EAST LANSING, Mich. — Forget Duke. The Dukes turned out to be too much for Michigan State to handle on Monday night — defeating the Spartans 79-76 in overtime on opening night in an upset that became less surprising with every minute that passed after the opening tip.

Raekwon Horton’s 3-pointer with 8.6 seconds left was essentially the dagger in one of MSU’s more memorable non-conference losses in the Tom Izzo era, the first November home loss since 1986.

I haven’t seen many mid-major programs, if any, come into Breslin Center and have that look about them as James Madison did on Monday night.

You could see it in their intensity and confidence from the jump, from the looks on the bench and in their cheering section. The Dukes knew they had the goods to play in this game and planned to come into Breslin Center and get a resume win.

That’s a team you’ll see in the NCAA tournament if they stay healthy. This win might help them get an at-large bid. Their top player, Terrence Edwards Jr., would start on every roster in the Big Ten. Power forward T.J. Bickerstaff would help MSU immensely. They’re picked to win the Sun Belt and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them push someone in the Big Dance.

Perhaps, inadvertently, this was good scheduling by MSU, even if it doesn’t seem like it right now. This won’t be the awful loss it seems as the season begins to play out. It won’t be like this every night. You’ll see the difference Thursday when Southern Indiana visits Breslin.

MSU clearly has some things to work through — who should be on the court and when and how to get more out of everyone, besides Tyson Walker and Coen Carr.

James Madison might have pulled out the win without the drama or overtime if not for one mistake: Their bench got a carried away with the confidence and started chirping at Walker.

Memo to any team that’s taking it to the Spartans: Let Walker be. From the moment Walker heard them, with James Madison leading 25-13 midway through the first half, he perked up. It was the poke he needed. The same confidence you could once see on the faces of the Dukes’ bench disappeared as Walker began going back at them — pointing after each bucket, talking as their lead shrunk. They looked like they knew they’d messed up.

Walker had seven points down the stretch of the first half and was in on every play. From that point, MSU competed differently. Walker finished with 35 points — 18 of MSU’s last 21 — on a night that only he and Carr ever really got it going (more on Carr below).

Folks won’t be happy with this start. But MSU will get a lot out of it.

Freshman thoughts – the James Madison edition

From the astute basketball mind sitting next to me Monday night (not Chris Solari; the other guy next to me): “Coen Carr just makes things happen. They should play him 30 minutes per game.”

Carr played 28 Monday night against James Madison. It was plenty enough to put his imprint on the game. Carr checked in for the second time with 8:03 left in the first half and the Spartans trailing 23-10. He was in for most of the remainder of the half, as MSU outscored the Dukes 17-10 down the stretch to get back in the game and into the half down just 33-27.

Carr’s ability to catch difficult passes and attack the rim with strength is a gift. He had seven points, two rebounds and a block in 11 minutes by halftime and finished with 14 points and six boards, three on the offensive end. MSU needed him on the court at the beginning of overtime. Carr and fellow freshman Jeremy Fears Jr. were the only to MSU players with positive plus-minus numbers in the first half. And Carr’s plus-seven plus-minus in regulation, which he finished, was the best on MSU’s roster.

Carr can give more on the glass — you can see it at times. It’s got to become every time. But he’s such a competent player and athlete in traffic. He’s certainly not going to play less as the season goes along.

Fears delivered MSU’s first moment of swagger Wednesday night — long before Walker started giving it back to the James Madison bench. With MSU trailing 11-4, not long after Fears checked in for the first time, he went at James Madison 6-foot-8, 225-pound forward Julien Wooden on the break and tried to dunk on him. Wooden had to foul Fears to prevent the bucket. From his back, Fears just stared back up at Wooden.

Fears didn’t have a great statistical game — other than MSU was plus-five with him on the court. No other Spartan player was better by the end of OT. Fears only took one shot — that dunk attempt — made one free throw, had one assist, one steal and one block. But you felt his presence out there.

MSU’s other freshman that played, Xavier Booker, played five minutes, all in the first half. He scored his two points on free throws just before the half, didn’t take another shot and had one rebound. I didn’t think he played poorly. This is just where he is in the rotation right now and, in a game that goes down to the wire against a team that has some grownups in the paint, he’s behind Malik Hall, Carr, Mady Sissoko and Carson Cooper at the power forward and center positions.

If Michigan State is going anywhere this year, it has to become a better rebounding team

Credit to Jaden Akins, who hauled in a career-high 11 rebounds. And Coen Carr, who tallied six (four in the second half) and to the entire team for picking up its offensive rebounding, finishing with 17. But the Spartans were out-rebounded by a mid-major opponent in Breslin Center on Monday. I don’t care how seasoned the Dukes are, how up for the challenge physically they were, that shouldn’t happen.

MSU lost this game, in part, because it gave up an offensive rebound late to Edwards on what appeared to be a mistake by Tre Holloman. The Spartans allowed 14 offensive rebounds by James Madison. They got bullied on the glass by Bickerstaff and Edwards and a 6-4 guard named Noah Friedel.

