Team Europe got the better of the USA on Day 2 of the 2025 Ryder Cup on Saturday, Sept. 27. The event pits the top golfers against each other in a battle of skill and strategy at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.

Europe heads into Sunday with a commanding 11.5-4.5 lead over the United States. Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose earned a duo victory over Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau.

Europe is within three points of securing the 2025 Ryder Cup crown. The team also won the biennial event in 2023, with 11 members of that team returning this year.

Rasmus Højgaard was the only new addition to the team, replacing his twin brother Nicolai Højgaard. Rasmus earned the sixth and final automatic qualifying spot.

The European team claimed an early 3-1 lead on Day 1 after the first session with President Donald Trump in attendance, with Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay claiming the solo point for the home team.

Follow live and be part of the action with the live leaderboard from Day 2 of the 2025 Ryder Cup on Saturday, Sept. 27:

Foursome leaderboard

DeChambeau/Young vs. Fitzpatrick/Aberg 4&2

McIlroy/Fleetwood vs. English/Morikawa 3&2

Schauffle/Cantlay vs. Rahm/Hatton 3&2

Henley/Scheffler vs. MacIntyre/Hovland 1UP

Live fourball leaderboard

Thomas/Young vs. McIlroy/Lowry 2UP
Scheffler/DeChambeau vs. Fleetwood/Rose 3 and 2
Spaun/Schauffele vs. Rahm/Straka 1UP
Burns/Cantlay vs. Hatton/Fitzpatrick 1UP

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry remain successful

The duo of McIlroy and Lowry remains unbeaten on the weekend after rolling past Justin Thomas and Cameron Young.

Scheffler/DeChambeau defeated

That’s that for one of the quartets, with Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose claiming a 3&2 win over Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau.

The acrimony from what went down on the 15th green seems to have calmed down as the handshakes go off in a civil fashion. What an impressive performance from Fleetwood and Rose, who clinched victory with Rose’s putt on the 16th hole.

United States might avoid sweep

It’s been a grim day at Bethpage Black for the hosts, but Sam Burns’ birdie is followed up by Tyrrell Hatton missing a fairly straightforward putt on the 14th hole.

That brings that foursome back level, which draws a roar from the crowd.

Rose not happy with DeChambeau’s caddie

Justin Rose is trying to line up his putt on the 15th hole, but there seemed to be some misunderstanding over whether he was up to shoot or not. Bryson DeChambeau’s caddie Gregory Bodine stepped out into his field of vision and was given a very firm order to step aside.

Rose gets the putt to drop, and it looks like he and Bodine are still disagreeing over what went down.

In any case, this hole finishes tied, and now DeChambeau is getting into it with Rose and Tommy Fleetwood. This has escalated from a disagreement to something more as the foursome proceeds to the 16th tee.

Scheffler looking to avoid some unwanted history

The NBC broadcast notes that since 1979, no player has lost all four matches in the opening two days of a Ryder Cup. Barring a near-miraculous comeback for Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau, the world No. 1 would break that streak.

If the United States duo can’t win at least three holes in the final four left to play, he’ll be 0-4-0 heading into singles play.

Fleetwood/Rose increase lead

Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose are on fire, with Rose’s birdie put on hole 14 giving them a 3UP lead over Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau.

The Europe pair has posted 11 birdies, and Bryson DeChambeau’s miss on a short putt means that pairing is virtually a lost cause.

Europe leads all four matches

Justin Thomas’ brilliant drive on the 14th hole had the United States in with a chance to go 1UP, but both Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy also found the green from the tee on this par-3 hole.

The news got worse as Thomas’ short birdie putt rode the edge of the hole before rolling away. What felt like a shot at going 1UP has become a 1UP lead for McIlroy/Lowry.

Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood’s putt from well over 20 feet dramatically pauses before dropping, spoiling a chance for Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau to claim a hole.

Patrick Cantlay misses chance to tie it up

Patrick Cantlay was right on the edge of the green, around 13 feet from the pin, but his putt uphill on hole 10 rolled heartbreakingly wide. It wasn’t an easy shot given the transition in surfaces, but that’s still a tough one.

That was a chance at a birdie that would have tied that match, but in the end the Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick remain 1UP.

Europe increases edge after Fleetwood birdie

Europe’s ability to hang tough as the United States started to find a groove is paying off, as Bryson DeChambeau’s long putt for birdie rolls left.

That means the U.S. settled for par on the hole, while Tommy Fleetwood buried a short putt to post a birdie. He and Justin Rose are now 2UP on DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler.

Burns, Fitzpatrick trade huge putts on 10

Sam Burns looked to have given the United States more good news, watching a 36-footer drop into the cup.

However, Matt Fitzpatrick found the perfect line to respond, getting a difficult putt of his own to fall. The dueling birdies mean that as good as Burns’ putt was, Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton remain 1UP.

Xander Schauffele sinks long birdie putt

The pro-U.S. crowd is getting louder now, as Xander Schauffele downs a long putt to birdie the 10th hole.

That was worth the celebration, as Jon Rahm’s putt to match misses by an inch. Rahm is a bit frustrated, given how well he’s been playing, but the United States finally has some momentum.

DeChambeau gives fans something to cheer on 11

It’s critical for the United States’ hopes that one or both of these 2UP matches don’t finish as they are, and on the 11th hole Bryson DeChambeau made some serious inroads.

An excellent approach shot set up a long birdie putt for DeChambeau, who is pumped up as that one rolls true. It’s a critical point, pulling the Scheffler/DeChambeau pairing back within striking distance of Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose.

