Cowboys deny Lions on 2-point try for 20-19 win to extend home win streak to 16

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — CeeDee Lamb had a 92-yard touchdown catch, and Dallas denied the Detroit Lions in a crazy sequence of 2-point conversion attempts in the final seconds of the Cowboys' 20-19 victory. The win extended Dallas' home winning streak to 16 games. It's the longest run since 1979-81. Jared Goff pulled the NFC North champion Lions within a point with a touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown with 23 seconds remaining. The first 2-point try was a successful pass to offensive lineman Taylor Decker, but the officials ruled him to be an ineligible receiver. Dallas stopped the second attempt but was offsides before Goff threw incomplete on the final try.

Lions take issue with officials after potential winning 2-point pass is negated by penalty

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Detroit Lions have been left feeling as a victory was taken away when a potential winning 2-point conversion was negated by officials. The ruling was offensive lineman Taylor Decker wasn't eligible when he caught the 2-point pass from Jared Goff against the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions ended up running three 2-point tries. The last one was an incomplete pass as the Cowboys hung on for a 20-19 victory. Both teams are headed to the playoffs.

Pistons beat Raptors 129-127 to end NBA record-tying losing streak at 28 games

DETROIT (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 30 points and 12 assists as the Detroit Pistons ended their NBA record-tying losing streak at 28 games with a 129-127 win over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night. The Pistons, who hadn't won since Oct. 28, matched the Philadelphia 76ers' record of 28, split over the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. They finished one shy of the record for the four major American and Canadian leagues, set by the Chicago Cardinals during World War II. Jalen Duren had 18 points and 17 rebounds for Detroit (3-29) while Kevin Knox II scored 17 points.

LeBron James questions NBA's replay center after late-game shot ruled a 2-pointer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — LeBron James thought he added to his legacy with another big shot on his 39th birthday. The NBA's replay center had a different view, causing James to call out the league's replay process. James made what he believed was a game-tying 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds remaining as the Los Angeles Lakers were playing on the road Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the top team in the Western Conference. However, it was ruled a 2-pointer and upheld via replay from the league's replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey, and the Lakers lost 108-106.

No. 6 Georgia routs No. 4 Florida State 63-3 in Orange Bowl matchup of teams missing out on CFP

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Carson Beck passed for 203 yards and two touchdowns, backup QB Gunnar Stockton passed for two more scores and No. 6 Georgia routed previously undefeated and fourth-ranked Florida State 63-3 in the Orange Bowl in a matchup of teams missing out on the College Football Playoff. Georgia scored on nine of 12 drives and gained 673 yards against the short-handed Seminoles, who were without more than two dozen players because of opt-outs and transfers. The Orange Bowl provided Georgia, which had won the last two national titles, a chance to make a statement. The Bulldogs charged out to a 39-point halftime lead, the largest in the bowl's 90-year history, beating West Virginia's 29-point halftime lead over Clemson in 2012. It was also the largest margin of defeat in Florida State's history.

Jimmy Johnson joins Cowboys' ring of honor 30 years after ugly split with Jerry Jones

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jimmy Johnson is headed into the Dallas Cowboys' ring of honor almost 30 years after the former coach's acrimonious split with owner Jerry Jones. Both are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Neither seems concerned about why it took Jones so long to put Johnson in the exclusive group of one of the NFL's storied franchises. Their breakup happened just after Dallas had the second of consecutive Super Bowls in the 1992-93 seasons. It left many wondering what might have happened the rest of the decade. Johnson was inducted during a halftime ceremony of Dallas' regular-season home finale against Detroit.

Knicks trade RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Raptors for OG Anunoby

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks traded RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday and got back OG Anunoby, dealing two of their top offensive players but likely getting a boost to their defense. The Knicks also acquired Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn, while sending the Raptors a 2024 second-round pick belonging to Detroit. The Knicks gave up two of their top offensive players in Barrett, a starting forward, and Quickley, one of the NBA's top reserves. But the deal should provide a boost to their defense, with Anunoby leading the NBA in steals last season.

Arch Manning outlines his reasons for remaining a Texas Longhorn, even possibly as a backup

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Arch Manning says he envisions remaining at Texas even if current starting quarterback Quinn Ewers returns next season. Texas is getting ready to play Washington in a College Football Playoff semifinal in the Sugar Bowl, where Manning met with media for the first time this season. Manning says he hasn't looked into transferring and wants to continue developing under Texas coach Steve Sarkisian. Arch says he's following the advice of Super Bowl-winning uncles Peyton and Eli Manning and preparing like a starter in case his team needs him. He also says it's special being back in his native New Orleans and preparing for a big game in the Superdome where grandfather Archie starred for the Saints.

Washington's DeBoer, Texas' Sarkisian built playoff teams with holdovers from previous coaches

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Remaking a roster has never been easier in college football for a coach taking over a new team. At Washington and Texas, extreme, Deion Sanders-style makeovers weren't needed. In fact, the holdovers from the previous regimes for the second-ranked Huskies and third-ranked Longhorns formed the core of two College Football Playoff teams that will face each other Monday night in the Sugar Bowl. The programs Washington coach Kalen DeBoer and Texas coach Steve Sarkisian inherited weren't necessarily lacking talent. What they needed was for the players to embrace a new message.

Fernandez leads Canada to United Cup win over Chile. Pegula stunned by GB's Boulter but US wins tie

SYDNEY (AP) — Former U.S. Open finalist Leylah Fernandez led Canada to a 2-1 victory over Chile in its opening United Cup match. Fernandez defeated Daniela Seguel 6-3, 6-2 before Nicolas Jarry leveled the Group B tie for Chile by beating Steven Diez in straight sets in Sydney. Fernandez and Diez then clinched the deciding mixed doubles against Seguel and Tomás Barrios Vera 7-5, 4-6, 10-8 to seal the tie for the Canadians. In Perth, Great Britain's Katie Boulter stunned Jessica Pegula in Group C rallying from a set down to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in nearly three hours. The Americans drew level when 10th-ranked Taylor Fritz defeated Cameron Norrie 7-6 (5), 6-4 to force a deciding mixed doubles match, won by Pegula and Fritz over Boulter and Neal Skupski to seal the tie for the defending champions.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Final	(11)Mississippi	38	(10)Penn St.	25	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, December 31st, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, December 31st, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:17 a.m. ESTCowboys deny Lions on 2-point try for 20-19 win to extend home win streak to 16ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — CeeDee Lamb had a 92-yard touchdown catch, and Dallas denied the Detroit Lions in a crazy sequence of 2-point conversion attempts in the final seconds of the Cowboys' 20-19 victory. The win extended Dallas' home winning streak to 16 games. It's the longest run since 1979-81. Jared Goff pulled the NFC North champion Lions within a point with a touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown with 23 seconds remaining. The first 2-point try was a successful pass to offensive lineman Taylor Decker, but the officials ruled him to be an ineligible receiver. Dallas stopped the second attempt but was offsides before Goff threw incomplete on the final try.Lions take issue with officials after potential winning 2-point pass is negated by penaltyARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Detroit Lions have been left feeling as a victory was taken away when a potential winning 2-point conversion was negated by officials. The ruling was offensive lineman Taylor Decker wasn't eligible when he caught the 2-point pass from Jared Goff against the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions ended up running three 2-point tries. The last one was an incomplete pass as the Cowboys hung on for a 20-19 victory. Both teams are headed to the playoffs.Pistons beat Raptors 129-127 to end NBA record-tying losing streak at 28 gamesDETROIT (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 30 points and 12 assists as the Detroit Pistons ended their NBA record-tying losing streak at 28 games with a 129-127 win over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night. The Pistons, who hadn't won since Oct. 28, matched the Philadelphia 76ers' record of 28, split over the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. They finished one shy of the record for the four major American and Canadian leagues, set by the Chicago Cardinals during World War II. Jalen Duren had 18 points and 17 rebounds for Detroit (3-29) while Kevin Knox II scored 17 points.LeBron James questions NBA's replay center after late-game shot ruled a 2-pointerMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — LeBron James thought he added to his legacy with another big shot on his 39th birthday. The NBA's replay center had a different view, causing James to call out the league's replay process. James made what he believed was a game-tying 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds remaining as the Los Angeles Lakers were playing on the road Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the top team in the Western Conference. However, it was ruled a 2-pointer and upheld via replay from the league's replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey, and the Lakers lost 108-106.No. 6 Georgia routs No. 4 Florida State 63-3 in Orange Bowl matchup of teams missing out on CFPMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Carson Beck passed for 203 yards and two touchdowns, backup QB Gunnar Stockton passed for two more scores and No. 6 Georgia routed previously undefeated and fourth-ranked Florida State 63-3 in the Orange Bowl in a matchup of teams missing out on the College Football Playoff. Georgia scored on nine of 12 drives and gained 673 yards against the short-handed Seminoles, who were without more than two dozen players because of opt-outs and transfers. The Orange Bowl provided Georgia, which had won the last two national titles, a chance to make a statement. The Bulldogs charged out to a 39-point halftime lead, the largest in the bowl's 90-year history, beating West Virginia's 29-point halftime lead over Clemson in 2012. It was also the largest margin of defeat in Florida State's history.Jimmy Johnson joins Cowboys' ring of honor 30 years after ugly split with Jerry JonesARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jimmy Johnson is headed into the Dallas Cowboys' ring of honor almost 30 years after the former coach's acrimonious split with owner Jerry Jones. Both are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Neither seems concerned about why it took Jones so long to put Johnson in the exclusive group of one of the NFL's storied franchises. Their breakup happened just after Dallas had the second of consecutive Super Bowls in the 1992-93 seasons. It left many wondering what might have happened the rest of the decade. Johnson was inducted during a halftime ceremony of Dallas' regular-season home finale against Detroit.Knicks trade RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Raptors for OG AnunobyNEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks traded RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday and got back OG Anunoby, dealing two of their top offensive players but likely getting a boost to their defense. The Knicks also acquired Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn, while sending the Raptors a 2024 second-round pick belonging to Detroit. The Knicks gave up two of their top offensive players in Barrett, a starting forward, and Quickley, one of the NBA's top reserves. But the deal should provide a boost to their defense, with Anunoby leading the NBA in steals last season.Arch Manning outlines his reasons for remaining a Texas Longhorn, even possibly as a backupNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Arch Manning says he envisions remaining at Texas even if current starting quarterback Quinn Ewers returns next season. Texas is getting ready to play Washington in a College Football Playoff semifinal in the Sugar Bowl, where Manning met with media for the first time this season. Manning says he hasn't looked into transferring and wants to continue developing under Texas coach Steve Sarkisian. Arch says he's following the advice of Super Bowl-winning uncles Peyton and Eli Manning and preparing like a starter in case his team needs him. He also says it's special being back in his native New Orleans and preparing for a big game in the Superdome where grandfather Archie starred for the Saints.Washington's DeBoer, Texas' Sarkisian built playoff teams with holdovers from previous coachesNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Remaking a roster has never been easier in college football for a coach taking over a new team. At Washington and Texas, extreme, Deion Sanders-style makeovers weren't needed. In fact, the holdovers from the previous regimes for the second-ranked Huskies and third-ranked Longhorns formed the core of two College Football Playoff teams that will face each other Monday night in the Sugar Bowl. The programs Washington coach Kalen DeBoer and Texas coach Steve Sarkisian inherited weren't necessarily lacking talent. What they needed was for the players to embrace a new message.Fernandez leads Canada to United Cup win over Chile. Pegula stunned by GB's Boulter but US wins tieSYDNEY (AP) — Former U.S. Open finalist Leylah Fernandez led Canada to a 2-1 victory over Chile in its opening United Cup match. Fernandez defeated Daniela Seguel 6-3, 6-2 before Nicolas Jarry leveled the Group B tie for Chile by beating Steven Diez in straight sets in Sydney. Fernandez and Diez then clinched the deciding mixed doubles against Seguel and Tomás Barrios Vera 7-5, 4-6, 10-8 to seal the tie for the Canadians. In Perth, Great Britain's Katie Boulter stunned Jessica Pegula in Group C rallying from a set down to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in nearly three hours. The Americans drew level when 10th-ranked Taylor Fritz defeated Cameron Norrie 7-6 (5), 6-4 to force a deciding mixed doubles match, won by Pegula and Fritz over Boulter and Neal Skupski to seal the tie for the defending champions.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Final	Utah	117	Miami	109	Final	Detroit	129	Toronto	127	Final	Indiana	140	New York	126	Final	Chicago	105	Philadelphia	92	Final	Minnesota	108	L.A. Lakers	106	Final	Dallas	132	Golden State	122	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Final	Winnipeg	4	Minnesota	2	Final OT	Buffalo	3	Columbus	2	Final	Pittsburgh	4	St. Louis	2	Final	Boston	5	New Jersey	2	Final	Florida	4	Montreal	1	Final	N-Y Rangers	5	Tampa Bay	1	Final	Carolina	3	Toronto	2	Final SO	Nashville	3	Washington	2	Final SO	Edmonton	3	Los Angeles	2	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Final	Dallas	20	Detroit	19	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Final	(6)Georgia	63	(4)Florida St.	3	Final	(11)Mississippi	38	(10)Penn St.	25	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(2)Kansas	86	Wichita St.	67	Final	(3)Houston	81	Penn	42	Final	Florida Gulf Coast	72	(7)FAU	68	Final	(10)Marquette	72	(22)Creighton	67	Final	(14)BYU	94	Wyoming	68	Final	(16)Duke	106	Queens (NC)	69	Final	(19)Memphis	81	Austin Peay	70	Final	(20)James Madison	82	Texas St.	65	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Atlanta	at	Washington	3 p.m.	Boston	at	San Antonio	7 p.m.	Brooklyn	at	Oklahoma City	7 p.m.	L.A. Lakers	at	New Orleans	7 p.m.	Orlando	at	Phoenix	8 p.m.	Sacramento	at	Memphis	8 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Winnipeg	at	Minnesota	2 p.m.	Boston	at	Detroit	5 p.m.	Buffalo	at	Ottawa	6 p.m.	N-Y Islanders	at	Pittsburgh	6 p.m.	Montreal	at	Tampa Bay	7 p.m.	Chicago	at	Dallas	8 p.m.	Edmonton	at	Anaheim	8 p.m.	Philadelphia	at	Calgary	8 p.m.	San Jose	at	Colorado	8 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Arizona	at	Philadelphia	1 p.m.	Atlanta	at	Chicago	1 p.m.	Carolina	at	Jacksonville	1 p.m.	L.A. Rams	at	N-Y Giants	1 p.m.	Las Vegas	at	Indianapolis	1 p.m.	Miami	at	Baltimore	1 p.m.	New England	at	Buffalo	1 p.m.	New Orleans	at	Tampa Bay	1 p.m.	San Francisco	at	Washington	1 p.m.	Tennessee	at	Houston	1 p.m.	Pittsburgh	at	Seattle	4:05 p.m.	Cincinnati	at	Kansas City	4:25 p.m.	L.A. Chargers	at	Denver	4:25 p.m.	Green Bay	at	Minnesota	8:20 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL (4)Arizona	at	Stanford	4 p.m.	Monmouth (NJ)	at	(12)Oklahoma	3 p.m.	Bryant	at	(24)Mississippi	4 p.m.	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Sunday

