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

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

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

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

No. 5 Oregon at No. 2 Penn State

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

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

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

No. 16 Alabama at No. 3 Georgia

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

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

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

No. 4 LSU at No. 11 Mississippi

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

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

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

No. 1 Ohio State at Washington

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

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

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

No. 12 Indiana at Iowa

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

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

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

No. 22 Southern California at No. 23 Illinois

Time/TV: noon ET, Fox.

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

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

Arizona at No. 13 Iowa State

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What a difference a week makes.

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

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

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

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

Does the Big Ten fine teams for rushing the field?

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

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

Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is going full circle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game: Blue Jackets at Penguins

Site: PPG Paints Arena (Pittsburgh)

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: NHL Network

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

Watch NHL games on Fubo

Marc-Andre Fleury arrives at game

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

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Lionel Messi and Inter Miami played to a 1-1 draw on the road against Toronto FC at BMO Field on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Inter Miami’s Tadeo Allende scored a header (45’+1’) after an assist by Jordi Alba in a sequence started by Messi, who received the secondary assist for the play just before halftime.

However, Toronto’s Djordje Mihailovic tied the match early in the second half, providing the finish on a sliding assist by Richie Laryea in the 60th minute.

Messi entered the match in the lead for the MLS Golden Boot with 24 goals, but was held scoreless for the first time since Sept. 13. Messi scored five goals in his previous three matches, but he was unable to get past Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson in this contest.

Messi still leads MLS with 37 goal contributions (24 goals, 13 assists), which could fuel his bid to become the first player in league history to win consecutive MVP awards.

Inter Miami chases points, entering the match five points behind the Philadelphia Union in the standings for the Supporters’ Shield – which Inter Miami won in 2024.

Inter Miami, which won the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, is in a five-team race for the MLS regular season title in 2025. They have 56 points after the draw in Toronto. Inter Miami played in the first of 13 matches on Saturday – so, the standings will be affected following the other matches.

Philadelphia (60 points, at D.C. United), San Diego (57 points, at San Jose) and Vancouver (56 points, at Seattle) are all in action on Saturday night, while Cincinnati (58 points) will host Orlando City on Sunday Night Soccer.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami match:

Inter Miami 1, Toronto FC 1: Messi’s free kick punched away

Messi lined up for a free kick. His shot passed the wall of players, but was punched away by Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson in the 83rd minute. That’s four saves by Johnson against Messi in the match, and another effort to keep this match tied in the closing minutes.

Inter Miami 1, Toronto 1: Messi misses left boot in 76’

Messi’s first shot attempt in the second half was a beauty: He received a backwards pass from Telasco Segovia, and sent a left boot in stride toward the net. But Toronto’s Sean Johnson secured his third save against Messi in the match.

Toronto 1, Inter Miami 1: Djordje Mihailovic scores in 60’

Toronto has tied it in the second half, as Djordje Mihailovic provided the finish on a sliding assist by Richie Laryea in the 60th minute. Toronto has been winless in their last six matches – all draws. Now they’ve tied it.

Inter Miami 1, Toronto 0: Second half underway

Inter Miami 1, Toronto 0: Tadeo Allende scores before halftime

Messi started the sequence with a pass to Jordi Alba, whose cross in front of the net was finished with a header by Tadeo Allende (45’+1’) to help Inter Miami take the lead before halftime.

Inter Miami 0, Toronto 0: Messi misses again before halftime 45’

Messi missed another chance in front of the net before halftime as Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson made another save. Luis Suarez received a yellow card for in an attempt to secure the loose ball before Johnson did with his feet by pushing Toronto’s Kosi Thompson.

Inter Miami 0, Toronto 0: Alonso Coello misses shot in 35′

Toronto’s Alonso Coello sent a right boot toward the net in the 35th minute, but Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made the diving stop with his right hand.

Inter Miami 0, Toronto 0: Messi misses right boot in 29’

Sergio Busquets feeds Lionel Messi in the box, but Messi’s right boot was stopped again by Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson in the 29th minute.

Inter Miami 0, Toronto 0: Messi misses in front of net in 16′

Messi appeared to grimace after he fell, trying to score in front of the net. Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson made the stop in the 16th minute. It was a busy sequence, which Inter Miami was untimely ruled offside on the initial play by Baltazar Rodriguez.

Inter Miami 0, Toronto 0: Baltazar misses shot after Messi pass in 12′

Inter Miami’s first shot on goal sees rookie Baltasar Rodríguez miss at the net after a pass from Messi inside the box in the 12th minute. Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson made the stop.

Inter Miami 0, Toronto 0: Messi takes the pitch, match begins

Is Messi playing today?

Yes, Messi is in the Inter Miami starting lineup.

Toronto vs. Inter Miami starting lineups

How to watch Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami: Live stream link here

The match will be available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, and Apple TV+.

