STORRS, CT — UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma was famously unhappy with the Huskies postgame pizza on Jan. 15.

“The Pizza Capital of the world, my ass,” Auriemma said, adding the meal was basically ‘some red stuff they poured on the box and called it pizza, that must have been delivered hours before at shootaround.’

Not one to settle, Auriemma made sure ‘the standard’ was met after UConn’s 85-47 beatdown of Notre Dame on Monday at Gampel Pavilion.

The 12-time national champion coach came into the postgame press conference with a pizza from Frank Pepe’s, a New Haven standard known for its misshapen, chewy, charred crust. Pepe’s pizzeria has earned numerous ‘Best Pizza’ awards from publications like The Daily Meal, Food & Wine and USA TODAY.

‘Hey, we have high standards here,’ said Auriemma, when asked about how his rant about pizza blew up. ‘We have high standards, and now we get the best,’ he added, motioning to the Pepe’s box.

Pepe’s sent dozens of pies that were enjoyed by the team, coaches, staff, reporters and even folks cleaning Gampel Pavilion postgame.

UConn star Azzi Fudd, seen leaving the arena with some of the Pepe’s leftovers, confirmed the pizza on Thursday was bad. But Pepe’s? Worth taking home.

Dallas Wings and Breeze BC guard Paige Bueckers is $50,000 richer.

On Monday, following Breeze’s 83-64 win over Mist — a 37-point performance from Bueckers — the league announced the rookie won its inaugural $50,000 free throw challenge. Bueckers, who said she was ‘pretty aware’ she was leading the competition the whole time, made a perfect 13-of-13 free throws.

“I got some good plans, but no pocket watching over here,’ Bueckers said with a smile when asked what she might do with the money. ‘Imma take care of it.”

As part of the challenge, the Unrivaled player who recorded the highest free throw percentage across the league’s first five games of the season (Jan. 5–19) would earn a $50,000 prize. Players were required to appear in a minimum of three games and attempt at least six free throws to qualify for consideration.

Bueckers is having a standout debut season for Unrivaled, averaging 23.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game.

Dallas Wings and Breeze BC guard Paige Bueckers is $50,000 richer.

On Monday, following Breeze’s 83-64 win over Mist and a 37-point performance from Bueckers, the league announced that the second-year pro won its inagural $50,000 free throw challenge. Bueckers, who said she was ‘pretty aware’ that she was leading the competition the whole time, finished with a perfect 100% free-throw completion percentage.

“I got some good plans, but no pocket watching over here,’ Bueckers said with a smile when asked what she might do with the money. ‘I’mma take care of it.”

As part of the challenge, the Unrivaled player who recorded the highest free-throw percentage across the league’s first five games of the season (Jan. 5–19) would earn a $50,000 prize. Players were required to appear in a minimum of three games and attempt at least six free throws to qualify for consideration.

Bueckers is having a standout debut season for Unrivaled, averaging 23.4 points, eight rebounds and 6.8 assists per game.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow hadn’t posted on the social media website X since April 2024, but he couldn’t sit back and watch the general public rag on NFL officials for their controversial calls in the divisional round.

The NFL playoffs’ divisional round featured two controversial calls on contested catches – the first, in the Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills game, resulted in an interception; the other, in the Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams game, was ruled a catch.

While some fans, analysts and in one case, an opposing head coach have criticized the officials and their decisions in the days since the two plays, Burrow felt the need to set things straight.

The Bengals’ quarterback took to social media to say he agreed with both calls the NFL’s officiating crews made in each game – and that neither should have been controversial to begin with.

‘The amount of (people) that don’t understand what a catch is in the rule book flabbergasts me,’ Burrow wrote on X. ‘And it’s not the officials. The two plays yesterday were not difficult calls, and they got them both right.’

Though Burrow wrote ‘yesterday’ on Jan. 19, the earlier play he was referring to happened on Jan. 17, two days prior.

The Bengals’ quarterback is not alone in his belief that both plays were officiated correctly.

CBS rules analyst and former NFL referee Gene Steratore said he agreed with the interception call that benefited the Broncos and cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian in the first case. One day later, NBC rules analyst and former NFL referee Terry McAulay said Rams wide receiver Davante Adams completed the process of a catch against the Bears in another bang-bang play, indicating the game’s officials ruled the play correctly.

Both teams to benefit from the controversial calls ruled in their favor went on to win their respective divisional round games. The Broncos and Rams will both play in their respective conference championships next weekend. Time will tell whether Burrow’s public defense of the NFL’s officiating earned him any extra calls to his benefit in the future.

