The following Big 12 football players have been named to national preseason watch lists for the upcoming 2024 football season. Check back daily through August 14 for updates.  

Maxwell Award (Outstanding Player, July 29)

Mannelly Award (Best FBS Long Snapper, July 29)

Outland Trophy (Top Interior Lineman, July 30)

Bronko Nagurski Trophy (National Defensive Player of the Year, July 30)

The following Big 12 football players have been named to national preseason watch lists for the upcoming 2024 football season. Check back daily through August 14 for updates. Maxwell Award (Outstanding Player, July 29)WR Tetairoa McMillan, ArizonaQB Noah Fifita, ArizonaRB Jarquez Hunter, AuburnQB Dequan Finn, BaylorRB Corey Kiner, CincinnatiRB Devin Neal, Kansas QB Jalon Daniels, Kansas RB DJ Giddens, Kansas StateQB Avery Johnson, Kansas StateRB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma StateRB Tahj Brooks, Texas TechQB KJ Jefferson, UCFRB RJ Harvey, UCFQB Cameron Rising, UtahQB Garrett Greene, West VirginiaMannelly Award (Best FBS Long Snapper, July 29)Luke Hosford, KansasBrent Matiscik, TCUJT Greep, Utah Austin Brinkman, West VirginiaOutland Trophy (Top Interior Lineman, July 30)C Joe Michalski, Oklahoma StateDT B.J. Green, ColoradoDT Dontay Corleone, CincinnatiDT Junior Tafuna, UtahDT Lee Hunter, UCFOG Luke Kandra, CincinnatiOT Dalton Cooper, Oklahoma StateOT Jonah Savaiinaea, ArizonaOT Wyatt Milum, West VirginiaBronko Nagurski Trophy (National Defensive Player of the Year, July 30)DE Tyler Batty, BYUCB Cobee Bryant, KansasS Jeremiah Cooper, Iowa StateDT Dontay Corleone, CincinnatiCB Tacario Davis, ArizonaS Beau Freyler, Iowa StateDT Lee Hunter, UCFATH Travis Hunter, ColoradoLB Jacob Manu, ArizonaLB Nick Martin, Oklahoma StateLB Collin Oliver, Oklahoma StateDT Junior Tafuna, Utah

Big 12 Football Preseason Awards and Watch Lists

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post

The Chiefs made a splash during free agency signing veteran quarterback Carson Wentz as their new backup to replace Blaine Gabbert who became a free agent.

Wentz, whose been in the league eight years and started for several teams, provides a solid backup option for Patrick Mahomes.

In what he's seen from Mahomes working alongside him, Wentz jokingly made an obvious observation

"He's pretty good, not that I needed to learn that physically being here" Wentz jokes with reporter's post-practice. "Just kind of the way he sees the game is unique and the way he plays and just the anticipation he plays with, sometimes its maybe not the main throw on a play but he's making things work, so it's just cool to kind of see not only the offense come together but just how he sees it maybe a little different at times."

When it comes to backup quarterbacks the Chiefs have had rare misses of late when it comes to guys ready to step up when needed.

Chad Henne, Blaine Gabbert, and this year it's Wentz.

"Really like what I've seen from him, he's got a real good feel for the game, smart kid, real smart, and has picked it up quickly," Reid says.

Chiefs' fans have been privy to the unique playstyle of Mahomes for a few years now.

Wentz has also known about it and is getting an up-close look during this year's training camp.

Wentz says the outstanding things Mahomes can do is just a kid playing ball

"Playing street ball out there at times is sometimes the joke back there," Wentz explains. "Truthfully I can relate to some of that over my career, that's kind of just how I've seen the game, so it's fun to see it work so well the way he does it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722784929978.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Carson Wentz during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Carson Wentz during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph PostThe Chiefs made a splash during free agency signing veteran quarterback Carson Wentz as their new backup to replace Blaine Gabbert who became a free agent.Wentz, whose been in the league eight years and started for several teams, provides a solid backup option for Patrick Mahomes.In what he's seen from Mahomes working alongside him, Wentz jokingly made an obvious observation"He's pretty good, not that I needed to learn that physically being here" Wentz jokes with reporter's post-practice. "Just kind of the way he sees the game is unique and the way he plays and just the anticipation he plays with, sometimes its maybe not the main throw on a play but he's making things work, so it's just cool to kind of see not only the offense come together but just how he sees it maybe a little different at times."When it comes to backup quarterbacks the Chiefs have had rare misses of late when it comes to guys ready to step up when needed.Chad Henne, Blaine Gabbert, and this year it's Wentz."Really like what I've seen from him, he's got a real good feel for the game, smart kid, real smart, and has picked it up quickly," Reid says.Chiefs' fans have been privy to the unique playstyle of Mahomes for a few years now.Wentz has also known about it and is getting an up-close look during this year's training camp.Wentz says the outstanding things Mahomes can do is just a kid playing ball"Playing street ball out there at times is sometimes the joke back there," Wentz explains. "Truthfully I can relate to some of that over my career, that's kind of just how I've seen the game, so it's fun to see it work so well the way he does it."

Carson Wentz settles into backup quarterback role in Chiefs Training Camp

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

WICHITA – The Hays Larks entered Saturday’s NBC World Series title game having never won a championship in six prior tries, but they finally broke through, rallying from down three early to beat the defending champion Hutchinson Monarchs 7-3 Saturday at Eck Stadium in Wichita.

After a scoreless first inning, Hutchinson broke onto the scoreboard first, scoring three runs in the bottom of the second inning for a 3-0 lead.

But Larks starter Nolan Wilson was able to limit the damage to just three runs in the inning, stranding two and then he worked out of trouble again in the fourth before handing the ball to Aidn Schmidgall, the first of five relievers on the day for Hays.

Schmidgall, Matt Sapakoff, Adrian Najar, Dalton Campbell and Garrett Hicks combined for 5 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just two hits, holding Hutchinson to just three total runs and allowing the Larks to slowly chip away at the deficit.

Down 3-0 through two innings, the Larks scored a run in the top of the third inning on a Kaleb Duncan sacrifice fly. Making it 3-1 Hutchinson.

The Larks scored another run in the fifth inning, when Duncan singled home Trent Baker making it 3-2 Monarchs.

In the eighth inning Wilbert Espinal, who had struggled in the tournament, broke out of a 5-for-23 slump with his first of two ground-rule doubles tying the game at three and then the next hitter Tabor Stokes singled home Espinal putting Hays up 4-3.

After a 1-2-3 bottom of the eighth for Hutchinson the Larks took advantage of three straight walks to start the ninth inning and scored a run on a fielder’s choice and then Espinal doubled in two more putting Hays up 7-3.

Dalton Campbell earned the win, retiring the final out of the seventh and the first man in the eighth inning.

He then turned the game over the Garrett Hicks who recorded the five-out save and lifted the Larks to the 7-3 victory on the programs first NBC World Series title.

Espinal drove in three runs for Hays. He, Baker and Gruell each collected a pair of hits for the Larks.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostWICHITA – The Hays Larks entered Saturday’s NBC World Series title game having never won a championship in six prior tries, but they finally broke through, rallying from down three early to beat the defending champion Hutchinson Monarchs 7-3 Saturday at Eck Stadium in Wichita.After a scoreless first inning, Hutchinson broke onto the scoreboard first, scoring three runs in the bottom of the second inning for a 3-0 lead.But Larks starter Nolan Wilson was able to limit the damage to just three runs in the inning, stranding two and then he worked out of trouble again in the fourth before handing the ball to Aidn Schmidgall, the first of five relievers on the day for Hays.Schmidgall, Matt Sapakoff, Adrian Najar, Dalton Campbell and Garrett Hicks combined for 5 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just two hits, holding Hutchinson to just three total runs and allowing the Larks to slowly chip away at the deficit.Down 3-0 through two innings, the Larks scored a run in the top of the third inning on a Kaleb Duncan sacrifice fly. Making it 3-1 Hutchinson.The Larks scored another run in the fifth inning, when Duncan singled home Trent Baker making it 3-2 Monarchs.In the eighth inning Wilbert Espinal, who had struggled in the tournament, broke out of a 5-for-23 slump with his first of two ground-rule doubles tying the game at three and then the next hitter Tabor Stokes singled home Espinal putting Hays up 4-3.After a 1-2-3 bottom of the eighth for Hutchinson the Larks took advantage of three straight walks to start the ninth inning and scored a run on a fielder’s choice and then Espinal doubled in two more putting Hays up 7-3.Dalton Campbell earned the win, retiring the final out of the seventh and the first man in the eighth inning.He then turned the game over the Garrett Hicks who recorded the five-out save and lifted the Larks to the 7-3 victory on the programs first NBC World Series title.Espinal drove in three runs for Hays. He, Baker and Gruell each collected a pair of hits for the Larks.Hays finishes the season 34-8.

