Every week for the duration of the 2024 NFL regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the league’s ever-evolving playoff picture, typically starting after Sunday afternoon’s late games and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday’s and Thursday’s games or Saturday’s, if applicable – even Black Friday, when you get an earlier look at the postseason developments).

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference’s seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday, Jan. 5.

Here’s where things stand with Week 13 of the 2024 season underway:

AFC playoff picture

x – 1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-1), AFC West leaders: Yet another close shave as they narrowly escaped the Raiders 19-17 on Black Friday. But that was still sufficient to convey this season’s first clinched playoff berth to the reigning champs, who are pursuing the first-ever Super Bowl three-peat. The Bills’ head-to-head tiebreaker advantage still means K.C. can’t afford to backslide at all – but they can only slip so far at this point. Remaining schedule: vs. Chargers, at Browns, vs. Texans, at Steelers, at Broncos

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2. Buffalo Bills (9-2), AFC East leaders: Coming out of their break, they’ll draw a battered San Francisco squad at home Sunday night – likely in the midst of heavy lake effect weather – as they seek a sixth consecutive victory. A fifth straight division title is practically a foregone conclusion (a win over the 49ers does the trick), and Pittsburgh’s Week 12 loss only solidified the Bills’ standing near the top of the conference. And, with that potentially pivotal tiebreaker against the Chiefs in hand, the Bills could soon steer the road to Super Bowl 59 through Western New York. Remaining schedule: vs. 49ers, at Rams, at Lions, vs. Patriots, vs. Jets, at Patriots

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3), AFC North leaders: A win at Cleveland last week would have vaulted them ahead of the Bills and into the No. 2 seed. Instead, the Steelers suffered a damaging loss – and to a divisional opponent (Cleveland) no less – that could greatly hinder their ability to compete for home-field advantage. Remaining schedule: at Bengals, vs. Browns, at Eagles, at Ravens, vs. Chiefs, vs. Bengals

4. Houston Texans (7-5), AFC South leaders: Losers of four of six after falling at home to lowly Tennessee on Sunday, it’s starting to appear like they might back onto the throne of a bad division and be one-and-done once postseason starts. Remaining schedule: at Jaguars, BYE, vs. Dolphins, at Chiefs, vs. Ravens, at Titans

5. Baltimore Ravens (8-4), wild card No. 1: Good as they (usually) are – including Monday night’s fairly convincing defeat of the Chargers in ‘Harbaugh Bowl III’ – losses to the wrong teams could well mean no home playoff games this season. Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, BYE, at Giants, vs. Steelers, at Texans, vs. Browns

6. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4), wild card No. 2: They’re starting to look like the NFL’s Hoosiers, better competition amplifying their flaws – say, perhaps, a somewhat overrated defense, youngsters still not quite ready for prime time (WR Quentin Johnston) and a run game now without injured RB J.K. Dobbins for a period of time. Still, these Bolts have a lot of Charger-ing to do in order to drop out of the field. Remaining schedule: at Falcons, at Chiefs, vs. Buccaneers, vs. Broncos, at Patriots, at Raiders

7. Denver Broncos (7-5), wild card No. 3: Their hold on the AFC’s last berth continues to harden and should continue to do so in the coming weeks … unless they manage to jump the Chargers. Remaining schedule: vs. Browns, BYE, vs. Colts, at Chargers, at Bengals, vs. Chiefs

8. Indianapolis Colts (5-7), in the hunt: They’re starting to lose sight of Denver and the final wild-card slot after Week 12’s setback, though they’ll get a shot at them in the Mile High City soon. Remaining schedule: at Patriots, BYE, at Broncos, vs. Titans, at Giants, vs. Jaguars

9. Miami Dolphins (5-7), in the hunt: QB Tua Tagovailoa was excited to ‘kill narratives’ Thursday night … like the one that says the Fins can’t win in cold weather. Welp. Miami’s three-game win streak ended in Lambeau Field, and its playoff hopes also took a serious hit – as did the team’s positioning, a Week 7 loss at Indianapolis dropping the Dolphins behind the Colts. Remaining schedule: vs. Jets, at Texans, vs. 49ers, at Browns, at Jets

10. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7), in the hunt: Soul-crushing losses in their previous two games might be too much to overcome. Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Cowboys, at Titans, vs. Browns, vs. Broncos, at Steelers

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NFC playoff picture

1. Detroit Lions (11-1), NFC North leaders: They were fortunate to fend off the Bears 23-20 on Thanksgiving for the first 11-1 start in franchise history. The victory keeps the Lions in the conference lead and gives them a remote chance of locking up a postseason berth this weekend. The simplest scenarios require losses by the 49ers and Cardinals plus either losses by the Seahawks and Buccaneers or losses by the Seahawks and Commanders and Falcons. Remaining schedule: vs. Packers, vs. Bills, at Bears, at 49ers, vs. Vikings

2. Philadelphia Eagles (9-2), NFC East leaders: They’re officially a clear and present danger to Detroit and might run away, a la RB Saquon Barkley, with this division … though Sunday’s assignment in Baltimore will be no crab cakewalk. Remaining schedule: at Ravens, vs. Panthers, vs. Steelers, at Commanders, vs. Cowboys, vs. Giants

3. Seattle Seahawks (6-5), NFC West leaders: No team had a better Week 12, the ‘Hawks leaping from ninth-place also-rans to division front-runners after knocking off the Cards. Wins over Arizona and Atlanta jump Seattle into this spot. Remaining schedule: at Jets, at Cardinals, vs. Packers, vs. Vikings, at Bears, at Rams

4. Atlanta Falcons (6-5), NFC South leaders: They dropped a seed on their week off. A season sweep of the Bucs effectively gives Atlanta a two-game lead in the division, but the Falcons have no such edge on the suddenly surging Saints. Remaining schedule: vs. Chargers, at Vikings, at Raiders, vs. Giants, at Commanders, vs. Panthers

5. Minnesota Vikings (9-2), wild card No. 1: They’re winning ugly – including Sunday’s overtime escape at Chicago – but have also won four straight. It may not seem like Vikes are a threat to win their division, yet they’re only one game back of Detroit in the NFC North loss column. Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals, vs. Falcons, vs. Bears, at Seahawks, vs. Packers, at Lions

6. Green Bay Packers (9-3), wild card No. 2: After handling the warm-weather Dolphins in Lambeau’s sub-freezing temperatures, the Pack also remain relevant in the NFC North while further cementing another postseason bid. Remaining schedule: at Lions, at Seahawks, vs. Saints, at Vikings, vs. Bears

7. Washington Commanders (7-5), wild card No. 3: Ambushed by the Cowboys in Week 12, that’s three losses in a row for a team that needs to get its mojo back if it’s going to hold off the horde of lurking NFC West wannabes … who aren’t far from becoming could-bes. They can just about forget any thoughts of winning the NFC East. Remaining schedule: vs. Titans, BYE, at Saints, vs. Eagles, vs. Falcons, at Cowboys

8. Arizona Cardinals (6-5), in the hunt: Their four-game win streak – and division lead – went up in smoke at Seattle on Sunday. Key games the next two weeks. Remaining schedule: at Vikings, vs. Seahawks, vs. Patriots, at Panthers, at Rams, vs. 49ers

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6), in the hunt: Their four-game slide now in the rearview after embarrassing the Giants in Week 12, the opportunity is there to have a strong finishing kick, one that already vaulted them up from 11th place last Sunday. Remaining schedule: at Panthers, vs. Raiders, at Chargers, at Cowboys, vs. Panthers, vs. Saints

10. Los Angeles Rams (5-6), in the hunt: They weren’t competitive last Sunday night against Philly. A Week 3 win over San Francisco keeps them ahead of the Niners, but an inferior conference record drops them behind the Bucs. Remaining schedule: at Saints, vs. Bills, at 49ers, at Jets, vs. Cardinals, vs. Seahawks

11. San Francisco 49ers (5-6), in the hunt: The talent is still here, there’s just not enough of it on the field right now − as was obvious last Sunday in Green Bay. And they’re back in a cold-weather (and perhaps snowscaped) Buffalo environment in Week 13. Remaining schedule: at Bills, vs. Bears, vs. Rams, at Dolphins, vs. Lions, at Cardinals

