By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer

A Big 12-record-tying nine football teams have advanced to the postseason, highlighted by Texas’ selection to the CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. UCF, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and West Virginia also qualified for bowls as the Conference matched its record of selections from 2012.    

The Longhorns finished third in the final CFP rankings after winning the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship and will make the Conference’s sixth appearance and second consecutive in the CFP Semifinals. UT, in its first CFP playoff, will face No. 2 Washington on New Year’s Day in New Orleans. The winner will advance to the CFP National Championship on January 8 in Houston against the victor of the semifinal between No. 1 Michigan and No. 4 Alabama.

The Big 12 has two other ranked matchups as No. 12 Oklahoma plays No. 14 Arizona in the Valero Alamo Bowl while No. 25 K-State squares off against No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. No. 20 Oklahoma State also finished in the CFP final rankings and will meet Texas A&amp;M in the TaxAct Texas Bowl.

Texas Tech begins the Big 12’s bowl season against Cal in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl followed by UCF against George Tech in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. Kansas and UNLV will meet in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl while West Virginia contests North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. The Autozone Liberty Bowl will feature Iowa State versus Memphis.

The Big 12 has at least eight bowl teams for the second time since 2017 and the 13th season in Conference history. Follow Big 12 social media platforms for coverage throughout bowl season.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs still can't seem to put together a strong performance on both sides of the ball.

The defending Super Bowl champions suddenly look vulnerable as they've fallen behind three other teams in the race for the AFC's top playoff seed.

The Chiefs started slowly for a second straight week and lost 27-19 to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night for their third defeat in five games.

Kansas City (8-4) fell a game behind Baltimore and Miami and a half-game behind Jacksonville, which hosts Cincinnati on Monday night, in the race for the AFC's best record and lone first-round bye.

“Obviously, we’re not where we want to be at, but I feel like we’re close," said Mahomes, who went 21 of 33 for 210 yards with a touchdown and an interception. "We’re playing a lot of good football teams really well, winning some of those games, losing some of those games. We’re kind of in the go-zone now where we’ve got to try to get it going through this stretch and all we can do is learn from this game and be focused on another challenge this next week coming to Arrowhead.”

Catching up to the other AFC heavyweights could prove challenging.

A defense that has ranked among the league’s best all season kept taking hits Sunday rather than dishing them out. Linebacker Drue Tranquill left with a concussion in the first quarter and safety Bryan Cook was carted off the field with an ankle injury in the second half.

Those injuries took a toll as Green Bay put up the highest point total the Chiefs had allowed all season.

“You can’t give up 27 points on the road in a hostile environment like this," defensive tackle Chris Jones said. “It’s tough.”

If either Tranquill or Cook misses substantial time and the defense takes a step back, it will put even more pressure on Mahomes.

The two-time MVP has shown plenty of times he’s capable of carrying that burden. That was evident last week, when the Chiefs rallied from an early 14-0 deficit to win 31-17 at Las Vegas.

But after Kansas City gave up touchdowns on three of Green Bay’s first four possessions, Mahomes couldn’t bring the Chiefs all the way back.

He threw an interception in the fourth quarter with Kansas City trailing by five that set up a field goal for the Packers.

The Chiefs got the ball back at their own 30 with 1:09 left and no timeouts. Mahomes quickly got his team into Packers territory, but the Chiefs stalled out at the Green Bay 33.

Pass interference wasn’t called on a long incompletion to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. A pass into the end zone on the game’s final play was knocked away.

“It is what it is, man," Mahomes said about no penalty being called on the pass to Valdes-Scantling. "Obviously, the guy was probably a little early, but at the end of the game, they’re letting guys play. I’m kind of about that. I’d rather you let the guys play and let the guys win it on the field. But it’s a hard job, man. We’re in that situation, I can’t be wanting a flag, I have to try and go out there and win the game myself and with the rest of my teammates.”

Mahomes and star tight end Travis Kelce, who had four catches for 81 yards, could use more help. Wide receiver Rashee Rice must build on his breakthrough performance against the Raiders. Isiah Pacheco ran for 110 yards Sunday night but got ejected on the game’s final series.

Another Super Bowl run remains possible for this Chiefs team, but they're hardly a dominant bunch. They can't afford to make the mistakes that proved costly Sunday night.

“That’s a good football team and they executed better than us, and that’s the bottom line,” Kelce said. “We’ve just got to keep rallying together and keep just fighting and growing together.”

By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports WriterA Big 12-record-tying nine football teams have advanced to the postseason, highlighted by Texas’ selection to the CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. UCF, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and West Virginia also qualified for bowls as the Conference matched its record of selections from 2012. The Longhorns finished third in the final CFP rankings after winning the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship and will make the Conference’s sixth appearance and second consecutive in the CFP Semifinals. UT, in its first CFP playoff, will face No. 2 Washington on New Year’s Day in New Orleans. The winner will advance to the CFP National Championship on January 8 in Houston against the victor of the semifinal between No. 1 Michigan and No. 4 Alabama.The Big 12 has two other ranked matchups as No. 12 Oklahoma plays No. 14 Arizona in the Valero Alamo Bowl while No. 25 K-State squares off against No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. No. 20 Oklahoma State also finished in the CFP final rankings and will meet Texas A&amp;M in the TaxAct Texas Bowl.Texas Tech begins the Big 12’s bowl season against Cal in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl followed by UCF against George Tech in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. Kansas and UNLV will meet in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl while West Virginia contests North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. The Autozone Liberty Bowl will feature Iowa State versus Memphis.The Big 12 has at least eight bowl teams for the second time since 2017 and the 13th season in Conference history. Follow Big 12 social media platforms for coverage throughout bowl season.GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs still can't seem to put together a strong performance on both sides of the ball.The defending Super Bowl champions suddenly look vulnerable as they've fallen behind three other teams in the race for the AFC's top playoff seed.The Chiefs started slowly for a second straight week and lost 27-19 to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night for their third defeat in five games.Kansas City (8-4) fell a game behind Baltimore and Miami and a half-game behind Jacksonville, which hosts Cincinnati on Monday night, in the race for the AFC's best record and lone first-round bye.“Obviously, we’re not where we want to be at, but I feel like we’re close," said Mahomes, who went 21 of 33 for 210 yards with a touchdown and an interception. "We’re playing a lot of good football teams really well, winning some of those games, losing some of those games. We’re kind of in the go-zone now where we’ve got to try to get it going through this stretch and all we can do is learn from this game and be focused on another challenge this next week coming to Arrowhead.”Catching up to the other AFC heavyweights could prove challenging.A defense that has ranked among the league’s best all season kept taking hits Sunday rather than dishing them out. Linebacker Drue Tranquill left with a concussion in the first quarter and safety Bryan Cook was carted off the field with an ankle injury in the second half.Those injuries took a toll as Green Bay put up the highest point total the Chiefs had allowed all season.“You can’t give up 27 points on the road in a hostile environment like this," defensive tackle Chris Jones said. “It’s tough.”If either Tranquill or Cook misses substantial time and the defense takes a step back, it will put even more pressure on Mahomes.The two-time MVP has shown plenty of times he’s capable of carrying that burden. That was evident last week, when the Chiefs rallied from an early 14-0 deficit to win 31-17 at Las Vegas.But after Kansas City gave up touchdowns on three of Green Bay’s first four possessions, Mahomes couldn’t bring the Chiefs all the way back.He threw an interception in the fourth quarter with Kansas City trailing by five that set up a field goal for the Packers.Still, the Chiefs had one more shot.The Chiefs got the ball back at their own 30 with 1:09 left and no timeouts. Mahomes quickly got his team into Packers territory, but the Chiefs stalled out at the Green Bay 33.Pass interference wasn’t called on a long incompletion to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. A pass into the end zone on the game’s final play was knocked away.“It is what it is, man," Mahomes said about no penalty being called on the pass to Valdes-Scantling. "Obviously, the guy was probably a little early, but at the end of the game, they’re letting guys play. I’m kind of about that. I’d rather you let the guys play and let the guys win it on the field. But it’s a hard job, man. We’re in that situation, I can’t be wanting a flag, I have to try and go out there and win the game myself and with the rest of my teammates.”Mahomes and star tight end Travis Kelce, who had four catches for 81 yards, could use more help. Wide receiver Rashee Rice must build on his breakthrough performance against the Raiders. Isiah Pacheco ran for 110 yards Sunday night but got ejected on the game’s final series.Another Super Bowl run remains possible for this Chiefs team, but they're hardly a dominant bunch. They can't afford to make the mistakes that proved costly Sunday night.“That’s a good football team and they executed better than us, and that’s the bottom line,” Kelce said. “We’ve just got to keep rallying together and keep just fighting and growing together.”

Defending champion Chiefs look vulnerable as they lose ground in AFC

Place	Name	Record	Points	1st Place	Prev.

2	Salt Lake Community College	10-0	336	0	3

5	Northwest Florida State College	12-1	290	0	1

7	Trinity Valley Community College	9-2	234	0	12

8	Barton Community College	10-1	222	0	6

11	Cowley County Community College	10-1	201	0	N/A

14	Indian Hills Community College	7-3	189	0	11

16	Moberly Area Community College	7-3	144	0	17

17	Butler Community College - KS	8-2	114	0	9

19	Hutchinson Community College	9-1	98	0	21

20	Eastern Florida State College	9-1	76	0	22

21	Indian River State College	10-0	74	0	N/A

25	Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M College	10-2	11	0	23

Receiving Votes: Pearl River, Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, Chattanooga State, Dawson, Blinn, Monroe College, Walters State, Southeastern, Northeast Mississippi, Trinidad State, Cloud County, South Georgia State, McLennan

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701116844926.png" alt="NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Poll - Week Four - 12/4/23" />
 <figcaption>NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Poll - Week Four - 12/4/23</figcaption>
 </figure>Place	Name	Record	Points	1st Place	Prev.1	South Plains College	0-0	350	14	22	Salt Lake Community College	10-0	336	0	33	Vincennes University	10-0	322	0	44	Daytona State College	10-0	298	0	105	Northwest Florida State College	12-1	290	0	16	Snow College	11-0	289	0	87	Trinity Valley Community College	9-2	234	0	128	Barton Community College	10-1	222	0	69	Mineral Area College	12-0	213	0	1310	Lee College	10-1	209	0	1611	Cowley County Community College	10-1	201	0	N/A12	Odessa College	12-2	196	0	713	Chipola College	10-1	189	0	514	Indian Hills Community College	7-3	189	0	1115	Triton College	10-0	160	0	1816	Moberly Area Community College	7-3	144	0	1717	Butler Community College - KS	8-2	114	0	918	Panola College	8-2	111	0	1419	Hutchinson Community College	9-1	98	0	2120	Eastern Florida State College	9-1	76	0	2221	Indian River State College	10-0	74	0	N/A22	New Mexico Junior College	9-1	71	0	2023	Olney Central College	7-1	39	0	2324	Midland College	12-3	21	0	1525	Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M College	10-2	11	0	23Receiving Votes: Pearl River, Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, Chattanooga State, Dawson, Blinn, Monroe College, Walters State, Southeastern, Northeast Mississippi, Trinidad State, Cloud County, South Georgia State, McLennan

NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Rankings - Cougars slide to No. 8

- The boys review the Sports Weekend including the first weekend of the High School Basketball season, Barton's big win at 9th ranked Butler, the Chiefs and Packers in Green Bay, KU and K-State go bowling and of course, the College Football playoff.

- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Monday show lineup with hosts Steve&nbsp;Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Monday show lineup with hosts Steve&nbsp;Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2OJZLbtuxTc?si=dkLSYIKkbupt9N9x" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- The boys review the Sports Weekend including the first weekend of the High School Basketball season, Barton's big win at 9th ranked Butler, the Chiefs and Packers in Green Bay, KU and K-State go bowling and of course, the College Football playoff.- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Monday on Sports Day (Watch)

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, Shreveport, Louisiana

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, Tampa, Florida

UCF vs. Georgia Tech (ESPN), 5:30 p.m. CT/6:30 p.m. ET  

Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Phoenix, Arizona

Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Charlotte, N.C.

West Virginia vs. North Carolina (ESPN), 4:30 p.m. CT/5:30 p.m. ET

No. 20 Oklahoma State vs. Texas A&amp;M (ESPN), 8:00 p.m. CT

No. 25 Kansas State vs. No. 18 NC State (ESPN), 4:45 p.m. CT

Valero Alamo Bowl, San Antonio, Texas

No. 12 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Arizona (ESPN), 8:15 p.m. CT

AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Memphis, Tennessee

CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl, New Orleans

No. 3 Texas vs. No. 2 Washington (ESPN), 7:45 p.m. CT

Big12sports.comA Big 12-record-tying nine football teams have advanced to the postseason, highlighted by Texas’ selection to the CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. UCF, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and West Virginia also qualified for bowls as the Conference matched its record of selections from 2012. The Longhorns finished third in the final CFP rankings after winning the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship and will make the Conference’s sixth appearance and second consecutive in the CFP Semifinals. UT, in its first CFP playoff, will face No. 2 Washington on New Year’s Day in New Orleans. The winner will advance to the CFP National Championship on January 8 in Houston against the victor of the semifinal between No. 1 Michigan and No. 4 Alabama.The Big 12 has two other ranked matchups as No. 12 Oklahoma plays No. 14 Arizona in the Valero Alamo Bowl while No. 25 K-State squares off against No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. No. 20 Oklahoma State also finished in the CFP final rankings and will meet Texas A&amp;M in the TaxAct Texas Bowl.Texas Tech begins the Big 12’s bowl season against Cal in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl followed by UCF against George Tech in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. Kansas and UNLV will meet in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl while West Virginia contests North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. The Autozone Liberty Bowl will feature Iowa State versus Memphis.The Big 12 has at least eight bowl teams for the second time since 2017 and the 13th season in Conference history. Follow Big 12 social media platforms for coverage throughout bowl season.2023-24 Big 12 Bowl ScheduleSaturday, December 16Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, Shreveport, LouisianaTexas Tech vs. Cal (ESPN), 8:15 p.m. CTFriday, December 22Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, Tampa, FloridaUCF vs. Georgia Tech (ESPN), 5:30 p.m. CT/6:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, December 26Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Phoenix, ArizonaKansas vs. UNLV (ESPN), 8:00 p.m. CTWednesday, December 27Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Charlotte, N.C.West Virginia vs. North Carolina (ESPN), 4:30 p.m. CT/5:30 p.m. ETTaxAct Texas Bowl, Houston, TexasNo. 20 Oklahoma State vs. Texas A&amp;M (ESPN), 8:00 p.m. CTThursday, December 28Pop-Tarts Bowl, Orlando, FloridaNo. 25 Kansas State vs. No. 18 NC State (ESPN), 4:45 p.m. CTValero Alamo Bowl, San Antonio, TexasNo. 12 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Arizona (ESPN), 8:15 p.m. CTFriday, December 29AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Memphis, TennesseeIowa State vs. Memphis (ESPN), 2:30 p.m.Monday, January 1CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl, New OrleansNo. 3 Texas vs. No. 2 Washington (ESPN), 7:45 p.m. CT

Nine Big 12 Teams Headed to Bowl Games

Points came at a premium for a small Panther swim team contingent in the second meet of the season Saturday in Maize. Great Bend scored 10 points to finish at the bottom of the 12-team field. Andover scored 447 points for the win, followed by Winfield with 331 points.

All 10 of those points came in the 200 free relay where Joshua Sharpe, Quinton Heath, Matthew Williams, and Adam Hall placed 24th in 2:13.45. Andover won the race by three seconds in 1:33.66.

Sharpe came close to a point in the 100 back, placing 22nd in 1:27.04 to miss the final point by eight seconds. Sharpe finished 25th in the 200 free in 3:04.23 to miss a point by 33 seconds. Williams swam 21st in the 200 IM in 3:04.61 to miss the final point by 14 seconds. Hall placed 20th in the 50 free in 26.94 to miss a point by just over half a second.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886567489.png" alt="panthers gbhs high school.png" />
 <figcaption>panthers gbhs high school.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsPoints came at a premium for a small Panther swim team contingent in the second meet of the season Saturday in Maize. Great Bend scored 10 points to finish at the bottom of the 12-team field. Andover scored 447 points for the win, followed by Winfield with 331 points.All 10 of those points came in the 200 free relay where Joshua Sharpe, Quinton Heath, Matthew Williams, and Adam Hall placed 24th in 2:13.45. Andover won the race by three seconds in 1:33.66.Sharpe came close to a point in the 100 back, placing 22nd in 1:27.04 to miss the final point by eight seconds. Sharpe finished 25th in the 200 free in 3:04.23 to miss a point by 33 seconds. Williams swam 21st in the 200 IM in 3:04.61 to miss the final point by 14 seconds. Hall placed 20th in the 50 free in 26.94 to miss a point by just over half a second.

Panther swimmers compete in Maize

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Making their second bowl appearance in as many seasons, the Kansas Jayhawks will play the UNLV Rebels in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, December 26. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. CT inside Chase Field – the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks — and will air on ESPN.

The bowl appearance will be Kansas’ 14th in program history, as the Jayhawks make their second consecutive bowl game for just the second time in program history. This year’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl will be Kansas’ second appearance in the bowl, after playing in the 2008 Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona, resulting in a 42-21 victory over Minnesota.

Kansas and UNLV will meet for the third time in the series history, as the two teams played in a home-and-home series in 2002 and 2003. Kansas won the most recent meeting in 2003, 46-24, while UNLV won the inaugural matchup in Las Vegas in 2022, 31-20.

The Jayhawks enter the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl with their best regular season record since 2007, finishing 8-4 (5-4 Big 12) in its their third year under head coach Lance Leipold.

Kansas opened the season with a 4-0 start for the second-straight season, rattling off wins against Missouri State (48-17), Illinois (34-23), at Nevada (31-24) and BYU (38-27). Kansas suffered its first lost at No. 3 Texas on Sept. 30, 40-14.

The Jayhawks returned home on Oct. 7 and rushed for 399 yards to defeat UCF, 51-22 for its fifth win. Two weeks later, Kansas defeated No. 6 Oklahoma on Homecoming, 38-33, marking its first win over a top-10 team in Lawrence since 1984, while becoming bowl-eligible for the second consecutive season.

Kansas closed out its regular season with two road wins over its final four games, including a thrilling 28-21 victory over Iowa State in Ames on Nov. 4. Following two-straight losses at home, the Jayhawks completed its regular season with a 49-16 win over Cincinnati on Nov. 25.

The five Big 12 Conference wins for the Jayhawks were the most since the 2007 season, while Kansas reached eight wins for the 15th time in program history.

The Jayhawks will enter the Guaranteed Rate Bowl with the No. 4 total defense in the Big 12, allowing an average of 377.6 yards per game. Kansas’ offense averages 33.6 points per game, which enters bowl game ranked 29th nationally.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701690943292.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Making their second bowl appearance in as many seasons, the Kansas Jayhawks will play the UNLV Rebels in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, December 26. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. CT inside Chase Field – the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks — and will air on ESPN.The bowl appearance will be Kansas’ 14th in program history, as the Jayhawks make their second consecutive bowl game for just the second time in program history. This year’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl will be Kansas’ second appearance in the bowl, after playing in the 2008 Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona, resulting in a 42-21 victory over Minnesota.Kansas and UNLV will meet for the third time in the series history, as the two teams played in a home-and-home series in 2002 and 2003. Kansas won the most recent meeting in 2003, 46-24, while UNLV won the inaugural matchup in Las Vegas in 2022, 31-20.The Jayhawks enter the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl with their best regular season record since 2007, finishing 8-4 (5-4 Big 12) in its their third year under head coach Lance Leipold.Kansas opened the season with a 4-0 start for the second-straight season, rattling off wins against Missouri State (48-17), Illinois (34-23), at Nevada (31-24) and BYU (38-27). Kansas suffered its first lost at No. 3 Texas on Sept. 30, 40-14.The Jayhawks returned home on Oct. 7 and rushed for 399 yards to defeat UCF, 51-22 for its fifth win. Two weeks later, Kansas defeated No. 6 Oklahoma on Homecoming, 38-33, marking its first win over a top-10 team in Lawrence since 1984, while becoming bowl-eligible for the second consecutive season.Kansas closed out its regular season with two road wins over its final four games, including a thrilling 28-21 victory over Iowa State in Ames on Nov. 4. Following two-straight losses at home, the Jayhawks completed its regular season with a 49-16 win over Cincinnati on Nov. 25.The five Big 12 Conference wins for the Jayhawks were the most since the 2007 season, while Kansas reached eight wins for the 15th time in program history.The Jayhawks will enter the Guaranteed Rate Bowl with the No. 4 total defense in the Big 12, allowing an average of 377.6 yards per game. Kansas’ offense averages 33.6 points per game, which enters bowl game ranked 29th nationally.

