In what turned out to be 3.5 hours of must-watch football and mascot chaos, the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl ended with No. 13 BYU — which defeated No. 22 Georgia Tech 25-21 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on a game-winning interception off Haynes King — being gifted two edible Pop-Tarts Mascots from Team Sprinkles for their winnings through a giant toaster.

Before being lowered down into the toaster, Team Sprinkles’ Frosted Cherry and Frosted Cookies & Creme stood with signs that read, ‘Live Your Dream’ and ‘Dream It, Achieve It.’ Frosted Cherry and Frosted Cookies & Creme now join Frosted Cinnamon Roll and Frosted Strawberry in the Pop-Tarts Bowl Ring of Honor. Team Sprinkles captain Protein Slammin’ Strawberry jumped off the toaster before the other two were lowered down.

The 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl marked the first time that the bowl allowed fans to choose which of the two mascot teams would be ‘sacrificed’ for consumption after the game: Team Sprinkles, or Team Swirls. Each team was comprised of three different Pop-Tarts flavors:

Team Sprinkles:

Protein Slammin’ Strawberry (Team Captain)
Frosted Cookies & Creme
Frosted Cherry

Team Swirls:

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (Team Captain)
Frosted Wild Berry
Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae

Team Sprinkles being ‘sacrificed’ was just one of several antics and shenanigans put on by the Pop-Tarts Mascots throughout the game, with other antics including box unveiling of the flavors, the Protein Slammin’ Strawberry mascot doing curls with toasters, a dunk contest challenge and more.

In addition to being given two life-sized, edible Pop-Tarts to eat, BYU was given a fully functional toaster trophy. The Trophy, designed by GE Appliances, is a unique bowl game trophy where one can place up to two Pop-Tarts into a working toaster that is built into the silver football.

Since its inception in 2023, the Pop-Tarts Bowl has become an instant fan favorite among the plethora of college football bowl games, and has since been coined as ‘The People’s National Championship.’

The Cougars become the third consecutive team from the Big 12 to win the annual bowl game that features teams from the ACC and Big 12.

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The most action-packed day remaining in the college football saw a final, action-packed game played in Houston’s NRG Stadium.

Appropriately, Houston (10-3) served as the designated home team as it took on LSU (7-6) in the final game of the Dec. 27 college football schedule, coming back from down 14-0 to take the Texas Bowl, 38-35.

Connor Weigman emerged as the Texas Bowl MVP, completing 27-of-36 passes for 236 yards and a Houston bowl-record four passing touchdowns — an impressive accolade for Weigman, considering he shares a uniform with Andre Ware and Case Keenum.

Two of Weigman’s touchdowns went to Amare Thomas, who finished the game with seven receptions for 66 yards. Tanner Koziol and Traville Frederick Jr. also had touchdown receptions, with running back Dean Connors rushing 16 times for 126 yards and a touchdown.

Similarly, LSU quarterback Michael Van Buren had an impressive stat line for the Tigers, completing 16-of-26 passes for 267 and three touchdowns. He threw two touchdowns to tight end Trey’Dez Green and another to Kyle Parker. Zavion Thomas scored on a rushing attempt and Barion Brown scored the game’s opening score with a 99-yard kickoff return.

LSU vs Houston score

Houston vs. LSU Texas Bowl highlights

Final: Houston 38, LSU 35

That’ll do it from the Texas Bowl, with the hometown Cougars outlasting LSU 38-35 in a back-and-forth affair. Houston came back from down 14-0 to down the Tigers and advance to 10-3 on the season. LSU, meanwhile, will look forward to the first year of the Lane Kiffin era in Baton Rouge, with interim coach Frank Wilson leaving for Pete Golding’s Ole Miss staff.

LSU fails onside kick

Heartbreak for LSU, which gets a great look at recovering the ball after a tremendous kick by Aeron Burrell. But the nearest LSU defender can’t jump on it before Houston does, and that should do it from NRG Stadium.

LSU score cuts into Houston lead

Zavion Thomas takes the jet sweep right for a 3-yard touchdown, cutting Houston’s lead to 38-35. But the Tigers are forced to burn two timeouts and now must hope for their first successful onside kick since Oct. 26, 2019, per the ESPN broadcast.

Houston forces second timeout

An incompletion on first-and-goal is followed by Van Buren taking the zone-read option for a 2-yard loss, forcing LSU to burn another timeout. Should the Tigers punch it in here, they’ll need a successful onside kick to get the ball back.

