KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The first player to opt out of the NFL season due to the coronavirus pandemic this was season was Chiefs guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, though the Super Bowl champions figured they could absorb that blow relatively easily.

After all, they had used a third-round draft pick on TCU’s Lucas Niang to provide depth in just such a circumstance.

Along with a knee injury to versatile Martinas Rankin that has hung around into the season, the Chiefs suddenly found themselves with unexpected holes along the offensive line. And while the big guys up front tend to be an afterthought to most fans — and rarely make for sexy copy for reporters — the reality is the five guys who are tasked with creating creases in the running game and protecting Patrick Mahomes have one of the most crucial and difficult jobs on the team.

Mahomes doesn’t make those no-look throws without them. Rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire doesn’t run for 138 yards and a score in a win over Houston without them. Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Travis Kelce and the rest of the Chiefs’ vast array of weapons don’t have time to get open downfield without them.

“That’s just the life on the offensive line,” said Eric Fisher, who has developed from a near-bust as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft into one of the premier left tackles in the game. “What we do in the trenches isn’t easy.”

Yet the Chiefs did it quite well in their season-opening 34-20 victory over the Texans.

It helps that despite the personnel changes, the Chiefs still have one of the most experienced offensive lines in the entire league. Fisher is in his eighth season as a starter while bookend right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, one of the vastly underrated players in the league, has started every regular-season game since the beginning of of 2012.

Andrew Wylie returned to the starting lineup, where he had been for 27 games over the past two seasons, and did a solid job at right guard. Two-time Pro Bowl left guard Kelechi Osemele, who was signed late in camp after a bizarre ending to his tenure with the Jets, showcased a much-needed mean streak in taking over the left guard job.

At center, Austin Reiter continued to show his mastery of the offensive line protections while displaying the close rapport he has developed with Mahomes, who was sacked just once by the Texans’ fearsome defensive line.

“Obviously without the preseason games, it’s hard to get out there and kind of form that bond that offensive lines normally do,” Mahomes said, “and how they can kind of think like each other and pass off stuff. And I think they did a great job of not only pass protecting me with all the games and that defensive line, which is a very good defensive line, but within the run game of making their blocks and setting their angles so Clyde can go out there and make plays happen.

“I thought it was a really good sign for them to be as one unit so early in the season with the offseason that we did have.”

The Chiefs, who visit the Chargers in their glittering new stadium near Los Angeles on Sunday, wound up with the third-most rush yards in the league in Week 1. Their point total was No. 4. The balance they showed in their offense was such that the Texans never knew whether to pack the line of scrimmage or slough off in downfield coverage.

Mahomes, Edwards-Helaire and the skill position guys got most of the credit in the ensuing days. The guys along the offensive line deserved just as much.

“We liked the mix we were able to get going,” Reid said. “We threw the ball well and caught the ball well, and then also ran it well. So you give the offensive line credit for that against what I consider one of the best defensive fronts in the league.”

Notes: DE Alex Okafor (hamstring strain), DT Khalen Saunders (dislocated elbow) and CB Charvarius Ward (broken hand) did not practice Wednesday. ... Reid joked that his mask “wasn’t all that successful” against Houston when the plastic face shield fogged up on a chilly, rainy night. But he vowed that he has it “under control” for this week in Los Angeles. ___

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The first player to opt out of the NFL season due to the coronavirus pandemic this was season was Chiefs guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, though the Super Bowl champions figured they could absorb that blow relatively easily.After all, they had used a third-round draft pick on TCU’s Lucas Niang to provide depth in just such a circumstance.Then, Niang decided to opt out.Along with a knee injury to versatile Martinas Rankin that has hung around into the season, the Chiefs suddenly found themselves with unexpected holes along the offensive line. And while the big guys up front tend to be an afterthought to most fans — and rarely make for sexy copy for reporters — the reality is the five guys who are tasked with creating creases in the running game and protecting Patrick Mahomes have one of the most crucial and difficult jobs on the team.Mahomes doesn’t make those no-look throws without them. Rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire doesn’t run for 138 yards and a score in a win over Houston without them. Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Travis Kelce and the rest of the Chiefs’ vast array of weapons don’t have time to get open downfield without them.“That’s just the life on the offensive line,” said Eric Fisher, who has developed from a near-bust as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft into one of the premier left tackles in the game. “What we do in the trenches isn’t easy.”Yet the Chiefs did it quite well in their season-opening 34-20 victory over the Texans.It helps that despite the personnel changes, the Chiefs still have one of the most experienced offensive lines in the entire league. Fisher is in his eighth season as a starter while bookend right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, one of the vastly underrated players in the league, has started every regular-season game since the beginning of of 2012.Andrew Wylie returned to the starting lineup, where he had been for 27 games over the past two seasons, and did a solid job at right guard. Two-time Pro Bowl left guard Kelechi Osemele, who was signed late in camp after a bizarre ending to his tenure with the Jets, showcased a much-needed mean streak in taking over the left guard job.At center, Austin Reiter continued to show his mastery of the offensive line protections while displaying the close rapport he has developed with Mahomes, who was sacked just once by the Texans’ fearsome defensive line.“Obviously without the preseason games, it’s hard to get out there and kind of form that bond that offensive lines normally do,” Mahomes said, “and how they can kind of think like each other and pass off stuff. And I think they did a great job of not only pass protecting me with all the games and that defensive line, which is a very good defensive line, but within the run game of making their blocks and setting their angles so Clyde can go out there and make plays happen.“I thought it was a really good sign for them to be as one unit so early in the season with the offseason that we did have.”The Chiefs, who visit the Chargers in their glittering new stadium near Los Angeles on Sunday, wound up with the third-most rush yards in the league in Week 1. Their point total was No. 4. The balance they showed in their offense was such that the Texans never knew whether to pack the line of scrimmage or slough off in downfield coverage.Mahomes, Edwards-Helaire and the skill position guys got most of the credit in the ensuing days. The guys along the offensive line deserved just as much.“We liked the mix we were able to get going,” Reid said. “We threw the ball well and caught the ball well, and then also ran it well. So you give the offensive line credit for that against what I consider one of the best defensive fronts in the league.”Notes: DE Alex Okafor (hamstring strain), DT Khalen Saunders (dislocated elbow) and CB Charvarius Ward (broken hand) did not practice Wednesday. ... Reid joked that his mask “wasn’t all that successful” against Houston when the plastic face shield fogged up on a chilly, rainy night. But he vowed that he has it “under control” for this week in Los Angeles. ___

Chiefs offensive line crucial part of dynamic attack

DETROIT (AP) — Brady Singer was stellar for a second straight start, allowing two hits in six innings, and the Kansas City Royals blanked the Detroit Tigers 4-0 on Wednesday night.

Singer pitched eight one-hit innings in his previous outing at Cleveland. The rookie right-hander struck out the first five Detroit hitters and retired the first 10.

“Just try to lock in from pitch one and keep it rolling,” Singer said.

Singer (3-4) struck out eight with one walk. Salvador Perez homered and drove in three runs for the Royals, who have won seven of eight.

Tarik Skubal (1-3) allowed two earned runs and four hits in six innings in this matchup of rookie starters. He struck out eight with no walks.

“Our guy threw the ball pretty doggone good, too,” Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire said. “We were happy with Skubs.”

After throwing 119 pitches in his previous start — when he took a no-hitter into the eighth — Singer was taken out after just 81 this time.

“Obviously, it would have been very easy to run him back out there for another one,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “But to get us through six right there and give us a chance, a very fresh bullpen — all of that kind of played well into our hands to hand it over to the back end of the pen.”

Jesse Hahn, Scott Barlow and Greg Holland each pitched a perfect inning in relief.

Singer has pitched at least five innings in all seven of his road starts, without allowing more than five hits in any of them. Detroit stranded two runners against him in the fourth, and that’s as close as the Tigers came to scoring.

Perez gave the Royals the lead with a two-run homer in the first, then added an RBI double in the sixth. He now has five straight multi-hit games since returning from the injured list.

Kansas City added another run in the eighth on a wild pitch.

Royals: Kansas City put RHP Matt Harvey (right lat strain) on the 10-day IL. The Royals recalled RHP Scott Blewett and INF Erick Mejia and also optioned RHP Jacob Junis. Mejia went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts.

Kansas City is off Thursday before playing at Milwaukee. Left-hander Kris Bubic (1-5) starts Friday night for the Royals.

Detroit rookie Casey Mize (0-1) takes the mound Thursday night when the Tigers open a series with Cleveland. Shane Bieber (7-1) starts for the Indians.