The Miami Dolphins are once again turning to the Green Bay Packers to bring a key figure in the organization’s new leadership aboard.

The Dolphins are hiring Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley the team’s new head coach, according to multiple reports on Monday.

The Dolphins had Hafley in for an interview on Monday and identified him as their candidate before his scheduled interview with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.

Hafley’s hire marks the first major move by new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was also with the Packers before joining the Dolphins.

Hafley, 46, had been Green Bay’s defensive coordinator for the last two seasons after serving as Boston College’s head coach from 2020-23. The Packers ranked in the top 12 in both yards allowed and scoring defense in both 2024 and 2025, with the latter unit derailed by season-ending injuries to All-Pro Micah Parsons as well as Devonte Wyatt.

In Miami, Hafley will be tasked with taking over a franchise that owns the NFL’s longest active playoff victory drought at 25 seasons.

He takes over for Mike McDaniel, who was fired Jan. 8 after posting a 35-33 record in four seasons at the helm.

More change could be ahead for Miami, which could be splitting with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill in the offseason. Tagovailoa was benched for the last three games of the season, and Hill is coming off a severe left knee injury suffered in September.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur said earlier in the month that the team had been preparing to replace Hafley, who had become a hotly pursued candidate on the open market.

Some pictures are worth a thousand words. Others are worth even more in emotion.

Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos upended the Buffalo Bills in the AFC’s divisional round, but it came at a great cost: In the closing moments of Denver’s playoff win, the Broncos passer suffered a fractured bone in his ankle that will sideline him for the remainder of their playoff run.

While Nix was part of postgame interviews and availability, a candid photo shared from his wife, Izzy Nix, painted a scene that was equal parts heart-warming and heart-wrenching:

The caption on the Instagram story post read:

‘I snuck this picture because I wanted to remember this moment forever,’ Izzy wrote on her Instagram story. ‘The joy, followed by the heartbreak, followed by watching each teammate and coach come to this little corner and sit by Bo’s side. God could have placed us anywhere, and I’m so grateful He chose Denver. He is the perfect Author of Bo’s story and we cannot wait to see what He has in store for this team — We’ll be on the front row, cheering the loudest!!!’

Nix is expected to undergo surgery on Tuesday, with his timeline for return to the field TBD.

Head coach Sean Payton delivered the stunning news after the game on Saturday. Nix was able to finish out the game despite the ailment.

Bo Nix injury update

Broncos coach Sean Payton announced Nix had suffered a season-ending ankle fracture during his postgame news conference.

‘On the second-to-last play in overtime, Bo fractured a bone in his right ankle,’ Payton told reporters. ‘He’s scheduled to have surgery Tuesday of this week to put him out for the rest of the season.’

Is Bo Nix out for the season?

Yes, Nix is out for remainder of the NFL playoffs after fracturing his ankle in Denver’s 33-30 win over Buffalo in the divisional round, as Broncos coach Sean Payton announced during his postgame news conference.

The Buffalo Bills announced Jan. 19 they had fired Sean McDermott after nine seasons in charge of the team.

Buffalo’s decision did not sit well with one of their veteran defensive players, Jordan Phillips.

Phillips – a 33-year-old defensive tackle – posted to his Instagram story to express displeasure with the team’s decision.

‘This (expletive) here is so stupid,’ Phillips wrote, posting a caption over a breaking news graphic regarding McDermott’s firing. ‘Honestly sickening. The best coach I’ve ever been around.’

Phillips would know a thing or two about the coaching landscape around the NFL. The 11-year veteran has bounced around since being a second-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2015 NFL Draft, playing for five different NFL teams and six different full-time coaches.

Phillips has had three separate, two-season stints with the Bills and enjoyed his most productive NFL campaign – a 9.5-sack season in 2019 – under McDermott’s tutelage.

While Phillips was among McDermott’s fans, Bills owner Terry Pegula stated his belief the team needed ‘a new structure’ in a statement announcing the 51-year-old’s firing.

‘Sean has done an [admirable] job of leading our football team for the past nine seasons,’ the statement read. ‘But I feel we are in need of a new structure within our leadership to give this organization the best opportunity to take our team to the next level. We owe that to our players and to Bills Mafia.’

‘Sean helped change the mindset of this organization and was instrumental in the Bills becoming a perennial playoff team. I respect all the work, loyalty and attention to detail he showed for this team and the community.’

Indiana is playing Miami football in the CFP national championship game. Follow live updateshere.

Indiana and Miami match up for the 2025-26 national championship on Monday, Jan. 19, with both teams taking unlikely routes to the title game.