LSU touchdown under review

Van Buren appears to connect with Hilton Jr. for a 15-yard touchdown that would make it 38-35 Houston with 1:27 left to play. However, the scoring play is under review and it appears the Tigers may be just short of the end zone.

Van Buren takes sack, forces timeout

Not ideal for Van Buren, who after the 2-minute timeout throws an incompletion in the end zone and then takes a sack, forcing LSU to burn a precious timeout. Tigers face third-and-13 from the Houston 30-yard line.

LSU has big gain before 2-minute timeout

Well, it might not be quite over yet. Van Buren finds Chris Hilton Jr. for a 46-yard gain down the left sideline to the Houston 27-yard line. LSU needs to score quick here to preserve timeouts, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility they get the ball back one last time with a chance to tie the game or take a lead.

Dean Connors gives Houston two-score lead

Connors opened the drive with a 26-yard scamper and ended the drive — and potentially the game — with a 20-yard scoring run. That gives him 126 yards and a score on the day and, more importantly, gives Houston a 38-28 lead with 2:22 left to play.

Houston converts fourth-and-1

An aggressive call by Willie Fritz works out for the Cougars, who net 2 yards on fourth-and-1 from the LSU 46-yard line. That’s a new set of downs and, more importantly, will allow Houston to eat up more clock on a potential scoring drive.

Dean Connors breaks off 26-yard run

Houston takes over at its own 19-yard line following an LSU three-and-out and Connors immediately puts Houston in position to get points with a 26 -yard run to the Houston 45-yard line.

LSU takes over at 35-yard line

LSU has a chance to take its first lead since early in the second quarter with a touchdown on this drive. The Tigers are gifted great field position at the 35-yard line after Houston’s kick goes out of bounds following its field goal.

Cougars retake lead with field goal

LSU converges on a Houston receiver on third-and-goal to force the field goal unit onto the field. Ethan Sanchez’s 25-yard field goal is true, giving Houston a 31-28 lead with 7:48 left in the fourth quarter. That caps a 13-play, 72-yard drive that eats 7:06 of game clock.

Houston converts two key third downs

Make it 2-for-2 for Houston on third-down conversions on this drive, which go for a combined 19 yards. The Cougars would love to come away with a touchdown here, driving inside the LSU 20-yard line.

LSU ties game again

And we’re tied again. Van Buren runs right and finds Kyle Parker all alone in the back of the end zone for an easy 6-yard touchdown connection. The drive goes 72 yards in five plays and 1:35 of game clock, tying the game 28-28 with 14:54 left in the game.

End of third quarter: Houston 28, LSU 21

LSU and Houston have two drives apiece, each scoring a touchdown and each punting. The Tigers face second-and-1 at the Houston 6-yard line following a 9-yard scramble by Van Buren. The big play of the drive thus far has been a 42-yard catch-and-run by Green on third-and-10 to the Houston 15-yard line.

LSU, Houston trade punts

Punts abound for both LSU and Houston in their most recent drives. The Cougars punt after a three-and-out punctuated by a nasty hit by safety Tamarcus Cooley on running back Stacy Sneed just short of the sticks.

Houston retakes lead with methodical drive

And just like that, Houston retakes the lead with an eight-play, 75-yard drive that takes 4:49 off the game clock. The drive is capped with Weigman’s fourth touchdown pass of the night, this one a 2-yard connection to Traville Frederick Jr. out of the backfield — the first touchdown reception of his career. Cougars lead 28-21 with 4:42 left in the third quarter.

LSU touchdown ties the game

And there’s a game-tying touchdown from LSU, which couldn’t have asked for a better start to the second half. Green is draped by Houston defensive back Will James, who’s called for defensive pass interference, but it doesn’t matter: He climbs the latter for a spectacular one-handed grab to tie the game 21-21 with 9:31 left in the third quarter. The drive goes 73 yards in six plays and 4:00 of game clock.

LSU forces Cougars punt

The Tigers, at least, have stopped Houston from making it a two-possession game — for now. The Tigers take over at their own 27-yard line following a punt.

Houston back on offense

The Cougars have an opportunity to blow this wide open as they are on offense to start the second half.

