The Big 12 held a block party during the opening week of the season with multiple touchdowns scored on special teams.

There were four punt returns for touchdowns, including two after blocked punts. A blocked field goal turned into a fifth score. And another blocked punt led to a quick TD one play later.

Granted, half of the opponents were members of the Championship Subdivision, but it does show what the Big 12 is capable of on special teams this season.

According to the league, it’s the second time in its 27-year history that there were four TDs scored off of punts in the same week. The other occurred in 2002. Nationally, it’s the most among FBS conferences since the ACC had five punt-related TDs in one week in 2018.

“I hope that's a weapon for us,” Baylor coach Dave Aranda said.

Aranda watched Gavin Holmes return a punt 72 yards for a score in a 69-10 win over Albany. Holmes is a sixth-year wideout who missed all of last season with a foot injury. The Bears averaged more than 10 yards per return on five other punts.

“We talk about hidden yardage and we talk about trying to attack on that phase of the game,” Aranda said. “I think when we look at the tape, I think there’s going to be a lot of yards being gained by athleticism and quick decisions and instincts and all of it.”

Derius Davis gave TCU a spark when he ran back a punt 60 yards for a TD. He also scored on a 27-yard reverse to give new coach Sonny Dykes his first win, 38-13 over Colorado. Dykes said the second-quarter punt return kept TCU in the game until the Horned Frogs could get going on offense.

Davis tied KaVontae Turpin’s TCU record of four career punt returns for TDs. Combined with a 100-yard kickoff return against West Virginia last season, Davis has five career special teams scores.

“If you give him some room to run, he knows how to finish,” Dykes said.

Kansas State’s Seth Porter blocked a South Dakota punt and teammate Desmond Purnell picked it up and ran 17 yards untouched into the end zone in the Wildcats’ 34-0 win.

“Those are things that are hard to recover from,” South Dakota coach Bob Nielson said. “I think 80% in college football if you get a blocked punt for a touchdown, you lose a football game. We spent a lot of time on our kicking game so we understand that, and we knew it was a lot to overcome.”

No one was having more fun than West Virginia's CJ Donaldson. The 240-pound freshman certainly had quite a debut in a 38-31 loss to Pittsburgh.

Donaldson wasn’t even on the depth chart for West Virginia’s opener. He arrived on campus as a tight end, and it was discussed that he would get some action at wide receiver and running back. He ended up being all over the place.

In the third quarter, Donaldson blocked a punt deep in Pittsburgh territory. He lined up right of center and made a beeline to the left as Pitt’s Sam Vander Haar, a redshirt freshman, took several steps to his right.

“We’d been practicing it all week,” Donaldson said. “We’d been seeing they had a new punter and a new snapper, so their timing was not as perfect as it would be. So we called a ‘full-go’ call. And I saw him running out to the right and he was holding it."

West Virginia recovered and Donaldson scored on a 5-yard run on the next play, carrying several Panthers into the end zone.

Donaldson had been inserted at running back early in the second quarter as a change-of-pace option for starter Tony Mathis and backup Justin Johnson. His first carry was a 44-yard run that set up West Virginia’s first touchdown. Donaldson finished with seven carries for 125 yards, the second-best performance among Big 12 backs behind the 126 yards by Deuce Vaughn of Kansas State.

“When my number was called, Tony told me to focus in and just live in the moment. And I was just living in the moment," Donaldson said. "When the opportunity came, I took it. It was very eye-opening. I wasn't expecting to see 75,000 people out there. I'm from high school. The most I ever played in front of was probably max 2,000. It was a very great experience.”

— D'Shawn Jamison of Texas blocked a Louisiana-Monroe punt and teammate Keilan Robinson returned it 12 yards for a TD. Jamison later scored on a 69-yard interception return off a tipped pass in the 52-10 win.

— Jereme Robinson of Kansas blocked a field goal try and teammate Jacobee Bryant scooped up the ball and returned it 61 yards for a TD in a 56-10 win over Tennessee Tech. It was the first such touchdown for the Jayhawks since Patrick Brown did it against Oklahoma in 1996.

The Big 12 held a block party during the opening week of the season with multiple touchdowns scored on special teams.There were four punt returns for touchdowns, including two after blocked punts. A blocked field goal turned into a fifth score. And another blocked punt led to a quick TD one play later.Granted, half of the opponents were members of the Championship Subdivision, but it does show what the Big 12 is capable of on special teams this season.According to the league, it’s the second time in its 27-year history that there were four TDs scored off of punts in the same week. The other occurred in 2002. Nationally, it’s the most among FBS conferences since the ACC had five punt-related TDs in one week in 2018.“I hope that's a weapon for us,” Baylor coach Dave Aranda said.Aranda watched Gavin Holmes return a punt 72 yards for a score in a 69-10 win over Albany. Holmes is a sixth-year wideout who missed all of last season with a foot injury. The Bears averaged more than 10 yards per return on five other punts.“We talk about hidden yardage and we talk about trying to attack on that phase of the game,” Aranda said. “I think when we look at the tape, I think there’s going to be a lot of yards being gained by athleticism and quick decisions and instincts and all of it.”Derius Davis gave TCU a spark when he ran back a punt 60 yards for a TD. He also scored on a 27-yard reverse to give new coach Sonny Dykes his first win, 38-13 over Colorado. Dykes said the second-quarter punt return kept TCU in the game until the Horned Frogs could get going on offense.Davis tied KaVontae Turpin’s TCU record of four career punt returns for TDs. Combined with a 100-yard kickoff return against West Virginia last season, Davis has five career special teams scores.“If you give him some room to run, he knows how to finish,” Dykes said.Kansas State’s Seth Porter blocked a South Dakota punt and teammate Desmond Purnell picked it up and ran 17 yards untouched into the end zone in the Wildcats’ 34-0 win.“Those are things that are hard to recover from,” South Dakota coach Bob Nielson said. “I think 80% in college football if you get a blocked punt for a touchdown, you lose a football game. We spent a lot of time on our kicking game so we understand that, and we knew it was a lot to overcome.”No one was having more fun than West Virginia's CJ Donaldson. The 240-pound freshman certainly had quite a debut in a 38-31 loss to Pittsburgh.Donaldson wasn’t even on the depth chart for West Virginia’s opener. He arrived on campus as a tight end, and it was discussed that he would get some action at wide receiver and running back. He ended up being all over the place.In the third quarter, Donaldson blocked a punt deep in Pittsburgh territory. He lined up right of center and made a beeline to the left as Pitt’s Sam Vander Haar, a redshirt freshman, took several steps to his right.“We’d been practicing it all week,” Donaldson said. “We’d been seeing they had a new punter and a new snapper, so their timing was not as perfect as it would be. So we called a ‘full-go’ call. And I saw him running out to the right and he was holding it."West Virginia recovered and Donaldson scored on a 5-yard run on the next play, carrying several Panthers into the end zone.Donaldson had been inserted at running back early in the second quarter as a change-of-pace option for starter Tony Mathis and backup Justin Johnson. His first carry was a 44-yard run that set up West Virginia’s first touchdown. Donaldson finished with seven carries for 125 yards, the second-best performance among Big 12 backs behind the 126 yards by Deuce Vaughn of Kansas State.“When my number was called, Tony told me to focus in and just live in the moment. And I was just living in the moment," Donaldson said. "When the opportunity came, I took it. It was very eye-opening. I wasn't expecting to see 75,000 people out there. I'm from high school. The most I ever played in front of was probably max 2,000. It was a very great experience.”Other special teams gems included:— D'Shawn Jamison of Texas blocked a Louisiana-Monroe punt and teammate Keilan Robinson returned it 12 yards for a TD. Jamison later scored on a 69-yard interception return off a tipped pass in the 52-10 win.— Jereme Robinson of Kansas blocked a field goal try and teammate Jacobee Bryant scooped up the ball and returned it 61 yards for a TD in a 56-10 win over Tennessee Tech. It was the first such touchdown for the Jayhawks since Patrick Brown did it against Oklahoma in 1996.

