LAWRENCE, Kan. – No. 2 Kansas (11-1) will face Wichita State (8-4) in its final non-conference game of the regular season on Saturday, Dec. 30 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The contest will begin at 3 p.m. (Central) and will be televised on ESPN2.

Kansas takes a seven-game winning streak into Saturday’s contest which is the ninth longest nationally. KU is coming off a 75-60 win against Yale, which took place at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 22. Wichita State will play its second-straight contest at the T-Mobile Center. The Shockers lost to Big 12 foe Kansas State, 69-60, on Dec. 21 in its last outing at the venue.

This will be the 16th meeting between Kansas and Wichita State with the Jayhawks holding a 12-3 all-time series advantage. WSU won the last meeting, 78-65, on March 22, 2015, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Omaha, Neb.

Kansas enters Saturday’s matchup averaging 79.1 points per game with a plus-13.9 scoring margin. The Jayhawks pull down 38.2 rebounds per outing with a plus-5.6 rebound margin. Kansas is second in the nation in assists per game at 21.4. KU is second in the Big 12 and is eighth nationally in field goal percentage (51.4%). KU also averages 7.5 steals and 4.8 blocked shots per contest.

Coming off a career-high 34 points against Yale (12/22), graduate G Kevin McCullar leads Kansas in scoring at 20.4 points per game which is first in the Big 12 and 16th nationally. His two triple-doubles are the most in the NCAA. McCullar also leads KU with 19 steals and 20 three-point field goals made. His 6.9 rebounds per game are second on the team.

Senior C Hunter Dickinson leads the Big 12 and is second nationally in rebounds per game at 12.5 rpg. His seven double-doubles also leads the Big 12 and are seventh nationally. A three-time Big 12 weekly award honoree this season, Dickinson is the only player in the Big 12 to average a double-double. He also leads KU with 16 blocked shots.

Junior F KJ Adams Jr. is second in the Big 12 and 21st nationally in field goal percentage at 62.4%. Adams is averaging 12.4 points and 3.7 rebounds for the season and has 38 assists.

Redshirt-senior G Dajuan Harris Jr. leads the Big 12 with 6.8 assists per game, which is eighth nationally. Harris averages 6.9 points per contest. Freshman G Elmarko Jackson (5.8 ppg, 3.0 assists per game) rounds out the KU starters.

Other KU regulars include freshman G Johnny Furphy (5.3 ppg, 12 3FGs), graduate-senior G Nicolas Timberlake (4.0 ppg, 10 3FGs, 13 points vs. Yale), graduate-senior F Parker Braun (3.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 10 blocked shots) and freshman G Jamari McDowell (2.1 ppg).

Kansas will open up Big 12 play hosting TCU on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m. (Central). The game from Allen Fieldhouse will be televised on CBS.

Kansas leads the overall series with TCU, 25-4, including an 11-1 record in games in Lawrence, 10-1 in Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks have won three of the last four and 11 of the last 13 meetings against the Horned Frogs.

Kansas has won a mind-boggling 32 consecutive conference openers dating back to the 1991-92 season.

By KU Sports InfoLAWRENCE, Kan. – No. 2 Kansas (11-1) will face Wichita State (8-4) in its final non-conference game of the regular season on Saturday, Dec. 30 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The contest will begin at 3 p.m. (Central) and will be televised on ESPN2.Kansas takes a seven-game winning streak into Saturday’s contest which is the ninth longest nationally. KU is coming off a 75-60 win against Yale, which took place at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 22. Wichita State will play its second-straight contest at the T-Mobile Center. The Shockers lost to Big 12 foe Kansas State, 69-60, on Dec. 21 in its last outing at the venue.This will be the 16th meeting between Kansas and Wichita State with the Jayhawks holding a 12-3 all-time series advantage. WSU won the last meeting, 78-65, on March 22, 2015, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Omaha, Neb.Kansas enters Saturday’s matchup averaging 79.1 points per game with a plus-13.9 scoring margin. The Jayhawks pull down 38.2 rebounds per outing with a plus-5.6 rebound margin. Kansas is second in the nation in assists per game at 21.4. KU is second in the Big 12 and is eighth nationally in field goal percentage (51.4%). KU also averages 7.5 steals and 4.8 blocked shots per contest.Coming off a career-high 34 points against Yale (12/22), graduate G Kevin McCullar leads Kansas in scoring at 20.4 points per game which is first in the Big 12 and 16th nationally. His two triple-doubles are the most in the NCAA. McCullar also leads KU with 19 steals and 20 three-point field goals made. His 6.9 rebounds per game are second on the team.Senior C Hunter Dickinson leads the Big 12 and is second nationally in rebounds per game at 12.5 rpg. His seven double-doubles also leads the Big 12 and are seventh nationally. A three-time Big 12 weekly award honoree this season, Dickinson is the only player in the Big 12 to average a double-double. He also leads KU with 16 blocked shots.Junior F KJ Adams Jr. is second in the Big 12 and 21st nationally in field goal percentage at 62.4%. Adams is averaging 12.4 points and 3.7 rebounds for the season and has 38 assists.Redshirt-senior G Dajuan Harris Jr. leads the Big 12 with 6.8 assists per game, which is eighth nationally. Harris averages 6.9 points per contest. Freshman G Elmarko Jackson (5.8 ppg, 3.0 assists per game) rounds out the KU starters.Other KU regulars include freshman G Johnny Furphy (5.3 ppg, 12 3FGs), graduate-senior G Nicolas Timberlake (4.0 ppg, 10 3FGs, 13 points vs. Yale), graduate-senior F Parker Braun (3.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 10 blocked shots) and freshman G Jamari McDowell (2.1 ppg).UP NEXTKansas will open up Big 12 play hosting TCU on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m. (Central). The game from Allen Fieldhouse will be televised on CBS.Kansas leads the overall series with TCU, 25-4, including an 11-1 record in games in Lawrence, 10-1 in Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks have won three of the last four and 11 of the last 13 meetings against the Horned Frogs.Kansas has won a mind-boggling 32 consecutive conference openers dating back to the 1991-92 season.

No. 2 Kansas to Face Wichita State Saturday in Kansas City

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, DJ Giddens rushed for 151 yards and scored twice, and Kansas State beat No. 19 North Carolina State 28-19 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Thursday night.

Johnson, a freshman making his first start after Will Howard entered the transfer portal, threw for 178 yards, rushed for 71 and directed a 15-play, 72-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that put the game away and closed out a solid season for coach Chris Klieman's Wildcats (9-4).

“We knew we needed to finish the drive strong and put the game away,” Johnson said. “Credit to those guys up front. Fifteen plays isn’t easy. They dominated and we ultimately got into the end zone.”

Quarterback Brennan Armstrong rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown and threw for 164 yards in his final game for the Wolfpack (9-4), who fell short of winning 10 games for the second time in program history.

“I look back to what could I have done differently because we didn’t get the job done,” Armstrong said. “I felt like I did what I had to do to be ready and prepared. We just didn’t get the job done.”

Giddens had a 37-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter, his only catch of the game, and ran for a 4-yard TD early in the second that made it 14-0.

Kansas State led 21-7 late in the second quarter and 21-10 at halftime, but N.C. State rallied in the third quarter, thanks in part to some trickery. Trent Pennix ran for a 60-yard touchdown on a fake punt with 1:50 left in the period. But the 2-point try failed, allowing the Wildcats to maintain a 21-19 lead.

Johnson and Giddens took over from there. Giddens had six rushes for 25 yards on a drive that took 7:24 off the clock and concluded with Johnson's 11-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown with 2:48 remaining.

“Some of those times a young player may force a throw when he is scrambling and he doesn’t see anybody open,” Klieman said. “He threw the ball away and avoided a number of sacks for a loss of yards. He’s 1-0 as a quarterback. He made big-time play after big-time play.”

Jacob Parrish intercepted Armstrong on N.C. State's next play from scrimmage.

Kansas State punter Jack Blumer called his own number in the second quarter for a 30-yard gain that set up Giddens' rushing TD.

N.C. State had its biggest play on a direct snap to Pennix, a tight end, from the punt formation that he took all the way to the end zone.

Armstrong became N.C. State's first 100-yard rusher of the season. He had come close on a few occasions, with 96 yards against both Connecticut and Wake Forest.

Giddens had his fifth game this season with 100 yards rushing or more. This was his second-highest rushing total behind a 207-yard effort against UCF.

N.C. State’s lone 10-win season came in 2002, when it went 11-2 with Phillip Rivers at quarterback.

One gimmick of the Pop-Tarts Bowl was a mascot that organizers described as edible. After Kansas State was awarded the trophy, the human mascot named “Strawberry” was lowered into a giant replica toaster, and an edible look-alike was ushered out. Klieman and Johnson took bites of the oversized treat before other Wildcats players crowded around for a snack.

N.C. State will have to replace Armstrong, a fifth-year senior who transferred from Virginia for his final season, and graduating Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year Payton Wilson.

Kansas State can look forward to having both Johnson and Giddens back in 2024.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, DJ Giddens rushed for 151 yards and scored twice, and Kansas State beat No. 19 North Carolina State 28-19 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Thursday night.Johnson, a freshman making his first start after Will Howard entered the transfer portal, threw for 178 yards, rushed for 71 and directed a 15-play, 72-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that put the game away and closed out a solid season for coach Chris Klieman's Wildcats (9-4).“We knew we needed to finish the drive strong and put the game away,” Johnson said. “Credit to those guys up front. Fifteen plays isn’t easy. They dominated and we ultimately got into the end zone.”Quarterback Brennan Armstrong rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown and threw for 164 yards in his final game for the Wolfpack (9-4), who fell short of winning 10 games for the second time in program history.“I look back to what could I have done differently because we didn’t get the job done,” Armstrong said. “I felt like I did what I had to do to be ready and prepared. We just didn’t get the job done.”Giddens had a 37-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter, his only catch of the game, and ran for a 4-yard TD early in the second that made it 14-0.Kansas State led 21-7 late in the second quarter and 21-10 at halftime, but N.C. State rallied in the third quarter, thanks in part to some trickery. Trent Pennix ran for a 60-yard touchdown on a fake punt with 1:50 left in the period. But the 2-point try failed, allowing the Wildcats to maintain a 21-19 lead.Johnson and Giddens took over from there. Giddens had six rushes for 25 yards on a drive that took 7:24 off the clock and concluded with Johnson's 11-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown with 2:48 remaining.“Some of those times a young player may force a throw when he is scrambling and he doesn’t see anybody open,” Klieman said. “He threw the ball away and avoided a number of sacks for a loss of yards. He’s 1-0 as a quarterback. He made big-time play after big-time play.”Jacob Parrish intercepted Armstrong on N.C. State's next play from scrimmage.FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE ITBoth teams ran successful fake punts.Kansas State punter Jack Blumer called his own number in the second quarter for a 30-yard gain that set up Giddens' rushing TD.N.C. State had its biggest play on a direct snap to Pennix, a tight end, from the punt formation that he took all the way to the end zone.CENTURY CLUBArmstrong became N.C. State's first 100-yard rusher of the season. He had come close on a few occasions, with 96 yards against both Connecticut and Wake Forest.Giddens had his fifth game this season with 100 yards rushing or more. This was his second-highest rushing total behind a 207-yard effort against UCF.ELUSIVE DOUBLE DIGITSN.C. State’s lone 10-win season came in 2002, when it went 11-2 with Phillip Rivers at quarterback.EAT MEOne gimmick of the Pop-Tarts Bowl was a mascot that organizers described as edible. After Kansas State was awarded the trophy, the human mascot named “Strawberry” was lowered into a giant replica toaster, and an edible look-alike was ushered out. Klieman and Johnson took bites of the oversized treat before other Wildcats players crowded around for a snack.UP NEXTN.C. State will have to replace Armstrong, a fifth-year senior who transferred from Virginia for his final season, and graduating Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year Payton Wilson.Kansas State can look forward to having both Johnson and Giddens back in 2024.

