AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Wednesday

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

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Cristian Pache is starting in center field and batting ninth for the Atlanta Braves in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series. He replaces Adam Duvall, who was taken off the roster because of a left oblique injury. Pache is making his first postseason start after the 21-year-old rookie started only one of the two games he played during the regular season. Ronald Acuña Jr. started Game 2 in right field, and Nick Markakis moved to left. Dodgers designated hitter Joc Pederson was back in the lineup against a right-handed starter after not playing agaisnt a lefty in the opener.&nbsp;

UNDATED (AP) — Vanderbilt's football game at Missouri on Saturday has been postponed because COVID-19 issues have left the Commodores without enough players. The Southeastern Conference announced the game has been tentatively rescheduled for Dec. 12. It is the first SEC game rescheduled due to COVID-19-related problems and the 28th FBS game overall to be postponed or canceled since Aug. 26. The SEC started Sept. 26, a few weeks later than the rest of the FBS conferences that began play in September.

UNDATED (AP) — Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his throwing shoulder. That leaves freshman Will Howard to lead the No. 22 Wildcats the rest of the way. Thompson was hurt two weeks ago when Texas Tech's Rico Jeffers drove him into the ground after unloading a pass in the Wildcats' 31-21 victory. The Red Raiders were penalized and Jeffers was ejected for the late hit. The Wildcats are off before facing Kansas on Oct. 24.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a Kansas City Chief's fan who was upset about the team's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders pointed a gun at a victim in a neighborhood about 10 miles (16.09 kilometers) away from Arrowhead Stadium. Police in Kansas City, Kansas, said in a tweet that officers responded to disturbance call around 5 p.m. Sunday, after the game ended. A victim and witnesses then told officers that a person, upset over the result of the Chiefs' 40-32 loss to the Raiders, pointed a gun. One of the witnesses then fought to disarm the suspect, who fled.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs should have felt good about the state of their defense heading into Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. They had held every opponent to 20 points or fewer and were getting back defensive tackle Chris Jones &nbsp;from an injury and cornerback Bashaud Breeland from a suspension. They proceeded to give up 490 yards of total offense, allowed Derek Carr to throw three touchdowns passes — including a 72-yarder and a 59-yarder — and couldn't stop the Raiders and force a punt in the final minutes of a 40-32 defeat.&nbsp;

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have taken a two-games-to-none lead in the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Freddie Freeman homered and had three RBIs as the Braves built a seven-run lead before holding off the Dodgers, 8-7. The Braves went ahead on Freeman's two-run homer in the fourth, one inning before a four-run rally put them in control.

Dodgers emergency starter and loser Tony Gonsolin (GAHN'-sah-lihn) was sailing until Ronald Acuna Jr. led off the fourth with a walk and scored on Freeman's second homer of the postseason. Gonsolin was charged with five runs on three hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings.

Clayton Kershaw was supposed to start for L.A., but he was scratched due to back spasms. Manager Dave Roberts hopes to use his ace in Game 4.

Things got worse for the Dodgers in the fifth as Cristian Pache (pah-SHAY') laced an RBI double and scored on Freeman's single. Travis d'Arnaud (dahr-NOH') followed with a bases-loaded walk against Pedro Baez, who also surrendered a sacrifice fly by Ozzie Albies. Cody Bellinger made a great catch to prevent Albies' ball from clearing the bases.

Albies later belted a ninth-inning home run to make it 8-3. The round-tripper proved to be the winning margin after the Braves' bullpen surrendered four runs in the ninth.

The Dodgers trailed 7-0 until Corey Seager blasted a three-run homer in the seventh. Seager also doubled home a ninth-inning run before Max Muncy's two-run blast off Josh Tomlin got Los Angeles within 8-6.

Braves closer Mark Melancon (meh-LAN'-suhn) entered to pick up the last out, but he surrendered an RBI triple by Cody Bellinger before retiring A.J. Pollock to end the game.

Braves starter Ian Anderson was lifted after throwing 85 pitches and allowing just one hit over four innings.

Tyler Matzek followed Anderson and worked two innings of shutout relief to pick up the win. 

Game 3 is Wednesday, but the Braves will play the rest of the postseason without left fielder Adam Duvall. He was put on the injured list with an injury to his left side, the result of a swing during the second inning of Game 1.

Johan Camargo has replaced Duvall on the roster.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays are one victory away from their first World Series appearance in 12 years after grabbing a three-games-to-none lead in the AL Championship Series.

The Rays posted a 5-2 victory over the Astros by erupting for five runs in the sixth inning with help from another error by second baseman Jose Altuve (al-TOO'-vay). Joey Wendle put Tampa Bay on top with a two-run single and pinch-hitter Hunter Renfroe came through with a two-run double to close out the rally.

Ryan Yarbrough picked up the victory, leaving the game after Michael Brantley led off the bottom of the sixth with a home run. Altuve also homered in the first for the Astros, but his third miscue in two games helped Tampa Bay take command of the series.

Diego Castillo issued one-out walks to Abraham Toro and George Springer before fanning Altuve. Brantley's fly ball to center allowed Castillo to pick up the save.

Losing pitcher Jose Urquidy (ur-KEE'-dee) left the game during the Rays' rally, charged with one earned run and four hits over five-plus innings.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have won a battle of unbeatens.

The Titans showed no rust after a two-week layoff caused by two dozen positive COVID-19 tests within the organization, cruising to a 42-16 win over the Bills.

Derrick Henry ran for a pair of touchdowns and had a scoring grab for the 4-0 Titans. Ryan Tannehill rushed 10 yards for a touchdown and completed 21 of his 28 passes for 195 yards and three TDs. Tannehill wasn't intercepted or sacked.

Henry finished with 57 yards on the ground in addition to his three touchdowns.

Josh Allen threw for 263 yards and two scores but was picked off twice as the Bills fell to 4-1.

NFL will start testing for COVID-19 on game days

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL will begin PCR testing for COVID-19 on game days starting Sunday. The league's latest COVID-19 protocols also call for mandatory use of masks in walkthroughs and only play-callers will be permitted to wear face shields in lieu of masks or gaiters on the sideline. 

The updates released Tuesday came several hours before Tennessee was scheduled to host Buffalo in its first game since an outbreak shut down team facilities and forced the schedule to be rearranged. The Titans had eight people test positive Sept. 29 and the total reached 24 players and personnel. 

Saints ponder LSU offer to play in front of fans

UNDATED (AP) — The New Orleans Saints are mulling over an offer to play their home games at LSU's Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, where they would be able to have fans in attendance.

Saints' senior vice president for communications Greg Bensel confirmed the school's offer to host the team's home games, saying the NFL is aware of the exploration of such an option.

The Saints had place a request with New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell to allow ticketed fans to occupy about 25% percent of the Superdome's 73,000 seats while wearing masks and following other social distancing guidelines. That request was made before Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, but Cantrell denied that request.

— The Jets have released disgruntled running back Le'Veon (LEH'-vee-ahn) Bell, who has clashed with head coach Adam Gase during their two years together. Bell's latest frustrations were evident when he liked a few Twitter posts in which some suggested he should be used more in the passing game.

— The Jets have placed wide receiver Chris Hogan on the injured reserve list with a high ankle sprain. Hogan will be sidelined at least the next three games after being injured in New York's 30-10 loss to Arizona on Sunday.

— The Rams have placed promising rookie safety Jordan Fuller on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Fuller unexpectedly won a starting job out of training camp with the Rams, who picked him in the sixth round out of Ohio State.

— A person familiar with the situation says Dolphins defensive tackle Davon Godchaux is expected to miss the rest of the season with a biceps injury. The injury will end Godchaux's streak of 41 consecutive starts Sunday when Miami plays the Jets. 

Florida-LSU game in jeopardy following Gator outbreak

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida football coach Dan Mullen wanted a full house in The Swamp for Saturday's game against LSU. Now there's the possibility that the Gators won't be able to show up.

