By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins scored the most points in a game by an NFL team since 1966, overwhelming the Denver Broncos 70-20 on Sunday behind rookie speedster De’Von Achane's 203 yards rushing and Tua Tagovailoa's&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1706002674574102813?s=20">no-look shovel-pass</a>&nbsp;TD.

The Dolphins set a franchise record for scoring and finished two points shy of the NFL’s regular-season record — set in 1966 when Washington scored 72 points against the Giants. They are the fourth team in NFL history to score at least 70 points in a regular-season or playoff game.

Many of their starters, including Tagovailoa and star receiver Tyreek Hill, were pulled from the game early in the fourth quarter.

Achane caught a 10-yard TD pass from Tagovailoa — the quarterback's fourth TD — in the fourth, and Jason Sanders converted the extra point that made it 56-13 and broke Miami's franchise scoring record of 55 set against St. Louis on Nov. 24, 1977.

Hill caught a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1705992180291215537?s=20">54-yard touchdown pass</a>&nbsp;on Miami’s opening drive en route to 157 yards receiving on nine catches.

Miami scored touchdowns on eight of nine drives before Mike White replaced Tagovailoa in the fourth. Raheem Mostert had his second straight multiple-touchdown game with three rushing TDs and a TD catch.

Tagovailoa found a wide-open Hill on the Dolphins’ third play of the game for the duo’s fourth touchdown connection of the season. Hill had 9.7 yards of separation from the nearest Broncos defender when the pass arrived, according to NFL NextGen stats.

Tagovailoa, the NFL’s leading passer, looked to his left then flipped a 4-yard pass to Achane, which gave Miami a 21-7 lead in the second. Tagovailoa completed each of his first 17 pass attempts.

His first incompletion came with 9:44 left in the third when he slightly underthrew Hill. He finished one completion shy of Miami’s franchise record, which was set by Ryan Tannehill in 2015 when he completed 18 consecutive passes over a two-game span.

Achane averaged 11.3 yards per carry and had an electric 67-yard touchdown run in the fourth that capped Miami’s scoring at 70. He also had a physical 8-yard rushing TD in the first that made it 14-0.

Denver’s defense, down starting safety Justin Simmons (hip) and linebacker Frank Clark (hip), got a rare stop with 4:52 left in the first half when the Dolphins could not convert on fourth-and-1 at their 34, but the Broncos punted on the ensuing drive.

Russell Wilson started a season 0-3 for the first time in his career as Denver simply could not keep pace with Miami’s scoring.

Wilson was 23 of 38 with 306 yards and an interception. He had a 12-yard TD pass to Courtland Sutton on Denver’s second possession. It was the second TD catch of the season for Sutton, who led Denver with 91 yards on eight catches Sunday.

Sutton had two fumbles, both of which were knocked out by Dolphins safety Jevon Holland. The first led to a 3-yard run by Mostert that made it 35-10 just before halftime. The second resulted in Mostert’s 19-yard TD catch in the third.

Only one coach in Broncos history started out worse than first-year coach Sean Payton has at 0-3, and that’s Miami’s defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who lost his first four games as Denver’s head coach in 2019.

Will Lutz had kicks of 31 and 25 yards for Denver, and rookie Marvin Mims Jr. returned a kickoff 99 yards for a score in the fourth.

Robbie Chosen, who was activated from the practice squad, caught a 68-yard TD pass from White.

Receiver Jaylen Waddle missed the first game of his career while in the concussion protocol after a helmet-to-helmet hit last week. Waddle has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, but without him, Miami’s offense recorded 726 total yards of offense.

Broncos: LB Jesey Jewell, Denver’s leading tackler, left in the first half with a groin injury and did not return.

Dolphins: WR River Cracraft injured his shoulder in the second quarter and was ruled out. ... Jaelan Philips left just before halftime with an oblique injury. ... Williams left in the third quarter with a groin injury.

By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports WriterMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins scored the most points in a game by an NFL team since 1966, overwhelming the Denver Broncos 70-20 on Sunday behind rookie speedster De’Von Achane's 203 yards rushing and Tua Tagovailoa's&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1706002674574102813?s=20">no-look shovel-pass</a>&nbsp;TD.The Dolphins set a franchise record for scoring and finished two points shy of the NFL’s regular-season record — set in 1966 when Washington scored 72 points against the Giants. They are the fourth team in NFL history to score at least 70 points in a regular-season or playoff game.Many of their starters, including Tagovailoa and star receiver Tyreek Hill, were pulled from the game early in the fourth quarter.Achane caught a 10-yard TD pass from Tagovailoa — the quarterback's fourth TD — in the fourth, and Jason Sanders converted the extra point that made it 56-13 and broke Miami's franchise scoring record of 55 set against St. Louis on Nov. 24, 1977.Hill caught a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1705992180291215537?s=20">54-yard touchdown pass</a>&nbsp;on Miami’s opening drive en route to 157 yards receiving on nine catches.Miami scored touchdowns on eight of nine drives before Mike White replaced Tagovailoa in the fourth. Raheem Mostert had his second straight multiple-touchdown game with three rushing TDs and a TD catch.Tagovailoa found a wide-open Hill on the Dolphins’ third play of the game for the duo’s fourth touchdown connection of the season. Hill had 9.7 yards of separation from the nearest Broncos defender when the pass arrived, according to NFL NextGen stats.Tagovailoa, the NFL’s leading passer, looked to his left then flipped a 4-yard pass to Achane, which gave Miami a 21-7 lead in the second. Tagovailoa completed each of his first 17 pass attempts.His first incompletion came with 9:44 left in the third when he slightly underthrew Hill. He finished one completion shy of Miami’s franchise record, which was set by Ryan Tannehill in 2015 when he completed 18 consecutive passes over a two-game span.Achane averaged 11.3 yards per carry and had an electric 67-yard touchdown run in the fourth that capped Miami’s scoring at 70. He also had a physical 8-yard rushing TD in the first that made it 14-0.Denver’s defense, down starting safety Justin Simmons (hip) and linebacker Frank Clark (hip), got a rare stop with 4:52 left in the first half when the Dolphins could not convert on fourth-and-1 at their 34, but the Broncos punted on the ensuing drive.Russell Wilson started a season 0-3 for the first time in his career as Denver simply could not keep pace with Miami’s scoring.Wilson was 23 of 38 with 306 yards and an interception. He had a 12-yard TD pass to Courtland Sutton on Denver’s second possession. It was the second TD catch of the season for Sutton, who led Denver with 91 yards on eight catches Sunday.Sutton had two fumbles, both of which were knocked out by Dolphins safety Jevon Holland. The first led to a 3-yard run by Mostert that made it 35-10 just before halftime. The second resulted in Mostert’s 19-yard TD catch in the third.Only one coach in Broncos history started out worse than first-year coach Sean Payton has at 0-3, and that’s Miami’s defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who lost his first four games as Denver’s head coach in 2019.Will Lutz had kicks of 31 and 25 yards for Denver, and rookie Marvin Mims Jr. returned a kickoff 99 yards for a score in the fourth.Robbie Chosen, who was activated from the practice squad, caught a 68-yard TD pass from White.NO WADDLE, NO PROBLEMReceiver Jaylen Waddle missed the first game of his career while in the concussion protocol after a helmet-to-helmet hit last week. Waddle has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, but without him, Miami’s offense recorded 726 total yards of offense.INJURIESBroncos: LB Jesey Jewell, Denver’s leading tackler, left in the first half with a groin injury and did not return.Dolphins: WR River Cracraft injured his shoulder in the second quarter and was ruled out. ... Jaelan Philips left just before halftime with an oblique injury. ... Williams left in the third quarter with a groin injury.UP NEXTBroncos: At Chicago on Oct. 1.

🏈 Dolphins rout Broncos, scoring the most points in NFL game since 1966

For the first time since 2008-09,
Kansas is ranked in the Associated Press College Football poll in consecutive
seasons. The 4-0 Jayhawks make their debut into this year’s poll at No. 24 following Saturday's home
win over BYU.

Kansas was ranked twice in the AP Poll during the 2022 season, both at No. 19.&nbsp;

Missouri makes their first appearance at No. 23.

Kansas State (3-1), who was ranked
as high as 15th before losing at Missouri two weeks ago, is just out of this week’s poll as the highest vote-getter not ranked

The Big 12 has three teams
ranked. Texas holds at No. 3 and Oklahoma moves up two to No. 14.

AP COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL 1. Georgia (4-0) 2. Michigan (4-0) 3. Texas (4-0) 4. Ohio State (4-0) 5. Florida State (4-0) 6. Penn State (4-0) 7.&nbsp; Washington (4-0) 8.&nbsp; USC (4-0) 9.&nbsp; Oregon (4-0) 10. Utah (4-0) 11.&nbsp; Notre Dame (4-1) 12. Alabama (3-1) 13. LSU (3-1) 14. Oklahoma (4-0) 15. North Carolina (4-0) 16. Washington State (4-0) 17. Duke (4-0) 18. Miami (Fla.) (4-0) 19. Oregon State (3-1) 20. Ole Miss (3-1) 21. Tennessee (3-1) 22. Florida (3-1) 23. Missouri (4-0) 24. Kansas (4-0) 25. Fresno State (4-0)

Other receiving votes:&nbsp;Kansas St. 57, Kentucky 41, Colorado 32, Louisville 32, UCLA 28, Maryland 20, TCU 17, Tulane 11, Syracuse 8, Wisconsin 6, Air Force 6, Clemson 5, Texas A&amp;M 5.

