The Orlando Pride won its first National Women’s Soccer League championship Saturday with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium.

Barbra Banda and the Pride entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed and finish the season with an overall record of 19-6-2. Banda scored the game-winning goal in the first half, increasing her team-leading goal total to 14. She also leads the team with six assists.

Trinity Rodman and the Spirit fell short of the team’s second league title.

The Pride has won its last two games against the Spirit, including a 2-0 victory on Oct. 6.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit highlights

Marta and Orlando Pride win NWSL Championship

Marta, 38, finally adds an NWSL championship to her legendary resume.

Rookie of the Year honored

Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune was recognized as the 2024 Rookie of the Year at halftime. Bethune had five goals and 10 assists this season.

Halftime: Orlando Pride 1, Washington Spirit 0

Barbra Banda’s first-half goal was her fourth of the playoffs, setting a new NWSL record.

Pride takes an early lead against Spirit in first half

Barbra Banda scores the first goal of the game in the 38th minute for the Pride, after attacking the right side of the net. She gives Orlando a 1-0 lead.

NWSL Championship Game: Time, TV and streaming

Date: Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024
Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
TV: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+
Location: CPKC Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)

Watch the NWSL Championship with Fubo

What time is the Pride vs. Spirit game?

The NWSL Championship game between the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit will begin at 8 p.m. ET.

What channel is the NWSL Championship game?

The NWSL Championship game between the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.

Pride vs. Spirit: Odds and betting line for NWSL Championship Game

Odds as of Saturday on BetMGM:

Moneyline: Orlando (+110), Tie (+220), Washington (+200)
Over/under: 2.5

NWSL Predictions:

CBS: Spirit has the difference-maker

Michael Goodman writes ‘These sides both seem like teams of destiny. Orlando Pride seemingly came out of nowhere to dominate this year with Barbra Banda proving to be one of the shrewdest pickups in NWSL history and Marta rolling back the years at 38. … Ultimately though, it’ll be (Trinity) Rodman that makes the difference.’

Girls Soccer Network: Orlando will break the curse

Rohtas Wadera writes ‘Orlando has set the standard for everyone else to chase this season. Outside of the small slip-up to end the regular season, the Pride have been locked in all year with one goal in mind. They’re not going to let it slip now. The Pride will break the NWSL Shield curse and win it all.’

AllForXI: Pride’s duo provide enough for success

Amanda Westlake writes ‘The Pride will beat the Spirit. Barbra Banda and Marta are just too good – watching their respective semifinal goals leaves no doubt. Orlando has also won both of their playoff games without extra time, leaving their players with fewer minutes than Spirit’s – who went to extra time in both the quarterfinals and semifinals.’

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No. 13 Boise State football has its hands full with a two-win Wyoming team on Saturday.

But that might not even be the biggest worry for the Broncos, as they saw superstar running back Ashton Jeanty exit with a potential injury during the third quarter of Saturday’s game against the Cowboys. Jeanty missed a couple of series after he exited with what appeared to be a lower-leg injury.

Jeanty entered the evening with 256 carries for 1,893 yards and 26 rushing touchdowns through 10 games. He entered Saturday’s game 735 yards shy of the record held by Sanders and second in the Heisman voting odds, trailing only Colorado’s Travis Hunter.

Here’s the latest on Jeanty’s injury:

Ashton Jeanty injury update

The Broncos’ superstar running back appeared to be hurt with just over eight minutes left in the third quarter in a 10-10 game vs. the Cowboys. He headed to the medical tent and appeared ready to return, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, but missed an additional series.

Jeanty missed two series but returned for the Broncos’ drive in the fourth quarter and picked up chunk runs of 15, 15, and 20 yards to set up a go-ahead touchdown scoring drive for the Broncos. Backup running back Jambres Dubar scored the go-ahead score after Jeanty accounted for 53 of Boise State’s 75 yards on the drive.

The Heisman-hopeful had three rushes for zero yards on the Broncos’ final drive as they attempted to run out the clock.

Jeanty, who is in the middle of the Heisman Trophy running game, has 20 rushes for 169 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

He became the first running back since 2019 to reach the 2,000 rushing yard mark when he passed it with a 5-yard run in the third quarter. In 2019, Chuba Hubbard (Oklahoma State), Malcolm Perry (Navy), J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State) and Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin) all reached 2,000 yards rushing. Hubbard, Dobbins and Taylor are all starters now in the NFL.

Notre Dame football entered Saturday on the cusp of making a return to the College Football Playoff.

But to get one step closer to accomplishing that feat, Marcus Freeman’s squad had to take down one of the hottest and more surprising teams in college football this season: No. 17 Army.

The sixth-ranked Irish (10-1 overall) did just that as it routed the Black Knights 49-14 under the lights at Yankee Stadium in what was a pseudo-CFP elimination game for both teams.

While it was a big running night for Notre Dame’s offense, the main storyline from Saturday’s Shamrock Series win for the Irish is the perfect game that Al Golden’s defense pitched — pun intended, given the location of the game, of course.

Entering the night with the nation’s top rushing offense (334.9 yards per game), Army was held to 207 rushing yards on Saturday with quarterback Bryson Daily responsible for 145 of them. Daily also scored both touchdowns for the Black Knights.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard continued where he left off last week vs. Virginia, as he finished 10 of 13 passing for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jeremiyah Love had himself a career game with 136 total scrimmage yards and three combined touchdowns. 

Freeman and the Irish entered Saturday’s pivotal game as the current 8-seed in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. That ranking will likely improve for Notre Dame as the CFP picture was shaken up quite a bit on Saturday. 

Follow along for a recap and highlights of Saturday’s Shamrock Series game between Notre Dame and Army: 

Notre Dame vs. Army highlights

Notre Dame vs Army score updates

Notre Dame vs Army live updates

(This section was updated with new information)

Final score: Notre Dame 49, Army 14

Notre Dame picks up win over Army at Yankee Stadium

Notre Dame defeats Army by a score of 49-14. Complete dominance by the Irish Saturday at Yankee Stadium, as Notre Dame finished with 464 total yards of offense compared to Army’s 233. Big win for Notre Dame’s CFP resume.

Bryson Daily scores late touchdown

Bryson Daily picks up his second touchdown of the night as he sneaks it in from the Notre Dame 1-yard line. Notre Dame now leads 49-14.

Aneyas Williams scores another touchdown for Notre Dame

The Irish put the dagger on the Black Knights, as freshman running back Aneyas Williams rushes for a 58-yard touchdown. Quite the night for Notre Dame’s running game, as 275 of the Irish’s 464 total yards of offense have come on the ground.

Notre Dame called for roughing the passer

Notre Dame draws up the pressure and forces an incomplete pass on fourth down from Army’s Bryson Daily, but Jack Kiser gets called for roughing the passer. That gives the Black Knights a new set of downs at the Army 39-yard line.

Third quarter: Notre Dame 42, Army 7

Jadarian Price scores second touchdown of night

Jadarian Price finds the back of the end zone as he pushes through the middle for a 10-yard score. Notre Dame is well in the driver’s seat in this one as it now leads Army 42-7.

