There has been speculation that Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter could be suspended for spitting at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. That apparently won’t happen.

A league official told USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell that a suspension for Carter isn’t on the table. The official was granted anonymity because the NFL is still examining the situation.

Carter was arguing with Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and spit at the quarterback. He was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected.

“It was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,’ Carter said. ‘I feel bad, just for my teammates and the fans out there. It won’t happen again. I made that promise.’

“(H)e was trolling, I guess you could say, trying to mess with Tyler Booker,’ Prescott said. ‘I was just looking at him. I was right here by the two linemen, and I guess I needed to spit, and I wasn’t going to spit on my lineman and I just spit ahead. … And he goes, ‘Are you trying to spit on me?’’

The incident happened after fullback Ben VanSumeren was injured during the opening kickoff. Eagles and Cowboys players hung around the 30-yard line and that’s when the spitting took place.

‘It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game,’ referee Shawn Smith told a pool reporter. ‘It’s a non-football act.’

The NFL has indicated that sportsmanship is a point of emphasis for officials.

NEW YORK – Aryna Sabalenka won her fourth Grand Slam title, cementing her status as the world’s No. 1 player with a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory over Amanda Anisimova in the US Open final on Saturday.

Sabalenka, playing in her third straight US Open final, is the first defending champion to repeat since Serena Williams won three titles in a row from 2012-2014. All four of her Grand Slam championships have been on hard courts.

Anisimova, the No. 8 seed, was appearing in her second straight Grand Slam final after losing to Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon. Anisimova will rise to a career-high No. 4 in the rankings despite the loss, following an incredible US Open run that included a quarterfinal victory over Swiatek, avenging a 6-0, 6-0 Wimbledon final defeat six weeks ago, and a three-set, thrilling semifinal triumph over Naomi Osaka.

Anisimova, at 24, is now firmly established as part of the American wave in women’s tennis, a trend in which a player from the United States has appeared in each of the last five Grand Slam singles finals.

But for Sabalenka, she finally got over the hump and beat an American in the final after losing to Madison Keys at the Australian Open and a loss to Coco Gauff at the French Open, after which she blamed the poor conditions at Roland Garros for the defeat and glossed over her own poor play, which resulted in 70 unforced errors.

“I know very well what it’s like to lose a Grand Slam final. I know you’ll win some, you learn a lot from these defeats, you have an incredible tennis game,’ Sabalenka said to Anisimova during the trophy presentations.

She cut down on those errors in the first set and started taking control after the two split the first six games. Sabalenka went on the offensive with her serve, and Anisimova had trouble at times returning it; she committed 29 unforced errors on the day.

Sabalenka was serving for the win at 5-4, when tied 30 and a chance to get to match point, her forehand smash hit straight into the net, giving Anisimova new life and setting off thunderous applause from the crowd. Sabalenka regrouped and forced a tiebreak during her service game and sent the crowd, who were scurrying to the complex earlier because of the torrential downpour near the start of the match, into a frenzy at the closed-roof Arthur Ashe Stadium when she converted her third championship point chance, when Anisimova’s return forehand went out of bounds.

Sabalenka forces tiebreak

Sabalenka held serve after blowing a chance to win the match, and the players are going to a seven-point tiebreak.

Sabalenka unable to seal the deal

Up 5-4 and serving, Sabalenka was at 30-30 and a chance to get to match point, but her forehead smash went straight into the net, giving Anisimova new life, and the match is now tied at five games a piece, with Anisimova on serve.

Sabalenka up a break

Anisimova was broken in the third game of the second and has been scuffling for a while, unable to find her rhythm. Need something good to happen, Anisimova was unable to get it done and was taken out quickly by Sabalenka’s service game, and finds herself down 3-1.

Sabalenka comes alive, takes first set

Sabalenka’s power is starting to pay dividends as she took the last three games to win the first set 6-3. Anisimova has 13 winners, but that has been neutralized by her 14 unforced errors. Sabalenka is one set away from winning her first major title of the year and her fourth overall.

Opportunities to take control slipping away

After Anisimova won three straight games to take a lead, she was immediately broken when she had a chance to put some real pressure on Sabalenka. She has 10 unforced errors through the first seven games, so that will be a key thing to watch as the match progresses.

Anisimova gets back in the match

Like she has all tournament long, Anisimova fights back to even the match with a strong service game that had Sabalenka shaking her head, and a forehand return went into the net for an unforced error.

Sabalenka sprints out to quick lead

Anisimova missed a break chance in the first game, failing on two opportunities to take a quick lead. Sabalenka broke her in the next game, and the No. 8 seed quickly finds herself down 0-2, with the reigning champion serving next.