For the first time since 2008-09,
Kansas is ranked in the Associated Press College Football poll in consecutive
seasons. The 4-0 Jayhawks make their debut into this year’s poll at No. 24 following Saturday's home
win over BYU.Kansas was ranked twice in the AP Poll during the 2022 season, both at No. 19.&nbsp;Missouri makes their first appearance at No. 23.Kansas State (3-1), who was ranked
as high as 15th before losing at Missouri two weeks ago, is just out of this week’s poll as the highest vote-getter not rankedThe Big 12 has three teams
ranked. Texas holds at No. 3 and Oklahoma moves up two to No. 14.Kansas plays at Texas this Saturday.AP COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL 1. Georgia (4-0) 2. Michigan (4-0) 3. Texas (4-0) 4. Ohio State (4-0) 5. Florida State (4-0) 6. Penn State (4-0) 7.&nbsp; Washington (4-0) 8.&nbsp; USC (4-0) 9.&nbsp; Oregon (4-0) 10. Utah (4-0) 11.&nbsp; Notre Dame (4-1) 12. Alabama (3-1) 13. LSU (3-1) 14. Oklahoma (4-0) 15. North Carolina (4-0) 16. Washington State (4-0) 17. Duke (4-0) 18. Miami (Fla.) (4-0) 19. Oregon State (3-1) 20. Ole Miss (3-1) 21. Tennessee (3-1) 22. Florida (3-1) 23. Missouri (4-0) 24. Kansas (4-0) 25. Fresno State (4-0)Other receiving votes:&nbsp;Kansas St. 57, Kentucky 41, Colorado 32, Louisville 32, UCLA 28, Maryland 20, TCU 17, Tulane 11, Syracuse 8, Wisconsin 6, Air Force 6, Clemson 5, Texas A&amp;M 5.

🏈 Jayhawks move into AP top-25, K-State just out

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686627047967.jpeg" alt="Eagle Media Sports - HutchCC Head Coach Drew Dallas after Blue Dragon win over Coffeyville 37-7." />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media Sports - HutchCC Head Coach Drew Dallas after Blue Dragon win over Coffeyville 37-7.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCountry1029%2Fvideos%2F684970373690772%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Podcast:<div><iframe title="September 23rd, 2023 Postgame show with Coach Drew Dallas" 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=3cqgc-14b2880-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

WATCH & LISTEN: HutchCC Head Coach Drew Dallas Post Game Show

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs appeared to fix many of their Week 1 problems last week in Jacksonville, when All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones returned from his holdout, star tight end Travis Kelce was back on the field following a knee injury, and an offense that struggled against Detroit looked just a little bit better against the Jaguars.

Sure, they still had a bunch of penalties. Turnovers remained a problem. The offense was still trying to hit its stride.

Yet those issues seem like mere nuisances compared to what's going on in Chicago these days.

As the Bears prepare to visit the Chiefs on Sunday, they are without a defensive coordinator following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alan-williams-bears-defensive-coordinator-d3f16da381b8d1fe38f3935f5b86803a">Alan Williams' surprising and abrupt resignation</a>&nbsp;and their offense is embroiled in controversy after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justin-fields-chicago-bears-nfl-b28d8307fff74f48c81346719f322cba">quarterback Josh Fields blamed coaching</a>&nbsp;for “robotic” play and then tried rather unsuccessfully to walk back his comments.

So how does&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bears-fields-eberflus-analysis-nfl-e74589c8107dc950e95967de6e0ead8d">Bears coach Matt Eberflus</a>&nbsp;steer a rudderless team going forward?

“You focus on here and now,” he said. “What could we do right now during this time, with the meetings we had this morning, with the improvements we're going to make? That's all you can do. Be where your feet are, focusing on right now.”

Problem is their feet will be in Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, facing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-contract-8e358f650e9176b44ed7d3c6d693bcde">the defending Super Bowl champions</a>. The Bears (0-2) are nearly two-TD underdogs,&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl">according to FanDuel Sportsbook</a>, as they try to snap a 12-game losing streak dating to last season.

“We're going through a storm right now,” Field said after last week's loss to Tampa Bay. “It's frustrating not winning. But I think at the same time, like I said, just take it day by day and not really worry about the past. The past is the past.”

It's not as if the Chiefs (1-1) are&nbsp;<a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/9/18/23879243/chiefs-defense-rescuing-struggling-offense-bears-next-opponent">humming along perfectly</a>, especially on offense. They turned the ball over three times, committed 12 turnovers for 94 yards and a group of wide receivers that had eight drops in their opener against Detroit continued to put the ball on the ground during their 17-9 victory over the Jaguars last week.

“The frustration is probably more of me and about myself and how the offense has been doing,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “Everybody has been having that mentality that we just have to keep working and getting better. The defense has been playing so well. We want to take the pressure off them.”

William said Wednesday he was resigning to take care of his health and his family. Eberflus plans to call defensive plays for the Bears for the second week in a row, but that could take some of his time away from helping their struggling offense.

“I spend time with the offense on the game plan days,” said Eberflus, who was previously the Colts’ defensive coordinator. “I spend breakfast club with the quarterbacks. I meet with the coaches in the evening on the offensive side. And then I’m in the interim game plan also on Monday. ... Like I said, it’s 50-50. You’re splitting it 50-50 there, that’s what you do.”

Fields, whose 70.7 passer rating is worst in the NFL, turned heads this week when he indicated coaches are feeding him too much information. Fields later said his statement was taken out of context and that he only points a finger at himself.

“I think there’s been times where I just try to be a perfectionist and nothing in this world is perfect,” said Fields, who was sacked six times last week and 10 times through two games. “So like I said, stop thinking more and just go out there and play.”

The Chiefs gave Jawaan Taylor a four-year, $80 million contract in the offseason to play right tackle, so it was jarring to see him benched briefly against Jacksonville. Taylor was penalized five times — two false starts, two holds and an illegal formation — one week after his questionable alignment and quick get-off against Detroit were called into question.

“Been working on it this week to clean it up. Needs to be fixed,” said Taylor, whose pass-block rates nevertheless graded out among the best in the league last week. “End of the day, I'm not here to hurt my team. I have to be better.”

The Bears put left tackle Braxton Jones on injured reserve with a neck injury, while safety Eddie Jackson has been dealing with a foot injury, wide receiver Darnell Mooney with a knee problem and defensive back Josh Blackwell with a sore hamstring.

The Chiefs are just as banged up: Nick Bolton has an ankle injury and fellow linebacker Willie Gay Jr. a sore quad, running back Isiah Pacheco is dealing with a sore hamstring, and wide receivers Kadarius Toney and Richie James missed time this week with a sore toe and balky knee. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said James' knee issue could keep him out a while.

The Chiefs offense is accustomed to bailing out their middle-of-the-road defense, but their roles have been reversed through the first two weeks of the season. Kansas City is 13th in total defense, despite playing two potent offenses in the Lions and Jaguars, and tied for third in the league in scoring defense.

