Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was asked for comment today regarding the domestic violence claims made by his estranged wife.

Hill’s attorney Julius Collins gave a statement USA TODAY Sports denying the claims and saying that Vaccaro only amended the initial petition for separation.

‘The new allegations that Ms. Vaccaro and her counsel have decided to allege are all unsubstantiated, untrue and an attempt to generate bad media coverage for Mr. Hill and therefore extort a large settlement offer from Mr. Hill,’ the statement read in part.

“I’m a role model to a lot of people,” Hill said today. “I’m a mentor to a lot of people. So I’ve got to be able to set a great example.

“All the noise, I feel like if you allow that kind of stuff to get in the way of what you’re trying to do, it can only cloud what you’re really trying to get accomplished.’

Hill and the rest of the Dolphins are in Miami this week for the team’s home opener against the New England Patriots.

Miami suffered the biggest loss in the league last week to the Indianapolis Colts. The Dolphins had just 211 yards of offense – third-fewest in the league – in the 33-8 loss. Hill had a team-high 40 receiving yards on four catches.

Hill was asked whether he’s still happy and wants to remain in Miami amid rumors that the team may trade him.

“No comment, too,” Hill said. “Like I said, man, I’m blessed to be here, dawg. Each and every day, I don’t take lightly. I’m going to continue to work my tail off. So at this point, whatever happens, happens. I’m happy here. I would love to be here.”

Week 3 of college football marks a transition as some major conferences begin league play.
Several key matchups feature ranked teams, including No. 3 Georgia at No. 15 Tennessee.
Teams like Florida and Clemson are looking to rebound from early-season struggles.

Week 3 in college football can be thought of as transitional. Some major conferences will start playing games that count in their respective standings, but there are still a few notable non-league contests on the docket. There are also some teams still in tune-up mode.

But, while admitting that on rare occasions those perceived mismatches produce crazy outcomes, our aim here as always is to try to identify the games most worthy of attention to help you plan your day of viewing.

With all that out of the way then, let’s dive into the Saturday schedule, beginning with what figures to be a busy day in the SEC.

No. 3 Georgia at No. 15 Tennessee

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

Why watch: Now things get real for the Bulldogs as they open SEC competition on the road after a pair of warm-up games. The Volunteers at least have a Power Four win on their ledger but are also facing a major uptick in degree of difficulty. QB Gunner Stockton and the Georgia offense haven’t had to use much of the playbook thus far, though RB Nate Frazier and WR Zachariah Branch have flashed their potential. LB Arion Carter and the Tennessee defense must keep the chunk plays to a minimum. Volunteers QB Joey Aguilar has quickly become a fan favorite in Knoxville, making good use of RB Star Thomas and WR Chris Brazzell II. He must beware of Bulldogs LB Raylen Wilson, the centerpiece of UGa’s typically active defense.

Why it could disappoint: We really don’t know much about these teams at this early juncture, so it’s possible one has a significant talent advantage. That seems unlikely though. This should be a four-quarter rollercoaster, so let’s enjoy the ride.

No. 17 Texas A&M at No. 8 Notre Dame

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

Why watch: The Aggies dropped their season opener last year to the Fighting Irish and now look to return the favor in South Bend, Indiana. But there might be even more on the line for Notre Dame, which already has an ‘L’ on its record and will now need every quality win it can muster to assemble a playoff-worthy resume without benefit of a conference championship. Fighting Irish QB C.J. Carr had a credible passing day in hostile environs in his starting debut, though many observers questioned why standout RB Jeremiyah Love wasn’t utilized more against Miami. They can both expect to see a lot of Aggies LB Scooby Williams. Veteran A&M QB Marcel Reed is off to a fast start, and WR/PR K.C. Concepcion is extremely dangerous in open space. DB Jalen Stroman is a dependable last line of defense for Notre Dame.

Why it could disappoint: This wasn’t exactly a track meet when these teams got together last year, so you aren’t likely to see a slew of explosive plays this time, either. But it’s sure to have maximum intensity, and the game-changing event could occur at any time.

No. 23 South Florida at No. 6 Miami (Fla.)