That might be vital, as a couple holes behind, Matt Fitzpatrick just sunk a long putt on the ninth to give Europe a lead in yet another match.

Fleetwood/Rose, Rahm/Straka both go 2UP

Bryson DeChambeau’s putt rolls a few inches wide, and the Tommy Fleetwood/Justin Rose pairing now holds a 2UP lead after 10 holes.

Within about three minutes in real time, Jon Rahm sinks his putt to push the Rahm/Straka pairing to a 2UP lead as well.

Scheffler denied by flag on 10

What a bad break for Scottie Scheffler.

Following another excellent shot from the fairway by Tommy Fleetwood, Scheffler’s shot was if anything too precise, hitting the flag and maybe even the edge of the cup itself before the ball rebounded off the green.

The crowd at Bethpage Black is stunned.

Scheffler, Fleetwood trade impressive shots, miss short putts

Team Europe seemed poised to increase their lead after Tommy Fleetwood’s second stroke on the ninth hole put him within two yards of the pin. However, Scottie Scheffler responded by going even closer, covering around 153 yards of the 154-yard distance to the cup.

However, things went awry on the green, with all four players in that match missing putt attempts. That’s a let-off for the United States, as Scheffler’s miss gave Fleetwood a golden chance to increase their lead.

Instead, Europe remains 1UP in two matches, and still leads the Ryder Cup 8.5-3.5.

Hovland speaks on neck injury

Viktor Hovland spoke about why he had to pull out of the fourball competition on Saturday. He was replaced by Tyrell Hatton, teaming him with Matt Fitzpatrick.

“I’ve had some issues with a neck injury on and off for the last two months,’ Hovland said.

“I took some painkillers on the seventh hole and then got some treatment from Matt Roberts, the physio, on the tenth tee box. It stayed the same for the remainder of the match after that. But I came in and rested up and got some more treatment and when I went back out onto the range, I tried hitting some shots trying to build up to the driver. I hit three or four hard ones and it just got worse.

“I didn’t want to risk it for the match in case it got worse and I couldn’t continue, especially in fourballs when you are hitting every shot. I had to pull out of the Travellers Championship earlier this year because of the same issue. I played two holes and then I had to pull out, so I didn’t want to do that. I’ve been struggling with it a little bit since then. Not as bad, but similar over the last few months.

“I’m going to get some treatment this afternoon and tonight and hopefully I will be ok for the singles tomorrow.”

Potty mouth McIlroy

FARMINGDALE, NY – Rory McIlroy had enough. 

Hitting from the rough on the 16th hole of his Saturday foursome match alongside fellow European Tommy Fleetwood at the 2025 Ryder Cup, McIlroy backed off the ball just before his shot to silence a group of hecklers. 

“Guys,” McIlroy yelled, “shut the (expletive) up.” 

McIlroy then hit his gap wedge – he was 149 yards from the pin – to within three feet to ice the match, as he and Fleetwood handily defeated Americans Harris English and Collin Morikawa, and the partnership improved to 2-0 on the weekend.  – Chris Bumbaca

Viktor Hovland out due to neck injury

Tyrell Hatton has taken Hovland’s place in the fourball competition due to his injury and will team with Matt Fitzpatrick. The Europeans are ahead in three of the matches so far, and the other is tied. Looking bad for the Americans so far this afternoon.

Europe has commanding lead

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – The afternoon fourballs – vital to the Americans’ survival in the tournament – have been set. 

Justin Thomas and Cameron Young vs. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry

Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau vs. Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose

J.J. Spaun and Xander Schauffele vs. Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka 

Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay vs. Viktor Hovland and Matthew Fitzpatrick

Europe captain Luke Donald is trotting out the same pairs he did for Friday’s fourball afternoon session, which his side won, 2.5-1.5. 

Overall, the U.S. trails in the tournament 8.5-3.5 through the first three sessions. 

Going into the afternoon session, Europe, the first team to win the first three matches of a Ryder Cup on foreign soil, has an 8.5-3.5 lead over the United States after taking three of the four foursome matches in the morning. – Chris Bumbaca

Fourball pairings

Match 1 (12:25 p.m) Justin Thomas and Cameron Young vs. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry

Match 1 (12:41 p.m.): Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau vs. Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose

Match 3 (12:57 p.m.): J.J. Spaun and Xander Schauffele vs. Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka

Match 4 (1:13 p.m) Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay vs. Viktor Hovland and Matt Fitzpatrick

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood finish off dominant round

The Europeans added another point to their total to counter what the Americans did earlier. The score now stands at 6.5-3.5 and could increase by the time the afternoon fourball play gets started. Tyrell Hatton and Jon Rahm wrapped their match, 3&2 against Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay to add another point to the lead for Team Europe

Match 1 goes to Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young

The Americans get on the board as DeChambeau and Cameron Young win their match going away against Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, 4&2. The USA has 3.5 points with three other matches still ongoing.

Foursome underway at Day 2 of Ryder Cup

Once again, the Europeans are off to a strong start during the morning portion of the foursome on Saturday. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood continue to dominate their competition, no matter who it is, and are four up through nine holes, and the team has the lead in two other matches as well.

Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young are giving the Americans hope with a three-up lead over Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, and desperately need to get on the board before it gets totally out of hand.

2025 Ryder Cup live leaderboard

Europe enters play Saturday leading 5.5-2.5.