The Gators have paused all team activities following "an increase in positive COVID tests among players." That puts Saturday's home game against defending national champion LSU in jeopardy.

A person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press the Gators had 19 positives following Tuesday morning testing.

Athletic director Scott Stricklin said the situation will be re-evaluated by UF Health and the athletic department's sports medicine staff Wednesday.

The shutdown came three days after Mullen's eyebrow-raising comments about wanting 90,000 fans at Florida Field to create a better home-field advantage against the Tigers.

Dustin Johnson out of CJ Cup after positive coronavirus test

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (AP) — Dustin Johnson has withdrawn from the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek because of a positive test for the coronavirus. 

The world's top-ranked golfer is the 11th player and the biggest name to receive a positive test since the PGA Tour resumed its schedule in June. 

Johnson is the reigning PGA Tour player of the year after winning the FedEx Cup in early September. He has not played since a tie for sixth in the U.S. Open a month ago. 

Cristiano Ronaldo tests positive for COVID-19

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo has become the latest international soccer soccer star to test positive for the coronavirus. 

The Portuguese soccer federation says Ronaldo tested positive while with his country's national team. Portugal's coach says Ronaldo is "doing great" and has no symptoms. He has been dropped from the country's Nations League match against Sweden on Wednesday. 

Bowden says he's improving after contracting COVID-19

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Former Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden says he's recovering from COVID-19. The 90-year-old Bowden told the Tallahassee Democrat he's "doing good." 

Bowden has been hospitalized for a week in Tallahassee. He told the paper he's walking around his room. He said the virus hit him hard, giving him a fever, but that is now behind him. 

Bowden coached Florida State for 34 years, retiring after the 2009 season. He's second on the career victories list in major college football with 357, behind only the late Joe Paterno of Penn State. He won national championships in 1993 and 1999.

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Bruins could be without two-thirds of their top line when the next NHL season starts.

The team says David Pastrnak (PAHS'-tur-nak) isn't expected to play until mid-March following an operation to repair a torn labrum in his right hip Sept. 16. Brad Marchand won't be good to go until roughly mid-February after having a sports hernia repaired Sept. 14.

Pastrnak led the Bruins with 48 goals and 95 points last season. Marchand paced the club with 59 assists and was second with 87 points.

Marleau returns to Sharks in pursuit of games played record

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Marleau is back with the San Jose Sharks as he tries to break Gordie Howe's NHL record for games played.

The 41-year-old Marleau has accepted a one-year, $700,000 package that returns him to the Sharks for a third time. The 22-year veteran has scored 562 goals and 1,188 points in 1,723 games since being taken second overall by San Jose in the 1997 NHL draft.

Marleau needs to take the ice for 45 more games to break Howe's NHL mark. Howe also played 419 games in the WHA.