12. Dallas Cowboys (5-7), in the hunt: Hand it to Mike McCarthy’s crew – they’re not dying easy, when it would be quite easy at this point, to do exactly that. Their latest win – and first at home this year – over the Giants on Thanksgiving moves them past the Saints for now, though New Orleans owns the head-to-head tiebreaker due to a Week 2 rout at ‘Jerry World.’ Dallas’ near-term goal? Get back to .500 and see what happens from there. Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals, at Panthers, vs. Buccaneers, at Eagles, vs. Commanders

13. New Orleans Saints (4-7), in the hunt: They’re 2-0 under interim HC Darren Rizzi. And given the way the NFC South is compressing, don’t count them out. Remaining schedule: vs. Rams, at Giants, vs. Commanders, at Packers, vs. Raiders, at Buccaneers

14. Chicago Bears (4-8), in the hunt: They came out flat Thursday, mounted a valiant second-half comeback at Detroit … then completely imploded on their final drive, when a field goal would have tied the game. Thus, almost certainly, ends any chance they had of sneaking into the playoff field, the Bears cooked on Thanksgiving. And, what’s positively ending, is the tenure of coach Matt Eberflus, who was fired Friday. Remaining schedule: at 49ers, at Vikings, vs. Lions, vs. Seahawks, at Packers

NFL playoff clinching scenarios for Week 13

Buffalo clinches AFC East division title with:

Win

Detroit clinches a playoff berth with:

49ers loss or tie + Cardinals loss or tie + Seahawks loss + Buccaneers loss or tie
49ers loss or tie + Cardinals loss + Seahawks tie + Buccaneers loss or tie
49ers loss or tie + Cardinals loss or tie + Seahawks loss + Commanders loss or tie + Falcons loss
49ers loss or tie + Cardinals loss or tie + Seahawks loss + Commanders loss + Falcons tie
49ers loss or tie + Cardinals loss + Seahawks tie + Commanders loss or tie + Falcons loss
49ers loss or tie + Cardinals loss + Seahawks tie + Commanders loss + Falcons tie

NFL teams eliminated from playoff contention in 2024

x – clinched playoff berth

***

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

Emma Hayes, head coach of the U.S. women’s national soccer team, is returning to her hometown as her team takes a trip across the pond for an international friendly.

The USWNT is set to face off against England on Saturday at Wembley Stadium in London. It will mark the first matchup between both clubs since Oct. 7 2022, when England defeated the U.S. women 2-1 in a friendly at Wembley Stadium.

Hayes, a native of Camden, London, was named the head coach of the USWNT in May and successfully led the U.S. women to an Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games, the team’s first gold medal since 2012.

‘I’m a Camden girl. I’m so happy to be back in Camden,’ Hayes said ahead of the matchup. ‘You’ll probably see the smile on my face. This is my home and I’m very much looking forward to an amazing week with my team … and to coach at the iconic Wembley Stadium.’

Despite the excitement of being home, Hayes said, ‘It’s business come kick off.’

Here’s everything you need to know about the international friendly between USWNT and England:

When is USWNT vs. England?

The friendly between USWNT and England kicks off at Wembley Stadium in London, England on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12:20 p.m. ET (5:20 p.m. local time).

How to watch USWNT vs. England?

The match will be broadcast nationally on TNT and available for stream on Sling and Fubo.

USWNT roster

The USWNT will be without its superstar trio of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson, who will miss out on a pair of international friendlies in order to rest lingering injuries. Here’s the 24-player roster Hayes named for matches against England (Nov. 30) and the Netherlands (Dec. 3):

Goalkeepers: Mandy Haught (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenders: Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Eva Gaetino (Paris Saint-Germain), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Alyssa Malonson (Bay FC), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham)
Midfielders: Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham), Lily Yohannes (Ajax)
Forwards: Yazmeen Ryan (NJ/NY Gotham), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham)

On Monday, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher announced her retirement from international soccer. Saturday’s match in England and in the Netherlands next week will be her last with the USWNT.

