Lamest time window: The noon slate features some interesting matchups — highlighted by No. 12 Notre Dame at No. 24 Navy — but nothing that screams “must-see.” Just do your chores early so you can settle in for a potentially stirring Saturday night. Noon: Navy, which lost 43 in a row to the Irish once upon a time (1964-2006), could …

We are just over two weeks into the NHL season. Frozen Frenzy is in the books, and in the distance is the triumphant return of best-on-best international hockey at the 4 Nations Face-off. There’s a lot of season left, but there is enough of a sample size to identify the biggest surprise of the season for all 32 teams, presented …

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who completed four touchdown passes, throws against the Vikings in the fourth quarter. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) There were two Matthew Stafford moments suitable for framing in the Rams’ upset of the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night. First, a touchdown to Cooper Kupp. Stafford twisted free of an unblocked defender rushing up the middle, …

EDITOR’S NOTE: Months of research led to a series, “Year of the Quarterback,” being presented in three waves. The first wave — 10 articles covering the volatile new world of the transfer portal — was published recently. This is the ninth story in the second wave, which tracks then-and-now journeys of 10 Stark County quarterbacks. “Hang in there,” Jim Tressel told Hunter …

Some of the expressions by Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh might need a bit of an explanation for some. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Eyebrows raise. Eyes dart back and forth. Heads cock to the side. When Jim Harbaugh starts talking, Chargers players never quite know how to react. “It’s like a really fun wild roller coaster,” quarterback Taylor …

What promises to be another eventful week in college football is at hand. Conference play is in full swing as we prepare to bring down the curtain on the month of October, so the potential is high for unexpected results that shake up the standings. We’ve already had quite a few of those, giving us some Top 25 matchups that …

The Seahawks waived safety Ty Okada on Thursday, the team announced. The Seahawks announced no corresponding move, leaving them with an opening on the 53-player roster. It could be for the return of safety Jerrick Reed (knee) or offensive tackle George Fant (knee). Both players are on injured reserve but in their 21-day practice windows. The team signed Okada off …

NCAA Football: Nebraska at Indiana Quarterback Dylan Raiola met with media earlier this week to discuss the Huskers’ upcoming game against the Ohio State Buckeyes this weekend. Nebraska enters this Saturday showdown after being blown out in Bloomington last weekend by the Indiana Hoosiers 56-7. The Cornhuskers are 5-2 on the season and 2-2 in the Big Ten Conference. Ohio …

When Dan Marino retired in 1999 with 4,967 completions, it was the most in NFL history. But as passing offenses have exploded, nine quarterbacks have passed Marino. Matthew Stafford is the latest. Stafford surpassed Marino’s total during Thursday night’s game and now has 4,991 career completions. He completed 3,898 passes with the Lions and now has 1,093 completions with the …

Two years ago, after Alabama football learned it would face Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl, a harsh reality of the college game that had never before beset one of former coach Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide teams was knocking on the locker room door. Opt-outs — players foregoing participation in a bowl game to begin preparation for the NFL draft …

Jets trying to achieve rare feat vs. Patriots for first time since 2000 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston The rivalry between the New England Patriots and New York Jets has been pretty one-sided in the 21st century. The Jets will try to take another step in reversing that trend Sunday afternoon when they play the Patriots in a Week …

Nay’Ron Jenkins embodies who a Florida A&M football player should be. The junior linebacker is an honor roll student at the top public Historically Black College and University and is active in the community. On the field, Jenkins has ascended as one of the Rattlers’ defensive constants, leading the team with 42 tackles and two sacks. “He’s a guy you’re …

Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (hip) returned to a full practice Thursday. He was limited Wednesday. Hunt has 63 carries for 249 yards and three touchdowns in three games this season. The Chiefs took safety Justin Reid (hand) off the injury report Thursday. That was the only other change from Wednesday. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) and defensive end Mike …

The tension is high in Tuscaloosa. Missouri football travels Saturday to Bryant-Denny Stadium for what may very well be a do-or-die matchup against Alabama — for both teams — in order to maintain a run to the College Football Playoff. Mizzou (6-1, 2-1 SEC) released a lengthy availability report Wednesday night, headlined by a doubtful designation for starting quarterback Brady …

49ers practice report: Deebo, Kittle limited in return originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area Programming Note: Watch “49ers Now” with Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan at 4 p.m. PT today from Santa Clara, streaming live on the NBC Sports app. Watch the show later on YouTube and Facebook. SANTA CLARA — One day closer to the 49ers’ “Sunday …