Big 12 teams score multiple touchdowns on blocked punts, FG

The Top 25 teams in The Associated Press college football poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Sep. 5, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote, and previous ranking:

Others receiving votes: Oregon 131, Penn St. 122, Texas 118, Cincinnati 63, Florida St. 42, UCF 22, Minnesota 22, Fresno St. 22, Kansas St. 18, Auburn 15, Mississippi St. 10, Air Force 8, Oregon St. 5, North Carolina 3, South Carolina 2, UCLA 1, Arizona 1, Purdue 1.

The Top 25 teams in The Associated Press college football poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Sep. 5, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote, and previous ranking:Record	Pts	Prv1. Alabama (44)	1-0	1552	12. Georgia (17)	1-0	1511	33. Ohio St. (2)	1-0	1471	24. Michigan	1-0	1299	85. Clemson	1-0	1280	46. Texas A&amp;M	1-0	1241	67. Oklahoma	1-0	1130	98. Notre Dame	0-1	1085	59. Baylor	1-0	1057	1010. Southern Cal	1-0	898	1411. Oklahoma St.	1-0	818	1212. Florida	1-0	763	-13. Utah	0-1	717	714. Michigan St.	1-0	690	1515. Miami	1-0	679	1616. Arkansas	1-0	678	1917. Pittsburgh	1-0	535	1718. NC State	1-0	513	1319. Wisconsin	1-0	476	1820. Kentucky	1-0	373	2021. BYU	1-0	266	2522. Mississippi	1-0	254	2123. Wake Forest	1-0	246	2224. Tennessee	1-0	194	-25. Houston	1-0	143	24Others receiving votes: Oregon 131, Penn St. 122, Texas 118, Cincinnati 63, Florida St. 42, UCF 22, Minnesota 22, Fresno St. 22, Kansas St. 18, Auburn 15, Mississippi St. 10, Air Force 8, Oregon St. 5, North Carolina 3, South Carolina 2, UCLA 1, Arizona 1, Purdue 1.

AP Top 25

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos didn’t circle their season opener on their calendar even though it’s Russell Wilson’s homecoming at Seattle.

Had they emphasized their $296 million man ’s return to the city where he spent a decade, bringing the Seahawks their only Super Bowl title, the Broncos wouldn’t have kept him on the sideline with their other starters in the preseason.

“This is what I have been doing the past three years,” explained new Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who was schooled in the sit-’em philosophy by Packers coach Matt LaFleur, who copied the doctrine from Rams coach Sean McVay, who’s been doing it since 2018.

McVay is 51-23, including 7-2 in the playoffs, since downplaying the preseason and keeping his starters sidelined until September. He’s also the defending Super Bowl champion.

The Packers held out Aaron Rodgers last summer and they were trounced 38-3 by the Saints in their opener, but bounced back with their third consecutive 13-win season.

“It has shown that we’ve been able to do good throughout the entire year,” said Hackett, who served as LaFleur’s offensive coordinator from 2019-21. “In the end, it’s all about the whole year — not about Week 1, Week 2, Week 3. We want to be sure we are being successful throughout the whole season.”

Hackett said he did it this way “for health reasons,” adding, “I’m glad the guys are healthy, fresh and ready to go.”

Even if they won’t be as sharp as they might have been had Russell actually taken some snaps in the preseason to put that eye black and those shoulder pads to use.

As teams have de-emphasized preseason games in recent years, September has tended to be slipshod as starters work out the wrinkles they used to iron out in August.

Broncos general manager George Paton was all-in on his new coach’s approach to training camp, one that included plenty of “regen” (regeneration) days (after a full padded practice, a light one) and none of the traditional 7-on-7 drills and the accompanying 1-on-1 pass rush drills that have been staples of training camps for generations.

“I liked his plan for the training camp,” Paton said. “Whether we start slow or not, I do not know, but mid to late season, I think it will benefit us.”

Hackett said he put safety and science ahead of risk and ritual.

“I’m a little surprised that for a new quarterback and new group that they didn’t get at least a series at some point, but, you know, I understand why Hackett took the approach he did,” said Hall of Fame QB Troy Aikman, who will make his “Monday Night Football” booth debut alongside Joe Buck at Wilson’s homecoming game.

Aikman couldn’t fathom heading into a season without having taken a single snap in the preseason.

“I wouldn’t have liked it, quite honestly,” he said. “I mean, I guess times change. Maybe if I was playing in today’s game, I would feel differently, but I needed the work.

“I just felt like I needed it. I felt like our team needed it. Our offense needed it to get out there and play and just get back into the swing of things,” explained Aikman, whose career encompassed a time when starters often played a quarter in the preseason opener, the first half in Game 2, three quarters in Game 3 and the entire Game 4 as a final tune-up to the regular season.

Now, there are only three preseason games because the league added a 17th regular-season game last year, and most teams use them as a dress rehearsal for the periphery, things like game-day communications and protocols.

“I don’t know. I’m a little old school in my approach. I think that if the whole approach of training camp is to keep people healthy, then let’s not have preseason,” Aikman said.

“Then coaches will say, yeah, but we need preseason in order to evaluate these players. Colleges don’t have preseason, and they evaluate their players. If you are a good coach and you can evaluate talent, you can evaluate a player in practice and know whether or not he is better than the player playing next to him and who is going to be on that roster.

“Obviously, it’s all a money thing for the NFL. So I’m not someone who is in favor of decisions like that being made just for the bottom line, so I don’t know that preseason is great for anybody, quite honestly.”

Many teams use joint practices against preseason opponents as a better evaluator anyway, even though hotheads made dual workouts a hazard this summer.

It’s not just the new generation of coaches that find little use for the preseason anymore.

“Bill Belichick, for instance, he approaches the first four games as an extension of training camp,” Aikman pointed out. “Now, they generally win, as we know. They’ll begin the month of September and be 3-1, 4-0, whatever it is. They’re able to evaluate and develop players while they’re still winning. Not everybody over the years has been able to do that.

“So for Denver, I would expect there to be some things that they just aren’t quite as good at early in the year just because of the timing and the things that go into being successful offensively.”

So, maybe Wilson won’t get to stick it to the team that granted him a divorce after his relationship with coach Pete Carroll soured in recent years. Anyway, the better reprisal would be helping the Broncos end a six-year playoff drought regardless of how his homecoming game goes Monday night.

