Down to their last six outs and in danger of going back to Canada facing elimination, the Seattle Mariners battled back to produce two of the biggest swings in franchise history.

Cal Raleigh’s leadoff home run tied Game 5 of the American League Championship Series in the bottom of the eighth, and four batters later, Eugenio Suárez unleashed an opposite-field grand slam that lifted the Mariners to a 6-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at T-Mobile Park.

Suddenly, the Mariners lead this ALCS 3-2, with two chances to win their first AL pennant and reach their first World Series in franchise history. They’ll have to do it at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, with Game on 6 Oct. 19.

They’ve never been just one win away from reaching the World Series. And the task would have been so much more enormous without their eighth-inning heroics.

On the verge of getting swept out of Seattle in three games, the Mariners got the opening they needed when Blue Jays manager John Schneider tabbed lefty Brendon Little to start the eighth.

Little had blown Game 1 by allowing an inherited run to score and giving up another, but Schneider figured that by turning the switch-hitting Raleigh around, it’d mitigate his significant power.

Instead, for the 64th time this season, Raleigh found the seats. Tie game. Bedlam reigned at T-Mobile, but it was only the beginning.

Little, forced to face two more batters, walked both of them, and right-hander Seranthony Dominguez was summoned – but he hit Randy Arozarena with a pitch.

Enter Suárez, a late-season trade acquisition beloved from his first stint with the Mariners who opened the scoring with an opposite-field homer in the second inning. He rode Dominguez’s 98-mph fastball straight out to right – and the Mariners moved to the brink of a pennant. 

Here’s how Game 5 unfolded:

Eugenio Suarez grand slam stuns Blue Jays

The Mariners weren’t done after Cal Raleigh’s game-tying homer in the eighth, loading the bases with nobody out on two walks and a hit batter.

Facing Seranthony Dominguez, Eugenio Suarez hit an opposite-field grand slam to give the Mariners a 6-2 advantage. T-Mobile Park is absolutely rocking in Seattle.

That may go down as the biggest hit in Mariners history.

Cal Raleigh home run ties Game 5 vs Blue Jays

The Big Dumper wasn’t going to let the Seattle Mariners get swept at home without a fight. 

Raleigh, batting right-handed for the first time in this American League Championship Series, skied a home run just over the fence in left field to tie Game 5, 2-1, in the bottom of the eighth inning. 

Down to their last six outs and with Toronto on the verge of taking a 3-2 ALCS lead back to Canada, Raleigh was nonplussed when the Blue Jays called on Brendon Little to start the eighth. Little let an inherited runner score during Seattle’s Game 1 win at Toronto and Raleigh punished him immediately. 

George Springer injury as Blue Jays star hit by pitch

George Springer, one of the Toronto Blue Jays’ most potent offensive weapons, left Game 5 of the American League Championship Series after he was struck on the right knee by a Bryan Woo pitch. 

Springer, who drove in the Blue Jays’ first run with an RBI double in the fifth inning, doubled over in pain immediately after Woo’s 95.6 mph sinker struck him in the knee. 

Toronto takes sixth-inning lead

Bryan Woo’s first pitching appearance since September came in an unforgiving spot. And the Toronto Blue Jays weren’t in a forgiving mood. 

Woo, the Mariners ace who had to build back up from a late-season pectoral injury, gave up a double to Alejandro Kirk on the first pitch he threw and an RBI single to Ernie Clement as the Blue Jays took a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning of ALCS Game 5. 

Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman gave up just three hits in his first five innings on 78 pitches, while the Mariners have already dipped two deep into their bullpen. 

Mariners yank Bryce Miller and Blue Jays tie score in fifth

Dan Wilson moved aggressively to make sure the Toronto Blue Jays didn’t ambush his starting pitcher, Bryce Miller. Yet the move backfired, and now the Seattle Mariners must piece together four more innings from a shaky bullpen in a tie game.

The Mariners manager hooked Miller in the fifth inning, despite Miller’s four shutout innings and just 56 pitches. Top set-up man Matt Brash, though, couldn’t hold the line as he gave up a two-out RBI double to George Springer and tie the game 1-1 heading to the bottom of the fifth.

Miller faced just one batter in the fifth, giving up a bloop single to Addison Barger, and Brash recorded two quick outs, but found trouble when the lineup flipped.

Springer narrowly missed a two-run homer, and nearly sparked another big Blue Jays inning after Nathan Lukes walked, bringing up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. But Guerrero, up 3-1 in the count, whiffed on a nasty slider and then couldn’t catch up to a 96 mph sinker to end the inning.

Eugenio Suárez home run puts Mariners in front

For the second consecutive game, the Seattle Mariners got a second-inning solo home run. Now, the hard part: Making it stand up. 

Eugenio Suárez hit a solo home run off Kevin Gausman to open the scoring in Game 5 of the ALCS, the series knotted 2-2. 

The Mariners have lost both games at T-Mobile Park and this is their last chance to get a win at home. In Game 4, Josh Naylor homered off Max Scherzer, but the Blue Jays’ bats eventually clubbed Mariners pitching in an 8-2 Toronto victory. 

So far, Bryce Miller’s been up to the task, with three strikeouts in two innings of work. 

Bryce Miller works around Vlad Jr. double

Vladimir Guerrero hit a two-out double in the top of the first, but Mariners starter Bryce Miller bounced back to strike out Alejandro Kirk to end the inning and strand the runner in scoring position.