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas coach Bill Self made sure to educate his team about its history against Wichita State.

Or at least about the last time the schools played.

Even though they first faced off in 1908, and are separated by a mere 161 miles, the schools have played only 16 times over the years. But that includes a pair of NCAA Tournament games, and their most recent matchup in 2015, when the Shockers surprised the Jayhawks in the Midwest Regional in Omaha, Nebraska.

There was no such upset Saturday. Hunter Dickinson had 22 points and 13 rebounds, Kevin McCullar Jr. went 10 for 10 from the foul line and added 20 points, and the second-ranked Jayhawks rolled to an 86-67 win over the Shockers.

“Coach told us the history of us playing against Wichita State, and how the last time we played them it was really unfortunate,” said Dickinson, who also had four assists. “We knew they were going to come in and give us their best shot.”

Elmarko Jackson added a career-best 12 points for the Jayhawks (12-1), who have won 25 straight games in December and will take an eight-game winning streak into Big 12 play when they take on TCU next Saturday.

Dalen Ridgnal scored 13 points for the Shockers (8-5), who also lost to Kansas State at T-Mobile Center last week. Xavier Bell added 11 points and Quincy Ballard finished with 10.

“We needed to play well to beat a team of this caliber," Shockers coach Paul Mills said. “Give them a lot of credit. They had a lot to do with our inability to really get into a flow."

The game was tied 14-all when Jackson scored three straight baskets, including a fast-break dunk, to give the Jayhawks the lead. Dickinson added back-to-back baskets off his own misses. By the time Parker Braun scored an easy layup off a slick assist from K.J. Adams Jr., the Jayhawks had taken a 43-27 lead heading to the locker room.

Dickinson opened the second half by drilling a 3-pointer from the top of the key. Jackson added his own 3 from the wing. And when Dickinson picked the pocket of Harlond Beverly and McCullar scored in traffic at the other end, the Kansas lead had grown to 51-27 and Mills was forced to call timeout.

The Jayhawks led by as much as 28 in the second half before cruising to the finish.

“It's the last game of 2023,” Self said. “I just tried to spin it like it's a circled game for Wichita State and we have to respect that, and play with the intensity we know they will come out with. I think we did.”

Wichita State was just 4 of 20 from beyond the 3-point arc and shot 50% from the foul line, and that won't fly against one of the nation's best teams. The Shockers also had 13 assists to 15 turnovers.

Kansas freshman Johnny Furphy was back after missing a game to return home to Australia. He only had seven points, but his ability to hit shots from long range was important in creating better spacing and opening up the floor.

Wichita State opens American Athletic Conference play against North Texas on Thursday night.

Kansas welcomes the Horned Frogs to Allen Fieldhouse next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703987896941.jpeg" alt="Kansas center Hunter Dickinson (1) shoots during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wichita State Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas center Hunter Dickinson (1) shoots during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wichita State Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas coach Bill Self made sure to educate his team about its history against Wichita State.Or at least about the last time the schools played.Even though they first faced off in 1908, and are separated by a mere 161 miles, the schools have played only 16 times over the years. But that includes a pair of NCAA Tournament games, and their most recent matchup in 2015, when the Shockers surprised the Jayhawks in the Midwest Regional in Omaha, Nebraska.There was no such upset Saturday. Hunter Dickinson had 22 points and 13 rebounds, Kevin McCullar Jr. went 10 for 10 from the foul line and added 20 points, and the second-ranked Jayhawks rolled to an 86-67 win over the Shockers.“Coach told us the history of us playing against Wichita State, and how the last time we played them it was really unfortunate,” said Dickinson, who also had four assists. “We knew they were going to come in and give us their best shot.”Elmarko Jackson added a career-best 12 points for the Jayhawks (12-1), who have won 25 straight games in December and will take an eight-game winning streak into Big 12 play when they take on TCU next Saturday.Dalen Ridgnal scored 13 points for the Shockers (8-5), who also lost to Kansas State at T-Mobile Center last week. Xavier Bell added 11 points and Quincy Ballard finished with 10.“We needed to play well to beat a team of this caliber," Shockers coach Paul Mills said. “Give them a lot of credit. They had a lot to do with our inability to really get into a flow."The game was tied 14-all when Jackson scored three straight baskets, including a fast-break dunk, to give the Jayhawks the lead. Dickinson added back-to-back baskets off his own misses. By the time Parker Braun scored an easy layup off a slick assist from K.J. Adams Jr., the Jayhawks had taken a 43-27 lead heading to the locker room.Dickinson opened the second half by drilling a 3-pointer from the top of the key. Jackson added his own 3 from the wing. And when Dickinson picked the pocket of Harlond Beverly and McCullar scored in traffic at the other end, the Kansas lead had grown to 51-27 and Mills was forced to call timeout.The Jayhawks led by as much as 28 in the second half before cruising to the finish.“It's the last game of 2023,” Self said. “I just tried to spin it like it's a circled game for Wichita State and we have to respect that, and play with the intensity we know they will come out with. I think we did.”BIG PICTUREWichita State was just 4 of 20 from beyond the 3-point arc and shot 50% from the foul line, and that won't fly against one of the nation's best teams. The Shockers also had 13 assists to 15 turnovers.Kansas freshman Johnny Furphy was back after missing a game to return home to Australia. He only had seven points, but his ability to hit shots from long range was important in creating better spacing and opening up the floor.UP NEXTWichita State opens American Athletic Conference play against North Texas on Thursday night.Kansas welcomes the Horned Frogs to Allen Fieldhouse next Saturday.

🏀 Dickinson's double-double helps No. 2 Kansas to win over Wichita State

An underdog for the 5th time since 2009, powerhouse Alabama embraces rare chance to prove 'em wrong

LOS ANGELES (AP) — If Nick Saban cared about such things, he could count all the times Alabama has been a betting underdog since 2009 on one hand. Fourth-seeded Alabama is not the betting favorite against Michigan in its College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl. It's only the fifth time over the past 14 seasons Alabama is an actual underdog. Perceived doubt or disrespect are high-octane fuel to almost every modern athlete, and a program that's been a near-constant favorite every time it takes the field for an entire generation is feasting on its chance to play an underdog.

Gil de Ferran, Indianapolis 500 winner and Brazilian icon, dies at 56

Gil de Ferran, the 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner and holder of the closed-course land speed record, died Friday while racing with his son at The Concourse Club in Florida, multiple former colleagues confirmed to The Associated Press. He was 56. Fellow Brazilian driver Tony Kanaan said de Ferran was with his son, Luke, at the private course in Opa-Locka, Florida, when he pulled over and said he wasn't feeling well. Kanaan said de Ferran apparently suffered a heart attack and could not be revived. De Ferran won the 2000 and 2001 Champ Car titles driving for Penske, and the 2003 Indy 500 with Roger Penske, as well. In 2000 at California Speedway, de Ferran set the closed-course land speed record during CART qualifying with a lap of 241.428 mph — a mark that stands today.

Tech company says NCAA looking into possible unauthorized access to college football video

A software company that manages practice video footage for college football teams says the NCAA is looking into possible unauthorized access to its data. Players and coaches for Alabama and Michigan have indicated in the lead up to their Rose Bowl matchup on Monday that players had been instructed to avoid watching film using the Catapult Sports app on their mobile devices because of security concerns. Catapult said in a statement it was aware of the ongoing investigation of alleged unauthorized access to college football video footage, but has found no security breach.

Jaguars rule out QB Trevor Lawrence with sprained throwing shoulder, ending his starts streak

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will miss the first game of his professional career because of a sprained throwing shoulder. Lawrence was a spectator at practice all week and was officially ruled out for the team's home finale against Carolina. C.J. Beathard will make his first start in three years Sunday in what's become a must-win game for the Jaguars. This will be the first game Lawrence has missed because of injury at any level. He never missed a start in high school and only missed two starts in college because of COVID-19 protocols.

