The Kansas City
Royals take on the Chicago White Sox after Hunter Dozier had four
hits on Sunday in a 15-7 win over the Padres.

Kansas City Royals
(52-77, fourth in the AL Central) vs. Chicago White Sox (63-65, third
in the AL Central)

PITCHING
PROBABLES: Royals: Brady Singer (7-4, 3.15 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 120
strikeouts); White Sox: Lucas Giolito (10-7, 5.14 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 135
strikeouts)

FANDUEL
SPORTSBOOK LINE: White Sox -136, Royals +115; over/under is 8
runs

BOTTOM LINE:
The Kansas City Royals play the Chicago White Sox after Hunter Dozier
had four hits against the Padres on Sunday.

Chicago has a 30-34
record in home games and a 63-65 record overall. The White Sox have
gone 19-4 in games when they hit two or more home runs.

Kansas City has a
20-40 record on the road and a 52-77 record overall. The Royals are
38-12 in games when they have more hits than their opponents.

Tuesday's game is
the 17th time these teams meet this season. The Royals are up 9-7 in
the season series.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Jose Abreu has 29 doubles and 14 home runs for the White Sox. Gavin
Sheets is 14-for-29 with three doubles, a home run and seven RBI over
the past 10 games.

Bobby Witt Jr. has
21 doubles, six triples, 18 home runs and 65 RBI for the Royals.
Salvador Perez is 11-for-36 with a home run and seven RBI over the
past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES:
White Sox: 2-8, .251 batting average, 6.14 ERA, outscored by 31 runs

Royals: 4-6, .222
batting average, 5.52 ERA, outscored by 10 runs

INJURIES:
White Sox: Joe Kelly: day-to-day (knee), Yoan Moncada: 10-Day
IL (hamstring), Michael Kopech: 15-Day IL (knee), Kyle Crick: 60-Day
IL (elbow), Yasmani Grandal: 10-Day IL (knee), Tim Anderson: 10-Day
IL (finger), Danny Mendick: 60-Day IL (knee), Aaron Bummer: 15-Day IL
(lat), Garrett Crochet: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jonathan Stiever: 60-Day
IL (lat)

Royals: Zack
Greinke: 15-Day IL (forearm), Josh Staumont: 15-Day IL (biceps),
Vinnie Pasquantino: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Taylor Clarke: 15-Day IL
(oblique), Edward Olivares: 60-Day IL (quadricep), Angel Zerpa:
60-Day IL (knee), Jake Brentz: 60-Day IL (flexor), Adalberto Mondesi:
60-Day IL (knee), Tyler Zuber: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

The Kansas City
Royals take on the Chicago White Sox after Hunter Dozier had four
hits on Sunday in a 15-7 win over the Padres.Kansas City Royals
(52-77, fourth in the AL Central) vs. Chicago White Sox (63-65, third
in the AL Central)Chicago; Tuesday,
8:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING
PROBABLES: Royals: Brady Singer (7-4, 3.15 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 120
strikeouts); White Sox: Lucas Giolito (10-7, 5.14 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 135
strikeouts)FANDUEL
SPORTSBOOK LINE: White Sox -136, Royals +115; over/under is 8
runsBOTTOM LINE:
The Kansas City Royals play the Chicago White Sox after Hunter Dozier
had four hits against the Padres on Sunday.Chicago has a 30-34
record in home games and a 63-65 record overall. The White Sox have
gone 19-4 in games when they hit two or more home runs.Kansas City has a
20-40 record on the road and a 52-77 record overall. The Royals are
38-12 in games when they have more hits than their opponents.Tuesday's game is
the 17th time these teams meet this season. The Royals are up 9-7 in
the season series.TOP PERFORMERS:
Jose Abreu has 29 doubles and 14 home runs for the White Sox. Gavin
Sheets is 14-for-29 with three doubles, a home run and seven RBI over
the past 10 games.Bobby Witt Jr. has
21 doubles, six triples, 18 home runs and 65 RBI for the Royals.
Salvador Perez is 11-for-36 with a home run and seven RBI over the
past 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES:
White Sox: 2-8, .251 batting average, 6.14 ERA, outscored by 31 runsRoyals: 4-6, .222
batting average, 5.52 ERA, outscored by 10 runsINJURIES:
White Sox: Joe Kelly: day-to-day (knee), Yoan Moncada: 10-Day
IL (hamstring), Michael Kopech: 15-Day IL (knee), Kyle Crick: 60-Day
IL (elbow), Yasmani Grandal: 10-Day IL (knee), Tim Anderson: 10-Day
IL (finger), Danny Mendick: 60-Day IL (knee), Aaron Bummer: 15-Day IL
(lat), Garrett Crochet: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jonathan Stiever: 60-Day
IL (lat)Royals: Zack
Greinke: 15-Day IL (forearm), Josh Staumont: 15-Day IL (biceps),
Vinnie Pasquantino: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Taylor Clarke: 15-Day IL
(oblique), Edward Olivares: 60-Day IL (quadricep), Angel Zerpa:
60-Day IL (knee), Jake Brentz: 60-Day IL (flexor), Adalberto Mondesi:
60-Day IL (knee), Tyler Zuber: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

Royals take on the White Sox after Dozier's 4-hit game

- The "Voice of the Panthers" Patrick Burnett

- Weekend Sports Headlines and all the sounds of the past 24 hours.

<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/cw8Ra8VHROE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Monday Guest Lineup- The "Voice of the Panthers" Patrick Burnett- Panther volleyball coach Shelly Duvall- Jim Misunas, Great Bend Tribune- Weekend Sports Headlines and all the sounds of the past 24 hours.

(WATCH) Monday on Sports Day

Carson DuBose has began official duties as the new Head Coach of the Softball program.

"Coach Dubose has shown over her two years as assistant coach here at Barton that she is more than ready to assume the role of head coach," said Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs. "Carson has an extremely bright future in the coaching profession and I couldn't be more happy that she will be leading our softball program moving forward."

Just the sixth head coach in the program's now 41st year, DuBose fills the vacancy following Tyler Gunelson's recent hiring to take over the Rockhurst University softball program in Kansas City, Missouri.

DuBose came to Barton from Division II Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she served as a graduate assistant coach for two years from 2019-2020.

"I wouldn't be here today without the trust of Tyler, his faith in taking a chance on me to be his assistant, and I wish him the best of luck in his new challenges," DuBose said. "I'd also like to give a huge thanks to Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs and the College for trusting in me and giving me the opportunity to continue as head coach".

The Cougars reached the Region VI Championship game in DuBose' first season, improving in the win-loss column in year two as the season concluded in the winner's bracket semifinals of the region.

In the classroom the Cougars have also been solid, carrying an average of a 3.40 GPA over the past two years and earning twenty-three NJCAA All-Academic individual honors of achieving over a 3.60 GPA.

DuBose and the Cougars are in the fall portion of their season with exhibition games scheduled throughout September and October against mostly four-year programs. Barton will open up its official season in February 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661767203027.jpeg" alt="Photo and story by Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo and story by Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Carson DuBose has began official duties as the new Head Coach of the Softball program."Coach Dubose has shown over her two years as assistant coach here at Barton that she is more than ready to assume the role of head coach," said Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs. "Carson has an extremely bright future in the coaching profession and I couldn't be more happy that she will be leading our softball program moving forward."Just the sixth head coach in the program's now 41st year, DuBose fills the vacancy following Tyler Gunelson's recent hiring to take over the Rockhurst University softball program in Kansas City, Missouri.DuBose came to Barton from Division II Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she served as a graduate assistant coach for two years from 2019-2020."I wouldn't be here today without the trust of Tyler, his faith in taking a chance on me to be his assistant, and I wish him the best of luck in his new challenges," DuBose said. "I'd also like to give a huge thanks to Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs and the College for trusting in me and giving me the opportunity to continue as head coach".The Cougars reached the Region VI Championship game in DuBose' first season, improving in the win-loss column in year two as the season concluded in the winner's bracket semifinals of the region.In the classroom the Cougars have also been solid, carrying an average of a 3.40 GPA over the past two years and earning twenty-three NJCAA All-Academic individual honors of achieving over a 3.60 GPA.DuBose and the Cougars are in the fall portion of their season with exhibition games scheduled throughout September and October against mostly four-year programs. Barton will open up its official season in February 2023.

