Shohei Ohtani has won multiple MVPs, is a World Series champion and will soon add another title to his name: dad.

The Los Angeles Dodgers slugger announced on Instagram on Saturday he is expecting a baby with his wife, former professional basketball player Mamiko Tanaka.

‘Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!’ he wrote, with a photo of baby clothes and his beloved dog, Decoy.

The announcement caps off what has been an incredible year for Ohtani. In his first season playing for the Dodgers, Ohtani became the first player in MLB history with a 50-homer, 50-steal season en route to Los Angeles winning the World Series in Ohtani’s first postseason appearance. He won his third MVP award, his first in the National League. He joined Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only players to win MVPs in both leagues.

While this will be Ohtani’s first child, he’s been the ‘dad’ to his dog Decoy, who became the Dodgers’ unofficial mascot this season. He was featured in a bobblehead giveaway, which depicted the slugger holding his dog. Decoy became the first dog to throw out a first pitch on Aug. 28 and was also part of the Dodgers’ World Series parade and celebration ceremony.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks had all the juice in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop.

The RedHawks dominated the Colorado State Rams 43-17 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona. The contest started slow with neither team finding the end zone — adorned with Snoop Dogg’s classic lowriders — in the first half. The RedHawks had nine points through two quarters, but woke up in the second half and exploded for 34 points.

Miami (OH) QB Brett Gabbert completed 13 for 22 passes for 184 yards, in addition four carries for eight yards and one touchdown. RB Kevin Davis, who had nine carries for 148 yards and two touchdowns, was named the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl’s MVP. RB Jordan Brunson added 11 carries for 34 yards and two touchdowns. 

‘Its a wonderful feeling. I love this team so much,’ said Davis, who received a gold chain from Snoop Dogg. ‘My success today is a staple of this whole team and what we did for 11 months… This MVP is for all of us.’

The difference in the game was turnovers. Colorado State turned the ball over four times, compared to two fumbles from Miami (Ohio). Colorado State QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi completed 21 for 43 passes for 289 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Receiver Stephon Daily had four receptions for 74-yards.  

Here’s a recap of the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl:

Miami (OH), Colorado State Highlights

RedHawks RB Kevin Davis had a night. He entered the game late in the second quarter after starting RB Keyon Mozee was knocked out with a concussion in the first half. Davis racked up 148 yards and two touchdowns, including a 97-yard touchdown from Miami (OH)’s three-yard-line in the third quarter.

With Colorado State trailing 29-3 with 6:40 remaining the third quarter, the Rams converted a key fourth-and-two with QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi’s 56-yard touchdown pass to receiver Stephon Daily.

Miami (OH) extends lead 36-10 after Colorado State INT

What a turn of events. After Miami (OH) fumbled the ball to Colorado State, the Rams ended up giving it right back. Colorado State QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi’s pass was intercepted by Miami (OH) LB Ty Wise, who returned it 54 yards to Colorado State’s five-yard line. RedHawks RB Jordan Brunson ran it in for a touchdown to put Miami (OH) up 36-10. Colorado State is up to four turnovers on the day.

Colorado State scores on fourth down; down 29-10

Colorado State is showing some fight. The Rams were held to one field goal through nearly three quarters of play, but Colorado State broke through with a touchdown to cut their deficit to 29-10 with 3:13 remaining in the third. The Rams were facing fourth-and-two at their own 44-yard-line, but Colorado State went for it and QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi connected with receiver Stephon Daily for a 56-yard touchdown.

Miami (OH) responded back instantly with a 81-yard kickoff return from RB Kevin Davis, setting the RedHawks up at the Rams’ 15-yard-line, but RB Josh Ringer subsequently fumbled the ball to Colorado State.

RedHawks RB Kevin Davis’ 97-yard touchdown run

Miami (OH) has opened the flood gates on Colorado State. RedHawks RB Kevin Davis entered the game for an injured Keyon Mozee, who left the game with a concussion in the first half after eight carries for 25 yards. Davis has been electric since. Davis ran 97-yards down the field for his second touchdown of the game. He’s up to eight carries for 144-yards on the day. The RedHawks lead the Rams 29-3.

Miami (Ohio) scores on Colorado State fumble

Miami (OH) has all the momentum, or as Snoop Dogg would say, the RedHawks have the juice.

Rams QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi completed a 22-yard pass to receiver Vince Brown II, who then fumbled the ball on Colorado State’s 47-yard line after the ball was punched out as he was tackled from behind. Miami (OH) recovered the ball and replay confirmed the turnover, marking Colorado State’s third of the game.

Miami (OH) turned the fumble into a touchdown. RedHawks QB Brett Gabbert ran the ball in 10-yards to the end zone. The RedHawks failed a two-point conversion attempt, but lead 22-3. Miami (OH) was held to 9 points in the first half, but the RedHawks have since exploded for 13 points in less than five minutes in the third quarter.

Miami (Ohio) scores first TD; lead Rams 16-3

Miami (Ohio) came out of the second half on a mission and quickly scored the first touchdown of the game on a six-play, 75-yard drive that lasted all of 2:25. RedHawks QB Brett Gabbert completed a 40-yard pass to receiver Kam Perry to set the RedHawks’ up at the Rams’ 17-yard line. Three plays later, RB Kevin Davis punched the ball in the end zone on a four-yard touchdown run to extend their lead over the Rams to 16-3. 

Halftime: Miami (Ohio) 9, Colorado State 3

The end zones of the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl are painted with the rapper’s prized lowrider cars, but neither team has taken a ride into the end zone through two quarters.

Despite not scoring a touchdown, the RedHawks are heading into the locker room with a six-point lead over the Rams after three field goals. Miami (OH) QB Brett Gabbert completed five for 15 passes for 62 yards. 

Colorado State QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi completed 8 for 15 passes for 107 yards and one interception. Receiver Jordan Ross has three receptions for 50 yards. The Rams have 161 total yards of offense, compared to 130 yards of total offense for RedHawks, but Colorado State was plagued by two turnovers (interception, fumble) and penalties (6 for 40 yards) in the first half.  

End of 1Q: Miami (Ohio) 6, Colorado State 3

RedHawks DE Adam Trick got a treat from Rams QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. With Colorado State backed up on their 19-yard line, Fowler-Nicolosi’s pass was intercepted by Trick and returned to the Rams’ 11-yard line with 57 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Miami (Ohio), however, failed to score in the red zone again and settled for another field goal to take the lead 6-3. 

Miami (Ohio) turns takeaway into points; tied 3-3

Miami (Ohio) turned defense into offense. Colorado State receiver Avery Morrow fumbled the ball on the Rams’ 17-yard line after Redhawks DB Ambe’ Caldwell punched the ball free. Miami (Ohio) recovered the ball and had several shots at the end zone before settling for a field goal to tie things up at 3-3 with 3:35 remaining in the first quarter. 

Colorado State leads 3-0

Colorado State is on the board first thanks to a 21-yard field goal from kicker Jordan Noyes. The field goal capped the Rams’ impressive 13 play, 72-yard opening drive that eventually stalled in the red zone. Rams QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi connected with receiver Jordan Ross for a 30-yard reception during the drive.

When is the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl between Colorado State and Miami (Ohio)?

The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl game between the Colorado State Rams and the Maimi (Ohio) RedHawks kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT) at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona.

How to watch Colorado State and Miami (Ohio) in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl?

The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl game between the Colorado State Rams and the Maimi (Ohio) RedHawks will be televised nationally on the CW Network.

Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.