DETROIT (AP) — Brady Singer was stellar for a second straight start, allowing two hits in six innings, and the Kansas City Royals blanked the Detroit Tigers 4-0 on Wednesday night.Singer pitched eight one-hit innings in his previous outing at Cleveland. The rookie right-hander struck out the first five Detroit hitters and retired the first 10.“Just try to lock in from pitch one and keep it rolling,” Singer said.Singer (3-4) struck out eight with one walk. Salvador Perez homered and drove in three runs for the Royals, who have won seven of eight.Tarik Skubal (1-3) allowed two earned runs and four hits in six innings in this matchup of rookie starters. He struck out eight with no walks.“Our guy threw the ball pretty doggone good, too,” Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire said. “We were happy with Skubs.”After throwing 119 pitches in his previous start — when he took a no-hitter into the eighth — Singer was taken out after just 81 this time.“Obviously, it would have been very easy to run him back out there for another one,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “But to get us through six right there and give us a chance, a very fresh bullpen — all of that kind of played well into our hands to hand it over to the back end of the pen.”Jesse Hahn, Scott Barlow and Greg Holland each pitched a perfect inning in relief.Singer has pitched at least five innings in all seven of his road starts, without allowing more than five hits in any of them. Detroit stranded two runners against him in the fourth, and that’s as close as the Tigers came to scoring.Perez gave the Royals the lead with a two-run homer in the first, then added an RBI double in the sixth. He now has five straight multi-hit games since returning from the injured list.Kansas City added another run in the eighth on a wild pitch.Detroit has lost four of five.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Kansas City put RHP Matt Harvey (right lat strain) on the 10-day IL. The Royals recalled RHP Scott Blewett and INF Erick Mejia and also optioned RHP Jacob Junis. Mejia went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts.UP NEXTKansas City is off Thursday before playing at Milwaukee. Left-hander Kris Bubic (1-5) starts Friday night for the Royals.Detroit rookie Casey Mize (0-1) takes the mound Thursday night when the Tigers open a series with Cleveland. Shane Bieber (7-1) starts for the Indians.

Singer shuts down Tigers in Kansas City’s 4-0 win

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brent Suter and three relievers combined on a two-hitter and Ryan Braun hit his 350th career homer, leading the Milwaukee Brewers over the St. Louis Cardinals 6-0 for a doubleheader split. The Cardinals took the opener 4-2 behind Adam Wainwright’s four-hitter. Cardinals manager Mike Shildt ran the team in the opener. He missed the nightcap while serving a one-game suspension, imposed by Major League Baseball after tempers flared during the Brewers’ 18-3 romp Tuesday night. Umpires warned both teams after Braun was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning. He was at the center of the trouble the previous night when he hit Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina in the wrist during a swing.

DETROIT (AP) — Brady Singer was stellar for a second straight start, allowing two hits in six innings, and the Kansas City Royals blanked the Detroit Tigers 4-0. Singer pitched eight one-hit innings in his previous outing at Cleveland. The rookie right-hander struck out the first five Detroit hitters and retired the first 10. Singer struck out eight with one walk. Salvador Perez homered and drove in three runs for the Royals, who have won seven of eight. Tarik Skubal allowed two earned runs and four hits in six innings in this matchup of rookie starters. He struck out eight with no walks.

UNDATED (AP) — The Big Ten is going to give fall football a shot after all. Less than five weeks after postponing fall sports to spring because of the pandemic, the conference changed course. The Big Ten says its Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted unanimously to restart sports. The Big Ten plans to begin its season on Oct. 23 with an eight-game schedule for each team. The development of rapid daily testing for the coronavirus was a major factor in the decision.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs had some unexpected holes pop up on their offensive line heading into Week 1 after Laurent Duvernay-Tardif opted out of the season and Martinas Rankin was slow in returning from a knee injury. But the group that coach Andy Reid put on the field against the Houston Texans came through with aplomb. They helped create holes for Clyde Edwards-Helaire to run for 138 yards and a score, and they allowed Patrick Mahomes to be sacked just once in the 34-20 victory.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt has been suspended one game for his role in a bench-clearing fracas in Milwaukee, and was set to miss the nightcap of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Brewers.Major League  Baseball announced the penalty about 35 minutes before the Cardinals and Brewers met in the opener at Miller Park. Shildt was suspended and fined an undisclosed amount for actions that contributed to inciting the benches- clearing incident in the fifth inning of an 18-3 loss to Milwaukee on Tuesday night. The Cardinals and Brewers are both under .500 but are competing for spots in the expanded playoff field.

UNDATED (AP) — There are two games in the Big 12 this weekend, which had initially been left as an open date for all 10 conference teams. No. 11 Oklahoma State is playing Tulsa on Saturday. That game had originally been scheduled last week, but was pushed back when the Golden Hurricane were still recovering from positive COVID-19 tests. Baylor plays its first game under new coach Dave Aranda. The Bears are playing Houston, the first time the former Southwest Conference rivals have played since the last season of that league in 1995.  That game was just scheduled after both the Bears and Cougars had games put off by other opponents dealing with virus outbreaks.

UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA men’s and women’s basketball seasons will begin Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving. The Division I Council voted to push the start date back from the originally scheduled Nov. 10 as one of several precautions against the spread of coronavirus. The later start date coincides with the decision most schools made to send students home from Thanksgiving until January out of concern about a potential late-fall and early-winter flareup of COVID-19. Closed campuses could serve as a quasi bubble for players and provide a window for nonconference games. The maximum number of regular-season games has been reduced from 31 to 27. The minimum number of games for consideration for the NCAA Tournament was cut from 25 to 13.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Relays, one of the longest-running track and field events in the country, will be postponed in the spring as the University of Kansas tries to deal with a massive budget shortfall caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The school said in announcing its decision Wednesday that postponing the relays will save at least $300,000 from the Kansas Athletics budget, and perhaps more given the likely COVID-19 testing requirements.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Texas Tech has added some depth to it defensive line. Sophomore end Tyree Wilson has been granted an NCAA waiver that makes the former Texas A&amp;M transfer immediately eligible to play for the Red Raiders this season. The eligibility comes after Texas Tech already opened its season. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound Wilson had 12 tackles while playing 12 games as a redshirt freshman for the Aggies last season. He entered the transfer portal last spring and got to Lubbock last month in the middle of preseason camp. 

NEW YORK (AP) — Kyle Higashioka hit a career-high three home runs, DJ LeMahieu connected twice and the resurgent New York Yankees hit a season-best seven home runs in another Bronx air show, thumping the Toronto Blue Jays 13-2 to back another overpowering start by ace Gerrit Cole. Luke Voit lofted a three-run drive for his major league-leading 19th homer and Clint Frazier added a solo shot as the Yankees won their seventh straight game following a 5-15 slide. New York moved 1 1/2 games ahead of Toronto for second place in the AL East, with the top two teams ensured spots in the expanded postseason that begins in less than two weeks.