San Jose also brought back forward Matt Nieto on a one-year, $700,000.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Cristian Pache is starting in center field and batting ninth for the Atlanta Braves in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series. He replaces Adam Duvall, who was taken off the roster because of a left oblique injury. Pache is making his first postseason start after the 21-year-old rookie started only one of the two games he played during the regular season. Ronald Acuña Jr. started Game 2 in right field, and Nick Markakis moved to left. Dodgers designated hitter Joc Pederson was back in the lineup against a right-handed starter after not playing agaisnt a lefty in the opener.&nbsp;UNDATED (AP) — Vanderbilt's football game at Missouri on Saturday has been postponed because COVID-19 issues have left the Commodores without enough players. The Southeastern Conference announced the game has been tentatively rescheduled for Dec. 12. It is the first SEC game rescheduled due to COVID-19-related problems and the 28th FBS game overall to be postponed or canceled since Aug. 26. The SEC started Sept. 26, a few weeks later than the rest of the FBS conferences that began play in September.UNDATED (AP) — Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his throwing shoulder. That leaves freshman Will Howard to lead the No. 22 Wildcats the rest of the way. Thompson was hurt two weeks ago when Texas Tech's Rico Jeffers drove him into the ground after unloading a pass in the Wildcats' 31-21 victory. The Red Raiders were penalized and Jeffers was ejected for the late hit. The Wildcats are off before facing Kansas on Oct. 24.KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a Kansas City Chief's fan who was upset about the team's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders pointed a gun at a victim in a neighborhood about 10 miles (16.09 kilometers) away from Arrowhead Stadium. Police in Kansas City, Kansas, said in a tweet that officers responded to disturbance call around 5 p.m. Sunday, after the game ended. A victim and witnesses then told officers that a person, upset over the result of the Chiefs' 40-32 loss to the Raiders, pointed a gun. One of the witnesses then fought to disarm the suspect, who fled.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs should have felt good about the state of their defense heading into Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. They had held every opponent to 20 points or fewer and were getting back defensive tackle Chris Jones &nbsp;from an injury and cornerback Bashaud Breeland from a suspension. They proceeded to give up 490 yards of total offense, allowed Derek Carr to throw three touchdowns passes — including a 72-yarder and a 59-yarder — and couldn't stop the Raiders and force a punt in the final minutes of a 40-32 defeat.&nbsp;<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>MLB-NLCS-BRAVES/DODGERSBraves get past Dodgers for 2-0 leadARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have taken a two-games-to-none lead in the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.Freddie Freeman homered and had three RBIs as the Braves built a seven-run lead before holding off the Dodgers, 8-7. The Braves went ahead on Freeman's two-run homer in the fourth, one inning before a four-run rally put them in control.Dodgers emergency starter and loser Tony Gonsolin (GAHN'-sah-lihn) was sailing until Ronald Acuna Jr. led off the fourth with a walk and scored on Freeman's second homer of the postseason. Gonsolin was charged with five runs on three hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings.Clayton Kershaw was supposed to start for L.A., but he was scratched due to back spasms. Manager Dave Roberts hopes to use his ace in Game 4.Things got worse for the Dodgers in the fifth as Cristian Pache (pah-SHAY') laced an RBI double and scored on Freeman's single. Travis d'Arnaud (dahr-NOH') followed with a bases-loaded walk against Pedro Baez, who also surrendered a sacrifice fly by Ozzie Albies. Cody Bellinger made a great catch to prevent Albies' ball from clearing the bases.Albies later belted a ninth-inning home run to make it 8-3. The round-tripper proved to be the winning margin after the Braves' bullpen surrendered four runs in the ninth.The Dodgers trailed 7-0 until Corey Seager blasted a three-run homer in the seventh. Seager also doubled home a ninth-inning run before Max Muncy's two-run blast off Josh Tomlin got Los Angeles within 8-6.Braves closer Mark Melancon (meh-LAN'-suhn) entered to pick up the last out, but he surrendered an RBI triple by Cody Bellinger before retiring A.J. Pollock to end the game.Braves starter Ian Anderson was lifted after throwing 85 pitches and allowing just one hit over four innings.Tyler Matzek followed Anderson and worked two innings of shutout relief to pick up the win. Game 3 is Wednesday, but the Braves will play the rest of the postseason without left fielder Adam Duvall. He was put on the injured list with an injury to his left side, the result of a swing during the second inning of Game 1.Johan Camargo has replaced Duvall on the roster.MLB-ALCSRays take 3-0 lead in ALCSSAN DIEGO (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays are one victory away from their first World Series appearance in 12 years after grabbing a three-games-to-none lead in the AL Championship Series.The Rays posted a 5-2 victory over the Astros by erupting for five runs in the sixth inning with help from another error by second baseman Jose Altuve (al-TOO'-vay). Joey Wendle put Tampa Bay on top with a two-run single and pinch-hitter Hunter Renfroe came through with a two-run double to close out the rally.Ryan Yarbrough picked up the victory, leaving the game after Michael Brantley led off the bottom of the sixth with a home run. Altuve also homered in the first for the Astros, but his third miscue in two games helped Tampa Bay take command of the series.Diego Castillo issued one-out walks to Abraham Toro and George Springer before fanning Altuve. Brantley's fly ball to center allowed Castillo to pick up the save.Losing pitcher Jose Urquidy (ur-KEE'-dee) left the game during the Rays' rally, charged with one earned run and four hits over five-plus innings.NFL-TITANS/BILLSTitans hammer Bills to move to 4-0NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have won a battle of unbeatens.The Titans showed no rust after a two-week layoff caused by two dozen positive COVID-19 tests within the organization, cruising to a 42-16 win over the Bills.Derrick Henry ran for a pair of touchdowns and had a scoring grab for the 4-0 Titans. Ryan Tannehill rushed 10 yards for a touchdown and completed 21 of his 28 passes for 195 yards and three TDs. Tannehill wasn't intercepted or sacked.Henry finished with 57 yards on the ground in addition to his three touchdowns.Josh Allen threw for 263 yards and two scores but was picked off twice as the Bills fell to 4-1.NFL-VIRUS TESTINGNFL will start testing for COVID-19 on game daysUNDATED (AP) — The NFL will begin PCR testing for COVID-19 on game days starting Sunday. The league's latest COVID-19 protocols also call for mandatory use of masks in walkthroughs and only play-callers will be permitted to wear face shields in lieu of masks or gaiters on the sideline. The updates released Tuesday came several hours before Tennessee was scheduled to host Buffalo in its first game since an outbreak shut down team facilities and forced the schedule to be rearranged. The Titans had eight people test positive Sept. 29 and the total reached 24 players and personnel. NFL-NEWSSaints ponder LSU offer to play in front of fansUNDATED (AP) — The New Orleans Saints are mulling over an offer to play their home games at LSU's Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, where they would be able to have fans in attendance.Saints' senior vice president for communications Greg Bensel confirmed the school's offer to host the team's home games, saying the NFL is aware of the exploration of such an option.The Saints had place a request with New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell to allow ticketed fans to occupy about 25% percent of the Superdome's 73,000 seats while wearing masks and following other social distancing guidelines. That request was made before Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, but Cantrell denied that request.Also around the NFL: — The Jets have released disgruntled running back Le'Veon (LEH'-vee-ahn) Bell, who has clashed with head coach Adam Gase during their two years together. Bell's latest frustrations were evident when he liked a few Twitter posts in which some suggested he should be used more in the passing game.— The Jets have placed wide receiver Chris Hogan on the injured reserve list with a high ankle sprain. Hogan will be sidelined at least the next three games after being injured in New York's 30-10 loss to Arizona on Sunday.— The Rams have placed promising rookie safety Jordan Fuller on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Fuller unexpectedly won a starting job out of training camp with the Rams, who picked him in the sixth round out of Ohio State.— A person familiar with the situation says Dolphins defensive tackle Davon Godchaux is expected to miss the rest of the season with a biceps injury. The injury will end Godchaux's streak of 41 consecutive starts Sunday when Miami plays the Jets. VIRUS OUTBREAK-FLORIDAFlorida-LSU game in jeopardy following Gator outbreakGAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida football coach Dan Mullen wanted a full house in The Swamp for Saturday's game against LSU. Now there's the possibility that the Gators won't be able to show up.The Gators have paused all team activities following "an increase in positive COVID tests among players." That puts Saturday's home game against defending national champion LSU in jeopardy.A person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press the Gators had 19 positives following Tuesday morning testing.Athletic director Scott Stricklin said the situation will be re-evaluated by UF Health and the athletic department's sports medicine staff Wednesday.The shutdown came three days after Mullen's eyebrow-raising comments about wanting 90,000 fans at Florida Field to create a better home-field advantage against the Tigers.VIRUS OUTBREAK-GOLF-JOHNSONDustin Johnson out of CJ Cup after positive coronavirus testNORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (AP) — Dustin Johnson has withdrawn from the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek because of a positive test for the coronavirus. The world's top-ranked golfer is the 11th player and the biggest name to receive a positive test since the PGA Tour resumed its schedule in June. Johnson is the reigning PGA Tour player of the year after winning the FedEx Cup in early September. He has not played since a tie for sixth in the U.S. Open a month ago. SOCCER-RONALDO-VIRUSCristiano Ronaldo tests positive for COVID-19LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo has become the latest international soccer soccer star to test positive for the coronavirus. The Portuguese soccer federation says Ronaldo tested positive while with his country's national team. Portugal's coach says Ronaldo is "doing great" and has no symptoms. He has been dropped from the country's Nations League match against Sweden on Wednesday. VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE FOOTBALL-BOWDENBowden says he's improving after contracting COVID-19TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Former Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden says he's recovering from COVID-19. The 90-year-old Bowden told the Tallahassee Democrat he's "doing good." Bowden has been hospitalized for a week in Tallahassee. He told the paper he's walking around his room. He said the virus hit him hard, giving him a fever, but that is now behind him. Bowden coached Florida State for 34 years, retiring after the 2009 season. He's second on the career victories list in major college football with 357, behind only the late Joe Paterno of Penn State. He won national championships in 1993 and 1999.NHL-BRUINSPastrnak, Marchand undergo surgeryBOSTON (AP) — The Boston Bruins could be without two-thirds of their top line when the next NHL season starts.The team says David Pastrnak (PAHS'-tur-nak) isn't expected to play until mid-March following an operation to repair a torn labrum in his right hip Sept. 16. Brad Marchand won't be good to go until roughly mid-February after having a sports hernia repaired Sept. 14.Pastrnak led the Bruins with 48 goals and 95 points last season. Marchand paced the club with 59 assists and was second with 87 points.NHL-SHARKS-MARLEAUMarleau returns to Sharks in pursuit of games played recordSAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Marleau is back with the San Jose Sharks as he tries to break Gordie Howe's NHL record for games played.The 41-year-old Marleau has accepted a one-year, $700,000 package that returns him to the Sharks for a third time. The 22-year veteran has scored 562 goals and 1,188 points in 1,723 games since being taken second overall by San Jose in the 1997 NHL draft.Marleau needs to take the ice for 45 more games to break Howe's NHL mark. Howe also played 419 games in the WHA.San Jose also brought back forward Matt Nieto on a one-year, $700,000.

Sports Headlines for Wednesday

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		Coastal Carolina	at	(21)Louisiana-Lafayette	7:30 p.m.	

		New York City FC	at	Orlando City	7:30 p.m.	

		Sporting Kansas City	at	FC Dallas	8:30 p.m.	

		Colorado	at	Seattle	10 p.m.	(Postponed)

AP-Scorecard<h2>Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:</h2>___AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Tampa Bay	5	Houston	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Atlanta	8	L.A. Dodgers	7	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFS		Tampa Bay	at	Houston	8:40 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS		L-A Dodgers	at	Atlanta	6:05 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		Coastal Carolina	at	(21)Louisiana-Lafayette	7:30 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Columbus	at	Cincinnati	7:30 p.m.			New England	at	Montreal	7:30 p.m.			New York City FC	at	Orlando City	7:30 p.m.			New York	at	Toronto FC	7:30 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	D.C. United	8 p.m.			Nashville	at	Houston	8 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Miami	8 p.m.			Chicago	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.			Sporting Kansas City	at	FC Dallas	8:30 p.m.			Portland	at	Real Salt Lake	9:30 p.m.			Colorado	at	Seattle	10 p.m.	(Postponed)		Los Angeles FC	at	Vancouver	10 p.m.			San Jose	at	LA Galaxy	10:30 p.m.	___

Sports Scores from Tuesday

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select assistant coaches met with members of the media via Zoom on Tuesday as the Wildcats are in the midst of their second of three bye weeks this season. A complete transcript of Klieman’s press conference – which was also streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – and players are posted below.