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos didn’t circle their season opener on their calendar even though it’s Russell Wilson’s homecoming at Seattle.Had they emphasized their $296 million man ’s return to the city where he spent a decade, bringing the Seahawks their only Super Bowl title, the Broncos wouldn’t have kept him on the sideline with their other starters in the preseason.“This is what I have been doing the past three years,” explained new Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who was schooled in the sit-’em philosophy by Packers coach Matt LaFleur, who copied the doctrine from Rams coach Sean McVay, who’s been doing it since 2018.McVay is 51-23, including 7-2 in the playoffs, since downplaying the preseason and keeping his starters sidelined until September. He’s also the defending Super Bowl champion.The Packers held out Aaron Rodgers last summer and they were trounced 38-3 by the Saints in their opener, but bounced back with their third consecutive 13-win season.“It has shown that we’ve been able to do good throughout the entire year,” said Hackett, who served as LaFleur’s offensive coordinator from 2019-21. “In the end, it’s all about the whole year — not about Week 1, Week 2, Week 3. We want to be sure we are being successful throughout the whole season.”Hackett said he did it this way “for health reasons,” adding, “I’m glad the guys are healthy, fresh and ready to go.”Even if they won’t be as sharp as they might have been had Russell actually taken some snaps in the preseason to put that eye black and those shoulder pads to use.As teams have de-emphasized preseason games in recent years, September has tended to be slipshod as starters work out the wrinkles they used to iron out in August.Broncos general manager George Paton was all-in on his new coach’s approach to training camp, one that included plenty of “regen” (regeneration) days (after a full padded practice, a light one) and none of the traditional 7-on-7 drills and the accompanying 1-on-1 pass rush drills that have been staples of training camps for generations.“I liked his plan for the training camp,” Paton said. “Whether we start slow or not, I do not know, but mid to late season, I think it will benefit us.”Hackett said he put safety and science ahead of risk and ritual.“I’m a little surprised that for a new quarterback and new group that they didn’t get at least a series at some point, but, you know, I understand why Hackett took the approach he did,” said Hall of Fame QB Troy Aikman, who will make his “Monday Night Football” booth debut alongside Joe Buck at Wilson’s homecoming game.Aikman couldn’t fathom heading into a season without having taken a single snap in the preseason.“I wouldn’t have liked it, quite honestly,” he said. “I mean, I guess times change. Maybe if I was playing in today’s game, I would feel differently, but I needed the work.“I just felt like I needed it. I felt like our team needed it. Our offense needed it to get out there and play and just get back into the swing of things,” explained Aikman, whose career encompassed a time when starters often played a quarter in the preseason opener, the first half in Game 2, three quarters in Game 3 and the entire Game 4 as a final tune-up to the regular season.Now, there are only three preseason games because the league added a 17th regular-season game last year, and most teams use them as a dress rehearsal for the periphery, things like game-day communications and protocols.“I don’t know. I’m a little old school in my approach. I think that if the whole approach of training camp is to keep people healthy, then let’s not have preseason,” Aikman said.“Then coaches will say, yeah, but we need preseason in order to evaluate these players. Colleges don’t have preseason, and they evaluate their players. If you are a good coach and you can evaluate talent, you can evaluate a player in practice and know whether or not he is better than the player playing next to him and who is going to be on that roster.“Obviously, it’s all a money thing for the NFL. So I’m not someone who is in favor of decisions like that being made just for the bottom line, so I don’t know that preseason is great for anybody, quite honestly.”Many teams use joint practices against preseason opponents as a better evaluator anyway, even though hotheads made dual workouts a hazard this summer.It’s not just the new generation of coaches that find little use for the preseason anymore.“Bill Belichick, for instance, he approaches the first four games as an extension of training camp,” Aikman pointed out. “Now, they generally win, as we know. They’ll begin the month of September and be 3-1, 4-0, whatever it is. They’re able to evaluate and develop players while they’re still winning. Not everybody over the years has been able to do that.“So for Denver, I would expect there to be some things that they just aren’t quite as good at early in the year just because of the timing and the things that go into being successful offensively.”So, maybe Wilson won’t get to stick it to the team that granted him a divorce after his relationship with coach Pete Carroll soured in recent years. Anyway, the better reprisal would be helping the Broncos end a six-year playoff drought regardless of how his homecoming game goes Monday night.

Analysis: Broncos, Wilson may pay for whitewashing preseason

- Great Bend Volleyball coach Shelly Duval and Lady Panther Valarie Luna

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661542094252.jpeg" alt="Presented By" />
 <figcaption>Presented By</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NO8_TYuSAH8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- "Voice of the Cardinals" Cole Reif- John Baetz, Kansas Pre-Game Magazine- Great Bend Volleyball coach Shelly Duval and Lady Panther Valarie Luna- Sounds of the weekend- Labor Day weekend sports headlines

(WATCH) Tuesday on Sports Day

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Óscar González hit a two-run double in the 10th inning and the Cleveland Guardians snapped a five-game losing streak, beating the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Monday night to regain sole possession of the AL Central lead.

Cleveland moved a game ahead of Minnesota, which lost 5-2 to the New York Yankees. The third-place Chicago White Sox are one game behind the Twins.

Josh Naylor homered for the Guardians, and Andrés Giménez scored twice.

Cleveland starter Triston McKenzie acknowledged the victory was a relief for the Guardians.

“We talked a little about it on the bus last night," he said. "We haven’t been playing our best baseball. We all know it. It hasn’t dimmed our light. We’re still going to go out and play hard.”

Drew Waters hit his first major league home run for Kansas City, and Salvador Perez’s one-out RBI double in the eighth tied it at 4.

Eli Morgan (5-3) won in relief, and Emmanuel Clase earned his 31st save in 33 opportunities. He allowed a run in the 10th but stranded the potential tying run at first base.

“Getting the second run is probably more important,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said about González's clutch hit. “They’re going to start with the guy on second just like we did.”

With the automatic runner on second, Kansas City walked José Ramírez to begin the 10th. One out later, González doubled to deep center field off Carlos Hernández (0-5).

“I faced him a couple of times in the minors, so I knew how he attacked me in the past. I just tried to put the ball in play,” González said.

Cleveland had an opportunity in extra innings Sunday against Seattle but couldn’t come through after the opposing pitcher walked Ramírez with the automatic runner on second.

“I get it,” Francona said. “José is one of the best hitters in the game and you’re setting up the double play. I totally get it. It was nice to see guys come through.”

The Guardians scored two runs on four singles in the second. Giménez and Tyler Freeman had one-out singles before Austin Hedges’ sacrifice back to starter Brady Singer scored Giménez. Myles Straw then singled with two outs to score Freeman.

McKenzie cruised through four innings, but the Royals reached him for a couple of runs in the fifth. Michael Massey worked a walk and scored on Waters’ 400-foot shot to the Royals’ bullpen in right field.

Before the game, Francona was asked which of the Royals' seven rookie position players he was most impressed with. He said Waters had the best skill set.

Naylor gave the Guardians the lead back with a leadoff home run in the fifth, a 421-foot drive to right-center.

Giménez then scored an unearned run. He doubled and went to third on Singer’s wild pickoff attempt before coming home on a sacrifice fly by Freeman.

Michael A. Taylor’s sacrifice fly in the sixth drew the Royals within a run and ended McKenzie’s night.

Guardians: RHP Aaron Civale, on the injured list since Aug. 30 with right forearm inflammation, played catch. Francona said he’d see how Civale responds Tuesday, but he thinks Civale may be ready to long-toss soon.

Royals: RHP Zack Greinke, on the injured list with right forearm tightness, might return soon. “He’s good to go,” manager Mike Matheny said.

