USC quarterback Jayden Maiava gets set to pass during a game against Utah State in September. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press) The competition was close. Closer than anyone expected it to be in late August, at least. Close enough that Jayden Maiava, the insurgent transfer from Nevada Las Vegas, believed at the time that he’d done enough to be …

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) passes just before taking a hit from Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95). (David Richard / Associated Press) Justin Herbert has been twisted down by his ankle. He was spun down late after his pass was well downfield. He was driven into the ground by 272-pound Myles Garrett. Herbert has gotten up each time with …

Nov 11, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) passes against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports This Saturday, the Georgia Bulldogs face the Ole Miss Rebels at 3:30 p.m. ET in Oxford, Mississippi. According BetMGM, the Bulldogs are favored by 2.5 points. Why will Ole Miss …

(Tim Hubbard / Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles Times NFL writer Sam Farmer examines the matchups this week. Lines according to FanDuel Sportsbook (O/U = over/under). Record last week 12-3 (.800); season 90-48 (.652). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 9-6 (.600); season 76-61-1 (.555). Off: Browns, Packers, …

EAST LANSING — There was a time not that long ago when fans would have been glued to their TVs on Tuesday, waiting eagerly to see where Michigan State stood in the initial College Football Playoff rankings. Then again, 2021, the last time MSU was apart of the discussion, feels lightyears from 2024 with the changes that have happened since. …

WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin scoring to hand the Predators another defeat and keep his Capitals rolling was not surprising to the folks on the other side who have seen him a lot over the years. “You knew it was coming,” said Predators coach Andrew Brunette, whose final seven seasons as a player overlapped with Ovechkin’s first seven in the NHL. …

Greg Wyshynski, ESPNNov 7, 2024, 07:00 AM ET CloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer. No, the Winnipeg Jets haven’t already won the Stanley Cup, although one can be excused for feeling that way. The Jets started the season 12-1-0, becoming the sixth team in NHL history to win 12 of their first 13 games of a season. They’ve outscored …

Midseason is a great time to reflect on what’s happened up to this point in the year. This week’s Four Verts column examines some surprises and disappointments of the 2024 NFL season, starting with the Washington Commanders. Surprise: Commanders offense is the biggest breakout unit of 2024 There isn’t a bigger surprise this season than the Washington Commanders having one …

Let’s begin with the utterly ridiculous: there’s a scenario where seven SEC teams are tied atop the conference standings at the end of the regular season. Before you scoff at such nonsense, understand that the only true upset to reach this remarkable point of seven teams with 10-2 overall records, and 6-2 records in the conference, is Auburn beating Texas …

The Chargers are getting closer to having Gus Edwards back on the field. Via multiple reporters, Los Angeles has opened the running back’s 21-day window to return from injured reserve. Edwards has been sidelined since the Week 4 loss to the Chiefs. Playing behind J.K. Dobbins this season, Edwards has rushed for 113 yards on 38 carries this year. Harbaugh …

Football always starts in the trenches. And after recognizing some of the top offensive line prospects in positional rankings, it’s now time for APP readers to make their own choice about who is the best lineman prospect in the Shore. More: Shore football blue chip recruits: Ranking the offensive linemen The prospects from those positional rankings are in the poll …

Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. did not practice Wednesday with back and finger injuries. It’s the fifth week Pittman has been on the practice report with a back injury, and it is his seventh missed practice in that time. He has only one catch in each of the past two games. It’s the first time since Weeks 14-15 of his …

CLEMSON — Clemson football looks to get back on track after its shocking upset home loss to Louisville last week. The No. 23 Tigers (6-2, 5-1 ACC) face Virginia Tech (5-4, 3-2) on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Lane Stadium. Clemson must win this game to not only keep pace in the conference but to improve its chances at landing an at-large bid in the College …

Brock Bowers, Joe Burrow, Khalil Mack, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey and Joe Thuney are all making an impact in 2024. Composite: AP, Getty Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers Mack has been a superstar since he first stepped foot in the league. But the future Hall of Famer has been asked to reimagine his game this …

Tennessee football is sitting well in the initial CFP rankings as it prepares to face Mississippi State. The Vols (7-1, 4-1 SEC) debuted at No. 7 in the rankings before hosting the Bulldogs (2-7, 0-5) on Saturday (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Neyland Stadium Here is what to know about the matchup: Nico Iamaleava is coming off his best game …