Steve Angeli comes in for Notre Dame

Riley Leonard’s night seems to be done as backup quarterback Steve Angeli comes in for Notre Dame on its next possession. Notre Dame has a first-and-10 at its 43-yard line after the Irish’s defense recorded its second straight turnover on downs on the previous play.

Army blocks Notre Dame field goal

Notre Dame’s kicking troubles continue as Army blocks Mitch Jeter’s 30-yard attempt. The Black Knights take over at their 37-yard line after Casey Larkin returned the blocked kick for 30 yards.

Army turns ball over on downs

Bryson Daily tries to pick up the first down on fourth-and-4 on a quarterback sneak up the middle but falls a couple of yards short of it. It’s the second turnover on downs caused by Notre Dame’s defense. It continues to be all Irish in this Shamrock Series game at Yankees Stadium. 

Jeremiah Love scores 68-yard touchdown

What a start for Notre Dame in the second half, as Jeremiah Love bursts through a hole for a 68-yard rushing touchdown down the left sideline 16 seconds into the third quarter. It is the third combined touchdown of the night for Love, who now has 130 rushing yards on seven carries and a reception for 6 yards.

First half: Notre Dame 28, Army 7

Notre Dame-Army first half stats

Here’s a look at the first half stats between Notre Dame and Army:

Total yards of offense: Notre Dame 258 | Army 85
Total passing yards: Notre Dame 130 | Army 2
Total rushing yards: Notre Dame 128 | Army 83
First downs: Notre Dame 13 | Army 5
Third downs: Notre Dame 3-4 | Army 0-5

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard finished 9 of 11 passing for 130 yards with two touchdowns in the first half, adding 30 rushing yards. Army quarterback Bryson Daily completed 1 of 2 passes for 2 yards with 61 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

Notre Dame takes 28-7 lead into halftime

Notre Dame kicker Mitch Jeter pushes a 48-yard field goal attempt wide right to end the first half. The Irish take a 28-7 lead into halftime against Army at Yankee Stadium.

Notre Dame defense comes up with fumble

Notre Dame freshman Leonard Moore strips the ball from Army quarterback Bryson Daily, resulting in the Irish’s 26th takeaway of the season. The Irish take over at the Black Knight’s 44-yard line with an opportunity to add some points before halftime.

Jadarian Price scores touchdown

The third time is the charm for Notre Dame! The Irish score their fourth touchdown of the night, this time from running back Jadarian Price on a toss to the left side. Notre Dame now leads 28-7 with 26 seconds to go until halftime.

Notre Dame threatening on offense at two-minute timeout

Riley Leonard takes advantage of a free play with a 28-yard pass down the right sidelines to wide receiver Kris Mitchell. Irish are back in the red zone at the Black Knights’ 15-yard line with two minutes to go in the first half. Leonard is now 8 of 8 passing for 115 yards to start the night.

Jeremiah Love scores touchdown to extend Notre Dame lead

Notre Dame takes advantage of great field position, as Jeremiah Love runs one in from the Army 10-yard line for the score. Love’s score capped off a three-play dive for 41 yards for the Irish, who now lead Army 21-7. It is the 11th consecutive game with a rushing touchdown for Love, which ties a Notre Dame program record. 

Army punts ball back to Notre Dame

Bryson Daily’s first pass of the night to Noah Short on third-and-5 is a couple yards short of the first down. Adon Shuler with the tackle for Notre Dame. Nice response by the Irish defense after their offense couldn’t punch it in on fourth down. Irish take over at the Army 41-yard line leading 14-7.

Notre Dame turns it over on downs

Notre Dame’s risk to go for it on fourth-and-goal from Army’s 1-yard line costs them as Black Knights’ linebacker Eric Ford tackles Irish running Jeremiah Love for a loss of a yard at the line. The Black Knights take over at their 2-yard line with 8:06 remaining in the second quarter.

Army responds with touchdown from Bryson Daily

Army opens the second quarter with a 4-yard rushing touchdown up the middle from quarterback Bryson Daily. It is the 22nd rushing touchdown of the season for Daily. All of the Black Knight’s 61 total yards of offense have come from the ground. Notre Dame now leads 14-7.

First quarter: Notre Dame 14, Army 0

Notre Dame leads Army after one quarter

It was all Notre Dame in the first quarter, as the Irish take a 14-0 lead over Army into the second quarter. To some surprise, Army quarterback Bryson Daily has not attempted a single pass yet tonight vs. Notre Dame’s defense. The Black Knights only have 51 passing attempts this season.

Army moving on offense

Jeff Monken calls his first timeout of the half to avoid a delay of game penalty. Black Knights are facing a first-and-10 on the Notre Dame 28-yard line for their seventh play of the drive. Army has yet to throw the ball on this drive, getting all of its 42 yards on the ground.

Notre Dame blocks punt for excellent field position, score

Following the touchdown, Notre Dame’s special teams gets involved after Bryce Young blocks a punt to take over inside the Black Knights’ 10-yard line! Three plays later, Leonard has his second touchdown pass of the day with an easy pitch-and-catch to Jeremiyah Love for 6-yards, who hurdles into the end zone for the Fighting Irish’s second score.

Here’s a look at the block punt from Young:

Here’s a look at Leonard’s touchdown pass to Love:

Notre Dame gets on the board first with Riley Leonard touchdown

Riley Leonard gets Notre Dame on the board first with a 28-yard touchdown connection with Jordan Faison. The Irish are up 7-0 early.

Pregame

Notre Dame takes field at Yankee Stadium

The Irish join hands on the field at Yankee Stadium during pregame ahead of their top-25 matchup against Army.

Notre Dame debuting new uniform for Shamrock Series vs. Army 

Notre Dame will unveil a new uniform for Saturday’s Shamrock Series game vs. Army, a tradition that the Irish have done in the past for this unique neutral site game.

Here’s a closer look at the uniforms:

‘College GameDay’ feature on Army assistant coach Sean Saturnio

Earlier Saturday on “College GameDay,” ESPN’s Marty Smith shared a rather heartwarming story about the relationship between Army special teams coordinator Sean Saturnio and his brother Joe, who has down syndrome.

Notre Dame band takes over Big Apple 

The Notre Dame marching band put on a Saturday matinee performance in the middle of Times Square in New York City playing Frank Sinatra’s famous “New York, New York.” Nothing like Frank Sinatra, Times Square and New York! 

Stage is set for Notre Dame-Army 

Preparations are all done at Yankee Stadium for Saturday night’s top-25 matchup. It is the third time that Notre Dame and Army will meet at Yankee Stadium for the Shamrock Series. 