England’s roster

England will also be missing some key players. Lauren Hemp underwent surgery on her knee, while Ella Toone and Lauren James were ruled out with a calf and ankle injury, respectively. Here’s head coach Sarina Wiegman’s 24-player roster:

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (PSG), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Gabby George (Manchester United), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Millie Turner (Manchester United), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), 
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruby Mace (Leicester City), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Barcelona)
Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jessica Naz (Tottenham Hotspur), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

How many people are expected to attend USWNT vs. England?

A massive crowd of over 80,000 people is expected to be on hand. The largest crowd for a women’s game at Wembley Stadium is 87,192 for the European Championship final between England and Germany on July 31, 2022, which England won 2-1. Wembley Stadium, the largest sports venue in England, has a capacity of 90,000 seats.

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No. 6 Georgia and Georgia Tech’s Friday night football game kicked off at 7:30 p.m. ET.

After 60 minutes of regulation — roughly four-and-a-half hours of real time — and an astounding eight overtimes, the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets finally determined the winner of Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate at around midnight for viewers on the East Coast.

The Bulldogs stormed back from a 17-0 halftime deficit and a 27-13 deficit with five minutes in regulation to send the game to overtime (albeit with some controversy). There, the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets traded scores in the first, second and fifth overtimes — and defensive stands in the third, fourth, sixth and seventh OT periods — before Georgia emerged triumphant, 44-42, in the eighth overtime.

Speaking after the game, Georgia coach Kirby Smart said he had never partcipated in a game like this, adding that both his and Brent Key’s teams had run out of two-point plays by the time the score was finally settled.

Indeed, Smart was part of near-historic game that flirted with becoming the longest game in college football history, at least in terms of overtime periods.

With the dust still settling from Georgia’s Sanford Stadium, here’s what you need to know of the longest games in college football history:

Most overtimes in college football history

The Georgia-Georgia Tech game was indeed long, going to eight overtimes. But it’s not the longest game in college football history.

That instead goes to Illinois and Penn State’s nine-overtime thriller on Oct. 23, 2021, which saw the Fighting Illini come away with a 20-18 victory. Somehow, Illinois and Penn State only amassed 395 and 227 yards, respectively, in a game in which the only second-half score was a James McCourt 39-yard field goal with 11:49 left to play.

Longest games in college football history

Here is a list of the longest games, in terms of overtime periods, in college football history, courtesy of the NCAA:

1. Oct. 23, 2021: Illinois 20, Penn State 18 (9 OTs)
2. Nov. 29, 2024: Georgia 44, Georgia Tech 42 (8 OTs)
T-3. Sept. 10, 2022: Eastern Kentucky 59, Bowling Green 57 (7 OTs)
T-3. Nov. 24, 2018: Texas A&M 74, LSU 72 (7 OTs)
T-3. Oct. 7, 2017: Western Michigan 71, Buffalo 68 (7 OTs)
T-3. Oct. 7, 2006: North Texas 25, FIU, 22 (7 OTs)
T-3. Nov. 1, 2003: Arkansas 71, Kentucky 63 (7 OTs)
T-3. Nov. 3, 2001: Arkansas 58, Ole Miss 56 (7 OTs)

College football OT rules

Curiously, college football rules have made it easier to get through overtime periods quicker, while also making it easier to rack up overtime periods.

Beginning in 2019, the NCAA began implementing overtime periods that simply traded 2-point conversion attempts beginning with the fifth overtime. It was widely viewed as a response to the 2018 game between LSU and Texas A&M that went to seven overtimes and saw the Aggies win 74-72 over the Tigers.

The rule was further amended in 2021, with teams trading 2-point attempts beginning with the third overtime. That said, there are some nuances to the rules:

In the first overtime period, both teams get a chance to score a touchdown, beginning from the 25-yard line. Teams can kick a point-after attempt or 2-point conversion following their touchdown
If the game goes to a second overtime, teams must go for 2 following a touchdown.
Beginning in the third overtime period, both teams will trade 2-point attempts until one team scores and the other is held out of the end zone.

.

An upset-riddled Eastern Conference side of the MLS playoff bracket has presented a scenario in which MLS Cup will have an unexpected contestant.

Orlando City SC — born in expansion in 2015 — is enjoying the deepest MLS playoff run in team history. The New York Red Bulls — an original MLS club from 1996 — has made just one MLS Cup appearance in 28 previous seasons.