Here’s what’s happening on the course during Saturday morning’s foursomes:

Bryson DeChambeau/Cameron Young (USA) vs. Matt Fitzpatrick/Ludvig Åberg (Europe)
Harris English/Collin Morikawa (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy/Tommy Fleetwood (Europe)
Xander Schauffele/Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Jon Rahm/Tyrrell Hatton (Europe)
Russell Henley/Scottie Scheffler (USA) vs. Robert MacIntyre/Viktor Hovland (Europe)

2025 Ryder Cup schedule: Saturday pairings, matchups

Schedule according to rydercup.com and all times Eastern:

Saturday, Sept. 27:

Coverage starts at 7:05 a.m. ET and ends at 6 p.m. ET on NBC with streaming options on the Ryder Cup app and rydercup.com.

Foursomes:

All times Eastern

Match 1 (7:10 a.m.): Bryson DeChambeau/Cameron Young (USA) vs. Matt Fitzpatrick/Ludvig Åberg (Europe)
Match 2 (7:26 a.m.): Harris English/Collin Morikawa (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy/Tommy Fleetwood (Europe)
Match 3 (7:42 a.m.): Xander Schauffele/Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Jon Rahm/Tyrrell Hatton (Europe)
Match 4 (7:58 a.m.): Russell Henley/Scottie Scheffler (USA) vs. Robert MacIntyre/Viktor Hovland (Europe)

Four-Ball:

Matchups will be released after morning sessions

Match 1: begins at 12:25 p.m.
Match 2: begins at 12:41 p.m.
Match 3: begins at 12:57 p.m.
Match 4: begins at 1:13 p.m.

How to watch the 2025 Ryder Cup

On the second and final days, coverage begins at 7 a.m. ET and continues until 6 p.m. ET on NBC, also with streaming options on the Ryder Cup app and website.

Date: Sept. 27-28
TV: NBC
Stream: Ryder Cup app and rydercup.com
Location: Bethpage State Park Black Course (Farmingdale, New York)

Watch the Ryder Cup with Fubo

2025 Ryder Cup odds

Ryder Cup odds according to BetMGM, entering play Saturday

Moneyline: USA (+190); Europe (-175); Tie (+1050)

Ryder Cup weather forecast: Latest updates for Saturday

Saturday’s forecast is projected to be partly cloudy skies during the morning hours before becoming overcast in the afternoon. The high for the day is 78 degrees with winds ranging from 5 to 10 MPH.There’s just a 7% chance of rain during the day with a stronger chance of rain overnight (40%).The sunrise is projected for 6:46 a.m. and sunset at 6:41 p.m.

Weather forecasts are according to the Weather Channel:

Saturday, Sept. 27: Mostly cloudy. Low: 64F; High: 78F
Sunday, Sept. 28: Partly cloudy. Low: 63F; High: 80F

Ryder Cup Day 1 Results

Four-ball matches (afternoon)

Jon Rahm/Sepp Straka (Europe) def. Scottie Scheffler/J.J. Spaun (USA): 3&2
Tommy Fleetwood/Justin Rose (Europe) def. Bryson DeChambeau/Ben Griffin (USA): 1 up
Justin Thomas/Cameron Young (USA) def. Ludvig Åberg/Rasmus Højgaard (Europe): 6&5
Sam Burns/Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy/Shane Lowry: Tie

Foursome matches (morning)

Jon Rahm/Tyrrell Hatton (Europe) def. Bryson DeChambeau/Justin Thomas (USA), 4&3
Ludvig Åberg/Matt Fitzpatrick (Europe) def. Scottie Scheffler/Russell Henley (USA), 5&3
Rory McIlroy/Tommy Fleetwood (Europe) def. Collin Morikawa/Harris English (USA), 5&4
Xander Schauffele/Patrick Cantlay (USA) def. Robert MacIntyre/Viktor Hovland (Europe), 2 up

Ryder Cup location: What to know about Bethpage Black

The 2025 Ryder Cup will bring teams representing the United States and Europe to the famed Black Course at Bethpage State Park.

Bethpage Black is located in Farmingdale, New York, roughly an hour east of Manhattan. The Long Island golf course has hosted some big events in recent years, including the 2002 and 2009 editions of the U.S. Open as well as the 2019 PGA Championship. The par-71 course is considered a major test even for the best professional golfers, while its location near New York City makes for easy access for a big, noisy crowd.

The venue was chosen all the way back in 2013, though Bethpage Black was originally set to host the 2024 Ryder Cup. However, a delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic pushed the tournament – which is played every other year at venues alternating between the U.S. and Europe – back a year, bringing one of golf’s biggest events to the notoriously challenging course in 2025. — Jason Anderson

Ryder Cup purse, pay

For nearly a century, golfers were not directly compensated for their participation in the Ryder Cup. 

In addition to the charitable donations ($300,000) the PGA of America gave on behalf of the 12 American players and the captain since 1999, the organization voted in November 2024 to also fund a $200,000 stipend for the U.S. squad. 

Europe captain Luke Donald noted in an interview with SkySports on Monday, Sept. 22 that European players would never accept the idea of being paid to play in a tournament as prestigious as the Ryder Cup. 

‘Every one of them was like, ‘This isn’t a week to get paid,” Donald told SkySports. ‘We have such a strong purpose in this team and what we play for.’

USA TODAY Sports’ Chris Bumbaca has more on the pay and charity behind the 2025 Ryder Cup.

Ryder Cup past winners, champions

Most recent Ryder Cup winners. For a full list, click here.

2023: Europe
2021: United States
2018: Europe
2016: United States
2014: Europe
2012: Europe
2010: Europe
2008: United States
2006: Europe
2004: Europe
2002: Europe
1999: United States

The No. 4 Tigers fell 24-19 to No. 11 Ole Miss on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. LSU (4-1, 1-1 SEC) finished with 254 yards of offense in the loss to the Rebels (5-0, 3-0).

