with her running commentary.
During Game 2, Reese and Valkyries center Aminata Gueye exchanged words while Reese stood at the free-throw line following a foul by Gueye. Reese made both shots, then blocked Gueye’s layup on Golden State’s next possession. She finished with 30 points and 16 rebounds in Atlanta’s 79-65 victory, evening the series.
In Game 3, Reese pinched her fingers together toward Golden State players in the familiar taunting gesture. Photographers also captured her making it after the victory, with teammates laughing beside her.
Reese contributed 21 points and 12 rebounds as Atlanta won 97-71 and took a 2-1 series lead.
Speaking to reporters on Oct. 23, she explained her effort to unsettle Golden State.
"They’re playing into my mental game where I can take their confidence and just try to do whatever to mess them up," she said.
She also said Golden State’s home atmosphere at Chase Center, nicknamed Ballhalla, did not intimidate her and suggested Atlanta presented a tougher environment for visiting players.
The Valkyries responded. Kaila Charles emphasized the need to match Atlanta’s energy and answer its trash talk. During Game 4, broadcast cameras caught Charles pushing Reese’s arm as Atlanta gathered for a huddle. Reese pushed back, and the two exchanged words. Golden State won 67-62 to tie the series.
Golden State also won Game 5, putting Atlanta one loss from elimination. The Dream answered Thursday with an 80-69 Game 6 victory. Reese recorded 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, while Allisha Gray scored 23 points and Rhyne Howard added 21.
That sends the series back to Ballhalla for the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history. Tipoff is Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at Chase Center, with both franchises seeking their first championship.
ATLANTA - Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers has been a topic of conversation around college football over the past week amid the opening at NC State, after head coach Dave Doeren was fired last Saturday.
In the days leading up to athletic director Boo Corrigan deciding to make a move with the football program in Raleigh, the talk of Rivers being interested in the potential opening at his alma mater began to pick up within the industry.
On Friday night, the former NC State quarterback was walking his son Gunner Rivers onto the field in Fairhope, Alabama, for St. Michael Catholic's senior night, where Philip has served as head coach for the past six seasons.
"There's nothing there at this point," Rivers told Ben Thomas on Friday night when asked about NC State opening. "You understand the chatter that is out there. Just gotta take it one day at a time is all I know. I'm excited about the postseason with these guys here.
"It's like I told you last year, you never say never. But, there's nothing imminent."
But in Raleigh, NC State administrators and boosters have been putting together a plan in hopes of luring Rivers to the sidelines in college football.
As OutKick has previously reported, and confirmed On3's Friday report, Wolfpack donors have been discussing the ways in which they could raise the money needed from an NIL perspective to have NC State more competitive in luring talent to Raleigh, with recent talks also focused on if Philip Rivers were to be hired as the next head coach.
These conversations have involved the former NFL quarterback's representation, while also gauging the temperature of those within the Wolfpack donor base if they were to officially offer Rivers the job.
At this point, Philip has made it clear he is focused on making sure his team, St. Michael Catholic, was prepared for its regular season finale on Friday night and the upcoming high school playoffs that are set to start next week in Alabama.
Rivers will coach St. Michael Catholic next week against Glenwood, with many expecting them to win, which would then lead to another game the following week in the playoff format.
From a fan perspective, it's obvious that the Wolfpack would be making a hire that would excite the base, and more importantly help sell tickets and also lead to an influx of donations needed for NIL purposes to compete for an ACC title, and potentially a spot in an expanded college football playoff.
NC State needs financial backing to compete, which Rivers could garner
But, you also have to be able to raise enough money to compete, as now former head coach Dave Doeren mentioned this past week during a press conference to reflect on his tenure in Raleigh.
"The resources need to match the expectations," Doeren mentioned. "I hope for NC State this commitment to football really happens. I pray for the next head coach that he has the opportunity. It's not the way it used to be."
Multiple people along the Gulf Coast in Alabama have mentioned to OutKick that they are hopeful that Rivers would take the job if formally offered by NC State, given how highly regarded he is within the community along Mobile Bay.
In speaking with sources close to the situation, NC State is comfortable with the fact that Rivers would be a first-time college football head coach, especially if he puts together the right staff to come with him.
Also, his son Gunner is committed to the Wolfpack, and will enroll next year as a freshman quarterback in Raleigh.
Could all the stars be aligning for NC State to bring their former quarterback home to lead the football program?
Just last week, NC State alum and donor Dr. Andy Albright made it a point to post on social media that he had Rivers with him on his private jet that is decked out in Wolfpack colors.
Wolfpack could benefit from a hire like Rivers that would attract players
That could possibly be decided within the next week or two, though Rivers is focused on his high school job at the moment.
As for this era in college football, it would be a risky, but splashy, hire for NC State, and much different than UAB hiring Trent Dilfer from the high school ranks in 2022.
One of the problems for Dilfer was that the former Super Bowl champion could not garner enough support from the Birmingham community and Blazers donor base, mixed with questionable decision making by the UAB athletic department across multiple sports.
In Raleigh, Wolfpack athletic director Boo Corrigan brought in former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher earlier this week to help with the coaching search.
And while there have obviously been conversations around the prospect of potentially hiring Philip Rivers, NC State has been in communication with a number of agents who represent coaches within the sport to gauge their interest over the past few days.
