
Justin Verlander is scheduled
to start for the Houston Astros against former teammate Carlos Correa
and the Minnesota Twins in Game 1 of their AL Division Series on
Saturday.


Houston manager Dusty Baker
made the announcement Thursday, adding that left-hander Framber
Valdez will pitch Sunday night in Game 2.


After all four Wild Card
Series ended in two-game sweeps Wednesday, the eight remaining
playoff teams are prepping for best-of-five Division Series that
begin Saturday.


Correa and the AL Central
champion Twins will be in Houston to face the defending World Series
champion Astros, who won the AL West.


Also in the American League,
Texas plays at AL East champion Baltimore.


In the National League, the
young Arizona Diamondbacks square off against the NL West champion
Los Angeles Dodgers, and the defending NL champion Philadelphia
Phillies head to Atlanta for a playoff rematch with the major
league-best Braves, who won their sixth straight NL East title this
year.


The Braves are the current
betting favorites to win the World Series at +270, followed by the
Dodgers (+440) and Astros (+450), according to FanDuel Sportsbook.


Should the Philadelphia
Phillies win the World Series, save a spot at the end of the Broad
Street parade route for Calum Scott.


The British singer with the
pop hit about loneliness and heartbreak insists he’s coming to
Philly and wearing the jersey the team sent him last season as a
thank you for his part in making “ Dancing On My Own ” a staple
of the postseason soundtrack at Citizens Bank Park.


Scott is as amazed as anyone
the song has improbably bloomed into a playoff anthem for the
Phillies, who won the National League pennant last year before losing
to Houston in the World Series.


“They win the World Series,
I’m there, man,” Scott said. “I think at that point, you’ll
have to hold me back.”


Texas got a big boost from
21-year-old Evan Carter during its first-round sweep at Tampa Bay.


The speedy outfielder, who
batted .306 with five homers in 23 games down the stretch for the
Rangers, reached base in seven of his eight plate appearances during
the Wild Card Series to help them advance in the postseason for the
first time since 2011.


“I wouldn’t say it was
easy,” Carter said with a wide smile, even though that's exactly
how he's made it look. “There’s a lot of work and preparation and
stuff ... older people on the team with a lot of experience, picking
their brains, and the coaching staff.”


Carter has such a calmness
about him less than a month after his Rangers debut that manager
Bruce Bochy wonders if the kid even realizes he’s in the big
leagues.


“Just love the way he’s
handling himself through all this,” Bochy said.


The Orioles may be Big Shots
this year as they make their first playoff appearance since 2016, but
they’ll try to stay out of the Piano Man’s way this weekend.


Baltimore announced that Game
1 of the AL Division Series at Camden Yards is scheduled for just
after 1 p.m. Saturday. Then it will be time for the Orioles and Texas
Rangers to Stand Back, because Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel are
playing a concert at 7 p.m. that night at M&amp;T Bank Stadium next
door.


The two big events in close
proximity could create all sorts of parking issues.


Arizona hopes to get catcher
Gabriel Moreno back soon. Moreno left Game 2 of the Wild Card Series
at Milwaukee after he was struck in the helmet by a backswing.


Meanwhile, manager Torey
Lovullo said Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy strained his
oblique while taking batting practice Tuesday and is weeks from being
healthy enough to play.


Arizona removed McCarthy from
its Wild Card Series roster about 10 minutes before the start of
their 6-3 Game 1 victory over Milwaukee on Tuesday. Utilityman Jace
Peterson replaced him on the roster.


Baseball changed this year —
especially for guys with game-changing speed, like Atlanta star
Ronald Acuña Jr.


Fans only now turning their
attention to baseball for the postseason will find a sport with a
different pace. Following the implementation of new rules like a
pitch clock and limits on pitcher disengagements from the rubber,
players are running much more than a year ago. There were 3,503
stolen bases in the regular season, a dramatic jump of more than
1,000 from a year ago. It’s the highest total since 1987’s record
of 3,585.


The rampant running is
expected to continue throughout the playoffs.


“Guys are going to be
turning it loose like they have all year,” said Braves manager
Brian Snitker, whose team earned a bye to the Division Series. “Teams
like Arizona are going to be flying all over the place. I don’t
really see a change from the season.”


After the wild-card rounds
were broadcast on ABC and ESPN, the later rounds will be split among
Fox, FS1 and TBS.

By
the Associated Press
Justin Verlander is scheduled
to start for the Houston Astros against former teammate Carlos Correa
and the Minnesota Twins in Game 1 of their AL Division Series on
Saturday.
Houston manager Dusty Baker
made the announcement Thursday, adding that left-hander Framber
Valdez will pitch Sunday night in Game 2.
After all four Wild Card
Series ended in two-game sweeps Wednesday, the eight remaining
playoff teams are prepping for best-of-five Division Series that
begin Saturday.
Correa and the AL Central
champion Twins will be in Houston to face the defending World Series
champion Astros, who won the AL West.
Also in the American League,
Texas plays at AL East champion Baltimore.
In the National League, the
young Arizona Diamondbacks square off against the NL West champion
Los Angeles Dodgers, and the defending NL champion Philadelphia
Phillies head to Atlanta for a playoff rematch with the major
league-best Braves, who won their sixth straight NL East title this
year.BETTING
FAVORITES
The Braves are the current
betting favorites to win the World Series at +270, followed by the
Dodgers (+440) and Astros (+450), according to FanDuel Sportsbook.PHILLY
SPECIAL
Should the Philadelphia
Phillies win the World Series, save a spot at the end of the Broad
Street parade route for Calum Scott.
The British singer with the
pop hit about loneliness and heartbreak insists he’s coming to
Philly and wearing the jersey the team sent him last season as a
thank you for his part in making “ Dancing On My Own ” a staple
of the postseason soundtrack at Citizens Bank Park.
Scott is as amazed as anyone
the song has improbably bloomed into a playoff anthem for the
Phillies, who won the National League pennant last year before losing
to Houston in the World Series.
“They win the World Series,
I’m there, man,” Scott said. “I think at that point, you’ll
have to hold me back.”READY-MADE
ROOKIE
Texas got a big boost from
21-year-old Evan Carter during its first-round sweep at Tampa Bay.
The speedy outfielder, who
batted .306 with five homers in 23 games down the stretch for the
Rangers, reached base in seven of his eight plate appearances during
the Wild Card Series to help them advance in the postseason for the
first time since 2011.
“I wouldn’t say it was
easy,” Carter said with a wide smile, even though that's exactly
how he's made it look. “There’s a lot of work and preparation and
stuff ... older people on the team with a lot of experience, picking
their brains, and the coaching staff.”
Carter has such a calmness
about him less than a month after his Rangers debut that manager
Bruce Bochy wonders if the kid even realizes he’s in the big
leagues.
“Just love the way he’s
handling himself through all this,” Bochy said.SONG
BIRDS
The Orioles may be Big Shots
this year as they make their first playoff appearance since 2016, but
they’ll try to stay out of the Piano Man’s way this weekend.
Baltimore announced that Game
1 of the AL Division Series at Camden Yards is scheduled for just
after 1 p.m. Saturday. Then it will be time for the Orioles and Texas
Rangers to Stand Back, because Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel are
playing a concert at 7 p.m. that night at M&amp;T Bank Stadium next
door.
The two big events in close
proximity could create all sorts of parking issues.SNAKE
BIT
Arizona hopes to get catcher
Gabriel Moreno back soon. Moreno left Game 2 of the Wild Card Series
at Milwaukee after he was struck in the helmet by a backswing.
Meanwhile, manager Torey
Lovullo said Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy strained his
oblique while taking batting practice Tuesday and is weeks from being
healthy enough to play.
Arizona removed McCarthy from
its Wild Card Series roster about 10 minutes before the start of
their 6-3 Game 1 victory over Milwaukee on Tuesday. Utilityman Jace
Peterson replaced him on the roster.STEALING
THE SHOW
Baseball changed this year —
especially for guys with game-changing speed, like Atlanta star
Ronald Acuña Jr.
Fans only now turning their
attention to baseball for the postseason will find a sport with a
different pace. Following the implementation of new rules like a
pitch clock and limits on pitcher disengagements from the rubber,
players are running much more than a year ago. There were 3,503
stolen bases in the regular season, a dramatic jump of more than
1,000 from a year ago. It’s the highest total since 1987’s record
of 3,585.
The rampant running is
expected to continue throughout the playoffs.
“Guys are going to be
turning it loose like they have all year,” said Braves manager
Brian Snitker, whose team earned a bye to the Division Series. “Teams
like Arizona are going to be flying all over the place. I don’t
really see a change from the season.”HOW
TO WATCH
After the wild-card rounds
were broadcast on ABC and ESPN, the later rounds will be split among
Fox, FS1 and TBS.POSTSEASON
SCHEDULE
Division Series: Oct. 7-14
League Championship Series:
Oct. 15-24

MLB playoffs 2023: all 8 teams prep for Division Series openers Saturday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes stood in the pocke t for what seemed an eternity and, after finally giving up on finding anybody downfield, the Chiefs quarterback tucked the ball and ran for a crucial first down against the New York Jets.

That play last Sunday night wasn't the first time Mahomes has failed to find much help this season.

Through the first four games, the entire Chiefs wide receiver corps has combined to catch 45 passes for 588 yards and just two touchdowns. To put that into perspective, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson — whom they will see on Sunday — has already caught 33 passes for 543 yards and three scores all by himself.

The meager production from Kansas City wide receivers has had a trickle-down effect on the rest of the offense, which outside of a big performance against lowly Chicago has struggled to put up the big points for which it has become known.

“The beauty of our offense,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said Thursday, “is that we've got a lot of different guys that are learning how to play wide receiver within this offense, and we're learning who they are. So it's a little bit of both, and it just continually grows, and hopefully to the point that when we get to the end of the season that we're rolling.”

In other words, some of the blame for the poor production can be traced back to youth.

Wide receiver Skyy Moore is only in his second season. Kadarius Toney in his second with the Chiefs. Rashee Rice and Justyn Ross had never stepped on the field for a regular-season NFL game before Week 1 against Detroit.

They're learning how to get away from man coverage, which is far more difficult at the professional level than college. They are learning how to uncover soft spots in zones, which also means building a rapport with Mahomes so that the quarterback knows when and where the wide receiver might be setting down and waiting for the ball.

It also means figuring out how defenses might be trying to confuse everything else they do.

“A lot of NFL defenses, they're very good at trying to disguise what they're actually going to run,” Rice explained, “so it just kind of forces our offense to use a lot of motions and stuff so we can diagnose the defense.”

