ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brandon Lowe kept finding his name near the top of Tampa Bay’s lineup even as his offensive struggles continued to mount this postseason.

After Lowe finally busted out in Game 2 of the World Series, the Rays and Dodgers are tied deep in the heart of Texas.

“Sometimes guys, you’ve got to allow them to go through some tough patches,” manager Kevin Cash said. “He will go quiet for a little while, but he can get as hot as anybody in baseball.”

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/brandon-lowe-s-two-homer-game" target="_blank">Lowe hit two home runs</a>&nbsp;to the opposite field, Tampa Bay’s bullpen held on late and the Rays beat Los Angeles 6-4 on Wednesday night.

“Yeah, those felt really good,” said Lowe, a 2019 All-Star who led the Rays with 14 homers and 37 RBIs this season. “It felt great to kind of get back and contribute to the team. They’ve been doing so well for the past month — it felt really good to get back and actually start doing stuff again.”

Blake Snell struck out nine in 4 2/3 innings for the Rays and didn’t allow a hit until Chris Taylor’s two-run homer trimmed it to 5-2 in the fifth. The Dodgers threatened to complete a big comeback in the eighth, but Tampa Bay’s relievers held firm.

Lowe and Joey Wendle each had three RBIs for the Rays, whose six runs and 10 hits were their most over the past 11 postseason games.

“I think today was a little bit better indicator of the kind of team that we are,” said Wendle, who had a two-run double and a sacrifice fly. “Just a complete win, complete team win.”

Nick Anderson got four outs for the victory. Diego Castillo earned the save when he struck out Taylor, the only batter he faced.

Pete Fairbanks went 1 2/3 innings and left-hander Aaron Loup threw a called third strike past slugger Cody Bellinger with a runner on second to end the eighth. Loup also retired the first two hitters in the ninth.

“They’ve got some really good pitchers. They got out to that early lead and we just weren’t able to overcome it,” Taylor said. “We did a pretty good job of fighting to the end and we just weren’t able to come up with the big hit we needed.”

After an off day, Game 3 in the best-of-seven Series matches two big-game pitchers starting on extra rest Friday night. Charlie Morton goes for the Rays against Walker Buehler.

Los Angeles was the “home team” for the first two games but will bat first in the next three.

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/brandon-lowe-s-solo-home-run-ws" target="_blank">Lowe hit a solo shot to left-center</a>&nbsp;in the first off rookie Tony Gonsolin, putting the American League champion Rays ahead for the first time at this neutral-site World Series with their 27th homer of the postseason — matching a major league record. The second baseman was hitting .107 this postseason, and in an even worse 4-for-48 slide (.083) the past 13 games since the start of the AL Division Series.

“You’ve got to able to be tough-minded and Brandon is. A lot of our guys are,” Cash said. “We owe it to our guys to stick with them.

“Brandon, go ahead and get hot now, feel good about yourself.”

By the time Lowe went deep again in the fifth, his second opposite-field homer of the game — and the entire season — it was 5-0. That one bounced off the top of the left-field wall with a runner on against Dustin May, already the fourth Los Angeles pitcher.

Will Smith and NLCS MVP Corey Seager also homered for the Dodgers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/corey-seager-s-solo-home-run-x6076" target="_blank">Seager’s solo shot in the eighth</a>&nbsp;was his seventh homer and 16th RBI, extending the franchise records he had already set this postseason. It’s the most homers by a shortstop in any MLB postseason.

Snell, the 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner, retired 10 straight before walking Kiké Hernández with two outs in the fifth and Taylor, the No. 9 batter, homered on his 80th pitch. Tampa Bay’s ace was out of the game two batters later, after Mookie Betts walked and Seager singled.

“He was outstanding,” Cash said. “He was awesome. Gave us everything that we needed.”

Anderson got out of the jam with a strikeout of Justin Turner, then gave up a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/will-smith-s-solo-home-run-x6103" target="_blank">solo homer to Smith</a>&nbsp;in the sixth.

The Dodgers knew it would be primarily a bullpen game using various arms, instead of bringing back Buehler on short rest after ace lefty Clayton Kershaw threw six strong innings in their 8-3 win Tuesday night in Game 1.

“We didn’t have anybody that was on regular rest,” manager Dave Roberts said afterward, though he said he felt great with Buehler going in Game 3.

Roberts also said Julio Urías, who is 4-0 in four appearances this postseason after getting the last nine outs in the NLCS clincher, will start Game 4. Kershaw would then be ready on regular rest for Game 5.

Los Angeles used seven pitchers, and four of the first five allowed runs. The Dodgers were the first team to use four pitchers within the first four innings of a World Series game since Oakland against Cincinnati in 1990.

Gonsolin gave up Lowe’s first homer and was done after 1 1/3 innings. That was the shortest start in a World Series game since San Francisco’s Jake Peavy gave up five runs in 1 1/3 innings of a 10-0 loss at Kansas City in Game 6 of the 2014 World Series.

Snell attacked with breaking pitches in the strike zone, not his usual pattern, against a Dodgers team that doesn’t often chase. But less than a week after an aggressive hook by Cash to take Snell out of Game 6 of the ALCS after four innings, the left-hander still hasn’t completed six innings since July 2019.

“I’m not going to get mad at Cash. He’s got to manage, I’ve got to play. I’ve got to make it harder for him to come out and pull me,” Snell said. “I made it easy with the walk and the homer and then the walk. You can’t blame him. He’s trying to win a World Series game.”

A bobble by Hernández at second base proved costly, taking away a potential inning-ending double play in the fourth before the Dodgers changed pitchers again and gave up two runs. With one out and Randy Arozarena at first, Ji-Man Choi hit a grounder to Hernández, and by time the second baseman gathered the ball to get the force, Seager’s relay throw was late. Manuel Margot then greeted May, the third reliever, with a single before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/joey-wendle-s-two-run-double" target="_blank">Wendle’s two-run double</a>&nbsp;into the right-center gap for a 3-0 lead.

Snell’s nine strikeouts were the most in a World Series game by a pitcher who didn’t last five innings. ... Lowe became the second player to have a multi-homer game in the World Series after entering with a sub-.200 batting average in that postseason, according to STATS. The other was Orioles slugger Eddie Murray in the 1983 clincher against Philadelphia.

Rays: Morton has won all three of his starts this postseason, including 5 2/3 scoreless innings in the deciding Game 7 of the ALCS against Houston. He faces the Dodgers for the first time since the 2017 World Series, when he pitched the final four innings for the Astros to win Game 7 in relief. The veteran right-hander also pitched in Game 4 of that Series, limiting LA to one run and three hits while striking out seven over 6 1/3 innings.