There’s a lot to correct. But it starts there.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cody Dorman, the teenager who watched his namesake horse Cody’s Wish win at the Breeders’ Cup, has died. He was 17.

Dorman died Sunday after suffering a “medical event” on the family’s way home to Kentucky after attending the world championships at Santa Anita last week, according to a statement from his parents posted Monday on Godolphin Racing’s social media account.

Dorman was born with the rare genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, and the effects include delayed growth and development, intellectual disability, low muscle tone and seizures. He used a wheelchair.

“With Cody’s diagnosis at birth, we always knew this day would come, but we were determined to help Cody live his best life for however long we had him,” the boy’s parents, Kelly and Leslie Dorman, wrote.

Dorman first met the horse during a Make-A-Wish visit to Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, when Cody’s Wish was a 5-month-old weanling in 2018. The animal walked over to Dorman’s wheelchair and put his head in the boy’s lap, creating such a connection that Godolphin decided a year later to name the horse after Dorman.

“I think that horse probably saved Cody’s life in a lot of ways,” Kelly Dorman said Saturday. “I know him and the horse have made a lot of lives better.”

Cody Dorman was waiting in the winner’s circle, as if he already knew what the outcome would be.

The victory ensured a storybook ending for Cody’s Wish in his final race before retirement. He won 11 of 16 career starts, including eight in stakes races, and over $3.1 million in earnings for owner Godolphin.

“This heartfelt story has touched the hearts of many in and outside of the Thoroughbred industry,” Dan Pride, chief operating officer of Godolphin, said in a statement. “And while Cody’s passing has saddened us, we find comfort in knowing that Cody found many joyous moments during this journey with his best friend, Cody’s Wish. Our hearts are with the Dorman family.”

Dorman and his family were on hand to receive the Mr. Fitz Award from the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters at the group’s annual dinner last week. The award is for a person who typifies the spirit of racing.

Besides his parents, Dorman is survived by his sister Kylie.

LAS VEGAS – LSU women’s basketball post players Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow entered Las Vegas as stars. But it was Colorado’s Aaronette Vonleh who was the star of the season-opening show on the Strip.

LSU, which opened the season ranked No. 1 in both the preseason USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and the AP preseason Top 25, had no answer for the junior center inside. Vonleh’s efficiency in the post shrunk the Tigers’ defense, and Colorado’s outside shot came alive as the No. 18 Buffaloes stunned the reigning NCAA champions, 92-78 in the Hall of Fame Classic Monday night inside the T-Mobile Arena.

It’s the first time that the top team in the AP poll lost its opener since the 1995-96 season when Connecticut fell to Louisiana Tech, according to ESPN. The Huskies were defending champions that year, and that game also marked the first time that the previous season’s NCAA title winners lost the opener.

Frida Foreman hit seven 3’s en route to 27 points while Vonleh scored 24 with five boards. Jaylyn Sherrod added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Buffaloes.

Reese did record a double-double, 15 points and 12 rebounds, but she couldn’t take over the game like she did for the team countless times last season.

Colorado shot the lights out in Las Vegas on LSU women’s basketball

Because of Colorado’s ability inside, things opened up outside and it made LSU severely pay.

Led by Foremann’s seven triples, the Buffalos hit 10 3’s in a dominate shooting display.

Colorado, which made the Sweet 16 last season for the first time since 2003, led most of the way in the convincing, statement-making victory. The Buffaloes, who shot 53%, led by as many as 22 points.

LSU freshman MiKaylah Williams led LSU with 17 points on 8-of-16 shooting, but she only hit one 3-pointer. Sa’Myah Smith scored 16 points and noted Louisville transfer Hailey Van Lith and had 14 points.

LSU let down by defensive miscommunication in first half, couldn’t get out of hole with foul trouble

Players talked about Colorado’s offensive push leading up to the game, but the execution of the scouting report was lacking in the first two periods.

Early on, the Buffs feasted off the pick-and-roll as LSU bigs were slow to roll off the screens. Colorado outscored LSU in the paint, 22 to 18 in the first half.

Once Mulkey got her squad cleaned up, its transition defense drooped and its on-ball defense at the guard position as well. LSU got turnovers but it had a hard time finishing and converting them into points. That led to plenty of foul trouble across the board for the Tigers as Flau’jae Johnson, Reese and Morrow each ended the game with four.

LSU’s early struggles on defense were a surprise as Mulkey’s teams usually sport a strong foundation in defensive stinginess. LSU closed within seven a couple of times but Colorado would stretch the lead back out.

Hailey Van Lith, Aneesah Morrow LSU debuts

Tale of two different debuts for LSU’s standout transfers.

Hailey Van Lith shined early, scoring 6 with four assists in the first quarter and was making plays on both ends of the floor. But as the game progressed, Van Lith faded a bit, managing 6 points the rest of the way. She’s still learning the point guard role but did some good things distributing the ball with five dishes.