Notre Dame-Army ‘College GameDay’ picks 

Here’s who the ESPN “College GameDay” crew and guest picker Justin Fields picked to win Saturday’s Shamrock Series game between Notre Dame and Army: 

Desmond Howard: Notre Dame
Nick Saban: Notre Dame
Pat McAfee: Notre Dame
Justin Field: Notre Dame
Lee Corso: Notre Dame
Kirk Herbstreit: Notre Dame

Notre Dame CFP rankings 

The Irish were ranked as the No. 6 team in the College Football Playoff top 25 rankings and the No. 8 seed in the 12-team CFP bracket in Tuesday’s rankings unveiling. Notre Dame’s 8-seed would give Marcus Freeman’s squad a first round home game vs. No. 9 seed Alabama

Army CFP rankings

The Black Knights were ranked as the No. 19 team in the College Football Playoff top 25 rankings in Tuesday’s rankings unveiling. Army is seven spots out from being included in the 12-team CFP bracket.

CFP rankings for Week 13

Here’s a look at the CFP top 25 from Tuesday’s third CFP rankings release: 

Oregon (11-0)
Ohio State (9-1)
Texas (9-1)
Penn State (9-1)
Indiana (10-0)
Notre Dame (9-1)
Alabama (8-2)
Miami (9-1)
Ole Miss (8-2)
Georgia (8-2)
Tennessee (8-2)
Boise State (9-1)
SMU (9-1)
BYU (9-1)
Texas A&M (8-2)
Colorado (8-2)
Clemson (8-2)
South Carolina (7-3)
Army (9-0)
Tulane (9-2)
Arizona State (8-2)
Iowa State (8-2)
Missouri (7-3)
UNLV (8-2)
Illinois (7-3)

Notre Dame vs Army time today

Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Yankee Stadium (Bronx, New York)

Notre Dame and Army will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 23 from Yankee Stadium.

What channel is Notre Dame vs Army game on today?

TV channel: NBC
Streaming:Peacock | Fubo (free trial)

Notre Dame vs Army will broadcast nationally on NBC in Week 13. Ian Eagle and Todd Blackledge will call the game from the booth at Yankee Stadium, with Kathryn Tappen reporting from the sidelines.

Streaming options for the game include Peacock, NBC’s subscription streaming service, and Fubo, which carries NBC and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Watch Notre Dame football vs. Army live with Fubo (free trial)

Notre Dame vs Army history

Series record: Notre Dame leads 39-8-4
Notre Dame’s last win: 2016 (44-6)
Army’s last win: 1958 (14-2)

Notre Dame leads the all-time series against Army 39-8-4 – including wins in each of the past 15 meetings against the Black Knights.

Notre Dame vs Army predictions

Here are the score predictions for Notre Dame vs. Army from South Bend Tribune writers:

Tom Noie: Notre Dame 34, Army 13
Austin Hough: Notre Dame 24, Army 17
Mike Berardino: Notre Dame 45, Army 10

Notre Dame vs Army betting odds

Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Friday, Nov. 22:

Odds: Notre Dame (-14.5)
Over/under: 45.5
Moneyline: Notre Dame -700 | Army +500

Notre Dame vs Army injury updates

Notre Dame: RB Devyn Ford (right groin) is questionable, and DL Howard Cross III (left ankle) is also questionable.

Army: N/A

Notre Dame vs Army weather updates

The forecast for Saturday at Yankee Stadium and The Bronx is partly cloudy and windy, with a high of 49 degrees, according to The Weather Channel. By the time Notre Dame and Army kick off, it is expected to be 46 degrees with winds going northwest at 17 mph.

Notre Dame football 2024 schedule

Here’s a look at Notre Dame’s schedule in 2024, including past scores and results:

Saturday, Aug. 31: at No. 20 Texas A&M (W, 23-13)
Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Northern Illinois (L, 16-14)
Saturday, Sept. 14: at Purdue (W, 66-7)
Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. Miami (Ohio) (W, 28-3)
Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. No. 17 Louisville (W, 31-24)
Saturday, Oct. 5: BYE
Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. Stanford (W, 49-7)
Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. Georgia Tech (W, 31-13)
Saturday, Oct. 26: vs. No. 24 Navy (W, 51-14)
Saturday, Nov. 2: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Florida State (W, 52-3)
Saturday, Nov. 16: vs. Virginia (35-14)
Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. No. 17 Army
Saturday, Nov. 30: at USC
Record: 9-1 overall

Army football 2024 schedule

Here’s a look at Army’s schedule in 2024, including past scores and results:

Friday, Aug. 30: vs. Lehigh (W, 42-7)
Saturday, Sept. 7: at Florida Atlantic * (W, 24-7)
Saturday, Sept. 14: BYE
Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. Rice * (W, 37-14)
Thursday, Sept. 26: at Temple * (W, 42-14)
Saturday, Oct. 5: at Tulsa * (W, 49-7)
Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. UAB * (W, 44-10)
Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. East Carolina (W, 45-28)
Saturday, Oct. 26: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. Air Force (W, 20-3)
Saturday, Nov. 9: at North Texas (W, 14-3)
Saturday, Nov. 16: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. No. 6 Notre Dame
Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. UTSA *
Friday, Dec. 6: vs Tulane (AAC Championship Game)
Saturday, Dec. 14: vs. Navy (Army-Navy Game)
Record: 9-0 overall, 7-0 in AAC play

* Denotes AAC game

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Indiana’s worst nightmare unfolded at Ohio State. Bring on the CFP bracket scrutiny after this Hoosiers meltdown.
Curt Cignetti and Indiana have no answer for Ohio State’s relentless pass rush.
Ryan Day’s Buckeyes reaffirm their national championship contender status. Indiana earns its bubble status.

The No. 5 Hoosiers had everyone believing – skeptics and loyalists alike – they were College Football Playoff-worthy for about a quarter and a half Saturday.

And then … total mismatch.

This beatdown at The Shoe became the lopsided result of Indiana’s worst nightmare.

Indiana’s playoff bid in jeopardy after a 38-15 loss at No. 2 Ohio State?

Absolutely.

I won’t tell you Indiana (10-1) certainly isn’t a playoff team, because games remain, and if we’ve learned anything this season, it’s that nobody’s safe from a faceplant.

(See Ole Miss blowing its playoff bid by losing to Florida.)

But, we could have emerged from this day knowing – knowing without a shred of doubt – that Indiana deserves a playoff spot. After this result, I’m full of doubt.

Indiana earns CFP scrutiny after flop against Ohio State

The Hoosiers spent 10 games spinning a tale that they’d built a real team unlike anything in their history, before the Buckeyes spent a few hours revealing that what the playoff committee thought it saw in Indiana was a mirage.

Ohio State destroyed Indiana’s offensive line. One sack, two sacks, three sacks, more. Five sacks, in total. By the end, some merciful soul should have handed Indiana a white flag to call off a Buckeyes defense that just kept coming.

Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke couldn’t develop a rhythm, while Ohio State’s Will Howard enjoyed a relaxed afternoon of pitch and catch. Indiana’s special teams became a laugher, handing the Buckeyes 14 points.

Call this what it was, a full-fledged, all-three-phases beatdown that leaves Hoosiers squarely on the bubble.

If not for that lofty ranking next to Indiana’s name, you would’ve thought this was little different than any other Indiana team throughout its 30-game losing streak to the Buckeyes.