Catch college football bowl games on Fubo

Colorado State vs. Miami (Ohio): Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl odds

The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks are favorites to defeat the Colorado State Rams, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Thursday, Dec. 26

Spread: Miami (-3)
Moneyline: Miami (-140); Colorado State(+115)
Over/under: 40.5

Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl predictions: Miami (Ohio) vs. Colorado State

USA TODAY: Vast majority pick Rams

Scooby Axon: Colorado State
Jordan Mendoza: Colorado State
Paul Myerberg: Colorado State
Erick Smith: Colorado State
Eddie Timanus: Miami (Ohio)
Dan Wolken: Colorado State

ESPN: Colorado State 20, Miami (Ohio) 16

Adam Rittenberg writes: ‘Colorado State is in a bowl game for the first time since the 2017 New Mexico Bowl and seeks its first postseason win since 2013 (New Mexico). The Rams overcame a season-ending injury to star wide receiver Tory Horton and rode a balanced offense and an improved defense to eight wins, including six of the final seven regular season games. Miami overcame a slow start to reach the MAC title game, before being blown out by Ohio. The RedHawks allow fewer than 19 points per game and are especially stout against the pass. Expect a low-scoring game fueled by running backs Avery Morrow (Colorado State) and Keyon Mozee (Miami). The Rams score late to secure the win.’

Doc Sports: Take the Rams

Tony Sink writes: ‘Colorado State has conceded a total of 1,860 yards via the ground game (155.0 yards per contest) and 16 touchdowns on the ground on the campaign. They have surrendered 20 touchdowns from the passing game as well as 238.9 yards per game, which puts them in 101st in D-1. They have 10 fumbles and 10 picks over the course of the season. The Rams defense has been on the field for 826 plays, which has them ranked 90th in Division 1. The Rams are surrendering 24.3 points per contest, which has them ranked 62nd in the nation. In total, they have given up 292 total points.’

Picks and Parlays: Colorado State Rams win 23-20

Eddie Kline writes: ‘Miami (Ohio) will be without a pair of starting wide receivers and will also be missing top CB Raion Strader. Colorado State WR Tory Horton will remain sidelined, and RB Avery Morrow is dealing with an injury. The Rams finished the regular season strong and will get the job done against the Redhawks. Final Score Prediction, Colorado State Rams win 23-20.’

Bowl game picks  

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for all of the college football bowl games.

Colorado State vs. Miami (Ohio) all-time record 

This marks the third meeting between the Colorado State Rams and Miami (Ohio) RedHawks. Miami leads the series 2-0.

The RedHawks won the first matchup between the teams in 2003, beating the Rams 41-21 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Seven years later, Miami won 31-10 in Oxford, Ohio.

Why does Snoop Dogg have his own college football bowl game?

Snoop Dogg signed a partnership agreement with the Arizona Bowl to be the bowl game title and presenting sponsor in a multi-year deal. It marks the latest big sports event that the American rapper and celebrity has been part of after serving as a correspondent for NBC and Peacock at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Snoop Dogg’s sponsorship allows his beverage with Dr. Dre – Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop – to serve as the presenting sponsor of the bowl game, becoming the first alcohol product to be the presenting sponsor of an NCAA-sanctioned bowl game.

Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop launched in February of this year, pays homage to a Snoop Dogg’s hit from the album ‘Doggystyle’ that was produced by Dr. Dre and Death Row Records.

‘Dr. Dre and I are excited to bring our brand to the next level with this partnership, and we’re going to make the Arizona Bowl into a game day experience like never before,’ Snoop Dogg said when the sponsorship was announced in May. — John Leuzzi

College football bowl game schedule: Entire postseason lineup

College football bowl season began Dec. 14 and will run through Jan. 20 with the College Football Playoff championship game in Atlanta. Click here for the schedule of all upcoming bowls, including the College Football Playoff, and the results of already completed games.

College football bowl game rankings: 35 matchups from best to worst

We’ll begin with a couple of stipulations. First, we’ll operate under the assumption that all the first-round playoff games, as well as the quarterfinal and semifinal bowl contests, will be appointment viewing anyway, so they won’t be included in this exercise. We’ll also add that while some matchups look attractive in terms of records and rankings, whether the games will turn out to be good hinges upon which key players actually show up. We also recognize that your interest in a particular game might differ based upon your rooting interest.

We try to put these in order of what we think will have the highest entertainment value, but circumstances can change before the games kick off. Click here for our watchability rankings for all 35 non-playoff bowls. — Eddie Timanus

The uncertain future of the college football bowl system

For an industry that has gone out of its way over many decades to accommodate the bowl industry, even cutting them in on the spoils of the College Football Playoff, there’s been a disturbance in the force.  

Though everyone knew a decade ago that creating the CFP would change the nature of and interest in college football’s larger postseason, the bowls were still considered untouchable. Despite a financial model that ensured most schools lost money on bowls, schools and conferences dutifully participated in them, believing in their necessity as a reward for players, a vehicle for coaches to squeeze in extra practices and a marketing tool for the university. — Dan Wolken

Best college football quarterbacks in the transfer portal

The crop of top passers in this year’s transfer cycle has much less star power but could carry a similar impact on the 2025 season.

For the best of the best on the transfer market, including quarterbacks who have already signed with new schools, click below. — Paul Myerberg

Ranking the best quarterbacks in the transfer portal

College Football Playoff bracket: CFP schedule

The first round of the College Football Playoff concluded with all four home teams winning.

FRIDAY, DEC. 20

Game 1: No. 7 Notre Dame def. No. 10 Indiana, 27-17

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

Game 2: No. 6 Penn State def. No. 11 SMU, 38-10
Game 3: No. 5 Texas def. No. 12 Clemson, 38-24
Game 4: No. 8 Ohio State def. No. 9 Tennessee, 42-17

CFP quarterfinals schedule

The four quarterfinal games will be played on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with one game on Dec. 31 and three on Jan. 1. All games will be televised by ESPN.

All times Eastern

TUESDAY, DEC. 31

Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Boise State vs. Penn State, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1

Peach Bowl: No. 4 Arizona State vs. Texas, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. Ohio State, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia vs. Notre Dame, 8:45 p.m. (ESPN)

CFP semifinals schedule

The semifinal games will be played on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10. Both games will be televised by ESPN.

All times Eastern

THURSDAY, JAN. 9

Orange Bowl: Fiesta Bowl winner vs. Sugar Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

FRIDAY, JAN. 10

Cotton Bowl: Peach Bowl winner vs. Rose Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

CFP national championship game schedule

MONDAY, JAN. 20

Game: Orange Bowl winner vs. Cotton Bowl winner
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN

CFP rankings 

Oregon (Big Ten champion, No. 1 seed)*
Georgia (SEC champion, No. 2 seed)*
Texas (No. 5 seed)
Penn State (No. 6 seed)
Notre Dame (No. 7 seed)
Ohio State (No. 8 seed)
Tennessee (No. 9 seed)
Indiana (No. 10 seed)
Boise State (MWC champion, No. 3 seed)*
SMU (No. 11 seed)
Alabama
Arizona State (Big 12 champion, No. 4 seed)*
Miami
Mississippi
South Carolina
Clemson (ACC champion, No. 12 seed)**

*first-round bye; **automatic bid

How does College Football Playoff format work? 

The 12 participating teams in the College Football Playoff bracket are the five conference champions ranked highest by the CFP selection committee, and the next seven highest-ranked teams.

The four highest-ranked conference champions are seeded one through four and received a first-round bye. The fifth conference champion is seeded where it was ranked among the top 12 teams, or at No. 12 if it is outside the top 12 in the CFP rankings. Non-conference champions ranked in the top four will be seeded beginning at No. 5.

‘Because of this,’ the CFP warns on its website, ‘the seeding, 1 through 12, could look different than the final rankings.’

For the first round, the higher-ranked team in each pairing (5 vs. 12, 6 vs. 11, 7 vs. 10, 8 vs. 9) will serve as host on campus. The winners advance to the quarterfinals and match up with the corresponding top-four conference champion based on seeding. Quarterfinal games will played at the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The semifinals – played at the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl Classic – will take place Jan. 9-10.