DuBose promoted to lead Barton Softball program

By TODD MOORE bartonsports.com

Making a short trip to northeast Nebraska, the Barton Community College volleyball team picked up three victories in less than twenty-four hours.

Thursday evening the Cougars took the first two sets over host Northeast Community College, dropped the third but reignited the engine to pull away in the fourth to win 25-18, 25-13, 16-25, and 25-20.

Returning to the court on Friday for a 12:00 p.m. match, the Cougars were a little sluggish in splitting the first two sets 25-23 and 21-25 but took care of Central Community College with convincing 25-15 and 25-14 set scores in wrapping up the match. Following a brief rest, Barton took on its stiffest test of the three matches in Division II No. 8 ranked Kirkwood Community College, jumping out on top 26-24 and 25-18, dropping the third 20-25, before powering up on a .400 attack percentage to cap the day on a 25-16 score.

The Cougars return to Nebraska for the McCook Tournament next weekend beginning with a Friday 9:00 a.m. match against Western Wyoming Community College. Barton will then play Ranger College at 1:00 p.m. before concluding the trip on Saturday after a 1:00 p.m. match versus Laramie County Community College.

Despite a .209 offensive attack in the three matches, the Cougars got it done on the defensive side of the net with 30 blocks and served up 20 aces.

Buse Kocakaya was the top performer on Thursday against the hosts with 16 kills on a .389 attack while accounting for four walls of denial. Despite playing just seven of the twelve sets and sitting out the second match, Molly Norris ended the three-match tied with Kocakaya for team high honors with 13 blocks. Putting down 9 kills and throwing up 5 blocks in the opener, Jada Davis shined in the second match to lead the Cougars with 12 kills on a .400 attack to finish the stretch with 24 total kills on a .380 attack.

Tasiah Nunnery led the team total with 33 kills in the trio of matches, adding 48 digs in posting three double-double efforts. The defensive coverage brought Nunnery's total to 870 in her career, moving into the 5th all-time spot surpassing Kiara Rivera's 854 total (2012-13) and the 855 accumulated my Mykela Reidl (2013-14).

Hanna Miller also continued her career total accumulation, leading the team with 87 total digs to close within twenty of Cristin Haines' 1361 total achieved from the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

On Thursday, Iris Oosterbaan recorded her first collegiate double-double in putting up 45 assists and a career high 11 digs. Running the 5-1 offense for the first two matches, the Cougars switched to a 6-2 in Friday's finale with Mya Maxwell putting up 17 assists with Oosterbaan recording 16.

Jadyn Brown, who finished with 18 kills, led the Cougars from the service line with seven aces in eleven sets.

2nd in career digs with 1341, 20 shy of Cristin Haines' 1361 total from the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

5th in career digs with 870, 144 shy of Mylena Testoni's 1014 total from the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

By TODD MOORE bartonsports.comMaking a short trip to northeast Nebraska, the Barton Community College volleyball team picked up three victories in less than twenty-four hours.Thursday evening the Cougars took the first two sets over host Northeast Community College, dropped the third but reignited the engine to pull away in the fourth to win 25-18, 25-13, 16-25, and 25-20.Returning to the court on Friday for a 12:00 p.m. match, the Cougars were a little sluggish in splitting the first two sets 25-23 and 21-25 but took care of Central Community College with convincing 25-15 and 25-14 set scores in wrapping up the match. Following a brief rest, Barton took on its stiffest test of the three matches in Division II No. 8 ranked Kirkwood Community College, jumping out on top 26-24 and 25-18, dropping the third 20-25, before powering up on a .400 attack percentage to cap the day on a 25-16 score.The Cougars return to Nebraska for the McCook Tournament next weekend beginning with a Friday 9:00 a.m. match against Western Wyoming Community College. Barton will then play Ranger College at 1:00 p.m. before concluding the trip on Saturday after a 1:00 p.m. match versus Laramie County Community College.Despite a .209 offensive attack in the three matches, the Cougars got it done on the defensive side of the net with 30 blocks and served up 20 aces.Buse Kocakaya was the top performer on Thursday against the hosts with 16 kills on a .389 attack while accounting for four walls of denial. Despite playing just seven of the twelve sets and sitting out the second match, Molly Norris ended the three-match tied with Kocakaya for team high honors with 13 blocks. Putting down 9 kills and throwing up 5 blocks in the opener, Jada Davis shined in the second match to lead the Cougars with 12 kills on a .400 attack to finish the stretch with 24 total kills on a .380 attack.Tasiah Nunnery led the team total with 33 kills in the trio of matches, adding 48 digs in posting three double-double efforts. The defensive coverage brought Nunnery's total to 870 in her career, moving into the 5th all-time spot surpassing Kiara Rivera's 854 total (2012-13) and the 855 accumulated my Mykela Reidl (2013-14).Hanna Miller also continued her career total accumulation, leading the team with 87 total digs to close within twenty of Cristin Haines' 1361 total achieved from the 2006 and 2007 seasons.On Thursday, Iris Oosterbaan recorded her first collegiate double-double in putting up 45 assists and a career high 11 digs. Running the 5-1 offense for the first two matches, the Cougars switched to a 6-2 in Friday's finale with Mya Maxwell putting up 17 assists with Oosterbaan recording 16.Jadyn Brown, who finished with 18 kills, led the Cougars from the service line with seven aces in eleven sets.Record Book WatchHanna Miller:2nd in career digs with 1341, 20 shy of Cristin Haines' 1361 total from the 2006 and 2007 seasons.Tasiah Nunnery:5th in career digs with 870, 144 shy of Mylena Testoni's 1014 total from the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Barton Volleyball remains perfect after Nebraska trip

Saturday's riding high was met by Sunday's what-could-have-been bitter feeling as the Barton Community College women's soccer team split results of a two-game trip to Tyler, Texas.

On Saturday the Cougars scored early and often in an 18-0 overwhelming victory over Trinity Valley Community College with multiple program record book impacts including freshman Nina Norshie's sixteen point performance. Returning to the same pitch on Sunday morning, an overtime goal spoiled the Cougars' upset bid in falling 2-1 at No. 2 ranked Tyler Junior College.

The weekend result leaves Barton at 3-1 on the season with Trinity Valley slipping to 0-2 and Tyler remaining unblemished at 3-0.

The Cougars will next turn its attention to conference play beginning at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday hosting Garden City Community College before capping a two-game homestand on Saturday in a 1:00 p.m. non-conference matchup versus Western Wyoming Community College.

By TODD MOORE bartonsports.comSaturday's riding high was met by Sunday's what-could-have-been bitter feeling as the Barton Community College women's soccer team split results of a two-game trip to Tyler, Texas.On Saturday the Cougars scored early and often in an 18-0 overwhelming victory over Trinity Valley Community College with multiple program record book impacts including freshman Nina Norshie's sixteen point performance. Returning to the same pitch on Sunday morning, an overtime goal spoiled the Cougars' upset bid in falling 2-1 at No. 2 ranked Tyler Junior College.The weekend result leaves Barton at 3-1 on the season with Trinity Valley slipping to 0-2 and Tyler remaining unblemished at 3-0.The Cougars will next turn its attention to conference play beginning at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday hosting Garden City Community College before capping a two-game homestand on Saturday in a 1:00 p.m. non-conference matchup versus Western Wyoming Community College.

Lady Cougars split results in Texas as Norshie makes program history

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael A. Taylor homered and drove in four runs, and the Kansas City Royals beat the San Diego Padres 15-7 on Sunday.