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12873&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Chris Klieman</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12874&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Van Malone</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12875&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Buddy Wyatt</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12876&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Collin Klein</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12877&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Brian Anderson</a>

Listen:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts" target="_blank">Wildcats Uncut</a>

Next action for Kansas State is Saturday, October 24, when the Wildcats host Kansas for the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. Kickoff inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium is set for 11 a.m., and the game will be shown on FS1.

“Good afternoon everybody. We were excited about the great win we had on Saturday, an extremely great team win on the road in a really tough environment. It was really hot down there. We played a ton of guys on the trip, I think we played more than 60 of our 70 players, so everybody had an impact on the game. All three phases had an impact on it. We’re improving, but there’s still a long way to go. We’re excited about the progress we’re making. The open week comes for us at a good time. Some guys are beat up and banged up, and other guys just haven’t practiced for so long that we need to have really good, sharp practices with those players. We have to get recovered, those guys who have played a bunch. We just need to continue to push the program forward and continue to improve in all three areas.”

On what changed throughout last week in terms of Skylar Thompson’s injury...

“More information, more than anything. Throughout the week, they were trying to gain as much information, visit with doctors and have a bunch of different appointments. At the end of the week, it became evident that the most positive thing for him long term was to shut him down and have surgery. We’re always looking for the best interest with all the student-athletes. That was the case late in the week. We had conversations with Skylar and a couple of texts with his dad. I know that Coach (Collin) Klein visited with his dad. It’s just something I thought needed to be done, and I think Skylar was at peace at the end of the week.”

On the exact injury Skylar Thompson suffered...

“I’m not going to get into that right now. It was an upper body injury. I have not seen him. I had a couple of texts with him. I’m hoping to see him today or tomorrow. We were off yesterday, and I haven’t had a chance to visit with the doctors other than Mindy (Hoffman) saying he was doing well, but I need to visit with him here this week.”

On dealing with a quarterback injury while at North Dakota State helping now...

“Carson (Wentz) was Easton’s (Stick) best coach. We had a really good coach in Randy Hedberg, but Carson was with him every day helping with the game plan, helping him understand the schemes, and I challenged Skylar to do the same. I know he will with Will Howard, as well as Coach (Collin) Klein. The other thing is that we challenged everyone on the team to raise your level of play. It’s never going to be and never will be about one player. It’s about everybody rising up and raising your level of play. It doesn’t matter if it’s the offensive line, defensive line or a specialist. When you lose players, other positions have to step up.”

On AJ Parker shining in the nickel position...

“In our scheme, he definitely is. He’s very comfortable playing nickel with the things we’re doing, whether it’s zone concept, man concept or combination of man and zone concepts. He’s really comfortable seeing that middle of the field. I’ve been really pleased with his play. He had a great interception at a critical time that really turned the game in my mind. It got it to a two-score game for almost the entire second half, but just read the quarterback’s eyes and baited the QB and made a pick and a great return with some really good blocks. AJ is playing at a really high level.”

“A couple of them just weren’t able to go on Saturday for a variety of reasons. I think tightness in hamstrings, groins, whatever. We went with the guys who were available. I was proud of the way those guys played. Obviously, it’s not long term with those injuries, but we took the guys we thought were going to play and a few of them couldn’t. That’s football, too. That’s not the first time, and it’s not the last time that’s happened at any position. That’s why you prepare a bunch of guys to have an opportunity to step up when your number is called. A kid like D.J. Render did a great job. He hadn’t played that much football in a long time, and D.J. did a great job.”

On what quarterback Will Howard will work on during the bye week...

“Everything. Throwing to receivers, understanding our run game and how we can get us in the best call based on whatever front they may be in, or running it away from pressure. I know Coach (Collin) Klein wants to get back to the fundamentals and technique, footwork and arm slot kinds of things. When you get thrust into a role like he did against Texas Tech and then ultimately against TCU, a lot of times you’re just focused on what’s the game plan. What are the adjustments and stuff? We need, collectively as a football team, to do a lot better and work on our fundamentals and techniques at all positions. For us, that will be a focal point this week.”

On if Skylar Thompson will come back next season...

“I have not talked to him about it at all, so I’m not sure. We’ll have a conversation like we will with every senior, and that’s something we know has to happen sooner rather than later in some spots. Once again, we’re just getting into an open week. We’ve had no time, and now that’s something we’ll look at, not just with Skylar but a number of players in general. What’s our thought? What’s the young man’s thought? Will we have concrete conversations with every senior on the team this week? No, because that’s not fair to them. Some of them need to see where they’re at degree wise. Some of them need to see where they’re at in regards to playing at the next level. There’s so many variables to it. How many games will we play? I know Baylor and Oklahoma State lost a game, so hopefully that will be scheduled again. We could be in the same boat. But in time, we will.”

On establishing playmakers at the wide receiver position...

“I think it’s going to open up for the receivers because of what Briley (Moore) and Deuce (Vaughn) are doing. We’re really attacking the middle of the field, so to speak, with those two players in particular. The outside is going to become more and more open. It happened already a little bit against TCU. TCU is a really tough opponent to answer that question on, because they glue up everybody. They doubled Briley sometimes. They doubled Deuce sometimes. They were over the top. There’s no easy throws against TCU no matter what position you play. Moving forward, we really believe that more and more attention will come to Briley and Deuce, so we have to a great job these next couple of weeks of establishing and getting some good plays to our outside guys.”

On what the defense did best against TCU...

“With exception to the touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter, we tackled really well. They got a couple of jet sweeps on that drive that we didn’t tackle well. We played a lot of zone coverage, which allowed more eyes on the football. We were able to make open field tackles, and we did not allow the explosive play. They had a couple of runs in that late drive that were explosive plays, but throughout the first half and most of the third quarter we didn’t give them a freebie and we made life tough on their quarterback. He had beaten people with a 50-yard run or a 40-yard run. He had a big run against us last year, and we were able to corral him and get some good shots on him that made it more difficult on those guys. Collectively, at all three levels of the defense, we played well. We can play better at all three levels, but it was really complimentary football on defense. The d-line, linebackers and secondary all did their job.”

“It’s been better. It wasn’t good the first week. It wasn’t good the first half against Oklahoma. From that time on, it’s been much better. It is really difficult. In 2020, nothing is going to surprise me in college football. Wins, losses and everything else in between with how the game is played, the crispness and all those things. You just don’t have enough practice time. Even though people will say we’re going into game five and have had plenty of practice time. We’ve had dozens and dozens of kids who have been out 15 to 25 days and missed all that practice time. People think it’s a great time for you to get fresh. Yeah, a Briley Moore or Drew Wiley, just to throw two names out there, that have played every snap because we don’t have a lot of backups. If we did, they’ve been out with COVID or a close contact, those guys don’t need as much this week. All the other players that have missed some time, and that’s upwards of three-plus weeks. Football is a hard sport to play when you just practice it one time. It’s like playing golf. You don’t just pick up your sticks and go shoot 75. At least I don’t, maybe some guys do. Football is no different. I’m going to go out there and play three technique or play left tackle and try to block somebody after not doing it for three weeks. That’s hard, so that’s why we have to get back to the basics.”

On losing Skylar Thompson’s leadership...

“Absolutely, and that’s why he’s still going to be around us a bunch. He can still be a great leader, just like Justin Hughes was last year. There’s so many guys he can fall back on and talk to that have been in his shoes that had their season taken away that quickly. He’s not the first or last, unfortunately. This is part of the game, but I know it will make him hungrier. It will make him appreciate, not that he hasn’t, but it will make him appreciate the game more. It makes everyone that’s in his position think, ‘Wow, this can be taken away.’ We want him to be a great example to the young players like Justin Hughes last year was. Don’t take any opportunity that you have to play for granted. Our other guys, captains and leaders, need to step up because Skylar was a great voice for the team. Noah Johnson is going to become a bigger voice. Briley Moore is going to become a bigger voice. Harry Trotter and Chabastin Taylor have to become bigger voices on offense. Defense, we have a lot of guys that talk. But on offense, it was usually Skylar and then some auxiliary players. Those auxiliary players I mentioned are going to have to come to the forefront.”