The teams continue their three-game series Tuesday night when Guardians RHP Shane Bieber (8-8, 3.06 ERA) faces LHP Kris Bubic (2-10, 5.47).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Óscar González hit a two-run double in the 10th inning and the Cleveland Guardians snapped a five-game losing streak, beating the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Monday night to regain sole possession of the AL Central lead.Cleveland moved a game ahead of Minnesota, which lost 5-2 to the New York Yankees. The third-place Chicago White Sox are one game behind the Twins.Josh Naylor homered for the Guardians, and Andrés Giménez scored twice.Cleveland starter Triston McKenzie acknowledged the victory was a relief for the Guardians.“We talked a little about it on the bus last night," he said. "We haven’t been playing our best baseball. We all know it. It hasn’t dimmed our light. We’re still going to go out and play hard.”Drew Waters hit his first major league home run for Kansas City, and Salvador Perez’s one-out RBI double in the eighth tied it at 4.Eli Morgan (5-3) won in relief, and Emmanuel Clase earned his 31st save in 33 opportunities. He allowed a run in the 10th but stranded the potential tying run at first base.“Getting the second run is probably more important,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said about González's clutch hit. “They’re going to start with the guy on second just like we did.”With the automatic runner on second, Kansas City walked José Ramírez to begin the 10th. One out later, González doubled to deep center field off Carlos Hernández (0-5).“I faced him a couple of times in the minors, so I knew how he attacked me in the past. I just tried to put the ball in play,” González said.Cleveland had an opportunity in extra innings Sunday against Seattle but couldn’t come through after the opposing pitcher walked Ramírez with the automatic runner on second.This time, González delivered.“I get it,” Francona said. “José is one of the best hitters in the game and you’re setting up the double play. I totally get it. It was nice to see guys come through.”The Guardians scored two runs on four singles in the second. Giménez and Tyler Freeman had one-out singles before Austin Hedges’ sacrifice back to starter Brady Singer scored Giménez. Myles Straw then singled with two outs to score Freeman.McKenzie cruised through four innings, but the Royals reached him for a couple of runs in the fifth. Michael Massey worked a walk and scored on Waters’ 400-foot shot to the Royals’ bullpen in right field.Before the game, Francona was asked which of the Royals' seven rookie position players he was most impressed with. He said Waters had the best skill set.Naylor gave the Guardians the lead back with a leadoff home run in the fifth, a 421-foot drive to right-center.Giménez then scored an unearned run. He doubled and went to third on Singer’s wild pickoff attempt before coming home on a sacrifice fly by Freeman.Michael A. Taylor’s sacrifice fly in the sixth drew the Royals within a run and ended McKenzie’s night.TRAINER'S ROOMGuardians: RHP Aaron Civale, on the injured list since Aug. 30 with right forearm inflammation, played catch. Francona said he’d see how Civale responds Tuesday, but he thinks Civale may be ready to long-toss soon.Royals: RHP Zack Greinke, on the injured list with right forearm tightness, might return soon. “He’s good to go,” manager Mike Matheny said.UP NEXTThe teams continue their three-game series Tuesday night when Guardians RHP Shane Bieber (8-8, 3.06 ERA) faces LHP Kris Bubic (2-10, 5.47).

Guardians top Royals in 10 to snap skid, regain Central lead

The American Legion Baseball post in Great Bend, Argonne Post 180, thanks the 2022 baseball sponsors.

Your willingness to step up and sponsor is tremendously appreciated.

World Series: Nex-Tech Smith Supply, LLC Cooper Production Products, Inc.

Grand Slam: Venture Corporation Marmie Auto Group ALB, Inc. Wheatland Electric Cooperative M&amp;M Equipment

Double: Results Realty A&amp;A Roofing

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627414283902.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The American Legion Baseball post in Great Bend, Argonne Post 180, thanks the 2022 baseball sponsors.Your willingness to step up and sponsor is tremendously appreciated.World Series: Nex-Tech Smith Supply, LLC Cooper Production Products, Inc.Grand Slam: Venture Corporation Marmie Auto Group ALB, Inc. Wheatland Electric Cooperative M&amp;M EquipmentDouble: Results Realty A&amp;A Roofing

Great Bend American Legion thanks baseball sponsors

2020 Hoisington High School graduate Wyatt Pedigo made a defensive highlight Saturday afternoon for the University of North Dakota as the Fighting Hawks took on Nebraska in Lincoln.&nbsp;

Pedigo made this interception in the 3rd quarter at Memorial Stadium.

Pedigo, a sophomore at North Dakota, rushed for 2,352 yards and 37 touchdowns his senior year at Hoisington High School. Over his career, he tallied 5,171 yards, 74 rushing touchdowns and 348 tackles.

2020 Hoisington High School graduate Wyatt Pedigo made a defensive highlight Saturday afternoon for the University of North Dakota as the Fighting Hawks took on Nebraska in Lincoln.&nbsp;Pedigo made this interception in the 3rd quarter at Memorial Stadium.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔥 INTERCEPTION 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/pedigo_wyatt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pedigo_wyatt</a> comes up big for <a href="https://twitter.com/UNDfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNDfootball</a> 💪 <a href="https://t.co/TdRH4yFaM9">pic.twitter.com/TdRH4yFaM9</a>&mdash; FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1566186823994466313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Nebraska went on to win the game 38-17.Pedigo, a sophomore at North Dakota, rushed for 2,352 yards and 37 touchdowns his senior year at Hoisington High School. Over his career, he tallied 5,171 yards, 74 rushing touchdowns and 348 tackles.

🎥 Hoisington's Pedigo makes highlight against Nebraska

The 13th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team wrapped up its Colorado swing with a 2-0 victory Sunday afternoon at Otero Junior College.

Posting consecutive shutouts in La Junta, the Cougars improve to 6-1 on the year as Otero slips to 0-3-1. Barton next turns its attention to conference play opening up Wednesday with a 5:00 p.m. kick at Dodge City Community College.

Barton got on the board in the approximate 14th minute due to nifty passing setting up Tajay Grant's team leading 7th goal of the year. Genildo Postimo began the perfectly executed play with a short chipped dumped towards the corner where Kotaro Natsume one-touched a through ball back across the box being met by Grant blasting past the Rattler keeper.

Fighting off Otero's constant attacks through the early stages of second half play, Barton got the insurance goal it needed in the 68th minute on what could prove to be the Cougars' most spectacular strikes of the year. Kimito Fritz set up the play for his first collegiate assist, sending a forward pass from the back line upfield where Lucas Constante fielded the ball on a short-hop to strike a 30-yard volleyed laser near post for his second of the season.

Dennis Bottcher improves to 5-1 in goal for the Cougars, leading the backline to his third shutout of the season and the team's fourth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662383685287.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The 13th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team wrapped up its Colorado swing with a 2-0 victory Sunday afternoon at Otero Junior College.Posting consecutive shutouts in La Junta, the Cougars improve to 6-1 on the year as Otero slips to 0-3-1. Barton next turns its attention to conference play opening up Wednesday with a 5:00 p.m. kick at Dodge City Community College.Barton got on the board in the approximate 14th minute due to nifty passing setting up Tajay Grant's team leading 7th goal of the year. Genildo Postimo began the perfectly executed play with a short chipped dumped towards the corner where Kotaro Natsume one-touched a through ball back across the box being met by Grant blasting past the Rattler keeper.Fighting off Otero's constant attacks through the early stages of second half play, Barton got the insurance goal it needed in the 68th minute on what could prove to be the Cougars' most spectacular strikes of the year. Kimito Fritz set up the play for his first collegiate assist, sending a forward pass from the back line upfield where Lucas Constante fielded the ball on a short-hop to strike a 30-yard volleyed laser near post for his second of the season.Dennis Bottcher improves to 5-1 in goal for the Cougars, leading the backline to his third shutout of the season and the team's fourth.

13th ranked Cougars pass final tune-up with 2-0 win at Otero

DETROIT (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.'s eighth-inning double drove in the go-ahead run and the Kansas City Royals edged the Detroit Tigers 3-2 on Sunday.

Witt Jr., who on Saturday became the fifth first-year player in major league history to have 20 home runs and 20 stoles bases, reached base three times. He has 24 go-ahead RBIs this season.

Royals manager Mike Matheny said Witt is emerging as a clutch hitter who can be compared with Salvador Perez.

“We make a big deal about Salvy and how when he gets in those situations, he's earned that reputation," Matheny said. “It's almost like he thrives on it. Bobby's starting to take that ownership onto himself, too, that this is a spot I want to be in, this is a spot that I thrive in.”

MJ Melendez scored a run and drove in another while Michael A. Taylor had three hits and scored a run.

The Royals, who hit four home runs in a 12-2 win on Saturday, struggled to push across runs most of the game. They left 13 runners on base and went 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

“A couple of missed opportunities,” Matheny said. “Usually when we're having these conversations at the end of games and we leave money out there, less than two outs and a man on third, we're talking about what could've and should've happened. But they continued to stay with it.”

Winning pitcher Dylan Coleman (4-1) pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Scott Barlow collected his 21st save.

Royals starter Max Castillo, recalled from Triple-A Omaha before the game, allowed two runs and five hits and struck out five in 4 2/3 innings.

