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The optics were perfect. The crowd was massive. The media reviews were glowing.

But there was a fundamental contradiction at the heart of Kamala Harris’ speech on the Ellipse that virtually no one is talking about. 

First, I’ll give the vice president her due. It was a well-written address and strongly delivered. It contained a fair amount of policy, such as Medicare payments for home health care and aid to first-time home buyers.

Harris acknowledged that many voters were just getting to know her. She mentioned her mom and her middle-class upbringing, as she always does. She said she’s not perfect and makes mistakes.

But the backbone of the speech was a two-fisted, no-holds-barred attack on Donald Trump.

Harris likened him to King George III as a ‘petty tyrant.’ She called him ‘unstable’ and ‘consumed with grievance.’ She said he’s seeking ‘unchecked power’ and is ‘obsessed with revenge.’

In short, after a 100-day campaign, Harris is still running as she did when she quickly seized the nomination, as the anti-Trump.

Now such rhetorical assaults can be traced to the dawn of the republic. You may not love me, but that other guy is so much worse.

That’s why she used the White House as a backdrop, standing at the spot where Trump gave his speech on Jan. 6, urging his supporters to go to the Capitol, where many proceeded to riot.

Fine. Fair game. Especially for a candidate who’s trying to win some Republican votes, aided by Liz Cheney, a number of former Trump officials and, as of yesterday, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

But then the veep tried to make the pivot, presenting herself as the candidate of unity.

And therein lies the fatal flaw. You can’t beat the crap out of your opponent and, in practically the next breath, say you want to bring the country together. You can’t have it both ways. You can be an attack dog, but if you’re baring those teeth, you can’t suddenly be purring like a puppy.

Not that Harris didn’t have some good lines. Trump has an enemies list and she’ll have a to-do list. And of political opponents: ‘He wants to put them in jail. I’ll give them a seat at my table.’

The segue: ‘It is time to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms.’

But, um, she just spent a good chunk of her speech pointing fingers.

And then she kept circling back to Trump in the second half, such as when discussing abortion rights.

Harris also went beyond political exaggeration. ‘He tried to cut Medicare and Social Security every year he was president,’ she said. That is simply not true. But she gets very little fact-checking.

Overall, the speech was a plus for her, despite its clashing ideas. But make no mistake, she’s running as the alternative to a man she paints as dangerous.

As the Free Press put it: ‘This campaign is and always has been all about Trump. And it will be all about Trump all the way to the finish line now.’

But Harris’ big moment was marred by Joe Biden – the, ah, previous nominee – to the point where it almost seems like he’s trying to undermine her.

Last week, the president said of his predecessor, ‘Lock him up.’ Harris always says she’ll leave that to the courts.

And now, referring to the racist comic at the Madison Square Garden rally who called Puerto Rico an island of garbage, Biden said: ‘The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.’

The president stumbled for a couple of seconds and added: ‘His–his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American.’

Boom. Too late. There were instant comparisons to Hillary Clinton’s ‘basket of deplorables’ swipe at Trump supporters in 2016.

Biden posted a clarification, saying he was referring only to comic Tony Hinchcliffe. (Trump says he doesn’t know the performer and didn’t hear the so-called joke.) 

The White House put out a transcript that included an apostrophe, as in ‘his supporter’s,’ trying to indicate that he was talking about one person. Who would have thought the campaign would turn on a lowly apostrophe? 

A reporter asked Harris about the Biden blunder yesterday before she boarded Air Force Two.

‘He clarified his comments, but let me be clear: I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for…I believe the work that I do is about representing people whether they support me or not.’

Kamala finally broke with the boss, wisely distancing herself from the blunder. No wonder she’s resisted his suggestions that they campaign together. He’s doing enough damage on his own, with some pundits even suggesting it’s deliberate. 

And that gave Trump an opening: ‘Now, on top of everything, Joe Biden calls our supporters ‘garbage.’ You can’t lead America if you don’t love the American people.’

It’s a distraction that Kamala Harris didn’t need in the final days of the campaign.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the 2024 World Series champions!

Relive the storied franchise’s triumph over the New York Yankees with an exclusive hardcover commemorative book from USA TODAY.