Watch MLS games all season long on Apple TV

What time is Toronto FC vs Inter Miami match?

The match begins at 4:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. in Argentina).

Buy Inter Miami tickets on StubHub

Where is the Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami match?

The match will be played at BMO Field in Toronto.

Will Inter Miami make the MLS playoffs?

Yes, Inter Miami has clinched a berth into the MLS Cup playoffs after their 4-0 victory against New York City FC on Sept. 24.

Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami betting odds

Here are the betting odds for today’s match, according to BETMGM.

Toronto FC: +290
Draw: +300
Inter Miami: -130
Over/under: 3.5 goals

What to know about Inter Miami and Toronto FC

Inter Miami is third in the MLS Eastern Conference standings (and fifth in MLS) with 55 points from 29 matches. They are five points away from Philadelphia Union for the MLS Supporters’ Shield lead with five matches remaining this season.

Toronto FC is 12th of 15 teams in the East with 27 points, but have already been eliminated from MLS Cup playoff contention. Toronto enters the match following six straight draws, where they allowed just one goal in five of the six matches.

Sergio Busquets announces his retirement

Inter Miami also enters the Toronto match, following news that legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets will retire at the end of the 2025 MLS season. Busquets made the announcement on his Instagram account on Thursday, Sept. 25. Busquets won the World Cup with Spain in 2010, and was the first former FC Barcelona star to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami contract update

Messi is nearing a contract extension with Inter Miami to keep him in MLS and the United States for at least two more seasons through 2027, USA TODAY Sports reported on Sept. 17.

Will Messi play in 2026 World Cup?

Messi has yet to declare whether he will play in the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer. But he did offer some insight after the Argentina match earlier this month.

“Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it. But well, we’re almost there so I’m excited and motivated to play it,” Messi said on Sept. 4. “Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match. That’s it taking it day by day, going by how I feel. Day by day, trying to feel good and above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. So, we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.”

Messi’s upcoming schedule with Inter Miami and Argentina

Here is Lionel Messi’s schedule with Inter Miami and Argentina through the end of the 2025 MLS season. The MLS Cup playoffs begin on Oct. 22.

Sept. 30: Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire, 7:30 p.m. ET
Oct. 4: Inter Miami vs. New England, 7:30 p.m. ET
Oct. 10: Argentina vs. Venezuela, 8 p.m. ET (International Friendly in Miami)
Oct. 11: Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United, 7:30 p.m. ET
Oct. 13: Puerto Rico vs. Argentina, 7 p.m. ET (International Friendly in Chicago)
Oct. 18: Nashville vs. Inter Miami, 6 p.m. ET

Maybe now the WNBA will listen.

For years, players and coaches have been warning that the physicality of the game has gotten out of hand. That the officiating has not kept pace with the size, strength and pace of the WNBA game, and it’s taking a toll on both the players and the product. If the league didn’t step in, if it continued to settle for sub-par officiating, somebody was going to get hurt.

Well, now somebody has. And not just anybody. One of the biggest names in the game. In one of the biggest games of the season.

Napheesa Collier, runner-up for MVP each of the last two seasons, “probably has a fracture” after a collision with Alyssa Thomas late in the demolition derby, err, Game 3 between the Minnesota Lynx and the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night. A series that was already chippy went off the rails, with Collier leaving the floor limping and in tears, and coach Cheryl Reeve having to be held back by her assistants and guard Natisha Hiedeman before being ejected.  

“If this is what our league wants, OK. But I want to call for a change of leadership at the league level when it comes to officiating,” Reeve said after the game, her fury palpable.

“It’s bad for the game. The officiating crew that we had tonight, for the leadership to deem those three people semifinals playoff-worthy is f—ing malpractice.”

This is not sour grapes. This is not Reeve whining because her team, the No. 1 seed, is on the verge of elimination after Friday night’s 84-76 loss in the semifinals.

This is about player safety. And the WNBA not giving a damn about it.

USA TODAY Sports sent an email requesting comment to three people in the WNBA. None of them responded.

The W is a physical league. Always has been. But as players have gotten stronger, as the game has gotten faster and more intense, the physicality has skyrocketed. It is not uncommon to see players with black eyes or bruises from a run-of-the-mill game during the regular season, and there is a reason why rookies head straight for the weight room as soon as their first season is over.

The W’s dirty little secret became a national firestorm last season, with Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the league. Her fans were horrified at how much she got bumped and shoved and jostled, howling that she was being targeted when, in reality, every other W player was experiencing the same thing.

That doesn’t make it right. But W players are as competitive as any other elite-level athletes, and they’ll take things as far as they can unless officials step in.

And therein lies the problem. The officials haven’t. Whether that’s because of incompetence or ineffectiveness, the result is the same. The W has become the Wild West, and the physicality has reached a point where it’s not safe.