Time/TV: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, The CW.

Why watch: Things couldn’t have gone much better to start the season for the Bulls, who look to take down a third consecutive ranked opponent. They will not catch the Hurricanes unaware, however, and Miami also has recorded one of the most notable results of the early season with that aforementioned takedown of Notre Dame. USF’s swarming defense, featuring LBs Jhalyn Shuler and Mac Harris, now turns its attention to Miami QB Carson Beck, who is benefiting from sure-handed targets like WRs Malachi Toney and C.J. Daniels. Bulls’ offensive catalyst QB Byrum Brown doesn’t have as many weapons, but WR Keshaun Singleton can make opponents pay for coverage mistakes. Miami DE Rueben Bain must be accounted for at all times by Brown’s protectors.

Why it could disappoint: The South Florida defense has effectively neutralized the first two quarterbacks it faced, but Beck might prove tougher to contain. If the Hurricanes can build a lead early, a multiple-score comeback could be difficult for the Bulls.

Florida at No. 4 LSU

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

Why watch: After surviving a hard-fought opener at Clemson, LSU can be forgiven for going through the motions at times against Louisiana Tech. But the Tigers will need to refocus quickly for the Gators, who will be in full desperation mode following that loss to South Florida. Tigers QB Garrett Nussmeier has a respectable 68.4% completion percentage through his two games, but that number could be even better as he and his receivers have been periodically out of sync. Florida QB D.J. Lagway has moved the ball as well, but inefficiency in the red zone and a costly special-teams miscue were the Gators’ undoing against South Florida. Tigers LB Whit Weeks and Florida LB Myles Graham figure to have their names called often.

Why it could disappoint: While there is no transitive property in football, it is fair to wonder just how strong LSU’ Week 1 win really is given Clemson’s subsequent issues (more on that below). But it’s equally fair to question the Gators’ staying power in the extremely crowded SEC. It wouldn’t be surprising to see sloppy execution on both sides early.

Vanderbilt at No. 10 South Carolina

Time/TV: Saturday, 77:45 p.m. ET, SECN.

Why watch: In a Week 3 rarity, the Gamecocks and Commodores kick off SEC play having already faced a common opponent. Both picked up non-league victories at the expense of Virginia Tech, and both did so largely by taking charge in the second half. Vanderbilt’s performance was arguably more impressive, as they scored the last 34 points of the game against the Hokies. WR Tre Richardson has stepped up to provide a complementary outside target to TE Eli Stowers on the inside for Vandy QB Diego Pavia. Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers hasn’t been quite as accurate thus far, but Vicari Swain has provided a scoring boost with three TDs on punt returns.

Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t. This is a game both participants would really like to win given the many challenges ahead. The Gamecocks might still have the edge at the line of scrimmage, but Vandy cannot be dismissed as the SEC’s perennial doormat.

No. 11 Clemson at Georgia Tech

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ESPN.

Why watch: The ACC favorite Tigers are in an odd place as they embark on league play, following up that tough loss to LSU with a near disaster against Troy. Georgia Tech fans might actually feel better about their team’s position with a road victory at Colorado and a tune-up in hand. The Clemson passing game has been unexpectedly pedestrian, with WR Bryant Wesco providing most of the downfield presence for QB Cade Klubnik thus far. The Yellow Jackets’ air defense, backed by DB Omar Daniels, has been sound despite still looking for its first interception of the season. Georgia Tech standout dual-threat QB Haynes King sat out the Gardner-Webb game with a lower body injury but should be ready to go. DE T.J. Parker and the rest of Clemson’s star-studded front line will try to keep him contained.

Why it could disappoint: This might be yet another defensive slog for the Tigers, and points might be at even more of a premium if King isn’t at full speed for Tech. That said, the Tigers did go for 40-plus points in their last two encounters with the Yellow Jackets, so a one-sided affair can’t be entirely ruled out.

