Notre Dame football appears to have found its groove on offense in its Week 4 game vs. Purdue after a disappointing 0-2 start to the season.

The Fighting Irish’s come out party, however, has been impacted by an unwelcomed visit from Mother Nature.

At the 1:31 mark in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium with the Boilermakers driving on offense, game action was suspended for a lightning delay due to lightning in the nearby South Bend, Indiana area.

Notre Dame is currently leading Purdue 28-13 in the second quarter. CJ Carr has completed 3 of 4 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown thus far for Notre Dame, while Jeremiyah Love and Jardarian Price have scored a combined three rushing touchdowns.

Here’s the latest weather updates for ND-Purdue:

Notre Dame-Purdue weather updates: Latest on Fighting Irish vs Boilermakers

All times Eastern

6:09 p.m.: NBC’s Zora Stephenson reported that the plan for ND-Purdue is to send both teams back onto the field at 6:40 p.m. ET with the game resuming at 6:50 p.m. ET. This, of course, is barring another lightning strike in the area, as that would have to reset the clock another 30 minutes.

Stephenson also mentioned that the lightning delay will serve as the traditional halftime break since both teams will take a ‘quick’ break going into the third quarter after they finish the remaining 1:31 of the first half.

5:50 p.m.: In a 5:36 p.m. ET update, the University of Notre Dame’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, mentioned for fans to remain in shelter as the patch that is moving through South Bend has rain and lightning. No timetable yet on when Saturday’s game can resume.

5:36 p.m.: Meteorologist Krysten Tyler of ABC South Bend ABC57 is reporting that storms will not leave the South Bend area until around 6:30 p.m. ET, or even after that. A lengthy lightning delay could be in storm for ND and Purdue at Notre Dame Stadium.

5:31 p.m.: NBC’s in-studio showed rain coming down at Notre Dame Stadium as Notre Dame-Purdue is in a lightning delay. The studio show also mentioned that the lightning delay will serve as the ‘halftime’ for the game, as both teams will play the remaining 1:31 of the second quarter before a ‘brief timeout’ between the second and third quarters compared to taking to another extended break for a traditional halftime.

5:10 p.m.: Notre Dame vs. Purdue has entered a lightning delay at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.

NCAA lightning delay policy

The NCAA notes that if a lightning strike is seen or heard within at least six miles of an outdoor stadium, then the game must be halted for a lightning delay. Though a lightning delay’s length of time starts at 30 minutes, the total time of a lightning delay can vary because for every strike that follows the initial strike, that 30-minute clock is reset.

‘To resume athletics activities, lightning safety experts recommend waiting 30 minutes after both the last sound of thunder and after the last flash of lightning is at least six miles away, and moving away from the venue. If lightning is seen without hearing thunder, lightning may be out of range and therefore less likely to be a significant threat. At night, be aware that lightning can be visible at a much greater distance than during the day as clouds are being lit from the inside by lightning. This greater distance may mean that the lightning is no longer a significant threat. At night, use both the sound of thunder and seeing the lightning channel itself to decide on when to reset the 30-minute return-to-play clock before resuming outdoor athletics activities.’

Notre Dame-Purdue weather forecast: Hour-by-hour forecast for South Bend, Indiana

According to The Weather Channel, inclement weather is expected to stay in the South Bend, Indiana area until around 7 p.m. ET.

Here’s an hour-by-hour breakdown of the weather forecast in South Bend for Notre Dame-Purdue:

5 p.m. ET: Thunderstorms (95% chance of rain)
6 p.m. ET: Thunderstorms (86% chance of rain)
7 p.m. ET: Cloudy (23% chance of rain)
8 p.m. ET: Cloudy (15% chance of rain)

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Week 4 of the college football season features several ranked matchups in the Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12 conferences.
No. 9 Illinois will face No. 17 Indiana in a key Big Ten game for two teams looking to prove their contender status.
Other notable games include No. 25 Auburn at No. 12 Oklahoma and No. 16 Texas Tech at No. 18 Utah.

You’ll have to wait a week for the next top-five blockbuster of the college football season. But fret not, fans. As we’ve said before, there’s no such thing as an uneventful week in this sport.

This Saturday’s slate features ranked matchups in the Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12 conferences. There are also a couple of non-league games that could have long-term implications. There are even a few rivalry contests that don’t appear on this list but might be of interest to you if your favorite team is involved. As always, keep the remote within easy reach and enjoy the day.

Here are our picks for the top games in Week 4.

No. 9 Illinois at No. 17 Indiana

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

Why watch: This game involves none of the Big Ten’s trio of top-five squads. But make no mistake – it is huge. The Fighting Illini had lofty expectations heading into the season and look to demonstrate those were well-founded, while the Hoosiers are just as motivated to prove last year’s 10-win campaign wasn’t just an aberration. Neither team has experienced fourth-quarter drama thus far, though Illinois challenged itself more by taking a trip to Duke. Illini QB Luke Altmyer has eight scoring throws without a pick in the young season, a figure Hoosiers CB D’Angelo Ponds hopes to change. The duo of RB Kaden Feagin and Ca’Lil Valentine will provide ground support for the Illini. Newly arrived Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is also interception-free entering the contest, but his biggest concern might be avoiding Illinois LB Gabe Jacas. Big-play threats for the Hoosiers include WR Omar Cooper Jr. and RB Roman Hemby.

