Iowa State QB to transfer, could follow former coach to Penn State

Quarterback Rocco Becht will leave Iowa State and enter the transfer portal to "pursue new opportunities for my senior season," he posted on social media Saturday.

"I've had meaningful conversations with Coach Jimmy Rogers, and I'm confident he will elevate this program to new heights," Becht posted in announcing the decision to leave. "This decision was not taken lightly -- it comes from a path of growth, purpose and belief in where my path is leading me."

Becht will immediately become one of the top available starting quarterbacks in the portal, having tallied 26 wins for the Cyclones over his past three seasons at the helm.

His 64 touchdowns passes and 83 total touchdowns at Iowa State rank in the top five among projected returning quarterbacks. Only TCU transfer Josh Hoover has more passing yards than Becht's 9,274 passing yards among that same group of players expected to return to college football.

The redshirt junior with one year of eligibility remaining has also rushed for 499 yards and 19 touchdowns in his career.

Becht's coach at Iowa State, Matt Campbell, took the head coaching position for the Nittany Lions on Dec. 8, making Penn State a likely projected landing spot for Becht, but ESPN reported Saturday Becht is expected to entertain multiple offers.

In 2024, Becht led Iowa State to an 11-3 record, the first time in school history the team had double-digit wins. The Cyclones reached the Big 12 title game that year, losing to Arizona State, but won the Pop-Tarts Bowl 42-41 over Miami.

The Cyclones finished this season at 8-4, with Becht dealing with injuries, including an AC sprain in his throwing shoulder and he underwent labrum surgery on his non-throwing shoulder earlier this month. Becht passed for 2,584 yards and 16 touchdowns against nine interceptions and also rushed for eight scores.

"You embraced me, supported me, and pushed me to become better -- not only as a player, but as a man," Becht posted Saturday. "Iowa State will forever be a part of who I am. Thank for you for every moment, every cheer and every ounce of belief you poured into me. I'll always represent Cyclone Nation with pride."

Iowa State decided not to play in a bowl game after Campbell departed for Penn State.

--Field Level Media

byAdministrator

in

December 20, 2025

Iowa State QB to transfer, could follow former coach to Penn State

Quarterback Rocco Becht will leave Iowa State and enter the transfer portal to "pursue new opportunities for my s...

Read More

49ers' Ricky Pearsall to miss Monday night game vs. the Colts with a knee injury

SANTA CLARA,Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49erswide receiver Ricky Pearsallwill miss Monday night's gameagainst the Indianapolis Coltsafter re-injuring his knee last week.

Pearsall won't travel with the 49ers for the game after leaving last week's game againstTennesseein the fourth quarter when he aggravated a knee injury that had previously sidelined for six games this season.

Pearsall is also dealing with an ankle injury after an uncalled hip drop tackle on the first play from scrimmage last last week that led to a fine of more than $23,000 for Titans defensive back Kevin Winston.

The 49ers (10-4) also ruled out starting cornerback Renardo Green from the game against the Colts with a neck injury that has bothered him throughout the season. Darrell Luter will likely start in his place.

San Francisco will get three key defensive players back this week with linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle), defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (knee) and defensive end Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) all cleared to play after missing time recently. Linebacker Eric Kendricks, who was recently signed to the practice squad, could make his debut for the Niners after dealing with a calf injury.

The 49ers enter the stretch run of the season needing one win in the final three games to clinch a playoff spot. San Francisco would clinch the division and No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs by winning all three remaining games.

Pearsall was coming off his best game since returning from the knee injury with six catches for 96 yards in the win against the Titans. Pearsall had struggled to produce in his first three games back with five catches for 20 yards but looked like his old self last week when he got loose downfield for some big plays.

The 2024 first-round pick had gotten off to a fast start this season with 20 catches for 327 yards before getting hurt early in the second half in Week 4.

The 49ers also placed rookie linebacker Nick Martin on injured reserve with a concussion. Martin hasn't played since being concussed in a win at Cleveland on Nov. 30. Martin, a third-round pick, will miss at least four games. He played just 15 defensive snaps in seven games as a rookie this seaosn.