Morrow found herself in foul trouble in the first half and spent extended minutes on the bench. Despite that, she struggled to hit shots both inside and outside. She finished with 6 points and four rebounds.

Kim Mulkey coached team drops rare season opener

During her long career, Kim Mulkey coached teams starting seasons 0-1 has been a rarity.

Mulkey hasn’t lost a season opener since 2009 to Tennessee. Her only other season-opening loss is to, oddly enough, LSU legend Seimone Augustus and company Mulkey’s Baylor team to open the 2004-05 team.

Mulkey, known for her extravagant outfits, wore a Las Vegas-themed sequined pantsuit with playing cards, hearts and horseshoes.

Former LSU star and Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal could only watch from his courtside seat. Also in attendance was Hall-of-Famer Grant Hill, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, former major-league veteran Dexter Fowler and members of the two-time WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.

While the Tigers were handed an early message that repeating might not be so easy, this loss will get their attention better than anything Mulkey, a master motivator who has won seven national championships, could say to her players.

Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers and Cajuns coverage on X/Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU/UL athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.

The Los Angeles Chargers are back to .500 after breezing to a 27-6 win over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on ‘Monday Night Football.’

Austin Ekeler scored two touchdowns and Keenan Allen made history by notching 10,000 career receiving yards. The wide receiver reached the mark on a leaping catch in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with eight catches for 77 yards.

The Jets committed three turnovers as they had their three-game winning streak snapped. All three lost balls were fumbles, including two from quarterback Zach Wilson.

Los Angeles’ defense sacked Wilson eight times. Joey Bosa had 2.5 of the quarterback sacks while Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu each had a pair. They kept the Jets out of the end zone in the last minute of the game.

New York’s defense sacked Justin Herbert five times as its offense outperformed the Chargers, racking up 270 yards to compared to Los Angeles’ 191.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

The special teams also helped the Chargers’ cause as rookie Derius Davis had an 87-yard punt return touchdown in the first quarter.

Herbert hugged last year’s defensive rookie of the year Sauce Gardner after he took a knee to close out the game. — Victoria Hernandez

Chargers vs. Jets highlights

The Chargers rolled past the Jets behind Derius Davis’ punt return touchdown, Austin Ekeler’s two scores and a sack-happy defense.

Winners and losers from Chargers’ win over Jets

WINNERS

Chargers defense keeps Jets out of end zone: The Chargers defense forced and recovered two fumbles, had one sack and only allowed 52 yards in the first quarter. Their performance in the first period set the tone for the rest of the game.

Los Angeles allowed a field goal in the second quarter and one more field goal in the third, but that was it. The six points represented the fewest the Chargers defense allowed all season.

The Chargers defense forced the Jets to go 3-for-17 on third downs and held New York to a 3.5-yard average per play.

Los Angeles’ defense forced three total takeaways that led to 14 points. The unit also had eight sacks.

The Chargers took most of their defensive starters out late in the fourth quarter.

Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and rookie Tuli Tuipulotu: Mack, Bosa and Tuipulotu all deserve game balls for the Chargers. The three edge rushers were the best players on the field in the victory.

Bosa put together his best game of the season. The Chargers’ outside linebacker had six tackles, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Mack caused fits for the Jets’ offensive line. He had five tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble.

Tuipulotu continues to impress as a rookie and shines when he’s on the field with both Mack and Bosa. He also tallied five tackles and two sacks.

Mack, Bosa and Tuipulotu were disruptive on passing downs and held their own against the run. The trio combined for 6.5 of the Chargers’ eight sacks and they totaled four tackles for loss.

Chargers WR Keenan Allen hits milestone: Allen came into the game just 70 yards away (9,930) from reaching 10,000 career receiving yards.

The Chargers veteran wideout eclipsed 10,000 career receiving yards in style. He had a circus catch early in the fourth quarter that set up a Chargers field goal.

Allen finished with a team-high eight catches for 77 yards.

Chargers rookie returns punt for touchdown: Derius Davis returned a punt 87 yards to the house for the game’s first score. The TCU product alluded a few Jets on the way to the end zone.

Davis’ touchdown was the first punt returned for a touchdown by the Chargers since 2019.

LOSERS

Jets offense is lifeless: The Jets offense was abysmal Monday night. Jets quarterback Zach Wilson missed open pass catchers on multiple occasions in each half. The Jets averaged just 3.5 yards per play and were kept out of the end zone.

New York’s offensive line didn’t help Wilson out too much either. Wilson was under duress often in passing situations. He was sacked eight times and hit an additional eight more in the loss. To make matters worse, Wilson’s poor pocket awareness exacerbated New York’s problems on offense.

The Jets offense lost three fumbles and Thomas Morstead was forced to punt seven times.