San Francisco	at	Seattle	4:10 p.m.	(Postponed)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600004153733.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brent Suter and three relievers combined on a two-hitter and Ryan Braun hit his 350th career homer, leading the Milwaukee Brewers over the St. Louis Cardinals 6-0 for a doubleheader split. The Cardinals took the opener 4-2 behind Adam Wainwright’s four-hitter. Cardinals manager Mike Shildt ran the team in the opener. He missed the nightcap while serving a one-game suspension, imposed by Major League Baseball after tempers flared during the Brewers’ 18-3 romp Tuesday night. Umpires warned both teams after Braun was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning. He was at the center of the trouble the previous night when he hit Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina in the wrist during a swing.DETROIT (AP) — Brady Singer was stellar for a second straight start, allowing two hits in six innings, and the Kansas City Royals blanked the Detroit Tigers 4-0. Singer pitched eight one-hit innings in his previous outing at Cleveland. The rookie right-hander struck out the first five Detroit hitters and retired the first 10. Singer struck out eight with one walk. Salvador Perez homered and drove in three runs for the Royals, who have won seven of eight. Tarik Skubal allowed two earned runs and four hits in six innings in this matchup of rookie starters. He struck out eight with no walks.UNDATED (AP) — The Big Ten is going to give fall football a shot after all. Less than five weeks after postponing fall sports to spring because of the pandemic, the conference changed course. The Big Ten says its Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted unanimously to restart sports. The Big Ten plans to begin its season on Oct. 23 with an eight-game schedule for each team. The development of rapid daily testing for the coronavirus was a major factor in the decision.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs had some unexpected holes pop up on their offensive line heading into Week 1 after Laurent Duvernay-Tardif opted out of the season and Martinas Rankin was slow in returning from a knee injury. But the group that coach Andy Reid put on the field against the Houston Texans came through with aplomb. They helped create holes for Clyde Edwards-Helaire to run for 138 yards and a score, and they allowed Patrick Mahomes to be sacked just once in the 34-20 victory.MILWAUKEE (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt has been suspended one game for his role in a bench-clearing fracas in Milwaukee, and was set to miss the nightcap of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Brewers.Major League Baseball announced the penalty about 35 minutes before the Cardinals and Brewers met in the opener at Miller Park. Shildt was suspended and fined an undisclosed amount for actions that contributed to inciting the benches- clearing incident in the fifth inning of an 18-3 loss to Milwaukee on Tuesday night. The Cardinals and Brewers are both under .500 but are competing for spots in the expanded playoff field.UNDATED (AP) — There are two games in the Big 12 this weekend, which had initially been left as an open date for all 10 conference teams. No. 11 Oklahoma State is playing Tulsa on Saturday. That game had originally been scheduled last week, but was pushed back when the Golden Hurricane were still recovering from positive COVID-19 tests. Baylor plays its first game under new coach Dave Aranda. The Bears are playing Houston, the first time the former Southwest Conference rivals have played since the last season of that league in 1995. That game was just scheduled after both the Bears and Cougars had games put off by other opponents dealing with virus outbreaks.UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA men’s and women’s basketball seasons will begin Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving. The Division I Council voted to push the start date back from the originally scheduled Nov. 10 as one of several precautions against the spread of coronavirus. The later start date coincides with the decision most schools made to send students home from Thanksgiving until January out of concern about a potential late-fall and early-winter flareup of COVID-19. Closed campuses could serve as a quasi bubble for players and provide a window for nonconference games. The maximum number of regular-season games has been reduced from 31 to 27. The minimum number of games for consideration for the NCAA Tournament was cut from 25 to 13.LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Relays, one of the longest-running track and field events in the country, will be postponed in the spring as the University of Kansas tries to deal with a massive budget shortfall caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The school said in announcing its decision Wednesday that postponing the relays will save at least $300,000 from the Kansas Athletics budget, and perhaps more given the likely COVID-19 testing requirements.LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Texas Tech has added some depth to it defensive line. Sophomore end Tyree Wilson has been granted an NCAA waiver that makes the former Texas A&amp;M transfer immediately eligible to play for the Red Raiders this season. The eligibility comes after Texas Tech already opened its season. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound Wilson had 12 tackles while playing 12 games as a redshirt freshman for the Aggies last season. He entered the transfer portal last spring and got to Lubbock last month in the middle of preseason camp. NEW YORK (AP) — Kyle Higashioka hit a career-high three home runs, DJ LeMahieu connected twice and the resurgent New York Yankees hit a season-best seven home runs in another Bronx air show, thumping the Toronto Blue Jays 13-2 to back another overpowering start by ace Gerrit Cole. Luke Voit lofted a three-run drive for his major league-leading 19th homer and Clint Frazier added a solo shot as the Yankees won their seventh straight game following a 5-15 slide. New York moved 1 1/2 games ahead of Toronto for second place in the AL East, with the top two teams ensured spots in the expanded postseason that begins in less than two weeks.Wednesday ScoresINTERLEAGUESan Francisco	at	Seattle	4:10 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Washington	4	Tampa Bay	2	Final	Oakland	3	Colorado	1	Final	Baltimore	5	Atlanta	1	Final	Miami	8	Boston	4	Final	Chicago Cubs	3	Cleveland	2	Final	Arizona	9	L.A. Angels	6	Final	San Francisco	9	Seattle	3	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Kansas City	4	Detroit	0	Final	N.Y. Yankees	13	Toronto	2	Final	Texas	1	Houston	0	Final	Minnesota	5	Chicago White Sox	1	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	St. Louis	4	Milwaukee	2	Final	L.A. Dodgers	7	San Diego	5	Final	Cincinnati	1	Pittsburgh	0	Final	Milwaukee	6	St. Louis	0	Final	N.Y. Mets	5	Philadelphia	4

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College


Big Ten is going to give fall football a shot after all.


Less than five weeks after pushing fall sports to spring in the name
of player safety during the pandemic, the conference changed course
Wednesday and said it plans to open its football season the weekend
of Oct. 23-24.


All 14 teams will play eight regular-season games in eight weeks,
plus have an opportunity to play a ninth game on Dec. 19 when the
conference championship game is in Indianapolis — if all goes well.
That should give the Big Ten an opportunity to compete for the
national championship.


The Big Ten said its Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted
unanimously Tuesday to restart sports. The vote last month was 11-3
to postpone, with Ohio State, Iowa and Nebraska voting against.


“We’re in a better place, regardless of how we got here or how
painful it was during the time we waited to get this moment,” Ohio
State athletic director Gene Smith said. “That’s all behind us.
What’s beautiful is that we have a process and protocols in place
that’s based on science and based on lessons learned since Aug.
11.”


The decision to play came after sharp pressure from coaches, players,
parents and even President Donald Trump, all of them pushing for a
Big Ten football season. The conference is home to a number of
battleground states in the November election, and Trump swifly
applauded the move in a tweet.


The emergence of daily, rapid-response COVID-19 testing, not
available when university leaders decided to pull the plug on the
fall season, helped trigger a re-vote. The Big Ten said it will begin
daily antigen testing of all its fall sport athletes, coaches and
staff Sept. 30.


Northwestern President Morton Schapiro, chairman of the presidents’
council, said the turning point for him on giving the green light to
football — even though many students have not been allowed back on
the Evanston, Illinois, campus — didn’t come until this past
weekend.


“Medical opinions changed,” Schapiro said. “Paul Samuelson, the
great economist was once asked why he changed his mind. And he said,
‘When the facts change, the mind changes.’”


Team positivity rates and population positivity rate thresholds will
be used to determine whether teams must halt practice or play. The
earliest an athlete will be able to return to game competition would
be 21 days following a COVID-19 positive diagnosis, following a
cardiac evaluation and clearance from a cardiologist designated by
the university.


Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, was also among the
concerns cited by the Big Ten in August.


“Everyone associated with the Big Ten should be very proud of the
groundbreaking steps that are now being taken to better protect the
health and safety of the student-athletes and surrounding
communities,” said Dr. Jim Borchers, team physician for Ohio State.


The Big Ten will take a bow, but the conference has been battered for
a month and businesses in college towns from Nebraska to Maryland
have lost millions in sales.


First-year Commissioner Kevin Warren was the main target, criticized
for a lack of communication and not providing enough information to
back the initial decision.


“We have passionate athletes. We have passionate families and we
have passionate fans,” Warren said of the blowback. “And so I
take that from a positive standpoint.”


The Big Ten postponed fall sports just six days after unveiling a
modified conference-only schedule that was set to begin Labor Day
weekend, and indicated it would try to make up the season in the
spring. But there was no plan in place and the reaction was sharp.
Trump at one point called Warren, who described their conversation as
“productive” and “respectful.”


The Pac-12 followed the Big Ten in postponing, but was far more
detailed in its explanation and also had more obvious hurdles to
clear. Half the Pac-12 schools are still operating under statewide
restrictions that make it impossible for teams to practice.


Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott released a statement Tuesday saying
the conference has not been given the go-ahead by state officials in
California and Oregon to begin preparing for a football season.


“We are hopeful that our new daily testing capability can help
satisfy public health official approvals in California and Oregon to
begin contact practice and competition,” he said. The conference is
also dealing with wildfires across the West.


As the Big Ten and Pac-12 bailed in August, the other three Power
Five conferences forged ahead, along with three other major college
football leagues. Games have started, with the Big 12 and Atlantic
Coast Conference kicking off last week. The Southeastern Conference
is scheduled to start playing games Sept. 26.


Meanwhile, the Big Ten was on the sideline, with coaches struggling
to explain to players why other teams could play but they could not.


In Nebraska, the school president, athletic director and coach Scott
Frost all expressed disappointment. Frost even suggested Nebraska
might look outside the Big Ten to play games while eight of his
players filed a lawsuit against the Big Ten over its decision to
postpone. Glen Snodgrass, father of one of the players, Garrett
Snodgrass, was teaching a class at York (Nebraska) High School when
he received word of the reversal.


“This is what a lot of people have been fighting pretty hard for,”
he said. “I can’t say enough about those eight boys and what they
had the courage to do. They worked their entire lives to get where
they are, and they just wanted to play.”


Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez said Big Ten teams can
begin practicing immediately. The schedule comes with a twist. On
championship Saturday, the plan is to provide each team an additional
game, matching the teams by their places in the division standings:
No. 2 vs. No. 2, No. 3 vs. No. 3 and so on.


Alvarez said those matchups could be tweaked to avoid rematches of
regular-season games. The third Big Ten schedule of the year, Alvarez
said, should be ready in about a week.


“We’re excited and we can’t wait to get started,” Michigan
State linebacker Antjuan Simmons said.