San Francisco didn't make a roster move but could activate defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos from injured reserve. Gross-Matos has been sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 5. Gross-Matos is listed as questionable.

AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

byAdministrator

in

December 20, 2025

49ers' Ricky Pearsall to miss Monday night game vs. the Colts with a knee injury

SANTA CLARA,Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49erswide receiver Ricky Pearsallwill miss Monday night's gameagainst the Ind...

Read More

Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan trading card sells for seven figures

A 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection dual logo man, All-NBA Access Pass Patch, of Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and the late Kobe Bryantsold for seven figures through Heritage Auctionson Friday.

The one of one trading card, which was graded a six by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), sold for $3,172,000, including a buyer's premium or 22% of the successful bid per lot.

The 2003-04 NBA season was the official debut of the Upper Deck Exquisite issue that included the "dual logo man" adding value to the sports memorabilia.

It isn't the first time a Jordan-Bryant dual logo man card broke the seven-figure plane. Earlier this year, another one of one trading card, a 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection dual logo man signed by both legends,sold for just under $13 millionon Aug. 23. According to Heritage Auctions, the rare sports card sold for a world record $12,932,000.

What is Heritage Auction?

Heritage Auctions, established in 1976, is the largest collectibles auctioneer and third largest auction house in the world, according to their website. It's boasted as the largest auction house founded in the United States.

Heritage Auctions is headquartered in Dallas and offers a wide range collectibles and memorabilia including sports keepsakes, U.S and world currency, arts, comics, entertainment, movie and music and historical and political souvenirs such as Civil War items.

The site contains nearly 2 million bidders and members across the world who are registered online.

"This loyal and growing community of collectors is a testament to the usefulness of our website," their website said. "Our reputation for professional business practices and our vast expertise in the field of art and collectibles."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Heritage Auctions Sports (@heritage_sport)

byAdministrator

in

December 20, 2025

Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan trading card sells for seven figures

A 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection dual logo man, All-NBA Access Pass Patch, of Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and ...

Read More

NFL playoff picture Week 16: Eagles look to lock up NFC East, finish Cowboys

Every week for the duration of the2025 regular season,USA TODAY Sportswill provide timely updates to theNFL's ever-evolving playoff picture − typically starting Sunday afternoon and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday's and Thursday's games or Saturday's, if applicable. And, when the holidays roll around, we'll be watching then, too).

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference's seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday, Jan. 4.

Here's where things stand withWeek 16underway:

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

AFC playoff picture

x − 1.Denver Broncos(12-2), AFC West leaders:The first team in the league to 12 wins and first AFC squad to clinch a playoff berth, New England's loss Sunday also boosted the Broncos' odds of winding up with the No. 1 seed. They can claim it in Week 16 if enough things break their way.Remaining schedule: vs.Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers

2.New England Patriots(11-3), AFC East leaders:Their 10-game heater snapped, they failed to clinch the division Sunday and lost valuable ground in their bid for the No. 1 seed. But the Pats are still in driver's seat to win AFC East and can wrap up a playoff spot with a win at Baltimore.Remaining schedule: atRavens, at Jets, vs.Dolphins.

3.Jacksonville Jaguars(10-4), AFC South leaders:Win their sixth straight Sunday, and they'll get at least a wild-card spot. But they could fall out of first place with a loss.Remaining schedule: at Broncos, vs.Colts, at Titans

4.Pittsburgh Steelers(8-6),AFC North leaders:They throttled Miami on Monday night, eliminating the Dolphins from postseason contention. No matter what else happens over the next three games, sweep the Ravens, and Pittsburgh secures the division.Remaining schedule: atLions, atBrowns, vs. Ravens

5.Los Angeles Chargers(10-4), wild card No. 1:They completed a season sweep of the Chiefs,officially eliminating the three-time-defending AFC championsfrom playoff consideration. The Bolts have now won six of seven but need another (and help) to wrap up a berth Sunday. A one-win advantage in AFC games (8-2) keeps them ahead of Buffalo.Remaining schedule: at Cowboys, vs.Texans, at Broncos