The two semifinal winners will play for the national championship Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. — Mark Giannotto

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Excuse me while I interrupt Jim Larranaga’s heartfelt takedown of all things player empowerment, and bring some balance to the zero attention society clutching pearls in his wake. 

There’s a good chance that one or two college football teams will play 17 games this season. Read that again. 

Seventeen games in one season. 

There’s a better chance that one or two teams will play 16 games before the end of the College Football Playoff. 

A basketball team will play 40 games by the time the NCAA tournament is complete. 

Tennessee played 73 baseball games last year – seventy-flipping-three – and won the College World Series.

And we’re worried about players earning off their name, image and likeness?

Best I can tell, Larranaga – the now former Miami (Fla.) men’s basketball coach and one of the sport’s true gentlemen – is done dealing with players and agents and demands for more money, and free player movement. Understandable, all.

Meanwhile, Penn State backup quarterback Beau Pribula – read that again, backup quarterback – is upset because he believes the college football calendar doesn’t coincide with his ability to play with the Nittany Lions before leaving to play for Missouri in the 2025 season.

To this I say, to both players and coaches: stop whining and figure out a way to deal with the most profitable and popular time in college sports. If you can’t work within the new laissez-faire rules, get off the ride and find something else to do. 

Because there are hundreds of players and coaches willing to step into the void and hold on tight for the white knuckle ride and free-flowing cash.

Get on the train, or get run over by it. It’s just that simple.    

QUICK FIX: Easy solutions for making the playoff system better

HIGHS AND LOWS: Winners and losers of the playoff’s first round

Look, you can’t build a money-making beast and expect players to not profit from it. And you can’t make $5-13 million annually to coach those players, and complain that the system is broken. 

It is here where we return to college football, the beast of all things new and strange and ridiculously profitable. There’s one thing we’re missing in this back and forth about players and defacto free agency and the lack of loyalty (whatever that means) in a sport that forced loyalty, like it or not, for the first 150 years. 

Penn State and Texas could play 17 games this season. Why, you ask? 

Because those who run college football (university presidents) want a better product that can drive more revenue that currently sits at more than $4 billion combined annually for all Football Subdivision conferences. That’s billion, with a B.

Those same presidents sure as hell aren’t giving up their conference championship games because, well, someone has to take a stand for history and pageantry in these ever-changing times. That and, yeah, they make a boatload of money. 

So Penn State and Texas play 12 regular season games, then play in the Big Ten and SEC championship games, respectively. Then advance to the CFP, which – for some inane reason – is structured to give the four highest-rated conference champions first-round byes.

That means Penn State and Texas, which both already won College Football Playoff games last week, still have three games to play to win the national title. Now, how can I say this in a way everyone will clearly understand?

That’s three more games, or an average of 60-70 plays a game (or more). So about 210 more car wrecks over the next month of the season.

That’s right, car wrecks. 

Talk to any player – specifically those on the interior lines – and they’ll tell you the force and impact of every single play is like being in a car accident. Over and over and over.

All for Dear ol’ State U. 

Players know what they’re getting into. They know the only way to reach the NFL is through college football, and they know that now means they could play 17 games in one season. 

Guess what other professional football league plays 17 regular-season games?

That professional league has rules and regulations that are collectively bargained for players. In that league, players share media rights revenue with the owners, and are moving closer to a complete 50-50 split.

College football players still aren’t sharing specific pay-for-play media rights money like the NFL. All of this current money, all of these crazy numbers being thrown around for backups and high school players who haven’t proven a thing, is players earning off their name, image and likeness.

The NCAA still is in the middle of a legal settlement (House case) that will likely lead to an expected setup where schools can directly pay to players in all sports approximately $20 million annually. If the schools can afford it, or want to do it.

Meanwhile, university presidents and conference commissioners are steadfast against student athletes becoming “employees.” Gee, I wonder why?

Because if players become employees, they’ll collectively bargain with university presidents (see: NFL owners), and they’ll earn much more than than that $20 million.

If players are employees, then they’ll negotiate College Football Playoff bonuses for each round completed. Not unlike the NFL and its playoff bonus structure. 

You can’t ask players to play more games (to increase your bottom dollar with booming media rights deals), and not give them a bonus structure for those extra games. I’ll say this again because it’s getting lost in the greedy players narrative: Penn State and Texas could play 17 games this season. 

That, everyone, is insanity for two rosters that aren’t yet paid directly to play. A majority of the players on those rosters make little to nothing in NIL deals. 

Excuse me if I’m not buying Larranaga’s college sports isn’t what it once was exit interview. He’s right, it’s not — and never will be again.

So get on the train, or get run over by it.

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.

The No. 19 Iowa State Cyclones came back to knock off the No. 16 Miami Hurricanes in a wild 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl, claiming a 42-41 win in a game that went down to the wire.

Iowa State (11-3) started the game off perfectly, forcing a fumble on the first play from scrimmage and turning that into a turnover. What followed was nearly unprecedented: Miami (10-3) and the Cyclones traded touchdowns at a rapid-fire pace, with the 31-28 halftime score the highest seen in a D1 bowl game since 2019.

Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward played a major role in that offensive explosion, throwing for three touchdowns, but the potential first-round NFL draft pick sat out the second half. Miami seemed to be in control despite that, but a long drive petered out in the red zone. That left the door open for the Cyclones, who came back to win thanks in no small part to quarterback Rocco Becht’s one-yard touchdown run with just 56 seconds to go.

Here’s what you missed in what might end up being the most fun bowl game the college football postseason produces:

Iowa State vs. Miami highlights

A full-throttle Pop-Tarts Bowl saw Iowa State and Miami combine for the highest-scoring first half in any D1 bowl in five years. However, with star quarterback Cam Ward on the sidelines in the second half, the Hurricanes let a 10-point lead slip away as the Cyclones claimed a memorable 42-41 victory.

Carson Hansen scored three touchdowns for the victors, while Ward’s one half of play resulted in three touchdown passes (breaking the D1 record for career TD passes). Amid plenty of Pop-Tarts-related chaos, Iowa State had just enough fight to restrict Miami to a field goal on its longest drive of the game, then responded with patience and persistence to grab the win in the final seconds.

Here are the key highlights:

Final score: Iowa State 42, Miami 41

The Pop-Tarts Bowl may have seemed to be more about the mascots and trophies, but in the end it was a thrilling football game. The Cyclones claimed victory by coming back from 10 points down, scoring the go-ahead touchdown in the game’s final minute. It’s the first 11-win season in program history, and it’ll (probably) be the first time Iowa State is treated to this many breakfast snacks after a game.

Touchdown, Iowa State: Becht breaks through

With the game on the line, the Cyclones produced a 15-play, 84-yard drive that finished with quarterback Rocco Becht bursting through on fourth down and inches. Kyle Konrardy blasts the PAT through, and with less than a minute to go it’s 42-41 Iowa State.

Meanwhile, Cam Ward is tossing the ball on the Hurricanes sideline…but it looks like Emory Williams will remain the quarterback. We could be on for an extraordinary finish to this wild game.

Miami mascot attempts to eat Pop-Tarts mascot

It was inevitable: we have attempted mascot…cannibalism? Is it cannibalism when an animal mascot tries to eat a pastry mascot? That’s beyond the scope of this live blog, but it makes you think.

Whatever it is, Miami’s mascot Sebastian the Ibis is attempting to chomp the Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts mascot, an act being met with laughter and smiles. Off the field, this is a deeply strange event. On it, it’s still 41-35 Miami.

Field goal, Miami: Hurricanes increase lead after game’s longest drive

Miami will view this latest drive as a mixed bag. On one hand, it ended with Andres Borregales nailing a chip shot to make it 41-35, and the Hurricanes ate up some clock on a 14-play possession.