Seattle third baseman Eugenio Suarez made a nice over-the-shoulder catch earlier in the frame.

Blue Jays lineup today

George Springer (R) DH
Nathan Lukes (L) LF
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R) 1B
Alejandro Kirk (R) C
Daulton Varsho (L) CF
Ernie Clement (R) 3B
Addison Barger (L) RF
Isiah Kiner-Falefa (R) 2B
Andrés Giménez (L) SS

Mariners lineup today: ALCS Game 5

Julio Rodríguez (R) CF
Cal Raleigh (S) C
Jorge Polanco (S) DH
Josh Naylor (L) 1B
Randy Arozarena (R) LF
Eugenio Suárez (R) 3B
J.P. Crawford (L) SS
Dominic Canzone (L) RF
Leo Rivas (S) 2B

Mariners manager Dan Wilson on ALCS becoming a best-of-three

‘I think this is very emblematic of where we find ourselves a lot during the season. It’s a two-out-of-three series at this point and we have been successful a lot of times in a two-out-of-three series.

‘I think our guys, they know what it takes to fight from this position. That’s been sort of a key to our entire season, really, has just been their ability to be resilient, to fight back, to fight hard, and fight from inning one to nine. And that’s really going to become front stage and center here these last several games, and I’m comfortable and I think they’re comfortable in that environment as well.’

Ernie Clement was waiting for ‘Mad Max’ Scherzer moment

Toronto’s 41-year-old Max Scherzer got the win in Game 4 and the three-time Cy Young winner looked like his hold self, shouting at Blue Jays manager John Schneider to leave him in the game – much to the delight of third baseman Ernie Clement

‘I’ve seen it on TV just from watching baseball over the last 15 years or whatever. He’s so fired up and wants to be out there and wants to kick your ass,’ Clement told reporters before Game 5. ‘So to be on that side of it, like, I’ve been kind of waiting for that all season, so it was so, so fun to be a part of.

‘I couldn’t help but laugh. It was just so funny because after he comes out, he kind of flips the switch and goes back to being that fun-loving jokester. It’s like he’s got two personalities. It’s hysterical. So I was really happy for him to get that job done.’

With the Tennessee Titans pulling the plug on Brian Callahan after his uninspiring 23-game stint as an unproven head coach, imagine the job posting:

Wanted: Extreme leader to revitalize sagging operation. Sharp. Savvy. Bold. Experience essential – with a resume that includes playoff appearances and division titles. Relates well to players. Aligns with front office on personnel moves. Keen game-day strategist.

The ideal candidate to become the next Titans coach sounds a lot like…

Too bad, Titans. Vrabel heads to Nashville this weekend to face his former team and look who’s in first place? The New England Patriots.

Man, did NFL schedule-makers nail this one for irony. Vrabel coaching against the Titans is one thing. The optics of Tennessee firing its coach on Monday, of any given week, is an even more glaring reminder of the colossal mistake it was to dump Vrabel after the 2023 season.

Here’s to a Music City Reunion.

“I think it would file under the category of, is it interesting or important?” Vrabel said early this week in Foxborough. “I would probably say this would be very interesting. But in the end, not very important to our preparation or what we need to do to continue to try to improve as a team.”

Titans are in Vrabel’s rear-view mirror, still looking for answers

In other words, his six-year Titans tenure is where you’d expect it, firmly in the rear-view mirror. His Patriots (4-2), with an emerging young quarterback Drake Maye, ride a three-game winning streak and have shown suddenly substantial indications that they might give the Buffalo Bills a run for the AFC East crown in Vrabel’s first season.

After taking a year working in the background with the Cleveland Browns, Vrabel found the perfect job – or the perfect job found him, at the expense of Jerod Mayo – and has quickly demonstrated why Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk & Co. were crazy to kick him to the curb.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft certainly gave Mayo a raw deal, too. Mayo, previously the defensive coordinator, had it in his contract that he would replace Bill Belichick, but that clause was written before Vrabel hit the market. After Mayo went 4-13 in his only season, when fans at Gillette Stadium chanted for his firing, Kraft quickly moved to land Vrabel. And the Patriots, rebooting from the Belichick era, needed Vrabel in the worst way.

Callahan, meanwhile, ultimately got the Mayo treatment after all of the talk about patience coming from Titans president Chad Brinker a few months ago.

In January, Brinker went on record, contending that they wanted to give Callahan “the opportunity to grow into the head coach that we think he can be … it just takes time to build a program.”

Well, time’s up, as interim coach Mike McCoy takes over to direct the development of Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick. Fast fact: Of the past eight quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall, Ward is now the sixth to see his coach fired during his rookie year. It seemed destined to happen. The Titans (1-5) won their only game as a gift from the mistake-riddled Arizona Cardinals and scored the fewest points in franchise history (83) during the first six games.

Along the way, Callahan – who didn’t call the plays as he rose as a hot coaching prospect as coordinator for the Joe Burrow-quarterbacked Cincinnati Bengals – turned over the Titans play-calling duties to quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree and kept appearing to be way in over his head.

As Ward eloquently put it after a shut out at Houston in Week 4: “We ass.”

On Monday night after firing Callahan, who went 4-19, Brinker contended, “We’re not seeing enough growth from this football team.”