Salvador Perez also went deep for Kansas City, and Hunter Dozier had four of the Royals' 18 hits. Nick Pratto drove in three runs, including a two-run double off Josh Hader during a six-run eighth.

Kansas City had dropped the first two games of the series and 11 of 15 overall.

Jonathan Heasley (2-7) struck out seven in five innings in his first win since June 10. He was charged with three earned runs and four hits.

“Overall I thought it was a pretty good outing,” Heasley said. “I had a couple pitches that hurt, but overall I felt like my command was better than my last start.”

Manny Machado homered twice and drove in four runs for San Diego, which had won four of six. Juan Soto connected for his third homer with the Padres, and Josh Bell added an RBI single in the ninth.

The Padres were unable to overcome a shaky performance by Sean Manaea (7-7), who was tagged for six runs and 10 hits in four innings.

“(Manaea) was out of sync in the first, but decent innings after that,” Padres manager Bob Melvin said. “He threw a lot of pitches in the first, but as you see sometimes a starter is most vulnerable in the first inning.”

Kansas City jumped all over Manaea for five runs in the first. Taylor led off with a drive to left for his seventh homer, tying it at 1. Brent Rooker and Nicky Lopez each had an RBI single, and Drew Waters doubled home Pratto.

“I felt like we did a good job of putting together good at-bats,” Taylor said. “When we got the line moving we just tried to keep it moving, just trying to get it to the next guy.”

Perez’s 18th homer — a two-run shot to left-center in the sixth — lifted the Royals to an 8-4 lead. Despite two stints on the injured list totaling 31 games, Perez is tied for the team lead in homers.

The Padres pulled within three on Soto's two-run shot in the seventh against Anthony Misiewicz. Soto, who was acquired in an Aug. 2 trade with Washington, has 24 homers overall this season.

The Royals then put together a six-run eighth on the way to their highest scoring game of the season. Taylor singled home Pratto and Waters before Bobby Witt Jr.'s sacrifice fly made it 15-6.

“It was nice to see how the guys played today," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “We saw multiple good at-bats by multiple guys and everybody in the lineup. A couple guys came in even off the bench and contributed.”

Machado hit a solo shot in the first and a two-run homer in the fifth for his 32nd career multihomer game.

San Diego continues a nine-game road trip against San Francisco on Monday. RHP Mike Clevinger (4-5, 3.59 ERA) will start for the Padres.

Kansas City will travel to Chicago to face the White Sox on Tuesday. The Royals have not announced a starter.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael A. Taylor homered and drove in four runs, and the Kansas City Royals beat the San Diego Padres 15-7 on Sunday.Salvador Perez also went deep for Kansas City, and Hunter Dozier had four of the Royals' 18 hits. Nick Pratto drove in three runs, including a two-run double off Josh Hader during a six-run eighth.Kansas City had dropped the first two games of the series and 11 of 15 overall.Jonathan Heasley (2-7) struck out seven in five innings in his first win since June 10. He was charged with three earned runs and four hits.“Overall I thought it was a pretty good outing,” Heasley said. “I had a couple pitches that hurt, but overall I felt like my command was better than my last start.”Manny Machado homered twice and drove in four runs for San Diego, which had won four of six. Juan Soto connected for his third homer with the Padres, and Josh Bell added an RBI single in the ninth.The Padres were unable to overcome a shaky performance by Sean Manaea (7-7), who was tagged for six runs and 10 hits in four innings.“(Manaea) was out of sync in the first, but decent innings after that,” Padres manager Bob Melvin said. “He threw a lot of pitches in the first, but as you see sometimes a starter is most vulnerable in the first inning.”Kansas City jumped all over Manaea for five runs in the first. Taylor led off with a drive to left for his seventh homer, tying it at 1. Brent Rooker and Nicky Lopez each had an RBI single, and Drew Waters doubled home Pratto.“I felt like we did a good job of putting together good at-bats,” Taylor said. “When we got the line moving we just tried to keep it moving, just trying to get it to the next guy.”Perez’s 18th homer — a two-run shot to left-center in the sixth — lifted the Royals to an 8-4 lead. Despite two stints on the injured list totaling 31 games, Perez is tied for the team lead in homers.The Padres pulled within three on Soto's two-run shot in the seventh against Anthony Misiewicz. Soto, who was acquired in an Aug. 2 trade with Washington, has 24 homers overall this season.The Royals then put together a six-run eighth on the way to their highest scoring game of the season. Taylor singled home Pratto and Waters before Bobby Witt Jr.'s sacrifice fly made it 15-6.“It was nice to see how the guys played today," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “We saw multiple good at-bats by multiple guys and everybody in the lineup. A couple guys came in even off the bench and contributed.”Machado hit a solo shot in the first and a two-run homer in the fifth for his 32nd career multihomer game.UP NEXTSan Diego continues a nine-game road trip against San Francisco on Monday. RHP Mike Clevinger (4-5, 3.59 ERA) will start for the Padres.Kansas City will travel to Chicago to face the White Sox on Tuesday. The Royals have not announced a starter.

Taylor, Perez homer, Royals beat Machado, Padres 15-7

Hitting the road for the first time on the young season, the Barton Community College men's soccer team earned split results over the weekend in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Striking for four opening stanza goals would be all Barton needed Friday afternoon defeating Indian Hills Community College 4-2.

On Saturday, the Cougars got a solid test going toe-to-toe with former Barton head coach Mike Brown's top ranked Reivers of Iowa Western Community College. Squared away after 90-minutes of play, the Cougars upset bid would fall short in overtime as a 25-yard laser strike handed Barton its' first loss of the season falling 1-0.

Moving to 3-1-0 on the young campaign, Barton will return home to open conference play Wednesday against Garden City Community College in a 1:00 p.m. kickoff from the Cougar Soccer Complex.

Tajay Grant led the Cougar offense over the weekend netting a first half hat trick against Indian Hills while Kotaro Natsume provided the other lone tally for his first collegiate goal.

Samuel Joerg, Augusto Militao and Victor Lucca aided three of the four markers each recording assists in the 4-2 victory over Indian Hills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661704747121.jpeg" alt="Story and Photo courtesy bartonsports.com" />
 <figcaption>Story and Photo courtesy bartonsports.com</figcaption>
 </figure>Hitting the road for the first time on the young season, the Barton Community College men's soccer team earned split results over the weekend in Council Bluffs, Iowa.Striking for four opening stanza goals would be all Barton needed Friday afternoon defeating Indian Hills Community College 4-2.On Saturday, the Cougars got a solid test going toe-to-toe with former Barton head coach Mike Brown's top ranked Reivers of Iowa Western Community College. Squared away after 90-minutes of play, the Cougars upset bid would fall short in overtime as a 25-yard laser strike handed Barton its' first loss of the season falling 1-0.Moving to 3-1-0 on the young campaign, Barton will return home to open conference play Wednesday against Garden City Community College in a 1:00 p.m. kickoff from the Cougar Soccer Complex.Tajay Grant led the Cougar offense over the weekend netting a first half hat trick against Indian Hills while Kotaro Natsume provided the other lone tally for his first collegiate goal.Samuel Joerg, Augusto Militao and Victor Lucca aided three of the four markers each recording assists in the 4-2 victory over Indian Hills.

Barton Soccer splits weekend results in Iowa

DENVER (AP) — Third-year defensive tackle McTelvin Agim’s spot on the Denver Broncos roster is all but assured. Still, he went into the final tune-up determined to stand out in case he finds himself looking for work.

Agim forced two fumbles and broke up two passes in the Broncos’ 23-13 preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night, and his best play, a strip-sack of Sean Mannion, led to Baron Browning’s 17-yard fumble return for a touchdown just before halftime.

“That was my mind-set,” Agim said, “just put the best film out there so all 31 other teams see it, as well.”

They’ll be impressed, but it won’t matter. Agim isn’t going anywhere.