Roof at Ashe to be closed for women’s final

The roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium will be closed for the US Open women’s final on Saturday, as it is raining in New York City and is expected to reach Flushing Meadows shortly. The roof was closed for both women’s semifinal matches on Thursday as inclement weather made its way to Queens.

There were sunny skies for the men’s semifinal on Friday, so the roof was open; however, rain is again expected in the forecast for Sunday’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

What time is US Open women’s final?

The 2025 U.S. Open women’s final between No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 8 Amanda Anisimova is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. ET.

What TV channel is US Open women’s final on?

ESPN is televising the 2025 US Open women’s final between Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova at 4 p.m. ET.

How to stream US Open women’s final?

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Amanda Anisimova can be streamed on ESPN+ and Fubo (with a free trial).

Watch the US Open women’s final on Fubo

Odds to win 2025 US Open women’s final

All odds according to BetMGM.

Aryna Sabalenka: -200
Amanda Anisimova: +170

Readers debated with columnist Jarrett Bell about the Micah Parsons trade and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Several readers and Bell discussed the cancellation of Colin Kaepernick’s ESPN documentary and the legacy of his protest.
Bell responded to criticisms of Kaepernick, noting he was a better-than-average quarterback and his protest was about American principles.

This is the first installment of a series in which readers engage with USA TODAY Sports’ NFL Columnist Jarrett Bell. In some cases, the posted e-mailed letters have been edited for clarity, brevity and accuracy.

This week readers have questions about the Micah Parsons, the canceling of the Colin Kaepernick documentary and what the heck is Jerry Jones doing?

From Brett Sorge onMicah Parsons: From an owner’s point of view I think that he rubbed the owner (Jerry Jones) the wrong way and became a distraction. Owners, like managers, want harmony. Trades and personnel changes really revolve around these factors.

JB: In this stunning case with the Dallas Cowboys, it went a lot deeper than the “distraction” – which surely cut both ways. Sure, Parsons elected to roll with a “hold-in” as contract talks disintegrated, but Jones poured gasoline on the situation and hardly operated like harmony was a priority. Remember, Jones embraces drama as part of the equation with his ultra-popular (and valuable) team. And after he poked a sensitive Parsons with some of his public comments, Parsons fired back by requesting a trade. To the surprise of many, Jones called his bluff. In the end, the key factors were less about the distraction and more about money and value, with ego also sprinkled into the equation.

‘We’re in witness protection’: Tampa Bay Bucs being ignored as Super Bowl contender

Warren Ornstein on Colin Kaepernick: What an absolute shame. What an abominable mess. (Colin) Kaepernick’s story needs to be told. This (canceled ESPN documentary) seems to be just another example of powerful people squashing the truth and in this case I sincerely believe it’s the NFL. If possible, I hope you and the other good writers out there do not let this story die. Thank you.

JB: It has been nearly a decade since Kaepernick’s protest rocked the NFL universe and then some. While so much of his story has been documented on multiple platforms, his saga begs for the type of deep dive that could be afforded with a documentary. And it seemed like a perfect match when Kaepernick joined forces with iconic filmmaker Spike Lee. While it’s obvious the NFL would get another black eye from a Kaepernick documentary – remember, the league settled the collusion case the former quarterback pursued – there’s no evidence contrary to the league’s denial that it influenced the scrapping of the project. Still, the “creative differences” cited seemed to be only a convenient part of the equation for pulling the plug. As a league partner, ESPN seemingly had its own motivation for killing a project that was nearly completed. And with the NFL getting a 10% equity stake in ESPN, questions persist.

Mike Hamer: Mr. Bell, Colin Kaepernick could have been a national hero. All he had to do was go to the US Capitol building wearing his uniform & helmet, sit down on the top steps and wait. Shortly there would have been many reporters appearing, asking why.  He then eloquently presents his protest to bring attention to police brutality against people of color. That would be picked up and celebrated worldwide. He probably would have been picked up by an NFL team and who knows how far he might have gone.

JB: Now the scene described here with Colin Kaepernick is some serious stretch of the imagination. Short answer: It’s rather apparent that regardless of what method of protest Kaepernick chose, it quickly got to a point, sadly, where he wasn’t going to be signed by another NFL team.

Art Stanton: Read your story, but Colin Kaepernick was just an average NFL QB. If he had the talent some team would have signed him. Winning in the NFL is everything. The kid made a poor choice going with a liberal, no-win protest. … DEI and being woke are things of the past, and so is men competing in women’s sports. Of course this is just my opinion, just like your story was your opinion but this is America, right? We can agree to disagree. Best Regards.