It remains a work in progress. And in the meantime, the offense has been suffering.

There were 11 wide receivers in the league entering this week with more touchdown receptions than the entire Kansas City crew. Rice tops the team with just 13 catches for a scant 140 yards, while Justin Watson leads that group with 163 yards receiving.

Neither them nor anyone else has been able to produce the splash plays that are a hallmark of the Chiefs, either. Toney has elite speed, but his nine catches for 57 yards come with 0.1 yards-before-catch per reception. That essentially means that, on average, all nine balls he has caught this season have been at the line of scrimmage.

That's hardly the way to blow the top off a defense.

None of the issues happen in a vacuum, of course. The Chiefs have played some of the best defensive backfields in the league, and Jets cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed — whom they faced last week — might be the best tandem. They also tend to throw it quite frequently to Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheco and the rest of the tight ends and running backs, which further takes the wideouts out of the equation.

“This isn’t the offense where you’re going to see one guy that has 18 targets every week,” Nagy said. "That’s just not us.”

Yet two years ago, Tyreek Hill led the team with 111 catches for 1,239 yards and nine touchdowns, and the Chiefs had three other wide receivers with at least 25 catches apiece. Last year, JuJu Smith Schuster caught 78 passes and Marquez Valdes-Scantling had 42, and both of them produced enough big plays to keep opposing defenses honest.

If Rice remains on his current pace, the second-round draft pick would lead the Chiefs with 55 catches in all.

Mahomes didn't sound concerned this week, pointing out that the Chiefs are still 3-1 and atop the AFC West, thanks in part to a run game that has suddenly become quite devastating.

Turns out his coach didn't sound too concerned, either.

“We have a couple young guys we’re kind of bringing along," Andy Reid said. "but I think they’re doing a pretty good job.”

NOTES: Chiefs LB Nick Bolton (ankle) and CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder) practiced for the second straight day Thursday. That raises the likelihood that both will be available against the Vikings. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said that Bolton would be a game-time decision. “He’s a competitor,” Spagnuolo added. “I don’t think he likes standing on the sideline.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes stood in the pocke t for what seemed an eternity and, after finally giving up on finding anybody downfield, the Chiefs quarterback tucked the ball and ran for a crucial first down against the New York Jets.That play last Sunday night wasn't the first time Mahomes has failed to find much help this season.Through the first four games, the entire Chiefs wide receiver corps has combined to catch 45 passes for 588 yards and just two touchdowns. To put that into perspective, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson — whom they will see on Sunday — has already caught 33 passes for 543 yards and three scores all by himself.The meager production from Kansas City wide receivers has had a trickle-down effect on the rest of the offense, which outside of a big performance against lowly Chicago has struggled to put up the big points for which it has become known.“The beauty of our offense,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said Thursday, “is that we've got a lot of different guys that are learning how to play wide receiver within this offense, and we're learning who they are. So it's a little bit of both, and it just continually grows, and hopefully to the point that when we get to the end of the season that we're rolling.”In other words, some of the blame for the poor production can be traced back to youth.Wide receiver Skyy Moore is only in his second season. Kadarius Toney in his second with the Chiefs. Rashee Rice and Justyn Ross had never stepped on the field for a regular-season NFL game before Week 1 against Detroit.So they're all learning on the fly.They're learning how to get away from man coverage, which is far more difficult at the professional level than college. They are learning how to uncover soft spots in zones, which also means building a rapport with Mahomes so that the quarterback knows when and where the wide receiver might be setting down and waiting for the ball.It also means figuring out how defenses might be trying to confuse everything else they do.“A lot of NFL defenses, they're very good at trying to disguise what they're actually going to run,” Rice explained, “so it just kind of forces our offense to use a lot of motions and stuff so we can diagnose the defense.”It remains a work in progress. And in the meantime, the offense has been suffering.There were 11 wide receivers in the league entering this week with more touchdown receptions than the entire Kansas City crew. Rice tops the team with just 13 catches for a scant 140 yards, while Justin Watson leads that group with 163 yards receiving.Neither them nor anyone else has been able to produce the splash plays that are a hallmark of the Chiefs, either. Toney has elite speed, but his nine catches for 57 yards come with 0.1 yards-before-catch per reception. That essentially means that, on average, all nine balls he has caught this season have been at the line of scrimmage.That's hardly the way to blow the top off a defense.None of the issues happen in a vacuum, of course. The Chiefs have played some of the best defensive backfields in the league, and Jets cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed — whom they faced last week — might be the best tandem. They also tend to throw it quite frequently to Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheco and the rest of the tight ends and running backs, which further takes the wideouts out of the equation.“This isn’t the offense where you’re going to see one guy that has 18 targets every week,” Nagy said. "That’s just not us.”Yet two years ago, Tyreek Hill led the team with 111 catches for 1,239 yards and nine touchdowns, and the Chiefs had three other wide receivers with at least 25 catches apiece. Last year, JuJu Smith Schuster caught 78 passes and Marquez Valdes-Scantling had 42, and both of them produced enough big plays to keep opposing defenses honest.If Rice remains on his current pace, the second-round draft pick would lead the Chiefs with 55 catches in all.Mahomes didn't sound concerned this week, pointing out that the Chiefs are still 3-1 and atop the AFC West, thanks in part to a run game that has suddenly become quite devastating.Turns out his coach didn't sound too concerned, either.“We have a couple young guys we’re kind of bringing along," Andy Reid said. "but I think they’re doing a pretty good job.”NOTES: Chiefs LB Nick Bolton (ankle) and CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder) practiced for the second straight day Thursday. That raises the likelihood that both will be available against the Vikings. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said that Bolton would be a game-time decision. “He’s a competitor,” Spagnuolo added. “I don’t think he likes standing on the sideline.”

Chiefs struggling to get production from young group of wide receivers

Call it an up-and-down week. After suffering just their second and third losses of the season Tuesday in Goddard, the Lady Panther volleyball team headed east to Hillsboro Thursday to face two of its toughest opponents on the schedule. Great Bend needed two sets to get by No. 9 Emporia (5A) 25-19, 25-23, then needed just two more sets to get by top-ranked and reigning 2A state champion Hillsboro 25-20, 27-25. Senior Macy Nachtigal reached 1,000 career digs on the evening.

Junior Kara Feist led the attack in the Hillsboro match with eight kills. Senior Makenzie Premer followed with six, junior Cassie Ellegood finished with five, and senior Sadie Spray added four. Spray and Ellegood were also big defensively with three blocks, and Feist and freshman Kya Behr each added two. Nachtigal led the back row with 14 digs en route to her milestone. Spray added 13, and Feist and Behr each finished with six. Behr finished with 18 assists.

The Lady Panthers move to 20-3 on the season. Great Bend still occupies the No. 3 spot in the 5A West standings as they head to El Dorado Saturday for tournament play. The squad will see more tough competition next Tuesday's triangular in Phillipsburg that includes No. 3 Smith Center (2A).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696597499490.jpeg" alt="Great Bend High School senior Macy Nachtigal reached 1,000 career digs during a pair of Lady Panther wins Thursday evening in Hillsboro." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School senior Macy Nachtigal reached 1,000 career digs during a pair of Lady Panther wins Thursday evening in Hillsboro.</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsCall it an up-and-down week. After suffering just their second and third losses of the season Tuesday in Goddard, the Lady Panther volleyball team headed east to Hillsboro Thursday to face two of its toughest opponents on the schedule. Great Bend needed two sets to get by No. 9 Emporia (5A) 25-19, 25-23, then needed just two more sets to get by top-ranked and reigning 2A state champion Hillsboro 25-20, 27-25. Senior Macy Nachtigal reached 1,000 career digs on the evening.Junior Kara Feist led the attack in the Hillsboro match with eight kills. Senior Makenzie Premer followed with six, junior Cassie Ellegood finished with five, and senior Sadie Spray added four. Spray and Ellegood were also big defensively with three blocks, and Feist and freshman Kya Behr each added two. Nachtigal led the back row with 14 digs en route to her milestone. Spray added 13, and Feist and Behr each finished with six. Behr finished with 18 assists.The Lady Panthers move to 20-3 on the season. Great Bend still occupies the No. 3 spot in the 5A West standings as they head to El Dorado Saturday for tournament play. The squad will see more tough competition next Tuesday's triangular in Phillipsburg that includes No. 3 Smith Center (2A).&nbsp;

Lady Panther volleyball takes down two ranked opponents

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled all season to get much
production from their young group of wide receivers, and that is a
big reason why their offense has failed to soar like it usually does.
Through the first four games, the entire Chiefs wide receiver corps
has combined to catch 45 passes for 588 yards and just two
touchdowns. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said part of the
problem is simply their youth, but he also points out that Travis
Kelce, Isiah Pacheco and the rest of the tight ends and running backs
get their share of passes, too. Still, at this rate, Rashee Rice
would lead Kansas City with a scant 55 receptions by the end of the
season.

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) —
Justin Fields connected with DJ Moore for 230 yards and three
touchdowns to help the embattled Chicago Bears pick up their first
win of the season by beating Washington 40-20. Fields matched his
career high set last week with four TD passes. Chicago's victory came
hours after word emerged of the death of franchise great Dick Butkus.
The Bears snapped a 14-game losing streak dating to last season.
Washington fell behind 27-3 at halftime and lost a third consecutive
game.

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) —
Washington Commanders part-owner Magic Johnson has chided his NFL
team for showing no intensity or fire in a 40-20 loss to the
previously winless Chicago Bears. Coach Ron Rivera's Commanders
produced another terrible first half and fell into a 24-point hole
against Chicago on Thursday night. That led to boos from the home
crowd. Eventually, Washington briefly displayed some competence but
wound up losing against an opponent club that hadn’t won a game in
nearly a year. Washington's defense was supposed to be a strength
under Rivera but Washington Commanders could not slow down Justin
Fields and DJ Moore. Washington has lost three games in a row and
allowed at least 33 points in each of its past four outings.

UNDATED (AP) —
Most of the focus in the Big 12 this week is on the Oklahoma-Texas
showdown, but Kansas State sits just outside of the AP Top 25. A win
for the Wildcats against Oklahoma State would put them ahead of the
loser of that Oklahoma-Texas game in the conference standings. The
Wildcats’ only loss was a non-conference game at now-No. 21
Missouri after the Tigers kicked a game-winning 61-yard field goal as
time expired. Oklahoma State is off to a rough start, and fans are
becoming unhappy with veteran coach Mike Gundy after two straight
losses.