Both teams rested their starters in the preseason finale, and none of the four backup quarterbacks threw a touchdown.

Browning, whom the Broncos (2-1) moved from inside linebacker to the edge this year, stunted up the middle and nearly pried the ball from Mannion’s grasp himself as he swept past him in the final minute of the first half.

Agim was right there to slap the ball out as he wrapped up Mannion from behind for a 10-yard sack. Browning reached back, grabbed the ball with his right hand and zipped into the end zone to give Denver a 17-7 lead.

“That was a killer,” Vikings rookie head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “Sean’s trying to get ready check the ball down. We coach real hard to have two hands on it in the pocket.”

Mannion got the Vikings, who went winless in the preseason, to midfield for Greg Joseph’s 46-yard field goal as time expired, cutting Minnesota’s deficit to 17-10 at halftime.

Joseph’s 58-yarder five seconds into the fourth quarter made it 17-13 and the Vikings were driving again when safety rookie safety Dalarrin Turner-Yell returned from a concussion check to sack Kellen Mond on fourth-and-goal from the Denver 5.

Brandon McManus capped the scoring with a pair of field goals over the final 3:19.

With Kirk Cousins sitting out again, Mannion was 9-of-16 for 121 yards and Mond went 10 for 17 for 102 yards in the second half.

Like Cousins, Russell Wilson didn’t play at all in the preseason. Brett Rypien was 14 for 21 for 137 yards in the first half and Josh Johnson threw for 107 yards on 11-of-14 passing.

Wilson dressed out in full pads and even put on his eye black to watch the action from the sideline with Denver’s other resting starters were decked out in street clothes.

He also had a headset and a microphone to listen to rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett calling the offensive plays and consulting with offensive coordinator Justin Outten.

“So, he got to hear how I talked to the coaches and how I call plays,” said Hackett, whose first real-game experience with Wilson will be in the opener at Seattle.

Rypien drove the Broncos to the Minnesota 8 on Denver’s opening possession but his throw over the middle to K.J. Hamler on first-and-goal was tipped by Myles Dorn and intercepted by Luiji Vilain.

Johnson drove Denver on a pair of drives that ended in field goals. McManus’ 40-yarder made it 20-13 with 3:19 remaining.

That’s when Denver’s defense, which collected five sacks, showed up again.

Rookie Nik Bonnito recorded consecutive sacks of Mond, Agim batted down his fourth-and-27 pass with 2:07 remaining, and Denver took over at the Vikings 8. McManus added a 31-yard field goal in the waning seconds.

Minnesota’s first touchdown came on Bryant Koback’s carry on fourth-and-goal from the 1. Officials initially ruled he was stuffed by Turner-Yell but the Vikings won the challenge, giving them a 7-3 lead.

Montrell Washington’s 11-yard TD on a reverse gave Denver the lead for good at 10-7.

The Broncos have been dreadful on special teams for several years and things didn’t look much different Saturday night as returner Jalen Virgil muffed the opening kickoff, knocking the ball out of bounds at the 2.

In the third quarter, Broncos snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer inexplicably carried the ball several yards across the goal line for a touchback that left punter Sam Martin perplexed as to why he didn’t just down the ball inside the 10.

Vikings: DL T.Y. McGill Jr. (ankle) and LB Troy Dye (foot) both were injured in the first quarter and didn’t return. WR Jalen Nailor was ruled out with a concussion early in the third quarter. WR Bisi Johnson left shortly thereafter with what O’Connell feared was a serious knee injury.

Broncos: WR Brandon Johnson (ankle) left in the first quarter.

The Vikings open the season at home against rival Green Bay on Sept. 11.

The Broncos open at Seattle in Wilson’s homecoming on Monday, Sept. 12.

DENVER (AP) — Third-year defensive tackle McTelvin Agim’s spot on the Denver Broncos roster is all but assured. Still, he went into the final tune-up determined to stand out in case he finds himself looking for work.Agim forced two fumbles and broke up two passes in the Broncos’ 23-13 preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night, and his best play, a strip-sack of Sean Mannion, led to Baron Browning’s 17-yard fumble return for a touchdown just before halftime.“That was my mind-set,” Agim said, “just put the best film out there so all 31 other teams see it, as well.”They’ll be impressed, but it won’t matter. Agim isn’t going anywhere.Both teams rested their starters in the preseason finale, and none of the four backup quarterbacks threw a touchdown.Browning, whom the Broncos (2-1) moved from inside linebacker to the edge this year, stunted up the middle and nearly pried the ball from Mannion’s grasp himself as he swept past him in the final minute of the first half.Agim was right there to slap the ball out as he wrapped up Mannion from behind for a 10-yard sack. Browning reached back, grabbed the ball with his right hand and zipped into the end zone to give Denver a 17-7 lead.“That was a killer,” Vikings rookie head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “Sean’s trying to get ready check the ball down. We coach real hard to have two hands on it in the pocket.”Mannion got the Vikings, who went winless in the preseason, to midfield for Greg Joseph’s 46-yard field goal as time expired, cutting Minnesota’s deficit to 17-10 at halftime.Joseph’s 58-yarder five seconds into the fourth quarter made it 17-13 and the Vikings were driving again when safety rookie safety Dalarrin Turner-Yell returned from a concussion check to sack Kellen Mond on fourth-and-goal from the Denver 5.Brandon McManus capped the scoring with a pair of field goals over the final 3:19.With Kirk Cousins sitting out again, Mannion was 9-of-16 for 121 yards and Mond went 10 for 17 for 102 yards in the second half.Like Cousins, Russell Wilson didn’t play at all in the preseason. Brett Rypien was 14 for 21 for 137 yards in the first half and Josh Johnson threw for 107 yards on 11-of-14 passing.Wilson dressed out in full pads and even put on his eye black to watch the action from the sideline with Denver’s other resting starters were decked out in street clothes.He also had a headset and a microphone to listen to rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett calling the offensive plays and consulting with offensive coordinator Justin Outten.“So, he got to hear how I talked to the coaches and how I call plays,” said Hackett, whose first real-game experience with Wilson will be in the opener at Seattle.Rypien drove the Broncos to the Minnesota 8 on Denver’s opening possession but his throw over the middle to K.J. Hamler on first-and-goal was tipped by Myles Dorn and intercepted by Luiji Vilain.Johnson drove Denver on a pair of drives that ended in field goals. McManus’ 40-yarder made it 20-13 with 3:19 remaining.That’s when Denver’s defense, which collected five sacks, showed up again.Rookie Nik Bonnito recorded consecutive sacks of Mond, Agim batted down his fourth-and-27 pass with 2:07 remaining, and Denver took over at the Vikings 8. McManus added a 31-yard field goal in the waning seconds.Minnesota’s first touchdown came on Bryant Koback’s carry on fourth-and-goal from the 1. Officials initially ruled he was stuffed by Turner-Yell but the Vikings won the challenge, giving them a 7-3 lead.Montrell Washington’s 11-yard TD on a reverse gave Denver the lead for good at 10-7.NOT-SO-SPECIAL TEAMSThe Broncos have been dreadful on special teams for several years and things didn’t look much different Saturday night as returner Jalen Virgil muffed the opening kickoff, knocking the ball out of bounds at the 2.In the third quarter, Broncos snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer inexplicably carried the ball several yards across the goal line for a touchback that left punter Sam Martin perplexed as to why he didn’t just down the ball inside the 10.INJURIESVikings: DL T.Y. McGill Jr. (ankle) and LB Troy Dye (foot) both were injured in the first quarter and didn’t return. WR Jalen Nailor was ruled out with a concussion early in the third quarter. WR Bisi Johnson left shortly thereafter with what O’Connell feared was a serious knee injury.Broncos: WR Brandon Johnson (ankle) left in the first quarter.UP NEXTThe Vikings open the season at home against rival Green Bay on Sept. 11.The Broncos open at Seattle in Wilson’s homecoming on Monday, Sept. 12.