Detroit starter Matt Manning gave up two runs and five hits in four innings. Gregory Soto (2-8) took the loss.

Harold Castro's two-run homer accounted for Detroit's runs. Riley Greene extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a third-inning single.

“They came up with the big hit and we didn't,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said.

The Royals took a 2-0 lead in the fourth on Nicky Lopez's RBI single and Melendez's bases-loaded walk.

Manning got the last two outs of the inning but reached the 90-pitch mark in the process. Hinch used six relievers.

“We really needed as much as we could get from him,” Hinch said. “We're not in a good position going to the bullpen that early.”

Detroit quickly tied it in the bottom of the inning on Castro's sixth homer this season.

Kansas City left the bases loaded in the seventh.

In the eighth, Lopez was thrown out trying to score on a Melendez double. Witt's double past third baseman Jeimer Candelario drove in the go-ahead run.

Tigers designated hitter Miguel Cabrera was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left biceps strain. The team is hopeful Cabrera, 39, can return to the lineup before the end of the season. He was injured during the series opener on Friday.

“As soon as he can initiate strength exercises, that will be the next step for him,” Hinch said. “Once the strength gets to a certain point, when it's extended and he doesn't feel the resistance and it's not an issue, then he'll start his hitting program.”

Cabrera, who reached the 3,000-hit mark in April and has 506 home runs, will travel with the team on its road trip this week. He is batting .256 with four home runs and 37 RBIs in 102 games this season.

Royals: RHP Wyatt Mills, who pitched two scoreless innings in relief on Saturday, was optioned to Triple-A Omaha to make room for Castillo.

Tigers: With Cabrera sidelined, the Tigers recalled 1B Josh Lester from Triple-A Toledo. Lester was batting .243 with 25 homers and 82 RBIs for the Mud Hens. To make room on the 40-man roster, OF Austin Meadows was transferred to the 60-day IL. ... RHP Michael Pineda was designated for assignment and RHP Luis Castillo was called up from Toledo, Hinch announced after the game. Pineda is 2-7 with a 5.79 ERA.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (7-4, 3.33 ERA) will start the opener of a three-game home series against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday. He's 2-0 with a 4.21 ERA in seven career appearances against Cleveland, including six starts.

Tigers: LHP Tyler Alexander (3-8, 4.76 ERA) will start the opener of a three-game road series against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Alexander's only victory in six starts last month came against the Angels on Aug. 20, when he allowed three runs in six innings.

DETROIT (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.'s eighth-inning double drove in the go-ahead run and the Kansas City Royals edged the Detroit Tigers 3-2 on Sunday.Witt Jr., who on Saturday became the fifth first-year player in major league history to have 20 home runs and 20 stoles bases, reached base three times. He has 24 go-ahead RBIs this season.Royals manager Mike Matheny said Witt is emerging as a clutch hitter who can be compared with Salvador Perez.“We make a big deal about Salvy and how when he gets in those situations, he's earned that reputation," Matheny said. “It's almost like he thrives on it. Bobby's starting to take that ownership onto himself, too, that this is a spot I want to be in, this is a spot that I thrive in.”MJ Melendez scored a run and drove in another while Michael A. Taylor had three hits and scored a run.The Royals, who hit four home runs in a 12-2 win on Saturday, struggled to push across runs most of the game. They left 13 runners on base and went 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position.“A couple of missed opportunities,” Matheny said. “Usually when we're having these conversations at the end of games and we leave money out there, less than two outs and a man on third, we're talking about what could've and should've happened. But they continued to stay with it.”Winning pitcher Dylan Coleman (4-1) pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Scott Barlow collected his 21st save.Royals starter Max Castillo, recalled from Triple-A Omaha before the game, allowed two runs and five hits and struck out five in 4 2/3 innings.Detroit starter Matt Manning gave up two runs and five hits in four innings. Gregory Soto (2-8) took the loss.Harold Castro's two-run homer accounted for Detroit's runs. Riley Greene extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a third-inning single.“They came up with the big hit and we didn't,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said.The Royals took a 2-0 lead in the fourth on Nicky Lopez's RBI single and Melendez's bases-loaded walk.Manning got the last two outs of the inning but reached the 90-pitch mark in the process. Hinch used six relievers.“We really needed as much as we could get from him,” Hinch said. “We're not in a good position going to the bullpen that early.”Detroit quickly tied it in the bottom of the inning on Castro's sixth homer this season.Kansas City left the bases loaded in the seventh.In the eighth, Lopez was thrown out trying to score on a Melendez double. Witt's double past third baseman Jeimer Candelario drove in the go-ahead run.CABRERA PLACED ON ILTigers designated hitter Miguel Cabrera was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left biceps strain. The team is hopeful Cabrera, 39, can return to the lineup before the end of the season. He was injured during the series opener on Friday.“As soon as he can initiate strength exercises, that will be the next step for him,” Hinch said. “Once the strength gets to a certain point, when it's extended and he doesn't feel the resistance and it's not an issue, then he'll start his hitting program.”Cabrera, who reached the 3,000-hit mark in April and has 506 home runs, will travel with the team on its road trip this week. He is batting .256 with four home runs and 37 RBIs in 102 games this season.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: RHP Wyatt Mills, who pitched two scoreless innings in relief on Saturday, was optioned to Triple-A Omaha to make room for Castillo.Tigers: With Cabrera sidelined, the Tigers recalled 1B Josh Lester from Triple-A Toledo. Lester was batting .243 with 25 homers and 82 RBIs for the Mud Hens. To make room on the 40-man roster, OF Austin Meadows was transferred to the 60-day IL. ... RHP Michael Pineda was designated for assignment and RHP Luis Castillo was called up from Toledo, Hinch announced after the game. Pineda is 2-7 with a 5.79 ERA.UP NEXT:Royals: RHP Brady Singer (7-4, 3.33 ERA) will start the opener of a three-game home series against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday. He's 2-0 with a 4.21 ERA in seven career appearances against Cleveland, including six starts.Tigers: LHP Tyler Alexander (3-8, 4.76 ERA) will start the opener of a three-game road series against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Alexander's only victory in six starts last month came against the Angels on Aug. 20, when he allowed three runs in six innings.

Witt's go-ahead double in 8th lifts Royals past Tigers, 3-2

The defending national champions came in the season at No. 3 in the country and were not far behind No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Ohio State.

But after losing 15 players in the NFL’s draft, including nearly half the defense in the first round, it seemed reasonable to bake in a slight regression.

Bulldog crushes No. 11 Oregon With astonishing ease, a more dynamic offense and a defense that was as salty as last season’s crew of wrecks.

Stetson Bennett went 368 yards without a play in the fourth quarter. Seven Georgia receivers caught multiple passes, all averaging at least 13 yards per catch.

“We want guys who want to play in this offense,” said coach Kirby Smart. “And if you’re sitting at home watching this offense today, I think you’re saying, I want to play in this offense.”

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken barely had to use the All-America tight end Brock Bowers (two catches for 38 yards) while Georgia was scoring a touchdown on her first seven drives.

The question about Georgia coming into the season was not whether it would again be one of the best teams in the country. it was clear.

Rather, can Georgia really be like Alabama? A regression-proof juggernaut that pumps national-championship-level teams annually.

Georgia tight end Darnell Washington (0), Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, walks from the bottom after a catch in the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, September 3, 2022 in Atlanta.

Looks like this. The last defending national champion to defeat a decisively ranked opponent in his season-opener? Alabama, when it defeated USC 52-6 in 2016.

The assault at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was also another indictment of the Pac-12.

Oregon may still be one of the best teams in the beleaguered conference. The Ducks, led by former coach Mario Cristobal, have recently had better recruits than other Pac-12 teams. But they are nowhere near what Georgia has built.

One of the reasons Oregon hired Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning was hoping to bring SEC secret sauce to the Pacific Northwest.