On the other hand, running back Damien Martinez left after being tackled awkwardly during the drive, and the possession — highlighted by a 28-yard gain on a fake punt — died in the red zone. A six-point lead in a game like this one doesn’t feel safe at all.

Touchdown, Iowa State: Noel hangs on for TD

Iowa State’s offense had gone cold after those first four drives, but this was a little more like it: a nine-play, 70-yard drive that ended with quarterback Rocco Becht slinging a four-yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Noel. The drive had been in danger, with Becht having what looked like a QB sneak into the end zone called back, and Miami made multiple stops on the goal line.

However, Noel got his hands under the ball to get the Cyclones back on track, with the score now 38-35.

Touchdown, Miami: Fletcher Jr. leaps to increase Hurricanes lead

Some big news in the game that has nothing to do with this latest score: Cam Ward is out, with Emory Williams taking over at quarterback. There’s no injury here, as this seems to be all about Ward avoiding injury before an NFL draft where he’s likely to go very early in the first round.

Despite that, Miami drove down the field with relative ease, capping off a 10-play drive with Mark Fletcher Jr.’s one-yard touchdown, as the running back jumped over the line to break the plane. It’s now 38-28 Hurricanes.

Pop-Tarts Bowl back underway

Iowa State receives the kickoff, and this game is back in action for the second half.

Halftime: Miami 31, Iowa State 28

The first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl has been a wild one, right from the start. Despite scoring on its first four possessions, Iowa State trails Miami 31-28 in Orlando.

Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward has thrown three touchdowns in a standout performance, while the Cyclones have seen running back Carson Hansen score three times (two rushing, one receiving) to keep this game close. Per ABC, this is the highest-scoring first half in any D1 bowl game since 2019.

Field goal, Miami: Hurricanes take first lead

The defenses finally showed up, with both teams coming up with stops. Finally, as the second quarter winds to a close, the Hurricanes saw a 12-play drive run out of steam in the red zone.

That set the stage for kicker Andres Borregales, who made no mistake on a 30-yard field goal attempt with 16 seconds on the clock.

Touchdown, Miami: Ward-to-Arroyo and we’re tied again

The Pop-Tarts Bowl is shaping up to be a classic, as neither team can stop the other. The Hurricanes have once again tied this one up 28-28 with 9:25 to go before halftime

Cam Ward took a hit on the touchdown, but it paid off as Elijah Arroyo was wide open to catch the quarterback’s precise pass.

Touchdown, Iowa State: Hansen’s third TD makes it 28-21

There are a lot of Pop-Tarts at this college football game, but not a lot of defense. The Cyclones just drove 75 yards in under three minutes, capping it off with Carson Hansen’s third touchdown of the game.

This time, Hansen caught a 13-yard pass from quarterback Rocco Becht, with the running back wide open on a really well-crafted play.

Frosted strawberry Pop-Tarts mascot returns

The Pop-Tarts Bowl is nothing if not unhinged. The 2023 edition of this bizarre spectacle ended with Kansas State eating the frosted strawberry Pop-Tarts mascot after it slid down a mock toaster, and during a commercial break that mascot interrupted an ‘In Memoriam’ presentation to emerge atop the scoreboard at Camping World Stadium.

This year’s trio of mascots (Wild Berry, Cinnamon Roll, and Hot Fudge Sundae) are delighted.

Touchdown, Miami: Ward finds Trader for a 40-yard TD

Like we said: it’s all big plays at the Pop-Tarts Bowl. This time, the Hurricanes charged down the field, with one 24-yard reception from Elijah Arroyo getting Miami into the Iowa State half.

From there, Cam Ward rolled away from pressure in the pocket to find Joshisa Trader, with the wide receiver coming up with a stiff arm before taking it to the house. It’s 21-21 already, and we have Pop-Tarts watching the game from the giant toaster that presumably will roll onto the field for the victorious team’s celebration.

End of first quarter: Iowa State 21, Miami 14

The big plays keep coming, with Iowa State’s forced fumble on the first play of the game the only defensive success either team has had. It seems like that’s how things are going to keep going in what is shaping up to be a shootout.

Touchdown, Iowa State: Another big play sets up a third Cyclones TD

Jaylin Noel briefly seemed to have a 49-yard touchdown reception, but on replay the initial call giving the Cyclones six points was overturned as the receiver’s elbow touched the ground inside the one-yard line.

Iowa State took the news in stride, with Carson Hansen punching through the line to score, making it 21-14. This 21-point outburst is the team’s highest-scoring first quarter of the season.

Touchdown, Miami: Cam Ward sets D1 record with passing TD

All gas, no brakes at the Pop-Tarts Bowl. It’s already 14-14, and we still have over four minutes to go in the first quarter.

This time, Miami put together a quick seven-play drive that (aided by a defensive pass interference penalty) ended with Cam Ward lofting a four-yard touchdown pass to Jacolby George. That’s Ward’s 156th passing touchdown in D1 college football, surpassing Case Keenum for the all-time record.

Touchdown, Iowa State: Hansen 30-yard TD gives Cyclones lead

Iowa State needed just 2:36 to go 75 yards to take the lead again, as neither defense seems to have an ability to slow the opposition down. The Cyclones quickly pushed into Miami territory, before Carson Hansen burst through the line, broke one tackle, and raced away for a 30-yard touchdown.

The first quarter isn’t even halfway through, and it’s already 14-7. There’s so much action that we haven’t even had time to check in with the Pop-Tarts mascots.

Touchdown, Miami: Martinez rumbles for a 75-yard TD

Buckle up, folks, this one is already getting wild. Miami’s second play from scrimmage is a 75-yard touchdown run from junior running back Damien Martinez. Martinez bounced off the line, and suddenly had wide-open territory to run into.

We’re tied up 7-7 after less than four minutes of play.

Touchdown, Iowa State: Cyclones take an early 7-0 lead

Iowa State may have kicked off, but the Cyclones forced a fumble on Miami’s very first play from scrimmage. That set up a methodical drive capped off by Gabe Burkle’s excellent catch in coverage for a nine-yard touchdown.

With the PAT flying through the uprights, it’s 7-0 Iowa State.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl is underway

The 10-2 Miami Hurricanes and 10-3 Iowa State Cyclones are on the field, the edible Pop-Tarts mascots are hyped, and the Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy has literally launched hot toaster pastries, catching ABC’s broadcast team by surprise.

We’re underway at Camping World Stadium, as the Hurricanes receive the kickoff.

When is the Pop-Tarts Bowl between Miami and Iowa State?

The Pop-Tarts Bowl game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Iowa State Cyclones kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

How to watch Miami and Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl

The Pop-Tarts Bowl game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Iowa State Cyclones will be televised nationally on ABC.

Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.

Catch college football bowl games on Fubo

Miami vs. Iowa State: Pop-Tarts Bowl odds

The Miami Hurricanes are favorites to defeat the Iowa State Cyclones, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Thursday, Dec. 26

Spread: Miami (-3.5)
Moneyline: Miami (-140); Iowa State (+115)
Over/under: 40.5

Pop-Tarts Bowl predictions: Iowa State vs. Miami

USA TODAY: Hurricanes the unanimous pick

Scooby Axon: Miami
Jordan Mendoza: Miami
Paul Myerberg: Miami
Erick Smith: Miami
Eddie Timanus: Miami
Dan Wolken: Miami

ESPN:  Iowa State 38, Miami 27

Adam Rittenberg writes: ‘When teams fall short of the CFP, college football offers them an incredible consolation: the chance to eat the Pop-Tarts mascot. This truly is the greatest sport. ISU and Miami certainly will have some degree of disappointment, and the opt-outs could loom large, especially if Hurricanes star quarterback Cam Ward chooses to begin his NFL draft preparation. Iowa State likely has more motivation here, as it can build on its team-record wins total (currently at 10) and claim its first bowl victory since 2020. Miami has been a really bad bowl team, dropping 11 of its last 12, and the misery will continue.’