Browning’s fumble return TD helps Broncos beat Vikings 23-13

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Wil Myers hit a two-run homer against his former team, Yu Darvish recovered from a rocky start and the San Diego Padres beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Saturday night.

After falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, the Padres took the lead in the third and held on. Myers connected in the second, and San Diego went ahead on RBI singles by Manny Machado and Brandon Drury an inning later.

Darvish (11-7) allowed three runs and five hits in seven innings. He struck out six and walked two. The right-hander has lasted at least six innings in 22 of his 24 starts, most in the National League.

“After the first inning I was just thinking if I could get through five it'd be a good night,” Darvish said. “Somehow I managed to get to seven innings, so all in all I think it was a good outing.”

Robert Suarez worked the eighth and Nick Martinez got three outs for his sixth save.

Kansas City scored three times in the first on Nick Pratto’s two-run double and an RBI single by Hunter Dozier.

“We scored the three early, but we left some money on the table in the first and a missed opportunity in the second, those come back to haunt you," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "You have to get greedy early in the game to put teams, or pitchers, like this away.”

After that, Darvish locked in. He retired 13 in a row and 17 of 18, and had a four-pitch inning in the fifth.

“I think most starters are pretty vulnerable early in the game before they can get into a rhythm,” Padres manager Bob Melvin said. “He hasn't pitched in a while and he has so many pitches that sometimes he needs to streamline and see which ones are working.”

Myers hit a two-run shot 428 feet into the fountains in right field off Daniel Lynch in the second, scoring Josh Bell. Kansas City traded Myers and others in 2012 to Tampa Bay for Wade Davis and James Shields.

The homer was the only extra-base hit by San Diego in the game.

“I have definitely been working towards right field, but haven’t had a ton of success with that,” Myers said. “But over the last two games it’s started to turn around a little bit.”

The Padres took the lead in the next inning. Machado hit an RBI single that scored Jose Azocar, and Drury knocked in Juan Soto.

"This was a big one to finish out after scoring a couple times in the third," Melvin said. “Not only was Yu good, but got a few clean innings (from the bullpen).”

Lynch (4-9) tied a career high by allowing nine hits over five innings. He gave up four earned runs, walked one and struck out six.

Royals relievers Collin Snider, Carlos Hernandez and Scott Barlow combined to give up just two hits in four scoreless innings.

San Diego goes for a series sweep Sunday as Sean Manaea (7-6, 4.64 ERA) pitches against Jonathan Heasley (1-7, 5.21).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Wil Myers hit a two-run homer against his former team, Yu Darvish recovered from a rocky start and the San Diego Padres beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Saturday night.After falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, the Padres took the lead in the third and held on. Myers connected in the second, and San Diego went ahead on RBI singles by Manny Machado and Brandon Drury an inning later.Darvish (11-7) allowed three runs and five hits in seven innings. He struck out six and walked two. The right-hander has lasted at least six innings in 22 of his 24 starts, most in the National League.“After the first inning I was just thinking if I could get through five it'd be a good night,” Darvish said. “Somehow I managed to get to seven innings, so all in all I think it was a good outing.”Robert Suarez worked the eighth and Nick Martinez got three outs for his sixth save.Kansas City scored three times in the first on Nick Pratto’s two-run double and an RBI single by Hunter Dozier.“We scored the three early, but we left some money on the table in the first and a missed opportunity in the second, those come back to haunt you," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "You have to get greedy early in the game to put teams, or pitchers, like this away.”After that, Darvish locked in. He retired 13 in a row and 17 of 18, and had a four-pitch inning in the fifth.“I think most starters are pretty vulnerable early in the game before they can get into a rhythm,” Padres manager Bob Melvin said. “He hasn't pitched in a while and he has so many pitches that sometimes he needs to streamline and see which ones are working.”Myers hit a two-run shot 428 feet into the fountains in right field off Daniel Lynch in the second, scoring Josh Bell. Kansas City traded Myers and others in 2012 to Tampa Bay for Wade Davis and James Shields.The homer was the only extra-base hit by San Diego in the game.“I have definitely been working towards right field, but haven’t had a ton of success with that,” Myers said. “But over the last two games it’s started to turn around a little bit.”The Padres took the lead in the next inning. Machado hit an RBI single that scored Jose Azocar, and Drury knocked in Juan Soto."This was a big one to finish out after scoring a couple times in the third," Melvin said. “Not only was Yu good, but got a few clean innings (from the bullpen).”Lynch (4-9) tied a career high by allowing nine hits over five innings. He gave up four earned runs, walked one and struck out six.Royals relievers Collin Snider, Carlos Hernandez and Scott Barlow combined to give up just two hits in four scoreless innings.UP NEXTSan Diego goes for a series sweep Sunday as Sean Manaea (7-6, 4.64 ERA) pitches against Jonathan Heasley (1-7, 5.21).

Myers homers, Darvish finds groove as Padres top Royals 4-3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It seemed only fitting that, one day after Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson's family announced his death at the age of 87, the Kansas City Chiefs played the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night in a preseason rematch of the first Super Bowl.

It was that title game on a sunny January day in 1967 when many fans first saw “Lenny the Cool.”

Televised simultaneously by CBS and NBC from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the inaugural meeting of the champions of the powerful NFL and upstart AFL was close into the second half. But that's when the Vince Lombardi's powerful Packers pulled away for a 35-10 victory over an exhausted Dawson and his plucky bunch of Chiefs.

Dawson would get his Super Bowl ring, of course. He led the Chiefs back three years later, where Kansas City would beat the Minnesota Vikings in the final championship game staged before the NFL and AFL merged together.

“As a child, I just remember being on the Chiefs' field and looking up at Len,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt recalled. “Of course, as a child, all the players were huge and he was one of the smaller ones of the group. But he was the one with the ‘it’ factor. He was the leader of the team. And I remember looking at him like that.”

Not surprisingly, the Chiefs found plenty of ways to remember Dawson on Thursday night.

Patrick Mahomes, who became close to Dawson in recent years, wore a hoody with his predecessor’s image on the back of it. The Chiefs’ helmets carried his No. 16 on them. And on the Chiefs Radio Network, where Dawson flourished in a second career as a Hall of Fame broadcaster, stories of Dawson flowed during a lengthy pregame tribute.

Elsewhere in Kansas City, the fountains outside historic Union Station were specially lit to celebrate his life.

Perhaps most poignantly, though, Mahomes trotted onto the field for the only time all game — the Chiefs' first offensive possession — and lined up his players in the same kind of stacked huddle that Dawson employed.

The Chiefs took a delay of game penalty, Mahomes trotted off the field and the preseason game resumed.

“I've had people reach out to me and say, ‘Hey, I cheered for the Chiefs because of Len Dawson when I was a little kid, even though I didn’t live in Kansas City,” said the 57-year-old Hunt, whose father Lamar Hunt helped found the AFL along with the Chiefs, who began play as the Dallas Texans before moving north a year after Dawson arrived.

The young Hunt remembers growing up in the locker room in the 1970s, and how Dawson always kept an eye out for him.

“He’s synonymous with the success of the early Chiefs organization, and those early teams that really helped establish the Chiefs in the American Football League,” Hunt said. “But when you step back and think about him in terms of Kansas City, he is synonymous as someone who cared about the community and finding ways to give back.”

Dawson, who was also known to millions for his work on HBO's iconic “Inside the NFL,” had been in declining health the past few years. He went into hospice care on Aug. 12 before dying this week with his wife, Linda, by his side.

While he had stepped back from the public spotlight, Dawson remained a revered figure around Arrowhead Stadium, where the television broadcast booth was named in his honor. Much of his memorabilia is on display in the team's Hall of Fame, and his name hung between former teammates Mike Garrett and Bobby Bell in the stadium's ring of honor.

