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 …

Friday night, Ohio State scored only three points in a high-profile Cotton Bowl loss to Missouri. Saturday afternoon, another prominent Big Ten football program stumbled. Penn State allowed 38 points to Ole Miss and lost to the Rebels by 13 in the Peach Bowl. Nittany Lions Wire has more: “Both teams scored twice in the second quarter with Penn State …

Jayvan Boggs FLORIDA TODAY Offensive Football Player of the Year Jayvan Boggs is on a short list of the best receivers to have played high school football in Brevard County, and his statistics back that up. The junior Cocoa High player is the FLORIDA TODAY Offensive Football Player of the Year for the 2023 season. His reputation, earned by his …

MIAMI GARDENS – Calling the Orange Bowl painful to watch from the Florida State football perspective is an understatement. We watched the two-time defending national champion and arguably the best team in college football with a nearly full roster play the junior varsity team for the Seminoles on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. The result, FSU football took its worst …

Ohio State’s 2023 starting punter has entered the transfer portal. Jesse Mirco, who ended his third season with the Buckeyes with an eight-punt performance against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl, entered the transfer portal Saturday. Mirco joins Ohio State kicker Parker Lewis, who entered the portal, but still worked with the Buckeyes through their Cotton Bowl loss. A member of …

MIAMI GARDENS — Georgia will be on Florida State football’s mind for quite some time. After a final score of 63-3, the Seminoles will look to the future in hopes of forgetting about the scoreboard slaughter that took place at the 2023 Orange Bowl. The No. 6 Bulldogs (13-1) slashed the No. 5 Seminoles, making history at Hard Rock Stadium …

After a poor showing from Auburn football in a 31-13 loss to Maryland at the Music City Bowl, first-year coach Hugh Freeze explained that he didn’t spend as much time on the offensive game plan vs. the Terrapins, opting instead to focus on the Tigers’ recruiting. Auburn faced a 21-0 deficit in the first quarter before getting on the board. …

Dec. 30—PULLMAN — Some two weeks ago, as Tre Shackelford made his way through his Washington State weekend visit, a thought occurred to him. The wide receiver had just hit the transfer portal, ready to move on from Austin Peay, where he had grown to love everyone around him. He knew all his teammates. They spent time together. It was …