That’s not solely an indictment on Callahan. The Titans ownership, which also dumped the past two general managers, Ran Carthon and Jon Robinson, has much mud on its hands for picking the coach. And now the search is on again, while the talent level is so suspect.

Vrabel, who won two AFC South titles and earned three playoff berths with the Titans, couldn’t be blamed if he asked, “How ya like me now?”

Instead, he can thank his lucky stars for his twist in fortune. He landed in a much better place. Back where he won three Super Bowls as a player, he is already re-establishing the Patriot Way. He came in with the windfall of nearly $100 million in salary cap room. He’s familiar with Kraft, and that vibe works both ways.

He knows. Tough business. Callahan didn’t turn out to be the next Sean McVay, Mike Tomlin or Sean Payton – who were unproven upon landing their first head coaching jobs and are now among the best in the business. Vrabel can relate to getting fired.

The former Titans coach didn’t hesitate to reach out to the latest former Titans coach. It just so happens that it went down this week, of all weeks.

“I don’t want to see anybody that shares a job with you get let go,” Vrabel told reporters on Wednesday. “That’s a tough feeling with family and school. Whether it’s in college or pro, we’re in the media every single day. And there’s a human element to this that I don’t want to forget.

“I just remember all those coaches or people that reached out to me after I was let go. I think that’s important because nobody texts you when you lose, they all text you when you win. So, it’s a good reminder.”

And Vrabel’s presence in Nashville will be a good reminder, too, for the Titans power brokers needing to figure out how to pick, support and commit to a winning coach.

Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on  X: @JarrettBell

The start of the NBA season is five days away.

Friday, Oct. 17 marks the final day of the NBA preseason. Coaches and players have worked their way back to game shape, and contenders have their eyes on a trip to the NBA Finals.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the reigning NBA champions and were dominant last season from the start of play to the end. The Thunder led the league with 68 victories, which was 16 more than the Western Conference’s second-best team, the Houston Rockets (52), and four more than the leader in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers (64).

Yet, the NBA has not seen a repeat champion since the Golden State Warriors won consecutive titles in 2017 and 2018.

Here are the record projections for every NBA team for the 2025-26 season with previews of each:

Eastern Conference record projections

(Projected 2025-26 conference seed in parentheses for applicable teams.)

Atlantic Division

(1) New York Knicks; 59-23: New coach Mike Brown should rely on New York’s depth far more than his predecessor did, but the biggest improvement the Knicks should see this season is a more diversified offense, and one that features star Jalen Brunson off the ball more often.

(6) Philadelphia 76ers; 43-39: This is all going to come down to the health of Philly’s players, the most important being Joel Embiid. He reported to training camp slimmed down, has been limited during the preseason, and his comments at media day signaled that he’ll likely be on a load management schedule. The Sixers, though, could be a candidate to outperform if they can get him consistently on the floor.

Brooklyn Nets; 16-66: A team that is very clearly amassing draft capital and building for the future, the Nets will have to rely on young, unproven players. There will be growing pains along the way, and it’s not clear if Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr. can carry the offense.

Central Division

Southeast Division

Western Conference

(Projected 2025-26 conference seed in parentheses for applicable teams.)

Northwest Division

Pacific Division

(4) Los Angeles Clippers; 51-31: The investigation into Kawhi Leonard and owner Steve Ballmer’s role in allegedly circumventing the salary cap will hang over the franchise until there is a resolution. But this is probably the last season for this veteran roster to compete for a championship. Adding John Collins and Brook Lopez shores up the front court.

(8) Los Angeles Lakers; 43-39: Not having LeBron James for the start of the season will put a ton of pressure on Luka Dončić. The Lakers better hope that James’ sciatica issue doesn’t linger, because they will miss his play-making. The biggest hole on the roster, however, is at center, where DeAndre Ayton may not be a long-term solution.

Southwest Division

(2) Houston Rockets; 55-27: Losing point guard Fred VanVleet to a torn anterior cruciate ligament is a blow, but Houston remains a legitimate title threat with Kevin Durant in the fold. They’re hyper-athletic and long at the wing, built to defend a team like the defending-champion Thunder.

(9) Memphis Grizzlies; 39-43: Memphis is counting on rookie Cedric Coward, the No. 11 overall selection in the 2025 draft, and free agent signing Ty Jerome replacing Desmond Bane. Ja Morant is dealing with a sprained ankle but should be okay. The biggest question facing the Grizzlies is turnovers and inefficient play; they need to clean that up.

New Orleans Pelicans; 28-54: A slimmed-down Zion Williamson could inject a significant boost for a Pelicans team that needs it with team missing point guard Dejounte Murray (Achilles). New Orleans does have a couple of promising rookies in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, but the Pelicans may still have a tough time clawing into the playoff picture.

2025-26 NBA playoff predictions

Eastern Conference

First round

(1) Knicks def. (8) Heat
(7) Celtics def. (2) Cavaliers
(3) Pistons def. (6) 76ers
(5) Hawks def. (4) Magic

Conference semifinals

(1) Knicks def. (5) Hawks
(3) Pistons def. (7) Celtics

Conference finals

(1) Knicks def. (3) Pistons

Western Conference

First round

(1) Thunder def. (8) Lakers
(2) Rockets def. (7) Warriors
(3) Nuggets def. (6) Timberwolves
(5) Spurs def, (4) Clippers

Conference semifinals

(5) Spurs def. (1) Thunder
(3) Nuggets def. (2) Rockets

Conference finals

(3) Nuggets def. (5) Spurs

2026 NBA Finals

Nuggets def. Knicks

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Dylan Strome had two goals and two assists, while Alex Ovechkin scored career goal No. 898 as the Washington Capitals routed the Minnesota Wild for their fourth win in row.