Arkansas at No. 13 Mississippi

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

Why watch: Ole Miss got the win it needed at Kentucky last week to kick off its SEC slate, even if it wasn’t particularly pretty. The Rebels now return home to take on the Razorbacks, who took care of their pre-conference business and now hope to make more noise in the league after some down years. Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons has been a bit too free with the ball at times, but RB Kewan Lacy and WR Harrison Wallace III are constant big-play threats. Arkansas counters with veteran QB Taylen Green, who has already accounted for 11 total TDs against overmatched competition.

Why it could disappoint: Again, there are a lot of uncertainties here. The Rebels’ offense hasn’t fired on all cylinders yet, but the Razorbacks’ defense hasn’t really been challenged either. If Ole Miss does make it a runaway, Arkansas fans can probably brace for a long year.

Wisconsin at No. 18 Alabama

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ABC.

Why watch: Hanging 73 on Louisiana-Monroe might have been therapeutic for the Crimson Tide, but it couldn’t erase the Florida State loss. They’ll need a strong showing in this one before diving into SEC play, but the Badgers hope to send a message that the Big Ten is just as competitive. WR Germie Bernard has emerged as Alabama QB Ty Simpson’s most reliable target. The Badgers’ active LB tandem of Christian Alliegro and Sebastian Cheeks will lead the effort to disrupt their timing. Wisconsin QB Bily Edwards Jr. is unlikely to return from an ankle injury, which would leave the offense in the hands of Danny O’Neil. In either case, the Badgers will rely on their ground game to control the clock. It will be up to DE L.T. Overton and the Tide front to secure the line of scrimmage.

Why it could disappoint: Seeing the usually immovable Tide defense getting pushed around by the Seminoles was the most disconcerting aspect of the opening loss for Alabama fans. The Badgers might not have the speed weapons to take advantage, but if Alabama doesn’t remove the suspense from this one quickly, the temperature in Tuscaloosa will be dialed up even further.

Canelo Álvarez and Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford faced off for the final time on Friday night at the ceremonial weigh-in before they meet in the ring Saturday for their anticipated showdown in Las Vegas.

Álvarez enters the fight at Allegiant Stadium as the undisputed super middleweight champion, who is back on the big stage as the celebrated fighter on the weekend leading up to Mexican Independence Day. (The weekend has become a traditional time period for Álvarez to fight.)

Crawford had made it clear that he wanted the fight with Álvarez to further cement his legacy as one of the sport’s best pound-for-pound fighters.

The two fighters participated in multiple press events together leading up to the showdown, so Friday’s faceoff at the weigh-in didn’t faze either one of them.

Both fighters were calm as they got on the scale, and both weighed in at 167.5 pounds. The two shared a quick staredown before going in different directions.

“I trained for everything,” Álvarez said on the YouTube broadcast. “I need to put everything into this fight.”

The Mexican fighter holds a 63-2-2 record, with 39 knockout victories. Álvarez has won six straight fights and hasn’t lost since his unanimous decision loss to Dmitry Bivol in May 2022.

Crawford has jumped up three weight classes for the super middleweight fight.

“It feels wonderful,” Crawford said on the broadcast about his career-high weight. “I can’t wait until tomorrow.”

Crawford had just one fight in each of the last five years, all resulting in victories. Álvarez has remained competitive, competing in 11 fights in that same timespan.

The fans in attendance at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas expressed their support for Álvarez and booed Crawford while he was on the scale and speaking on the microphone.

Crawford embraced the lack of support, blowing a kiss toward the crowd as they booed him.

Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart’s slap on Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is going to cost him some cash.

The NFL has fined Tart for slapping Kelce during the Chargers’ 27-21 Week 1 win in Sao Paulo, Brazil, according to ESPN. The NFL announces fines Saturday afternoon. ESPN reported Tart’s fine amount will be $12,172 for a first offense of striking, per NFL rule.

Tart slapped Kelce on the front of his helmet following a two-yard run by Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt with a little over eight minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Officials quickly threw a flag and penalized Tart for unnecessary roughness.

The penalty moved the football to the Chargers’ 11-yard line. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reached the end zone on an 11-yard run on the ensuing play.

Tart produced one tackle and two pass deflections in the Chargers’ Week 1 win. Pro Football Focus gave Tart a 70.4 grade for his performance, the fifth highest grade among Los Angeles defenders in Week 1.