Both clubs likely will be an underdog in MLS Cup against whichever squad — the Los Angeles Galaxy or Seattle Sounders FC — wins the Western Conference final.

Orlando City has enjoyed a steady rise to prominence under coach Óscar Pareja. Orlando has made the playoffs in each of Pareja’s five seasons at the helm after not making the postseason field in its first five MLS seasons. Orlando City SC collected the club’s first trophy after winning the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, and is now two wins away from adding to the trophy case.

The New York Red Bulls have won three Supporters’ Shields, but the playoffs have been a real bugaboo. The Red Bulls own the longest active postseason appearance streak among North America’s major men’s professional sports leagues at 15 consecutive seasons — more than MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers (12), NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs (10) and NBA’s Boston Celtics (10). However, the team has not turned regular playoff appearances into MLS Cup berths. The New York Red Bulls’ only MLS Cup appearance (in 2008) predates the playoff streak. This year’s club looks to reverse its history of playoff disappointment. After upsetting the defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew in Round 1, the Red Bulls took out their Hudson River Derby rival, New York City FC, in the conference semifinals.

Here’s everything you need to know for the MLS Eastern Conference final:

When is the Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls playoff game?

Orlando City SC will host the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, Nov. 23.

How to stream the Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls playoff game

The Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls game will stream on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls: MLS Cup Playoffs time, streaming

Date: Saturday, Nov. 30
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: None
Stream: Apple TV
Location: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida

Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls betting odds

According to BetMGM, here are the odds after regulation: Orlando City (-120), New York Red Bulls (+310), tie (+260). The over/under is set at 2.5 goals.

MLS league winner odds

According to BetMGM, here are the odds for winning the league championship: Los Angeles Galaxy (+135), Orlando City SC (+175), Seattle Sounders FC (+400) and New York Red Bulls (+500).

When is MLS Cup 2024?

The winners of this weekend’s conference final games will play in MLS Cup on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. ET (on FOX and Apple TV).

The host team for MLS Cup is the highest-ranked team in the Supporters’ Shield standings. That priority order for 2024 goes: LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders, Orlando City, New York Red Bulls. Therefore, the winner of the Western Conference final will host MLS Cup. The home team has won seven of the last 10 MLS Cups.

MLS CUP: Ranking every Major League Soccer championship game

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Colorado football coach Deion Sanders got just about everything he wanted from his team Friday in their final regular-season game at home against Oklahoma State.

∎ After beating the Cowboys 52-0, the Buffaloes (9-3) finished the regular season in first place in the Big 12 Conference with a 7-2 league record.

∎ He said his star two-way player, Travis Hunter, “clinched” the Heisman Trophy with his performance: three touchdowns, an interception, 10 catches for 116 yards, two pass breakups and a tackle.

∎ Three players for Colorado even played on both sides of the ball – Hunter, Iineman Tyler Brown and cornerback-receiver Isaiah Hardge.

“How many times have you seen that in college football?” Sanders asked.

He called it a “phenomenal finish.”

But now what?

What’s next for Deion Sanders and Colorado?

Nobody knows until Saturday, when three other first-place teams in the Big 12 finish their regular seasons − BYU at home against Houston, Arizona State at Arizona and Iowa State at home against Kansas State. The Buffs entered the weekend tied for first place with those three teams, each with a 6-2 league record. Now they need at least two of them to lose in order to play for the Big 12 championship Dec. 7 − or they need a BYU loss combined with a win by Texas Tech against West Virginia to win a league tiebreaker.

“I’m not one to go home and watch TV and wish somebody loses…” Sanders said. “I don’t get down like that. I don’t know what I’m going to do today. I may go to Vail or Breckenridge and get on snowmobiles or whatever. I don’t know what I’m going to do. There’ s a lot of time on my hands.”

If the right teams don’t lose Saturday, Colorado loses out on other league tiebreaker scenarios and will not play for the Big 12 championship next week in Arlington, Texas. The Buffs’ next game instead likely would be the Alamo Bowl Dec. 28 or the Holiday Bowl Dec. 27.

If they do play for the Big 12 title, there’s also a chance the Buffs could get a berth in the 12-team College Football Playoff as the Big 12 champ.