Sporting News: Miami 29, Iowa State 26

Bill Bender writes: ‘Will Miami quarterback Cam Ward play? That would be a huge difference maker for the Hurricanes, who led the FBS with 44.2 points per game. Iowa State allowed 40-plus points in losses to Kansas and Arizona State. The Hurricanes were 2-0 ATS when favored by four points or less, and we look forward to the sequel with the Pop-Tarts mascot.’

College Football News: Iowa State 34, Miami 20

Pete Fiutak writes: ‘The Pop-Tarts Bowl will bring the fun with thanks to its brilliant marketing campaign, but Miami has been a little too quiet so far with bowl opt-outs and transfers. They’re coming. For now, assume Iowa State’s starting 22 will be a bit more intact and a lot more fired up.’

Bleacher Nation: Miami Hurricanes

Staff writes: ‘Our prediction for Miami vs. Iowa State sees the Hurricanes (-175 on the moneyline) as the pick to win. As for the total, we pick the over at 55.5 points.

Bowl game picks  

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for all of the college football bowl games.

Miami vs. Iowa State all-time record 

This is the first meeting between the Miami Hurricanes and Iowa State Cyclones in football.

Is the Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy a functional toaster?

Yes. The trophy for the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl is a fully functional toaster — an upgrade from last year’s trophy that featured a decorative, non-functional toaster on top.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl announced on Dec. 15 that it partnered with GE Appliances to create a one-of-a-kind bowl game trophy that features a functioning and working toaster built into the silver football.

“Our fans have made it clear: The Pop-Tarts Bowl isn’t just another game, it’s an experience,” Pop-Tarts Bowl CEO Steve Hogan said in a statement. “We listened, and with the help of GE Appliances, we’re delivering a trophy that doesn’t just sit on a trophy stand. We’re excited to share this fusion of fun and functionality with college football fans everywhere.” — John Leuzzi

Is the Pop-Tarts Bowl mascot edible?

This year’s Pop-Tarts Bowl will feature three edible mascots on the sidelines with their flavors consisting of Frosted Wild Berry, Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae and Frosted Cinnamon Roll.

To make it ‘edible,’ the actual physical mascot that will roam the sidelines throughout the game gets put into a life-sized toaster — as if an actual Pop-Tart were unwrapped and put into a toaster to heat up. Once the mascot is fully descended into the toaster, an edible mascot is pushed out of the toaster for the winning team’s enjoyment.

Of the three flavors, Frosted Cinnamon Roll was voted by fans and announced as the ‘mystery flavor’ for this year’s bowl on NBC’s ‘TODAY Show’ on Dec. 4. According to a press release, the options in the mystery flavor fan poll were all previously discontinued Pop-Tarts that were fan-favorite flavors. On top of being picked as one of the three mascots for the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the winning mystery flavor also has headed back to the store shelves. — John Leuzzi

College football bowl game schedule: Entire postseason lineup

College football bowl season began Dec. 14 and will run through Jan. 20 with the College Football Playoff championship game in Atlanta. Click here for the schedule of all upcoming bowls, including the College Football Playoff, and the results of already completed games.

College football bowl game rankings: 35 matchups from best to worst

We’ll begin with a couple of stipulations. First, we’ll operate under the assumption that all the first-round playoff games, as well as the quarterfinal and semifinal bowl contests, will be appointment viewing anyway, so they won’t be included in this exercise. We’ll also add that while some matchups look attractive in terms of records and rankings, whether the games will turn out to be good hinges upon which key players actually show up. We also recognize that your interest in a particular game might differ based upon your rooting interest.

We try to put these in order of what we think will have the highest entertainment value, but circumstances can change before the games kick off. Click here for our watchability rankings for all 35 non-playoff bowls. — Eddie Timanus

The uncertain future of the college football bowl system

For an industry that has gone out of its way over many decades to accommodate the bowl industry, even cutting them in on the spoils of the College Football Playoff, there’s been a disturbance in the force.  

Though everyone knew a decade ago that creating the CFP would change the nature of and interest in college football’s larger postseason, the bowls were still considered untouchable. Despite a financial model that ensured most schools lost money on bowls, schools and conferences dutifully participated in them, believing in their necessity as a reward for players, a vehicle for coaches to squeeze in extra practices and a marketing tool for the university. — Dan Wolken

Best college football quarterbacks in the transfer portal

The crop of top passers in this year’s transfer cycle has much less star power but could carry a similar impact on the 2025 season.

For the best of the best on the transfer market, including quarterbacks who have already signed with new schools, click below. — Paul Myerberg

Ranking the best quarterbacks in the transfer portal

College Football Playoff bracket: CFP schedule

The first round of the College Football Playoff concluded with all four home teams winning.

FRIDAY, DEC. 20

Game 1: No. 7 Notre Dame def. No. 10 Indiana, 27-17

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

Game 2: No. 6 Penn State def. No. 11 SMU, 38-10
Game 3: No. 5 Texas def. No. 12 Clemson, 38-24
Game 4: No. 8 Ohio State def. No. 9 Tennessee, 42-17

CFP quarterfinals schedule

The four quarterfinal games will be played on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with one game on Dec. 31 and three on Jan. 1. All games will be televised by ESPN.

All times Eastern

TUESDAY, DEC. 31

Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Boise State vs. Penn State, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1

Peach Bowl: No. 4 Arizona State vs. Texas, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. Ohio State, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia vs. Notre Dame, 8:45 p.m. (ESPN)

CFP semifinals schedule

The semifinal games will be played on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10. Both games will be televised by ESPN.

All times Eastern

THURSDAY, JAN. 9

Orange Bowl: Fiesta Bowl winner vs. Sugar Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

FRIDAY, JAN. 10

Cotton Bowl: Peach Bowl winner vs. Rose Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

CFP national championship game schedule

MONDAY, JAN. 20

Game: Orange Bowl winner vs. Cotton Bowl winner
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN

CFP rankings

Oregon (Big Ten champion, No. 1 seed)*
Georgia (SEC champion, No. 2 seed)*
Texas (No. 5 seed)
Penn State (No. 6 seed)
Notre Dame (No. 7 seed)
Ohio State (No. 8 seed)
Tennessee (No. 9 seed)
Indiana (No. 10 seed)
Boise State (MWC champion, No. 3 seed)*
SMU (No. 11 seed)
Alabama
Arizona State (Big 12 champion, No. 4 seed)*
Miami
Mississippi
South Carolina
Clemson (ACC champion, No. 12 seed)**

*first-round bye; **automatic bid

How does College Football Playoff format work?

The 12 participating teams in the College Football Playoff bracket are the five conference champions ranked highest by the CFP selection committee, and the next seven highest-ranked teams.

The four highest-ranked conference champions are seeded one through four and received a first-round bye. The fifth conference champion is seeded where it was ranked among the top 12 teams, or at No. 12 if it is outside the top 12 in the CFP rankings. Non-conference champions ranked in the top four will be seeded beginning at No. 5.

‘Because of this,’ the CFP warns on its website, ‘the seeding, 1 through 12, could look different than the final rankings.’

For the first round, the higher-ranked team in each pairing (5 vs. 12, 6 vs. 11, 7 vs. 10, 8 vs. 9) will serve as host on campus. The winners advance to the quarterfinals and match up with the corresponding top-four conference champion based on seeding. Quarterfinal games will played at the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The semifinals – played at the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl Classic – will take place Jan. 9-10.

The two semifinal winners will play for the national championship Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. — Mark Giannotto

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The defending champion United States improved to 2-0 at the world junior hockey championship Saturday by beating Latvia, which had shocked Canada the day before.