Halftime: Houston 21, LSU 14

Houston scores 21 unanswered points

What a turnaround for Houston, which scores 21 unanswered points after falling behind 14-0 to LSU. Weigman caps a 90-yard, 11-play drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Tanner Koziol — his third touchdown pass of the night. Better yet, the Cougars leave only 4 seconds on the game clock.

Houston sack brings up LSU punt

Houston’s Khalil Laufau sacks Van Buren for a 10-yard loss, bringing up fourth-and-17 from the LSU 47-yard line. Houston will take over at its own 10-yard line following a fair catch on the ensuing punt return.

LSU converts fourth down

Facing its own fourth-down attempt, LSU converts with a yard to gain to the Houston 46-yard line on a jet sweep by Zavion Thomas. That brings the Texas Bowl to the 2-minute timeout.

Houston turns it over on downs

Houston is aggressive and goes for it on fourth-and-4 just at the 35-yard line. Though Weigman connects with Thomas, he’s stopped a yard short of the line to gain thanks to a timely tackle by Davhon Keys. LSU will take over at its own 32-yard line.

Houston recovers LSU fumble

It’s all Houston now, with Wrook Brown knocking the ball loose on a peanut punch on Berry. Sione Fotu is there to recover the fumble, and the Cougars will take over with great position at their own 40-yard line.

Houston ties game 14-14

What initially looked like it may be a runaway is instead a tie game, with Weigman rolling right on third-and-goal from the 4-yard line to connect with Thomas for a second time in the game. That caps a 14-play, 73-yard drive that takes 6:59 of game clock. It’s all knotted up with 11:05 left in the half.

Houston converts fourth down

Weigman takes the QB sneak 2 yards for the first-down conversion, keeping the ball with Houston at the LSU 35-yard line. Play has been paused due to an offensive player injury.

End of first quarter: LSU 14, Houston 7

That’ll do it for the first quarter at the Texas Bowl. LSU holds a 14-7 lead for now, but Houston faces fourth-and-short from the LSU 37-yard line when the second quarter starts. LSU has scored off Brown’s 99-yard kickoff return and the 23-yard connection between Van Buren and Green, while Houston’s score came between Weigman and Thomas.

LSU misses field goal

Following a promising start to its second drive — punctuated by a start near midfield and 19-yard rush from Van Buren to get to the Houston 33 — LSU can’t capitalize for a second score. The Tigers lose a yard on third-and-3 and opt to go for the 44-yard field goal from Damian Ramos. He misses it wide right to give Houston the ball at its own 27-yard line.

Barion Brown with 42-yard kickoff return

It has taken Brown all of two kickoff returns to have a career day, with the receiver this time weaving in and out of traffic for a 43-yard return out to the LSU 48-yard line. That’s 142 kick return yards already.

Houston gets on the board

There will be no shutout at the Texas Bowl, with Houston receiver Amare Thomas taking the short pass from Weigman 8 yards for the touchdown. Thomas is originally ruled just short of the goal line, but after a review was determined to extend the ball past the plane for the score. That caps a nine-play, 75-yard drive that took 4:40 of game clock. LSU still leads 14-7 with 6:08 left in the first quarter.

Houston converts third first down via penalty

For the third time this drive, Houston’s drive is extended by an untimely LSU penalty, this time a facemask penalty on Dominick McKinley, who sacks Conner Weigman on third-and-5. The Cougars continue their drive facing first-and-goal from the LSU 8-yard line.

LSU extends lead vs Houston

Facing third-and-9 from the Texas 23-yard line, LSU scores its second touchdown of the day — and first on offense — with a 23-yard connection between Van Buren and Trey’Dez Green. The drive traverses 60 yards in four plays and 1:26 of game clock. The Tigers lead 14-0 with 10:48 left in the first quarter.

LSU opens drive with 36-yard run

High efficiency from LSU on all counts, with running back Harlem Berry opening the Tigers’ offensive drive with a 36-yard run to the Houston 24-yard line. The Tigers are already within field goal range and looking for more.

LSU forces punt, takes over on offense

LSU’s defense does its part against Houston, and the offense will now take over at its own 40-yard line following a 21-yard punt by Cougars punter Liam Dougherty. It’s the first time up for Michael Van Buren Jr. and Co., with a chance to make it a two-score game for the Tigers.

LSU takes Texas Bowl kickoff to the house

Well, that didn’t take long. LSU’s Barion Brown takes the opening kickoff 99 yards up the right sideline to open the scoring and give LSU a 7-0 lead with 14:46 on the clock in the first quarter. Brown’s sixth career kickoff return touchdown is the most in SEC history, according to the broadcast.