Week 2 features a Super Bowl 59 rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Indianapolis Colts, led by quarterback Daniel Jones, are aiming for their first 2-0 start since 2009.
Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson returns to face his old team as head coach of the Chicago Bears.

There were 12 one-score games during the opening week of the regular season. What does Week 2 have in store?

This week features four games that showcase two teams that are 1-0, including a Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders AFC West battle that concludes Week 2.

The game of the week is a Super Bowl 59 rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, who are a slight home underdog, are out for revenge following a blowout Super Bowl loss.

According to NFL Research, the average margin of victory in Week 1 was 7.56 points. It marked the third-lowest margin of victory in Week 1 since 1970. There are sure to be more close games this week. USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon provides his five things to watch in Week 2:  

Can Daniel Jones help lead Colts to first 2-0 start in over 15 years?

Jones played surprisingly well in a 33-8 thrashing of the Dolphins. His 115.9 passer rating was the sixth highest in the NFL during opening week. Can Jones build on his Week 1 performance?

The Colts have the luxury of two straight home games to begin the regular season. Indy hasn’t started a season 2-0 since 2009, when Peyton Manning was the quarterback and led the team to Super Bowl 44.

Head coach Shane Steichen’s decision to start Jones over Anthony Richardson Sr. will be justified if Jones helps the Colts beat the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos defense poses a significant test. After leading the league with 63 sacks last season, the Broncos recorded an NFL-high six sacks and allowed a league-low 133 total yards of offense in their Week 1 victory.

Super Bowl 57 and 59 rematch

This superb matchup marks the 11th rematch of a Super Bowl in the following season all-time. The reigning Super Bowl champ has won seven of the past 10 rematches.

The Eagles dismantled the Chiefs in Super Bowl 59 after Kansas City got the better of Philly in Super Bowl 57. Patrick Mahomes was under duress throughout the championship game in New Orleans, getting sacked a career-most six times despite zero blitzes by Philadelphia.

Mahomes and the Chiefs are out for revenge in this one but will be without their No. 1 wide receiver Rashee Rice (suspended) and possibly their second best wideout Xavier Worthy (shoulder). Meanwhile, the Eagles will have defensive tackle Jalen Carter back after his foolish spitting incident.

Will Kansas City’s revamped O-line protect Mahomes better? Mahomes was sacked twice and pressured 15 times in the Chiefs’ Week 1 loss.

Mahomes is in danger of the first 0-2 start of his career. The Eagles have won seven straight games, including the playoffs, dating back to last season.

Trouble in Miami?

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel didn’t hold back when asked about Tua Tagovailoa’s performance in a woeful Week 1 loss.

‘I think I saw a quarterback play that was less than to be desired, which Tua absolutely knows,’ McDaniel told reporters this week. ‘He’s the captain and the franchise quarterback and everybody kind of fell victim to something similar.’

NFL opens review of latest allegations against Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill

To make matters worse, wide receiver Tyreek Hill was visibly frustrated on the sideline last week.

The vibes aren’t good in South Beach, and McDaniel’s seat gets warmer with every loss. The positive news is the Dolphins have won four straight contests against the New England Patriots.

New England will also look to avoid a 0-2 start. Patriots wideout Stefon Diggs has a career average of 93 receiving yards versus Miami.

Ben Johnson returns to Detroit

Johnson returns to the Motor City where he shined as an offensive coordinator from 2022-2024.

The Lions offense looked like it was impacted by Johnson’s absence in their season opener. Detroit was held out of the end zone until garbage time in the fourth quarter and went 5-15 on third down during a 27-13 loss.

‘Ben’s my friend. He’s always going to be my friend. But nothing about that’s going to change,’ Lions coach Dan Campbell said this week, per the Detroit News. ‘We’re going in, getting ready to play Chicago. We’re going to win this game. We have to.’

Johnson’s Bears had a strong start before they surrendered 21 fourth-quarter points in their opening game loss.

Whoever loses this divisional matchup will start 0-2 versus NFC North opponents, a tough early-season hole to recover from.

Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll meet again

The Harbaugh and Carroll rivalry goes all the way back to 2007 when Harbaugh was at Stanford and Carroll was at USC. The rivalry reignited when Harbaugh joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2011, a year after their NFC West foe Seattle Seahawk hired Carroll.

The rivalry is renewed as Carroll’s Raiders host the Los Angeles Chargers for the first time since Carroll was named head coach of the Silver & Black.

“I respect him a lot. He’s a great coach,” Harbaugh said of Carroll. “The competition, you can expect that a Pete Carroll team is gonna be really good.”

Carroll is 5-4 against Harbaugh in the NFL. Harbaugh went 2-1 versus Carroll when the two were college head coaches. Harbaugh’s Chargers swept the season series over the Carroll-less Raiders last year.

A secondary storyline is this AFC West tilt features the two running backs selected in the first round of the 2025 draft in Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton. Jeanty rushed for 38 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut. Hampton produced 48 rushing yards and had four runs result in first downs last week.

HOUSTON – Colorado football coach Deion Sanders tried out a new starting quarterback Friday night against Houston but didn’t get the kind of results he wanted and now might have to reconsider the position again after a 36-20 loss at TDECU Stadium.

As expected, Sanders started Ryan Staub, who answered the call at quarterback with an underwhelming  performance that included a slow start, one late touchdown pass and two fourth-quarter interceptions. Meanwhile, Houston kept hogging the ball in the second half and finished with five field goals from Cougars kicker Ethan Sanchez and two touchdown runs after halftime from quarterback Conner Weigman.

Staub, a redshirt sophomore, completed 19 of 35 passes for 204 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

He had risen to the starting position this week after a “tryout” performance last week coming off the bench in a 31-7 win against Delaware. He was listed as Colorado’s third-string quarterback as recently as a week ago, then shot up to No. 1 on Friday before starting slowly on his first four possessions against the Cougars, all of which ended in punts.

He recovered with two touchdown drives on his final two series before halftime, cutting Houston’s lead to 16-14. But it wasn’t enough.

The loss drops Colorado to 1-2 and adds uncertainty to the quarterback position, where Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter started the first two games for the Buffaloes. Houston improved to 3-0 in front of announced crowd of 37,899.

Colorado vs. Houston highlights

Final: Houston 36, Colorado 20

Houston adds another field goal

Another field goal from Ethan Sanchez gives Houston a 36-20 lead with 3:34 left. Sanchez this time hit from 49 yards, his fifth field goal of the game.

Colorado cuts into deficit

Colorado cuts Houston’s lead to 33-20 as Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub threw his first touchdown pass of the game with 4:34 remaining. Staub’s scoring pass to receiver Joseph Williams went 37 yards on second down.

The ensuing two-point attempt failed, leaving the Buffaloes with too little, too late. Staub has completed 18 of 32 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown with one interception.

Houston pushes lead to 33-14

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman scored a 7-yard touchdown run, helping lift his team to a 33-14 lead with 11:39 left. The score ended a three-play, 61-yard possession highlighted by a 54-yard pass from Weigman to receiver Stephon Johnson on second down.

It’s Weigman’s second touchdown run of the game.

Colorado has had only nine plays for minus-5 yards in the second half.

Houston leads 26-14

Houston running back Dean Connors burst left on an 18-yard run before crashing just short of the front corner of the end zone. But Houston followed through with a quarterback sneak for a touchdown on the next play, helping the Cougars extend their lead to 26-14 with 1:21 left in the third quarter.

Colorado has only had the ball for three plays so far in the third quarter. 

Houston leads 19-14

Houston leads 19-14 after another field goal from Houston kicker Ethan Sanchez, this time from 35 yards with 6:25 left in the third quarter. That makes Sanchez 4-for-4 on field-goal tries for the night as Colorado’s defense once again bent but didn’t break. The Houston drive lasted 8:35 and went 57 yards in 17 plays. The Buffaloes haven’t had the ball yet in the second half.