‘Our kids are gonna play in our bowl game’

No matter where they end up, Sanders vowed that Hunter and his quarterback son, Shedeur, would play in the bowl game and not “opt out” to avoid risking any injury that could harm their NFL draft stock.

“Our kids are gonna play in our bowl game, because that’s what we signed up to do and we’re gonna finish,” Deion Sanders said in his postgame news conference. “We’re not gonna tap out, because that throws off the structure of next season. There’s a couple, you take note, they lay an egg in the bowl game and they haven’t recovered since. We don’t plan on doing that.”

Shedeur completed 34-of-41 passes Friday for 438 yards and five touchdowns. He said he already talked to his father and coach about playing in a bowl game.

“We gotta lead by example,” Shedeur Sanders said. “We can’t want them to go out there and play hard and we’re sitting back chillin.’ That’s something Dad talked to us about. And I was like, ‘OK.’ It don’t really make a difference to me because I play almost every game of the season.”

Final home game for Sanders family father, sons

Friday’s game still was the final game for the Sanders father and sons at Folsom Field in Boulder, where 51,030 came to watch, in addition to another national television audience on ABC. Shedeur and his older brother, Shilo, a safety for Colorado, are in their final year of college eligibility after transferring from Jackson State last year.

As the final seconds ticked off the game clock, Sanders said he thought to himself, “Dang, this is it. This is it. Like, do you know how long this journey has been with me and my kids?”

His coaching of them goes back to high school and beyond. Shedeur will continue to play in the NFL next year. Shilo hopes to do so, too. Deion’s oldest son, Deion Jr., operates a YouTube channel that chronicles his father’s program at Colorado and might stay unless he moves to chronicle his brothers.

“Everything in life that’s good always comes to an end,” Shedeur Sanders said afterward. “It’s why you gotta value the people you with all the time. Because you don’t know when the end is near. I valued everything, and I’m thankful for everything that happened.”

Deion Sanders tries to get the media on board

Shedeur said he plans to accompany Hunter to the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York Dec. 14 even if Shedeur is not a finalist for the award, (assuming Hunter at least will be a finalist).

Deion Sanders made his own closing pitch about Hunter for the Heisman on Friday after the game. The Heisman often has been won by quarterbacks for top teams. In this case, Hunter is a cornerback-receiver who rarely leaves the field. He played more than 110 plays Friday and became the first college player since at least 1996 to have three touchdowns and an interception in the same game, according to CU.

“You’ve never seen it before,” Deion Sanders said. “He’s the best player in college football.”

And he helped Colorado revive its program after a 1-11 season in 2022, then a 4-8 season in Sanders’ first year in Boulder.

“When I came here, we didn’t have a standard,” said Colorado safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, who transferred from Jackson State with Shedeur. “So that was the biggest thing for me. I wanted to set a standard, man. Our standard is to dominate. Our standard is to win.”

After turning it around, Deion Sanders even appealed to the news media to help him keep it going, saying “you get more viewership on the stories that you report” when he and the Buffs are winning.

“Everybody wins,” Sanders said. “I think that’s the thing I really want to impress on all of you. It’s not just us winning. You winning, too. So wouldn’t you want to keep this up? Because when you’re not, half of this room is empty. Ain’t nobody got no jobs, right? But when we winning, everybody working. Everybody getting called. Everybody getting the job. Everybody getting, ‘Hey go cover Colorado.’ Isn’t that true? So I think we should work together to keep this thing going instead of hating. Let’s appreciate one another. I appreciate every last one of y’all, good or bad. I really do.”

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

(This story was updated to add new information.)

A once-upon-a-time MLS powerhouse is looking to recapture its previous glory.

The Los Angeles Galaxy are a decade removed from their last MLS Cup win — which was the team’s fifth, the most the league history. The team appears highly motivated to hoist the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy once again after a lengthy title drought (by Galaxy standards). In three previous playoff games, the Galaxy have outscored their opponents by a whopping 15-3. The Galaxy’s most recent playoff win was a 6-2 rout of Minnesota United in the Western Conference semifinals. The Galaxy have been a real wagon so far in these MLS Cup Playoffs.