Houston wins toss, defers kick

Houston has won the toss and elected to defer to the second half, meaning LSU will be on offense first.

Pregame

Texas Bowl broadcasting on ESPN2

The start of the Texas Bowl between LSU and Houston will move to ESPN2, with kickoff scheduled for 9:25 p.m. ET.

Will Lane Kiffin be at Texas Bowl?

Lane Kiffin is a man in limbo in the 2025-26 bowl season. The former Ole Miss coach isn’t leading the Rebels in their run to through the CFP, but neither is he coaching the Tigers in their Texas Bowl meeting with Houston. However, reports indicate Kiffin will be in attendance at NRG Stadium to watch the Tigers take on the Cougars.

Who is coaching LSU?

LSU will be led by interim coach Frank Wilson during the Texas Bowl on Dec. 27. Curiously, he will join Ole Miss following the game: the former home of incoming coach Lane Kiffin.

Where is Texas Bowl?

The Texas Bowl is hosted by NRG Stadium in Houston. It is the home of the NFL’s Houston Texans franchise, who curiously also played on Saturday, Sept. 27. The AFC South team beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on the road to advance to 11-5 and clinch an NFL playoff berth.

LSU, Houston arrive at NRG Stadium

Here’s a look at LSU and Houston arriving at NRG Stadium for the Texas Bowl:

What channel is LSU vs Houston on today?

TV Channel: ESPN
Livestream: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

LSU vs. Houston will broadcast nationally on ESPN for the Texas Bowl. Tom Hart and Jordan Rodgers will call the game from NRG Stadium in Houston, with Cole Cubelic reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a cable login) and Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

LSU vs Houston time today

Date: Saturday, Dec. 27
Start time: 9:15 p.m. ET | 8:15 p.m. CT

The LSU vs Houston game starts at 9:15 p.m. ET (8:15 p.m. local time) from NRG Stadium in Houston.

Stream LSU vs Houston with Fubo (free trial)

LSU vs Houston predictions, picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Dec. 26

Spread: Houston (-1.5)
Over/under: 42.5
Moneyline: Houston (-115) | LSU (-105)

Here are expert predictions from USA TODAY Sports on the Texas Bowl:

Matt Hayes: Houston
Jordan Mendoza: Houston
Paul Myerburg: LSU
Erick Smith: Houston
Eddie Timanus: LSU
Blake Toppmeyer: Houston

Penn State football’s 2025 season ended on a high note with a win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl.

It’s a win for the Nittany Lions that closes a season that got away from them after being a preseason top-three-ranked team. After the game, interim coach Terry Smith got emotional during a postgame interview with ESPN’s Taylor McGregor inside Yankee Stadium.

‘I love this group. They’re just a special group of guys. This is the greatest moment in my life,’ Smith told McGregor. ‘It’s just a great moment for me, my family. God, I said I wasn’t going to do that (cry) again, but I’m just so happy for our guys.’

He added: ‘I love Penn State. I love football. And the game and Penn State have done amazing things for me and my family. I’m just thankful and grateful.’

Saturday’s win over Clemson closes out Smith’s run as interim coach tenure with a 4-3 record since he took over for James Franklin, who was fired on Oct. 12 following an 0-3 start to Big Ten play. Since beginning his stint with an 0-3 record, he led the Nittany Lions to four straight wins, including three wins to end the regular season and become bowl eligible.

In the winding seconds of the Pinstripe Bowl, Penn State fans began chanting Smith’s name, a gesture that highlights the job Smith did in his interim stint to salvage a season that once had national championship aspirations. The chants resurfaced during the trophy presentation at Yankee Stadium.

‘We dictated the terms of the last four games. I can’t be more proud of these guys, these kids. They played their hearts out,’ Smith said. ‘What a resilient group. They could have laid down and quit. They didn’t have to play. They didn’t have to come show up here at the Pinstripe Bowl, but they did.

‘They played really, really hard. It’s just a testament of Penn State and the character it builds coming to a great university like that.’

Smith, a former Penn State wide receiver and a member of Franklin’s staff since 2013, interviewed for the full-time coaching position but ultimately was not chosen, as Penn State hired Matt Campbell away from Iowa State. Despite not getting the full-time job, Smith is being retained by Campbell and was rewarded with a new, four-year deal to stay in Happy Valley.