Avery Johnson leads Kansas State past No. 19 N.C. State in Pop-Tarts Bowl

CLEVELAND (AP) —
Joe Flacco passed for 309 yards and three touchdowns and the
Cleveland Browns clinched an unlikely playoff berth and just their
second since 2002 despite numerous injuries with a 37-20 win over the
New York Jets. The Browns are assured of a wild-card spot and still
have a chance to win the AFC North. They're still in the hunt for the
conference’s No. 1 overall seed. That's something unfathomable just
weeks ago as major injuries piled up. Flacco threw two TD passes to
running back Jerome Ford and for 296 yards in the first half. The
Jets held the Browns to just 3 points after halftime.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, DJ Giddens
rushed for 151 yards and scored twice, and Kansas State beat No. 19
North Carolina State 28-19 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Johnson, a freshman
making his first start after Will Howard entered the transfer portal,
threw for 178 yards and rushed for 71. He directed a 15-play, 72-yard
touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that put the game away and
closed out a solid season for coach Chris Klieman’s Wildcats.
Quarterback Brennan Armstrong rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown
and threw for 164 yards in his final game for the Wolfpack. Both
teams finished 9-4.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) —
Gunner Maldonado returned a fumble 87 yards for a touchdown and also
had an interception as No. 14 Arizona forced six turnovers in a 38-24
comeback victory over No. 12 Oklahoma on Thursday night in the Valero
Alamo Bowl. Noah Fifita threw for 354 yards and two touchdowns for
Arizona (10-3). The Wildcats closed with seven straight victories as
they depart the Pac-12 to join the Big 12 next season. Leaving the
Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference, Oklahoma also finished
10-3. Tetairoa McMillan had 10 receptions for 160 yards for Arizona.
Oklahoma freshman Jackson Arnold threw for 361 yards and two
touchdowns, but also had three interceptions in his first career
start.

UNDATED (AP) — The
Memphis Tigers have a rare luxury chasing program history with all
the comforts of home Friday against Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl.
The Cyclones will work from Memphis’ usual sideline, pushing the
Tigers to the visitors’ side. Memphis will get to use its own
locker room. Memphis is trying to post the fifth season in program
history with at least 10 victories and fourth since 2014. The Tigers
also can get some payback for losing this bowl in 2017 to Iowa State
by a single point despite being ranked. That's the only win for Iowa
State in six previous games in the state of Tennessee.

ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — Devin Brown is about to become the first Ohio State
quarterback to make his first career start in a bowl game. The
sophomore starts Friday night against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. He
hasn't played in a game since Oct. 21, but takes over after Kyle
McCord left the seventh-ranked Buckeyes earlier this season for
Syracuse. Ninth-ranked Missouri has All-American running back Cody
Schrader, two-year starting quarterback Brady Cook and playmaking
receiver Luther Burden III. The Tigers have a three-game winning
streak since opening November with a 30-21 loss at then-No. 1
Georgia.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Alabama is covering every angle when it comes to preparing for
Monday’s College Football Playoff semifinal game against Michigan
at the Rose Bowl. That includes making sure their equipment and films
do not get hacked in the wake of the Wolverines’ sign-stealing
allegations from earlier this season. Wide receiver Isaiah Bond and
running back Jase McClellan say watching film has been restricted to
only as a group and with coaches at team facilities. McLellan also
says that players are not receiving practice film directly on their
iPads, and that only coaches are receiving it.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) —
Javian McCollum scored 23 points and Otega Oweh added 16 as No. 12
Oklahoma bounced back from its first loss of the season with an 88-72
win over Central Arkansas. Sam Godwin scored 14 points and Jalon
Moore had 12 points and nine rebounds for the Sooners (11-1), who
were back in action for the first time since losing 81-69 to then-No.
11 North Carolina on Dec. 20. Johannes Kirsipuu scored 16 points to
lead four players in double figures for Central Arkansas, which shot
47% from the field.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)
— Pop Isaacs scored a career-high 28 points and Texas Tech won its
fifth straight, rolling past Sam Houston 96-60. Davon Barnes had 18
points for the Bearkats (6-8) and Marcus Boykin added 10. The Red
Raiders made 15 of 33 3-point attempts, with Isaacs hitting five and
Walton four, and shot 53% overall (42 of 60). They only had seven
turnovers while scoring 15 points off 15 Sam Houston miscues. They
also had a 16-0 difference in fast-break points. Joe Toussaint had 10
points in the first half, with four coming on free throws in an 8-0
run that doubled the Red Raiders’ lead to 16 at 41-25. Then in the
last minute, Isaacs had consecutive 3-pointers, giving him 16 points
and Texas Tech a 48-29 lead.

SANTO DOMINGO,
Dominican Republic (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco
failed to show up for a meeting with a prosecutor who is
investigating him for an alleged relationship with a minor.
Prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías says the investigation will continue
regardless of Franco’s no-show. She waited for the All-Star player
and his lawyers at her office, but they didn't appear. Dominican
prosecutors and police showed up on Tuesday at a Franco property in
Baní, his hometown about 37 miles southwest of Santo Domingo. They
did not find the 22-year-old player to request he appeared for
testimony.

LIENZ, Austria (AP)
— Mikaela Shiffrin has held on to a big first-run lead to win a
women’s World Cup giant slalom for the American’s
record-extending 92nd career victory. Shiffrin lost most of her
advantage as she skied a rather conservative final run and posted
only the 17th fastest time. But it was enough to beat Federica
Brignone by 0.38 seconds. The result sent the Italian to the top of
the discipline standings. Sara Hector of Sweden dropped from second
after the opening run to third. It was Shiffrin’s 22nd career win
in GS but first this season.

BOSTON (AP) —
Hoping to avoid a 28th straight loss that would match the longest
losing streak in NBA history, the Detroit Pistons forced overtime
against the league-best Celtics before Boston recovered to win
128-122. Despite making it to overtime for the first time in the
skid, Detroit matched the “Trust the Process” Philadelphia 76ers
with 28 consecutive losses. The Pistons need a win at home against
Toronto on Saturday night to avoid breaking the record. Kristaps
Porzingis had 35 points for Boston and Jayson Tatum finished with 31
points and 10 assists. Boston won its fourth straight and ninth in 10
games. Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 31 points and nine assists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702554092640.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) —
Joe Flacco passed for 309 yards and three touchdowns and the
Cleveland Browns clinched an unlikely playoff berth and just their
second since 2002 despite numerous injuries with a 37-20 win over the
New York Jets. The Browns are assured of a wild-card spot and still
have a chance to win the AFC North. They're still in the hunt for the
conference’s No. 1 overall seed. That's something unfathomable just
weeks ago as major injuries piled up. Flacco threw two TD passes to
running back Jerome Ford and for 296 yards in the first half. The
Jets held the Browns to just 3 points after halftime.ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, DJ Giddens
rushed for 151 yards and scored twice, and Kansas State beat No. 19
North Carolina State 28-19 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Johnson, a freshman
making his first start after Will Howard entered the transfer portal,
threw for 178 yards and rushed for 71. He directed a 15-play, 72-yard
touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that put the game away and
closed out a solid season for coach Chris Klieman’s Wildcats.
Quarterback Brennan Armstrong rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown
and threw for 164 yards in his final game for the Wolfpack. Both
teams finished 9-4.SAN ANTONIO (AP) —
Gunner Maldonado returned a fumble 87 yards for a touchdown and also
had an interception as No. 14 Arizona forced six turnovers in a 38-24
comeback victory over No. 12 Oklahoma on Thursday night in the Valero
Alamo Bowl. Noah Fifita threw for 354 yards and two touchdowns for
Arizona (10-3). The Wildcats closed with seven straight victories as
they depart the Pac-12 to join the Big 12 next season. Leaving the
Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference, Oklahoma also finished
10-3. Tetairoa McMillan had 10 receptions for 160 yards for Arizona.
Oklahoma freshman Jackson Arnold threw for 361 yards and two
touchdowns, but also had three interceptions in his first career
start.UNDATED (AP) — The
Memphis Tigers have a rare luxury chasing program history with all
the comforts of home Friday against Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl.
The Cyclones will work from Memphis’ usual sideline, pushing the
Tigers to the visitors’ side. Memphis will get to use its own
locker room. Memphis is trying to post the fifth season in program
history with at least 10 victories and fourth since 2014. The Tigers
also can get some payback for losing this bowl in 2017 to Iowa State
by a single point despite being ranked. That's the only win for Iowa
State in six previous games in the state of Tennessee.ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — Devin Brown is about to become the first Ohio State
quarterback to make his first career start in a bowl game. The
sophomore starts Friday night against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. He
hasn't played in a game since Oct. 21, but takes over after Kyle
McCord left the seventh-ranked Buckeyes earlier this season for
Syracuse. Ninth-ranked Missouri has All-American running back Cody
Schrader, two-year starting quarterback Brady Cook and playmaking
receiver Luther Burden III. The Tigers have a three-game winning
streak since opening November with a 30-21 loss at then-No. 1
Georgia.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Alabama is covering every angle when it comes to preparing for
Monday’s College Football Playoff semifinal game against Michigan
at the Rose Bowl. That includes making sure their equipment and films
do not get hacked in the wake of the Wolverines’ sign-stealing
allegations from earlier this season. Wide receiver Isaiah Bond and
running back Jase McClellan say watching film has been restricted to
only as a group and with coaches at team facilities. McLellan also
says that players are not receiving practice film directly on their
iPads, and that only coaches are receiving it.NORMAN, Okla. (AP) —
Javian McCollum scored 23 points and Otega Oweh added 16 as No. 12
Oklahoma bounced back from its first loss of the season with an 88-72
win over Central Arkansas. Sam Godwin scored 14 points and Jalon
Moore had 12 points and nine rebounds for the Sooners (11-1), who
were back in action for the first time since losing 81-69 to then-No.
11 North Carolina on Dec. 20. Johannes Kirsipuu scored 16 points to
lead four players in double figures for Central Arkansas, which shot
47% from the field.LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)
— Pop Isaacs scored a career-high 28 points and Texas Tech won its
fifth straight, rolling past Sam Houston 96-60. Davon Barnes had 18
points for the Bearkats (6-8) and Marcus Boykin added 10. The Red
Raiders made 15 of 33 3-point attempts, with Isaacs hitting five and
Walton four, and shot 53% overall (42 of 60). They only had seven
turnovers while scoring 15 points off 15 Sam Houston miscues. They
also had a 16-0 difference in fast-break points. Joe Toussaint had 10
points in the first half, with four coming on free throws in an 8-0
run that doubled the Red Raiders’ lead to 16 at 41-25. Then in the
last minute, Isaacs had consecutive 3-pointers, giving him 16 points
and Texas Tech a 48-29 lead.SANTO DOMINGO,
Dominican Republic (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco
failed to show up for a meeting with a prosecutor who is
investigating him for an alleged relationship with a minor.
Prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías says the investigation will continue
regardless of Franco’s no-show. She waited for the All-Star player
and his lawyers at her office, but they didn't appear. Dominican
prosecutors and police showed up on Tuesday at a Franco property in
Baní, his hometown about 37 miles southwest of Santo Domingo. They
did not find the 22-year-old player to request he appeared for
testimony.LIENZ, Austria (AP)
— Mikaela Shiffrin has held on to a big first-run lead to win a
women’s World Cup giant slalom for the American’s
record-extending 92nd career victory. Shiffrin lost most of her
advantage as she skied a rather conservative final run and posted
only the 17th fastest time. But it was enough to beat Federica
Brignone by 0.38 seconds. The result sent the Italian to the top of
the discipline standings. Sara Hector of Sweden dropped from second
after the opening run to third. It was Shiffrin’s 22nd career win
in GS but first this season.BOSTON (AP) —
Hoping to avoid a 28th straight loss that would match the longest
losing streak in NBA history, the Detroit Pistons forced overtime
against the league-best Celtics before Boston recovered to win
128-122. Despite making it to overtime for the first time in the
skid, Detroit matched the “Trust the Process” Philadelphia 76ers
with 28 consecutive losses. The Pistons need a win at home against
Toronto on Saturday night to avoid breaking the record. Kristaps
Porzingis had 35 points for Boston and Jayson Tatum finished with 31
points and 10 assists. Boston won its fourth straight and ninth in 10
games. Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 31 points and nine assists.THURSDAY SCORESNATIONAL FOOTBALL
LEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	37	N-Y
Jets	20	TOP-25 COLLEGE
FOOTBALLFinal	(14)Arizona	38	(12)Oklahoma	24	Final	Boston
College	23	(17)SMU	14	Final	Kansas
St.	28	(19)NC State	19Final Rutgers 31,
Miami 24	TOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(12)Oklahoma	88	Cent.
Arkansas	72NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal
OT	Boston	128	Detroit	122	Final	New
Orleans	112	Utah	105	Final	Indiana	120	Chicago	104	Final	Minnesota	118	Dallas	110	Final	Denver	142	Memphis	105	Final	San
Antonio	118	Portland	105	Final	Miami	114	Golden
State	102	Final	L.A.
Lakers	133	Charlotte	112	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Carolina	5	Montreal	3	Final	Philadelphia	4	Vancouver	1	Final	Vegas	3	Los
Angeles	2

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

DENVER (AP) — There were times when Jo Overstreet felt all alone as a standout flag football player on boys teams growing up in Texas.