6.Buffalo Bills(10-4), wild card No. 1:Still alive to win their sixth straight AFC East crown after salvaging a split with the Pats, theBillscan lock into the field this weekend.Remaining schedule: at Browns, vs.Eagles, vs. Jets

7.Houston Texans(9-5), wild card No. 3:They've won seven of eight, including six in a row. Another victory plus a Jacksonville loss jumps Houston into first place in the AFC South.Remaining schedule: vs.Raiders, at Chargers, vs. Colts

8.Indianapolis Colts(8-6),in the hunt:Now in the hands of 44-year-old QB Philip Rivers, they face a steep climb back to relevance − their 7-1 start already feeling like ancient history. Rivers gave a valiant effort at Seattle last weekend, his first NFL action in nearly five years, but came up short. And the Colts' schedule doesn't let up henceforth, including Monday night's date with San Francisco.Remaining schedule: vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans

9.Baltimore Ravens(7-7),in the hunt:Simply win out, and they retain the division title for the third straight year.Remaining schedule: vs. Patriots, atPackers, at Steelers

NFC playoff picture

x − 1.Seattle Seahawks(12-3),NFC West leaders:Splitting their season series with the Ramsin Thursday night's classicmeans they'll wind up with the No. 1 seed if they simply win their final two games.Remaining schedule: atPanthers, at 49ers

2.Chicago Bears(10-4), NFC North leaders:How tightly packed is the NFC? One narrow Week 14 loss dropped theBearsfrom first place in the conference to seventh. Sunday's win, in conjunction with Green Bay's loss, put Da Bears back up to second overall. Now they're a win (and a little help) from locking up a spot this weekend.Remaining schedule: vs. Packers, at 49ers, vs. Lions

3.Philadelphia Eagles(9-5), NFC East leaders:Win Saturday at Washington, and the division title remains in Philly for another year −while also sending the Cowboys home.Remaining schedule: atCommanders, at Bills, vs. Commanders

4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers(7-7),NFC South leaders:Hopefully coach Todd Bowles' charges care (expletive) enough this week. A fifth loss in their past six games dropped them to .500 in Week 15, but Carolina's loss put the Bucs back in first place. Their one-game advantage in the common-games tiebreaker is currently the difference with the Panthers. Beat Carolina twice, and the Bucs will still win the NFC South.Remaining schedule: at Panthers, at Dolphins, vs. Panthers

Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

x − 5.Los Angeles Rams(11-4),wild card No. 1:They became the first team to clinch a playoff spot but lost the inside track for home-field advantage and a first-round bye after failing to sweep Seattle.Remaining schedule: at Falcons, vs. Cardinals

6.San Francisco 49ers(10-4), wild card No. 2:A win Monday locks them into the field and a tie for second place in the NFC West. Win out, which would entail completing a season sweep of Seattle on the final weekend of the regular season, and the Niners would get the No. 1 seed.Remaining schedule: at Colts, vs. Bears, vs. Seahawks

7.Green Bay Packers(9-4-1),wild card No. 3:DE Micah Parsons got hurt Sunday, and so did the Pack's positioning − down from the No. 2 seed to seventh due to their loss at Denver. But Green Bay is headed to postseason with a sweep of Chicago on Saturday night ... and a little help from the Steelers.Remaining schedule: at Bears, vs. Ravens, at Vikings

8.Detroit Lions(8-6), in the hunt:Tough loss to the Rams drops them 1½ games behind the projected playoff field. Yet Detroit remains within striking range of a wild-card berth and maybe still the NFC North crown.Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Vikings, at Bears

9.Carolina Panthers(7-7),in the hunt:Had they beaten the Saints on Sunday, they simply would have needed one win over Tampa Bay to win the NFC South. But the Panthers came up light in New Orleans. Carolina and theBuccaneerswill decide this on the field with two meetings between Weeks 16 and 18.Remaining schedule: vs. Buccaneers, vs. Seahawks, at Buccaneers

10.Dallas Cowboys(6-7-1), in the hunt:Sunday night's crushing loss to the Vikingsall but eliminated them− Dallas needing to win all its games and hoping the Eagles lose all of theirs if "America's Team" is to win the NFC East.Remaining schedule: vs. Chargers, at Commanders, at Giants