Ovechkin, who assisted on Strome’s first-period goal, notched his first of the season 1:19 into the third to put the Capitals ahead 3-1. Strome added an insurance tally with 8:28 remaining in regulation for Washington, which also got a goal from Aliaksei Protas and Tom Wilson and outshot the Wild 45-14 for the game.

Directly off a Strome face-off win, the puck slid to Ovechkin, who one-timed it home from near the top of the circle and by Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson to move closer to No. 900. Ovechkin broke his tie with Gordie Howe and moved into second place with 567 even-strength goals.

Marcus Johansson scored for Minnesota, which was unable to generate any consistent offense while losing for the third time in five games. Gustavsson recorded 40 saves as his defense struggled to keep the puck out of their own zone.

The Wild have totaled three goals while losing two in a row after scoring 13 times in the first three contests.

Washington, which outshot Minnesota 13-3 in the first period, broke through during a tightly contested opening 20 minutes. With 2:08 to go before the first intermission, Ovechkin skated with the puck toward the right wing, then sent it across into the blue paint for Strome to push home.

The Wild managed just seven shots on goal through the first two periods, but they tied things up with 3:13 left in the second. With Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson (13 saves) screened by Minnesota’s Jake Middleton, Johansson’s snap shot found the net.

It ended a run where Minnesota’s previous nine overall goals all came on the power play.

However, Washington regained the lead less than a minute later. Via some nifty passing, the Capitals found Protas, who slid it across the slot and past Gustavsson.

Washington has outscored its opponents 13-5 during their four-game winning streak.

Alex Ovechkin career goals breakdown

Total goals: 898, first overall
Even strength: 567, second overall
Power play: 326, a record
Short-handed: 5
Empty net: 65, a record
Game winners: 136, a record
Overtime goals: 27, a record
Multi-goal games: 179, second overall
Goalies scored against: 184, a record
Hat tricks: 32, tied for fifth overall. Ovechkin has hat tricks against 20 franchises, tying Brett Hull’s record.
20-goal seasons: 20, tied for second
30-goal seasons: 19, a record
40-goal seasons: 14, a record

Havoc has been created in Miami. 

Entering the week looking like the team to beat in a weakened Atlantic Coast Conference, No. 2 Miami football was upset at home by unranked Louisville 24-21 on Friday, Oct. 17. 

The win for Louisville marked its first win over an Associated Press top-two-ranked team since 2016. It also is the fourth win against a top-five ranked team for the Cardinals under Jeff Brohm since 2018. 

Stream Miami vs. Louisville football live with Fubo (free trial)

The Hurricanes faced an uphill battle from the jump, as the Cardinals cashed in both of their first two drives of the night for touchdowns to get out to an early 14-0 lead. Miami would then put together a quick drive of its own to answer back and cut the deficit to 14-7 but that’s about as much success the Hurricanes offense had on the night until the fourth quarter. 

Facing a 24-13 deficit in the fourth quarter, Miami turned a forced fumble from Keionte Scott into eight points on a 12-yard rushing touchdown from true freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney. The Hurricanes would convert the 2-point conversion on a pass from Toney, a quarterback in high school, to CJ Daniels. 

The Cardinals’ defense sealed their signature win with 33 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter when T.J. Capers picked off Miami quarterback Carson Beck for the fourth time on the night. The Hurricanes had been in field goal range before Beck’s interception.

The loss is the first setback of the season for the Hurricanes. Beck finished 25 of 35 passing for 271 yards while Miller Moss finished 23 of 37 passing for 248 yards and two touchdowns on the night.

USA TODAY Sports is bringing you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Follow along:

Miami vs Louisville football live score

This section will be updated during the game

Miami vs Louisville live updates

This section has been updated with new information

Final score: Louisville 24, Miami 21

Miami forces Louisville fumble, Malachi Tony TD

Miami finally has life!

Keionte Scott forces the ball out of the hands of Louisville running back Isaac Brown for the first takeaway of the night the Hurricanes’ defense. Then, on the very next play, Malachi Toney scores a 12-yard rushing touchdown on the jet sweep to give Miami its first touchdown since the first quarter. Toney would then successfully throw the 2-point conversion to CJ Daniels to make the deficit now three points at 24-21.

What a turn of events by the Hurricanes.

Carson Beck throws third interception of night

Carson Beck looks to go down the field on third-and-8 to continue a crucial drive for Miami, but instead his throw is intercepted by Louisville’s JoJo Evans Jr with no Hurricanes players around.

It is the third takeaway of the night for the Cardinals’ defense.

Miller Moss extends Louisville lead

Miller Moss converts a crucial third-and-3 for the Cardinals and it leads to a 36-yard touchdown pass to Chris Bell, who breaks through several Miami defenders to find the back of the end zone. It is the second touchdown of the night for Bell, who is now up to 116 receiving yards and two touchdowns on seven catches.

Louisville now leads No. 2 Miami 24-13 with 13:27 remaining in the fourth quarter. While there remains plenty of time on the board, Miami needs to score some points — preferably a touchdown — to keep itself in this game.