Indiana didn’t need to beat the Buckeyes to prove their playoff credentials. The Hoosiers just needed to compete well enough to squash the doubt that the undefeated record they boasted mere days before Thanksgiving was the byproduct of the worst schedule of any Power Four playoff contender.

By the end of this blowout, I’m left thinking Indiana’s record says about as much about Western Illinois, Florida International, Charlotte, Northwestern, UCLA, Maryland, Michigan State and others as it does about the Hoosiers.

Indiana left itself vulnerable to this scrutiny because of its soft schedule, but all it needed was one competitive afternoon against a playoff team to show it belonged in that CFP bracket.

Go ahead and lose to the only ranked opponent on the schedule. Just don’t get blown out.

It got blown out.

Now what?

Now, it’s much harder to make an argument for Indiana compared to a two-loss SEC bubble team, like Tennessee, or the prospect of multiple bids for the ACC.

The Hoosiers didn’t control their conference schedule. The Big Ten assigns those foes. But, they could have helped their résumé by playing someone – literally, anyone – from the SEC, ACC or Big 12. Instead, they canceled a road game at Louisville before Curt Cignetti became coach and played three non-conference cupcakes.

Don’t blame “Coach Cigs” for that decision, but don’t excuse him for how Indiana played Saturday, either. He, his staff and his team had no solution for how to handle OSU’s relentless pass rush.

Indiana cruised 70 yards for a score on its opening drive, making Ohio State look like Purdue.

Indiana retained the lead until midway through the second quarter.

If you were thinking then, forget the playoff debate, this is the nation’s No. 1 team, you would have had company. A special teams blunder allowed Ohio State the lead before halftime.

The second half showed the Hoosiers aren’t in Ohio State’s league.

Ryan Day’s Buckeyes look part of national title contender

Buckeyes fans, are you counting this as a big-game win for Ryan Day? Yeah, give him some credit.

Day’s inability to win enough of the biggest games draws the ire of OSU’s fan base, but he’s holding the line this season.

Facing the toughest schedule of any Big Ten playoff contender, the Buckeyes went into Happy Valley and fed James Franklin more spoiled milk, then stomped on Indiana’s Cinderella story. Beat Michigan next week, and they’ll enjoy a chance to avenge their lone loss, to No. 1 Oregon.

This win was less about Day, though, and more about the best roster money can buy showing up.

Indiana built a team of undervalued transfers looking to prove themselves on the big stage. The Hoosiers have proven they’re better than a bunch of bad and mediocre teams.

Ohio State, with a powerful NIL collective at its back, assembled a super squad. The Buckeyes are a playoff team and a national championship contender.

The Hoosiers certainly aren’t the latter, and they made us question whether they’re the former after the one kind of performance Indiana couldn’t afford.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer. Subscribe to read all of his columns.

His Colorado football team lost on the road against Kansas on Saturday, 37-21, damaging the Buffaloes’ bid to get into the Big 12 Conference championship game and earn a berth in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

Colorado (8-3) fell into a 17-0 hole in the second quarter and never recovered in front of announced crowd of 56,470 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Kansas made it nearly impossible for the Buffaloes to catch up by hogging the ball and scoring on its first seven possessions – four by running back Devin Neal and three field goals by kicker Tabor Allen

Neal had 207 yards rushing and 80 yards receiving as Kansas (5-6) won its third consecutive game against a ranked team – the first time in major college football history that a team with a losing record has beaten three straight ranked teams.

Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter still kept his Heisman Trophy hopes alive with eight catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

But this loss hurts the Buffs even if it doesn’t totally doom their Big 12 title hopes quite yet. They entered the game at 16th in the playoff rankings and tied for first place in the Big 12 with BYU. 

After BYU lost Saturday at Arizona State, 28-23, several teams will be tied for first place with 6-2 league records – BYU, Colorado, Arizona State and possibly Iowa State if the Cyclones beat Utah on Saturday night.

But because Colorado has not played any of those teams, the tiebreaking process could get complicated and the Buffs might need more than a win in their regular-season finale Friday at home against Oklahoma State (3-8).

Here’s how the Kansas-Colorado game unfolded.

Colorado vs Kansas highlights

Colorado’s College Football Playoff chances

Even if the Buffs still get into the Big 12 title game and win it, this loss hurts their CFP standing because only the five highest-ranked conference champions get automatic playoff berths. The other seven berths go to at-large teams based on their ranking. A Big 12 champion with three losses might not rank higher than the champs of five other leagues – the American Athletic, Mountain West, Atlantic Coast, Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences. For example, No. 19 Army or No. 20 Tulane could win the AAC and outrank a Big 12 champ with three losses. League leaders from the four other leagues already outrank Big 12 rankings leaders BYU and Colorado.

Colorado-Kansas final score

Kansas 37, No. 18 Colorado 21

College football scores Week 13

No. 2 Ohio State 38, No. 5 Indiana 15
No. 3 Texas 31, Kentucky 14
No. 4 Penn State 26, Minnesota 25
No. 7 Alabama at Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m. ET
No. 8 Georgia 59, UMass 21
Florida 24, No. 9 Ole Miss 17
No. 10 Miami (Fla.) 42, Wake Forest 14
No. 11 Tennessee 56, UTEP 0
No. 12 SMU 33, Virginia 7
No. 14 Texas A&M at Auburn, 7:30 p.m. ET
No. 16 Clemson 51, Citadel 14
No. 19 South Carolina 56, Wofford 12
No. 21 Iowa State at Utah, 7:30 p.m. ET
No. 22 Arizona State 28, No. 15 BYU 23
No. 23 UNLV 27, San Jose State 16
Cincinnati at No. 25 Kansas State, 8 p.m. ET

Devin Neal stats

Kansas senior running back Devin Neal had quite the Senior Day, rushing for 207 yards on 37 carries with three touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in his final ‘home game’ for the Jayhawks.

Colorado running out of time

This one looks like it’s over for Colorado. The Buffaloes faced fourth down and 21 yards to go and failed to convert when quarterback Shedeur Sanders scrambled to find an open receiver and threw an incomplete pass to the end zone.

Kansas leads 37-21 with 6:22 left in the fourth quarter. The Jayhawks will now try to keep doing what they’ve been doing – hog the ball and run out the clock.

Kansas has possessed the ball for 33:49, compared to 19:49 for Colorado.

Shedeur Sanders appears to shove official vs Kansas

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders could be lucky that he was not ejected in the third quarter of Saturday’s game against Kansas.

The No. 18 Buffaloes signal-caller appeared to lose his cool and shove head official Kevin Mar following a potentially missed call after he was hit, forcing a three-and-out for Colorado as it trailed the Jayhawks. Sanders appeared to throw a one-handed shove at the official after getting up, but no penalty flag was thrown.

