LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas freshman MJ Rice has been through the ringer in his first couple of months of college basketball: the back injury during preseason practices, a bout with COVID-19 and then kidney stones last week that sent him to the ER.

The five-star recruit showed Monday night what he can do when he's healthy and available.

Rice came off the bench to score 19 points, Jalen Wilson hit five 3-pointers and scored 22, and the ninth-ranked Jayhawks bounced back from their first loss of the season with an 87-55 rout of Texas Southern.

“Just coming in and doing my job, really, whether that's bringing energy or playing defense,” Rice said afterward. “I know I missed some time but it's also kind of like a build-up. I have to get that rhythm back.”

Gradey Dick added 15 points, Josef Yesufu had 14 and KJ Adams 10 for the Jayhawks (7-1), who stumbled against No. 13 Tennessee in the championship game of the Battle 4 Atlantis. They are now 109-16 after a loss under coach Bill Self, who made his regular-season debut in Allen Fieldhouse after missing three home games to a school-imposed suspension.

“I thought it was probably pretty good overall,” Self said, “considering we were tired, and we hadn’t practiced since we played Tennessee. I thoguht that was about as good as we could do.”

Davon Barnes had 22 points and Zytarious Mortle scored 11 for the Tigers (1-7), whose brutal nonconference schedule has taken them to Texas Tech, Houston and Auburn with a trip to Wichita State still to come.

Texas Southern coach Johnny Jones was not available after the game.

It was a rematch of a first-round NCAA Tournament game last season won by the Jayhawks on their way to the national championship. And for a stretch in the first half, the Tigers gave the champs all they could handle.

Texas Southern was still within 14-10 midway through the first half when Kansas ripped off a 15-2 run to seize control. But even during the spurt, the Jayhawks at one point missed three straight shots, failed to capitalize on turnovers and couldn't salvage much of an advantage on the boards against a much smaller team.

Kansas even gave up a buzzer-beating 3 that got the preseason SWAC favorites within 40-25 at halftime.

“Defensively we were not very good early,” Self said, “and they missed a lot of layups.”

If there was any drama left, it evaporated in the opening minutes of the second half. Texas Southern turned it over four times in its first five possessions, Kansas ripped off a 14-2 run and Self eventually was able to examine his bench.

TV play-by-play man Dave Armstrong signed off for the last time after a 38-year career broadcasting the NBA, Major League Baseball, college football and college basketball. He's been a staple in the Big 12 since 1988, when it was known as the Big 8, and regularly called games in the Big East, the Big Ten and the ACC.

Kansas forward Kevin McCullar Jr., who is averaging 9.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, watched the game in street clothes with a minor groin injury. Backup guard Bobby Pettiford Jr. was out with a hamstring injury.

Texas Southern couldn't overcome 16 turnovers and a poor night from the 3-point arc, where the Tigers were 4 of 17. They also got just six points off the bench, and their lack of depth was evident as they wore down in the second half.

Kansas was 13 of 29 from the arc, and many of the shots came off open looks courtesy good ball movement. The Jayhawks had 23 assists on 30 made shots, including six assists from Wilson and nine from Dajuan Harris Jr.

Texas Southern returns home to face NAIA foe North American on Sunday.

Kansas plays Seton Hall on Thursday night in the Big East-Big 12 Battle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669715284384.png" alt="Kansas Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas freshman MJ Rice has been through the ringer in his first couple of months of college basketball: the back injury during preseason practices, a bout with COVID-19 and then kidney stones last week that sent him to the ER.The five-star recruit showed Monday night what he can do when he's healthy and available.Rice came off the bench to score 19 points, Jalen Wilson hit five 3-pointers and scored 22, and the ninth-ranked Jayhawks bounced back from their first loss of the season with an 87-55 rout of Texas Southern.“Just coming in and doing my job, really, whether that's bringing energy or playing defense,” Rice said afterward. “I know I missed some time but it's also kind of like a build-up. I have to get that rhythm back.”Gradey Dick added 15 points, Josef Yesufu had 14 and KJ Adams 10 for the Jayhawks (7-1), who stumbled against No. 13 Tennessee in the championship game of the Battle 4 Atlantis. They are now 109-16 after a loss under coach Bill Self, who made his regular-season debut in Allen Fieldhouse after missing three home games to a school-imposed suspension.“I thought it was probably pretty good overall,” Self said, “considering we were tired, and we hadn’t practiced since we played Tennessee. I thoguht that was about as good as we could do.”Davon Barnes had 22 points and Zytarious Mortle scored 11 for the Tigers (1-7), whose brutal nonconference schedule has taken them to Texas Tech, Houston and Auburn with a trip to Wichita State still to come.Texas Southern coach Johnny Jones was not available after the game.It was a rematch of a first-round NCAA Tournament game last season won by the Jayhawks on their way to the national championship. And for a stretch in the first half, the Tigers gave the champs all they could handle.Texas Southern was still within 14-10 midway through the first half when Kansas ripped off a 15-2 run to seize control. But even during the spurt, the Jayhawks at one point missed three straight shots, failed to capitalize on turnovers and couldn't salvage much of an advantage on the boards against a much smaller team.Kansas even gave up a buzzer-beating 3 that got the preseason SWAC favorites within 40-25 at halftime.“Defensively we were not very good early,” Self said, “and they missed a lot of layups.”If there was any drama left, it evaporated in the opening minutes of the second half. Texas Southern turned it over four times in its first five possessions, Kansas ripped off a 14-2 run and Self eventually was able to examine his bench.ONE LAST TIMETV play-by-play man Dave Armstrong signed off for the last time after a 38-year career broadcasting the NBA, Major League Baseball, college football and college basketball. He's been a staple in the Big 12 since 1988, when it was known as the Big 8, and regularly called games in the Big East, the Big Ten and the ACC.AILING JAYHAWKSKansas forward Kevin McCullar Jr., who is averaging 9.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, watched the game in street clothes with a minor groin injury. Backup guard Bobby Pettiford Jr. was out with a hamstring injury.BIG PICTURETexas Southern couldn't overcome 16 turnovers and a poor night from the 3-point arc, where the Tigers were 4 of 17. They also got just six points off the bench, and their lack of depth was evident as they wore down in the second half.Kansas was 13 of 29 from the arc, and many of the shots came off open looks courtesy good ball movement. The Jayhawks had 23 assists on 30 made shots, including six assists from Wilson and nine from Dajuan Harris Jr.UP NEXTTexas Southern returns home to face NAIA foe North American on Sunday.Kansas plays Seton Hall on Thursday night in the Big East-Big 12 Battle.

🏀 No. 9 Kansas routs Texas Southern for bounce-back win

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Whether or not there's a fissure in the Denver Broncos' locker room, there certainly is frustration.

Russell Wilson and Mike Purcell were quick to dismiss their sideline spat Sunday as an emotional exchange between competitive personalities.

“Frustration,’’ Purcell said, was the root of his brief blowup with Wilson during the Broncos’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-carolina-panthers-nfl-sports-brian-burns-346cfb79c461a1419c96cdcda8bb2985">23-10 loss</a>&nbsp;to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Purcell had just been flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty during a 26-yard field goal by Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro early in the fourth quarter.

As he retreated to the sideline, TV cameras captured him shouting at Wilson, who responded. Purcell spun around and starting shouting in Wilson's face before walking away in a huff.

“Mike and I are on the same page,’’ Wilson said. “He came off after they kicked a field goal, he was (ticked) off. He just said, ‘We’ve got, we’ve got to effin’ go,’ and I agree. We’re on the same page — there’s no animosity there at all.

“We’ve got to win," Wilson said. "... Those guys are out there battling every play, and offense, we’ve got to be able to capitalize. So, yeah, there’s nothing there at all, me and him — there’s nothing there.’’

Which also aptly describes the Broncos' beleaguered offense that's averaging a league-low 14.2 points per game, negating a stingy defense that's allowing 17.6 points per game.

Wilson arrived in Denver eight touchdown throws shy of 300 for his career, and it took him three months to reach the milestone, which he finally did Sunday with a 1-yard pass to rookie Brandon Johnson with 3:19 remaining.

The Wilson-led offense is a reliable&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_Sam/status/1597032202575155200?s=20&amp;t=xBydWPZMJndiERG5YH3swg">trending topic</a>&nbsp;on Sundays as the former perennial Pro Bowler sinks to new lows in Denver.

For instance, it was pointed out this weekend that Carson Wentz has two more TDs passing this season than Wilson does and he hasn't played since getting hurt Oct. 13.

With seven losses in eight games, the Broncos (3-8) now have to win all of their remaining games to avoid a sixth straight losing season.

A seventh consecutive season without a playoff berth is all but a certainty for a team that hasn't won a game on American soil since Week 3.

And now comes the meat of Denver's schedule, beginning with a trip to Baltimore this weekend, followed by the first of two games against the Kansas City Chiefs, who haven't lost to the Broncos since Sept. 17, 2015.

Despite the sideline spat and Wilson's doggedly stubborn slump, safety Justin Simmons said there's no division in the Broncos locker room.

“I think the chemistry with this group is still great,’’ Simmons insisted. “I think when you put as much into it as you do week in and week out and you don’t get the results, it can be frustrating. So as frustrated as everyone is watching, you can imagine how guys are when they’re the ones out there trying to put in the work and try to win football games.

Embattled coach Nathaniel Hackett said Monday that he spoke with Purcell and Wilson and “everybody's good. ... it's an emotional game.”

Hackett said appreciates the passion that Purcell showed Sunday.

“I mean, you want every one of your football players to want to do anything to win and you want them to hold each other accountable. You want them to try to fire each other up,” Hackett said. “I've always believed it's a little different coming from a coach and then coming from a player.

“I think whenever it comes from a player, those guys, that means a lot to them. So, I appreciate his passion and understand it. I just don't want him to get that personal foul in that situation. But besides that, I love when the guys are fired up.”

RB Latavius Murry rushed for 92 yards on 17 carries, including a 52-yard jaunt, in the Broncos' first game since waiving fumble-prone Melvin Gordon.

At this point, everything, including the defense, which is cracking under the weight of carrying the load all season.

WRs Jerry Jeudy (ankle) and KJ Hamler (hamstring), who are showing by their absences how much the Broncos need them to have a fighting chance.

GM George Paton. His 2023 first-round pick that he sent to Seattle in the Wilson trade is now a top-five selection.

FB Andrew Beck (hamstring) and LB Dakota Allen (hamstring) are day to day.

12 — Number of drives it took for Denver to find the end zone Sunday. They didn't score a touchdown on their final nine possessions the week before, against Las Vegas.

A trip to Baltimore to face the Ravens (7-4).

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Whether or not there's a fissure in the Denver Broncos' locker room, there certainly is frustration.Russell Wilson and Mike Purcell were quick to dismiss their sideline spat Sunday as an emotional exchange between competitive personalities.“Frustration,’’ Purcell said, was the root of his brief blowup with Wilson during the Broncos’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-carolina-panthers-nfl-sports-brian-burns-346cfb79c461a1419c96cdcda8bb2985">23-10 loss</a>&nbsp;to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.Purcell had just been flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty during a 26-yard field goal by Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro early in the fourth quarter.As he retreated to the sideline, TV cameras captured him shouting at Wilson, who responded. Purcell spun around and starting shouting in Wilson's face before walking away in a huff.“Mike and I are on the same page,’’ Wilson said. “He came off after they kicked a field goal, he was (ticked) off. He just said, ‘We’ve got, we’ve got to effin’ go,’ and I agree. We’re on the same page — there’s no animosity there at all.“We’ve got to win," Wilson said. "... Those guys are out there battling every play, and offense, we’ve got to be able to capitalize. So, yeah, there’s nothing there at all, me and him — there’s nothing there.’’Which also aptly describes the Broncos' beleaguered offense that's averaging a league-low 14.2 points per game, negating a stingy defense that's allowing 17.6 points per game.Wilson arrived in Denver eight touchdown throws shy of 300 for his career, and it took him three months to reach the milestone, which he finally did Sunday with a 1-yard pass to rookie Brandon Johnson with 3:19 remaining.The Wilson-led offense is a reliable&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_Sam/status/1597032202575155200?s=20&amp;t=xBydWPZMJndiERG5YH3swg">trending topic</a>&nbsp;on Sundays as the former perennial Pro Bowler sinks to new lows in Denver.For instance, it was pointed out this weekend that Carson Wentz has two more TDs passing this season than Wilson does and he hasn't played since getting hurt Oct. 13.With seven losses in eight games, the Broncos (3-8) now have to win all of their remaining games to avoid a sixth straight losing season.A seventh consecutive season without a playoff berth is all but a certainty for a team that hasn't won a game on American soil since Week 3.And now comes the meat of Denver's schedule, beginning with a trip to Baltimore this weekend, followed by the first of two games against the Kansas City Chiefs, who haven't lost to the Broncos since Sept. 17, 2015.Despite the sideline spat and Wilson's doggedly stubborn slump, safety Justin Simmons said there's no division in the Broncos locker room.“I think the chemistry with this group is still great,’’ Simmons insisted. “I think when you put as much into it as you do week in and week out and you don’t get the results, it can be frustrating. So as frustrated as everyone is watching, you can imagine how guys are when they’re the ones out there trying to put in the work and try to win football games.“And some of that spills over."Embattled coach Nathaniel Hackett said Monday that he spoke with Purcell and Wilson and “everybody's good. ... it's an emotional game.”Hackett said appreciates the passion that Purcell showed Sunday.“I mean, you want every one of your football players to want to do anything to win and you want them to hold each other accountable. You want them to try to fire each other up,” Hackett said. “I've always believed it's a little different coming from a coach and then coming from a player.“I think whenever it comes from a player, those guys, that means a lot to them. So, I appreciate his passion and understand it. I just don't want him to get that personal foul in that situation. But besides that, I love when the guys are fired up.”WHAT’S WORKINGRB Latavius Murry rushed for 92 yards on 17 carries, including a 52-yard jaunt, in the Broncos' first game since waiving fumble-prone Melvin Gordon.WHAT NEEDS WORKAt this point, everything, including the defense, which is cracking under the weight of carrying the load all season.STOCK UPWRs Jerry Jeudy (ankle) and KJ Hamler (hamstring), who are showing by their absences how much the Broncos need them to have a fighting chance.STOCK DOWNGM George Paton. His 2023 first-round pick that he sent to Seattle in the Wilson trade is now a top-five selection.INJURIESFB Andrew Beck (hamstring) and LB Dakota Allen (hamstring) are day to day.KEY NUMBERS12 — Number of drives it took for Denver to find the end zone Sunday. They didn't score a touchdown on their final nine possessions the week before, against Las Vegas.WHAT’S NEXTA trip to Baltimore to face the Ravens (7-4).

🏈 Add sideline spat to Russell Wilson's lost season in Denver

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are signing two-time Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon to their practice squad, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press, adding some much-needed depth with a player that was recently released from the AFC West rival Denver Broncos.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the signing was not yet official.

Gordon was cut by the Broncos last week amid fumble problems that plagued the 2015 first-round pick during his time in Denver. While he ran for 318 yards and caught 25 passes for 223 yards in 10 starts, averaging 3.5 yards per carry, Gordon also fumbled five times in 10 games, including a costly one in a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

The fumble issues are not new. Gordon has lost the ball 26 times in 108 games, or about once in every four games.

The Chiefs were the perfect landing spot for him for a couple of reasons.

First, they still have to play the Broncos twice in their final six games, when they are trying to maintain their grasp on the AFC's top seed and lone playoff bye.

Whatever information Gordon can provide on new coach Nathaniel Hackett's system, and the rest of the struggling Broncos, will only help them down the stretch.

Second, the Chiefs were in need of some depth at running back with Clyde Edwards-Helaire out with a high ankle sprain.

Seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco had already surpassed Edwards-Helaire on the depth chart before the 2020 first-round pick landed on injured reserve. The Chiefs also have Jerick McKinnon, who is more threatening as a receiver than on the ground, and Ronald Jones II, who was active for the first time this season in Sunday's 26-10 win over the Rams.

Pacheco carried 22 times for 69 yards and a touchdown against the Rams. Jones had four carries for 12 yards.

“I think he ran hard. I think he had a lot of energy going,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Jones on Monday. “Everything was fast to him, but he was productive. He had some good, strong runs. He caught the ball well when he had the opportunity to do that, and had a big game there. I thought for the first time coming in he did well.”

Now he'll be pushed for playing time by Gordon, who will start off on the practice squad while he learns enough of the offense to contribute on game day.

That's unlikely to happen in time to face the Bengals on Sunday in Cincinnati, but it could be in time for their next game against — you guessed it — the Broncos in primetime on Dec. 11 in Denver.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are signing two-time Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon to their practice squad, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press, adding some much-needed depth with a player that was recently released from the AFC West rival Denver Broncos.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the signing was not yet official.Gordon was cut by the Broncos last week amid fumble problems that plagued the 2015 first-round pick during his time in Denver. While he ran for 318 yards and caught 25 passes for 223 yards in 10 starts, averaging 3.5 yards per carry, Gordon also fumbled five times in 10 games, including a costly one in a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.The fumble issues are not new. Gordon has lost the ball 26 times in 108 games, or about once in every four games.The Chiefs were the perfect landing spot for him for a couple of reasons.First, they still have to play the Broncos twice in their final six games, when they are trying to maintain their grasp on the AFC's top seed and lone playoff bye.Whatever information Gordon can provide on new coach Nathaniel Hackett's system, and the rest of the struggling Broncos, will only help them down the stretch.Second, the Chiefs were in need of some depth at running back with Clyde Edwards-Helaire out with a high ankle sprain.Seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco had already surpassed Edwards-Helaire on the depth chart before the 2020 first-round pick landed on injured reserve. The Chiefs also have Jerick McKinnon, who is more threatening as a receiver than on the ground, and Ronald Jones II, who was active for the first time this season in Sunday's 26-10 win over the Rams.Pacheco carried 22 times for 69 yards and a touchdown against the Rams. Jones had four carries for 12 yards.“I think he ran hard. I think he had a lot of energy going,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Jones on Monday. “Everything was fast to him, but he was productive. He had some good, strong runs. He caught the ball well when he had the opportunity to do that, and had a big game there. I thought for the first time coming in he did well.”Now he'll be pushed for playing time by Gordon, who will start off on the practice squad while he learns enough of the offense to contribute on game day.That's unlikely to happen in time to face the Bengals on Sunday in Cincinnati, but it could be in time for their next game against — you guessed it — the Broncos in primetime on Dec. 11 in Denver.

🏈 Chiefs adding ex-Broncos RB Melvin Gordon

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Senior Markquis Nowell was
selected as the Phillips 66 Big 12 Player of the Week on Monday afternoon after his MVP performance in helping Kansas State claim the 2022
Cayman Islands Classic last week.

Nowell earned MVP honors after helping K-State (6-0) win its
first in-season tournament since the 2018 Paradise Jam, as the Wildcats
defeated Rhode Island (77-57), Nevada (96-87 OT) and LSU (61-59) in the 3-game
tournament. He averaged 18.7 points on 45.2 percent (19-of-42) from the field,
including 31.3 percent (5-of-16) from 3-point range, with 9.0 assists and 3.7
rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game. 

In the wins against Rhode Island and Nevada, Nowell became
the first Wildcat to record double-digit assists in consecutive games, while he
became just the second player in school history and the first since 1989 to
post a 25-point/10-assist game with his 29-point, 11-assist performance in the
96-87 overtime win over the Wolf Pack. His 12 assists vs. the Rams tied for the
fourth-most in single game in school history and the most since Steve Henson
collected 12 assists against Oklahoma State on Feb. 25, 1989.

Nowell was part of the first Wildcat duo since 2010 to each
collect at least 25 points in a game, as he and fellow senior Keyontae
Johnson combined for 57 points in the win over Nevada. It marked just the
15th time in school history that two players scored 25 or more
points in the same game and the first time since Jacob Pullen (28) and Denis
Clemente (25) did it against Xavier on March 25, 2010.

Nowell finished with 29 points on 10-of-20 field goals,
including 2-of-7 from 3-point range, and 7-of-9 free throws and 11 assists in
41 minutes to become just the fifth Wildcat with a 20-point/10-assist game in
school history and the first since Angel Rodriguez had 21 points and 10
assists vs. TCU on March 5, 2013.

Nowell capped the tournament with a game-high 18 points
in the championship game win over LSU, as he helped the Wildcats rally from an
11-point second-half deficit. He finished 6-of-14 from the field, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range, and 4-of-4 free throws, to go
with 4 assists and 4 rebounds in 33 minutes. 

Nowell is the second Wildcat to earn a weekly honor after
Johnson was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week on Nov. 14. He is the first
Wildcat to be selected as the Big 12 Player of the Week since Nijel Pack
won the accolade for the second time in 2021-22 on Feb. 7, 2022. Overall, it
marks the school’s 32nd Player of the Week honor since the inception of the Big
12 in 1997, including the first under head coach Jerome Tang. It is the
fourth career weekly honor for Nowell, who was named the Sun Belt Conference
Player of the Week on Nov. 19, 2019, Dec. 3, 2019, and Feb. 3, 2020, while
playing at Little Rock.

A 5-foot-8, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., Nowell
is currently averaging 15.3 points on 42.2 percent (27-of-64) from the field,
including 37 percent (10-of-27) from 3-point range, and 84.8 percent (28-of-33)
from the free throw line to go along with a Big 12-best 7.8 assists, 2.3
rebounds and 2.0 steals in 32.0 minutes per game. He recently became just the
second active Division I player to total more than 1,000 points, 500 assists
and 200 steals.

K-State (6-0) returns to action on Wednesday night when they
travel to Indianapolis to take on Butler (4-3) in the BIG EAST/Big 12 Challenge
at 5:30 p.m., CT on FS1. The Wildcats begin a 3-game homestand on Saturday
night when they host in-state rival Wichita State at 8 p.m., CT on ESPNU.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669673877169.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – Senior Markquis Nowell was
selected as the Phillips 66 Big 12 Player of the Week on Monday afternoon after his MVP performance in helping Kansas State claim the 2022
Cayman Islands Classic last week.Nowell earned MVP honors after helping K-State (6-0) win its
first in-season tournament since the 2018 Paradise Jam, as the Wildcats
defeated Rhode Island (77-57), Nevada (96-87 OT) and LSU (61-59) in the 3-game
tournament. He averaged 18.7 points on 45.2 percent (19-of-42) from the field,
including 31.3 percent (5-of-16) from 3-point range, with 9.0 assists and 3.7
rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game. In the wins against Rhode Island and Nevada, Nowell became
the first Wildcat to record double-digit assists in consecutive games, while he
became just the second player in school history and the first since 1989 to
post a 25-point/10-assist game with his 29-point, 11-assist performance in the
96-87 overtime win over the Wolf Pack. His 12 assists vs. the Rams tied for the
fourth-most in single game in school history and the most since Steve Henson
collected 12 assists against Oklahoma State on Feb. 25, 1989.Nowell was part of the first Wildcat duo since 2010 to each
collect at least 25 points in a game, as he and fellow senior Keyontae
Johnson combined for 57 points in the win over Nevada. It marked just the
15th time in school history that two players scored 25 or more
points in the same game and the first time since Jacob Pullen (28) and Denis
Clemente (25) did it against Xavier on March 25, 2010.Nowell finished with 29 points on 10-of-20 field goals,
including 2-of-7 from 3-point range, and 7-of-9 free throws and 11 assists in
41 minutes to become just the fifth Wildcat with a 20-point/10-assist game in
school history and the first since Angel Rodriguez had 21 points and 10
assists vs. TCU on March 5, 2013.Nowell capped the tournament with a game-high 18 points
in the championship game win over LSU, as he helped the Wildcats rally from an
11-point second-half deficit. He finished 6-of-14 from the field, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range, and 4-of-4 free throws, to go
with 4 assists and 4 rebounds in 33 minutes. Nowell is the second Wildcat to earn a weekly honor after
Johnson was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week on Nov. 14. He is the first
Wildcat to be selected as the Big 12 Player of the Week since Nijel Pack
won the accolade for the second time in 2021-22 on Feb. 7, 2022. Overall, it
marks the school’s 32nd Player of the Week honor since the inception of the Big
12 in 1997, including the first under head coach Jerome Tang. It is the
fourth career weekly honor for Nowell, who was named the Sun Belt Conference
Player of the Week on Nov. 19, 2019, Dec. 3, 2019, and Feb. 3, 2020, while
playing at Little Rock.A 5-foot-8, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., Nowell
is currently averaging 15.3 points on 42.2 percent (27-of-64) from the field,
including 37 percent (10-of-27) from 3-point range, and 84.8 percent (28-of-33)
from the free throw line to go along with a Big 12-best 7.8 assists, 2.3
rebounds and 2.0 steals in 32.0 minutes per game. He recently became just the
second active Division I player to total more than 1,000 points, 500 assists
and 200 steals.K-State (6-0) returns to action on Wednesday night when they
travel to Indianapolis to take on Butler (4-3) in the BIG EAST/Big 12 Challenge
at 5:30 p.m., CT on FS1. The Wildcats begin a 3-game homestand on Saturday
night when they host in-state rival Wichita State at 8 p.m., CT on ESPNU.&nbsp;

🏀 K-State's Nowell selected Big 12 Player of the Week

Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State women's basketball coach Tony Hobson and men's coach Mark Johnson.

Tiger Talk airs Monday at noon on KAYS (94.3/1400) live from Big Smoke Barbecue in Hays.

Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State women's basketball coach Tony Hobson and men's coach Mark Johnson.Tiger Talk airs Monday at noon on KAYS (94.3/1400) live from Big Smoke Barbecue in Hays.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Nov. 28, 2022)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3rhvq-13269a8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (Nov. 28, 2022)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 320 yards and a touchdown, Isiah Pacheco ran for a score, and the Kansas City Chiefs slogged their way to a 26-10 victory over the beat-up Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Mahomes eclipsed 300 yards passing for the sixth straight game, and he ran his streak with a TD pass to 16, but the Chiefs (9-2) also squandered plenty of scoring opportunities. Mahomes was intercepted in the end zone in the fourth quarter, and Harrison Butker was called upon to kick four chipshot field goals when drives stalled.

It didn't matter against the Rams, who have lost five straight for the first time under Sean McVay.

Playing without Matthew Stafford, who remained in the concussion protocol, the Rams (3-8) struggled to move the chains behind Bryce Perkins, a career backup making his first start. He made a couple of nice plays with his legs but threw for just 100 yards with a touchdown pass and two interceptions.

The Rams' losing streak and their record through 11 games matches the 1987 Giants for the worst among defending Super Bowl champs, though New York's dismal start came amid a strike resulting in the use of replacement players.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs have won six the seven against Los Angeles, and they exacted some revenge for that lone defeat, when then-Rams quarterback Jared Goff threw a late TD pass to win a 54-51 thriller in November 2018.

The Rams certainly looked like a team playing without its starting quarterback, top two wide receivers and two starting offensive linemen — all out with injuries Sunday. They scrapped just to get positive yardage on every snap, and that's only when they managed to get the play off in time or didn't have to waste a timeout.

The Chiefs didn't penalize them early for their many miscues, though defensive tackle Chris Jones did pick up his 10th sack of the season, triggering a $1.25 million incentive. Kansas City instead marched methodically down field only to twice settle for field goals, leaving the woebegone Rams surprisingly within 13-3 lead at intermission.

The Chiefs had 277 yards of offense at that point. Los Angeles had 75.

Any hope the Rams had evaporated on the first two possessions of the second half, when they went three-and-out and Mahomes and Co. answered with a 71-yard scoring march. And this time, rather than the drive fizzling and Harrison Butker swinging his leg, Pacheco bulldozed into the end zone from 3 yards out to give Kansas City a 20-3 lead.

