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SEC will dominate CFP, but can it prevent Big Ten from winning it all?

All College Football Playoff paths are quickly and undeniably leading directly to the SEC, where the exiled king is primed for a roaring comeback. 

Which, of course, makes everyone outside the league want to puke.

But it’s time to accept a world where six SEC teams are selected to the CFP, a move that would not only spread controversy and panic, it could set the tone for the future of the college football postseason. 

First, the six teams currently headed toward the CFP, desperately trying to break the Big Ten’s two-year hold on the national title: Texas A&M, Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Texas and Oklahoma. All it’s going to take is another Notre Dame loss (see: at Pittsburgh).

Now, the future: Mississippi State president Mark Keenum, the chair of the CFP board of managers and arguably the strongest president in all of college sports, said last week on the ‘Paul Finebaum Show’ the SEC prefers no automatic qualifiers for future playoffs. 

Remember, the deadline to change the CFP for the 2026 season (and expand the field) is Dec. 1, and the SEC and Big Ten have been bickering for months about format (16 or 20 teams, automatic qualifiers, selection committee, etc.). No automatic qualifiers sets up the possibility of the SEC (and/or Big Ten) dominating the playoff for years to come. 

Look at this year’s 12-team format: there isn’t an ACC team worthy of a Top 12 ranking, but the conference champion will get an automatic bid. Texas Tech is the only Big 12 team that appears to be a lock for a spot.  

The highest-ranked Group of Five champion receives a spot, and that scenario would leave nine CFP spots for a deep SEC, a top heavy Big Ten and potentially Notre Dame. It’s not as crazy as you think. 

Meanwhile, back in the best conference in the game, two more heavyweight matchups this week (Texas-Georgia, Oklahoma-Alabama) won’t eliminate teams, but will more than likely shuffle the order of how the teams are ranked by the selection committee.  

A look at this week’s projected CFP field, and a prediction on how the CFP selection committee will vote:

The 12-team CFP bracket field

1. Indiana: Every championship team runs into a rough spot against a team it should beat. That Indiana found a way to win a game it shouldn’t is what elite teams do. Next: Wisconsin.

2. Ohio State: I get it, the schedule is putrid. But this team looks a lot like the 2022 team that could’ve won it all, and didn’t because of a missed field goal in the CFP semifinal against Georgia. Next: UCLA.

3. Texas A&M: The path (not necessarily the players) looks a lot like LSU 2019. Overwhelming offense, and a defense that’s figuring it out in the back half of the season. Next: South Carolina.

4. Alabama: The run game has been a problem all season. If Oklahoma can make the Tide one dimensional and affect the quarterback, it will get interesting in Tuscaloosa. Next: Oklahoma. 

5. Georgia: The pass rush is beginning to affect the quarterback, which leads to better coverage in the secondary. Now here comes suddenly hot Arch Manning. Next: Texas.   

6. Ole Miss: It’s all about positioning and favorable schedule. As long as Rebels keep winning, there’s a possibility to reach the top four and earn a first round bye. Next: Florida.

7. Texas Tech: The only question: Can injured QB Behren Morton continue to gut it out, week after week? If he can, this team is dangerous — especially in a first round home game. Next: UCF. 

8. Oregon: Don’t underestimate the win at Iowa, and more important, the play of QB Dante Moore when the Ducks needed him. There’s still heavy lifting ahead. Next: Minnesota. 

9. Texas: Obsessing on all things Manning has overshadowed Texas finding a way back to the CFP with a few gut-check wins. Now it looks like the pass game is beginning find its stride. Next: at Georgia. 

10. Oklahoma: A close loss to Alabama won’t be a critical blow, an ugly loss opens the door for two-loss Vanderbilt. OU needs John Mateer of September to emerge. Next: at Alabama. 

11. Notre Dame: You can’t have one thing without the other. If the committee is praising an Irish resume that essentially consists of a good loss to Texas A&M, that must mean the SEC holds more weight — and therefore, earns more deference. Next: at Pitt.

12. Vanderbilt: The committee is already talking eye test, which is typically saved for the last week of the season. OK, I’ll bite. Eye test: Vanderbilt or BYU or any ACC team? Next: Kentucky.

Five automatic qualifiers: Indiana (Big Ten), Texas A&M (SEC), Texas Tech (Big 12), Georgia Tech (ACC).

First round byes: Indiana, Ohio State, Texas A&M, Alabama.