Big Ten is going to give fall football a shot after all.
Less than five weeks after pushing fall sports to spring in the name
of player safety during the pandemic, the conference changed course
Wednesday and said it plans to open its football season the weekend
of Oct. 23-24.
All 14 teams will play eight regular-season games in eight weeks,
plus have an opportunity to play a ninth game on Dec. 19 when the
conference championship game is in Indianapolis — if all goes well.
That should give the Big Ten an opportunity to compete for the
national championship.
The Big Ten said its Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted
unanimously Tuesday to restart sports. The vote last month was 11-3
to postpone, with Ohio State, Iowa and Nebraska voting against.
“We’re in a better place, regardless of how we got here or how
painful it was during the time we waited to get this moment,” Ohio
State athletic director Gene Smith said. “That’s all behind us.
What’s beautiful is that we have a process and protocols in place
that’s based on science and based on lessons learned since Aug.
11.”
The decision to play came after sharp pressure from coaches, players,
parents and even President Donald Trump, all of them pushing for a
Big Ten football season. The conference is home to a number of
battleground states in the November election, and Trump swifly
applauded the move in a tweet.
The emergence of daily, rapid-response COVID-19 testing, not
available when university leaders decided to pull the plug on the
fall season, helped trigger a re-vote. The Big Ten said it will begin
daily antigen testing of all its fall sport athletes, coaches and
staff Sept. 30.
Northwestern President Morton Schapiro, chairman of the presidents’
council, said the turning point for him on giving the green light to
football — even though many students have not been allowed back on
the Evanston, Illinois, campus — didn’t come until this past
weekend.
“Medical opinions changed,” Schapiro said. “Paul Samuelson, the
great economist was once asked why he changed his mind. And he said,
‘When the facts change, the mind changes.’”
Team positivity rates and population positivity rate thresholds will
be used to determine whether teams must halt practice or play. The
earliest an athlete will be able to return to game competition would
be 21 days following a COVID-19 positive diagnosis, following a
cardiac evaluation and clearance from a cardiologist designated by
the university.
Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, was also among the
concerns cited by the Big Ten in August.
“Everyone associated with the Big Ten should be very proud of the
groundbreaking steps that are now being taken to better protect the
health and safety of the student-athletes and surrounding
communities,” said Dr. Jim Borchers, team physician for Ohio State.
The Big Ten will take a bow, but the conference has been battered for
a month and businesses in college towns from Nebraska to Maryland
have lost millions in sales.
First-year Commissioner Kevin Warren was the main target, criticized
for a lack of communication and not providing enough information to
back the initial decision.
“We have passionate athletes. We have passionate families and we
have passionate fans,” Warren said of the blowback. “And so I
take that from a positive standpoint.”
The Big Ten postponed fall sports just six days after unveiling a
modified conference-only schedule that was set to begin Labor Day
weekend, and indicated it would try to make up the season in the
spring. But there was no plan in place and the reaction was sharp.
Trump at one point called Warren, who described their conversation as
“productive” and “respectful.”
The Pac-12 followed the Big Ten in postponing, but was far more
detailed in its explanation and also had more obvious hurdles to
clear. Half the Pac-12 schools are still operating under statewide
restrictions that make it impossible for teams to practice.
Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott released a statement Tuesday saying
the conference has not been given the go-ahead by state officials in
California and Oregon to begin preparing for a football season.
“We are hopeful that our new daily testing capability can help
satisfy public health official approvals in California and Oregon to
begin contact practice and competition,” he said. The conference is
also dealing with wildfires across the West.
As the Big Ten and Pac-12 bailed in August, the other three Power
Five conferences forged ahead, along with three other major college
football leagues. Games have started, with the Big 12 and Atlantic
Coast Conference kicking off last week. The Southeastern Conference
is scheduled to start playing games Sept. 26.
Meanwhile, the Big Ten was on the sideline, with coaches struggling
to explain to players why other teams could play but they could not.
In Nebraska, the school president, athletic director and coach Scott
Frost all expressed disappointment. Frost even suggested Nebraska
might look outside the Big Ten to play games while eight of his
players filed a lawsuit against the Big Ten over its decision to
postpone. Glen Snodgrass, father of one of the players, Garrett
Snodgrass, was teaching a class at York (Nebraska) High School when
he received word of the reversal.
“This is what a lot of people have been fighting pretty hard for,”
he said. “I can’t say enough about those eight boys and what they
had the courage to do. They worked their entire lives to get where
they are, and they just wanted to play.”
Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez said Big Ten teams can
begin practicing immediately. The schedule comes with a twist. On
championship Saturday, the plan is to provide each team an additional
game, matching the teams by their places in the division standings:
No. 2 vs. No. 2, No. 3 vs. No. 3 and so on.
Alvarez said those matchups could be tweaked to avoid rematches of
regular-season games. The third Big Ten schedule of the year, Alvarez
said, should be ready in about a week.
“We’re excited and we can’t wait to get started,” Michigan
State linebacker Antjuan Simmons said.

Big Ten changes course, will play fall football after all

After losing to Great Bend 4-1 last week in Great Bend, the Hays High Indians turned the tables on the Panthers Tuesday in Hays.  The Indians turned in their best performance of the young season, notching a 2-0 win over Great Bend at Hays High.

Freshman goalkeeper Cannon Meder recorded a shutout in his first start, and the Indians got goals from Diego Muller and Adrian Salas to move to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in Western Athletic Conference play.

Great Bend lost for the first time in Western Athletic Conference action and drops to 2-1 in league play and 2-2 overall.

The Panthers return home to host Maize South at the Cavanaugh Soccer Complex.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600250211068.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After losing to Great Bend 4-1 last week in Great Bend, the Hays High Indians turned the tables on the Panthers Tuesday in Hays. The Indians turned in their best performance of the young season, notching a 2-0 win over Great Bend at Hays High.Freshman goalkeeper Cannon Meder recorded a shutout in his first start, and the Indians got goals from Diego Muller and Adrian Salas to move to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in Western Athletic Conference play.Great Bend lost for the first time in Western Athletic Conference action and drops to 2-1 in league play and 2-2 overall.The Panthers return home to host Maize South at the Cavanaugh Soccer Complex.

Hays downs Panthers 2-0

NEW YORK (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have been riding high since winning the Super Bowl in February.

And after their opening 34-20 win over the Houston Texans, the defending champs are off to a good start in their bid to repeat.

“What makes this offense so good,” Mahomes said on Monday, “is that we can change within games. We can go through our game plan and find ways to score and find ways to move the ball down the field, and (against Houston) it was running the football and taking the short passes.”

The Chiefs are also No. 1 in the first AP Pro32 poll of the season. Kansas City earned 10 of 12 first-place votes for 382 points in balloting Tuesday by media members who regularly cover the NFL.

The Baltimore Ravens are No. 2 in the poll. They received the remaining two first-place votes for 371 points.

The Ravens, who finished with the best record in the NFL last season at 14-2, cruised to a 38-6 win in their opener against Cleveland and travel to Houston to face the Texans on Sunday.

“It’s just hard work and dedication,” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said on Monday. “Our guys just dialed in. They helped me out a lot, made my job a lot easier.”

The New Orleans Saints are next at No. 3 after their impressive 34-23 win over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who despite enormous preseason buildup start out at No. 14.

“Every team is going to wish they did things better,” Brady said after his Tampa Bay debut. Brady was 23 for 36 for 239 yards with two touchdown passes and two interceptions, including a pick-6.

The Seattle Seahawks open at No. 4 after a 38-25 win over the Atlanta Falcons. The Seahawks will try to go 2-0 on Sunday night when they host Cam Newton and the New England Patriots, who are at No. 8 after topping the Miami Dolphins.

“I think it’s time for everybody, including myself, to realize this is what it’s like. I think it came full circle,” Newton said Monday. “For me to just kind of realize that I’m a New England Patriot and I’m just going to embrace this whole moment.”

The Green Bay Packers are at No. 5 after outlasting the Minnesota Vikings 43-34.

The Pittsburgh Steelers begin at No. 6. Ben Roethlisberger made a successful return from elbow surgery after missing 14 games last season as he threw three TD passes in a 26-16 win over the New York Giants.

“We said afterward it wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t even good some of the time offensively,” Roethlisberger said. “But at the end of the day we found a way to win.”

The Buffalo Bills, hoping to dethrone the Patriots atop the AFC East, start out one spot ahead of New England at No. 7.

NFC West rivals round out the top 10 as the Los Angeles Rams (No. 9) and Arizona each had a successful start to 2020 after a so-so 2019.

NEW YORK (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have been riding high since winning the Super Bowl in February.And after their opening 34-20 win over the Houston Texans, the defending champs are off to a good start in their bid to repeat.“What makes this offense so good,” Mahomes said on Monday, “is that we can change within games. We can go through our game plan and find ways to score and find ways to move the ball down the field, and (against Houston) it was running the football and taking the short passes.”The Chiefs are also No. 1 in the first AP Pro32 poll of the season. Kansas City earned 10 of 12 first-place votes for 382 points in balloting Tuesday by media members who regularly cover the NFL.The Baltimore Ravens are No. 2 in the poll. They received the remaining two first-place votes for 371 points.The Ravens, who finished with the best record in the NFL last season at 14-2, cruised to a 38-6 win in their opener against Cleveland and travel to Houston to face the Texans on Sunday.“It’s just hard work and dedication,” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said on Monday. “Our guys just dialed in. They helped me out a lot, made my job a lot easier.”The New Orleans Saints are next at No. 3 after their impressive 34-23 win over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who despite enormous preseason buildup start out at No. 14.“Every team is going to wish they did things better,” Brady said after his Tampa Bay debut. Brady was 23 for 36 for 239 yards with two touchdown passes and two interceptions, including a pick-6.The Seattle Seahawks open at No. 4 after a 38-25 win over the Atlanta Falcons. The Seahawks will try to go 2-0 on Sunday night when they host Cam Newton and the New England Patriots, who are at No. 8 after topping the Miami Dolphins.“I think it’s time for everybody, including myself, to realize this is what it’s like. I think it came full circle,” Newton said Monday. “For me to just kind of realize that I’m a New England Patriot and I’m just going to embrace this whole moment.”The Green Bay Packers are at No. 5 after outlasting the Minnesota Vikings 43-34.The Pittsburgh Steelers begin at No. 6. Ben Roethlisberger made a successful return from elbow surgery after missing 14 games last season as he threw three TD passes in a 26-16 win over the New York Giants.“We said afterward it wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t even good some of the time offensively,” Roethlisberger said. “But at the end of the day we found a way to win.”The Buffalo Bills, hoping to dethrone the Patriots atop the AFC East, start out one spot ahead of New England at No. 7.NFC West rivals round out the top 10 as the Los Angeles Rams (No. 9) and Arizona each had a successful start to 2020 after a so-so 2019.