Third quarter: Louisville 17, Miami 13

Louisville leads Miami after third quarter

Louisville takes a 17-13 lead over No. 2 Miami into the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. The Cardinals have the ball and just moved into the Hurricanes’ side of the field after a 15-yard carry from Isaac Brown, who is now up to 112 rushing yards on the night.

The Hurricanes have 15 minutes to keep their undefeated start to the season alive, while the Cardinals are a quarter away from picking up a significant signature win to their season.

Miami cuts deficit with field goal

Miami cuts its deficit against Louisville to 17-13 with a 41-yard field goal from Carter Davis. The Hurricanes had a third-and-2 at the Louisville 18-yard line but were called for a false start, their seventh penalty of the night.

It’s a big stop for the Louisville defense, especially getting called for a roughing the passer penalty on second and long, to hold Miami to just a field goal, but the Hurricanes are going to need more than a field goal to take a lead or win this game.

Louisville extends lead with field goal

Louisville pushes its lead back up to seven points after Cooper Ranvier hits the 48-yard field goal down the middle of the field. The Cardinals now lead No. 2 Miami 17-10 with 10:58 remaining in the third quarter.

The Cardinals caught a break on third-and-3 as video replay overturned Miller Moss’ throw intended for Nate Kurisky to an incomplete pass from an original call of an interception by the Hurricanes’ defense.

Miami punts

It’s not the start Miami needed to start the second half, as the Hurricanes go three and out on their first drive of the third quarter. The Hurricanes were backed up before Carson Beck and Co. trotted out to the field as Miami was called for a hold on the kickoff return. Miami now has six penalties on the night.

The Hurricanes’ defense will need to come up with another stop to keep this game at a four-point deficit.

First half: Louisville 14, Miami 10

Louisville leads Miami at halftime

Miami gets the stop on defense to force the punt, but the Hurricanes take the knee for the final play of the first half. Louisville is up 14-10 at halftime against No. 2 Miami thanks to its defense coming up with two takeaways against Carson Beck.

The Hurricanes entered the night trailing just a combined 9:12 of game time in their first five games. But tonight, they have failed the Cardinals for a total of 23:55 after Louisville jumped out to a hot 14-0 lead.

Miami starts the second half with the ball.

Miami cuts deficit with field goal

Miami elects to take the points on fourth-and-goal after the two-minute warning. Carter Davis cuts Miami’s deficit to four points at 14-10 after successfully converting the 27-yard field goal attempt.

The big play of the drive came on second-and-10 from Miami’s own 30-yard line when Carson Beck found Malachi Toney on the right side and connected with the true freshman wide receiver for a 61-yard catch on the run. Toney now has 108 yards on four catches on the night, and leads all FBS freshman wide receivers with 483 receiving yards on the season.

Miami’s defense will now look for another stop before halftime.

Louisville picks off Carson Beck … Again

Carson Beck is picked off for the second consecutive drive, as his throw down the field that was intended for Keelan Marion falls short and into the hands of Jabari Mack. Back-to-back costly plays for the Hurricanes, who continue to set themselves back with self-inflicted mistakes and errors.

That’s now five interceptions for Beck on the season.

Keionte Scott sacks Miller Moss

Miami defensive back Keionte Scott picks up the blown protection from the Louisville offensive line and rushes the pocket and sacks Miller Moss for a loss of 11 yards. It’s the first big play of the night from the Hurricanes’ defense.

The Cardinals punt the ball back two plays later, setting up a big drive for Carson Beck and the Miami offense after Beck threw an interception on the previous drive. Miami trails 14-7 with 9:01 remaining in the first half.

Louisville picks off Carson Beck

Carson Beck attempts to go down the field to Malachi Tony but the throw is intercepted by Louisville linebacker Antonio Watts. It’s a costly throw and a poor decision by Beck, who gives the Cardinals back the ball with a 14-7 lead.

Louisville takes over at its own 32-yard line.

Louisville punts

Miller Moss throws three consecutive incomplete passes and Louisville sends the punt unit out onto the field. It’s a nice in-game adjustment by Miami’s defense on the drive as it dialed up the pressure more on Moss and was able to get to the quarterback to cause havoc and incompletions.

Miami gets the ball back on its own 7-yard line.

First quarter: Louisville 14, Miami 7

Louisville leads Miami after first quarter

Louisville leads No. 2 Miami 14-7 after the first quarter of action at Hard Rock Stadium. The Cardinals will begin the second quarter with a big decision of either going for it on fourth-and-1 on their own side of the field or punting the ball back to the Hurricanes after Miller Moss is unable to pick up the first on the quarterback sneak.

Miller Moss is 8 of 9 passing for 87 yards and a touchdown, while Carson Beck is 4 for 4 passing for 76 yards.

Mark Fletcher Jr. puts Miami on the board

Miami responds with a quick scoring drive of its own, as Mark Fletcher Jr. runs it in from the 2-yard line to put the Hurricanes on the board for the first time tonight. It’s the sixth rushing touchdown of the season for the Hurricanes’ top running back.

The scoring drive was set up by back-to-back throws from Carson Beck of at least 30 yards: a 30-yard catch up the right sideline to CJ Daniels and a 39-yard catch up the left side on the fade route to Malachi Toney.