Also, NC State needed to get this search underway as soon as they realized Dave Doeren was not going to be the guy to lead this program into 2027, thanks to ongoing negotiations with current players and having to put a plan together in order to attack the transfer portal.
It will be an interesting two months across the sport, with Maryland and Baylor also searching for a new head football coach after making their own moves in the past week.
The carousel has only just started, with a number of additional jobs potentially opening across the country over the next month.
College Football brings us another great slate of football games on Saturday. The past few weeks have been full of upsets and wild games. It seems like no one can keep hold of the top few spots in the rankings this year. That provides a much more enjoyable watch than chalky outcomes. After all, we are watching kids play a sport, and most won’t continue on to play professionally. One of the two matches between ranked teams happens today, so we know both of them will move up or down the Top-25 list after this, with Arizona taking on Texas Tech.
Arizona comes into the game with a 6-1 record and a 3-1 mark in the Big 12. They are ranked 22nd in the nation. The Wildcats started their season with a win over Northern Arizona. Then in Week 2, they had to face BYU, and we’ve seen the Cougars be one of the best teams in the country. Arizona lost this game 28-17. Since that loss, they’ve run off five straight wins over Northern Illinois, Washington State, Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Iowa State.
The Wildcats really haven’t had a tough game outside of the matchup with BYU. They only have two other ranked teams on the schedule – today against Texas Tech, and in a few weeks against Utah. If they can win both of those games, they have at least a legitimate shot to win the Big 12, and they could even find their way into the College Football Playoffs. He hasn’t gotten a ton of attention in the Heisman talk, but Noah Fifita has been fantastic for the team. Fifita is completing 75% of passes, has 18 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Texas Tech is currently ranked 13th in the nation, and they are 6-1 for the year as well. They also have a 3-1 record in Big 12 play. Their lone loss of the season came last week in shocking fashion to Cincinnati. It wasn’t particularly close, either. They went on the road, and they dropped the game to the Bearcats 37-24. The biggest issue in this game was probably the turnovers from Texas Tech. They threw an interception and had two fumbles lost. It didn’t help that the Bearcats scored 24 points in the 2nd quarter of the game, and all of them within the last eight minutes of the half.
Texas Tech had been rolling before last week. They won the first six games of the season. In the first game, they beat Abilene Christian by 23. In Week 2, they were able to top Oregon State by 11 points. In Week 3, they had their first test, and that was a battle against Houston. In that game, they won 28-26, but clearly it was a close battle. The next three games were fairly easy matchups with Sam Houston, Colorado, and Arizona State all not putting up much of a fight against the Red Raiders.
This afternoon’s game is a battle between two Big 12 beasts. The Wildcats have a legitimate shot at pulling off the upset. I really like the way that Fifita has played and positioned his squad for wins. Texas Tech’s defense has been a big piece of their game, and I’ve been pretty unimpressed with their offense. I think these two teams are fairly evenly matched. I know Texas Tech will be looking for revenge or to bounce back. I’m going to take the Wildcats with the points, though. I think they have the right offense to battle against Texas Tech. Give me Arizona +3.5.
For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024
There are only about five games remaining for most teams before we start to get into Bowl season and the Conference Championship games. There has been a ton of fluctuation on the Top 25 this season, with very few teams looking like a confident option to make it into the College Football Playoffs. Florida and Georgia play today, and a win here for Florida would go a long way for its case and probably hurt the Bulldogs quite a bit.
The Florida Gators are 5-2 for the season, with both losses coming in SEC games. This has been a hard team to judge this year. The Gators have had some really good games, and then a few ugly ones. Their best game came when they destroyed the Ole Miss Rebels. That was a ranked matchup, at home, and they took down the team with a solid 52-28 victory. Unfortunately for them, their success was rather short-lived.
The next week against Missouri, they lost 45-17, barely even showing up for the game. It didn’t get any better the following week as they lost that game 38-19 to South Carolina. That’s a game they will want back at the end of the year. Two weeks ago, they went into Texas and won that game 27-24. It is a bit confusing how the team could’ve beaten both Ole Miss and Texas, but lost to Missouri and South Carolina. The schedule doesn’t really get easier, either. The Gators have Georgia today, and then they face Kentucky in a couple of weeks. Plus Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and Florida State are still on the schedule. It does seem like if they lose here but win out, there is still a case to be made for them making the College Football Playoffs, but it would be unlikely.
Georgia is one of the best teams in the country as usual, but the Bulldogs did lose the last game they played. They are 6-1 for the season, with the lone loss coming two weeks ago against Auburn. They had a bye week last week, so they’ve been stewing on it for a few weeks. This is a team that knows how to rebound from losses, but it does feel like the loss never should’ve happened in the first place. This is also the start of three straight games against ranked opponents.
To start the year, Georgia rocked Tennessee State, then took down Western Kentucky, winning both by more than 50 points. The Bulldogs played Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt in the next three weeks, winning all of them by multiple scores. Against Alabama, in Alabama, the defense did everything it needed to do. The Bulldogs won 20-17 over their rivals, but that may have set up the letdown against Auburn.
Georgia and Florida should put on a good show for us. Both have been off for a week, so they could start a bit slowly. The two of them should have had plenty of time to prepare for this matchup. I don’t see this game being a high-scoring matchup. I feel like each possession will be important. Georgia doesn’t want to lose back-to-back games. Florida can’t really afford to have a third loss on its record. I’m going to take the Gators +12.5, but I do feel like this will be a bit of a nail-biter situation.
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