JB: Of course, we can agree to disagree. In this exchange, just know that Kaepernick was much better than an “average” NFL quarterback, with his resume including a start in the Super Bowl. While it seems that winning is the goal of every NFL team, the devil is always in the details, as in the philosophies for pursuing those goals. In Kaepernick’s case, it’s apparent that teams drew a line that separated the merits of a player in competing for a job from other factors. And hey, what’s so wrong with diversity, equity and inclusion? And why is being “woke” such a bad thing to some people? I’d rather be woke and aware than asleep and uninformed. Knowledge is power.

Ed and Teresa: What about Oprah or Michelle Obama? (To make the Kaepernick doc.)

JB: I hear you. If Spike Lee and Colin Kaepernick can’t strike a creative common bond, it’s natural to wonder whether other accomplished Black producers and directors would start from scratch on such a project. In my column, I mentioned Ryan Coogler (‘Black Panther’) and Ezra Edelman (‘O.J.: Made in America’) as two intriguing names. Well, here’s another: Antoine Fuqua (‘Equalizer’).

Casey101: Mr. Bell, Read with interest your commentary on Colin Kaepernick’s docuseries. I’m just a fan…but not buying into Colin’s protest. Two things stick out to me: 1). He (knelt) with the national anthem playing in protest of police brutality. OK, what he didn’t know was the national anthem was written during the Fort Sumter siege. NOTHING DO TO WITH POLICE WHATSOEVER. Granted, now it’s our national anthem but the origin had nothing to do with cops. 2). Remember the Betsy Ross shoes? HE put a stop to that, who’s he? Nike buckled. Why? I think he could have set an agenda on his subject without dragging the NFL into it. He also was being paid to play football, not decide to protest while he was on the clock!

JB: This speaks to the reason I think Kaepernick’s saga is worthy of the comprehensive treatment that can be afforded in an expansive documentary, provided it includes his voice to explain his reasoning for how he chose to carry out his protest. No doubt, he rankled some (if not many) NFL owners by using the league’s stage to make his statement. Of course, for that he sacrificed much. As for the connection between police and the anthem, it’s civil rights and justice for all. American principles.

Steve Serotte on Jerry Jones: Full of himself. Wants to be the head coach. In the way. Thinks he’s the face of the program. Smells himself. Speaks for everyone. Sit in your box; say nothing. Count your billions every day, go about your role quietly. But you don’t know what you think you know. You know oil, you know private jets, you know new stadiums, but the football piece itself, sorry Mr. Jones, your players should be the focal point along with your coaches. But you, Sir, are not helping. You are debilitating and simply talk too much, seeking attention daily. But what do I know. Just a retired educator.

JB: I’m feeling like this e-letter was meant to be delivered to Dallas Cowboys headquarters, and I’m sure Jerry is well aware of such sentiments from disgruntled fans. Many of the gripes he’s heard for years, as he hangs on to his GM hat while the franchise rolls with a 29-year drought since last winning a Super Bowl (or appearing in the NFC title game). One thing for certain: Jerry will not go about his “role quietly” as you suggest. He loves being the face of his franchise, which is one thing his money can buy. Then again, when they fall short in chasing championship, everyone knows where the buck stops.

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

On Bluesky: jarrettbell.bsky.social

All 32 NFL teams enter the 2025 season with varying expectations … but are some set too high?
Lingering injuries and offseason business that encroaches into the season are often surefire ways to derail a team.
Perhaps there’s no more pivotal figure in the league than Rams QB Matthew Stafford, and this is why.

ASHBURN, VA − The 2025 NFL regular season is underway, two of its 272 games already in the books – both involving teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, which met in Super Bowl 59.

But while there’s little doubt those outfits will again be bona fide contenders leading up to Super Bowl 60, other clubs presumed to be relevant might be displaying early cracks and perhaps be especially vulnerable to a wider variance of seasonal outcomes (aside from the unpredictable catastrophic injuries that can change any organization’s trajectory). Some squads are already nicked up, while others are hoping that the business of football hasn’t infringed too far into the field of play.

One that needed most of the summer to resolve a pressing financial matter was the Washington Commanders, an NFC title game entry in January but one that couldn’t meet team captain Terry McLaurin’s contractual demands until late August. Now, McLaurin and the team are hoping he won’t become one of the holdouts – or holdins nowadays – who might be more prone to soft tissue injuries in September after missing the bulk of or all of training camp.

“(T)here’s a difference between being in shape, football shape, and then game shape, you know what I mean?” McLaurin asked rhetorically after signing a three-year extension last week that could pay him up to $97 million.