College Football Playoff first round

(12) South Florida at (5) Georgia
(11) Georgia Tech at (6) Ole Miss
(10) Oklahoma at (7) Texas Tech
(9) Texas at (8) Oregon

College Football Playoff quarterfinals

Texas-Oregon winner vs. Indiana (1), Rose Bowl
Oklahoma-Texas Tech winner vs. Ohio State, Cotton Bowl
Georgia Tech-Ole Miss winner vs. Texas A&M, Sugar Bowl
South Florida-Georgia winner vs. Alabama, Orange Bowl

How the CFP committee will vote

Ohio State
Indiana
Texas A&M
Alabama
Georgia
Oregon
Ole Miss
Texas Tech
Notre Dame
Texas
Oklahoma
BYU

When do the next College Football Playoff rankings come out?

Tuesday, Nov. 11: 7 p.m

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

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Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue dies at 84

Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who guided the league to new heights of financial prosperity during his 17-year run yet drew heavy scrutiny for his handling of the league’s concussion crisis, died Sunday in Chevy Chase, Maryland, his family announced. He was 84.

Tagliabue’s apparent cause of death was heart failure complicated by Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with approximately seven years ago.

Tagliabue, who was previously an attorney for the league, served as NFL Commissioner from 1989-2006, taking over for Pete Rozelle. During that span, he helped the league navigate several crises, including the decision to postpone games after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and handling the fallout from Hurricane Katrina. His ability to maintain broker labor peace and avoid any work stoppages has been widely credited as a major factor in the league’s financial boom during his tenure. With billions pouring in from multiple new media rights deals over the course of his time at the helm, franchise values boomed.

Tagliabue’s time featured a good deal of movement for teams, with two new organizations – the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995 – starting up in that stretch, while two other cities got teams back with the rebooted Cleveland Browns (1999) and Houston Texans (2002). Twenty new stadiums were constructed while he served as Commissioner, which marked the start of a facilities arms war and helped further boost team values.

Under his watch, the league also instituted free agency and a salary cap.

Yet several of Tagliabue’s remarks and decisions regarding concussions and head injuries clouded his time. In 2017, he apologized for his 1994 comment that ‘is relatively small; the problem is the journalist issue.’

“There were some things that we did which probably should have been done much quicker,” Tagliabue told USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell in 2021. “But in the longer run, what’s happened in the last 20 years suggests it might not have made that much difference. Put it another way: For the most part, I think we did the things at the time that could have made the most difference.”

After retiring, Tagliabue was succeeded by current NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Tagliabue was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020 as part of the centennial class.

“All of us in the NFL are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Tagliabue, whose principled leadership and vision put the NFL on the path to unparalleled success,’ Goodell said in a statement. ‘Throughout his decades-long leadership on behalf of the NFL, first as outside counsel and then during a powerful 17-year tenure as commissioner, Paul served with integrity, passion and an unwavering conviction to do what was best for the league.

‘Paul was the ultimate steward of the game—tall in stature, humble in presence and decisive in his loyalty to the NFL. He viewed every challenge and opportunity through the lens of what was best for the greater good, a principle he inherited from Pete Rozelle and passed on to me.’

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No. 1 UConn routs Florida State after raising NCAA championship banner

STORRS, Conn. — The No. 1-ranked UConn women’s basketball team unveiled its 2025 NCAA championship banner at Gampel Pavilion on Sunday. Then, the 12-time national champion Huskies continued their dominance.

Azzi Fudd led UConn with 23 points, shooting 60% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range. Sarah Strong has 21 points and nine rebounds. Kayleigh Heckel added 12 points and six steals off the bench for UConn (2-0).

‘I would say that whenever we’re drawing up a play in the huddle, one of the first two words out of my mouth is Azzi or Sarah,’ UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. ‘So they are going to be involved one way or another and what we’re doing. A lot of times it’s both.

‘Based on these first two games, that’s kind of the way that I wanted to go, you know, for the rest of the season. … You know, 21 and 23 points. It’s a point a minute, I think that’s pretty good.’

Auriemma was pleased with Fudd’s all-around effort. She added five assists, three rebounds and two steals.

‘She really leaning into this defensive mentality,’ Auriemma said. ‘Last year, we put Paige (Bueckers) on the other team’s best player, right? … This year, Azzi’s going to have to guard the other’s team’s best player. And that’s all there was to it, and she loves it.’

Sole Williams led Florida State (2-1) with 14 points. Allie Kubek and Jasmine Shaver added 11 points apiece.