Standing in the way of the Galaxy and their hopes and dreams recapturing the glory of a bygone era are the Seattle Sounders, a familiar opponent making another deep playoff run. Back in 2014 when the Galaxy won their last MLS Cup, they had to defeat the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference final in order to get to the title game.

During their last title season in 2014, the Galaxy’s star-laden roster included notables such as Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane and Omar Gonzalez. This year’s squad boasts a high-octane offense led by ‘the Killer Ps’ — Joseph Paintsil, Gabriel Pec and Riqui Puig. While the Galaxy can score goals in bunches, the Sounders owned the league’s top defense, allowing just 35 goals during the regular season. Tasked with keeping the Galaxy from lighting up the scoreboard is the Sounders’ veteran goalkeeper, Stefan Frei. Frei played a key role in the Sounders’ playoff upset of Los Angeles FC last weekend.

Here’s everything you need to know for the MLS Western Conference final:

When is the LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders playoff game?

The Los Angeles Galaxy will host Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, Nov. 30.

How to stream the LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders playoff game

The LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders game will stream on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders: MLS Cup Playoffs time, streaming

Date: Saturday, Nov. 30
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: None
Stream: Apple TV
Location: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California

LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders betting odds

According to BetMGM, here are the odds after regulation: LA Galaxy (-115), Seattle Sounders (+280), tie (+260). The over/under is set at 2.5 goals.

MLS league winner odds

According to BetMGM, here are the odds for winning the league championship: Los Angeles Galaxy (+135), Orlando City SC (+175), Seattle Sounders FC (+400) and New York Red Bulls (+500).

When is MLS Cup 2024?

The winners of this weekend’s conference final games will play in MLS Cup on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. ET (on FOX and Apple TV).

The host team for MLS Cup is the highest-ranked team in the Supporters’ Shield standings. That priority order for 2024 goes: LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders, Orlando City, New York Red Bulls. Therefore, the winner of the Western Conference final will host MLS Cup. The home team has won seven of the last 10 MLS Cups.

MLS CUP: Ranking every Major League Soccer championship game

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Alabama A&M linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. has died one month after suffering a severe head injury during a game.

Burnett, a redshirt freshman from Lakewood, California, was involved in a head-to-head collision during the Bulldogs’ 27-19 loss to Alabama State on Oct. 26, one day before his 20th birthday. The injury happened during a kickoff return.

Burnett was hospitalized with multiple brain bleeds and swelling of the brain and had to undergo a craniotomy to alleviate pressure, Burnett’s sister, Dominece James, said in a GoFundMe account set up for Burnett’s care.

Burnett died on Wednesday, the Jefferson County Coroner confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. He was 20.

The Alabama A&M athletic department announced Burnett’s death Wednesday morning, citing an immediate family member, but the university later issued a retraction at 6:13 ET and stated that Burnett ‘remains alive.’ The Jefferson County Coroner listed Burnett’s time of death as 5:43 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday.

‘Medrick was more than an exceptional athlete; he was a remarkable young man whose positive energy, leadership and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him,’ Alabama A&M athletics director Dr. Paul A. Bryant said in the university’s initial statement on Wednesday. ‘While words cannot adequately express our grief, we are humbled by the strength of his family, who stood by his side throughout this unimaginable ordeal.’

Burnett transferred to Alabama A&M this season from Grambling State University. He recorded five tackles for the Bulldogs this season.

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He added two more on Friday afternoon while answering for an injury-causing hit during the second period of a 5-2 win against the Calgary Flames.

Olivier drove Flames defenseman Joel Hanley into the boards, leaving him lying on the ice. Hanley’s teammate, Martin Pospisil, challenged Olivier, who had the upper hand until Calgary’s Brayden Paschal grabbed Olivier and allowed Pospisil to get in a couple punches. Olivier shoved Paschal and then challenged the Flames bench.

He got two minutes for boarding and five for fighting while Pospisil got five minutes and Paschal got two minutes for roughing.

Hanley got up, went to the dressing room and was able to return for the third period. But Olivier had to answer again for the hit before then.

He and the Flames’ Ryan Lomberg fought with 22 seconds left in the second period. Olivier won that fight, too, knocking off the helmet of Lomberg, who got in a good punch but absorbed many more to the head and body.