Brazil pays tributes to Pelé one year after his death, Christ the redeemer wears his number

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilians paid several tributes to soccer legend Pelé on Friday, one year after the three-time World Cup winner's death at age 82 due to a colon cancer. A ceremony held at Rio de Janeiro's Christ the redeemer, one of the South American nation's most famous postcard locations, featured a projection of a Brazil shirt with Pelé's name and number 10 on the statue and a message from Pope Francis. Pelé was a devout Catholic throughout his life.

Schrader runs for 128 yards and a TD as No. 9 Missouri beats No. 7 Ohio State 14-3 in Cotton Bowl

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — All-America running back Cody Schrader ran for 128 yards and bulled into the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown to open the fourth quarter with Missouri's first score, and the ninth-ranked Tigers capped an 11-win season with a 14-3 win over No. 7 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Brady Cook threw a 7-yard touchdown to Luther Burden III with 5:12 left in the game. Ohio State played without two-time All-America receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who opted out of the game, though the junior hasn't announced yet if he will enter the NFL draft. The 11-2 Buckeyes finished with only 203 total yards.

Former DePaul coach Joey Meyer, who led the Blue Demons to 7 NCAA Tournaments, dies at 74

CHICAGO (AP) — Joey Meyer, who played at DePaul and coached the Blue Demons to seven NCAA Tournament appearances in 13 seasons, has died. He was 74. Meyer died Friday in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale, surrounded by family, DePaul said in a release. The school did not provide any further information. Joey Meyer played for his father, Ray, for three seasons from 1968-1971, averaging 16.4 points in 75 games for DePaul. Meyer served as an assistant for his father for 11 seasons before taking over when Ray retired after coaching DePaul from 1942-1984. Joey Meyer got the Blue Demons into the NCAA tourney in each of his first five seasons. They reached the Sweet 16 in 1986 and 1987.

Broncos QB Russell Wilson says he was asked earlier in season to adjust contract or risk benching

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Russell Wilson says he was caught off guard by the timing of his benching since the Denver Broncos have a slim chance to make the playoffs. A disappointed Wilson spoke to the media Friday for the first time since being sent to the sideline by coach Sean Payton. Wilson will back up Jarrett Stidham on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. For now, Wilson says his focus is on helping Stidham, not on his future with the team. Wilson says the Broncos approached him during the bye to adjust his contract or risk being benched. Wilson signed a five-year, $245 million contract extension last year that kicks in next season.

Creative and aggressive play-callers fuel high-powered offenses for No. 2 Washington and No. 3 Texas

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — No. 2 Washington and No. 3 Texas meet in a College Football Playoff matchup at the Sugar Bowl of offenses known for aggressive and creative play calling. Determining who calls plays and how is far from an exact science. For the Huskies, head coach Kalen DeBoer entrusts offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb with the play calling. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian calls plays for the Longhorns, with support from OC Kyle Flood. What works for one program might not for another, but it's never completely a one-man job.

Michigan QB McCarthy focused on Rose Bowl, Wolverines' title hopes, not his potential NFL future

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The biggest question surrounding J.J. McCarthy going into the Rose Bowl isn't if this will be the junior quarterback's final game in maize and blue. That one can wait a couple of weeks. The more immediate concern for the top-ranked Wolverines is making sure McCarthy is healthy after he struggled with a lingering ankle injury during the second half of the season. On Friday morning, the junior gave himself a clean bill of health as Michigan continues preparations for its College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama.

Final	(15)Notre Dame	40	(21)Oregon St.	8	

Final	(9)North Carolina	105	Charleston Southern	60	

Final	(11)Illinois	104	Fairleigh Dickinson	71	

		(11)Mississippi	at	(10)Penn St.	12 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, December 30th, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, December 30th, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports SummaryBrief at 4:15 a.m. ESTAn underdog for the 5th time since 2009, powerhouse Alabama embraces rare chance to prove 'em wrongLOS ANGELES (AP) — If Nick Saban cared about such things, he could count all the times Alabama has been a betting underdog since 2009 on one hand. Fourth-seeded Alabama is not the betting favorite against Michigan in its College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl. It's only the fifth time over the past 14 seasons Alabama is an actual underdog. Perceived doubt or disrespect are high-octane fuel to almost every modern athlete, and a program that's been a near-constant favorite every time it takes the field for an entire generation is feasting on its chance to play an underdog.Gil de Ferran, Indianapolis 500 winner and Brazilian icon, dies at 56Gil de Ferran, the 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner and holder of the closed-course land speed record, died Friday while racing with his son at The Concourse Club in Florida, multiple former colleagues confirmed to The Associated Press. He was 56. Fellow Brazilian driver Tony Kanaan said de Ferran was with his son, Luke, at the private course in Opa-Locka, Florida, when he pulled over and said he wasn't feeling well. Kanaan said de Ferran apparently suffered a heart attack and could not be revived. De Ferran won the 2000 and 2001 Champ Car titles driving for Penske, and the 2003 Indy 500 with Roger Penske, as well. In 2000 at California Speedway, de Ferran set the closed-course land speed record during CART qualifying with a lap of 241.428 mph — a mark that stands today.Tech company says NCAA looking into possible unauthorized access to college football videoA software company that manages practice video footage for college football teams says the NCAA is looking into possible unauthorized access to its data. Players and coaches for Alabama and Michigan have indicated in the lead up to their Rose Bowl matchup on Monday that players had been instructed to avoid watching film using the Catapult Sports app on their mobile devices because of security concerns. Catapult said in a statement it was aware of the ongoing investigation of alleged unauthorized access to college football video footage, but has found no security breach.Jaguars rule out QB Trevor Lawrence with sprained throwing shoulder, ending his starts streakJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will miss the first game of his professional career because of a sprained throwing shoulder. Lawrence was a spectator at practice all week and was officially ruled out for the team's home finale against Carolina. C.J. Beathard will make his first start in three years Sunday in what's become a must-win game for the Jaguars. This will be the first game Lawrence has missed because of injury at any level. He never missed a start in high school and only missed two starts in college because of COVID-19 protocols.Brazil pays tributes to Pelé one year after his death, Christ the redeemer wears his numberRIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilians paid several tributes to soccer legend Pelé on Friday, one year after the three-time World Cup winner's death at age 82 due to a colon cancer. A ceremony held at Rio de Janeiro's Christ the redeemer, one of the South American nation's most famous postcard locations, featured a projection of a Brazil shirt with Pelé's name and number 10 on the statue and a message from Pope Francis. Pelé was a devout Catholic throughout his life.Schrader runs for 128 yards and a TD as No. 9 Missouri beats No. 7 Ohio State 14-3 in Cotton BowlARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — All-America running back Cody Schrader ran for 128 yards and bulled into the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown to open the fourth quarter with Missouri's first score, and the ninth-ranked Tigers capped an 11-win season with a 14-3 win over No. 7 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Brady Cook threw a 7-yard touchdown to Luther Burden III with 5:12 left in the game. Ohio State played without two-time All-America receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who opted out of the game, though the junior hasn't announced yet if he will enter the NFL draft. The 11-2 Buckeyes finished with only 203 total yards.Former DePaul coach Joey Meyer, who led the Blue Demons to 7 NCAA Tournaments, dies at 74CHICAGO (AP) — Joey Meyer, who played at DePaul and coached the Blue Demons to seven NCAA Tournament appearances in 13 seasons, has died. He was 74. Meyer died Friday in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale, surrounded by family, DePaul said in a release. The school did not provide any further information. Joey Meyer played for his father, Ray, for three seasons from 1968-1971, averaging 16.4 points in 75 games for DePaul. Meyer served as an assistant for his father for 11 seasons before taking over when Ray retired after coaching DePaul from 1942-1984. Joey Meyer got the Blue Demons into the NCAA tourney in each of his first five seasons. They reached the Sweet 16 in 1986 and 1987.Broncos QB Russell Wilson says he was asked earlier in season to adjust contract or risk benchingENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Russell Wilson says he was caught off guard by the timing of his benching since the Denver Broncos have a slim chance to make the playoffs. A disappointed Wilson spoke to the media Friday for the first time since being sent to the sideline by coach Sean Payton. Wilson will back up Jarrett Stidham on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. For now, Wilson says his focus is on helping Stidham, not on his future with the team. Wilson says the Broncos approached him during the bye to adjust his contract or risk being benched. Wilson signed a five-year, $245 million contract extension last year that kicks in next season.Creative and aggressive play-callers fuel high-powered offenses for No. 2 Washington and No. 3 TexasNEW ORLEANS (AP) — No. 2 Washington and No. 3 Texas meet in a College Football Playoff matchup at the Sugar Bowl of offenses known for aggressive and creative play calling. Determining who calls plays and how is far from an exact science. For the Huskies, head coach Kalen DeBoer entrusts offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb with the play calling. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian calls plays for the Longhorns, with support from OC Kyle Flood. What works for one program might not for another, but it's never completely a one-man job.Michigan QB McCarthy focused on Rose Bowl, Wolverines' title hopes, not his potential NFL futureLOS ANGELES (AP) — The biggest question surrounding J.J. McCarthy going into the Rose Bowl isn't if this will be the junior quarterback's final game in maize and blue. That one can wait a couple of weeks. The more immediate concern for the top-ranked Wolverines is making sure McCarthy is healthy after he struggled with a lingering ankle injury during the second half of the season. On Friday morning, the junior gave himself a clean bill of health as Michigan continues preparations for its College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Washington	110	Brooklyn	104	Final	Orlando	117	New York	108	Final	Sacramento	117	Atlanta	110	Final	Boston	120	Toronto	118	Final	Milwaukee	119	Cleveland	111	Final	Philadelphia	131	Houston	127	Final	Oklahoma City	119	Denver	93	Final	Phoenix	133	Charlotte	119	Final	Portland	134	San Antonio	128	Final	L.A. Clippers	117	Memphis	106	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	New Jersey	6	Ottawa	2	Final	Florida	4	N-Y Rangers	3	Final OT	Detroit	5	Nashville	4	Final OT	Columbus	6	Toronto	5	Final	N-Y Islanders	5	Washington	1	Final	Colorado	2	St. Louis	1	Final OT	Dallas	5	Chicago	4	Final OT	Seattle	2	Philadelphia	1	Final	Arizona	2	Anaheim	0	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	(9)Missouri	14	(7)Ohio St.	3	Final	(15)Notre Dame	40	(21)Oregon St.	8	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(1)Purdue	80	E. Kentucky	53	Final	(4)Arizona	100	California	81	Final	(8)Kentucky	96	Illinois St.	70	Final	(9)North Carolina	105	Charleston Southern	60	Final	(11)Illinois	104	Fairleigh Dickinson	71	Final	San Diego St.	84	(13)Gonzaga	74	Final	(15)Colorado St.	106	Adams St.	61	Final	(18)Clemson	93	Radford	58	Final	(21)Texas	72	UNC-Greensboro	37	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Miami	at	Utah	5 p.m.			Toronto	at	Detroit	6 p.m.			New York	at	Indiana	7 p.m.			L.A. Lakers	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			Dallas	at	Golden State	8:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Minnesota	at	Winnipeg	2 p.m.			Columbus	at	Buffalo	5 p.m.			Carolina	at	Toronto	7 p.m.			Montreal	at	Florida	7 p.m.			N-Y Rangers	at	Tampa Bay	7 p.m.			Nashville	at	Washington	7 p.m.			New Jersey	at	Boston	7 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Pittsburgh	7 p.m.			Edmonton	at	Los Angeles	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE		Detroit	at	Dallas	8:15 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		(6)Georgia	at	(4)Florida St.	4 p.m.			(11)Mississippi	at	(10)Penn St.	12 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(2)Kansas	at	Wichita St.	4 p.m.			Penn	at	(3)Houston	7 p.m.			(7)FAU	at	Florida Gulf Coast	7 p.m.			(22)Creighton	at	(10)Marquette	2 p.m.			Wyoming	at	(14)BYU	6 p.m.			Queens (NC)	at	(16)Duke	2 p.m.			Austin Peay	at	(19)Memphis	7 p.m.			Texas St.	at	(20)James Madison	2 p.m.