UNDATED (AP) — UCF
is headed to Kansas on Saturday for its first game against its new
Big 12 opponent. The Knights nearly had their first conference win
since joining the league last week but blew a 35-7 third-quarter lead
in a 36-35 loss to Baylor. Kansas had its perfect start ruined by
Texas, which romped to a 40-14 victory. The Jayhawks played that game
without quarterback Jalon Daniels, whose back flared up. Backup Jason
Bean is available. UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee could return. He
has been out since hurting his knee against Boise State three weeks
ago.

UNDATED (AP) — The
Red River rivalry game between third-ranked Texas and 12th-ranked
Oklahoma matches the Big 12's only undefeated and only ranked teams.
It is their last meeting as part of the Big 12, at least in the
regular season. They could play in the Big 12 championship game in
December before moving to the Southeastern Conference next year. For
now, the focus is on their annual game in the middle of the State
Fair of Texas in the league's highlight game this weekend. Both teams
are 5-0, marking the first time since 2011 both are undefeated for
their game.

UNDATED (AP) —
Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel had a concussion and never took
the field against Texas last year. Sooners coach Brent Venables first
game in the rivalry was a disaster. Both are looking for much
different outcomes when No. 3 Texas and No. 12 Oklahoma collide in
the Cotton Bowl on Saturday. Gabriel is healthy and slinging the ball
around like few quarterbacks in the country this season. Texas hasn't
face an opponent's No. 1 quarterback in the last three games.
Saturday is the last matchup of these border rivals in the Big 12.
Both programs move to the SEC next season.

AMES, Iowa (AP) —
TCU begins a stretch of three of four games on the road when it
visits Iowa State on Saturday night. The Horned Frogs are coming off
a stinging home loss to West Virginia. They are 7-0 in true road
games under Sonny Dykes. Iowa State has lost three of four and will
go on the road for two straight after facing TCU. The key matchup is
Iowa State's offensive line against TCU's defensive front. The
Cyclones have allowed three sacks. They gave up 12 through five games
a year ago. The Horned Frogs lead the Big 12 with 16 sacks.

UNDATED (AP) —
Joey McGuire is returning to Baylor for a game for the first time
since he left the Bears staff during the 2021 season to become Texas
Tech's head coach. The Bears have won four of the last five meetings
in the series. That includes the last two, though McGuire didn't make
the trip to Waco for the 2021 regular-season finale the Red Raiders
lost in Waco. McGuire had been on Baylor's staff for five seasons
when he was hired by Texas Tech. Both teams are 2-3 this season.
Baylor is coming off a record comeback win over UCF.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Billy Eppler has resigned as New York Mets general manager, and a
person familiar with the probe said he is under investigation by
Major League Baseball. The person spoke to The Associated Press on
condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss
the investigation. The person did not disclose the nature of the
probe, but the New York Post was first to report Thursday that Eppler
is being investigated by MLB for improper use of the injured list.
His surprising resignation came three days after David Stearns was
hired above Eppler as the Mets’ first president of baseball
operations. Eppler spent the past two seasons running baseball
operations for New York in his role as GM.

CHICAGO (AP) —
Former Northwestern University football coach Pat Fitzgerald is suing
the school for $130 million, saying his alma mater wrongfully fired
him in the wake of a hazing and abuse scandal that has engulfed the
athletic department. The announcement by Chicago-based attorneys Dan
K. Webb and Matthew R. Carter on Thursday comes nearly three months
after Fitzgerald was suspended and then fired after 17 years. Webb
said that Fitzgerald would also be seeking additional money for
“infliction of emotional distress,” future lost income and
punitive damages. He said the suit in Cook County Circuit Court is
against the university and its President Michael Schill.

CHICAGO (AP) —
Fearsome Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus has died at 80.
The team said in a statement that he died Thursday. Citing his
family, the team said Butkus died in his sleep at his home in Malibu,
California. Butkus was a Hall of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles
made him one of the most intimidating players in NFL history. He was
the quintessential modern linebacker, a disruptive force who roamed
sideline to sideline and left a trail of broken opponents behind.
Despite a short career in which he retired at 31, Butkus came to
define his position. He later acted in movies, TV shows and
commercials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694688181399.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled all season to get much
production from their young group of wide receivers, and that is a
big reason why their offense has failed to soar like it usually does.
Through the first four games, the entire Chiefs wide receiver corps
has combined to catch 45 passes for 588 yards and just two
touchdowns. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said part of the
problem is simply their youth, but he also points out that Travis
Kelce, Isiah Pacheco and the rest of the tight ends and running backs
get their share of passes, too. Still, at this rate, Rashee Rice
would lead Kansas City with a scant 55 receptions by the end of the
season.LANDOVER, Md. (AP) —
Justin Fields connected with DJ Moore for 230 yards and three
touchdowns to help the embattled Chicago Bears pick up their first
win of the season by beating Washington 40-20. Fields matched his
career high set last week with four TD passes. Chicago's victory came
hours after word emerged of the death of franchise great Dick Butkus.
The Bears snapped a 14-game losing streak dating to last season.
Washington fell behind 27-3 at halftime and lost a third consecutive
game.LANDOVER, Md. (AP) —
Washington Commanders part-owner Magic Johnson has chided his NFL
team for showing no intensity or fire in a 40-20 loss to the
previously winless Chicago Bears. Coach Ron Rivera's Commanders
produced another terrible first half and fell into a 24-point hole
against Chicago on Thursday night. That led to boos from the home
crowd. Eventually, Washington briefly displayed some competence but
wound up losing against an opponent club that hadn’t won a game in
nearly a year. Washington's defense was supposed to be a strength
under Rivera but Washington Commanders could not slow down Justin
Fields and DJ Moore. Washington has lost three games in a row and
allowed at least 33 points in each of its past four outings.UNDATED (AP) —
Most of the focus in the Big 12 this week is on the Oklahoma-Texas
showdown, but Kansas State sits just outside of the AP Top 25. A win
for the Wildcats against Oklahoma State would put them ahead of the
loser of that Oklahoma-Texas game in the conference standings. The
Wildcats’ only loss was a non-conference game at now-No. 21
Missouri after the Tigers kicked a game-winning 61-yard field goal as
time expired. Oklahoma State is off to a rough start, and fans are
becoming unhappy with veteran coach Mike Gundy after two straight
losses.UNDATED (AP) — UCF
is headed to Kansas on Saturday for its first game against its new
Big 12 opponent. The Knights nearly had their first conference win
since joining the league last week but blew a 35-7 third-quarter lead
in a 36-35 loss to Baylor. Kansas had its perfect start ruined by
Texas, which romped to a 40-14 victory. The Jayhawks played that game
without quarterback Jalon Daniels, whose back flared up. Backup Jason
Bean is available. UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee could return. He
has been out since hurting his knee against Boise State three weeks
ago.UNDATED (AP) — The
Red River rivalry game between third-ranked Texas and 12th-ranked
Oklahoma matches the Big 12's only undefeated and only ranked teams.
It is their last meeting as part of the Big 12, at least in the
regular season. They could play in the Big 12 championship game in
December before moving to the Southeastern Conference next year. For
now, the focus is on their annual game in the middle of the State
Fair of Texas in the league's highlight game this weekend. Both teams
are 5-0, marking the first time since 2011 both are undefeated for
their game.UNDATED (AP) —
Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel had a concussion and never took
the field against Texas last year. Sooners coach Brent Venables first
game in the rivalry was a disaster. Both are looking for much
different outcomes when No. 3 Texas and No. 12 Oklahoma collide in
the Cotton Bowl on Saturday. Gabriel is healthy and slinging the ball
around like few quarterbacks in the country this season. Texas hasn't
face an opponent's No. 1 quarterback in the last three games.
Saturday is the last matchup of these border rivals in the Big 12.
Both programs move to the SEC next season.AMES, Iowa (AP) —
TCU begins a stretch of three of four games on the road when it
visits Iowa State on Saturday night. The Horned Frogs are coming off
a stinging home loss to West Virginia. They are 7-0 in true road
games under Sonny Dykes. Iowa State has lost three of four and will
go on the road for two straight after facing TCU. The key matchup is
Iowa State's offensive line against TCU's defensive front. The
Cyclones have allowed three sacks. They gave up 12 through five games
a year ago. The Horned Frogs lead the Big 12 with 16 sacks.UNDATED (AP) —
Joey McGuire is returning to Baylor for a game for the first time
since he left the Bears staff during the 2021 season to become Texas
Tech's head coach. The Bears have won four of the last five meetings
in the series. That includes the last two, though McGuire didn't make
the trip to Waco for the 2021 regular-season finale the Red Raiders
lost in Waco. McGuire had been on Baylor's staff for five seasons
when he was hired by Texas Tech. Both teams are 2-3 this season.
Baylor is coming off a record comeback win over UCF.NEW YORK (AP) —
Billy Eppler has resigned as New York Mets general manager, and a
person familiar with the probe said he is under investigation by
Major League Baseball. The person spoke to The Associated Press on
condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss
the investigation. The person did not disclose the nature of the
probe, but the New York Post was first to report Thursday that Eppler
is being investigated by MLB for improper use of the injured list.
His surprising resignation came three days after David Stearns was
hired above Eppler as the Mets’ first president of baseball
operations. Eppler spent the past two seasons running baseball
operations for New York in his role as GM.CHICAGO (AP) —
Former Northwestern University football coach Pat Fitzgerald is suing
the school for $130 million, saying his alma mater wrongfully fired
him in the wake of a hazing and abuse scandal that has engulfed the
athletic department. The announcement by Chicago-based attorneys Dan
K. Webb and Matthew R. Carter on Thursday comes nearly three months
after Fitzgerald was suspended and then fired after 17 years. Webb
said that Fitzgerald would also be seeking additional money for
“infliction of emotional distress,” future lost income and
punitive damages. He said the suit in Cook County Circuit Court is
against the university and its President Michael Schill.CHICAGO (AP) —
Fearsome Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus has died at 80.
The team said in a statement that he died Thursday. Citing his
family, the team said Butkus died in his sleep at his home in Malibu,
California. Butkus was a Hall of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles
made him one of the most intimidating players in NFL history. He was
the quintessential modern linebacker, a disruptive force who roamed
sideline to sideline and left a trail of broken opponents behind.
Despite a short career in which he retired at 31, Butkus came to
define his position. He later acted in movies, TV shows and
commercials.THURSDAY SCORESNATIONAL FOOTBALL
LEAGUEFinal	Chicago	40	Washington	20

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Most of the focus in
the Big 12 this week is on the Oklahoma-Texas showdown, but Kansas
State sits just outside of the AP Top 25. A win for the Wildcats
against Oklahoma State would put them ahead of the loser of that
Oklahoma-Texas game in the conference standings. The Wildcats’ only
loss was a non-conference game at now-No. 21 Missouri after the
Tigers kicked a game-winning 61-yard field goal as time expired.
Oklahoma State is off to a rough start, and fans are becoming unhappy
with veteran coach Mike Gundy after two straight losses.