Chargers offense struggles vs. Jets defense: If the Jets offense was abysmal, the Chargers offense was just flat out bad.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert never got into a rhythm, and he was under pressure for most of the night. Herbert was sacked five times and passed for a season-low 136 yards.

The Chargers only put together two drives of 50 yards or more. It was a struggle for the Chargers offense, but they didn’t have to do much in the win. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers 27, Jets 6: Khalil Mack forced fumble results in Austin Ekeler TD

Austin Ekeler scored his second touchdown of the night, a 2-yard score, with 3:22 left in the game.

The Chargers had the ball after Khalil Mack strip sacked Jets quarterback Zach Wilson. Alohi Gilman scooped up the ball and ran down the field all the way to the end zone. Upon review, the safety’s toe went out at the two-yard line.

The fumble was New York’s third turnover of the day. — Victoria Hernandez

Chargers 20, Jets 6: Chargers extend lead with historic day for Keenan Allen

Keenan Allen crossed the 10,000-yard career receiving yards in the fourth quarter of the Chargers game against the Jets.

The wideout made history with an eye-popping catch on third-and-four from the New York 47-yard line. Justin Herbert found Allen downfield and he leaped in the air to grab the ball behind him before falling to the turf.

The Chargers converted four third downs on the drive, but they weren’t able to recover from a sack from Bryce Huff that gave them second-and-13.

On fourth-and-6, Cameron Dicker nailed a 38-yard field goal to put the Chargers up 20-6. — Victoria Hernandez

Chargers take lead into fourth quarter

The Chargers defense has kept the Jets out of the end zone despite New York’s offense outperforming them 176 yards to 128.

Joey Bosa has been swarming the field and has 2.5 sacks to go with six tackles.

Los Angeles started the fourth quarter marching down the field.

The Chargers are up 17-6 at the end of the third quarter. — Victoria Hernandez

Chargers 17, Jets 6: Jets offense finds some life to start third quarter

Zach Wilson and the Jets offense had their most promising drive of the game to start the second half.

The Jets went on a nine-play, 48-yard drive to get into Los Angeles territory, but the possession broke down when the Chargers registered sacks on consecutive plays.

New York had to settle for a 46-yard field goal by kicker Greg Zuerlein. Zuerlein’s converted both of his field goal attempts Monday night. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers 17, Jets 3: Cameron Dicker’s long field goal extends lead at half

The Chargers ended a strong first half with a 55-yard field goal by kicker Cameron Dicker that increased their lead, 17-3.

Overall, defenses ruled the first two quarters. The Chargers and Jets combined for 11 total punts.

The Chargers defensed forced two fumbles and sacked Jets quarterback Zach Wilson twice.

The Jets defense sacked Justin Herbert three times and held the Chargers to just 3-for-9 on third downs.

Los Angeles scored the halves two touchdowns on an 87-yard punt return by rookie Derius Davis and on a 1-yard touchdown run by Austin Ekeler.

The Chargers have 108 total yards. The Jets have 104. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers 14, Jets 3: Greg Zuerlein gets Jets on the board

The Jets got their first score of the game in the second quarter.

On fourth-and-5, Greg Zuerlein made a 47-yard field goal attempt to notch three points.

The score finished an eight-play, 31-yard drive that featured 15 yards from running back Breece Hall. — Victoria Hernandez

Arnold Schwarzenegger appears on ManningCast

The ManningCast got a bonus guest when Arnold Schwarzenegger joined Peyton Manning and Eli Manning during their ‘Monday Night Football’ simulcast.

The action hero star brought his pet donkey. — Josh Peter

Chargers take 14-0 lead into second quarter

The Chargers had a superb first quarter.

Rookie Derius Davis returned a punt 87 yards for a score, and the Chargers offense answered a Jets turnover with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by running back Austin Ekeler.

The Chargers defense might’ve put together their best first quarter of the season.

Los Angeles had two forced fumbles, one sack and allowed just 52 yards. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers 14, Jets 0: Austin Ekeler extends LA’s lead

After a monster 20-yard run from Austin Ekeler, the Chargers scored their first offensive points of the game with a touchdown.

The running back’s jaunt was initially ruled a touchdown, but review showed he was down on his back at the 1-yard line.

Justin Herbert threw an incomplete pass and then a run play was called back because of defensive offsides. On second-and-goal, Herbert handed the ball off to the star rusher, who ran into the offensive line, scampered to his right and found his way into the end zone. — Victoria Hernandez

Chargers defense forces second turnover of first quarter

The Chargers defense has forced two fumbles in the first quarter.

With the Jets in Los Angeles territory, Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa sacked the Jets’ Zach Wilson and stripped the football from the quarterback. Bosa turned around and found the football loose on the ground for the taking at the 50-yard line. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers snag Garrett Wilson fumble

After catching a break with a roughing the passer penalty on their second drive of the game, the Jets gave up a turnover.