‘Blue Bloods’ chronicles a Dodgers season like no other – from the sky-high expectations brought on by the winter addition of Shohei Ohtani on a $700 million deal, all the way through the final out of the World Series against the Yankees.

The 160-page book showcases stunning action photography, expert storytelling and in-depth analysis from USA TODAY Sports and its baseball insiders including Bob Nightengale and Gabe Lacques.

Celebrate the Dodgers’ World Series championship – the eighth in franchise history – by ordering the book right now at LA.Champsbook.com, Books will ship in early December and can be pre-ordered now for $31.95 plus tax and shipping. Once released, the retail price will be $39.95.

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

These Dodgers began the regular season in South Korea and marched to their 11th NL West title in 12 years, dispatching the Padres and Mets in hard-fought playoff series to reach the Fall Classic for the fourth time under manager Dave Roberts. Along the way, Ohtani had one of the greatest seasons in baseball history – becoming the founding member of the 50-50 club with 54 home runs and 59 steals.

The perfect souvenir for Dodgers-diehards and baseball lovers alike. ‘Blue Bloods’ takes readers behind the scenes of the roller-coaster season and Ohtani’s first year with the Dodgers, including an exclusive interview with his agent about how the richest contract in American sports came together.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James scored the first regular-season points of his NBA career on Wednesday during the 134-110 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James, who was born in Cleveland, saw game action for the Lakers after not participating since the Oct. 22 season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

James is expected to remain with the team for the road trip before reportedly joining the South Bay Lakers in the G League.

Here’s a breakdown of James’ latest performance Wednesday night:

Bronny James’ stats tonight vs. Cavaliers

Points: 2
FG: 1-for-2
Rebounds: 0
Assists: 2
Steals: 1
Blocks: 0
Turnovers: 2
Fouls: 0
Minutes: 5

Lakers’ next game

The Lakers will continue their road trip with a game against the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Scotiabank Arena.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The viral New York Yankees fan who was ejected from Game 4 on Tuesday night for interfering with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts had quite the friend in college.

Four-time Super Bowl champion and New England Patriots icon Rob Gronkowski revealed on the ‘Up & Adams Show’ on Wednesday he knew Austin Capobianco, who was seen ripping the ball out of Betts’ glove in the first inning of Tuesday’s game. The former tight end said they were friends when Gronkowski was at the University of Arizona.

‘Here’s a little fun fact: That guy right there grabbing Mookie Betts’ glove was my friend in college,’ Gronkowski said. ‘He was on the ice hockey team, the club Arizona Wildcats team. Let me tell you, the whole hockey team, they’re absolutely, they were absolute maniacs.’

Gronkowski added his former friend’s actions ‘represents him very well.’

‘He is all in for his teams. He is all in for the Yankees. I remember him talking about the Yankees all the time, how he loves him so much, and that describes him perfectly, just doing whatever it takes to help his team out,’ he added.

All things Yankees: Latest New York Yankees news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Gronkowski congratulated Capobianco for ‘shining when your moment came,’ but said it was ‘truly unacceptable’ for what he did. He added he hasn’t spoken to him in some time, but he’s a ‘fun dude.’ He said more about Capobianco on social media.

The Yankees announced prior to Wednesday’s Game 5 that Capobianco and his friend John Peter will not be allowed back in the ballpark for Game 5 despite telling ESPN he would be allowed to do so. The Yankees said the fans’ conduct was ‘egregious and unacceptable.’ Capobianco told ESPN after the game he knew he did something wrong but didn’t appear to show remorse.

‘I patrol that wall and they know that,’ Capobianco said.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

A familiar foe, a familiar result.

The U.S. women lost to North Korea 1-0 in the semifinals of the Under-17 World Cup on Wednesday night. It’s the deepest the Americans have gone in the tournament since 2008, when they lost to … you guessed it, North Korea in the final.

The U.S. women are now 0-1-3 against North Korea in the U-17 tournament. The Under-20 team also lost to North Korea at its World Cup last month.

The Americans still have a chance to bring home some hardware. They’ll play either England or two-time defending champion Spain, which beat the Americans in the group stage, in the third-place game on Sunday.

North Korea, meanwhile, will be seeking its third U-17 title.