“(Y)ou go into game one, you’re like, ‘Whew, I’m winded,’ you know what I mean? And so that’s just the process of football. But I’ve done everything that the training staff and the coaching staff have asked me to do since I’ve been here. I’m going to continue to do that, and there’s a great plan in place for me to continue to ramp up so  … there aren’t any setbacks.”

The Commanders and other teams rolling the dice in some capacity can only hope the same. But with regular-season openers just days away for most franchises, these six seem to run a substantial risk of experiencing what could be surprisingly poor campaigns.

Washington Commanders

While McLaurin awaited his deal, he was rehabbing a nagging ankle injury for most of the summer. Starting WR Noah Brown is on the way back from a lingering knee injury at a time when the offense is also adapting to a reimagined backfield that might wind up heavily relying on rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt following the trade of Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers. And as good as second-year QB Jayden Daniels is and will be, a team with such heightened expectations could also be due for a natural regression given eight of its 12 wins in 2024 came by six or fewer points – one of those in overtime and another on a Hail Mary.

Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings

Both have capable rosters loaded with veteran talent that would seemingly fuel hopes of playoff contention in the ATL and Twin Cities. But each team’s hopes are also inextricably linked to a second-year quarterback taken in Round 1 of the 2024 draft who’s nevertheless far less experienced than his peers. The Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. got three starts as a rookie, while the Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy had none after suffering a season-ending knee injury a year ago. Interestingly, neither has extensive preseason reps under his belt, either.

McCarthy, who will make his regular-season debut Monday night in Chicago, has the benefit of playing for a budding offensive mastermind in Kevin O’Connell but must also navigate what might be the league’s toughest division. Penix is surrounded by weaponry in what seems like a winnable division. Yet Atlanta has already lost RT Kaleb McGary, who protects the blind side of southpaw Penix, to a knee injury that will keep him out until 2026. Veteran QB2 Kirk Cousins is also lurking in the background.

But at least one of those teams is virtually guaranteed a decent start … given they’ll meet in Week 2.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Opening at Atlanta on Sunday, they’ll also get an early look at the Falcons, who swept the Bucs in 2024 – albeit with Cousins in the saddle. But the perennial NFC South champions will have to navigate the early stages of the season without, arguably, their best player (LT Tristan Wirfs) and will also have to rely heavily on rookie WR Emeka Egbuka with injured Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan still several weeks away from suiting up on Sundays. After facing the Falcons, the Bucs will play four teams over a six-week stretch that won at least 10 games in 2024 – meaning they could be in serious jeopardy of falling into a deep hole by the time November arrives.

Miami Dolphins

Calendar year 2025 began with owner Stephen Ross saying he expected more from coach Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier coming off an 8-9 campaign. Since then, the team has lost LT Terron Armstead, S Jevon Holland, CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith, among others. QB Tua Tagovailoa revealed this summer that there are still trust issues between volatile WR Tyreek Hill and the locker room. Then the team was embarrassed during joint practices at Chicago and Detroit. Finally, Jacksonville’s reserves largely had their way with Miami’s starters in the preseason finale. Woof. With six of their first eight opponents non-playoff qualifiers in 2024, maybe the Fins can work out (or mask) their issues. But a team trying to debunk a narrative that it’s soft better not waste much time, especially if it wants to save McDaniel’s job.

Los Angeles Rams

The team that most recently won the NFC West and came closest to knocking the Eagles out of the 2024 postseason could easily go 12-5, as it did when it won Super Bowl 56 nearly four years ago. It could also go 5-12, as it did the season after the Super Bowl 56 triumph. As was true in 2022, everything seemingly hinges on the health of QB Matthew Stafford, now 37 and emerging from a training camp when he barely practiced due to a balky back.

Since coming to LA in 2021, Stafford has a 34-23 regular-season record. The Rams are 3-8 without him.

“I love the Rams’ chances with a healthy Matthew Stafford. But,” said former New York Giants vice president of player personnel Marc Ross, “this is scary.

“Backs and necks (are) always super tricky and very difficult to deal with – even with younger players,” added Ross, now an NFL Network analyst. “(O)lder players, they don’t get healthier … Is it pain? Is it functionality? And that’s probably something they don’t even 100 percent know because of the difficulty in evaluating a back. … Even once he gets on the field, how much of (him) will be the Pro Bowl-level Matthew Stafford, Super Bowl champion Matthew Stafford that we’ll see?”

It could be the biggest question in the league entering the 2025 season.