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Saturday

🎧 LISTEN: Audio from K-State 🏈; KU v. WSU 🏀 preview; Chiefs v. Bengals preview

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs are accustomed to playing each other for a spot in the Super Bowl when the snow begins to fly.

On Sunday, they are merely playing to get into the playoffs.

The Bengals (8-7) have won three of their last four games to keep their AFC wild-card hopes alive, but they desperately need to beat Kansas City (9-6) to give themselves a good shot at making the postseason field.

And the Chiefs have lost three of their last four and still need a win, or some help from Las Vegas and Denver, to clinch their eighth straight AFC West title.

“It's so unpredictable year to year what teams are going to rise up,” said Bengals coach Zac Taylor, who has managed to keep his team in the hunt for a third straight playoff appearance despite losing Joe Burrow just 10 games into the season.

“You look around the AFC, across the board and the teams still in it,” Taylor continued, “it's just going to come down to who can figure out how to win and keep the momentum going a little bit.”

The Bengals' momentum was stanched last week in Pittsburgh, where they allowed the Steelers to race to a 24-0 halftime lead in a 34-11 defeat. Jake Browning, who has played well in Burrow's place, threw three interceptions in the game.

“Obviously it's been a different quarterback,” Browning said, “but we've gone on runs before, and had to play before where it's like, ‘Hey, let’s focus on one game at a time.' So we just have to focus on playing the Chiefs and whatever happens, happens.”

While the Bengals believe momentum is still on their side, they Chiefs are as devoid of it since Andy Reid took over as coach.

Unless it's momentum in the wrong direction.

Perhaps the worst performance in Reid's decade in Kansas City was their latest, when they did not allow an offensive TD — or a completion after the first quarter, for that matter — yet still lost to the Raiders on Christmas. Las Vegas returned a fumble for a touchdown and got a pick-6 thrown by Patrick Mahomes on consecutive plays in the 20-14 win.

Now, the defending Super Bowl champions no longer have a shot at the No. 1 seed in the AFC with two games to go.

“We're still in first place in the AFC West. We have one more game to win the division,” Mahomes said. “We understand it's not going to be easy. But if we continue to work, we win this game and go to the playoffs, we know we can do what we set out to do at the beginning of this season, and that's get to the Super Bowl.”

The Bengals could be without Ja'Marr Chase, their Pro Bowl wide receiver, who missed practice earlier in the week to rehab his ailing shoulder. Chase has shredded the Chiefs over the years, including a game in January 2022 in which he caught 11 passes for a franchise-record 266 yards and three touchdowns.

Cincinnati was also waiting to see how top cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt fared in practice this week. He was cleared to return from an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve, opening a 21-day window to active him or end his season.

Injuries are also a concern in Kansas City, where five starters were missing from practice early in the week: CBs L'Jarius Sneed (calf) and Jaylen Watson (illness), RB Isiah Pacheco (concussion), LT Donovan Smith (neck) and WR Kadarius Toney.

The Chiefs could get WR Mecole Hardman back this week. He has been practicing, but has not been activated off IR.

Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who spent two Pro Bowl seasons in Kansas City, celebrated the birth of his son, Sonny, moments after stepping off the field in Pittsburgh last week. Brown watched the birth over FaceTime from the locker room.

“For me, football is kind of everything right now. You don’t really get this opportunity back. You don’t get the opportunity to see a birth, either," he said. "For me, it was important to be there with the guys in Pittsburgh and to be out there with them.”

The Chiefs' offense has been known for its big plays over the years, but Mahomes is averaging just 6.6 yards through the air per attempt this season, the sixth-worst mark in the AFC.

And thanks in part to the fact Kansas City's wide receivers have more dropped passes than any other team, his average completed air yards is better only than Bears backup Tyson Bagent.

But the Bengals could offer a chance for Mahomes, who already has thrown a career-worst 14 interceptions, to open it up. They allowed the Steelers' George Pickens to have TD catches of 66 and 86 yards last week.

Several times this season TV cameras have caught Chiefs players in moments of frustration. It was Mahomes charging after an official after an offside penalty on Kadarius Toney in a loss to Buffalo, and it was Travis Kelce last week, when their star tight end chucked his helmet at the bench and Reid refused to give it back to him.

“When you've won a lot of games,” Reid said, “your tolerance level for not doing as well as you should goes down. Things happen. That's the great part about it: This is emotional. The game of football is an emotional game.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs are accustomed to playing each other for a spot in the Super Bowl when the snow begins to fly.On Sunday, they are merely playing to get into the playoffs.The Bengals (8-7) have won three of their last four games to keep their AFC wild-card hopes alive, but they desperately need to beat Kansas City (9-6) to give themselves a good shot at making the postseason field.And the Chiefs have lost three of their last four and still need a win, or some help from Las Vegas and Denver, to clinch their eighth straight AFC West title.“It's so unpredictable year to year what teams are going to rise up,” said Bengals coach Zac Taylor, who has managed to keep his team in the hunt for a third straight playoff appearance despite losing Joe Burrow just 10 games into the season.“You look around the AFC, across the board and the teams still in it,” Taylor continued, “it's just going to come down to who can figure out how to win and keep the momentum going a little bit.”The Bengals' momentum was stanched last week in Pittsburgh, where they allowed the Steelers to race to a 24-0 halftime lead in a 34-11 defeat. Jake Browning, who has played well in Burrow's place, threw three interceptions in the game.“Obviously it's been a different quarterback,” Browning said, “but we've gone on runs before, and had to play before where it's like, ‘Hey, let’s focus on one game at a time.' So we just have to focus on playing the Chiefs and whatever happens, happens.”While the Bengals believe momentum is still on their side, they Chiefs are as devoid of it since Andy Reid took over as coach.Unless it's momentum in the wrong direction.Perhaps the worst performance in Reid's decade in Kansas City was their latest, when they did not allow an offensive TD — or a completion after the first quarter, for that matter — yet still lost to the Raiders on Christmas. Las Vegas returned a fumble for a touchdown and got a pick-6 thrown by Patrick Mahomes on consecutive plays in the 20-14 win.Now, the defending Super Bowl champions no longer have a shot at the No. 1 seed in the AFC with two games to go.“We're still in first place in the AFC West. We have one more game to win the division,” Mahomes said. “We understand it's not going to be easy. But if we continue to work, we win this game and go to the playoffs, we know we can do what we set out to do at the beginning of this season, and that's get to the Super Bowl.”BANGED-UP BENGALSThe Bengals could be without Ja'Marr Chase, their Pro Bowl wide receiver, who missed practice earlier in the week to rehab his ailing shoulder. Chase has shredded the Chiefs over the years, including a game in January 2022 in which he caught 11 passes for a franchise-record 266 yards and three touchdowns.Cincinnati was also waiting to see how top cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt fared in practice this week. He was cleared to return from an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve, opening a 21-day window to active him or end his season.CHIEFS CONCERNSInjuries are also a concern in Kansas City, where five starters were missing from practice early in the week: CBs L'Jarius Sneed (calf) and Jaylen Watson (illness), RB Isiah Pacheco (concussion), LT Donovan Smith (neck) and WR Kadarius Toney.The Chiefs could get WR Mecole Hardman back this week. He has been practicing, but has not been activated off IR.BABY ON BOARDBengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who spent two Pro Bowl seasons in Kansas City, celebrated the birth of his son, Sonny, moments after stepping off the field in Pittsburgh last week. Brown watched the birth over FaceTime from the locker room.“For me, football is kind of everything right now. You don’t really get this opportunity back. You don’t get the opportunity to see a birth, either," he said. "For me, it was important to be there with the guys in Pittsburgh and to be out there with them.”BANKING ON BIG PLAYSThe Chiefs' offense has been known for its big plays over the years, but Mahomes is averaging just 6.6 yards through the air per attempt this season, the sixth-worst mark in the AFC.And thanks in part to the fact Kansas City's wide receivers have more dropped passes than any other team, his average completed air yards is better only than Bears backup Tyson Bagent.But the Bengals could offer a chance for Mahomes, who already has thrown a career-worst 14 interceptions, to open it up. They allowed the Steelers' George Pickens to have TD catches of 66 and 86 yards last week.CAMERAS ARE WATCHINGSeveral times this season TV cameras have caught Chiefs players in moments of frustration. It was Mahomes charging after an official after an offside penalty on Kadarius Toney in a loss to Buffalo, and it was Travis Kelce last week, when their star tight end chucked his helmet at the bench and Reid refused to give it back to him.“When you've won a lot of games,” Reid said, “your tolerance level for not doing as well as you should goes down. Things happen. That's the great part about it: This is emotional. The game of football is an emotional game.”

Bengals visit Chiefs in AFC title game rematch as both teams fight for the playoffs

At Thursday’s City Commission meeting,&nbsp;KemperSports Regional Manager Chris Tuohey, who has served as Sand Creek Station’s general manager since its opening in 2006, announced that he will be leaving the golf course in mid-February.

“I cannot put into words how hard of a decision this was to make,” Tuohey said. “It’s just how special this community this is to me and how welcome you guys made me feel when we came up from New Orleans, Louisiana, after losing everything in the hurricane. … I will be forever indebted, and Newton will always hold a very, very special place in my heart.”

Tuohey will remain with KemperSports, managing&nbsp;two golf courses outside Louisville, Kentucky.&nbsp;He will continue to be involved in planning for the 2024 U.S. Adaptive Open that Sand Creek Station will host next July and plans to return to Newton for the event.

Tuohey said the move will allow him to advance within the company and the timing is right, with Sand Creek Station’s staff and programming in a solid position.

The Commission thanked Tuohey for building such an effective team at Sand Creek Station and all the success the course has had under his leadership.

The City-owned Sand Creek Station has been ranked among the best golf courses in the state by Golf Digest and has been No. 1 in the U.S. in overall customer loyalty for 15 years in a row.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703867172069.jpeg" alt="Sand Creek Station" />
 <figcaption>Sand Creek Station</figcaption>
 </figure>City of NewtonAt Thursday’s City Commission meeting,&nbsp;KemperSports Regional Manager Chris Tuohey, who has served as Sand Creek Station’s general manager since its opening in 2006, announced that he will be leaving the golf course in mid-February.“I cannot put into words how hard of a decision this was to make,” Tuohey said. “It’s just how special this community this is to me and how welcome you guys made me feel when we came up from New Orleans, Louisiana, after losing everything in the hurricane. … I will be forever indebted, and Newton will always hold a very, very special place in my heart.”Tuohey will remain with KemperSports, managing&nbsp;two golf courses outside Louisville, Kentucky.&nbsp;He will continue to be involved in planning for the 2024 U.S. Adaptive Open that Sand Creek Station will host next July and plans to return to Newton for the event.Tuohey said the move will allow him to advance within the company and the timing is right, with Sand Creek Station’s staff and programming in a solid position.The Commission thanked Tuohey for building such an effective team at Sand Creek Station and all the success the course has had under his leadership.The City-owned Sand Creek Station has been ranked among the best golf courses in the state by Golf Digest and has been No. 1 in the U.S. in overall customer loyalty for 15 years in a row.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Sand Creek Station leader leaving

LAWRENCE, Kan. – No. 2 Kansas (11-1) will face Wichita State (8-4) in its final non-conference game of the regular season on Saturday, Dec. 30 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The contest will begin at 3 p.m. (Central) and will be televised on ESPN2.