Despite its 4-1 record, LSU has scored 23 points or fewer in every game but one this year, as the offensive woes finally caught up with the Tigers against Ole Miss. While the loss won’t eliminate LSU from the 12-team College Football Playoff field, the Tigers are sure to fall in the rankings in the coming week’s latest rankings.

So, now the question is: Where will LSU fall in the US LBM Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 rankings ahead of Week 6? Here’s a look at the possibilities:

LSU football rankings: Where will Tigers fall in top 25?

The Tigers are going to fall in the Week 6 rankings following a loss to Ole Miss. But how far they will fall is the question, as the Rebels were ranked at No. 11 coming into the game.

LSU could very well remain in the top 10 despite the defeat, as it holds wins over Clemson and Florida on its resume already. The Tigers’ first loss will not eliminate them from the CFP field, but they are going to have a smaller margin of error moving forward.

Florida State’s loss to unranked Virginia on the road will keep LSU in the top 10. Here’s how the rest of the top 10 fared in Week 5, and how those games might affect the Tigers’ ranking:

Rankings reflect the Week 5 US LBM Coaches Poll

No. 1 Ohio State: 24-6 win at Washington
No. 2 Penn State: vs. No. 5 Oregon
No. 3 Georgia: vs. No. 16 Alabama
No. 4 LSU: 24-19 loss to No. 11 Ole Miss
No. 5 Oregon: vs. No. 2 Penn State
No. 6 Miami: BYE
No. 7 Texas: BYE
No. 8 Florida State: 46-38 loss to Virginia
No. 9 Texas A&M: 16-10 win vs. Auburn
No. 10 Oklahoma: BYE

Final ranking prediction: No. 10

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman addressed his job security after a 56-13 home loss to Notre Dame.
Fans expressed their frustration with chants of ‘Fire Pittman’ during the game.

FAYETTEVILLE – After Arkansas football fans made their feelings clear in Saturday’s 56-13 home loss to Notre Dame, Sam Pittman didn’t deflect blame during an 11-minute postgame news conference.

A third straight loss for the Razorbacks (2-3) means the noise surrounding his job status will only grow louder as the Hogs enter their first open week of the season. Fans routinely booed the Hogs during the blowout defeat, with the student section chanting ‘Fire Pittman’ throughout the second half.

The coach admitted he understood why Arkansas fans are calling for his dismissal.

‘I get it. If I was a fan, I’d be mad at me too,’ Pittman said. ‘I’d be frustrated as hell with me, but here’s what I’ll say, as long as I’m the head coach at Arkansas, I’m going to fight my butt off to to get the guys out there.

‘How long that is, it is partly up to me because of what we put on the field, but that’s not my call. And if I’m worried about that all the time, I won’t be able to do as good a job as I possibly can. But I will say this, if I was the fans, I’d be mad at me too. Hell, I’m mad at me, to be perfectly honest.’

What is Sam Pittman contract buyout?

Pittman has an interesting clause in his contract, which determines how much his contract buyout is. His current contract was signed after the 2021 season.

Pittman will be owed $9.8 million if Pittman’s record since the start of the 2021 season is at .500 or better, according to his contract documents obtained by the USA TODAY Network. If his record dips below .500, he’s owed $6.9 million if he’s to be fired.

Pittman, in his sixth season with the program, now has a 32-34 record at Arkansas. His tenure is highlighted by a 9-win finish in 2021, but hasn’t finished the year ranked in any of his other five seasons.

Now with two full weeks to prepare for a road trip to No. 15 Tennessee, the Southwest Times Record asked Pittman if there could be changes to his coaching staff, his personnel or the overall scheme on both sides of the ball.

‘Possibly,’ he said. ‘I mean, I’ve got some time to think about some things.’

Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@gannett.com or follow him@jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

The WNBA suspended Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve for one game after she criticized the officiating and failed to leave the court after being ejected in the Lynx’s 84-76 loss to the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals.

Reeve will sit out Game 4 against Phoenix on Sunday. The WNBA said Reeve’s suspension was for ‘conduct and comments included aggressively pursuing and verbally abusing a game official on the court, failure to leave the court in a timely manner.’

The Mercury lead the best-of-five series two games to one and would advance to the WNBA Finals with a victory.

Reeve was tossed from the game with 21.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter after Mercury guard Alyssa Thomas stole the ball from Lynx forward Napheesa Collier and scored with a layup, effectively ending the game.

No foul was called on the play, and Collier limped off to the bench. Reeve later said that Collier probably suffered a fracture to her leg, but there has been no update on her status for Game 4.

Reeve immediately went after the officials and had to be restrained by her assistant coaches and Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman.

‘If this is what the league wants, OK, but I want to call for a change of leadership at the league level when it comes to officiating,’ Reeve said after the game. ‘The officiating crew that we had tonight, for the leadership to deem those three people semifinal-playoff worthy, it’s f—ing malpractice.’

The league also said Reeve and Lynx assistant coaches Eric Thibault and Rebekkah Brunson were fined.  Thibault was fined for his inappropriate interaction with an official on the court, and Brunson was fined for an inappropriate social media comment directed at WNBA officials.

Texas A&M held on for a 16-10 win over Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 27, in a game where the Aggies nearly gave it away.

Texas A&M held Auburn to 155 yards of offense and an 0-for-12 mark on third-down attempts. However, the Tigers had a chance to win the game twice, but the Aggies defense came up huge with stops on both tries.

Texas A&M was riddled by penalties, finishing the game with 13 flags for 119 yards. Auburn’s lone touchdown came after Marcel Reed’s pass was intercepted by Xavier Atkins for a 72-yard return before quarterback Jackson Arnold plunged in a 2-yard touchdown run a play later.