Whether this can be done because the Pac-12 has been dropped is an open question. Everything about the Pac-12 seems tentative and difficult these days.

Week 1 of the conference later got worse when league favorites and No. 7 Utah lost a heartbreaker in Florida.

Utes should have no shame in falling short in the swamp. Especially with Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson showing glimpses of superstardom.

“He’s going to get his (NFL payday),” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “He’s 6-4, 230 and runs like a 4.3. He’s a fantastic player.”

Still, it was a huge missed opportunity for Utah against a Florida team that is in Year 1 of rebuilding under Billy Napier.

This is pretty much certain: The talent gap between the top of the Pac-12 and the top of the SEC is vast, more than 2,600 miles separating Eugene, Oregon, and Atlanta.

13 North Carolina State and rival North Carolina both went on the road in the state for Week 1 and needed some good luck to get back into the Research Triangle with a win over Atlantic Coast Conference rivals.

The Wolfpack season started with a huge anticipation in East Carolina. After failing to keep the Pirates away from an empty red zone trip in the second half, they needed Two missed kicks by the ECU in the last minute for an escape.

Poor, Owen Daffer. The ECU kicker missed a potentially game-tying PAT and a potentially winning field goal from 41 yards.

NC State has a history of breaking the hearts of its fans, but this would have been an all-timer. Instead, they will return to Raleigh with a slow start with Devin Leary’s Heisman candidacy (17 for 33 for 211 yards), but still hope to be a Dark Horse playoff contender.

The Tar Heels buoyed west to face the Appalachian State and played an early candidate for Game of the Year. UNC needs to stop Two lats try to avoid a surprising 40-point fourth quarter by 2-point climbers.

Mack Brown’s team managed to avoid becoming the second ACC to lose at Sun Belt School this weekend.

The Brent Pry era at Virginia Tech got off to a rough start Friday night when the Hokies made a mountain of mistakes (five turnovers and 15 penalties) and lost to brand new Sun Belt member Old Dominion.

Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey is most cautious in his assessment of whether the college football playoffs can be expanded to 12 teams by the 2024 season.

President overseeing CFP Voted on Friday to implement 12-team plan by 2026 Sankey worked for two years and was first unveiled in June of 2021. Expansion plans stalled last year, much to Sankey’s concern, but the presidents pushed through.

Can commissioners now quickly work out the details and logistical constraints to replace the four-team model with 12 teams by 2024?

“It’s unfortunate for me that we could have spent the last nine months talking about implementation and we were nine months behind when we were back in January,” he told reporters before the Georgia-Oregon game. ” in Atlanta.

Cade McNamara was fine as a starter No. 8 game of a romp on Michigan Colorado State, but JJ McCarthy still made an impact with a nifty touchdown 20-yard TD run. McCarthy, a former five-star recruit in his second year, will start next week against Hawaii. Here the lean McCarthy eventually emerges as QB1. … the seven hard way: Iowa beat South Dakota State 7-3. defeated by, receiving two second-half safaris as the Hawkeyes offense picked up exactly where it left off last year when it finished 121st in the country under coach Kirk Ferentz’s son, Brian Ferentz. … for an appearance at the Rose Bowl Road to UCLA’s Bowling Green 27,143, which was a record low. It’s the kind of fan nostalgia that drives fans of schools that don’t play major media markets or that big brands are crazy. UCLA is headed for the Big Ten Rich, but runs the risk of being left behind by schools like Iowa State or Kansas State. …after four straight losing seasons, there is hope for Arizona after an impressive Road win against San Diego State to start the season. UTEP transfer Jacob Koing caught three TDs from Washington State transfer Jayden de Laura. , No. 23 Cincinnati lost for the first time in regular season 19 in Arkansas since the last game of 2019. … against the opponents of each match after a game-by-play, it seems Lincoln Riley And Oklahoma One is going to be fine without the other. … QB Quinn Ewers made his Texas debut as expected against Louisiana-Monroe, Top-ranked ‘Bama will enter Austin next week’ 55-0 win against Utah State,,

Follow Ralph D. Rousseau https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen http://www.appodcasts.com

<ul>
 <li>By RALPHD. RUSSO AP College Football Writer</li>
 </ul>Perhaps Georgia was underestimated.The defending national champions came in the season at No. 3 in the country and were not far behind No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Ohio State.But after losing 15 players in the NFL’s draft, including nearly half the defense in the first round, it seemed reasonable to bake in a slight regression.Or not.Bulldog crushes No. 11 Oregon With astonishing ease, a more dynamic offense and a defense that was as salty as last season’s crew of wrecks.Stetson Bennett went 368 yards without a play in the fourth quarter. Seven Georgia receivers caught multiple passes, all averaging at least 13 yards per catch.“We want guys who want to play in this offense,” said coach Kirby Smart. “And if you’re sitting at home watching this offense today, I think you’re saying, I want to play in this offense.”Offensive coordinator Todd Monken barely had to use the All-America tight end Brock Bowers (two catches for 38 yards) while Georgia was scoring a touchdown on her first seven drives.The question about Georgia coming into the season was not whether it would again be one of the best teams in the country. it was clear.Rather, can Georgia really be like Alabama? A regression-proof juggernaut that pumps national-championship-level teams annually.Georgia tight end Darnell Washington (0), Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, walks from the bottom after a catch in the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, September 3, 2022 in Atlanta.Looks like this. The last defending national champion to defeat a decisively ranked opponent in his season-opener? Alabama, when it defeated USC 52-6 in 2016.The assault at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was also another indictment of the Pac-12.Oregon may still be one of the best teams in the beleaguered conference. The Ducks, led by former coach Mario Cristobal, have recently had better recruits than other Pac-12 teams. But they are nowhere near what Georgia has built.One of the reasons Oregon hired Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning was hoping to bring SEC secret sauce to the Pacific Northwest.Whether this can be done because the Pac-12 has been dropped is an open question. Everything about the Pac-12 seems tentative and difficult these days.Week 1 of the conference later got worse when league favorites and No. 7 Utah lost a heartbreaker in Florida.Utes should have no shame in falling short in the swamp. Especially with Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson showing glimpses of superstardom.“He’s going to get his (NFL payday),” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “He’s 6-4, 230 and runs like a 4.3. He’s a fantastic player.”Still, it was a huge missed opportunity for Utah against a Florida team that is in Year 1 of rebuilding under Billy Napier.This is pretty much certain: The talent gap between the top of the Pac-12 and the top of the SEC is vast, more than 2,600 miles separating Eugene, Oregon, and Atlanta.Escape13 North Carolina State and rival North Carolina both went on the road in the state for Week 1 and needed some good luck to get back into the Research Triangle with a win over Atlantic Coast Conference rivals.The Wolfpack season started with a huge anticipation in East Carolina. After failing to keep the Pirates away from an empty red zone trip in the second half, they needed Two missed kicks by the ECU in the last minute for an escape.Poor, Owen Daffer. The ECU kicker missed a potentially game-tying PAT and a potentially winning field goal from 41 yards.NC State has a history of breaking the hearts of its fans, but this would have been an all-timer. Instead, they will return to Raleigh with a slow start with Devin Leary’s Heisman candidacy (17 for 33 for 211 yards), but still hope to be a Dark Horse playoff contender.The Tar Heels buoyed west to face the Appalachian State and played an early candidate for Game of the Year. UNC needs to stop Two lats try to avoid a surprising 40-point fourth quarter by 2-point climbers.Mack Brown’s team managed to avoid becoming the second ACC to lose at Sun Belt School this weekend.The Brent Pry era at Virginia Tech got off to a rough start Friday night when the Hokies made a mountain of mistakes (five turnovers and 15 penalties) and lost to brand new Sun Belt member Old Dominion.Fun belt, indeed.Playoff TalkSoutheastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey is most cautious in his assessment of whether the college football playoffs can be expanded to 12 teams by the 2024 season.President overseeing CFP Voted on Friday to implement 12-team plan by 2026 Sankey worked for two years and was first unveiled in June of 2021. Expansion plans stalled last year, much to Sankey’s concern, but the presidents pushed through.Can commissioners now quickly work out the details and logistical constraints to replace the four-team model with 12 teams by 2024?Sanki said it would be difficult.“It’s unfortunate for me that we could have spent the last nine months talking about implementation and we were nine months behind when we were back in January,” he told reporters before the Georgia-Oregon game. ” in Atlanta.All over the countryCade McNamara was fine as a starter No. 8 game of a romp on Michigan Colorado State, but JJ McCarthy still made an impact with a nifty touchdown 20-yard TD run. McCarthy, a former five-star recruit in his second year, will start next week against Hawaii. Here the lean McCarthy eventually emerges as QB1. … the seven hard way: Iowa beat South Dakota State 7-3. defeated by, receiving two second-half safaris as the Hawkeyes offense picked up exactly where it left off last year when it finished 121st in the country under coach Kirk Ferentz’s son, Brian Ferentz. … for an appearance at the Rose Bowl Road to UCLA’s Bowling Green 27,143, which was a record low. It’s the kind of fan nostalgia that drives fans of schools that don’t play major media markets or that big brands are crazy. UCLA is headed for the Big Ten Rich, but runs the risk of being left behind by schools like Iowa State or Kansas State. …after four straight losing seasons, there is hope for Arizona after an impressive Road win against San Diego State to start the season. UTEP transfer Jacob Koing caught three TDs from Washington State transfer Jayden de Laura. , No. 23 Cincinnati lost for the first time in regular season 19 in Arkansas since the last game of 2019. … against the opponents of each match after a game-by-play, it seems Lincoln Riley And Oklahoma One is going to be fine without the other. … QB Quinn Ewers made his Texas debut as expected against Louisiana-Monroe, Top-ranked ‘Bama will enter Austin next week’ 55-0 win against Utah State,,Follow Ralph D. Rousseau https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen http://www.appodcasts.com