Dodgers: Buehler threw six shutout innings to win Game 6 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta and force Game 7. His only previous World Series start was Game 3 against Boston in 2018, when he fired seven scoreless innings in the only game the Dodgers won.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brandon Lowe kept finding his name near the top of Tampa Bay’s lineup even as his offensive struggles continued to mount this postseason.After Lowe finally busted out in Game 2 of the World Series, the Rays and Dodgers are tied deep in the heart of Texas.“Sometimes guys, you’ve got to allow them to go through some tough patches,” manager Kevin Cash said. “He will go quiet for a little while, but he can get as hot as anybody in baseball.”<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/brandon-lowe-s-two-homer-game" target="_blank">Lowe hit two home runs</a>&nbsp;to the opposite field, Tampa Bay’s bullpen held on late and the Rays beat Los Angeles 6-4 on Wednesday night.“Yeah, those felt really good,” said Lowe, a 2019 All-Star who led the Rays with 14 homers and 37 RBIs this season. “It felt great to kind of get back and contribute to the team. They’ve been doing so well for the past month — it felt really good to get back and actually start doing stuff again.”Blake Snell struck out nine in 4 2/3 innings for the Rays and didn’t allow a hit until Chris Taylor’s two-run homer trimmed it to 5-2 in the fifth. The Dodgers threatened to complete a big comeback in the eighth, but Tampa Bay’s relievers held firm.Lowe and Joey Wendle each had three RBIs for the Rays, whose six runs and 10 hits were their most over the past 11 postseason games.“I think today was a little bit better indicator of the kind of team that we are,” said Wendle, who had a two-run double and a sacrifice fly. “Just a complete win, complete team win.”Nick Anderson got four outs for the victory. Diego Castillo earned the save when he struck out Taylor, the only batter he faced.Pete Fairbanks went 1 2/3 innings and left-hander Aaron Loup threw a called third strike past slugger Cody Bellinger with a runner on second to end the eighth. Loup also retired the first two hitters in the ninth.“They’ve got some really good pitchers. They got out to that early lead and we just weren’t able to overcome it,” Taylor said. “We did a pretty good job of fighting to the end and we just weren’t able to come up with the big hit we needed.”After an off day, Game 3 in the best-of-seven Series matches two big-game pitchers starting on extra rest Friday night. Charlie Morton goes for the Rays against Walker Buehler.Los Angeles was the “home team” for the first two games but will bat first in the next three.<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/brandon-lowe-s-solo-home-run-ws" target="_blank">Lowe hit a solo shot to left-center</a>&nbsp;in the first off rookie Tony Gonsolin, putting the American League champion Rays ahead for the first time at this neutral-site World Series with their 27th homer of the postseason — matching a major league record. The second baseman was hitting .107 this postseason, and in an even worse 4-for-48 slide (.083) the past 13 games since the start of the AL Division Series.“You’ve got to able to be tough-minded and Brandon is. A lot of our guys are,” Cash said. “We owe it to our guys to stick with them.“Brandon, go ahead and get hot now, feel good about yourself.”By the time Lowe went deep again in the fifth, his second opposite-field homer of the game — and the entire season — it was 5-0. That one bounced off the top of the left-field wall with a runner on against Dustin May, already the fourth Los Angeles pitcher.Will Smith and NLCS MVP Corey Seager also homered for the Dodgers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/corey-seager-s-solo-home-run-x6076" target="_blank">Seager’s solo shot in the eighth</a>&nbsp;was his seventh homer and 16th RBI, extending the franchise records he had already set this postseason. It’s the most homers by a shortstop in any MLB postseason.Snell, the 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner, retired 10 straight before walking Kiké Hernández with two outs in the fifth and Taylor, the No. 9 batter, homered on his 80th pitch. Tampa Bay’s ace was out of the game two batters later, after Mookie Betts walked and Seager singled.“He was outstanding,” Cash said. “He was awesome. Gave us everything that we needed.”Anderson got out of the jam with a strikeout of Justin Turner, then gave up a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/will-smith-s-solo-home-run-x6103" target="_blank">solo homer to Smith</a>&nbsp;in the sixth.The Dodgers knew it would be primarily a bullpen game using various arms, instead of bringing back Buehler on short rest after ace lefty Clayton Kershaw threw six strong innings in their 8-3 win Tuesday night in Game 1.“We didn’t have anybody that was on regular rest,” manager Dave Roberts said afterward, though he said he felt great with Buehler going in Game 3.Roberts also said Julio Urías, who is 4-0 in four appearances this postseason after getting the last nine outs in the NLCS clincher, will start Game 4. Kershaw would then be ready on regular rest for Game 5.Los Angeles used seven pitchers, and four of the first five allowed runs. The Dodgers were the first team to use four pitchers within the first four innings of a World Series game since Oakland against Cincinnati in 1990.Gonsolin gave up Lowe’s first homer and was done after 1 1/3 innings. That was the shortest start in a World Series game since San Francisco’s Jake Peavy gave up five runs in 1 1/3 innings of a 10-0 loss at Kansas City in Game 6 of the 2014 World Series.Snell attacked with breaking pitches in the strike zone, not his usual pattern, against a Dodgers team that doesn’t often chase. But less than a week after an aggressive hook by Cash to take Snell out of Game 6 of the ALCS after four innings, the left-hander still hasn’t completed six innings since July 2019.“I’m not going to get mad at Cash. He’s got to manage, I’ve got to play. I’ve got to make it harder for him to come out and pull me,” Snell said. “I made it easy with the walk and the homer and then the walk. You can’t blame him. He’s trying to win a World Series game.”BIG MISTAKEA bobble by Hernández at second base proved costly, taking away a potential inning-ending double play in the fourth before the Dodgers changed pitchers again and gave up two runs. With one out and Randy Arozarena at first, Ji-Man Choi hit a grounder to Hernández, and by time the second baseman gathered the ball to get the force, Seager’s relay throw was late. Manuel Margot then greeted May, the third reliever, with a single before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/joey-wendle-s-two-run-double" target="_blank">Wendle’s two-run double</a>&nbsp;into the right-center gap for a 3-0 lead.SHORT HOPSSnell’s nine strikeouts were the most in a World Series game by a pitcher who didn’t last five innings. ... Lowe became the second player to have a multi-homer game in the World Series after entering with a sub-.200 batting average in that postseason, according to STATS. The other was Orioles slugger Eddie Murray in the 1983 clincher against Philadelphia.UP NEXTRays: Morton has won all three of his starts this postseason, including 5 2/3 scoreless innings in the deciding Game 7 of the ALCS against Houston. He faces the Dodgers for the first time since the 2017 World Series, when he pitched the final four innings for the Astros to win Game 7 in relief. The veteran right-hander also pitched in Game 4 of that Series, limiting LA to one run and three hits while striking out seven over 6 1/3 innings.Dodgers: Buehler threw six shutout innings to win Game 6 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta and force Game 7. His only previous World Series start was Game 3 against Boston in 2018, when he fired seven scoreless innings in the only game the Dodgers won.

Lowe homers twice, Rays hold off Dodgers 6-4 to even Series

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Le'Veon Bell once carried the ball a league-leading 321 times in a single season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He doesn't figure to get nearly as many chances with the Kansas City Chiefs. That's just fine with the two-time All-Pro running back, though. Bell has been the focal point of defenses for the majority of his career, whether that was in Pittsburgh or during his short stint with the New York Jets. But now Bell's on a team with so much offensive firepower that he could only marvel while watching them beat the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. "I was just like,' This is unbelievable,'" Bell said.

UNDATED (AP) — The game of the week in the Big Ten has No. 18 Michigan at No. 21 Minnesota on Saturday. The Wolverines' last four seasons have ended with consecutive losses and fans are getting antsy as Jim Harbaugh enters his sixth year. Michigan is breaking in a new quarterback, presumably Joe Milton, in the Little Brown Jug game. Iowa will have a new quarterback for the first time in four years, with Spencer Petras making his starting debut on the road against Purdue. No. 5 Ohio State is a 26-point favorite for its home game against Nebraska.

