Dec. 29—By Sam Cohn — scohn@baltsun.com December 29, 2023 at 5:00 a.m. It’s etched in red ink, tattooed across Julien Horton’s right forearm. The wrist tape he wears on gameday sits just beneath the last letters, careful not to cover it. Amidst sketched clouds that wrap around to meet a similarly themed bible scripture, the conspicuous red reads, “survival of …

Russell Wilson’s time in Denver appears to be nearing an endpoint. Despite the Broncos still being in the playoff hunt, the nine-time pro Bowler will serve as the backup to journeyman Jarrett Stidham for Sunday’s game against the Chargers. It’s a move the club initially discussed with Wilson two months ago, in the immediate aftermath of its biggest win of …

The Denver Broncos gave Russell Wilson an ultimatum, according to the quarterback: Either alter his contract in regards to his injury guarantee or face a benching. That ultimately led to Sean Payton’s announcement Wednesday that the franchise decided to bench Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham, who’ll start under center for Denver as it takes on the Chargers on Sunday. …

Miller Moss delivered a special and historic USC bowl performance this week. His six-touchdown display against Louisville in the Holiday Bowl is obviously one of the greatest bowl performances by a USC quarterback. We can debate where Moss’s performance ranks, but we know it’s up there. College Sports Wire’s Ryan Haley put together this collection of great and notable USC …

The Titans and Texans both will see the return of their starting quarterback Sunday. Tennessee’s practice report confirmed what coach Mike Vrabel said earlier Friday: Will Levis is ready to play again. Levis does not have an injury designation after full practices all week. Levis was among the team’s inactives against the Seahawks after injuring an ankle on the last …

USATSI Some bowl games are better than others, and the Gator Bowl matchup Friday afternoon between No. 22 Clemson and Kentucky was one for the ages. The Tigers topped the Wildcats 38-35 in one of the wildest college football games of the season, featuring a bowl record 42 points, five turnovers and five lead changes in the fourth quarter alone.  A stamp …

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton spoke to reporters Friday about Russell Wilson’s benching and maintained his story about it being a football move. Moments later, the quarterback flipped the script. Wilson wasn’t scheduled to address the media. But when approached in the locker room, he took the opportunity to confirm reports that Denver’s front office told him he would …

CARSON, Calif — Michigan football practice was just a mile away from Compton, but it wasn’t NWA or Kendrick Lamar up first on the playlist. Instead, the Wolverines went with “Dreams & Nightmares” by Philadelphia’s Meek Mill as they danced, practiced their handshakes and stretched during much of the 15-minute portion of practice the media was allowed to watch Friday …

Per usual, injuries will play a big role in the NFL’s upcoming slate of games. There are several notable ones to keep an eye on in Week 17, including the injury status of Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase.  Those are just two in what is seemingly an ocean full of injuries heading into Week 17. To help …

Dec. 29—Hanceville has chosen Levi Estes to lead its football program. Principal Daniel Wakefield confirmed the hire, which became official on Friday. Estes, 32, has spent the past three seasons at Oak Mountain, where he served as associate head coach, strength and conditioning coordinator, and run game coordinator for the Class 7A Eagles. Now, he’s excited to return to the …

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has missed the past two games with a quadriceps injury. It appears he will miss another. The Raiders list Jacobs as doubtful after he missed practice all week. Interim coach Antonio Pierce calls Jacobs a gametime decision. Jacobs, the NFL’s leading rusher last season, has 233 carries for 805 yards and six touchdowns this season. …

Notre Dame dominated Oregon State in every aspect of Friday’s Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl.  Some might even say the Fighting Irish closed their 2023 season by playing grrrrrrrrrreat! Sorry, I had to. Notre Dame stopped Oregon State quickly on the game’s opening possession and immediately marched down the field to take a 7-0 lead.  That would be rinsed and …

Will Justin Fields-Matt Eberflus relationship continue to be bedrock of Bears’ rebuild? originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago LAKE FOREST, Ill. — No matter what happens next, Matt Eberflus and Justin Fields will always be linked together. When Eberflus took the job as the Bears’ head coach, he prioritized being present with the offense and building a bond with Fields …

Even amid a sign-stealing scandal thought to be led by former assistant Connor Stalions, Michigan football (13-0, 9-0 Big Ten) clinched the No. 1 ranking and faces No. 4 Alabama (12-1, 8-0 SEC) in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl on Monday. That hasn’t stopped the scandal from becoming a talking point, even as the Wolverines are …

Bears vs. Falcons predictions: Can team win to keep playoff dreams alive? originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago If the Bears want to keep their playoff dreams alive for one more week, they’ll have to get a win over the Falcons at Soldier Field. It’s been an up and down year for Atlanta– much like in Chicago. The Under Center …