The drive itself was five plays for 75 yards and took 2:50 off the game clock. Miami now trails Louisville 14-7.

Miller Moss throws 35-yard TD pass to extend lead

Louisville takes an early two-score lead against No. 2 Miami off a 35-yard touchdown pass up the middle of the field from Miller Moss to Chris Bell. It’s a nice start to the night for Moss and the Cardinals offense against a Miami defense that ranks first in the ACC in scoring. Miami’s defense entered the night giving up just 13.6 points per game to opponents.

The scoring drive was four plays for 46 yards and took just over two minutes of game time. Louisville leads Miami 14-0 with 5:09 remaining in the first quarter.

Miami punts

It’s a three-and-out for Miami on its first drive of the night. The Hurricanes were pushed up by a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty from offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa on second-and-6.

Louisville takes lead on touchdown

Louisville successfully executes the tush push on first-and-goal as Miller Moss runs it in from the 1-yard line to give the Cardinals an early 7-0 lead. It’s a statement opening drive for the Cardinals, as Moss’ touchdown marks the first touchdown given up in the first quarter by Miami’s defense this season.

The scoring play was set up by the Cardinals’ fake field goal attempt. The drive was 11 plays for 75 yards and took 6:05 off the game clock.

Louisville picks up first down on fake field goal

Halloween Trickery has come early in Miami! Louisville looks to have taken the field goal attempt after Miller Moss throws an incomplete pass on third-and-4 but Cardinals place kicker David Chapeau takes the snap and picks up the first down with a 3-yard carry.

First-and-goal coming up for Louisville.

Miami wins toss, Louisville offense up first

Miami wins the opening coin toss and defers the opening kickoff to the second half. That means it will be Miller Moss and Louisville’s offense trotting out onto the field first at Hard Rock Stadium. Kickoff is shortly away in Miami Gardens!

Pregame

DJ Khaled in attendance for Miami vs Louisville

The celebrities are out in Miami Gardens on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium as DJ Khaled is also in attendance for the ACC showdown between Miami and Louisville. He is one of three known celebrities at the game thus far, with the others being Ray Lewis and Michael Irvin.

Ray Lewis in attendance for Miami vs Louisville

Former Miami linebacker Ray Lewis is in attendance for Miami’s ACC home opener on Friday against Louisville. He is currently on the sidelines during pregame warmups on the field and is set to appear on ESPN’s ‘SportsCenter’ with Michael Irvin before the game.

Miami Hurricanes football running back depth chart

Mark Fletcher Jr. is RB1 for Miami’s offense and leads the Hurricanes’ running back room with 428 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 78 carries.

Here’s a list of Miami’s running backs from their official roster:

Mark Fletcher Jr.
CharMar Brown
Girard Pringle Jr.
Chris Wheatley-Humphrey
Jordan Lyle
Luke Hoaglund
Terrell Walden II
Jack Whitehouse

Who is starting at quarterback for Miami vs Louisville?

Carson Beck will once again start at quarterback for Miami on Friday against Louisville. The former Georgia quarterback has completed 102 of 139 passes this season for 1,213 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is 29-3 as a starting quarterback at the Division I FBS level, which is the best record among active players.

Who is starting at quarterback for Louisville vs Miami?

Miller Moss will make his sixth career start for Louisville on Friday against Miami. The former USC quarterback has completed 67% of his passes for 1,358 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions in five games with the Cardinals.

Click here to read more on why Moss transferred to Louisville this past offseason from USA TODAY Sports’ Craig Meyer.

Miami football walks into Hard Rock Stadium

Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes are on site for Friday’s game at Hard Rock Stadium and have begun their pregame walk into the stadium. A win on Friday vs. Louisville would make Miami bowl-eligible.

Miami football unveils uniforms vs Louisville

The Hurricanes unveil on their official X (formerly Twitter) account that they will rock their orange uniform tops with the white pants for Friday night’s game vs. Louisville.

What time does Miami vs Louisville start?

Date: Friday, Oct. 17
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)

Miami and Louisville are set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 17 from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

What TV channel is Miami vs Louisville on today?

TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

Miami vs. Louisville will be broadcast nationally on ESPN in Week 8 of the college football season. Dave Pasch and Dusty Dvoracek will have the call from the booth at Hard Rock Stadium, with Taylor McGregor reporting from the sidelines.

Streaming options for the game include Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers, and the ESPN app (with a TV login).

Stream Miami vs. Louisville football live with Fubo (free trial)

Miami vs Louisville predictions

Alexis Cubit, Louisville Courier Journal: Miami 35, Louisville 28

‘Louisville had the tools and momentum to get the program’s first win at Miami two years ago. It doesn’t feel like that’s the case this year. Although the Cards’ defense has played well all season, an extra week won’t be enough to help their offense clean up the costly mistakes and heal all the injuries sustained within the running back room.’