“I probably didn’t appreciate it at the time because I was fairly young,” Hunt said, “but I’ve come to appreciate it over the last 20 or 30 years — when I run into someone who is not from Kansas City but they’re a fan of pro football, they will frequently bring up Len Dawson’s name. That’s who they remember from those early Chiefs.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It seemed only fitting that, one day after Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson's family announced his death at the age of 87, the Kansas City Chiefs played the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night in a preseason rematch of the first Super Bowl.It was that title game on a sunny January day in 1967 when many fans first saw “Lenny the Cool.”Televised simultaneously by CBS and NBC from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the inaugural meeting of the champions of the powerful NFL and upstart AFL was close into the second half. But that's when the Vince Lombardi's powerful Packers pulled away for a 35-10 victory over an exhausted Dawson and his plucky bunch of Chiefs.Dawson would get his Super Bowl ring, of course. He led the Chiefs back three years later, where Kansas City would beat the Minnesota Vikings in the final championship game staged before the NFL and AFL merged together.“As a child, I just remember being on the Chiefs' field and looking up at Len,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt recalled. “Of course, as a child, all the players were huge and he was one of the smaller ones of the group. But he was the one with the ‘it’ factor. He was the leader of the team. And I remember looking at him like that.”Not surprisingly, the Chiefs found plenty of ways to remember Dawson on Thursday night.Patrick Mahomes, who became close to Dawson in recent years, wore a hoody with his predecessor’s image on the back of it. The Chiefs’ helmets carried his No. 16 on them. And on the Chiefs Radio Network, where Dawson flourished in a second career as a Hall of Fame broadcaster, stories of Dawson flowed during a lengthy pregame tribute.Elsewhere in Kansas City, the fountains outside historic Union Station were specially lit to celebrate his life.Perhaps most poignantly, though, Mahomes trotted onto the field for the only time all game — the Chiefs' first offensive possession — and lined up his players in the same kind of stacked huddle that Dawson employed.The Chiefs took a delay of game penalty, Mahomes trotted off the field and the preseason game resumed.“I've had people reach out to me and say, ‘Hey, I cheered for the Chiefs because of Len Dawson when I was a little kid, even though I didn’t live in Kansas City,” said the 57-year-old Hunt, whose father Lamar Hunt helped found the AFL along with the Chiefs, who began play as the Dallas Texans before moving north a year after Dawson arrived.The young Hunt remembers growing up in the locker room in the 1970s, and how Dawson always kept an eye out for him.“He’s synonymous with the success of the early Chiefs organization, and those early teams that really helped establish the Chiefs in the American Football League,” Hunt said. “But when you step back and think about him in terms of Kansas City, he is synonymous as someone who cared about the community and finding ways to give back.”Dawson, who was also known to millions for his work on HBO's iconic “Inside the NFL,” had been in declining health the past few years. He went into hospice care on Aug. 12 before dying this week with his wife, Linda, by his side.While he had stepped back from the public spotlight, Dawson remained a revered figure around Arrowhead Stadium, where the television broadcast booth was named in his honor. Much of his memorabilia is on display in the team's Hall of Fame, and his name hung between former teammates Mike Garrett and Bobby Bell in the stadium's ring of honor.“I probably didn’t appreciate it at the time because I was fairly young,” Hunt said, “but I’ve come to appreciate it over the last 20 or 30 years — when I run into someone who is not from Kansas City but they’re a fan of pro football, they will frequently bring up Len Dawson’s name. That’s who they remember from those early Chiefs.”

Chiefs honor Len Dawson during preseason finale 

Mike Gundy is the only Big 12 head coach still around from the last time the conference was going through so much change. That a little more than a decade ago, about the time Oklahoma State won its only championship in the league.

With new commissioner Brett Yormark already in place, the Big 12 is going into its 12th and final season with 10 teams before getting bigger.

“I don’t think there’s any question as this moves forward that the Big 12 Conference is in a tremendous position,” said Gundy, the former Oklahoma State quarterback in his 18th season as head coach at his alma mater.

Gundy feels the same way about his 12th-ranked Cowboys, with fourth-year starting quarterback Spencer Sanders among 10 returning offensive starters after they came up only inches short of beating Baylor in the Big 12 championship game last December — and maybe making the four-team College Football Playoff. Oklahoma State has had 17 consecutive winning seasons, all with bowl appearances.

“We don't really get out of our box much at Oklahoma State,” Gundy said. “We have a culture and a philosophy and a system we believe in."

Tenth-ranked Baylor had a 10-win improvement from coach Dave Aranda’s debut only a year earlier. The Bears went 12-2, including a 21-16 win in the Big 12 title game after fourth-and-goal stop in the final minute. They host Oklahoma State on Oct. 1.

Blake Shapen became Baylor's top quarterback after the sophomore beat out since-departed incumbent starter Gerry Bohanon in spring drills. Shapen was the Big 12 championship game MVP in one of his two starts last year when Bohanon was injured.

Four new schools join the Big 12 next summer, and three of them are in The Associated Press preseason Top 25: No. 23 Cincinnati, No. 24 Houston and No. 25 BYU. That matches the number of current league members ranked: No. 9 Oklahoma, Baylor and Oklahoma State.

The Big 12 was first a 10-team league in 2011 after Colorado left for the Pac-12 and Nebraska for the Big Ten. Oklahoma State won the outright Big 12 championship that season, the first of six years in a row the league didn't have a title game.

TCU and West Virginia joined the Big 12 in 2012, the same year that Bob Bowlsby became commissioner. Texas A&amp;M and Missouri left then for the Southeastern Conference, where they will be joined by past national champions Oklahoma and Texas no later than the 2025 season.

“You've seen great coaches, great teams, really consistently play week in and week out," said Iowa State’s Matt Campbell, the league’s second-longest tenured coach in his seventh season. ”It makes every game that gets played in this conference really special.”

As many as nine Big 12 teams could have a different starting quarterback in their season opener than they did in 2021.

Tyler Shough is set as Texas Tech's starter for the second year in a row. The former Oregon transfer played in the first four games last year before suffering a broken collarbone.

Sanders missed Oklahoma State's '21 opener because of COVID-19 protocols. Max Duggan could start for TCU again, but was competing with Chandler Morris for that job. Jalon Daniels is expected to start for Kansas even though Jason Bean is still there.

Three incoming transfers have been named starters: Adrian Martinez at Kansas State (from Nebraska), Dillon Gabriel at Oklahoma (UCF), and Quinn Ewers at Texas (Ohio State). Georgia transfer JT Daniels will likely start for West Virginia, whose '21 opening starter Jarret Doege is at Troy.

Hunter Dekkers succeeds Iowa State’s winningest QB. Brock Purdy had been the Cyclones starter since the middle of the 2018 season.

New Oklahoma coach Brent Venables was defensive coordinator for the Sooners during their 2000 national championship season, then was Clemson’s DC for two national titles before returning to Norman.

Sonny Dykes took over at TCU after the past four seasons at SMU. Dykes worked in an off-field role for the Horned Frogs in 2017 under Gary Patterson, their head coach to start the past 21 seasons.

Joey McGuire is the eighth coach at Texas Tech, including three interim head coaches, over a 14-season span. He was a Baylor assistant the past five years after winning three Texas high school state championships.

Will McDonald IV, DE, senior, Iowa State. The Big 12 leader in sacks in each of the last two seasons had 11 1/2 last year, and also forced five fumbles.

Bijan Robinson, RB, junior, Texas: He ran for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns in a season cut short by a dislocated elbow.

Deuce Vaughn, RB, junior Kansas State: The 5-foot-6 dynamo totaled 1,872 yards from scrimmage (1,404 rushing, 468 receiving) and scored 22 TDs last year.

Second-team preseason All-Americans: Connor Galvin, OT, junior, Baylor; Siaki Ika, DL, junior, Baylor; Xavier Worthy, WR, sophomore, Texas.

Baylor repeats, then Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Texas, TCU, Iowa State, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Kansas.