UNDATED (AP) — No. 17 Iowa State is looking to improve to 4-0 in conference play for the first time in school history _ in any league, not only the Big 12. The Cyclones play at well-rested sixth-ranked Oklahoma State. The Cowboys, who are 2-0 in the Big 12, are coming off consecutive bye weeks after their scheduled open date was followed by their game last Saturday at Baylor being pushed back to December due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Bears program. The Bears are back to play at Texas. No. 20 Kansas State, the only other Big 12 team without a league loss, hosts instate rival Kansas.&nbsp;

UNDATED (AP) — DeVonta Smith could be tearing up the NFL instead of the Southeastern Conference. But he chose to stay in school, delaying NFL riches and essentially gambling on himself. He's not alone. The SEC has a bunch of players who made similar decisions, including Feleipe Franks, Najee Harris, Richard LeCounte, Kelly Mond, Kadarius Toney and Marco Wilson. Most of them have enjoyed some early season success, just not as much as Smith has at Alabama.&nbsp;

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A lawsuit says the son of a former University of Nebraska official is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy three years ago. The lawsuit filed Wednesday by the mother of the boy alleges that Jack Eichorst assaulted the victim at a sleepover at the Eichorsts' home in October 2017. The Omaha World-Herald reports the lawsuit names Jack Eichorst and his parents. It seeks unspecified damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering of the alleged victim, as well reimbursement of medical and mental health counseling bills. Eichorst attorney Vince Powers says the allegations did not happen. Jack Eichorst was convicted of child pornography possession last year.&nbsp;

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — No. 10 Florida is planning to return to its football facility Monday, nearly two weeks after the program shut down because of a COVID-19 outbreak. Coach Dan Mullen was one of more than two dozen Gators who tested positive for the coronavirus last week. He sounded congested as he said the team had a new positive Wednesday from testing the day before. Mullen remains quarantined at home, living mostly in his bedroom and adjacent office. The Gators host Missouri on Oct. 31. Mullen says he's concerned about the lengthy layoff. Florida will have gone three weeks between games.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The World Series is tied at a game apiece after Brandon Lowe (low) broke out of a three-week slump.

Lowe homered twice and had three RBIs as the Rays downed the Dodgers, 6-4. He put the Rays ahead with a first-inning blast and added a two-run shot that made it 5-0 in the fifth. 

Lowe was hitting just .107 this postseason, including an 0-for-4 performance in Game 1.

Joey Wendle laced a two-run double and a sacrifice fly for Tampa Bay, which bounced back from Tuesday's 8-3 loss.

Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell had a no-hitter until Chris Taylor unloaded a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth. Snell followed that with a walk and another hit before leaving the game without a chance to pick up the victory.

Will Smith hit a solo homer in the sixth and Corey Seager did likewise in the eighth before the Rays' bullpen closed it out. Diego Castillo struck out the only batter he faced to pick up the save.

Van Gundy agrees to become Pelicans' coach

UNDATED (AP) — Stan Van Gundy has agreed to become the next coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. He will replace Alvin Gentry, who was let go after the Pelicans went 30-42 this season and missed the playoffs. 

Van Gundy spent parts of 12 seasons coaching Miami, Orlando and Detroit, winning 58% of his games and going to the playoffs eight times. Now, he gets the chance to work with No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson. 

Panthers put Slye, 3rd OL on COVID-19 list

UNDATED (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have added kicker Joey Slye and offensive tackle Trent Scott to the COVID-19 reserve list, bringing their total number of players on the list to four. Scott becomes the third reserve offensive lineman to be placed on the COVID-19/reserve list in the last six days, joining Tyler Larsen and Michael Schofield. 

The moves don't necessarily mean those players have tested positive; they could have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive. 

The Panthers practiced as usual Wednesday in preparation for their game Sunday at New Orleans.

— The Raiders sent all five starting offensive linemen home as part of coronavirus contact tracing after right tackle Trent Brown was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list with a positive test. The Raiders held practice without their starting five as they prepare for a home game against Tampa Bay. 

— A'Shawn Robinson has been designated to return to practice with the Rams this week. He's been on the non-football injury list for unspecified reasons at the start of training camp. The decision moves the new defensive tackle closer to his debut for Los Angeles. 

— Jets quarterback Sam Darnold returned to practice for the first time since spraining his throwing shoulder. He could have a chance to play Sunday against the Bills after missing the last two games. 

— A person with direct knowledge of the deal says the Jets have traded outside linebacker Jordan Willis to the 49ers. The Jets are also sending a 2021 seventh-round draft pick to the 49ers for a sixth-round selection in 2022. 

— Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores says he regrets that his players found out about the team's switch to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (TOO'-ah tuhng-ah-vy-LOH'-ah) through social media rather than from him. Tagovailoa, the fifth pick in the April draft, will make his first NFL start on Nov. 1 against the Los Angeles Rams after the Dolphins' bye this week. 

— Washington will allow only friends and family in attendance at FedEx Field on Sunday against the Cowboys, even after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan allowed teams to fill outdoor stadiums to 10% capacity. At 10% capacity, roughly 8,000 fans would be allowed, something that remains possible later this season.

— Veteran defensive end/linebacker Aaron Lynch has unretired and been reinstated to Jacksonville's roster. Lynch walked away in August after just a few days of training camp. 

Penn State coach Pat Chambers resigns after investigation

UNDATED (AP) — Penn State's Pat Chambers has resigned following an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct by the Nittany Lions' basketball coach. The 49-year-old Chambers had been at the school for nine years and was coming off the team's best season under his directions. 

Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour said in a statement that assistant coach Jim Ferry was being elevated to interim coach for the coming season. 

— Kentucky has announced that the NCAA and Southeastern Conference have granted transfers Olivier Sarr and Jacob Toppin immediate eligibility to play this season. Both post players provide experience for the Wildcats, whose only returning regular is sophomore forward Keion Brooks Jr. The 7-foot Sarr played three years at Wake Forest and averaged 13.7 points, nine rebounds and 1.2 blocks last season. 

Tigers impose penalties involving Beckham, booster

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU has self-imposed penalties for NCAA rules violations by the football program that include a reduction of scholarships and a two-year ban from its athletic facilities for Browns star and former Tigers receiver Odell Beckham Jr. That's according to a report by Sports Illustrated. 

LSU acknowledged it was working with the NCAA and had self-imposed penalties but provided no other details. 

Beckham was seen handing out cash to LSU players on the field after last year's College Football Playoff national championship game, a violation that is considered minor. A more serious violation involves an LSU booster paying $180,000 that was embezzled from a charity to the father of a former LSU football player.

Former Masters champ Scott tests positive for coronavirus

UNDATED (AP) — Former Masters champion Adam Scott has tested positive for the coronavirus and has pulled out of the Zozo Championship at Sherwood. 

Scott is the second high-profile golfer to test positive in as many weeks. World No. 1 Dustin Johnson tested positive last week in Las Vegas. 

— Phil Mickelson was planning to play the Houston Open a week before the Masters. That was before the tournament announced it was selling 2,000 tickets a day. That was enough for Mickelson to say he probably would play on the PGA Champions Tour that week in Phoenix. Mickelson says if the Charles Schwab Cup Championship also has limited spectators, then he probably would go to Houston. 

— Maria Torres has withdrawn from the LPGA Tour event in Georgia this week because her caddie tested positive for the coronavirus. Torres says she has no symptoms but is self-isolating because of their contact. 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Richard Petty Motorsports will enter the next chapter of its storied history with driver Erik Jones.

The pairing gives Petty a proven winner to replace Bubba Wallace, who is leaving at the end of the season. His departure could have crippled the cash-strapped Petty organization, but the team instead landed one of the top available talents. 

Jones was dropped by megateam Joe Gibbs Racing in August after six seasons. 