Sure, she was accepted. Considered just one of the boys.

She longed for something more — a sense of sisterhood.

These days, the 40-year-old receiver for Team USA sees a thriving community of females of all ages and all abilities lifting the sport to new heights. It's an expansion that will only be enhanced with the sport's recent addition to the Olympic program for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

The non-contact game featuring plenty of fast-paced action has really been on the rise for a while, with girls-specific teams and leagues springing up from coast to coast — from continent to continent, too. Eight states have sanctioned girls flag football as a high school varsity sport — more are initiating pilot programs — and college scholarships are now offered for female players on the NAIA level. The NFL has even thrown its weight behind flag football through leagues and events.

“This is so big for women to be able to say, ‘I have a dream to play football’ — and to actually know that opportunity is really there,” said Overstreet, a former basketball player at the University of Houston who hopes to be in the mix for a spot on the inaugural Olympic roster. “Just saying that to myself now, I’m still in shock.”

Flag football is a sport many may have grown up playing, either through gym class in elementary school or a youth league or perhaps on the playground at recess. It became even more visible last winter, when the NFL turned to flag football as part of its Pro Bowl festivities.

On the international level, the game consists of five players per side on a field that’s 50 yards long — plus 10 yards for each end zone — and 25 yards wide (about half the traditional American football field). The offensive team has four downs to reach midfield for a first down. If they reach midfield, the team has four downs to score.

Even more, every offensive player is an eligible receiver.

According to research by USA Football, over a stretch between 2014 and 2022, the participation rate for girls ages 6-12 increased by 178%. There were roughly 112,000 girls in this age range that played the sport in 2021 and 2022.

Like Makayla Martinez, a 14-year-old wide receiver from Phoenix who stood out during the USA Football/Los Angeles Rams’ talent identification camp last summer. She started playing at 5 years old after watching her cousins take the field. She switched to soccer, though, not seeing a route going forward in flag football — until now.

“My dad was like, ‘There’s this girls' team that’s starting. Do you want to give it a try?’” Martinez recounted. “I was like, ‘No, not really.’ Because I only had played on a boys team. But I gave it a shot. I went for it. I just started focusing on flag football, because I saw that it was growing."

Currently, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and New York offer flag football as a varsity girls sport on the high school level. More states are testing it out, with New Jersey recently moving it from a club sport to one overseen by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association for the next two spring seasons.

The powerful promotional arm of the NFL is generating growth, too. The league has set up camps, clinics, a circuit and even exhibitions.

The Klam family of Austin, Texas, used to be a baseball household, traveling all over to tournaments for their son. Now, Jason and Amberly Klam are fully invested in the world of flag football, even starting their own female travel teams. Their 19-year-old daughter, Ashlea, has long been a star in the sport — since she first stepped onto the field for a boys team at 7 years old. A few years later, Ashlea joined an all-girls squad and they traveled all over.

That led them to launch Texas Fury, an all-girls flag football select travel team. At first, they had six girls. These days, the Fury has more than 60 players and seven different teams in various age groups.

Ashlea earned a flag football scholarship to Keiser University in West Palm Beach, Florida, one of nearly two dozen NAIA schools that have programs. Last May, Ottawa University in Kansas cemented its dynasty by winning the program’s third straight NAIA women’s flag football title over Thomas University (Georgia) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

"My daughter getting an opportunity to go play in college — it’s one of those dreams come true,” Jason Klam said. “And with the sport being added to the Olympics, the future is just tremendous.”

Ashlea Klam was back home in Austin in October — lobbying for Texas high schools to include girls flag football as a varsity sport — when she awoke to a text from her parents. A simple screen shot: Flag football was officially in for the 2028 LA Games. Her sport, the one that meant so much that she passed on going to Army to compete in track and field, was gaining inclusion (along with cricket, baseball-softball, lacrosse and squash).

“I had full faith it was going to” make it in, Ashlea Klam said. “We can really show everyone that flag football deserves to be there — and that flag football should be everywhere.”

The U.S. and Mexico already have a robust rivalry on the women's side. The Americans beat a Mexico team led by star QB Diana Flores during the International Federation of American Football's Americas Continental Flag Football Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, over the summer. At the World Games the year before, Flores led her squad to a gold medal.

It's years away, of course, but it could be quite a gold-medal showdown at the LA Games.

The roster? It’s still a ways away, but beginning next season, there are official USA Football sanctioned events, tournaments and combines to kick off the selection process. It's anyone's guess who makes the team as the sport may start luring athletes from other sports (imagine the speed of track stars such as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Sha’Carri Richardson ).

“The announcement (of flag football being in the Olympics) was rocket fuel to an already very fast-paced growth trajectory for the passion of girls and women wanting to play football,” Scott Hallenbeck, the CEO of USA Football, said of a sport that's an invitational Olympic event for now, but already working ahead to be included on the program for the 2032 Brisbane Games. “It’s been an explosion of participation.”

Receiver Madison Fulford discovered flag football nearly two years ago while playing in an intramural league. In no time, the Limestone University track standout was putting her speed and agility to use for the national team, where she scored four TDs in the gold-medal game versus Mexico last summer.

Fulford balances her time between serving as an Air Force mental health counselor in San Antonio with wearing the red, white and blue for the national team and running flag football skills camps all over the country for young women.

Anything to inspire the next female flag football player.

DENVER (AP) — There were times when Jo Overstreet felt all alone as a standout flag football player on boys teams growing up in Texas.Sure, she was accepted. Considered just one of the boys.She longed for something more — a sense of sisterhood.These days, the 40-year-old receiver for Team USA sees a thriving community of females of all ages and all abilities lifting the sport to new heights. It's an expansion that will only be enhanced with the sport's recent addition to the Olympic program for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.The non-contact game featuring plenty of fast-paced action has really been on the rise for a while, with girls-specific teams and leagues springing up from coast to coast — from continent to continent, too. Eight states have sanctioned girls flag football as a high school varsity sport — more are initiating pilot programs — and college scholarships are now offered for female players on the NAIA level. The NFL has even thrown its weight behind flag football through leagues and events.“This is so big for women to be able to say, ‘I have a dream to play football’ — and to actually know that opportunity is really there,” said Overstreet, a former basketball player at the University of Houston who hopes to be in the mix for a spot on the inaugural Olympic roster. “Just saying that to myself now, I’m still in shock.”Flag football is a sport many may have grown up playing, either through gym class in elementary school or a youth league or perhaps on the playground at recess. It became even more visible last winter, when the NFL turned to flag football as part of its Pro Bowl festivities.On the international level, the game consists of five players per side on a field that’s 50 yards long — plus 10 yards for each end zone — and 25 yards wide (about half the traditional American football field). The offensive team has four downs to reach midfield for a first down. If they reach midfield, the team has four downs to score.Even more, every offensive player is an eligible receiver.The speedy nature has caught on, too.According to research by USA Football, over a stretch between 2014 and 2022, the participation rate for girls ages 6-12 increased by 178%. There were roughly 112,000 girls in this age range that played the sport in 2021 and 2022.Like Makayla Martinez, a 14-year-old wide receiver from Phoenix who stood out during the USA Football/Los Angeles Rams’ talent identification camp last summer. She started playing at 5 years old after watching her cousins take the field. She switched to soccer, though, not seeing a route going forward in flag football — until now.“My dad was like, ‘There’s this girls' team that’s starting. Do you want to give it a try?’” Martinez recounted. “I was like, ‘No, not really.’ Because I only had played on a boys team. But I gave it a shot. I went for it. I just started focusing on flag football, because I saw that it was growing."Currently, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and New York offer flag football as a varsity girls sport on the high school level. More states are testing it out, with New Jersey recently moving it from a club sport to one overseen by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association for the next two spring seasons.The powerful promotional arm of the NFL is generating growth, too. The league has set up camps, clinics, a circuit and even exhibitions.The Klam family of Austin, Texas, used to be a baseball household, traveling all over to tournaments for their son. Now, Jason and Amberly Klam are fully invested in the world of flag football, even starting their own female travel teams. Their 19-year-old daughter, Ashlea, has long been a star in the sport — since she first stepped onto the field for a boys team at 7 years old. A few years later, Ashlea joined an all-girls squad and they traveled all over.That led them to launch Texas Fury, an all-girls flag football select travel team. At first, they had six girls. These days, the Fury has more than 60 players and seven different teams in various age groups.Ashlea earned a flag football scholarship to Keiser University in West Palm Beach, Florida, one of nearly two dozen NAIA schools that have programs. Last May, Ottawa University in Kansas cemented its dynasty by winning the program’s third straight NAIA women’s flag football title over Thomas University (Georgia) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta."My daughter getting an opportunity to go play in college — it’s one of those dreams come true,” Jason Klam said. “And with the sport being added to the Olympics, the future is just tremendous.”Ashlea Klam was back home in Austin in October — lobbying for Texas high schools to include girls flag football as a varsity sport — when she awoke to a text from her parents. A simple screen shot: Flag football was officially in for the 2028 LA Games. Her sport, the one that meant so much that she passed on going to Army to compete in track and field, was gaining inclusion (along with cricket, baseball-softball, lacrosse and squash).“I had full faith it was going to” make it in, Ashlea Klam said. “We can really show everyone that flag football deserves to be there — and that flag football should be everywhere.”The U.S. and Mexico already have a robust rivalry on the women's side. The Americans beat a Mexico team led by star QB Diana Flores during the International Federation of American Football's Americas Continental Flag Football Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, over the summer. At the World Games the year before, Flores led her squad to a gold medal.It's years away, of course, but it could be quite a gold-medal showdown at the LA Games.The roster? It’s still a ways away, but beginning next season, there are official USA Football sanctioned events, tournaments and combines to kick off the selection process. It's anyone's guess who makes the team as the sport may start luring athletes from other sports (imagine the speed of track stars such as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Sha’Carri Richardson ).“The announcement (of flag football being in the Olympics) was rocket fuel to an already very fast-paced growth trajectory for the passion of girls and women wanting to play football,” Scott Hallenbeck, the CEO of USA Football, said of a sport that's an invitational Olympic event for now, but already working ahead to be included on the program for the 2032 Brisbane Games. “It’s been an explosion of participation.”Receiver Madison Fulford discovered flag football nearly two years ago while playing in an intramural league. In no time, the Limestone University track standout was putting her speed and agility to use for the national team, where she scored four TDs in the gold-medal game versus Mexico last summer.Fulford balances her time between serving as an Air Force mental health counselor in San Antonio with wearing the red, white and blue for the national team and running flag football skills camps all over the country for young women.Anything to inspire the next female flag football player.