On first-and-10 from the Chargers’ 44-yard line, Zach Wilson found Garrett Wilson downfield for a 7-yard pass play. The wide receiver was tackled by safety Alohi Gilman, who stripped the ball. Derwin James then landed on the ball inbounds for the Chargers recovery. — Victoria Hernandez

Chargers 7, Jets 0: Rookie Derius Davis has punt return TD

The Chargers defense forced a three-and-out and a Jets punt on their first series. Rookie Derius Davis then put an exclamation point on the three-and-out.

Davis’ touchdown was the first punt returned for a TD by the Chargers since 2019. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers go three-and-out to start the game

The Jets took momentum early by forcing the Chargers to go three-and-out to start the game.

Austin Ekeler started the drive with a two-yard run. Then Justin Herbert chucked the ball downfield for Quentin Johnston, who was tightly covered by Sauce Gardner. A second incomplete pass closed the drive and JK Scott booted a 49-yard punt.

The Chargers scored on their first drive last week in a 30-13 win against the Chicago Bears. — Victoria Hernandez

What time is Chargers vs. Jets?

Kickoff for the Chargers-Jets game is set for 8:15 p.m. ET.

How can I watch Chargers vs. Jets?

Chargers at Jets will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN. The game is also available to stream for free on Fubo.

The ManningCast alternate simulcast returns for the Chargers-Jets game, and will air on ESPN2. Peyton and Eli Manning will have Arnold Schwarzenegger, Trevor Lawrence, Keyshawn Johnson as guests.

Aaron Rodgers seen throwing football during pregame warmups

Add this development as one that will continue to further stimulate the hopes of Jets fans eager to see the unlikely return to the field this season for a future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

It’s been less than two months since Aaron Rodgers suffered what was feared to be a season-ending Achilles injury during just his fourth snap for the Jets. Yet, the quarterback was throwing the football around on the MetLife Stadium field prior to the Jets’ game against the Chargers.

On Saturday, Rodgers was among those in the crowd at Santa Anita Park for the Breeders’ Cup, and reiterated to NBC Sports his hopes to play again during the 2023 NFL season.

‘It’s a process, step by step, day by day,’ Rodgers said during the interview. ‘There’s some great days, some rough days. But the goal for me is to come back this year.’

Two weeks ago during an appearance on the ‘Manningcast,’ Rodgers was asked about a possible comeback in 2023.

‘Listen, I’d love to come back this season,’’ Rodgers said. ‘… I think for me you always have to set a goal. Otherwise you go kind of crazy. And so the goal is to definitely come back.’ — Jim Reineking

Keenan Allen approaching 10,000 career receiving yards

Keenan Allen, the 11th-year Chargers wide receiver, leads the team in receptions (54) and receiving yards (643) entering Monday night. Allen is just 70 yards away (9,930) from reaching 10,000 career receiving yards.

Allen is second on the Chargers’ all-time receiving yardage list:

Antonio Gates (2003-2018): 11,841Keenan Allen (2013-present): 9,930Lance Alworth (1962-1970): 9,584Charlie Joiner (1976-1986): 9,203Gary Garrison (1966-1976): 7,533Kellen Winslow (1979-1987): 6,741Wes Chandler (1981-1987): 6,132Anthony Miller (1988-1993): 5,582Malcom Floyd (2004-2015): 5,550Mike Williams (2017-present): 4,754

— Tyler Dragon

Sauce Island?

Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, the 2022 NFL defensive rookie of the year, has three passes defensed entering Week 9. Gardner’s 23 career passes defensed are tied for the fourth most in the NFL since the start of the 2022 season. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers vs. Jets inactives: Randall Cobb won’t play

Jets wide receiver Randall Cobb appears to be a health scratch for Monday night’s game against the Chargers. Despite taking part in a full practice on Saturday, Cobb — who was listed on the injury report with a shoulder ailment — is inactive. Meanwhile, fellow receiver Allen Lazard (knee) and safety Adrian Amos (ankle) are active, despite being listed as questionable in the lead-up to the game.

Chargers’ inactive players:

RB Elijah DotsonRB Isaiah SpillerOL Zack BaileyDL Scott MatlockS Jaylinn Hawkins

Jets’ inactive players:

RB Israel AbanikandaWR Jason BrownleeWR Randall CobbDE Carl LawsonOL Dennis KellyDB Jarrick Bernard-ConverseLB Chazz Surratt

Chargers vs. Jets predictions

Lorenzo Reyes: Chargers 27, Jets 17

If the Jets are to win, or even make this close, New York’s defense will have to carry the weight. That has been the case all season long. The Chargers, and specifically quarterback Justin Herbert, get into a rhythm Monday night and Herbert’s issue with his finger injury appears to have been solved.

Tyler Dragon: Chargers 23, Jets 21

Did Week 8’s win over the Bears ignite the Chargers? Brandon Staley certainly hopes so. The Chargers are the more desperate team as they hope to dig themselves out of a self-inflicted hole. Justin Herbert shined on Sunday night. Will he shine again on Monday night versus a formidable Jets defense?