Latvia went back with goalie Linards Feldbergs, who made 56 saves in a 3-2 shootout win against host Canada on Friday.

But Notre Dame’s Danny Nelson scored less than two minutes into the game and the United States eventually broke open a close game to win 5-1.

The Americans, who were unbeaten during last year’s gold-medal run, will face Finland (1-1) on Sunday (2:30 p.m. ET, NHL Network).

The United States brought back 10 players and coach David Carle to this year’s tournament, which features the world’s best under-20 players, including drafted and draft-eligible NHL prospects.

Here’s what to know about the Dec. 26-Jan. 5 world junior championships:

How can I watch the world junior championships?

The games will be aired on NHL Network in the United States and on TSN in Canada.

Team USA world junior championships results, schedule

Dec. 26: United States 10, Germany 4. James Hagens had two goals and two assists and Cole Hutson had five assists. Hagens opened the scoring in the first period and put the USA back ahead by two goals after Germany had pulled to within 3-2 in the second period. The USA outshot Germany 56-22.

Dec. 28: United States 5, Latvia 1. Danny Nelson scored two goals, including 1:58 into the first period. The USA got goals from Ryan Leonard, Zeev Buium and Nelson in the second period to pull away. James Hagens continued his strong start to the tournament with two assists and Max Plante scored the fifth U.S. goal. Latvia’s Daniels Serkins drew cheers after blocking three Cole Eiserman shots on a U.S. power play.

Dec. 29: Finland vs. United States, 2:30, NHLN, TSN4

Dec. 31: United States vs. Canada, 8, NHLN, TSN

World junior championships Team USA roster

The 25-player U.S. team (14 forwards, eight defenseman and three goaltenders) features six NHL first-round picks, eight second-round picks and eight others drafted in other rounds. Twenty-two of the players are on college hockey teams.

Goaltenders

Number, player, team

*-played on last year’s team

1 Trey Augustine, Michigan State*

30 Hampton Slukynsky, Western Michigan

31 Sam Hillebrandt, Barrie Colts*

Defensemen

Number, player, team

3 Logan Hensler, Wisconsin

4 Colin Ralph, St. Cloud State

5 Drew Fortescue, Boston College*

6 Adam Kleber, Minnesota Duluth

14 Aram Minnetian, Boston College*

16 Paul Fischer, Notre Dame

24 Cole Hutson, Boston University

28 Zeev Buium, University of Denver*

Forwards

Number, player, team

2 Teddy Stiga, Boston College

8 Brandon Svoboda, Boston University

9 Ryan Leonard, Boston College*

10 Carey Terrance, Erie Otters*

11 Oliver Moore, University of Minnesota*

12 James Hagens, Boston College

17 Danny Nelson, Notre Dame*

19 Trevor Connelly, Providence College

20 Joey Willis, Saginaw Spirit

22 Max Plante, Minnesota Duluth

23 Austin Burnevik, St. Cloud State

34 Gabe Perreault, Boston College*

74 Brodie Ziemer, University of Minnesota

91 Cole Eiserman, Boston University

2025 draft eligible players to watch

Team USA’s James Hagens was listed among Central Scouting’s early season top prospects to watch and could go No. 1 overall in the 2025 NHL draft. He has 20 points in 16 Boston College games and is playing at this tournament with college linemates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault.

Other A-rated skaters at this tournament include USA defenseman Logan Hensler, Canada forward Porter Martone and Canada defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Schaefer will miss the rest of the tournament after crashing into the net during his team’s loss to Latvia.

Forward Victor Eklund, brother of the San Jose Sharks’ William Eklund, is playing for Sweden.

World junior championships schedule, scores

The USA is in Group A with Canada, Finland, Germany and Latvia. Group B features Czechia, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland.

All times p.m. ET

Dec. 26

Sweden 5, Slovakia 2
United States 10, Germany 4
Czechia 5, Switzerland 1
Canada 4, Finland 0

Dec. 27

Slovakia 2, Switzerland 1
Finland 3, Germany 1
Sweden 8, Kazakhstan 1
Latvia 3, Canada 2 (SO)

Dec. 28

Czechia 14, Kazakhstan 2
United States 5, Latvia 1

Dec. 29

Sweden vs. Switzerland, noon, NHLN, TSN
Finland vs. United States, 2:30, NHLN, TSN4
Slovakia vs. Czechia, 5 ET, NHLN, TSN
Germany vs. Canada, 7:30, NHLN, TSN

Dec. 30

Kazakhstan vs. Slovakia, 1 ET, NHLN, TSN
Latvia vs. Germany, 3:30, NHLN, TSN

Dec. 31

Switzerland vs. Kazakhstan, noon, NHLN, TSN
Latvia vs. Finland, 2:30, TSN4. NHLN will air at 3:30 on Jan. 1
Czechia vs. Sweden, 5, NHLN, TSN
United States vs. Canada, 8, NHLN, TSN

Jan. 2

Quarterfinal 1, noon, NHLN, TSN
Quarterfinal 2, 2:30, NHLN, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5
Quarterfinal 3, 5, NHLN, TSN
Quarterfinal 4, 7:30, NHLN, TSN

Jan. 4

Semifinal 1 3:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN
Semifinal 2 7:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN

Jan. 5

Third-place game, 3:30, NHLN, TSN
Championship game, 7:30, NHLN, TSN

This story has been updated to add new information.

On Saturday morning, hours after the San Antonio Spurs star had 19 points, seven rebounds and six blocks in a 96-87 win over the Brooklyn Nets, Wembanyama posted on social media asking if anyone wanted to meet him at the popular southwest corner Washington Square Park in Manhattan to play chess.

Well sure enough, the 7-foot-3-inch big man showed up − even in the rain.

People on social media took photos of Wembanyama playing chess with people, and it wasn’t hard to spot him considering his height. A small crowd gathered to watch him play against some local competition.

Spurs’ Wembanyama plays chess

x.com

Wembanyama later posted a picture with the people that came out to play with and watch him.

‘Thanks for everyone who pulled up in the rain,’ he said.

Clearly the Spurs had some free time to spend in New York City after Friday night’s win. San Antonio is currently on a four-game road trip that concludes on Sunday at the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Standing the test of time requires excellence – whether it be in film, art, literature, music, TV.

Or athletics. LeBron James has stood the test of time, like all the greats.

You turn 40 on Monday, LeBron. What a life. Incredible. Unreal. Surreal.

A kid from Akron, Ohio, with modest means but a ton of support and talent. But you also knew you had to work. And you did. Still, the odds were not in your favor.

But here you are, in your 22nd NBA season, a pro basketball career that ranks among the greatest of all-time.

Go back to 1984 when you were born. Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ debuted that year. Think of all of the hits on that album that have stood the test of time. It’s an all-time classic.

Some of the very best things in life are timeless.

Happy Birthday, LeBron. Enjoy.

Here’s 40 defining moments from LeBron James’ career:

1. James gets his first bucket (of many more to come)

On Oct. 29, 2003, LeBron James, 18 at the time, made his NBA debut against the Kings. Three minutes into the game, James laced a baseline jumper from the right side for his first career basket. He’d end up with 25 points, nine assists, six boards and four steals.

2. The Block in Cavaliers’ championship clincher

In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, James, a native of Akron, Ohio, delivered the Cavaliers their first championship and the city’s first championship in 52 years. He recorded 27 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists and came up with a game-saving block with 1:51 left in the fourth quarter of a 93-89 victory, helping the Cavs become the first team to come back from a 3-1 deficit and win in the Finals.

3. Forcing Game 7 in Finals vs. Warriors

In Games 5 and 6 of the 2016 Finals, James scored 41 points in each must-win game – he added 11 assists, four steals and three blocks in Game 6 and 16 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and three blocks in Game 5.