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Le'Veon Bell once carried the ball a league-leading 321 times in a single season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He doesn't figure to get nearly as many chances with the Kansas City Chiefs. That's just fine with the two-time All-Pro running back, though. Bell has been the focal point of defenses for the majority of his career, whether that was in Pittsburgh or during his short stint with the New York Jets. But now Bell's on a team with so much offensive firepower that he could only marvel while watching them beat the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. "I was just like,' This is unbelievable,'" Bell said.UNDATED (AP) — The game of the week in the Big Ten has No. 18 Michigan at No. 21 Minnesota on Saturday. The Wolverines' last four seasons have ended with consecutive losses and fans are getting antsy as Jim Harbaugh enters his sixth year. Michigan is breaking in a new quarterback, presumably Joe Milton, in the Little Brown Jug game. Iowa will have a new quarterback for the first time in four years, with Spencer Petras making his starting debut on the road against Purdue. No. 5 Ohio State is a 26-point favorite for its home game against Nebraska.UNDATED (AP) — No. 17 Iowa State is looking to improve to 4-0 in conference play for the first time in school history _ in any league, not only the Big 12. The Cyclones play at well-rested sixth-ranked Oklahoma State. The Cowboys, who are 2-0 in the Big 12, are coming off consecutive bye weeks after their scheduled open date was followed by their game last Saturday at Baylor being pushed back to December due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Bears program. The Bears are back to play at Texas. No. 20 Kansas State, the only other Big 12 team without a league loss, hosts instate rival Kansas.&nbsp;UNDATED (AP) — DeVonta Smith could be tearing up the NFL instead of the Southeastern Conference. But he chose to stay in school, delaying NFL riches and essentially gambling on himself. He's not alone. The SEC has a bunch of players who made similar decisions, including Feleipe Franks, Najee Harris, Richard LeCounte, Kelly Mond, Kadarius Toney and Marco Wilson. Most of them have enjoyed some early season success, just not as much as Smith has at Alabama.&nbsp;LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A lawsuit says the son of a former University of Nebraska official is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy three years ago. The lawsuit filed Wednesday by the mother of the boy alleges that Jack Eichorst assaulted the victim at a sleepover at the Eichorsts' home in October 2017. The Omaha World-Herald reports the lawsuit names Jack Eichorst and his parents. It seeks unspecified damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering of the alleged victim, as well reimbursement of medical and mental health counseling bills. Eichorst attorney Vince Powers says the allegations did not happen. Jack Eichorst was convicted of child pornography possession last year.&nbsp;GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — No. 10 Florida is planning to return to its football facility Monday, nearly two weeks after the program shut down because of a COVID-19 outbreak. Coach Dan Mullen was one of more than two dozen Gators who tested positive for the coronavirus last week. He sounded congested as he said the team had a new positive Wednesday from testing the day before. Mullen remains quarantined at home, living mostly in his bedroom and adjacent office. The Gators host Missouri on Oct. 31. Mullen says he's concerned about the lengthy layoff. Florida will have gone three weeks between games.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>MLB-WORLD SERIESRays square seriesARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The World Series is tied at a game apiece after Brandon Lowe (low) broke out of a three-week slump.Lowe homered twice and had three RBIs as the Rays downed the Dodgers, 6-4. He put the Rays ahead with a first-inning blast and added a two-run shot that made it 5-0 in the fifth. Lowe was hitting just .107 this postseason, including an 0-for-4 performance in Game 1.Joey Wendle laced a two-run double and a sacrifice fly for Tampa Bay, which bounced back from Tuesday's 8-3 loss.Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell had a no-hitter until Chris Taylor unloaded a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth. Snell followed that with a walk and another hit before leaving the game without a chance to pick up the victory.Will Smith hit a solo homer in the sixth and Corey Seager did likewise in the eighth before the Rays' bullpen closed it out. Diego Castillo struck out the only batter he faced to pick up the save.Tony Gonsolin took the loss.The series continues Friday.NBA-PELICANS-VAN GUNDYVan Gundy agrees to become Pelicans' coachUNDATED (AP) — Stan Van Gundy has agreed to become the next coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. He will replace Alvin Gentry, who was let go after the Pelicans went 30-42 this season and missed the playoffs. Van Gundy spent parts of 12 seasons coaching Miami, Orlando and Detroit, winning 58% of his games and going to the playoffs eight times. Now, he gets the chance to work with No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson. NFL-NEWSPanthers put Slye, 3rd OL on COVID-19 listUNDATED (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have added kicker Joey Slye and offensive tackle Trent Scott to the COVID-19 reserve list, bringing their total number of players on the list to four. Scott becomes the third reserve offensive lineman to be placed on the COVID-19/reserve list in the last six days, joining Tyler Larsen and Michael Schofield. The moves don't necessarily mean those players have tested positive; they could have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive. The Panthers practiced as usual Wednesday in preparation for their game Sunday at New Orleans.In other NFL news:— The Raiders sent all five starting offensive linemen home as part of coronavirus contact tracing after right tackle Trent Brown was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list with a positive test. The Raiders held practice without their starting five as they prepare for a home game against Tampa Bay. — A'Shawn Robinson has been designated to return to practice with the Rams this week. He's been on the non-football injury list for unspecified reasons at the start of training camp. The decision moves the new defensive tackle closer to his debut for Los Angeles. — Jets quarterback Sam Darnold returned to practice for the first time since spraining his throwing shoulder. He could have a chance to play Sunday against the Bills after missing the last two games. — A person with direct knowledge of the deal says the Jets have traded outside linebacker Jordan Willis to the 49ers. The Jets are also sending a 2021 seventh-round draft pick to the 49ers for a sixth-round selection in 2022. — Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores says he regrets that his players found out about the team's switch to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (TOO'-ah tuhng-ah-vy-LOH'-ah) through social media rather than from him. Tagovailoa, the fifth pick in the April draft, will make his first NFL start on Nov. 1 against the Los Angeles Rams after the Dolphins' bye this week. — Washington will allow only friends and family in attendance at FedEx Field on Sunday against the Cowboys, even after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan allowed teams to fill outdoor stadiums to 10% capacity. At 10% capacity, roughly 8,000 fans would be allowed, something that remains possible later this season.— Veteran defensive end/linebacker Aaron Lynch has unretired and been reinstated to Jacksonville's roster. Lynch walked away in August after just a few days of training camp. COLLEGE BASKETBALL-NEWSPenn State coach Pat Chambers resigns after investigationUNDATED (AP) — Penn State's Pat Chambers has resigned following an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct by the Nittany Lions' basketball coach. The 49-year-old Chambers had been at the school for nine years and was coming off the team's best season under his directions. Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour said in a statement that assistant coach Jim Ferry was being elevated to interim coach for the coming season. NCAA basketball season starts Nov. 25. In other college basketball news:— Kentucky has announced that the NCAA and Southeastern Conference have granted transfers Olivier Sarr and Jacob Toppin immediate eligibility to play this season. Both post players provide experience for the Wildcats, whose only returning regular is sophomore forward Keion Brooks Jr. The 7-foot Sarr played three years at Wake Forest and averaged 13.7 points, nine rebounds and 1.2 blocks last season. COLLEGE FOOTBALL-LSU-PENALTIESTigers impose penalties involving Beckham, boosterBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU has self-imposed penalties for NCAA rules violations by the football program that include a reduction of scholarships and a two-year ban from its athletic facilities for Browns star and former Tigers receiver Odell Beckham Jr. That's according to a report by Sports Illustrated. LSU acknowledged it was working with the NCAA and had self-imposed penalties but provided no other details. Beckham was seen handing out cash to LSU players on the field after last year's College Football Playoff national championship game, a violation that is considered minor. A more serious violation involves an LSU booster paying $180,000 that was embezzled from a charity to the father of a former LSU football player.VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTSFormer Masters champ Scott tests positive for coronavirusUNDATED (AP) — Former Masters champion Adam Scott has tested positive for the coronavirus and has pulled out of the Zozo Championship at Sherwood. Scott is the second high-profile golfer to test positive in as many weeks. World No. 1 Dustin Johnson tested positive last week in Las Vegas. In other virus-related developments:— Phil Mickelson was planning to play the Houston Open a week before the Masters. That was before the tournament announced it was selling 2,000 tickets a day. That was enough for Mickelson to say he probably would play on the PGA Champions Tour that week in Phoenix. Mickelson says if the Charles Schwab Cup Championship also has limited spectators, then he probably would go to Houston. — Maria Torres has withdrawn from the LPGA Tour event in Georgia this week because her caddie tested positive for the coronavirus. Torres says she has no symptoms but is self-isolating because of their contact. NASCAR-RPM-JONESJones lands iconic No. 43 with RPMCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Richard Petty Motorsports will enter the next chapter of its storied history with driver Erik Jones.The pairing gives Petty a proven winner to replace Bubba Wallace, who is leaving at the end of the season. His departure could have crippled the cash-strapped Petty organization, but the team instead landed one of the top available talents. Jones was dropped by megateam Joe Gibbs Racing in August after six seasons.