It’s safe to assume Syracuse football coach Fran Brown was not happy with the Orange needing overtime to fend off UConn on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Syracuse and Brown, a second-year head coach, entered the fourth quarter trailing 17-6 against the Huskies despite being heavy favorites against the Independent program. While the Orange secured the comeback to earn their first win of the season, it wasn’t celebratory for Brown.

In fact, Syracuse players were seen running sprints on the field after the win. There was a coach blowing a whistle while players ran from the end zone to the 20-yard line where coaches awaited.

‘We didn’t play our brand of football that I know we can play, that I watched us play all week,’ Brown said after the game. ‘And that’s what’s frustrating. … There’s a certain way you’re supposed to win a football game. They showed they were tough, we came back and we done that. But we just gotta play our brand of football.

‘That means a lot, because when I signed up for the job, I told them it was going to look a certain way. And it didn’t look of that for about 50 minutes.’

Syracuse trailed 17-6 with under six minutes left in the fourth quarter before quarterback Steve Angeli tossed a 53-yard touchdown pass to Justus Ross-Simmons to make the score 17-12. Syracuse then took a 20-17 lead on its next possession after Yasin Willis cashed in a 3-yard touchdown run.

UConn tied the game 20-20 with under a minute left after a field goal, but Syracuse scored on its first drive of overtime before stopping the Huskies to secure the win.

Brown, a former defensive backs coach at Georgia, led Syracuse to a 10-3 finish last season in his first year as a head coach. The Orange were dominated by Tennessee 45-26 in Week 1 before nearly being upset by UConn, which clearly isn’t up to their standard after a successful first season with Brown at the helm.

Maybe the sprints can light a fire for Syracuse.

The Cy-Hawk Trophy is staying in Ames, Iowa, with Iowa State football for another season.

The Cyclones defeated in-state rival Iowa at home for the first time since 2011 on Saturday, Sept. 6, as Iowa State kicker Kyle Konrardy hit a 54-yard field goal with under two minutes left to win 16-13.

It’s the second consecutive season Konrardy has made a game-winning field goal, as he also hit a 54-yarder last season with six seconds left in the road game to give Iowa State the win.

There wasn’t a ton of offense in Cy-Hawk, per usual, but quarterback Rocco Becht did enough — 18 of 27 passing for 134 yards with a touchdown — to lead Iowa State to victory. The Hawkeyes struggled to create offense through the air, as Mark Gronowski finished 13 of 24 passing for 83 yards with an interception.

Here are the highlights from Iowa State’s rivalry win.

Iowa vs Iowa State score

This section will be updated live.

Iowa vs Iowa State live updates

Iowa State wins it

Iowa State forces a four-and-out, as Iowa turns it over on fourth down as the Hawkeyes can’t move the chains.

Another year, another Kyle Konrardy game-winning field goal in Cy-Hawk. Make it two consecutive wins for the Cyclones.

Konrardy does it again

Iowa State kicker Kyle Konrardy nails a 54-yard field goal with 1:52 left in the fourth quarter to give the Cyclones a 16-13 lead.

The field goal was his third make of the day. It’s also his second potential game-winner against Iowa, as he also made a 54-yard field goal last year with six seconds remaining to beat the Hawkeyes.

Cy-Hawk legend.

Gabe Burkle make great catch to move chains

What a catch by Gabe Burkle, who saves Iowa State on third down. Becht’s throw was tipped by an Iowa State receiver, and Burkle was able to catch the deflected pass for a 17-yard gain.

Iowa State nearing midfield with 4:26 left in the fourth quarter.

Iowa punts

Iowa puts together another long drive, wasting 5:06 of game clock in seven plays, but the drive eventually stalls out and the Hawkeyes punt.

Iowa and Iowa State are still tied at 13-13 with 8:21 left in the fourth quarter.

Iowa State punts

Becht drops a dime throw to Dominic Overby on third-and-5, but Overby can’t haul in the pass, forcing Iowa State to punt.

Iowa State ends a long drive — 12 plays, 53 yards — with no points.

Iowa ties it

Iowa scores 10 unanswered points to tie the game at 13-13 after a 36-yard field goal from Drew Stevens.

The Hawkeyes are finding some success offensively their last two drives, as they gained 77 yards on 16 plays after ending the half with a 16-play, 85-yard drive.

Iowa forces three and out to start second half

Iowa continues its momentum from the end of the first half, forcing a quick three and out from Iowa State to start the second half.

The Hawkeyes are looking for another long scoring drive.

Iowa scores just before halftime

Iowa puts together an impressive drive just before halftime, gaining 85 yards on 16 plays capped off by a 2-yard touchdown run from Gronowski.