Miami football schedule 2025

Here is Miami’s schedule and results:

Sunday, Aug. 31: Miami 27, No. 6 Notre Dame 24
Saturday, Sept. 6: Miami 45, Bethune-Cookman 3
Saturday, Sept. 13: Miami 49, No. 18 South Florida 12
Saturday, Sept. 20: Miami 26, Florida 7
Saturday, Sept. 27: BYE
Saturday, Oct. 4: Miami 28, No. 18 FSU 22
Saturday, Oct. 11: BYE
Friday, Oct. 17: vs. Louisville * | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo)
Saturday, Oct. 25: vs. Stanford * | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 1: at SMU *
Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. Syracuse *
Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. NC State *
Saturday, Nov. 22: at Virginia Tech *
Saturday, Nov. 29: at Pitt *

* Denotes ACC game

Louisville football schedule 2025

Here is Louisville’s schedule and results:

Saturday, Aug. 30: Louisville 51, Eastern Kentucky 17
Friday, Sept. 5: Louisville 28, James Madison 14
Saturday, Sept. 13: BYE
Saturday, Sept. 20: Louisville 40, Bowling Green 17
Saturday, Sept. 27: Louisville 34, Pitt 27 *
Saturday, Oct. 4: No. 24 Virginia 30, Louisville 27 (OT) *
Saturday, Oct. 11: BYE
Friday, Oct. 17: at No. 2 Miami * | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo)
Saturday, Oct. 25: vs. Boston College * | 7:30 p.m. ET | ACC Network (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 1: at Virginia Tech *
Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. Cal *
Friday, Nov. 14: vs. Clemson * | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 22: at SMU *
Saturday, Nov. 29: vs. Kentucky

* Denotes ACC game

A historic New York City church that houses the basketball program considered one of the pioneers behind today’s multibillion-dollar youth sports industry is facing more than two dozen lawsuits related to allegations of child abuse by the program’s founder and longtime coach, according to a new joint investigation conducted by Rolling Stone and Sportico.

Ernest ‘Ernie’ Lorch stepped down from his position with the Riverside Church Hawks after more than 40 years in 2002 when several of the program’s players went public accusing him of child abuse. He died in 2012 while awaiting trial after an indictment for attempted rape from a Massachusetts grand jury. But a more definitive resolution is on the court docket, the two outlets reported.

More than two dozen lawsuits involving 26 plaintiffs, some dating more than 20 years, have been filed against Riverside Church underNew York’s Child Victims Act of 2019 over Lorch’s alleged behavior. Multiple former players accuse Lorch of pedophilia and child abuse spanning decades. The first trial date is set for January 2026.

Riverside Church has challenged the allegations in legal filings. Attorneys say the church had no knowledge that Lorch abused anyone, and no player ever complained about Lorch’s behavior to a person of authority. Lorch was a church deacon and president of the board of trustees at Riverside, according to the investigation, in addition to being a prominent New York City attorney.

Lorch was a volunteer leading the church’s youth recreation program for more than 40 years. The basketball program he started in the Riverside Church basement gym eventually produced future NBA players such as Chris Mullin, Kenny Smith, Kenny Anderson and Metta World Peace.

His teams are credited with being at the forefront of the mostly unregulated grassroots basketball model in which apparel companies dole out millions to sponsor the teams with the best prospects in the country.

Lorch is accused of child abuse in rooms throughout Riverside Church, his New York City apartment and his home in Vermont, according to court documents reviewed as part of the investigation. Former UTEP star Byron Walker said in sworn testimony and during an interview as part of the joint investigation that Lorch tried to rape him in the locker room at a basketball tournament in Massachusetts after Walker earlier had shown up late for the team van.

Lorch is also alleged to have paid hush money to his victims in exchange for their silence over the years, according to the investigation.

Playoff projection includes five teams from the SEC, reflecting the conference’s depth.
Big Ten team comes off the board first.
Last at-large team in? Georgia.

With the first pick in the midseason College Football Playoff draft, I do hereby select . . .

*Wait while the faux suspense builds*

The defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes.

Who else, right?

The undefeated No. 1 Buckeyes possess no apparent weakness, and no ranked opponents remain on their schedule. They’re a slam dunk for the playoff.

On the most recent edition of “SEC Football Unfiltered,” the podcast I host alongside John Adams, we drafted our latest playoff projection.

We do this in tandem, choosing teams back and forth as we fill the bracket. Neither of us can veto the other’s picks.

We wound up with five SEC teams in our bracket, but no SEC team came off the board until the sixth round. That reflects the conference’s reality of being a deep league with a bundle of playoff contenders but no runaway front-runners.

In selecting the teams, we didn’t try to seed the bracket. Instead, we alternated picks choosing teams that we feel most strongly about qualifying for the playoff, while adhering to the playoff’s rules that at least five conference champions must be represented.

Here’s how our draft played out to result in a 12-team bracket:

My first pick: Ohio State

The Buckeyes’ robust defense, ironclad offensive line and wide receiver weaponry should protect them as they progress toward the Big Ten championship game.

John’s first pick: Miami

My thoughts on John’s pick: No argument. The Hurricanes put the hay in the barn early, with wins against Notre Dame, South Florida, Florida and Florida State. They don’t need to win the ACC to qualify. Just don’t collapse.

My second pick: Indiana

The Hoosiers proved themselves with a win at Oregon. They’re physical, athletic and propelled by strong quarterback play from Fernando Mendoza. The schedule becomes friendly, too.

John’s second pick: Texas Tech

My thoughts: Good choice. The Red Raiders are rolling. Put an SEC or Big Ten logo patch on their jersey, and they’d be ranked higher than their No. 8 spot in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll. Expect them to keep winning and keep climbing.

My third pick: Oregon

The loss to Indiana stings, and Oregon is left without a marquee victory thanks to Penn State’s collapse. The schedule is back-ended with games against Southern California and at Washington, but as long as Oregon keeps playing like the Big Ten’s third-best team, it’ll be fine.

