Who saw this coming? With 7:38 remaining in the first half, Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe has three touchdown passes. The Patriots, who had 13 combined points the past three games, lead 21-3. Zappe has only five career touchdowns, none this season. The Patriots were shutout last week in his first start of the season. Zappe’s third touchdown pass came on …

In the last game Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson played, it was Kirk Cousins throwing him passes. When Jefferson returns from injured reserve, which, barring any major setbacks with his hamstring, will be this week, it will be Josh Dobbs who’ll be throwing him the ball. When Cousins went down with a season-ending injury, the Vikings aquired Dobbs from …

Dec. 7—COLUMBUS — Marvin Harrison Jr. said Thursday he has not decided yet if he will enter the 2024 NFL Draft. Although most outsiders expect the Ohio State star to do so because he would hear his name called early in the first round, the junior said he is still considering a return to college football for a fourth season …

The Patriots scored 13 points the past three games combined. They have 14 through 15:16 on Thursday Night Football. Patriots defensive back Jabrill Peppers intercepted Mitch Trubisky, who was pressured by Kyle Dugger, on a pass intended for Pat Freiermuth. Peppers returned the pick 32 yards to the Pittsburgh 11. Two plays later, Hunter Henry scored on an 8-yard pass …

Dec. 7—Decades in the making, Wasco football will finally have its day in the spotlight in its first state championship game. The Tigers will face Petaluma-St. Vincent de Paul for the CIF State Division 6-AA championship on Friday at Pasadena City College. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. “It’s an eerie feeling. Everyone around town is in good spirits,” said …

Did the San Francisco 49ers crack the code to stopping the Philadelphia Eagles? Jalen Hurts & Co. have lost just six times since the start of the 2022 season, including their 38-35 Super Bowl defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in which Hurts scored three touchdowns. Their one loss of the season going into last week was a close game …

As we march deeper into December, injuries will play an even bigger factor as teams vie for playoff positioning. That fact was reinforced Monday night when the Jaguars sustained injuries to both quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wideout Christian Kirk during their overtime loss to the Bengals.  Jacksonville is one of several teams that are currently facing an uphill battle as …

Getty Images Duke is hiring Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz as its next coach, according to multiple outlets. Diaz just wrapped up his second season on coach James Franklin’s staff as the No. 10 Nittany Lions prepare to face No. 11 Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 30.  Under Diaz, Penn State’s defense finished the regular season atop …

Jim Harbaugh is reportedly negotiating an extension worth over $11 million per season to stay at Michigan, but the biggest obstacle remaining is to get the head coach to contractually commit that he will not pursue an NFL job this offseason. Even though Harbaugh helped Michigan to another undefeated season in 2023 and a third straight College Football Playoff berth, …

Gronk shares ‘the only way’ Belichick would leave Patriots originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston Standing at 2-10, the New England Patriots are off to their worst start in franchise history. Despite what’s been a disastrous season, former tight end Rob Gronkowski still can’t imagine the Kraft family firing longtime head coach Bill Belichick. While many already know how impactful …

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence returned to practice in a limited capacity Thursday, taking another step toward playing at Cleveland (1 p.m. ET) despite a high ankle sprain. Lawrence took snaps, moved around on his right ankle and threw passes during the portion of practice open to reporters. It came a day after he said he felt a lot better …

Dec. 7—BROOKINGS — Leading one of college football’s most dominant programs in 2023, South Dakota State football coach Jimmy Rogers earned national recognition on Thursday, Dec. 7, as the recipient of the Eddie Robinson Award, which honors the FCS national coach of the year. Rogers, who was one of 20 finalists, will be honored at the Stats Perform FCS National …

Greg Auman NFC South Reporter Chris Godwin, much like Bucs teammate Mike Evans, has long been appreciated as a rare NFL receiver who can produce at an elite level without adding the drama so often associated with the position. That has changed a bit this week as the Bucs prepare for a crucial divisional showdown Sunday at the Falcons. Godwin …

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was a surprise addition to the practice report Thursday. He was listed as limited with a groin injury. Smith last was on the practice report in Week 12 with a right elbow injury. He sat out one practice, was limited in another and had a questionable status but played in the 31-13 loss to the 49ers. …

The new Michigan State football staff has re-extended an offer to a big-time Michigan prospect from the 2025 class. Four-star offensive lineman Avery Gach announced on Thursday that he has been re-offered by the Spartans. Gach originally picked up a scholarship offer from the Spartans in November of 2022, and the new staff reassured him he’d be a priority for …