AP Top 25 Takeaways: Georgia underrated? Pac-12 dumped again

Barton Men 3 Trinidad State (CO) 0

The 13th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team pitched a 3-0 shutout over Trinidad State College Saturday evening in La Junta, Colorado.

Now 5-1, Barton will take on host Otero Junior College at 2:00 p.m. Sunday to wrap up its two-game trip to the Centennial State.

The 16th ranked Barton Community College women's soccer team scored a pair of goals in each half Saturday afternoon at the Cougar Soccer Complex in registering a 4-2 victory over Western Wyoming Community College.

The Cougars improve to 5-1 on the season while Western Wyoming drops to 2-4 on the year.  Barton returns to conference play on Wednesday seeking their second win in as many games in traveling to Dodge City Community College for a 7:30 p.m. kick.

Barton Men 3 Trinidad State (CO) 0The 13th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team pitched a 3-0 shutout over Trinidad State College Saturday evening in La Junta, Colorado.Now 5-1, Barton will take on host Otero Junior College at 2:00 p.m. Sunday to wrap up its two-game trip to the Centennial State.Barton Women 4 Western Wyoming 2The 16th ranked Barton Community College women's soccer team scored a pair of goals in each half Saturday afternoon at the Cougar Soccer Complex in registering a 4-2 victory over Western Wyoming Community College.The Cougars improve to 5-1 on the season while Western Wyoming drops to 2-4 on the year. Barton returns to conference play on Wednesday seeking their second win in as many games in traveling to Dodge City Community College for a 7:30 p.m. kick.

Barton Soccer picks up pair of wins

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Chris Klieman thought Kansas State had a nice set of offensive plays ready for the opening series of the season.

The Wildcats only got to call one of them Saturday night.

That's because Malik Knowles took the opening handoff 75 yards for a score, setting the tone for the rest of the game, and Deuce Vaughn proceeded to run for 126 yards and another touchdown in a 34-0 rout of overmatched South Dakota.

“We won the toss, took the football and scored on the first play,” Klieman said with a smile. “We had a really nice series of plays that we were going to operate and we ended up scoring on the first play.”

Nebraska transfer Adrian Martinez, who was just 11 of 15 for 53 yards through the air, added 39 yards rushing and a touchdown for Kansas State. Desmond Purnell returned an early blocked punt for a touchdown, and backup running back DJ Giddens reached the end zone midway through the third quarter to extend the lead to 34-0.

By that point, the Wildcats had built such a comfortable lead that they began resting their starters, and they in turn began thinking ahead to next weekend. Former conference rival Missouri is returning for the first time in more than a decade.

“I know they're a really good program, lots of talent,” Klieman said. “I'm excited to have that rivalry game played again.”

Carson Camp had 139 yards passing and an interception for the Coyotes, who couldn't overcome an abundance of dropped passes, silly penalties and other miscues against a team that expects to contend for the Big 12 title.

The game certainly looked nothing like their 2018 meeting, when the Coyotes lost a 27-24 heartbreaker.

“You have to learn from a game like this and get better for next week,” South Dakota coach Bob Nielson said.

The Wildcats started with a bang Saturday night, but it wasn't their high-profile transfer quarterback or star running back that stepped into the spotlight. It was Knowles, the somewhat mercurial wide receiver, who took a simple end-around and, picking up a nice block from Vaughn, raced 75 yards for a touchdown on the game's first play.

Things didn't get any better for South Dakota.

After the Coyotes were held to a second straight three-and-out, Seth Porter got his hand on the ensuing punt and Purnell picked it up, then ran untouched 17 yards to the end zone to give the Wildcats a 14-0 lead.

Vaughn shook free for the first time late in the first quarter, when he split the defense on a 39-yard touchdown run.

Just about the only thing that went wrong for the Wildcats, who also got a second-quarter TD from Martinez, came when Chris Tennant missed an extra point. Otherwise, their offense piled up 269 yards in the first half while their defense held the Coyotes to 99, and made a fourth-and-1 stop on South Dakota's only promising drive.

Kansas State scored again on its first possession of the second half, when Gidden checked into the game and found a 12-yard lane to the end zone, giving the Wildcats a 34-0 lead and effectively putting the game away.

“We played a ton of players that are going to get a great education from film,” Klieman said, “because we're going to need them as the season continues on, but overall I'm very pleased.”

Martinez spent most of the night checking down — at least, when he wasn't taking one of his three sacks. But that didn't bother Klieman, who was happy with the way the veteran transfer handled the Wildcats' revamped, up-tempo offense.

“I've seen us operate at a really high level throwing the football throughout fall camp,” Klieman said, “and it's something we’ll just continue to work on. But I'm not concerned about it. We’ll be better and we’ll be more efficient.”

South Dakota has five top-10 teams from the Football Championship Subdivision awaiting down the road. None of them will be as good as the Wildcats, so getting the experience the Coyotes did on Saturday night is bound to help.

Kansas State cruised without showing much offensively, and that bodes well for next week's showdown against the Tigers. Martinez only took a couple shots downfield all game as the Wildcats pounded the ball and dominated the clock.

South Dakota heads to Montana next Saturday.