Larks claim first NBC World Series championship

Wednesday, July 31 Kansas Cannons 6, Haysville Aviators 3 Hutchinson Monarchs 15, Liberal Bee Jays 4 Lonestar Baseball Club North 10, GPS Legends 7 8:30pm – Tulsa Sandlot 9, San Diego Stars 0 Game suspended due to weather and will resume at noon on Thursday, 8/1. Thursday, August 1 (Quarterfinals) Kansas Cannons 9, Derby Twins 8 Sandlot Tulsa 9, San Diego Stars 7 Hays Larks 4,Tulsa Sandlot 2 Hutchinson Monarchs 3, Santa Barbara Foresters 2 Lonestar Baseball Club 6, Seattle Studs 2 Friday, August 2 (Semifinals) Hutchinson 7, Kansas Cannons 5 Hays Larks 7, Lonestar Baseball Club 3 Saturday, August 3 (Championship) Hays 7, Hutchinson 3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722432106395.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wednesday, July 31 Kansas Cannons 6, Haysville Aviators 3 Hutchinson Monarchs 15, Liberal Bee Jays 4 Lonestar Baseball Club North 10, GPS Legends 7 8:30pm – Tulsa Sandlot 9, San Diego Stars 0 Game suspended due to weather and will resume at noon on Thursday, 8/1. Thursday, August 1 (Quarterfinals) Kansas Cannons 9, Derby Twins 8 Sandlot Tulsa 9, San Diego Stars 7 Hays Larks 4,Tulsa Sandlot 2 Hutchinson Monarchs 3, Santa Barbara Foresters 2 Lonestar Baseball Club 6, Seattle Studs 2 Friday, August 2 (Semifinals) Hutchinson 7, Kansas Cannons 5 Hays Larks 7, Lonestar Baseball Club 3 Saturday, August 3 (Championship) Hays 7, Hutchinson 3

NBC World Series Championship Bracket

DETROIT (AP) — Wenceel Pérez singled with two out in the 11th inning and the Detroit Tigers rallied three times to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday night.

The Tigers trailed in the ninth, 10th and 11th innings, and ended a five-game losing streak. Kansas City had won five straight.

“Our young guys are trying to grow and survive as major leaguers,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “It’s been a tough week, so I appreciate the fight.”

Parker Meadows led off the 11th with an RBI triple and the Royals intentionally walked Javier Báez. Jake Rogers hit into a double play, but Pérez lined a ball off the wall in right center field off James McArthur (4-5).

“What a game,” said Meadows, who also made a diving catch to rob Bobby Witt Jr. of a hit in the 10th inning. “I was just thinking about getting the runner to third, but he left the ball up and I was able to drive it.”

The Royals led 3-1 going into the ninth, but Bligh Madris led off the ninth inning with a home run off Hunter Harvey. Zach McKinstry followed with a pinch-hit double.

McKinstry took third on Meadows' groundout and scored on Báez's double. Báez stole third without a throw, but Pérez grounded out to end the inning.

“We're going to take our chances in the ninth, up 3-1, with Hunter Harvey every time,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They put some good swings on the ball — you have to give them credit."

The Royals took a 4-3 lead in the 10th on Witt's sacrifice fly off Jason Foley (3-3), but Meadows' catch limited the damage and Justyn-Henry Malloy tied the game with a two-out double.

Witt went 0 for 4 with a walk, ending his 15-game hitting streak

“It went back and forth in extra innings,” Quatraro said. “On the road, you are going to have to score more than one, and we didn’t do that."

Vinnie Pasquatino made it 1-0 in the sixth inning with a long homer off Kenta Maeda — his fourth homer in as many games — but Andy Ibáñez tied it with an RBI single in the bottom of the inning.

Paul DeJong put the Royals back in front 3-1 with a seventh-inning homer — the 18th homer off Maeda in 80 innings this season.

Hinch made an unusual defensive move early in the game. Pérez started the game in left field with Matt Vierling playing right, but they reversed positions for the second.

The first pitch was delayed 25 minutes by a ceremony to retire the No. 10 worn by former Tigers manager and 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Jim Leyland.

“We're dedicating that one to Jim,” said Hinch, who got behind the plate to catch Leyland's first pitch. “When I went down there, I wasn't sure I was getting up, but it was great to celebrate before the game and after the game.”

The teams finish the four-game series on Sunday afternoon, with Royals RHP Michael Wacha (8-6, 3.58 ERA) pitching against the Tigers' bullpen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722783153558.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;&nbsp;Detroit Tigers' Wenceel Pérez celebrates his walk off single against the Kansas City Royals in the 11th inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)	" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;&nbsp;Detroit Tigers' Wenceel Pérez celebrates his walk off single against the Kansas City Royals in the 11th inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)	</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Wenceel Pérez singled with two out in the 11th inning and the Detroit Tigers rallied three times to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday night.The Tigers trailed in the ninth, 10th and 11th innings, and ended a five-game losing streak. Kansas City had won five straight.“Our young guys are trying to grow and survive as major leaguers,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “It’s been a tough week, so I appreciate the fight.”Parker Meadows led off the 11th with an RBI triple and the Royals intentionally walked Javier Báez. Jake Rogers hit into a double play, but Pérez lined a ball off the wall in right center field off James McArthur (4-5).“What a game,” said Meadows, who also made a diving catch to rob Bobby Witt Jr. of a hit in the 10th inning. “I was just thinking about getting the runner to third, but he left the ball up and I was able to drive it.”The Royals led 3-1 going into the ninth, but Bligh Madris led off the ninth inning with a home run off Hunter Harvey. Zach McKinstry followed with a pinch-hit double.McKinstry took third on Meadows' groundout and scored on Báez's double. Báez stole third without a throw, but Pérez grounded out to end the inning.“We're going to take our chances in the ninth, up 3-1, with Hunter Harvey every time,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They put some good swings on the ball — you have to give them credit."The Royals took a 4-3 lead in the 10th on Witt's sacrifice fly off Jason Foley (3-3), but Meadows' catch limited the damage and Justyn-Henry Malloy tied the game with a two-out double.Witt went 0 for 4 with a walk, ending his 15-game hitting streak“It went back and forth in extra innings,” Quatraro said. “On the road, you are going to have to score more than one, and we didn’t do that."Vinnie Pasquatino made it 1-0 in the sixth inning with a long homer off Kenta Maeda — his fourth homer in as many games — but Andy Ibáñez tied it with an RBI single in the bottom of the inning.Paul DeJong put the Royals back in front 3-1 with a seventh-inning homer — the 18th homer off Maeda in 80 innings this season.Hinch made an unusual defensive move early in the game. Pérez started the game in left field with Matt Vierling playing right, but they reversed positions for the second.The first pitch was delayed 25 minutes by a ceremony to retire the No. 10 worn by former Tigers manager and 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Jim Leyland.“We're dedicating that one to Jim,” said Hinch, who got behind the plate to catch Leyland's first pitch. “When I went down there, I wasn't sure I was getting up, but it was great to celebrate before the game and after the game.”UP NEXTThe teams finish the four-game series on Sunday afternoon, with Royals RHP Michael Wacha (8-6, 3.58 ERA) pitching against the Tigers' bullpen.