Iowa makes the score 13-10 before the break after the much-needed score.

Iowa gets bailed out by Iowa State penalty

Gronowski appears to be sacked on third down in the red zone, but an Iowa State holding penalty gives Iowa first down on the 2-yard line.

Iowa with a chance to score just before halftime.

Iowa State makes it 13-3

Becht sees a mismatch with an Iowa defensive back on 6-foot-7 tight end Ben Brahmer, and Brahmer makes the 2-yard catch for a touchdown with the size advantage.

Iowa State extends its lead to 13-3 with 4:50 left in the first half.

Jeremiah Cooper intercepts Gronowski

Gronowski’s short pass is jumped by Iowa State cornerback Jeremiah Cooper, who returns the pass 24 yards to Iowa’s 18-yard line.

Iowa State has a chance to take a 10-point lead after the turnover, as Iowa’s offense continues to struggle.

Iowa makes field goal

Fans are getting peak Cy-Hawk right now, with not a ton of offense happening. Iowa capitalizes on the turnover with a 31-yard field goal that just sneaks through the uprights to make the score 6-3 in the second quarter.

Gronowski is 5 of 7 passing for 12 yards. Peak Iowa.

Iowa recovers punt

In a somewhat controversial call, Iowa recovers after Iowa State muffs the punt. The ruling was upheld after review, despite the ball hitting an Iowa defender.

Iowa takes over on Iowa State’s 33-yard line.

Iowa punts again

Iowa State’s defense is dominating, as the Cyclones force back-to-back losses of six yards after Iowa starts showing momentum offensively.

Iowa State leads 6-0 after the first quarter. The Hawkeyes are finding no success on the ground so far.

Iowa State hits another field goal

Konrardy hits another field goal to take a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. Rocco Becht’s pass attempt to Dominic Overby was nearly hauled in for a touchdown, but Overby couldn’t hold on.

The Hawkeyes need some offense here soon.

Iowa State takes 3-0 lead

Cyclones strike first, as Kyle Konrardy hits a 44-yard field goal to give Iowa State a 3-0 lead.

Iowa goes three and out

Mark Gronowski’s 4-yard pass comes up a yard short of the first-down marker, and the Hawkeyes elect to punt. Iowa State defense holds strong in its first outing.

Iowa State wins toss, defers

Iowa State wins the coin toss, and defers to the second half. Iowa to start with the ball in Ames.

Tyrese Haliburton on site

NBA All-Star and former Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton is on site for Cy-Hawk, also appearing on ‘Big Noon Kickoff.’

Iowa State fans pack Fox’s ‘Big Noon Kickoff’

Iowa State fans showed up in droves for Fox’s ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ pregame show:

Dave Portnoy also made an appearance on an Iowa State-themed fire truck wearing Cyclones gear.

Kirk Ferentz career record

Ferentz has a 205-124 record at Iowa, which is tied with Woody Hayes for the most wins by a Big Ten coach ever.

If Ferentz leads Iowa to a win over Iowa State in Cy-Hawk on Sept. 6, he’ll be the winningest coach in Big Ten history.

What time does Iowa vs Iowa State start?

Date: Saturday, Sept. 6
Time: Noon ET
Location: Jack Trice Stadium (Ames, Iowa)

Iowa-Iowa State is set for a noon ET kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 6, from Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa.

What TV channel is Iowa vs Iowa State on today?

TV channel: Fox
Streaming: Fox Sports app, Fubo (free trial)

Iowa-Iowa State will air live on Fox, with streaming options on the Fox Sports app or Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Iowa vs Iowa State predictions

Chad Leistikow, Des Moines Register: Iowa 23, Iowa State 20.
Travis Hines, Des Moines Register: Iowa State 20, Iowa 10.

Hines writes Iowa State is the better team, while Leistikow, who picks Iowa, says the margin of error is slim for the Hawkeyes.

College football’s opening act, with a rare trio of top-10 clashes, was going to be hard to top. But as the saying goes, one should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

The Week 2 slate is admittedly lighter on marquee matchups. There is still, however, a lot to like for your viewing entertainment on Saturday, Sept. 6. In addition to another showdown of big-name programs from the two premier conferences, there’s a fierce in-state trophy game, a renewal of another heated rivalry, and a couple of other pairings that could provide more intrigue than one might surmise.

GET IN THE GAME: Play our college football survivor pool

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Here’s a look at our picks for the best games to watch.