The two teams matched each other defensively in the first half, but North Korea gradually wore the U.S. women down. In the 69th minute, Ro Un-hyang one-timed a botched clearance by Daya King into the net. It was the first goal conceded by the U.S. since the opening game of the group stage.

The Americans were lucky North Korea didn’t add another in stoppage time, with a lot of activity in front of the U.S. goal in the final three minutes.

The U.S. women’s best chance at a goal — its only chance, really, as they finished with zero shots on target — came in the 41st, when Micayla Johnson sent a shot over the crossbar. 

USA vs. North Korea highlights

No VAR help this time

The U.S. women got no help from VAR in the second half. 

Captain Kennedy Fuller went down in the box in the 82nd after a collision with Ri Ye-gyong. No whistle was called, so U.S. coach Katie Schoefper challenged it. But unlike in the first half, when the USWNT had a penalty call on Katie Scott reversed, VAR did not go its way and there was no penalty on the play. 

More subs for USA

The U.S. women have made more substitutions as they chase a game-tying goal. 

Melanie Barcenas, who has three goals in this tournament, was replaced in the 77th minute by Jaiden Rodriguez. Kimmi Ascanio, who scored in the quarterfinal against Nigeria, also came out, replaced by Y-Lan Nguyen. 

North Korea 1, U.S. 0: Ro Un-Hyang breaks scoreless deadlock

North Korea took advantage of a U.S. mistake and now it has the lead. 

Ro Un-Hyang scored in the 69th minute, one-timing a botched clearance into the net. The goal was the first allowed by the U.S. women since the group stage opener against Spain, and it preserved North Korea’s streak of never trailing in this tournament. 

The teams had been fairly evenly matched until the goal. But Daya King, who had come on 10 minutes earlier, cleared a ball back into traffic. It took a bounce and Ro was right there to deliver a laser strike for the go-ahead goal.

Fresh legs

The U.S. has made its first substitutions, with Daya King and Maddie Padelski coming on in the 59th minute. They replaced Katie Scott and Micayla Johnson, respectively. 

Yellow card for US

Jocelyn Travers was shown a yellow card in the 47th minute, the first in the game. But it didn’t cost the U.S. women, as they cleared out the ensuing free kick.

Scoreless at the half

Well, what did you expect from two of the best defensive teams in the U-17 World Cup?

The U.S. women and North Korea are scoreless at the half of a very evenly matched semifinal game. North Korea had one more shot (five) than the Americans, but chances were hard to come by for both teams because of the other’s stingy defense.

The USWNT’s best chance came in the 41st, when Kimmi Ascanio fed Micayla Johnson deep in the box. Johnson juked a North Korean defender and, once clear, took a shot that sailed over the crossbar.

North Korea had two chances right after, skying one shot and putting another into the side of the net.

The Americans did catch a break in the fifth minute of the game, when a penalty on Katie Scott was reversed by VAR. 

Tough opponent

If the rest of the tournament is any indication, goals won’t be easy to come by for the U.S. women.

North Korea has given up just one goal in this tournament, back in the group stage opener against Mexico. It hasn’t trailed, either, that goal coming when North Korea was already up 3-0.

The one goal allowed is the best of the 16 teams in the tournament. 

Penalty reversed

VAR came through for the U.S. women in the first key moment of the semifinal.

An early penalty on Katie Scott was reversed, denying North Korea a chance for an early goal.

Scott, who is back in the starting lineup after coming off the bench against Nigeria, was whistled for a penalty on Choe Il-son in the fifth minute of the game. The referee said Scott clipped Choe as she was going for the ball just outside the 6-yard box.

But the U.S. appealed – Scott immediately signaled for the bench to challenge the penalty – and it was overturned after a review by the video assistant referee. 

How to watch U.S. vs. North Korea at U-17 World Cup

The game begins at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FS1 and Telemundo.

Who are the U.S. women playing?

It’s a youth World Cup, so that means it must be North Korea.

This will be the ninth time the U.S. women have played North Korea in an Under-17 or U-20 World Cup. They’ve played them three times previously at the U-17 World Cup, including the 2008 final, when North Korea beat a team that included Crystal Dunn and Sam and Kristie Mewis to win the inaugural tournament.