Sports Headlines for Thursday

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		Sporting Kansas City	at	Colorado	9 p.m.	(Postponed)

AP-Scorecard<h2>Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:</h2>___MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFSFinal	Tampa Bay	6	L.A. Dodgers	4	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Sporting Kansas City	at	Colorado	9 p.m.	(Postponed)___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE		N-Y Giants	at	Philadelphia	8:20 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Portland	at	Seattle	10:30 p.m.	___

Sports Scores from Wednesday

🎙 AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Wednesday

Soccer: Maize 2, Hutch 1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Buhler 5, Winfield 3

Volleyball: Nickerson beat Chapman in 3, lost to Smoky Valley in 2 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Buhler beat Winfield in 2, beat Augusta in 3 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutch beat Valley Center in 2, lost to Maize in 2

Soccer: Maize 2, Hutch 1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Buhler 5, Winfield 3Volleyball: Nickerson beat Chapman in 3, lost to Smoky Valley in 2 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Buhler beat Winfield in 2, beat Augusta in 3 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutch beat Valley Center in 2, lost to Maize in 2

High school results from October 21, 2020

The Hutchinson Salthawk Girl's Volleyball team split with Maize and Valley Center in triangular action yesterday at Maize.&nbsp; Maize took 2 from the Salthawks 25-16, 25-21 but Hutchinson bounced back to take 2 from Valley Center 25-12, 25-16.&nbsp; Hutchinson is now 20-14.&nbsp; Sub-state for the Salthawk girl's will be in Dodge City Saturday, October 24th with seeding announced at 10am today.&nbsp; Winners of Sub-State will play quarter final matches on October 27th with State being held on October 30th in Salina.

Hutch High Soccer dropped a close game at Maize 2-1.

The Salthawks will conclude their regular season at home Thursday night at 6:30pm vs Haysville-Campus.

The Hutchinson Salthawk Girl's Volleyball team split with Maize and Valley Center in triangular action yesterday at Maize.&nbsp; Maize took 2 from the Salthawks 25-16, 25-21 but Hutchinson bounced back to take 2 from Valley Center 25-12, 25-16.&nbsp; Hutchinson is now 20-14.&nbsp; Sub-state for the Salthawk girl's will be in Dodge City Saturday, October 24th with seeding announced at 10am today.&nbsp; Winners of Sub-State will play quarter final matches on October 27th with State being held on October 30th in Salina.Hutch High Soccer dropped a close game at Maize 2-1.The Salthawks will conclude their regular season at home Thursday night at 6:30pm vs Haysville-Campus.

Salthawk Volleyball gets split; Soccer edged by Maize 2-1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Perhaps motivated by their lousy performance the previous week, or the impending arrival of Le'Veon Bell, the Chiefs ran 46 times for 245 yards in a 26-17 win over the Bills on Monday night. The number of carries matched their most under coach Andy Reid and the yardage total was the fifth most by any of Reid's teams in Kansas City or Philadelphia. It also showed that even when defenses limit Patrick Mahomes by taking away the downfield pass game, they still can find ways to win.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have maintained their spot on top of the latest AP Pro32 poll. The next four spots went to AFC teams. The Kansas City Chiefs inched up a spot to No. 2. The Pittsburgh Steelers moved up to No. 3 and the Tennessee Titans gained two spots to No. 4 before their key matchup on Sunday in Nashville. The Baltimore Ravens stayed at No. 5.&nbsp;

Fall Classic begins with Dodgers rout of Rays

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers are three wins away from their first World Series title in 32 years.

Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts homered to support Clayton Kershaw as the Dodgers whipped the Tampa Bay Rays, 8-3 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.

The Dodgers went ahead, 2-0 on Bellinger's two-run homer in the fourth before tacking on four more runs in the fifth. Bellinger was fit to play after suffering a right shoulder injury while celebrating his tiebreaking home run in Game 7 of the NLCS two nights earlier.

Bellinger went deep off Tyler Glasnow, who struggled with his command. Glasnow was reached for six runs on three hits and six walks in 4 1/3 innings.

Kevin Kiermaier's solo blast in the fifth pushed Tampa Bay within a run before Betts scored on a fielder's choice in the bottom half to restore L.A.'s two-run lead. Will Smith, Chris Taylor and Kike (KEE'-kay) Hernandez followed with RBI singles.

Betts led off the bottom of the sixth with a blast to widen the gap. Justin Turner and Max Muncy added consecutive doubles to give Los Angeles an 8-1 lead.

Kershaw limited the Rays to two hits and a walk while striking out eight over six innings. Kershaw is 3-1 this postseason.

Manfred likes larger playoff, runner in extras

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says he hopes to keep two of this year's innovations: expanded playoffs and starting extra innings with runners on second base. 

Manfred also says the 30 teams combined for $3 billion in operating losses due the pandemic, which caused all 898 regular-season games to be played in empty ballparks without fans. 

After opening day was delayed from March 26 to July 23, MLB and the players' association agreed to expand the number of teams in the playoffs from 10 to 16. Manfred has previously advocated a future expansion of the playoffs to 14 teams.

Ownership committee approves Mets sale to Cohen

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that the proposed purchase of 95% of the New York Mets by an entity of billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen has been approved by Major League Baseball's ownership committee. 

Baseball's executive council will consider the deal next and is expected to forward it for a vote by all owners. Final approval is likely to take place in the next month. 

The sale values the franchise at $2.4 billion to $2.5 billion.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — Former major league umpire Derryl Cousins has died at 74.

Cousins got his spot in the big leagues during the umpires' strike in 1979 and stayed on the job through the 2012 season. He called the World Series in 2005, 1999 and 1988 and also worked seven League Championship Series, five Division Series and three All-Star Games.

Craig Cousins said his brother died at home Monday after a bout with cancer.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers have hired Nate Bjorkgren as their new coach. The decision ends a search that began when the Pacers fired longtime coach Nate McMillan on Aug. 26. 

Bjorkgren spent the past two seasons as an assistant to Toronto coach Nick Nurse and was part of the Raptors 2018-19 title run. 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Clippers have confirmed their hiring of Tyronn Lue to replace Doc Rivers as head coach.

Lue spent last season working as a Clippers assistant under Doc Rivers, who was L.A.'s head coach for seven years before going to the Philadelphia 76ers a couple weeks ago.

Lue was on the Cleveland Cavaliers' staff when he replaced the fired David Blatt during the 2015-16 season. Under Lue's guidance, the Cavs and LeBron James went on to win their first-ever NBA championship.

AP source: Tagovailoa replaces Fitzpatrick as Miami starter

UNDATED (AP) — Rookie Tua Tagovailoa (TOO'-uh tuhng-ah-vy-LOH'-ah) has been named the Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback. 

A person with knowledge of the decision says the former Alabama star will make his first NFL start on Nov. 1 against the Los Angeles Rams following the team's bye week. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick has been demoted despite leading the Dolphins to consecutive victories and throwing for three touchdowns in Sunday's 24-0 shutout of the New York Jets.