Kansas State
(3-1, 1-0 Big 12) at Oklahoma State (2-2, 0-1), Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET
(ESPN)

Line: Kansas
State by 11 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series record:
Oklahoma State leads 42-27.

Oklahoma State RB
Ollie Gordon vs. Kansas State run defense. Gordon took over the lead
back role against Iowa State and carried 18 times for 121 yards.
Kansas State leads the Big 12 and ranks sixth nationally with just 73
yards rushing allowed per game.

Kansas State: RB DJ
Giddens. The sophomore has rushed for 423 yards with 6.4 yards per
carry. His 105.8 yards per game rank third in the Big 12. In his most
recent game, he ran for 207 yards and four touchdowns in a 44-31 win
over Central Florida. It was the first four-touchdown rushing effort
in school history.

Oklahoma State: QB
Alan Bowman. He got the start against Iowa State after splitting time
with two other quarterbacks the first three games and passed for 278
yards and two touchdowns. Garret Rangel and Gunnar Gundy are the
replacements if Bowman falters.

By The Associated PressMost of the focus in
the Big 12 this week is on the Oklahoma-Texas showdown, but Kansas
State sits just outside of the AP Top 25. A win for the Wildcats
against Oklahoma State would put them ahead of the loser of that
Oklahoma-Texas game in the conference standings. The Wildcats’ only
loss was a non-conference game at now-No. 21 Missouri after the
Tigers kicked a game-winning 61-yard field goal as time expired.
Oklahoma State is off to a rough start, and fans are becoming unhappy
with veteran coach Mike Gundy after two straight losses.Kansas State
(3-1, 1-0 Big 12) at Oklahoma State (2-2, 0-1), Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET
(ESPN)Line: Kansas
State by 11 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.Series record:
Oklahoma State leads 42-27.WHAT’S AT
STAKE?Most of the focus in
the Big 12 this week is on the Oklahoma-Texas showdown, but Kansas
State sits just outside of the AP Top 25. A win for the Wildcats
against Oklahoma State would put them ahead of the loser of that
Oklahoma-Texas game in the conference standings. The Wildcats’ only
loss was a non-conference game at now-No. 21 Missouri after the
Tigers kicked a game-winning 61-yard field goal as time expired.
Oklahoma State is off to a rough start, and fans are becoming unhappy
with veteran coach Mike Gundy after two straight losses.KEY MATCHUPOklahoma State RB
Ollie Gordon vs. Kansas State run defense. Gordon took over the lead
back role against Iowa State and carried 18 times for 121 yards.
Kansas State leads the Big 12 and ranks sixth nationally with just 73
yards rushing allowed per game.PLAYERS TO WATCHKansas State: RB DJ
Giddens. The sophomore has rushed for 423 yards with 6.4 yards per
carry. His 105.8 yards per game rank third in the Big 12. In his most
recent game, he ran for 207 yards and four touchdowns in a 44-31 win
over Central Florida. It was the first four-touchdown rushing effort
in school history.Oklahoma State: QB
Alan Bowman. He got the start against Iowa State after splitting time
with two other quarterbacks the first three games and passed for 278
yards and two touchdowns. Garret Rangel and Gunnar Gundy are the
replacements if Bowman falters.FACTS &amp;
FIGURES

Kansas State seeks 2-0 Big 12 start, return to Top 25

CHICAGO (AP) — Dick Butkus, a fearsome middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears, has died, the team announced Thursday. He was 80.

According to a statement released by the team, Butkus' family confirmed that he died in his sleep overnight at his home in Malibu, California.

Butkus was a Hall of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles made him one of the most intimidating players in NFL history. He was the quintessential modern linebacker, a disruptive force who roamed sideline to sideline and left a trail of broken opponents behind.

He was a first-team All-Pro selection five times and made the Pro Bowl in eight of his nine seasons before knee injuries forced his retirement at age 31. Despite a short career, Butkus came to define his position. He routinely ranks among the NFL’s top 100 players.

CHICAGO (AP) — Dick Butkus, a fearsome middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears, has died, the team announced Thursday. He was 80.According to a statement released by the team, Butkus' family confirmed that he died in his sleep overnight at his home in Malibu, California.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/BxVt7EfV9Q">pic.twitter.com/BxVt7EfV9Q</a>&mdash; Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1710063953781440885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Butkus was a Hall of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles made him one of the most intimidating players in NFL history. He was the quintessential modern linebacker, a disruptive force who roamed sideline to sideline and left a trail of broken opponents behind.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. <a href="https://t.co/8UEVuuZLwi">pic.twitter.com/8UEVuuZLwi</a>&mdash; Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1710063847359287777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He was a first-team All-Pro selection five times and made the Pro Bowl in eight of his nine seasons before knee injuries forced his retirement at age 31. Despite a short career, Butkus came to define his position. He routinely ranks among the NFL’s top 100 players.

Dick Butkus, Hall of Fame Chicago Bear, dies at 80

UCF is headed to
Kansas on Saturday for its first game against its new Big 12
opponent. The Knights nearly had their first conference win since
joining the league last week but blew a 35-7 third-quarter lead in a
36-35 loss to Baylor. Kansas had its perfect start ruined by Texas,
which romped to a 40-14 victory. The Jayhawks played that game
without quarterback Jalon Daniels, whose back flared up. Backup Jason
Bean is available. UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee could return. He
has been out since hurting his knee against Boise State three weeks
ago.

UCF (3-2, 0-2 Big
12) at Kansas (4-1, 1-1), Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (FOX)

Line: Kansas
by 2 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

UCF was competitive
in a loss to Kansas State to open its Big 12 tenure, then blew a 35-7
third-quarter lead in a 36-35 loss to Baylor last weekend. That
leaves the Knights desperate to pick up their first conference win
and even their overall record as they visit Memorial Stadium for the
first time. Kansas is coming off a 40-14 loss at Texas in which it
was missing star quarterback Jalon Daniels, whose balky back flared
up and kept him out of the game. Daniels could be out again this
week, putting Jason Bean in line to start for the Jayhawks.

UCF's quarterbacks
against the Kansas pass defense, which allowed the Longhorns' Quinn
Ewers to throw for 325 yards and a touchdown last week. John Rhys
Plumlee could be back after hurting his leg three weeks ago at Boise
State, forcing Timmy McClain into the starting role. Plumlee was
cleared to play last week and warmed up for the game against Baylor,
but UCF coach Gus Malzahn said afterward he did not feel comfortable
playing him without going through a full practice first.

UCF: RBs RJ
Harvey and Johnny Richardson helped the Knights pile up 235 yards
rushing against Baylor, a big chunk coming on Richardson's 79-yard TD
run on the opening play. Kansas allowed Texas running back Jonathon
Brooks to run for 218 yards and two scores last week.

Kansas: The
entire WR corps needs to step up this week. They combined to catch
four passes against the Longhorns, and most of their 80 yards came on
Trevor Wilson's 58-yard TD reception. Their inability to produce
allowed Texas to stuff the line of scrimmage, holding the Jayhawks'
ground game in check.

By The Associated
PressUCF is headed to
Kansas on Saturday for its first game against its new Big 12
opponent. The Knights nearly had their first conference win since
joining the league last week but blew a 35-7 third-quarter lead in a
36-35 loss to Baylor. Kansas had its perfect start ruined by Texas,
which romped to a 40-14 victory. The Jayhawks played that game
without quarterback Jalon Daniels, whose back flared up. Backup Jason
Bean is available. UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee could return. He
has been out since hurting his knee against Boise State three weeks
ago.UCF (3-2, 0-2 Big
12) at Kansas (4-1, 1-1), Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (FOX)Line: Kansas
by 2 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.Series record:
First meeting.WHAT’S AT
STAKE?UCF was competitive
in a loss to Kansas State to open its Big 12 tenure, then blew a 35-7
third-quarter lead in a 36-35 loss to Baylor last weekend. That
leaves the Knights desperate to pick up their first conference win
and even their overall record as they visit Memorial Stadium for the
first time. Kansas is coming off a 40-14 loss at Texas in which it
was missing star quarterback Jalon Daniels, whose balky back flared
up and kept him out of the game. Daniels could be out again this
week, putting Jason Bean in line to start for the Jayhawks.KEY MATCHUPUCF's quarterbacks
against the Kansas pass defense, which allowed the Longhorns' Quinn
Ewers to throw for 325 yards and a touchdown last week. John Rhys
Plumlee could be back after hurting his leg three weeks ago at Boise
State, forcing Timmy McClain into the starting role. Plumlee was
cleared to play last week and warmed up for the game against Baylor,
but UCF coach Gus Malzahn said afterward he did not feel comfortable
playing him without going through a full practice first.PLAYERS TO WATCHUCF: RBs RJ
Harvey and Johnny Richardson helped the Knights pile up 235 yards
rushing against Baylor, a big chunk coming on Richardson's 79-yard TD
run on the opening play. Kansas allowed Texas running back Jonathon
Brooks to run for 218 yards and two scores last week.Kansas: The
entire WR corps needs to step up this week. They combined to catch
four passes against the Longhorns, and most of their 80 yards came on
Trevor Wilson's 58-yard TD reception. Their inability to produce
allowed Texas to stuff the line of scrimmage, holding the Jayhawks'
ground game in check.FACTS &amp;
FIGURES

UCF heads to Kansas for first meeting with new Big 12 opponent, looking for first league win

Maybe there's too much Taylor, not enough Travis.

Travis Kelce agreed Wednesday with the idea that NFL TV coverage has been “overdoing it” with the amount of times Taylor Swift has been on screen while attending his Kansas City Chiefs' games the last two weeks.

Swift was in a suite Sunday night at MetLife Stadium for the Chiefs' victory over the New York Jets in prime time. Jason Kelce, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, told his brother during their “ New Heights ” podcast that cameras showed live shots of the suite no fewer than 17 times during the game.

“Damn, that's crazy,” Travis Kelce said. “That's like once a drive.”

Travis did say that it's fun when the cameras show which famous people are at a game. Swift was in the suite with actors Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Hugh Jackman.