And just last month, the USWNT lost to North Korea in the semifinals of the U-20 World Cup. North Korea went on to win that tournament while the U.S. women beat the Netherlands for the bronze medal.

US starting 11 vs. North Korea

U.S. coach Katie Schoefper is going back to a familiar lineup.

Katie Scott and Micayla Johnson are in the starting lineup for Wednesday night’s semifinal against North Korea after coming off the bench in the quarterfinal. Both Scott and Johnson had started the final two group games for the Americans.

The rest of the lineup remains unchanged:

Goalkeeper: Evan O’Steen

Defenders: Katie Scott, Trinity Armstrong, Kiara Gilmore, Jocelyn Travers

Midfielders: Ainsley McCammon, Kennedy Fuller (captain), Kimmi Ascanio, Melanie Barcenas

Forwards: Micayla Johnson, Mary Long 

U-17 Women’s World Cup bracket

Who is on this team?

The U-17 World Cup is for players born on Jan. 1, 2007, or later, so it’s mostly high schoolers or players who are early in their college careers. But in a sign of the game’s development, this U.S. squad contains professional players for the first time. There are four, all midfielders: Kennedy Fuller of Angel City; Melanie Barcenas and Kimmi Ascanio of the San Diego Wave; and Ainsley McCammon of the Seattle Reign.

All four have been fixtures in the starting lineup, and Fuller and Barcenas lead the team with three goals each.

Fun fact: Barcenas is wearing No. 13 for the U.S., the same jersey made famous by former Wave teammate Alex Morgan. When Barcenas texted Morgan a photo of herself in her new jersey, Morgan posted it on Instagram with the caption, ‘Will need 1 Adult Medium and 2 Kids Smalls.’

Has the USWNT ever won the U-17 World Cup?

No. Its best finish came in 2008, the first time the tournament was held. The Americans reached the final where they lost to North Korea, 2-1, in extra time.

How did the USWNT get to the semifinals?

The Americans opened group play with a loss to Spain, the two-time defending champions in the U-17 World Cup. But they rebounded with wins over Colombia and South Korea, advancing to the knockout rounds as the runner-up in the group.

Kennedy Fuller had a goal and an assist in the USWNT’s 2-0 win over Nigeria in the quarterfinals. It was the third consecutive clean sheet for the Americans, a first for them at the U-17 World Cup.

Where is the U-17 World Cup being played?

The Dominican Republic.

U.S.-North Korea is in Santiago de los Caballeros while the other semifinal, between two-time defending champion Spain and England, is in Santo Domingo. Both the final and the third-place game will be played Nov. 3 in Santo Domingo.

U.S. roster for Under-17 Women’s World Cup

Goalkeepers (3): Wicki Dunlap (North Carolina Courage Academy), Evan O’Steen (Solar SC), Molly Vapensky (Carolina Ascent),

Defenders (6): Trinity Armstrong (UNC), Kiara Gilmore (FC Dallas), Jordyn Hardeman (Solar SC), Daya King (Legends FC), Katie Scott (Penn State), Jocelyn Travers (FC Bay Area Surf)

Midfielders (7): Scottie Antonucci (Legends FC), Kimmi Ascanio (San Diego Wave), Melanie Barcenas (San Diego Wave), Kennedy Fuller (Angel City FC), Ainsley McCammon (Seattle Reign), Jaiden Rodriguez (San Diego Surf), Y-Lan Nguyen (Virginia Development Academy)

Forwards (5): Anna Babcock (Crossfire Premier SC), Micayla Johnson (Michigan Hawks), Mary Long (Duke), Maddie Padelski (Alabama), Leena Powell (Tudela FC)

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This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The Washington Commanders’ Hail Mary touchdown is an early contender for NFL play of the year. And it’s going to be hard to top.

His pass was tipped before the goal line, and fell right into the hands of receiver Noah Brown as time expired for a 52-yard, game-winning touchdown to help the Commanders beat the Chicago Bears.

Was it enough to get Daniels, the Commanders’ rookie sensation at quarterback, back on top of the NFL MVP race?