Wenceel Pérez's two-out single in the 11th lifts Tigers to improbable 6-5 win over Royals

DETROIT (AP) — Wenceel Pérez singled with two out in the 11th inning and the Detroit Tigers rallied three times to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday night. The Tigers trailed in the ninth, 10th and 11th innings, but rallied each time to end a five-game losing streak. Kansas City had won five straight. Parker Meadows led off the 11th with an RBI triple and the Royals intentionally walked Javier Báez. Jake Rogers hit into a double play, but Pérez lined a ball off the wall in right center field off James McArthur. Jason Foley was credited with the win.

CHICAGO (AP) — A Cubs fielding mix-up allowed Nolan Arenado’s short fly to drop for a tying, two-run single in a three-run eighth inning, Tommy Pham tripled and scored in the ninth and the St. Louis Cardinals rallied past Chicago 5-4. St. Louis trailed 4-1 in the eighth before a run-scoring error by newly acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes. Arenado hit a fly to short center that second baseman Nico Hoerner called for and was readying to catch when center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong called him off. Crow-Armstrong couldn’t get to the ball, which dropped 213 feet from the plate as two runs scored.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — J.D. Martinez has faced many relief pitchers during his 14 years in the majors. The New York Mets designated hitter though could only laugh and smile after striking out against the Los Angeles Angels rookie Ben Joyce. Joyce struck out Martinez with a 104.7 mph cutter on Saturday night, the fastest pitch in the majors this season. It eclipsed the 104.5 mph he threw on July 12 against Seattle. According to Sportradar, it is also tied for the sixth-fastest pitch since 2009.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Chicago White Sox extended their team-record losing streak to 19, giving up Max Kepler’s tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning that lifted the Minnesota Twins to a 6-2 win. Chicago’s losing streak is the longest since Baltimore dropped 19 in a row in August 2021. Kepler, who entered in the fifth inning as a pinch hitter, hit his seventh home run of the season. The drive to right off Touki Toussaint sent the Twins to their 11th win in 12 games against the White Sox this season.

UNDATED (AP) — Steve McMichael couldn’t make it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, so the ceremony came to him. Battling ALS and bedridden in the advanced stages of the neurological disease, the 66-year-old two-time All-Pro defensive tackle was the second player enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame among seven members of the Class of 2024 on Saturday. McMichael was surrounded by several of his Chicago Bears teammates and his wife, Misty, at his home in Homer Glen, Illinois. Dwight Freeney, Randy Gradishar, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers and Patrick Willis also were inducted into the Hall.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — University of Colorado offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is preparing for his first full season coaching at the college level since 1998, when he served as Stanford's offensive line coach. Deion Sanders promoted Shurmur from offensive analyst to play-caller for the final four games last season. This year, he tabbed him as his offensive coordinator. Shurmur says being back at the college level with young players has given him a fresh perspective after spending 23 seasons in the NFL.

PARIS (AP) — U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky won the women’s 800-meter freestyle in the 2024 Paris Games, earning her ninth Olympic gold medal. She joins Michael Phelps as the only swimmers to win the same event at four straight Summer Games. Also, U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson finished second in the women’s 100 finals, losing to Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia.

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Sha’Carri Richardson’s comeback story hit a brick wall Saturday when Julien Alfred romped to the 100-meter title in 10.72 seconds to blow away the field and bring the first-ever Olympic medal to her island country of St. Lucia. Racing one lane to the left of Richardson, and with rain puddling on the purple track in the Stade de France, Alfred got off to a fantastic start and beat Richardson by .15 seconds — about three body lengths. Richardson’s training partner, Melissa Jefferson, finished third in 10.92 seconds.

PARIS (AP) — Simone Biles is getting kind of old for this. Just maybe not too old to keep going. The American gymnastics superstar says “never say never” when it comes to her future. Biles made the comment after earning her third gold medal in Paris, where she won the women's vault final on Saturday. The 27-year-old says the lure of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Games is tempting. Biles has 10 career Olympic medals, seven of them gold. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil earned silver in vault while American Jade Carey grabbed the bronze three years after tripping during the vault final in Tokyo.

PARIS (AP) — Kaylia Nemour of Algeria delivered the country’s first gold medal in gymnastics, putting together a thrilling routine in the uneven bars final to edge China’s Qiu Qiyuan. American star Sunisa Lee picked up her third medal in Paris and sixth of her Olympic career by grabbing bronze, exactly where she finished in Tokyo three years ago. Nemour is French and still trains in France but switched to compete for Algeria following a dispute with the French gymnastics federation. She scored a staggering 15.7, tied for the highest score of the meet on any event.

VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France (AP) — Halfway to its goal of gold, the U.S. has the No. 1 seed going into the medal round at the Paris Olympics. And now the real games start. Anthony Edwards scored 26 points, six players reached double figures for the U.S. and the Americans wrapped up the top spot coming out of group play by rolling past Puerto Rico 104-83 on Saturday.

PARIS (AP) — Unbeaten at last year’s World Cup on the way to the gold medal. Unbeaten so far at the Paris Olympics. No team in this tournament has better defensive numbers, either. And Germany doesn’t care if anyone notices that, either. The Germans — both last summer at the World Cup and this summer at the Paris Games — play like they have copious chips on all their shoulders. They’re brash, they’re tough, they’re confident and they’re already assured of their best showing ever at an Olympics. Now, they want more.

VILLEPINTE, France (AP) — Boxer Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan has clinched her first Olympic medal in front of a crowd that chanted her name at the Paris Games. Her win Sunday comes a day after fellow female boxer Imane Khelif of Algeria secured a victory as well following days of online abuse and intense scrutiny about their participation. Lin defeated Svetlana Kamenova Staneva of Bulgaria in a women’s 57-kilogram quarterfinal, advancing to the division’s semifinal round to ensure she will win at least a bronze medal. Lin and Khelif have been at the center of a clash over gender identity and regulations in sports, as critics have brought up their disqualification from the world championships last year over unspecified eligibility tests.