No. 13 Michigan at No. 24 Oklahoma

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

Why watch: The day’s lone ranked matchup features two proud programs looking to bounce back after disappointing seasons. The Wolverines did finish last year with wins against Ohio State and Alabama but had fallen well out of Big Ten contention by then. The Sooners endured a rough first ride through the SEC but bigger things are expected in 2025. Much-ballyhooed Oklahoma transfer QB John Mateer got off to a quick start against Illinois State, with WR Keontez Lewis emerging as his primary target. The Michigan secondary, backed by hard-hitting DB Brandyn Hillman, will be tougher to solve. Freshman signal-caller Bryce Underwood passed a slightly tougher test for the Wolverines in his first start against New Mexico, with huge ground support from RB Justice Haynes. They’ll be facing a tough Sooners’ front seven, led by LBs Kip Lewis and Sammy Omosigho.

Why it could disappoint: This might be another case of the defenses being ahead of the offenses, so if you were underwhelmed by the lack of scoring in Texas-Ohio State last week this might not be the game for you. But it should be worth the payoff if that results in more fourth-quarter drama, so don’t give up too quickly.

Iowa at No. 18 Iowa State

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, Fox.

Why watch: The annual clash for the Cy-Hawk Trophy rarely lacks drama. It has added intrigue this year with both these heartland squads hoping to make noise in their respective conferences. The Cyclones, already with a Big 12 win in hand, want to make it back to the league title tilt. The Hawkeyes, long known for tough defense, look to play sleeper in the Big Ten with an upgraded passing game. Iowa State QB Rocco Becht has been efficient if not overly flashy with his aerial game, taking advantage of TEs Gabe Burkle and Benjamin Brahmer in the red zone. The Hawkeyes LB corps, with veterans Karson Sharar and Jaden Harrell now in starting roles, must be ready. New Iowa QB Mark Gronowski wasn’t asked to do much in the Week 1 tune-up against Albany, and he’ll likely try to stretch the field more this time to give promising freshman RB Xavier Williams room to operate. That won’t be easy against the Cyclones’ solid secondary, anchored by DB Jamison Patton.

Why it could disappoint: Again, there aren’t likely to be a lot of aerial fireworks in this one with the strong defensive units figuring to get the better of things. But that means a blowout either way is unlikely, so expect another down-to-the-wire finish.

No. 14 Mississippi at Kentucky

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

Why watch: Notable as the first official SEC game of the season, this contest ultimately might not figure in the league race. But the Wildcats are hopeful that it does after a down year in the conference. Ole Miss arguably has tougher games ahead but must nevertheless take this one seriously, especially after its loss in this series last year like cost it a College Football Playoff berth. Kentucky prevailed 24-16 in its opener against Toledo, likely to be among the top teams in the Mid-American Conference. Well-traveled QB Zach Calzada had a subpar passing day but delivered a needed TD run to help the Wildcats escape. The Ole Miss attack is now in the hands of QB Austin Simmons, who was more productive but served up a couple of picks as well against overmatched Georgia State.

Why it could disappoint: Kentucky’s inconsistency in the passing game must be ironed out quickly, or any early deficit the Wildcats face might prove insurmountable. The Rebels for their part would like to quiet the Kentucky crowd early.

No. 12 Illinois at Duke

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ESPN.

Why watch: Don’t dismiss this matchup just because it’s not taking place on hardwood. The Fighting Illini put their highest starting poll position since 1990 on the line in Durham, North Carolina, where the Blue Devils look to continue their quest for an increased gridiron presence in the ACC. QB Luke Altmyer and his Illinois offense were nearly flawless in a warm-up against Western Illinois. Duke DE Vincent Anthony Jr. will lead the effort to disrupt his rhythm. New Blue Devils QB Darian Mensah took a little longer to get rolling in his team’s opener against Elon, but he finished well and threw for nearly 400 yards. Opposing him will be Illini LB Gabe Jacas.

Why it could disappoint: We’ll probably know fairly soon if it will. If the Blue Devils hold their own on both sides of the line of scrimmage, the game should be competitive for four quarters. If Illinois proves to have a significant edge in the trenches, there won’t be much Duke can do about it.

South Florida at No. 15 Florida

Time/TV: Saturday, 4:15 p.m. ET, SECN.

Why watch: What was expected to be a tune-up for the Gators on the eve of entering SEC competition got a lot more interesting after South Florida’s impressive takedown of Boise State. Now the Bulls look to upend the balance of power in the Sunshine State with this opportunity and a date with Miami to follow. The best news for Florida from its opener against Long Island was that QB DJ Lagway got in some work and got out of the game quickly, and the same can be said for LB Myles Graham and his fellow first-teamers on the Gators defense. The Bulls counter with veteran QB Byrum Brown, who played a clean game and ran for two scores, and LB Jhalyn Shuler, who was all over the field in the Aug. 28 stunner against the Broncos.