Mike Pereira, the rules analyst at FOX Sports, said Sanders was lucky he wasn’t ejected for his actions. — Ehsan Kassim

Kansas score: Devin Neal 2-yard touchdown run

Kansas running back Devin Neal has carried the Jayhawks on his back Saturday and now has helped extend their lead over Colorado to 37-21 with 11:47 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Neal has scored four touchdowns – the latest coming on a 2-yard run after helping KU’s drive stay alive with a 1-yard fourth down conversion to the CU 9-yard line.

Kansas has scored on all seven of its possessions – four touchdowns by Neal and three field goals by Tabor Allen.

End of third quarter: Kansas 30, Colorado 21

Kansas is threatening to score again after three quarters of play with a 30-21 lead. The Jayhawks have scored six times in six possessions – three field goals by Tabor Allen and three touchdowns by running back Devin Neal.

They will open the fourth quarter with the ball at the Colorado 18-yard line on second down. Neal has 148 yards on 25 carries. 

Kansas score: Devin Neal 1-yard touchdown run

Kansas has had the ball six times in this game against Colorado and has scored on every possession, the latest coming on a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Devin Neal with 7:18 left in the third quarter. Kansas now leads 30-21.

Neal, a senior from Lawrence, Kansas, has 22 carries for 149 yards and three touchdowns – two rushing, one receiving. 

Travis Hunter Heisman pose

Colorado junior two-way star Travis Hunter has racked up 115 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions. Hunter punctuated his latest, a 26-yard TD from senior quarterback Shedeur Sanders, with a Heisman pose.

Colorado score: Travis Hunter 26-yard touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders

Travis Hunter does it again for Colorado. This time he reeled in a 26-yard touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders to help cut Kansas’ lead to 23-21 with 11:59 left in the third quarter.

Hunter, Colorado’s two-way star, was open near the Kansas 8-yard line on second down before catching the ball and taking it into the left side of the end zone.

Hunter has six catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns. It was Colorado’s first possession of the second half after scoring on two of their final three possessions of the first half.

How many sons does Deion Sanders have?

Colorado coach Deion Sanders has three sons — Deion Jr., Shilo and Shedeur. He also has two daughters — Deiondra and Shelomi.

Shedeur Sanders stats

Shedeur Sanders, Colorado’s senior quarterback and son of Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders, has completed 12-of-13 passes for 157 yards and two touchdown passes after one half against Kansas. Additionally, he’s Colorado’s leading rushing with 23 yards on two carries.

Big 12 standings

BYU 9-1, 6-1
Colorado 8-2, 6-1
Arizona State 8-2, 5-2
Iowa State 8-2, 5-2
Baylor 6-4, 4-3
Kansas State 7-3, 4-3
TCU 6-4, 4-3
Texas Tech 6-4, 4-3
West Virginia 5-5, 4-3
Cincinnati 5-5, 3-4
Kansas 4-6, 3-4
Houston 4-6, 3-4
UCF 4-6, 2-5
Arizona 4-6, 2-5
Utah 4-6, 1-6
Oklahoma State 3-7, 0-7

Colorado-Kansas halftime stats

Buffaloes

Passing: Shedeur Sanders 12-13, 157 yards, 2 TD
Rushing: Shedeur Sanders 2 carries, 23 yards
Receiving: Travis Hunter 4 receptions, 90 yards, TD

Jayhawks

Passing: Jalon Daniels 10-16, 143 yards, TD
Rushing: Devin Neal 14 carries, 88 yards, TD
Receiving: Devin Neal 3 receptions, 65 yards, TD

Kansas score: Tabor Allen 25-yard field goal

Kansas appeared nearly unstoppable in the first half against Colorado, having scored every time they had the ball in the first half to take a 23-14 halftime lead.

But three of those scores were field goals by Tabor Allen.

And that might not be enough to keep Colorado from mounting a comeback in the second half.

The latest score came on a 25-yard field goal from Allen with seven second left before halftime.

Colorado still has momentum on offense and gets the ball back to start the second half. The Buffaloes have scored touchdowns on two of their last three possessions and have gotten four catches for 90 yards and a touchdown from two-way star Travis Hunter.

Kansas had the ball for 21:01 in the first half, compared to 8:59 for Colorado.

Shedeur Sanders has completed 12 of 13 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns. 

Colorado score: Shedeur Sanders 19-yard touchdown pass to Drelon Miller

Colorado now appears to be warming up after getting two touchdowns in its last two possessions, cutting Kansas’ lead to 20-14 with 1:51 left in the first half. Freshman receiver Drelon Miller scored the latest touchdown on a 19-yard pass from quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Miller has three catches for 40 yards. Sanders has completed 12 of his first 13 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.

Travis Hunter stats

Travis Hunter, Colorado’s do-everything Heisman Trophy candidate, has four catches for 90 yards and a touchdown as the first half winds down. On defense, Hunter has three tackles.

Kansas score: Tabor Allen 23-yard field goal

How big of an egg is the Colorado defense laying against Kansas? A pretty big one so far, considering what’s at stake with College Football Playoff hopes still burning.

Kansas is now up 20-7 with 3:47 left in the first half after getting a 23-yard field goal from kicker Tabor Allen.

The 69-yard drive and was keyed by a 47-yard run by running back Devin Neal down the right sideline to the Colorado 8-yard line.

Kansas has scored on all four of its possessions so far: two touchdowns from Neal and two field goals by Allen.

Kansas Jayhawks football coach

Lance Leipold has been Kansas’ head coach since 2021. Before arriving at Kansas, Leipold spent six seasons at Buffalo, where he compiled a 37-33 record.

Colorado score: Travis Hunter 51-yard touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders

Travis Hunter has come to the rescue for Colorado. The two-way star caught a pass from Shedeur Sanders near the 50-yard line and raced down the right sideline for a 51-yard touchdown with 7:18 left in the first half. Colorado now trails 17-7.

Shedeur Sanders has completed eight of nine passes for 82 yards and a touchdown.

Kansas score: Devin Neal 9-yard touchdown run

Kansas is on a roll with three scores on its first three possessions against Colorado after beating two ranked teams in a row before Saturday. The Jayhawks lead 17-0 with after getting a 9-yard touchdown run from Devin Neal, who practically walked into the left side of the end zone with 9:02 left before halftime.

Their latest drive went eight plays for 61 yards.

Colorado has had the ball only twice, one that ended on a punt and another that ended when the Buffaloes were stopped on fourth down.

Arrowhead Stadium

Kansas’ home finale against Colorado is being played at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, on Saturday. The Jayhawks have been playing conference games at Arrowhead as their stadium is renovated.

End of first quarter: Kansas 10, Colorado 0

Colorado ends the first quarter having run only eight plays for 35 yards on two possessions.

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has completed five of six passes for 23 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions.

‘Obviously, we gotta turn it on,’ Colorado coach Deion Sanders told Fox after the first quarter. Sanders also said, ‘We got time.’

The Buffaloes will start the second quarter in the middle of their second drive of the game at the Kansas 42-yard line.

Jalon Daniels stats

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is 4 for 5 for 75 yards and a touchdown from the pocket, and has an additional 20 yards rushing at the 2:39 mark of the first quarter.