Flag football gives female players scholarship options and soon, shot at Olympics

The Kansas City
Chiefs will try again to clinch their eighth consecutive AFC West
title while the Cincinnati Bengals will attempt to remain in the
wild-card hunt when they meet Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs
squandered a chance to clinch last week with a 20-14 loss to the Las
Vegas Raiders. The Bengals had their postseason hopes take a hit with
a lopsided loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chiefs and Bengals
have met in the past two AFC title games with each winning once.

CINCINNATI (8-7)
at KANSAS CITY (9-6)

OPENING LINE:
Chiefs by 7, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

AGAINST THE
SPREAD: Bengals 6-7-2; Chiefs 7-7-1.

SERIES RECORD:
Bengals lead 18-15.

LAST MEETING:
Chiefs beat Bengals 23-20 on Jan. 29, 2023, in the AFC championship
game in Kansas City.

LAST WEEK:
Bengals lost to Steelers 34-11; Chiefs lost to Raiders 20-14.

TURNOVER
DIFFERENTIAL: Bengals plus-8; Chiefs minus-10.

BENGALS PLAYER TO
WATCH: RB Joe Mixon managed just 43 yards on 11 carries and
caught two passes for 7 yards in last week's loss to Pittsburgh. He
will try to bounce back against a Kansas City defense that did not
allow a pass completion after the first quarter last week but did
allow Raiders backup Zamir White to run for 145 yards.

CHIEFS PLAYER TO
WATCH: Travis Kelce needs 32 yards receiving to reach the
1,000-yard mark for the eighth consecutive season, extending his
franchise record and the NFL record for tight ends. Eight straight
also would tie three other players for the fourth-longest streak in
NFL history for players at any position.

KEY MATCHUP:
Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire against the Cincinnati defense.
Kansas City's wide receivers have struggled, and the position is also
thin now with Skyy Moore on injured reserve. And with RB Isiah
Pacheco in the concussion protocol and RB Jerick McKinnon also on IR,
it could be up to Edwards-Helaire to provide offense both on the
ground and through the air for Kansas City.

KEY INJURIES:
Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase missed practice this week with a shoulder
injury. Chiefs CBs L'Jarius Sneed (calf) and Jaylen Watson (illness),
RB Isiah Pacheco (concussion), WR Kadarius Toney (hip) and LT Donovan
Smith (neck) also missed practice.

SERIES NOTES:
The Bengals and Chiefs have met in the past two AFC championship
games with Cincinnati winning 27-24 in overtime in the 2021 season
and Kansas City winning 23-20 last season. The Bengals had won three
straight in the series before the Chiefs won their most recent game
to advance to the Super Bowl. The Bengals have won seven of the past
nine games in the series overall going back to the 2007 season.

By The Associated
PressThe Kansas City
Chiefs will try again to clinch their eighth consecutive AFC West
title while the Cincinnati Bengals will attempt to remain in the
wild-card hunt when they meet Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs
squandered a chance to clinch last week with a 20-14 loss to the Las
Vegas Raiders. The Bengals had their postseason hopes take a hit with
a lopsided loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chiefs and Bengals
have met in the past two AFC title games with each winning once.CINCINNATI (8-7)
at KANSAS CITY (9-6)Sunday, 4:25 p.m.
EST, CBSOPENING LINE:
Chiefs by 7, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.AGAINST THE
SPREAD: Bengals 6-7-2; Chiefs 7-7-1.SERIES RECORD:
Bengals lead 18-15.LAST MEETING:
Chiefs beat Bengals 23-20 on Jan. 29, 2023, in the AFC championship
game in Kansas City.LAST WEEK:
Bengals lost to Steelers 34-11; Chiefs lost to Raiders 20-14.TURNOVER
DIFFERENTIAL: Bengals plus-8; Chiefs minus-10.BENGALS PLAYER TO
WATCH: RB Joe Mixon managed just 43 yards on 11 carries and
caught two passes for 7 yards in last week's loss to Pittsburgh. He
will try to bounce back against a Kansas City defense that did not
allow a pass completion after the first quarter last week but did
allow Raiders backup Zamir White to run for 145 yards.CHIEFS PLAYER TO
WATCH: Travis Kelce needs 32 yards receiving to reach the
1,000-yard mark for the eighth consecutive season, extending his
franchise record and the NFL record for tight ends. Eight straight
also would tie three other players for the fourth-longest streak in
NFL history for players at any position.KEY MATCHUP:
Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire against the Cincinnati defense.
Kansas City's wide receivers have struggled, and the position is also
thin now with Skyy Moore on injured reserve. And with RB Isiah
Pacheco in the concussion protocol and RB Jerick McKinnon also on IR,
it could be up to Edwards-Helaire to provide offense both on the
ground and through the air for Kansas City.KEY INJURIES:
Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase missed practice this week with a shoulder
injury. Chiefs CBs L'Jarius Sneed (calf) and Jaylen Watson (illness),
RB Isiah Pacheco (concussion), WR Kadarius Toney (hip) and LT Donovan
Smith (neck) also missed practice.SERIES NOTES:
The Bengals and Chiefs have met in the past two AFC championship
games with Cincinnati winning 27-24 in overtime in the 2021 season
and Kansas City winning 23-20 last season. The Bengals had won three
straight in the series before the Chiefs won their most recent game
to advance to the Super Bowl. The Bengals have won seven of the past
nine games in the series overall going back to the 2007 season.

Chiefs close in on AFC West title; Bengals trying to stay in wild-card race

- The Boys lead us up to a Bowl game triple header on KVGB that begins at 1:00 p.m. . Those games include the K-State Wildcats who take on North Carolina State at 4:30 in the Pop Tarts Bowl from Orlando.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Thursday show lineup with Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Thursday show lineup with Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hiKe6CG4_pc?si=uGbyljMpI4jOCPrR" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- The Boys lead us up to a Bowl game triple header on KVGB that begins at 1:00 p.m. . Those games include the K-State Wildcats who take on North Carolina State at 4:30 in the Pop Tarts Bowl from Orlando.- Thursday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Thursday on Sports Day(Watch)

KANSAS- The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is pleased to announce Brice Kesler as its new Executive Director effective January 1, 2024.  Kesler will replace B.J. Harris, whose resignation was accepted in November to step down at the end of 2023 to pursue additional career opportunities.

“Hiring Brice to take on the role of Executive Director is another step in the right direction for the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Drew Couch, 2024 President of the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors. “We put on a grand event with our football game to raise money for Shrine Kids. With the addition of our wrestling event and hopefully others in the future, Brice is the guy that will help lead the Kansas Shrine Bowl organization into the future.”

Brice has served as the Business &amp; Office Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl since March of 2021. Prior to joining the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff, Brice’s career began as a Business Development Executive and Sports Director for Rocking M Media in Goodland, Kansas. Brice then moved to North Platte, Nebraska to become the Sports Director at Eagle Radio before returning to Kansas and becoming part of the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff.

“I’m honored and thankful to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors for awarding me this opportunity to lead such a wonderful organization,” said Brice Kesler. “Seeing the impact that this organization has on children and families from all across the state and beyond is a powerful motivator. I’m excited to be in a position to lead that effort forward and continue to promote the tremendous work done by Shriners in Kansas through the lens of our premier all-star events.”

Alongside new Executive Director Brice Kesler, Whitney Kesler will continue her role as Events &amp; Business Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Whitney joined the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff in May of 2023 after eight years as the Assistant Director/Sports Coordinator at Baldwin City Recreation Commission. Brice and Whitney will continue to lead the corporate partnership development of the Kansas Shrine Bowl, while exploring new ways to expand the statewide footprint and awareness of the organization and Shriners Children’s.

“Serving in this position has been the most rewarding role of my career,” said B.J. Harris, who served in the role of Executive Director since 2017. “I'm forever grateful to the Board of Directors and staff, and look forward to seeing the continued growth of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and the organization's increased impact on the patients of Shriners Children's."

The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Since its inception in 1974, the Kansas Shrine Bowl has been promoting Kansas talent and the incredible network of Shriners Children’s Hospitals by donating more than $3.8 million. To learn more about the organization and its cause visit <a href="http://www.KansasShrineBowl.com">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703784168197.jpeg" alt="Brice Kesler with Kansas Shrine Bowl patient ambassador patient Eli Peterson (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Brice Kesler with Kansas Shrine Bowl patient ambassador patient Eli Peterson (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Shriners Press ReleaseKANSAS- The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is pleased to announce Brice Kesler as its new Executive Director effective January 1, 2024. Kesler will replace B.J. Harris, whose resignation was accepted in November to step down at the end of 2023 to pursue additional career opportunities.“Hiring Brice to take on the role of Executive Director is another step in the right direction for the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Drew Couch, 2024 President of the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors. “We put on a grand event with our football game to raise money for Shrine Kids. With the addition of our wrestling event and hopefully others in the future, Brice is the guy that will help lead the Kansas Shrine Bowl organization into the future.”Brice has served as the Business &amp; Office Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl since March of 2021. Prior to joining the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff, Brice’s career began as a Business Development Executive and Sports Director for Rocking M Media in Goodland, Kansas. Brice then moved to North Platte, Nebraska to become the Sports Director at Eagle Radio before returning to Kansas and becoming part of the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff.“I’m honored and thankful to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors for awarding me this opportunity to lead such a wonderful organization,” said Brice Kesler. “Seeing the impact that this organization has on children and families from all across the state and beyond is a powerful motivator. I’m excited to be in a position to lead that effort forward and continue to promote the tremendous work done by Shriners in Kansas through the lens of our premier all-star events.”Alongside new Executive Director Brice Kesler, Whitney Kesler will continue her role as Events &amp; Business Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Whitney joined the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff in May of 2023 after eight years as the Assistant Director/Sports Coordinator at Baldwin City Recreation Commission. Brice and Whitney will continue to lead the corporate partnership development of the Kansas Shrine Bowl, while exploring new ways to expand the statewide footprint and awareness of the organization and Shriners Children’s.“Serving in this position has been the most rewarding role of my career,” said B.J. Harris, who served in the role of Executive Director since 2017. “I'm forever grateful to the Board of Directors and staff, and look forward to seeing the continued growth of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and the organization's increased impact on the patients of Shriners Children's."The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Since its inception in 1974, the Kansas Shrine Bowl has been promoting Kansas talent and the incredible network of Shriners Children’s Hospitals by donating more than $3.8 million. To learn more about the organization and its cause visit <a href="http://www.KansasShrineBowl.com">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>.

Kansas Shrine Bowl names Brice Kesler as New Executive Director

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins agreed to terms with right-handed reliever Josh Staumont on a one-year contract on Wednesday, the team’s first major league free agency move of the offseason.

Staumont, 30, pitched five seasons for the Kansas City Royals, saving eight games with a 4.01 ERA. The hard-throwing righty has 191 strikeouts in 168 1/3 innings.

He had a 5.40 ERA in 21 games for Kansas City last season before landing on the injured list on June 7 and missing the rest of the season. He later underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.

It's the first major league addition for Minnesota, which won the American League Central last season and advanced to the Division Series. The team signed right-hander A.J. Alexy and utility man Niko Goodrum, both former major leaguers, to minor league deals.