Here are the USA TODAY Sports NFL rankings after Week 8:

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

5. Bills QB Josh Allen, stock even

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills went into Seattle and beat the Seahawks 31-10 last week. Allen was 24 of 34 for 283 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, leading four total touchdown drives in the victory.

Allen is fourth in the NFL with 14 touchdowns passes and a 73.7 QBR, while the Bills have the second-most touchdowns scored this season (28), and rank fifth with 28.8 points per game.  

The Bills are also atop the AFC East, where the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and New York Jets have just two wins each through Week 8.

4. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, stock even

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are the only undefeated team in the NFL at 7-0, continuing to boast his MVP case despite the stats. He was 27 of 38 for 262 yards with two touchdown passes and an interception in Kansas City’s 27-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders last week.

Mahomes’ passing success rate of 51.5% is his best statistic, ranking fourth behind Baker Mayfield, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. And his 67.0 is the seventh best QBR in the league. But he’s the co-leader with nine interceptions this season. His 68.4 completion percentage ranks eighth. His eight touchdown passes are tied for 10th. His 235.9 yards per game are 13th. And his 1,651 passing yards rank 16th.

Still, Mahomes and the Chiefs continue to win and march toward their third consecutive Super Bowl title.

3. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, stock down

Occupying the No. 1 spot for two consecutive weeks, Lamar Jackson’s MVP stock takes a hit in Week 8 after Baltimore’s 29-24 loss to Jameis Winston and the Cleveland Browns.

Jackson threw two touchdown passes, and the Ravens had a 24-23 lead after Derrick Henry’s 2-yard touchdown with 2:36 left. But Jackson was outplayed by a backup quarterback.

The Ravens found themselves with another frustrating loss after winning five consecutive games. And the race with the undefeated Chiefs for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff race is slipping away.

2. Lions QB Jared Goff, stock even

Jared Goff turned in one of the weirdest stat lines in the Detroit Lions’ 52-14 win over the Tennessee Titans last week: He was 12 of 15 for 85 yards with three touchdown passes. He also fueled three other touchdown drives for the Lions, who had a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 72-yard kickoff return in the game.

It was an all-around effort from the Lions to improve to 6-1, and own the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Detroit leads the NFL with 33.4 points per game. Goff retains the No. 2 spot in our rankings this week, but there was one player who one-upped him in Week 8.

1. Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, stock up

Look who’s back atop our MVP rankings: Daniels is in the No. 1 spot again after Week 8. It’s hard to deny Daniels’ case after the Commanders’ Hail Mary victory over the Bears last week.

The value in Daniels’ arrival to Washington can’t be overstated: The No. 2 pick from the 2024 NFL draft earlier this year made the most valuable play of the season to keep Washington in first place in the NFC East and second behind the Lions in the NFC playoff picture.

Daniels may have just seven touchdown passes, but the Commanders rank fifth in the NFL with 24 touchdowns scored this season. He’s leading the third-most potent offense in the NFL, averaging 29.5 points per game. Daniels has the best chance to be the second rookie to win NFL MVP after Jim Brown did in 1957.

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The two New York Yankees fans who were ejected from Game 4 on Tuesday night for interfering with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts won’t be back in their seats down the right field line for tonight’s game.

Despite his initial claim made to ESPN, season-ticket holder Austin Capobianco and his friend John Peter will not be allowed back in the ballpark for Game 5 on Wednesday, the Yankees announced.

‘The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior displayed last night,’ the Yankees said in a statement. ‘These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”

The Yankees said the fans’ conduct was ‘egregious and unacceptable.’

Capobianco told ESPN after the game he knew he had done something wrong, but seemed to indicate he had no remorse. ‘I patrol that wall and they know that,’ he said.

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

The bizarre play came in the bottom of the first inning on a foul fly off the bat of Yankees leadoff hitter Gleyber Torres.

Capobianco said he and Peter have often discussed what to do in situations like that.

‘We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up,’ he told ESPN. ‘Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do this.’

MLB rules on interference allow fans to try and catch balls that are in the seating area, but umpires have the option to call a batter out if a fan intentionally prevents a fielder from making the catch. Betts ended up making the catch before the ball was ripped out of his glove and Torres was called out on the play.

‘The safety and security of players, fans and Stadium staff is the foundational element of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised,’ the Yankees said.