Why it could disappoint: As mentioned, neither team has encountered much adversity yet, so it’s possible one of them could experience a snowball effect if things start to go badly. It’s also possible that one team will establish physical superiority once the ball is snapped. Both those scenarios seem unlikely though, as both appear to be ready for the prime-time spotlight.

No. 25 Auburn at No. 12 Oklahoma

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

Why watch: The long march through the SEC for these two hopefuls begins. Both have solid non-league wins in the bank, though it remains to be seen whether Oklahoma’s home triumph against Michigan or Auburn’s road win at Baylor will ultimately become more valuable. What we do know is both teams are capable of scoring in bunches, which in truth came as a pleasant surprise on both campuses. Sooners QB John Mateer has accounted for nine total TDs since taking over in Norman, but the guy he replaced, Jackson Arnold, has thrived with the Tigers. The OU defense, featuring LB Sammy Omosigho, has yet to force a turnover but is holding opponents to a 17% conversion rate on third down. Auburn hasn’t been quite as stingy, but LB Keyron Crawford is a disruptive playmaker.

Why it could disappoint: Should OU’s defense prove to be a decisive advantage, this might turn into a one-sided affair. It’s up to the Tigers to demonstrate they can move the sticks or get stops to keep the game close.

No. 16 Texas Tech at No. 18 Utah

Time/TV: noon ET, Fox.

Why watch: A key September contest in a wide-open Big 12 highlights the day’s early slate. The Red Raiders bring their high-octane offense west, where the revitalized Utes are back in the Top 25 after a rare down year in 2024. Texas Tech’s quick-strike attack is directed by QB Behren Morton, whose arsenal includes big-play WR Coy Eakin, reliable TE Terrance Carter, and workhorse RB Cameron Dickey. Admittedly the Red Raiders’ first three opponents provided little resistance, which figures to change against the likes of Utes’ DE John Henry Daley and DB Jackson Bennee. Utah has also found its spark on offense with the arrival of QB Devon Dampier. He isn’t averse to running himself, but RB Wayshawn Parker is there to help in the backfield. Downfield threats include WR Ryan Davis and TE Dallen Bentley, who can expect frequent encounters with Red Raiders LBs Jacob Rodriguez and John Curry.

Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t, though again it’s hard to know how either team will handle in-game stress. In theory the Utes are more battle tested having gone on the road a couple of times, but the Texas Tech offense still represents a major upgrade in competition.

No. 24 South Carolina at No. 22 Missouri

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

Why watch: The Gamecocks must move past their loss to Vanderbilt in a hurry as they travel to the SEC’s other Columbia. Mizzou is facing its first conference opponent of the season but does have a solid result against Kansas on its resume. The major concern for South Carolina is the status of QB LaNorris Sellers, who was knocked out of the Vandy game with a possible concussion. He is officially listed as questionable, and his actual availability will not be known until game time. Either Sellers or backup Luke Doty could have a hard time against LB Josiah Trotter and the active Mizzou front. Tigers QB Beau Pribula has a solid 76.4% completion rate with seven TD throws. His top priority, however, might be keeping drives alive to avoid punting to the Gamecocks DB Vicari Swain.

Why it could disappoint: South Carolina’s lofty poll position from last week might have been a wee bit inflated. The Gamecocks weren’t exactly an offensive juggernaut even with Sellers at full speed, and Mizzou’s third-down defense has been outstanding thus far.

No. 20 Michigan at Nebraska

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

Why watch: ‘Prove it’ time has arrived for Nebraska, as we’re about to find out if the rebuilding Cornhuskers are ready to take on the big names in the Big Ten. The Wolverines’ loss at Oklahoma has no impact on their conference mark, of course, but they would also like to make a statement that they still belong in the league’s upper tier. Michigan QB Bryce Underwood took advantage of last week’s mismatch against Central Michigan to shake off his rough outing at Oklahoma. But the level of competition ramps up again as he looks to steer clear of Cornhuskers LB Dasan McCullough. Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola and RB Emmett Johnson have respectable numbers but struggled to keep the sticks moving in their lone true test against Cincinnati back in Week 1. LB Jaishawn Barham and the Michigan front could also pose problems if the ‘Huskers are unable to stretch the field.

Why it could disappoint: We’ll know soon enough if it will. A close contest will likely mean a low-scoring one, but that might be the best recipe for fourth-quarter suspense.

Florida at No. 6 Miami (Fla.)

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

Why watch: There’s no sugarcoating it – the Gators’ season is teetering on the edge of the proverbial abyss. They won’t expect any sympathy bouquets from the Hurricanes, who look to continue their conquest of the Sunshine State and beyond. Hurricanes QB Carson Beck has perhaps been even better than advertised since transferring in from Georgia, making excellent use of weapons like WRs Malachi Toney and CJ Daniels. LB Myles Graham and the Florida defense have done remarkably well despite frequently being put in bad spots. That brings us to the trials and tribulations of Gators QB DJ Lagway, who now has more interceptions (six) than touchdowns (five). Miami DE Rueben Bain could make it another long night for him.