See a recap of the game and highlights below:

Third quarter: UConn 83, Florida State 48

The Huskies took their largest lead of the game by outscoring the Seminoles 32-21 in the quarter. UConn has 36 points in the paint and 22 fastbreak points. Azzi Fudd has 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting including three 3-pointers. Sarah Strong has 21 points and nine rebounds. Kayleigh Heckel added 10 points off the bench.

Sole Williams has 11 points to lead Florida State. The Seminoles have 22 turnovers and are shooting 39% from the field.

Halftime: UConn 51, Florida State 27

The combination of Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong are overwhelming the Seminoles.

Fudd has 20 points, going 8-for-12 from the field with two 3-pointers. Strong nearly has a double-double with 16 points and 8 rebounds. She also has two assists, two blocks and a steal. She stole the ball at midcourt in the waning minutes of the second quarter and took it in for a driving layup. Stong was fouled and converted the free throw.

UConn continues to outrebound Florida State 22-15. The Huskies also have 11 steals and 26 points off turnovers.

Sole Williams is leading Florida State in scoring with seven points.

First quarter: UConn 23, Florida State 13

UConn has taken a double-digit lead at the end of the first quarter. Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd have 10 points each. The Huskies are dominating the boards with 15 rebounds, including seven offensive boards.

Sole Williams has five points for the Seminoles. Florida State has eight rebounds and is shooting 31.1% from the field.

We are underway in Storrs

UConn had four chances on its opening possession, grabbing three offensive rebounds, and is 1-for-5 to start the game. Azzi Fudd broke the drought with a mid-range jumper.

Florida State at UConn: Time, streaming

Date: Sunday, Nov. 9
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT)
Location: Gampel Pavilion
Stream: FS1

UConn unveils championship banner

Florida State starting lineup

UConn starting lineup

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Iran’s ‘water bankruptcy’ will weaken regime and nuclear program, UN expert warns

Iran is facing its worst drought in decades, raising fears of evacuations in Tehran while threatening the regime’s stability and nuclear ambitions, according to a leading environmental expert.

Kaveh Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, said Iran’s worsening ‘water bankruptcy’ would impact the country’s ability to function and weaken its position on the global stage.

‘This water bankruptcy weakens Iran on the world stage,’ Madani told Fox News Digital.

‘If they want to stick to their ideology and fight with the West, they must use their natural resources and burn them, so if there is no water, there is less resilience and less capacity to resist.’

Madani, who has long warned of environmental mismanagement in Iran, said the current water crisis across the nation was predictable.

‘The water bankruptcy situation was not created overnight,’ he said. ‘The house was already on fire, and people like myself had warned the government for years that this situation would emerge.’

President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that without rainfall before winter, Tehran could face partial evacuation, according to The Associated Press.

Of the five major dams supplying the capital, one has already run dry and another is operating below 8% capacity, according to AP.

Energy Minister Abbas Alibadi also announced that water supplies will be cut off on some evenings to refill reservoirs, urging citizens to reduce consumption by 20% to avoid rationing.

‘The symptoms were already present, and now the flames are undeniable. We are discussing Day Zero, when the taps would run dry in Tehran and other cities once immune to shortages,’ Madani said.

‘Iran is in a state of water bankruptcy, the result of decades of mismanagement, worsened by prolonged drought and climate change,’ he added.

Madani also said that the collapse of basic infrastructure could spark wider unrest.

‘When people are out of water and electricity, you face domestic and national security problems that even Iran’s enemies, not even President Trump or Prime Minister Netanyahu, could have wished for this to happen.’

Madani warned that the crisis threatens not just its citizens but also Iran’s energy and nuclear infrastructure.

Despite U.S. claims that airstrikes destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilites, new intelligence reported by The New York Times suggested ongoing enrichment at a fortified site known as Pickaxe Mountain.

‘If water and electricity shortages persist, any nuclear program would also be impacted,’ Madani claimed.

‘Lack of rain means less hydropower generation, leading to both water and power outages,’ he said.

The U.S. and its allies reimposed sweeping sanctions on Iran’s oil exports and banking sector and the end of the 2015 nuclear deal triggered penalties.

‘Additionally, they face the issue of sanctions,’ said Madani, ‘There were already sanctions in place, imposed by the United States and there were also Security Council sanctions that, as you know, have been reintroduced.’

‘Iran is in resistance mode, and remaining in this mode means increased pressure on Iran’s ecosystem, natural resources, and water, but it also means heightened concerns about food insecurity issues and dependence on food imports.’