‘Tonight marks the final home game of year, and we want every ounce of our fans’ passion on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, however the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.’

Said MLBPA executive director Tony Clark: ‘We have been in regular contact with league security officials since last night’s incident and will be closely tracking the response to that incident and the protective measures taken going forward.’

This story has been updated to include new information and headlines.

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Among a slew of sweeping changes that have come to college football this season was direct coach-to-player communication.

What was widely praised as a long overdue reform has come with at least one technological concern.

The in-helmet technology that allows one player on the field to communicate with coaches — which helps relay play calls in a timely manner — has been occurring on unencrypted frequencies, according to multiple reports.

The development raises questions about whether discussions between coach and player that contain sensitive information from a competitive balance standpoint could have been compromised at some point two months into the 2024 season.

The Big 12 is reportedly not investigating any accusations of cheating related to the helmet software issues.

‘We’ve got to have a game whose integrity is not questionable in any way on a Saturday afternoon,’ Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt said to ESPN. ‘We owe it to the 120 young men on our football team to ensure that happens, that it’s a game of fair competition and the same set of rules are enforced.’

In April, the NCAA football rules committee passed a measure allowing a speaker in the helmet of the quarterback and one on-field defensive player so those players can be in contact with coaches back on the sideline or in the press box. It’s similar to the helmet communication system the NFL has employed since 1994.

The move came after Michigan’s much-publicized sign-stealing scandal, in which Wolverines staffers or those working on behalf of the program allegedly attended games of upcoming opponents in person and filmed the sideline to record the team’s signals.

Rather than have coaches and players speak to each other through that helmet communication, college programs for decades instead relied on hand signals, gestures and large signs to relay a play call.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The finish line hasn’t changed for the best team money can buy.

But hear me out: what if national championship or bust at Ohio State barely scratches the first week of November for embattled coach Ryan Day?

What if Ohio State’s all-in, $41 million gamble on the 2024 season ends this weekend in State College, Pennsylvania, long before the national championship game on January 20, 2025?

I don’t want to throw everything sideways before we even sniff the Michigan game, or the Big Ten championship game, or the College Football Playoff, but Ohio State and Day are staring down the barrel right now.

If Ohio State can’t beat Penn State Saturday in a top-five heavyweight game, Day won’t make it to 2025. And Ohio State will have wasted $41 million — on this season alone. 

Because if Penn State beats Ohio State, the CFP resume for the Buckeyes will consist of — in a perfect, win-out, 10-victory scenario — a defeat of suddenly surging Indiana. And nothing else.   

All for the cool price of a $20 million player roster, and a coaching staff with a combined salary of $21.4 million. That’s $41.4 million — $20 million for players, $10 million for Day’s annual contract, and $11.4 million for assistant coaches.

Hey kids, you too can beat Akron, Western Michigan, Northwestern and a steady diet of nothing, all for the low, low price of $41 million!

In other words, Ohio State is one loss away from a rate of return that rivals new Coke.

In all of two months.

BOWL PROJECTIONS: Oregon now No. 1 as two SEC teams join playoff

PLAYOFF CHAOS: How each conference could be headed for wild finish

2. Trust your process

The strangest part of this all-in moment at Ohio State – from the jump – was Day abandoning everything that made he and the program unique. 

All in the name of beating Michigan.

No one in college football coaches quarterbacks and the passing game better than Day. No one develops offenses, and recruits elite players to those offenses, and stresses defenses quite like Day since he arrived in Columbus in 2017 as Urban Meyer’s offensive coordinator.

Before last season’s step back with Kyle McCord, Day’s quarterbacks were averaging 41 touchdown passes a season. Forty-one! 

But once Michigan won three in a row in the bitter series, once the Wolverines became the last Big Ten team to win a national title, Day buckled to pressure, hired his former coach and mentor and changed the offense. 

He wanted to be more physical, and wanted to run the ball and control the clock and — as crazy as this sounds — be more like Michigan. So he hired Chip Kelly away from UCLA, made him offensive coordinator and told him he wanted physicality. Period.

Then Ohio State spent millions to lure elite running back Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss, center Seth McLaughlin from Alabama and quarterback Will Howard — a willing, dangerous runner — from Kansas State. 