Kansas takes a seven-game winning streak into Saturday’s contest which is the ninth longest nationally. KU is coming off a 75-60 win against Yale, which took place at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 22. Wichita State will play its second-straight contest at the T-Mobile Center. The Shockers lost to Big 12 foe Kansas State, 69-60, on Dec. 21 in its last outing at the venue.

This will be the 16th meeting between Kansas and Wichita State with the Jayhawks holding a 12-3 all-time series advantage. WSU won the last meeting, 78-65, on March 22, 2015, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Omaha, Neb.

Kansas enters Saturday’s matchup averaging 79.1 points per game with a plus-13.9 scoring margin. The Jayhawks pull down 38.2 rebounds per outing with a plus-5.6 rebound margin. Kansas is second in the nation in assists per game at 21.4. KU is second in the Big 12 and is eighth nationally in field goal percentage (51.4%). KU also averages 7.5 steals and 4.8 blocked shots per contest.

Coming off a career-high 34 points against Yale (12/22), graduate G Kevin McCullar leads Kansas in scoring at 20.4 points per game which is first in the Big 12 and 16th nationally. His two triple-doubles are the most in the NCAA. McCullar also leads KU with 19 steals and 20 three-point field goals made. His 6.9 rebounds per game are second on the team.

Senior C Hunter Dickinson leads the Big 12 and is second nationally in rebounds per game at 12.5 rpg. His seven double-doubles also leads the Big 12 and are seventh nationally. A three-time Big 12 weekly award honoree this season, Dickinson is the only player in the Big 12 to average a double-double. He also leads KU with 16 blocked shots.

Junior F KJ Adams Jr. is second in the Big 12 and 21st nationally in field goal percentage at 62.4%. Adams is averaging 12.4 points and 3.7 rebounds for the season and has 38 assists.

Redshirt-senior G Dajuan Harris Jr. leads the Big 12 with 6.8 assists per game, which is eighth nationally. Harris averages 6.9 points per contest. Freshman G Elmarko Jackson (5.8 ppg, 3.0 assists per game) rounds out the KU starters.

Other KU regulars include freshman G Johnny Furphy (5.3 ppg, 12 3FGs), graduate-senior G Nicolas Timberlake (4.0 ppg, 10 3FGs, 13 points vs. Yale), graduate-senior F Parker Braun (3.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 10 blocked shots) and freshman G Jamari McDowell (2.1 ppg).

Kansas will open up Big 12 play hosting TCU on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m. (Central). The game from Allen Fieldhouse will be televised on CBS.

Kansas leads the overall series with TCU, 25-4, including an 11-1 record in games in Lawrence, 10-1 in Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks have won three of the last four and 11 of the last 13 meetings against the Horned Frogs.

Kansas has won a mind-boggling 32 consecutive conference openers dating back to the 1991-92 season.

By KU Sports InfoLAWRENCE, Kan. – No. 2 Kansas (11-1) will face Wichita State (8-4) in its final non-conference game of the regular season on Saturday, Dec. 30 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The contest will begin at 3 p.m. (Central) and will be televised on ESPN2.Kansas takes a seven-game winning streak into Saturday’s contest which is the ninth longest nationally. KU is coming off a 75-60 win against Yale, which took place at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 22. Wichita State will play its second-straight contest at the T-Mobile Center. The Shockers lost to Big 12 foe Kansas State, 69-60, on Dec. 21 in its last outing at the venue.This will be the 16th meeting between Kansas and Wichita State with the Jayhawks holding a 12-3 all-time series advantage. WSU won the last meeting, 78-65, on March 22, 2015, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Omaha, Neb.Kansas enters Saturday’s matchup averaging 79.1 points per game with a plus-13.9 scoring margin. The Jayhawks pull down 38.2 rebounds per outing with a plus-5.6 rebound margin. Kansas is second in the nation in assists per game at 21.4. KU is second in the Big 12 and is eighth nationally in field goal percentage (51.4%). KU also averages 7.5 steals and 4.8 blocked shots per contest.Coming off a career-high 34 points against Yale (12/22), graduate G Kevin McCullar leads Kansas in scoring at 20.4 points per game which is first in the Big 12 and 16th nationally. His two triple-doubles are the most in the NCAA. McCullar also leads KU with 19 steals and 20 three-point field goals made. His 6.9 rebounds per game are second on the team.Senior C Hunter Dickinson leads the Big 12 and is second nationally in rebounds per game at 12.5 rpg. His seven double-doubles also leads the Big 12 and are seventh nationally. A three-time Big 12 weekly award honoree this season, Dickinson is the only player in the Big 12 to average a double-double. He also leads KU with 16 blocked shots.Junior F KJ Adams Jr. is second in the Big 12 and 21st nationally in field goal percentage at 62.4%. Adams is averaging 12.4 points and 3.7 rebounds for the season and has 38 assists.Redshirt-senior G Dajuan Harris Jr. leads the Big 12 with 6.8 assists per game, which is eighth nationally. Harris averages 6.9 points per contest. Freshman G Elmarko Jackson (5.8 ppg, 3.0 assists per game) rounds out the KU starters.Other KU regulars include freshman G Johnny Furphy (5.3 ppg, 12 3FGs), graduate-senior G Nicolas Timberlake (4.0 ppg, 10 3FGs, 13 points vs. Yale), graduate-senior F Parker Braun (3.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 10 blocked shots) and freshman G Jamari McDowell (2.1 ppg).UP NEXTKansas will open up Big 12 play hosting TCU on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m. (Central). The game from Allen Fieldhouse will be televised on CBS.Kansas leads the overall series with TCU, 25-4, including an 11-1 record in games in Lawrence, 10-1 in Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks have won three of the last four and 11 of the last 13 meetings against the Horned Frogs.Kansas has won a mind-boggling 32 consecutive conference openers dating back to the 1991-92 season.

No. 2 Kansas to Face Wichita State Saturday in Kansas City

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
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🎧 LISTEN: 🏈 K-State wins Pop Tart Bowl; 🏈Arizona uses OU turnovers for win;

AP Sports Summary for December 29th, 2023.

Freshman QB Avery Johnson leads Kansas State past No. 19 N.C. State in Pop-Tarts Bowl

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, DJ Giddens rushed for 151 yards and scored twice, and Kansas State beat No. 19 North Carolina State 28-19 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Johnson, a freshman making his first start after Will Howard entered the transfer portal, threw for 178 yards and rushed for 71. He directed a 15-play, 72-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that put the game away and closed out a solid season for coach Chris Klieman's Wildcats. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown and threw for 164 yards in his final game for the Wolfpack. Both teams finished 9-4.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, DJ Giddens rushed for 151 yards and scored twice, and Kansas State beat No. 19 North Carolina State 28-19 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Thursday night.

Johnson, a freshman making his first start after Will Howard entered the transfer portal, threw for 178 yards, rushed for 71 and directed a 15-play, 72-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that put the game away and closed out a solid season for coach Chris Klieman's Wildcats (9-4).

"We knew we needed to finish the drive strong and put the game away," Johnson said. "Credit to those guys up front. Fifteen plays isn't easy. They dominated and we ultimately got into the end zone."

Quarterback Brennan Armstrong rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown and threw for 164 yards in his final game for the Wolfpack (9-4), who fell short of winning 10 games for the second time in program history.

"I look back to what could I have done differently because we didn't get the job done," Armstrong said. "I felt like I did what I had to do to be ready and prepared. We just didn't get the job done."

Giddens had a 37-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter, his only catch of the game, and ran for a 4-yard TD early in the second that made it 14-0.

Kansas State led 21-7 late in the second quarter and 21-10 at halftime, but N.C. State rallied in the third quarter, thanks in part to some trickery. Trent Pennix ran for a 60-yard touchdown on a fake punt with 1:50 left in the period. But the 2-point try failed, allowing the Wildcats to maintain a 21-19 lead.

Johnson and Giddens took over from there. Giddens had six rushes for 25 yards on a drive that took 7:24 off the clock and concluded with Johnson's 11-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown with 2:48 remaining.

"Some of those times a young player may force a throw when he is scrambling and he doesn't see anybody open," Klieman said. "He threw the ball away and avoided a number of sacks for a loss of yards. He's 1-0 as a quarterback. He made big-time play after big-time play."

Jacob Parrish intercepted Armstrong on N.C. State's next play from scrimmage.

Kansas State punter Jack Blumer called his own number in the second quarter for a 30-yard gain that set up Giddens' rushing TD.

N.C. State had its biggest play on a direct snap to Pennix, a tight end, from the punt formation that he took all the way to the end zone.

Armstrong became N.C. State's first 100-yard rusher of the season. He had come close on a few occasions, with 96 yards against both Connecticut and Wake Forest.

Giddens had his fifth game this season with 100 yards rushing or more. This was his second-highest rushing total behind a 207-yard effort against UCF.

N.C. State's lone 10-win season came in 2002, when it went 11-2 with Phillip Rivers at quarterback.

One gimmick of the Pop-Tarts Bowl was a mascot that organizers described as edible. After Kansas State was awarded the trophy, the human mascot named "Strawberry" was lowered into a giant replica toaster, and an edible look-alike was ushered out. Klieman and Johnson took bites of the oversized treat before other Wildcats players crowded around for a snack.

N.C. State will have to replace Armstrong, a fifth-year senior who transferred from Virginia for his final season, and graduating Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year Payton Wilson.

Kansas State can look forward to having both Johnson and Giddens back in 2024.

Joe Flacco throws 3 TD passes and Browns clinch unlikely spot in playoffs with 37-20 win over Jets

CLEVELAND (AP) — Joe Flacco passed for 309 yards and three touchdowns and the Cleveland Browns clinched an unlikely playoff berth and just their second since 2002 despite numerous injuries with a 37-20 win over the New York Jets. The Browns are assured of a wild-card spot and still have a chance to win the AFC North. They're still in the hunt for the conference's No. 1 overall seed. That's something unfathomable just weeks ago as major injuries piled up. Flacco threw two TD passes to running back Jerome Ford and for 296 yards in the first half. The Jets held the Browns to just 3 points after halftime.

Celtics send Detroit to NBA record-tying 28th straight loss, beating Pistons 128-122 in OT

BOSTON (AP) — Hoping to avoid a 28th straight loss that would match the longest losing streak in NBA history, the Detroit Pistons forced overtime against the league-best Celtics before Boston recovered to win 128-122. Despite making it to overtime for the first time in the skid, Detroit matched the "Trust the Process" Philadelphia 76ers with 28 consecutive losses. The Pistons need a win at home against Toronto on Saturday night to avoid breaking the record. Kristaps Porzingis had 35 points for Boston and Jayson Tatum finished with 31 points and 10 assists. Boston won its fourth straight and ninth in 10 games. Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 31 points and nine assists.

Alabama coaches don't want players watching film on tablets out of fear of sign stealing

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alabama is covering every angle when it comes to preparing for Monday's College Football Playoff semifinal game against Michigan at the Rose Bowl. That includes making sure their equipment and films do not get hacked in the wake of the Wolverines' sign-stealing allegations from earlier this season. Wide receiver Isaiah Bond and running back Jase McClellan say watching film has been restricted to only as a group and with coaches at team facilities. McLellan also says that players are not receiving practice film directly on their iPads, and that only coaches are receiving it.