PARIS (AP) — The 2024 Paris Games got off to a rocky start with many religious groups around the world, including the Vatican over a tableau in the opening ceremony perceived by some as evoking Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” But faith leaders gathered Sunday with Olympic officials in front of Notre Dame Cathedral to celebrate how faith and sport can complement each other. Far from the controversy, in an inconspicuous tent-like structure tucked away at the end of the athletes’ village in Paris, ordained and lay representatives from the five major global religions have been providing spiritual comfort to Olympians.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721294994442.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Wenceel Pérez singled with two out in the 11th inning and the Detroit Tigers rallied three times to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday night. The Tigers trailed in the ninth, 10th and 11th innings, but rallied each time to end a five-game losing streak. Kansas City had won five straight. Parker Meadows led off the 11th with an RBI triple and the Royals intentionally walked Javier Báez. Jake Rogers hit into a double play, but Pérez lined a ball off the wall in right center field off James McArthur. Jason Foley was credited with the win.CHICAGO (AP) — A Cubs fielding mix-up allowed Nolan Arenado’s short fly to drop for a tying, two-run single in a three-run eighth inning, Tommy Pham tripled and scored in the ninth and the St. Louis Cardinals rallied past Chicago 5-4. St. Louis trailed 4-1 in the eighth before a run-scoring error by newly acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes. Arenado hit a fly to short center that second baseman Nico Hoerner called for and was readying to catch when center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong called him off. Crow-Armstrong couldn’t get to the ball, which dropped 213 feet from the plate as two runs scored.ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — J.D. Martinez has faced many relief pitchers during his 14 years in the majors. The New York Mets designated hitter though could only laugh and smile after striking out against the Los Angeles Angels rookie Ben Joyce. Joyce struck out Martinez with a 104.7 mph cutter on Saturday night, the fastest pitch in the majors this season. It eclipsed the 104.5 mph he threw on July 12 against Seattle. According to Sportradar, it is also tied for the sixth-fastest pitch since 2009.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Chicago White Sox extended their team-record losing streak to 19, giving up Max Kepler’s tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning that lifted the Minnesota Twins to a 6-2 win. Chicago’s losing streak is the longest since Baltimore dropped 19 in a row in August 2021. Kepler, who entered in the fifth inning as a pinch hitter, hit his seventh home run of the season. The drive to right off Touki Toussaint sent the Twins to their 11th win in 12 games against the White Sox this season.UNDATED (AP) — Steve McMichael couldn’t make it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, so the ceremony came to him. Battling ALS and bedridden in the advanced stages of the neurological disease, the 66-year-old two-time All-Pro defensive tackle was the second player enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame among seven members of the Class of 2024 on Saturday. McMichael was surrounded by several of his Chicago Bears teammates and his wife, Misty, at his home in Homer Glen, Illinois. Dwight Freeney, Randy Gradishar, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers and Patrick Willis also were inducted into the Hall.BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — University of Colorado offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is preparing for his first full season coaching at the college level since 1998, when he served as Stanford's offensive line coach. Deion Sanders promoted Shurmur from offensive analyst to play-caller for the final four games last season. This year, he tabbed him as his offensive coordinator. Shurmur says being back at the college level with young players has given him a fresh perspective after spending 23 seasons in the NFL.OLYMPICSPARIS (AP) — U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky won the women’s 800-meter freestyle in the 2024 Paris Games, earning her ninth Olympic gold medal. She joins Michael Phelps as the only swimmers to win the same event at four straight Summer Games. Also, U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson finished second in the women’s 100 finals, losing to Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia.SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Sha’Carri Richardson’s comeback story hit a brick wall Saturday when Julien Alfred romped to the 100-meter title in 10.72 seconds to blow away the field and bring the first-ever Olympic medal to her island country of St. Lucia. Racing one lane to the left of Richardson, and with rain puddling on the purple track in the Stade de France, Alfred got off to a fantastic start and beat Richardson by .15 seconds — about three body lengths. Richardson’s training partner, Melissa Jefferson, finished third in 10.92 seconds.PARIS (AP) — Simone Biles is getting kind of old for this. Just maybe not too old to keep going. The American gymnastics superstar says “never say never” when it comes to her future. Biles made the comment after earning her third gold medal in Paris, where she won the women's vault final on Saturday. The 27-year-old says the lure of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Games is tempting. Biles has 10 career Olympic medals, seven of them gold. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil earned silver in vault while American Jade Carey grabbed the bronze three years after tripping during the vault final in Tokyo.PARIS (AP) — Kaylia Nemour of Algeria delivered the country’s first gold medal in gymnastics, putting together a thrilling routine in the uneven bars final to edge China’s Qiu Qiyuan. American star Sunisa Lee picked up her third medal in Paris and sixth of her Olympic career by grabbing bronze, exactly where she finished in Tokyo three years ago. Nemour is French and still trains in France but switched to compete for Algeria following a dispute with the French gymnastics federation. She scored a staggering 15.7, tied for the highest score of the meet on any event.VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France (AP) — Halfway to its goal of gold, the U.S. has the No. 1 seed going into the medal round at the Paris Olympics. And now the real games start. Anthony Edwards scored 26 points, six players reached double figures for the U.S. and the Americans wrapped up the top spot coming out of group play by rolling past Puerto Rico 104-83 on Saturday.PARIS (AP) — Unbeaten at last year’s World Cup on the way to the gold medal. Unbeaten so far at the Paris Olympics. No team in this tournament has better defensive numbers, either. And Germany doesn’t care if anyone notices that, either. The Germans — both last summer at the World Cup and this summer at the Paris Games — play like they have copious chips on all their shoulders. They’re brash, they’re tough, they’re confident and they’re already assured of their best showing ever at an Olympics. Now, they want more.VILLEPINTE, France (AP) — Boxer Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan has clinched her first Olympic medal in front of a crowd that chanted her name at the Paris Games. Her win Sunday comes a day after fellow female boxer Imane Khelif of Algeria secured a victory as well following days of online abuse and intense scrutiny about their participation. Lin defeated Svetlana Kamenova Staneva of Bulgaria in a women’s 57-kilogram quarterfinal, advancing to the division’s semifinal round to ensure she will win at least a bronze medal. Lin and Khelif have been at the center of a clash over gender identity and regulations in sports, as critics have brought up their disqualification from the world championships last year over unspecified eligibility tests.PARIS (AP) — The 2024 Paris Games got off to a rocky start with many religious groups around the world, including the Vatican over a tableau in the opening ceremony perceived by some as evoking Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” But faith leaders gathered Sunday with Olympic officials in front of Notre Dame Cathedral to celebrate how faith and sport can complement each other. Far from the controversy, in an inconspicuous tent-like structure tucked away at the end of the athletes’ village in Paris, ordained and lay representatives from the five major global religions have been providing spiritual comfort to Olympians.SATURDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	L.A. Dodgers	10	Oakland	0	Final	L.A. Angels	5	N.Y. Mets	4	Final	Seattle	6	Philadelphia	5	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Yankees	8	Toronto	3	Final	Detroit	6	Kansas City	5	Final	Minnesota	6	Chicago White Sox	2	Final	Tampa Bay	6	Houston	1	Final	Baltimore	7	Cleveland	4	Final	Texas	7	Boston	4	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	St. Louis	5	Chicago Cubs	4	Final	Washington	6	Milwaukee	4	Final	Pittsburgh	4	Arizona	2	Final	Cincinnati	6	San Francisco	4	Final	Miami	4	Atlanta	3	Final	San Diego	3	Colorado	2

Sunday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By The Associated
Press (All times Eastern)

Schedule subject
to change and/or blackouts

1:30 p.m. CNBC —
Women’s Doubles Gold Final (Taped)

11:15 a.m. NBC —
Men’s Group C: Puerto Rico vs. USA

3 p.m. CNBC —
Men’s Group C: Serbia vs. South Sudan

6 p.m. USA — Men’s
Group C: Puerto Rico vs. USA (Taped)

8 p.m. USA — Men’s
Group C: Serbia vs. South Sudan (Taped)

2 a.m. USA —
Women’s Pool C: USA (Hughes/Cheng) vs. GER (Muller/Tillmann)
(Taped)

3 a.m. USA — Men’s
Pool C: GER (Ehlers/Wickler) vs. POL (Bryl/Losiak)

6:40 a.m. E! —
Women’s Pool F: ESP (Alvarez M/Moreno) vs. GER (Ludwig/Lippmann)

2:15 p.m. CNBC —
Women’s Pool D: CAN (Melissa/Brandie) vs. LAT (Tina/Anastasija)
(Taped)

12:15 p.m. CNBC —
Men’s Feather Quarterfinals &amp; more (Taped)

9:30 a.m. USA —
Slalom: Men’s &amp; Women’s Kayak Cross Heats

11:45 a.m. USA —
Slalom: Kayak Cross Heats (Taped)

5 a.m. CNBC —
Men’s Road Race (Taped)

3 p.m. E! —
Dressage: Team Final (Taped)

7 a.m. E! —
Women’s Team Sabre Quarterfinals

1 p.m. E! —
Women’s Team Sabre Bronze/Gold Finals

9:15 a.m. E! —
Men’s &amp; Women’s Apparatus Finals

4:30 p.m. NBC —
Men’s Apparatus Finals (Taped)

10 p.m. USA —
Women’s Group B: Spain vs. France (Taped)

12:30 p.m. USA —
Finals: Eights &amp; more (Taped)

3:45 p.m. NBC —
Finals: Single Sculls, Eight

11:45 a.m. CNBC —
Men’s Skeet, Women’s 25m Pistol Finals (Taped)

5:20 a.m. USA —
Heats: Women’s 50m Free &amp; more

8:45 a.m. USA —
Women’s Singles: Gold Final

4 a.m. E! — Heats:
Men’s 100m &amp; more (Taped)

