Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Gene Taylor,&nbsp;who has led K-State Athletics through one of its most successful periods in history, has agreed to a contract extension through the 2029-30 academic year, President Richard Linton and the Kansas State Athletics, Inc., Board of Directors announced today.

The agreement extends Taylor’s contract through June 30, 2030, with an annual salary of $925,000 beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year. The contract also includes retention incentives in each contract year. Taylor will receive $250,000 at the end of each of the next four years, and that number will increase to $500,000 annually for the final three years of the contract.

“K-State is fortunate to have one of the nation’s premier athletic directors in Gene Taylor,” said Kansas State University President Richard Linton. “Gene leads with a quiet confidence and steadfast belief in our student-athletes and the coaching staffs who support them — and he has been instrumental in growing our facilities and programs into what they are today. I am thrilled that Gene will continue to lead our athletics program through the end of the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan in 2030.”

Under Taylor’s guidance, K-State Athletics is thriving with athletic, academic and fundraising successes, highlighted by last season’s Big 12 Championship in football and Elite Eight run for men’s basketball. Following a record 2022-23 campaign,&nbsp;Taylor was named the 2022-23 Cushman &amp; Wakefield FBS AD of the Year.

"There is no other place our family would rather be than Manhattan and K-State,” Taylor said. “I appreciate President Linton, the KSA Board and the Kansas Board of Regents for their continued trust in me leading such a phenomenal athletics program. We have the best fans and donors in the country and a group of coaches, staff and student-athletes who are committed to competing for championships, and I am looking forward to the years ahead as we continue to elevate our program.”

Hiring and retaining top coaches has been a staple of Taylor’s career, and K-State has certainly benefitted from his selection of tremendous leaders. Chris Klieman led the football team to last year’s Big 12 Championship in just his fourth season on the job and has the Wildcats steadily among the nation’s top programs annually, while Jerome Tang was named the 2022-23 Naismith Coach of the Year after leading the men’s basketball program to the Elite Eight in his inaugural year in Manhattan after being picked to finish last in the preseason Big 12 poll.

Most recently, the volleyball team has knocked off three Top 8 opponents in coach Jason Mansfield’s first year (No. 3 Texas and No. 8 BYU twice – all 3-0 sweeps), and the eyes of the college volleyball circuit are on Manhattan as the new Morgan Family Arena has been sold out and is the envy of programs across the country. Other notable hires by Taylor include Pete Hughes (baseball), Jordan Smith (women’s tennis) and Stew Burke (women’s golf).

Additionally, Taylor and staff have fundraised and implemented a department-wide facility master plan that benefits all Wildcat teams including the newly completed South End Zone of Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Morgan Family Arena for volleyball, the Morris Family Olympic Training Center and the Shamrock Practice Facility for football.

Taylor, who was named the eighth-best Athletic Director among FBS programs by Stadium in 2020, has also implemented a strategic plan for the department which places an emphasis on the student-athlete experience, while his leadership in navigating the COVID-19 crisis, in addition to enhancing the department’s already-strong diversity and inclusion program, has been well documented.

With the support of fans and donors, K-State Athletics has also continued to be financially self-sufficient and does not receive support from the university. In FY 2019, a year earlier than anticipated, the program ended the practice of receiving student privilege fees in support of the program. This move makes Taylor’s program one of eight across the country to operate with no direct or indirect university and student funding or state support.

In addition to achieving a budget surplus for the 12th straight year, overall pledges and cash gifts to the department during the 2023 fiscal year totaled $36.3 million, including a new record $24.1 million in annual fund donations.&nbsp; Also included in the $24.1 million in annual giving was a department record $1 million raised during the Powercat Auction.

The Ahearn Fund reached 8,547 total members in 2022-23 from 47 different states, while the National Leadership Circle (donations of $10,000 or more annually) consists of 608 members from 26 different states. Since 2009, the department has received 930 capital project gifts of $10,000 or more, and currently 94-percent of all premium seating areas are sold.

Graduating student-athletes remains the top priority for the department and academic success has continued under Taylor’s guidance as K-State continues to rank among the top schools in the Big 12 in APR and graduation success rate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700237109355.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Gene Taylor,&nbsp;who has led K-State Athletics through one of its most successful periods in history, has agreed to a contract extension through the 2029-30 academic year, President Richard Linton and the Kansas State Athletics, Inc., Board of Directors announced today.The agreement extends Taylor’s contract through June 30, 2030, with an annual salary of $925,000 beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year. The contract also includes retention incentives in each contract year. Taylor will receive $250,000 at the end of each of the next four years, and that number will increase to $500,000 annually for the final three years of the contract.“K-State is fortunate to have one of the nation’s premier athletic directors in Gene Taylor,” said Kansas State University President Richard Linton. “Gene leads with a quiet confidence and steadfast belief in our student-athletes and the coaching staffs who support them — and he has been instrumental in growing our facilities and programs into what they are today. I am thrilled that Gene will continue to lead our athletics program through the end of the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan in 2030.”Under Taylor’s guidance, K-State Athletics is thriving with athletic, academic and fundraising successes, highlighted by last season’s Big 12 Championship in football and Elite Eight run for men’s basketball. Following a record 2022-23 campaign,&nbsp;Taylor was named the 2022-23 Cushman &amp; Wakefield FBS AD of the Year."There is no other place our family would rather be than Manhattan and K-State,” Taylor said. “I appreciate President Linton, the KSA Board and the Kansas Board of Regents for their continued trust in me leading such a phenomenal athletics program. We have the best fans and donors in the country and a group of coaches, staff and student-athletes who are committed to competing for championships, and I am looking forward to the years ahead as we continue to elevate our program.”Hiring and retaining top coaches has been a staple of Taylor’s career, and K-State has certainly benefitted from his selection of tremendous leaders. Chris Klieman led the football team to last year’s Big 12 Championship in just his fourth season on the job and has the Wildcats steadily among the nation’s top programs annually, while Jerome Tang was named the 2022-23 Naismith Coach of the Year after leading the men’s basketball program to the Elite Eight in his inaugural year in Manhattan after being picked to finish last in the preseason Big 12 poll.Most recently, the volleyball team has knocked off three Top 8 opponents in coach Jason Mansfield’s first year (No. 3 Texas and No. 8 BYU twice – all 3-0 sweeps), and the eyes of the college volleyball circuit are on Manhattan as the new Morgan Family Arena has been sold out and is the envy of programs across the country. Other notable hires by Taylor include Pete Hughes (baseball), Jordan Smith (women’s tennis) and Stew Burke (women’s golf).Additionally, Taylor and staff have fundraised and implemented a department-wide facility master plan that benefits all Wildcat teams including the newly completed South End Zone of Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Morgan Family Arena for volleyball, the Morris Family Olympic Training Center and the Shamrock Practice Facility for football.Taylor, who was named the eighth-best Athletic Director among FBS programs by Stadium in 2020, has also implemented a strategic plan for the department which places an emphasis on the student-athlete experience, while his leadership in navigating the COVID-19 crisis, in addition to enhancing the department’s already-strong diversity and inclusion program, has been well documented.With the support of fans and donors, K-State Athletics has also continued to be financially self-sufficient and does not receive support from the university. In FY 2019, a year earlier than anticipated, the program ended the practice of receiving student privilege fees in support of the program. This move makes Taylor’s program one of eight across the country to operate with no direct or indirect university and student funding or state support.In addition to achieving a budget surplus for the 12th straight year, overall pledges and cash gifts to the department during the 2023 fiscal year totaled $36.3 million, including a new record $24.1 million in annual fund donations.&nbsp; Also included in the $24.1 million in annual giving was a department record $1 million raised during the Powercat Auction.The Ahearn Fund reached 8,547 total members in 2022-23 from 47 different states, while the National Leadership Circle (donations of $10,000 or more annually) consists of 608 members from 26 different states. Since 2009, the department has received 930 capital project gifts of $10,000 or more, and currently 94-percent of all premium seating areas are sold.Graduating student-athletes remains the top priority for the department and academic success has continued under Taylor’s guidance as K-State continues to rank among the top schools in the Big 12 in APR and graduation success rate.

K-State AD Gene Taylor receives contract extension

Ravens handle Bengals 34-20 after Joe Burrow exits in the 2nd quarter with a wrist injury

BALTIMORE (AP) — Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter and the Baltimore Ravens beat Cincinnati 34-20 after the Bengals lost star quarterback Joe Burrow to a wrist injury. The AFC North-leading Ravens completed a head-to-head sweep of Cincinnati and moved to 2 1/2 games ahead of the last-place Bengals. And that's far from Cincinnati's only problem. Burrow left in the second quarter after throwing a touchdown pass and wasn't able to return. Jackson threw for 264 yards despite losing tight end Mark Andrews to an ankle injury that is likely to end his season.

Shohei Ohtani, baseball's 2-way star, becomes first 2-time unanimous MVP

NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani, who has captivated baseball with his unprecedented combination of high-level hitting and premium pitching, became the first two-time unanimous Most Valuable Player when he won the American League honor. Ohtani, a free agent after finishing his contract with the Los Angeles Angels, received all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He was a unanimous MVP in 2021 and finished second to the Yankees' Aaron Judge in voting last year. Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr. won the National League honor, also a unanimous pick.

Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr. unanimous NL Most Valuable Player after 41-homer, 73-steal season

NEW YORK (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. was a unanimous winner of his first National League Most Valuable Player award after becoming the first big leaguer with 40 homers and 70 stolen bases in a season. Los Angeles Angels two-way star star Shohei Otani won the American League honor, becoming the first two-time unanimous MVP. There have been 21 unanimous winners, and this year marked the first time two occurred in the same year. Mookie Betts received all 30 second-place votes and 270 points, followed by Los Angeles Dodgers teammate Freddie Freeman with 227 points.

Water valve cover on Las Vegas Grand Prix course halts first practice of the weekend

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The first Formula One practice of the Las Vegas Grand Prix was called off less than 21 minutes into Thursday night's session after Carlos Sainz Jr. ran over a drainage cover. F1's governing body said it had to inspect all the covers on the course. Sainz hit it just nine minutes into the practice on the street course that includes a large portion of the Strip. It caused the Ferrari to bottom out and potentially destroyed his engine. The session never resumed and F1 said the start of the second practice would be delayed. Ferrari was livid.

