Pacifica safety Jesse Taylor Jr. knocks the ball out of the hands of Narbonne receiver Nazarus Williams in the second quarter Friday. (Steve Galluzzo / For The Times) Coaches always stress the importance of special teams and Oxnard Pacifica pilot Mike Moon had a huge grin after three blocked punts played a vital role in his team’s 37-20 victory over …

Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss is taking an extended leave from his role as an analyst on ESPN’s “NFL Sunday Countdown” because of a health issue. (Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press) Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss is taking an extended leave from his role as an analyst on “NFL Sunday Countdown” as he deals with “a personal …

The penultimate College Football Playoff Rankings have been released, and according to CFP Selection Committee chair Warde Manuel, teams who do not play during conference championship weekend will not move up in the final rankings on Selection Sunday. So that being said, happy trails to No. 12 Miami, No. 13 Ole Miss and No. 14 South Carolina. Alabama earned the coveted …

Seattle’s kicking operation could look a little different on Sunday, as the Seahawks have added a punter to their practice squad. Seattle announced on Friday that Ty Zentner has signed with the unit. The team’s regular punter, Michael Dickson, is dealing with a back injury and has been limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He was not able to …

NORMAN — OU figures to have plenty of movement in the transfer portal — both incoming and outgoing. Wide receiver Jaquaize Pettaway has already made his intentions to enter the portal known and other Sooners figure to follow. OU figures to add several players in the portal as well, though the upcoming 105-player roster limit will complicate things there. With the portal …

The Chiefs are making a late addition to this week’s injury report. Head coach Andy Reid told reporters on Friday that wide receiver Mecole Hardman’s knee locked up on him ahead of practice. Hardman did not take part in practice as a result and Reid said he’s still being evaluated. The results of that evaluation will determine whether Hardman is …

Getty Images The first National Signing Day for the 2025 cycle is in the books, and it featured several twists and turns, including a change at No. 1 in the 247Sports team rankings. Texas entered Wednesday at No. 2, but jumped Georgia for the top spot after signing five-star ATH Michael Terry III.   The Longhorns’ reign at the top of …

After last Thursday night’s loss to the Packers in Green Bay, Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks said the defense was “soft,” possibly due to the cold. Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver disagrees. “I think that’s Jordyn — it’s one of those things when you’re talking after the game, you’re reacting purely off emotion,” Weaver told reporters on Thursday. “I’m sure that …

Westlake didn’t clinch Friday night’s victory over Lake Travis until Chaparrals cornerback George Jones intercepted a pass with 1:06 remaining in the game. It was a fitting end for the Chaparrals, who came up with big plays all night to defeat the Cavaliers 24-17 in a Class 6A Division I state quarterfinal game at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex. Westlake (13-1) …

The Bears got two of their key offensive players back on the field for Friday’s practice and there’s a chance they’ll both be available for Sunday’s game against the 49ers. Receiver D.J. Moore and running back D’Andre Swift were limited on Friday after they did not participate on Wednesday or Thursday. Both players are listed as questionable. Moore and Swift …

When the 12-team College Football Playoff was announced, it came with a couple of key goals. Among them was to reframe the focus on conference championships and truly reward teams that reach the pinnacle. Five conference champions are guaranteed spots in the field, after all.  In the first year of the system, conference championship games have delivered in a big …

The Vikings will not have one of their key defensive players when they play the Falcons on Sunday. Head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters in his Friday press conference that cornerback Stephon Gilmore is out for the Week 14 matchup. Gilmore (hamstring) did not practice all week. Starting all 12 games this season, Gilmore has recorded seven passes defended with …

Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Florida Gators, Nov. 9, 2024 at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Thanks to the huge Friday morning signing of 5-star Georgia DT Justus Terry, the Texas Longhorns have secured the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation according to 247Sports. …

Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse popped up on the practice report Thursday with limited work. Coach Sean McVay revealed Friday that Verse tweaked an ankle in practice. The Rams will list Verse as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Bills. Los Angeles has only one other player who will have a designation. Offensive lineman Alaric Jackson (foot) also will have …

Some were surprised Boise State ran a Heisman campaign for running back Ashton Jeanty before the season. Jeanty was a good player, but his chances of winning the award seemed unrealistic. His preseason Heisman odds were +20000 and no player from a non-power conference school has captured the award since BYU quarterback Ty Detmer in 1990.  Of course, Jeanty then …