“But at the same time, I think they’re overdoing it a little bit for sure, especially my situation,” Travis added.

Ian Trombetta, the NFL’s senior vice president of social, influencer and content marketing, said in an interview with The Associated Press that the league wants to “make sure we remain in a celebratory sort of posture and position, and one that we don't want to over-commercialize, in a way.”

Trombetta noted that “there's always chatter around different celebrities and so on that are attending different games, but this took a life of its own, and I think a big part of it has to do with just the high level of interest in Taylor and what’s going on with her personal life, as well as Travis.”

Jason Kelce said he believes the NFL just isn't used to having as many celebrities at games. He said it's more common at NBA games, where they show the A-listers a couple of times but then stick to the game.

That hasn't been the case the last two Sundays when the Chiefs were playing with their Grammy-winning fan in attendance.

By The Associated PressMaybe there's too much Taylor, not enough Travis.Travis Kelce agreed Wednesday with the idea that NFL TV coverage has been “overdoing it” with the amount of times Taylor Swift has been on screen while attending his Kansas City Chiefs' games the last two weeks.Swift was in a suite Sunday night at MetLife Stadium for the Chiefs' victory over the New York Jets in prime time. Jason Kelce, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, told his brother during their “ New Heights ” podcast that cameras showed live shots of the suite no fewer than 17 times during the game.“Damn, that's crazy,” Travis Kelce said. “That's like once a drive.”Travis did say that it's fun when the cameras show which famous people are at a game. Swift was in the suite with actors Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Hugh Jackman.“But at the same time, I think they’re overdoing it a little bit for sure, especially my situation,” Travis added.Ian Trombetta, the NFL’s senior vice president of social, influencer and content marketing, said in an interview with The Associated Press that the league wants to “make sure we remain in a celebratory sort of posture and position, and one that we don't want to over-commercialize, in a way.”Trombetta noted that “there's always chatter around different celebrities and so on that are attending different games, but this took a life of its own, and I think a big part of it has to do with just the high level of interest in Taylor and what’s going on with her personal life, as well as Travis.”Jason Kelce said he believes the NFL just isn't used to having as many celebrities at games. He said it's more common at NBA games, where they show the A-listers a couple of times but then stick to the game.That hasn't been the case the last two Sundays when the Chiefs were playing with their Grammy-winning fan in attendance.

Too much Taylor? Travis Kelce says NFL TV coverage is 'overdoing it' with Swift during games

- Great Bend Panther football coach Erin Beck and selected players will be in studio to preview Friday's game at 5-0 Liberal

- "Voice of the Indians" Gary Wagner discusses Larned's Friday home game with Southwestern Heights

- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" for Panther sports with Great Bend Girls Tennis coach Zach Bartel

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Thursday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and&nbsp; Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Thursday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and&nbsp; Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mj5tEz1CP40?si=frPu9kh6cRGsySD9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Great Bend Panther football coach Erin Beck and selected players will be in studio to preview Friday's game at 5-0 Liberal- "Voice of the Indians" Gary Wagner discusses Larned's Friday home game with Southwestern Heights- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" for Panther sports with Great Bend Girls Tennis coach Zach Bartel- Thursday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Thursday on Sports Day (Watch)

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The Barton Community College women's bowling team opened the 2023-24 season Wednesday at Great Bend's Walnut Bowl with a big margin victory over Kansas Wesleyan University.

The two teams, along with a second wave of Cougars, competed in a four-game series of individual placings capped with six games of Baker competition.

Barton came out on top by 191 pins over the Coyotes, compiling a 4496 total over KWU's 4305 pins while the Cougars' second grouping compiled 3960 pins.

Leading the nineteen competitors in individual competition was Olivia Oliver with an 810 series, 92 pins ahead of fellow sophomore Jasmine Bridges' 718 with freshman Cassidy Eschliman taking third overall with a 700. Oliver stacked up her victory behind a pair of 200-plus games, rolling a 222 in the second game of competition before capping the singles play with a 250.

Freshman Chailyn Scott was the only other competitor to exceed the 200 mark, rolling a 202 in game two on the way for a 665 fifth overall standing giving Barton four in the top five of the field.

In Baker games the Cougars dominated by 229 pins in compiling a 3463 in the six games, KWU scoring 3234 pins with Barton's second grouping accumulating 3101 pins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696503280624.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College women's bowling team opened the 2023-24 season Wednesday at Great Bend's Walnut Bowl with a big margin victory over Kansas Wesleyan University.The two teams, along with a second wave of Cougars, competed in a four-game series of individual placings capped with six games of Baker competition.Barton came out on top by 191 pins over the Coyotes, compiling a 4496 total over KWU's 4305 pins while the Cougars' second grouping compiled 3960 pins.Leading the nineteen competitors in individual competition was Olivia Oliver with an 810 series, 92 pins ahead of fellow sophomore Jasmine Bridges' 718 with freshman Cassidy Eschliman taking third overall with a 700. Oliver stacked up her victory behind a pair of 200-plus games, rolling a 222 in the second game of competition before capping the singles play with a 250.Freshman Chailyn Scott was the only other competitor to exceed the 200 mark, rolling a 202 in game two on the way for a 665 fifth overall standing giving Barton four in the top five of the field.In Baker games the Cougars dominated by 229 pins in compiling a 3463 in the six games, KWU scoring 3234 pins with Barton's second grouping accumulating 3101 pins.

Barton women's bowling takes season opener over Kansas Wesleyan

The Barton Community College men's bowling team placed three in the top five Wednesday at Great Bend's Walnut Bowl leading the Cougars to a season opening victory over Kansas Wesleyan University.

The two teams, along with a second wave of "junior varsity" members, competed in a four-game series of individual placings capped with six games of Baker competition.

Barton came out on top by 95 pins over the Coyotes, compiling a 4868 total over KWU's 4773. In a battle of the JV squads, Barton also came out on top by 207 pins with a 4553 score to outdistance the Coyotes' 4346.

Leading the Cougars in the 25-man field was freshman&nbsp;Logan Lindsley&nbsp;by starting off hot with a 224 and 234 in the first two games, finishing runner-up with an 820 series.

KWU's Jackson Penny rolled out an 88 pin victory behind three 200-plus games including a dual high 258 in game three to compile a 908 total while former Cougar, now Coyote Alec Elskamp took third place, twenty-three pins behind Lindsley with a 797.

Another pair of Barton freshman grabbed the fourth and fifth position overall, each rolling a pair of 200-plus games as&nbsp;Chris O'Connor's team high 248 in game four proved to be a difference maker in compiling 792 pins while&nbsp;Carter Lambeth&nbsp;finished five pins behind at 787.

In Baker games, the competition was stiff amongst the four squads with KWU's varsity coming out on top with a twenty-one pin victory in a 1023 total. Barton's JV squad took team bragging rights with a 1002 total as the varsity squad scored an even 1000 while KWU's JV squad was just ten pins back with a 990 total.

The tune-up leaves Barton with a quick turnaround for its first big meet of the year, joining their women teammates in traveling to Texas this weekend for a pair of tier-1 tournaments in the SWIBC-I and SWIBC-II held Saturday and Sunday at Fort Worth's City View Lanes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696503078434.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College men's bowling team placed three in the top five Wednesday at Great Bend's Walnut Bowl leading the Cougars to a season opening victory over Kansas Wesleyan University.The two teams, along with a second wave of "junior varsity" members, competed in a four-game series of individual placings capped with six games of Baker competition.Barton came out on top by 95 pins over the Coyotes, compiling a 4868 total over KWU's 4773. In a battle of the JV squads, Barton also came out on top by 207 pins with a 4553 score to outdistance the Coyotes' 4346.Leading the Cougars in the 25-man field was freshman&nbsp;Logan Lindsley&nbsp;by starting off hot with a 224 and 234 in the first two games, finishing runner-up with an 820 series.KWU's Jackson Penny rolled out an 88 pin victory behind three 200-plus games including a dual high 258 in game three to compile a 908 total while former Cougar, now Coyote Alec Elskamp took third place, twenty-three pins behind Lindsley with a 797.Another pair of Barton freshman grabbed the fourth and fifth position overall, each rolling a pair of 200-plus games as&nbsp;Chris O'Connor's team high 248 in game four proved to be a difference maker in compiling 792 pins while&nbsp;Carter Lambeth&nbsp;finished five pins behind at 787.In Baker games, the competition was stiff amongst the four squads with KWU's varsity coming out on top with a twenty-one pin victory in a 1023 total. Barton's JV squad took team bragging rights with a 1002 total as the varsity squad scored an even 1000 while KWU's JV squad was just ten pins back with a 990 total.The tune-up leaves Barton with a quick turnaround for its first big meet of the year, joining their women teammates in traveling to Texas this weekend for a pair of tier-1 tournaments in the SWIBC-I and SWIBC-II held Saturday and Sunday at Fort Worth's City View Lanes.

Barton Bowling opens season with victories

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Holding a late lead, the 6th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team was forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Coffeyville Community College Wednesday afternoon at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

The result drops the Cougars to second in the conference at 6-0-2 and 9-0-2 overall while the Red Ravens move to 2-4-1 in league play and 6-4-3 on the season.

Barton now embarks on its longest road trip of the season. The Cougars will open the four-game trip with a non-conference matchup Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. against Northeastern Junior College before returning to conference play next Wednesday at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

The 7th ranked Barton Community College women's soccer team posted its fifth shutout of the season Wednesday afternoon earning a 7-0 victory over Coffeyville Community College at the Cougar Soccer Complex.  

Completing the regular season sweep, the victory moves the Cougars to 8-1-2 in conference play and overall while the loss drops the Red Ravens to 2-8-0 in league play and 4-8-0 on the season.

Barton will have the weekend off before traveling to 14th ranked Kansas City Kansas Community College next Wednesday for a 5:00 p.m. kickoff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696502855552.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoBarton Men 2, Coffeyville 2Holding a late lead, the 6th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team was forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Coffeyville Community College Wednesday afternoon at the Cougar Soccer Complex.The result drops the Cougars to second in the conference at 6-0-2 and 9-0-2 overall while the Red Ravens move to 2-4-1 in league play and 6-4-3 on the season.Barton now embarks on its longest road trip of the season. The Cougars will open the four-game trip with a non-conference matchup Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. against Northeastern Junior College before returning to conference play next Wednesday at Kansas City Kansas Community College.Barton Women 7, Coffeyville 0The 7th ranked Barton Community College women's soccer team posted its fifth shutout of the season Wednesday afternoon earning a 7-0 victory over Coffeyville Community College at the Cougar Soccer Complex. Completing the regular season sweep, the victory moves the Cougars to 8-1-2 in conference play and overall while the loss drops the Red Ravens to 2-8-0 in league play and 4-8-0 on the season.Barton will have the weekend off before traveling to 14th ranked Kansas City Kansas Community College next Wednesday for a 5:00 p.m. kickoff.