4. James wins Rookie of the Year

After averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.6 steals in 79 appearances, James won the NBA Rookie of the Year award for the 2003-04 season. James helped the Cavs post an 18-win improvement from the season previous, or a 105.9% increase.

5. Another Eastern Conference title

Nearing the end of James’ second stint with the Cavs and eight consecutive Finals appearances, James had 35 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists and two blocks in an 87-79 Game 7 victory over Boston in the Eastern Conference finals on May 27, 2018.

6. James creates the LeBron James Family Foundation

In 2004, James started his foundation that initially gave out bikes and backpacks before evolving into after-school programs. The foundation was the precursor to the creation of a public school in his hometown of Akron. The foundation also provides rent-free housing to more than a dozen families, when needed.

7. Playoff buzzer-beater vs. Raptors

James hit an improbable, game-winning one-handed runner off the glass as the fourth quarter expired for his 37th and 38th points, giving Cleveland a 105-103 victory and 3-0 series lead against Toronto on May 5, 2018.

8. 30K points

On Jan. 23, 2018, James became the youngest player to reach 30,000 points.

9. Getting closer to scoring record

On Feb. 18, 2021, James joined Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only players with 35,000 or more points, reaching that number faster and younger than the other two players.

10. James sets another record, this time in an All-Star Game

In the 2006 NBA All-Star Game, at the age of 21, James became the youngest player in NBA history to win an NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player award. James dropped 29 points, six rebounds and two assists in a 122-120 Eastern Conference victory. James would go on to win the award two more times (2008 and 2018), tying for second most all-time with Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Oscar Robertson.

11. No. 1 all-time leading scorer in NBA history

12. Big screen debut

In July 2015, James made his movie debut in ‘Trainwreck’ starring Amy Schumer and Bill Hader. James plays himself and received praise for his role as the friend of Hader’s character.

13. Twenty-five straight

In his first Eastern Conference finals appearance, in a pivotal Game 5 on the road against the Pistons with the series tied at two games apiece, James went off with a 48-point outburst. But what was most impressive was how he finished the game. It went to double overtime, and it was James who willed the Cavs; from the final 2:17 of regulation and through the 10 combined minutes of the pair of overtimes, James scored the Cavaliers’ final 25 points. Cleveland won, 109-107, in a massive result that set up its Game 6 victory and a trip to James’ first NBA Finals.

14. 40,000 and counting

On March 2, 2024, James’ layup against the Denver Nuggets gave him 40,000 career points, making him the first player to hit the 40,000 mark as he continues to make it more difficult to break his all-time scoring record.

15. James’ historic MVP run

James almost certainly will trail Michael Jordan and Bill Russell for most career Most Valuable Player awards (five), but James had a near-unprecedented run from 2008 until 2013. James won the NBA MVP award four times in five seasons, joining Russell as the only players to do so.

16. ‘The Decision’

Though he would later say he regretted the way he handled his televised announcement that he’d be leaving the Cavaliers for the Miami Heat, James infamously said “I’m going to take my talents to South Beach” on July 8, 2010. While James has faced some criticism for the announcement, it took place at a Boys and Girls Club in Greenwich, Connecticut, and generated around $4 million for charity.

17. James makes his debut with the Heat

On Oct. 26, 2010, James made his Heat debut in a loss against the Celtics, scoring 31 points, with four rebounds, three assists and eight turnovers.

18. Scoring, rebounding and passing

Shortly after reaching 40,000 points, James recorded his 11,000th assist on April 14, 2024, and he became the first player with 40,000 points, 11,000 rebounds and 11,000 assists. Whoever joins James in that category someday probably isn’t even in the NBA yet.

19. James leads Lakers to bubble title

To win a championship in the Orlando bubble during COVID in 2020, it was agreed mental toughness was a key component. James and the Lakers had it. The Lakers won their 17th title and James won his fourth ring, in addition to his fourth Finals MVP, in a six-game series against Miami. James averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists and shot 59.1% from the field and had a triple-double (28 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists) in the series finale.

20. A 50-point Finals performance

James scored 51 points against Golden State in Game 1 of the 2018 Finals – and the Cavs lost 124-114 in overtime. Just seven players have scored at least 50 in a Finals game and James is the only player to lose. James’ frustration was at an all-time high after the game in which J.R. Smith seemingly tried to run out the clock in regulation with the score tied.

21. Dropping 50 at the Garden

James has 14 games with 50 or more points and all but three were on the road, and the Knicks were the recipient of two of those 50-point games at Madison Square Garden. He had 50 points at MSG on March 5, 2008, and had 52 at MSG on Feb. 4, 2009.

22. James, Heat rip off historic 27-game win streak

From early February to late March in 2013, James helped lead the Heat on a 27-game winning streak that ended up as the third-longest in NBA history, behind the Golden State Warriors (28 games; twice, in 2014-15 and 2015-16) and the Los Angeles Lakers (33 games; 1971-72). During the streak, James averaged 27 points per game.

23. We Want Justice

A few days before the winning streak would end, James posted a photo to his Twitter account of the entire Heat team wearing hooded sweatshirts and looking down, in homage to Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old unarmed Florida teen who was shot to death by a neighborhood crime-watch volunteer. James posted the photo alongside the hashtags: “#WeAreTrayvonMartin #Hoodies #Stereotyped #WeWantJustice.” This would be a pivotal moment for James as an outspoken advocate for social justice causes.

24. Passing Kobe on scoring list

James passed Kobe Bryant for No. 3 on the all-time scoring list on Jan. 25, 2020 in Philadelphia, and following the game James recalled meeting with Bryant when James was in high school. The next day, Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash in California.

25. James wills Heat in iconic Game 6 performance vs. Celtics

In the 2012 Eastern Conference finals, the Heat were facing elimination on the road, down 3-2. This was coming one year after the Heat lost to the Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals, and James and the Big Three were facing criticism over a lack of results. James set the tone early on with a fierce, intentional, efficient performance, attacking the rim and going 12-of-14 from the field in the first half. He finished the game with 45 points and 15 boards on a 19-of-26 (73.1%) day from the floor. The Heat would go on to pull away in the fourth quarter of Game 7 to take the series.

26. James wins first NBA title

The Heat overpowered the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games in 2012, and James won his first career NBA championship and his first NBA Finals Most Valuable Player after he averaged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game in the series.

27. ‘For 3 for the win …’

In Game 2 of the 2009 Eastern Conference finals against the Magic, after Orlando upset Cleveland to take the first game at home, James rattled in a 3-point shot over Hedo Türkoğlu at the buzzer to win the game. The Cavs, however, lost the series 4-2.

28. James launches school in Akron

The LeBron James Family Foundation in the summer of 2018 opened the I Promise School in conjunction with Akron Public Schools to “help some of Akron’s most challenged students with education and support (and) provide educational, career and emotional support for parents.’

29. An amazing double-digit scoring streak

The last time LeBron James scored less than 10 points in a game was Jan. 5, 2007. Since then, starting with 19 points against the New Jersey Nets on Jan. 6, 2007, he has scored at least 10 in 1,250 consecutive games. Michael Jordan is second on the list at 866. The next longest active streak is 207 games by Kevin Durant. It’s another one of James’ records that won’t be broken for a long time.

30. The rim-shattering dunks

Throughout his career James has become known for some of the most powerful dunks, like his very first one, this one, this one, and most definitely this one. Or, just watch a compilation like the one below.

31. Paris gold

James won his third gold medal and was named MVP at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averaging 14.2 points, 10.2 assists and 8.2 rebounds with a triple-double (16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) in the semifinals vs. Serbia and double-double (14 points, 10 assists) vs. France in the gold-medal game.

32. Historical father-son NBA combo

33. Multi-media entrepreneur

James founded with business partner Maverick Carter a media company, now called Springhill Company, that launched in 2014 and has expanded into the world of documentaries, talk shows and podcasts.