Alabama's Jalen Milroe says he overcame naysayers including Bill O'Brien to lead the Tide to the CFP

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jalen Milroe says former Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien once suggested he should change positions. Milroe went on to become Bryce Young's successor and a determined, highly competitive quarterback who led the Crimson Tide all the way to the College Football Playoff this season. He has passed for 2,718 yards with 23 TD throws against just six interceptions. But more importantly to Milroe, Alabama is on an 11-game win streak. Milroe's resilience is the central theme of his college career, which began quietly behind Young. He won the Tide's starting job this year, only to lose it in a one-week benching.

Bills' Von Miller calls domestic abuse allegations against him '100 percent false'

Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller has disputed the allegations that he assaulted his pregnant girlfriend, calling them "100 percent false" and "blown out of proportion." Miller addressed the media on Thursday for the first time since turning himself into police in suburban Dallas on Nov. 30. Miller indicated something happened between him and his girlfriend, but stressed it did not approach what he is alleged of doing. The 34-year-old Miller has been charged by police with third-degree assault of a pregnant woman. However, the chief magistrate judge in Dallas County says prosecutors have yet to file charges against Miller.

Dominican baseball player Wander Franco fails to appear at prosecutor's office amid investigation

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco failed to show up for a meeting with a prosecutor who is investigating him for an alleged relationship with a minor. Prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías says the investigation will continue regardless of Franco's no-show. She waited for the All-Star player and his lawyers at her office, but they didn't appear. Dominican prosecutors and police showed up on Tuesday at a Franco property in Baní, his hometown about 37 miles southwest of Santo Domingo. They did not find the 22-year-old player to request he appeared for testimony.

Illinois suspends star basketball player Terrence Shannon Jr. following rape charge

Illinois has suspended basketball player Terrence Shannon Jr. after he was charged with rape for an alleged incident that happened when the football team played at Kansas in September. The school suspended Shannon from "all team activities, effective immediately," a day after the Douglas (Kansas) County District Attorney issued a warrant for his arrest. Chicago-area attorney Mark Sutter says Shannon is "innocent." Prosecutors in Douglas County charged Shannon on Dec. 5 with rape or an alternative count of sexual battery. The complaint says the accuser was born in 2005. The alleged incident happened when Shannon attended Illinois' football game at Kansas on Sept. 8.

Michigan built the pillars of this season's defense off last year's CFP disappointment

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter did plenty of self reflection on the plane ride back from Arizona after Michigan lost a 51-45 shootout to TCU in last year's Fiesta Bowl CFP semifinal. Minter saw his Wolverines defense allow nearly 500 total yards and an average of 7 yards per play in their worst performance of the season. While he was disappointed, Minter also knew that he had an experienced unit returning that knew the scheme. It was now a matter of making his players understand what they needed to do. Enter Minter's emphasis on the four pillars of his defense that have led the Wolverines back to the playoff.

A frantic push to safeguard the Paris Olympics promises thousands of jobs and new starts after riots

PARIS (AP) — Organizers of the Paris Olympics urgently need thousands of security guards to help keep athletes and spectators safe and reduce the likelihood of another deadly extremist attack in the French capital. Demand is high for people at checkpoints, to scan tickets and help manage crowds. So much so that France's state employment agency is offering free and expedited security guard training courses with no specialist qualifications required. The "We need you!" approach and promises of plentiful paid work from July to September during the Summer Games and Paralympics appeal to job seekers who feel ostracized from the labor market.

Vikings turn to Jaren Hall again in latest spin of QB carousel

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have switched starting quarterbacks for the fourth time in nine weeks. They're handing the offense again to rookie Jaren Hall with two must-win games left for making the playoffs. Coach Kevin O'Connell announced that Hall will start against Green Bay. He benched Nick Mullens after his six interceptions in two games doomed the Vikings to defeat despite passing for 714 yards. Mullens was picked off four times last week against Detroit in a 30-24 loss.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, December 29th, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, December 29th, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="December 29th, 2023 Eagle Media Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=g3qpp-153845b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>AP Sports Summary for December 29th, 2023.Freshman QB Avery Johnson leads Kansas State past No. 19 N.C. State in Pop-Tarts BowlORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, DJ Giddens rushed for 151 yards and scored twice, and Kansas State beat No. 19 North Carolina State 28-19 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Johnson, a freshman making his first start after Will Howard entered the transfer portal, threw for 178 yards and rushed for 71. He directed a 15-play, 72-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that put the game away and closed out a solid season for coach Chris Klieman's Wildcats. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown and threw for 164 yards in his final game for the Wolfpack. Both teams finished 9-4.ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, DJ Giddens rushed for 151 yards and scored twice, and Kansas State beat No. 19 North Carolina State 28-19 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Thursday night.Johnson, a freshman making his first start after Will Howard entered the transfer portal, threw for 178 yards, rushed for 71 and directed a 15-play, 72-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that put the game away and closed out a solid season for coach Chris Klieman's Wildcats (9-4)."We knew we needed to finish the drive strong and put the game away," Johnson said. "Credit to those guys up front. Fifteen plays isn't easy. They dominated and we ultimately got into the end zone."Quarterback Brennan Armstrong rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown and threw for 164 yards in his final game for the Wolfpack (9-4), who fell short of winning 10 games for the second time in program history."I look back to what could I have done differently because we didn't get the job done," Armstrong said. "I felt like I did what I had to do to be ready and prepared. We just didn't get the job done."Giddens had a 37-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter, his only catch of the game, and ran for a 4-yard TD early in the second that made it 14-0.Kansas State led 21-7 late in the second quarter and 21-10 at halftime, but N.C. State rallied in the third quarter, thanks in part to some trickery. Trent Pennix ran for a 60-yard touchdown on a fake punt with 1:50 left in the period. But the 2-point try failed, allowing the Wildcats to maintain a 21-19 lead.Johnson and Giddens took over from there. Giddens had six rushes for 25 yards on a drive that took 7:24 off the clock and concluded with Johnson's 11-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown with 2:48 remaining."Some of those times a young player may force a throw when he is scrambling and he doesn't see anybody open," Klieman said. "He threw the ball away and avoided a number of sacks for a loss of yards. He's 1-0 as a quarterback. He made big-time play after big-time play."Jacob Parrish intercepted Armstrong on N.C. State's next play from scrimmage.FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE ITBoth teams ran successful fake punts.Kansas State punter Jack Blumer called his own number in the second quarter for a 30-yard gain that set up Giddens' rushing TD.N.C. State had its biggest play on a direct snap to Pennix, a tight end, from the punt formation that he took all the way to the end zone.CENTURY CLUBArmstrong became N.C. State's first 100-yard rusher of the season. He had come close on a few occasions, with 96 yards against both Connecticut and Wake Forest.Giddens had his fifth game this season with 100 yards rushing or more. This was his second-highest rushing total behind a 207-yard effort against UCF.ELUSIVE DOUBLE DIGITSN.C. State's lone 10-win season came in 2002, when it went 11-2 with Phillip Rivers at quarterback.EAT MEOne gimmick of the Pop-Tarts Bowl was a mascot that organizers described as edible. After Kansas State was awarded the trophy, the human mascot named "Strawberry" was lowered into a giant replica toaster, and an edible look-alike was ushered out. Klieman and Johnson took bites of the oversized treat before other Wildcats players crowded around for a snack.UP NEXTN.C. State will have to replace Armstrong, a fifth-year senior who transferred from Virginia for his final season, and graduating Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year Payton Wilson.Kansas State can look forward to having both Johnson and Giddens back in 2024.Joe Flacco throws 3 TD passes and Browns clinch unlikely spot in playoffs with 37-20 win over JetsCLEVELAND (AP) — Joe Flacco passed for 309 yards and three touchdowns and the Cleveland Browns clinched an unlikely playoff berth and just their second since 2002 despite numerous injuries with a 37-20 win over the New York Jets. The Browns are assured of a wild-card spot and still have a chance to win the AFC North. They're still in the hunt for the conference's No. 1 overall seed. That's something unfathomable just weeks ago as major injuries piled up. Flacco threw two TD passes to running back Jerome Ford and for 296 yards in the first half. The Jets held the Browns to just 3 points after halftime.Celtics send Detroit to NBA record-tying 28th straight loss, beating Pistons 128-122 in OTBOSTON (AP) — Hoping to avoid a 28th straight loss that would match the longest losing streak in NBA history, the Detroit Pistons forced overtime against the league-best Celtics before Boston recovered to win 128-122. Despite making it to overtime for the first time in the skid, Detroit matched the "Trust the Process" Philadelphia 76ers with 28 consecutive losses. The Pistons need a win at home against Toronto on Saturday night to avoid breaking the record. Kristaps Porzingis had 35 points for Boston and Jayson Tatum finished with 31 points and 10 assists. Boston won its fourth straight and ninth in 10 games. Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 31 points and nine assists.Alabama coaches don't want players watching film on tablets out of fear of sign stealingLOS ANGELES (AP) — Alabama is covering every angle when it comes to preparing for Monday's College Football Playoff semifinal game against Michigan at the Rose Bowl. That includes making sure their equipment and films do not get hacked in the wake of the Wolverines' sign-stealing allegations from earlier this season. Wide receiver Isaiah Bond and running back Jase McClellan say watching film has been restricted to only as a group and with coaches at team facilities. McLellan also says that players are not receiving practice film directly on their iPads, and that only coaches are receiving it.Alabama's Jalen Milroe says he overcame naysayers including Bill O'Brien to lead the Tide to the CFPLOS ANGELES (AP) — Jalen Milroe says former Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien once suggested he should change positions. Milroe went on to become Bryce Young's successor and a determined, highly competitive quarterback who led the Crimson Tide all the way to the College Football Playoff this season. He has passed for 2,718 yards with 23 TD throws against just six interceptions. But more importantly to Milroe, Alabama is on an 11-game win streak. Milroe's resilience is the central theme of his college career, which began quietly behind Young. He won the Tide's starting job this year, only to lose it in a one-week benching.Bills' Von Miller calls domestic abuse allegations against him '100 percent false'Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller has disputed the allegations that he assaulted his pregnant girlfriend, calling them "100 percent false" and "blown out of proportion." Miller addressed the media on Thursday for the first time since turning himself into police in suburban Dallas on Nov. 30. Miller indicated something happened between him and his girlfriend, but stressed it did not approach what he is alleged of doing. The 34-year-old Miller has been charged by police with third-degree assault of a pregnant woman. However, the chief magistrate judge in Dallas County says prosecutors have yet to file charges against Miller.Dominican baseball player Wander Franco fails to appear at prosecutor's office amid investigationSANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco failed to show up for a meeting with a prosecutor who is investigating him for an alleged relationship with a minor. Prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías says the investigation will continue regardless of Franco's no-show. She waited for the All-Star player and his lawyers at her office, but they didn't appear. Dominican prosecutors and police showed up on Tuesday at a Franco property in Baní, his hometown about 37 miles southwest of Santo Domingo. They did not find the 22-year-old player to request he appeared for testimony.Illinois suspends star basketball player Terrence Shannon Jr. following rape chargeIllinois has suspended basketball player Terrence Shannon Jr. after he was charged with rape for an alleged incident that happened when the football team played at Kansas in September. The school suspended Shannon from "all team activities, effective immediately," a day after the Douglas (Kansas) County District Attorney issued a warrant for his arrest. Chicago-area attorney Mark Sutter says Shannon is "innocent." Prosecutors in Douglas County charged Shannon on Dec. 5 with rape or an alternative count of sexual battery. The complaint says the accuser was born in 2005. The alleged incident happened when Shannon attended Illinois' football game at Kansas on Sept. 8.Michigan built the pillars of this season's defense off last year's CFP disappointmentLOS ANGELES (AP) — Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter did plenty of self reflection on the plane ride back from Arizona after Michigan lost a 51-45 shootout to TCU in last year's Fiesta Bowl CFP semifinal. Minter saw his Wolverines defense allow nearly 500 total yards and an average of 7 yards per play in their worst performance of the season. While he was disappointed, Minter also knew that he had an experienced unit returning that knew the scheme. It was now a matter of making his players understand what they needed to do. Enter Minter's emphasis on the four pillars of his defense that have led the Wolverines back to the playoff.A frantic push to safeguard the Paris Olympics promises thousands of jobs and new starts after riotsPARIS (AP) — Organizers of the Paris Olympics urgently need thousands of security guards to help keep athletes and spectators safe and reduce the likelihood of another deadly extremist attack in the French capital. Demand is high for people at checkpoints, to scan tickets and help manage crowds. So much so that France's state employment agency is offering free and expedited security guard training courses with no specialist qualifications required. The "We need you!" approach and promises of plentiful paid work from July to September during the Summer Games and Paralympics appeal to job seekers who feel ostracized from the labor market.Vikings turn to Jaren Hall again in latest spin of QB carouselEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have switched starting quarterbacks for the fourth time in nine weeks. They're handing the offense again to rookie Jaren Hall with two must-win games left for making the playoffs. Coach Kevin O'Connell announced that Hall will start against Green Bay. He benched Nick Mullens after his six interceptions in two games doomed the Vikings to defeat despite passing for 714 yards. Mullens was picked off four times last week against Detroit in a 30-24 loss.AP-ScorecardTODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal OT	Boston	128	Detroit	122	Final	New Orleans	112	Utah	105	Final	Indiana	120	Chicago	104	Final	Minnesota	118	Dallas	110	Final	Denver	142	Memphis	105	Final	San Antonio	118	Portland	105	Final	Miami	114	Golden State	102	Final	L.A. Lakers	133	Charlotte	112	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Carolina	5	Montreal	3	Final	Philadelphia	4	Vancouver	1	Final	Vegas	3	Los Angeles	2	Final	Edmonton	5	San Jose	0	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	37	N-Y Jets	20	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	(14)Arizona	38	(12)Oklahoma	24	Final	Boston College	23	(17)SMU	14	Final	Kansas St.	28	(19)NC State	19	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(12)Oklahoma	88	Cent. Arkansas	72	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Friday