Kansas to Play UNLV in Guaranteed Rate Bowl on December 26

MANHATTAN, Kan. – For the first time in school history, K-State Nation is headed to Florida for a bowl game, as Kansas State officials announced Sunday afternoon that the Wildcats have accepted an invitation to play No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game will take place on Thursday, December 28 at 4:45 p.m. (CT) and will air on ESPN.

K-State will be playing in the state of Florida for just the seventh time ever and the first since a 28-24 victory at Miami on September 24, 2011.

"We are thrilled to represent the Big 12 Conference in the Pop-Tarts Bowl," said K-State head coach Chris Klieman, the first head coach in school history to lead his team to four bowl games in his first five seasons. "I am proud of our team, especially our seniors, and our staff for keeping their heads down and grinding through this season. We appreciate Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan and his staff for their interest in us and look forward to heading to Orlando for the first time in school history and preparing for a great opponent in NC State."

The Wildcats finished No. 25 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25, a year after ranking No. 9 in the final poll. It marks the first time since 2011 and 2012 they finished ranked in the BCS or CFP Top 25. K-State, which finished with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in Big 12 action to tie for fourth in the conference, is among the nation's leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as the Wildcats are tied for 16th nationally and rank fourth in the Big 12 with 24. K-State will also be one of just 16 Power 5 teams to play in a bowl game at least 12 times in the last 14 years.

"We are excited to be selected to play in the Pop Tarts Bowl," said Athletics Director Gene Taylor. "It will be a phenomenal opportunity for our fans and program as we travel to the state of Florida for the first time in our rich bowl history. We look forward to showcasing our football team and Kansas State University in Orlando, and I know our fans will continue to uphold their national reputation for traveling to bowl games when we head to the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Congratulations to our players and coaching staff for another great season as I know they are excited to end the year in this terrific bowl game."

Kansas State's eight-win regular season makes the Wildcats the only current Big 12 team with a three-year streak of winning at least eight games, while they are one of only 11 Power 5 teams to claim that feat. K-State's four losses in 2023 were by a combined 21 points as its 5.25 average margin of defeat this season is the smallest among three- and four-loss Power 5 teams.

Additionally, K-State enters bowl season as one of just 11 Power 5 teams ranked in the top 30 in both scoring offense (37.8 points per game) and scoring defense (21.2 points per game), as the Wildcats rank second in the Big 12 in each of those categories.

Kansas State opened the 2023 campaign with a pair of home wins over SEMO and Troy – the latter being an 11-win Sun Belt Conference Champion – by a combined score of 87-13. The Wildcats closed non-conference play with a 30-27 loss at Missouri on an SEC-record 61-yard field goal, which propelled the Tigers throughout the season as they finished ninth in the final College Football Playoff Top 25. Missouri will face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

The Wildcats opened Big 12 play with a 44-31 home victory over UCF but dropped a 29-21 Friday-night contest at Oklahoma State, a team that went on to play for the Big 12 Championship.

Sitting at 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Big 12 play, K-State won five of its final seven games, which included a road win at Texas Tech (38-21), back-to-back blowouts of TCU (41-3) and Houston (41-0), a 34-point victory over Baylor (59-25) and a come-from-behind 31-27 victory at then-No. 25 Kansas, the Wildcats' 15th-straight victory over its in-state rival.

The first of just two losses over the final half of the season was at Texas, a game in which K-State battled back from a 27-7 deficit to force overtime before eventually falling to the playoff-bound Longhorns, 33-30. The other loss was a 42-35 home setback to Iowa State in a snowy battle in the final regular-season game.

K-State and NC State will meet on the gridiron for the first time ever, while it will be the Wildcats' first game against a current ACC member since a 52-13 home victory over Miami. The 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl will be the first time ever the Wildcats will play a bowl game against a team in the ACC at the time of the game. K-State did defeat current ACC member Syracuse, 35-18, in the 1997 Fiesta Bowl and lost to the Orange in the 2001 Insight.com Bowl and 2010 Pinstripe Bowl when it was a member of the Big East, while the Wildcats lost another Big East-turned-ACC member Boston College in the 1994 Aloha Bowl.

NC State finished the regular season with a 9-3 overall record and 6-2 ACC record to finish third in the conference. The Wolfpack enters 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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701690686295.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – For the first time in school history, K-State Nation is headed to Florida for a bowl game, as Kansas State officials announced Sunday afternoon that the Wildcats have accepted an invitation to play No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game will take place on Thursday, December 28 at 4:45 p.m. (CT) and will air on ESPN.K-State will be playing in the state of Florida for just the seventh time ever and the first since a 28-24 victory at Miami on September 24, 2011."We are thrilled to represent the Big 12 Conference in the Pop-Tarts Bowl," said K-State head coach Chris Klieman, the first head coach in school history to lead his team to four bowl games in his first five seasons. "I am proud of our team, especially our seniors, and our staff for keeping their heads down and grinding through this season. We appreciate Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan and his staff for their interest in us and look forward to heading to Orlando for the first time in school history and preparing for a great opponent in NC State."The Wildcats finished No. 25 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25, a year after ranking No. 9 in the final poll. It marks the first time since 2011 and 2012 they finished ranked in the BCS or CFP Top 25. K-State, which finished with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in Big 12 action to tie for fourth in the conference, is among the nation's leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as the Wildcats are tied for 16th nationally and rank fourth in the Big 12 with 24. K-State will also be one of just 16 Power 5 teams to play in a bowl game at least 12 times in the last 14 years."We are excited to be selected to play in the Pop Tarts Bowl," said Athletics Director Gene Taylor. "It will be a phenomenal opportunity for our fans and program as we travel to the state of Florida for the first time in our rich bowl history. We look forward to showcasing our football team and Kansas State University in Orlando, and I know our fans will continue to uphold their national reputation for traveling to bowl games when we head to the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Congratulations to our players and coaching staff for another great season as I know they are excited to end the year in this terrific bowl game."Kansas State's eight-win regular season makes the Wildcats the only current Big 12 team with a three-year streak of winning at least eight games, while they are one of only 11 Power 5 teams to claim that feat. K-State's four losses in 2023 were by a combined 21 points as its 5.25 average margin of defeat this season is the smallest among three- and four-loss Power 5 teams.Additionally, K-State enters bowl season as one of just 11 Power 5 teams ranked in the top 30 in both scoring offense (37.8 points per game) and scoring defense (21.2 points per game), as the Wildcats rank second in the Big 12 in each of those categories.Kansas State opened the 2023 campaign with a pair of home wins over SEMO and Troy – the latter being an 11-win Sun Belt Conference Champion – by a combined score of 87-13. The Wildcats closed non-conference play with a 30-27 loss at Missouri on an SEC-record 61-yard field goal, which propelled the Tigers throughout the season as they finished ninth in the final College Football Playoff Top 25. Missouri will face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.The Wildcats opened Big 12 play with a 44-31 home victory over UCF but dropped a 29-21 Friday-night contest at Oklahoma State, a team that went on to play for the Big 12 Championship.Sitting at 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Big 12 play, K-State won five of its final seven games, which included a road win at Texas Tech (38-21), back-to-back blowouts of TCU (41-3) and Houston (41-0), a 34-point victory over Baylor (59-25) and a come-from-behind 31-27 victory at then-No. 25 Kansas, the Wildcats' 15th-straight victory over its in-state rival.The first of just two losses over the final half of the season was at Texas, a game in which K-State battled back from a 27-7 deficit to force overtime before eventually falling to the playoff-bound Longhorns, 33-30. The other loss was a 42-35 home setback to Iowa State in a snowy battle in the final regular-season game.K-State and NC State will meet on the gridiron for the first time ever, while it will be the Wildcats' first game against a current ACC member since a 52-13 home victory over Miami. The 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl will be the first time ever the Wildcats will play a bowl game against a team in the ACC at the time of the game. K-State did defeat current ACC member Syracuse, 35-18, in the 1997 Fiesta Bowl and lost to the Orange in the 2001 Insight.com Bowl and 2010 Pinstripe Bowl when it was a member of the Big East, while the Wildcats lost another Big East-turned-ACC member Boston College in the 1994 Aloha Bowl.NC State finished the regular season with a 9-3 overall record and 6-2 ACC record to finish third in the conference. The Wolfpack enters 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.

K-State to Play in Pop-Tarts Bowl Against NC State

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Jordan Love showed the Kansas City Chiefs just how much he's learned since the last time he faced them.

Love connected with Christian Watson on two of his three touchdown passes and the resurgent Green Bay Packers won their third straight game, 27-19 over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.

This marked the first time Love had faced the Chiefs since a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-green-bay-packers-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-41a4bb9e3cfea38526e3d0ab0190638a">13-7 loss</a>&nbsp;at Kansas City two years ago in his first career start, after a positive COVID-19 test sidelined Aaron Rodgers.

“Obviously I've had this game circled for a long time,” Love said. “This was my first start and I obviously didn't play how I wanted to the first game. To be able to see these guys and get the victory is huge.”

The Packers scored touchdowns on three of their first four drives and never trailed, with their defense making two big stops in the last 5 1/2 minutes. Green Bay knocked down Mahomes' pass into the end zone on the game’s final play.

Since losing four straight earlier this season, the Packers have won four of five to creep into playoff position.

“They're coming together,” Packers cach Matt LaFleur said. “They're working. They're getting better. They're playing faster, playing more confident.”

The Packers (6-6) improved their December record to 16-0 under LaFleur. The only team ever to win more consecutive December games was the San Diego Chargers with 18 straight from 2006-09, before their move to Los Angeles.

Love went 25 of 36 for 267 yards. Tight end Ben Sims had a 1-yard catch for his first career touchdown, and Love added TD passes of 9 and 12 yards to Watson.

Mahomes was 21 of 33 for 210 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs (8-4), who lost&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-packers-2a1a9e791afbf7a3cb86ec458b1aae67">in front of pop superstar Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;for the first time. Kansas City had won its previous four games Swift had attended since beginning her relationship with tight end Travis Kelce.

Kansas City still leads the AFC West but fell behind three other teams for the top seed in the conference.

“The Packers I thought did a great job tonight,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "They got after us, and it’s a good football team. We’ve got to be able to start faster on both sides of the ball. We’ve got to make sure we take care of that. Whether it was the penalties on offense or whether we weren’t getting off the field on the defensive side, those are things that cost us. We’ve got to learn from that and get better as we go forward.”

Isiah Pacheco rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown before getting ejected for punching Keisean Nixon during a scuffle on the game’s final series. Noah Gray had a 2-yard TD catch early in the fourth quarter that got Kansas City within two.

Mahomes had a couple of late chances to tie the game or take the lead.