Penalties nearly cost Texas A&M the game on Sept. 27, but its defense was dominant, ultimately leading the Aggies to a 5-0 start in 2025.

Here are the highlights from Texas A&M’s game.

Texas A&M vs Auburn score

Texas A&M vs Auburn updates

This section will be updated.

Arnold gets sacked on fourth down

Texas A&M comes up with a huge sack, getting to Arnold on fourth-and-1 with 1:03 left in the fourth quarter.

The Aggies defense comes up big again, and that should do it for Texas A&M. The Tigers are going to finish the fourth quarter with 1 yard of offense.

Texas A&M punts

Auburn is going to have another chance to go win the game, as Texas A&M punts. The Tigers still have one timeout with two minutes remaining.

Here we go.

Auburn goes three-and-out

Auburn only takes 20 seconds off the clock as it goes three-and-out, and Hugh Freeze elects to punt. Auburn has three timeouts, and Freeze is trusting his defense to get a stop.

Texas A&M can put this game to bed here.

Texas A&M extends lead

Randy Bond hits a 44-yard field goal to give Texas A&M a 16-10 lead with 2:41 remaining. Auburn almost certainly has to score here.

Texas A&M touchdown comes back

Reed rolls to his left and hits Mario Craver for a 22-yard touchdown, but offensive lineman Ar’maj Reed-Adams gets flagged for being an ineligible receiver downfield, calling back the score.

Auburn then gets a stop on third-and-9, which would hold Texas A&M to a field-goal try. Huge break for the Tigers.

Auburn goes three-and-out

Arnold is sacked twice, which puts the Tigers back before being forced to punt. Texas A&M regains possession at midfield after the stop.

Auburn with chance to take the lead

Auburn regains possession after the defensive stop on its own 13-yard line with seven minutes left in the game. Can Arnold lead a scoring drive here on the road?

Jackson Arnold scores

Arnold keeps it himself and for the 2-yard touchdown to bring the score to 13-10 in the fourth quarter. Auburn is right back in it.

Auburn defense comes up huge

What a play by Xavier Atkins, who jumps Texas A&M’s screen pass and intercepts it, returning it 72 yards to put Auburn on Texas A&M’s 2-yard line.

Huge play for the Tigers in a desperate spot. Auburn has 71 total yards of offense in the second half, which is less than Atkins’ singular defensive return on the interception.

Penalty calls back Auburn conversion

Arnold buys time and converts on fourth-and-12 on a deep pass to Brandon Frazier, but a holding penalty calls it back, and forces Auburn to punt after moving back to fourth-and-22.

The Tigers can’t seem to get out of their one way offensively, as they’re 0 of 10 on third-down attempts and have nine first downs with 154 total yards. Auburn also has 10 penalties for 69 yards, although Texas A&M also has 11 penalties for 99 yards.

Texas A&M punts

Texas A&M goes three-and-out, as Auburn’s defense continues to keep it in the game. The Tigers really need some offense soon.

Auburn punts

Auburn moves to 0 for 9 on third-down conversions after its latest third-and-long try. The Tigers then go for it on fourth-and-10, but Arnold’s scramble attempt falls way short of the first-down marker.

Interesting decision there for the Tigers, although they’re on the Texas A&M 41-yard line.

Texas A&M moves back to third-and-30

Following intentional grounding and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, Texas A&M moves back to third-and-30, which it doesn’t convert.

The Aggies then miss a 49-yard field goal, as Auburn holds Texas A&M from scoring after the back-to-back penalties. Texas A&M moves from Auburn’s 24-yard line to Auburn’s 44-yard line after penalties.

Texas A&M starts second half with possession

The Aggies have the ball to start the second half, and are looking to take a big lead to start the third quarter, as they lead 13-3.

Texas A&M misses field goal as time expires

Randy Bond misses the 50-yard field goal as time expires, keeping the score at 13-3. As bad as Auburn’s offense has performed so far, the Tigers are still in the game.

Auburn punts, again

Auburn is now 0 of 7 on third-down conversions, as the offense just can’t find any success against Texas A&M so far. The Tigers aren’t helping themselves, either, with eight penalties already.

Texas A&M kicks another field goal

Texas A&M kicks another field goal, as Randy Bond converts from 49 yards out to give the Aggies a 13-3 lead with under two minutes remaining in the half.

Auburn goes three-and-out

Penalties are hurting Auburn right now, as a long run by Jackson Arnold is called back due to offensive holding. The Tigers go three-and-out, giving the ball back to Texas A&M.

Auburn has seven penalties for 49 yards already.

Texas A&M gets points back

Randy Bond sinks a 32-yard field goal, as Texas A&M settles for three points after being held in the red zone.

Aggies lead 10-3 with 6:49 left in the second quarter.

Auburn gets on the board

Auburn’s Alex McPherson nails a 32-yard field goal to make the score 7-3 with 11:57 remaining in the first half. The Tigers were finding success on the scoring drive before stalling out in the red zone after holding and false start penalties.

Eric Singleton Jr. makes highlight catch

Arnold throws a 1-on-1 ball down the sideline to Eric Singleton Jr., who fights off Texas A&M star cornerback Will Lee for a ridiculous catch.

Singleton Jr. and Lee tie for the ball, but the tie goes to the receiver for the 37-yard gain.

Auburn punts again

Neither offense is finding any momentum right now, as Arnold is sacked on first down of Auburn’s drive, setting up a three-and-out for the Tigers.

Texas A&M takes over deep inside its own territory after the short Auburn punt.