Houston loses another offensive lineman

Houston offensive lineman McKenzie Angello limped off the field after being injured with 11:14 left in the third quarter, marking at least the second injury of the game for Houston’s offensive front. Houston lineman David Ndukwe was carted off in the first half with an apparent leg injury.

Houston leads at halftime 16-14

Quarterback Ryan Staub led his team downfield with passes of 36 and 25 yards before scrambling for 19 yards to the goal line and nearly scoring a touchdown to end the first half. The ball popped loose from him short of the end zone but was recovered by tight end Zach Atkins for a Colorado touchdown with 26 seconds left in the first half.

The score cut Houston’s lead to 16-14 after Staub seemed to catch fire during this two-minute drill, much like he did to end the first half last week in a 31-7 win against Delaware.

Staub is 12-for-18 passing for 120 yards. He started slowly, having led his team to punts on their first four possessions. But he’s since led his team downfield for touchdowns on their final two series of the second quarter.

Another field goal lifts Houston to 16-7 lead

Houston kicker Ethan Sanchez is 3-for-3 on field-goal tries after drilling a 47-yarder with 1:45 left in the first half. The kick gives the Cougars a 16-7 lead after Colorado scored on the previous drive. Sanchez has scored from 52, 43 and 47 yards so far. 

Colorado running game wakes up

Colorado put together its best drive of the game so far to cut Houston’s lead to 13-7 with 7:33 left before halftime. Running back Simeon Price, a transfer from Coastal Carolina, took off on a 38-yard touchdown run to cap a 93-yard drive for the Buffaloes. A pass interference call against Houston enabled it when Colorado faced third down from its own 7-yard line early in the series. Instead of punting again, the Buffs got a first down and took advantage of it.

Colorado offense fails to convert again

The Buffaloes under new quarterback Ryan Staub have gone three-and-out on three straight possessions while Houston has scored on all three of its possessions. It’s not clear how long this will go on before coach Deion Sanders switches quarterbacks. Houston leads 13-0 with 12:43 left in the first half.

Colorado’s only first downs in the game came on its first series. 

Deion Sanders calls his defense ‘hot garbage’

The Cougars are now up 13-0 after nailing a 43-yard field goal with 14:13 left in the first half. The Cougars have scored on all three of their possessions and have outgained Colorado 181-45 in total yards. After the first quarter, Colorado coach Deion Sanders told ESPN his defense looked like “hot garbage.”

Another three-and-out for Ryan Staub

On Staub’s third series, the Buffaloes went three-and-out again. Staub got sacked and threw two incompletions and is now 6-for-9 passing for 42 yards. He hasn’t driven his team farther than the Houston 47-yard line. Houston still leads 10-0 late in the first quarter.

Houston takes 10-0 lead

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman took off on a 49-yard run down the right side of the field on first down to set up a touchdown for the Cougars with 3:52 left in the first quarter. Running back Dean Connors capped the five-play, 79-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.

Houston has outgained Colorado 137-36 in total yards and has six first downs compared to two for Colorado after two possessions each for both teams.

Ryan Staub’s second drive fizzles

On Ryan Staub’s second drive, Colorado went three-and-out before punting. He completed an 8-yard pass but then threw an incompletion on third down and 2. He’s now 5-for-7 passing for 32 yards. A big question hovering over him is how long coach Deion Sanders will stick with him if he fails to march the team downfield. 

Houston takes 3-0 lead

Houston kicker Ethan Sanchez kicked a 52-yard field goal that barely cleared the crossbar to lift the Cougars to a 3-0 lead with 6:42 left in the first quarter. The kick capped a 10-play drive that went 63 yards after starting at Houston’s own 3-yard line.

Houston lineman carted off

Houston offensive lineman David Ndukwe was carted off the field with an apparent leg injury with 6:48 left in the first quarter and the game tied 0-0. A Colorado defender apparently fell on his leg, leading to a stoppage in play as he was helped onto the cart and taken off the field. 

Ndukwe sat up in the cart and waved to the crowd as he left.

Ryan Staub starts game, leads stalled drive

Ryan Staub indeed did start the game for Colorado at quarterback, but his first drive petered out when he underthrew a pass over the middle on third down and 12 from the Houston 47-yard line. He completed 4 of 5 passes for 24 yards. Houston takes over with 10:39 left in the first quarter.