The Nittany Lions’ win over Clemson marked their 34th bowl win in program history, which ranks for the fourth most in Division I FBS history.

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The NBA matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns reached an unexpected level of intensity on Saturday night.

The Suns had built up an 87-83 lead in the final minutes of the third quarter before members of the opposing teams started to exchange blows.

Collin Gillespie had the ball at midcourt for the Suns while teammate Mark Williams began to set up a screen, attempting to guard Jose Alvarado of the Pelicans.

The officials on the court quickly blew the whistle, which led Alvarado to briefly turn toward the referee to express his displeasure before he turned back around to exchange words with Williams.

The two began to exchange blows and had to be separated by teammates and coaches. Both Alvarado and Williams were ejected from the game.

The NBA is expected to issue punishment for the participating parties in the coming days.

The Suns went on to win the game, 123-114.

The United States had to overcome adversity to beat Switzerland 2-1 and improve to 2-0 at the world junior hockey championship.

The biggest was the loss of star defenseman Cole Hutson, who left the game on a stretcher after being hit in the head by a shot in the second period. He was evaluated at a local hospital and was discharged to rejoin his teammates, USA Hockey said.

The USA, which led 1-0 at the time on a Brodie Ziemer goal, gave up a tying goal to Switzerland soon after the injury. But Notre Dame goalie Nick Kempf came up with a big save on a breakaway then Will Zellers restored the USA’s lead.

Zellers did the same in the USA’s opening game, scoring each time Germany had pulled within a goal. He has three goals and the game-winning goal in both games.

There wasn’t much room to maneuver as Switzerland played a tight-checking game. After getting 47 shots in the opener, the USA was held to 20 on Saturday.

“It was a battle and I give our guys a lot of credit, they played a heckuva game,” said Team USA Bob Motzko. “They’re (Switzerland) a well-coached team and keep coming at you.’

Next up for the USA is Slovakia on Dec. 29 and Sweden on Dec. 31 to finish group play. The top four advance to the quarterfinals, which will be Jan. 2. The semifinals are on Jan. 4 and the medal games on Jan. 5.

USA vs. Switzerland highlights

Cole Hutson injury update

USA Hockey reports that Cole Hutson was released from the hospital and is back with the team. He’s listed as day-to-day.

Next opponent for USA

The USA will play Slovakia on Monday, Dec. 29. Slovakia is 1-1 after falling to Sweden in the opener and beating Germany on Saturday.

Players of the game

Giam Meier for Switzerland and Brodie Ziemer for the USA.

Final score: USA 2, Switzerland 1

The Americans survive a tight-checking game and the loss of Cole Hutson, who left the game on a stretcher. Brodie Ziemer and Will Zellers scored the goals. Zellers has two game-winning goals in two games. Nick Kempf was steady in net, stopping a breakaway not long after Switzerland had tied the game.

Switzerland hits crossbar

USA still up 2-1 with 43.2 seconds left.

Switzerland pulls goalie

Christian Kirsch is on the bench for an extra attacker with less than two minutes left.

USA flurry

LJ Mooney hits the post and goalie Christian Kirsch stops him on another attempt.

Switzerland power play

Asher Barnett is called for holding the stick. The USA kills it off.

Midway through third period

Still 2-1. Tight-checking period.

USA power play

Robin Antenen is called for roughing. USA is 0-for-5 in the tournament and is now 0-for-6.

Third period underway

2-1 USA. Switzerland kills off the rest of the U.S. power play.

Cole Hutson injury update

NHL Network reported that Cole Hutson is under observation at a local hospital and was conscious and alert.

End of second: USA 2, Switzerland 1

Switzerland tied the game not long after star defenseman Cole Hutson was taken off the ice on a stretcher, but Will Zellers restored the USA lead with his third goal of the tournament.

USA power play

Ludvig Johnson is called for delay of game. The power play will carry into the third period.

USA retakes lead

Will Zellers throws a puck at the net and it beats Christian Kirsch up high for a 2-1 lead. It’s the third goal of the tournament for Zellers. USA 2, Switzerland 1

Switzerland ties it up

Basile Sansonnens takes a shot from the point and it beats a screened USA goalie Nick Kempf over his glove to tie the game. USA 1, Switzerland 1.