— The Bears have signed former Notre Dame star linebacker Manti Teo (MAN'-tee TAY'-ow) to their practice squad. Th 2012 Heisman finalist has made 48 starts and 62 appearances over seven seasons with Chargers and Saints, recording 307 tackles and 22 for loss along with 13 pass breakups and two interceptions. 

— The Rams have signed veteran kicker Kai Forbath from the Bears' practice squad after a rocky start to the season for rookie Samuel Sloman. Los Angeles drafted Sloman in the seventh round last spring, but he has missed three of his 18 extra-point attempts this season. 

— Panthers starting safety Juston Burris and reserve wide receiver Keith Kirkwood will miss at least the next three games after both were placed on injured reserve. Burris injured his ribs in Carolina's 23-16 loss to the Bears on Sunday, and Kirkwood re-injured a shoulder that had kept him out of action the first five weeks. 

— The Saints will start having fans in the stands for home games beginning Sunday against the Panthers. The team and the mayor agreed to a phased plan that will start with 3,000 tickets for Sunday's. Attendance would increase to 6,000 fans for November games with San Francisco and Atlanta and up to 15,000 in December for games against Kansas City and Minnesota. The plan is subject to any changes in local health and safety guidelines. 

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — The Mountain West football game between New Mexico and Colorado State has been canceled due to COVID-19.

The Lobos were scheduled to play the Rams on Saturday in Fort Collins, Colorado, but there's a prevalence of the virus in the New Mexico county of Bernalillo. 

— Florida's COVID-19 outbreak seems to be contained. The 10th-ranked Gators reported four new positives since the middle of last week, when they postponed two games because of the novel coronavirus.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Perhaps motivated by their lousy performance the previous week, or the impending arrival of Le'Veon Bell, the Chiefs ran 46 times for 245 yards in a 26-17 win over the Bills on Monday night. The number of carries matched their most under coach Andy Reid and the yardage total was the fifth most by any of Reid's teams in Kansas City or Philadelphia. It also showed that even when defenses limit Patrick Mahomes by taking away the downfield pass game, they still can find ways to win.NEW YORK (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have maintained their spot on top of the latest AP Pro32 poll. The next four spots went to AFC teams. The Kansas City Chiefs inched up a spot to No. 2. The Pittsburgh Steelers moved up to No. 3 and the Tennessee Titans gained two spots to No. 4 before their key matchup on Sunday in Nashville. The Baltimore Ravens stayed at No. 5.&nbsp;<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>MLB-WORLD SERIESFall Classic begins with Dodgers rout of RaysARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers are three wins away from their first World Series title in 32 years.Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts homered to support Clayton Kershaw as the Dodgers whipped the Tampa Bay Rays, 8-3 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.The Dodgers went ahead, 2-0 on Bellinger's two-run homer in the fourth before tacking on four more runs in the fifth. Bellinger was fit to play after suffering a right shoulder injury while celebrating his tiebreaking home run in Game 7 of the NLCS two nights earlier.Bellinger went deep off Tyler Glasnow, who struggled with his command. Glasnow was reached for six runs on three hits and six walks in 4 1/3 innings.Kevin Kiermaier's solo blast in the fifth pushed Tampa Bay within a run before Betts scored on a fielder's choice in the bottom half to restore L.A.'s two-run lead. Will Smith, Chris Taylor and Kike (KEE'-kay) Hernandez followed with RBI singles.Betts led off the bottom of the sixth with a blast to widen the gap. Justin Turner and Max Muncy added consecutive doubles to give Los Angeles an 8-1 lead.Kershaw limited the Rays to two hits and a walk while striking out eight over six innings. Kershaw is 3-1 this postseason.MLB-MANFRED INTERVIEWManfred likes larger playoff, runner in extrasARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says he hopes to keep two of this year's innovations: expanded playoffs and starting extra innings with runners on second base. Manfred also says the 30 teams combined for $3 billion in operating losses due the pandemic, which caused all 898 regular-season games to be played in empty ballparks without fans. After opening day was delayed from March 26 to July 23, MLB and the players' association agreed to expand the number of teams in the playoffs from 10 to 16. Manfred has previously advocated a future expansion of the playoffs to 14 teams.MLB NEWSOwnership committee approves Mets sale to CohenARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that the proposed purchase of 95% of the New York Mets by an entity of billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen has been approved by Major League Baseball's ownership committee. Baseball's executive council will consider the deal next and is expected to forward it for a vote by all owners. Final approval is likely to take place in the next month. The sale values the franchise at $2.4 billion to $2.5 billion.MLB-COUSINS OBITEx-ump Cousins diesPALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — Former major league umpire Derryl Cousins has died at 74.Cousins got his spot in the big leagues during the umpires' strike in 1979 and stayed on the job through the 2012 season. He called the World Series in 2005, 1999 and 1988 and also worked seven League Championship Series, five Division Series and three All-Star Games.Craig Cousins said his brother died at home Monday after a bout with cancer.NBA-PACERS COACHPacers hire Bjorkgren as coachINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers have hired Nate Bjorkgren as their new coach. The decision ends a search that began when the Pacers fired longtime coach Nate McMillan on Aug. 26. Bjorkgren spent the past two seasons as an assistant to Toronto coach Nick Nurse and was part of the Raptors 2018-19 title run. NBA-CLIPPERS-LUEClippers confirm Lue hiringLOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Clippers have confirmed their hiring of Tyronn Lue to replace Doc Rivers as head coach.Lue spent last season working as a Clippers assistant under Doc Rivers, who was L.A.'s head coach for seven years before going to the Philadelphia 76ers a couple weeks ago.Lue was on the Cleveland Cavaliers' staff when he replaced the fired David Blatt during the 2015-16 season. Under Lue's guidance, the Cavs and LeBron James went on to win their first-ever NBA championship.NFL-NEWSAP source: Tagovailoa replaces Fitzpatrick as Miami starterUNDATED (AP) — Rookie Tua Tagovailoa (TOO'-uh tuhng-ah-vy-LOH'-ah) has been named the Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback. A person with knowledge of the decision says the former Alabama star will make his first NFL start on Nov. 1 against the Los Angeles Rams following the team's bye week. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been demoted despite leading the Dolphins to consecutive victories and throwing for three touchdowns in Sunday's 24-0 shutout of the New York Jets.Miami is 3-3 this season.In other NFL news:— The Bears have signed former Notre Dame star linebacker Manti Teo (MAN'-tee TAY'-ow) to their practice squad. Th 2012 Heisman finalist has made 48 starts and 62 appearances over seven seasons with Chargers and Saints, recording 307 tackles and 22 for loss along with 13 pass breakups and two interceptions. — The Rams have signed veteran kicker Kai Forbath from the Bears' practice squad after a rocky start to the season for rookie Samuel Sloman. Los Angeles drafted Sloman in the seventh round last spring, but he has missed three of his 18 extra-point attempts this season. — Panthers starting safety Juston Burris and reserve wide receiver Keith Kirkwood will miss at least the next three games after both were placed on injured reserve. Burris injured his ribs in Carolina's 23-16 loss to the Bears on Sunday, and Kirkwood re-injured a shoulder that had kept him out of action the first five weeks. — The Saints will start having fans in the stands for home games beginning Sunday against the Panthers. The team and the mayor agreed to a phased plan that will start with 3,000 tickets for Sunday's. Attendance would increase to 6,000 fans for November games with San Francisco and Atlanta and up to 15,000 in December for games against Kansas City and Minnesota. The plan is subject to any changes in local health and safety guidelines. VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE FOOTBALLNew Mexico-Colorado State game canceledFORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — The Mountain West football game between New Mexico and Colorado State has been canceled due to COVID-19.The Lobos were scheduled to play the Rams on Saturday in Fort Collins, Colorado, but there's a prevalence of the virus in the New Mexico county of Bernalillo. There is no plan to reschedule the game.Elsewhere in college football: — Florida's COVID-19 outbreak seems to be contained. The 10th-ranked Gators reported four new positives since the middle of last week, when they postponed two games because of the novel coronavirus.