Barton Women victorious 7-0, Men play to 2-2 draw vs Coffeyville

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes criticized his own
performance four games into the season Wednesday. The two-time and
reigning league MVP says he must play better if Kansas City wants to
defend its Super Bowl title. Mahomes threw for just 203 yards with a
touchdown pass and two interceptions last Sunday night in New York,
though he made a couple of big plays with his legs to preserve a win
over the Jets. Even with Mahomes playing poorly by his standards, the
Chiefs have won three straight after their season-opening loss to
Detroit and lead the AFC West. They play at Minnesota on Sunday.

Travis Kelce agrees
with the idea that NFL TV coverage is “overdoing it” with the
amount of times Taylor Swift has been shown while attending his
Kansas City Chiefs' games the last two weekends. Swift was in a suite
Sunday night at MetLife Stadium for the Chiefs’ victory over the
New York Jets in prime time. Jason Kelce told his brother during
their “New Heights” podcast that cameras showed live shots of the
suite 17 times during the game. Ian Trombetta, the NFL’s senior
vice president of social, influencer and content marketing, said in
an interview with The Associated Press that “there’s always
chatter around different celebrities and so on that are attending
different games, but this took a life of its own."

UNDATED (AP) — The
Southeastern Conference, both present and future, takes center stage
Saturday. At the state fair in Dallas, No. 3 Texas and No. 12
Oklahoma play the final Red River Rivalry game as members of the Big
12 before joining the SEC next year. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey
will be in attendance. Red River is the first part of a Lone Star
State doubleheader for Sankey. He will head over to College Station
to catch the midafternoon game between No. 11 Alabama and Texas A&amp;M.
In the SEC East, No. 20 Kentucky visits No. 1 Georgia.

UNDATED (AP) — The
NCAA Division I Council approved a smaller window during which
football and basketball players can enter their names into the
transfer portal and retain immediate eligibility for the following
season The transfer windows will decrease from 60 to 45 days. The
council also voted to eliminate the caps on how many players Division
I football teams can sign in a year. Overall scholarship limits will
remain in place. The council recommended changes to penalties related
to gambling violations and the NCAA announced it would advocate for
states to provide more protections for college athletes in their
gambling laws.

UNDATED (AP) —
Oklahoma-Texas is the main attraction in Week 6 of the college
football season and one of three games matching Top 25 teams. The No.
12 Sooners and No. 3 Longhorns will meet for the 95th consecutive
year in Dallas but the last as members of the Big 12. Both move to
the Southeastern Conference next year. No. 23 LSU visits No. 21
Missouri in only the second meeting of the teams since Mizzou entered
the SEC in 2012. No. 10 Notre Dame visits No. 25 Louisville in what
will be the Cardinals’ first major test following a 5-0 start.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) —
Bryson Stott crushed the second grand slam in Philadelphia Phillies
postseason history and Aaron Nola tossed seven shutout innings in a
performance worthy of a postseason ace that led to a 7-1 win and a
two-game sweep over the Miami Marlins in their NL Wild Card Series.
The Phillies advanced to an NL Division Series rematch against Ronald
Acuña Jr., Matt Olson and the Braves. Game 1 in the best-of-five set
is Saturday in Atlanta. J.T. Realmuto also homered for the Phillies.

MILWAUKEE (AP) —
Zac Gallen settled down after a shaky start and Arizona’s bullpen
stepped up at the very end, helping the Diamondbacks sweep their NL
Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers with a 5-2 victory in
Game 2. Just two years after suffering through a 110-loss season,
Arizona moved into the franchise’s first NL Division Series since
2017. The Diamondbacks will take on the NL West champion Dodgers in
the opener of their best-of-five series on Saturday in Los Angeles.
The NL Central champion Brewers have dropped nine of their last 10
playoff games, a stretch that started with their Game 7 home loss to
the Dodgers in the 2018 NL Championship Series.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
The Minnesota Twins swept the Toronto Blue Jays in their AL Wild Card
Series with a 2-0 win in Game 2. Sonny Gray pitched five effective
innings and Carlos Correa contributed an RBI single and a
quick-twitch tag off a pickoff throw from Gray that ended the fifth.
The Twins advanced for the first time in 21 years. They will play the
defending World Series champion Astros. Game 1 of the best-of-five AL
Division Series is in Houston on Saturday. Twins relievers logged 7
1/3 scoreless innings in the series. The Blue Jays left nine runners
on base each game.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.
(AP) — Adolis García and Evan Carter homered to back Nathan
Eovaldi, and the Texas Rangers beat the punchless Tampa Bay Rays 7-1
to finish a two-game AL Wild Card Series sweep. Garcia and Carter, a
20-year-old rookie who became the second-youngest postseason player
in franchise history, homered off 16-game winner Zach Eflin, who was
unable to save Tampa Bay’s season. Texas advanced to a Division
Series at AL East champion Baltimore starting Saturday. The Rays’
scoreless streak reached 33 innings, one shy of the postseason record
held by the 1966-74 Los Angeles Dodgers, before Curtis Mead’s RBI
single in the seventh.

ATLANTA (AP) —
Fans who are returning to baseball for the postseason will find
Ronald Acuña Jr. and other speedsters playing a different game.
Players are running much more than a year ago thanks to new rules,
which also promise to have an impact on the playoffs. There were
3,503 stolen bases in the regular season, a dramatic jump of more
than 1,000 from a year ago. It’s the highest total of thefts since
1987. Expect the rampant running to continue in the playoffs. Acuña
is the charter member of the 40-70 club. The Atlanta Braves star led
the majors with 73 stolen bases and is the face of the game's renewed
emphasis on speed.

ANTWERP, Belgium
(AP) — Led by Simone Biles, the U.S. women have won a record
seventh consecutive team title at the gymnastics world championships.
The American team of Biles, Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely and Leanne
Wong combined for a total of 167.729 points to edge Brazil and
France. The U.S. team won by a margin of 2.199 points as the final
proved to be a closer contest than anticipated after the Americans
put up a dominant performance in qualifying. The U.S. women have won
gold in the team event at every world championship that included a
team competition since 2011. Their victory in Antwerp broke a tie
with the Chinese men and made Biles the most decorated female gymnast
in history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696502488214.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes criticized his own
performance four games into the season Wednesday. The two-time and
reigning league MVP says he must play better if Kansas City wants to
defend its Super Bowl title. Mahomes threw for just 203 yards with a
touchdown pass and two interceptions last Sunday night in New York,
though he made a couple of big plays with his legs to preserve a win
over the Jets. Even with Mahomes playing poorly by his standards, the
Chiefs have won three straight after their season-opening loss to
Detroit and lead the AFC West. They play at Minnesota on Sunday.Travis Kelce agrees
with the idea that NFL TV coverage is “overdoing it” with the
amount of times Taylor Swift has been shown while attending his
Kansas City Chiefs' games the last two weekends. Swift was in a suite
Sunday night at MetLife Stadium for the Chiefs’ victory over the
New York Jets in prime time. Jason Kelce told his brother during
their “New Heights” podcast that cameras showed live shots of the
suite 17 times during the game. Ian Trombetta, the NFL’s senior
vice president of social, influencer and content marketing, said in
an interview with The Associated Press that “there’s always
chatter around different celebrities and so on that are attending
different games, but this took a life of its own."UNDATED (AP) — The
Southeastern Conference, both present and future, takes center stage
Saturday. At the state fair in Dallas, No. 3 Texas and No. 12
Oklahoma play the final Red River Rivalry game as members of the Big
12 before joining the SEC next year. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey
will be in attendance. Red River is the first part of a Lone Star
State doubleheader for Sankey. He will head over to College Station
to catch the midafternoon game between No. 11 Alabama and Texas A&amp;M.
In the SEC East, No. 20 Kentucky visits No. 1 Georgia.UNDATED (AP) — The
NCAA Division I Council approved a smaller window during which
football and basketball players can enter their names into the
transfer portal and retain immediate eligibility for the following
season The transfer windows will decrease from 60 to 45 days. The
council also voted to eliminate the caps on how many players Division
I football teams can sign in a year. Overall scholarship limits will
remain in place. The council recommended changes to penalties related
to gambling violations and the NCAA announced it would advocate for
states to provide more protections for college athletes in their
gambling laws.UNDATED (AP) —
Oklahoma-Texas is the main attraction in Week 6 of the college
football season and one of three games matching Top 25 teams. The No.
12 Sooners and No. 3 Longhorns will meet for the 95th consecutive
year in Dallas but the last as members of the Big 12. Both move to
the Southeastern Conference next year. No. 23 LSU visits No. 21
Missouri in only the second meeting of the teams since Mizzou entered
the SEC in 2012. No. 10 Notre Dame visits No. 25 Louisville in what
will be the Cardinals’ first major test following a 5-0 start.PHILADELPHIA (AP) —
Bryson Stott crushed the second grand slam in Philadelphia Phillies
postseason history and Aaron Nola tossed seven shutout innings in a
performance worthy of a postseason ace that led to a 7-1 win and a
two-game sweep over the Miami Marlins in their NL Wild Card Series.
The Phillies advanced to an NL Division Series rematch against Ronald
Acuña Jr., Matt Olson and the Braves. Game 1 in the best-of-five set
is Saturday in Atlanta. J.T. Realmuto also homered for the Phillies.MILWAUKEE (AP) —
Zac Gallen settled down after a shaky start and Arizona’s bullpen
stepped up at the very end, helping the Diamondbacks sweep their NL
Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers with a 5-2 victory in
Game 2. Just two years after suffering through a 110-loss season,
Arizona moved into the franchise’s first NL Division Series since
2017. The Diamondbacks will take on the NL West champion Dodgers in
the opener of their best-of-five series on Saturday in Los Angeles.
The NL Central champion Brewers have dropped nine of their last 10
playoff games, a stretch that started with their Game 7 home loss to
the Dodgers in the 2018 NL Championship Series.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
The Minnesota Twins swept the Toronto Blue Jays in their AL Wild Card
Series with a 2-0 win in Game 2. Sonny Gray pitched five effective
innings and Carlos Correa contributed an RBI single and a
quick-twitch tag off a pickoff throw from Gray that ended the fifth.
The Twins advanced for the first time in 21 years. They will play the
defending World Series champion Astros. Game 1 of the best-of-five AL
Division Series is in Houston on Saturday. Twins relievers logged 7
1/3 scoreless innings in the series. The Blue Jays left nine runners
on base each game.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.
(AP) — Adolis García and Evan Carter homered to back Nathan
Eovaldi, and the Texas Rangers beat the punchless Tampa Bay Rays 7-1
to finish a two-game AL Wild Card Series sweep. Garcia and Carter, a
20-year-old rookie who became the second-youngest postseason player
in franchise history, homered off 16-game winner Zach Eflin, who was
unable to save Tampa Bay’s season. Texas advanced to a Division
Series at AL East champion Baltimore starting Saturday. The Rays’
scoreless streak reached 33 innings, one shy of the postseason record
held by the 1966-74 Los Angeles Dodgers, before Curtis Mead’s RBI
single in the seventh.ATLANTA (AP) —
Fans who are returning to baseball for the postseason will find
Ronald Acuña Jr. and other speedsters playing a different game.
Players are running much more than a year ago thanks to new rules,
which also promise to have an impact on the playoffs. There were
3,503 stolen bases in the regular season, a dramatic jump of more
than 1,000 from a year ago. It’s the highest total of thefts since
1987. Expect the rampant running to continue in the playoffs. Acuña
is the charter member of the 40-70 club. The Atlanta Braves star led
the majors with 73 stolen bases and is the face of the game's renewed
emphasis on speed.ANTWERP, Belgium
(AP) — Led by Simone Biles, the U.S. women have won a record
seventh consecutive team title at the gymnastics world championships.
The American team of Biles, Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely and Leanne
Wong combined for a total of 167.729 points to edge Brazil and
France. The U.S. team won by a margin of 2.199 points as the final
proved to be a closer contest than anticipated after the Americans
put up a dominant performance in qualifying. The U.S. women have won
gold in the team event at every world championship that included a
team competition since 2011. Their victory in Antwerp broke a tie
with the Chinese men and made Biles the most decorated female gymnast
in history.WEDNESDAY SCORESAMERICAN LEAGUE
PLAYOFFSFinal	Texas	7	Tampa
Bay	1	Final	Minnesota	2	Toronto	0	NATIONAL LEAGUE
PLAYOFFSFinal	Arizona	5	Milwaukee	2