Cole Hutson injury update

USA defenseman Cole Hutson is down on the ice after appearing to get hit in the neck or back of the head by a shot. Stretcher is coming out and they’ve immobilized him and wheeled him off. He was moving his feet around while on the ice.

Midway through second period

USA-Switzerland continues to be a tight-checking game. Americans lead 1-0. Just five shots so far in the period.

Canada beats Latvia

No upset this time. Canada’s Michael Hage scores 44 seconds in overtime for a 2-1 win. Gavin McKenna picked up his second assist of the game.

Canada-Latvia score

Latvia ties the game with less than two minutes left and it’s going to overtime with the score 1-1. Latvia upset Canada at last season’s tournament in the round robin.

USA takes the lead

Brodie Ziemer takes a drop pass and rips a shot past Christian Kirsch at 1:12. James Hagens and Will Horcoff get the assists. USA 1, Switzerland 0

Second period underway

Still scoreless.

End of first: USA 0, Switzerland 0

Already a big change from the 2025 quarterfinals, when the USA dominated and Christian Kirsch was pulled. Kirsch has been solid, Switzerland has forechecked well and had the early lead in shots. But the USA plays better down the stretch and now has outshot Switzerland 8-4. Teddy Stiga had two scoring chances and set up Brodie Ziemer on another.

Switzerland power play

Logan Hensler is called for holding. USA kills it off. The Americans get good short-handed chances by Cole Hutson and Brodie Ziemer, but the game remains scoreless.

Teddy Stiga chance

Stiga has been the USA’s most dangerous player this game. Christian Kirsch makes a glove save on him.

USA power play

Jamiro Reber is called for hooking. The USA went 0-for-3 on the power play against Germany in the opener. They’re now 0-for-4 in the tournament. The Americans get one shot with the man advantage.

Eight minutes in

Scoreless. Shots are 3-2 Switzerland. Nick Kempf is called upon to make a few big saves.

Game underway

USA is 1-0. Switzerland is making its 2026 tournament debut.

What channel is USA vs. Switzerland world juniors hockey game today?

TV channel: NHL Network

Livestream: Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, or Sling TV.

What time is USA vs. Switzerland world juniors hockey game today?

Date: Saturday, Dec. 27

Time: 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time)

The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time) at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the home of the Minnesota Wild.

World juniors USA vs Switzerland: How to watch, stream

Time: 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 27

Location: Grand Casino Arena (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

TV: NHL Network

Streaming: Fubo and certain levels of Sling TV carry NHL Network.

Today’s world juniors hockey schedule

All times p.m. ET

Saturday, Dec. 27

Slovakia 4. Germany 1: Tomas Chrenko had a natural hat trick as Slovakia picked up its first win of the tournament. Germany, which lost for a second time, got a goal from Dustin Willhoft.
Canada 2, Latvia 1: Canada continues its redemption tour. It beat Czechia in the opener after losing a year ago in the quarterfinals. Now it beat Latvia after losing in the round robin last year. Latvia had tied the game with less than two minutes left, but Canada’s Michael Hage ended it quickly in overtime. Gavin McKenna had two assists.
USA 2, Switzerland 1: Will Zellers had the game-winning goal for the second game in a row as the USA improved to 2-0. Cole Hutson was taken to the hospital for observation after being hit in the head by a puck and was later discharged, per TSN.
Czechia 7. Denmark 2: Tomas Galvas had a goal and two assists in the rout. The Czechs scored three power-play goals, including on a five-minute penalty to Denmark defenseman Jesper Olesen, who was ejected for checking to the head. 

Goaltending matchup

USA’s Nick Kempf vs. Switzerland’s Christian Kirsch. Kempf plays for Notre Dame. Kirsch was pulled in the 2025 quarterfinals when the USA scored three goals in less than five minutes.

USA-Switzerland world juniors history

The USA and Switzerland are meeting for the 28th time at the world junior championships. The USA has never lost, recording 25 victories and two ties.

USA lineup

Switzerland lineup

Cole Hutson chasing U.S. record

Capitals prospect Cole Hutson needs one point to tie Erik Johnson (14) for most points by a U.S. defenseman at the world junior championships. Hutson led all scorers last season with 11 points and had two assists in the opener against Germany.

8 U.S. players back from gold-medal team

The United States has brought back eight players from last year’s gold medal team: forwards Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, Max Plante, Teddy Stiga and Brodie Ziemer, plus defensemen Logan Hensler, Cole Hutson and Adam Kleber. 