Safid Deen: Jets 24, Chargers 17

Justin Herbert and Austin Ekeler returned to form against the Bears last week, but they’re just unlucky when it comes to winning close games.  Somehow, Robert Saleh has the Jets at 4-3. The Jets have one of the best defenses in the NFL, but Zach Wilson and the offense are still struggling. Still, they have found ways to win. And they’ll win again this week against the Chargers. 

Jordan Mendoza: Chargers 21, Jets 16

The Chargers offense showed how good it is in the thrashing of Chicago, but in New York, they’ll deal with a tough test from the Jets defense. What gets the job done though is the Los Angeles defense holding down Zach Wilson and company from generating much, as the Chargers get back to .500.

Chargers vs. Jets odds

The Chargers entered Monday as three-point favorites, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

Betting odds and tips for ‘Monday Night Football’ games

Highlighting Monday Night Football odds, the New York Jets were among the best bets for NFL Week 9 as home underdogs. The Los Angeles Chargers are favored by 3 points in the matchup, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

According to the top NFL betting apps, neither team boasts a player among those with the best NFL MVP betting odds in 2023. Among teams with the best Super Bowl betting odds, the Chargers (+4000) are favored over the Jets (+6600).

Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds and more.

If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. — Richard Morin

NFL Week 9 winners and losers

For the Dolphins and Cowboys a concerning trend has lingered, where both squads bully bad teams but fail to close against teams with winning records.

Here is USA TODAY Sports’ Lorenzo Reyes’ full rundown of the biggest winners and losers from Week 9.

32 things we learned in NFL Week 9

The NFL quarterback carousel spun out of control on Sunday, with seven teams making a chance at the position from the previous week.

What else did USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis learn during Week 9?

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Week 9 breakdown: QB gets a week to learn teammates’ names

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An administrative law judge will begin proceedings Tuesday in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) complaint against the NCAA, the Pac-12 Conference and the University of Southern California that alleges they have unlawfully misclassified college athletes as ‘student-athletes’ rather than employees.

The case specifically revolves around athletes in football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball at USC. However, it carries the potential for much broader implications across college sports. And it is among the reasons that the NCAA and its member schools and conferences have been vigorously lobbying Congress for legislation that would include a provision preventing athletes from becoming school employees.

Here’s a look at where this came from and where it may go.

What are the origins of the case?

In September 2021, the Biden Administration’s appointee as NLRB general counsel, Jennifer Abruzzo, issued a memorandum saying that she views college athletes as employees of their schools under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

At the time, University of Illinois labor law professor Michael LeRoy told USA TODAY Sports that Abruzzo’s memo amounted to her ‘inviting a petition from players to form a union at a private institution. She’s put it out there. She’s saying, ‘Bring it.”

In February 2022, the National College Players Association, a group that advocates on behalf of college athletes, did just that. But there ended up being more.

The joint-employer theory and why it matters

When the NLRB’s Los Angeles office issued its complaint in May 2023, as well as when it amended that complaint in September, it alleged that the NCAA, Pac-12 and USC have been joint employers of the athletes because the NCAA and Pac-12 had control over the athletes’ working conditions and ‘administered a common labor policy’ with USC regarding those conditions.

If this theory of the case prevails, it could have implications for all of college athletics. The NLRA applies to private employers. State laws govern public employees, and many states have laws that do not allow public employees to unionize.

USC is a private school. The NCAA and the Pac-12 are private, non-profit organizations. If the NCAA and a major college-sports conference are found to be employers of athletes, then ‘every college athlete has a private employer,’ Gabe Feldman, director of the Tulane Sports Law Program and Tulane University’s associate provost for NCAA compliance, said Monday.

As such, it would open the door to the possibility of unionization and collective bargaining for athletes at public schools, Feldman said.

An effort to unionize football players at Northwestern University ended in August 2015, when the full NLRB said that because the board has no jurisdiction over public schools, addressing the Northwestern effort would run counter to the NLRA’s charge that the board create stable and predictable labor environments in various industries. Under a joint-employer theory, that issue could go away.

The NLRB L.A. office’s side

The complaint cited excerpts from the USC athletics department’s Student-Athlete Handbook and its Social Media Policy & Guidelines for Student Athletes, which set a variety of regulations that athletes must follow.

It also alleged that USC, the Pac-12 and the NCAA ‘have intentionally misclassified the [p]layers as non-employee student athletes in order to deprive’ them of their right under the NLRA to organize or bargain collectively and to ‘discourage (them) from engaging in protected concerted activities’.

The USC, Pac-12 and NCAA’s side

Each of the three entities has filed a argument for dismissal, offering separately or collectively a set of arguments including:

The contents of USC’s handbook do not constitute a set of ‘rules’ that violate the NLRA. They are ‘merely recommendations, or general admonitions’ and ‘do not rise to the level of work rules and their maintenance does not constitute an unfair labor practice.’  