Fast forward to last weekend’s four-point win over Nebraska in Columbus: the Buckeyes rushed for 64 yards on 31 carries. The offensive line has underachieved, and was affected earlier this month by the season-ending injury to tackle Josh Simmons.

In four Big Ten games, Ohio State is averaging 148.3 yards per game.  In nine Big Ten games last season, Ohio State averaged 139.4. And now Day is talking about the need to push the ball downfield in the pass game.

Like he has done all along since 2017.

3. Ohio State’s all-in moment, The Epilogue

This isn’t just about Day and Ohio State and the pressure to win. If Ohio State can’t beat Penn State, the CFP selection committee suddenly joins the pressure-filled chat. 

That means The General — real, live former Lieutenant General and CFP director Rich Clark — and his selection committee will be eyeballing Ohio State through a unique lens.

The Buckeyes are clearly one of the three most talented teams in the nation. Ohio State is a mega television brand.

Can you really have your first 12-team playoff, with all the hype and hoopla it brings, without Ohio State?

The first CFP poll is six days away, and a potential two-loss Ohio State — with losses in both of its most difficult games — would have no business in the top 12. But is there any doubt the Buckeyes will be there? 

More problematic for the CFP: while a loaded SEC beats up each other over the final month of the season, while the Big 12 and ACC could each have unbeaten teams in their championship games (more on that later), Ohio State will finish the season with games against Purdue, at Northwestern, surprising Indiana (who also hasn’t beaten anyone) and underachieving Michigan.

Woof. 

Ohio State can end this meltdown scenario in an all-or-nothing season by beating Penn State, which could be without starting quarterback Drew Allar (knee).

Or it could lose to the Lions, and need the CFP selection committee to save its season. 

And Day’s job. 

4. Contender or pretender?

We’ve reached November, and it’s now time to break out the tried and true college football argument of “who have they beaten?”

Penn State (7-0) 

The good: Lions are 7-0 for the first time since 2019.

The bad: The combined record of West Virginia, Bowling Green, Kent State, Illinois, UCLA, Southern California and Wisconsin is 25-30. 

Iowa State (7-0)

The good: The last time the Cyclones started a season 7-0 was 1938.

The bad: The combined record of North Dakota, Iowa, Arkansas State, Houston, Baylor, West Virginia and Central Florida is 29-27. 

Indiana (7-0)

The good: Hoosiers are 8-0 for the first time since 1967.

The bad: The combined record of Florida International, Western Illinois, UCLA, Charlotte, Maryland, Northwestern, Nebraska and Washington is 26-37. 

Pittsburgh (7-0)

The good: The Panthers are 7-0 for the first time since 1982.

The bad: The combined record of Kent State, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Youngstown State, North Carolina, California and Syracuse is 25-31.   

Clemson (6-1)

The good: Won six in a row since a Week 1 blowout loss to Georgia.

The bad: The combined record of Appalachian State, North Carolina State, Stanford, Florida State, Wake Forest and Virginia is 19-29.

5. The Weekly Five

The five most impactful games of November. 

1. Tennessee at Georgia, Nov. 16.

2. Ohio State at Penn State, Nov. 2.

3. Texas at Texas A&M, Nov. 30

4. Kansas State at Iowa State, Nov. 30

5. Clemson at Pittsburgh, Nov. 16

6. An NFL scout’s take on East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr.

An NFL scout analyzes a draft eligible player. The scout requested anonymity to protect the team’s draft preparation. 

“You’ve got a unique situation. He tore his ACL in September, and will be probably a couple of months from a full recovery during the draft. Before the injury, you could make the argument that he was the best cornerback in the draft. He’s 6-feet-3 and long and physical. He’s a flat-out burner. Everyone heals differently, and every ACL injury is different. How early in the first round do you take him? You might see someone take him in the first 16 picks. He’s that talented when completely healthy.”

7. Power Play: Notre Dame enters the field

This week’s CFP power poll and four on the outside, and one big thing.

1. Georgia: How many teams can go on the road and play the No.1 team, throw three interceptions, and win by 15? A hint: one.