“Most of my assistants come from the NBA and they’re like, `This would not fly in the NBA. This level of physicality would not fly in the NBA. There would be fights,” Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon, previously a longtime assistant with the San Antonio Spurs, said after Game 2.

It’s a wonder there wasn’t Friday. Beyond Reeve’s ejection, Lynx and Mercury players were jawing at each other like boxers before a weigh-in.

“We talked about how dangerous it can be,” Reeve said. “You’re hearing it from the other series. You’re hearing other coaches — you’re hearing Becky talk about when you let the physicality happen, people get hurt, there’s fights. And this is the look that our league wants for some reason.”

Unlike the NBA, which has a season that is twice as long, W officials are not full-time. The W has defended its officiating, saying officials are monitored by the league office and corrections are made throughout the season.

But watch any game, and you’ll quickly see the officiating wouldn’t cut it at the college level, let alone for a professional league.

Collier is the focal point of both Minnesota’s offense and defense and, as such, is rarely left unguarded. She’s got at least one player in her face almost every second she’s on the court, grabbing her, bumping her, slapping at her arms and hands. Same for MVP A’ja Wilson.

Yet Collier and Wilson had one free throw between the two of them Friday night. That’s right. The two players who touch the ball most and draw the most attention from their opponents drew a grand total of one foul over the 75 total minutes they were on the court.

Make that make sense.

“They told me not to say anything, but you know I can’t,” Hammon said when she pointed it out.

And this doesn’t even get into the boneheaded mistakes officials routinely make, like ignoring an expired shot clock in the first round, and the excruciatingly long time it takes to review calls.

The WNBA has a long history of both short-changing its players and cutting corners with league operations. (This is a league that had only one marketing person as recently as 2019 and did not have a CMO until 2020.) As interest in the league explodes and its spotlight increases, the WNBA has to start acting like a top-tier professional league. It can start by fixing its amateur officiating.

And apologizing to Collier, whose injury was both preventable and inevitable.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.

Week 5 of the college football season features several major matchups with playoff implications.
USA TODAY Sports experts predict potential upsets, including Washington over Ohio State and Arkansas over Notre Dame.
Other notable predictions involve Texas A&M exposing Auburn’s offensive line and a potential Indiana loss to Iowa.

These are the weekends that college football fans love. The schedule for Week 5 features major showdowns among teams near the top of the US LBM Coaches Poll and several games that that will be challenging for playoff contenders.

There are many questions that will be resolved. Can Penn State finally break through against at top five-team with a defeat of Oregon? Is Alabama capable of taking down Georgia on the road? Where are the unexpected surprises that happen every Saturday going to come from?

USA TODAY Sports college football staff is here to provide some answers. Matt Hayes, Jordan Mendoza, Paul Myerberg, Erick Smith, Eddie Timanus and Blake Toppmeyer weigh in with their bold predictions for Week 5 of the college football season.

Washington pulls off upset of Ohio State

When we last saw Ohio State in a meaningful game, the Buckeyes defeated Texas and supplanted the Longhorns at No. 1. Four weeks and two easy games later, they head west to face Washington. It’ll be a dangerous game with Julian Sayin making his first road start in what will be a hostile environment. The Huskies have been impressive against overmatched opponents. They’ll make a statement with an upset that will raise eyebrows across the country. — Matt Hayes

Oregon crushes Penn State in front of White out

The cupcake slate is over for Penn State. There hasn’t been anything impressive from the Nittany Lions so far, while Oregon looks like a team on the path toward the playoff again. The Ducks aren’t phased by the ‘White Out’ and Beaver Stadium starts emptying out in the third quarter in what is a convincing win for Dan Lanning’s squad. — Jordan Mendoza

Indiana gets surprise at Iowa

After dropping 63 points on Illinois, Indiana struggles to stay in a rhythm and loses to Iowa in the first big upset of the Big Ten season. The Hawkeyes showed some life on offense in a win against Rutgers and seem to have a found a way to tap into transfer quarterback Mark Gronkowski’s skill set. That’ll come in handy against one of the top teams in the country.  — Paul Myerberg

Arkansas knocks Notre Dame from playoff consideration

There almost no margin of error for Notre Dame after back-to-back losses to start the season. Yes, they were against ranked opponents by a combined four points. but ultimately wins are what matters when the College Football Playoff field is announced. A trip to Arkansas is a dangerous proposition as the Razorbacks have an explosive offense behind quarterback Taylen Green. Look for this to be a track meet with Arkansas pulling off a surprise in the final minutes. — Erick Smith

Texas A&M exposes Auburn offensive line issues

It was somewhat lost amid the officiating noise in the aftermath of Auburn’s loss at Oklahoma, but the issue that should have the Tigers more concerned is that the offensive line couldn’t keep Jackson Arnold upright. This week’s opponent, Texas A&M, isn’t quite as dominant at the line of scrimmage but has still come up with nine sacks through its three games. Add in the fact that the Aggies have a rest advantage coming off an open date, and it spells more trouble and an 0-2 SEC start for Auburn. — Eddie Timanus

Lane Kiffin to channel Seinfeld after LSU game?