Mahomes, Chiefs on top of season’s first AP Pro32 poll

DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera hit a homer and a double to help the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on Tuesday night.

Matthew Boyd (2-6) bounced back from a rough outing with a strong performance, throwing five-plus scoreless innings and giving up just two hits. Boyd allowed seven runs over three-plus innings in his previous start as Milwaukee beat Detroit 19-0 last week.

“Matty is one of our veterans so we expect that from him,” Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Jakob Junis (0-2) started in place of Danny Duffy, who missed the team’s flight to Detroit. Junis gave up five runs and seven hits over 2 1-3 innings.

“It’s different, but I’m definitely not going to blame that on what happened,” Junis said. “Things happen, and you’ve got to adjust on the fly. When my name’s called, I have a job to do.”

Junis said he didn’t notice Duffy was missing on the flight and was told about seven hours before the game on Tuesday that he was starting.

“These sort of things always happen,” manager Mike Matheny said. “But it’s definitely different than knowing you’ve got the ball and have four days to prepare.”

Detroit had lost three straight and 10 of its last 13 games. Kansas City had won six straight.

The rebuilding Tigers (21-26) and last-place Royals (20-29) are the two teams in the AL Central with losing records, making developing prospects even more of a priority during the pandemic-shortened season.

“We’re still in this thing,” Boyd said. “Our goal is to play this all the way through.”″

Kansas City failed to capitalize on a good chance to score in the first inning when Whit Merrifield led off with a double and reached third on a stolen base with one out. Merrifield did not score on a play at the plate in which he did not slide after Salvador Perez hit a grounder to drawn-in shortstop Willi Castro.

Niko Goodrum, in his first at-bat after being on the 10-day injured list, hit an RBI single in the first. Jorge Bonifacio, released last year by Kansas City, followed with a two-run double to give Detroit a 3-0 lead.

That was plenty of support for Boyd, who struck out five and walked four.

“It was awesome to get the bats going and have the guys do their thing, right from the get-go,” Boyd said.

His 105-pitch outing ended with two on and two outs in the sixth and Edward Olivares hit into an inning-ending groundout.

“I feel stronger than I ever have,” Boyd said.

Royals: IF Matt Reynolds cleared outright waivers and was sent to Triple-A.

Tigers: C Grayson Greiner was optioned to to the team’s alternate training site and C Eric Haase was recalled from Toledo, Ohio.

Royals: RHP Matt Harvey left the game after the team’s athletic trainer visited the mound in the sixth. Harvey struck out the first two batters he faced before giving up a homer, double and single.

Tigers: Infielder Jonathan Schoop was put on the the 10-day DL with a sprained right wrist.

Royals: Rookie Brady Singer (2-4) is scheduled to start after not giving up a hit until there were two outs in the eighth inning against Cleveland last week.

Tigers: Rookie Tarik Skubal (1-2) is expected to be on the mound after giving up six runs over just two innings against St. Louis.

DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera hit a homer and a double to help the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on Tuesday night.Matthew Boyd (2-6) bounced back from a rough outing with a strong performance, throwing five-plus scoreless innings and giving up just two hits. Boyd allowed seven runs over three-plus innings in his previous start as Milwaukee beat Detroit 19-0 last week.“Matty is one of our veterans so we expect that from him,” Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said.Jakob Junis (0-2) started in place of Danny Duffy, who missed the team’s flight to Detroit. Junis gave up five runs and seven hits over 2 1-3 innings.“It’s different, but I’m definitely not going to blame that on what happened,” Junis said. “Things happen, and you’ve got to adjust on the fly. When my name’s called, I have a job to do.”Junis said he didn’t notice Duffy was missing on the flight and was told about seven hours before the game on Tuesday that he was starting.“These sort of things always happen,” manager Mike Matheny said. “But it’s definitely different than knowing you’ve got the ball and have four days to prepare.”Detroit had lost three straight and 10 of its last 13 games. Kansas City had won six straight.The rebuilding Tigers (21-26) and last-place Royals (20-29) are the two teams in the AL Central with losing records, making developing prospects even more of a priority during the pandemic-shortened season.“We’re still in this thing,” Boyd said. “Our goal is to play this all the way through.”″Kansas City failed to capitalize on a good chance to score in the first inning when Whit Merrifield led off with a double and reached third on a stolen base with one out. Merrifield did not score on a play at the plate in which he did not slide after Salvador Perez hit a grounder to drawn-in shortstop Willi Castro.Niko Goodrum, in his first at-bat after being on the 10-day injured list, hit an RBI single in the first. Jorge Bonifacio, released last year by Kansas City, followed with a two-run double to give Detroit a 3-0 lead.That was plenty of support for Boyd, who struck out five and walked four.“It was awesome to get the bats going and have the guys do their thing, right from the get-go,” Boyd said.His 105-pitch outing ended with two on and two outs in the sixth and Edward Olivares hit into an inning-ending groundout.“I feel stronger than I ever have,” Boyd said.ON THE MOVERoyals: IF Matt Reynolds cleared outright waivers and was sent to Triple-A.Tigers: C Grayson Greiner was optioned to to the team’s alternate training site and C Eric Haase was recalled from Toledo, Ohio.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Matt Harvey left the game after the team’s athletic trainer visited the mound in the sixth. Harvey struck out the first two batters he faced before giving up a homer, double and single.Tigers: Infielder Jonathan Schoop was put on the the 10-day DL with a sprained right wrist.UP NEXTRoyals: Rookie Brady Singer (2-4) is scheduled to start after not giving up a hit until there were two outs in the eighth inning against Cleveland last week.Tigers: Rookie Tarik Skubal (1-2) is expected to be on the mound after giving up six runs over just two innings against St. Louis.

Miguel Cabrera homers to help Tigers beat Royals 6-0

Sun Belt rivals Louisiana-Lafayette and Appalachian State were among 10 new teams ranked Sunday in first regular-season Associated Press college football poll, which was stripped of the teams not yet scheduled to play a fall season.

There was no change at the very top: Preseason No. 1 Clemson received 60 of 61 first place-votes this week.

After all Division I teams were eligible to be voted on for the preseason Top 25, the panel of 61 voters was permitted to consider only the 60% of Football Bowl Subdivision teams scheduled to play in the fall now that the season has started.

That meant preseason No. 2 Ohio State, No. 7 Penn State and No. 9 Oregon, along with six other Big Ten and Pac-12 teams, dropped out of the rankings. The Big Ten, Pac-12, Mid-American Conference and Mountain West have delayed their seasons due to concerns about playing amid the coronavirus pandemic, but the Big Ten is taking some steps toward a possible mid-October start.

With those teams gone, Alabama moved up to No. 2. Oklahoma is No. 3, followed by No. 4 Georgia and No. 5 Florida. Defending champion LSU, with one first-place vote, is No. 6.

The Sun Belt Conference has two teams ranked for the first time since the conference began sponsoring football in 2001, with Louisiana-Lafayette at No. 19 and Appalachian State at No. 23, tied with Kentucky.

The Ragin’ Cajuns pulled off maybe the biggest upset of the weekend, winning at Iowa State 31-14 on Saturday. The Cyclones had been ranked No. 23 and are the one team currently scheduled to play to fall out of the rankings after being in the preseason Top 25.

Louisiana-Lafayette was last ranked in 1943.

— No. 16 Memphis has the highest ranking of those teams entering the poll. Not surprising. The Tigers were first among the others receiving votes in the preseason poll and opened the season by beating Arkansas State last week. That same Arkansas State then turned around and upset Kansas State on the road Saturday. The Tigers might have to sit on that ranking for a little while. Players being sidelined by positive COVID-19 tests and related quarantines forced the postponement of Memphis’ game Friday against Houston.

— No. 17 Miami also garnered some support in the preseason. The Hurricanes join on the strength of a 31-14 victory Thursday against Conference USA contender UAB.

— No. 18 Louisville beat Western Kentucky 35-21 to open its season and is ranked for the first time since 2017.

— No. 20 Virginia Tech has already had two games postponed. The Hokies were supposed to open their season Saturday against North Carolina State, but the Wolfpack’s preparation for the season was delayed by a COVID-19 outbreak. Now Virginia Tech is dealing with coronavirus issues of its own and its game next week against Virginia has been postponed.

— No. 21 BYU opened the season on Labor Day, beating Navy 55-3. But the Cougars’ next game has been postponed because of positive COVID-19 cases among the players.

— No. 22 Army has opened the season with two victories by a combined score of 79-7.

— No. 23 Kentucky is scheduled to start the season Sept. 26, along with the rest of the SEC.