Why it could disappoint: With all due respect to the Mountain West and its defending champion Boise State, a road game in the SEC represents a major step up in weight class for the Bulls. That said, the Gators haven’t needed to show much yet, so it will be worth a look to see how long USF can hang around.

Kansas at Missouri

Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2.

Why watch: The Border War returns after a 14-year hiatus, and the timing seems ideal with both programs on an upward trajectory. Neither the Tigers nor the Jayhawks have been challenged in their combined three victories to date, so this figures to be a huge measuring stick game for both. Mizzou QB Beau Pribula wasted little time establishing himself in Columbia after backing up Drew Allar at Penn State. Kansas regains the services of dual-threat QB Jalon Daniels, who is finally healthy and showing how dynamic he can be. Names to know on the defensive side include Jayhawks LB Trey Lathan and Mizzou LB Josiah Trotter, who were formerly teammates at West Virginia.

Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t, but again it’s hard to peg how these teams will stack up in the trenches given the lack of tangible results thus far. There was more than a little animosity between these programs when they were Big Eight rivals, but hopefully the renewal of acquaintances won’t lead to fisticuffs.

Just when it seems like the dust settled on Week 1 of the college football season, we roll into the second weekend with one of those schedules that might be slim on first glance but can be full of surprises when Saturday is done.

Such is the brilliance of the sport that produces surprises and upsets when you least expect them. There’s an obvious pressure point for Oklahoma and Michigan in the games’s notable matchup. There’s also the renewal of a Border War full of disklike. There’s other games with big stakes and potential for upsets. But where will they take place?

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That’s why the USA TODAY Sports college football staff is here. Matt Hayes, Jordan Mendoza, Paul Myerberg, Erick Smith, Eddie Timanus and Blake Toppmeyer weigh in with their bold predictions for Week 2 of the college football season:

A big scare from Florida before SEC schedule

Florida has received plenty of offseason priase and earned a spot in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll. The road for the Gators isn’t easy in the SEC. But before they get there, there’s a big in-state matcup worth watching. Florida needs a last-minute drive, and touchdown from tailback Jaden Baugh, to beat South Florida. — Matt Hayes

South Florida becomes Group of Five contender

Meet the newest College Football Playoff contender: South Florida. The Bulls opened with a 34-7 dominating win against Boise State. Now, the Bulls have to go into “The Swamp” and play DJ Lagway and Florida to see if they are legit. The Gators are heavy favorites, but South Florida is a dangerous team led by Byrum Brown. He is the real deal at quarterback, puts up another gritty performance in the air and on the ground to stun Florida and move the Bulls to 2-0. — Jordan Mendoza

Iowa earns big road with at Iowa State

Iowa pulls off a minor shocker and beats Iowa State to continue one of the most ridiculous runs in the FBS: If they pull it off, this would be the Hawkeyes’ seventh win in a row in Ames. It’ll take more from new quarterback Mark Gronkowski, who had just 44 yards in the opener against Albany. — Paul Myerberg

Duke gives Illinois all it wants

Illinois has been trumpeted as the next Indiana after the Hoosiers made a surprising run to the College Football Playoff last season. But the Illini aren’t coming out of nowhere. They won 10 games last season, so this could be a team feeling a bit overconfident and overlooking a Duke team that is very dangerous. Tulane transfer Darian Mensah will lead the Blue Devils offense, and the defense is good enough to slow down the Illinois attack. This shapes up to be a tight game with Duke having more than a puncher’s chance to pull the upset. — Erick Smith

Another scoreless effort from Akron

We apologize in advance to devotees of MACtion for the following item. All 136 members of the Bowl Subdivision have now played at least once. Three of them have yet to score a point, and all three reside in the Mid-American Conference. One member of this trio of futility is about to get whitewashed again, and it’s the one with perhaps the most unfortunate nickname in the sport. Yes, Akron, we mean you and your game against Nebraska after falling 10-0 at Wyoming.

Ball State is another candidate after a loss at Purdue and now a trip to Auburn, The third member of the club, Miami (Ohio), should at least get off the schneid at Rutgers. — Eddie Timanus

The narrative turns for Arch Manning, Texas

Arch Manning was heralded all off seasons as the Heisman Trophy favorite. That narrative took a hit when Manning and the Longhorns fell flat at Ohio State. After the Longhorns hangs 50 points on San Jose State, the pundits will reanoint Manning as the greatest quarterback since Tim Tebow. — Blake Toppmeyer