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes criticized his own performance four games into the season Wednesday, saying that the two-time and reigning league MVP must player better if Kansas City wants to defend its Super Bowl title.

The Chiefs are 3-1 and atop the AFC West heading into Sunday's game in Minnesota, but their most recent win over the Jets came largely in spite of the NFL's biggest star.

Mahomes was just 21 of 29 for 203 yards with a touchdown pass and two badly thrown interceptions, though he did make a couple of crucial plays with his feet late in the game to secure the win.

It was the third time in four games Mahomes has failed to throw for more than 300 yards, and the only time he did was a 305-yard effort against Jacksonville, when the Chiefs offense managed just two touchdowns in slogging to a 17-9 win.

“I just haven't played very good to start the season,” said Mahomes, who threw for a franchise-record 5,250 yards with a league-leading 41 touchdown passes last season. “I think if I start playing better everybody is going to start playing better.”

Mahomes ranks 10th in yards passing, hamstrung in part by a young group of wide receivers that have struggled to get open. His completion rate of 64.3 percent trails rookie Bryce Young and journeyman Baker Mayfield, among others, and his 21-for-39 effort in the opener against Detroit was the fourth-worst percentage of his career.

The two interceptions he threw against the Jets, both of which were underthrown back-foot tosses, marked only the 10th time in 84 games Mahomes has thrown more than one in a game. His four picks are more than all but five other quarterbacks.

To be clear: Mahomes still has been good. He only played about three quarters against Chicago because the game was a blowout, and that coupled with penalties along the offensive line and a litany of dropped passes have dragged down his numbers.

But the expectation for him is greatness.

“You have to go out there and keep shooting it. That's how I've always been wired,” Mahomes said. “Just have to keep going out there and working. I've had spots like this throughout my career where I haven't had the best few weeks in a row. Just go back to the fundamentals and try the best I can for the team and rely on other guys to make plays.”

Just last season, Mahomes went four straight games early on without throwing for 300 yards, and a two-interception game against Buffalo left the Chiefs just 4-2 on the season. But the reigning Super Bowl MVP bounced back with consecutive 400-yard passing performances, and the Chiefs only lost once the rest of the way to the title.

One thing Mahomes has working in his favor is a flourishing ground game.

The Chiefs were still trying to sort out their backfield when he struggled early last season, but seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco eventually solidified the starting spot. He returned this season as the unquestioned leader of the running back room, and last week against the Jets, Pacheco ripped off 20 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown.

His past three weeks — 47 carries for 247 yards and two scores — are a big reason why Kansas City won each game.

Perhaps bigger than the guy taking the snaps.

“Even when I'm not playing my best, we have guys like Isiah that can dominate the run game,” Mahomes said. “It's not all on my shoulders to win a football game. We have other guys that we can rely on. That's what makes this team great.”

NOTES: LB Nick Bolton (ankle) and CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder) returned to practice Wednesday. DE Matt Dickerson (swollen knee) was the only player that did not participate. ... The Chiefs shortened practice Wednesday as they prepared for their trip to Minnesota in part because of their late arrival home after their Sunday night win over the Jets. They also want to manage loads with a Thursday night game following their game against the Vikings.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes criticized his own performance four games into the season Wednesday, saying that the two-time and reigning league MVP must player better if Kansas City wants to defend its Super Bowl title.The Chiefs are 3-1 and atop the AFC West heading into Sunday's game in Minnesota, but their most recent win over the Jets came largely in spite of the NFL's biggest star.Mahomes was just 21 of 29 for 203 yards with a touchdown pass and two badly thrown interceptions, though he did make a couple of crucial plays with his feet late in the game to secure the win.It was the third time in four games Mahomes has failed to throw for more than 300 yards, and the only time he did was a 305-yard effort against Jacksonville, when the Chiefs offense managed just two touchdowns in slogging to a 17-9 win.“I just haven't played very good to start the season,” said Mahomes, who threw for a franchise-record 5,250 yards with a league-leading 41 touchdown passes last season. “I think if I start playing better everybody is going to start playing better.”Mahomes ranks 10th in yards passing, hamstrung in part by a young group of wide receivers that have struggled to get open. His completion rate of 64.3 percent trails rookie Bryce Young and journeyman Baker Mayfield, among others, and his 21-for-39 effort in the opener against Detroit was the fourth-worst percentage of his career.The two interceptions he threw against the Jets, both of which were underthrown back-foot tosses, marked only the 10th time in 84 games Mahomes has thrown more than one in a game. His four picks are more than all but five other quarterbacks.To be clear: Mahomes still has been good. He only played about three quarters against Chicago because the game was a blowout, and that coupled with penalties along the offensive line and a litany of dropped passes have dragged down his numbers.But the expectation for him is greatness.“You have to go out there and keep shooting it. That's how I've always been wired,” Mahomes said. “Just have to keep going out there and working. I've had spots like this throughout my career where I haven't had the best few weeks in a row. Just go back to the fundamentals and try the best I can for the team and rely on other guys to make plays.”Just last season, Mahomes went four straight games early on without throwing for 300 yards, and a two-interception game against Buffalo left the Chiefs just 4-2 on the season. But the reigning Super Bowl MVP bounced back with consecutive 400-yard passing performances, and the Chiefs only lost once the rest of the way to the title.One thing Mahomes has working in his favor is a flourishing ground game.The Chiefs were still trying to sort out their backfield when he struggled early last season, but seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco eventually solidified the starting spot. He returned this season as the unquestioned leader of the running back room, and last week against the Jets, Pacheco ripped off 20 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown.His past three weeks — 47 carries for 247 yards and two scores — are a big reason why Kansas City won each game.Perhaps bigger than the guy taking the snaps.“Even when I'm not playing my best, we have guys like Isiah that can dominate the run game,” Mahomes said. “It's not all on my shoulders to win a football game. We have other guys that we can rely on. That's what makes this team great.”NOTES: LB Nick Bolton (ankle) and CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder) returned to practice Wednesday. DE Matt Dickerson (swollen knee) was the only player that did not participate. ... The Chiefs shortened practice Wednesday as they prepared for their trip to Minnesota in part because of their late arrival home after their Sunday night win over the Jets. They also want to manage loads with a Thursday night game following their game against the Vikings.

Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes: 'I just haven't played very good' amid 3-1 start to season

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Following its first loss of the season, Kansas (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) returns home to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium to host UCF (3-2, 0-2 Big 12) on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m. CT for the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

The game will air on FOX with Jason Benetti (Play-by-Play), Brock Huard (Analyst) and Allison Williams (Sideline) on the call.

Saturday’s contest against UCF also serves as the Ring of Honor induction ceremony for two Kansas football legends, Tony Sands and Nick Reid. The Kansas football Ring of Honor is the highest honor bestowed upon Kansas football letterwinners, as Sands and Reid become the 24th and 25th members to be inducted into the Ring of Honor. The Ring of Honor induction will take place during halftime of the UCF game on Saturday.

UCF is one of the four newest members to the Big 12 Conference, as the Jayhawks and Knights square off for the first time in program history. Both teams are coming off losses, as Kansas fell to No. 3 Texas, 40-14, on Sept. 30, while UCF has dropped back-to-back Big 12 games against Kansas State (Sept. 23, 31-44) and Baylor (Sept. 30, 35-36).

Kansas is 3-0 at home this season with wins against Missouri State (Sept. 1, 48-17), Illinois (Sept. 8, 34-23) and BYU (Sept. 23, 38-27). Since the start of the 2022 season, Kansas is 7-2 in its last nine home games. UCF makes its second trip to the State of Kansas over a span of three weeks.

Kansas is led by an offense that is averaging 442.4 yards of offense per game and 199 rushing yards per game. The Jayhawks were without quarterback Jalon Daniels in the loss at Texas, who was named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year. Kansas’ rushing attack of Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. have combined for nine rushing touchdowns this season, while Hishaw has scored 10 touchdowns (9 rushing, 1 receiving) over his last nine games played.

Defensively, the Jayhawks have the ninth most tackles-for-loss nationally (41), bolstered by defensive ends Jereme Robinson and Austin Booker. The KU duo has combined for 8.5 sacks through five games this season, which is the third-most among teammates in the NCAA this season. Kansas defensive backs Mello Dotson and Cobee Bryant have held down the secondary for the Jayhawks with Dotson ranking fifth nationally in passes defended, paired with Bryant’s two interceptions this season.