— No. 25 Pitt opened the season by beating Austin Peay 55-0 in a game that was shortened in the second half. With the Panthers up 42-0 halftime, the teams agreed to play 10-minute quarters.

SEC — 8 (Nos. 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15, 23t).

ACC — 7 (Nos. 1, 7, 12, 17, 18, 20, 25).

Just one as the SEC still sits idle. BYU at Army would have qualified but for the postponement.

No. 17 Miami at No. 18 Louisville. Two of teams that benefited from solid openers against C-USA teams. Louisville’s Micale Cunningham and Miami’s D’Eriq King make for an exciting quarterback matchup.

Sun Belt rivals Louisiana-Lafayette and Appalachian State were among 10 new teams ranked Sunday in first regular-season Associated Press college football poll, which was stripped of the teams not yet scheduled to play a fall season.There was no change at the very top: Preseason No. 1 Clemson received 60 of 61 first place-votes this week.After all Division I teams were eligible to be voted on for the preseason Top 25, the panel of 61 voters was permitted to consider only the 60% of Football Bowl Subdivision teams scheduled to play in the fall now that the season has started.That meant preseason No. 2 Ohio State, No. 7 Penn State and No. 9 Oregon, along with six other Big Ten and Pac-12 teams, dropped out of the rankings. The Big Ten, Pac-12, Mid-American Conference and Mountain West have delayed their seasons due to concerns about playing amid the coronavirus pandemic, but the Big Ten is taking some steps toward a possible mid-October start.With those teams gone, Alabama moved up to No. 2. Oklahoma is No. 3, followed by No. 4 Georgia and No. 5 Florida. Defending champion LSU, with one first-place vote, is No. 6.The Sun Belt Conference has two teams ranked for the first time since the conference began sponsoring football in 2001, with Louisiana-Lafayette at No. 19 and Appalachian State at No. 23, tied with Kentucky.The Ragin’ Cajuns pulled off maybe the biggest upset of the weekend, winning at Iowa State 31-14 on Saturday. The Cyclones had been ranked No. 23 and are the one team currently scheduled to play to fall out of the rankings after being in the preseason Top 25.Louisiana-Lafayette was last ranked in 1943.POLL POINTSThe rest of the newcomers to the Top 25:— No. 16 Memphis has the highest ranking of those teams entering the poll. Not surprising. The Tigers were first among the others receiving votes in the preseason poll and opened the season by beating Arkansas State last week. That same Arkansas State then turned around and upset Kansas State on the road Saturday. The Tigers might have to sit on that ranking for a little while. Players being sidelined by positive COVID-19 tests and related quarantines forced the postponement of Memphis’ game Friday against Houston.— No. 17 Miami also garnered some support in the preseason. The Hurricanes join on the strength of a 31-14 victory Thursday against Conference USA contender UAB.— No. 18 Louisville beat Western Kentucky 35-21 to open its season and is ranked for the first time since 2017.— No. 20 Virginia Tech has already had two games postponed. The Hokies were supposed to open their season Saturday against North Carolina State, but the Wolfpack’s preparation for the season was delayed by a COVID-19 outbreak. Now Virginia Tech is dealing with coronavirus issues of its own and its game next week against Virginia has been postponed.— No. 21 BYU opened the season on Labor Day, beating Navy 55-3. But the Cougars’ next game has been postponed because of positive COVID-19 cases among the players.— No. 22 Army has opened the season with two victories by a combined score of 79-7.— No. 23 Kentucky is scheduled to start the season Sept. 26, along with the rest of the SEC.— No. 25 Pitt opened the season by beating Austin Peay 55-0 in a game that was shortened in the second half. With the Panthers up 42-0 halftime, the teams agreed to play 10-minute quarters.CONFERENCE CALLSEC — 8 (Nos. 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15, 23t).ACC — 7 (Nos. 1, 7, 12, 17, 18, 20, 25).Big 12 — 3 (Nos. 3, 9, 11).American — 3 (Nos. 13, 14, 16).Sun Belt — 2 (Nos. 19, 23t).Independents — 2. (Nos. 21, 22).RANKED VS. RANKEDJust one as the SEC still sits idle. BYU at Army would have qualified but for the postponement.No. 17 Miami at No. 18 Louisville. Two of teams that benefited from solid openers against C-USA teams. Louisville’s Micale Cunningham and Miami’s D’Eriq King make for an exciting quarterback matchup.

La.-Lafayette leads 10 new teams in rankings

DENVER (AP) — A day after Tom Brady’s dud of a debut for Tampa Bay, Stephen Gostkowski failed to put all that Patriots pedigree to work in his first game with the Tennessee Titans.

Unlike Brady, who lost his first game in a uniform other than New England’s, Gostkowski prevailed Monday night when he nailed a 25-yard field goal with 17 seconds left, sending the Titans past the Denver Broncos 16-14 after he missed four kicks for the first time in his career.

“I really wanted to come out and make a strong first impression,” Gostkowski said. “I did the exact opposite.”

Gostkowski missed a kick in each quarter, including a blocked field goal and an errant extra point.

“We’re happy to get a win,” Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. “Any win in the NFL is a good win. I’ll take it. They don’t put any asterisks on it in the win column.”

Titans coach and ex-teammate Mike Vrabel said he had no qualms about sending Gostkowski out for another try,

“Nope, and they did, obviously, because they weren’t using their timeouts and they were banking on him missing,” Vrabel said. “We’ve all got to do our job. And again, it’s not on just one player. We’ll get this stuff fixed. We’ve got a lot of faith in our players. Excited to get out of here with a win. This is a tough place to play.”

Gostkowski missed every way you can think of: wide left, wide right, a block and a shanked extra point that loomed large until he atoned for his awful night in the final seconds.

“You can’t expect him to miss them all,” said Broncos defensive lineman Jurrell Casey, who was traded from Tennessee in the offseason.

Gostkowski never missed three field goals in a game during his 14 seasons in New England, where he won three Super Bowl rings, made four Pro Bowls and left this offseason as the Patriots’ all-time leading scorer.

On Thursday he joined the Titans, who had the worst field goal unit in the NFL last year when their first four kickers combined to connect on only 44.4% of field goals (8 for 18).

The last Titans/Oilers kicker to miss three field goals and an extra point in a game was Skip Butler against the Jets in the 1977 season opener.

“I just got here and come out here and play like that? For the guys to still support me and still have my back was pretty good,” Gostkowski said. “That’s the cool thing about team sports — you win and lose as a team. A position like mine, everybody sees when you screw up.

“That’s why I was grateful for the opportunity at the end, because the guys deserved the win. We’re all pros here. We’ve all had our days. But the kicking position, you miss a couple of kicks, the camera follows you around, they talk about you the whole time, they watch you. It can get to a lonely spot. But you have to keep your head high and keep on going.”

Gostkowski, who had made 87.4% of his kicks coming into the game, a percentage that ranked fifth-best in NFL history, missed a 47-yarder in the first quarter and Shelby Harris blocked his 43-yarder just before halftime. Gostkowski’s 42-yarder in the third quarter was wide left and he missed the PAT following Tennessee’s go-ahead touchdown on Jonnu Smith’s catch from Ryan Tannehill on fourth-and-1 with 13:49 remaining.

Denver replied with a 75-yard drive, with Melvin Gordon taking it in from a yard out, and Brandon McManus’ extra point put the Broncos up 14-13 with 9 minutes left.

The Broncos punted on their next two possessions and the Titans made them pay with a 12-play, 83-yard, game-winning scoring drive.

The teams scuffled to a 7-all tie after an eventful first half that included an ejection, a goal-line stand and Gostkowski’s dismal debut four days after signing with the Titans. The 36-year-old kicker left New England with 1,775 points over 204 games.

Drew Lock threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Noah Fant after Gostkowski’s first miss, and the Titans tied it on Tannehill’s 1-yard strike to MyCole Pruitt after a Denver turnover.

Gordon, who signed a two-year, $16 million deal in free agency, coughed up the ball at the Denver 23 on a hard hit by safety Kevin Byard, who leads the league with 17 interceptions since 2017 but had never forced a fumble. Jeffrey Simmons recovered for Tennessee.

The Broncos failed to punch it in on three tries from the Titans 1 in the second quarter. Lock overthrew a wide-open Nick Vannett, Gordon was stuffed for no gain and Lock’s shovel pass to Jake Butt came up a yard short of the goal line.

Butt was on the receiving end of Rashaan Evans’ punch that got the Titans linebacker ejected.

There were no paying spectators but about 500 guests of players and coaches were in the stands as a sort of trial run for the Broncos’ next home game, against Brady and Tampa Bay in two weeks, when 5,700 fans will be allowed into the 70,000-seat Empower Field at Mile High.

Lock missed having the home crowd’s energy in the fourth quarter.

“Yeah, that would have been sweet,” he said. “It was definitely weird out there tonight. No noise. The timeouts, it was just quiet. I wanted to call the plays quiet in the huddle because I didn’t know if they could hear us.”

INJURIES: Titans CB Jonathan Joseph left in the first half with an arm injury but returned.

Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay (foot) and CB A.J. Bouye (shoulder) both went out in the first half and didn’t return.

The Broncos lost their best defender, Von Miller, to a season-threatening ankle injury and their best offensive player, receiver Courtland Sutton, to a sprained AC joint last week. Plus, second-round receiver K.J. Hamler (hamstring) was out.

Coach Vic Fangio said the rash of injuries is disturbing “but we’re good enough to overcome them. I believe that. We almost won the game tonight. I know almost doesn’t mean anything, but we were competitive and played good football despite all those injuries.”

Titans open at home against Jacksconville on Sunday.

DENVER (AP) — A day after Tom Brady’s dud of a debut for Tampa Bay, Stephen Gostkowski failed to put all that Patriots pedigree to work in his first game with the Tennessee Titans.Until the very end.Unlike Brady, who lost his first game in a uniform other than New England’s, Gostkowski prevailed Monday night when he nailed a 25-yard field goal with 17 seconds left, sending the Titans past the Denver Broncos 16-14 after he missed four kicks for the first time in his career.“I really wanted to come out and make a strong first impression,” Gostkowski said. “I did the exact opposite.”Gostkowski missed a kick in each quarter, including a blocked field goal and an errant extra point.It didn’t matter in the end.“We’re happy to get a win,” Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. “Any win in the NFL is a good win. I’ll take it. They don’t put any asterisks on it in the win column.”Titans coach and ex-teammate Mike Vrabel said he had no qualms about sending Gostkowski out for another try,“Nope, and they did, obviously, because they weren’t using their timeouts and they were banking on him missing,” Vrabel said. “We’ve all got to do our job. And again, it’s not on just one player. We’ll get this stuff fixed. We’ve got a lot of faith in our players. Excited to get out of here with a win. This is a tough place to play.”Gostkowski missed every way you can think of: wide left, wide right, a block and a shanked extra point that loomed large until he atoned for his awful night in the final seconds.“You can’t expect him to miss them all,” said Broncos defensive lineman Jurrell Casey, who was traded from Tennessee in the offseason.Gostkowski never missed three field goals in a game during his 14 seasons in New England, where he won three Super Bowl rings, made four Pro Bowls and left this offseason as the Patriots’ all-time leading scorer.On Thursday he joined the Titans, who had the worst field goal unit in the NFL last year when their first four kickers combined to connect on only 44.4% of field goals (8 for 18).The last Titans/Oilers kicker to miss three field goals and an extra point in a game was Skip Butler against the Jets in the 1977 season opener.Gostkowski appreciated the support.“I just got here and come out here and play like that? For the guys to still support me and still have my back was pretty good,” Gostkowski said. “That’s the cool thing about team sports — you win and lose as a team. A position like mine, everybody sees when you screw up.“That’s why I was grateful for the opportunity at the end, because the guys deserved the win. We’re all pros here. We’ve all had our days. But the kicking position, you miss a couple of kicks, the camera follows you around, they talk about you the whole time, they watch you. It can get to a lonely spot. But you have to keep your head high and keep on going.”Gostkowski, who had made 87.4% of his kicks coming into the game, a percentage that ranked fifth-best in NFL history, missed a 47-yarder in the first quarter and Shelby Harris blocked his 43-yarder just before halftime. Gostkowski’s 42-yarder in the third quarter was wide left and he missed the PAT following Tennessee’s go-ahead touchdown on Jonnu Smith’s catch from Ryan Tannehill on fourth-and-1 with 13:49 remaining.Denver replied with a 75-yard drive, with Melvin Gordon taking it in from a yard out, and Brandon McManus’ extra point put the Broncos up 14-13 with 9 minutes left.The Broncos punted on their next two possessions and the Titans made them pay with a 12-play, 83-yard, game-winning scoring drive.The teams scuffled to a 7-all tie after an eventful first half that included an ejection, a goal-line stand and Gostkowski’s dismal debut four days after signing with the Titans. The 36-year-old kicker left New England with 1,775 points over 204 games.Drew Lock threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Noah Fant after Gostkowski’s first miss, and the Titans tied it on Tannehill’s 1-yard strike to MyCole Pruitt after a Denver turnover.Gordon, who signed a two-year, $16 million deal in free agency, coughed up the ball at the Denver 23 on a hard hit by safety Kevin Byard, who leads the league with 17 interceptions since 2017 but had never forced a fumble. Jeffrey Simmons recovered for Tennessee.The Broncos failed to punch it in on three tries from the Titans 1 in the second quarter. Lock overthrew a wide-open Nick Vannett, Gordon was stuffed for no gain and Lock’s shovel pass to Jake Butt came up a yard short of the goal line.Butt was on the receiving end of Rashaan Evans’ punch that got the Titans linebacker ejected.There were no paying spectators but about 500 guests of players and coaches were in the stands as a sort of trial run for the Broncos’ next home game, against Brady and Tampa Bay in two weeks, when 5,700 fans will be allowed into the 70,000-seat Empower Field at Mile High.Lock missed having the home crowd’s energy in the fourth quarter.“Yeah, that would have been sweet,” he said. “It was definitely weird out there tonight. No noise. The timeouts, it was just quiet. I wanted to call the plays quiet in the huddle because I didn’t know if they could hear us.”INJURIES: Titans CB Jonathan Joseph left in the first half with an arm injury but returned.Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay (foot) and CB A.J. Bouye (shoulder) both went out in the first half and didn’t return.The Broncos lost their best defender, Von Miller, to a season-threatening ankle injury and their best offensive player, receiver Courtland Sutton, to a sprained AC joint last week. Plus, second-round receiver K.J. Hamler (hamstring) was out.Coach Vic Fangio said the rash of injuries is disturbing “but we’re good enough to overcome them. I believe that. We almost won the game tonight. I know almost doesn’t mean anything, but we were competitive and played good football despite all those injuries.”UP NEXTTitans open at home against Jacksconville on Sunday.Broncos visit the Steelers on Sunday.

Gostkowski finally delivers in Titans’ 16-14 win at Denver

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs threw the adage that defense wins championship on the ol’ barbecue and cooked it till charred last season, relying instead on their dynamic offense to win their first Super Bowl in 50 years.

They also leaned on it to win their season opener against Houston.

That game to kick off the NFL’s season on Thursday night, though, may have illustrated just how exceptional their offense can be.

When the Texans backed off the line of scrimmage to deal with the Chiefs’ speedy wide receivers, they simply ran at will with first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire. When they packed the line of scrimmage, quarterback Patrick Mahomes could be seen smiling through his face mask while his vast array of playmakers shredded the secondary.

None of this is revolutionary. Teams have sought such offensive balance for decades. It’s just that the Chiefs have the talent and personnel to pull off the trick better than just about any NFL team in recent memory.

“What makes this offense so good,” Mahomes said, “is that we can change within games. We can go through our game plan and find ways to score and find ways to move the ball down the field, and (against Houston) it was running the football and taking the short passes. I think whenever we get to the Chargers next week, we’ll play another great defense, and we’ll have to find a way to move the ball and score that week as well.”

The balance the Chiefs showed is evident simply by looking at the box score.

Mahomes threw 32 passes downfield; the Chiefs ran the ball 34 times. He threw for 203 yards and three touchdowns; they ran for 166 yards and another score. They averaged 6.6 yards per completion; they averaged 4.9 yards per carry.

“They’ve been a man (defense) against us in the past,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of the Texans, “but they kind of mixed it up with a bunch of different coverages. Some of our underneath stuff was good. ... Our whole receiving corps I thought did a really nice job. And Pat did a really nice job of checking it down.”

He also did a really nice job of finding the open target even when Houston managed to take somebody away.

The Texans started out by blanketing Tyreek Hill, and that opened things up for Sammy Watkins, who had seven catches for 82 yards and a score. When they shifted more attention to Watkins, the Chiefs started directing the ball to tight end Travis Kelce, who added six catches for 50 yards and a touchdown.

Oh, and lest you think Hill can be kept under wraps all game, he still finished with five catches for 46 yards and a score.

“We were rocking,” Kelce said with simplistic bravado. “We were out here rocking.”

They had better keep rolling, too. While the Chiefs played well defensively against Houston, a few injuries picked up during the game coupled with suspensions being served by cornerback Bashaud Breeland and defensive tackle Mike Pennel have left them short-handed when they visit Los Angeles this weekend to play the Chargers.

Defensive tackle Khalen Saunders dislocated his elbow and will be out awhile. Charvarius Ward fractured his hand, which means the Chiefs could be without their top two cornerbacks. Defensive end Alex Okafor left the game with what the team called a “slight hamstring” issue, but his injury history means the Chiefs will certainly take it slowly with him.

“Listen, I’m proud of our guys,” Reid said, “but we have a ton of things to work on, so that’s a plus. And these guys are willing to do that. They know that. And once they have a chance to look at the tape and see what they’ve got, they’ll hit the drawing board, as you’d say, and get busy working on those things.”