Meanwhile, the Twins have seen right-handed starters Sonny Gray — who was second in the Cy Young voting to Gerrit Cole — Kenta Maeda and Tyler Mahle sign contracts elsewhere this offseason. Gray agreed to a three-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, Mahle signed with World Series champion Texas and Maeda moved to division rival Detroit.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins agreed to terms with right-handed reliever Josh Staumont on a one-year contract on Wednesday, the team’s first major league free agency move of the offseason.Staumont, 30, pitched five seasons for the Kansas City Royals, saving eight games with a 4.01 ERA. The hard-throwing righty has 191 strikeouts in 168 1/3 innings.He had a 5.40 ERA in 21 games for Kansas City last season before landing on the injured list on June 7 and missing the rest of the season. He later underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.It's the first major league addition for Minnesota, which won the American League Central last season and advanced to the Division Series. The team signed right-hander A.J. Alexy and utility man Niko Goodrum, both former major leaguers, to minor league deals.Meanwhile, the Twins have seen right-handed starters Sonny Gray — who was second in the Cy Young voting to Gerrit Cole — Kenta Maeda and Tyler Mahle sign contracts elsewhere this offseason. Gray agreed to a three-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, Mahle signed with World Series champion Texas and Maeda moved to division rival Detroit.

Minnesota Twins agree to terms with right-handed reliever Josh Staumont on a 1-year deal

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that he has talked with Travis Kelce after the star tight end's sideline outburst in which he chucked his helmet toward the benches during a 20-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas.

Reid did not elaborate on what was said during the conversation, but Kelce said on his “New Heights” podcast that dropped earlier Wednesday that he “reacted in a bad way” to the way the Kansas City offense continued to underperform.

The Chiefs have lost three of their past four and five of their last eight games after a 6-1 start, leaving them at 9-6 and still in need of a win to clinch their eighth straight AFC West championship. They play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

“Every single play is somebody not doing their job, and it's me — it's everybody on the team,” Kelce said during a profane back-and-forth with his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, on their podcast.

“Whether it's prep, whether that's having confidence and understanding of what the defense is in their coverages, their gaps in the run game, how we're picking up blitzes, how we're running routes versus certain coverages — all of the above.”

The Chiefs have built a reputation during six seasons with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback for their high-octane offense. But this season, they lead the NFL with 34 dropped passes and are tied for the league lead with 56 offensive penalties.

Kelce, who had five catches for 44 yards against the Raiders, had one of the drops on the second series of the game. He also was called for offensive pass interference, though the penalty was moot because Mahomes' fourth-down throw was incomplete.

Kansas City had minus-18 yards total offense in the first quarter, the worst first period for any NFL team in 12 seasons.

“We've got to do something else,” Kelce said, “because it's been pretty consistent that we haven't been on the same page. We just got to take a little more ownership in what we're doing. And I'm not saying that I'm out of this. I'm the main part of this.”

Mahomes took ownership of the loss to the Raiders on Wednesday, too. He had one of the worst performances of his career, with just 235 yards passing and a touchdown to go with two costly turnovers: He was part of a fumbled handoff that the Raiders returned for a TD, then he threw a pick-6 on the very next offensive play for another score.

“In order for offenses to work in this league, it takes everybody,” Mahomes said. “It starts with me and it goes through everyone else, and everybody has to be on the same page, and this last week we weren't on the same page.”

More than once this season, TV cameras have caught Mahomes yelling at teammates or visibly frustrated on the sideline. That was the case again on Monday, when they showed him asking for plays to be relayed to him more quickly.

“You have to be critical of yourself. Be true to what's on the film and what's happening,” he said. “I think a lot of people make excuses and that's why they don't take the next step, or be better because of it. If you look at it and try to make an excuse for why something happened, or it's not your fault because this happened, that's when stuff snowballs.”

Injuries across the offense haven't helped.

Wide receiver Kadarius Toney remained out of practice Wednesday with a hip injury, while left tackle Donovan Smith continued to miss time with a neck stinger. Running back Isiah Pacheco, who had just returned from shoulder surgery, was in the concussion protocol after taking a knee to the head after his helmet popped off against the Raiders.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that he has talked with Travis Kelce after the star tight end's sideline outburst in which he chucked his helmet toward the benches during a 20-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas.Reid did not elaborate on what was said during the conversation, but Kelce said on his “New Heights” podcast that dropped earlier Wednesday that he “reacted in a bad way” to the way the Kansas City offense continued to underperform.The Chiefs have lost three of their past four and five of their last eight games after a 6-1 start, leaving them at 9-6 and still in need of a win to clinch their eighth straight AFC West championship. They play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.“Every single play is somebody not doing their job, and it's me — it's everybody on the team,” Kelce said during a profane back-and-forth with his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, on their podcast.“Whether it's prep, whether that's having confidence and understanding of what the defense is in their coverages, their gaps in the run game, how we're picking up blitzes, how we're running routes versus certain coverages — all of the above.”The Chiefs have built a reputation during six seasons with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback for their high-octane offense. But this season, they lead the NFL with 34 dropped passes and are tied for the league lead with 56 offensive penalties.Kelce, who had five catches for 44 yards against the Raiders, had one of the drops on the second series of the game. He also was called for offensive pass interference, though the penalty was moot because Mahomes' fourth-down throw was incomplete.Kansas City had minus-18 yards total offense in the first quarter, the worst first period for any NFL team in 12 seasons.“We've got to do something else,” Kelce said, “because it's been pretty consistent that we haven't been on the same page. We just got to take a little more ownership in what we're doing. And I'm not saying that I'm out of this. I'm the main part of this.”Mahomes took ownership of the loss to the Raiders on Wednesday, too. He had one of the worst performances of his career, with just 235 yards passing and a touchdown to go with two costly turnovers: He was part of a fumbled handoff that the Raiders returned for a TD, then he threw a pick-6 on the very next offensive play for another score.“In order for offenses to work in this league, it takes everybody,” Mahomes said. “It starts with me and it goes through everyone else, and everybody has to be on the same page, and this last week we weren't on the same page.”More than once this season, TV cameras have caught Mahomes yelling at teammates or visibly frustrated on the sideline. That was the case again on Monday, when they showed him asking for plays to be relayed to him more quickly.“You have to be critical of yourself. Be true to what's on the film and what's happening,” he said. “I think a lot of people make excuses and that's why they don't take the next step, or be better because of it. If you look at it and try to make an excuse for why something happened, or it's not your fault because this happened, that's when stuff snowballs.”Injuries across the offense haven't helped.Wide receiver Kadarius Toney remained out of practice Wednesday with a hip injury, while left tackle Donovan Smith continued to miss time with a neck stinger. Running back Isiah Pacheco, who had just returned from shoulder surgery, was in the concussion protocol after taking a knee to the head after his helmet popped off against the Raiders.

Chiefs' Andy Reid and Travis Kelce hash things out after sideline outburst vs Raiders

HOUSTON (AP) —
Rashod Owens had a career-high 164 yards receiving with two
touchdowns and Brennan Presley tied a school record with 16
receptions and had 152 yards receiving in No. 22 Oklahoma State’s
31-23 victory over Texas A&amp;M in the Texas Bowl on Wednesday
night. Ollie Gordon II, the Doak Walker Award winner, added 118 yards
rushing to finish the season with 2,062 yards of offense for Oklahoma
State (10-4). Alan Bowman had 402 yards passing with two touchdowns
and two interceptions. The Cowboys missed a 47-yard field goal with
17 seconds to go and the Aggies (7-6) had another chance to score.
But Marcel Reed’s pass was intercepted near the end zone by Kendal
Daniels on the last play of the game.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)
— Garrett Greene threw for 204 yards and a touchdown, Beanie Bishop
Jr. returned a punt 78 yards for a score and West Virginia closed a
season in which it exceeded expectations with a 30-10 victory over
North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Traylon Ray had a 75-yard
touchdown reception on the first play from scrimmage for the
Mountaineers, who won their final three games to finish 9-4 after
being picked to finish last in the Big 12. Selected the game MVP,
Greene completed 11 of 22 passes. Jahiem White ran for 50 yards and a
touchdown for West Virginia. North Carolina played quarterback Drake
Maye andreceiver Tez Walker, who opted out of the game to begin
preparing for the NFL draft.

SAN DIEGO (AP) —
With Caleb Williams watching from the sideline, Miller Moss threw a
Holiday Bowl-record six touchdown passes in his first college start
and Southern California ended a frustrating season by beating No. 16
Louisville 42-28. Moss took full advantage of the opportunity he was
given when Williams opted out. Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy
winner and presumptive first overall pick in the NFL draft, watched
from the sideline wearing a white T-shirt with his No. 13 jersey
hanging around his neck. Moss was 23 of 33 for 372 yards, with one
interception.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
Texas defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat has been dominant for the
Longhorns as they head into the College Football playoff. At
6-foot-4, 362 pounds, he anchors a defensive line that has held six
of the last seven opponents under 100 yards rushing. And he's light
on his feet. Both Sweat and fellow defensive tackle Byron Murphy have
touchdown catches this season in goal-line offense situations. Moving
Sweat off the ball will be a huge challenge for Washington when the
teams meet in the Sugar Bowl in a playoff semifinal on New Year's
Day.

UNDATED (AP) —
Arizona will be in unfamiliar territory at the Alamo Bowl. The
Wildcats — two seasons removed from winning only one game — face
traditional power Oklahoma on Thursday in San Antonio. The
14th-ranked Wildcats (9-3) are on a six-game win streak that includes
four victories over teams that were ranked when they played. It is a
matchup of teams jumping conferences. Arizona will play its final
game as a member of the Pac-12 before joining the Big 12 next year.
It will be 12th-ranked Oklahoma’s final game as a Big 12 member
before joining the Southeastern Conference next season.

UNDATED (AP) — The
final four-team College Football Playoff promises to be one of the
closest in the 10-year history of the event. The combined spread of
the two New Year’s Day semifinals is just six points, according to
FanDuel Sportsbook. No. 1 Michigan is a 1 1/2-point favorite against
fourth-seeded Alabama in the Rose Bowl. No. 3 Texas is a 4 1/2-point
favorite over No. 2 Washington in the Sugar Bowl. AP College Football
Writer Ralph Russo thinks Alabama and Texas will advance to the
national title game.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.
(AP) — The Denver Broncos are benching quarterback Russell Wilson
for their game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Wilson
will serve as a backup to Jarrett Stidham. Coach Sean Payton said he
made the move because the offense needs a spark. Payton has been
vocal about his displeasure over the team's offensive struggles and
two weeks ago had a sideline blowup directed at Wilson. The Broncos
could move on from Wilson in the offseason, but it would be costly as
they'd have $85 million in dead cap money over the next two years.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid says he has talked with
Travis Kelce after the star tight end’s sideline outburst in which
he chucked his helmet toward the benches during a loss to the Las
Vegas Raiders on Christmas. Reid didn't elaborate on what was said
during the conversation. Kelce said on his “New Heights” podcast
earlier Wednesday that he “reacted in a bad way” to the way the
Kansas City offense continued to underperform. The Chiefs have lost
three of their past four games to fall to 9-6, leaving them still in
need of a win to clinch the AFC West. They play the Bengals on
Sunday.

DALLAS (AP) — Mark
Cuban sees a future of NBA ownership where the advantages will be in
real estate. The high-profile billionaire says that’s why he sold
his majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks to a pair of families with
strong ties to the hotel and casino industry. The NBA on Wednesday
approved Cuban’s sale of a controlling interest in the Mavericks to
the Adelson and Dumont families, who run Las Vegas Sands Corp. They
will spend roughly $3.5 billion for their share of the team. Patrick
Dumont will serve as Mavericks governor. Cuban will be alternate
governor with a 27% share of the team and retain control of
basketball operations.