2. Oregon: This Michigan game could get dicey if the Wolverines can slow tempo with their power-run game.

3. Miami: The final month: Duke, at Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, at Syracuse. If Canes aren’t 12-0, something has gone very wrong.

4. Brigham Young: Two weeks to prepare for the Holy War against the worst Utah team since the early 2000s.

5. Ohio State: Beat Penn State, and likely get another shot at Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. 

6. Texas: Open week gives QB Quinn Ewers more time to completely heal from core injury. 

7. Penn State: Oregon beat Ohio State with an efficient pass game. That might be a problem for Penn State, with or without Allar. 

8. Tennessee: Get better in the pass game against Kentucky and Mississippi State — to get ready for Georgia.  

9. Texas A&M: A dangerous spot this week at South Carolina, which can rush the quarterback and hurry decisions (see: turnovers). 

10. Notre Dame: No other way to say it: can’t lose again and reach the CFP.

11. Indiana: A dangerous spot for the Hoosiers on the road against improving Michigan State. 

12. Boise State: One of CFB’s overlooked and critical players: QB Maddux Madsen, all 5-feet-10 of him.  

13. Iowa State: When Texas Tech QB Behren Morton is on, the Red Raiders are as dangerous as any team in the Big 12.

14. Clemson: We’ll have a better idea of Clemson (and Miami) after Louisville rolls into Death Valley.

15. Kansas State: Wildcats don’t necessarily do anything really well, but are 3-0 in one-possession games. 

16. Pittsburgh: The goal: affect electric SMU QB Kevin Jennings. Duke did it (3 INTs), and still lost last week. 

8. Mail bonding: Miami looks like Michigan, circa 2021

Matt: Do we really know how good Miami is? Will we know even if they’re 13-0 after running through the ACC? — David Drake, Orlando. 

David:

Miami looks a lot like 2021 Michigan: a young and talented team figuring out a championship run for the first time in years. It doesn’t mean the Canes play like Michigan (they don’t), but it does mean they can cause problems for anyone. 

That Michigan team lost a game in late October, and hadn’t beaten a ranked team until the last game of the regular season when it finally broke an eight-game losing streak to Ohio State. 

The difference between that young Michigan team and Miami: Canes quarterback Cam Ward. He’s so dynamic and such problem for defenses, he can change games with one rare throw. 

Michigan had a caretaker (Cade McNamara) at the most important position on the field, and it showed in the CFP semifinal blowout loss to Georgia. With Ward, Miami won’t get blown out by anyone this season.  

9. Numbers game

8. We’re not that far from having a championship Saturday where all eight power conference teams playing on the last weekend of the regular season are locks to make the CFP — win or lose.

But all four conference championship games in the SEC, Big Ten, ACC and Big 12 would still have significant impact on the 12-team CFP. Why? Seeding. 

Winners earn first-round byes, and one or more losers could fall far enough in the final CFP rankings (behind at-large SEC and Big Ten teams) and not host first round games.

How’s that for a day of importance?

The narrative that championship games will lose drama with the 12-team field isn’t remotely a reality. If anything, they’ve become the football version of conference basketball tournaments that lead to overall NCAA tournament seeding ― and the sweet symphony of controversy.

10. The last word: Army’s CFP hopes

If you think Florida State had an argument to play in last year’s CFP, wait and see the angst if Army is 13-0 and American Conference champions.

The Cadets would be unbeaten in a less competitive conference than Boise State, and would have a better win (vs. Notre Dame) than the Broncos. 

But watch the CFP poll closely. Boise State will be the highest-ranked Group of Five team in next Tuesday’s first poll of the season. Army, whose combined opponent record is 18-35, will more than likely be the second — but much lower.

All it will take is a win over Notre Dame in Yankee Stadium on Nov. 23 to move Army to the No.12 position in the CFP poll — no matter what Boise State does. 

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

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

President Biden was photographed playfully biting at least two babies dressed in Halloween costumes at the White House trick-or-treat event on Wednesday evening.

Both children were carried by their mothers to visit the 81-year-old commander-in-chief, who didn’t seem to mind the interaction.

One baby who was dressed as a chicken even giggled after Biden took a faux nibble of his or her leg. The president then engaged in some easy banter with the baby’s mother.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS