The Big Ten Conference has released its 2025 football schedule, which will be the second season featuring 18 teams and no divisional format, using the Flex Protect XVIII model. This model includes protected and rotating opponents, with each team playing nine intraconference games and facing every other conference team at least twice over a period. The season will end with the Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium, featuring the top two teams in the conference standings.
Oregon is set to face Penn State in the Big Ten Championship Game, marking a significant moment as Oregon could become the first team to defeat Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State in a single season since Michigan State. This matchup is crucial for both teams, with Oregon aiming to cap a successful first season in the Big Ten and Penn State seeking its first conference title since 2016. Meanwhile, Ohio State's coach Ryan Day faces scrutiny after another loss to Michigan, and Purdue is searching for a new coach after firing Ryan Walters.
Oklahoma defeated Texas 8-3 in Game 1 of the Women's College World Series finals, putting the Sooners one win away from a fourth consecutive national title. Texas struggled with errors and poor hitting, while Oklahoma's Kelly Maxwell dominated on the mound. Texas will need to win Game 2 to keep their championship hopes alive.
In its 100th episode, "All American" blends nostalgia and football as Spencer James grapples with dreams of his late friend Shawn Scott, leading to a self-discovery journey before the NCAA championship game. The episode culminates in a thrilling victory for GAU, with Spencer scoring the winning touchdown. Other storylines include Asher's emotional farewell to football, Olivia's decision to protect her father's legacy, Layla's aborted surprise wedding, Coop's investigation into Miko's past, and Olivia moving in with Spencer.
In a controversial call during the SEC tournament, LSU's catcher Brady Neal was ruled to have committed a catcher's balk, allowing South Carolina to score a run in the 10th inning. Despite the confusion and LSU coach Jay Johnson's ejection, LSU ultimately won the game with a two-run walk-off home run by Steven Milam, advancing to the championship game against Tennessee.
Marion Local High School's centerfielder Griffin Bruns made a rare and impressive 8-unassisted out by sprinting from the outfield to tag out a runner at home plate during a District IV final against Fort Recovery High School. Despite Bruns' incredible effort, Marion Local lost the game 11-3. The play has gone viral for its extraordinary hustle and defensive awareness.
South Carolina's victory over Iowa in the women's NCAA championship game drew a preliminary audience average of 18.7 million on ABC and ESPN, making it the most-watched basketball broadcast since 2019. The audience numbers are expected to increase when Nielsen releases its final numbers, and the game is on track to potentially surpass the men's NCAA title game in viewership. The women's final also had the biggest audience for a Sunday afternoon sporting event on ESPN and ABC since January 2021.
South Carolina's victory over Iowa in the women's NCAA championship game drew a preliminary audience average of 18.7 million on ABC and ESPN, making it the most-watched basketball game since 2019. The audience numbers are expected to increase when Nielsen releases its final numbers, and the game is likely to have a bigger audience than the men's title game. This marks a significant increase in viewership compared to previous years, with the women's final also having the biggest audience for a Sunday afternoon sporting event on ESPN and ABC since January 2021.
The 2024 NCAA championship game will feature No. 1 seed UConn against No. 1 seed Purdue, with UConn aiming to secure back-to-back national titles and Purdue seeking redemption after a previous upset. UConn enters as the betting favorite, having won 11 straight NCAA Tournament games, while Purdue is expected to put up a strong fight. Experts are divided in their predictions, with some favoring UConn to win by a significant margin and others anticipating a closer game with Purdue covering the spread.
Despite a valiant effort from Caitlin Clark, the Iowa women's basketball team fell short in the NCAA Tournament championship game against South Carolina, losing 87-75. Clark, who scored 30 points, gave her all in her final game for the Hawkeyes, but South Carolina's talent proved too much to overcome. Despite the loss, Clark expressed gratitude for her career and the opportunity to represent Iowa, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest players in college basketball history.
The NCAA championship game between UConn and Purdue may be dominated by the big men, but the outcome could hinge on the performance of the guards. UConn's backcourt, led by Tristen Newton and Stephon Castle, has been instrumental in their success, while Purdue's Braden Smith and Lance Jones will play critical roles in supporting their dominant center, Zach Edey. Both teams are prepared for a close battle, with UConn aiming for back-to-back titles and Purdue seeking their first championship ever.
South Carolina wins the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship with an 87-75 victory over Iowa. The Gamecocks cover the spread and the OVER 160.5 cashes as well. Caitlin Clark scores 30 points for Iowa, but it's not enough to secure the win. The matchup between the two No. 1 seeds was highly anticipated, following a historic season for women’s basketball.
The 2024 Women's NCAA Tournament national championship game will feature the No. 1 seed South Carolina Gamecocks against the No. 1 seed Iowa Hawkeyes, with South Carolina favored by 6.5 points. Women's basketball expert Calvin Wetzel has made his picks and predictions for the game, highlighting South Carolina's suffocating defense and Iowa's potent offense led by Caitlin Clark. Wetzel is leaning towards the Under on the point total and has identified a critical X-factor for the spread.
The NCAA women's national championship game is set between the No. 1 seeds Iowa Hawkeyes and the South Carolina Gamecocks, with predictions favoring South Carolina. The Gamecocks are the favorites to win, with a spread of -6.5 points, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN at 3:00 p.m. ET. The highly anticipated matchup is expected to be a thrilling contest between two of the best teams in the country.
UConn is set to face Purdue in the NCAA championship game, with UConn aiming for a repeat title and Purdue seeking redemption after a previous upset. The matchup features star big men Zach Edey for Purdue and Donovan Clingan for UConn. UConn's strong offense and defense have propelled them to the final, while Purdue has made a remarkable turnaround from a previous humiliating defeat. Both teams are determined to make history and claim the NCAA title.