Sports Headlines for Wednesday

Some high school football scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/

Tuesday's ScoresBy The Associated PressPREP FOOTBALL=Six-Man Quarterfinals=Cheylin 67, Burrton 0Cunningham 54, Northern Valley 36Golden Plains 62, Ashland 47Moscow 70, Natoma 31___Some high school football scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/

High School Scores from Tuesday night

Final Nashville 3, FC Dallas 0	Nashville	3	FC Dallas	0	

AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFSFinal	L.A. Dodgers	8	Tampa Bay	3	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERFinal Nashville 3, FC Dallas 0	Nashville	3	FC Dallas	0	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS		Tampa Bay	at	L-A Dodgers	8:08 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Sporting Kansas City	at	Colorado	9 p.m.	(Postponed)___

Sports Scores from Tuesday

The Buhler Girls Golf team completed their season today with a 4th place finish at the state tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lauren Specht finished with a fifth-place performance.

The Buhler Girls Golf team completed their season today with a 4th place finish at the state tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lauren Specht finished with a fifth-place performance.

Buhler Girls Golf captures 4th place at State

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media via Zoom on Tuesday as the Wildcats prepare to host the Sunflower Showdown this Saturday against Kansas inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. A complete transcript of Klieman’s press conference – which was also streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – and players are posted below. The Wildcats and Jayhawks kick at 11 a.m., in a game televised on FS1. The game can also be heard locally on My93.1 fm, KHMY.

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12891&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Chris Klieman</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12893&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Harry Trotter</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12896&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Briley Moore</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12894&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Jahron McPherson</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12892&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Wyatt Hubert</a>&nbsp; Listen:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts" target="_blank">Wildcats Uncut</a>

“Good afternoon everybody. We’re excited to be back in game week. We had a good off week, were able to get a number of things done. We practiced the young guys quite a bit, were able to get some guys that had been practicing and playing the whole time a bit of rest. We’re excited to get back into a routine of playing games the next few weeks. That’s probably been the hardest thing is just making sure we have a great schedule, guys are staying fresh but also having the opportunity to improve on a daily basis. We know we have a really good Kansas team coming in here. Rivalry week is always big. It means an awful lot to our players. It means a ton to our fan base and the alumni. We’re excited for the opportunity on Saturday.”

On working with quarterback Will Howard on the bye week...

“We worked with Will. We worked with Nick Ast. We worked with Jaren Lewis. Because Jaren and Nick haven’t had a ton of snaps, we worked all three of those guys and split a lot of those reps. Jaren needed them more than anybody because he hadn’t had some reps since he missed some time. We gave Will a lot of different pictures from our defense. We didn’t spend a ton of time on game planning on either side of the ball mainly because we wanted to get back to fundamentals and techniques all across the board, not just at the quarterback position, because of all the things we’ve talked about – missing so much time in camp. I know Will, and hopefully all the quarterbacks, improved and got a number of pictures. ”

On how to grade a true freshman quarterback...

“How calm he is and that he doesn’t get ahead of himself. That he’s relaxed but under control, seeing things and not guessing what he’s seeing, truly seeing them. I’ve had an opportunity to sit with the quarterbacks every morning when Coach (Collin) Klein is in meetings with Coach (Courtney) Messingham and the offensive staff just to pick their brain and pick my brain. It’s been good just to see how much knowledge those three guys have and continue to gain and know that they haven’t arrived. They have so much work to do, and this is a tough thing for a young player or inexperienced player to come in at quarterback. We have to do a great job as a coaching staff to make it manageable for them too.”

On pumping wide receiver Malik Knowles up and getting him going...

“We have to get him some throws, probably. Maybe get him an easy catch early in the game. You just don’t ever know how it’s going to go on a week-to-week basis based on where the coverage is going, what pressures they’re showing or are we going to have success running the football or throwing it to a slot receiver or tight end or backs. Just know that your number is going to be called at some time, and you just have to continue to practice hard every day. When those opportunities come along, make the most of them.”

“I think it’s a big rivalry. Obviously I’ve only been here for one year, but for the state of Kansas, it’s a big deal. For those kids from Missouri, it’s a big deal. So many of our guys know a lot of players on their team. Anytime you have teams from the same state going against each other at any level, and now you throw in Big 12 and Power 5, I think it’s a big deal. I know it is. Our kids, alums and fan base and community and state, this is a big game. Our guys are excited for the opportunity.”

On getting more receivers involved...

“Every game is different. We didn’t have many plays against TCU. We just weren’t able to get a rhythm and sustain some drives. They play such a tight defense and great coverage. It’s something that we talk about on a daily basis with our staff. We’re trying to find more ways to get them involved, whether it’s on some jet sweeps or some reverses – whatever it may be – trying to get as many guys involved as we can. We also have really good tight ends. Nick (Lenners) hasn’t caught many balls. Sammy (Wheeler) hasn’t caught many balls. We have a bunch of those guys. Running backs, we have to find a way to get the ball to Harry (Trotter) and Tyler (Burns). So, it’s a better problem to have in that we know we’re going to continue to improve and get better.”

On if there are any other freshmen improving...

“I thought Jaren Lewis had a really good week. He’s a guy that was down for a while and missed a few weeks, and that’s probably where Will jumped ahead of him during fall camp. Then we lose Skylar (Thompson) and have to find another guy. Nick (Ast) has done a really good job, so we gave Jaren a bunch of reps. Jaren is a young player that hasn’t really had an opportunity for a variety of reasons, so I think he got a lot better. It was good for us to get Cooper Beebe back this week, so Cooper will be back in the fold playing. Getting Cooper back up to speed, so to speak. Keyon Mozee continues to do some really good things. He’s overshadowed a little bit by Deuce (Vaughn), but he’s a really talented player that continues to improve.”

On if running back Keyon Mozee could play some at receiver...

“Yeah, potentially. Just trying to spoon feed him in small doses being a young player, but we have a lot of two and three-back sets where he’s in the game. Whether we move him or Deuce (Vaughn) or any of our backs around and put them in the slot, all those things are on the table.”

On KU running back Pooka Williams opting out of the season...

“Chalk it up to 2020. It’s so difficult right now. I hope his family is doing well. I know that was one of the reasons. Often times, it galvanizes a football team when somebody leaves. We didn’t have Skylar Thompson for TCU, and I think our team really came together. KU is going to show up to compete no matter what, and they’re going to give us their best effort for sure.”

On the health of wide receiver Malik Knowles...

“He missed some time during the open week with an injury but practiced Saturday full go and then practiced yesterday. Although we had a short practice, he practiced yesterday. So I envision him being healthy and available.”

On worrying about the team overlooking KU...

“No. We’re not good enough to overlook anybody. Our kids know that. Our guys have to play their tail off to have an opportunity and continue to prepare. When we prepare really well, we put a good product out on the field. When we don’t prepare as well, we don’t put as good a product on the field. Our guys know that this game is so difficult and it’s hard to win college football games. You don’t win games on Saturdays. I think you win them Monday through Friday. Our preparation has to have great focus and great energy, and the guys have to be really locked in this week.”

On if winning this game last year helped recruiting...

“I think they all are without question. You get in-state kids or local guys or regional guys. It’s not just this game, but there are other games as well that impact your regional recruiting. You can’t think of that when you’re putting together a game plan or playing, but it’s important for us to focus on the task at hand and not the outside noise or outside auxiliary things that come with this game. Our focus has to be on executing our game plan on offense, defense and (special) teams.”