1 p.m. NBC — Track
&amp; Field &amp; Swimming

1:10 p.m. USA —
Finals: Women’s 100m &amp; more

Midnight USA —
Men’s Pool C: Japan vs. United States (Taped)

11 p.m. USA —
Men’s Group: Montenegro vs. USA (Taped)

10 a.m. E! —
Singles Semifinals (Taped)

12:15 p.m. CNBC —
Men’s Doubles: Gold Final (Taped)

11 p.m. USA —
Women’s Group C: Germany vs. USA (Taped)

3:30 a.m. USA —
Women’s Play-In Round (Taped)

1 p.m. E! — Men’s
Pool Play: USA vs. Netherlands

7:10 a.m. CNBC —
Men’s Middle, Women’s Bantam Semifinals &amp; more (Taped)

4 p.m. CNBC —
Men’s Middle, Women’s Bantam Semifinals &amp; more

9:30 a.m. USA —
Slalom: Men’s Kayak Cross Heats

10:45 a.m. E! —
Slalom: Women’s Kayak Cross Heats

8 a.m. CNBC —
Women’s Road Race (Taped)

4:30 p.m. USA —
Women’s Road Race (Taped)

3:45 p.m. E! —
Dressage: Individual Final (Taped)

8:30 a.m. E! —
Men’s Team Foil Quarters, Semis

1:30 p.m. E! —
Men’s Team Foil Bronze/Gold Finals

8 p.m. USA — Men’s
Quarterfinal (Taped)

3 a.m. GOLF —
Men’s Final Round: Part 1

7 a.m. GOLF —
Men’s Final Round: Part 2

2 p.m. USA — Men’s
Final Round (Taped)

5 a.m. CNBC —
Men’s Group B: Egypt vs. Argentina

By The Associated
Press (All times Eastern)Schedule subject
to change and/or blackoutsSaturday, Aug. 3BADMINTON1:30 p.m. CNBC —
Women’s Doubles Gold Final (Taped)BASKETBALL11:15 a.m. NBC —
Men’s Group C: Puerto Rico vs. USA3 p.m. CNBC —
Men’s Group C: Serbia vs. South Sudan6 p.m. USA — Men’s
Group C: Puerto Rico vs. USA (Taped)8 p.m. USA — Men’s
Group C: Serbia vs. South Sudan (Taped)BASKETBALL 3X312:45 p.m. CNBC —
Pool Play (Taped)4 p.m. USA —
Women’s Play-In RoundBEACH VOLLEYBALL2 a.m. USA —
Women’s Pool C: USA (Hughes/Cheng) vs. GER (Muller/Tillmann)
(Taped)3 a.m. USA — Men’s
Pool C: GER (Ehlers/Wickler) vs. POL (Bryl/Losiak)6:40 a.m. E! —
Women’s Pool F: ESP (Alvarez M/Moreno) vs. GER (Ludwig/Lippmann)2:15 p.m. CNBC —
Women’s Pool D: CAN (Melissa/Brandie) vs. LAT (Tina/Anastasija)
(Taped)4:45 p.m. CNBC —
Lucky LoserBOXING12:15 p.m. CNBC —
Men’s Feather Quarterfinals &amp; more (Taped)CANOE &amp; KAYAK9:30 a.m. USA —
Slalom: Men’s &amp; Women’s Kayak Cross Heats11:45 a.m. USA —
Slalom: Kayak Cross Heats (Taped)CYCLING5 a.m. CNBC —
Men’s Road Race (Taped)EQUESTRIAN3 p.m. E! —
Dressage: Team Final (Taped)FENCING7 a.m. E! —
Women’s Team Sabre Quarterfinals1 p.m. E! —
Women’s Team Sabre Bronze/Gold FinalsGOLF3 a.m. GOLF —
Men’s Round 3: Part 17 a.m. GOLF —
Men’s Round 3: Part 2GYMNASTICS9:15 a.m. E! —
Men’s &amp; Women’s Apparatus Finals10:20 a.m. NBC —
Women’s Vault Final4:30 p.m. NBC —
Men’s Apparatus Finals (Taped)HANDBALL10 p.m. USA —
Women’s Group B: Spain vs. France (Taped)ROWING12:30 p.m. USA —
Finals: Eights &amp; more (Taped)3:45 p.m. NBC —
Finals: Single Sculls, EightSHOOTING11:45 a.m. CNBC —
Men’s Skeet, Women’s 25m Pistol Finals (Taped)SOCCER7:50 a.m. E! —
Archery, Soccer11:50 a.m. E! —
Women’s QuarterfinalSWIMMING5:20 a.m. USA —
Heats: Women’s 50m Free &amp; moreTABLE TENNIS8:45 a.m. USA —
Women’s Singles: Gold FinalTRACK &amp; FIELD4 a.m. E! — Heats:
Men’s 100m &amp; more (Taped)1 p.m. NBC — Track
&amp; Field &amp; Swimming1:10 p.m. USA —
Finals: Women’s 100m &amp; moreVOLLEYBALLMidnight USA —
Men’s Pool C: Japan vs. United States (Taped)WATER POLO11 p.m. USA —
Men’s Group: Montenegro vs. USA (Taped)Sunday, Aug. 4BADMINTON10 a.m. E! —
Singles Semifinals (Taped)12:15 p.m. CNBC —
Men’s Doubles: Gold Final (Taped)BASKETBALL11 p.m. USA —
Women’s Group C: Germany vs. USA (Taped)BASKETBALL 3X33:30 a.m. USA —
Women’s Play-In Round (Taped)1 p.m. E! — Men’s
Pool Play: USA vs. Netherlands3:30 p.m. USA —
Men’s Play-In RoundBEACH VOLLEYBALL4 a.m. CNBC —
Round of 167 a.m. E! — Round
of 1610:15 a.m. USA —
Round of 16 (Taped)11:25 a.m. E! —
Round of 163 p.m. CNBC —
Round of 164 p.m. NBC — Round
of 16 (Taped)BOXING7:10 a.m. CNBC —
Men’s Middle, Women’s Bantam Semifinals &amp; more (Taped)4 p.m. CNBC —
Men’s Middle, Women’s Bantam Semifinals &amp; moreCANOE &amp; KAYAK9:30 a.m. USA —
Slalom: Men’s Kayak Cross Heats10:45 a.m. E! —
Slalom: Women’s Kayak Cross HeatsCYCLING8 a.m. CNBC —
Women’s Road Race (Taped)11:10 a.m. NBC —
Cycling &amp; more4:30 p.m. USA —
Women’s Road Race (Taped)EQUESTRIAN3:45 p.m. E! —
Dressage: Individual Final (Taped)FENCING8:30 a.m. E! —
Men’s Team Foil Quarters, Semis1:30 p.m. E! —
Men’s Team Foil Bronze/Gold FinalsFIELD HOCKEY8 p.m. USA — Men’s
Quarterfinal (Taped)GOLF3 a.m. GOLF —
Men’s Final Round: Part 17 a.m. GOLF —
Men’s Final Round: Part 22 p.m. USA — Men’s
Final Round (Taped)HANDBALL5 a.m. CNBC —
Men’s Group B: Egypt vs. Argentina9 p.m. USA — Men’s
Group B: Hungary vs. France (Taped)SHOOTING2:30 p.m. CNBC —
Women’s Skeet Final (Taped)SOCCER1:30 a.m. USA —
Women’s Quarterfinal (Taped)SWIMMING12:30 p.m. NBC —
Track &amp; Field, SwimmingTABLE TENNIS8 a.m. E! — Men’s
Singles: Bronze Final9 a.m. USA — Men’s
Singles: Gold Final7 p.m. USA — Men’s
Singles: Gold Final (Taped)TRACK &amp; FIELD4 a.m. USA —
Heats: Men’s 110m Hurdles &amp; more12:30 p.m. NBC —
Track &amp; Field, SwimmingUSA — Finals:
Men’s 100m &amp; moreVOLLEYBALL5:30 a.m. E! —
Women’s Pool C: Italy vs. Turkiye (Taped)5 p.m. NBC —
Women’s Pool A: France vs. United States (Taped)

Olympics on TV for Aug. 3, 4

VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France (AP) — Halfway to its goal of gold, the U.S. has the No. 1 seed going into the medal round at the Paris Olympics.