On if he’s reached out to Coach Miles at KU...

“No, I have not. I don’t have any contact information. I probably could get it. I wish him well, just like all of us wish everybody well that’s gone through this crazy illness. We also talked about it in a team meeting yesterday. COVID is not over with by any means. We’re still going to practice this week. We’re not going to give our guys Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. I just want to make sure they’re in the safest environment in Manhattan, the safest environment with Kansas State football. I understand that we could have a test on Wednesday and two coaches could be gone. I could be gone. I know the guys are following the protocols and doing things the right way, just like I’m sure Les was. You just don’t know with this disease. It can happen to anybody. We are just hammering every day the social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands and all the things that you can do to prevent this. It’s far from over.”

On which receivers to lean on moving forward...

“I think it’s all of them. We have a number of guys who can make plays. The last thing I want to do is put pressure on one kid or another. That’s part of the thing I don’t like with college football right now is these kids putting so much pressure on themselves. Then they hear in the media that a coach is putting added pressure on them. We need everybody to step up. That’s across the board, not just the receivers. The o-line, running backs picking things up, the tight ends. We need everybody to raise their level of play on offense.”

On the offensive flow at TCU with Will Howard at quarterback...

“No matter who played quarterback, that was going to be a defensive struggle. Both teams had really good game plans on defense. I think both teams are playing at a high level on defense. You just watch over the years, it’s just tough to move on that great defense. It was one of those games. It’s all about matchups. There are matchups where you get into a 57-54 score. Early on in that game, I knew it was not going to be one of those matchups.”

On if there is more normalcy in practices now...

“We have to attack it the same way because so many guys haven’t practiced for so long or were back last Wednesday and Thursday after being off for three weeks. We had a guy back for Texas Tech that the first time I had seen him in 14 days was on game day. That’s the world we’re living in, so we have to practice not as long as we would be in fall camp, but we have to have that same mindset with the guys who haven’t had the repetitions the other guys have had. We have to catch them up so we can continue to play more guys, because with the lack of practice time and lack of time on the field, guys are getting injured more, unfortunately. That’s the reality, so we have to have multiple guys ready to play multiple positions.”

On Will Howard being ready for this opportunity...

“He was excited for the opportunity. We knew when we recruited the young man that he had the ‘it’ factor. We didn’t think it would be this year, but you never know when your opportunity does arise. Prepare every week like you’re going to play, and I know he did that. That’s probably one of the reasons he had success against Texas Tech was his preparation was so critical. That gave him an opportunity to be successful when Skylar (Thompson) went down. I’m sure he was a little nervous, but you wouldn’t have known it. I talked to Noah (Johnson) and some of the offensive guys. They said he had total command of the huddle and was confident in the huddle. That’s what we knew we were going to get with Will and were expecting, because he has that ‘it’ factor. There are certain guys you just know handle the stage really well, and he’s one of those guys.”

VAN MALONE, ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/CORNERBACKS

“Well, I think it was a family recruiting when it comes to Deuce. But, you know, when you walk in as a recruiter you’re always concerned with the measurements of a young man. Well, Deuce, initially, he does not fit the measurements of the prototypical running back. Although, here at Kansas State, we’ve had some that don’t fit others and they’ve been really successful. So I knew I’d have to convince Coach (Brian) Anderson that no matter if this guy looked like a little kid, he played like a man. Fortunately, it worked out. I got a hypnotist and Coach Anderson agreed, and here we are.”

On Texas schools not recruiting Deuce Vaughn...

“Well, like I said, he is a phenomenal player. He was in high school, but when you concern yourself with the metrics, the size, and the things you’re accustomed to as a player or recruiting a player, then sometimes you miss out on guys like Deuce. We’re extremely fortunate that we didn’t because, not only is he a really good football player, but he’s a great teammate and he always operates with outstanding character and integrity. So, across the board, we’re excited that we took advantage of being able to recruit him.”

“One of things that Ekow and I actually had a conversation in – I guess we could call this fall camp – everything is different but there was a time period in some other places considered a fall camp. He and I had a conversation, and I told him that he was getting better and he just needed to stay on the path to continue to improve. So when it came up where he had to start the game, I don’t think he was concerned and neither were we as coaches. It was different than maybe what we had planned. He has worked hard and he continues to work hard. Just like we talked about Deuce Vaughn, sometimes here in COVID, you’re surprised. Things happen, people uncover that you might not have planned on it. In a strange sort of way, this has been a good period for a lot of people. Honestly, we challenged our players on our team, when we get locked out, go away and work on yourself, work on the things that you know will help you when you come back. It’s the teams that did that, it’s the players that did that, and Ekow, right now, is showing to be one of those players.”

“He’s a guy with a lot of experience. When you’ve played a lot of football, when you’ve seen a lot of pictures, then it doesn’t really matter what position back there, you can fit in. That’s what AJ has shown. You can fit in and have success. He’s played nickel before in his career, so it’s an easy transition. I talked to the cornerbacks about it all the time – the fact that AJ understands the trouble that a corner would have when a nickel doesn’t sit in a curl, he’s always in the curl. Things like that, because he’s had experience at different positions, kind of gives him an insight and gives him an edge to be able to play that position.”

On how proud he is of his cornerbacks…

“I’ve always been proud of the way they work. When you work as hard as they do, when you work as hard as AJ does in terms of film study, in terms of preparing himself, and Ekow, a guy who has not seen a lot of playing time but to continue to fight, to continue to come to work every day and not know when your name will be called. I have great pride in that because those are the things we preach as coaches. That’s what the program is built upon. It’s built upon continuing to work, it’s built upon no matter what the score is. So, to see those guys have success, to see them perform at the level that they are right now, it gives me extreme pride. But, they also understand that we’re not there, they’re not there. So, we’ll have to continue to work every day because, at those positions, you’re one play away from, ‘Get them out of there.’”

“I think his size is definitely a factor that we like from a defensive staff point of view. But again, the young man works hard. They all do. I think that’s a big key is the amount of effort and energy they put into preparation each week. The challenge that we have this week is that we don’t have an opponent, so this week the opponent is us. And, really, it’s always that but this week the opponent is us. So the challenge is how can we use this week, these few days, to get ourselves rested up but get ourselves mentally prepared to charge on the rest of the way.”

On working with Joe Klanderman as defensive coordinator …

“It’s been great. Really nothing has changed. Joe is who he’s been. He’s a detailed-oriented guy, he works hard, he relates well with the players, he relates well with the coaches in the staff room. So, there’s really been no change. I think Joe has done a great job of leading and coordinating the plan. I continue to look to him to grow in that position. So, it hasn’t been a change, it’s been exactly what we thought it would be.”

On the instant impact of Justin Gardner…

“When we recruited Justin and some of the other guys, Kiondre (Thomas) who hadn’t played yet, but that’s exactly what the deal was is that we needed those guys to come in and be a part of the rotation early. When things happen with injuries and situations that we’re in right now, we don’t know the timing of it all. So, it’s been great to see Justin step in, to see Ekow (Boye-Doe) step in. Of course, Ekow has been on this campus much longer than Justin. Again, we don’t know the timing, so what I always tell my guys is, ‘It’s not your job to direct the bike, it’s your job to keep pedaling. When your name is called, you have to be ready to go.’ That’s what those guys have done.”