NFL playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 16

Denver Broncos clinch AFC West and the AFC's No. 1 seed with:

▶ Win + Chargers loss or tie + Patriots loss + Bills loss or tie

Denver clinches AFC West with:

1. Win + Chargers loss or tie OR

2. Broncos tie + Chargers loss

Buffalo clinches playoff berth with:

1. Win + Colts loss or tie OR

2. Win + Texans loss or tie OR

3. Tie + Colts loss OR

4. Tie + Texans loss

New England clinches playoff berth with:

1. Win or tie OR

2. Colts loss or tie OR

3. Texans loss or tie

Jacksonville clinches playoff berth with:

1. Win + Colts loss or tie OR

2. Win + Texans loss or tie OR

3. Tie + Colts loss OR

4. Tie + Colts tie + Texans loss

Los Angeles Chargers clinch playoff berth with:

1. Win + Colts loss or tie OR

2. Win + Texans loss or tie OR

3. Tie + Colts loss OR

4. Tie + Colts tie + Texans loss

Philadelphia clinches NFC East division title with:

1. Win OR

2. Cowboys loss OR

3. Tie + Cowboys tie

Chicago clinches playoff berth with:

1. Win + Lions loss or tie OR

2. Tie + Lions loss

Green Bay clinches playoff berth with:

1. Win + Lions loss or tie OR

2. Tie + Lions loss

San Francisco clinches playoff berth with:

1. Win OR

2. Lions loss OR

3. Tie + Lions tie

NFL teams eliminated from playoff contention in 2025

▶New York Giants

▶Arizona Cardinals

▶New Orleans Saints

▶Tennessee Titans

▶Las Vegas Raiders

▶Washington Commanders

▶Atlanta Falcons

▶New York Jets

▶Cleveland Browns

▶Cincinnati Bengals

▶Kansas City Chiefs

▶Minnesota Vikings

▶Miami Dolphins

x –clinched playoff berth

y –clinched division

z –clinched home-field advantage, first-round bye

All NFL news on and off the field.Sign upfor USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL playoff picture Week 16: Eagles, Packers, Bears seek playoff spots

byAdministrator

in

December 20, 2025

NFL playoff picture Week 16: Eagles look to lock up NFC East, finish Cowboys

Every week for the duration of the2025 regular season,USA TODAY Sportswill provide timely updates to theNFL's ever-ev...

Read More

What we learned from Jake Paul’s painful defeat against Anthony Joshua

Thefightthat people could barely believe was real ended in a way that everyone expected.

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua beat YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul byknockouton Friday night, seemingly breaking the American's jaw in the process.

The predictable result in the ring stood at stark comparison to thecircusthat surrounded it, and yet again raised questions over the future direction of boxing as a professional sport.

It was, in many ways, a night of contrast.

Firstly, physically. Paul was never going to beat Joshua, that much was clear when the pair stood next to each other during the buildup.

The Brit towered five inches above his opponent and weighed almost 30 pounds more than him after the official weigh-in on Thursday. Even before the fight, it was clear that Paul could not compete in the heavyweight division.

Then you consider the experience. Joshua has been one of the best boxers on the planet over the last decade, while Paul, who only made his debut five years ago, has made his name fighting opponents who are usually way past their prime.

Despite the obvious mismatch, Paul told the world he could cause an upset. In the end, he received a very real, and painful, reality check.

"That was good," Paul said, spitting blood from his mouth during his post-fight interview in the ring.

"Nice little a**-whooping from one of the best to ever do it. I love this."

What happened in the fight?

Paul's game-plan was obvious from the outset and was certainly a smart one.

The American did everything he could to stay away from Joshua, ducking and weaving around the large ring and keeping his distance from the thunderous punches.

The strategy definitely worked for the first two rounds, with Paul defying what many had predicted; an early knockout.

But while the smaller man did his best to stay safe, fans were hardly treated to the spectacle they were promised. Paul would, occasionally, look to throw an overhand right at Joshua but the Brit barely seemed to notice.