All except Hensler recorded a point against Germany. Hutson had two points.

Hagens scored twice against Switzerland during last season’s tournament quarterfinal.

How USA beat Germany

Will Zellers scored twice, restoring the USA’s two-goal lead after Germany pulled within 3-2 and 4-3. Cole Eiserman also scored after Zellers’ second goal for the final 6-3 margin. The Americans outshot Germany 15-4 in a scoreless third period and 47-21 for the game.

World juniors 2026 predictions

Who will win gold, silver and bronze at this year’s tournament? Who will take home the individual awards? Here are predictions from The Hockey News staff.

Hockey Canada apologizes for lack of handshakes

Hockey Canada issued a statement apologizing for skating off the ice after its 7-5 win against Czechia on Friday without shaking hands.

‘I didn’t know, but I know now,’ Canada coach Dale Hunter told reporters. ‘There will be a handshake (after the Latvia game), and I’ll say sorry to the Czechs.’

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INGLEWOOD, CA — After an 0-3 regular-season start, the Houston Texans have lifted off.

The Texans held on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a playoff berth.

C.J. Stroud and the Texans got off to an early 14-0 first-quarter lead and held off the Chargers as they attempted to fight back into the game.  

Houston’s top-ranked defense led the way as the unit contained Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense for most of the contest.  

The Texans have won a league-best eight consecutive games and have punched their ticket into the postseason.

Here are the winners and losers from Saturday’s AFC battle:

Winners

Texans defense

The stingy defense flexed its muscle against Los Angeles. Houston had the NFL’s No. 1 total defense and ranked No. 1 in points allowed entering Week 17. In the first half, the Texans defense held the Chargers to three points and six first downs.

Houston sacked Herbert five times and registered eight hits.

The Chargers gained 275 yards of total offense. Omarion Hampton was held to 29 rushing yards.

Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. entered the game with a combined 24 ½ sacks. Hunter had a sack in the win. Anderson was credited for a half-sack.

C.J. Stroud to Iowa State products in first quarter

Stroud and rookie Jayden Higgins hooked up for a 75-yard touchdown on the third play of the game to lift the Texans to an early 7-0 lead. It was the longest touchdown pass of Stroud’s career. On Houston’s next possession, Stroud tossed a 43-yard touchdown to rookie Jaylin Noel to give the team a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

Higgins and Noel are the second rookie duo in NFL history and the first since 1938 to each record touchdown receptions of 40-plus yards in the same game, per NFL Research. Higgins and Noel were also teammates at Iowa State.

Stroud started the game 4-of-4 passing for 142 yards and two touchdowns.

It was 14-0 before fans got comfortable in their seats. The Texans outgained the Chargers 171 to 15 in total yards in the first period.

Texans playoff bound

Houston clinched a playoff berth with a win Saturday. The Texans have defeated the Chargers their past two meeting, including in the 2024 playoffs.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos officially clinched the AFC West title as a result of the Chargers’ loss. It’s Denver’s first division title since 2015.

Losers

Chargers’ offensive line

The Chargers offensive line has been ravaged by injuries this season.

The patchwork O-line faltered against Hunter, Anderson and the Texans defense. Herbert was sacked a handful of times. He was under duress all game.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have officially been eliminated from playoff contention as a result of Houston’s win.

Chargers’ first-quarter defense

The Chargers secondary performed as though the group was on Christmas vacation. The secondary started the contest with huge busted coverages on back-to-back series. One resulted in a 75-yard touchdown catch by Higgins and the other was a 43-yard touchdown reception by Noel.

The Chargers defense gave up 151 passing yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter.

Rookie mistakes for Oronde Gadsden

Gadsden had two crucial drops. One drop ricocheted off his hands near the end zone and into the hands of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Gadsden had another drop early in the second half that erased what would’ve been a first down.

The Chargers rookie tight end did have a 1-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter.

Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker, punter JK Scott

Dicker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, missed an easy 32-yard field goal at the end of the first half. A successful field goal attempt would’ve cut the Chargers’ halftime deficit to 14-6. He also missed an extra point attempt in the fourth quarter with under four minutes remaining that would’ve trimmed Houston’s advantage to three points.

Dicker had made 94.1% of his career field goals entering Week 17.

Scott had punts of just 22 and 34 yards in the second half.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

The Lane Train has made a stop in H-Town.

LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry confirmed to WAFB’s Jacques Doucet prior to kickoff that new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin will be in attendance inside NRG Stadium for the Tigers’ contest against Houston in the Texas Bowl, and will be doing some ‘media coverage.’

Kiffin’s presence was teased by former LSU defensive tackle Booger McFarland on ABC during halftime of the Pop-Tarts Bowl between BYU and Georgia Tech. Kiffin also posted a photo of himself inside a private jet with an LSU pennant flag on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account earlier in the day.

While it is not unusual for an incoming coach to attend a bowl game of his new program, it is the first public appearance for Kiffin since he took over the Tigers program as the successor to Brian Kelly, outside of his introductory news conference.

Kiffin, who congratulated his former program on their first-ever CFP win on Saturday, Dec. 20 against Tulane, led Mississippi to a 55-19 overall record in six seasons.

Here’s what to know about why Kiffin is at NRG Stadium for LSU’s bowl game against Houston:

Why is Lane Kiffin at Texas Bowl between LSU-Houston?

Kiffin is getting an early look at his new team in action, as the former Ole Miss coach was named the successor to Kelly at LSU on Sunday, Nov. 30.

The veteran head coach was one of the most sought-after coaches in this coaching carousel, as he mentioned during his introductory news conference at LSU on Monday, Dec. 1 that there were four options on the table for him, including staying at Ole Miss and continuing to build the Rebels into a powerhouse.

He ultimately chose LSU.

‘This place is different. Having watched this place for a long time and from the other sideline. This place is different, and that’s why we’re here,’ Kiffin said at his introductory news conference.

He added: ‘As we’re going to the office, and you go by Tiger Stadium, and it’s lit up, and you are like, ‘I absolutely made the right decision,’ and (any bad feelings) all went away.’

Kiffin will be tasked with rebuilding the LSU program into a national championship contender, as the Tigers have missed out on the College Football Playoff each year since their national championship in 2020.

Who is coaching LSU in Texas Bowl?

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson is coaching the Tigers in the Texas Bowl against Houston on Dec. 27. Wilson, a longtime assistant coach at LSU across two different stints, has led the Tigers to a 2-2 record since being elevated to interim head coach by Woodward.

The Texas Bowl will be the final game Wilson coaches at LSU, as he is returning to Ole Miss to be on Pete Golding’s first staff in Oxford. Wilson spent three seasons with the Rebels from 2005 through 2007 as a running back and special teams coach. During availability in Houston on Friday, Dec. 26, Wilson mentioned he and Kiffin couldn’t come to a resolution on keeping him in Baton Rouge, despite Kiffin ‘wanting to find a way to work it out.’

A year after finishing last in their division, the New England Patriots are in the running for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff bracket.

The Patriots’ resurgence in coach Mike Vrabel’s first season at the helm comes thanks to improvement on both sides of the ball. New England’s defense was well below average in 2024; a year later, it’s a top-10 unit by yards and points allowed.

New England’s offense took a bigger jump under Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye’s led that side of the ball from one of the worst in the league to a top-10 unit as well.

Maye’s top weapon this year has been rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson. New England selected Henderson in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft and he’s grown into a big role in the offense.

Henderson leads the team in scrimmage yards (997) and touchdowns (eight) this season. He left New England’s Week 16 game against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter with a concussion.

Will Henderson be back for the Patriots’ Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets? Here’s what we know:

Is TreVeyon Henderson playing this week?

Henderson cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play against the Jets this week, per multiple reports.

Henderson was a full-go in practice on Friday, per the team’s injury report.

New England’s used a mixture of Henderson and veteran Rhamondre Stevenson out of the backfield this season. Henderson holds the edge in carries (148 to Stevenson’s 115), rushing yards (776 to 425) and rushing touchdowns (seven to four). After practicing fully, that’s a good sign he’ll be the top runner once again.

AFC playoff picture

The Patriots are hanging around in the race for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. After the Denver Broncos’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas, New England needs a win over New York to keep pace.

Denver Broncos (13-3, AFC West leaders)*
New England Patriots (12-3, AFC East leaders)*
Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4, AFC South leaders)*
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6, AFC North leaders)
Los Angeles Chargers (11-4, wild card No. 1)*
Buffalo Bills (11-4, wild card No. 2)*
Houston Texans (10-5, wild card No. 3)

In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (8-7), Baltimore Ravens (7-8)