Harbaugh to serve out suspension, Big Ten ends Michigan sign-stealing investigation in settlement

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan has announced that football coach Jim Harbaugh will serve the remainder of a three-game suspension from the Big Ten in return for the conference ending its investigation into a yearslong scheme to steal opponents' play-calling signals. The settlement on Thursday is the latest twist in a story that saw one of college football's most recognizable programs accused of purchasing tickets to the games of Michigan's future opponents and sending people to those games to digitally record teams signaling in their plays. Harbaugh was suspended just weeks after an investigation into the allegations by the NCAA surfaced.

MLB owners approve A's move from Oakland to Las Vegas, with a new ballpark to open in 2028

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Oakland Athletics' move to Las Vegas has been approved by Major League Baseball team owners in a 30-0 vote. After years of complaints about the Oakland Coliseum and an inability to gain government assistance for a new ballpark in the Bay Area, the A's plan to move to a stadium to be built on the Las Vegas Strip with $380 million in public financing approved by the Nevada government. They will remain next season at the Coliseum for the last year of their lease there. Plans are to open the new ballpark in 2028.

Caitlin Clark, No. 2 Iowa struggle offensively and fall 65-58 to Kansas State

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Caitlin Clark struggled through a poor shooting performance and No. 2 Iowa failed to score in the last three minutes Thursday night, falling to Kansas State 65-58. Clark, The Associated Press national player of the week in women's basketball, scored 24 points on 9-for-32 shooting from the field and 2-for-16 sniping from long distance, failing to make her first 3-pointer until just over a minute left in the second quarter. Iowa (3-1), which had been averaging 92 points in its first three games, shot just 36.1% from the field and was 2 for 21 from long distance. Ayoka Lee scored 22 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, to lead Kansas State's comeback victory.

Kerr says Draymond Green 'took it too far' and that his five-game suspension was deserved

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Draymond Green was "wrong" and "took it too far" when he put Minnesota's Rudy Gobert in a headlock. The NBA suspended Green for five games, citing his "history of unsportsmanlike acts" in determining the length. The altercation occurred when Golden State's Klay Thompson and Minnesota's Jaden McDaniels got in a shoving match near midcourt following a Timberwolves possession. Gobert stepped in and grabbed hold of Thompson before Green rushed in and pulled Gobert away from behind with his arm around the center's neck in what the league called "an unsportsmanlike and dangerous manner."

Atlanta to host 2025 MLB All-Star Game after losing 2021 game over objections to voting law

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Major League Baseball will play its 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta, four years after moving the event from Truist Park to Denver's Coors Field over objections to changes in Georgia's voting rights laws. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement following an owners' meeting. Atlanta was awarded the 2021 All-Star Game in May 2019, but MLB moved it in April 2021, just three months before the game was played. Atlanta previously hosted the All-Star Game in 1972 and 2000.

Ex-girlfriend drops lawsuits against Tiger Woods, says she never claimed sexual harassment

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Golf superstar Tiger Woods's ex-girlfriend has dropped her $30 million lawsuit against the trust that owns his $54 million Florida mansion. An attorney for Erica Herman filed a notice in state court last week saying Herman never accused Woods or any of his employees of sexual harassment. Herman's attorney has made that claim on multiple occasions. A separate lawsuit against Woods was rejected by a judge in May. Court records show an appeal of that decision was dropped this week. Herman was Woods' girlfriend from 2015 until October 2022. She signed a nondisclosure agreement in 2017 that barred her from discussing their relationship publicly.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Final	Oklahoma City	128	Golden State	109	

		Oral Roberts	at	(13)Texas A&amp;M	8 p.m.	

		UC Riverside	at	(20)North Carolina	8 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Friday, November 17th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Friday, November 17th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="November 17th, 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=egcgw-14ff74d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>AP Sports Summary for November 17th.Ravens handle Bengals 34-20 after Joe Burrow exits in the 2nd quarter with a wrist injuryBALTIMORE (AP) — Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter and the Baltimore Ravens beat Cincinnati 34-20 after the Bengals lost star quarterback Joe Burrow to a wrist injury. The AFC North-leading Ravens completed a head-to-head sweep of Cincinnati and moved to 2 1/2 games ahead of the last-place Bengals. And that's far from Cincinnati's only problem. Burrow left in the second quarter after throwing a touchdown pass and wasn't able to return. Jackson threw for 264 yards despite losing tight end Mark Andrews to an ankle injury that is likely to end his season.Shohei Ohtani, baseball's 2-way star, becomes first 2-time unanimous MVPNEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani, who has captivated baseball with his unprecedented combination of high-level hitting and premium pitching, became the first two-time unanimous Most Valuable Player when he won the American League honor. Ohtani, a free agent after finishing his contract with the Los Angeles Angels, received all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He was a unanimous MVP in 2021 and finished second to the Yankees' Aaron Judge in voting last year. Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr. won the National League honor, also a unanimous pick.Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr. unanimous NL Most Valuable Player after 41-homer, 73-steal seasonNEW YORK (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. was a unanimous winner of his first National League Most Valuable Player award after becoming the first big leaguer with 40 homers and 70 stolen bases in a season. Los Angeles Angels two-way star star Shohei Otani won the American League honor, becoming the first two-time unanimous MVP. There have been 21 unanimous winners, and this year marked the first time two occurred in the same year. Mookie Betts received all 30 second-place votes and 270 points, followed by Los Angeles Dodgers teammate Freddie Freeman with 227 points.Water valve cover on Las Vegas Grand Prix course halts first practice of the weekendLAS VEGAS (AP) — The first Formula One practice of the Las Vegas Grand Prix was called off less than 21 minutes into Thursday night's session after Carlos Sainz Jr. ran over a drainage cover. F1's governing body said it had to inspect all the covers on the course. Sainz hit it just nine minutes into the practice on the street course that includes a large portion of the Strip. It caused the Ferrari to bottom out and potentially destroyed his engine. The session never resumed and F1 said the start of the second practice would be delayed. Ferrari was livid.Harbaugh to serve out suspension, Big Ten ends Michigan sign-stealing investigation in settlementANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan has announced that football coach Jim Harbaugh will serve the remainder of a three-game suspension from the Big Ten in return for the conference ending its investigation into a yearslong scheme to steal opponents' play-calling signals. The settlement on Thursday is the latest twist in a story that saw one of college football's most recognizable programs accused of purchasing tickets to the games of Michigan's future opponents and sending people to those games to digitally record teams signaling in their plays. Harbaugh was suspended just weeks after an investigation into the allegations by the NCAA surfaced.MLB owners approve A's move from Oakland to Las Vegas, with a new ballpark to open in 2028ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Oakland Athletics' move to Las Vegas has been approved by Major League Baseball team owners in a 30-0 vote. After years of complaints about the Oakland Coliseum and an inability to gain government assistance for a new ballpark in the Bay Area, the A's plan to move to a stadium to be built on the Las Vegas Strip with $380 million in public financing approved by the Nevada government. They will remain next season at the Coliseum for the last year of their lease there. Plans are to open the new ballpark in 2028.Caitlin Clark, No. 2 Iowa struggle offensively and fall 65-58 to Kansas StateIOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Caitlin Clark struggled through a poor shooting performance and No. 2 Iowa failed to score in the last three minutes Thursday night, falling to Kansas State 65-58. Clark, The Associated Press national player of the week in women's basketball, scored 24 points on 9-for-32 shooting from the field and 2-for-16 sniping from long distance, failing to make her first 3-pointer until just over a minute left in the second quarter. Iowa (3-1), which had been averaging 92 points in its first three games, shot just 36.1% from the field and was 2 for 21 from long distance. Ayoka Lee scored 22 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, to lead Kansas State's comeback victory.Kerr says Draymond Green 'took it too far' and that his five-game suspension was deservedSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Draymond Green was "wrong" and "took it too far" when he put Minnesota's Rudy Gobert in a headlock. The NBA suspended Green for five games, citing his "history of unsportsmanlike acts" in determining the length. The altercation occurred when Golden State's Klay Thompson and Minnesota's Jaden McDaniels got in a shoving match near midcourt following a Timberwolves possession. Gobert stepped in and grabbed hold of Thompson before Green rushed in and pulled Gobert away from behind with his arm around the center's neck in what the league called "an unsportsmanlike and dangerous manner."Atlanta to host 2025 MLB All-Star Game after losing 2021 game over objections to voting lawARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Major League Baseball will play its 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta, four years after moving the event from Truist Park to Denver's Coors Field over objections to changes in Georgia's voting rights laws. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement following an owners' meeting. Atlanta was awarded the 2021 All-Star Game in May 2019, but MLB moved it in April 2021, just three months before the game was played. Atlanta previously hosted the All-Star Game in 1972 and 2000.Ex-girlfriend drops lawsuits against Tiger Woods, says she never claimed sexual harassmentFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Golf superstar Tiger Woods's ex-girlfriend has dropped her $30 million lawsuit against the trust that owns his $54 million Florida mansion. An attorney for Erica Herman filed a notice in state court last week saying Herman never accused Woods or any of his employees of sexual harassment. Herman's attorney has made that claim on multiple occasions. A separate lawsuit against Woods was rejected by a judge in May. Court records show an appeal of that decision was dropped this week. Herman was Woods' girlfriend from 2015 until October 2022. She signed a nondisclosure agreement in 2017 that barred her from discussing their relationship publicly.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Miami	122	Brooklyn	115	Final	Oklahoma City	128	Golden State	109	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal OT	Ottawa	5	Detroit	4	Final	New Jersey	5	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Arizona	3	Columbus	2	Final	Vegas	6	Montreal	5	Final	Tampa Bay	4	Chicago	2	Final	Calgary	5	Vancouver	2	Final SO	Seattle	4	N-Y Islanders	3	Final	Los Angeles	2	Florida	1	Final	San Jose	5	St. Louis	1	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	34	Cincinnati	20	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(6)Houston	65	Towson	49	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Milwaukee	at	Charlotte	7 p.m.			New York	at	Washington	7 p.m.			Boston	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.			Detroit	at	Cleveland	7:30 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.			Sacramento	at	San Antonio	7:30 p.m.			Denver	at	New Orleans	8 p.m.			Orlando	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			L.A. Lakers	at	Portland	10 p.m.			Phoenix	at	Utah	10 p.m.			Houston	at	L.A. Clippers	10:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Toronto	at	Detroit	2 p.m.			Buffalo	at	Winnipeg	8 p.m.			Florida	at	Anaheim	10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		Belmont	at	(3)Arizona	11 p.m.			(6)Houston	at	Utah	4:30 p.m.			Bucknell	at	(9)Duke	6 p.m.			(12)Miami	at	Georgia	3:30 p.m.			Oral Roberts	at	(13)Texas A&amp;M	8 p.m.			UNC-Greensboro	at	(14)Arkansas	8 p.m.			Stonehill	at	(17)Kentucky	7 p.m.			Butler	at	(18)Michigan St.	6:30 p.m.			UC Riverside	at	(20)North Carolina	8 p.m.			Maryland	at	(21)Villanova	8:30 p.m.			Mercer	at	(22)Alabama	8 p.m.			Valparaiso	at	(23)Illinois	8 p.m.			Radford	at	(24)James Madison	7 p.m.	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Friday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686627047967.jpeg" alt="Eagle Media Sports for Friday Morning, November&nbsp; 17th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media Sports for Friday Morning, November&nbsp; 17th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="November 17th, 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=egcgw-14ff74d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: WSU wins; Grady Dick shines; HutchCC Dallas COA; Collier and Brown honored; Daniels to return

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Sunflower Showdown between Kansas State and Kansas hasn’t been much of a showdown over the past decade or so.