On his confidence in Will Howard…

“It’s kind of funny – I’ve heard coach say this a couple of times, that from a defensive standpoint, our defensive players, we have not had a second thought. I would say that from the offensive perspective those guys didn’t have a second thought when Ekow (Boye-Doe) had to go into the game or when Justin (Gardner) had to go in the game. I think that’s the culture of our team. We all recognize, from a coaches and players standpoint, that the next guy has to step in. We don’t have the time or the energy to bother ourselves with who is in there. I think Will is definitely a capable player. Skylar (Thompson) is and has been our team leader, but one of the things I said to Skylar early on in this situation is that you have to be his biggest cheerleader. You have to be the first one to pick him up, and you don’t have time to worry about yourself. You have to make sure you’re there for him, and I think Skylar has done that. I’m very confident in Will, but there is also a challenge in the rest of the offense that we shouldn’t make this hard for Will. You have to play better in different positions along the offensive unit to compensate for his inexperience. Defensively, we have to give him the ball. We have to give him more opportunities so that he can settle in. So, we’re not going to put it on Will, we’re going to put it on ourselves to play better so that we can give him more opportunities to come into his own.”

On the improvement in the pass rush...

“We’re getting better as far as applying pressure to the quarterback. The first week, obviously, we didn’t do a lot of things well the first week. But I do think Khalid (Duke) being in the mix – he didn’t play in the first game, we didn’t have him available in the first ballgame – being back, he helps the rotation. He brings a little bit more speed to the position. So, he’s one of the reasons. And then also we’ve been able to find a rotation, a lineup that we can get some speed on the inside to help us generate a little bit more pass rush. I think guys have just continued to emerge, if it’s Bronson Massie, or if it’s Kirmari Gainous or Felix Anudike. They’ve all been doing a really good job – Spencer Trussell – we have more guys and we can keep them fresh. So, we’re rotating a little bit more throughout the game. Then on third downs, we try to put the speed group out there and also in two minute situations or in the fourth quarter when we need to. Try to keep them fresh so they’ll be ready to go at that time.”

“I think Wyatt is having a good year. Obviously his expectations, along with everybody else's is really, really huge. But I told him the other day, I said, ‘Wyatt, you’re having an impact on the game in ways you don’t even realize and that other people don’t even realize,’ because people, they have to pay a lot of attention to him because he’s a really good football player. Obviously, he’s also kind of a perfectionist, so he wants to do everything right. As a coach, you love that in your players. I just try to tell him he’s just has to relax and continue to play, don’t press. With the emergence of some other guys along that front, you’re going to get more opportunities in one-on-ones and things like that. Then, your time is coming. As long as you continue to believe in what you’re doing and what we’re doing, then we’ll be fine.”

On the defensive line’s ability to maintain their rush lanes...

“We were better in this ballgame than we were against Oklahoma or against Texas Tech. We put some emphasis on them. Some of the quarterbacks in this league present dual problems. They have good arms and they’re also really good athletes. We really try to get our guys to understand where their fit is on that quarterback, whether you’re rushing from the inside or rushing from the outside. We don’t ever want to get pushed past the quarterback or get too high on the quarterback. We want to make sure that we maintain leverage on him, try to keep the cup, and kind of have a team mentality when it comes to pash rushing. Just be in your spot, and you’ll get an easy sack if you’re just where you’re supposed to be. We’re starting to understand that a little bit more. A couple of times we got what we call selfish rushes where we got too high on top the quarterback and he escaped, but for the most part we were pleased with how we handled (TCU quarterback Max) Duggan. He’s a very good quarterback, and he’s very good with his legs as well.”

“Boom is having a really good year. Boom is really, his preparation and the way he practices has improved, everything has improved. Again, I attribute everything to competition. Our room is better. We have more athletes in that room right now than we’ve had. We’ve always had some really good players in Reggie (Walker) and Kyle (Ball), very experienced, just really good, smart, hard-nosed football players. The kids that we have now are that but they also have some really gifted physically as far as their speed and with their quick twitch and things like that.”

On Felix Anudike playing on the inside and the edge...

“Right now we’re using Felix because he came in as a true freshman as an unknown to us, but what he showed us right away is that he has some really good pass rush ability. So we wanted to get him on the field in pass rush situations. He’s young, he’s still learning our scheme and everything, so we wanted to find a package where we can get him on the field. We moved him inside because we felt he can help us there. He’s very long. He has really good athleticism, he can run and he plays extremely hard. For a freshman, that’s pretty uncommon. We’re excited about his future and where he goes. I know Tui (Mike Tuiasosopo) is probably licking his lips as well because Tui likes him as well. Right now he’s a defensive end, but you never know. We’ve all been around football a long time – a kid comes in as a 230-pound freshman and leaves as a 300-pound senior, so you never know what his body is going to do and what are needs are going to be. We do know this – he’s going to be a very good football player here at Kansas State for a long time.”

On Kirmari Gainous getting in shape...

“I think so. Kirmari is a really smart football player, really instinctive football player. He had to miss some time and getting him back in shape was an issue early. Kirmari gives us the ability to play him inside and play him outside. Inside, he gives us some flexibility, which really helps us. If we’re down a defensive end, we can play him outside. If we need some help inside, we can move him inside. He’s a flexible guy, and he’s really intelligent. We’re really pleased with the way he’s progressing and what he’s doing for us at this time.”

On the changes at the defensive end spot since week one...

“I think our preparation, number one. Coaches, players and everybody included. We didn’t prepare the way we should have for that ballgame. Our players didn’t and as coaches our job is to get them to do that. I think our preparation is the biggest thing. Understanding that you’re not just going to be able to walk out there and get a victory. You have to prepare to win each and every day. That’s our motto in the defensive end room is preparing daily with a purpose and every day we try to get better at something. We want to get better at something every day. So, I think preparation is, to answer your question, the thing I’m seeing different.

“He’s done a tremendous job. I think for the phase he’s in, he’s extremely far along. He’s managed the huddle and managed a lot of the things we’re doing extremely smoothly and in a very mature manner. He’s made plays. It’s a hard situation for him, too, with no spring practice and a limited number of snaps, but he’s competing his butt off and preparing his butt off. We’re just working to improve every day.”

On if Skylar Thompson playing the best ball of his career and the adjustment after losing him...

“I know Skylar had gotten better. He did some nice things and made some improvements over the first few weeks. His pocket presence this year compared to last year, and even as the season was going along this year, was really improving. He was making some throws down the field under duress and being accurate and being able to bring that post across the field and doing some great things. It was a heartbreaking deal. They’re different players. It’s not fair to put either one in the other shoes, but the offense is one where if everyone does their job, there’s the ability to spread the football around and get a lot of peoples’ hands on it and try to create some space and make things happen. We think the offense has done that with both those guys.”

On his conversations with Skylar Thompson since the injury...

“Just making sure he’s doing ok and on the road to recovery really. I can’t even put into words the heartbreak for what he’s gone through with the injury. I pray for him every day and talk to him pretty much every day. My heart is with him and all of our hearts are with him.”

On the possibility of Skylar Thompson returning next season...

“Right now, it’s about him getting healthy and us finishing this season strong. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there down the road.”

On how much of the playbook Will Howard understands...

“He’s done a tremendous job. He’s a cerebral player and has studied his butt off. I don’t think, operationally, that anything is off the table. More than anything, it’s just about getting experience with the live bullets and the speed of the game and the speed of the decision making and all those types of things. That just comes with time and experience. It’s not a ‘not knowing it’ kind of thing. It’s just getting used to the speed of the game. He got better throughout the game on Saturday. He’ll get better this week and every week beyond.”

On a couple of Will Howard’s passes being wobbly...

“When you start thinking a lot or processing the speed of things, you start to aim the ball instead of just letting it rip. Your feet die and you don’t get your weight transferred and things behind it, so it’s a chain reaction. It’s part of just working it and drilling it. The more he plays, he’ll do just fine.”

On what they saw from Will Howard in the recruiting process...