Anthony Edwards scored 26 points, six players reached double figures for the U.S. and the Americans wrapped up the top spot coming out of group play by rolling past Puerto Rico 104-83 on Saturday. A huge second-quarter run was the difference for the U.S., which is trying to medal for the 20th time in 20 Olympic appearances.

“I think we got done what we wanted to accomplish, winning all three games and securing the top seed," U.S. coach Steve Kerr said. "We know we have to play better. Part of this tournament is it gets harder as you go. Our goal is just to try to get better each game.”

The Americans — 3-0 in these Olympics, 8-0 so far this summer — will see Brazil in the win-or-go-home quarterfinals in Paris on Tuesday.

“We better be ready to go,” U.S. forward LeBron James said.

Joel Embiid scored 15 points for the U.S. Kevin Durant scored 11 points for the U.S. to get within five of matching Lisa Leslie for the all-time Olympic scoring record for the U.S.; he's at 483, and Leslie finished her career with 488 in Olympic play.

James finished with 10 points, eight assists and six rebounds in 18 minutes. Jayson Tatum had 10 points and 10 rebounds while Anthony Davis scored 10 for the U.S., which sat Jrue Holiday for precautionary reasons because of an ankle that he rolled in the Americans' win over South Sudan on Wednesday. Holiday will play in Tuesday's quarterfinals, Kerr said.

Jose Alvarado led Puerto Rico (0-3) with 18 points. Ismael Romero scored 12 and Aleem Ford finished with 10.

It was the first Olympic matchup between the nations since the Athens Games in 2004, when Puerto Rico ran away in the second quarter and went on to embarrass the U.S. 92-73 in what was James’ debut in the tournament.

That day in Athens, Puerto Rico won the second quarter 28-7. This time, the U.S. won the second quarter 39-16. Give Puerto Rico credit; a team that came into Saturday knowing it was eliminated from contention took an eight-point lead late in the first quarter and still led 37-36 with 5:45 left in the half.

The rest of the half: U.S. 28, Puerto Rico 8. The run was quick and decisive.

“I think our talent took over in the second quarter and we started to wear them down,” Kerr said. “Our defense kicked in and we had a great quarter, which opened up the game.”

James had all six of his first-half assists during that burst and the Americans took a 64-45 lead into the break. He finished the flurry with a dunk in the final seconds, ran by his 2004 Athens teammate Dwyane Wade — now commentating for NBC, sitting courtside — while yelling something with a big smile and from there the countdown to wrapping up the No. 1 seed was officially on.

It’s been three games, three easy wins for the Americans so far in France: a 26-point opening victory over Serbia, a 17-point win over South Sudan to clinch the top spot in Group C, and then Saturday’s game against Puerto Rico that once it got one-sided it stayed that way.

And in every game so far in France, it has been someone new leading the way, at least on the scoring front. Against Serbia, Durant had 23 and James had 21. Against South Sudan, Bam Adebayo scored 18. On Saturday, it was Edwards getting 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722719838611.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;United States' Joel Embiid, left, goes up for a dunk as Puerto Rico's Ismael Romero defends during a men's basketball game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;United States' Joel Embiid, left, goes up for a dunk as Puerto Rico's Ismael Romero defends during a men's basketball game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)</figcaption>
 </figure>VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France (AP) — Halfway to its goal of gold, the U.S. has the No. 1 seed going into the medal round at the Paris Olympics.And now the real games start.Anthony Edwards scored 26 points, six players reached double figures for the U.S. and the Americans wrapped up the top spot coming out of group play by rolling past Puerto Rico 104-83 on Saturday. A huge second-quarter run was the difference for the U.S., which is trying to medal for the 20th time in 20 Olympic appearances.“I think we got done what we wanted to accomplish, winning all three games and securing the top seed," U.S. coach Steve Kerr said. "We know we have to play better. Part of this tournament is it gets harder as you go. Our goal is just to try to get better each game.”The Americans — 3-0 in these Olympics, 8-0 so far this summer — will see Brazil in the win-or-go-home quarterfinals in Paris on Tuesday.“We better be ready to go,” U.S. forward LeBron James said.Joel Embiid scored 15 points for the U.S. Kevin Durant scored 11 points for the U.S. to get within five of matching Lisa Leslie for the all-time Olympic scoring record for the U.S.; he's at 483, and Leslie finished her career with 488 in Olympic play.James finished with 10 points, eight assists and six rebounds in 18 minutes. Jayson Tatum had 10 points and 10 rebounds while Anthony Davis scored 10 for the U.S., which sat Jrue Holiday for precautionary reasons because of an ankle that he rolled in the Americans' win over South Sudan on Wednesday. Holiday will play in Tuesday's quarterfinals, Kerr said.Jose Alvarado led Puerto Rico (0-3) with 18 points. Ismael Romero scored 12 and Aleem Ford finished with 10.It was the first Olympic matchup between the nations since the Athens Games in 2004, when Puerto Rico ran away in the second quarter and went on to embarrass the U.S. 92-73 in what was James’ debut in the tournament.Little different story this time.That day in Athens, Puerto Rico won the second quarter 28-7. This time, the U.S. won the second quarter 39-16. Give Puerto Rico credit; a team that came into Saturday knowing it was eliminated from contention took an eight-point lead late in the first quarter and still led 37-36 with 5:45 left in the half.The rest of the half: U.S. 28, Puerto Rico 8. The run was quick and decisive.“I think our talent took over in the second quarter and we started to wear them down,” Kerr said. “Our defense kicked in and we had a great quarter, which opened up the game.”James had all six of his first-half assists during that burst and the Americans took a 64-45 lead into the break. He finished the flurry with a dunk in the final seconds, ran by his 2004 Athens teammate Dwyane Wade — now commentating for NBC, sitting courtside — while yelling something with a big smile and from there the countdown to wrapping up the No. 1 seed was officially on.As would be expected, really.It’s been three games, three easy wins for the Americans so far in France: a 26-point opening victory over Serbia, a 17-point win over South Sudan to clinch the top spot in Group C, and then Saturday’s game against Puerto Rico that once it got one-sided it stayed that way.And in every game so far in France, it has been someone new leading the way, at least on the scoring front. Against Serbia, Durant had 23 and James had 21. Against South Sudan, Bam Adebayo scored 18. On Saturday, it was Edwards getting 26.That's by design.

US rolls into Olympic quarterfinals, top Puerto Rico 104-83 in group finale

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Three of the most tradition-rich college football programs are capitalizing on the passion of their fans to generate funds for their NIL collectives.

Nebraska and Ohio State are opening one or more of their preseason practices to the public and charging admission. Alabama will let fans in for free to an open practice, but those who want to get player autographs afterward will be required to pay a few bucks to join the Crimson Tide's collective.

NFL teams have long allowed fans to attend training camps, with most charging no admission.

College athletes have been allowed to cash in on their name, image and likeness since 2021, and collectives that facilitate deals for them initially were funded by big-money donors. Now, fans at large are being asked to chip in as well, with no donation too small.

Schools that struggle to fill their stadiums during the season probably would never ask fans to pay to watch a practice. It can work at places like Nebraska and Ohio State, which have long ranked among leaders in attendance and whose spring games, which are glorified practices, regularly draw between 60,000 and 80,000.

Temple University associate professor Thilo Kunkel, who researches NIL’s impact on college sports, said opening practices for a price is a creative way to add to the NIL pool if a school can pull it off. Even though the players won't be in full pads and temperatures could be in the 90s, hardcore fans will come for an up-close look at the team.

“They want more than just a Saturday afternoon game," Kunkel said. "They want that authentic behind-the-scenes access and the practices actually are giving them that.”