It once again laid bare the problem with these crossover fights, which lend themselves to massive buildups, before fans are left watching mediocre fights.

At one point, the referee had to encourage the pair to actually start fighting each other, with Paul still keeping his distance and running out of harm's way.

Just like the millions watching at home, Joshua began to get frustrated. But as the rounds wore on, Paul started to get tired. Slowly but surely, Joshua was able to close the distance and started connecting with shots.

An upper-cut in the fifth round looked to knock the wind out of Paul, with the American taking a knee and falling at the feet of his opponent who suddenly sensed a finish.

The fifth round ended with Paul wobbling around the ring and Joshua's punches bouncing his opponent off the ropes. It was, finally, the fight many people came to see.

Then, in the sixth round, Paul found himself backed into the corner, hands down and with his chin on a plate for Joshua.

The Brit did exactly what people had predicted and landed a powerful right hook which sent Paul crumbling to the canvas.

The look on Paul's face after he received his first clean shot from Joshua spoke a thousand words – he didn't fancy any more of that, and who could blame him?

As the referee counted to 10, Paul made very little effort to get up in time and looked somewhat relieved when the fight was waved off.

The pair hugged in the middle of the ring, with Paul spitting up blood.

"It took a little bit longer than expected but the right hand finally found its destination," Joshua said after the fight.

"Jake Paul's done really well tonight. I'm going to give him his props. He got up time and time again. I give Jake the respect for trying and trying. He came up against a real fighter tonight."

What happens now?

For Paul, some healing time is needed.

The 28-year-old ended up in hospital after the fight, posting on Instagram that he suffered a "double broken jaw" – pictures of the injury would seem to corroborate the claim.

"Surgery went well thanks for all the love and support. 2 titanium plates on each side. Some teeth removed. Have to have only liquids for 7 days," Paul said onInstagram, posting a picture of him sitting up on a hospital bed.

Before the fight, he said he had nothing to lose and everything to win. In that respect, he was right.

He surprised people with his resilience and showed heart until the end, proving he's no longer just a YouTuber, albeit far from an elite boxer.

For Joshua, it's back to fighting people his own level.

A matchup against Tyson Fury in 2026 still seems to be the aim, but he'll have to coax the fellow Brit out of retirement first.

If anything, Friday's fight showed that Joshua still has a long way to go before he's back to his best, but it was a step in the right direction.

For the sport of boxing, though, it's another moment to pause.

Purists don't want to see these gimmicky fights become the future of the sport, but when the financial reward of fighting the Jake Paul's of the world is so high, more professional boxers are bound to want a piece of the pie.

And while the viewership figures are yet to be released by Netflix, you'd imagine they'll look for another crossover fight to continue their foray into live sports.

More importantly, perhaps, Paul is bound to be back. And wherever the American goes, global attention surely follows.

Only next time, for the sake of boxing, he'll perhaps fight someone on his own level.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byAdministrator

in

December 20, 2025

What we learned from Jake Paul’s painful defeat against Anthony Joshua

Thefightthat people could barely believe was real ended in a way that everyone expected. Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua ...

Read More

Mario Cristobal reacts to Michael Irvin postgame kiss: 'Disgusting.'

COLLEGE STATION, TX – It ended with a smooch.

Mario Cristobal could've done without that smacker.

Moments afterMiami upset Texas A&M 10-3in a College Football Playoff game, former Hurricanes wide receiver Michael Irvin found Cristobal andkissed him on the cheekduring his on-field postgame interview with ESPN.

"That," Cristobal said, "was disgusting."

Cristobal laughed in the moment, in response to Irvin's hijinks, but upon further reflection ...

"I couldn't find enough wipeys to clean myself," Cristobal joked.

Call it the cost of victory — and the realities of the effervescent Irvin being one of the program's biggest supporters.

Michael Irvin interview cameo 😂pic.twitter.com/yGoacUPLZX

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter)December 20, 2025

"That guy means so much to the program, to its fan base, to our community," said Cristobal, himself a former Miami player. "The pride is returning to so many former players."