The Hoosiers went 3-9 in 2023 and have zero 5-star recruits on their roster, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t talented. They have multiple future NFL draft picks, including Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who’s likely to be the first quarterback selected in April.

Mendoza has been outstanding in the College Football Playoff, with eight touchdowns to only five incompletions in romps over Alabama and Oregon. Miami will be tasked with speeding up the star quarterback, although no team has quite been able to do that this season.

Miami might be best suited to do so, though, as it boasts the most ferocious pass rush in college football. Led by projected first-round picks Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, the first-team All-ACC selections have 19 combined sacks this season.

Here are the 10 most important players for Indiana and Miami’s national championship match up.

Indiana vs Miami key players in national championship game

10. WR Charlie Becker, Indiana

Indiana’s star receiving duo of Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., are problems for opposing defenses, but Charlie Becker has emerged as the Hoosiers’ go-to deep threat in recent weeks.

The 6-foot-4 sophomore has gains of 36, 30 and 51 yards in Indiana’s last three wins against Oregon, Alabama and Ohio State, respectively. He has a wide catch radius and good speed for his size.

Indiana will try to dial up a few plays for Becker against Miami, which might have some trouble trying to stop the breakout receiver.

9. DB Keionte Scott, Miami

Miami has deployed Keionte Scott in a variety of ways during the CFP, including as a pass rusher. Scott mostly lines up as a nickelback, and has five sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions this season, along with 61 total tackles.

Scott made the play of the game against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, intercepting Julian Sayin for a 72-yard touchdown.

The first-year transfer from Auburn has been used in a variety of ways this season and will look to disrupt Mendoza and throw him off rhythm in the national championship game.

8. LB Aiden Fisher, Indiana

A two-time All-American in his two seasons at Indiana, linebacker Aiden Fisher is the leader of Indiana’s defense. He has 91 total tackles this season with 3.5 sacks and two interceptions.

The senior will be integral to the Hoosiers’ run defense against Miami’s stout offensive line that has dominated in the CFP. Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher, who stands 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, has 395 rushing yards in three CFP games, and Fisher will be tasked with stopping Miami’s best offensive trait.

Tackling will be crucial, especially against someone of Fletcher’s stature.

7. CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana

All-American cornerback D’Angelo Ponds returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage against Oregon in the Peach Bowl, showing his playmaking ability.

He’ll be tasked with slowing down Miami receiver Malachi Toney, one of the most electrifying players in college football this season. Miami uses Toney in a variety of ways, lining him outside, in the slot, in the backfield and even as a Wildcat quarterback.

Ponds vs. Toney, who are both small yet wiry, could be one of the underrated matchups of the game.

6. WR Malachi Toney, Miami

Toney reclassified to the 2025 recruiting class a year ago, skipping his senior year of high school to play at Miami. It was the right decision, as he leads the team with 99 receptions for 1,089 yards and nine touchdowns this season, along with 113 rushing yards and a score. Toney also has two touchdown passes.

The Hurricanes manufacture touches for Toney, getting him the ball in creative ways. He caught a screen pass and maneuvered around multiple Ole Miss defenders for a 36-yard touchdown in the Fiesta Bowl.

5. Akheem Mesidor, Miami

One-half of Miami’s pass-rushing duo, Mesidor leads the team with 10.5 sacks this season, 3.5 of which have come in the CFP.

The 280-pound defensive end also has four forced fumbles this season. His presence allows for Bain Jr. and others to face 1-on-1 situations, as both pass rusher can’t be double teamed at the same time.

Perhaps the most important matchup in the game will be if Miami can cause havoc in Indiana’s backfield.

4. QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Mendoza is likely the best player on the field for the national championship, although he’s surrounded by one of the best supporting casts in college football to help pick up the slack if he struggles.

Mendoza is a combined 31-of-36 passing for 369 yards with eight touchdowns in two CFP starts. He hasn’t been asked to take over games, either, with Indiana’s getting out to commanding leads so early in the game.

Mendoza is looking to keep Miami’s strong defense on its heels, especially its pass-rushing duo. Otherwise, it could be tough to score points.

3. OT Carter Smith, Indiana

Consensus All-American offensive tackle Carter Smith will likely face the best pair of rushers he has faced all season against Miami and will be tasked with slowing down Bain and Mesidor.

Smith, the Big Ten’s Offensive Lineman of the Year, is likely up for the task. If he can hold up against Miami’s duo, the Hurricanes could be in for a long night.

2. QB Carson Beck, Miami

Miami has leaned on its defense and rushing attack during the CFP run, allowing for quarterback Carson Beck to not have to be a playmaker to win games.