‘The game just kind of developed that way,’ Olivier said after the game, according to the Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network. ‘I threw a hit that I didn’t think was that bad at the time. Looked at it. Kind of questionable, so it kind of just derived from there. You’ve got to be ready to answer the bell when that happens.’

One NFL ownership group’s venture from football into futbol has helped a soccer city in the United States reach new heights.

A week ago, the Orlando Pride won its first National Women’s Soccer League title – marking the first professional league sports title for the city of Orlando.

Orlando City SC is one game away from competing for the Major League Soccer title. On Saturday, it will host the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals in the MLS Cup playoffs.

The Wilf family – which has owned the Minnesota Vikings since 2005 – has relied on its nearly 20 years of experience in the NFL to accelerate Orlando’s soccer scene since becoming MLS and NWSL owners in 2021.

“There is a lot of synergy,” Mark Wilf, who co-owns the three teams with his brother Zygi and cousin Lenny, told USA TODAY Sports this week.

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“The Vikings are part of our executive board at the Orlando Soccer Clubs. There’s a lot of experience in terms of things we haven’t done well, and things we have done well. So, we learn from experience.

“But I think overall, directionally investing in getting the best players in the best environments with the right leadership in place, and the right support is a combination we try to do because winning at the professional sport is extremely difficult. And, so we want to just be in a position where we’re competing year after year and able to keep knocking the door as well as we can.”

Wilf praised Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja, president of business operations Jarrod Dillon, general manager and executive vice president of soccer operations Luiz Muzzi for the club’s run to its first Eastern Conference final.

Orlando City is the highest remaining seed in the East, outlasting the likes of Lionel Messi and Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami, last year’s MLS Cup champion the Columbus Crew, and last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati.

Orlando City beat Charlotte FC in the first round and eliminated Atlanta United in the second round last week.

With a win Saturday, Orlando City could face the L.A. Galaxy or Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup final on Dec. 7.

“Oscar is very consistent in how he’s approached it, and he’s not afraid to change things up to do what he has to do. He made some adjustments during the season. We had a tough start, and I think we’ve had a great run since July. We’re excited about this opportunity to win our first league trophy,” Wilf said of Orlando City, which had just five wins in their first 20 MLS games this season.

“The Red Bulls are playing at very high level as well as the two teams in the West. So, this will be a mad dash for the finish line here. And I know Oscar will have them ready this weekend.”

Wilf praised Pride coach Seb Hines and vice president of soccer operations and sporting director Haley Carter for leading that club to the NWSL Shield and the NWSL title this season.

The Pride relied on Barbra Banda’s goal to beat the Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 23 in Kansas City. It was Banda’s fourth goal in three playoff games, earning her Championship MVP. The club also features Brazilian star Marta, the greatest women’s soccer player of all-time.

“I think we put really great people in place that have, again, we put in resources as well to make sure there are the personnel there dedicated to making everything first class and world-class,” Wilf said. “Haley really put together the roster and steps as a work ethic and approach and understated leadership that the players want to rally around. It all combined beautifully.”

The Vikings are also in great shape to reach the NFL playoffs this season. They’re second in the NFC North with a 9-2 record before Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Wilf praised Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, coach Kevin O’Connell, defensive coordinator Brian Flores and quarterback Sam Darnold for the turnaround from last year’s 7-10 campaign.

“We know we’re in a very, very tough division,” Wilf said. “And we’re pushing hard here in the closing weeks here to continue to push through, and improve even more to compete and hopefully peak the right time going forward here.”

More important, the Vikings were ranked first in 2023, and second in 2024 by the players in annual NFL Player Association report cards. NFL players believe the Vikings have the best owners, coaches and facilities in the league.

The Wilfs’ commitment to elevating the Vikings’ facilities and personnel has trickled down to its soccer teams vying for title contention.

“It’s a great story from where we came in 2021 when we purchased the clubs to today,” Wilf said. “It’s part of where we wanted to be as far as building world-class facilities, first-class organization, improve and maximize the fan experience, of course, to compete and win for championships and be part of the community.

“Obviously, it’d be a real special thing to have the men get where we want to get, just like the women did.”