Kansas score: Tabor Allen 24-yard field goal

How poorly has Colorado started this game against Kansas? Count the ways. The Buffaloes trail 10-0 with 2:39 left in the first quarter. The Jayhawks have scored twice on their first two possessions, the latest coming on a 24-yard field goal by kicker Tabor Allen.

Kansas has seven first downs in their first 18 plays.

Colorado has had the ball only once and punted after running three plays for six yards.

Kansas has possessed the ball for 11:02, compared to 1:19 for Colorado.

Colorado three and out on first possession

Shedeur Sanders completed two of three passes during the Buffaloes’ first possession, but Colorado was unable to pick up a first down and went three and out. Kansas gets the ball back up 7-0.

Colorado football schedule

Aug. 29: vs. North Dakota State, W 31-26 
Sept. 7: at Nebraska, L 28-10 
Sept. 14: at Colorado State, W 28-9 
Sept. 21: vs. Baylor, W 38-31 in OT 
Sept. 28: at UCF, W 48-21 
Oct. 12: vs. Kansas State, L 31-28 
Oct. 19: at Arizona, W 34-7 
Oct. 26: vs. Cincinnati, W 34-23 
Nov. 9: at Texas Tech, W 41-27 
Nov. 16: vs. Utah, W 49-24 
Nov. 23: at Kansas, 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX 
Nov. 29: vs. Oklahoma State, noon ET on ABC  

Kansas score: Devin Neal 51-yard touchdown pass from Jalon Daniels

Colorado is off to another slow start. On the game’s first possession, Kansas running back Devin Neal caught a screen pass from quarterback Jalon Daniels and then raced down the left sideline and into the end zone for a 51-yard touchdown. Kansas is up 7-0 with 11:44 left in the first quarter.

The drive went six plays for 73 yards.

When is Colorado-Kansas game?

Kickoff is Saturday, Nov. 23 at 3:30 p.m. ET. 

Where is Colorado-Kansas game?

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

How to watch Colorado-Kansas game

The Colorado-Kansas game will be broadcast on FOX with Jason Benetti, Brock Huard, and Allison Williams on the call.

How to stream Colorado-Kansas game

The Buffaloes-Jayhawks can be streamed on Fubo.

Watch on Fubo!

Colorado vs. Kansas odds, line

The Colorado Buffaloes are favorites to defeat the Kansas Jayhawks in Saturday’s college football matchup, according to the BetMGM college football odds. Looking to wager? Check out the top college football betting apps in 2024 offering the top NCAA football betting promos and bonuses in 2024. 

Spread: Colorado (-2.5) 
Moneyline: Colorado (-150); Kansas (+125) 
Over/under: 59.5 

College football predictions Week 13 

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for this week’s ranked games. 

Colorado vs. Kansas weather 

The game time temperature in Kansas City is expected to be in the high 50s with partly sunny skies, according to AccuWeather. Winds are forecast to come out of the south-southeast at about 10 mph. 

Colorado vs. Kansas predictions 

Here’s who our staff is predicting will win this matchup, and other Top 25 games for this week: 

Dan Wolken: Kansas 
Eddie Timanus: Kansas 
Erick Smith: Kansas 
Jordan Mendoza: Colorado 
Paul Myerberg: Kansas 
Scooby Axson: Kansas 

How can Colorado clinch a berth in the Big 12 championship game? 

The Buffs are tied with BYU for first place in the Big 12 with 5-1 league records. Winning today and next Friday at home against Oklahoma State (3-7) would get them into the Big 12 title game. 

They also could clinch a spot in the title game today with a win against Kansas and some help from others, namely wins today by BYU and Utah against two teams tied for second place with 5-2 league records: Arizona State and Iowa State. 

How can Colorado get a College Football Playoff berth? 

The five highest ranked conference champions get an automatic playoff berth, along with seven at-large teams. If the Buffs win their final two regular-season games and the Big 12 championship, they would get into the playoff under the current rankings. If they rank as one of the four highest-ranked conference champs, they would earn a first-round bye and start the playoffs in the quarterfinals on Dec. 31 or Jan. 1, possibly in the Fiesta or Sugar Bowls. 

The Buffs are 16th in the current playoff rankings and would move up if they won the Big 12, though it’s not clear how much they’d climb. 

A loss in their next two or three games could drop them out of playoff contention and possibly into the non-playoff Holiday or Alamo Bowls Dec. 27 or Dec. 28. 

Follow all the big news at Colorado this week 

Colorado landed its quarterback of the future with the commitment of Julian “JuJu” Lewis. 
Deion Sanders celebrated the 100th birthday of Colorado superfan Peggy Coppom. 
Travis Hunter said he “definitely” will leave CU for the NFL next season. 
Sanders also debuted his new entertainment talk show on Tubi, the online streaming platform. 
After arriving in Kansas City, Deion Sanders met at the stadium with Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid. Here is what Reid means to Sanders. 

Colorado vs. Kansas all-time record 

This will be the 71st meeting between the Buffaloes and Jayhawks. Colorado leads the series 42-25-3. Kansas won the last matchup, 52-45, on Nov. 6, 2010. 

Kansas schedule 2024 

Aug. 29: vs. Lindenwood, W 48-3 
Sept. 7: at Illinois, L 23-17 
Sept. 13: vs. UNLV, L 23-20 
Sept. 21: at West Virginia, L 32-28 
Sept. 28: vs. TCU, L 38-27 
Oct. 5: at Arizona State, L 35-31 
Oct. 19: vs. Houston, W 42-14 
Oct. 26: at Kansas State, L 29-27 
Nov. 9: vs. Iowa State, W 45-36 
Nov. 16: at BYU, W 17-13 
Nov. 23:  vs. Colorado, 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX 
Nov. 30: at Baylor, TBD 

Colorado depth chart 

Offense 

QB: Shedeur Sanders, SR 
RB: Isaiah Augustave, SO 
WR: Will Sheppard, GR 
WR: Terrell Timmons Jr., JR 
WR: Travis Hunter, JR 
WR: LaJohntay Wester, SR 
TE: Sav’ell Smalls, SR 
RT: Phillip Houston, JR 
RG: Justin Mayers, SR 
C: Cash Cleveland, FR 
LG: Tyler Brown, JR 
LT: Jordan Seaton, FR 

Defense 

DE: B.J. Green, SR 
DT: Amari McNeill, JR 
DT: Chidoze Nwankwo, SR 
DE: Samuel Okunlola, SO 
ILB: Nikhai Hill-Green, GR 
ILB: LaVonta Bentley, GR 
CB: Travis Hunter, JR 
S: Shilo Sanders, GR 
S: Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, SR 
CB: D.J. McKinney, SO 
NB: Isaiah Hardge, FR 

