We are just one day away from kickoff in Pasadena between No. 4 Alabama and No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl as the two legendary programs battle for a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Since the conclusion of Week 3, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide have been on a mission to prove all of their …

Just when you thought you had seen it all in the world of sports, 2023 happened. In the last 12 months, we’ve witnessed the signing of a mammoth record contract in Major League Baseball, an unbreakable record fall in the NBA, people raging at — and because of — soccer in the United States, countless dramas play out across the college …

It’s the final day of 2023 and there’s a slate full of football to close out the year with, including this afternoon’s Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens match. The Ravens (11-4) are currently in the lead for the AFC’s No. 1 seed, with the Dolphins (10-4) close behind. The Dolphins at Ravens game will air on CBS today at 1 …

Dec. 31—The last time Washington State wasn’t a member of a full and functioning Pac-12 Conference, the school was known as Washington State College, Pullman’s population was a paltry 2,500 and World War I was well into its brutal fourth year. Then known as the Pacific Coast Conference, the Cougars joined the University of California Berkeley, the University of Washington, …

ARLINGTON, Texas —  With a 1:41 to go Saturday at AT&T Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys led the NFC North champion Detroit Lions 20-13 while the Lions were out of timeouts.  That’s a situation anyone who is a part of Cowboys nation would take in a heartbeat since they would assume 99 times out of 100 with their NFL-best pass rush …

ARLINGTON, Texas —  The Dallas Cowboys knew they were getting an electric playmaker when they drafted wide receiver CeeDee Lamb 17th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. That’s why they made him wear jersey No. 88, a number worn by Dallas’ greatest wide receivers: Pro Football Hall of Famer Drew Pearson (1973-1983), Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin (1988-1999) …

SAN ANTONIO — After Thursday’s 38-24 loss to Arizona in the Alamo Bowl, OU coach Brent Venables’ mind kept flashing back to one play. It wasn’t Jalil Farooq’s fumble which led to a Wildcats’ defensive touchdown or any of the other five turnovers the Sooners committed. It wasn’t to Jacob Cowing’s 57-yard touchdown reception with 5:28 remaining to break a tie …

LOS ANGELES − If you’ve seen Jalen Milroe’s miracle touchdown pass against Auburn, or you’ve seen other mind-bending highlights from Alabama’s starting quarterback, you’ve also probably seen his megawatt smile. It also serves as a mask. “That is something my mama said to me growing up, always keep a smile on your face,” Milroe told USA TODAY Sports Saturday. “Never …

The Commanders announced this week that they were benching quarterback Sam Howell in favor of Jacoby Brissett. And now Howell is likely to start anyway. Brissett is dealing with a hamstring injury and likely won’t be able to play today against the 49ers, according to multiple reports. That would leave Howell as the starter. Jake Fromm, who was called up …

LOS ANGELES — When it was time for Jim Harbaugh to get onto his podium at the Rose Bowl’s media day, there was an immediate problem. The black leather chair that had been placed on the stage for him was too low. He wanted to be higher. As Michigan staffers scrambled to find something they could use to prop up …

The Kansas City Chiefs offense is struggling like never before in the Andy Reid-Patrick Mahomes era. There’s no one from the outside that’s going to come in and rescue the 9-6 Chiefs. But expect some players to get larger roles in the offense while others will see their roles diminish. The receiver group has obviously struggled in 2023, but Rashee …

Without help from the rest of the NFC South, the 7-8 New Orleans Saints are very likely to miss the postseason for the third straight year. Head coach Dennis Allen is finishing his second year at the helm in post-Sean Payton New Orleans. And quarterback Derek Carr has had an injury-filled first season as the signal caller. Sources tell CBS …

Life is a peach for the Ole Miss Rebels. They trounced Penn State on Saturday in Atlanta for their first bowl victory since the 2020 season. Their 11 wins are a single-season program record. Lane Kiffin, their one-time vagabond coach, is growing roots in Oxford. And the best part? The Rebels’ ceiling could be higher in 2024. The nation’s No. …

Another big name is likely to miss today’s big game for the Dolphins. Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert is unlikely to play against the Ravens, according to NFL Network. Mostert is dealing with knee and ankle injuries. The Dolphins have already ruled out wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, so that’s two offensive skill position starters who need to be replaced. Mostert …

INGLEWOOD, Calif. − Free Press sports writer Tony Garcia breaks down Michigan football’s College Football Playoff semifinal matchup in the Rose Bowl on Monday: Fast facts Matchup: No. 1 Michigan (13-0) vs. No. 4 Alabama (12-1), Rose Bowl/College Football Playoff semifinal. Kickoff: 5:10 p.m. Monday; Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California TV/radio: ESPN; WXYT-FM (97.1), WTKA-AM (1050). Line: Wolverines by 1½. REPORT: Jim Harbaugh reportedly hires Tom …