“It goes back to when we started recruiting him. It starts with how he carries himself and his demeanor. He’s a winner. What he was able to do in high school and carry that team as far as they’ve been in a long time and the way he did it with humility is tremendous. He’s come in here in a such a short time with limited reps and experience through the spring and has been able to earn everything he’s gotten. That’s a big part of it and earning the trust of his teammates has been really impressive. He knows, and we know that it’s a long journey. He’s done some great things and is doing tremendous. I couldn’t be more pleased, but there’s a lot on the table that he’s hungry and excited for that we need to all strive to improve.”&nbsp;

“Invaluable. Nick does a tremendous job. There’s probably not a guy in our program that’s worked harder. He’s been throwing balls after practice since he got here three or four years ago. To see him improvement now from where he was when he came in is a credit to him. What he’s earned and worked for, and having a guy that’s been in a program for this amount of time and put in the work. Heaven forbid that anything happens for him to be able to step up is big.”&nbsp;

On Nick Ast and the transition on the depth chart...

“Everyone in our room and everyone in our building is competitive and wants to get on the field. You wouldn’t want it any other way. At the same time, the team is more important than any of us. The program is more important, so whoever earns it and does the best, it’s our job as coaches to provide that competition and make the best decision with the work they’ve done on the practice field. He understands that, has worked hard and is ready. You never know how it goes and when the door opens for you, you better be ready to walk through there, not thinking about when or how it should.”

On what’s special about Will Howard...

“Every player you coach is a little bit different. Will’s maturity at such a young age and his calm poise is impressive. To go in there the past two games in some of the situations he’s been in, he hasn’t wavered. He’s been calm and poised, and it’s been impressive.”

“He is getting more reps in practice in that three spot. It’s a day-to-day, week-to-week deal. It’s competitive every day, and we try to keep it that way. As of now, one and two are pretty established. We’re taking it every day and week to week.”

On what he saw from Deuce Vaughn when evaluating his high school film...

“Well, when I first saw him on tape, I looked at his size first. I was concerned a little bit. I didn’t know what the guys would think about him. So, I was pretty close to not showing his video. But as I watched it, I saw a guy who could make all the runs – short-yardage, home runs – and catch the ball out of the backfield. So when I brought it to the table to show the guys, what was my biggest concern is what they thought about his size. When they watched it, they really liked what they saw. Then, we pushed it on to Coach Klieman, and he wanted to offer right away.”

On if there is anything that Deuce Vaughn has done that has surprised him...

🎥 🏈 K-State Holds Weekly Football Press Conference

IRVING, Texas -&nbsp;Kansas middle blocker Caroline Crawford and preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year has been named Big 12 Rookie of the Week. Crawford, a freshman from Lansing, Kansas, has played in all six matches of the 2020 season and in all 10 sets against West Virginia Oct. 9-10.

In the Oct. 9 five-set match against WVU, Crawford registered a career-high 10 blocks, including five solo. The Kansas native also recorded five kills, and topped that mark with a career-best 13 kills in the Oct. 10 matchup.

Crawford’s offense performance was impressive while also efficient, recording a career-high 26 attack attempts, and a .423 attack percentage. She also added another six blocks, and finished the two-match set with 18 kills and 16 blocks.

IRVING, Texas -&nbsp;Kansas middle blocker Caroline Crawford and preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year has been named Big 12 Rookie of the Week. Crawford, a freshman from Lansing, Kansas, has played in all six matches of the 2020 season and in all 10 sets against West Virginia Oct. 9-10.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uoZmaaJuKwU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>In the Oct. 9 five-set match against WVU, Crawford registered a career-high 10 blocks, including five solo. The Kansas native also recorded five kills, and topped that mark with a career-best 13 kills in the Oct. 10 matchup.Crawford’s offense performance was impressive while also efficient, recording a career-high 26 attack attempts, and a .423 attack percentage. She also added another six blocks, and finished the two-match set with 18 kills and 16 blocks.

 🎥🏐 Crawford Named Big 12 Volleyball Rookie of the Week

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas Athletics announced today that due to the unique and difficult challenges COVID-19 has brought to the 2020-21 men’s basketball season, an agreement has been made to delay the upcoming six-game series vs. Missouri by one season. This year’s contest previously scheduled at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City for Dec. 12 will now take place during the 2026-27 season.

“When the NCAA moved the start of the basketball season from November 10th&nbsp;to November 25th, like everyone else, we went to work on creating a new schedule,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Long. “With the Big 12 conference games also being adjusted, and the likelihood of only 10-20% of fans permitted to attend the game due to the pandemic, it became clear that we should delay the series. We appreciate Missouri agreeing to the delay and we look forward to renewing the Border Showdown at Allen Fieldhouse on December 11, 2021 with a sellout crowd.”

Each school will host two of the first four Border Showdown games starting with Dec. 11, 2021, in Allen Fieldhouse. KU will also host MU in the 2023-24 season, while Missouri will host in 2022-23 and 2024-25. The final two rivalry meetings will be played at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., during 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.

“I was excited about beginning this series with Missouri again on December 12th, however, it is in the best interest of both of our schools and especially our fans to push this back a year,” said Head Coach Bill Self. “This rivalry goes back a long way, and we want our fans to be able to witness it again in-person. So, delaying it a year was an easy decision.”

Until 2012, the Border Showdown was known as the longest continuous rivalry west of the Mississippi River.

Upcoming Kansas-Missouri Men’s Basketball Schedule

Dec. 11, 2021 – Missouri at Kansas (Allen Fieldhouse)

2022-23 – Kansas at Missouri (Mizzou Arena)

2023-24 – Missouri at Kansas (Allen Fieldhouse)

2024-25 – Kansas at Missouri (Mizzou Arena)

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas Athletics announced today that due to the unique and difficult challenges COVID-19 has brought to the 2020-21 men’s basketball season, an agreement has been made to delay the upcoming six-game series vs. Missouri by one season. This year’s contest previously scheduled at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City for Dec. 12 will now take place during the 2026-27 season.“When the NCAA moved the start of the basketball season from November 10th&nbsp;to November 25th, like everyone else, we went to work on creating a new schedule,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Long. “With the Big 12 conference games also being adjusted, and the likelihood of only 10-20% of fans permitted to attend the game due to the pandemic, it became clear that we should delay the series. We appreciate Missouri agreeing to the delay and we look forward to renewing the Border Showdown at Allen Fieldhouse on December 11, 2021 with a sellout crowd.”Each school will host two of the first four Border Showdown games starting with Dec. 11, 2021, in Allen Fieldhouse. KU will also host MU in the 2023-24 season, while Missouri will host in 2022-23 and 2024-25. The final two rivalry meetings will be played at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., during 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.“I was excited about beginning this series with Missouri again on December 12th, however, it is in the best interest of both of our schools and especially our fans to push this back a year,” said Head Coach Bill Self. “This rivalry goes back a long way, and we want our fans to be able to witness it again in-person. So, delaying it a year was an easy decision.”Until 2012, the Border Showdown was known as the longest continuous rivalry west of the Mississippi River.Upcoming Kansas-Missouri Men’s Basketball ScheduleDec. 11, 2021 – Missouri at Kansas (Allen Fieldhouse)2022-23 – Kansas at Missouri (Mizzou Arena)2023-24 – Missouri at Kansas (Allen Fieldhouse)2024-25 – Kansas at Missouri (Mizzou Arena)

🏀 Kansas Athletics Announces Border Showdown Rivalry Postponed to 2021-22 Season

STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports Information

WICHITA FALLS, Texas – The final round of the Midwestern State Invitational turned out to be a rough one for the Hutchinson Community College men's golf team on Tuesday.

The Blue Dragons recorded their highest team round of the young season on Tuesday and finished fourth in the 12-team field with a 54-hole total of 877 (+25) on the par-71 Wichita Falls Country Club course.