Auburn starts with great field position

Auburn takes over on Texas A&M’s 43-yard line after the punt, as the Tigers have held strong defensively since giving up the early touchdown.

Auburn struggling on offense

Auburn is having a hard time moving the ball early, with just one first down and 28 total yards on three drives.

The door is open for Texas A&M to take a controlling lead early.

Auburn responds

Nice response by Auburn, as the Tigers curb Texas A&M’s momentum and force a punt.

Auburn and quarterback Jackson Arnold are looking to get seven points back here.

Texas A&M takes early lead

Texas A&M only needs four plays to take a 7-0 lead, as the 66-yard drive ends with a 1-yard run by Le’Veon Moss.

Aggies lead 7-0 with 12:18 left in the first quarter.

Texas A&M forces three-and-out

The Aggies defer to the second half, and start the game by forcing Auburn to an early three-and-out. Nice start for Texas A&M at home.

Marcel Reed stats

Here’s a look at Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed’s stats this season.

Passing: 58 of 99 passing (58.6%) for 869 yards with 9 touchdowns to 1 interception
Rushing: 25 carries for 142 yards with 1 touchdown

Hugh Freeze record vs ranked teams

Auburn coach Hugh Freeze is 1-8 against ranked opponents during his current tenure, although his one ranked win came against Texas A&M last season.

Freeze is looking to double his win total against ranked opponents with a potential second consecutive win over the Aggies.

What TV channel is Texas A&M vs Auburn on today?

TV channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app, Fubo (free trial)

Texas A&M-Auburn will air live on ESPN, with streaming options available on the ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Texas A&M vs Auburn time today

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Date: Saturday, Sept. 27
Location: Kyle Field (College Station, Texas)

Texas A&M-Auburn is set for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 27, from Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.

Texas A&M vs Auburn predictions, picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday, Sept. 25.

Auburn 27, Texas A&M 24: Auburn bounces back from its road loss to Oklahoma with a close road win over the Aggies, who are a bit slow out of the gates after their bye week.

Spread: Texas A&M (-6.5)
Over/under: 52.5
Moneyline: Texas A&M -250 | Auburn +200

The Anaheim Ducks got one of their young rising forwards under contract before the start of the 2025-26 season.

Center Mason McTavish, 22, signs a six-year contract on Saturday, Sept. 27. It averages $7 million a year, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.

McTavish had been among the prominent unsigned restricted free agents who have been missing training camp. New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes and Nashville Predators forward Luke Evangelista are also unsigned.

‘He’s a highly skilled, physical, and competitive player who plays the game the right way,’ general manager Pat Verbeek said of McTavish. ‘Mason has already made a significant impact at a young age, and we’re confident he’ll continue to grow into a top player as we build toward sustained success.’

McTavish was drafted No. 3 overall by the Ducks in 2021 and has played three full seasons.

Here are details on the Mason McTavish contract and the Ducks forward’s statistics:

Mason McTavish contract details

His new deal is for six years and averages $7 million a year, per reports. He will become an unrestricted free agent when the deal expires in 2031.

The $7 million cap hit ties him for second on the Ducks with Troy Terry and free agent signee Mikael Granlund.

Defenseman Jacob Trouba is the highest-paid player on the team at $8 million a year.

Mason McTavish statistics

McTavish set career highs last season with 22 goals, 30 assists and 52 points.

He ranked first on the team in goals and second in points behind Terry’s 55.

McTavish has 60 goals and 140 points in 229 career games.

Week 5 of college football features several marquee matchups, including seven compelling contests for viewers.
In a Big Ten blockbuster, No. 5 Oregon will travel to face No. 2 Penn State in a prime-time showdown.
SEC rivals No. 16 Alabama and No. 3 Georgia will meet in another highly anticipated evening game.

Friday night’s appetizer was nice, but the main course is now at hand. A full Week 5 college football Saturday features marquee contests all day and well into the night.

For the sake of brevity, we’ve limited ourselves to the seven most compelling matchups for this viewers’ guide. But as usual, we certainly allow that there are plenty of other games on the schedule more than capable of producing surprises and close finishes. Once again, keep one eye on the scoreboard, one hand on the remote, and enjoy.

With all that out of the way, let’s get into the nuts and bolts, starting in prime time.

No. 5 Oregon at No. 2 Penn State

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC.

Why watch: This Big Ten blockbuster has been circled on the calendar all month, as we finally get to see if the Nittany Lions are worthy of their lofty preseason billing. Oregon, to be fair, hasn’t been challenged much either, though the Ducks did get an earlier taste of conference travel at Northwestern. Oregon QB Dante Moore has the offense humming, averaging just over 10 yards per pass attempt spreading the ball among a slew of big-play targets like WR Dakorien Moore and TE Kenyon Sadiq. Penn State DE Dani Dennis-Sutton and LB Tony Rojas will try to make his job difficult. Nittany Lions QB Drew Allar hasn’t had to test the deep waters much, as RBs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton have also picked up where they left off last season. Allar will probably need to stretch the field more this week to keep Ducks LB Bryce Boettcher at bay.

Why it could disappoint: We’d be surprised if it does, but unexpected things happen in this sport all the time. When these teams last met in the 2024 Big Ten championship game, Penn State fell into an early hole and couldn’t quite make it all the way back. That seems unlikely to happen here in Happy Valley, but the Ducks shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the atmosphere either.