Kansas State welcomes the Tigers back to town next Saturday.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Chris Klieman thought Kansas State had a nice set of offensive plays ready for the opening series of the season.The Wildcats only got to call one of them Saturday night.That's because Malik Knowles took the opening handoff 75 yards for a score, setting the tone for the rest of the game, and Deuce Vaughn proceeded to run for 126 yards and another touchdown in a 34-0 rout of overmatched South Dakota.“We won the toss, took the football and scored on the first play,” Klieman said with a smile. “We had a really nice series of plays that we were going to operate and we ended up scoring on the first play.”Not that the Wildcats ever slowed down.Nebraska transfer Adrian Martinez, who was just 11 of 15 for 53 yards through the air, added 39 yards rushing and a touchdown for Kansas State. Desmond Purnell returned an early blocked punt for a touchdown, and backup running back DJ Giddens reached the end zone midway through the third quarter to extend the lead to 34-0.By that point, the Wildcats had built such a comfortable lead that they began resting their starters, and they in turn began thinking ahead to next weekend. Former conference rival Missouri is returning for the first time in more than a decade.“I know they're a really good program, lots of talent,” Klieman said. “I'm excited to have that rivalry game played again.”Carson Camp had 139 yards passing and an interception for the Coyotes, who couldn't overcome an abundance of dropped passes, silly penalties and other miscues against a team that expects to contend for the Big 12 title.The game certainly looked nothing like their 2018 meeting, when the Coyotes lost a 27-24 heartbreaker.“You have to learn from a game like this and get better for next week,” South Dakota coach Bob Nielson said.The Wildcats started with a bang Saturday night, but it wasn't their high-profile transfer quarterback or star running back that stepped into the spotlight. It was Knowles, the somewhat mercurial wide receiver, who took a simple end-around and, picking up a nice block from Vaughn, raced 75 yards for a touchdown on the game's first play.Things didn't get any better for South Dakota.After the Coyotes were held to a second straight three-and-out, Seth Porter got his hand on the ensuing punt and Purnell picked it up, then ran untouched 17 yards to the end zone to give the Wildcats a 14-0 lead.Vaughn shook free for the first time late in the first quarter, when he split the defense on a 39-yard touchdown run.Just about the only thing that went wrong for the Wildcats, who also got a second-quarter TD from Martinez, came when Chris Tennant missed an extra point. Otherwise, their offense piled up 269 yards in the first half while their defense held the Coyotes to 99, and made a fourth-and-1 stop on South Dakota's only promising drive.Kansas State scored again on its first possession of the second half, when Gidden checked into the game and found a 12-yard lane to the end zone, giving the Wildcats a 34-0 lead and effectively putting the game away.“We played a ton of players that are going to get a great education from film,” Klieman said, “because we're going to need them as the season continues on, but overall I'm very pleased.”DEFENDING ADRIANMartinez spent most of the night checking down — at least, when he wasn't taking one of his three sacks. But that didn't bother Klieman, who was happy with the way the veteran transfer handled the Wildcats' revamped, up-tempo offense.“I've seen us operate at a really high level throwing the football throughout fall camp,” Klieman said, “and it's something we’ll just continue to work on. But I'm not concerned about it. We’ll be better and we’ll be more efficient.”THE TAKEAWAYSouth Dakota has five top-10 teams from the Football Championship Subdivision awaiting down the road. None of them will be as good as the Wildcats, so getting the experience the Coyotes did on Saturday night is bound to help.Kansas State cruised without showing much offensively, and that bodes well for next week's showdown against the Tigers. Martinez only took a couple shots downfield all game as the Wildcats pounded the ball and dominated the clock.UP NEXTSouth Dakota heads to Montana next Saturday.Kansas State welcomes the Tigers back to town next Saturday.

Vaughn helps Kansas State run past South Dakota, 34-0

DETROIT (AP) — Kyle Isbel hit his first grand slam, Bobby Witt Jr. added a three-run home run and the Kansas City Royals routed the Detroit Tigers 12-2 on Saturday night.

Nick Pratto and MJ Melendez also homered for the Royals. It's the first time since at least 1906 that four first-year players on the same team have homered in the same game.

“We're young, but it's a really good group of guys,” Isbel said. “We're excited for the future and we're just going to keep getting better and getting after it every day.”

Nate Eaton had four hits and drove in two runs. Every player in the Kansas City lineup had at least one hit.

“It was a relentless offensive day,” manager Mike Matheny said. “The guys kept taking good at-bats inning after inning.”

Winning pitcher Jonathan Heasley (3-7) gave up two earned runs and eight hits, with two walks and two strikeouts in seven innings.

Isbel, a 25-year-old outfielder, hit his grand slam over the wall in right field off Jason Foley in the fifth to give the Royals a 9-1 lead. The slam was Isbel's fourth homer of the season and fifth of his two-year major league career.

“I hit it hard enough and it was high enough; I was just hoping it would stay fair,” he said.

Tucker Barnhart hit his first home run of the season for Detroit. Tigers starter Michael Pineda (2-7) allowed five runs and six hits with three strikeouts and two walks in four innings.

DETROIT (AP) — Kyle Isbel hit his first grand slam, Bobby Witt Jr. added a three-run home run and the Kansas City Royals routed the Detroit Tigers 12-2 on Saturday night.Nick Pratto and MJ Melendez also homered for the Royals. It's the first time since at least 1906 that four first-year players on the same team have homered in the same game.“We're young, but it's a really good group of guys,” Isbel said. “We're excited for the future and we're just going to keep getting better and getting after it every day.”Nate Eaton had four hits and drove in two runs. Every player in the Kansas City lineup had at least one hit.“It was a relentless offensive day,” manager Mike Matheny said. “The guys kept taking good at-bats inning after inning.”Winning pitcher Jonathan Heasley (3-7) gave up two earned runs and eight hits, with two walks and two strikeouts in seven innings.Isbel, a 25-year-old outfielder, hit his grand slam over the wall in right field off Jason Foley in the fifth to give the Royals a 9-1 lead. The slam was Isbel's fourth homer of the season and fifth of his two-year major league career.“I hit it hard enough and it was high enough; I was just hoping it would stay fair,” he said.Tucker Barnhart hit his first home run of the season for Detroit. Tigers starter Michael Pineda (2-7) allowed five runs and six hits with three strikeouts and two walks in four innings.“They did a nice job offensively, but it starts with bad pitches,” manager A.J. Hinch said.Pratto gave Kansas City a 1-0 lead with his two-out homer in the first. The Tigers tied it in the second on Ryan Kreidler's sacrifice fly, his first career RBI. Kreidler later added his first two major-league hits in his second career game.Witt's homer gave the Royals a 4-1 lead in the third. Melendez added an RBI single in the fifth to give Kansas City a four-run advantage.“It's a lot of fun seeing everyone contributing,” Witt said.SEEING 20-20Royals rookie shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. reached the 20-20 mark for home runs and stolen bases. He's the fifth first-year player in major league history to accomplish the feat and fifth Kansas City player to have a 20-20 season.“I'm guessing it might be the last one you see because it will be in the 30s after this,” manager Mike Matheny said. “That's the kind of player he is. He's special.”Witt Jr. had 33 homers and 29 stolen bases in the minor leagues last season.“It's always a goal. I was a stolen base short last year of 30-30," he said. “It would be cool to do that in the big leagues.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: 1B Vinnie Pasquantino (right shoulder discomfort) began a rehab assignment on Saturday with Triple-A Omaha. Pasquantino has been out of action since Aug. 22. ... C Salvador Perez (right hand contusion) was not in the lineup. He was hit by a pitch on Friday.Tigers: DH Miguel Cabrera (biceps soreness) did not play and will be placed on the injured list, manager A.J. Hinch said after the game. However, it is not necessarily a season-ending injury. ... 2B Jonathan Schoop (right ankle sprain) began a rehab assignment with Single A West Michigan on Saturday. Schoop was injured on Aug. 20.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Max Castillo (0-1, 2.81 ERA) will make his second start of the season for Kansas City on Sunday. Castillo, who has made 12 minor league starts this season, held Tampa Bay to one run in five innings in his Royals debut on Aug. 18.Tigers: RHP Matt Manning (1-2, 3.79 ERA) will try to bounce back from his worst outing this season. Manning surrendered seven runs in 2 1/3 innings to Seattle on Tuesday. He pitched six scoreless innings against San Francisco in his previous start.