Facing tough morning scoring conditions for the second-straight day – the Blue Dragons shot 297 on Monday morning before rallying for a 281 in the afternoon round. The Blue Dragons, led by freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/crockett_harry_uzwd">Harry Crockett</a>'s 2-over 73, posted a season-worst 299 team score.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/files/MSU_Final.pdf">CLICK FOR FINAL TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL RESULTS</a>

Texas A&amp;M-Commerce – former Blue Dragon Nathan McCullough is a member of that team – won the team title by five strokes over host Midwestern State. Both teams shot 285 on Tuesday, but TAM-Commerce shot 4-over 856 to Midwestern State's 861. Dallas Baptist shot 279 on Tuesday to move past the Blue Dragons into third place.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/partridge_ben_nliv">Ben Partridge</a>&nbsp;was Hutchinson's low scorer in the tournament, tying for sixth at 1-under 212. After recording a career-low 66 in Monday's second round, Partridge carded a 74 on Tuesday. Partridge had rounds of 72 and 66 on Monday.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/crockett_harry_uzwd">Harry Crockett</a>&nbsp;tied for 11th at 5-over 218. He had rounds of 74, 71 and 73.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/mccrae_tradgon_n8mn">Trey McCrae</a>&nbsp;closed with a 77 on Tuesday and finished 22nd at 222.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/crockett_charlie_7tfw">Charlie Crockett</a>&nbsp;had a 78 on Tuesday and wound up tied for 46th at 229.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/rios-ceballos_cameron_hq9q">Cameron Rios-Ceballos</a>&nbsp;posted his best round of the tournament on Tuesday of 75. He was tied for 53rd at 231.

Individual golfers&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/hilton_charlie_zp4k">Charlie Hilton</a>&nbsp;carded a 75 on Tuesday and tied for 46th at 229.

UT-Tyler's Jeff Murphy won a three-way playoff for the individual championship at 209.

The Blue Dragons will play in Texas once again next Monday and Tuesday with the NJCAA National Preview at The Rawls Course in Lubbock, Texas.

STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationWICHITA FALLS, Texas – The final round of the Midwestern State Invitational turned out to be a rough one for the Hutchinson Community College men's golf team on Tuesday.The Blue Dragons recorded their highest team round of the young season on Tuesday and finished fourth in the 12-team field with a 54-hole total of 877 (+25) on the par-71 Wichita Falls Country Club course.Facing tough morning scoring conditions for the second-straight day – the Blue Dragons shot 297 on Monday morning before rallying for a 281 in the afternoon round. The Blue Dragons, led by freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/crockett_harry_uzwd">Harry Crockett</a>'s 2-over 73, posted a season-worst 299 team score.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/files/MSU_Final.pdf">CLICK FOR FINAL TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL RESULTS</a>Texas A&amp;M-Commerce – former Blue Dragon Nathan McCullough is a member of that team – won the team title by five strokes over host Midwestern State. Both teams shot 285 on Tuesday, but TAM-Commerce shot 4-over 856 to Midwestern State's 861. Dallas Baptist shot 279 on Tuesday to move past the Blue Dragons into third place.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/partridge_ben_nliv">Ben Partridge</a>&nbsp;was Hutchinson's low scorer in the tournament, tying for sixth at 1-under 212. After recording a career-low 66 in Monday's second round, Partridge carded a 74 on Tuesday. Partridge had rounds of 72 and 66 on Monday.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/crockett_harry_uzwd">Harry Crockett</a>&nbsp;tied for 11th at 5-over 218. He had rounds of 74, 71 and 73.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/mccrae_tradgon_n8mn">Trey McCrae</a>&nbsp;closed with a 77 on Tuesday and finished 22nd at 222.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/crockett_charlie_7tfw">Charlie Crockett</a>&nbsp;had a 78 on Tuesday and wound up tied for 46th at 229.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/rios-ceballos_cameron_hq9q">Cameron Rios-Ceballos</a>&nbsp;posted his best round of the tournament on Tuesday of 75. He was tied for 53rd at 231.Individual golfers&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2020-21/bios/hilton_charlie_zp4k">Charlie Hilton</a>&nbsp;carded a 75 on Tuesday and tied for 46th at 229.UT-Tyler's Jeff Murphy won a three-way playoff for the individual championship at 209.The Blue Dragons will play in Texas once again next Monday and Tuesday with the NJCAA National Preview at The Rawls Course in Lubbock, Texas.

🏌️‍♂️ Blue Dragon Golf finish 4th at Midwestern State Invite

🎙 AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Tuesday

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his throwing shoulder, leaving freshman Will Howard to lead the No. 22 Wildcats the rest of the way.

Thompson was hurt two weeks ago when Texas Tech’s Rico Jeffers drove him into the ground after Thompson unloaded a pass in the Wildcats’ 31-21 victory. The Red Raiders were penalized 15 yards and Jeffers was ejected for the late hit.

“He had surgery last week on an upper-body injury, so unfortunately his season is over with,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said during the Big 12 teleconference on Monday. “But we are going to rally around Will Howard and Nick Ast.”

Thompson is a senior, but the NCAA has frozen eligibility clocks for the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which means he could return for one more season. It’s unclear whether that decision has been made.

Howard took over against Texas Tech for Thompson, who watched the rest of the game with his arm in a sling, and then made his first career start Saturday at TCU. Howard ripped off an 80-yard run in the first quarter to set up a field goal, and he finished with 117 yards passing and an interception and 86 yards rushing in the 21-14 victory.

“Brought a freshman quarterback into a tough environment and against a great defensive coach,” Klieman said. “I thought Will did a great job and managed the game exceptionally well and did enough for us to be successful.”

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his throwing shoulder, leaving freshman Will Howard to lead the No. 22 Wildcats the rest of the way.Thompson was hurt two weeks ago when Texas Tech’s Rico Jeffers drove him into the ground after Thompson unloaded a pass in the Wildcats’ 31-21 victory. The Red Raiders were penalized 15 yards and Jeffers was ejected for the late hit.“He had surgery last week on an upper-body injury, so unfortunately his season is over with,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said during the Big 12 teleconference on Monday. “But we are going to rally around Will Howard and Nick Ast.”Thompson is a senior, but the NCAA has frozen eligibility clocks for the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which means he could return for one more season. It’s unclear whether that decision has been made.Howard took over against Texas Tech for Thompson, who watched the rest of the game with his arm in a sling, and then made his first career start Saturday at TCU. Howard ripped off an 80-yard run in the first quarter to set up a field goal, and he finished with 117 yards passing and an interception and 86 yards rushing in the 21-14 victory.“Brought a freshman quarterback into a tough environment and against a great defensive coach,” Klieman said. “I thought Will did a great job and managed the game exceptionally well and did enough for us to be successful.”While the defense ultimately made the biggest plays in the game, including A.J. Parker’s interception return for a score, Howard and the offense avoided any major mistakes that could have given TCU a chance down the stretch.The win kept the Wildcats (3-1, 3-0) in first place in the Big 12 heading into their week off. They play Kansas on Oct. 24.“His composure in the huddle was what we expected,” Wildcats tight end Briley Moore said, “but to think about that after, I was talking to coach (Collin) Klein, a true freshman in his first start like that to have that composure to get settled in is an amazing thing and gives the team confidence that no matter what the situation we are going to have a chance.”The oft-injured Thompson has been a steadying influence for Kansas State since his freshman season, and his decision to stick around after the retirement of Bill Snyder and the hiring of Klieman helped to ensure a relatively seamless transition.He helped to lead the Wildcats from five wins in Snyder’s final season to eight wins and a bowl game last season, and has thrown for 5,012 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also has 1,083 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground.Howard represents the future, though. The dual-threat freshman from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, was among the first big recruiting coups by Klieman’s staff. He chose the Wildcats over offers from Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota and several other Power 5 programs, and his skill set fits perfectly within coordinator Courtney Messingham’s offense.“There’s still a lot to clean up and you all know that and we all know that. It was far from perfect,” said Howard, the first true freshman in school history to win his first road start. “It’s a blessing and all I’ve ever dreamed about, being on this stage. It’s what you come to a big-time program for. I am so glad to be doing it with the group of guys I have with me. We are going to keep grinding, keep getting better, and like I said, not perfect, but we are going to keep getting better.”