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs appeared to fix many of their Week 1 problems last week in Jacksonville, when All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones returned from his holdout, star tight end Travis Kelce was back on the field following a knee injury, and an offense that struggled against Detroit looked just a little bit better against the Jaguars.Sure, they still had a bunch of penalties. Turnovers remained a problem. The offense was still trying to hit its stride.Yet those issues seem like mere nuisances compared to what's going on in Chicago these days.As the Bears prepare to visit the Chiefs on Sunday, they are without a defensive coordinator following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alan-williams-bears-defensive-coordinator-d3f16da381b8d1fe38f3935f5b86803a">Alan Williams' surprising and abrupt resignation</a>&nbsp;and their offense is embroiled in controversy after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justin-fields-chicago-bears-nfl-b28d8307fff74f48c81346719f322cba">quarterback Josh Fields blamed coaching</a>&nbsp;for “robotic” play and then tried rather unsuccessfully to walk back his comments.So how does&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bears-fields-eberflus-analysis-nfl-e74589c8107dc950e95967de6e0ead8d">Bears coach Matt Eberflus</a>&nbsp;steer a rudderless team going forward?“You focus on here and now,” he said. “What could we do right now during this time, with the meetings we had this morning, with the improvements we're going to make? That's all you can do. Be where your feet are, focusing on right now.”Problem is their feet will be in Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, facing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-contract-8e358f650e9176b44ed7d3c6d693bcde">the defending Super Bowl champions</a>. The Bears (0-2) are nearly two-TD underdogs,&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl">according to FanDuel Sportsbook</a>, as they try to snap a 12-game losing streak dating to last season.“We're going through a storm right now,” Field said after last week's loss to Tampa Bay. “It's frustrating not winning. But I think at the same time, like I said, just take it day by day and not really worry about the past. The past is the past.”It's not as if the Chiefs (1-1) are&nbsp;<a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/9/18/23879243/chiefs-defense-rescuing-struggling-offense-bears-next-opponent">humming along perfectly</a>, especially on offense. They turned the ball over three times, committed 12 turnovers for 94 yards and a group of wide receivers that had eight drops in their opener against Detroit continued to put the ball on the ground during their 17-9 victory over the Jaguars last week.“The frustration is probably more of me and about myself and how the offense has been doing,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “Everybody has been having that mentality that we just have to keep working and getting better. The defense has been playing so well. We want to take the pressure off them.”COORDINATOR CONCERNSWilliam said Wednesday he was resigning to take care of his health and his family. Eberflus plans to call defensive plays for the Bears for the second week in a row, but that could take some of his time away from helping their struggling offense.“I spend time with the offense on the game plan days,” said Eberflus, who was previously the Colts’ defensive coordinator. “I spend breakfast club with the quarterbacks. I meet with the coaches in the evening on the offensive side. And then I’m in the interim game plan also on Monday. ... Like I said, it’s 50-50. You’re splitting it 50-50 there, that’s what you do.”PLAYING THE FIELDSFields, whose 70.7 passer rating is worst in the NFL, turned heads this week when he indicated coaches are feeding him too much information. Fields later said his statement was taken out of context and that he only points a finger at himself.“I think there’s been times where I just try to be a perfectionist and nothing in this world is perfect,” said Fields, who was sacked six times last week and 10 times through two games. “So like I said, stop thinking more and just go out there and play.”TAYLOR'S TROUBLEThe Chiefs gave Jawaan Taylor a four-year, $80 million contract in the offseason to play right tackle, so it was jarring to see him benched briefly against Jacksonville. Taylor was penalized five times — two false starts, two holds and an illegal formation — one week after his questionable alignment and quick get-off against Detroit were called into question.“Been working on it this week to clean it up. Needs to be fixed,” said Taylor, whose pass-block rates nevertheless graded out among the best in the league last week. “End of the day, I'm not here to hurt my team. I have to be better.”INJURY WOESThe Bears put left tackle Braxton Jones on injured reserve with a neck injury, while safety Eddie Jackson has been dealing with a foot injury, wide receiver Darnell Mooney with a knee problem and defensive back Josh Blackwell with a sore hamstring.The Chiefs are just as banged up: Nick Bolton has an ankle injury and fellow linebacker Willie Gay Jr. a sore quad, running back Isiah Pacheco is dealing with a sore hamstring, and wide receivers Kadarius Toney and Richie James missed time this week with a sore toe and balky knee. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said James' knee issue could keep him out a while.GETTING DEFENSIVEThe Chiefs offense is accustomed to bailing out their middle-of-the-road defense, but their roles have been reversed through the first two weeks of the season. Kansas City is 13th in total defense, despite playing two potent offenses in the Lions and Jaguars, and tied for third in the league in scoring defense.

🏈 Struggling Bears head to Arrowhead Stadium to face the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs

AP Sports Summary for September 24th, 2023.

AP Top 25 Takeaways: On Statement Saturday, CU wilts, FSU soars, 'Bama bows up; Ryan Day goes off

A statement Saturday in September that featured six games matching ranked teams was the first chance to make some sense of first few weeks of the season. What we learned is the best days of this season might already behind No. 19 Colorado. No. 4 Florida State is ready to take off after leaving Death Valley with a victory. No. 13 Alabama might have a formula to stay in playoff contention. And coach Ryan Day is tired of people questioning Ohio State's toughness.

No. 6 Ohio State plunges for touchdown with 1 second left to beat No. 9 Notre Dame 17-14

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Chip Trayanum's 1-yard TD run with a second left to give No. 6 Ohio State a 17-14 victory at No. 9 Notre Dame. It was his second score of the night and came on a drive in which the Buckeyes (4-0) needed to convert one fourth down and a third-and-19 in the final 90 seconds to rally for a sixth straight victory over the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame appeared to be in control after Sam Hartman threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Rico Flores Jr. with 8:22 to go for a 14-10 lead. But the Notre Dame defense couldn't preserve it.

Pirates overcome 9-run deficit for first time since team started in 1882, beat Reds 13-12

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates overcame a nine-run deficit for the first time since the franchise started in 1882 as Luis Rivas tied a career-high with five RBIs in a 13-12 victory that dealt a staggering blow to the Cincinnati Reds' playoff hopes. Cincinnati, which dropped 2 1/2 games back for the NL's last wild card berth, opened a 9-0 lead with three runs in the first, five in the second and one in the third, then allowed 13 unanswered runs. The Reds attempted to rally but stranded the potential tying run at third base in the ninth. The Reds have lost four straight.

Travis helps No. 4 Florida State snap 7-game losing streak to Clemson with 31-24 overtime victory

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Jordan Travis threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Keon Coleman to start overtime and No. 4 Florida State rallied in the second half to defeat Clemson 31-24. Travis also threw for another TD and ran for a score for the Seminoles, who ended a frustrating seven-game losing streak to the Tigers. Travis was 21 of 37 for 289 yards, including a perfectly lofted pass that Coleman caught in stride and hushed the raucous Death Valley crowd. Florida State linebacker Kalen DeLoach forced a Klubnik fumble and scooped it up for a 56-yard TD return to tie things at 24-all.

Bo Nix, No. 10 Oregon slam brakes on Coach Prime's 'Cinderella story' with a 42-6 rout of Colorado

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Bo Nix threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns and No. 10 Oregon took some sheen off of Colorado coach Deion Sanders' showy start to the season with a 42-6 victory over the No. 19 Buffaloes on Saturday. Troy Franklin caught eight passes for 126 yards and two scores for Oregon (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12), which has opened the season with four straight wins for just the second time since 2014. Buffs quarterback Shedeur Sanders was held to 159 passing yards after averaging more than 400 going into the game.

RYDER CUP '23: The reachable par-4 16th is the highlight on a course designed for drama

GUIDONIA MONTECELIO, Italy (AP) — Rory McIlroy's chances of winning the Italian Open a year ago at the Marco Simone course that will host the Ryder Cup vanished when he hit his tee shot on the reachable par-4 16th into the water. Europe captain Luke Donald hit the wrong ball after landing in the thick rough. If there's one hole at the course outside Rome that is destined to be decisive it's No. 16. Marco Simone superintendent Lara Arias says "that's what you want in a Ryder Cup. Everyone is going to be saying, 'Wowww.' That's the Ryder Cup."

John Means takes no-hit bid into the 7th, playoff-bound Orioles hold Guardians to 1 hit in 2-1 win

CLEVELAND (AP) — John Means carried a no-hit bid into the seventh inning and Anthony Santander drove in a pair of runs, sending the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles over the Cleveland Guardians 2-1. Means, a 30-year-old left-hander, was making his third start in 17 months following Tommy John surgery. Cleveland's only hit occurred when Andrés Giménez pulled a chanegup to right for a 406-foot homer. Means threw a season-high 96 pitches and struck out four after going five innings in each of his first two outings, his first appearances since surgery on April 27 last year.

Lots of dignitaries but no real fireworks — only electronic flash — as the Asian Games open

HANGZHOU, China (AP) — The opening ceremony of the Asian Games in China offered all the staples of a major international sports event. Dignitaries greeted General Secretary Xi Jinping, fans packed the 80,000-seat Olympic Sports Center Stadium on Saturday, and many of the 12,417 participants from 45 nations and territories paraded to officially open the two-week competition. Next year's Paris Olympics will field about 10,500 competitors. One big thing was missing: real fireworks, the exploding kind that smell of power and burnt fuses. Instead, the high-tech games offered plenty of electronic flash, 3D animations and a virtual torchbearer.

Bubba Wallace on pole at Texas after making 2nd round of NASCAR's playoffs

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Bubba Wallace will start from the pole at Texas. It is the first race in the second round of NASCAR's playoffs, and comes after Wallace just made the cut to make the round of 12. Wallace turned a lap of 188.337 mph in the final round of qualifying Saturday. He finished ahead of fellow playoff contenders and RFK Racing teammates Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski. It is the second career pole for Wallace, the 23XI Racing driver who entered the round of 12 in 12th place after the points were reset following the first three playoff races.

Max Verstappen easily wins the F1 Japanese Grand Prix to edge closer to 2023 series title

SUZUKA, Japan (AP) — Runaway series leader Max Verstappen has returned to dominant form by winning the Japanese Grand Prix and moving a step closer to securing his third consecutive Formula One drivers' championship. The Red Bull driver, who missed out on the podium a week ago in Singapore, started from pole and held on for his 13th win of the season. McLaren driver Lando Norris was second, 19.4 seconds back of Verstappen, while his teammate Australia rookie Oscar Piastri was third for his first F1 podium. With Verstappen's win, Red Bull secured this year's constructors' title, their sixth overall and second in a row.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Arizona	at	N-Y Yankees	1:05 p.m.	(Postponed)

Atlanta	at	Washington	6:35 p.m.	(Postponed)