Final	(22)Oklahoma
St.	31	Texas A&amp;M	23

Final  West Virginia
30, North Carolina 10

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702986449520.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) —
Rashod Owens had a career-high 164 yards receiving with two
touchdowns and Brennan Presley tied a school record with 16
receptions and had 152 yards receiving in No. 22 Oklahoma State’s
31-23 victory over Texas A&amp;M in the Texas Bowl on Wednesday
night. Ollie Gordon II, the Doak Walker Award winner, added 118 yards
rushing to finish the season with 2,062 yards of offense for Oklahoma
State (10-4). Alan Bowman had 402 yards passing with two touchdowns
and two interceptions. The Cowboys missed a 47-yard field goal with
17 seconds to go and the Aggies (7-6) had another chance to score.
But Marcel Reed’s pass was intercepted near the end zone by Kendal
Daniels on the last play of the game.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)
— Garrett Greene threw for 204 yards and a touchdown, Beanie Bishop
Jr. returned a punt 78 yards for a score and West Virginia closed a
season in which it exceeded expectations with a 30-10 victory over
North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Traylon Ray had a 75-yard
touchdown reception on the first play from scrimmage for the
Mountaineers, who won their final three games to finish 9-4 after
being picked to finish last in the Big 12. Selected the game MVP,
Greene completed 11 of 22 passes. Jahiem White ran for 50 yards and a
touchdown for West Virginia. North Carolina played quarterback Drake
Maye andreceiver Tez Walker, who opted out of the game to begin
preparing for the NFL draft.SAN DIEGO (AP) —
With Caleb Williams watching from the sideline, Miller Moss threw a
Holiday Bowl-record six touchdown passes in his first college start
and Southern California ended a frustrating season by beating No. 16
Louisville 42-28. Moss took full advantage of the opportunity he was
given when Williams opted out. Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy
winner and presumptive first overall pick in the NFL draft, watched
from the sideline wearing a white T-shirt with his No. 13 jersey
hanging around his neck. Moss was 23 of 33 for 372 yards, with one
interception.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
Texas defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat has been dominant for the
Longhorns as they head into the College Football playoff. At
6-foot-4, 362 pounds, he anchors a defensive line that has held six
of the last seven opponents under 100 yards rushing. And he's light
on his feet. Both Sweat and fellow defensive tackle Byron Murphy have
touchdown catches this season in goal-line offense situations. Moving
Sweat off the ball will be a huge challenge for Washington when the
teams meet in the Sugar Bowl in a playoff semifinal on New Year's
Day.UNDATED (AP) —
Arizona will be in unfamiliar territory at the Alamo Bowl. The
Wildcats — two seasons removed from winning only one game — face
traditional power Oklahoma on Thursday in San Antonio. The
14th-ranked Wildcats (9-3) are on a six-game win streak that includes
four victories over teams that were ranked when they played. It is a
matchup of teams jumping conferences. Arizona will play its final
game as a member of the Pac-12 before joining the Big 12 next year.
It will be 12th-ranked Oklahoma’s final game as a Big 12 member
before joining the Southeastern Conference next season.UNDATED (AP) — The
final four-team College Football Playoff promises to be one of the
closest in the 10-year history of the event. The combined spread of
the two New Year’s Day semifinals is just six points, according to
FanDuel Sportsbook. No. 1 Michigan is a 1 1/2-point favorite against
fourth-seeded Alabama in the Rose Bowl. No. 3 Texas is a 4 1/2-point
favorite over No. 2 Washington in the Sugar Bowl. AP College Football
Writer Ralph Russo thinks Alabama and Texas will advance to the
national title game.ENGLEWOOD, Colo.
(AP) — The Denver Broncos are benching quarterback Russell Wilson
for their game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Wilson
will serve as a backup to Jarrett Stidham. Coach Sean Payton said he
made the move because the offense needs a spark. Payton has been
vocal about his displeasure over the team's offensive struggles and
two weeks ago had a sideline blowup directed at Wilson. The Broncos
could move on from Wilson in the offseason, but it would be costly as
they'd have $85 million in dead cap money over the next two years.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid says he has talked with
Travis Kelce after the star tight end’s sideline outburst in which
he chucked his helmet toward the benches during a loss to the Las
Vegas Raiders on Christmas. Reid didn't elaborate on what was said
during the conversation. Kelce said on his “New Heights” podcast
earlier Wednesday that he “reacted in a bad way” to the way the
Kansas City offense continued to underperform. The Chiefs have lost
three of their past four games to fall to 9-6, leaving them still in
need of a win to clinch the AFC West. They play the Bengals on
Sunday.DALLAS (AP) — Mark
Cuban sees a future of NBA ownership where the advantages will be in
real estate. The high-profile billionaire says that’s why he sold
his majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks to a pair of families with
strong ties to the hotel and casino industry. The NBA on Wednesday
approved Cuban’s sale of a controlling interest in the Mavericks to
the Adelson and Dumont families, who run Las Vegas Sands Corp. They
will spend roughly $3.5 billion for their share of the team. Patrick
Dumont will serve as Mavericks governor. Cuban will be alternate
governor with a 27% share of the team and retain control of
basketball operations.COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	Virginia
Tech	41	(23)Tulane	20	Final	Southern
Cal	42	(16)Louisville	28	Final	(22)Oklahoma
St.	31	Texas A&amp;M	23Final West Virginia
30, North Carolina 10NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Toronto	132	Washington	102	Final	Philadelphia	112	Orlando	92	Final	Milwaukee	144	Brooklyn	122	Final	Phoenix	129	Houston	113	Final	Oklahoma
City	129	New York	120	Final	Cleveland	113	Dallas	110	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	N-Y
Rangers	5	Washington	1	Final	Florida	3	Tampa
Bay	2	Final OT	New
Jersey	4	Columbus	3	Final	Ottawa	4	Toronto	2	Final	Boston	4	Buffalo	1	Final	Pittsburgh	7	N-Y
Islanders	0	Final	Minnesota	6	Detroit	3	Final	St.
Louis	2	Dallas	1	Final	Carolina	5	Nashville	2	Final
OT	Chicago	2	Winnipeg	1	Final
OT	Arizona	5	Colorado	4	Final	Seattle	2	Calgary	1	Final	Anaheim	5	Vegas	2

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

- Special guests Lyles Lashley and Mike Marzolf are back for their holiday co-hosting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Wednesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mS5SDJMPaGE?si=RjCXv5OReKFYpxeZ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Special guests Lyles Lashley and Mike Marzolf are back for their holiday co-hosting.- Wednesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Wednesday on Sports Day (Watch)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — When it comes to college bowl games these days, storylines often are as much about who's not playing rather than who actually is going to be on the field.

With many stars choosing to opt out of postseason trips in favor of entering the transfer portal or preparing for the NFL draft, matchups like Thursday's Pop-Tarts Bowl between No. 19 North Carolina State and Kansas State essentially become showcases for younger players and those older ones relishing an opportunity to take the field one more time.

“I am going to enjoy one last ride with my teammates,” Kansas State All-American guard Cooper Beebe said. "There is a lot to enjoy and I'm excited to see a lot of these young guys step out for the first time and see what they can do.”

The Wildcats (8-4) will be missing several key players, including quarterback Will Howard, who entered the transfer portal. They will also be without second-leading rusher Treshaun Ward and safety Kobe Savage.

That leaves freshman quarterback Avery Johnson to lead the Wildcats against a North Carolina State defense that will be without All-American linebacker Payton Wilson, who opted out to begin preparing for the NFL draft.

Johnson appeared in seven games during the regular season, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for six more.

“I’ve always had the greatest confidence in myself to just be able to go out there and do what I’m capable of doing,” Johnson said. “I have a great support system around me. The team believes in me, the coaches believe in me and it ultimately makes my job easier.”

NC State (9-3) will also be integrating several new players into the starting lineup because of absences.

The Wolfpack will miss Wilson, who was the team's leading tackler as well as ACC defensive player of the year, however there's still plenty of motivation for NC State to finish strong Thursday with the prospect of a rare 10-win season on the line.

“It's important to me," Wolfpack quarterback Brennan Armstrong said. "I think that's where it starts. Each person has to look at how important it is to them and take it out on the field.”

NC State has just one 10-win season in its program history. The Wolfpack went 11-3 in 2002, including a victory in the Gator Bowl. The Wolfpack won five straight games down the stretch to get into position to finish with double-digit wins. They won two of those games largely without Armstrong in the lineup.

NC State, which is appearing in a bowl game for the third time in four seasons, is seeking its first postseason win since 2017.

Kansas State will play its first game under interim offensive coordinator Conor Riley, who was promoted from offensive line coach after Collin Klein departed for Texas A&amp;M earlier this month.

Players are excited for Riley to get the opportunity to lead the offense, noting the enthusiasm and fire the coach is known for instilling among the team's linemen. Senior Hayden Gillum joked that one of the benefits of the promotion is the linemen won't have to hear Riley yelling on the sideline Thursday because the interim coordinator will move upstairs to work from the coaching booth.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — When it comes to college bowl games these days, storylines often are as much about who's not playing rather than who actually is going to be on the field.With many stars choosing to opt out of postseason trips in favor of entering the transfer portal or preparing for the NFL draft, matchups like Thursday's Pop-Tarts Bowl between No. 19 North Carolina State and Kansas State essentially become showcases for younger players and those older ones relishing an opportunity to take the field one more time.“I am going to enjoy one last ride with my teammates,” Kansas State All-American guard Cooper Beebe said. "There is a lot to enjoy and I'm excited to see a lot of these young guys step out for the first time and see what they can do.”The Wildcats (8-4) will be missing several key players, including quarterback Will Howard, who entered the transfer portal. They will also be without second-leading rusher Treshaun Ward and safety Kobe Savage.That leaves freshman quarterback Avery Johnson to lead the Wildcats against a North Carolina State defense that will be without All-American linebacker Payton Wilson, who opted out to begin preparing for the NFL draft.Johnson appeared in seven games during the regular season, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for six more.“I’ve always had the greatest confidence in myself to just be able to go out there and do what I’m capable of doing,” Johnson said. “I have a great support system around me. The team believes in me, the coaches believe in me and it ultimately makes my job easier.”NC State (9-3) will also be integrating several new players into the starting lineup because of absences.The Wolfpack will miss Wilson, who was the team's leading tackler as well as ACC defensive player of the year, however there's still plenty of motivation for NC State to finish strong Thursday with the prospect of a rare 10-win season on the line.“It's important to me," Wolfpack quarterback Brennan Armstrong said. "I think that's where it starts. Each person has to look at how important it is to them and take it out on the field.”CHANCE FOR HISTORYNC State has just one 10-win season in its program history. The Wolfpack went 11-3 in 2002, including a victory in the Gator Bowl. The Wolfpack won five straight games down the stretch to get into position to finish with double-digit wins. They won two of those games largely without Armstrong in the lineup.NC State, which is appearing in a bowl game for the third time in four seasons, is seeking its first postseason win since 2017.NEW PLAYCALLERKansas State will play its first game under interim offensive coordinator Conor Riley, who was promoted from offensive line coach after Collin Klein departed for Texas A&amp;M earlier this month.Players are excited for Riley to get the opportunity to lead the offense, noting the enthusiasm and fire the coach is known for instilling among the team's linemen. Senior Hayden Gillum joked that one of the benefits of the promotion is the linemen won't have to hear Riley yelling on the sideline Thursday because the interim coordinator will move upstairs to work from the coaching booth.

No. 19 NC State, Kansas State looking to cap stellar seasons in Pop-Tarts Bowl

PHOENIX (AP) — Kansas was one of Power Five football's worst teams not that long ago, going through two full seasons with one combined win.

The Jayhawks began rebuilding in coach Lance Leipold's first season, went to a bowl game a year ago and now have a large trophy to take back home with them to Lawrence.

Jason Bean threw for 449 yards and all six of his touchdown passes to two receivers, and penalty-plagued Kansas outlasted UNLV 49-36 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Tuesday night.

“I said it one time and I kind of chuckle, that we can be in the conversation for a conference championship," Leipold said. “I never would have thought I would have said that that quick at Kansas.”

The Jayhawks (9-4) tried to make things hard on themselves Tuesday.

Ranked 14th nationally for fewest penalties with 55 during the regular season, Kansas was flagged 18 times for 210 yards, including four personal fouls.

The Jayhawks made up for it with an explosive offense that produced 591 total yards at Chase Field, home of baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks.

Luke Grimm had four catches for 160 yards and three touchdowns. Lawrence Arnold added six catches for 132 yards and three more scores, giving Kansas two receivers with three touchdowns in a game for the first time in program history.