Why it could disappoint: It will be another long night for Florida if the offense continues its trend of empty possessions. Beck’s prior SEC experience and familiarity with Florida should serve the Hurricanes well.

Tulane at No. 11 Mississippi

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

Why watch: With wins against Big Ten and ACC members already in hand, the Green Wave now look to cap a strong non-conference run with a road win in SEC territory. It will not be easy, as the Rebels have been putting up points at a rapid clip. Since arriving at Tulane, former BYU QB Jake Retzlaff has been a good system fit. He has run for six TDs and thrown for two more without a pick, but Ole Miss DL Zxavian Harris and LB TJ Dottery will do their best to keep him bottled up. The Rebels’ backfield tandem of QB Austin Simmons and RB Kewan Lacy have had success moving the ball even against SEC defenses. Simmons is expected back from an ankle injury, but both he and backup Trinidad Chambliss must beware of Green Wave DB Javion White, who has already swiped three passes on the young season.

Why it could disappoint: This is a sandwich game for Ole Miss between last week’s shootout with Arkansas and the coming date with LSU, so the Green Wave might not have the Rebels’ full attention. The hosts would like to disprove this theory as quickly as possible, but things could get dicey if Tulane is still hanging around after intermission.

USA TODAY Sports experts predict several potential upsets for Week 4 of the college football season.
No. 6 Miami is expected to face a tough challenge from an underdog Florida team.
Nebraska could continue its resurgence by upsetting Michigan at home.

This shapes up to be something of a ho-hum weekend in college football. Several of the top contenders are off ahead of major showdowns in Week 5. There are a few matchups of ranked teams, notably No. 8 Illinois traveling to No. 17 Indiana and No. 12 Oklahoma hosting No. 25 Auburn. Those results could impact the College Football Playoff race.

There are potential for surprises in other games with conference play in full swing. Familiarity and complacency on the part of favorties can play a major role in those upsets. But where will they occur on Saturday?

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 4.

Miami gets tested by Florida for four quarters

It’s been a season to forget so far for Florida. The Gators have lost to South Florida and LSU despite its defense looking stout. Much of the blame falls on the struggles of quarterback DJ Lagway. Florida now heads to No. 6 Miami with the Hurricanes surging to the top of the College Football Playoff contenders list. This one will be closer than expect with Miami needing a last-minute driver to beat the Gators. — Matt Hayes

Tulane stays undefeated with SEC victory

It feels like people aren’t paying attention to Tulane, which has put up a solid resume with two convincing wins over Power Four teams in Northwestern and Duke. The Green Wave head to Mississippi and play a Rebel team that hasn’t really looked like a SEC contender just yet. Jake Retzlaff continues his stellar play in the air and on the ground to stun Mississippi and move Tulane to 4-0, therefore leaping into the College Football Playoff consideration. — Jordan Mendoza

Nebraska takes down Michigan as rebirth continues

Nebraska slows down Michigan’s run game just enough and Dylan Raiola has another strong game to spark a massive win against the Wolverines. By keeping the ground game in check, the Cornhuskers can put the pressure on Bryce Underwood, who was not good in his one previous Power Four matchup against Oklahoma. — Paul Myerberg

Michigan State and Southern California going four quarters

It’s not gotten a ton of attention this week – maybe because of its 11 p.m. ET start time – but the Big Ten matchup of Michigan State and Southern California could be one of the best games of the day. Both teams are 3-0 using completely different styles. The Spartans have one of the best run defenses in the country, while Trojans lead the nation in total offense. It’ll be a test of wills that should stay close throughout, and there’s a chance with some good fortune that Michigan State could pull the upset. — Erick Smith

Duke continues success against North Carolina State

Duke hosts Triangle rival N.C. State Saturday looking to beat the Wolfpack for a third consecutive year. There’s no good reason to predict the Blue Devils will do so – but they will. Moving the ball hasn’t been the issue for Duke during its two-game skid. Putting it on the ground has been, so if the Blue Devils can stop doing that, they should be able to hang with the Wolfpack. N.C. State has done enough to get by in its first three outings but hasn’t been dominant. The Wolfpack’s good fortune in tight games will run out in Durham. — Eddie Timanus

LSU offense finally springs to life

It’s been rough start for the Tigers despite three wins to start the season. The offense has ranks 107th in scoring with 20.0 points per game. Look for the narrative to change. Brian Kelly will demand that reporters only ask questions about LSU’s offense after the Tigers break out of their scoring rut against Southeast Louisiana. — Blake Toppmeyer

There will be a new WNBA champion.

The Phoenix Mercury eliminated the New York Liberty, 79-73, Friday night at PHX Arena.

Alyssa Thomas recorded another triple-double, her ninth of the season. The guard, who came to the Mercury in the offseason after playing 11 seasons with the Connecticut Sun, was named one of five WNBA MVP finalists earlier Friday. As Thomas stepped to the free throw line with 17.6 seconds remaining, the arena erupted in ‘MVP’ chants. Thomas made one of two to effectively ice the game.