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, DJ Giddens rushed for 151 yards and a score, and Kansas State beat No. 19 North Carolina State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Thursday night.

Kansas State led 21-7 late in the second quarter and 21-10 at halftime, but N.C. State rallied in the third quarter, thanks in part to some trickery. Trent Pennix ran for a 60-yard touchdown on a fake punt with 1:50 left in the period. But Armstrong's 2-point conversion pass was incomplete, allowing the Wildcats to maintain a 21-19 lead.

Johnson and Giddens took over from there. Giddens had six rushes for 25 yards on a drive that took 7:24 off the clock and concluded with Johnson's 8-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown with 2:48 remaining.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703818024803.jpeg" alt="Kansas State running back DJ Giddens (31) runs for a touchdown on a fourth-and-1 pass play against North Carolina State during the first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State running back DJ Giddens (31) runs for a touchdown on a fourth-and-1 pass play against North Carolina State during the first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, DJ Giddens rushed for 151 yards and a score, and Kansas State beat No. 19 North Carolina State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Thursday night.Johnson, a freshman making his first start after Will Howard entered the transfer portal, threw for 178 yards, rushed for 71 and directed a 15-play, 72-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that put the game away and closed out a solid season for coach Chris Klieman's Wildcats (9-4).Quarterback Brennan Armstrong rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown and threw for 164 yards in his final game for the Wolfpack (9-4), who fell short of winning 10 games for the second time in program history.Kansas State led 21-7 late in the second quarter and 21-10 at halftime, but N.C. State rallied in the third quarter, thanks in part to some trickery. Trent Pennix ran for a 60-yard touchdown on a fake punt with 1:50 left in the period. But Armstrong's 2-point conversion pass was incomplete, allowing the Wildcats to maintain a 21-19 lead.Johnson and Giddens took over from there. Giddens had six rushes for 25 yards on a drive that took 7:24 off the clock and concluded with Johnson's 8-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown with 2:48 remaining.Jacob Parrish intercepted Armstrong on N.C. State's next play from scrimmage.

🏈 Freshman QB Avery Johnson leads Kansas State past No. 19 N.C. State in Pop-Tarts Bowl

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703798936708.png" alt="KWBW Sports w Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>KWBW Sports w Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Evening sports for Thursday, Dec. 28" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6438e-1537917-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: Audio from K-State 🏈 and Chiefs coordinators

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;Wichita State left-handed pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/caden-favors/7628">Caden Favors</a>&nbsp;was selected to the American Athletic Conference preseason all-conference team, the league announced Thursday.

Wichita State is picked seventh in the 10-team preseason coaches poll. Defending champion East Carolina tops the poll, garnering a first-place vote from the other nine conference members.

Favors is coming off a season in which he handled nearly every role on the Wichita State pitching staff, from starter to long reliever to closer. The southpaw finished the year 3-4 with a 4.04 ERA in 21 appearances, three of which were starts. He worked 42.1 innings, striking out 37 while issuing 15 walks, and held opponents to a .261 batting average.&nbsp; 

The senior delivered&nbsp;several of Wichita State's best relief outings of the season, including 4.0 scoreless innings at Long Beach State (February 17), 4.2 shutout innings at Utah Tech (February 24), 3.0 hitless, scoreless innings with five strikeouts to earn the save at Cincinnati (March 31) and 4.0 spotless innings at UCF (May 20). As a starter, Favors fired perhaps the finest outing of his career against Oklahoma on March 14, holding the Sooners off the board for a career-best 5.0 innings to earn the win.

For his career, Favors owns a 3.38 ERA in 93.1 innings pitched, logging a 5-5 record with one save.

East Carolina leads the conference with six preseason All-AAC selections, including the preseason Pitcher of the Year in Trey Yesavage. South Florida has five representatives; no other school has more than one.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2024 American Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll&nbsp;(First-place votes in parentheses)

East Carolina (9) -- 81 Charlotte -- 67 UTSA&nbsp;-- 64 Florida Atlantic -- 54 South Florida (1) -- 47 Memphis -- 35 Wichita State -- 34 Rice -- 29 Tulane&nbsp;-- 25 UAB -- 14&nbsp;&nbsp;

Preseason Player of the Year Teo Banks, Jr., OF, Tulane

Preseason Pitcher of the Year Trey Yesavage, Jr., East Carolina

Preseason All-Conference P – Trey Yesavage, Jr., East Carolina* P – Parker Smith, Jr., Rice P – Jack Cebert, Jr., South Florida P – Cameron Hansen, Sr., Charlotte P – Zach Root, So., East Carolina P –&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/caden-favors/7628">Caden Favors</a>, Sr., Wichita State RP – Danny Beal, Sr., East Carolina C – Justin Wilcoxen, Sr., East Carolina 1B – Carter Cunningham, Sr., East Carolina 2B – Bobby Boser, Jr., South Florida SS – Eric Snow, So., South Florida 3B – Matt King, Jr., UTSAOF – Teo Banks, Jr., Tulane OF – Jacob Jenkins-Cowart, Jr., East Carolina OF – Drew Brutcher, Sr., South Florida DH – Ben Rozenblum, R-Sr., South Florida

 * denotes unanimous selection

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703793670583.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;Wichita State left-handed pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/caden-favors/7628">Caden Favors</a>&nbsp;was selected to the American Athletic Conference preseason all-conference team, the league announced Thursday.Wichita State is picked seventh in the 10-team preseason coaches poll. Defending champion East Carolina tops the poll, garnering a first-place vote from the other nine conference members.Favors is coming off a season in which he handled nearly every role on the Wichita State pitching staff, from starter to long reliever to closer. The southpaw finished the year 3-4 with a 4.04 ERA in 21 appearances, three of which were starts. He worked 42.1 innings, striking out 37 while issuing 15 walks, and held opponents to a .261 batting average.&nbsp; The senior delivered&nbsp;several of Wichita State's best relief outings of the season, including 4.0 scoreless innings at Long Beach State (February 17), 4.2 shutout innings at Utah Tech (February 24), 3.0 hitless, scoreless innings with five strikeouts to earn the save at Cincinnati (March 31) and 4.0 spotless innings at UCF (May 20). As a starter, Favors fired perhaps the finest outing of his career against Oklahoma on March 14, holding the Sooners off the board for a career-best 5.0 innings to earn the win.For his career, Favors owns a 3.38 ERA in 93.1 innings pitched, logging a 5-5 record with one save.East Carolina leads the conference with six preseason All-AAC selections, including the preseason Pitcher of the Year in Trey Yesavage. South Florida has five representatives; no other school has more than one.&nbsp;&nbsp;2024 American Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll&nbsp;(First-place votes in parentheses) East Carolina (9) -- 81 Charlotte -- 67 UTSA&nbsp;-- 64 Florida Atlantic -- 54 South Florida (1) -- 47 Memphis -- 35 Wichita State -- 34 Rice -- 29 Tulane&nbsp;-- 25 UAB -- 14&nbsp;&nbsp;Preseason Player of the Year Teo Banks, Jr., OF, TulanePreseason Pitcher of the Year Trey Yesavage, Jr., East CarolinaPreseason All-Conference P – Trey Yesavage, Jr., East Carolina* P – Parker Smith, Jr., Rice P – Jack Cebert, Jr., South Florida P – Cameron Hansen, Sr., Charlotte P – Zach Root, So., East Carolina P –&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/caden-favors/7628">Caden Favors</a>, Sr., Wichita State RP – Danny Beal, Sr., East Carolina C – Justin Wilcoxen, Sr., East Carolina 1B – Carter Cunningham, Sr., East Carolina 2B – Bobby Boser, Jr., South Florida SS – Eric Snow, So., South Florida 3B – Matt King, Jr., UTSAOF – Teo Banks, Jr., Tulane OF – Jacob Jenkins-Cowart, Jr., East Carolina OF – Drew Brutcher, Sr., South Florida DH – Ben Rozenblum, R-Sr., South Florida

 * denotes unanimous selection

⚾ Shockers tabbed 7th in AAC preseason poll

Courtesy of the Kansas Shrine Bowl

KANSAS-&nbsp;The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is pleased to announce Brice Kesler as its new Executive Director effective January 1, 2024.&nbsp; Kesler will replace B.J. Harris, whose resignation was accepted in November to step down at the end of 2023 to pursue additional career opportunities.

“Hiring Brice to take on the role of Executive Director is another step in the right direction for the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Drew Couch, 2024 President of the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors. “We put on a grand event with our football game to raise money for Shrine Kids. With the addition of our wrestling event and hopefully others in the future, Brice is the guy that will help lead the Kansas Shrine Bowl organization into the future.”

Brice has served as the Business &amp; Office Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl since March of 2021. Prior to joining the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff, Brice’s career began as a Business Development Executive and Sports Director for Rocking M Media in Goodland, Kansas. Brice then moved to North Platte, Nebraska to become the Sports Director at Eagle Radio before returning to Kansas and becoming part of the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff.