Final	(21)Washington St.	38	(14)Oregon St.	35	

Final	(17)North Carolina	41	Pittsburgh	24	

Final tie	Los Angeles FC	0	Philadelphia	0	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, September 24th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, September 24th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for September 24th, 2023.AP Top 25 Takeaways: On Statement Saturday, CU wilts, FSU soars, 'Bama bows up; Ryan Day goes offA statement Saturday in September that featured six games matching ranked teams was the first chance to make some sense of first few weeks of the season. What we learned is the best days of this season might already behind No. 19 Colorado. No. 4 Florida State is ready to take off after leaving Death Valley with a victory. No. 13 Alabama might have a formula to stay in playoff contention. And coach Ryan Day is tired of people questioning Ohio State's toughness.No. 6 Ohio State plunges for touchdown with 1 second left to beat No. 9 Notre Dame 17-14SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Chip Trayanum's 1-yard TD run with a second left to give No. 6 Ohio State a 17-14 victory at No. 9 Notre Dame. It was his second score of the night and came on a drive in which the Buckeyes (4-0) needed to convert one fourth down and a third-and-19 in the final 90 seconds to rally for a sixth straight victory over the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame appeared to be in control after Sam Hartman threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Rico Flores Jr. with 8:22 to go for a 14-10 lead. But the Notre Dame defense couldn't preserve it.Pirates overcome 9-run deficit for first time since team started in 1882, beat Reds 13-12CINCINNATI (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates overcame a nine-run deficit for the first time since the franchise started in 1882 as Luis Rivas tied a career-high with five RBIs in a 13-12 victory that dealt a staggering blow to the Cincinnati Reds' playoff hopes. Cincinnati, which dropped 2 1/2 games back for the NL's last wild card berth, opened a 9-0 lead with three runs in the first, five in the second and one in the third, then allowed 13 unanswered runs. The Reds attempted to rally but stranded the potential tying run at third base in the ninth. The Reds have lost four straight.Travis helps No. 4 Florida State snap 7-game losing streak to Clemson with 31-24 overtime victoryCLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Jordan Travis threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Keon Coleman to start overtime and No. 4 Florida State rallied in the second half to defeat Clemson 31-24. Travis also threw for another TD and ran for a score for the Seminoles, who ended a frustrating seven-game losing streak to the Tigers. Travis was 21 of 37 for 289 yards, including a perfectly lofted pass that Coleman caught in stride and hushed the raucous Death Valley crowd. Florida State linebacker Kalen DeLoach forced a Klubnik fumble and scooped it up for a 56-yard TD return to tie things at 24-all.Bo Nix, No. 10 Oregon slam brakes on Coach Prime's 'Cinderella story' with a 42-6 rout of ColoradoEUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Bo Nix threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns and No. 10 Oregon took some sheen off of Colorado coach Deion Sanders' showy start to the season with a 42-6 victory over the No. 19 Buffaloes on Saturday. Troy Franklin caught eight passes for 126 yards and two scores for Oregon (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12), which has opened the season with four straight wins for just the second time since 2014. Buffs quarterback Shedeur Sanders was held to 159 passing yards after averaging more than 400 going into the game.RYDER CUP '23: The reachable par-4 16th is the highlight on a course designed for dramaGUIDONIA MONTECELIO, Italy (AP) — Rory McIlroy's chances of winning the Italian Open a year ago at the Marco Simone course that will host the Ryder Cup vanished when he hit his tee shot on the reachable par-4 16th into the water. Europe captain Luke Donald hit the wrong ball after landing in the thick rough. If there's one hole at the course outside Rome that is destined to be decisive it's No. 16. Marco Simone superintendent Lara Arias says "that's what you want in a Ryder Cup. Everyone is going to be saying, 'Wowww.' That's the Ryder Cup."John Means takes no-hit bid into the 7th, playoff-bound Orioles hold Guardians to 1 hit in 2-1 winCLEVELAND (AP) — John Means carried a no-hit bid into the seventh inning and Anthony Santander drove in a pair of runs, sending the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles over the Cleveland Guardians 2-1. Means, a 30-year-old left-hander, was making his third start in 17 months following Tommy John surgery. Cleveland's only hit occurred when Andrés Giménez pulled a chanegup to right for a 406-foot homer. Means threw a season-high 96 pitches and struck out four after going five innings in each of his first two outings, his first appearances since surgery on April 27 last year.Lots of dignitaries but no real fireworks — only electronic flash — as the Asian Games openHANGZHOU, China (AP) — The opening ceremony of the Asian Games in China offered all the staples of a major international sports event. Dignitaries greeted General Secretary Xi Jinping, fans packed the 80,000-seat Olympic Sports Center Stadium on Saturday, and many of the 12,417 participants from 45 nations and territories paraded to officially open the two-week competition. Next year's Paris Olympics will field about 10,500 competitors. One big thing was missing: real fireworks, the exploding kind that smell of power and burnt fuses. Instead, the high-tech games offered plenty of electronic flash, 3D animations and a virtual torchbearer.Bubba Wallace on pole at Texas after making 2nd round of NASCAR's playoffsFORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Bubba Wallace will start from the pole at Texas. It is the first race in the second round of NASCAR's playoffs, and comes after Wallace just made the cut to make the round of 12. Wallace turned a lap of 188.337 mph in the final round of qualifying Saturday. He finished ahead of fellow playoff contenders and RFK Racing teammates Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski. It is the second career pole for Wallace, the 23XI Racing driver who entered the round of 12 in 12th place after the points were reset following the first three playoff races.Max Verstappen easily wins the F1 Japanese Grand Prix to edge closer to 2023 series titleSUZUKA, Japan (AP) — Runaway series leader Max Verstappen has returned to dominant form by winning the Japanese Grand Prix and moving a step closer to securing his third consecutive Formula One drivers' championship. The Red Bull driver, who missed out on the podium a week ago in Singapore, started from pole and held on for his 13th win of the season. McLaren driver Lando Norris was second, 19.4 seconds back of Verstappen, while his teammate Australia rookie Oscar Piastri was third for his first F1 podium. With Verstappen's win, Red Bull secured this year's constructors' title, their sixth overall and second in a row.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUE Arizona	at	N-Y Yankees	1:05 p.m.	(Postponed)___AMERICAN LEAGUE Final	L.A. Angels	1	Minnesota	0	Final	Chicago White Sox	1	Boston	0	Final	Oakland	4	Detroit	1	Final	Tampa Bay	7	Toronto	6	Final	Baltimore	2	Cleveland	1	Final	Texas	2	Seattle	0	Final	Kansas City	3	Houston	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUE Atlanta	at	Washington	6:35 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Chicago Cubs	6	Colorado	3	Final	Philadelphia	7	N.Y. Mets	5	Final	Miami	5	Milwaukee	4	Final	Pittsburgh	13	Cincinnati	12	Final	L.A. Dodgers	7	San Francisco	0	Final	St. Louis	5	San Diego	2	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESEASON Final	St. Louis	3	Arizona	2	Final	Arizona	5	St. Louis	1	Final	Los Angeles	3	Arizona	2	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Final	(6)Ohio St.	17	(9)Notre Dame	14	Final	(13)Alabama	24	(15)Mississippi	10	Final	(10)Oregon	42	(19)Colorado	6	Final	(21)Washington St.	38	(14)Oregon St.	35	Final	(11)Utah	14	(22)UCLA	7	Final	(7)Penn St.	31	(24)Iowa	0	Final	(2)Michigan	31	Rutgers	7	Final	(16)Oklahoma	20	Cincinnati	6	Final	(4)Florida St.	31	Clemson	24	Final	(18)Duke	41	Uconn	7	Final	(20)Miami	41	Temple	7	Final	(23)Tennessee	45	UTSA	14	Final	(12)LSU	34	Arkansas	31	Final	(25)Florida	22	Charlotte	7	Final	(3)Texas	38	Baylor	6	Final	(1)Georgia	49	UAB	21	Final	(17)North Carolina	41	Pittsburgh	24	Final	(5)Southern Cal	42	Arizona St.	28	Final	(8)Washington	59	California	32	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER Final	Atlanta	4	CF Montréal	1	Final	Cincinnati	3	Charlotte FC	0	Final	New York	5	D.C. United	3	Final tie	Los Angeles FC	0	Philadelphia	0	Final tie	New England	2	Chicago	2	Final tie	Columbus	1	FC Dallas	1	Final	Sporting Kansas City	2	Houston	1	Final	Saint Louis City SC	2	Minnesota	1	Final	Real Salt Lake	2	Vancouver	1	Final	Portland	3	Colorado	2	Final tie	Nashville	1	San Jose	1	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE Arizona	at	N-Y Yankees	1:35 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE Toronto	at	Tampa Bay	1:10 p.m.	Chi White Sox	at	Boston	1:35 p.m.	Baltimore	at	Cleveland	1:40 p.m.	Kansas City	at	Houston	2:10 p.m.	L-A Angels	at	Minnesota	2:10 p.m.	Seattle	at	Texas	2:35 p.m.	Detroit	at	Oakland	4:07 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE N-Y Mets	at	Philadelphia	1:05 p.m.	Atlanta	at	Washington	1:35 p.m.	Milwaukee	at	Miami	1:40 p.m.	Pittsburgh	at	Cincinnati	1:40 p.m.	Colorado	at	Chi Cubs	2:20 p.m.	St. Louis	at	San Diego	4:10 p.m.	Atlanta	at	Washington	6:35 p.m.	San Francisco	at	L-A Dodgers	7:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESEASON Columbus	at	Pittsburgh	1 p.m.	Buffalo	at	Washington	2 p.m.	Toronto	at	Ottawa	2 p.m.	Minnesota	at	Colorado	3 p.m.	N-Y Rangers	at	Boston	5 p.m.	Arizona	at	Dallas	6 p.m.	Winnipeg	at	Edmonton	6 p.m.	Pittsburgh	at	Columbus	7 p.m.	Los Angeles	at	Anaheim	8 p.m.	Vancouver	at	Calgary	8 p.m.	Vegas	at	San Jose	8 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Atlanta	at	Detroit	1 p.m.	Buffalo	at	Washington	1 p.m.	Denver	at	Miami	1 p.m.	Houston	at	Jacksonville	1 p.m.	Indianapolis	at	Baltimore	1 p.m.	L.A. Chargers	at	Minnesota	1 p.m.	New England	at	N-Y Jets	1 p.m.	New Orleans	at	Green Bay	1 p.m.	Tennessee	at	Cleveland	1 p.m.	Carolina	at	Seattle	4:05 p.m.	Chicago	at	Kansas City	4:25 p.m.	Dallas	at	Arizona	4:25 p.m.	Pittsburgh	at	Las Vegas	8:20 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS Connecticut	at	New York	1 p.m.	Dallas	at	Las Vegas	5 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER Toronto FC	at	New York City FC	1 p.m.	Miami	at	Orlando City	7:30 p.m.	LA Galaxy	at	Austin FC	9:30 p.m

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Sunday

By CODY FRIESEN Associated Press

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — DJ Giddens ran for a career-high 207 yards and four touchdowns and Kansas State beat UCF 44-31 on Saturday night in the Big 12 debut for the Knights.