‘We aren’t ready for this to be over,’ Thomas said postgame. ‘We got a special group, we want to keep playing. Tonight was just about coming in here and taking this win.’

The Mercury will return to the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2021. They will travel to Minnesota to face the No. 1 seeded Lynx on Sunday (5 p.m., ESPN) to open a best-of-five series.

‘I am so happy we advanced, but we aren’t done yet,’ Satou Sabally, who added a double-double for the Mercury said.

Here are the winners and losers from Game 3:

Winners

Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas: triple-double machine

Alyssa Thomas gets triple-doubles as easily as other players get points.

Thomas had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Phoenix’s 79-73 win over the New York Liberty in Game 3. It was the 20th triple-double of her career and fifth in the playoffs. How impressive is that? In the WNBA’s nearly 30-year history, Sheryl Swoopes and Courtney Vandersloot are the only other players to record triple-doubles in the playoffs.

The triple-double also was Thomas’ ninth — yes, you read that right — of the season, extending her own single-season record.

“Is that AT’s first triple-double of the year?” Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts joked postgame. “This is just what she does. She impacts the game in so many different ways. She cares about one thing, and that’s winning.

“When you’ve got a player of her caliber with that much pride to win a game and do whatever it takes, you’re going to have a great team.”

When Thomas went to the line to shoot free throws with 17.6 seconds left, the crowd at the PHX Arena serenaded her with chants of, “M-V-P! M-V-P!”

“We’re not ready for this to be over,” Thomas said after the game. “We’ve got a special group. We want to keep playing.”

New York Liberty’s medical staff

Stewart was moving like normal Friday night, running, cutting and jumping. She didn’t shy away from contact, getting or giving, and the only sign of her injury was the thick, black sleeve on her left leg.

Stewart led all players with 30 points, and was New York’s only player to score in the decisive fourth quarter. She also had nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.

“I hold myself to a really high standard. When I got hurt on Sunday, I couldn’t even walk out of this arena. I was just really struggling. I thought I really tore something in my leg,” Stewart said. “(But) if there was a slight chance I could play, I was going to be out here with my team and leave it all on the court.”

Stewart hurt her knee Sunday, at the end of New York’s overtime win in Game 1. She drove past Alyssa Thomas and made a layup before collapsing to the ground and grabbing her knee. She was able to walk off the court but was visibly limping.

Stewart did not practice Tuesday, but started and played in Game 2 on Wednesday. She was clearly limited, however, finishing with six points and two rebounds in 20 minutes. That snapped her streak of 44 consecutive playoffs games with 10 or more points.

‘I just wasn’t where I wanted to be today,’ Stewart said after Game 2. ‘And I have 48 hours to figure it out.’

She and New York’s medical staff did. It’s the only reason New York even had a chance in this game.

Satou Sabally’s big game for the Mercury

Alyssa Thomas isn’t the only one who can stuff the stat sheet.

Satou Sabally notched her first playoff double-double, finishing with 23 points and 12 rebounds. The 23 points was also a playoff career high.

“The ceiling is always high with her on the team. She gets all the triple-doubles,” Sabally said, referring to Thomas. “A double-double seems modest.”

Losers

New York’s injury woes

The only constant for the New York Liberty this year was injuries, right to the very end.

Leonie Fiebich took a knee in her side from Kahleah Copper as Copper drove to the basket just 74 seconds into Game 3. Fiebich was grimacing and holding her side as she left the court.

Though she returned at the end of the quarter, and wound up playing 28 minutes, Fiebich was clearly not herself the rest of the game. She finished with 3 points on 1-of-4 shooting.

New York began its title defense with nine consecutive wins, only to be hit by a rash of injuries. The carnage was so bad the Liberty went from the end of May until the beginning of this month never having the entire squad healthy.

“We didn’t live up to our expectations that we set for ourselves. It was hard to get any kind of rhythm” because of the injuries,’ Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said. “I’ve had injuries with players before, but not quite like this year. But I’m proud of our players. We hung in there.”

Liberty’s 3-point deep freeze

Don’t be surprised if the Liberty spend the entire off-season shooting 3s.

New York’s inability to make 3-pointers cost them Game 3 against the Phoenix Mercury. They missed their last 13 3-point attempts, and finished 7-of-32 from long range. Kennedy Burke missed all six of her 3-point tries while Jonquel Jones was 0-for-5.

Referees

I know, I know. WNBA referees were bad? Must be a day that ends in `Y.’

It’s one thing to miss a call or take an hour for a review. But blowing off an expired shot clock? That’s inexcusable.

On New York’s first possession of the second half, Sabrina Ionescu missed a 3 and Jonquel Jones grabbed the rebound. But the clock above the basket was already dark, meaning the shot clock had already expired, ending the possession.

Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts, who was doing his in-game interview with ESPN at the time, screamed, “Shot clock violation!” but to no avail.

Referees allowed play to continue, and Jones dished to Ionescu, who this time knocked down the 3. The bucket pulled New York within a point of Phoenix and, on New York’s next possession, Ionescu scored on a layup to give the Liberty their first lead since early in the game.

The referees’ lapse wound up not mattering, with Phoenix winning to advance to the WNBA semifinals. That’s not the point, though. Shot clock violations should be among the easiest thing for referees to call, and they blew it.