Pucker up, because the Hurricanes are on to the CFP quarterfinals.

Blake Toppmeyeris the USA TODAY Network's senior national college football columnist. Email him atBToppmeyer@gannett.comand follow him on X@btoppmeyer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Mario Cristobal reacts to Michael Irvin kiss after Miami first CFP win

byAdministrator

in

December 20, 2025

Mario Cristobal reacts to Michael Irvin postgame kiss: 'Disgusting.'

COLLEGE STATION, TX – It ended with a smooch. Mario Cristobal could've done without that smacker. Moments a...

Read More

Soaring Jaguars brace for test against AFC-leading Broncos

The Denver Broncos were considered an AFC front-runner entering the season. The Jacksonville Jaguars were not remotely on that radar.

And yet both teams find themselves as division leaders with three weeks left in the regular season ahead of Jacksonville's trip to face Denver on Sunday.

The Broncos (12-2) have a one-game cushion in the race for the AFC's No. 1 seed thanks to their win over the Green Bay Packers last week and the New England Patriots' loss to the Buffalo Bills. Denver is two games ahead of the second-place Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West.

Denver showed its resilience in the latest victory, outscoring the Packers 20-3 over the final 25 minutes on the way to a 34-26 win. It was the Broncos' 11th straight win.

Jacksonville (10-4) enters on a more modest five-game winning streak that has helped the team rise up to the No. 3 seed in the AFC. The Jaguars hold a one-game lead over the Houston Texans in the AFC South.

The Jaguars, who are coming off a 48-20 win over the New York Jets, have scored 35-plus points in three of their past five games.

"They're doing a lot of things really well. They're scoring," Broncos coach Sean Payton said. "... We've got to be on point."

However, only four of Jacksonville's wins have come against teams currently over .500.

Jacksonville coach Liam Coen said of opposing the Broncos, "It's a great opportunity for us to go compete and earn everything we get."

Both teams' quarterbacks are coming off what could be the best games of their careers. Denver's Bo Nix completed 23 of 34 passes (67.6%) for 302 yards and a career-high-tying four touchdown passes in the Green Bay win.

Nix moved into a tie for fourth-most wins by a QB in his first two NFL seasons (22). With two more wins, he would tie Russell Wilson atop the leaderboard.

"It's an honor," Nix said. "The great thing about wins is it's a team award. I think winning is the ultimate sign of how your team's doing. To me, it's a sign that we've got a really good team that I'm on. I wouldn't be able to do it without the guys in the locker room."

Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence diced a depleted Jets defense last week, throwing for a season-high 330 yards and a career-high five touchdowns while also rushing for 51 yards and his sixth touchdown of the season, a career high.

Over the past three games, the fifth-year quarterback has nine touchdown passes and no interceptions. He enters this week's game with 23 TD tosses, two off his career high.

Lawrence hasn't been sacked in the last two games. Extending that trend will be a test against a Denver defense that has 58 sacks, 10 more than any other team and just off the pace of breaking the Bears' NFL record of 72 sacks in 1984.

"They're really, really good. Obviously, the numbers are historic," Lawrence said. " ... It's not just the group up front. It's the whole defense, every level. They're well-coached, they're flying around, making plays, they're physical."

Jacksonville's defense, on the other hand, had three interceptions last week to bring its season tally to 18, second in the league.

Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (finger) won't play on Sunday and is reportedly set to miss the rest of the regular season. Jacksonville signed running back Deejay Dallas off the Carolina Panthers' practice squad and added him to its active roster on Tuesday.

Jacksonville defensive lineman Danny Striggow (ankle) and linebacker Jalen McLeod (ankle) also were ruled out for Sunday.

Linebacker Justin Strnad (foot) is the only active Bronco officially listed as out. Guard Ben Powers (biceps) and linebacker Karene Reid (hamstring) are considered questionable.

--Field Level Media

byAdministrator

in

December 19, 2025

Soaring Jaguars brace for test against AFC-leading Broncos

The Denver Broncos were considered an AFC front-runner entering the season. The Jacksonville Jaguars were not remotely...

Read More