Specialists 

P: Mark Vassett, SR 
K: Alejandro Mata, JR 

Kansas depth chart 

Offense 

QB: Jalon Daniels, JR 
RB: Devin Neal, SR 
WR: Luke Grimm, SR 
WR: Lawrence Arnold, SR 
WR: Quentin Skinner, SR 
TE: Jared Casey, SR 
RT: Logan Brown, JR 
RG: Kobe Baynes, JR 
C: Bryce Foster, JR 
LG: Michael Ford Jr., SR 
LT: Bryce Cabeldue, SR 

Defense 

DE: Jereme Robinson, SR 
DT: DJ Withers, JR 
DT: Caleb Taylor, SR 
DE: Sean Miller, JR 
HAWK: Jayson Gilliom, JR  
LB: Cornell Wheeler, SR  
LB: JB Brown, SR 
CB: Cobee Bryant, SR 
S: Marvin Grant, SR 
S: O.J. Burroughs, SR 
CB: Mello Dotson, SR

Specialists 

P: Damon Greaves, SO 
K: Tabor Allen, SR 

US LBM Coaches Poll 

The top 10 once again looks a little different in the new US LBM Coaches Poll after Week 12. The shuffling, however, didn’t reach the apex of the rankings. No. 20 Tulane and No. 22 Arizona State head the group of four teams moving into the Top 25. No. 23 UNLV and No. 24 Memphis also return. Kansas State narrowly hangs on to the No. 25 spot after its loss to Arizona State. Review the details from the latest rankings. — Eddie Timanus

College Football Fix podcast 

Tensions are high and controversy is ramping up around the College Football Playoff rankings with less than three weeks left before the field is set on Selection Sunday. 

Part of this week’s debate centered on the status of Indiana, which has a schedule short on quality opponents but long on victories. The other flash point comes with regard to the possibility of Boise State earning a first-round bye as one of the four highest-rated conference champions. 

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

The Orlando Pride won its first NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) Championship with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium on Saturday.

Barbra Banda and the Pride entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed and finished the season now finished the season with an overall record of 19-6-2. Banda scored the game-winning goal in the first half, increasing her team-leading goal total to 14. She also leads the team with six assists.

Trinity Rodman and the Spirit fell short of the team’s second league title.

The Pride has won its last two games against the Spirit, including the 2-0 victory on Oct. 6.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Marta and Orlando Pride win NWSL Championship

Marta, who continues to play at 38 years old, finally adds an NWSL championship to her legendary resume.

Rookie of the Year honored

Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune was recognized as the 2024 Rookie of the Year at halftime. Bethune had five goals and 10 assists this season.

Halftime: Orlando Pride 1, Washington Spirit 0

Barbra Banda’s first-half goal was her fourth of the playoffs, setting a new NWSL record.

Pride takes an early lead against Spirit in first half

Barbra Banda scores the first goal of the game 38th minute of the first half for the Pride, after attacking the right side of the net, to take the lead against Orlando.

NWSL Championship Game: Time, TV and streaming

Date: Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024
Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
TV: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+
Location: CPKC Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)

Watch the NWSL Championship with Fubo

What time is the Pride vs. Spirit game?

The NWSL Championship game between the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit will begin at 8 p.m. ET.

What channel is the NWSL Championship game?

The NWSL Championship game between the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.

Pride vs. Spirit: Odds and betting line for NWSL Championship Game

Odds as of Saturday on BetMGM:

Moneyline: Orlando (+110), Tie (+220), Washington (+200)
Over/under: 2.5

NWSL Predictions:

CBS: Spirit has the difference-maker

Michael Goodman writes ‘These sides both seem like teams of destiny. Orlando Pride seemingly came out of nowhere to dominate this year with Barbra Banda proving to be one of the shrewdest pickups in NWSL history and Marta rolling back the years at 38. … Ultimately though, it’ll be (Trinity) Rodman that makes the difference.’

Girls Soccer Network: Orlando will break the curse

Rohtas Wadera writes ‘Orlando has set the standard for everyone else to chase this season. Outside of the small slip-up to end the regular season, the Pride have been locked in all year with one goal in mind. They’re not going to let it slip now. The Pride will break the NWSL Shield curse and win it all.’

AllForXI: Pride’s duo provide enough for success

Amanda Westlake writes ‘The Pride will beat the Spirit. Barbra Banda and Marta are just too good – watching their respective semifinal goals leaves no doubt. Orlando has also won both of their playoff games without extra time, leaving their players with fewer minutes than Spirit’s – who went to extra time in both the quarterfinals and semifinals.’

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

There he was in the middle of it all at The Swamp, standing and smiling and soaking it all in.

The greatest comeback since Lazarus.

It wasn’t long ago that Florida’s deep-pocket boosters pooled together millions to fire Gators coach Billy Napier. Save that cash, folks. 

Better yet, throw it at the Florida NIL collective. Napier isn’t going anywhere.

“We’re just getting started,” Napier said after Florida’s 24-17 upset of No. 9 Mississippi on Saturday that secured bowl eligibility for the Gators. “This is part of the big picture journey.”

From embattled to emboldened, in six short weeks. 

This improbable climb, this you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me rise from the rabbit hole of firing coaches and paying tens of millions in walkaway money, has finally reached the surface.

To the big, beautiful light of winning games. 

If a win over LSU last week was hope, a convincing win over Ole Miss – the biggest win for not just Napier, but in 16 years for the floundering Florida program – is a statement of defiance. 

So he waked into the post-game press conference, and opened it by saying, ‘What do they say, are you not entertained?’

Marcus Aurelius himself couldn’t have said it better.

There are numerous winners in this comeback for the ages, all contributing to what one day could be the turning point of Napier’s successful tenure at Florida. But none more than the coach who, prior to his biggest win in three seasons, was 16-19 in 35 career games as the Gators coach.

It was falling apart in a cacophony of self-inflicted wounds and poor coaching, and was only a matter of time before Napier was fired and took everyone – the athletic director, a talented group of underclassmen, the hope of a passionate but gutted fan base – down with him. 

Florida boosters, infamous for their impatience, wanted Napier out and wanted to hire – how about this for irony? – Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss. In an absolutely stunning transformation, that was Kiffin on the sidelines at The Swamp, a dumfounded look on his face as his quarterback threw another interception to officially end the game. 

And that was Napier on the other side, a measured smile and a gracious soliloquy for television after the game. 

He better have gone off in that postgame locker room. He better have raised his voice and shouted from all high and declared this game, this moment, is where everything changes.

This is where Florida, which hasn’t won the SEC or been nationally relevant since 2008, turns the corner.

This is where Florida, which has thumbed through coach after coach (Will Muschamp, Jim McElwain, Dan Mullen) since 2011 while desperately trying to find the next Steve Spurrier or Urban Meyer, sells the future to one of the three most talented states for high school recruits.

This is where Florida, which has ceded the SEC to Alabama and Georgia and LSU over the last 16 seasons, starts the turn to make it all the way back. 

It’s hard to ignore what Napier has been building over the last six weeks, and how it’s now clearly coming into focus. The Gators should’ve beaten Tennessee in Knoxville (lost in overtime), and – but for an injury to quarterback DJ Lagway – could’ve beaten Georgia earlier this month.