A scuffling Kansas City Chiefs squad in search of its first win going into Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season will remain undermanned.

Dynamic wideout Xavier Worthy, who suffered a shoulder injury three snaps into the team’s opener when he became collateral damage thanks to a poor route run by tight end Travis Kelce, will not return for Sunday night’s nationally broadcast matchup with the New York Giants − who, like the reigning AFC champs, are also 0-2.

A Chiefs spokesman told USA TODAY Sports that Worthy will not play Sunday and won’t even travel with the team to the New York area.

Worthy, a first-round pick in 2024 whose arrival to the team was celebrated by Kelce’s famous fiancée, Taylor Swift, first earned national attention by running a scouting combine record 4.21-second 40-yard dash last year. He punctuated a so-so rookie season by catching eight passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl 59 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, who beat K.C. at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 2. Despite the impressive numbers, Worthy did most of his Super Sunday damage well after the game was decided.

The Chiefs, who are also without suspended Rashee Rice for another month, host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4.

Chiefs WR depth chart

Rashee Rice (suspended)
Xavier Worthy (injured)
Hollywood Brown
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Tyquan Thornton
Jalen Royals (injured)
Jason Brownlee
Nikko Remigio

With a quick and vicious flick of his bat, Chisholm sent a first-pitch cutter from Baltimore Orioles left-hander Dietrich Enns soaring over the right field wall at Camden Yards, a two-run home run that served as a crucial moment in a key, late-season game.

It was also Chisholm’s 30th home run of the year, earning him just the third ticket into a most exclusive Yankees club – the 30-30 plateau.

Chisholm, 27, joins Bobby Bonds and Alfonso Soriano – who accomplished the feat twice – as the lone Yankees to hit at least 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a single season.

That it came in the Yankees’ 4-2 loss to Baltimore on Sept. 19 took some of the sheen off the accomplishment, as New York could have moved within two games of the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East with eight games remaining.

In the bigger picture, though, it marks a key career juncture for a charismatic player who was an All-Star at 22 yet whose ceiling could not be fully realized until a July 27, 2024 trade from the Miami Marlins to the Yankees – who don’t reach last year’s World Series without him.

For Chisholm, it’s definitely a symbiotic relationship.

‘I feel like it’s boosted my career in 100% of different ways,’ he says of the deal that made him a Yankee. ‘The winning mentality, the winning atmosphere, the way everybody in the front office to the training staff wants to win is how I felt like I grew up playing baseball and what I needed to be around to be even more successful.’

Chisholm has reached what’s largely regarded as the peak age for major league athletes, yet also figures to get stronger and add weight to his 5-foot-11, 184-pound frame as he ages. Which begs the question: Is 40-40 in the offing someday?

‘I think I’ve been saying that since I was a rookie,’ says Chisholm. ‘I definitely think 40-40 is achievable with a full, healthy season.’

Even with baseball’s liberalized stolen-base rules, Chisholm’s accomplishment remains special: The only other big leaguer to reach 30-30 this season was his old teammate, Juan Soto, who decamped from the Bronx to Queens in signing a $765 million contract with the Mets.

Chisholm might not see that kind of scratch when he hits free agency after the 2026 season, but his growth is evident. He looked out of place at third base with New York last season, but a move back to the middle infield returned him to All-Star status.

He’s racked up 4.1 WAR, his 30 steals and homers and .816 OPS coming in just 121 games, missing all of May due to an oblique strain and getting restricted from stealing bases after a June 10 groin strain.

‘Thirty-thirty invokes a lot of things and certainly lines up with his skill set,’ says Yankees manager Aaron Boone. ‘But the fact he’s done that missing a month of the season, not running for parts of the year, just a peek into what a good player he is.

‘He’s moving the needle and getting better as a player. I feel like I’ve really started to see him control the zone better, which will hopefully allow him, as he continues on in his career, to become more of an on-base threat, which with his speed will only help him.’

Right-hander Charlie Morton has struggled since being traded to the Detroit Tigers, posting a 7.09 ERA in nine starts.
The Tigers have lost each of Morton’s last five starts, including a recent 10-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
Morton, an impending free agent, expressed disappointment and uncertainty about his performance and future starts.

Right-hander Charlie Morton might have thrown his last pitch for the Detroit Tigers.

He summarized his contributions.

‘It’s heartbreaking,’ Morton said. ‘It’s really disappointing.’

The Tigers have lost each of his past five starts, including a 10-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Friday, Sept. 19, at Comerica Park. The 41-year-old (an impending free agent) owns a 7.09 ERA in nine starts since joining the Tigers at the July 31 trade deadline, acquired from the Baltimore Orioles.

Is Morton going to get another opportunity?

‘Tough question right after the game,’ manager A.J. Hinch said after Friday’s loss. ‘I understand why you’re asking. I don’t know. Obviously, we’ve got to figure it out.’

What does Morton think?

‘I don’t know,’ Morton said. ‘I’m not expecting anything.’

In 2025, the 18-year MLB veteran is responsible for a 5.89 ERA across 140⅔ innings in 32 games (26 starts). For the Tigers, his 7.09 ERA has come on 31 runs with 23 walks and 47 strikeouts across 39⅓ innings.