Under the First Amendment, they cannot be compelled to use a phrase other than ‘student-athletes’ to describe students who play for the teams in question.

 The Pac-12 is not subject to the NLRA because 10 of its 12 members are public schools. That makes the conference a ‘political subdivision,’ in the context of the NLRA, because the conference’s governing board comprises school presidents and chancellors who answer to public officials in their states.

What happens now

What originally had been set to be one several-week trial had to be re-arranged because of a conflict in the judge’s schedule. Instead, there will up to three days of pre-trial matters this week, then testimony Dec. 18-20, Jan. 22-Feb 2, and, if needed, Feb. 26-29.

The ruling of an administrative law judge can be appealed to the full National Labor Relations Board, and a board decision can be appealed in federal court.

In the blink of an eye the college football season has gone from kicking off to nearing a crescendo with three weeks of games to be played before we reach championship weekend.

The current outlook remains the same in this week’s bowl projections with Georgia, Michigan, Florida State and Oregon predicted to reach the playoff. But there’s a lot for the contenders to face, starting this week. The Bulldogs host No. 10 Mississippi. The Wolverines travel to No. 9 Penn State. The Seminoles get a visit from rival Miami (Fla.). And the Ducks must face Southern California.

Could one of the group lose this weekend? It’s certainly possible in the wild world of college football.

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MISERY INDEX: Florida’s shaky future with Naper puts it at top of list

The only significant changes to this week’s projections sees Texas and Mississippi move into the New Year’s Six and both Oklahoma and Kansas State dropping down after losses that likely eliminated them from the Big 12 title game.

Reminder: Some conferences may not fulfill their bowl allotment. Asterisks denote a replacement pick. James Madison and Jacksonville State are eligible for a bowl if there are not enough six-win teams to fill all the spots.

USC freshman guard Bronny James plans on returning to the court this season if he passes medical benchmarks, his father Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said Monday night.

The elder James said if his son passes tests, he will progress to practicing with the team and eventually start appearing in games after suffering a cardiac arrest on July 24 while working out with the team.

The 19-year-old James had surgery and a family spokesperson said he had a significant congenital heart defect, which is an abnormality in the heart. The spokesperson said the family was confident in his return to the court.

LeBron James spoke about his son’s health after the Lakers’ 108-107 loss to the Miami Heat.

‘Things are going in the right direction with Bronny’s progress,’ James said. ‘He’s doing rehab. Every week he gets to do more and more and more. We have a big moment at the end of this month to see if we can continue to go forward. If he’s cleared, we’ll be not too long away from him being back on the floor and back with his teammates and practicing, with the notion of being back on the floor and playing in game situations.’

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Bronny James watched the Trojans play in their season opener, an 82-69 victory over Kansas State in Las Vegas on Monday.

NFL power rankings entering Week 10 of the 2023 season (previous rank in parentheses):

1. Ravens (2): Baltimore? Tops in the league? Consider – no team is allowing fewer points per game (13.8); the +115 point differential is 35 clear of the next-closest club; and the Ravens have blown out two NFC divisional leaders (Detroit, Seattle) by a collective 75-9 in their past two home games, outgaining the Seahawks by nearly 400 yards. And when WR Odell Beckham Jr. scoring his first TD since Super Bowl 56 and rookie RB Keaton Mitchell rushing for 138 yards with his first NFL touches are mere gravy? Look out – meaning Cleveland and Cincinnati, teams headed to Charm City the next two weeks.

2. Eagles (1): The league’s only 8-1 team, and the first to replicate such a start in consecutive seasons since Peyton Manning’s Indianapolis heyday in 2006. But with gimpy QB Jalen Hurts still dragging his leg around, the bye week has arrived at a perfect time – not to mention Philly has Kansas City, Buffalo, San Francisco, Dallas and Seattle in succession on the other side of the break. Though perhaps no worry, Hurts matching Manning’s mark (2008-10) with 12 consecutive regular-season wins against opponents with winning records.

3. Chiefs (3): Currently the AFC’s top-seeded club (again), K.C. also hits its bye ahead of Week 11’s Super Bowl rematch at Arrowhead against Philadelphia. The reigning AFC champs are surrendering just 15.9 points per game, lowest of the 11-season Andy Reid era.

4. 49ers (5): They just had the best off week in recent memory, acquiring DE Chase Young for a pittance, getting needed rest for injured LT Trent Williams and WR Deebo Samuel, and moving back into a first-place tie atop the NFC West following Seattle’s blowout loss.

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5. Jaguars (4): Coming off their Week 9 bye, October’s road warriors will leave Jacksonville just once in the next four weeks. Beating the Niners on Sunday would be quite a statement.

6. Bengals (10): ‘(W)e’re back, and we’re here,’ said WR Tee Higgins after Sunday night’s big win, Cincinnati’s fourth straight victory overall and sixth in a row at home in prime time (a team record). Unfortunately, no more (scheduled) home dates under the lights this season.