Kansas City had a first down just beyond midfield when Nixon picked off Mahomes' pass intended for Skyy Moore with 5:14 left. The turnover set up a 48-yard field goal by Anders Carlson that made it 27-19.

Kansas City got the ball back at its own 30 with 1:09 left and no timeouts remaining.

Mahomes had a 10-yard run and got hit by Jonathan Owens while going out of bounds, leading to a personal foul that put the ball at Green Bay’s 45. Rashee Rice then appeared to fumble, with Green Bay’s Corey Ballentine returning it for a game-clinching touchdown, but replays showed Rice was down before the ball came loose.

The Chiefs argued in vain for a pass interference call on a long incompletion to Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the final minute. The Chiefs had the ball at Kansas City’s 33 on the game’s final play, when Mahomes threw into a crowd, and there was plenty of contact before the ball fell to the ground.

Chiefs: LB Drue Tranquill left with a concussion in the first quarter. S Bryan Cook was carted off the field with an ankle injury in the third quarter. RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) didn't play.

Packers: Watson injured his hamstring while running for a first down late in the fourth quarter. CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder) missed a fourth consecutive game. RB Aaron Jones (knee) and TE Josiah Deguara (hip) were out for a second straight game.

Packers: At the New York Giants on Monday, Dec. 11.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Jordan Love showed the Kansas City Chiefs just how much he's learned since the last time he faced them.Love connected with Christian Watson on two of his three touchdown passes and the resurgent Green Bay Packers won their third straight game, 27-19 over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.This marked the first time Love had faced the Chiefs since a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-green-bay-packers-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-41a4bb9e3cfea38526e3d0ab0190638a">13-7 loss</a>&nbsp;at Kansas City two years ago in his first career start, after a positive COVID-19 test sidelined Aaron Rodgers.“Obviously I've had this game circled for a long time,” Love said. “This was my first start and I obviously didn't play how I wanted to the first game. To be able to see these guys and get the victory is huge.”The Packers scored touchdowns on three of their first four drives and never trailed, with their defense making two big stops in the last 5 1/2 minutes. Green Bay knocked down Mahomes' pass into the end zone on the game’s final play.Since losing four straight earlier this season, the Packers have won four of five to creep into playoff position.“They're coming together,” Packers cach Matt LaFleur said. “They're working. They're getting better. They're playing faster, playing more confident.”The Packers (6-6) improved their December record to 16-0 under LaFleur. The only team ever to win more consecutive December games was the San Diego Chargers with 18 straight from 2006-09, before their move to Los Angeles.Love went 25 of 36 for 267 yards. Tight end Ben Sims had a 1-yard catch for his first career touchdown, and Love added TD passes of 9 and 12 yards to Watson.Mahomes was 21 of 33 for 210 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs (8-4), who lost&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-packers-2a1a9e791afbf7a3cb86ec458b1aae67">in front of pop superstar Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;for the first time. Kansas City had won its previous four games Swift had attended since beginning her relationship with tight end Travis Kelce.Kansas City still leads the AFC West but fell behind three other teams for the top seed in the conference.“The Packers I thought did a great job tonight,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "They got after us, and it’s a good football team. We’ve got to be able to start faster on both sides of the ball. We’ve got to make sure we take care of that. Whether it was the penalties on offense or whether we weren’t getting off the field on the defensive side, those are things that cost us. We’ve got to learn from that and get better as we go forward.”Isiah Pacheco rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown before getting ejected for punching Keisean Nixon during a scuffle on the game’s final series. Noah Gray had a 2-yard TD catch early in the fourth quarter that got Kansas City within two.Mahomes had a couple of late chances to tie the game or take the lead.Kansas City had a first down just beyond midfield when Nixon picked off Mahomes' pass intended for Skyy Moore with 5:14 left. The turnover set up a 48-yard field goal by Anders Carlson that made it 27-19.Kansas City got the ball back at its own 30 with 1:09 left and no timeouts remaining.Mahomes had a 10-yard run and got hit by Jonathan Owens while going out of bounds, leading to a personal foul that put the ball at Green Bay’s 45. Rashee Rice then appeared to fumble, with Green Bay’s Corey Ballentine returning it for a game-clinching touchdown, but replays showed Rice was down before the ball came loose.Kansas City couldn’t capitalize.The Chiefs argued in vain for a pass interference call on a long incompletion to Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the final minute. The Chiefs had the ball at Kansas City’s 33 on the game’s final play, when Mahomes threw into a crowd, and there was plenty of contact before the ball fell to the ground.INJURY REPORTChiefs: LB Drue Tranquill left with a concussion in the first quarter. S Bryan Cook was carted off the field with an ankle injury in the third quarter. RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) didn't play.Packers: Watson injured his hamstring while running for a first down late in the fourth quarter. CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder) missed a fourth consecutive game. RB Aaron Jones (knee) and TE Josiah Deguara (hip) were out for a second straight game.UP NEXTChiefs: Host Buffalo next Sunday.Packers: At the New York Giants on Monday, Dec. 11.

Jordan Love throws 3 TD passes, Packers beat Chiefs 27-19 for 3rd straight win

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)
— Jordan Love connected with Christian Watson on two of his three
touchdown passes and the resurgent Green Bay Packers won their third
straight game, 27-19 over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Packers scored touchdowns on three of their first four drives and
never trailed, with their defense making two big stops in the last 5
1/2 minutes. Green Bay knocked down Mahomes’ pass into the end zone
on the game’s final play. The Packers improved to 6-6 and are 16-0
in December games under coach Matt LaFleur. Mahomes threw for 210
yards and a touchdown but was intercepted in the fourth quarter.

HOUSTON (AP) —
Nico Collins had a career-high 191 yards receiving and a
fourth-quarter touchdown, and Jimmie Ward intercepted Denver’s
Russell Wilson in the end zone with 9 seconds left to left to help
the Houston Texans hold on for a 22-17 win over the Broncos. Ward
leapt in front of intended receiver Lucas Krull to secure the fourth
victory in five games for Houston and snap a five-game winning streak
for Denver. Wilson was intercepted a season-high three times, all of
them after halftime. Derek Stingley Jr. had the first two picks for
the Texans. Rookie C.J. Stroud threw for 274 yards for Houston.

UNDATED (AP) —
Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama are in the College Football
Playoff. Florida State is not and is the first unbeaten Power Five
conference champion to be excluded from the four-team field in its
10-year history. The Seminoles lost star quarterback Jordan Travis to
a season-ending injury two weeks ago. They continued to win but the
committee passed them over. Michigan will face Alabama in the Rose
Bowl and Washington will play Texas in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. The
winners will play for the national championship Jan. 8 in Houston.

UNDATED (AP) —
Michigan is No. 1 in The Associated Press college football poll for
the first time since its won its last the national championship in
1997, and Georgia slipped to No. 6 after its 29-game winning streak
was snapped by Alabama. Michigan received 51 first-place votes. No. 2
Washington had 11 first-place votes. Texas was No. 3 and Florida
State No. 4. Alabama moved up three spots to No. 5. The Bulldogs had
their string of 24 straight weeks at No. 1 snapped. It is the second
longest in AP poll history behind Southern California’s 33 straight
from 2003-05.

UNDATED (AP) — The
commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference got it all wrong when
he sent out a defiant statement claiming “college football deserved
better.” Actually, college football got just what it deserved.
Florida State being left out of the four-team playoff despite a 13-0
record and ACC championship was the perfect capper to decades of
foot-dragging and illogical debate over the proper way to decide a
national champion. Next season, with a 12-team format, there should
no longer be any argument over a championship-worthy team being left
out. It only took a century and a half to get to this point.

HOUSTON (AP) —
Willie Fritz has been hired as Houston’s coach, replacing Dana
Holgorsen, who was fired a week ago after five seasons with the
Cougars. Fritz spent the last eight seasons at Tulane, where he was
named American Athletic Conference coach of the year in the last two
seasons. Fritz has led Tulane to consecutive AAC championship games.
The Green Wave lost to SMU 26-14 in the AAC title game Saturday to
end the regular season 11-2. Fritz's 54 coaching victories at Tulane
ranks second all-time for the Green Wave. Fritz's departure comes
less than two months after former Tulane Athletic Director Troy
Dannen left for Washington. Now newly hired Tulane A.D. David Harris
will begin his tenure with a coaching search.

UNDATED (AP) —
North Carolina State faces Kansas State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec.
28. North Carolina State finished third in the Atlantic Coast
Conference. The Wolfpack enter the game on a five-game win streak,
including a victory over Clemson. North Carolina State has been
invited to a bowl game in 11 of coach Dave Doeren's 13 years at the
school. Kansas State tied for fourth in the Big 12. The Wildcats will
play a bowl game in Florida for the first time. Kansas State's four
losses are by a combined 21 points,

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP)
– Making their second bowl appearance in as many seasons, the
Kansas Jayhawks will play the UNLV Rebels in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate
Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, December 26. The bowl appearance
will be Kansas’ 14th in program history, as the Jayhawks make their
second consecutive bowl game for just the second time in program
history. This year’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl will be Kansas’ second
appearance in the bowl, after playing in the 2008 Insight Bowl in
Tempe, Arizona, resulting in a 42-21 victory over Minnesota.

UNDATED (AP) —
Oklahoma will face Arizona in the Alamo Bowl. It will be Oklahoma's
last game as Big 12 member before heading to the Southeastern
Conference. Oklahoma was the only team to beat a Texas squad that
reached the College Football Playoff. Oklahoma went from 6-7 last
season to 10-2 in its second year under coach Brent Venables.
Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby left to become head coach
at Mississippi State. Arizona will leave the Pac-12 for the Big 12
next season. The Wildcats have had a remarkable three-year turnaround
under coach Jeff Fisch. They went from 1-11 in 2021 to 9-3 this year.

UNDATED (AP) — Two
teams whose only prior game against each other came in the 2004
Holiday Bowl in San Diego will finally meet again. This time
California and Texas Tech will meet in the Independence Bowl in
Shreveport, Louisiana. Both programs had to rally to get eligible.
Cal lost four straight against ranked teams before winning its last
three to get to 6-6. Texas Tech won its first three November games
before getting blown out by College Football Playoff-bound Texas to
also finish 6-6.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.
(AP) — Jim Leyland, who led the Florida Marlins to a World Series
title in 1997 and won 1,769 regular-season games over 22 seasons as
an entertaining and at-times crusty big league manager, was elected
to baseball’s Hall of Fame. Now 78, Leyland received 15 of 16 votes
by the contemporary era committee for managers, executives and
umpires. He becomes the 23rd manager in the hall. Former player and
manager Lou Piniella fell one vote short and former player,
broadcaster and executive Bill White was two shy. Leyland managed
Pittsburgh, Florida, Colorado and Detroit from 1986 to 2013.