That includes an 11.65 ERA in his last five starts.

‘I know how much it matters to him,’ said Hinch, who previously managed Morton in 2017-18 with the Houston Astros. ‘I know he’s trying to make some adjustments, and I know he’s carrying the weight of all this on his shoulders. He’s shown flashes of what he can do, but he hasn’t been able to put it together consistently.’

The biggest concern is that Morton can’t explain why he’s struggling to command his pitches, with strike-throwing as the primary problem. The second-biggest concern? He doesn’t know how to fix it, considering he has already tried.

He seems hopeless.

‘I do feel like I’m trying to make adjustments in my bullpens and in games,’ Morton said after Friday’s loss. ‘I’m trying to find the right mix of what that even looks like.’

Facing the Braves, Morton gave up six runs and recorded just four outs in Friday’s 10-1 loss.

In the first inning, Morton hit one batter — becoming the fifth pitcher in MLB history with 200 hit batters — and walked two batters, including Drake Baldwin on four pitches with the bases loaded. In the second inning, he surrendered a two-run home run to Ronald Acuña Jr. that ended his outing.

‘My stuff, I don’t think, was the problem,’ Morton said. ‘That was the best heater that I’ve had in a couple of weeks. Curveball, the movement on it wasn’t great. The sinker, I felt like it was good. My cutter was fine. My changeup got some swing-and-miss. But I’m not throwing strikes.’

Throwing 34 pitches in the first inning made bouncing back in the second nearly impossible.

He ran out of gas.

‘You can get through it, and you can grind through it, but you’re just not going to be as sharp,’ Morton said. ‘Your stuff is not going to be as good because you just threw 30-something pitches in one inning. You’re just not the same.’

The Tigers — teetering on the edge of a catastrophic collapse — enter Saturday with a 2½-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central, with eight games remaining. The final week includes three more matchups against the Guardians, beginning Tuesday. Nine days ago, the Tigers controlled a 9½-game lead in the division, but they’ve lost seven of eight.

Until something changes, Morton is lined up to start Thursday’s series finale against the Guardians at Progressive Field, which could be the Tigers’ most important game of the season.

The Tigers can’t afford to keep losing.

Morton isn’t helping them win.

‘I’m not sure I’m the guy to ask right now for the pulse of the team,’ Morton said. ‘Right now, I’m personally really disappointed in myself. I’ve been here a month and a half. All I know is that the guys here have been really good and really welcoming and positive. It’s just been a tough week.’

A 104-game preseason schedule will begin on Saturday, Sept. 20 and run through Saturday, Oct. 4.
Retired goalie Marc-Andre Fleury will suit up one last time for the Penguins on Sept. 27.
The NHL is cutting the number of preseason games in 2026-27 as the regular season expands.

NHL fans this weekend can see their first on-ice action since the Florida Panthers repeated as Stanley Cup champions.

A 104-game NHL preseason schedule begins Saturday, Sept. 20 and runs through Saturday, Oct. 4.

Prospects get a chance to make their cases for sticking with their teams. Veterans can get in some game action while trying to avoid injuries as happened to Kings defenseman Drew Doughty last year.

There will also be a fond farewell.

Retired goalie Marc-Andre Fleury signed a professional tryout agreement with the Pittsburgh Penguins so he can suit up one more time for the team with which he won three Stanley Cup titles. He’s scheduled to play part of the Sept. 27 home preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

That game will be on NHL Network, as are about two dozen others during the preseason. TNT will also show one preseason game. (Sling TV carries TNT and certain packages carry NHL Network.)

Watch NHL games on Sling TV

This will be the last season with this many preseason games. Under the new collective-bargaining agreement that starts in 2026-27, teams will play two fewer preseason games apiece as the regular season expands to 84 games.

Here is the full preseason schedule, with dates, times and TV. The 2025-26 regular season starts on Oct. 7.

2025-26 NHL preseason schedule

All times Eastern

SATURDAY, SEPT. 20

St. Louis at Dallas, 7 p.m.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 21

NY Rangers at New Jersey, 1 p.m., NHL Network
Florida (split squad) at Nashville (split squad), 3 p.m.
Toronto at Ottawa, 3 p.m.
Colorado (split squad) vs. Utah (split squad), 4:30 p.m. (played in Denver at neutral-site Magness Arena)
Minnesota at Winnipeg, 5 p.m., NHL Network
St. Louis at Columbus, 5 p.m.
Washington at Boston, 5 p.m.
Anaheim vs. Los Angeles, at Ontario, California, 6 p.m.
Florida (split squad) at Nashville (split squad), 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at NY Islanders, 7 p.m.
Calgary (split squad) at Edmonton (split squad), 8 p.m.
Edmonton (split squad) at Calgary (split squad), 8 p.m.
Vancouver at Seattle, 8 p.m.
Vegas at San Jose, 8 p.m.
Utah (split squad) at Colorado (split squad), 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPT. 22

Buffalo at Columbus, 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Montreal, 7 p.m., NHL Network
Tampa Bay at Carolina, 7 p.m.
Utah at Anaheim, 10 p.m., NHL Network