Bean finished 19 of 28 and overcame two interceptions in the third quarter to lead Kansas to its first postseason win since the 2008 Insight Bowl, also in Phoenix.

“That's an example of this whole season,” said Bean, who took over as Kansas' starter when Jalon Daniels went out with a back injury three games into the season. “We've had our ups and downs and that's just a credit to our attitude to stay kind of even keel.”

Jayden Maiava threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter to rally UNLV (9-5) nearly all the way back from a 21-point deficit early in the second. He added a 50-yard touchdown pass to Senika McKie and finished 24 of 35 for 291 yards with two interceptions.

The Rebels just couldn't stop Kansas and came up short in their first bowl game since 2014.

A tough ending to coach Barry Odom's first season, but UNLV finished with its most wins since the Randall Cunningham team went 11-2 in 1984.

“I thought the progress that the program made was substantial from where we started back when we got the job and started working together,” Odom said.

UNLV got off to a fast start, moving quickly down the field for Maiava’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Davis.

Bean took over from there, hitting Grimm on touchdowns of 6 and 60 yards, and a 15-yarder to Arnold. Devin Neal's 1-yard run put Kansas up 28-10 at halftime.

Maiava rallied UNLV to 28-24 with a pair of TD passes, but Kansas kept scoring.

Bean hit Arnold on touchdown passes of 40 and 56 yards, then put the Jayhawks up 49-30 with a 43-yard TD to Grimm.

“We tried a little bit of everything,” Odom said. “Any good defense, the number of explosive plays, the lower the number is the better you're going to be as a defense. It sounds easy, but it's hard to do.”

Kansas: The Jayhawks picked a bad time to become undisciplined, but got away with it because of their explosive offense.

UNLV: The Rebels managed to climb most of the way out of the big early hole, but never could catch the Jayhawks and remained winless in bowl games since 2000.

UNLV: Odom has some success to build on for his second season and should have plenty of key players back, including Maiava. The Rebels had the nation's 71st-ranked recruiting class in the early signing period, according to the 247 Sports composite.

Kansas: Neal announced before the game that he will return for another season, and the Jayhawks' defensive front is loaded with underclassmen on the two-deep roster. Kansas had the No. 44 recruiting class in the early signing period.

PHOENIX (AP) — Kansas was one of Power Five football's worst teams not that long ago, going through two full seasons with one combined win.The Jayhawks began rebuilding in coach Lance Leipold's first season, went to a bowl game a year ago and now have a large trophy to take back home with them to Lawrence.Jason Bean threw for 449 yards and all six of his touchdown passes to two receivers, and penalty-plagued Kansas outlasted UNLV 49-36 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Tuesday night.“I said it one time and I kind of chuckle, that we can be in the conversation for a conference championship," Leipold said. “I never would have thought I would have said that that quick at Kansas.”The Jayhawks (9-4) tried to make things hard on themselves Tuesday.Ranked 14th nationally for fewest penalties with 55 during the regular season, Kansas was flagged 18 times for 210 yards, including four personal fouls.The Jayhawks made up for it with an explosive offense that produced 591 total yards at Chase Field, home of baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks.Luke Grimm had four catches for 160 yards and three touchdowns. Lawrence Arnold added six catches for 132 yards and three more scores, giving Kansas two receivers with three touchdowns in a game for the first time in program history.Bean finished 19 of 28 and overcame two interceptions in the third quarter to lead Kansas to its first postseason win since the 2008 Insight Bowl, also in Phoenix.“That's an example of this whole season,” said Bean, who took over as Kansas' starter when Jalon Daniels went out with a back injury three games into the season. “We've had our ups and downs and that's just a credit to our attitude to stay kind of even keel.”Jayden Maiava threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter to rally UNLV (9-5) nearly all the way back from a 21-point deficit early in the second. He added a 50-yard touchdown pass to Senika McKie and finished 24 of 35 for 291 yards with two interceptions.The Rebels just couldn't stop Kansas and came up short in their first bowl game since 2014.A tough ending to coach Barry Odom's first season, but UNLV finished with its most wins since the Randall Cunningham team went 11-2 in 1984.“I thought the progress that the program made was substantial from where we started back when we got the job and started working together,” Odom said.UNLV got off to a fast start, moving quickly down the field for Maiava’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Davis.Bean took over from there, hitting Grimm on touchdowns of 6 and 60 yards, and a 15-yarder to Arnold. Devin Neal's 1-yard run put Kansas up 28-10 at halftime.Maiava rallied UNLV to 28-24 with a pair of TD passes, but Kansas kept scoring.Bean hit Arnold on touchdown passes of 40 and 56 yards, then put the Jayhawks up 49-30 with a 43-yard TD to Grimm.“We tried a little bit of everything,” Odom said. “Any good defense, the number of explosive plays, the lower the number is the better you're going to be as a defense. It sounds easy, but it's hard to do.”THE TAKEAWAYKansas: The Jayhawks picked a bad time to become undisciplined, but got away with it because of their explosive offense.UNLV: The Rebels managed to climb most of the way out of the big early hole, but never could catch the Jayhawks and remained winless in bowl games since 2000.UP NEXTUNLV: Odom has some success to build on for his second season and should have plenty of key players back, including Maiava. The Rebels had the nation's 71st-ranked recruiting class in the early signing period, according to the 247 Sports composite.Kansas: Neal announced before the game that he will return for another season, and the Jayhawks' defensive front is loaded with underclassmen on the two-deep roster. Kansas had the No. 44 recruiting class in the early signing period.

Bean throws for 6 TDs to beat UNLV 49-36 in Guaranteed Rate Bowl

PHOENIX (AP) —
Jason Bean threw for 449 yards and all six of his touchdown passes to
two receivers, and penalty-plagued Kansas outlasted UNLV 49-36 in the
Guaranteed Rate Bowl. The Jayhawks were flagged 18 times for 210
yards, including four personal fouls. They made up for it with an
explosive offense that produced 591 total yards at Chase Field, home
of baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. Luke Grimm had four catches for
160 yards and three touchdowns. Lawrence Arnold added six catches for
132 yards and three more scores. UNLV's Jayden Maiava threw for 291
yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions.

PHOENIX (AP) —
Fans were seeing yellow at the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. Officials called
27 penalties for 309 yards as Kansas beat UNLV 49-36 at Chase Field
in a bowl game that was stop and start all night Tuesday. Kansas got
the worst of it, flagged 18 times for 210 yards. The Jayhawks had
four personal fouls, three pass interference calls, two
unsportsmanlike conducts and two 15-yard facemasks. Kansas was 14th
nationally for fewest penalties with 55 during the regular season.
UNLV was hit with two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and was
flagged nine times for 99 yards in all.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) —
It’s finally time for the Jackson Arnold era to start at Oklahoma.
Dillon Gabriel, the first-team Associated Press All-Big 12
quarterback, has transferred from Oklahoma to Oregon. That has left
Arnold — a five-star true freshman — as the new starter heading
into No. 12 Oklahoma’s Alamo Bowl matchup with No. 14 Arizona on
Thursday. In limited action, Arnold has completed 75% of his passes
while running and scrambling effectively. Gabriel has been one of the
most productive quarterbacks in FBS history. The Sooners have carried
on as usual in his absence with the talented Arnold next in line.

COLLEGE STATION,
Texas (AP) — Ollie Gordon II flirted with the idea of leaving
Oklahoma State, with the star running back entering the transfer
portal earlier this month. But he announced Sunday ahead of the
team’s Texas Bowl matchup with Texas A&amp;M that he’ll remain
with the 22nd-ranked Cowboys next season. Gordon led the nation with
1,614 yards rushing to become the first Oklahoma State player to win
the Doak Walker Award for the nation’s top running back and was
named a unanimous All-American. Gordon ran for at least 120 yards in
six straight games this season. He’ll try to lead the Cowboys to
their third bowl win in four seasons when they play Wednesday in
their school-record 18th consecutive bowl game.

CHARLOTTE N.C. (AP)
— North Carolina coach Mack Brown has a new moniker for the Duke’s
Mayo Bowl, calling it the “New Opportunity Bowl.” With star
quarterback Drake Maye and 11 other starters from the beginning of
the season skipping the bowl game because they’re preparing for the
NFL draft, entering the transfer portal or recovering from injuries,
the Tar Heels largely will be using the game against West Virginia to
evaluate young talent moving forward. Like many other college stars,
Maye opted out of the game to limit the risk of injury. Conner
Harrell will be making his first career start.

UNDATED (AP) — The
Houston Texans have claimed hard-hitting but oft-suspended safety
Kareem Jackson off waivers from the Denver Broncos. Jackson began his
14-year career with the Texans as the 20th overall pick in the 2010
draft out of Alabama. After nine seasons with Houston, he moved to
safety when he joined the Broncos in 2019. This year, he's repeatedly
run afoul of the league's safety rules with several illegal hits.
Those have cost him nearly $1 million in salary and fines. He met
with Commissioner Roger Goodell last month to see what he could do to
avoid future fines.

PITTSBURGH (AP) —
Mason Rudolph’s dynamic play against Cincinnati helped keep the
Pittsburgh Steelers’ season alive. The longtime backup quarterback
could get a chance to do it again when the Steelers visit Seattle on
New Year’s Eve. Coach Mike Tomlin says Rudolph will “have the
ball” to begin the week and will get the nod against the Seahawks
if starter Kenny Pickett’s surgically repaired right ankle is not
ready in time. Rudolph threw for 290 yards and two long touchdowns to
George Pickens in a win over the Bengals that moved Pittsburgh to 8-7
and kept its faint playoff hopes afloat.

DETROIT (AP) — The
Detroit Pistons have made NBA history. Detroit became the league’s
first team to lose 27 straight games in a season, falling 118-112 to
the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night. The Nets beat the Pistons on
Saturday in Brooklyn, handing them their 26th consecutive defeat to
match the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers
for the most losses in a row within one season. Next up is the
overall record of 28 straight losses, set by the Philadelphia 76ers
from late in the 2014-15 season through early 2015-16. Detroit's next
game is Thursday night against Boston on the road.