34. James loses his headband, takes control in Game 6 against Spurs

This 2013 Finals game will go down as the one Ray Allen tied with a miracle 3 in the final seconds, but James dominated the fourth quarter to keep Miami competitive. It just so happened that a trademark James scoring outburst happened after he lost his headband on an alley-oop dunk when a Spurs defender swiped at him. James had 15 points in the fourth quarter, 11 of which came after he lost the headband.

35. James wins his second NBA title, second Finals MVP

James dropped 37 and 12 in Game 7, clinching Miami’s second (and eventually final) title in the James era. He also won his second NBA Finals MVP after averaging 25.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and seven assists in the series.

36. Supporting democracy

In June 2020, James – and other Black athletes and entertainers – started More Than A Vote to ensure voting rights for African-Americans. “This is the time for us to finally make a difference,” James told The New York Times.

37. A most reliable scorer

James now has 1,512 games with at least 10 points, and he passed Abdul-Jabbar earlier this season as the all-time leader for games with 10 or more points. Of James’ 1,520 career regular-season games, he has scored less than 10 points just eight times.

38. LeBron goes off for 61

On March 3, 2014, in what would be his final months with the Heat, James erupted for a still-career high 61 points against the Charlotte Bobcats. James went 22-of-33 from the field (66.7%), including an absurd 8-of-10 from 3-point range. The Heat won 127-107.

39. Putting in the time

In 20-plus years in the NBA, a player will log significant minutes. Earlier this month, James passed Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leader in minutes played. James (57,578 minutes) is one of seven players to hit 50,000 minutes played and is on pace to become the first to hit 58,000 minutes. James has another 11,858 minutes when the playoffs are included.

40. The gift that keeps on giving

On Dec. 25 this season, James became the all-time leader in Christmas victories with 11, breaking a tie with his former teammate and friend Dwyane Wade, and extended his record for most points on Christmas to 507 – ahead of Kobe Bryant’s 395.

SAN ANTONIO – This is the moment that Deion Sanders didn’t want to think about too much − the final game coaching his sons, Shedeur and Shilo.

It all comes to an end here Saturday night at the Alamo Bowl against BYU.

“It’s gonna be something to behold,” said Deion Sanders, Colorado’s second-year head football coach. “I don’t know how I’m gonna handle it. I know Travis is gonna trigger me. I know it because he always does, and he’s gonna bring tears out of my eyes. But I don’t look forward to it. But I do, because that means they’re going to another level, another chapter of life. And they’re gonna soar.”

Sanders said this Friday after a week of bowl festivities, including a roller coaster ride at SeaWorld and a pep rally on the Riverwalk. The idea was to have a little fun after a 9-3 season and a first-place finish in the Big 12 Conference. But there’s also a certain seriousness at play in this game for the likes of Shedeur Sanders and Hunter, Colorado’s two-way star. It’s why they’re playing in it and not opting out of it to avoid risking any injury that could hurt earning potential next year in the NFL.

Shedeur Sanders, Colorado’s quarterback, even grumbled to his father this week about all the non-football activities scheduled.

“Dad, can we stop going to all this stuff so I can focus and lock in?” Shedeur asked him, according to Deion.  

“That’s where he is mentally right now,” Deion Sanders said.

‘The People’s Big 12 championship’?

Sanders called the game a “blessing.” It might even be the most attractive non-playoff bowl game of the season.

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff went as far as calling it the “the people’s Big 12 championship,” a secondary Big 12 title game of sorts after BYU and Colorado finished in a four-way tie for first place in the Big 12 to end the regular season. Because of league tiebreaker rules, the other two first-place teams played in the actual Big 12 championship game earlier this month, with Arizona State beating Iowa State to advance to the College Football Playoff.

Ironically, Arizona State was picked to finish 16th out of 16 Big 12 teams in a preseason media poll. Colorado was picked to finish 11th, with BYU 13th.

“We’re taking it serious, because we were predicted not to be here, by some of you wonderful folks’ in the news media, Sanders said at a news conference Friday at the Alamodome.

‘We wouldn’t have had a Heisman Trophy winner’

Sanders has coached his sons since youth football, through high school and then at Jackson State before they all came to Colorado. Besides being a family farewell ballad, the game marks the realization of Sanders’ vision of Colorado, which finished 1-11 before his arrival in December 2022.

If he didn’t take the Colorado job in December 2022, would Hunter have won the Heisman Trophy under him at Jackson State, which plays at a lower subdivision level? Would Shedeur Sanders have been considered a top-10 NFL draft pick like he is now?

Sanders thanked Colorado athletic director Rick George for hiring him.

“I’m thankful that Rick gave me the opportunity, because if not, we wouldn’t have had a Heisman Trophy winner,” Deion Sanders said. “We wouldn’t have had a guy that’s (projected) to be the first or second pick in the whole draft … It wouldn’t have happened here if I hadn’t had accepted that calling.”

Deion Sanders loses ‘dress-up’ match to BYU coach

The game also represents a love fest between Deion Sanders and BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. Both expressed their admiration for each other Friday after getting to know one another in recent years. Sanders attended the news conference in stylish white coveralls and sunglasses, sitting on stage with Sitake, who came wearing white Nike sneakers, a blue blazer and black shirt.

Sanders noticed.

“His shoe game is on-point today as well,” Sanders said of Sitake. “You know he’s clean. He’s got the jacket. I had no idea, but it’s not like I would have changed anyway. But he’s looking really good. And he’s won the dress-up match today. He got me, and I’m not happy about that.”

“I’ve got one outfit, man,” Sitake responded. “If we switched wardrobes right now, I’m pretty sure I would get a lot more from it than you would. I could never make that work.”

Sitake, 49, then said he “grew up watching” Sanders, 57, play in the NFL.

“I ain’t that old, man,” Sanders said.

Sitake even said he recently met Colorado superfan Peggy Coppom, who turned 100 last month. “That was super special,” Sitake said.

Coppom is attending the game after Sanders promised before the season he would get her to a bowl game, Colorado’s third since 2016. She sat next to him Friday at a luncheon for the teams at a hotel on the Riverwalk.

Kickoff on ABC Saturday from the Alamodome is at 7:30 p.m. ET. As of Thursday evening, limited tickets were still available.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is ready to resume his run at Wayne Gretzky’s record and aid his team’s run toward the top record in the league.

The Capitals announced that Ovechkin, 39, will return to action on Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time since he suffered a fractured left fibula on Nov. 18.

He had been working his way back to the lineup since Dec. 2, first doing a light skate in a track suit, then adding intensity to his on-ice work and eventually joining the team in practice for non-contact drills. He was cleared for contact last week.

‘It was hard month,’ he told reporters. ‘Work out, watch the games. You always want to help all your teammates to win. Yeah, it was hard time.’

Ovechkin had been the NHL’s hottest player at the time of his injury. He had 15 goals in 18 games and five in two games before he was hurt.

When was Alex Ovechkin injured?

Ovechkin was felled by an inadvertent leg-on-leg hit from Utah Hockey Club defenseman Jack McBain during a Nov. 18 game. He was unable to return and was diagnosed with a broken leg three days later. He was given a timeline of four to six weeks to return. He missed five.

How many games did Alex Ovechkin miss?

Ovechkin missed 16 games. The Capitals went 10-5-1 without him. They entered Saturday’s game three points out of the Metropolitan Division lead and first overall.

‘The boys did a great job without me,’ he said. ‘They’re playing well right now, so what kind of game I’m going to represent right now because practice is one thing and in the games, it’s a different speed, it’s a different (intensity). You just have to be smart and play the right way.’

How many goals does Alex Ovechin have?

Ovechkin has 868 career goals, leaving him 27 goals shy of breaking Gretzky’s record of 894, which has stood since 1999.

This story has been updated to add new information.