If Mississippi loses to LSU in their showdown in Oxford, nobody will hear a word Lane Kiffin says in his postgame news conference. Kiffin is a notorious soft-talker, to borrow a “Seinfeld” phrase. He talks softest after losses. If the Rebels win, we’ll hear from their coach. If they lose, we’ll be left to wonder: If a coach talks and nobody hears it, did he really speak? — Blake Toppmeyer

Lionel Messi has been on a tear in Major League Soccer, and will back on the pitch Saturday in Toronto.

Messi is in the starting lineup for Inter Miami against Toronto FC on Saturday, Sept. 27 at BMO Field. The match begins at 4:30 p.m. ET, and available to watch on MLS Season Pass or Apple TV+. 

Messi enters the match in the lead for the MLS Golden Boot with 24 goals after scoring a brace with an assist in his last match, a 4-0 win against New York City FC on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Messi also leads MLS with 37 goal contributions (24 goals, 13 assists), which could fuel his bid to become the first player in league history to win consecutive MVP awards.

All eyes will be on Messi as Inter Miami chases points, entering the match five points behind the Philadelphia Union in the standings for the Supporters’ Shield – which Inter Miami won in 2024.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami match:

Inter Miami 0, Toronto 0: Baltazar misses shot after Messi pass

Inter Miami’s first shot on goal sees rookie Baltasar Rodríguez miss at the net after a pass from Messi inside the box in the 12th minute. Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson made the stop.

Inter Miami 0, Toronto 0: Messi takes the pitch, match begins

Is Messi playing today?

Yes, Messi is in the Inter Miami starting lineup.

Toronto vs. Inter Miami starting lineups

How to watch Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami: Live stream link here

The match will be available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, and Apple TV+.

Watch MLS games all season long on Apple TV

What time is Toronto FC vs Inter Miami match?

The match begins at 4:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. in Argentina).

Buy Inter Miami tickets on StubHub

Where is the Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami match?

The match will be played at BMO Field in Toronto.

Will Inter Miami make the MLS playoffs?

Yes, Inter Miami has clinched a berth into the MLS Cup playoffs after their 4-0 victory against New York City FC on Sept. 24.

Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami betting odds

Here are the betting odds for today’s match, according to BETMGM.

Toronto FC: +290
Draw: +300
Inter Miami: -130
Over/under: 3.5 goals

What to know about Inter Miami and Toronto FC

Inter Miami is third in the MLS Eastern Conference standings (and fifth in MLS) with 55 points from 29 matches. They are five points away from Philadelphia Union for the MLS Supporters’ Shield lead with five matches remaining this season.

Toronto FC is 12th of 15 teams in the East with 27 points, but have already been eliminated from MLS Cup playoff contention. Toronto enters the match following six straight draws, where they allowed just one goal in five of the six matches.

Sergio Busquets announces his retirement

Inter Miami also enters the Toronto match, following news that legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets will retire at the end of the 2025 MLS season. Busquets made the announcement on his Instagram account on Thursday, Sept. 25. Busquets won the World Cup with Spain in 2010, and was the first former FC Barcelona star to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami contract update

Messi is nearing a contract extension with Inter Miami to keep him in MLS and the United States for at least two more seasons through 2027, USA TODAY Sports reported on Sept. 17.

Will Messi play in 2026 World Cup?

Messi has yet to declare whether he will play in the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer. But he did offer some insight after the Argentina match earlier this month.

“Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it. But well, we’re almost there so I’m excited and motivated to play it,” Messi said on Sept. 4. “Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match. That’s it taking it day by day, going by how I feel. Day by day, trying to feel good and above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. So, we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.”

Messi’s upcoming schedule with Inter Miami and Argentina

Here is Lionel Messi’s schedule with Inter Miami and Argentina through the end of the 2025 MLS season. The MLS Cup playoffs begin on Oct. 22.

Sept. 30: Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire, 7:30 p.m. ET
Oct. 4: Inter Miami vs. New England, 7:30 p.m. ET
Oct. 10: Argentina vs. Venezuela, 8 p.m. ET (International Friendly in Miami)
Oct. 11: Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United, 7:30 p.m. ET
Oct. 13: Puerto Rico vs. Argentina, 7 p.m. ET (International Friendly in Chicago)
Oct. 18: Nashville vs. Inter Miami, 6 p.m. ET

Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is going full circle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game: Blue Jackets at Penguins

Site: PPG Paints Arena (Pittsburgh)

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: NHL Network

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

Watch NHL games on Fubo