UNDATED (AP) —
TThe PGA Tour has its own version of D-Day. It was on June 6 that it
announced a proposed partnership with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf.
No one was sure what that meant six months ago and no one is sure
where it will lead. But golf marched on. There were two new major
champions, rising stars and plenty of memories along the way. Justin
Rose and Xander Schauffele got a new appreciation for Olympic
stardom. Justin Thomas ended the year with a nice gesture to his
caddie. All are part of this year's tales from the tour.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Sports betting has spread rapidly across U.S. states in the
past five years. But the odds for further expansion may be fading as
state legislatures prepare to return to work in 2024. A 2018 ruling
by the U.S. Supreme Court opened the way for states to legalize
sports betting. Since then, a total of 38 have done so. But proposals
in some other states have become bogged down by political resistance
and competing financial interests from casinos, tribal gaming groups,
horse tracks and other gambling operations. California and Texas —
the two most populous states — are among the dozen where sports
betting still is illegal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702986449520.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) —
Jason Bean threw for 449 yards and all six of his touchdown passes to
two receivers, and penalty-plagued Kansas outlasted UNLV 49-36 in the
Guaranteed Rate Bowl. The Jayhawks were flagged 18 times for 210
yards, including four personal fouls. They made up for it with an
explosive offense that produced 591 total yards at Chase Field, home
of baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. Luke Grimm had four catches for
160 yards and three touchdowns. Lawrence Arnold added six catches for
132 yards and three more scores. UNLV's Jayden Maiava threw for 291
yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions.PHOENIX (AP) —
Fans were seeing yellow at the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. Officials called
27 penalties for 309 yards as Kansas beat UNLV 49-36 at Chase Field
in a bowl game that was stop and start all night Tuesday. Kansas got
the worst of it, flagged 18 times for 210 yards. The Jayhawks had
four personal fouls, three pass interference calls, two
unsportsmanlike conducts and two 15-yard facemasks. Kansas was 14th
nationally for fewest penalties with 55 during the regular season.
UNLV was hit with two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and was
flagged nine times for 99 yards in all.NORMAN, Okla. (AP) —
It’s finally time for the Jackson Arnold era to start at Oklahoma.
Dillon Gabriel, the first-team Associated Press All-Big 12
quarterback, has transferred from Oklahoma to Oregon. That has left
Arnold — a five-star true freshman — as the new starter heading
into No. 12 Oklahoma’s Alamo Bowl matchup with No. 14 Arizona on
Thursday. In limited action, Arnold has completed 75% of his passes
while running and scrambling effectively. Gabriel has been one of the
most productive quarterbacks in FBS history. The Sooners have carried
on as usual in his absence with the talented Arnold next in line.COLLEGE STATION,
Texas (AP) — Ollie Gordon II flirted with the idea of leaving
Oklahoma State, with the star running back entering the transfer
portal earlier this month. But he announced Sunday ahead of the
team’s Texas Bowl matchup with Texas A&amp;M that he’ll remain
with the 22nd-ranked Cowboys next season. Gordon led the nation with
1,614 yards rushing to become the first Oklahoma State player to win
the Doak Walker Award for the nation’s top running back and was
named a unanimous All-American. Gordon ran for at least 120 yards in
six straight games this season. He’ll try to lead the Cowboys to
their third bowl win in four seasons when they play Wednesday in
their school-record 18th consecutive bowl game.CHARLOTTE N.C. (AP)
— North Carolina coach Mack Brown has a new moniker for the Duke’s
Mayo Bowl, calling it the “New Opportunity Bowl.” With star
quarterback Drake Maye and 11 other starters from the beginning of
the season skipping the bowl game because they’re preparing for the
NFL draft, entering the transfer portal or recovering from injuries,
the Tar Heels largely will be using the game against West Virginia to
evaluate young talent moving forward. Like many other college stars,
Maye opted out of the game to limit the risk of injury. Conner
Harrell will be making his first career start.UNDATED (AP) — The
Houston Texans have claimed hard-hitting but oft-suspended safety
Kareem Jackson off waivers from the Denver Broncos. Jackson began his
14-year career with the Texans as the 20th overall pick in the 2010
draft out of Alabama. After nine seasons with Houston, he moved to
safety when he joined the Broncos in 2019. This year, he's repeatedly
run afoul of the league's safety rules with several illegal hits.
Those have cost him nearly $1 million in salary and fines. He met
with Commissioner Roger Goodell last month to see what he could do to
avoid future fines.PITTSBURGH (AP) —
Mason Rudolph’s dynamic play against Cincinnati helped keep the
Pittsburgh Steelers’ season alive. The longtime backup quarterback
could get a chance to do it again when the Steelers visit Seattle on
New Year’s Eve. Coach Mike Tomlin says Rudolph will “have the
ball” to begin the week and will get the nod against the Seahawks
if starter Kenny Pickett’s surgically repaired right ankle is not
ready in time. Rudolph threw for 290 yards and two long touchdowns to
George Pickens in a win over the Bengals that moved Pittsburgh to 8-7
and kept its faint playoff hopes afloat.DETROIT (AP) — The
Detroit Pistons have made NBA history. Detroit became the league’s
first team to lose 27 straight games in a season, falling 118-112 to
the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night. The Nets beat the Pistons on
Saturday in Brooklyn, handing them their 26th consecutive defeat to
match the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers
for the most losses in a row within one season. Next up is the
overall record of 28 straight losses, set by the Philadelphia 76ers
from late in the 2014-15 season through early 2015-16. Detroit's next
game is Thursday night against Boston on the road.UNDATED (AP) —
TThe PGA Tour has its own version of D-Day. It was on June 6 that it
announced a proposed partnership with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf.
No one was sure what that meant six months ago and no one is sure
where it will lead. But golf marched on. There were two new major
champions, rising stars and plenty of memories along the way. Justin
Rose and Xander Schauffele got a new appreciation for Olympic
stardom. Justin Thomas ended the year with a nice gesture to his
caddie. All are part of this year's tales from the tour.JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Sports betting has spread rapidly across U.S. states in the
past five years. But the odds for further expansion may be fading as
state legislatures prepare to return to work in 2024. A 2018 ruling
by the U.S. Supreme Court opened the way for states to legalize
sports betting. Since then, a total of 38 have done so. But proposals
in some other states have become bogged down by political resistance
and competing financial interests from casinos, tribal gaming groups,
horse tracks and other gambling operations. California and Texas —
the two most populous states — are among the dozen where sports
betting still is illegal.TUESDAY SCORESCOLLEGE FOOTBALLGURANTEED RATE
BOWLKansas 49, UNLV 36FIRST RESPONDER
BOWLTexas State 45, Rice
21QUICK LANE BOWLMinnesota 30,
Bowling Green 24NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Orlando	127	Washington	119	Final	Brooklyn	118	Detroit	112	Final	Oklahoma
City	129	Minnesota	106	Final	Indiana	123	Houston	117	Final	Utah	130	San
Antonio	118	Final	Chicago	118	Atlanta	113	Final
OT	Memphis	116	New Orleans	115	Final	Portland	130	Sacramento	113	Final	L.A.
Clippers	113	Charlotte	104

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Stadium: Camping World Stadium (65,000)

Following an 8-4 regular season and another final College Football Playoff Top 25 ranking, No. 25 Kansas State will be in search of its second-straight season with at least nine victories as it faces 18th-ranked NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Thursday, December 28 inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game, which kicks off at 5:45 p.m. (ET), will be shown to a national audience on ESPN.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl marks the 25th bowl game all-time for the Wildcats, who are advancing to a bowl for a fourth time in five years under head coach Chris Klieman. This will be Kansas State's first-ever bowl game in the state of Florida and just the seventh game all-time in The Sunshine State.

K-State is looking for its fourth bowl victory in its last six tries for just the second time in school history and in search of ending the season with a winning note for the first time since a 42-20 win over LSU in the Texas Bowl after the 2021 season.

The Wildcats have never played a bowl game against an ACC opponent at the time of the game, but did face Syracuse three times and Boston College once when those schools were members of the Big EAST.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703346800994.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Date: Thursday, December 28, 2023Kickoff: 5:45 p.m. (ET)Location: Orlando, Fla.Stadium: Camping World Stadium (65,000)Series: First MeetingBOWL PREVIEWFollowing an 8-4 regular season and another final College Football Playoff Top 25 ranking, No. 25 Kansas State will be in search of its second-straight season with at least nine victories as it faces 18th-ranked NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Thursday, December 28 inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game, which kicks off at 5:45 p.m. (ET), will be shown to a national audience on ESPN.The Pop-Tarts Bowl marks the 25th bowl game all-time for the Wildcats, who are advancing to a bowl for a fourth time in five years under head coach Chris Klieman. This will be Kansas State's first-ever bowl game in the state of Florida and just the seventh game all-time in The Sunshine State.K-State is looking for its fourth bowl victory in its last six tries for just the second time in school history and in search of ending the season with a winning note for the first time since a 42-20 win over LSU in the Texas Bowl after the 2021 season.The Wildcats have never played a bowl game against an ACC opponent at the time of the game, but did face Syracuse three times and Boston College once when those schools were members of the Big EAST.A LOOK AT THE WILDCATSK-State is the only Big 12 team to collect at least eight wins in each of the last three seasons and has reached the mark in three-straight years for the first time since doing so four-consecutive years from 2011 through 2014. The Wildcats' four losses this season were by a combined 21 points, and three of those four defeats were at the hands of teams that finished in the final College Football Playoff Top 25 in No. 3 Texas, No. 9 Missouri and No. 20 Oklahoma State.The Wildcats started the season with two resounding wins over SEMO (45-0) and eventual Sun Belt Conference Champion Troy (42-13), the latter being a program that has won 11 games prior to its Birmingham Bowl against Duke on December 23.The Wildcats opened conference play with a dominating 44-31 victory over new Big 12 member UCF – which is playing in the Gasparilla Bowl against Georgia Tech on December 22 – before suffering a 29-21 loss at Oklahoma State on a Friday night.K-State rebounded from that defeat by reeling off three-straight convincing victories – a 38-21 win at Texas Tech, a 41-3 blowout of TCU and a 41-0 shutout of another new conference member, Houston.The Wildcats then went to Austin, Texas, looking to take down the top-10 Longhorns. Trailing 27-7 late in the third quarter, the Wildcats outscored UT, 23-6, over the final 15-plus minutes to send the game into overtime. K-State held Texas to a field goal on its first overtime possession, and the Wildcats drove down to the four-yard line on their possession before a sack on 4th down ended the game with a 33-30 defeat.Much like it did following the loss at Oklahoma State, K-State bounced back in a big way by blowing out Baylor, 59-25. The next week at Kansas, K-State trailed, 27-16, but scored the game's final 15 points to earn its 15th-straight win over the Wildcats' in-state rival with a 31-27 victory.The Wildcats enter the Pop-Tarts Bowl with a sour taste in their mouth after finishing the regular season with a 42-35 home loss to Iowa State in the snowiest K-State game in recent memory.A new era of K-State football opens in the 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl as true freshman quarterback Avery Johnson will earn his first start under center for the Wildcats. The top dual-threat quarterback in the Class of 2023, Johnson has played in seven games this year, throwing for 301 yards and three touchdowns on 23-of-35 (65.7%) aim, while he has rushed for 225 yards and six touchdowns on just 45 carries. His six rushing touchdowns this season are tied for third nationally among true freshmen and tied for first among true freshman quarterbacks.Sophomore running back DJ Giddens produced the 19th 1,000-yard rushing season in school history as he enters the Pop-Tarts Bowl with 1,075 rushing yards. It is the third-straight season the Wildcats have had a 1,000-yard rusher (Deuce Vaughn), while it is the third-most rushing yards by a sophomore in school history behind Darren Sproles (1,465 yards in 2022) and Vaughn (1,404 yards in 2021). With 66 rushing yards against NC State, Giddens will enter the school's top-10 list for single-season rushing yards among all players.Leading the way on the ground is an experienced offensive line in which the five expected starters have combined for 228 career games played in 169 starts. That unit is led by two-time Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the year and Consensus All-American Cooper Beebe, who has started 47 of his 50 career games played. He is the first offensive lineman in school history and 12th player overall to earn Consensus All-America honors, while it is the 14th time a Wildcat has earned the distinction.Young wide receivers in freshman Jayce Brown and sophomore Keagan Johnson came on toward the end of the season as the duo combined for 371 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 27 catches over the final four regular-season games. Brown enters the Pop-Tarts Bowl ranked fifth in school history in receiving yards by a freshman and is 50 yards away from having the most in school history by a true freshman.Defensively, K-State enters bowl season ranked in the top 30 nationally in seven categories, which includes a No. 29 ranking in scoring defense at 21.2 points allowed per game to rank second in the Big 12. Additionally, K-State was one of the most ballhawking teams over the second half of the season, leading the country with 18 takeaways over the final seven games.Safety Marques Sigle leads five defenders that will be playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl that have carded at least 35 tackles this season. He is joined on that list by linebackers Austin Moore (59) and Desmond Purnell (47), safety VJ Payne (47) and cornerback Jacob Parrish (38).A LOOK AT THE WOLFPACKNC State finished the regular season with a 9-3 overall record and a 6-2 ACC record to finish third in the conference. The Wolfpack enter the Pop-Tarts Bowl on a five-game winning streak, including a 24-17 win over Clemson, which finished at No. 23 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25.Quarterback Brennan Armstrong threw for 1,621 yards and 11 touchdowns on 146-of-234 (62.4%) aim and was also the team's leading rusher with 544 yards and six touchdowns on 126 carries.The Wolfpack defense is led by linebacker Payton Wilson, the 2023 Chuck Bednarik Award and Butkus Award winner who collected 138 tackles with 17.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks and three interceptions.