Giddens ran for three scores in the first half that included a 1-yard run on the opening drive for K-State (3-1, 1-0), which has found the end zone in its opening drives in all four games this season.

Will Howard went 27-for-42 passing for 255 yards and threw an interception. He added 64 yards on the ground and scored on a 31-yard run to give K-State a 44-24 lead with 2:01 remaining.

Giddens added a score in the second half to put the Wildcats up 37-24 with 4:01 left. K-State amassed 536 total yards with 281 rushing.

Timmy McClain threw three touchdowns passes and went 14 for 24 with 264 yards passing with an interception for UCF (3-1, 0-1). The Knights totaled 407 yards and rushed for 143 yards. UCF added a 1-yard touchdown by RJ Harvey with three seconds left in the game.

Kobe Hudson had two receiving touchdowns for his first scores of the season and finished with 138 yards despite being the Knights' leading receiver. He recorded his third-straight 100-yard receiving game.

Hudson scored on a 69-yard touchdown pass from McClain on a flea flicker late in the second quarter and again in the first UCF drive of the second half with a 46-yard reception on third-and-10 to give the Knights a 24-21 lead.

Harvey scored a 27-yard touchdown on third-and-15 in the first quarter. The first points in a Big 12 game for the Knights came on Colton Boomer's 29-yard field goal.

Knights: The passing attack was extremely successful for the Knights, with all three touchdowns coming in the air. UCF had success on third down with two scores coming on third-and-long. The defense seldom had an answer to slow the K-State rushing attack, allowing a season-high in yards rushing.

Wildcats: Giddens was clearly the primary source of the K-State offense, leading the team in carries, receptions and total yards. The secondary got beat deep on a pair of touchdown catches by Hudson; both were over 45 yards. The Wildcats have allowed a receiver to net over 100 yards receiving in two straight games.

UCF played its first Big 12 Conference game against the reigning Big 12 champions. It was the first time K-State hosted a new conference member to open Big 12 play since welcoming Texas Tech to the newly-minted Big 12 in 1996.

UCF continues its list of Big 12 firsts, hosting Baylor in its first Big 12 home game next Saturday. The two faced off in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. The Knights hold a 1-0 series with a 52-42 win led by then UCF quarterback Blake Bortles.

K-State will get a week off before a road clash against Oklahoma State on Oct. 6. The Wildcats blanked the Cowboys 48-0 last season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695531100401.jpeg" alt="Kansas State running back D.J. Giddens runs toward the endzone against UCF on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo/Lathe Cobb Photography photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State running back D.J. Giddens runs toward the endzone against UCF on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo/Lathe Cobb Photography photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CODY FRIESEN Associated PressMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — DJ Giddens ran for a career-high 207 yards and four touchdowns and Kansas State beat UCF 44-31 on Saturday night in the Big 12 debut for the Knights.Giddens ran for three scores in the first half that included a 1-yard run on the opening drive for K-State (3-1, 1-0), which has found the end zone in its opening drives in all four games this season.Will Howard went 27-for-42 passing for 255 yards and threw an interception. He added 64 yards on the ground and scored on a 31-yard run to give K-State a 44-24 lead with 2:01 remaining.Giddens added a score in the second half to put the Wildcats up 37-24 with 4:01 left. K-State amassed 536 total yards with 281 rushing.Timmy McClain threw three touchdowns passes and went 14 for 24 with 264 yards passing with an interception for UCF (3-1, 0-1). The Knights totaled 407 yards and rushed for 143 yards. UCF added a 1-yard touchdown by RJ Harvey with three seconds left in the game.Kobe Hudson had two receiving touchdowns for his first scores of the season and finished with 138 yards despite being the Knights' leading receiver. He recorded his third-straight 100-yard receiving game.Hudson scored on a 69-yard touchdown pass from McClain on a flea flicker late in the second quarter and again in the first UCF drive of the second half with a 46-yard reception on third-and-10 to give the Knights a 24-21 lead.Harvey scored a 27-yard touchdown on third-and-15 in the first quarter. The first points in a Big 12 game for the Knights came on Colton Boomer's 29-yard field goal.THE TAKEAWAYKnights: The passing attack was extremely successful for the Knights, with all three touchdowns coming in the air. UCF had success on third down with two scores coming on third-and-long. The defense seldom had an answer to slow the K-State rushing attack, allowing a season-high in yards rushing.Wildcats: Giddens was clearly the primary source of the K-State offense, leading the team in carries, receptions and total yards. The secondary got beat deep on a pair of touchdown catches by Hudson; both were over 45 yards. The Wildcats have allowed a receiver to net over 100 yards receiving in two straight games.BIG 12 STATE OF MINDUCF played its first Big 12 Conference game against the reigning Big 12 champions. It was the first time K-State hosted a new conference member to open Big 12 play since welcoming Texas Tech to the newly-minted Big 12 in 1996.UP NEXTUCF continues its list of Big 12 firsts, hosting Baylor in its first Big 12 home game next Saturday. The two faced off in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. The Knights hold a 1-0 series with a 52-42 win led by then UCF quarterback Blake Bortles.K-State will get a week off before a road clash against Oklahoma State on Oct. 6. The Wildcats blanked the Cowboys 48-0 last season.

🏈 Giddens runs for 207 yards, leads Kansas State to win over UCF

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (4-0) opened conference play with a decisive 37-7 victory over Coffeyville (0-4).

For the second game in a row, the Dragon defense did not give up any points.

"One of these days, we're going to get a zero on the scoreboard," coach Drew Dallas said. His offense gave up a safety two weeks ago to Iowa Central, providing the only Triton points in a 27-2 victory.

The defense has only given up one touchdown this season (Ellsworth in week two).

Saturday night in Gowans Stadium, a Zeriah Beason fumble was returned for a touchdown by Cyler Christmas to start the second quarter. The defensive scoop-six provided the only Red Raven points of the contest.

Hutchinson had already built a 17-point advantage after a Samari Collier 34-yard touchdown run, a 30-yard field goal from Cole Segraves and a 63-yard punt return by Tre Richardson.

Richardson took two punts to the house. His first came with 2:52 left in the first quarter to push the Dragon lead to 17-0.

Richardson flew down the field again with 7:38 left in the game for a 70-yard punt return for six.

"He's an electric player," Dallas said of Richardson after the game. "He just continues to make plays. He's a special, special player."

Hutchinson answered the Coffeyville scoop-and-score with 20 unanswered points.

Richardson's second house call was preceded by a Tyrell Reed 9-yard run with 6:21 left in the first half.

Hutchinson wouldn't find pay dirt again until a fourth-quarter 6-yard pass from Collier to ManMan Singleton.

"He's just naturally gifted," Dallas said of Singleton. "He finds ways to make plays."

Collier finished 8-0f-14 with 121 yards passing and one touchdown. Collier added 41 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown.

Brandon Epton Jr. led the Dragon rushing attack with 55 yards. Reed added 50 yards and a score.

Beason led all receivers with 76 yards while Singleton had the most receptions (4).

Geremiah Moore came in for Red Raven starting quarterback Connor Apo. Apo left the game 1-of-2 with an interception and two yards passing.

Moore finished 8-of-20 for 116 yards and an interception. Moore led the Coffeyville ground attack with 53 yards.

"Kudos to the defense for adapting," Dallas said of his defense seeing a new quarterback. Moore took his first snaps of the season behind center against the Dragons.

"(The defense) did a good job containing him (Moore) for the most part," Dallas said.

Hutchinson will have a few things to clean up, the Dragons had 12 penalties for 112 yards at the half. The Dragons only had three penalties in the second half.

Coffeyville got flagged for 120 yards on 11 penalties.

FINAL: Hutchinson 37 Coffeyville 7

K'Von Sherman led the Dragon defense with nine tackles.

Hutchinson is on the road Sept. 30 to face No. 11 Butler (3-1).