TUESDAY, SEPT. 23

Boston at NY Rangers, 7 p.m., NHL Network
Chicago at Detroit, 7 p.m.
Columbus at Buffalo, 7 p.m.
NY Islanders at New Jersey, 7 p.m.
Ottawa at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at Montreal, 7 p.m.
Minnesota at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Edmonton at Winnipeg, 8 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Nashville, 8 p.m.
Seattle at Calgary, 9 p.m.
Los Angeles at Vegas, 10 p.m., NHL Network

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WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24

Florida at Carolina, 6 p.m., NHL Network
Pittsburgh at Columbus, 7 p.m.
Seattle at Edmonton, 9 p.m., NHL Network
Calgary vs. Vancouver, at Abbotsford, British Columbia, 10 p.m.
Los Angeles at Anaheim, 10 p.m., NHL Network

THURSDAY, SEPT. 25

Buffalo at Detroit, 7 p.m.
NY Islanders at NY Rangers, 7 p.m., NHL Network
Philadelphia vs. Washington, at Hershey, Pennsylvania, 7 p.m.
Toronto at Montreal, 7 p.m.
Dallas at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Utah at Vegas, 10 p.m., NHL Network

FRIDAY, SEPT. 26

Carolina at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m., NHL Network
New Jersey at NY Islanders, 7 p.m.
Winnipeg at Edmonton, 9 p.m.
Seattle at Vancouver, 10 p.m., NHL Network
Vegas at San Jose, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27

Detroit at Buffalo, 3 p.m.
Boston at Philadelphia, 5 p.m.
Anaheim vs. Los Angeles, at Bakersfield, California, 6 p.m.
Chicago at St. Louis, 7 p.m.
Columbus at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m., NHL Network
Dallas at Colorado, 7 p.m.
Montreal at Toronto, 7 p.m., NHL Network
Nashville at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.
Calgary at Winnipeg, 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28

New Jersey (split squad) vs. Ottawa, at Quebec City, Quebec, 3 p.m.
Washington at New Jersey (split squad), 3 p.m., NHL Network
Chicago at Minnesota, 6 p.m.
Nashville at Carolina, 7 p.m.
Vancouver at Edmonton, 8 p.m., NHL Network

MONDAY, SEPT. 29

Carolina at Florida, 6 p.m.
NY Rangers at NY Islanders, 7 p.m., NHL Network
Philadelphia at Boston, 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Detroit, 7 p.m.
Calgary at Seattle, 10 p.m., NHL Network
San Jose at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 30

Florida vs. Tampa Bay, at Orlando, Florida, 7 p.m.
Montreal vs. Ottawa, at Quebec City, Quebec, 7 p.m.
Washington at Columbus, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Chicago, 8 p.m.
Vegas at Colorado, 8 p.m., TNT
Winnipeg at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Dallas at St. Louis, 8 p.m.
Los Angeles vs. Utah, at Boise, Idaho, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1

Pittsburgh at Buffalo, 7 p.m.
Colorado at Vegas, 9 p.m., NHL Network
Vancouver at Calgary, 9 p.m.
Anaheim at San Jose, 10 p.m.
Edmonton at Seattle, 10 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 2

Boston at Washington, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Toronto, 7 p.m., NHL Network
Florida at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at NY Rangers, 7 p.m.
NY Islanders at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Ottawa at St. Louis, 8 p.m.
Los Angeles at Utah, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 3

Buffalo at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m., NHL Network
Minnesota at Chicago, 8 p.m.
Winnipeg at Calgary, 9 p.m.
Edmonton at Vancouver, 10 p.m., NHL Network
San Jose at Vegas, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 4

NY Rangers at Boston, 2 p.m., NHL Network
New Jersey at Philadelphia, 3 p.m.
Anaheim at Los Angeles, 4 p.m.
Carolina at Nashville, 4 p.m.
Colorado at Dallas, 6 p.m., NHL Network
Columbus at Washington, 7 p.m.
Ottawa at Montreal, 7 p.m.
St. Louis at Chicago, 7 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Florida, 7 p.m.
Toronto at Detroit, 7 p.m.
San Jose at Utah, 9 p.m., NHL Network

Kershaw struck out Rafael Devers in the top of the fifth inning before exiting the game. Kershaw received a standing ovation after recording the out. The Dodgers earned a 6-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants and also clinched a playoff spot.

‘It was such a special night,’ Kershaw said during a postgame interview with Apple TV. ‘I can’t even put into words how special tonight was for me. … Thank you for 18 years. It hasn’t always been a smooth ride, but you guys have stuck with me. We have another month to go.’

Kershaw, the three-time Cy Young winner, announced Thursday that he would be retiring at the end of the 2025 season, which gave fans precious little time to scramble and buy tickets for the contest at Chavez Ravine. One of the greatest pitchers – lefty or otherwise – in Major League Baseball history, Kershaw has a 222-96 career record.

At 20 years old, Kershaw struck out the first major league batter, Skip Schumaker of the St. Louis Cardinals, whom he faced on May 25, 2008, at Dodger Stadium. 

Kershaw and the Dodgers didn’t get the victory that day, but the pitcher struck out seven and allowed two runs in six innings pitched.