7. Lions (7): During three starts so far, rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs has a league-best 132.3 yards from scrimmage per game. Maybe keep him in the starting lineup even with war hammer RB David Montgomery set to return from a rib injury?

8. Cowboys (6): Four of their next five games are at AT&T Stadium, and the next three overall against teams a collective 12 games below .500. Very good opportunity to make hay in the NFC East ahead of Week 14’s rematch with Philadelphia – especially if WR CeeDee Lamb stays hot (30 catches for 466 yards over past three weeks).

9. Bills (8): They’ve only got one more road game (at Philadelphia) before December 10 – a good time to right the ship given the advantage Buffalo enjoys at Orchard Park … and maybe to try and evolve this offense beyond QB Josh Allen running or throwing to WR Stefon Diggs.

10. Dolphins (9): For those keeping score at home, that’s 39 points per game in their six wins (all against teams without winning records), and 17 per game in three losses – all against projected playoff squads.

11. Steelers (12): Of the 29 teams to be outgained in each of their first eight games since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, Pittsburgh (5-3) is the only one to manage a winning record.

12. Seahawks (11): Would not have expected the acquisition of DE Leonard Williams to coincide with Seattle surrendering 37 points and 515 yards.

13. Browns (13): Their top-ranked defense ceded 58 yards Sunday, the third fewest in franchise history. Cleveland is the first team in 41 years to hold two opponents below 100 total yards in the first eight games of a season.

14. Chargers (14): We give Brandon Staley a lot of flak for his underwhelming defense. Well, Monday night it posted eight sacks, three takeaways and didn’t allow a touchdown … though, does the performance really count when it comes against the Jets?

15. Texans (22): After a weekend of shattering rookie passing records, Houston QB C.J. Stroud has another one in his sights. With 14 touchdown throws and one pick, he could annihilate Dak Prescott’s mark (23 TDs, 4 INTs in 2016) for best TD-to-INT ratio among freshman passers.

16. Vikings (23): ‘It’s like if you were taking AP Spanish all year, and you showed up and someone told you Wednesday … you have an AP French exam on Sunday,’ new QB Josh Dobbs said of learning Minnesota’s offense on the fly Sunday. Good thing he’ll face the fleur-de-lis from New Orleans on Sunday.

17. Colts (21): CB Kenny Moore II became the first player in franchise history with two pick-sixes in one game at a most opportune time. No Indianapolis player has multiple TD catches in a game this season.

18. Jets (15): Only one team in the league has yet to score on its opening drive this season. Take a guess. The NYJ have eight offensive TDs this season, two fewer than Miami had … in Week 3.

19. Titans (17): Maybe their quarterback issue is solved, for now, with Will Levis. But a defense with a league-low six takeaways needs to give the rookie a little help … and a few extra possessions.

20. Falcons (18): Remember, this is the team that decided it wasn’t worth trying to sign QB Lamar Jackson to an offer sheet earlier this year.

21. Buccaneers (19): For all the good they did, the 37 points they posted Sunday were more than they scored in any game last year with QB Tom Brady.

22. Saints (20): Taysom Hill’s 5.2 yards per rush are nearly 50% better than any of New Orleans’ other regular ball carriers.

23. Rams (16): They’ve gone 1-4 since the return of WR Cooper Kupp, who’s been held to fewer than 50 receiving yards in each contest of LA’s three-game losing streak.

24. Raiders (24): Playing the decimated Giants obviously helped, but seemingly little coincidence that Las Vegas scored its most points and surrendered its fewest – while having plenty of fun – in Game 1 post-Josh McDaniels.

25. Broncos (25): Quiet at the trade deadline, time to find out if they overvalued their players … or might go on a run with them after winning the last two games.

26. Packers (28): Nice to see LB Rashan Gary land a four-year, $96 million extension coming off a 2022 season curtailed by a torn ACL.

27. Bears (29): We’re in the midst of a five-week stretch in which Chicago is scheduled to play three prime-time games. Let’s hope QB Justin Fields (thumb) can return Thursday to at least make Da Bears entertaining.

28. Commanders (30): Fresh off consecutive 300-yard games for the first time in his career, QB Sam Howell now leads the NFC with 2,471 passing yards – a figure that may continue to rise after the defense was stripped at the trade deadline.

29. Patriots (27): Hopefully the good people of Germany are not expecting Manning vs. Brady in Sunday’s Colts-Pats game in Frankfurt.

30. Panthers (31): The NFL doesn’t have an in-season tournament – yet – but you have to think Carolina really wants to win the DJ Moore Bowl.

31. Giants (26): You have to feel for injured QB Daniel Jones. You also have to feel like New York probably has buyer’s remorse after extending him in the offseason. Now they might be one of, say, a dozen teams having to reconsider its QB1 plans going into 2024.

32. Cardinals (32): Welcome back, Kyler Murray. Good luck … with this.

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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.