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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/2023/9/1694293720415.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (4-0) opened conference play with a decisive 37-7 victory over Coffeyville (0-4).For the second game in a row, the Dragon defense did not give up any points."One of these days, we're going to get a zero on the scoreboard," coach Drew Dallas said. His offense gave up a safety two weeks ago to Iowa Central, providing the only Triton points in a 27-2 victory.The defense has only given up one touchdown this season (Ellsworth in week two).Saturday night in Gowans Stadium, a Zeriah Beason fumble was returned for a touchdown by Cyler Christmas to start the second quarter. The defensive scoop-six provided the only Red Raven points of the contest.Hutchinson had already built a 17-point advantage after a Samari Collier 34-yard touchdown run, a 30-yard field goal from Cole Segraves and a 63-yard punt return by Tre Richardson.Richardson took two punts to the house. His first came with 2:52 left in the first quarter to push the Dragon lead to 17-0.Richardson flew down the field again with 7:38 left in the game for a 70-yard punt return for six."He's an electric player," Dallas said of Richardson after the game. "He just continues to make plays. He's a special, special player."Hutchinson answered the Coffeyville scoop-and-score with 20 unanswered points.Richardson's second house call was preceded by a Tyrell Reed 9-yard run with 6:21 left in the first half.Hutchinson wouldn't find pay dirt again until a fourth-quarter 6-yard pass from Collier to ManMan Singleton."He's just naturally gifted," Dallas said of Singleton. "He finds ways to make plays."Collier finished 8-0f-14 with 121 yards passing and one touchdown. Collier added 41 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown.Brandon Epton Jr. led the Dragon rushing attack with 55 yards. Reed added 50 yards and a score.Beason led all receivers with 76 yards while Singleton had the most receptions (4).Geremiah Moore came in for Red Raven starting quarterback Connor Apo. Apo left the game 1-of-2 with an interception and two yards passing.Moore finished 8-of-20 for 116 yards and an interception. Moore led the Coffeyville ground attack with 53 yards."Kudos to the defense for adapting," Dallas said of his defense seeing a new quarterback. Moore took his first snaps of the season behind center against the Dragons."(The defense) did a good job containing him (Moore) for the most part," Dallas said.Hutchinson will have a few things to clean up, the Dragons had 12 penalties for 112 yards at the half. The Dragons only had three penalties in the second half.Coffeyville got flagged for 120 yards on 11 penalties.FINAL: Hutchinson 37 Coffeyville 7K'Von Sherman led the Dragon defense with nine tackles.Hutchinson is on the road Sept. 30 to face No. 11 Butler (3-1).<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

🏈 No. 1 Dragons rout Red Ravens

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

<a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/fhsu.sidearmsports.com/stats/football/2023/pdf/20230923042449-33740.pdf">BOX SCORE</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State football team couldn't overcome five turnovers&nbsp; and a blocked punt and lost 28-7 at Missouri Western Saturday afternoon at Spratt Memorial Stadium.

The game, which was originally scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff Saturday night but was moved up to noon due to a threat of severe weather, was delayed at hour at the start due to thunderstorms.&nbsp;

The Griffons (3-1, 2-1 MIAA) intercepted a Jack Dawson pass on the second play of the game at the FHSU 30 which set up the first of two Seth Cromwell touchdown runs.

The Griffons blocked a Kamren&nbsp;Xaysongkham punt on the Tigers second possession which they recovered inside the five. Cromwell scored his second touchdown two plays later to push the MWSU lead to 14-0 with 8:32 to play in the first quarter.

A Tiger fumble on their own 8-yardline late in the third quarter created another short field for the Griffons. They scored two plays later on an eight-yard touchdown pass to go up 21-0 with 4:12 to play in the third.

The Tigers (2-2, 2-2 MIAA) used a couple of big plays to set up their only score with a little over 10 minutes to play in the fourth. A 14-yard pass, 15-yard pass interference penalty, and a 36-yard run by Shane Watts&nbsp;set up and eight-yard touchdown pass from Jack Dawson to Jayden Horace.

A Makel Williams&nbsp;interception on the Griffons next position helped FHSU move back into the redzone, but a Dawson pass was intercepted in the endzone by Brayden Wright and taken back 100 yards for Missouri Western's final score.

The Tigers outgained the Griffons by nearly 100 yards in total offense, 331 to 237, but the five turnovers proved to be too much to overcome.

It marked only the third time under head coach Chris Brown that the Tigers have held an opponent under 300 yards of total offense and lost.

Dawson finished the game with 257 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions and was sacked seven times. Shane Watts&nbsp;led the Tigers in rushing attack with 57 yards. Cale Cormaney hauled in eight passes for 82 yards.&nbsp;

Sam Brandt and John Johnson&nbsp;led the FHSU defense with nine tackles each. Brandt recorded the Tigers lone sack.

Armani Edden led MWSU with 112 passing yards, one touchdown and two intercepions. Brandon Hall led the Griffons in rushing with 52 yards and Traveon James led in receiving yards with 36. 

The Tigers return to Hays to play their only non-conference game of the season Saturday against Lincoln for their homecoming game. Kickoff set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695528894326.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State tight end Cale Cormaney (0) catches a pass in the Tigers season opener at Northeastern State on Thursday, August 31, 2023, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State tight end Cale Cormaney (0) catches a pass in the Tigers season opener at Northeastern State on Thursday, August 31, 2023, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post<a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/fhsu.sidearmsports.com/stats/football/2023/pdf/20230923042449-33740.pdf">BOX SCORE</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State football team couldn't overcome five turnovers&nbsp; and a blocked punt and lost 28-7 at Missouri Western Saturday afternoon at Spratt Memorial Stadium.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1623909966&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/chris-brown-postgame-v-mwsu-09-23-23" title="Chris Brown Postgame at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown Postgame at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)</a></div></div>The game, which was originally scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff Saturday night but was moved up to noon due to a threat of severe weather, was delayed at hour at the start due to thunderstorms.&nbsp;The Griffons (3-1, 2-1 MIAA) intercepted a Jack Dawson pass on the second play of the game at the FHSU 30 which set up the first of two Seth Cromwell touchdown runs.The Griffons blocked a Kamren&nbsp;Xaysongkham punt on the Tigers second possession which they recovered inside the five. Cromwell scored his second touchdown two plays later to push the MWSU lead to 14-0 with 8:32 to play in the first quarter.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1623910155&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/cale-cormaney-postgame-vs-mwsu-09-23-23" title="Cale Cormaney Postgame at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Cale Cormaney Postgame at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)</a></div></div>A Tiger fumble on their own 8-yardline late in the third quarter created another short field for the Griffons. They scored two plays later on an eight-yard touchdown pass to go up 21-0 with 4:12 to play in the third.The Tigers (2-2, 2-2 MIAA) used a couple of big plays to set up their only score with a little over 10 minutes to play in the fourth. A 14-yard pass, 15-yard pass interference penalty, and a 36-yard run by Shane Watts&nbsp;set up and eight-yard touchdown pass from Jack Dawson to Jayden Horace.A Makel Williams&nbsp;interception on the Griffons next position helped FHSU move back into the redzone, but a Dawson pass was intercepted in the endzone by Brayden Wright and taken back 100 yards for Missouri Western's final score.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1623910446&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/sam-brandt-postgame-vs-mwsu-09-23-23" title="Sam Brandt Postgame at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Sam Brandt Postgame at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)</a></div></div>The Tigers outgained the Griffons by nearly 100 yards in total offense, 331 to 237, but the five turnovers proved to be too much to overcome.It marked only the third time under head coach Chris Brown that the Tigers have held an opponent under 300 yards of total offense and lost.Dawson finished the game with 257 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions and was sacked seven times. Shane Watts&nbsp;led the Tigers in rushing attack with 57 yards. Cale Cormaney hauled in eight passes for 82 yards.&nbsp;Sam Brandt and John Johnson&nbsp;led the FHSU defense with nine tackles each. Brandt recorded the Tigers lone sack.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1623910635&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fort-hays-state-fb-highlights-vs-mwsu-09-23-23" title="Fort Hays State FB Highlights at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State FB Highlights at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)</a></div></div>Armani Edden led MWSU with 112 passing yards, one touchdown and two intercepions. Brandon Hall led the Griffons in rushing with 52 yards and Traveon James led in receiving yards with 36. UP NEXTThe Tigers return to Hays to play their only non-conference game of the season Saturday against Lincoln for their homecoming game. Kickoff set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Miscues doom Tigers at Missouri Western State

By DAVE SKRETTA&nbsp; AP Sports Writer

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lance Leipold did plenty of background work on Kansas before accepting its head-coaching job a couple of years ago. But in the pantheon of the obscure, he never looked up the last time the Jayhawks started 4-0 in back-to-back seasons.

When told it had been 108 years, Leipold replied Saturday: “I'm glad I didn't do all my research.”

“Sometimes you don't know what you're really stepping into until you there,” Leipold added with a smile, after leading the once-suffering Jayhawks to a 38-27 victory over BYU in the Cougars' Big 12 debut. “Like I told our team, I'm really proud of them when you look at the short time what we've been able to do.”

Jalon Daniels threw three touchdown passes, including two in the second half to Luke Grimm, and the Jayhawks got a pair of scores from their opportunistic defense in rallying from a 17-14 halftime deficit. Cobee Bryant returned a fumble for the game's first touchdown, and Kenny Logan Jr. brought back an interception early in the third quarter for another score.

The offense got going down the stretch, helping the Jayhawks win their eighth straight September game.