When is Colorado vs Houston game?

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 12 from TDECU Stadium in Houston.

How to watch Colorado vs Houston

The game will be televised on ESPN and also is available on Fubo.

Watch Colorado vs. Houston on Fubo with a free trial

Colorado vs Houston odds

College football odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook; Odds updated Sept. 11. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Spread: Houston (-4.5)
Moneyline: Houston (-200), Colorado (+165)
Total: 45.5 points

Ryan Staub warming up with first-team offense

Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub warmed up with the first-team offensive line about 30 minutes before the game. He also was listed on top of the depth chart distributed in the press box before the game. If he starts as expected, it would be his second career start and first since a 23-17 loss at Utah to end the regular season in 2023.

Tent covering portable toilet falls down

Colorado coach Deion Sanders has been open about his health issues since having his cancerous bladder removed in May. Earlier this week, he spoke about the portable toilet he has on the sideline in case he needs it. He said he hasn’t used it yet but joked about somebody possibly using it in a game and whether a wind gust might knock it down to reveal the occupant on the toilet.

Well, guess what happened hours before Friday’s game?

Colorado brought a Depend-sponsored portable toilet with him to Houston and put it on the sideline, but the tent that covers it fell down. No one was in it at the time.

Pop-Tarts Bowl credentialed for this game

Representatives from the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando have been credentialed for this Big 12 Conference opener. After the College Football Playoff has filled its bracket, the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 27 matches the top selection from the Atlantic Coast Conference against the second selection from the Big 12.

Scouts from the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants also had assigned seats in the press box.

Who are Colorado’s other two quarterbacks?

Before Friday, Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter had started the first two games for Colorado. Heralded freshman Julian Lewis previously was listed as the No. 2 QB. Salter is a dual threat quarterback who led Liberty to a 13-1 record in 2023. He played the entire season opener for Colorado on Aug. 29, a 27-20 loss against Georgia Tech. But then in the Delaware game, Sanders said he wanted to give each of his three quarterbacks at least two series initially and then see who would emerge.

Salter led the team to a 10-0 lead on his first two series vs. Delaware. Lewis’s first two possessions ended in punts.

Who is Ryan Staub, the new Colorado quarterback?

Staub is a redshirt sophomore from Stevenson Ranch, California, who served as backup the past two seasons under Deion Sanders’ quarterback son Shedeur. He barely played except for the final regular season game of 2023, when Shedeur was injured. He played well in the game but lost 23-17.

He was listed as Colorado’s third-string quarterback as recently as last week but was put in the game on a tryout basis of sorts last week vs. Delaware with 45 seconds left before halftime. The Buffaloes led at the time 10-7. By the time he left the game in the second half, Colorado led 31-7 after Staub had led the team on three touchdown drives in four possessions, highlighted by touchdown passes of 21 and 71 yards. The Buffaloes won 31-7.

That led coach Deion Sanders to consider starting Staub vs. Houston.

Why is this a key game for Deion Sanders?

It’s the Big 12 Conference opener for both teams. It’s also a key test for Colorado at the most important position on the field. Who will be Colorado’s quarterback this season? Deion Sanders said he wants to settle on one quarterback and not play “musical chairs” in the position. Ryan Staub could steal the job if he plays well. If not, the Buffs might go back to Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter.

Announcers for Colorado vs Houston

ESPN play-by-play broadcaster Anish Shroff will call the game along with former Houston quarterback Andre Ware, the 1989 Heisman Trophy winner. They will be joined by sideline reporter Paul Carcaterra.

Colorado injury update

Wide receiver Omarion Miller is expected to be out a second consecutive game with a hamstring injury. Running back Dallan Hayden could make his season debut if he comes back from a hand injury.

How will Colorado win or lose this game?

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

An ACC official has reportedly quit out of frustration after how a review was handled during the Week 2 college football game between Syracuse and UConn, according to ESPN.

Gary Patterson, an ACC official since 2002, was the head referee of the matchup, and reportedly terminated his contract after the officiating crew had to backtrack plays due to a review of a potential fumble by Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli.