John’s third pick: Ole Miss

My thoughts: The Rebels’ insistence on playing tight games every week causes me some unease with this pick, and road games against Georgia and Oklahoma are on tap. They enjoy some breathing room, though, thanks to their undefeated record.

My fourth pick: Alabama

Alabama has three ranked opponents left, but each of those games is at Bryant-Denny Stadium, where Kalen DeBoer hasn’t lost. The Crimson Tide show little resemblance to the team that flopped in Week 1 against Florida State. They look more like the SEC’s best team.

John’s fourth pick: Texas A&M

My thoughts: If Texas A&M wore Alabama jerseys, I’d breathe more easily. As it is, the Aggies’ history of shortcomings looms large. They’re undefeated but have road games remaining against LSU, Missouri and Texas, all ranked teams. Probably as safe as any pick at this point, though.

My fifth pick: Notre Dame

If Notre Dame beats Southern Cal at home this weekend, drop the blue and gold confetti. The Irish are in the playoff. Never mind the close losses to Miami and Texas A&M, because the schedule is cake after this weekend, and the committee is not going to omit a 10-2 Irish team.

John’s fifth pick: Tennessee

My thoughts: Tennessee’s defense makes me nervous. In three games against SEC opponents, it has allowed 36.3 points per game. Tennessee stands two losses away from a knockout, and Alabama is on deck.

My sixth pick: Georgia

One-loss Georgia’s dominance is long gone, but it usually finds a way to prevail. The win at Tennessee helps the résumé, but land mines remain. Not a foolproof pick, by any stretch.

John’s sixth pick: South Florida

My thoughts: A fine choice. We needed a Group of Five qualifier, and USF has looked as good as any team from this level. We’ll learn more in two weeks when USF plays at undefeated Memphis.

Our collaborative playoff projection at midseason: Ohio State, Miami, Indiana, Texas Tech, Oregon, Ole Miss, Alabama, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Georgia and South Florida.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

The Minnesota Vikings are back in NFL action Sunday after their bye in Week 6 with a crucial matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Minnesota hosts the reigning Super Bowl champions in Week 7. A loss could drop the Vikings to last in the NFC North while a win could move them closer to division leader Green Bay (3-1-1).

So, no pressure – especially with a backup quarterback.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Friday that former Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz will start Sunday against Philadelphia, per multiple reports. Starter J.J. McCarthy is still recovering from a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Rookie undrafted free agent Max Brosmer will back up Wentz on Sunday.

Wentz has started three games for the Vikings this season, going 2-1. He has completed 69 of 100 passes (69%) for 759 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. He has added seven carries for 29 yards on the ground.

Minnesota marks the sixth team Wentz has started at least one game for in the last six seasons. His final year in Philadelphia came in 2020 when he went 3-8-1 and threw an NFL-high 15 interceptions.

Since then, he has played for Indianapolis in 2021, Washington in 2022, the Los Angeles Rams in 2023, Kansas City in 2024 and Minnesota in 2025.

With a win on Sunday against Philadelphia, he’d equal his win total as a starter over the last three years combined.

McCarthy, Minnesota’s first-round pick in 2024, was limited in practice this week on Wednesday and Thursday. The team may have decided to sit him Sunday so he’s ready to go on a short week for Minnesota’s ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8.

Vikings QB depth chart

Carson Wentz
Max Brosmer
J.J. McCarthy (injured)

McCarthy isn’t starting but will be the team’s emergency third quarterback for Sunday’s game.

The San Francisco 49ers are still recovering from a season-ending injury to All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner in last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 49ers have had a tough year with injuries. Fellow All-Pro defender Nick Bosa is also out for the rest of the year.

Things haven’t been as bad on offense but San Francisco will have to wait at least another week to get their starting quarterback back into the lineup.

Coach Kyle Shanahan ruled out Brock Purdy for Week 7’s ‘Sunday Night Football’ game at home against the Atlanta Falcons, per multiple reports. Backup Mac Jones will get the start for the fifth time in seven games this season.

Purdy initially suffered toe and shoulder injuries in San Francisco’s Week 1 win over Seattle. He’s been on the mend ever since. His appearance in a Week 4 loss to Jacksonville remains his most recent game.

Jones led the team to a 3-1 record as a starter. The former first-round pick has completed 113 of 168 passes (67.3%) for 1,252 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions through four games. His 313 passing yards per game leads the NFL.

San Francisco struggled against the Tampa Bay defense in Week 6. The Buccaneers sacked Jones six times for 51 yards and intercepted him twice.

Atlanta ranks first in the NFL in pass defense with 139.4 yards allowed per game and are second league-wide in sack percentage at 9.7%. Jones may have another tough day against an NFC South opponent.

When will Brock Purdy return?

There remains no set timetable for Purdy’s return from his toe injury. He at least was practicing this week even if it was in a limited fashion on Wednesday and Thursday.

San Francisco heads on the road in Week 8 for a game against the Houston Texans. Purdy may return to the field then, given that he’s taking part in practices.

49ers QB depth chart

Brock Purdy (injured)
Mac Jones
Adrian Martinez

Jones is also dealing with knee and oblique injuries ahead of Week 7. If he has to come out of the game at any point, former United Football League MVP Martinez will take over for him.