Nebraska is charging $25 per fan, any age, for its open 6 p.m. practice Saturday. Carson Schott, CEO of the 1890 collective, estimated 3,000 fans would show up.

“Husker fans are the most loyal, passionate fan base in the country!” Schott said in an email to The Associated Press. “We knew this event would have great support in helping Husker Athletics and 1890. The opportunity to watch and see how practice is run is a unique opportunity that is usually reserved for large donors. We couldn’t be more excited!”

Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule said Nebraska doesn't plan to charge for events that have traditionally been free, such as the annual Fan Day.

“But moving forward in this new model, we have to find ways to raise revenue and to support 1890,” he said. “It’ll be a good practice. I want people to see the way that we practice. And at the end, we’ll have some fun.”

Ohio State is charging $50 to attend one of four open practices, with the last one Sunday. Fans also get a pair of commemorative 2024 Ohio State training camp sunglasses and access to a FanFest. Attendance was capped at 750 per practice, meaning the Buckeyes could raise $150,000 for their NIL efforts if each practice sold out.

Ohio State sold out two open practices last year, when tickets cost $30 and attendance was capped at 500.

Alabama will let fans watch practice for free during its Fan Day on Aug. 11, but those who want to go through the autograph line will have to join the Yea Alabama collective. Memberships start at $18 per month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722625115589.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Ohio State fans cheer during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame, Sept. 23, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. Ohio State and Nebraska are opening one or more of their preseason practices and charging admission. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Ohio State fans cheer during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame, Sept. 23, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. Ohio State and Nebraska are opening one or more of their preseason practices and charging admission. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Three of the most tradition-rich college football programs are capitalizing on the passion of their fans to generate funds for their NIL collectives.Nebraska and Ohio State are opening one or more of their preseason practices to the public and charging admission. Alabama will let fans in for free to an open practice, but those who want to get player autographs afterward will be required to pay a few bucks to join the Crimson Tide's collective.NFL teams have long allowed fans to attend training camps, with most charging no admission.College athletes have been allowed to cash in on their name, image and likeness since 2021, and collectives that facilitate deals for them initially were funded by big-money donors. Now, fans at large are being asked to chip in as well, with no donation too small.Schools that struggle to fill their stadiums during the season probably would never ask fans to pay to watch a practice. It can work at places like Nebraska and Ohio State, which have long ranked among leaders in attendance and whose spring games, which are glorified practices, regularly draw between 60,000 and 80,000.Temple University associate professor Thilo Kunkel, who researches NIL’s impact on college sports, said opening practices for a price is a creative way to add to the NIL pool if a school can pull it off. Even though the players won't be in full pads and temperatures could be in the 90s, hardcore fans will come for an up-close look at the team.“They want more than just a Saturday afternoon game," Kunkel said. "They want that authentic behind-the-scenes access and the practices actually are giving them that.”Nebraska is charging $25 per fan, any age, for its open 6 p.m. practice Saturday. Carson Schott, CEO of the 1890 collective, estimated 3,000 fans would show up.“Husker fans are the most loyal, passionate fan base in the country!” Schott said in an email to The Associated Press. “We knew this event would have great support in helping Husker Athletics and 1890. The opportunity to watch and see how practice is run is a unique opportunity that is usually reserved for large donors. We couldn’t be more excited!”Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule said Nebraska doesn't plan to charge for events that have traditionally been free, such as the annual Fan Day.“But moving forward in this new model, we have to find ways to raise revenue and to support 1890,” he said. “It’ll be a good practice. I want people to see the way that we practice. And at the end, we’ll have some fun.”Ohio State is charging $50 to attend one of four open practices, with the last one Sunday. Fans also get a pair of commemorative 2024 Ohio State training camp sunglasses and access to a FanFest. Attendance was capped at 750 per practice, meaning the Buckeyes could raise $150,000 for their NIL efforts if each practice sold out.Ohio State sold out two open practices last year, when tickets cost $30 and attendance was capped at 500.Alabama will let fans watch practice for free during its Fan Day on Aug. 11, but those who want to go through the autograph line will have to join the Yea Alabama collective. Memberships start at $18 per month.

College's raise NIL funds at football practice through fan admission, autographs

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — There's nothing new about Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs having a dynamic offense, but this year's training camp presents a new opportunity for Kansas City to sharpen its attack.

Mahomes has to face a defense that was the higher-ranked side of the ball for the Chiefs last season.

“Going against one of, if not the best defense in the National Football League with (defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) and them — I felt like guys have done a great job of building,” Mahomes said. “And we’ll continue to get better and better with building chemistry as camp goes on.”

Last season, Kansas City won its third of the past five Super Bowls with unprecedented balance. Mahomes' unit was ranked ninth in the NFL and Spagnuolo's defense was second.

It was the first season since coach Andy Reid arrived in 2013 that the Chiefs were ranked in the top 10 for both defense and offense.

The goal for the Chiefs this season is to maintain that consistency on both sides of the ball.

“We need to get better, just strive to get better, coaches and players,” Reid said. “If you can just keep the hammer down and keep working and detailing your work and not worrying about what’s going on a play down the way here, just focus on what your job is and get it down, I think you have a chance to get better.”

And Reid, who oversees the offense, made clear he will continue to innovate.

“We’ve added some new things,” Reid said, “and the coaches are working on detailing all that and the players are working hard to this point.”

For the Chiefs' defensive players, going against Mahomes at every practice and knowing he complimented the unit provides inspiration and motivation.

“That’s definitely a great thing for someone like him to give us praise and show us some, not just respect, but also show us some love, on the back end,” safety Bryan Cook said. “Obviously, this is an offense-driven league, but having our quarterback being who he is and to still give us our props day in and day out.

“And obviously competing against us every day we can learn from him, too. I can ask him certain questions like, ‘Hey what did you see? What are you reading?’ Things like that to help us get the job done at the end of the day.”

“They’re making us better every single day,” Karlaftis said.

NOTES: CB Kelvin Joseph (hamstring) and OT Wanya Morris (shoulder) left practice early. ... LB Nick Bolton (elbow) and WR Kadarius Toney (ankle) didn’t practice Friday. ... The Chiefs worked on goal-line situations during 11-on-11 drills. “Good work, a lot of red-zone work today,” Reid said. “That benefits you, obviously, in important situations there once you get inside that red zone to make sure you’re accurate with all your assignments.”

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — There's nothing new about Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs having a dynamic offense, but this year's training camp presents a new opportunity for Kansas City to sharpen its attack.Mahomes has to face a defense that was the higher-ranked side of the ball for the Chiefs last season.“Going against one of, if not the best defense in the National Football League with (defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) and them — I felt like guys have done a great job of building,” Mahomes said. “And we’ll continue to get better and better with building chemistry as camp goes on.”Last season, Kansas City won its third of the past five Super Bowls with unprecedented balance. Mahomes' unit was ranked ninth in the NFL and Spagnuolo's defense was second.It was the first season since coach Andy Reid arrived in 2013 that the Chiefs were ranked in the top 10 for both defense and offense.The goal for the Chiefs this season is to maintain that consistency on both sides of the ball.“We need to get better, just strive to get better, coaches and players,” Reid said. “If you can just keep the hammer down and keep working and detailing your work and not worrying about what’s going on a play down the way here, just focus on what your job is and get it down, I think you have a chance to get better.”And Reid, who oversees the offense, made clear he will continue to innovate.“We’ve added some new things,” Reid said, “and the coaches are working on detailing all that and the players are working hard to this point.”For the Chiefs' defensive players, going against Mahomes at every practice and knowing he complimented the unit provides inspiration and motivation.“That’s definitely a great thing for someone like him to give us praise and show us some, not just respect, but also show us some love, on the back end,” safety Bryan Cook said. “Obviously, this is an offense-driven league, but having our quarterback being who he is and to still give us our props day in and day out.“And obviously competing against us every day we can learn from him, too. I can ask him certain questions like, ‘Hey what did you see? What are you reading?’ Things like that to help us get the job done at the end of the day.”Defensive end George Karlaftis agreed.“They’re making us better every single day,” Karlaftis said.NOTES: CB Kelvin Joseph (hamstring) and OT Wanya Morris (shoulder) left practice early. ... LB Nick Bolton (elbow) and WR Kadarius Toney (ankle) didn’t practice Friday. ... The Chiefs worked on goal-line situations during 11-on-11 drills. “Good work, a lot of red-zone work today,” Reid said. “That benefits you, obviously, in important situations there once you get inside that red zone to make sure you’re accurate with all your assignments.”