We only focused on the losses, and how much closer they brought Napier to the inevitable reality of unemployment. We ignored a talented core of underclassmen beginning to figure it out, and a rare talent at quarterback with the ability to not only play at a high level — but get others to play to their ceiling, too. 

The defense, an historical mess over the last two seasons, got better when a group of players showed up at Napier’s office and told him the scheme had to change. It had to be simplified. 

Napier listened, and the unit has developed into one of the best in the SEC. Ole Miss had three trips inside the red zone Saturday, and didn’t get a point. 

Ole Miss failed on two critical fourth-down attempts, ending 65- and 69-yard drives with nothing to show for it. The Gators had four sacks and harassed Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart into his worst game of the season. 

This from a defense that couldn’t stop Miami if the season depended on it, and couldn’t stop Texas A&M’s backup quarterback if Napier’s job was on the line. Like it was. 

But not anymore. 

Billy Napier has climbed out of the hole, and into the big beautiful light of winning. 

Are you not entertained?

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

The playoff edition of Major League Soccer’s Hudson River Derby had quite the buildup. It quickly dissipated after 25 minutes.

Felipe Carballo Ares and Dante Vanzeir scored early goals for the New York Red Bulls to beat New York City FC 2-0 in their conference semifinal match in the MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday night at Citi Field in Queens, New York.

The Red Bulls beat their in-state rival and earned a trip to the MLS Cup conference finals for the first time since 2018. They will meet the winner of Sunday’s semifinal between Orlando City and Atlanta United.

Carballo fired a left boot from outside the box after a volley into play by his goalie in the 16th minute, while Vanzeir was in the right place at the right time to score in the 25th minute off the right post after a corner kick.

It was the 30th all-time match between the New York MLS clubs, but the first in the postseason. While the intensity heightened in the second half, the Red Bulls relied on their first-half scores to continue their postseason run.

The No. 7 seed Red Bulls began their postseason by eliminating No. 2 Columbus Crew, the reigning MLS champions, during their first-round series.

It was the second-biggest upset of the playoffs so far after Atlanta United eliminated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

No. 6 NYCFC beat No. 3 FC Cincinnati, last season’s Supporters’ Shield winners, in another major first-round upset.

With the Top 3 seeds eliminated, the path to the Dec. 7 MLS Cup final has become cleared for the Red Bulls.

They reached the MLS Cup once, losing to the Columbus Crew in 2008. The franchise has the longest active postseason appearance streak among North America’s major men’s professional sports leagues, making the playoffs in 15 consecutive seasons.

NYCFC won MLS Cup defeating the Portland Timbers in 2021. It finished ahead of the Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference standings this season, and won the previous two matches in the Hudson River Derby before Saturday’s match.

NYCFC, which splits home games between Citi Field and Yankee Stadium, this week announced the name of its own soccer-specific stadium, Ethiad Park, opening in 2027.

Check out these highlights from the New York City FC-New York Red Bulls playoff match.

Dante Vanzeir goal: New York Red Bulls 2, NYCFC 0

The Red Bulls have doubled their lead in the 25th minute.

Dante Vanzeir was in the right place at the right time, finding the ball after it was sent into play from a corner kick, and striking it off the right post and into the net.

Felipe Carballo goal: New York Red Bulls 1, NYCFC 0

What a strike. Felipe Carballo connected with a left boot in the 16th minute, and the Red Bulls have the early 1-0 lead.

Scoring first has been favorable for the Red Bulls: They are 10-1-5 when scoring first, including the playoffs.

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

The NYCFC vs. RBNY game will stream on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls starting lineups

Here are the starting lineups for both clubs on Saturday:

Where is the NYCFC vs. New York Red Bulls playoff game?

New York City FC will host the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Citi Field in Queens, New York.

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

Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
TV: None
Stream: Apple TV
Location: Citi Field, Queens, New York

NYCFC vs. New York Red Bulls betting odds

According to BetMGM, here are the odds after regulation: New York City FC (+115), New York Red Bulls (+210), tie (+240). 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 FC (+165), Los Angeles Galaxy (+300), Orlando City SC (+500), New York City FC (+700), New York Red Bulls (+800), Seattle Sounders FC (+1000), Minnesota United FC (+1600) and Atlanta United (+2500).

Remaining 2024 MLS playoff schedule

Nov. 23-24: Conference semifinals (single-elimination matches)
Nov. 30-Dec. 1: Conference finals (single-elimination matches)
Dec. 7: MLS Cup (single winner-take-all match)

MLS CUP: Ranking every Major League Soccer championship game

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY operates independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Following the unexpected first-round upsets of Inter Miami — the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners — and Columbus Crew — the defending MLS Cup champion — the road to MLS Cup could go through Los Angeles’ BMO Stadium.

Los Angeles FC is the highest seed remaining in the MLS Cup Playoffs and will enjoy home-field advantage for as long as it remains in the postseason.

Standing in the way are the Seattle Sounders, a playoff regular that has missed the postseason just once in their 15-year MLS history. The Sounders advanced through Round 1 after winning back-to-back penalty shootouts against the Houston Dynamo. Goalkeeper Stefan Frei has registered 14 clean sheets in MLS playoff games — the second-most in league history — and will be counted on to divert a dynamic LAFC attack.

LAFC are unbeaten in the last 10 meetings against the Sounders, including knockout wins over Seattle in the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup and semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup. LAFC and Seattle also met in the conference semifinals last season, a game LAFC won en route to a second consecutive MLS Cup appearance. LAFC is aiming to become the third team to advance to MLS Cup in three consecutive seasons (joining D.C. United, which earned three titles in four straight appearances from 1996-99; and New England Revolution, which lost each of the finals they reached from 2005-07).

While LAFC has reached the MLS Cup in consecutive seasons — winning in an epic final in 2022 — the Seattle Sounders reached four MLS Cups in a five-year span from 2016-2020, winning twice.

The LAFC-Seattle Sounders winner will face the winner of the Los Angeles Galaxy-Minnesota United FC game in in next week’s Western Conference final.

When is the LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders playoff game?

Los Angeles FC will host Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, Nov. 23 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

How to stream the LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders playoff game

The Los Angeles FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC game will stream on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders: MLS Cup Playoffs time, streaming

Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
TV: None
Stream: Apple TV
Location: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles

LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders betting odds

According to BetMGM, here are the odds after regulation: Los Angeles FC (-110), Seattle Sounders FC (+275), tie (+250). 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 FC (+165), Los Angeles Galaxy (+300), Orlando City SC (+500), New York City FC (+700), New York Red Bulls (+800), Seattle Sounders FC (+1000), Minnesota United FC (+1600) and Atlanta United (+2500).

Remaining 2024 MLS playoff schedule

Nov. 23-24: Conference semifinals (single-elimination matches)
Nov. 30-Dec. 1: Conference finals (single-elimination matches)
Dec. 7: MLS Cup (single winner-take-all match)

MLS CUP: Ranking every Major League Soccer championship game

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY operates independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.