“I’m honored and thankful to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors for awarding me this opportunity to lead such a wonderful organization,” said Brice Kesler. “Seeing the impact that this organization has on children and families from all across the state and beyond is a powerful motivator. I’m excited to be in a position to lead that effort forward and continue to promote the tremendous work done by Shriners in Kansas through the lens of our premier all-star events.”

Alongside new Executive Director Brice Kesler, Whitney Kesler will continue her role as Events &amp; Business Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Whitney joined the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff in May of 2023 after eight years as the Assistant Director/Sports Coordinator at Baldwin City Recreation Commission. Brice and Whitney will continue to lead the corporate partnership development of the Kansas Shrine Bowl, while exploring new ways to expand the statewide footprint and awareness of the organization and Shriners Children’s.

“Serving in this position has been the most rewarding role of my career,” said B.J. Harris, who served in the role of Executive Director since 2017. “I'm forever grateful to the Board of Directors and staff, and look forward to seeing the continued growth of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and the organization's increased impact on the patients of Shriners Children's."

The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Since its inception in 1974, the Kansas Shrine &nbsp;Bowl has been promoting Kansas talent and the incredible network of Shriners Children’s Hospitals by &nbsp;donating more than $3.8 million. To learn more about the organization and its cause visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703782918495.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Shrine Bowl." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Shrine Bowl.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the Kansas Shrine BowlKANSAS-&nbsp;The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is pleased to announce Brice Kesler as its new Executive Director effective January 1, 2024.&nbsp; Kesler will replace B.J. Harris, whose resignation was accepted in November to step down at the end of 2023 to pursue additional career opportunities.“Hiring Brice to take on the role of Executive Director is another step in the right direction for the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Drew Couch, 2024 President of the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors. “We put on a grand event with our football game to raise money for Shrine Kids. With the addition of our wrestling event and hopefully others in the future, Brice is the guy that will help lead the Kansas Shrine Bowl organization into the future.”Brice has served as the Business &amp; Office Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl since March of 2021. Prior to joining the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff, Brice’s career began as a Business Development Executive and Sports Director for Rocking M Media in Goodland, Kansas. Brice then moved to North Platte, Nebraska to become the Sports Director at Eagle Radio before returning to Kansas and becoming part of the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff.“I’m honored and thankful to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors for awarding me this opportunity to lead such a wonderful organization,” said Brice Kesler. “Seeing the impact that this organization has on children and families from all across the state and beyond is a powerful motivator. I’m excited to be in a position to lead that effort forward and continue to promote the tremendous work done by Shriners in Kansas through the lens of our premier all-star events.”Alongside new Executive Director Brice Kesler, Whitney Kesler will continue her role as Events &amp; Business Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Whitney joined the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff in May of 2023 after eight years as the Assistant Director/Sports Coordinator at Baldwin City Recreation Commission. Brice and Whitney will continue to lead the corporate partnership development of the Kansas Shrine Bowl, while exploring new ways to expand the statewide footprint and awareness of the organization and Shriners Children’s.“Serving in this position has been the most rewarding role of my career,” said B.J. Harris, who served in the role of Executive Director since 2017. “I'm forever grateful to the Board of Directors and staff, and look forward to seeing the continued growth of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and the organization's increased impact on the patients of Shriners Children's."The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Since its inception in 1974, the Kansas Shrine &nbsp;Bowl has been promoting Kansas talent and the incredible network of Shriners Children’s Hospitals by &nbsp;donating more than $3.8 million. To learn more about the organization and its cause visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Kansas Shrine Bowl names new executive director

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Nick Gosnell for Thursday, December 28th, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Nick Gosnell for Thursday, December 28th, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="December 28th, 2023 Eagle Media Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=59t4a-153710f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏈 West Virginia and OSU both earn bowl wins; 🏈 K-State vs NC State today

AP Sports Summary for December 28th, 2023.

Owens, Presley help No. 22 Oklahoma State beat Texas A&amp;M 31-23 in Texas Bowl

HOUSTON (AP) — Rashod Owens had a career-high 164 yards receiving with two touchdowns and Brennan Presley tied a school record with 16 receptions and had 152 yards receiving in No. 22 Oklahoma State's 31-23 victory over Texas A&amp;M in the Texas Bowl on Wednesday night. Ollie Gordon II, the Doak Walker Award winner, added 118 yards rushing to finish the season with 2,062 yards of offense for Oklahoma State (10-4). Alan Bowman had 402 yards passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Cowboys missed a 47-yard field goal with 17 seconds to go and the Aggies (7-6) had another chance to score. But Marcel Reed's pass was intercepted near the end zone by Kendal Daniels on the last play of the game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, December 28th, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, December 28th, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="December 28th, 2023 Eagle Media Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=59t4a-153710f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>AP Sports Summary for December 28th, 2023.Owens, Presley help No. 22 Oklahoma State beat Texas A&amp;M 31-23 in Texas BowlHOUSTON (AP) — Rashod Owens had a career-high 164 yards receiving with two touchdowns and Brennan Presley tied a school record with 16 receptions and had 152 yards receiving in No. 22 Oklahoma State's 31-23 victory over Texas A&amp;M in the Texas Bowl on Wednesday night. Ollie Gordon II, the Doak Walker Award winner, added 118 yards rushing to finish the season with 2,062 yards of offense for Oklahoma State (10-4). Alan Bowman had 402 yards passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Cowboys missed a 47-yard field goal with 17 seconds to go and the Aggies (7-6) had another chance to score. But Marcel Reed's pass was intercepted near the end zone by Kendal Daniels on the last play of the game.Yoshinobu Yamamoto joins the Los Angeles Dodgers, vows to compete for championships alongside OhtaniLOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized their 12-year deal with Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They've teamed the prized free-agent right-hander with Shohei Ohtani in their prolific winter spending spree. The 25-year-old Yamamoto was coveted by teams across the majors after he elected to leave the Orix Buffaloes this offseason. The big-budget Dodgers landed him with a mammoth deal after already acquiring Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow this month. Yamamoto has posted spectacular numbers in Japan's top league in recent years, winning three straight Most Valuable Player awards in the Nippon Pacific League.Denver Broncos bench QB Russell Wilson and will turn to Jarrett StidhamENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are benching quarterback Russell Wilson for their game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Wilson will serve as a backup to Jarrett Stidham. Coach Sean Payton said he made the move because the offense needs a spark. Payton has been vocal about his displeasure over the team's offensive struggles and two weeks ago had a sideline blowup directed at Wilson. The Broncos could move on from Wilson in the offseason, but it would be costly as they'd have $85 million in dead cap money over the next two years.Chiefs' Andy Reid and Travis Kelce hash things out after sideline outburst vs RaidersKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid says he has talked with Travis Kelce after the star tight end's sideline outburst in which he chucked his helmet toward the benches during a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas. Reid didn't elaborate on what was said during the conversation. Kelce said on his "New Heights" podcast earlier Wednesday that he "reacted in a bad way" to the way the Kansas City offense continued to underperform. The Chiefs have lost three of their past four games to fall to 9-6, leaving them still in need of a win to clinch the AFC West. They play the Bengals on Sunday.Picking the CFP semis: Alabama and Texas have the edge to reach the national championship gameThe final four-team College Football Playoff promises to be one of the closest in the 10-year history of the event. The combined spread of the two New Year's Day semifinals is just six points, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. No. 1 Michigan is a 1 1/2-point favorite against fourth-seeded Alabama in the Rose Bowl. No. 3 Texas is a 4 1/2-point favorite over No. 2 Washington in the Sugar Bowl. AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo thinks Alabama and Texas will advance to the national title game.USC's Moss throws Holiday Bowl-record 6 TD passes in 42-28 victory over No. 16 LouisvilleSAN DIEGO (AP) — With Caleb Williams watching from the sideline, Miller Moss threw a Holiday Bowl-record six touchdown passes in his first college start and Southern California ended a frustrating season by beating No. 16 Louisville 42-28. Moss took full advantage of the opportunity he was given when Williams opted out. Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and presumptive first overall pick in the NFL draft, watched from the sideline wearing a white T-shirt with his No. 13 jersey hanging around his neck. Moss was 23 of 33 for 372 yards, with one interception.Mark Cuban says the changing NBA landscape led to his sale of the Mavs to casino familiesDALLAS (AP) — Mark Cuban sees a future of NBA ownership where the advantages will be in real estate. The high-profile billionaire says that's why he sold his majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks to a pair of families with strong ties to the hotel and casino industry. The NBA on Wednesday approved Cuban's sale of a controlling interest in the Mavericks to the Adelson and Dumont families, who run Las Vegas Sands Corp. They will spend roughly $3.5 billion for their share of the team. Patrick Dumont will serve as Mavericks governor. Cuban will be alternate governor with a 27% share of the team and retain control of basketball operations.Herb Kohl, former US senator and owner of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, has died. He was 88Herb Kohl, a former Democratic U.S. senator from Wisconsin and former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, has died. He was 88. His death Wednesday was announced by Herb Kohl Philanthropies. The foundation did not give a cause but said he died after a brief illness. Kohl was a popular figure in Wisconsin. He purchased the Bucks to keep them from leaving town and spent generously from his fortune on civic and educational causes throughout the state. He also used his money to fund his Senate races, allowing to him to portray himself as "nobody's senator but yours."Kris Letang becomes 1st NHL defenseman with 5 points in a period, Penguins bury Islanders 7-0NEW YORK (AP) — Kris Letang became the first defenseman in NHL history to record five points in a period with five assists in the second for the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 7-0 win over the New York Islanders. Letang had a total of six assists in the game while Jake Guentzel and Evgeni Malkin each scored two goals. Tristan Jarry finished with 21 saves for his fourth shutout of the season. Rickard Rakell, Radim Zohorna and Valtteri Puustinen also scored for Pittsburgh and Marcus Pettersson picked up four assists in the first game back following a three-day NHL holiday break.Garrett Greene helps West Virginia beat North Carolina 30-10 in the Duke's Mayo BowlCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Garrett Greene threw for 204 yards and a touchdown, Beanie Bishop Jr. returned a punt 78 yards for a score and West Virginia closed a season in which it exceeded expectations with a 30-10 victory over North Carolina in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Traylon Ray had a 75-yard touchdown reception on the first play from scrimmage for the Mountaineers, who won their final three games to finish 9-4 after being picked to finish last in the Big 12. Selected the game MVP, Greene completed 11 of 22 passes. Jahiem White ran for 50 yards and a touchdown for West Virginia. North Carolina played quarterback Drake Maye andreceiver Tez Walker, who opted out of the game to begin preparing for the NFL draft.AP-ScorecardTODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Toronto	132	Washington	102	Final	Philadelphia	112	Orlando	92	Final	Milwaukee	144	Brooklyn	122	Final	Phoenix	129	Houston	113	Final	Oklahoma City	129	New York	120	Final	Cleveland	113	Dallas	110	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	N-Y Rangers	5	Washington	1	Final	Florida	3	Tampa Bay	2	Final OT	New Jersey	4	Columbus	3	Final	Ottawa	4	Toronto	2	Final	Boston	4	Buffalo	1	Final	Pittsburgh	7	N-Y Islanders	0	Final	Minnesota	6	Detroit	3	Final	St. Louis	2	Dallas	1	Final	Carolina	5	Nashville	2	Final OT	Chicago	2	Winnipeg	1	Final OT	Arizona	5	Colorado	4	Final	Seattle	2	Calgary	1	Final	Anaheim	5	Vegas	2	Final	Los Angeles	5	San Jose	1	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	Virginia Tech	41	(23)Tulane	20	Final	Southern Cal	42	(16)Louisville	28	Final	(22)Oklahoma St.	31	Texas A&amp;M	23