“When you walked in here in the past you would hear frustration,” explained Leipold, whose team will try to match last year's 5-0 start when it heads to No. 3 Texas next weekend. “You walk in there now and it's different, and that's where it should be."

Kedon Slovis was 30 of 51 for 357 yards with two TDs and two interceptions for BYU. But the Cougars (3-1) were imbalanced on offense, running 22 times for nine yards, and settling for two field goals in the red zone proved costly.

“We just battled through,” Logan said. “We showed we can take some jabs.”

The Jayhawks, who struggled to put away Nevada last week, rolled into their conference opener averaging more than 500 yards per game. But the Cougars consistently put pressure on Daniels, who at times needed every bit of his athleticism just to get the ball away, and their defense held Kansas to one offensive touchdown in the first half.

The other score? That came on Bryant's bone-jarring hit on BYU's second play from scrimmage. The ball popped out, Bryant was there to scoop it, and the cornerback — who had a pick later in the game- returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.

The Cougars refused to let the turnover set the tone for the game. They answered with back-to-back 75-yard touchdown drives, then used another long drive in the final minutes of the first half to add a field goal for a 17-14 lead at the break.

That's when the Kansas defense got into the act again.

On the third play of the third quarter, Slovis had his pass batted into the air by tight end Isaac Rex, off the hands of linebacker Jayson Gilliom and into the arms of Logan, who returned the interception 33 yards for a go-ahead touchdown.

“The defense played lights-out,” Daniels said. “Stuff you can’t make up. That doesn’t happen every day.”

“We gave them 14 points,” Rex said later. “If we didn't do that, we would have had enough points to win the game.”

The Cougars could only muster an answering field goal, and the Kansas offense finally started humming.

Daniels swiftly led his team down field, converting an early third down with his legs before finding Grimm in the back of the end zone on another third-down play for a touchdown. And after Bryant picked off Slovis on fourth down to end BYU's ensuing drive, the Jayhawks marched other way with Daniels finding Grimm again to extend the lead to 35-20.

BYU's Keelan Marion scored midway through the fourth quarter, but the Jayhawks added a field goal to put the game away.

"There were some moments we want back,” Cougars defensive lineman Tyler Batty said. “There’s a lot to learn form here.”

BYU survived at Arkansas last week by scoring the last 17 points in a 38-31 win. But the Cougars looked downright tired in the second half Saturday, perhaps worn down by the physical nature of back-to-back road games against Power Five opponents.

Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland made it clear before the season that his group, which struggled mightily at times last year, would not hold back the Jayhawks this season. On Saturday, his defense was the difference in the outcome.

BYU plays its Big 12 home opener against fellow newcomer Cincinnati on Friday night.

Kansas visits Texas next Saturday for the first time since a 57-56 double-overtime win in 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695520340266.jpeg" alt="Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels passes the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels passes the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA&nbsp; AP Sports WriterLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lance Leipold did plenty of background work on Kansas before accepting its head-coaching job a couple of years ago. But in the pantheon of the obscure, he never looked up the last time the Jayhawks started 4-0 in back-to-back seasons.When told it had been 108 years, Leipold replied Saturday: “I'm glad I didn't do all my research.”“Sometimes you don't know what you're really stepping into until you there,” Leipold added with a smile, after leading the once-suffering Jayhawks to a 38-27 victory over BYU in the Cougars' Big 12 debut. “Like I told our team, I'm really proud of them when you look at the short time what we've been able to do.”Jalon Daniels threw three touchdown passes, including two in the second half to Luke Grimm, and the Jayhawks got a pair of scores from their opportunistic defense in rallying from a 17-14 halftime deficit. Cobee Bryant returned a fumble for the game's first touchdown, and Kenny Logan Jr. brought back an interception early in the third quarter for another score.The offense got going down the stretch, helping the Jayhawks win their eighth straight September game.“When you walked in here in the past you would hear frustration,” explained Leipold, whose team will try to match last year's 5-0 start when it heads to No. 3 Texas next weekend. “You walk in there now and it's different, and that's where it should be."Kedon Slovis was 30 of 51 for 357 yards with two TDs and two interceptions for BYU. But the Cougars (3-1) were imbalanced on offense, running 22 times for nine yards, and settling for two field goals in the red zone proved costly.“We just battled through,” Logan said. “We showed we can take some jabs.”The Jayhawks, who struggled to put away Nevada last week, rolled into their conference opener averaging more than 500 yards per game. But the Cougars consistently put pressure on Daniels, who at times needed every bit of his athleticism just to get the ball away, and their defense held Kansas to one offensive touchdown in the first half.The other score? That came on Bryant's bone-jarring hit on BYU's second play from scrimmage. The ball popped out, Bryant was there to scoop it, and the cornerback — who had a pick later in the game- returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.The Cougars refused to let the turnover set the tone for the game. They answered with back-to-back 75-yard touchdown drives, then used another long drive in the final minutes of the first half to add a field goal for a 17-14 lead at the break.That's when the Kansas defense got into the act again.On the third play of the third quarter, Slovis had his pass batted into the air by tight end Isaac Rex, off the hands of linebacker Jayson Gilliom and into the arms of Logan, who returned the interception 33 yards for a go-ahead touchdown.“The defense played lights-out,” Daniels said. “Stuff you can’t make up. That doesn’t happen every day.”“We gave them 14 points,” Rex said later. “If we didn't do that, we would have had enough points to win the game.”The Cougars could only muster an answering field goal, and the Kansas offense finally started humming.Daniels swiftly led his team down field, converting an early third down with his legs before finding Grimm in the back of the end zone on another third-down play for a touchdown. And after Bryant picked off Slovis on fourth down to end BYU's ensuing drive, the Jayhawks marched other way with Daniels finding Grimm again to extend the lead to 35-20.BYU's Keelan Marion scored midway through the fourth quarter, but the Jayhawks added a field goal to put the game away."There were some moments we want back,” Cougars defensive lineman Tyler Batty said. “There’s a lot to learn form here.”THE TAKEAWAYBYU survived at Arkansas last week by scoring the last 17 points in a 38-31 win. But the Cougars looked downright tired in the second half Saturday, perhaps worn down by the physical nature of back-to-back road games against Power Five opponents.Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland made it clear before the season that his group, which struggled mightily at times last year, would not hold back the Jayhawks this season. On Saturday, his defense was the difference in the outcome.UP NEXTBYU plays its Big 12 home opener against fellow newcomer Cincinnati on Friday night.Kansas visits Texas next Saturday for the first time since a 57-56 double-overtime win in 2021.

🏈 Daniels throws 3 TD passes, KU beats BYU

By JOSHUA KOCH Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) — Jordan Lyles gave up just two hits in five innings, Bobby Witt Jr. drove in his 93rd run of the season and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 3-2 on Saturday night.

“It’s like groundhog day,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “We’re playing hard, they’re playing good ball but we’re having trouble pushing runs across. You know hitting with runners in scoring position. When we do good we’re going to get a bunch of them for a period of time. I just feel that. We’re so close to breaking games open. Just didn’t get it done.”

Houston has lost four of its last five games and fell to 39-41 at home this year. Still, the Astros maintained their half-game lead for the final AL wild-card spot over Seattle with seven games remaining. The Mariners lost 2-0 to Texas earlier.

“It feels like we're playing terrible,” said Alex Bregman, who finished 0 for 3. “That's it. We're not playing good.”

The Royals have won nine of their last 10 games for the first time since July 20-30, 2017. The win also clinched a fourth straight series win for the first time since 2019.

“We know where we are as far as our youth and our inexperience," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “There's nobody that knows exactly what the timetable is but these kinds of wins are definitely going to go a long way for our guy's confidence.”

Lyles (5-17) held the Astros to just one hit through the first four innings, while striking out three and walking two. This was his best start since July 17 when he held Detroit to no runs and three hits in a no-decision.

“Every at-bat was a strong battle," Lyles said. "Those guys are one of the better lineups in baseball. It's going to make it difficult on you and they did a really good job. I wasn't able to go deep but five scoreless, team win, sign me up every day of the week for it.”

Taylor Clarke got the last five outs for his third save of the season.

“He just kept pumping strikes,” Quatraro said. “That last inning he was trying to not make a mistake and he just kept making quality after quality pitch. Those guys are dangerous and obviously without what he did we're not going to win that game.”

The Royals got to the Astros early again. Maikel Garcia led off the game against J.P. France (11-6) with an infield single, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Yanier Diaz. Garcia scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by M.J. Melendez to make it 1-0.

Kansas City leads the American League in sacrifice flies this season with 56 — second in the majors behind only the Dodgers (66).

In the fifth inning with the bases loaded, Witt reached on a fielder’s choice and drove in Nick Pratto. A wild pitch by France later in the inning allowed Kyle Isbel to score, making it 3-0.

France gave up three runs and seven hits in five innings, walking one and striking out five.

“Stuff was great, I'm pleased with that outing,” France said. “I went five innings, two earned. Was actually able to get some whiffs, get some strikeouts against these guys opposed to last time. ... Overall felt my stuff was really good today. Arm felt really good.”

Astros reliever Bryan Abreu struck out the side in the eighth inning to extend his scoreless innings streak to a major league-best 24 innings. Abreu has struck out 28 batters in this span.

Trailing 3-0, Chas McCormick led off the seventh inning blasting a ball 418 feet to the train tracks in left field to cut into the lead. It was the second straight game that McCormick homered.