On if preparing for Kansas changes without running back Pooka Williams...

“That will be the interesting thing to see because they haven’t been without him for many games. I can’t think of any off the top of my head. I think they’re still going to do what they do. A dynamic player is missing, just like when we didn’t have Skylar (Thompson) and a dynamic player was missing. I think you still have to have your identity of who you are. They have plenty of players. They have really good skill kids. I’ve been impressed with all of their receivers. Their running backs are good. They run hard and are physical. The quarterbacks are athletic. So, once again, so many people put so much emphasis on what one player can do for a football team. Holy cow. You better have all 11 executing to be successful on offense and defense.”

On the communication with Skylar Thompson...

“He came back on Monday, and we had a really good conversation. He’s excited about helping the quarterbacks, and he was at practice yesterday and it was good. I just know those guys need his help. He sees the field so well. He sees the game. It’s slowed down for him as he’s played. He’ll be a great help to those guys throughout the week and on game day.”

On watching Deuce Vaughn on film and how quick an impression was formed...

“About four snaps. We said that kid can play in the Big 12 and be an impact guy. Then, you have one conversation with him and you say he has that ‘it’ factor. He’s mature beyond his years. He has his priorities in check, and he loves the game of football. You can just tell watching the kid play how much he loves to play. So, it did not take us long to decide that he would be an exceptional football player here.”

On how a player like Deuce Vaughn impacts the culture of the program...

“He’s a true freshman that’s playing an awful lot, but he still goes through the developmental lift with all his classmates. So does Will Howard. I think that tells you a lot right there. We need to have him make an impact, as well as Will, on that freshman class. For him to be able to go lift with those guys and to see there is a work ethic with the ability, I think that helps. Without question, he’ll be someone we lean on heavily from a leadership standpoint throughout his career.”

On who will be starting under center for KU...

“I’m not sure who they’re going to play. That’s not my worry. We just have to prepare and watch whatever film we have on all three players and know they’re coaching staff is a good staff. They’re going to put him in a position to be successful, and we may have to adapt as the game goes to what they’re trying to hang their hat on. But, they have a really good offensive staff that is going to put him in positions to be successful.”

On Velton Gardner at running back for KU...

“I see him carrying the football an awful lot. He’s their leading rusher, and I think he’s an exceptional football player. Great downhill runner with the ability to make you miss. Doesn’t get brought down with arm tackles. I’ve been impressed with him, and that’s where I know you take a good player out of the mix, but it’s going to give him more opportunities and he’ll be a focal point of their offense. We’ll have to do a great job of trying to slow him down because he’s a really talented player.”

On KU’s defensive improvements last week against West Virginia...

“I have not watched the game as it goes. We were practicing at the time of their game because we needed to focus on us. I’ve seen cutups, so I haven’t seen it as the game goes. Obviously, they were off to a 10-0 lead and were doing some really good things on defense. They have talent on that side of the ball, so we’re going to have our hands full with our game plans offensively and defensively and have to have great execution. We cannot turn the ball over or give up explosive plays. That’s the formula no matter who you’re playing to have success is you hang onto the football and keep them from explosive plays.”

On Kansas City Chiefs’ coach Andy Reid talking about Byron Pringle and K-State’s recruiting...

“Hey, thanks Coach Reid. I didn’t see the game. We were out at practice, but obviously Taylor Braet was all over it and I saw it early in the evening. Thanks Coach Reid, and great job by Byron Pringle. Absolutely, that’s great help for us. We’ll take that help anytime we can get it.”

On piecing together the secondary this year...

“Without question, it’s really helped, and I think Ekow Boye-Doe has played really good football for us. I’m excited for him because he’s waited his time. He has not had an opportunity, just continued to work hard through a lot of different scenarios. He was able to get an opportunity and make the most of it. Justin Gardner has done some really good things. We’re counting on Justin because we brought him in as a junior college transfer, but he missed all of spring ball, so you don’t just pick up our system that quickly. He was thrust into a role and has played well. Tee Denson has done some good things, a true freshman, and Kiondre Thomas, a transfer from Minnesota, has missed significant time and is back. It has helped us getting those guys some experience, and I’m excited for how those guys are playing. Coach (Van) Malone and Coach (Joe) Klanderman do a great job of emphasizing those guys’ strengths, and they’re playing hard.”

On quarterback Jaren Lewis being resilient...

“I’ve been very impressed with Jaren. Again, this goes back to the fall camp phase where we can’t talk about all the things, but he missed significant time. That’s just hard when you’re a new player that’s missed all of spring ball. I know he was here as a true freshman, but you’re just trying to survive your true freshman year. He saw Will (Howard) doing some really good things, and he said that he wanted to learn this because I’m not far away from taking a snap. Whether it’s injury or COVID, you better continue at all positions – and in particular at quarterback – continue to rep guys and give guys opportunities because you never know when your number is going to be called. Ekow Boye-Doe didn’t think his number was going to be called, and now he’s a starting corner for us and playing at a high level. We will continue, even as we get into game prep, of taking time everyday at practice for young players or guys who haven’t played yet and setting that time aside and saying, ‘It’s K-State offense vs. K-State defense. You guys go play, because your number is going to be called sometime this year.’”

HARRY TROTTER, SENIOR RUNNING BACK

On the importance of the rivalry against KU…

“Yeah, I think it is definitely important. I think for all the Kansas kids being born and raised here, it’s for bragging rights, it’s a fun game every year – highly competitive, very emotional game. It’s a fun game every year, and we look forward to it. Just prepare like it’s a normal game for us this week.”

On what he’s seen in the improvement of Will Howard…

“Just his control of the offense has improved a lot. Will coming in was already a confident kid, you could tell he had a little bit of swagger to him. Just me being a senior, things I try to do are just help him with little things. Timing and pre-snap stuff and just trying to help him as much as I can. Skylar (Thompson) has done a great job helping him as well. I think he’s evolved a lot just over the bye week as well.”

On the importance he puts into the KU game…

“Like I said it’s always fun. I grew up a KU fan and I would have loved to play there, but that wasn't how the cards came out. I’m super thankful to be here. Every time I get the chance to play them, I just want to show them what they missed out on. I’m sure all the Kansas kids want to do that. It’s just a fun game every year, highly competitive.”

On telling his younger teammates the importance of this game…

“Some of us talked yesterday in a team meeting, some Kansas kids about just how important it was to us. We just made it for them like how Texas kids really enjoy playing UT or for Oklahoma kids like AJ (Parker) they get to play OU, and it’s that type of game for us. They know how important it is, and I'm sure all of the young guys will come ready to play.”

On the satisfaction of beating KU last year…

“It was very satisfying. I knew going into the week I was going to be leaned on a little bit more. So, I just tried to prepare the best I could. I thought, as a team last year, Monday through Friday, we had a great week of practice. We stayed away from distractions, and I think that is what helped us win that game. It’s something I will definitely remember, but the past is the past, and we have to play well again this year.”

On the pressure of having a true freshman QB starting…

“A little bit, but not much. I think it’s always important, especially for our offense, to get the ground game going. It opens up a lot for the offense like play-action and stuff for the quarterbacks. I’ve just been so impressed with how Will (Howard) has handled stuff. He’s been a great leader, and if I had just gotten here, I would’ve thought that he was an older player, a veteran just because of the way he handles himself. I think the ground game going is important, but I think Will will be fine either way.”

On the pride he takes in blocking…

“It’s extremely important. I think one thing I do is I try to take pride in everything, whether I'm running the ball, catching the ball or pass blocking. It’s huge for us as an offense that we can have running backs that can line up in two or three back sets, and having running backs that can do different things. It’s hard to defend that. Taking pride in blocking and catching and running is just something that as running backs, we all take pride in in this offense.”