Mike Gundy is the only Big 12 head coach still around from the last time the conference was going through so much change. That a little more than a decade ago, about the time Oklahoma State won its only championship in the league.With new commissioner Brett Yormark already in place, the Big 12 is going into its 12th and final season with 10 teams before getting bigger.“I don’t think there’s any question as this moves forward that the Big 12 Conference is in a tremendous position,” said Gundy, the former Oklahoma State quarterback in his 18th season as head coach at his alma mater.Gundy feels the same way about his 12th-ranked Cowboys, with fourth-year starting quarterback Spencer Sanders among 10 returning offensive starters after they came up only inches short of beating Baylor in the Big 12 championship game last December — and maybe making the four-team College Football Playoff. Oklahoma State has had 17 consecutive winning seasons, all with bowl appearances.“We don't really get out of our box much at Oklahoma State,” Gundy said. “We have a culture and a philosophy and a system we believe in."Tenth-ranked Baylor had a 10-win improvement from coach Dave Aranda’s debut only a year earlier. The Bears went 12-2, including a 21-16 win in the Big 12 title game after fourth-and-goal stop in the final minute. They host Oklahoma State on Oct. 1.Blake Shapen became Baylor's top quarterback after the sophomore beat out since-departed incumbent starter Gerry Bohanon in spring drills. Shapen was the Big 12 championship game MVP in one of his two starts last year when Bohanon was injured.Four new schools join the Big 12 next summer, and three of them are in The Associated Press preseason Top 25: No. 23 Cincinnati, No. 24 Houston and No. 25 BYU. That matches the number of current league members ranked: No. 9 Oklahoma, Baylor and Oklahoma State.The Big 12 was first a 10-team league in 2011 after Colorado left for the Pac-12 and Nebraska for the Big Ten. Oklahoma State won the outright Big 12 championship that season, the first of six years in a row the league didn't have a title game.TCU and West Virginia joined the Big 12 in 2012, the same year that Bob Bowlsby became commissioner. Texas A&amp;M and Missouri left then for the Southeastern Conference, where they will be joined by past national champions Oklahoma and Texas no later than the 2025 season.“You've seen great coaches, great teams, really consistently play week in and week out," said Iowa State’s Matt Campbell, the league’s second-longest tenured coach in his seventh season. ”It makes every game that gets played in this conference really special.”CHANGES BEHIND CENTERAs many as nine Big 12 teams could have a different starting quarterback in their season opener than they did in 2021.Tyler Shough is set as Texas Tech's starter for the second year in a row. The former Oregon transfer played in the first four games last year before suffering a broken collarbone.Sanders missed Oklahoma State's '21 opener because of COVID-19 protocols. Max Duggan could start for TCU again, but was competing with Chandler Morris for that job. Jalon Daniels is expected to start for Kansas even though Jason Bean is still there.Three incoming transfers have been named starters: Adrian Martinez at Kansas State (from Nebraska), Dillon Gabriel at Oklahoma (UCF), and Quinn Ewers at Texas (Ohio State). Georgia transfer JT Daniels will likely start for West Virginia, whose '21 opening starter Jarret Doege is at Troy.Hunter Dekkers succeeds Iowa State’s winningest QB. Brock Purdy had been the Cyclones starter since the middle of the 2018 season.NEW COACHESNew Oklahoma coach Brent Venables was defensive coordinator for the Sooners during their 2000 national championship season, then was Clemson’s DC for two national titles before returning to Norman.Sonny Dykes took over at TCU after the past four seasons at SMU. Dykes worked in an off-field role for the Horned Frogs in 2017 under Gary Patterson, their head coach to start the past 21 seasons.Joey McGuire is the eighth coach at Texas Tech, including three interim head coaches, over a 14-season span. He was a Baylor assistant the past five years after winning three Texas high school state championships.PRESEASON AP ALL-AMERICANSWill McDonald IV, DE, senior, Iowa State. The Big 12 leader in sacks in each of the last two seasons had 11 1/2 last year, and also forced five fumbles.Bijan Robinson, RB, junior, Texas: He ran for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns in a season cut short by a dislocated elbow.Deuce Vaughn, RB, junior Kansas State: The 5-foot-6 dynamo totaled 1,872 yards from scrimmage (1,404 rushing, 468 receiving) and scored 22 TDs last year.Second-team preseason All-Americans: Connor Galvin, OT, junior, Baylor; Siaki Ika, DL, junior, Baylor; Xavier Worthy, WR, sophomore, Texas.THE PREDICTIONSBaylor repeats, then Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Texas, TCU, Iowa State, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Kansas.

Big 12 last time at 10 teams; Oklahoma State seeks 2nd title

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State coach Chris Klieman likes to tell a story from late April or early May, back when his program was conducting a youth football camp, and he found himself watching running back Deuce Vaughn sign autographs for kids.

“We had a session that ended at 11:30 and the autographs were 11:30 to 12:00, and then there was a break for the players,” Klieman recalled with a smile. “As you can imagine, Deuce's line was really, really long, and he stayed out there for an extra hour signing for every kid that was there, and taking pictures."

Klieman paused for a moment, then added: “He knows the gig.”

Vaughn is perhaps the most important player for a Kansas State team many have pegged as a dark-horse contender for the Big 12 championship. He was third in the league in rushing last season behind Baylor's Abram Smith and Iowa State's Breece Hall, both of whom are now making their way in the NFL, and is a preseason All-American as an all-purpose player.

“Yeah, the kid is talented,” Klieman said, “but it just doesn’t happen. It’s doing all the little things on the field, off the field, in the classroom, in the community, in the weight room, in the rehab center so that you have your body at the very best, and then doing it with an absolute smile on your face no matter what.”

The path to greatness was never a sure thing for the player associate head coach Van Malone calls “Mr. Electric.”

Coming out of Cedar Ridge High School in Round Rock, Texas, Vaughn was largely overlooked by most major programs, which tends to happen when you're a (generously listed) 5-foot-7 prospect. It didn't matter that Vaughn had piled up yards and touchdowns like cords of firewood.

Missouri offered him a scholarship. So did Arkansas and South Florida. And if he was interested in a military career, he would have been happily accepted at the Air Force Academy and West Point.

Otherwise, his best chance to play Division I football came from Kansas State.

Back when Vaughn was just a tot, a similarly built dynamo drove south from Iowa and spent the next four years terrorizing the Big 12. Darren Sproles proceeded to rewrite just about every rushing record at Kansas State, finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting as a junior and then parlaying his senior year into a career in the NFL, where he would spend 15 years.

“I will say that ever since I was little,” Vaughn said, “I always looked at the All-American status of players, and you see all these big names and he was an All-American. He was one of the best in the nation, and that was something I always wanted to do whenever I got to this level. So to be able to achieve that is astonishing.”

Quickly earning the starting job, Vaughn ran for 642 yards and seven scores while catching 25 passes for 434 yards and two more, giving Kansas State fans a reason to celebrate amid a 4-6 record during the pandemic.

He gave them reasons on a weekly basis last season. Vaughn ran for 1,404 yards and 18 touchdowns, caught 49 passes for 468 yards and four more touchdowns, and helped the Wildcats go 8-5 with a Texas Bowl win over LSU.

Vaughn ran for 146 yards against the Tigers — his sixth straight 100-yard game — and scored four TDs in all.

He won’t have to wait long to begin making a national impression this season, either.

After the Wildcats open with South Dakota on Sept. 3, they face former Big 12 rival-turned-SEC nemesis Missouri. Then, after a tune-up against Tulane, they visit ninth-ranked Oklahoma for an early conference showdown.

“It’s the work ethic that you see with Deuce,” Klieman said. “I think everybody feeds off of his work ethic, whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, in the film room, in the weight room. The kid works so hard. And then you have your younger players watching arguably your best football player put the work in on a daily basis in all these areas."