Evacuation of Tehran, however, remains improbable, Madani said. ‘People have jobs, children are in school, so it can’t happen overnight. The government hopes for rain, but people are already afraid.’

‘Iran is in resistance mode, and remaining in this mode means increased pressure on Iran’s ecosystem of natural resources and water,’ Madani concluded.

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Senate Democrats, Republicans reach deal to reopen government

There are now enough Senate Democrats willing to back a revamped plan to reopen the government. 

A source familiar with the newly-unveiled plan told Fox News Digital that there are enough Senate Democrats ready to join Republicans for a key vote Sunday night as Congress readies to reopen the government. 

The latest development comes after an updated continuing resolution was revealed that would reopen the government until Jan. 30, 2026, reverse firings of furloughed workers carried out by the Trump administration and ensure that furloughed workers get back pay. 

Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, led the bipartisan deal, but a trio of Democratic caucus members, Sens. Angus King, I-Maine, Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., proved crucial in striking a way forward. 

Lawmakers are expected to take the first of a trio of votes on reopening the government later Sunday night. But it will require action from the House before the closure is officially ended. 

Earlier in the day, Senate Republicans unveiled another crucial piece of the puzzle in their bid to reopen the government and plan to plow ahead with a vote on Sunday. 

While both sides still appear at an impasse on extending expiring Obamacare subsidies, appropriators moved ahead with a package of spending bills that Republicans hope will jumpstart the government funding process, and lead to an end to the 40-day government shutdown. 

The Senate Appropriations Committee released the three-bill spending package, known as a minibus, Sunday afternoon. Lawmakers are still waiting on text for an updated continuing resolution (CR), that, if passed, is expected to reopen the government until late January. 

It includes legislation that would fund military construction and the VA, the legislative branch and agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration.

Senate Republicans view the package as a sweetener that they hope attracts enough Senate Democrats to break through the logjam and move toward reopening the government. And given that the minibus is a largely bipartisan product, lawmakers believe it could succeed. 

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., made clear in the last few days that he would not put a bill on the floor that did not have the votes to pass after spending several weeks daring Senate Democrats to vote against the original House-passed continuing resolution (CR). 

‘There’s going to be something to vote on, let’s put it that way,’ Thune said. 

Still, the package does not include a deal on Senate Democrats’ chief demand throughout the government shutdown to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies. 

Thune has promised Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and his caucus a vote on the expiring subsidies after the government reopens. And for several weeks, Senate Democrats said that was not enough to assuage the concerns. 

Senate Democrats are expected to huddle Saturday night before a likely vote to plot a path forward. If Schumer and his caucus agree to the deal, they would effectively be caving from their deeply-entrenched position that has seen the government shutdown stretch over a month. 

Lawmakers will now have time to read over the bills, with a vote expected later Sunday evening. 

But, it’s just the first step in what could be a long and drawn-out process. First, Thune will tee up the original House-passed CR for a vote, which lawmakers view as the vehicle to attach the minibus and updated CR to. 

Then there will be two more votes before the package advances from the Senate. Then, it will have to go back to the House before making its way to President Donald Trump’s desk. 

Schumer and his caucus could still apply pain on the process, too, through procedural hurdles. And despite rumblings of some in the caucus ready to break ranks, some Republicans aren’t too optimistic that this will be an easy process. 

‘I don’t expect anything from the Democrats,’ Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., said. ‘At this point, their demands have been so ridiculous, I don’t know what they’re going to do, and at this point, I frankly, don’t give a crap.’ 

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Guardians pitchers indicted for rigging pitches in betting scandal

Cleveland Guardians’ pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted by federal prosecutors in the Brooklyn-based Eastern District of New York. Both pitchers are facing several charges related to rigging specific pitches thrown during MLB games and profiting from the results on betting websites.

According to documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, the pitchers are being charged with ‘wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery and money laundering conspiracy.’ All of the charges come in regard to their alleged involvement in the betting scandal.

‘The defendants deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services,’ Joseph Nocella Jr., the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District, said in a statement, according to ESPN. ‘They defrauded the online betting platforms where the bets were placed. And they betrayed America’s pastime. Integrity, honesty and fair play are part of the DNA of professional sports. When corruption infiltrates the sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants but damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us.’

Both pitchers were placed on leave by the Guardians in July, but it appears the investigations revolving around their alleged foul play has come to a head. Here are the latest updates on the gambling scandal involving three-time All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase and starter Luis Ortiz.

What are Clase and Ortiz being charged with?

The pitchers are were indicted on multiple charges of fraud, conspiracy, and bribery.