SEATTLE (AP) — The
Atlanta Braves acquired outfielder Jarred Kelenic, pitcher Marco
Gonzales and infielder Evan White from the Seattle Mariners in
exchange for pitchers Cole Phillips and Jackson Kowar. The move adds
a veteran lefty to the Braves pitching staff, along with Kelenic, who
at one time was one of the top young prospects in baseball. In the
process, Seattle cleared a chunk of salary off its payroll, giving up
on Kelenic in order for the Braves to take the contracts of Gonzales
and White. Gonzales is owed $12 million for the 2024 season, while
White has $17 million in guaranteed money remaining on his contract.

Final	Southern
U.	60	(21)Mississippi St.	59	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701258411232.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)
— Jordan Love connected with Christian Watson on two of his three
touchdown passes and the resurgent Green Bay Packers won their third
straight game, 27-19 over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Packers scored touchdowns on three of their first four drives and
never trailed, with their defense making two big stops in the last 5
1/2 minutes. Green Bay knocked down Mahomes’ pass into the end zone
on the game’s final play. The Packers improved to 6-6 and are 16-0
in December games under coach Matt LaFleur. Mahomes threw for 210
yards and a touchdown but was intercepted in the fourth quarter.HOUSTON (AP) —
Nico Collins had a career-high 191 yards receiving and a
fourth-quarter touchdown, and Jimmie Ward intercepted Denver’s
Russell Wilson in the end zone with 9 seconds left to left to help
the Houston Texans hold on for a 22-17 win over the Broncos. Ward
leapt in front of intended receiver Lucas Krull to secure the fourth
victory in five games for Houston and snap a five-game winning streak
for Denver. Wilson was intercepted a season-high three times, all of
them after halftime. Derek Stingley Jr. had the first two picks for
the Texans. Rookie C.J. Stroud threw for 274 yards for Houston.UNDATED (AP) —
Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama are in the College Football
Playoff. Florida State is not and is the first unbeaten Power Five
conference champion to be excluded from the four-team field in its
10-year history. The Seminoles lost star quarterback Jordan Travis to
a season-ending injury two weeks ago. They continued to win but the
committee passed them over. Michigan will face Alabama in the Rose
Bowl and Washington will play Texas in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. The
winners will play for the national championship Jan. 8 in Houston.UNDATED (AP) —
Michigan is No. 1 in The Associated Press college football poll for
the first time since its won its last the national championship in
1997, and Georgia slipped to No. 6 after its 29-game winning streak
was snapped by Alabama. Michigan received 51 first-place votes. No. 2
Washington had 11 first-place votes. Texas was No. 3 and Florida
State No. 4. Alabama moved up three spots to No. 5. The Bulldogs had
their string of 24 straight weeks at No. 1 snapped. It is the second
longest in AP poll history behind Southern California’s 33 straight
from 2003-05.UNDATED (AP) — The
commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference got it all wrong when
he sent out a defiant statement claiming “college football deserved
better.” Actually, college football got just what it deserved.
Florida State being left out of the four-team playoff despite a 13-0
record and ACC championship was the perfect capper to decades of
foot-dragging and illogical debate over the proper way to decide a
national champion. Next season, with a 12-team format, there should
no longer be any argument over a championship-worthy team being left
out. It only took a century and a half to get to this point.HOUSTON (AP) —
Willie Fritz has been hired as Houston’s coach, replacing Dana
Holgorsen, who was fired a week ago after five seasons with the
Cougars. Fritz spent the last eight seasons at Tulane, where he was
named American Athletic Conference coach of the year in the last two
seasons. Fritz has led Tulane to consecutive AAC championship games.
The Green Wave lost to SMU 26-14 in the AAC title game Saturday to
end the regular season 11-2. Fritz's 54 coaching victories at Tulane
ranks second all-time for the Green Wave. Fritz's departure comes
less than two months after former Tulane Athletic Director Troy
Dannen left for Washington. Now newly hired Tulane A.D. David Harris
will begin his tenure with a coaching search.UNDATED (AP) —
North Carolina State faces Kansas State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec.
28. North Carolina State finished third in the Atlantic Coast
Conference. The Wolfpack enter the game on a five-game win streak,
including a victory over Clemson. North Carolina State has been
invited to a bowl game in 11 of coach Dave Doeren's 13 years at the
school. Kansas State tied for fourth in the Big 12. The Wildcats will
play a bowl game in Florida for the first time. Kansas State's four
losses are by a combined 21 points,LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP)
– Making their second bowl appearance in as many seasons, the
Kansas Jayhawks will play the UNLV Rebels in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate
Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, December 26. The bowl appearance
will be Kansas’ 14th in program history, as the Jayhawks make their
second consecutive bowl game for just the second time in program
history. This year’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl will be Kansas’ second
appearance in the bowl, after playing in the 2008 Insight Bowl in
Tempe, Arizona, resulting in a 42-21 victory over Minnesota.UNDATED (AP) —
Oklahoma will face Arizona in the Alamo Bowl. It will be Oklahoma's
last game as Big 12 member before heading to the Southeastern
Conference. Oklahoma was the only team to beat a Texas squad that
reached the College Football Playoff. Oklahoma went from 6-7 last
season to 10-2 in its second year under coach Brent Venables.
Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby left to become head coach
at Mississippi State. Arizona will leave the Pac-12 for the Big 12
next season. The Wildcats have had a remarkable three-year turnaround
under coach Jeff Fisch. They went from 1-11 in 2021 to 9-3 this year.UNDATED (AP) — Two
teams whose only prior game against each other came in the 2004
Holiday Bowl in San Diego will finally meet again. This time
California and Texas Tech will meet in the Independence Bowl in
Shreveport, Louisiana. Both programs had to rally to get eligible.
Cal lost four straight against ranked teams before winning its last
three to get to 6-6. Texas Tech won its first three November games
before getting blown out by College Football Playoff-bound Texas to
also finish 6-6.NASHVILLE, Tenn.
(AP) — Jim Leyland, who led the Florida Marlins to a World Series
title in 1997 and won 1,769 regular-season games over 22 seasons as
an entertaining and at-times crusty big league manager, was elected
to baseball’s Hall of Fame. Now 78, Leyland received 15 of 16 votes
by the contemporary era committee for managers, executives and
umpires. He becomes the 23rd manager in the hall. Former player and
manager Lou Piniella fell one vote short and former player,
broadcaster and executive Bill White was two shy. Leyland managed
Pittsburgh, Florida, Colorado and Detroit from 1986 to 2013.SEATTLE (AP) — The
Atlanta Braves acquired outfielder Jarred Kelenic, pitcher Marco
Gonzales and infielder Evan White from the Seattle Mariners in
exchange for pitchers Cole Phillips and Jackson Kowar. The move adds
a veteran lefty to the Braves pitching staff, along with Kelenic, who
at one time was one of the top young prospects in baseball. In the
process, Seattle cleared a chunk of salary off its payroll, giving up
on Kelenic in order for the Braves to take the contracts of Gonzales
and White. Gonzales is owed $12 million for the 2024 season, while
White has $17 million in guaranteed money remaining on his contract.SUNDAY SCORESNATIONAL FOOTBALL
LEAGUEFinal	Arizona	24	Pittsburgh	10	Final	Atlanta	13	N-Y
Jets	8	Final	Detroit	33	New
Orleans	28	Final	Houston	22	Denver	17	Final
OT	Indianapolis	31	Tennessee	28	Final	L.A.
Chargers	6	New England	0	Final	Miami	45	Washington	15	Final	Tampa
Bay	21	Carolina	18	Final	L.A.
Rams	36	Cleveland	19	Final	San
Francisco	42	Philadelphia	19	Final	Green
Bay	27	Kansas City	19	TOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(15)Creighton	89	Nebraska	60	Final	Southern
U.	60	(21)Mississippi St.	59	Final	(22)James
Madison	130	Keystone	59NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Minnesota	4	Chicago	1	Final	N-Y
Rangers	6	San Jose	5	Final	Boston	3	Columbus	1	Final	Nashville	2	Buffalo	1

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The Great Bend High School Lady Panther cross country team spent the final third of the regular season atop the notoriously tough Class 5A ranks. That translated into a second-place finish at the Class 5A State Championships at Rim Rock Farm at the end of October. Because of that success, Lady Panther Coach Lyles Lashley was recently named the Kansas Coaches Assocation (KCA) Girls' Cross Country Coach of the Year and Kansas Cross Country and Track &amp; Field Coaches Association (KCCTFCA) Class 5A Girls Coach of the Year.

Three Lady Panther runners earned all-state honors at state as top-20 finishers. Senior Addy Nicholson led the charge in fifth overall, followed by junior Marissa Boone in eighth and sophomore Sienna Smith in 13th. Great Bend scored 78 points as a team to finish 10 points behind two-time champion St. James Academy. The Lady Panthers also won their third-straight regional title and claimed a third-straight Western Athletic Conference championship this fall.

Lashley is no stranger to post-season awards. He has now won the KCA award against all Kansas coaches twice: for the Ellinwood boys' 2013 season, and the Lady Panther season in 2023. He is now a five-time KCCTCFA coach of the year in cross country and two-time award winner in track and field.

In seven years at Ellinwood, his Lady Eagle cross country teams won seven regional titles. They went on to win one state championship with four runner-up finishes and a third-place finish. His boys won three-straight regional and state championships. On the track, he coached multiple individual state champions. At Great Bend, his Lady Panthers have finished second and third at the state track meet over the last two seasons. The cross country team followed that up with the runner-up finish this fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701628917977.jpeg" alt="Great Bend High School Cross Country Coach Lyles Lashley was recently named KCA Girls' Cross Country Coach of the Year and KCCTFCA Class 5A Girls' Coach of the Year." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School Cross Country Coach Lyles Lashley was recently named KCA Girls' Cross Country Coach of the Year and KCCTFCA Class 5A Girls' Coach of the Year.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Great Bend High School Lady Panther cross country team spent the final third of the regular season atop the notoriously tough Class 5A ranks. That translated into a second-place finish at the Class 5A State Championships at Rim Rock Farm at the end of October. Because of that success, Lady Panther Coach Lyles Lashley was recently named the Kansas Coaches Assocation (KCA) Girls' Cross Country Coach of the Year and Kansas Cross Country and Track &amp; Field Coaches Association (KCCTFCA) Class 5A Girls Coach of the Year.Three Lady Panther runners earned all-state honors at state as top-20 finishers. Senior Addy Nicholson led the charge in fifth overall, followed by junior Marissa Boone in eighth and sophomore Sienna Smith in 13th. Great Bend scored 78 points as a team to finish 10 points behind two-time champion St. James Academy. The Lady Panthers also won their third-straight regional title and claimed a third-straight Western Athletic Conference championship this fall.Lashley is no stranger to post-season awards. He has now won the KCA award against all Kansas coaches twice: for the Ellinwood boys' 2013 season, and the Lady Panther season in 2023. He is now a five-time KCCTCFA coach of the year in cross country and two-time award winner in track and field.In seven years at Ellinwood, his Lady Eagle cross country teams won seven regional titles. They went on to win one state championship with four runner-up finishes and a third-place finish. His boys won three-straight regional and state championships. On the track, he coached multiple individual state champions. At Great Bend, his Lady Panthers have finished second and third at the state track meet over the last two seasons. The cross country team followed that up with the runner-up finish this fall.