Kershaw will likely continue to play for the Dodgers during the postseason, but what his role will be remains uncertain.

“I still feel there is a role for him, a spot for him,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday.

The Dodgers’ offense supported Kershaw’s effort Friday, starting with back-to-back home runs from Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Ohtani hit a three-run home run to left field, which gave the Dodgers their first lead of the game. Betts followed it up with a solo homer the next at-bat to take a 5-2 lead.

The Giants attempted a late comeback with two runners on base and the tying run at the plate before pitcher Tanner Scott and Betts helped record the final outs of the game.

Clayton Kershaw highlights: Giants vs. Dodgers

What Clayton Kershaw said after game

Dodgers clinch playoff berth

Final: Dodgers 6, Giants 3

Migual Rojas scored his second run of the evening after Andy Pages hit a double in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Dodgers lead the Giants 6-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Matt Chapman singled to center in the top of the seventh inning, bringing in Willy Adames to score. The Giants were unable to rally in the ninth inning while the Dodgers had Tanner Scott on the mound.

Clayton Kershaw stats vs. Giants

Innings pitched: 4.1
Hits allowed: 4
Runs: 2
Earned Runs: 2
Walks: 4
Strikeouts: 6
Home Runs: 1
Pitch Count: 91
Strikes: 56
ERA: 3.55

Clayton Kershaw’s night is done

Clayton Kershaw struck out Rafael Devers in the top of the fifth inning before exiting the game. Kershaw received a standing ovation from Magic Johnson and the rest of the crowd at Dodger Stadium.

Kershaw thanked the crowd while holding his hat in the air. He would hug everyone in the dugout before coming back out for a curtain call.

The Dodgers’ offense came alive in the bottom of the fifth inning to support Kershaw’s effort.

Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run home run to left field, providing the Dodgers with their first lead of the game. Mookie Betts hit a solo home run the next at-bat. The Dodgers lead the Giants 5-2.

Kershaw gets through the fourth inning

Clayton Kershaw caught Willy Adames swinging to record another strikeout and send the game to the bottom of the fourth inning.

Kershaw threw over 20 pitches in the inning. He allowed a hit to Patrick Bailey, who singled to center field.

The Giants remain in front of the Dodgers 2-1.

Roberts indicated in an interview on Apple TV during the top of the fourth inning that he’s monitoring Kershaw’s performance closely.

“I’m watching him closely,” Roberts said. “… Given the emotion of yesterday, he’s not as sharp (tonight). The pitch count (70) is higher than we would like.”

Kershaw is expected to come back out in the fifth inning. There was activity in the bullpen late in the fourth inning.

Giants score in third inning

Kershaw struck out Rafael Devers before Matt Chapman hit a double to center the next at-bat.

Chapman scores after Wilmer Flores singles to center. The Giants take a 2-1 lead in the top of the third inning.

Kershaw throws a hitless second inning

Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers get out of the top of the second inning without allowing a run. Heliot Ramos and Willy Adames hit back-to-back pop-ups that were caught by Mookie Betts to get out of the inning.

Miguel Rojas hit a 402-foot solo home run to left-center field in the bottom of the second inning to even the score for the Dodgers at 1. Andy Pages bangs one off the wall in left centerfield for a double on the very next pitch.

Clayton Kershaw allows home run to first batter

Heliot Ramos hit a solo home run 431 feet over the fence in center field on Kershaw’s third pitch of the game. The Giants take an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

Kershaw struck out two and walked one in the inning. Seventeen of his 23 pitches were strikes.

The Dodgers pitcher became the all-time leader in strikeouts against the Giants’ franchise with 417, passing Warren Spahn (416).

Clayton Kershaw acknowledged by fans ahead of game

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw walked out of the dugout and onto the mound for his warm-up in the final minutes before the game started. Kershaw received a warm welcome from the crowd and gave them a wave. His teammates stayed in the dugout so the pitcher could have his moment.

Dodgers lineup vs. Giants

Giants lineup vs. Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw arrives for final regular-season home start

Where to watch Dodgers vs. Giants on Apple TV

The Dodgers vs. Giants game Friday night will air on Apple TV+ with first pitch scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET.

Watch Dodgers-Giants on Apple TV+

Dodgers vs. Giants odds

Clayton Kershaw stats

222-96 career record in 2844 ⅔ innings
3,039 strikeouts
2014 National League MVP
2011, 2013 and 2014 NL Cy Young winner

How many rings does Clayton Kershaw have?

Kershaw has won two World Series rings with the Los Angeles Dodgers – in 2020 and 2024.

The Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series, with Kershaw winning two games in the Fall Classic at the end of the COVID-shortened season. In 2024, the left-hander was injured and unable to pitch in the Dodgers’ postseason run that culminated with a World Series win over the New York Yankees.

San Francisco Giants congratulate Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw’s former teammates in attendance

Several of Kershaw’s former teammates have been spotted around Dodger Stadium before he takes the mound for his final regular-season home start. The former players included Andre Ethier, Austin Barnes, Trayce Thompson, Russell Martin and AJ Pollock.

Kershaw’s childhood friend and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was also in attendance for the game.