What is in the indictment?

The 23-page indictment outlines several incidents where either Clase or Ortiz were paid to rig MLB pitches. It claims that the scheme started in May 2023 with only Clase. Ortiz was brought in at a later date.

The indictment also includes some pretty convincing evidence of foul play involving messages between Clase and alleged bettors. According to the document, during a game on May 28, 2025, Clase threw a pitch that was intended to be a ball, but resulted in a strike after the batter – Dodgers’ outfielder Andy Pages – swung and missed. Approximately 20 minutes later, Clase received a message from someone labeled ‘Bettor-1’ of a GIF of a man hanging himself with toilet paper. Ten minutes later, Clase responded with a sad puppy face GIF despite the Guardians winning that game.

Are Clase, Ortiz facing jail time?

If convicted on all charges, the pitchers could face up to 65 years in prison each.

How have the Cleveland Guardians responded?

The Guardians released a statement on Sunday, Nov. 9 and are cooperating with the investigation.

“We are aware of the recent law enforcement action,’ the Guardians’ statement reads. ‘We will continue to fully cooperate with both law enforcement and Major League Baseball as their investigations continue.’

Major League Baseball also released a statement following the news.

“MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process,’ the league’s statement reads. ‘We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing.”

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USC star JuJu Watkins joins investor group for NWSL expansion team

Southern California women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins has joined an investor group for the Boston Legacy Football Club.

The Boston Legacy is an expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League that will begin playing in March 2026.

Watkins was formally welcomed with a press release on Nov. 6. She is the first college athlete to invest directly into a professional women’s team.

“Juju’s investment marks a groundbreaking moment for women’s sports and the power of NIL,” Jennifer Epstein, the controlling owner of the Boston Legacy FC, said in the release. “As the first college athlete to directly invest in a women’s professional sports team, she’s showing that today’s student-athletes aren’t just building their own brands — they’re shaping the future of the game.”

Watkins joins a group of investors that includes former USC and current Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman, Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston and Boston Celtics general manager Brad Stevens are also among the investors.

“Boston Legacy FC is creating a space for women to achieve, lead, and inspire others at the highest level,” Watkins said in the statement, “and I’m proud to be part of the movement pushing women’s sports forward.”

Will JuJu Watkins play for USC this season?

While the women’s college basketball season started Nov. 3, Watkins will not participate. She will miss the 2025-26 season as she continues her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. It will count as her redshirt year.

Watkins suffered the injury in her right knee during an NCAA tournament second-round game against Mississippi State on March 24, 2025.

She finished last season with several accolades, including the Women’s Wooden Award and Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year honor.

Watkins is expected to return to USC for the 2026-27 season with two years of eligibility remaining.

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No. 1 UConn hosts Florida State in women’s basketball: Live updates

STORRS, Conn. — The No. 1-ranked UConn women’s basketball team unveiled its championship banner at Gampel Pavilion on Sunday. Then, the Huskies continued their dominance.

UConn smothered Florida State, 99-67, scoring 42 points off turnovers. UConn also outrebounded the Seminoles 39-27.

Azzi Fudd led UConn with 23 points and five assists. The senior shot 60% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range. Sarah Strong has 21 points and nine rebounds.

Sole Williams led Florida State with 14 points.

On Sunday, Nov. 9, UConn hosts Florida State for a late afternoon contest. Follow along for live updates and highlights from the game:

Third quarter: UConn 83, Florida State 48

The Huskies took their largest lead of the game by outscoring the Seminoles 32-21 in the quarter. UConn has 36 points in the paint and 22 fastbreak points. Azzi Fudd has 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting including three 3-pointers. Sarah Strong has 21 points and nine rebounds. Kayleigh Heckel added 10 points off the bench.

Sole Williams has 11 points to lead Florida State. The Seminoles have 22 turnovers and are shooting 39% from the field.

Halftime: UConn 51, Florida State 27

The combination of Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong are overwhelming the Seminoles.

Fudd has 20 points, going 8-for-12 from the field with two 3-pointers. Strong nearly has a double-double with 16 points and 8 rebounds. She also has two assists, two blocks and a steal. She stole the ball at midcourt in the waning minutes of the second quarter and took it in for a driving layup. Stong was fouled and converted the free throw.

UConn continues to outrebound Florida State 22-15. The Huskies also have 11 steals and 26 points off turnovers.

Sole Williams is leading Florida State in scoring with seven points.