Lashley earns Kansas Coach of the Year honors after strong XC season

The competition was tough for the Lady Panthers' first wrestling tournament of the season. The Doug Kretzer Classic in McPherson featured 17 schools. Ninth-ranked Junction City won the tournament with 194 points, followed by No. 7 Kapaun with 164 points. Great Bend scored 149 points to edge Newton by three points for third place.

Second-ranked Daizy Gomez made quick work of her opponents all day at 130 pounds for the title. The senior won her second match in just 23 seconds, and she needed just 26 seconds to beat Newton's Jaeann James in the finals.

Sophomore Kaylea McMullen pinned her way to the championship at 125 pounds. She needed just 28 seconds to get by her first opponent from McPherson, and she pinned Junction City's Elaina Twitty 33 seconds into the second period for the title.

Kirra Stevens returned to form after an injury during regionals last year as runner up at 170 pounds. She pinned her first two opponents, including teammate Haley Suchy, to reach the finals. There she was pinned by Kapaun's unbeaten Chinyereug Okafor. Lea Nokes lost her first match but was able to avenge that loss with a 13-3 major decision to reach the consolation finals where she lost a 4-2 decision to Smoky Valley. Nokes finished the day in fourth with a 3-2 record. Suchy pinned her first opponent but lost her final three to place sixth at 1-3. A'Tejia Thomas posted a 1-2 record in the bracket.

Junior Marissa Esparza led a trio of Panther wrestlers at 155 pounds. After a bye, Esparza pinned her next two opponents to reach the finals, including teammate Rylee Schnoebelen. Esparza lost an 11-2 major to McPherson's fifth-ranked Hunter Wilson in the championship match. Danica Cline pinned her first opponent before getting pinned by Wilson. She went 1-1 on the backside with a pin and a loss in the consolation finals to place fourth. Schnoebelen pinned her first two opponents before her loss to Esparza. She was pinned on the backside and won her final match by forfeit to secure fifth place. Freshman Keira Leyva placed fourth at 110 pounds. She wrestled just twice to advance to the consolation finals, losing by fall in round two, then winning a 10-2 major against Southeast of Saline on the backside. She advanced to the third-place match by forfeit against Kapaun. 

Trinatty Aumiller finished third at 100 pounds. She was pinned in her first contested match but needed just 34 seconds to win her next match. She followed with an 8-1 win, then pinned her final two opponents, including teammate Kayle Baldwin, to secure third place. Baldwin last 43 seconds against second-ranked Jaidyn Alvarado of Junction City in her first match. She had two byes on the backside before winning a 9-0 major and pinning her McPherson opponent to reach the consolation finals against Aumiller.

Freshman Camdyn Post placed third at 105 points. She pinned her first opponent before getting pinned by Newton. Post pinned wrestlers from Smoky Valley and Hutchinson to secure third place.

Sophomore Braelyn Turner posted a 2-2 record at 120 pounds. She pinned two opponents and was pinned twice. The 140-pound bracket featured a pair of Great Bend wrestlers. Kaydence Demel finished at 0-2, including a loss to top-ranked Jayla Johnson of Kapaun. Shaterah Newton lost her two matches, including an early pin to the runner-up from Smoky Valley. Sophomore Josephine Blevins lost her two matches at 145 pounds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701626142279.jpeg" alt="Kaylea McMullen and Daizy Gomez each won their bracket during Saturday's wrestling tournament in McPherson." />
 <figcaption>Kaylea McMullen and Daizy Gomez each won their bracket during Saturday's wrestling tournament in McPherson.</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsThe competition was tough for the Lady Panthers' first wrestling tournament of the season. The Doug Kretzer Classic in McPherson featured 17 schools. Ninth-ranked Junction City won the tournament with 194 points, followed by No. 7 Kapaun with 164 points. Great Bend scored 149 points to edge Newton by three points for third place.Second-ranked Daizy Gomez made quick work of her opponents all day at 130 pounds for the title. The senior won her second match in just 23 seconds, and she needed just 26 seconds to beat Newton's Jaeann James in the finals.Sophomore Kaylea McMullen pinned her way to the championship at 125 pounds. She needed just 28 seconds to get by her first opponent from McPherson, and she pinned Junction City's Elaina Twitty 33 seconds into the second period for the title.Kirra Stevens returned to form after an injury during regionals last year as runner up at 170 pounds. She pinned her first two opponents, including teammate Haley Suchy, to reach the finals. There she was pinned by Kapaun's unbeaten Chinyereug Okafor. Lea Nokes lost her first match but was able to avenge that loss with a 13-3 major decision to reach the consolation finals where she lost a 4-2 decision to Smoky Valley. Nokes finished the day in fourth with a 3-2 record. Suchy pinned her first opponent but lost her final three to place sixth at 1-3. A'Tejia Thomas posted a 1-2 record in the bracket.Junior Marissa Esparza led a trio of Panther wrestlers at 155 pounds. After a bye, Esparza pinned her next two opponents to reach the finals, including teammate Rylee Schnoebelen. Esparza lost an 11-2 major to McPherson's fifth-ranked Hunter Wilson in the championship match. Danica Cline pinned her first opponent before getting pinned by Wilson. She went 1-1 on the backside with a pin and a loss in the consolation finals to place fourth. Schnoebelen pinned her first two opponents before her loss to Esparza. She was pinned on the backside and won her final match by forfeit to secure fifth place. Freshman Keira Leyva placed fourth at 110 pounds. She wrestled just twice to advance to the consolation finals, losing by fall in round two, then winning a 10-2 major against Southeast of Saline on the backside. She advanced to the third-place match by forfeit against Kapaun. Trinatty Aumiller finished third at 100 pounds. She was pinned in her first contested match but needed just 34 seconds to win her next match. She followed with an 8-1 win, then pinned her final two opponents, including teammate Kayle Baldwin, to secure third place. Baldwin last 43 seconds against second-ranked Jaidyn Alvarado of Junction City in her first match. She had two byes on the backside before winning a 9-0 major and pinning her McPherson opponent to reach the consolation finals against Aumiller.Freshman Camdyn Post placed third at 105 points. She pinned her first opponent before getting pinned by Newton. Post pinned wrestlers from Smoky Valley and Hutchinson to secure third place.Sophomore Braelyn Turner posted a 2-2 record at 120 pounds. She pinned two opponents and was pinned twice. The 140-pound bracket featured a pair of Great Bend wrestlers. Kaydence Demel finished at 0-2, including a loss to top-ranked Jayla Johnson of Kapaun. Shaterah Newton lost her two matches, including an early pin to the runner-up from Smoky Valley. Sophomore Josephine Blevins lost her two matches at 145 pounds.

Lady Panther wrestlers finish third in first tourney of season

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said his still-evolving conference remains committed to having a championship game even as the College Football Playoff expands from four to 12 teams after this season.

“This is a tentpole event. Everything leads up to this moment, it creates a wonderful narrative for this conference. It’s a showcase event, and something I’m committed to,” Yormark said before Saturday's title game. “I know there’s been a lot of discussion amongst the commissioners about what that might look like, but as it relates to the Big 12, we love this game. We love being at AT&amp;T (Stadium). ... It lets the world know who we are and where we’re going.”

Seventh-ranked Texas, the Big 12's last hope to get into the final four-team version of the playoffs, beat No. 19 Oklahoma State 49-21 at the home of NFL's Dallas Cowboys, where it has a contract to play its championship game through 2031.

Texas is leaving along with Oklahoma for the Southeastern Conference next season, when the Big 12 will add departing Pac-12 schools Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah to grow to 16 members. Texas and Oklahoma, the only remaining members that have won national championships, already had revealed their intentions to leave the Big 12 before Yormark became commissioner during the summer of 2022.

“We thank them for getting us where we are today for being pillars in this conference and for creating a great history and legacy and we wish them well,” Yormark said. “I have no emotion about it. ... As I’ve often said, there’s never been a better time than right now to be part of this conference.”

Yormark was in Austin a week ago when the Longhorns won 57-7 over Texas Tech in their final Big 12 regular-season game. Late in that game, video was played in the stadium of Yormark's remarks to a crowd of Texas Tech fans about a week before when he told Red Raiders coach Joey McGuire they “better take care of business” like last year when beating Texas.

Some Longhorns fans booed and chanted at Yormark when he was walking off the field into a tunnel before the Big 12 championship game. The commissioner smiled when he looked up and waved his arms as to encourage and acknowledge them.

“I never look back. I enjoyed my time in Austin,” Yormark said. “One thing I love about the fans in college sports, because as you know, I’ve only been in for 16 months, I love the passion, and they’re showing their passion and I love it.”

The commissioner said he was passionate about the Big 12, and he was rooting for both teams Saturday.

“An incredible season by the Texas Longhorns. You guys with today’s dominating performance deserve a ticket to the CFP for sure,” Yormark said after the game, adding it was an honor to present the trophy to Sarkisian and his team.

The title game for the first time included a Super Bowl-like halftime show featuring a performance by Nelly, with the bands from both schools also taking part. The game broadcast was being streamed live in New York’s Times Square in what the commissioner hopes becomes an annual event.