No. 16 Alabama at No. 3 Georgia

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why watch: One can only hope this showdown of recent national powers comes close to matching the drama of some past encounters. The stakes might not be as high this time, though the Crimson Tide certainly want to avoid taking a second ‘L’ on their ledger this early in the campaign. The Bulldogs for their part are happy to have gotten out of Tennessee unscathed a couple weeks ago and now look to defend their home turf. The Georgia defense wasn’t exactly lights out in Knoxville, which could bode well for Alabama QB Ty Simpson and his most dependable WR Germie Bernard. Chris Cole and the Bulldogs LB corps have had some success on blitzes, but more pressure is needed from the front line. UGa QB Gunner Stockton’s most dangerous weapon is WR Zachariah Branch, who will be monitored at all times by Crimson Tide DB Bray Hubbard.

Why it could disappoint: It will depend on how the Alabama lines hold up. If Georgia dominates in the trenches the way Florida State did, the Tide are in for a long night. But a back-and-forth treat seems more likely, as the Bulldogs haven’t consistently imposed their will either.

No. 4 LSU at No. 11 Mississippi

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why watch: In most weeks, this clash of unbeatens in the SEC would be the undisputed headliner. When all is said and done, it might prove to be the most consequential, as both teams still have plenty of challenges ahead and would very much like to have this one in the win column. The stronger units for both teams will be on the field when Ole Miss has possession. The Rebels have moved the ball effectively with either QB Austin Simmons or Trinidad Chambliss at the controls. Chambliss should continue to start for now, and workhorse RB Kewan Lacy is a big part of all packages who will receive extra attention from LSU LB Harold Perkins. The Tigers haven’t been as flashy, though they’ve faced stiffer resistance. QB Garrett Nussmeier and RB Caden Durham might find more openings against the Rebels, but DT Zxavian Harris is hard to move in the middle.

Why it could disappoint: A couple of possibilities come to mind. Either the LSU offense won’t be able to keep up, or the Tigers’ defense will take charge immediately and turn the game into a slog. We suspect, however, that there will be enough momentum changes on the field to keep everyone interested.

No. 1 Ohio State at Washington

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

Why watch: This is the Buckeyes’ only visit to the Big Ten’s west-coast enclave, and while it isn’t Oregon or Southern California, it might not be a walk in the park. The Huskies handled the non-conference portion of their schedule with relative ease and are now ready to see how they stack up among the league’s upper tier. Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. has been efficient thus far, though having RB Jonah Coleman with him in the backfield has certainly helped. If they can keep Caleb Downs and the Buckeyes’ excellent safety group busy, there might be opportunities to stretch the field. Ohio State QB Julian Sayin did enough in his first major test against Texas and has since gotten in a couple of tune-ups. He’ll want to get standout WR Jeremiah Smith involved early and often, though Huskies DB Alex McLaughlin will assist with coverage.

Why it could disappoint: The Buckeyes had last week off, while the Huskies were in an Apple Cup fight with Washington State that took a bit longer to secure than they might have liked. Beyond that, though, it might be that Washington’s rebuild is not that close to where Ohio State is in the sport’s pecking order. We should know fairly soon if that is the case.

No. 12 Indiana at Iowa

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Peacock.

Why watch: The Hoosiers must put last week’s strong statement win in the rearview as they hit the road to face the Hawkeyes, who had a solid result themselves at Rutgers in their Big Ten opener. LB Jaden Harrell and the Iowa defense buttoned down in the second half after a rough start last week. They can’t afford a repeat of that formula against dynamic Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza and his deep stable of backs. The good news for the Hawkeyes was the improved output by QB Mark Gronowski and the offense, but LB Aiden Fisher and the Hoosiers’ front could be harder to solve. It wouldn’t come as a shock if the kicking game played a major role, with weapons like Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen or the Hoosiers’ D’Angelo Ponds capable of a big return at any time.

Why it could disappoint: Even with Iowa’s offensive upgrade, it still isn’t really equipped to mount a multi-score comeback if Indiana should grab the lead early. But if the Hawkeyes can make it a battle of field position, there could be fourth-quarter drama.

No. 22 Southern California at No. 23 Illinois

Time/TV: noon ET, Fox.

Why watch: After cracking the US LBM Coaches Poll for the first time this season, the Trojans now put that ranking on the line with this road trip. The Fighting Illini, meanwhile, are in desperate need of a reset after being thoroughly humbled by Indiana. Illinois QB Luke Altmyer didn’t have much time to operate last week as his offensive line was constantly overwhelmed. That kind of physicality has not been a defining trait for USC in recent years, but LB Eric Gentry does give the Trojans a veteran presence in the middle. USC QB Jayden Maiava has nine scoring throws without a pick and is getting solid ground support from RBs Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders. LB Gabe Jacas and the Illinois front must regroup quickly.

Why it could disappoint: Following a late-night game in its home time zone a week ago, USC faces a major body-clock adjustment with what will feel like a morning kickoff. Will it matter? Probably not, but it might be worth watching early.

Arizona at No. 13 Iowa State

Time/TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN.

Why watch: The Cyclones got an early jump-start in Big 12 play a month ago. They finally return to league competition in Ames as they welcome the Wildcats, who are still something of a mystery team but have shown signs of improvement after going 4-8 in 2024. Iowa State is coming off a needed open date, which could translate to a quick start for QB Rocco Becht and RB Carson Hansen. The Wildcats, however, are also rested, and DB Genesis Smith and Co. don’t surrender many long gainers. Arizona QB Noah Fifita has six scoring passes without an interception, though his completion percentage has dipped slightly to 59% this season. He’ll be up against a deep Cyclones’ secondary featuring Jamison Patton.

Why it could disappoint: It probably won’t. Iowa State doesn’t exactly blow opponents out of the water even while winning. And, like the Cyclones, Arizona was also involved in a one-score game with Kansas State, though that one didn’t count in the conference standings. It probably won’t be a track meet, but it appears to be a close matchup on paper.