UCF enters the weekend with the No. 1 offense in the Big 12 Conference, averaging 545.8 yards per game through the first five games. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee has missed the last three games due to injury, as Timmy McClain has stepped in to complete 50-of-82 for 872 yards and seven touchdowns. UCF is coming off a 36-35 loss to Baylor, in which Baylor overcame a 29-point deficit to defeat the Knights in Orlando.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696445860590.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Following its first loss of the season, Kansas (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) returns home to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium to host UCF (3-2, 0-2 Big 12) on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m. CT for the first-ever meeting between the two teams.The game will air on FOX with Jason Benetti (Play-by-Play), Brock Huard (Analyst) and Allison Williams (Sideline) on the call.Saturday’s contest against UCF also serves as the Ring of Honor induction ceremony for two Kansas football legends, Tony Sands and Nick Reid. The Kansas football Ring of Honor is the highest honor bestowed upon Kansas football letterwinners, as Sands and Reid become the 24th and 25th members to be inducted into the Ring of Honor. The Ring of Honor induction will take place during halftime of the UCF game on Saturday.UCF is one of the four newest members to the Big 12 Conference, as the Jayhawks and Knights square off for the first time in program history. Both teams are coming off losses, as Kansas fell to No. 3 Texas, 40-14, on Sept. 30, while UCF has dropped back-to-back Big 12 games against Kansas State (Sept. 23, 31-44) and Baylor (Sept. 30, 35-36).Kansas is 3-0 at home this season with wins against Missouri State (Sept. 1, 48-17), Illinois (Sept. 8, 34-23) and BYU (Sept. 23, 38-27). Since the start of the 2022 season, Kansas is 7-2 in its last nine home games. UCF makes its second trip to the State of Kansas over a span of three weeks.Kansas is led by an offense that is averaging 442.4 yards of offense per game and 199 rushing yards per game. The Jayhawks were without quarterback Jalon Daniels in the loss at Texas, who was named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year. Kansas’ rushing attack of Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. have combined for nine rushing touchdowns this season, while Hishaw has scored 10 touchdowns (9 rushing, 1 receiving) over his last nine games played.Defensively, the Jayhawks have the ninth most tackles-for-loss nationally (41), bolstered by defensive ends Jereme Robinson and Austin Booker. The KU duo has combined for 8.5 sacks through five games this season, which is the third-most among teammates in the NCAA this season. Kansas defensive backs Mello Dotson and Cobee Bryant have held down the secondary for the Jayhawks with Dotson ranking fifth nationally in passes defended, paired with Bryant’s two interceptions this season.UCF enters the weekend with the No. 1 offense in the Big 12 Conference, averaging 545.8 yards per game through the first five games. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee has missed the last three games due to injury, as Timmy McClain has stepped in to complete 50-of-82 for 872 yards and seven touchdowns. UCF is coming off a 36-35 loss to Baylor, in which Baylor overcame a 29-point deficit to defeat the Knights in Orlando.

Kansas Returns Home Saturday for Inaugural Matchup with UCF


- “Voice of the Wildcats” Wyatt Thompson visits with Steve
Webster about Friday night's road game in Stillwater against Oklahoma
State


- “Voice of the Tigers” Gerard Wellbrock talks everything Fort
Hays State Athletics


- Mike Courson goes “On the Prowl” for Panther Sports with Great
Bend Volleyball coach Shelly Duval

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Wednesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/csgRzYB7yHM?si=bJRCm0BKSUlGxPxO" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
- “Voice of the Wildcats” Wyatt Thompson visits with Steve
Webster about Friday night's road game in Stillwater against Oklahoma
State
- “Voice of the Tigers” Gerard Wellbrock talks everything Fort
Hays State Athletics
- Mike Courson goes “On the Prowl” for Panther Sports with Great
Bend Volleyball coach Shelly Duval
- Wednesday Sports Headlines
- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Wednesday on Sports Day (Watch)

Stadium: Boone Pickens Stadium (53,855)

Series: Oklahoma State Leads, 42-27

1) Kansas State won its Big 12 opener for a second-straight season with a 44-31 victory over new conference member UCF, and the Wildcats will look to make it two in a row following their lone bye week of the season as they face Oklahoma State on Friday in Stillwater. It will be K-State's first weeknight conference game since playing Baylor on a Thursday in 2015.

2) K-State hit the 40-point mark for a third-straight conference game dating back to last season (not counting the Big 12 Championship), its longest streak since a three-game stretch in 2012. Since Collin Klein took over as offensive coordinator for the 2021 Texas Bowl, K-State is averaging 34.3 points per game. The Cats currently rank 14th nationally and second in the Big 12 with 39.5 points per game.

3) Senior quarterback Will Howard has thrown for over 250 yards in each of the first four games, the longest streak ever by a Wildcat. However, it was DJ Giddens who stole the show against UCF, rushing for 207 yards and four touchdowns en route to Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors. He produced the first 200-yard, four-touchdown rushing performance in school history.

4) The K-State defense enters the week ranked in the top 15 nationally in rushing defense (6th – 73.2 yds/gm), tackles for loss (6th – 9.0 TFLs per game), sacks (10th – 3.50 sacks per game) and first down defense (12th – 67). Since the Cats switched to a 3-3-5 alignment to start the 2021 season, K-State has allowed just 21.1 points per game to rank 21st in the nation and second in the Big 12 (Iowa State – 20.9).

5) Senior linebacker Austin Moore leads the team with 22 tackles, including 7.0 tackles for loss to enter the week ranked 10th in the nation. Defensive end Khalid Duke – who has moved from linebacker back to his natural home at defensive end – has 4.0 sacks over the first four games to rank sixth in the nation, while Jacob Parrish ranks eighth in the country in passes defended with 1.5 per game.

207 – Rushing yards by DJ Giddens vs. UCF, the first Wildcat to rush for over 200 yards since Alex Barnes at Baylor in 2018.

134 – Number of Big 12 wins for K-State since the league was formed, which ranks third behind Texas and Oklahoma.

75.5 – Career winning % by Chris Klieman, which ranks fourth nationally among FBS coaches with at least 10 years experience.

73.2 – Rushing yards per game given up by K-State this season, which ranks sixth nationally and is first in the Big 12.

36 – Tackles for loss in the first four games this year, as K-State ranks fifth in tackles for loss per game (9.0).

• In K-State's last home game, the Wildcats used a strong running attack from DJ Giddens to rush past UCF, 44-30, to open Big 12 play and move to 3-1 on the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696445575719.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Date: Friday, October 6, 2023Kickoff: 6:30 p.m.Location: Stillwater, Okla.Stadium: Boone Pickens Stadium (53,855)Series: Oklahoma State Leads, 42-27THE TOP 51) Kansas State won its Big 12 opener for a second-straight season with a 44-31 victory over new conference member UCF, and the Wildcats will look to make it two in a row following their lone bye week of the season as they face Oklahoma State on Friday in Stillwater. It will be K-State's first weeknight conference game since playing Baylor on a Thursday in 2015.2) K-State hit the 40-point mark for a third-straight conference game dating back to last season (not counting the Big 12 Championship), its longest streak since a three-game stretch in 2012. Since Collin Klein took over as offensive coordinator for the 2021 Texas Bowl, K-State is averaging 34.3 points per game. The Cats currently rank 14th nationally and second in the Big 12 with 39.5 points per game.3) Senior quarterback Will Howard has thrown for over 250 yards in each of the first four games, the longest streak ever by a Wildcat. However, it was DJ Giddens who stole the show against UCF, rushing for 207 yards and four touchdowns en route to Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors. He produced the first 200-yard, four-touchdown rushing performance in school history.4) The K-State defense enters the week ranked in the top 15 nationally in rushing defense (6th – 73.2 yds/gm), tackles for loss (6th – 9.0 TFLs per game), sacks (10th – 3.50 sacks per game) and first down defense (12th – 67). Since the Cats switched to a 3-3-5 alignment to start the 2021 season, K-State has allowed just 21.1 points per game to rank 21st in the nation and second in the Big 12 (Iowa State – 20.9).5) Senior linebacker Austin Moore leads the team with 22 tackles, including 7.0 tackles for loss to enter the week ranked 10th in the nation. Defensive end Khalid Duke – who has moved from linebacker back to his natural home at defensive end – has 4.0 sacks over the first four games to rank sixth in the nation, while Jacob Parrish ranks eighth in the country in passes defended with 1.5 per game.STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHTS207 – Rushing yards by DJ Giddens vs. UCF, the first Wildcat to rush for over 200 yards since Alex Barnes at Baylor in 2018.134 – Number of Big 12 wins for K-State since the league was formed, which ranks third behind Texas and Oklahoma.75.5 – Career winning % by Chris Klieman, which ranks fourth nationally among FBS coaches with at least 10 years experience.73.2 – Rushing yards per game given up by K-State this season, which ranks sixth nationally and is first in the Big 12.36 – Tackles for loss in the first four games this year, as K-State ranks fifth in tackles for loss per game (9.0).TEAM NOTESRECENT RECAP• In K-State's last home game, the Wildcats used a strong running attack from DJ Giddens to rush past UCF, 44-30, to open Big 12 play and move to 3-1 on the year.• Giddens' 207 yards and four touchdowns earned him Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors.• K-State registered 536 yards of total offense against UCF, the second time this season the Wildcats eclipsed the 500-yard mark (588 yards vs. SEMO), and it marked the first time K-State had two 500-yard games in the same season since 2019.• K-State won its second game of the season, a 42-13 triumph over Troy to end the Trojans' 12-game winning streak.• Will Howard threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more to lead a Wildcat offense that amassed 397 total yards, including a 5-play, 66-yard touchdown drive during the final minute of the first half to take a 21-10 lead.• K-State went on to out-score Troy, 21-3, in the second half, converting on 5-of-8 third-down attempts.• The defense held Troy to just 70 rushing yards on 28 attempts (2.5 yds/att) with 46 yards coming on one rush.• K-State, which collected 9.0 tackles for loss with 4.0 sacks, did not allow Troy to convert any of its seven third-down attempts in the second half as it held the Trojans to just 98 second-half yards.• An SEC-record 61-yard field goal as time expired lifted Missouri to a narrow 30-27 win over the Wildcats in Columbia in the Cats' first road game of the season.• Howard threw for 270 yards and three touchdowns on 25-of-39 aim with his 25 completions setting a career high, bettering the 21 he had last year against Oklahoma State and the previous week against Troy.