There is also a collaboration with WWE, including on-field logos and the presentation of a custom-made title belt to the game's most outstanding player to be presented by WWE star The Undertaker. Yormark said the partnership is a differentiator for the Big 12 because of the wrestling organization's 150 million social media followers.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said his still-evolving conference remains committed to having a championship game even as the College Football Playoff expands from four to 12 teams after this season.“This is a tentpole event. Everything leads up to this moment, it creates a wonderful narrative for this conference. It’s a showcase event, and something I’m committed to,” Yormark said before Saturday's title game. “I know there’s been a lot of discussion amongst the commissioners about what that might look like, but as it relates to the Big 12, we love this game. We love being at AT&amp;T (Stadium). ... It lets the world know who we are and where we’re going.”Seventh-ranked Texas, the Big 12's last hope to get into the final four-team version of the playoffs, beat No. 19 Oklahoma State 49-21 at the home of NFL's Dallas Cowboys, where it has a contract to play its championship game through 2031.Texas is leaving along with Oklahoma for the Southeastern Conference next season, when the Big 12 will add departing Pac-12 schools Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah to grow to 16 members. Texas and Oklahoma, the only remaining members that have won national championships, already had revealed their intentions to leave the Big 12 before Yormark became commissioner during the summer of 2022.“We thank them for getting us where we are today for being pillars in this conference and for creating a great history and legacy and we wish them well,” Yormark said. “I have no emotion about it. ... As I’ve often said, there’s never been a better time than right now to be part of this conference.”Yormark was in Austin a week ago when the Longhorns won 57-7 over Texas Tech in their final Big 12 regular-season game. Late in that game, video was played in the stadium of Yormark's remarks to a crowd of Texas Tech fans about a week before when he told Red Raiders coach Joey McGuire they “better take care of business” like last year when beating Texas.Some Longhorns fans booed and chanted at Yormark when he was walking off the field into a tunnel before the Big 12 championship game. The commissioner smiled when he looked up and waved his arms as to encourage and acknowledge them.“I never look back. I enjoyed my time in Austin,” Yormark said. “One thing I love about the fans in college sports, because as you know, I’ve only been in for 16 months, I love the passion, and they’re showing their passion and I love it.”The commissioner said he was passionate about the Big 12, and he was rooting for both teams Saturday.“An incredible season by the Texas Longhorns. You guys with today’s dominating performance deserve a ticket to the CFP for sure,” Yormark said after the game, adding it was an honor to present the trophy to Sarkisian and his team.The title game for the first time included a Super Bowl-like halftime show featuring a performance by Nelly, with the bands from both schools also taking part. The game broadcast was being streamed live in New York’s Times Square in what the commissioner hopes becomes an annual event.There is also a collaboration with WWE, including on-field logos and the presentation of a custom-made title belt to the game's most outstanding player to be presented by WWE star The Undertaker. Yormark said the partnership is a differentiator for the Big 12 because of the wrestling organization's 150 million social media followers.

Big 12 committed to title game even with CFP expansion and changes in league

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Four different Cougars secured bout victories Saturday afternoon as the Barton Community College wrestling team returned to the mats for the first time in 14 days at the annual Bob Smith Open held at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, KS.

With 21 teams in attendance and competing throughout the day, the 12-pack of Cougars would post a 6-24 record against wrestlers across the spectrum of NCAA Division I, II, the NAIA, and NJCAA.

Kayden Blake (149-pound weight class) and Deryk Yott (157-pound weight class) powered Barton's top performances winning two of their four matches in the tournament before bowing out.

Recording both victories virtue of pins, Blake jumpstarted his day fabricating the Cougars' first of three falls manufactured with a late 6:58 mat flattening of Schreiner University's Adam Lancaster. Dropping his second-round match after a 18-6 major decision to KJ Evans, the freshman managed to extended his tournament following a bye with his second pin of the day needing just 57-seconds over KJCCC foe Alec Schmuck of Colby Community College. Blake's day would conclude in the ensuing round suffering a 5-1 decision to Anthony Nichols of Colorado State University Pueblo.

Yott, Barton's other multi-victory entrant of the tournament opened his run dispensing an 8-0 major decision blanking to Tyson Vasquez of Trinidad State. Enduring a second round 6-0 result to Air Force Prep's Emanuel Ramos, Yott answered back handing out his second major decision win, this time over teammate Ethan Boles 17-4. The freshman's day would conclude in the third round of the consolation side dropping a 19-1 tech fall to Sebastian Freeman of Trinidad State.

Other victories on the day came from Stephan Baldwin (141-pound weight class) and Kaden Foster (165-pound weight class) as each fashioned a 1-2 afternoon. Baldwin's victory came in his opening match with a narrow 3-2 decision over Otero Junior College's Jordan Robb while Foster required just 34-seconds with a pin on Trinidad State's Emmanuel Norrell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701585771628.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoFour different Cougars secured bout victories Saturday afternoon as the Barton Community College wrestling team returned to the mats for the first time in 14 days at the annual Bob Smith Open held at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, KS.With 21 teams in attendance and competing throughout the day, the 12-pack of Cougars would post a 6-24 record against wrestlers across the spectrum of NCAA Division I, II, the NAIA, and NJCAA.Kayden Blake (149-pound weight class) and Deryk Yott (157-pound weight class) powered Barton's top performances winning two of their four matches in the tournament before bowing out.Recording both victories virtue of pins, Blake jumpstarted his day fabricating the Cougars' first of three falls manufactured with a late 6:58 mat flattening of Schreiner University's Adam Lancaster. Dropping his second-round match after a 18-6 major decision to KJ Evans, the freshman managed to extended his tournament following a bye with his second pin of the day needing just 57-seconds over KJCCC foe Alec Schmuck of Colby Community College. Blake's day would conclude in the ensuing round suffering a 5-1 decision to Anthony Nichols of Colorado State University Pueblo.Yott, Barton's other multi-victory entrant of the tournament opened his run dispensing an 8-0 major decision blanking to Tyson Vasquez of Trinidad State. Enduring a second round 6-0 result to Air Force Prep's Emanuel Ramos, Yott answered back handing out his second major decision win, this time over teammate Ethan Boles 17-4. The freshman's day would conclude in the third round of the consolation side dropping a 19-1 tech fall to Sebastian Freeman of Trinidad State.Other victories on the day came from Stephan Baldwin (141-pound weight class) and Kaden Foster (165-pound weight class) as each fashioned a 1-2 afternoon. Baldwin's victory came in his opening match with a narrow 3-2 decision over Otero Junior College's Jordan Robb while Foster required just 34-seconds with a pin on Trinidad State's Emmanuel Norrell.

Blake and Yott guide Barton Wrestling at Bob Smith Open 

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 16 points and his late 3-pointer forced overtime and Kansas State fought off North Alabama's upset attempt, defeating the Lions 75-74 on Saturday.

Cam Carter scored 14 points, Arthur Kaluma and David N'Guessan scored 12 apiece and reserve Jerrell Colbert 10 for the Wildcats.

Detalian Brown scored 19 points, Jacari Lane scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds and Tim Smith Jr. scored 15 points for North Alabama. Damian Forrest grabbed 10 rebounds and the Lions outrebounded Kansas St. 43-36.

Perry's 3-pointer with eight seconds left in regulation tied it at 65. Up by three, the Lions' Detalian Brown missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 16 seconds left before Perry's shot. Brown's open baseline 3 attempt with 0.7 seconds left hit the top of the backboard to force overtime.

David N'Guessan's layup to start the extra session put Kansas State ahead 67-65, its first lead since Colbert made 1-of-2 foul shots to make it 18-16 with 5:34 remaining before halftime. North Alabama's Forrest followed with a three-point play with 5:15 before halftime and North Alabama stayed ahead until Perry's late 3.

The Lions led 31-23 at halftime and pushed the lead to 13 when Lane made a layup and Brown added a 3-pointer for a 36-23 advantage. Kansas State responded with a 10-0 run and got within three on Colbert's layup with 15:19 left.

Kansas State needed an extra session at home on Tuesday night when it beat Oral Roberts 88-78. Kansas State (6-2) is 3-0 in overtime games this season and 8-0 in extra session games under second-year coach Jerome Tang.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 16 points and his late 3-pointer forced overtime and Kansas State fought off North Alabama's upset attempt, defeating the Lions 75-74 on Saturday.Cam Carter scored 14 points, Arthur Kaluma and David N'Guessan scored 12 apiece and reserve Jerrell Colbert 10 for the Wildcats.Detalian Brown scored 19 points, Jacari Lane scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds and Tim Smith Jr. scored 15 points for North Alabama. Damian Forrest grabbed 10 rebounds and the Lions outrebounded Kansas St. 43-36.Perry's 3-pointer with eight seconds left in regulation tied it at 65. Up by three, the Lions' Detalian Brown missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 16 seconds left before Perry's shot. Brown's open baseline 3 attempt with 0.7 seconds left hit the top of the backboard to force overtime.David N'Guessan's layup to start the extra session put Kansas State ahead 67-65, its first lead since Colbert made 1-of-2 foul shots to make it 18-16 with 5:34 remaining before halftime. North Alabama's Forrest followed with a three-point play with 5:15 before halftime and North Alabama stayed ahead until Perry's late 3.The Lions led 31-23 at halftime and pushed the lead to 13 when Lane made a layup and Brown added a 3-pointer for a 36-23 advantage. Kansas State responded with a 10-0 run and got within three on Colbert's layup with 15:19 left.Kansas State needed an extra session at home on Tuesday night when it beat Oral Roberts 88-78. Kansas State (6-2) is 3-0 in overtime games this season and 8-0 in extra session games under second-year coach Jerome Tang.

Kansas State wins second overtime contest this week, defeats North Alabama 75-74

Cornerstone Family 46, Flint Hills Christian 20

St. Thomas Aquinas 63, Omaha Skutt Catholic, Neb. 61

Omaha Skutt Catholic, Neb. 75, St. Thomas Aquinas 62

Saturday AP ScoresBoys ScoresMillwood (OK) 70 Hays 55Sunrise Christian 66, TMP 25Burlingame 56, Waverly 38Cornerstone Family 46, Flint Hills Christian 20Manhattan 63, Newton 45Palmer Ridge, Colo. 61, Garden City 47St. Thomas Aquinas 63, Omaha Skutt Catholic, Neb. 61Girls ScoresOlathe West 60 Hays 34Manhattan 42, TMP 18Burlingame 40, Waverly 25Garden City 40, Palmer Ridge, Colo. 39Omaha Skutt Catholic, Neb. 75, St. Thomas Aquinas 62Waynesville, Mo. 64, Olathe North 49

Saturday Statewide Scores

Barton Men 65 Butler 61; Butler Women 55 Barton 41

1. Barton Community College basketball on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

<div><a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/information/boosterclub/index"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635967480149.jpeg"></a></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647912774016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Men 65 Butler 61; Butler Women 55 Barton 41<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/yz2pxcln/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Barton Community College basketball on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 16 points and his late 3-pointer forced overtime and Kansas State fought off North Alabama’s upset attempt, defeating the Lions 75-74. Perry’s 3-pointer with eight seconds left in regulation tied it at 65. Up by three, the Lions’ Detalian Brown missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 16 seconds left before Perry’s shot. Brown’s open baseline 3 attempt with 0.7 seconds left hit the top of the backboard to force overtime. David N’Guessan’s layup to start the extra session put Kansas State ahead 67-65 and the Wildcats led for the duration. Jacari Lane scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds for North Alabama.