“It's been frustrating, I've never been in this position before," McCormick said of the Astros' last eleven games. “Every team that's come to play us, they want to beat us badly and we just don't want it enough right now ... I don't think we're firing on all cylinders and putting a little pressure on ourselves."

The Astros inched closer in the eighth as back-to-back doubles by Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker made it 3-2. Alvarez finished 1 for 4 with the double, which extended his streak of games reaching base safely in to 29.

With 41,692 fans in attendance on Saturday night, the Astros surpassed 3 million fans for the fifth time in franchise history and for the first time since 2007.

Royals: C Salvador Perez (concussion) is likely to return to the lineup on Sunday, according to Quatraro. ... RHP Brad Keller has been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. He will decide whether to undergo surgery in the coming days, according to Quatraro.

Astros: OF Michael Brantley was out of the lineup for a fifth straight game Saturday with right shoulder soreness.

Astros RHP Hunter Brown (11-12, 4.87 ERA) will start Houston’s final home game of the regular season on Sunday. The Royals have not announced a starter.

By JOSHUA KOCH Associated PressHOUSTON (AP) — Jordan Lyles gave up just two hits in five innings, Bobby Witt Jr. drove in his 93rd run of the season and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 3-2 on Saturday night.“It’s like groundhog day,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “We’re playing hard, they’re playing good ball but we’re having trouble pushing runs across. You know hitting with runners in scoring position. When we do good we’re going to get a bunch of them for a period of time. I just feel that. We’re so close to breaking games open. Just didn’t get it done.”Houston has lost four of its last five games and fell to 39-41 at home this year. Still, the Astros maintained their half-game lead for the final AL wild-card spot over Seattle with seven games remaining. The Mariners lost 2-0 to Texas earlier.“It feels like we're playing terrible,” said Alex Bregman, who finished 0 for 3. “That's it. We're not playing good.”The Royals have won nine of their last 10 games for the first time since July 20-30, 2017. The win also clinched a fourth straight series win for the first time since 2019.“We know where we are as far as our youth and our inexperience," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “There's nobody that knows exactly what the timetable is but these kinds of wins are definitely going to go a long way for our guy's confidence.”Lyles (5-17) held the Astros to just one hit through the first four innings, while striking out three and walking two. This was his best start since July 17 when he held Detroit to no runs and three hits in a no-decision.“Every at-bat was a strong battle," Lyles said. "Those guys are one of the better lineups in baseball. It's going to make it difficult on you and they did a really good job. I wasn't able to go deep but five scoreless, team win, sign me up every day of the week for it.”Taylor Clarke got the last five outs for his third save of the season.“He just kept pumping strikes,” Quatraro said. “That last inning he was trying to not make a mistake and he just kept making quality after quality pitch. Those guys are dangerous and obviously without what he did we're not going to win that game.”The Royals got to the Astros early again. Maikel Garcia led off the game against J.P. France (11-6) with an infield single, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Yanier Diaz. Garcia scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by M.J. Melendez to make it 1-0.Kansas City leads the American League in sacrifice flies this season with 56 — second in the majors behind only the Dodgers (66).In the fifth inning with the bases loaded, Witt reached on a fielder’s choice and drove in Nick Pratto. A wild pitch by France later in the inning allowed Kyle Isbel to score, making it 3-0.France gave up three runs and seven hits in five innings, walking one and striking out five.“Stuff was great, I'm pleased with that outing,” France said. “I went five innings, two earned. Was actually able to get some whiffs, get some strikeouts against these guys opposed to last time. ... Overall felt my stuff was really good today. Arm felt really good.”Astros reliever Bryan Abreu struck out the side in the eighth inning to extend his scoreless innings streak to a major league-best 24 innings. Abreu has struck out 28 batters in this span.Trailing 3-0, Chas McCormick led off the seventh inning blasting a ball 418 feet to the train tracks in left field to cut into the lead. It was the second straight game that McCormick homered.“It's been frustrating, I've never been in this position before," McCormick said of the Astros' last eleven games. “Every team that's come to play us, they want to beat us badly and we just don't want it enough right now ... I don't think we're firing on all cylinders and putting a little pressure on ourselves."The Astros inched closer in the eighth as back-to-back doubles by Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker made it 3-2. Alvarez finished 1 for 4 with the double, which extended his streak of games reaching base safely in to 29.3 MILLION FANSWith 41,692 fans in attendance on Saturday night, the Astros surpassed 3 million fans for the fifth time in franchise history and for the first time since 2007.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez (concussion) is likely to return to the lineup on Sunday, according to Quatraro. ... RHP Brad Keller has been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. He will decide whether to undergo surgery in the coming days, according to Quatraro.Astros: OF Michael Brantley was out of the lineup for a fifth straight game Saturday with right shoulder soreness.UP NEXTAstros RHP Hunter Brown (11-12, 4.87 ERA) will start Houston’s final home game of the regular season on Sunday. The Royals have not announced a starter.

⚾ Lyles pitches five scoreless, Royals beat Astros

NORTH NEWTON –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan held the Bethel Threshers without a second half point and just 64 yards of offense as the Coyotes came away with a 24-14 win on Saturday night at Joe W. Goering Field at Thresher Stadium.

The win was the eighth straight win in North Newton for the Coyotes, a streak dating back to 2009 and was the 14th&nbsp;win in the last 15 meetings for the Coyotes in the series.Wesleyan's defense was again solid, holding Bethel to just 213 yards of total offense in the game, while the Coyote offense had 264 yards of offense, 180 through the air, as KWU got the passing game going.

Bethel scored first on its first drive of the game, capping a 10 play, 66 yard drive with a 35-yard pass from DJ Ciers to Trevon Madison with 6:45 to go in the first.The scoring drive was the only one of the first quarter. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695548346735.jpeg" alt="KWU gets win over Bethel" />
 <figcaption>KWU gets win over Bethel</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH NEWTON –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan held the Bethel Threshers without a second half point and just 64 yards of offense as the Coyotes came away with a 24-14 win on Saturday night at Joe W. Goering Field at Thresher Stadium.The win was the eighth straight win in North Newton for the Coyotes, a streak dating back to 2009 and was the 14th&nbsp;win in the last 15 meetings for the Coyotes in the series.Wesleyan's defense was again solid, holding Bethel to just 213 yards of total offense in the game, while the Coyote offense had 264 yards of offense, 180 through the air, as KWU got the passing game going.Bethel scored first on its first drive of the game, capping a 10 play, 66 yard drive with a 35-yard pass from DJ Ciers to Trevon Madison with 6:45 to go in the first.The scoring drive was the only one of the first quarter. The Coyotes had a short field to work with on the first drive of the second quarter and capitalized.When the drive stalled at the Bethel 25,&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/talon-cope/7949">Talon Cope</a>&nbsp;got the Coyotes on the board connecting on a 42-yard field goal with 11:12 to go in the half.Wesleyan's defense then stepped up, forcing two Bethel turnovers that turned into 14 points. The Coyotes forced a fumble by Corey Catron that was recovered by&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/deyondre-gomez/8608">Deyondre Gomez</a>&nbsp;after being knocked loose by&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/julian-urioste/8025">Julian Urioste</a>&nbsp;and four plays later were in the endzone as&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/richard-lara/7992">Richard Lara</a>&nbsp;hit&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/tyler-boston/7941">Tyler Boston</a>&nbsp;for a 23-yard touchdown with 8:23 left in the half.<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/quatama-massaquoi/8626">Quatama Massaquoi</a>&nbsp;picked off a pass on Bethel's next drive and returned it to the Bethel 25 and two plays later Lara hit a wide open&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/nick-allsman/7930">Nick Allsman</a>&nbsp;for a 24-yard touchdown pass and it was 17-7 Coyotes with 5:57 left.Madison got Bethel back within a field goal returning a&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/griffin-wiltse/8035">Griffin Wiltse</a>&nbsp;punt 72 yards for a touchdown with 2:44 to go before the half.The Coyotes led 17-14 at intermission.On Wesleyan's first drive of the second half, the Coyotes had to score twice. Lara appeared to hit&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/luke-armstrong/8579">Luke Armstrong</a>&nbsp;for a 64-yard passing touchdown, but Armstrong was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and wiped the points off the board.Nevertheless, the Coyotes found the endzone again five plays later when Lara hit Armstrong again, this time from three yards out to give KWU a 24-14 lead with 9:29 left in the third.Neither team had luck getting out of their respective side of the field until late in the fourth when the Coyotes turned Bethel over on downs, taking over at the Bethel 43 with 3:11 left. The KWU drive appeared to stall, but Bethel was called for roughing the kicker on the punt and KWU had new life at the Bethel 28 and was able to run out the clock for the win.Lara was 18 of 28 passing for 180 yards and three scores. Allsman had 49 yards rushing on 15 carries to lead the rushers. Lomax-Spivey had 47 yards receiving on three catches. Defensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/ricardo-garcia/7968">Ricardo Garcia</a>&nbsp;led the Coyotes with eight stops while&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/jhalen-haynes/7975">Jhalen Haynes</a>had seven.&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/josh-king-bradley/7988">Josh King-Bradley</a>&nbsp;had two sacks and Massaquoi had an interception.Wesleyan returns home next Saturday to face McPherson in the final non-division game for the Coyotes. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Gene Bissell Field at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.