The sixth-year senior Georgia transfer might very well be asked to do a bit more with his arm against the Hoosiers, who can score a bunch of points. Beck passed for a combined 241 yards with two touchdowns in wins over Texas A&M and Ohio State, but threw for 268 yards with three total touchdowns against Ole Miss, leading a game-winning touchdown drive in the final seconds.

The experienced quarterback might not be of the same caliber as Mendoza, but how he performs on the grandest stage could be the difference for Miami. He’ll need to limit turnovers against a defense that has forced them in bunches this season.

1. DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Bain Jr. has shown an ability to take over games for Miami this season. The Hurricanes will need his best if they want to have a chance against the Hoosiers.

Bain Jr. has 8.5 sacks this season, although he affects the quarterback with pressure much more often than the statistic shows. The likely first-round pick had three sacks against Texas A&M in Miami’s 10-3 win, and had another sack in a key moment against Ohio State in the quarterfinals.

He was mostly held in check against Ole Miss, and will be looking to rebound against Indiana.

STORRS, CT — The UConn women’s basketball team ended its three-game losing streak against Notre Dame in decisive fashion on Monday at Gampel Pavilion.

The Huskies, which last victory vs. the Fighting Irish came on Dec. 5, 2021, dominated the Hannah Hidalgo & Co., 85-47, to improve to 19-0 this season. UConn has won 35 straight dating back to last season.

Sarah Strong had her sixth double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Azzi Fudd added 15 points and KK Arnold 12 points and five assists. The Huskies had 19 fast-break points, compared to 2 by Notre Dame.

The Irish (12-6) struggled from the jump, with more than six minutes expiring in the game before their first field goal. Notre Dame was severely undermanned in the front court, outrebounded 39-24 and outscored in the paint 44-24.

Hannah Hidalgo led the Irish with 16 points. Cassandre Proper, who had averaged 19 points the past 10 games, was held to 12.

Third quarter: UConn 59, Notre Dame 35

The Huskies outscored the Irish by 17 in the third quarter and briefly held a 30-point lead. UConn has 14 points off turnovers and is outrebounding Notre Dame 31-18.

Sarah Strong has her sixth double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Coach Geno Auriemma has played only seven against the Irish, making you wonder if he will shorten his bench come tournament time.

UConn takes over

The Huskies are on an 18-2 run. Sarah Strong has 14 points, Azzi Fudd 11, KK Arnold 9 and Ashlyn Shade 8.

Hannah Hidalgo has not scored in the second half for Notre Dame.

Huskies stretch the lead to 17

UConn has outscored Notre Dame 10-2 to open the third quarter. Ashlyn Shade and KK Arnold each had a 3-pointer.

Second quarter: UConn 32, Notre Dame 23

The teams each scored 16 points in the second quarter. Hannah Hidalgo got it going with 10 points for the Irish.

Sarah Strong had 10 points, eight rebounds, two steals, two assists and two blocks to lead the Huskies. Azzi Fudd added seven points.

The Irish have six steals but have only two points off turnovers compared to nine from UConn.

Sarah Strong reaches 1,000 points

The sophomore sensation made it to the milestone in 59 games. She has 10 points.

Maya Moore is the all-time career leader for the Huskies with 3,036 points. Breanna Stewart is a distant second with 2,676 points.

First quarter: UConn 16, Notre Dame 7

The Irish shot 3 for 14 from the field in the first quarter. Cassandre Prosper made a 4-foot hook shot with a little over four minutes to go for Notre Dame’s first field goal.

In the meantime, the Huskies have dominated in the paint and outscored the Irish 14-4.

Azzi Fudd stays perfect

Azzi Fudd completed a 3-point play to put UConn up 11-1. She is a perfect 31-for-31 from the free throw line this season.

Irish score

At 6:07 of the first quarter, Notre Dame scores its first point. Malaya Cowles hit the first of two free throws. The Irish are 0-for-5 from the field.

Timeout Notre Dame

Less than 3 minutes into the contest, UConn is up 8-0 and the Irish have been unable to score. Notre Dame Niele Ivey called a quick timeout to regroup.

Serah Williams has four points for UConn.

We are underway in Storrs

UConn is up 4-0 on baskets by Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd.

What time is UConn vs. Notre Dame?

The UConn Huskies take on former Big East rival Notre Dame on Monday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. ET at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut.

UConn vs. Notre Dame: TV, streaming

Date: Monday, Jan. 19
Time: 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT)
Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, Connecticut)
TV: Fox
Stream: Fubo

Notre Dame starting lineup

UConn starting lineup

Hannah Hidalgo in the house

Sarah Strong named Big East player of the week, again