NOTES: C Austin Reiter is dealing with some knee soreness, Reid said Monday. ... Despite having surgery, Ward has not been ruled out against the Chargers. “He had some work done on it and we’ll just see where he’s at when it’s game time,” Reid said. ... S Juan Thornhill had no issues against Houston in his first game since tearing his ACL late last season. “He actually came out feeling good, which is what we wanted,” Reid said. “We were cautious with him. He wanted to play more, to his credit. It all worked out well, particularly the day after, which was important to us.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs threw the adage that defense wins championship on the ol’ barbecue and cooked it till charred last season, relying instead on their dynamic offense to win their first Super Bowl in 50 years.They also leaned on it to win their season opener against Houston.That game to kick off the NFL’s season on Thursday night, though, may have illustrated just how exceptional their offense can be.When the Texans backed off the line of scrimmage to deal with the Chiefs’ speedy wide receivers, they simply ran at will with first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire. When they packed the line of scrimmage, quarterback Patrick Mahomes could be seen smiling through his face mask while his vast array of playmakers shredded the secondary.None of this is revolutionary. Teams have sought such offensive balance for decades. It’s just that the Chiefs have the talent and personnel to pull off the trick better than just about any NFL team in recent memory.“What makes this offense so good,” Mahomes said, “is that we can change within games. We can go through our game plan and find ways to score and find ways to move the ball down the field, and (against Houston) it was running the football and taking the short passes. I think whenever we get to the Chargers next week, we’ll play another great defense, and we’ll have to find a way to move the ball and score that week as well.”The balance the Chiefs showed is evident simply by looking at the box score.Mahomes threw 32 passes downfield; the Chiefs ran the ball 34 times. He threw for 203 yards and three touchdowns; they ran for 166 yards and another score. They averaged 6.6 yards per completion; they averaged 4.9 yards per carry.“They’ve been a man (defense) against us in the past,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of the Texans, “but they kind of mixed it up with a bunch of different coverages. Some of our underneath stuff was good. ... Our whole receiving corps I thought did a really nice job. And Pat did a really nice job of checking it down.”He also did a really nice job of finding the open target even when Houston managed to take somebody away.The Texans started out by blanketing Tyreek Hill, and that opened things up for Sammy Watkins, who had seven catches for 82 yards and a score. When they shifted more attention to Watkins, the Chiefs started directing the ball to tight end Travis Kelce, who added six catches for 50 yards and a touchdown.Oh, and lest you think Hill can be kept under wraps all game, he still finished with five catches for 46 yards and a score.“We were rocking,” Kelce said with simplistic bravado. “We were out here rocking.”They had better keep rolling, too. While the Chiefs played well defensively against Houston, a few injuries picked up during the game coupled with suspensions being served by cornerback Bashaud Breeland and defensive tackle Mike Pennel have left them short-handed when they visit Los Angeles this weekend to play the Chargers.Defensive tackle Khalen Saunders dislocated his elbow and will be out awhile. Charvarius Ward fractured his hand, which means the Chiefs could be without their top two cornerbacks. Defensive end Alex Okafor left the game with what the team called a “slight hamstring” issue, but his injury history means the Chiefs will certainly take it slowly with him.“Listen, I’m proud of our guys,” Reid said, “but we have a ton of things to work on, so that’s a plus. And these guys are willing to do that. They know that. And once they have a chance to look at the tape and see what they’ve got, they’ll hit the drawing board, as you’d say, and get busy working on those things.”NOTES: C Austin Reiter is dealing with some knee soreness, Reid said Monday. ... Despite having surgery, Ward has not been ruled out against the Chargers. “He had some work done on it and we’ll just see where he’s at when it’s game time,” Reid said. ... S Juan Thornhill had no issues against Houston in his first game since tearing his ACL late last season. “He actually came out feeling good, which is what we wanted,” Reid said. “We were cautious with him. He wanted to play more, to his credit. It all worked out well, particularly the day after, which was important to us.”

Chiefs offense shows balance, firepower right out of gate

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Maybe the Big 12 Conference should have followed the lead of the Big Ten and Pac-12 and opted out of playing college football this fall.

Or at least opted out of scheduling the Sun Belt.

The lower-tier conference went 3-0 against the Power Five league over the weekend, a stunning performance highlighted by Louisiana-Lafayette’s romp over then-No. 23 Iowa State. Arkansas State also won at Kansas State and Coastal Carolina went to Kansas and outclassed the Jayhawks in what may have been the best day in the history of the league.

“You saw today what the Sun Belt is. We didn’t want to let the Sun Belt down,” Chanticleers coach Jamey Caldwell said after their 38-23 win over the Jayhawks, a game that ended just after midnight and capped the upset-filled Saturday.

“Just proud of the effort,” Caldwell said, “and hopefully the people back on the East Coast and in Conway were up to see it.”

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Maybe the Big 12 Conference should have followed the lead of the Big Ten and Pac-12 and opted out of playing college football this fall.Or at least opted out of scheduling the Sun Belt.The lower-tier conference went 3-0 against the Power Five league over the weekend, a stunning performance highlighted by Louisiana-Lafayette’s romp over then-No. 23 Iowa State. Arkansas State also won at Kansas State and Coastal Carolina went to Kansas and outclassed the Jayhawks in what may have been the best day in the history of the league.“You saw today what the Sun Belt is. We didn’t want to let the Sun Belt down,” Chanticleers coach Jamey Caldwell said after their 38-23 win over the Jayhawks, a game that ended just after midnight and capped the upset-filled Saturday.“Just proud of the effort,” Caldwell said, “and hopefully the people back on the East Coast and in Conway were up to see it.”If not, they certainly took note of it Sunday.That’s when&nbsp;<a href="https://collegefootball.ap.org/article/ap-top-25-la-lafayette-leads-10-new-teams-rankings" target="_blank">the latest AP Top 25 was released</a>&nbsp;with schools from the Big Ten and Pac-12 and elsewhere that are not playing this fall ineligible for the ranking. That opened the door for voters to select 10 newcomers for the poll. Louisiana-Lafayette landed at No. 19 with Sun Belt member Appalachian State tied with Kentucky at No. 23 following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1124f4e829002fbef350e05583a4cd0d">its win over Charlotte</a>.Arkansas State received the sixth-most votes of schools that are just outside the Top 25.“It’s a great win but I hope not,” Red Wolves coach Blake Anderson said, when asked whether the last-minute win over the Wildcats was a program-defining one. “I hope there’s a way bigger and better win ahead of us. Not by any means satisfied. Excited and very proud, but by no means is this the best we can do. We still got a lot better football to be played.”<a href="https://collegefootball.ap.org/article/arkansas-state-beats-kansas-state-35-31-final-minute" target="_blank">Arkansas State was a bit fortunate</a>&nbsp;in that it already had a game under its belt, losing to Memphis the previous week. But just like it was the first time on the field for the Big 12 following an offseason thrown into chaos by the pandemic, it was the first time Louisiana-Lafayette and Coastal Carolina lined up for a kickoff.Both looked better prepared than their big-boy brethren.The Ragin’ Cajuns, who were last ranked in 1943, trailed the Cyclones just 14-10 at halftime. Coach Billy Napier’s team took the lead on a 78-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter, added a punt return touchdown early in the fourth and managed to shut out Iowa State and quarterback Brock Purdy over the final 30 minutes for one of the biggest wins in school history.It was the Ragin’ Cajuns first win over a Top 25 opponent on the road, snapping an 0-26 skid. Their only other win over a Top 25 team came at home in 1996, 29-22 over Texas A&amp;M.“We’ve got a lot of belief in our process. We’ve got a lot of belief that the University of Louisiana should always have a very competitive team,” Napier said. “We’re fortunate that we’ve got the necessary things from our administration. They decided they wanted to have an exceptional Group of 5 football program and gave us the money to go hire the people. They gave us the resources and some of the things inside the building to help us really run basically a Power Five operation.”In short, Napier said, “this is what we expected to happen.”Kansas coach Les Miles sure didn’t expect Coastal Carolina to whip his team for the second straight year. But after a change in schedules caused by the pandemic — the Chanticleers were supposed to host the Jayhawks — Chadwell’s team headed to an empty Memorial Stadium and&nbsp;<a href="https://collegefootball.ap.org/photo-gallery/coastal-carolina-kansas-9122020" target="_blank">won a road game over Kansas</a>&nbsp;for the second consecutive season.While it was a banner weekend for the Sun Belt, it was ugly all-around for the Big 12.Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia took care of business, though the Sooners did it with a depleted roster caused by so many positive COVID-19 tests that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9fad557b1586c569f59558e52625b018">their game against Missouri State was nearly postponed.</a>&nbsp;Baylor did have its opener against Louisiana Tech postponed because of positive tests within the Bulldogs’ program, and will instead play a hastily scheduled game against Houston — which also had its opener against Memphis postponed — this weekend.Speaking of Houston — or at least Houston Baptist — it took Texas Tech turning back a 2-point try in the final minutes for the Big 12 team&nbsp;<a href="https://collegefootball.ap.org/article/bowman-texas-tech-hold-houston-baptist-35-33-opener" target="_blank">to hold off the Huskies for a 35-33 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Football Championship Subdivision school.Rough weekend for the Big 12 indeed.