Mahomes and Chiefs' offense face new challenge: keeping up with higher-ranked defense

WICHITA - The Hays Larks are headed back to the championship game of the NBC World Series as they take down the Lonestar Baseball Club Friday 7-3 in the semifinals at Eck Stadium in Wichita.

After Lonestar scored a single run in the top of the first inning, the Larks scored four times in the bottom of the inning for a 4-1 lead.

Kaleb Duncan got the scoring started with his first of two RBI singles, two batters later Garrett Gruell drove in two with an RBI double and then Houston Russell capped off the inning with an RBI single of his own for a 4-1 Hays lead.

Lonestar made it 4-2 with a run in the top of the second but Duncan’s RBI single in the bottom of the inning made it 5-2 Hays through two.

Lonestar scored a third run in the top of the third for a 5-3 lead.

Hays’ Gruell delivered the first homerun for the Larks at the NBC, a two-run shot to left putting Hays up 7-3.

The Larks (33-8) bullpen would do the rest on their way to a 7-3 win and their second NBC title game appearance in three year.

Luke Spencer earned the win with 4 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. He struck out two and allowed four hits. Adrian Najar added two more innings of scoreless relief for Hays.

Duncan, Russell and Gruell each collected a pair of hits for the Larks and Gruell drove in four runs.

WICHITA - The Hays Larks are headed back to the championship game of the NBC World Series as they take down the Lonestar Baseball Club Friday 7-3 in the semifinals at Eck Stadium in Wichita.After Lonestar scored a single run in the top of the first inning, the Larks scored four times in the bottom of the inning for a 4-1 lead.Kaleb Duncan got the scoring started with his first of two RBI singles, two batters later Garrett Gruell drove in two with an RBI double and then Houston Russell capped off the inning with an RBI single of his own for a 4-1 Hays lead.Lonestar made it 4-2 with a run in the top of the second but Duncan’s RBI single in the bottom of the inning made it 5-2 Hays through two.Lonestar scored a third run in the top of the third for a 5-3 lead.Hays’ Gruell delivered the first homerun for the Larks at the NBC, a two-run shot to left putting Hays up 7-3.The Larks (33-8) bullpen would do the rest on their way to a 7-3 win and their second NBC title game appearance in three year.Luke Spencer earned the win with 4 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. He struck out two and allowed four hits. Adrian Najar added two more innings of scoreless relief for Hays.Duncan, Russell and Gruell each collected a pair of hits for the Larks and Gruell drove in four runs.

Hays Larks advance to NBC championship game with win over Lonestar

DETROIT (AP) — Salvador Perez had three hits, including a home run, and the Kansas City Royals won their fifth straight by routing Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers 9-2 on Friday night.

Cole Ragans (8-7) held the Tigers to two runs on two hits in 5 2/3 innings. He walked four and struck out six.

Skubal (12-4) allowed a season-worst five runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. Skubal, who struck out eight, is 2-9 against the Royals with a 5.05 ERA in 14 games, 12 of them starts.

“They don't have a lot of swing and misses over there, and if you chase them, you can get into some bad counts,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I thought Tarik did a job of pitching to the game situation, but they had a good approach and continued it against our bullpen.”

The Royals chased Skubal in a six-run seventh inning that included nine straight hits, two stolen bases and a wild pitch.

“You can't ever plan for that, for sure, but the approaches were so good, especially once we got going a little bit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That inning was remarkable.”

The Tigers, who have been outscored 34-7 during a five-game losing streak, took a 2-0 lead on Justyn-Henry Malloy's first-inning homer, but Perez led off the second with a homer off the bricks behind the stands in left-center field to make it 2-1.

“I thought he set the tone for us with the home run,” Quatraro said. “Skubal has no-hit stuff every night, and he goes up there and crushed that slider. That got us right back in the game after they got two."

Perez scored from first on Hunter Renfroe's double in the fourth, and Paul DeJong made it 3-2 with a sacrifice fly on his 31st birthday to score Renfroe.

The Royals blew the game open in the seventh. Dairon Blanco and Maikel Garcia singled with one out to end Skubal's night. Bobby Witt Jr. greeted Shelby Miller with an infield single to load the bases.

“You don't want to let anyone see a pitcher for a fourth time, and as the inning developed, we wanted to get a different look to the middle of the order,” Hinch said. “It's frustrating when that doesn't work, and it obviously didn't tonight.”

Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run single, making it 5-2, followed by a double steal and a run-scoring wild pitch. Perez hit an RBI double for his third hit.

Renfroe and Freddy Fermin singled to make it seven straight hits and an 8-2 lead. Beau Brieske gave up singles to Garrett Hampson and DeJong before getting the last two outs.

Wenceel Pérez made a spectacular running catch in the eighth inning to rob Perez of a fourth hit and a possible triple that would have given him a cycle.

The teams play the third game of the series on Saturday with Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-6, 3.81) making his Kansas City debut. Lorenzen was a 2023 All-Star with the Tigers. Detroit, down to two healthy starters, will use its bullpen for another nine innings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722691930327.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Salvador Perez had three hits, including a home run, and the Kansas City Royals won their fifth straight by routing Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers 9-2 on Friday night.Cole Ragans (8-7) held the Tigers to two runs on two hits in 5 2/3 innings. He walked four and struck out six.Skubal (12-4) allowed a season-worst five runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. Skubal, who struck out eight, is 2-9 against the Royals with a 5.05 ERA in 14 games, 12 of them starts.“They don't have a lot of swing and misses over there, and if you chase them, you can get into some bad counts,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I thought Tarik did a job of pitching to the game situation, but they had a good approach and continued it against our bullpen.”The Royals chased Skubal in a six-run seventh inning that included nine straight hits, two stolen bases and a wild pitch.“You can't ever plan for that, for sure, but the approaches were so good, especially once we got going a little bit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That inning was remarkable.”The Tigers, who have been outscored 34-7 during a five-game losing streak, took a 2-0 lead on Justyn-Henry Malloy's first-inning homer, but Perez led off the second with a homer off the bricks behind the stands in left-center field to make it 2-1.“I thought he set the tone for us with the home run,” Quatraro said. “Skubal has no-hit stuff every night, and he goes up there and crushed that slider. That got us right back in the game after they got two."Perez scored from first on Hunter Renfroe's double in the fourth, and Paul DeJong made it 3-2 with a sacrifice fly on his 31st birthday to score Renfroe.The Royals blew the game open in the seventh. Dairon Blanco and Maikel Garcia singled with one out to end Skubal's night. Bobby Witt Jr. greeted Shelby Miller with an infield single to load the bases.“You don't want to let anyone see a pitcher for a fourth time, and as the inning developed, we wanted to get a different look to the middle of the order,” Hinch said. “It's frustrating when that doesn't work, and it obviously didn't tonight.”Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run single, making it 5-2, followed by a double steal and a run-scoring wild pitch. Perez hit an RBI double for his third hit.Renfroe and Freddy Fermin singled to make it seven straight hits and an 8-2 lead. Beau Brieske gave up singles to Garrett Hampson and DeJong before getting the last two outs.Wenceel Pérez made a spectacular running catch in the eighth inning to rob Perez of a fourth hit and a possible triple that would have given him a cycle.UP NEXTThe teams play the third game of the series on Saturday with Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-6, 3.81) making his Kansas City debut. Lorenzen was a 2023 All-Star with the Tigers. Detroit, down to two healthy starters, will use its bullpen for another nine innings.