First quarter: UConn 23, Florida State 13

UConn has taken a double-digit lead at the end of the first quarter. Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd have 10 points each. The Huskies are dominating the boards with 15 rebounds, including seven offensive boards.

Sole Williams has five points for the Seminoles. Florida State has eight rebounds and is shooting 31.1% from the field.

We are underway in Storrs

UConn had four chances on its opening possession, grabbing three offensive rebounds, and is 1-for-5 to start the game. Azzi Fudd broke the drought with a mid-range jumper.

Florida State at UConn: Time, streaming

Date: Sunday, Nov. 9
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT)
Location: Gampel Pavilion
Stream: FS1

UConn unveils championship banner

Florida State starting lineup

UConn starting lineup

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Former Cowboys star ties record with 2 defensive TDs for new team

DeMarcus Lawrence had two total touchdowns during his 11-year career with the Dallas Cowboys. It took him just eight games to achieve that same feat with the Seattle Seahawks.

Lawrence scored twice in the first quarter-plus of the Seahawks’ Week 10 game against the Arizona Cardinals. The scores were eerily similar.

On the first, second-year linebacker Tyrice Knight was able to get pressure on Jacoby Brissett and knock the ball out of his hands. Lawrence was able to scoop up the ball and run into the end-zone uncontested..

On the second, second-year linebacker Tyrice Knight was able to get pressure on Jacoby Brissett and knock the ball out of his hands. Lawrence was able to scoop up the ball and run into the end-zone uncontested.

Feeling deja vu? Lawrence must have been given the symmetry between the two scores.

Lawrence’s second scoop-and-score was also historic, as he tied the NFL record for most non-offensive touchdowns in a game. Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers was previously the most recent player to achieve that feat, doing so in the Vikings’ 48-10 Week 3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals earlier in the season.

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Rico Dowdle invokes ‘Key & Peele’ again Sunday − but with a new twist

If you thought a fine was going to deter Rico Dowdle from fully channeling Hingle McCringleberry, guess again.

The Carolina Panthers running back scored his first touchdown since his paycheck was docked for thrusting two pumps a week ago in his life-imitates-art moment while mimicking McCringleberry, the fictional football player from a ‘Key & Peele’ sketch infamous for drawing penalties with his inappropriate end-zone celebrations.

After scoring on a 5-yard run Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, Dowdle again put his hands behind his head as if he was considering a pump or two, a la McCringleberry, portrayed by actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, who couldn’t help himself while deciding whether or not to test the official (played by Jordan Peele). McCringleberry had a propensity to test a fictional rule that permitted two pumps but not three.

But Dowdle contained himself this time, eventually celebrating with his teammates while forgoing even a single pump.

The Minnesota Vikings’ Aaron Jones also faked a pump Sunday after scoring a TD against the Baltimore Ravens.

Dowdle was fined $14,491 after being penalized for the celebration following his second Week 9 touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Not only did he lose money, his 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty contributed to a missed extra point. Dowdle later made amends with a 19-yard run on Carolina’s final drive, setting up the game-winning field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald.

Dowdle joked on social media that he was staring a GoFundMe initiative after learning his wallet had taken a hit.

By NFL standards, the Panthers’ breakout star is vastly underpaid, his one-year deal with Carolina set to pay him $2.75 million − less the cut the NFL has taken.

Dowdle ran for nearly 1,100 yards with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 and entered Week 10 ranked third in the NFL with 735 rushing yards − despite starting just three games since he took over the lead role from Chuba Hubbard.

Dowdle was surprised when he was penalized, holding up two fingers as he left the field for the sideline in Green Bay.

‘From my understanding and everything I’ve learned, we go over stuff like this every week in the meeting room. I definitely think you’re supposed to get two pumps,’ Dowdle said following the game.

His infraction came at a time when the league has emphasized good sportsmanship. However the entire episode has generally been met with good fun, actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, who portrayed McCringleberry, expressing faux outrage on Instagram on Sunday night.

‘Rico! Man, you got robbed − you only did two pumps,’ said a flabbergasted Key, tongue firmly placed in cheek.

‘I’m sorry, man. Now I’m gonna have to write a new sketch.’

‘We’ve got to be smarter in that situation,’ said Panthers coach Dave Canales while in a forgiving mood Monday.

‘We’ve got to make sure that we understand the rules. I might have to call up Keegan-Michael Key to get clarification on that part of it, but from what I understand, any kind of movement that way, any weapons, or all that stuff is going to get flagged. We’ve got to be smarter about that.’

Sunday, it appeared Dowdle had learned his lesson.

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