ATLANTA (AP) — Alabama is again top dog in the Southeastern Conference — and perhaps headed to the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide ended Georgia’s 29-game winning streak with a 27-24 victory over the No. 1 Bulldogs in the Southeastern Conference championship game. Now the big question: Is Georgia’s bid for a third straight national title over? Iron Bowl hero Jalen Milroe threw a pair of touchdown passes and No. 8 Alabama’s defense dominated much of the way after giving up a score on Georgia’s opening possession. It was a compelling playoff statement for a Bama team that lost to Texas early in the season.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Florida State made things as difficult as possible on the College Football Playoff selection committee, using a dominant defensive performance to beat No. 15 Louisville 16-6 on Saturday night for the fourth-ranked Seminoles’ first Atlantic Coast Conference championship since 2014. The Seminoles moved to 13-0, but even that doesn’t guarantee a spot in the four-team playoff. No Power Five team has ever gone unbeaten, won its conference title and failed to make the playoff. But with starting quarterback Jordan Travis out for the season with a leg injury, Florida State is in danger of becoming the first. Down to their third-string QB, the Seminoles stuck to a conservative game plan against Louisville.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Blake Corum scored twice, tying the school record for touchdown runs with 55, and No. 2 Michigan beat No. 18 Iowa 26-0 on Saturday night in the Big Ten championship game to likely take the top seed in the College Football Playoff. With coach Jim Harbaugh back on the sideline for the first time in four weeks, the Wolverines (13-0, No. 2 CFP) routed Iowa (10-3, No. 16 CFP) to win three straight outright conference crowns for the first time in school history. And with No. 1 Georgia falling to No. 8 Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game, Harbaugh and the Wolverines are poised — finally — to claim the top playoff seed and reach No. 1.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Seventh-ranked Texas is leaving the Big 12 with bookend championships. Quinn Ewers set a career high by throwing for 452 yards with four touchdowns in a 49-21 victory over No. 19 Oklahoma State in the Big 12 championship game. The Southeastern Conference-bound and 12-1 Longhorns won the title in the Big 12's inaugural 1996 season, plus 2005 and 2009. Ewers completed 35 of 46 passes and his touchdowns went to four different receivers. The biggest one was 362-pound defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, the Outland Trophy finalist who lined up as a tight end for a 2-yard score.

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia coach Kirby Smart challenged the College Football Playoff selection committee to believe what that see when judging his No. 1 Bulldogs following the end of their 29-game winning streak. Smart also reminded the committee that in the CFP era, no team at the top of the playoff ranking has fallen out of the playoff by losing in a conference championship game. Smart had to start lobbying the committee because his team lost 27-24 to No. 8 Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game. He says he has “no question” Georgia is “one of the best four teams, 100 percent.”

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers have activated safety Darnell Savage from injured reserve. The move clears the the way for Savage's potential return from a five-game absence Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. Savage has been dealing with a calf injury and hasn’t played since an Oct. 22 loss at Denver. He practiced fully this week and was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report. His return would boost a Green Bay secondary that has been dealing with multiple injuries.

Final	(4)Florida St.	16	(15)Louisville	6	

Final	(17)North Carolina	78	Florida St.	70	

Final	L.A. Clippers	113	Golden State	112	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701258411232.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 16 points and his late 3-pointer forced overtime and Kansas State fought off North Alabama’s upset attempt, defeating the Lions 75-74. Perry’s 3-pointer with eight seconds left in regulation tied it at 65. Up by three, the Lions’ Detalian Brown missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 16 seconds left before Perry’s shot. Brown’s open baseline 3 attempt with 0.7 seconds left hit the top of the backboard to force overtime. David N’Guessan’s layup to start the extra session put Kansas State ahead 67-65 and the Wildcats led for the duration. Jacari Lane scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds for North Alabama.ATLANTA (AP) — Alabama is again top dog in the Southeastern Conference — and perhaps headed to the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide ended Georgia’s 29-game winning streak with a 27-24 victory over the No. 1 Bulldogs in the Southeastern Conference championship game. Now the big question: Is Georgia’s bid for a third straight national title over? Iron Bowl hero Jalen Milroe threw a pair of touchdown passes and No. 8 Alabama’s defense dominated much of the way after giving up a score on Georgia’s opening possession. It was a compelling playoff statement for a Bama team that lost to Texas early in the season.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Florida State made things as difficult as possible on the College Football Playoff selection committee, using a dominant defensive performance to beat No. 15 Louisville 16-6 on Saturday night for the fourth-ranked Seminoles’ first Atlantic Coast Conference championship since 2014. The Seminoles moved to 13-0, but even that doesn’t guarantee a spot in the four-team playoff. No Power Five team has ever gone unbeaten, won its conference title and failed to make the playoff. But with starting quarterback Jordan Travis out for the season with a leg injury, Florida State is in danger of becoming the first. Down to their third-string QB, the Seminoles stuck to a conservative game plan against Louisville.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Blake Corum scored twice, tying the school record for touchdown runs with 55, and No. 2 Michigan beat No. 18 Iowa 26-0 on Saturday night in the Big Ten championship game to likely take the top seed in the College Football Playoff. With coach Jim Harbaugh back on the sideline for the first time in four weeks, the Wolverines (13-0, No. 2 CFP) routed Iowa (10-3, No. 16 CFP) to win three straight outright conference crowns for the first time in school history. And with No. 1 Georgia falling to No. 8 Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game, Harbaugh and the Wolverines are poised — finally — to claim the top playoff seed and reach No. 1.ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Seventh-ranked Texas is leaving the Big 12 with bookend championships. Quinn Ewers set a career high by throwing for 452 yards with four touchdowns in a 49-21 victory over No. 19 Oklahoma State in the Big 12 championship game. The Southeastern Conference-bound and 12-1 Longhorns won the title in the Big 12's inaugural 1996 season, plus 2005 and 2009. Ewers completed 35 of 46 passes and his touchdowns went to four different receivers. The biggest one was 362-pound defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, the Outland Trophy finalist who lined up as a tight end for a 2-yard score.ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia coach Kirby Smart challenged the College Football Playoff selection committee to believe what that see when judging his No. 1 Bulldogs following the end of their 29-game winning streak. Smart also reminded the committee that in the CFP era, no team at the top of the playoff ranking has fallen out of the playoff by losing in a conference championship game. Smart had to start lobbying the committee because his team lost 27-24 to No. 8 Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game. He says he has “no question” Georgia is “one of the best four teams, 100 percent.”GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers have activated safety Darnell Savage from injured reserve. The move clears the the way for Savage's potential return from a five-game absence Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. Savage has been dealing with a calf injury and hasn’t played since an Oct. 22 loss at Denver. He practiced fully this week and was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report. His return would boost a Green Bay secondary that has been dealing with multiple injuries.SATURDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	(8)Alabama	27	(1)Georgia	24	Final	(4)Florida St.	16	(15)Louisville	6	Final	(2)Michigan	26	(18)Iowa	0	Final	(7)Texas	49	(19)Oklahoma St.	21	Final	(25)SMU	26	(17)Tulane	14	Final	Miami (Ohio)	23	(23)Toledo	14	TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(2)Arizona	82	Colgate	55	Final	Wisconsin	75	(3)Marquette	64	Final	Georgia Tech	72	(7)Duke	68	Final	(8)Miami	62	Notre Dame	49	Final	(9)Baylor	91	Northwestern St.	40	Final	(11)Gonzaga	89	Southern Cal	76	Final	UNC-Wilmington	80	(12)Kentucky	73	Final	(13)FAU	90	Coll. of Charleston	74	Final	(17)North Carolina	78	Florida St.	70	Final	Drexel	57	(18)Villanova	55	Final	(20)Colorado St.	86	Washington	81	Final	(24)Illinois	76	Rutgers	58NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONL.A. Lakers	93	Houston	78	(in progress)Final	L.A. Clippers	113	Golden State	112	Final	Minnesota	123	Charlotte	117	Final	Cleveland	110	Detroit	101	Final	Brooklyn	129	Orlando	101	Final	Milwaukee	132	Atlanta	121	Final	Chicago	124	New Orleans	118	Final	Indiana	144	Miami	129	Final	Oklahoma City	126	Dallas	120	Final	Phoenix	116	Memphis	109	Final OT	Utah	118	PortlandNATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEColorado	3	Anaheim	3	(3rd Period)Vancouver	3	Calgary	2	(3rd Period)Vegas	4	Washington	1	(3rd Period)Final	Dallas	8	Tampa Bay	1	Final	Winnipeg	3	Chicago	1	Final	N-Y Rangers	4	Nashville	3	Final	N-Y Islanders	4	Florida	3	Final	Carolina	6	Buffalo	2	Final	Ottawa	2	Seattle	0	Final SO	Philadelphia	4	Pittsburgh	3	Final OT	Detroit	5	Montreal	4	Final OT	Boston	4	Toronto	3	Final	Arizona	4	St. Louis	1

Sunday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoPhoebe Reyes of the Barton Community College volleyball team has been announced as a 2nd team selection of the 2023 NJCAA Division I Volleyball All-America honors.Reyes becomes the 30th selection in forty-four years of the program's history, the first since Mylena Testoni's consecutive years of first team selections from the 2020 and 2021 seasons.Voted the Freshman of the Year and the Most Valuable Player in the KJCCC and Region VI by member coaches, Reyes helped the Cougars to its first league title since 2011 with a 13-3 record in concluding the season in the Region VI/Plains District semifinals at 25-6.The third 2nd team selection in the Cougars' history, Reyes is also the program's first conference and region freshman of the year award winner and player of the year recipient since Maria Santos and Mylena Testoni each received the distinction respectively in the 2020 season.Regionally, the Dominican Republic native ranked 4th in kills per set (3.46) and attack percentage (.275) in three rotations of the Cougars' 6-2 offensive set leading Barton to the top conference spot of kills per set and second in attack percentage.Posting double-digit kills in 20 of Barton's 31 matches, fourteen of those came against conference opponents including a career high 21 against Seward County and 20 kills coming against both Lamar and Cloud County.