Patterson was set to officiate the Backyard Brawl rivalry between Pitt and West Virginia on Saturday, Sept. 13, before terminating his contract.

ESPN reported the situation that led to Patterson’s decision occurred with 1:02 remaining in the second quarter, when Steve Angeli and Syracuse faced first-and-10 from their own 25-yard line. Angeli’s arm was hit as he threw on the play, and officials immediately ruled it an incomplete pass.

Angeli’s pass on second down was nearly intercepted, but two UConn defenders collided.

Patterson’s frustration mounted after second down, as a flag was thrown after the second-down play. It was unclear as to why the flag was thrown at first, but it turned out that the ACC’s command center had signaled to review the first-down pass for being a potential fumble, despite second down already being played. The on-field officials, including Patterson, weren’t signaled for review in time before the second-down play.

Patterson and the command center then discussed the potential fumble on first down, before ruling the play was upheld and there was no fumble. The situation negated the second-down play, despite Angeli nearly tossing an interception.

Here’s a look at the situation, which unfolded starting at the 58:19 mark in the video below:

‘Sources who have reviewed numerous camera angles of the sequence said there was no physical indication by any official on the field that they had been buzzed by the replay booth before the second-down snap,’ ESPN wrote. ‘An ACC spokesperson said that officials were buzzed to initiate the review but that the timing was not ideal for it to be a seamless replay.’

ESPN reported the ACC has addressed how the situation was handled internally. ESPN’s rules expert, Bill LeMonnier, also said the instance was the fault of either the replay booth or command center, not the on-field officials.

The 2025 World Track and Field Championships will take place in Tokyo, Japan from September 13-21.
More than 2,000 athletes from around 200 countries are expected to compete at Japan National Stadium.
Top American athletes include Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Noah Lyles, and Sha’Carri Richardson.

The best track and field athletes in the world will be crowned this month.

More than 2,000 athletes from roughly 200 countries will travel to Tokyo to compete at the 2025 World Track and Field Championships. It’s the second time Tokyo has hosted the event and first time since 1991.

The world championships begin Sept. 13 and conclude Sept. 21.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Noah Lyles and Ryan Crouser are part of a large contingent of U.S. athletes in Tokyo. Faith Kipyegon, Mondo Duplantis and Letsile Tebogo are a few of the star athletes who represent other countries.

Medals are on the line during the nine-day championships. Here’s how to watch the 2025 World Track and Field Championships:

How to watch 2025 World Track and Field Championships

NBC, CNBC, Peacock and USA Network will provide coverage of the championships. The broadcast schedule can be found here.

Where are 2025 World Track and Field Championships

Japan National Stadium in Tokyo will be the primary venue for world championships. It’s the same stadium that hosted track and field at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“As one of the largest athletics stadiums in the world, the main stadium facilities in Tokyo are best in class – and the more than 40 million people in the Greater Tokyo area present massive growth opportunities for our sport,” World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said in a statement.

2025 World Track and Field Championships event schedule

The nine-day event schedule can be found here.

Who are U.S. athletes to watch

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Women’s 400, Women’s 4×400*)

Noah Lyles (Men’s 100, Men’s 200, Men’s 4×100*)

Ryan Crouser (Men’s shot put)

Grant Holloway (Men’s 110 hurdles)

Valarie Allman (Women’s discus)

Masai Russell (Women’s 100 hurdles)

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (Women’s 100, Women’s 200, Women’s 4×100*)

Rai Benjamin (Men’s 400 hurdles, Men’s 4×400*)

Sha’Carri Richardson (Women’s 100, Women’s 4×100*)

Who are international athletes to watch

Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon (Women’s 1,500, Women’s 5,000)

Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson (Men’s 100, Men’s 4×100*)

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo (Men’s 100, Men’s 200, Men’s 4×400*)

Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred (Women’s 100, Women’s 200)

Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson (Women’s 100, Women’s 200, Women’s 4×100*)

Sweden’s Armand Duplantis (Men’s pole vault)

*Denotes relay participants are subject to change