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State coach Chris Klieman likes to tell a story from late April or early May, back when his program was conducting a youth football camp, and he found himself watching running back Deuce Vaughn sign autographs for kids.“We had a session that ended at 11:30 and the autographs were 11:30 to 12:00, and then there was a break for the players,” Klieman recalled with a smile. “As you can imagine, Deuce's line was really, really long, and he stayed out there for an extra hour signing for every kid that was there, and taking pictures."Klieman paused for a moment, then added: “He knows the gig.”It comes with stardom.Vaughn is perhaps the most important player for a Kansas State team many have pegged as a dark-horse contender for the Big 12 championship. He was third in the league in rushing last season behind Baylor's Abram Smith and Iowa State's Breece Hall, both of whom are now making their way in the NFL, and is a preseason All-American as an all-purpose player.“Yeah, the kid is talented,” Klieman said, “but it just doesn’t happen. It’s doing all the little things on the field, off the field, in the classroom, in the community, in the weight room, in the rehab center so that you have your body at the very best, and then doing it with an absolute smile on your face no matter what.”The path to greatness was never a sure thing for the player associate head coach Van Malone calls “Mr. Electric.”Coming out of Cedar Ridge High School in Round Rock, Texas, Vaughn was largely overlooked by most major programs, which tends to happen when you're a (generously listed) 5-foot-7 prospect. It didn't matter that Vaughn had piled up yards and touchdowns like cords of firewood.Missouri offered him a scholarship. So did Arkansas and South Florida. And if he was interested in a military career, he would have been happily accepted at the Air Force Academy and West Point.Otherwise, his best chance to play Division I football came from Kansas State.Turns out he had a blueprint to follow.Back when Vaughn was just a tot, a similarly built dynamo drove south from Iowa and spent the next four years terrorizing the Big 12. Darren Sproles proceeded to rewrite just about every rushing record at Kansas State, finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting as a junior and then parlaying his senior year into a career in the NFL, where he would spend 15 years.“I will say that ever since I was little,” Vaughn said, “I always looked at the All-American status of players, and you see all these big names and he was an All-American. He was one of the best in the nation, and that was something I always wanted to do whenever I got to this level. So to be able to achieve that is astonishing.”Quickly earning the starting job, Vaughn ran for 642 yards and seven scores while catching 25 passes for 434 yards and two more, giving Kansas State fans a reason to celebrate amid a 4-6 record during the pandemic.He gave them reasons on a weekly basis last season. Vaughn ran for 1,404 yards and 18 touchdowns, caught 49 passes for 468 yards and four more touchdowns, and helped the Wildcats go 8-5 with a Texas Bowl win over LSU.Vaughn ran for 146 yards against the Tigers — his sixth straight 100-yard game — and scored four TDs in all.He won’t have to wait long to begin making a national impression this season, either.After the Wildcats open with South Dakota on Sept. 3, they face former Big 12 rival-turned-SEC nemesis Missouri. Then, after a tune-up against Tulane, they visit ninth-ranked Oklahoma for an early conference showdown.“It’s the work ethic that you see with Deuce,” Klieman said. “I think everybody feeds off of his work ethic, whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, in the film room, in the weight room. The kid works so hard. And then you have your younger players watching arguably your best football player put the work in on a daily basis in all these areas."

K-State hoping Deuce Vaughn leads the way to top of Big 12

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kim Ha-seong homered and drove in five runs, and the San Diego Padres beat the Kansas City Royals 13-5 on Friday night.

Wil Myers and Jake Cronenworth also homered for San Diego in the franchise’s first trip to Kansas City since 2002. Myers finished with three hits and three RBIs, and José Azocar had a career-high four hits.

“We certainly have the ability to (score runs),” manager Bob Melvin said. “It’s important for us to have a good game like this but to follow it up.”

Kim hit an RBI single in the sixth, a two-run double in San Diego’s four-run seventh and a two-run shot in the ninth.

Robert Suarez (4-1) got four outs for the win in relief of Joe Musgrove.

“Wherever he’s coming in now he’s coming in with guys on base,” Melvin said of the importance of Suarez’s outing. “He’s pitching one-plus. He’s really coming into his own at the right time for us.”

Salvador Perez and Nick Pratto each had two hits and two RBIs for Kansas City, which had won two of three. Nicky Lopez also had two hits and scored two runs.

Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (2-9) was tagged for six runs and nine hits in four innings.

Fighting for positioning in the NL wild-card standings, San Diego scored three runs or fewer in its previous six games. But it had no trouble scoring against Kansas City.

The first six runs for the Padres scored with two outs.

“Scoring with two outs is big,” Myers said. “We haven’t been scoring a ton in general lately. Two-out knocks are great.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kim Ha-seong homered and drove in five runs, and the San Diego Padres beat the Kansas City Royals 13-5 on Friday night.Wil Myers and Jake Cronenworth also homered for San Diego in the franchise’s first trip to Kansas City since 2002. Myers finished with three hits and three RBIs, and José Azocar had a career-high four hits.“We certainly have the ability to (score runs),” manager Bob Melvin said. “It’s important for us to have a good game like this but to follow it up.”Kim hit an RBI single in the sixth, a two-run double in San Diego’s four-run seventh and a two-run shot in the ninth.Robert Suarez (4-1) got four outs for the win in relief of Joe Musgrove.“Wherever he’s coming in now he’s coming in with guys on base,” Melvin said of the importance of Suarez’s outing. “He’s pitching one-plus. He’s really coming into his own at the right time for us.”Salvador Perez and Nick Pratto each had two hits and two RBIs for Kansas City, which had won two of three. Nicky Lopez also had two hits and scored two runs.Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (2-9) was tagged for six runs and nine hits in four innings.Fighting for positioning in the NL wild-card standings, San Diego scored three runs or fewer in its previous six games. But it had no trouble scoring against Kansas City.The first six runs for the Padres scored with two outs.“Scoring with two outs is big,” Myers said. “We haven’t been scoring a ton in general lately. Two-out knocks are great.”Myers hit a two-run double in San Diego’s three-run first. Jurickson Profar drove in Azocar with a two-out double in the second. Myers and Cronenworth hit back-to-back homers in the third.Kansas City scored its first run on Perez’s RBI single in the third, and then added four more in the fourth. Pratto had the big blow, a two-run shot to right-center against Musgrove.“Nothing comes easy for us,” Melvin said. “We have a game where we’re ahead 6-0 and we have Joe on the mound. You think that’s about as easy as it can gets. Suarez came in and did a great job and we ended up scoring some runs after that.“You feel good all the way around. We need to pick up a guy like Joe when he doesn’t have his best stuff.”San Diego responded with run-scoring singles for Kim in the sixth and Cronenworth in the seventh.Musgrove was charged with five runs — two earned — and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings.“I struggled to get the swing and miss,” Musgrove said. “In the fourth I made some good pitches and wasn’t able to get the misses I wanted. I was able to get the ground balls, but they found some holes. The mistake pitches over the middle were hit hard. Poor execution.”Kim hit his seventh homer in the ninth against utilityman Hunter Dozier.TRANSACTIONSPadres: RHP Yu Darvish was activated from the paternity list. LHP Luis Castillo was optioned to Triple-A El Paso. ... C Jorge Alfaro was placed on the 10-day injured list with right knee inflammation. C Luis Campusano was called up from El Paso. ... INF Matthew Batten was optioned to El Paso and INF Eguy Rosario was called up from El Paso.TRAINING ROOMPadres OF Juan Soto was not in the starting lineup after missing the last two games with back tightness. Melvin said it was possible that Soto could pinch-hit based on how he felt after batting practice. “He looks like he’s feeling a lot better,” Melvin said. ... RHP Pierce Johnson began a rehab assignment with El Paso. He has been on the injured list since April 22 with right elbow tendinitis.UP NEXTThe Padres and Royals continue their three-game series on Saturday. Darvish (10-7, 3.39 ERA) starts for San Diego against Daniel Lynch (4-8, 4.58 ERA).