PHOENIX — Physicality has been a topic of conversation throughout the 2025 WNBA playoffs. The discussion boiled over on Friday following a chaotic ending to the Phoenix Mercury’s 84-76 win over the Minnesota Lynx.

In the waning seconds of the semifinal contest, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was ejected and Lynx forward Napheesa Collier injured. Minnesota, the No. 1 seed in the WNBA playoff bracket, is on the brink of elimination and may be without its best player.

“The officiating crew that we had tonight, for the leadership to deem those three people semifinals playoff worth is f—ing malpractice,” Reeve said in an expletive-filled rant after the game.

With 23.8 seconds left in Game 3 — which featured seven lead changes in the fourth quarter alone — Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas cleanly swiped the ball from Collier and scored a layup to put the Mercury up, 84-76. No foul was called on Thomas following incidental contact with Collier, who went down clutching her left ankle after appearing to twist it. Reeve revealed in her postgame remarks that Collier “probably has a fracture” as a result of the play.

An irate Reeve stormed the court and referee before the ball could be inbounded, resulting in her second technical foul of the game. Despite being ejected, Reeve continued to charge the officials and had to be restrained by her staff and Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman before eventually heading down the tunnel toward the locker room as a sold-out crowd at PHX Arena cheered. Lynx associate head coach Eric Thibault was also called for a technical foul.  

Collier, who finished with 17 points and five fouls in the loss, was held scoreless in the fourth quarter and had no free throw attempts for the second time all season. Collier didn’t return to the game after injuring her ankle. (Collier previously missed seven regular season games with a right ankle injury.)

“One of the best players in the league shot zero free throws. Zero,’ Reeve continued. ‘And she had five fouls. Zero free throws. She got her shoulder pulled out and finished the game with her leg being taken out. And probably has a fracture.’

Reeve called for a “change of leadership at the league level when it comes to officiating’ and she’s not the first head coach to speak out against contact that’s been allowed this postseason. Following the the Las Vegas Aces’ Game 2 win over the Indiana Fever on Tuesday, Aces head coach Becky Hammon said “the physicality is out of control” in the league.

‘Most of my assistants come from the NBA and they are like, ‘This would not fly in the NBA,” Hammon said. ‘This level of physicality would not fly in the NBA. There would be fights. We just have very well-mannered women.’

Reeve echoed those sentiments, emphasizing how ‘dangerous’ the physicality has gotten.

‘You’re hearing it from the other series,’ Reeve said. ‘You’re hearing other coaches, you’re hearing Becky (Hammon) talk about when you let the physicality happen, people get hurt, there’s fights and this is the look that our league wants for some reason.’

“I can take an L with the best of them. I don’t think we should have to play through that … F—ing awful.’

Reeve picked up her first technical foul with 5:26 remaining in the second quarter after a foul wasn’t called on Thomas, who was physical in the paint with Collier. As the Lynx’s possession ended with a shot clock turnover, Reeve charged the referee on the floor, yelled in frustration and even imitated the hip motion of Thomas.

Although Phoenix was called for more fouls on in Game 3 on Friday (15-14), the Lynx finished the night with 11 free throw attempts, compared to 22 for the Mercury.

When asked about the officiating, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said, ‘We haven’t talked about the officiating all playoffs. We just play. We’re worried about us.’

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What a difference a week makes.

During Week 4 of the 2025 college football season, Illinois football fans probably felt that their College Football Playoff chances went up in smoke. In Week 5, the same Fighting Illini fans stormed the field at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.

Illinois, which was ranked No. 8 in the US LBM Coaches Poll entering Week 4, was blown out 63-10 by No. 17 Indiana last week on Sept. 20. The Fighting Illini totaled just 161 total yards in the loss to the Hoosiers.

On Sept. 27, Illinois’ offense finished with 502 total yards in the win over the Trojans.

Illinois fans rushing the field follows a trend during the 2025 season. Virginia rushed the field in emphatic fashion on Friday, Sept. 26, following a win over Florida State.

Does the Big Ten fine teams for rushing the field?

No, unlike the SEC, Big 12 and ACC, there is no fine in place for fans who rush the field in the Big Ten. According to an ESPN article from Feb. 26, 2024, the Big Ten does have ‘punishments’ in place for such events.

‘• Big Ten: A discretionary fine can result on a third offense for failure to ‘provide adequate security for visiting teams from their arrival for a game through their departure.’ There is a private reprimand for a first offense; a public reprimand for second.’

Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is going full circle.

Fleury helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win three Stanley Cup titles before he went to the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 expansion draft and led that team to the Final in its first season. He then played for the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild before retiring this past season with the second-most wins in NHL history.

But the Penguins are giving fans one last chance to see the goalie in a Pittsburgh uniform. Fleury, 40, signed a professional tryout agreement with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2003.

Fans lined up to see him practice on Friday, Sept. 26, and he’s scheduled to play part of the NHL preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.

Fleury told reporters he was given the option of which period to play and chose the third so he had a chance of winning the game.

Saturday’s game is on cable television. Here’s how to watch the last outing from the likely Hall of Famer.

How to watch, stream Marc-Andre Fleury’s final game

Game: Blue Jackets at Penguins

Site: PPG Paints Arena (Pittsburgh)

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: NHL Network

Streaming: Certain Sling TV packages carry NHL Network. So does Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Watch NHL games on Fubo

Marc-Andre Fleury arrives at game

The Penguins had the arena all decked up for Marc-Andre Fleury’s arrival.

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