That's because the Jayhawks have rarely shown up.

The Wildcats have not lost to their rival since the 2008 season, just before Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder returned for his second stint in charge. And nothing changed when Chris Klieman took over four years ago, adding four wins to make it 14 straight and by an average margin of more than four touchdowns per game.

Yet few think their matchup Saturday will be just another blowout.

While the No. 23 Wildcats (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) are tied for second in the conference and still in the hunt to defend their Big 12 title, the Jayhawks (7-3, 4-3) are among the teams one game back. And with identical overall records, the two teams are on remarkably even footing as they resume the fourth-oldest continuously played rivalry in the Bowl Subdivision.

“We're just going to keep working on closing that gap and see where it turns out,” Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold said. “It was our responsibility to make this rivalry a better game and I think we're taking those steps, but we have to go out and play that way.”

It won't be easy if the Jayhawks are missing Jason Bean.

Bean was No. 2 on the depth chart to start the season, but he's deftly guided Kansas most of the way while starter Jalon Daniels deals with a back injury. Then came last Saturday's game against Texas Tech, when Bean sustained what Leipold called “a head injury” and walk-on freshman Cole Ballard played the rest of the way in a last-minute 16-13 loss.

Leipold expressed optimism Monday that Bean would be able to play, then backtracked the following day on a local radio show, saying that "Cole will be ready to go, and that’s probably the direction we’re going to have to plan on at this moment.”

Klieman doesn't think the Jayhawks' approach will change no matter who is under center.

“I know it was a smaller sample size,” Klieman said, “but I really didn't think they changed a whole lot offensively when (Ballard) came in last week. It's still what they do. They're having a lot of success on offense with whomever played quarterback, so in my mind, those kids offensively believe in what they're doing. Why would you change it?”

One thing the Jayhawks would like to change: Their losing streak in the series.

“We know how important the game is,” Klieman said. “All those things don't have to be said, don't have to be talked about. But it still comes down to you better not take any shortcuts, you better focus on your preparation and attack today.”

Kansas State could still wiggle its way back into the Big 12 title game but needs to beat Kansas and Iowa State the next two weeks and get some help. The Wildcats and Cyclones are in a logjam of 5-2 teams with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, one of the two conference teams — Big 12-leading Texas is the other — to beat Kansas State this season.

Along with Bean, the Jayhawks are uncertain whether they will have reliable wide receiver Luke Grimm available. Kansas State will be without Jake Clifton, who joined fellow linebackers Daniel Green and Asa Newsome with season-ending injuries.

It will be the final game for many Jayhawks, such as safety Kenny Logan Jr., who helped to turn around the program. Logan played two seasons under Les Miles before he was fired, then played for Leipold the past three. This will be the first time in his five years on campus that the Jayhawks will finish with a winning record.

The game also will be the last game at Memorial Stadium, which opened in October 1921 and is among the oldest in major college football, before a massive renovation completely transforms it. The construction will begin after the game and continue through next season before finishing up in time for the start of the 2025 season.

Kansas State has won all five of its home games easily this season, but the road has been a different matter. They lost on a last-second 62-yard field goal at Missouri, then fell behind early at Oklahoma State and Texas before comeback bids came up short. Their only road win came at Texas Tech, when they trailed in the third quarter before scoring three unanswered touchdowns.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700218475002.png" alt="KU FB vs K-State '23 - Sunflower Showdown" />
 <figcaption>KU FB vs K-State '23 - Sunflower Showdown</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Sunflower Showdown between Kansas State and Kansas hasn’t been much of a showdown over the past decade or so.That's because the Jayhawks have rarely shown up.The Wildcats have not lost to their rival since the 2008 season, just before Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder returned for his second stint in charge. And nothing changed when Chris Klieman took over four years ago, adding four wins to make it 14 straight and by an average margin of more than four touchdowns per game.Yet few think their matchup Saturday will be just another blowout.While the No. 23 Wildcats (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) are tied for second in the conference and still in the hunt to defend their Big 12 title, the Jayhawks (7-3, 4-3) are among the teams one game back. And with identical overall records, the two teams are on remarkably even footing as they resume the fourth-oldest continuously played rivalry in the Bowl Subdivision.“We're just going to keep working on closing that gap and see where it turns out,” Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold said. “It was our responsibility to make this rivalry a better game and I think we're taking those steps, but we have to go out and play that way.”It won't be easy if the Jayhawks are missing Jason Bean.Bean was No. 2 on the depth chart to start the season, but he's deftly guided Kansas most of the way while starter Jalon Daniels deals with a back injury. Then came last Saturday's game against Texas Tech, when Bean sustained what Leipold called “a head injury” and walk-on freshman Cole Ballard played the rest of the way in a last-minute 16-13 loss.Leipold expressed optimism Monday that Bean would be able to play, then backtracked the following day on a local radio show, saying that "Cole will be ready to go, and that’s probably the direction we’re going to have to plan on at this moment.”Klieman doesn't think the Jayhawks' approach will change no matter who is under center.“I know it was a smaller sample size,” Klieman said, “but I really didn't think they changed a whole lot offensively when (Ballard) came in last week. It's still what they do. They're having a lot of success on offense with whomever played quarterback, so in my mind, those kids offensively believe in what they're doing. Why would you change it?”One thing the Jayhawks would like to change: Their losing streak in the series.“We know how important the game is,” Klieman said. “All those things don't have to be said, don't have to be talked about. But it still comes down to you better not take any shortcuts, you better focus on your preparation and attack today.”TITLE PICTUREKansas State could still wiggle its way back into the Big 12 title game but needs to beat Kansas and Iowa State the next two weeks and get some help. The Wildcats and Cyclones are in a logjam of 5-2 teams with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, one of the two conference teams — Big 12-leading Texas is the other — to beat Kansas State this season.INJURY UPDATEAlong with Bean, the Jayhawks are uncertain whether they will have reliable wide receiver Luke Grimm available. Kansas State will be without Jake Clifton, who joined fellow linebackers Daniel Green and Asa Newsome with season-ending injuries.SENIOR SEND-OFFIt will be the final game for many Jayhawks, such as safety Kenny Logan Jr., who helped to turn around the program. Logan played two seasons under Les Miles before he was fired, then played for Leipold the past three. This will be the first time in his five years on campus that the Jayhawks will finish with a winning record.STADIUM SEND-OFFThe game also will be the last game at Memorial Stadium, which opened in October 1921 and is among the oldest in major college football, before a massive renovation completely transforms it. The construction will begin after the game and continue through next season before finishing up in time for the start of the 2025 season.ROADKILLKansas State has won all five of its home games easily this season, but the road has been a different matter. They lost on a last-second 62-yard field goal at Missouri, then fell behind early at Oklahoma State and Texas before comeback bids came up short. Their only road win came at Texas Tech, when they trailed in the third quarter before scoring three unanswered touchdowns.

🏈 No. 23 K-State still has eyes on a Big 12 title shot as its trip to rival Kansas arrives

Derby (10-1) @ Washburn Rural (11-0)

Blue Valley (7-4) @ Gardner Edgerton (10-1)

Goddard-Eisenhower (10-1) @ Kapaun (10-1) @ Wichita Southeast HS

Mill Valley (9-2) @ Blue Valley Southwest (10-1)

Andover Central (9-2) @ Wamego (9-2)

St. Thomas Aquinas (8-3) @ Tonganoxie (9-2)

Andale (10-1) @ Cheney (11-0) <a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/cheney-high-school-cheney-ks/gam93846ee9e1">NFHS Network</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/vLJHehnBBjE?si=CtBe6MCiXu-A7mQF">Kiowa Media Center</a>

Hoisington (11-0) @ Norton (11-0)Nemaha Central (11-0) @ Sabetha (10-1)

Medicine Lodge (9-2) @ Conway Springs (9-2)

Jefferson Co. North (10-1) @ Pittsburg-Colgan (11-0)

Ell-Saline (10-1) @ Wichita County (11-0)

Topeka Cair Paravel (9-2) @ Lyndon (11-0)

South Central (8-3) @ Victoria (10-1)&nbsp;6pmFrankfort (9-2) @ Axtell (11-0)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697886939835.png" alt="KSHSAA Football Playoffs for 2023.png" />
 <figcaption>KSHSAA Football Playoffs for 2023.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 6A&nbsp;Derby (10-1) @ Washburn Rural (11-0)Blue Valley (7-4) @ Gardner Edgerton (10-1)Class 5AGoddard-Eisenhower (10-1) @ Kapaun (10-1) @ Wichita Southeast HSMill Valley (9-2) @ Blue Valley Southwest (10-1)Class 4A&nbsp;Andover Central (9-2) @ Wamego (9-2)St. Thomas Aquinas (8-3) @ Tonganoxie (9-2)Class 3A&nbsp;Andale (10-1) @ Cheney (11-0) <a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/cheney-high-school-cheney-ks/gam93846ee9e1">NFHS Network</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/vLJHehnBBjE?si=CtBe6MCiXu-A7mQF">Kiowa Media Center</a>Holton (7-4) @ Topeka-Hayden (11-0)Class 2AHoisington (11-0) @ Norton (11-0)Nemaha Central (11-0) @ Sabetha (10-1)Class 1AMedicine Lodge (9-2) @ Conway Springs (9-2)Jefferson Co. North (10-1) @ Pittsburg-Colgan (11-0)8-Man D-IEll-Saline (10-1) @ Wichita County (11-0)Topeka Cair Paravel (9-2) @ Lyndon (11-0)8-Man D-II&nbsp;South Central (8-3) @ Victoria (10-1)&nbsp;6pmFrankfort (9-2) @ Axtell (11-0)6-ManTescott (8-2) @ Cunningham (10-1)Ashland (9-1) @ Cheylin (11-0)

🏈 Sub-State matchups

HUTCHINSON, Kan.-Day two is in the books for the 2023 edition of the NJCAA D1 Women's volleyball tournament at the Hutchinson Sports Arena, but unlike day 1, this day had five lower seeds pulling upsets over the higher seeds including the Kansas entry, the #16 seed Colby Trojans advancing in the consolation round with a 3 games to 2 win over #8 seed Odessa in the late afternoon contest.

Odessa took the first two sets of the match 25-17, 26-24 but the Trojans roared back with a 25-23 third set to stay alive and avoid being eliminated by Odessa.&nbsp;

Colby (22-10) then evened the match with a 25-20 win in the fourth set before sending the Wranglers packing with a 15-9 win in the fifth and final set.

Colby will now advance in the consolation bracket and play #13 seed Indian Hills (28-11) at 1pm today.

It is going to be a Florida vs Texas flavor in the Friday semi-final's with #1 seed Florida SouthWestern State and #3 seed Miami Dade advancing as well as #7 seed Navarro and #5 seed Trinity Valley earning victories.

The consolation bracket continues today with the matches beginning at 1pm and 4pm.&nbsp; Both semi-final matches will get under way at 7pm at the Sports Arena.

Tickets for today's matches and the Saturday consolation and finals can be purchased on-line at <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/wvball/div1/tickets">CLICK HERE</a>.

#14 Casper (WY)  defeated #11 Blinn College (TX) 25-19, 25-18, 18-25, 25-19&nbsp;

#10 New Mexico (NM) defeated #15 Mineral Area (MO) 25-14, 25-10, 23-25, 25-21

#16 Colby (KS) defeated #8 Odessa (TX) 17-25, 24-26, 25-23, 25-20, 15-9

#13 Indian Hills (IA) defeated #12 Daytona State (FL) 22-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-22

#3 Miami Dade (FL) defeated #6 Weatherford (TX) 26-24, 25-18, 25-17

#7 Navarro (TX) defeated #2 Northeastern (CO) 25-22, 25-22, 25-23

#1 Florida SouthWestern State (FL) defeated #9 College of Southern Idaho (ID) 25-15, 25-19, 25-17

#5 Trinity Valley (TX) defeated #4 Salt Lake (UT) 20-25, 25-17, 28-26, 23-25, 16-14

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700215461812.jpeg" alt="NJCAA D1 Volleyball - Day 2" />
 <figcaption>NJCAA D1 Volleyball - Day 2</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.-Day two is in the books for the 2023 edition of the NJCAA D1 Women's volleyball tournament at the Hutchinson Sports Arena, but unlike day 1, this day had five lower seeds pulling upsets over the higher seeds including the Kansas entry, the #16 seed Colby Trojans advancing in the consolation round with a 3 games to 2 win over #8 seed Odessa in the late afternoon contest.Odessa took the first two sets of the match 25-17, 26-24 but the Trojans roared back with a 25-23 third set to stay alive and avoid being eliminated by Odessa.&nbsp;Colby (22-10) then evened the match with a 25-20 win in the fourth set before sending the Wranglers packing with a 15-9 win in the fifth and final set.Colby will now advance in the consolation bracket and play #13 seed Indian Hills (28-11) at 1pm today.It is going to be a Florida vs Texas flavor in the Friday semi-final's with #1 seed Florida SouthWestern State and #3 seed Miami Dade advancing as well as #7 seed Navarro and #5 seed Trinity Valley earning victories.The consolation bracket continues today with the matches beginning at 1pm and 4pm.&nbsp; Both semi-final matches will get under way at 7pm at the Sports Arena.Tickets for today's matches and the Saturday consolation and finals can be purchased on-line at <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/wvball/div1/tickets">CLICK HERE</a>.THURSDAY RESULTS:#14 Casper (WY) defeated #11 Blinn College (TX) 25-19, 25-18, 18-25, 25-19&nbsp;#10 New Mexico (NM) defeated #15 Mineral Area (MO) 25-14, 25-10, 23-25, 25-21#16 Colby (KS) defeated #8 Odessa (TX) 17-25, 24-26, 25-23, 25-20, 15-9#13 Indian Hills (IA) defeated #12 Daytona State (FL) 22-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-22#3 Miami Dade (FL) defeated #6 Weatherford (TX) 26-24, 25-18, 25-17#7 Navarro (TX) defeated #2 Northeastern (CO) 25-22, 25-22, 25-23#1 Florida SouthWestern State (FL) defeated #9 College of Southern Idaho (ID) 25-15, 25-19, 25-17#5 Trinity Valley (TX) defeated #4 Salt Lake (UT) 20-25, 25-17, 28-26, 23-25, 16-14

🏐 WVB: NJCAA D1 second day results included some upsets

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels, the preseason Big 12 player of the year who has been sidelined by a back injury, said Thursday that he intends to return to the Jayhawks next season amid speculation that he could enter the transfer portal.

Daniels emerged as a Heisman Trophy candidate early last season, when he led the long-suffering Jayhawks to a 5-0 start. But he hurt his shoulder in a game against TCU and missed more than a month. Daniels returned in time to lead Kansas against Texas and Kansas State, along with a wild triple-overtime loss to Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl.

Daniels threw for 544 yards and five TDs while running for another score against the Razorbacks.

Rather than his shoulder, though, it has been Daniels' back that has caused problems. It began to bother him during fall camp, forcing Jason Bean to start the opener against Missouri State, before Daniels returned to lead the Jayhawks to wins over Illinois, Nevada and BYU. Then he aggravated his back before a game against Texas on Sept. 30 and has not returned.

“Personally,” Daniels said in a statement, “it has been an incredibly difficult time being away from the game that I love, and not being able to play with my brothers in front of our incredible fans on Saturday. The adversity that I have faced this season will help me come back even stronger when the time is right. Kansas is a very special place to me and I will be back next season."

Daniels would have one year remaining unless he sits out all but one game down the stretch, which would give him the ability to redshirt this season. That would leave him with two more years of eligibility.

Bean has played well in Daniels' place, leading the Jayhawks to a 7-3 record, a 4-3 mark in Big 12 play and the No. 25 ranking in the College Football Playoff. But he also was hurt in last week's game against Texas Tech, forcing former walk-on freshman Cole Ballard to finish the game; the Red Raiders won 16-13 on a field goal in the final minute.

Bean did not practice for Saturday's game against No. 23 Kansas State (7-3, 5-2, No. 21 CFP) early in the week, but Jayhawks offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki took reps on Wednesday. Ballard would start if Bean is unable to go.

Throughout the last six weeks, Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold kept saying that Daniels was day-to-day. But his situation on game days became something of a mystery — he was dressed for one, did not travel for another, and for another game he did not come out of the locker room — and that began the speculation that he might transfer elsewhere.

Daniels shut down those rumors on Thursday.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Unfinished business. 🔒 <a href="https://twitter.com/JalonDaniels6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JalonDaniels6</a> <a href="https://t.co/cnAcWc1hps">pic.twitter.com/cnAcWc1hps</a>&mdash; Kansas Football (@KU_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/KU_Football/status/1725251041866953095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels, the preseason Big 12 player of the year who has been sidelined by a back injury, said Thursday that he intends to return to the Jayhawks next season amid speculation that he could enter the transfer portal.Daniels emerged as a Heisman Trophy candidate early last season, when he led the long-suffering Jayhawks to a 5-0 start. But he hurt his shoulder in a game against TCU and missed more than a month. Daniels returned in time to lead Kansas against Texas and Kansas State, along with a wild triple-overtime loss to Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl.Daniels threw for 544 yards and five TDs while running for another score against the Razorbacks.Rather than his shoulder, though, it has been Daniels' back that has caused problems. It began to bother him during fall camp, forcing Jason Bean to start the opener against Missouri State, before Daniels returned to lead the Jayhawks to wins over Illinois, Nevada and BYU. Then he aggravated his back before a game against Texas on Sept. 30 and has not returned.“Personally,” Daniels said in a statement, “it has been an incredibly difficult time being away from the game that I love, and not being able to play with my brothers in front of our incredible fans on Saturday. The adversity that I have faced this season will help me come back even stronger when the time is right. Kansas is a very special place to me and I will be back next season."Daniels would have one year remaining unless he sits out all but one game down the stretch, which would give him the ability to redshirt this season. That would leave him with two more years of eligibility.Bean has played well in Daniels' place, leading the Jayhawks to a 7-3 record, a 4-3 mark in Big 12 play and the No. 25 ranking in the College Football Playoff. But he also was hurt in last week's game against Texas Tech, forcing former walk-on freshman Cole Ballard to finish the game; the Red Raiders won 16-13 on a field goal in the final minute.Bean did not practice for Saturday's game against No. 23 Kansas State (7-3, 5-2, No. 21 CFP) early in the week, but Jayhawks offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki took reps on Wednesday. Ballard would start if Bean is unable to go.Throughout the last six weeks, Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold kept saying that Daniels was day-to-day. But his situation on game days became something of a mystery — he was dressed for one, did not travel for another, and for another game he did not come out of the locker room — and that began the speculation that he might transfer elsewhere.Daniels shut down those rumors on Thursday.

🏈 Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels intends to return to Jayhawks next season

The 2023 Jayhawk Conference football champion Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons had a total of 26 players who earned recognition on the All-KJCCC Football teams, which were released on Thursday.

The Blue Dragons had a near complete sweep of the three major awards.

Head coach Drew Dallas was named the conference Coach of the Year. Sophomore defensive end&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/brown_daniel_a1x7">Daniel Brown</a>&nbsp;was named the KJCCC Defensive Player of the Year. Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/collier_samari_cpv0">Samari Collier</a>&nbsp;was named co-Offensive Player of the Year with Highland receiver Benson Prosper.

The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (10-0) played 14 players on the all-KJCCC first team, four players on the second team and eight players on the honorable mention list.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR - DANIEL BROWN, Hutchinson A 6-2, 240-pound defensive end from Kansas City, Kansas, Brown has had one of the most dominant seasons in Blue Dragon and KJCCC history.

For the season, Brown accounted for 49 total tackles, 22.5 tackles going for loss.

His 17.5 quarterback sacks, accounting for 136 yards in losses, leads the nation and is second most in Blue Dragon single-season history. He has had at least one quarterback sack in nine consecutive games.

Brown had back-to-back season-high three sacks against both Dodge City and Garden City. Brown also has 11 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and fumble recovery.

Against No. 2 Iowa Wester, Brown had six tackles and two sacks, which included a sack-fumble that was the turnaround play of the game with the Dragons at that point trailing the Reivers 21-7.

Brown is the first Blue Dragon to win league Defensive Player of the Year honors since Roterius Torrence in 2020/21. He is the four Blue Dragon to win the award since 2018, joining Torrence, Latrell Bankston (2019) and Monty Montgomery (2018).

COACH OF THE YEAR - DREW DALLAS, Hutchinson The fourth-year Blue Dragon head coach won the Jayhawk Conference Coach of the Year award for the third time.

Dallas and the Blue Dragons ran the table in the KJCCC for the second-straight season and have won 14-striaght league-designated games and 18 games in a row against league foes including postseason matchups.

Hutchinson took over the No. 1 spot in the NJCAA Rankings after Week 1 and have reeled off 10-straight victories, including wins over five nationally ranked opponents.

The Blue Dragons led the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 10.2 points per game and was No. 2 in the NJCAA in scoring offense at 40.4 points per contest. The Dragons were also No. 1 in rushing defense at 54.9 yards per game.

The 2023 Blue Dragons had 27 all-conference performers this season, including 14 first-team selections.

Dallas is 38-3 with the Blue Dragons, a stretch that includes a national championship, national runner-up and four consecutive league titles (three regular season and one playoff).

CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR - SAMARI COLLIER, Hutchinson A 6-foot-3, 220-point sophomore from DeSoto, Texas, Collier was a true two-way threat at quarterback for the Blue Dragons this season.

Collier combined for 1,727 total yards and accounted for 19 touchdowns for the Blue Dragons this season. Collier completed 77 of 135 passes (57.0 percent) for 1,253 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. Collier averaged 5.3 yards per rush, going for 474 yards on 90 carries with six touchdowns.

Collier had two games with 100-plus yards both rushing and passing. He had 176 passing yards and 107 rushing yards against No. 5 Iowa Central and 136 passing yards and 103 rushing yards against No. 9 Butler.

Collier threw for a season-highs of 236 yards and four touchdowns in a league championship-clinching victory at Independence.

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE A total of six Blue Dragons were on the first-team offense.

Running back&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/reed_jr._tyrell_3b4y">Tyrell Reed Jr.</a>&nbsp;earned first-team honors. His 12 rushing touchdowns are second in the NJCAA. Reed has a team-high 692 rushing yards on 111 carries. He averages 6.2 yards per carry.

Receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/beason_zerah_m1gv">Zeriah Beason</a>&nbsp;had 27 receptions for 475 yards and five touchdowns.

The Blue Dragons had three offensive linemen earn first-team honors.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/richardson_jayven_gmy8">Jayven Richardson</a>, Mat Glen and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/marcotte_maddox_h8uz">Maddox Marcotte</a>&nbsp;helped the Blue Dragons produce the second-best scoring offense in the nation at 39.1 points per game. The Dragons are among the top rushing teams in the KJCCC at 229.2 yards per game.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE Linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/sherman_k-von_986x">K'Von Sherman</a>&nbsp;was Hutchinson's leading tackler this season. He closed out the regular season with back-to-back KJCCC Defensive Player of the Week awards. Sherman had 64 total tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 quarterback sacks.

Freshman safety&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/nolan_ryan_iyfa">Ryan Nolan</a>&nbsp;leads the NJCAA with seven interceptions. Nolan had a three interception game against No. 5 Iowa Central and a two-interception game against Highland. Nolan had five passes defensed and was in on 21 total tackles.

Defensive tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/saili_danny_rmkt">Danny Saili</a>&nbsp;had 18 total tackles, but was disruptive all season long in the trenches with 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 quarterback sacks. He also has a blocked field goal to his credit.

Cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/scruggs_jordan_m11u">Jordan Scruggs</a>&nbsp;had 34 total tackles with an interception, fumble recovery and five passes broken up. Safety&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/mcconico_malik_amvf">Malik McConico</a>&nbsp;had four interceptions and 32 tackles this season.

FIRST TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS Freshman return specialist&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/richardson_tre_3jar">Tre Richardson</a>&nbsp;had a huge season, finishing second in the NJCAA in kickoff return average (28.4 yards per return), second in punt return average (17.3 yards per return) and third in the nation in all-purpose yards (141.0 yards per game). Richardson had two punts and a kickoff returned for a touchdown.

Sophomore punter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/forbes_stefaan_v56y">Stefaan Forbes</a>&nbsp;was third in the NJCAA in punting this season at 41.0 yards per punt. He placed 16 inside the 20-yard line and had seven punts of 50 or more yards with a long of 66 yards.

SECOND TEAM AND HONORABLE MENTION SELECTIONS Blocking tight end Jered Napoli and offensive linemen&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/honorable_brandon_kvix">Brandon Honorable</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/cain_chris_1xes">Chris Cain</a>&nbsp;were second-team all-league selections.

Cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/mundy_jaymar_ou8l">Jaymar Mundy</a>&nbsp;had a tremendous season as a cover corner. He had one interception with a pass broken up and 12 tackles.

Eight Blue Dragons earned All-League honors on the honorable mention list.

Tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/gibbs_rodrecas_xrxb">Rodrecas Gibbs</a>, receivers Oran Singleton and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/smith_tristan_wlvh">Tristan Smith</a>&nbsp;and running back&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/epton_jr._brandon_rwxf">Brandon Epton Jr.</a>&nbsp;were offensive players on the honorable mention list. Defensive tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/stillman_xavier_k6k2">Xavier Stillman</a>&nbsp;and defensive end Ny'Len Jones were defensive all-league honorable mention selections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700171395370.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy HutchCC Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy HutchCC Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC AthleticsThe 2023 Jayhawk Conference football champion Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons had a total of 26 players who earned recognition on the All-KJCCC Football teams, which were released on Thursday.The Blue Dragons had a near complete sweep of the three major awards.Head coach Drew Dallas was named the conference Coach of the Year. Sophomore defensive end&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/brown_daniel_a1x7">Daniel Brown</a>&nbsp;was named the KJCCC Defensive Player of the Year. Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/collier_samari_cpv0">Samari Collier</a>&nbsp;was named co-Offensive Player of the Year with Highland receiver Benson Prosper.The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (10-0) played 14 players on the all-KJCCC first team, four players on the second team and eight players on the honorable mention list.DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR - DANIEL BROWN, Hutchinson A 6-2, 240-pound defensive end from Kansas City, Kansas, Brown has had one of the most dominant seasons in Blue Dragon and KJCCC history.For the season, Brown accounted for 49 total tackles, 22.5 tackles going for loss.His 17.5 quarterback sacks, accounting for 136 yards in losses, leads the nation and is second most in Blue Dragon single-season history. He has had at least one quarterback sack in nine consecutive games.Brown had back-to-back season-high three sacks against both Dodge City and Garden City. Brown also has 11 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and fumble recovery.Against No. 2 Iowa Wester, Brown had six tackles and two sacks, which included a sack-fumble that was the turnaround play of the game with the Dragons at that point trailing the Reivers 21-7.Brown is the first Blue Dragon to win league Defensive Player of the Year honors since Roterius Torrence in 2020/21. He is the four Blue Dragon to win the award since 2018, joining Torrence, Latrell Bankston (2019) and Monty Montgomery (2018).COACH OF THE YEAR - DREW DALLAS, Hutchinson The fourth-year Blue Dragon head coach won the Jayhawk Conference Coach of the Year award for the third time.Dallas and the Blue Dragons ran the table in the KJCCC for the second-straight season and have won 14-striaght league-designated games and 18 games in a row against league foes including postseason matchups.Hutchinson took over the No. 1 spot in the NJCAA Rankings after Week 1 and have reeled off 10-straight victories, including wins over five nationally ranked opponents.The Blue Dragons led the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 10.2 points per game and was No. 2 in the NJCAA in scoring offense at 40.4 points per contest. The Dragons were also No. 1 in rushing defense at 54.9 yards per game.The 2023 Blue Dragons had 27 all-conference performers this season, including 14 first-team selections.Dallas is 38-3 with the Blue Dragons, a stretch that includes a national championship, national runner-up and four consecutive league titles (three regular season and one playoff).CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR - SAMARI COLLIER, Hutchinson A 6-foot-3, 220-point sophomore from DeSoto, Texas, Collier was a true two-way threat at quarterback for the Blue Dragons this season.Collier combined for 1,727 total yards and accounted for 19 touchdowns for the Blue Dragons this season. Collier completed 77 of 135 passes (57.0 percent) for 1,253 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. Collier averaged 5.3 yards per rush, going for 474 yards on 90 carries with six touchdowns.Collier had two games with 100-plus yards both rushing and passing. He had 176 passing yards and 107 rushing yards against No. 5 Iowa Central and 136 passing yards and 103 rushing yards against No. 9 Butler.Collier threw for a season-highs of 236 yards and four touchdowns in a league championship-clinching victory at Independence.FIRST TEAM OFFENSE A total of six Blue Dragons were on the first-team offense.Running back&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/reed_jr._tyrell_3b4y">Tyrell Reed Jr.</a>&nbsp;earned first-team honors. His 12 rushing touchdowns are second in the NJCAA. Reed has a team-high 692 rushing yards on 111 carries. He averages 6.2 yards per carry.Receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/beason_zerah_m1gv">Zeriah Beason</a>&nbsp;had 27 receptions for 475 yards and five touchdowns.The Blue Dragons had three offensive linemen earn first-team honors.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/richardson_jayven_gmy8">Jayven Richardson</a>, Mat Glen and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/marcotte_maddox_h8uz">Maddox Marcotte</a>&nbsp;helped the Blue Dragons produce the second-best scoring offense in the nation at 39.1 points per game. The Dragons are among the top rushing teams in the KJCCC at 229.2 yards per game.FIRST TEAM DEFENSE Linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/sherman_k-von_986x">K'Von Sherman</a>&nbsp;was Hutchinson's leading tackler this season. He closed out the regular season with back-to-back KJCCC Defensive Player of the Week awards. Sherman had 64 total tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 quarterback sacks.Freshman safety&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/nolan_ryan_iyfa">Ryan Nolan</a>&nbsp;leads the NJCAA with seven interceptions. Nolan had a three interception game against No. 5 Iowa Central and a two-interception game against Highland. Nolan had five passes defensed and was in on 21 total tackles.Defensive tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/saili_danny_rmkt">Danny Saili</a>&nbsp;had 18 total tackles, but was disruptive all season long in the trenches with 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 quarterback sacks. He also has a blocked field goal to his credit.Cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/scruggs_jordan_m11u">Jordan Scruggs</a>&nbsp;had 34 total tackles with an interception, fumble recovery and five passes broken up. Safety&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/mcconico_malik_amvf">Malik McConico</a>&nbsp;had four interceptions and 32 tackles this season.FIRST TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS Freshman return specialist&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/richardson_tre_3jar">Tre Richardson</a>&nbsp;had a huge season, finishing second in the NJCAA in kickoff return average (28.4 yards per return), second in punt return average (17.3 yards per return) and third in the nation in all-purpose yards (141.0 yards per game). Richardson had two punts and a kickoff returned for a touchdown.Sophomore punter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/forbes_stefaan_v56y">Stefaan Forbes</a>&nbsp;was third in the NJCAA in punting this season at 41.0 yards per punt. He placed 16 inside the 20-yard line and had seven punts of 50 or more yards with a long of 66 yards.SECOND TEAM AND HONORABLE MENTION SELECTIONS Blocking tight end Jered Napoli and offensive linemen&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/honorable_brandon_kvix">Brandon Honorable</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/cain_chris_1xes">Chris Cain</a>&nbsp;were second-team all-league selections.Cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/mundy_jaymar_ou8l">Jaymar Mundy</a>&nbsp;had a tremendous season as a cover corner. He had one interception with a pass broken up and 12 tackles.Eight Blue Dragons earned All-League honors on the honorable mention list.Tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/gibbs_rodrecas_xrxb">Rodrecas Gibbs</a>, receivers Oran Singleton and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/smith_tristan_wlvh">Tristan Smith</a>&nbsp;and running back&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/epton_jr._brandon_rwxf">Brandon Epton Jr.</a>&nbsp;were offensive players on the honorable mention list. Defensive tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/stillman_xavier_k6k2">Xavier Stillman</a>&nbsp;and defensive end Ny'Len Jones were defensive all-league honorable mention selections.

🏈 HutchCC's Dallas, Collier, Brown earn major all-KJCCC honors

<a href="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2023/11/the-shocking-saga-unleashed-new-sc-featured-where-wolf-the-search-for-chiefsaholic-to-premiere-exclusively-on-espn/">ESPN Press Room</a>

“Where Wolf: The Search for ChiefsAholic,”&nbsp;a new longform documentary from&nbsp;SC Featured, unravels the astonishing tale of a fervent Kansas City Chiefs superfan, Xaviar Babudar.

The 40-minute “Where Wolf” takes viewers on a gripping journey through the life of Babudar, a passionate football enthusiast whose alleged actions took a criminal turn, leaving the nation in shock. In his first public comments since his second arrest, Babudar – through his lawyer – responds from jail to extensive questions from ESPN’s Elizabeth Merrill, one of the feature’s reporters.

“We’ve been reporting this story for almost a year, and although ChiefsAholic had a huge online presence, extracting even the most basic information about him was a challenge,” said Merrill. “So, when his attorney agreed to send him a list of our questions in September, we felt as if it was somewhat of a breakthrough. Babudar wouldn’t answer questions about his case, but he did paint a picture of a man who got caught up in his own superfan persona.”

The program will make its exclusive debut on ESPN+ on Monday, November 20, offering an immersive exploration of the motivations and circumstances that led to ChiefsAholic’s notoriety after being arrested and charged with robbing multiple banks across the United States.

The documentary aims to provide an in-depth examination of the intriguing narrative behind ChiefsAholic, combining exclusive interviews, compelling visuals, and expert analysis.

Interviewees Featured in the Documentary:

Xaviar Babudar (Through Matthew Merryman) – ChiefsAholic

Matthew Merryman – Xaviar Babudar’s Attorney

Steve Kunzweiler – Tulsa, OK District Attorney

Lynn “Weirdwolf” Schmidt – Chiefs Superfan

Braiden Turner – Host, KC Sports Network

“Where Wolf: The Search for ChiefsAholic” was directed and produced by Martin Khodabakhshian with reporting from Merrill and David Purdum.

Monday Night Football’s Super Bowl Rematch“Where Wolf” is one of many elements surrounding ESPN’s programming around the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rematch on Monday Night Football (Nov. 20, 8 p.m., ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes). Fans can expect to see NFL Live, Monday Night Countdown and SportsCenter with SVP from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, an enhanced game presentation with the addition of 4K and super slow-motion cameras, interviews, and features with the game’s biggest stars across studio shows and robust coverage on ESPN+ and ESPN.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700160800653.jpeg" alt="SCF-ChiefsAholic-BLACK-Graphic Courtesy ESPN" />
 <figcaption>SCF-ChiefsAholic-BLACK-Graphic Courtesy ESPN</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2023/11/the-shocking-saga-unleashed-new-sc-featured-where-wolf-the-search-for-chiefsaholic-to-premiere-exclusively-on-espn/">ESPN Press Room</a>“Where Wolf: The Search for ChiefsAholic,”&nbsp;a new longform documentary from&nbsp;SC Featured, unravels the astonishing tale of a fervent Kansas City Chiefs superfan, Xaviar Babudar.The 40-minute “Where Wolf” takes viewers on a gripping journey through the life of Babudar, a passionate football enthusiast whose alleged actions took a criminal turn, leaving the nation in shock. In his first public comments since his second arrest, Babudar – through his lawyer – responds from jail to extensive questions from ESPN’s Elizabeth Merrill, one of the feature’s reporters.“We’ve been reporting this story for almost a year, and although ChiefsAholic had a huge online presence, extracting even the most basic information about him was a challenge,” said Merrill. “So, when his attorney agreed to send him a list of our questions in September, we felt as if it was somewhat of a breakthrough. Babudar wouldn’t answer questions about his case, but he did paint a picture of a man who got caught up in his own superfan persona.”The program will make its exclusive debut on ESPN+ on Monday, November 20, offering an immersive exploration of the motivations and circumstances that led to ChiefsAholic’s notoriety after being arrested and charged with robbing multiple banks across the United States.The documentary aims to provide an in-depth examination of the intriguing narrative behind ChiefsAholic, combining exclusive interviews, compelling visuals, and expert analysis.Interviewees Featured in the Documentary:Xaviar Babudar (Through Matthew Merryman) – ChiefsAholicMatthew Merryman – Xaviar Babudar’s AttorneyTodd Blish – Bixby, OK Police ChiefSteve Kunzweiler – Tulsa, OK District AttorneyLynn “Weirdwolf” Schmidt – Chiefs SuperfanBraiden Turner – Host, KC Sports NetworkLindsay True – Longtime Chiefs Fan“Where Wolf: The Search for ChiefsAholic” was directed and produced by Martin Khodabakhshian with reporting from Merrill and David Purdum.Monday Night Football’s Super Bowl Rematch“Where Wolf” is one of many elements surrounding ESPN’s programming around the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rematch on Monday Night Football (Nov. 20, 8 p.m., ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes). Fans can expect to see NFL Live, Monday Night Countdown and SportsCenter with SVP from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, an enhanced game presentation with the addition of 4K and super slow-motion cameras, interviews, and features with the game’s biggest stars across studio shows and robust coverage on ESPN+ and ESPN.com.

New SC Featured “Where Wolf: The Search for ChiefsAholic” To Premiere Exclusively on ESPN+

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer

Seventh-ranked Texas is the Big 12’s last remaining hope to make the four-team College Football Playoff. The 9-1 Longhorns are still also trying to clinch a spot in the conference championship game. They play at Iowa State on Saturday in a matchup of two of the league's top defenses. Also in the Big 12 this week, 23rd-ranked Kansas State plays at Kansas in a Sunflower Showdown matching 7-3 teams. This will be the 113th consecutive year the rivals have met, the fourth-longest uninterrupted FBS series.

No. 7 Texas (9-1, 6-1 Big 12, No. 7 CFP) at Iowa State (6-4, 5-2), Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (Fox)

The Longhorns, the Big 12's last remaining hope to make the four-team College Football Playoff, are still trying to clinch a spot in the conference championship game. They got quarterback Quinn Ewers back last week after he missed two games with an injured throwing shoulder, but lost 1,000-yard rusher Jonathon Brooks for the rest of the season when he tore the ACL in his right knee in the win at TCU.

Iowa State has won four of its five games since ending September with a 30-point loss at Oklahoma. The Cyclones, who were 1-2 in non-conference play, are still in contention to get in the Big 12 title game for the second time in four seasons, but have to win both of their games and get plenty of help.

This is a matchup of two of the league's top defenses. Iowa State allows only 329 total yards per game, the only one better than Texas' (337.1). The Longhorns have given up only 18.4 points per game and the Cyclones 19.9.

No. 23 Kansas State at Kansas, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (FS1)

This Sunflower Showdown matches two 7-3 teams. The Wildcats have dominated the series, winning 14 in a row since 2008 by an average margin of more than four touchdowns. But these aren't the same old Jayhawks, though they would be down to their third quarterback if Jason Bean is unable to play. This will be the 113th consecutive year the rivals have met, the fourth-longest uninterrupted FBS series. It is the 121st meeting overall.

Texas Tech's Tahj Brooks has rushed for more than 100 yards in seven of his last eight games and he had 98 in the other game. He is second in the Big 12 and fifth nationally at 116.6 yards per game. He has rushing touchdowns in six consecutive games, the first Red Raiders running back to do that since Taurean Henderson in 2004. The Red Raiders on Saturday host UCF, the Big 12's worst rushing defense. The Knights give up 196 yards per game and have allowed 23 TDs on the ground.

More than half of the Big 12 teams could finish the regular season tied for first place. With two games left, it is still possible for eight of the 14 teams to have 6-3 conference records. For that to happen, Texas would have to lose its remaining games (Iowa State, Texas Tech), Kansas would have to win both of its games, including this week against Kansas State, which would then have to beat Iowa State. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State would both have to split their remaining two games, while Texas Tech and West Virginia have to win out. A series of tiebreakers would then come into play to determine which two teams meet in the Big 12 championship game Dec. 2.

Baylor vs. TCU becomes the most-played rivalry in Texas with its 119th meeting in a series that dates to 1899. Texas and Texas A&amp;M have played 118 times, but their last meeting was 2011. ... No. 14 Oklahoma is coming off a 59-20 win over West Virginia. That made the Sooners, who play at BYU for the first time Saturday, the nation's only team to score at least 59 points in three games this season. ... Seven Big 12 teams are bowl eligible, and three more are one win shy of the needed six wins.

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports WriterSeventh-ranked Texas is the Big 12’s last remaining hope to make the four-team College Football Playoff. The 9-1 Longhorns are still also trying to clinch a spot in the conference championship game. They play at Iowa State on Saturday in a matchup of two of the league's top defenses. Also in the Big 12 this week, 23rd-ranked Kansas State plays at Kansas in a Sunflower Showdown matching 7-3 teams. This will be the 113th consecutive year the rivals have met, the fourth-longest uninterrupted FBS series.GAME Of THE WEEKNo. 7 Texas (9-1, 6-1 Big 12, No. 7 CFP) at Iowa State (6-4, 5-2), Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (Fox)The Longhorns, the Big 12's last remaining hope to make the four-team College Football Playoff, are still trying to clinch a spot in the conference championship game. They got quarterback Quinn Ewers back last week after he missed two games with an injured throwing shoulder, but lost 1,000-yard rusher Jonathon Brooks for the rest of the season when he tore the ACL in his right knee in the win at TCU.Iowa State has won four of its five games since ending September with a 30-point loss at Oklahoma. The Cyclones, who were 1-2 in non-conference play, are still in contention to get in the Big 12 title game for the second time in four seasons, but have to win both of their games and get plenty of help.This is a matchup of two of the league's top defenses. Iowa State allows only 329 total yards per game, the only one better than Texas' (337.1). The Longhorns have given up only 18.4 points per game and the Cyclones 19.9.BEST MATCHUPNo. 23 Kansas State at Kansas, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (FS1)This Sunflower Showdown matches two 7-3 teams. The Wildcats have dominated the series, winning 14 in a row since 2008 by an average margin of more than four touchdowns. But these aren't the same old Jayhawks, though they would be down to their third quarterback if Jason Bean is unable to play. This will be the 113th consecutive year the rivals have met, the fourth-longest uninterrupted FBS series. It is the 121st meeting overall.IMPACT PLAYERTexas Tech's Tahj Brooks has rushed for more than 100 yards in seven of his last eight games and he had 98 in the other game. He is second in the Big 12 and fifth nationally at 116.6 yards per game. He has rushing touchdowns in six consecutive games, the first Red Raiders running back to do that since Taurean Henderson in 2004. The Red Raiders on Saturday host UCF, the Big 12's worst rushing defense. The Knights give up 196 yards per game and have allowed 23 TDs on the ground.EIGHT IS ENOUGHMore than half of the Big 12 teams could finish the regular season tied for first place. With two games left, it is still possible for eight of the 14 teams to have 6-3 conference records. For that to happen, Texas would have to lose its remaining games (Iowa State, Texas Tech), Kansas would have to win both of its games, including this week against Kansas State, which would then have to beat Iowa State. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State would both have to split their remaining two games, while Texas Tech and West Virginia have to win out. A series of tiebreakers would then come into play to determine which two teams meet in the Big 12 championship game Dec. 2.INSIDE THE NUMBERSBaylor vs. TCU becomes the most-played rivalry in Texas with its 119th meeting in a series that dates to 1899. Texas and Texas A&amp;M have played 118 times, but their last meeting was 2011. ... No. 14 Oklahoma is coming off a 59-20 win over West Virginia. That made the Sooners, who play at BYU for the first time Saturday, the nation's only team to score at least 59 points in three games this season. ... Seven Big 12 teams are bowl eligible, and three more are one win shy of the needed six wins.

Things to watch in the Big 12 Conference in Week 12

Brothers Travis and Jason Kelce gave their best to the A Philly Special Christmas album. Below is a link to their Youtube video.

<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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700140091264.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Brothers Travis and Jason Kelce gave their best to the A Philly Special Christmas album. Below is a link to their Youtube video.<div><iframe width="1280" height="720" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6StD_xLFp5A" title="The Philly Specials, Feat Jason Kelce &amp; Travis Kelce - Fairytale Of Philadelphia" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><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;

🏈 Travis and Jason Kelce sing Christmas song

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State senior left guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-beebe/11081">Cooper Beebe</a>&nbsp;is one of seven players in the nation to be named a semifinalist for the 2023 Outland Trophy, the Greater Omaha Sports Committee and Football Writers Association of America announced Wednesday evening.

Beebe is the first player in school history to become a semifinalist for the award that is presented annually to the nation's best college interior lineman on offense or defense. He is joined on this year's list by Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zahn Newton, Texas defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt, Michigan guard Zak Zinter, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson and Oregon State guard Taliese Fuaga.

From the list of seven players, three will be selected as finalists for the award on November 28. The recipient of the 2023 Outland Trophy will be announced on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on December 8 at 6 p.m. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 10, 2024.

A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Beebe has started 45 career games to rank fifth among Wildcat offensive linemen since 1990. This season, he has helped K-State rank 14th&nbsp;nationally in rushing (202.1 yards per game), while the Wildcats are tied for 12th overall and tied for first in the Big 12 with 25 rushing touchdowns. Beebe played all over the line over the first six games of 2023, playing 320 snaps at left guard, 106 snaps at right tackle and 20 snaps at left tackle. He has since settled in at left guard over the last four games, playing all 275 offensive snaps at the position. He has even played three plays at defensive tackle to help with depth at the position due to injury, and he carded a tackle against Baylor.

The Outland Trophy is the third award that Beebe is still in contention for this season as he is one of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award and one of 16 finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the "Academic Heisman."

Beebe and the 21st-ranked Wildcats take on in-state rival and No. 25 Kansas in Lawrence this Saturday inside Memorial Stadium. The game, which kicks at 6 p.m., will be televised by FS1.&nbsp; Coverage on My 93.1 begins at 4 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700137789134.jpeg" alt="Cooper Beebe-Photo Courtesy K-State Sports" />
 <figcaption>Cooper Beebe-Photo Courtesy K-State Sports</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State SportsMANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State senior left guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-beebe/11081">Cooper Beebe</a>&nbsp;is one of seven players in the nation to be named a semifinalist for the 2023 Outland Trophy, the Greater Omaha Sports Committee and Football Writers Association of America announced Wednesday evening.Beebe is the first player in school history to become a semifinalist for the award that is presented annually to the nation's best college interior lineman on offense or defense. He is joined on this year's list by Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zahn Newton, Texas defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt, Michigan guard Zak Zinter, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson and Oregon State guard Taliese Fuaga.From the list of seven players, three will be selected as finalists for the award on November 28. The recipient of the 2023 Outland Trophy will be announced on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on December 8 at 6 p.m. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 10, 2024.A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Beebe has started 45 career games to rank fifth among Wildcat offensive linemen since 1990. This season, he has helped K-State rank 14th&nbsp;nationally in rushing (202.1 yards per game), while the Wildcats are tied for 12th overall and tied for first in the Big 12 with 25 rushing touchdowns. Beebe played all over the line over the first six games of 2023, playing 320 snaps at left guard, 106 snaps at right tackle and 20 snaps at left tackle. He has since settled in at left guard over the last four games, playing all 275 offensive snaps at the position. He has even played three plays at defensive tackle to help with depth at the position due to injury, and he carded a tackle against Baylor.The Outland Trophy is the third award that Beebe is still in contention for this season as he is one of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award and one of 16 finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the "Academic Heisman."Beebe and the 21st-ranked Wildcats take on in-state rival and No. 25 Kansas in Lawrence this Saturday inside Memorial Stadium. The game, which kicks at 6 p.m., will be televised by FS1.&nbsp; Coverage on My 93.1 begins at 4 p.m.

🏈 Beebe Semifinalist for Outland Trophy

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Sunflower Showdown between Kansas State and Kansas hasn’t been much of a showdown over the past decade or so.That's because the Jayhawks have rarely shown up.The Wildcats have not lost to their rival since the 2008 season, just before Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder returned for his second stint in charge. And nothing changed when Chris Klieman took over four years ago, adding four wins to make it 14 straight and by an average margin of more than four touchdowns per game.Yet few think their matchup Saturday will be just another blowout.While the No. 23 Wildcats (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) are tied for second in the conference and still in the hunt to defend their Big 12 title, the Jayhawks (7-3, 4-3) are among the teams one game back. And with identical overall records, the two teams are on remarkably even footing as they resume the fourth-oldest continuously played rivalry in the Bowl Subdivision.“We're just going to keep working on closing that gap and see where it turns out,” Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold said. “It was our responsibility to make this rivalry a better game and I think we're taking those steps, but we have to go out and play that way.”It won't be easy if the Jayhawks are missing Jason Bean.Bean was No. 2 on the depth chart to start the season, but he's deftly guided Kansas most of the way while starter Jalon Daniels deals with a back injury. Then came last Saturday's game against Texas Tech, when Bean sustained what Leipold called “a head injury” and walk-on freshman Cole Ballard played the rest of the way in a last-minute 16-13 loss.Leipold expressed optimism Monday that Bean would be able to play, then backtracked the following day on a local radio show, saying that "Cole will be ready to go, and that’s probably the direction we’re going to have to plan on at this moment.”Klieman doesn't think the Jayhawks' approach will change no matter who is under center.“I know it was a smaller sample size,” Klieman said, “but I really didn't think they changed a whole lot offensively when (Ballard) came in last week. It's still what they do. They're having a lot of success on offense with whomever played quarterback, so in my mind, those kids offensively believe in what they're doing. Why would you change it?”One thing the Jayhawks would like to change: Their losing streak in the series.“We know how important the game is,” Klieman said. “All those things don't have to be said, don't have to be talked about. But it still comes down to you better not take any shortcuts, you better focus on your preparation and attack today.”TITLE PICTUREKansas State could still wiggle its way back into the Big 12 title game but needs to beat Kansas and Iowa State the next two weeks and get some help. The Wildcats and Cyclones are in a logjam of 5-2 teams with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, one of the two conference teams — Big 12-leading Texas is the other — to beat Kansas State this season.INJURY UPDATEAlong with Bean, the Jayhawks are uncertain whether they will have reliable wide receiver Luke Grimm available. Kansas State will be without Jake Clifton, who joined fellow linebackers Daniel Green and Asa Newsome with season-ending injuries.SENIOR SEND-OFFIt will be the final game for many Jayhawks, such as safety Kenny Logan Jr., who helped to turn around the program. Logan played two seasons under Les Miles before he was fired, then played for Leipold the past three. This will be the first time in his five years on campus that the Jayhawks will finish with a winning record.STADIUM SEND-OFFThe game also will be the last game at Memorial Stadium, which opened in October 1921 and is among the oldest in major college football, before a massive renovation completely transforms it. The construction will begin after the game and continue through next season before finishing up in time for the start of the 2025 season.ROADKILLKansas State has won all five of its home games easily this season, but the road has been a different matter. They lost on a last-second 62-yard field goal at Missouri, then fell behind early at Oklahoma State and Texas before comeback bids came up short. Their only road win came at Texas Tech, when they trailed in the third quarter before scoring three unanswered touchdowns.

No. 23 K-State still has eyes on a Big 12 title shot as its trip to rival Kansas arrives

HUTCHINSON, Kan.- The #1 Florida South Western State Buccaneers began their NJCAA National Tournament run in style on Wednesday, sweeping past the Cinderella Colby Trojans 3-0 to make their fourth consecutive appearance in the quarterfinal round.&nbsp;

The defending champion Buccaneers came out hot against the team making their first tournament appearance in nearly 50 years, taking an early 8-2 lead after back to back kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/zibecchi_victoria_48zv">Victoria&nbsp; Zibecchi</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/gasparini_sara_3tap">Sara Gasparini</a>. The Bucs continued to push, opening up a 13-5 lead after the same combo recorded consecutive kills and FSW's cushion was padded to double digits at 21-11 when&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/collier_izzy_81vv">Izzy Collier</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/alarcon_alondra_78aw">Alondra Alarcon</a>&nbsp;combined on a stuff to put the Bucs up 10. Moments later Collier hammered one to the floor to give FSW set point and a ball handling error on the Trojans sealed Colby's fate as the Bucs took the first 25-14 to go up 1-0 in the match. The Bucs finished with 15 kills from seven different players in the set, hitting .316 as a team while holding Colby to a .021 mark.&nbsp;

It was another good start for the Bucs in the second as they jumped out to a 5-1 lead thanks in part to a four point stand at the service line from Alarcon. They upped their lead to 8-3 as Zibecchi dropped an ace in front of the Colby passers and midway through the set it was all Purple and Aqua as a huge stuff from Collier and&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/purashaj_roberta_ci3l">Roberta Purashaj</a>&nbsp;made it a 14-5 game.

A late run by the Trojans made the final score more interesting, but the Bucs were never challenged as they took the second 25-18 to go ahead 2-0 in the match.&nbsp;For the third straight set, the Bucs took the early advantage on the Trojans as Purashaj hooked up with&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/boledovicova_nina_rjxw">Nina Boledovicova</a>on the slide to give FSW a 5-2 lead to begin things.

It was 12-10 FSW midway through the set when history was made as Bucs Head Coach Thais Baziquetto-Allen. pulled the green card out of her pocket for the first coach's challenge in program history. After the review, the Bucs leading lady was proven right and the Bucs won the point to take a three point lead. The Bucs went cold after the challenge and dropped the next four points including back to back attack errors to give Colby just their second lead of the night at 14-13. 

The Bucs didn't trail long as a block from Boledovicova and Gasparini tied the score and an ace from Zibecchi put them back on top 15-14. They never trailed again. With the finish line in site, the Bucs stepped on the gas one final time as a kill on the right side from Zibecchi made it 21-17 before an ace from Purashaj sealed it as FSW took the third 25-18 to sweep the match 3-0.

The Bucs finished the night hitting .258 as a team while holding Colby to just a .106 mark.&nbsp; Alarcon led the Bucs with 10 kills while Boledovicova finished with 6 without an error while posting a team high .600 hitting percentage.&nbsp; Purashaj dished out 29 assists for FSW while Gasparini, Boledovicova, and Collier each finished with 3 blocks.&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/marzella_anna_nd4b">Anna Marzella</a>&nbsp;notched a team high 15 digs in her National Tournament debut.&nbsp;

FSW sets a new program record with their 28th&nbsp;win of the year as they improve to 28-1 while Colby sees their nine game win streak come to an emphatic stop as they fall to 22-9.&nbsp;

The Bucs advance to the NJCAA National Tournament Quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive season where they will square off with #10 Southern Idaho at 8 PM (ET) Thursday with a trip to the Final Four on the line.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bucs fans who want to catch the team in action tomorrow can go up to the hospitality room in Suncoast Arena at the conclusion of the FSW/Central Georgia Tech Men's Basketball game where the game will be shown on two large video projectiors.&nbsp;

<a href="https://fswbucs.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/boxscores/20231115_erdm.xml">#1 FLORIDA SOUTHWESTERN/COLBY BOX SCORE</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700134888856.jpeg" alt="Victoria Zibecchi (Photo by Roy Allen)" />
 <figcaption>Victoria Zibecchi (Photo by Roy Allen)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.- The #1 Florida South Western State Buccaneers began their NJCAA National Tournament run in style on Wednesday, sweeping past the Cinderella Colby Trojans 3-0 to make their fourth consecutive appearance in the quarterfinal round.&nbsp;The defending champion Buccaneers came out hot against the team making their first tournament appearance in nearly 50 years, taking an early 8-2 lead after back to back kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/zibecchi_victoria_48zv">Victoria&nbsp; Zibecchi</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/gasparini_sara_3tap">Sara Gasparini</a>. The Bucs continued to push, opening up a 13-5 lead after the same combo recorded consecutive kills and FSW's cushion was padded to double digits at 21-11 when&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/collier_izzy_81vv">Izzy Collier</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/alarcon_alondra_78aw">Alondra Alarcon</a>&nbsp;combined on a stuff to put the Bucs up 10. Moments later Collier hammered one to the floor to give FSW set point and a ball handling error on the Trojans sealed Colby's fate as the Bucs took the first 25-14 to go up 1-0 in the match. The Bucs finished with 15 kills from seven different players in the set, hitting .316 as a team while holding Colby to a .021 mark.&nbsp;It was another good start for the Bucs in the second as they jumped out to a 5-1 lead thanks in part to a four point stand at the service line from Alarcon. They upped their lead to 8-3 as Zibecchi dropped an ace in front of the Colby passers and midway through the set it was all Purple and Aqua as a huge stuff from Collier and&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/purashaj_roberta_ci3l">Roberta Purashaj</a>&nbsp;made it a 14-5 game. A late run by the Trojans made the final score more interesting, but the Bucs were never challenged as they took the second 25-18 to go ahead 2-0 in the match.&nbsp;For the third straight set, the Bucs took the early advantage on the Trojans as Purashaj hooked up with&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/boledovicova_nina_rjxw">Nina Boledovicova</a>on the slide to give FSW a 5-2 lead to begin things. It was 12-10 FSW midway through the set when history was made as Bucs Head Coach Thais Baziquetto-Allen. pulled the green card out of her pocket for the first coach's challenge in program history. After the review, the Bucs leading lady was proven right and the Bucs won the point to take a three point lead. The Bucs went cold after the challenge and dropped the next four points including back to back attack errors to give Colby just their second lead of the night at 14-13. The Bucs didn't trail long as a block from Boledovicova and Gasparini tied the score and an ace from Zibecchi put them back on top 15-14. They never trailed again. With the finish line in site, the Bucs stepped on the gas one final time as a kill on the right side from Zibecchi made it 21-17 before an ace from Purashaj sealed it as FSW took the third 25-18 to sweep the match 3-0.The Bucs finished the night hitting .258 as a team while holding Colby to just a .106 mark.&nbsp; Alarcon led the Bucs with 10 kills while Boledovicova finished with 6 without an error while posting a team high .600 hitting percentage.&nbsp; Purashaj dished out 29 assists for FSW while Gasparini, Boledovicova, and Collier each finished with 3 blocks.&nbsp;<a href="https://fsw.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/marzella_anna_nd4b">Anna Marzella</a>&nbsp;notched a team high 15 digs in her National Tournament debut.&nbsp;FSW sets a new program record with their 28th&nbsp;win of the year as they improve to 28-1 while Colby sees their nine game win streak come to an emphatic stop as they fall to 22-9.&nbsp;The Bucs advance to the NJCAA National Tournament Quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive season where they will square off with #10 Southern Idaho at 8 PM (ET) Thursday with a trip to the Final Four on the line.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bucs fans who want to catch the team in action tomorrow can go up to the hospitality room in Suncoast Arena at the conclusion of the FSW/Central Georgia Tech Men's Basketball game where the game will be shown on two large video projectiors.&nbsp;<a href="https://fswbucs.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/boxscores/20231115_erdm.xml">#1 FLORIDA SOUTHWESTERN/COLBY BOX SCORE</a>

🏐 WVB: No. 1 Florida Southwestern Bucs take down Colby in National Tournament opener

HUTCHINSON, Kan.-The opening round of the 2023 NJCAA D1 Women's Volleyball Championship went about as predicted on Wednesday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena with the exception of No. 9 seed College of Southern Idaho edging No. 8 seed Odessa College in 5 sets 3 games to 2.

All the other higher seeds advanced to today's quarterfinals which gets under way at the Sports arena at 10am.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700134739376.png" alt="NJCAA Volleyball" />
 <figcaption>NJCAA Volleyball</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.-The opening round of the 2023 NJCAA D1 Women's Volleyball Championship went about as predicted on Wednesday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena with the exception of No. 9 seed College of Southern Idaho edging No. 8 seed Odessa College in 5 sets 3 games to 2.All the other higher seeds advanced to today's quarterfinals which gets under way at the Sports arena at 10am.Those teams that lost in the first round will play on in the consolation bracket for 9th place and become a single elimination bracket with four of the sixteen teams in the National field being eliminated today.WEDNESDAY RESULTS:#6 Weatherford (TX) defeated #11 Blinn College (TX) 25-16, 25-19, 25-21#3 Miami Dade (FL) defeated #14 Casper (WY) 25-23, 25-14, 25-19#2 Northeastern (CO) defeated #15 Mineral Area (MO) 25-21, 25-17, 21-25, 19-25, 15-5#7 Navarro (TX) defeated #10 New Mexico (NM) 25-18. 25-20. 25-13#1 Florida Southwestern (FL) defeated #16 Colby (KS) 25-14. 25-18, 25-18#9 College of Southern Idaho (ID) defeated #8 Odessa (TX) 25-19, 18-25, 25-18, 21-25, 16-14#5 Trinity Valley (TX) defeated #12 Daytona State (FL) 18-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-21#4 Salt Lake (UT) defeated #13 Indian Hills (IA) 25-17, 25-20, 22-25, 22-25, 15-7<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/wvball/div1/composite">THURSDAY SCHEDULE-CLICK HERE</a>