The Rams finally reached the end zone in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs added two field goals to put the game away.

Rams: OLs Brian Allen (thumb) and Ty Nsekhe (ankle) along with WR Allen Robinson II (ankle) were inactive. ... WR Lance McCutcheon (shoulder) left in the fourth quarter.

Chiefs: RG Joe Thuney (ankle) was inactive, ending his streak of 107 consecutive starts. FS Juan Thornhill (calf) also was inactive. ... CB L'Jarius Sneed cleared the concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head in the second quarter.

The Rams play Seattle next Sunday to begin a two-game homestand.

The Chiefs visit Cincinnati on Sunday for the first of three straight road games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669596823728.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce scores a touchdown vs. the Los Angeles Rams Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce scores a touchdown vs. the Los Angeles Rams Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 320 yards and a touchdown, Isiah Pacheco ran for a score, and the Kansas City Chiefs slogged their way to a 26-10 victory over the beat-up Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.Mahomes eclipsed 300 yards passing for the sixth straight game, and he ran his streak with a TD pass to 16, but the Chiefs (9-2) also squandered plenty of scoring opportunities. Mahomes was intercepted in the end zone in the fourth quarter, and Harrison Butker was called upon to kick four chipshot field goals when drives stalled.It didn't matter against the Rams, who have lost five straight for the first time under Sean McVay.Playing without Matthew Stafford, who remained in the concussion protocol, the Rams (3-8) struggled to move the chains behind Bryce Perkins, a career backup making his first start. He made a couple of nice plays with his legs but threw for just 100 yards with a touchdown pass and two interceptions.The Rams' losing streak and their record through 11 games matches the 1987 Giants for the worst among defending Super Bowl champs, though New York's dismal start came amid a strike resulting in the use of replacement players.Meanwhile, the Chiefs have won six the seven against Los Angeles, and they exacted some revenge for that lone defeat, when then-Rams quarterback Jared Goff threw a late TD pass to win a 54-51 thriller in November 2018.The Rams certainly looked like a team playing without its starting quarterback, top two wide receivers and two starting offensive linemen — all out with injuries Sunday. They scrapped just to get positive yardage on every snap, and that's only when they managed to get the play off in time or didn't have to waste a timeout.The Chiefs didn't penalize them early for their many miscues, though defensive tackle Chris Jones did pick up his 10th sack of the season, triggering a $1.25 million incentive. Kansas City instead marched methodically down field only to twice settle for field goals, leaving the woebegone Rams surprisingly within 13-3 lead at intermission.The Chiefs had 277 yards of offense at that point. Los Angeles had 75.Any hope the Rams had evaporated on the first two possessions of the second half, when they went three-and-out and Mahomes and Co. answered with a 71-yard scoring march. And this time, rather than the drive fizzling and Harrison Butker swinging his leg, Pacheco bulldozed into the end zone from 3 yards out to give Kansas City a 20-3 lead.The Rams finally reached the end zone in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs added two field goals to put the game away.INJURIESRams: OLs Brian Allen (thumb) and Ty Nsekhe (ankle) along with WR Allen Robinson II (ankle) were inactive. ... WR Lance McCutcheon (shoulder) left in the fourth quarter.Chiefs: RG Joe Thuney (ankle) was inactive, ending his streak of 107 consecutive starts. FS Juan Thornhill (calf) also was inactive. ... CB L'Jarius Sneed cleared the concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head in the second quarter.UP NEXTThe Rams play Seattle next Sunday to begin a two-game homestand.The Chiefs visit Cincinnati on Sunday for the first of three straight road games.

🏈 Chiefs slog their way past beat-up Rams

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for a touchdown and recovered his own fumble for another score in his first game of the season, helping the Carolina Panthers beat the Denver Broncos 23-10 on Sunday.

Making his first start since Week 18 last year, Darnold completed 11 of 19 passes for 164 yards without a turnover. He is the third QB to start this season for the Panthers (4-8), joining Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker.

Darnold got help from D’Onta Foreman, who ran for 113 yards on 24 carries, and receiver D.J. Moore, who broke out of a midseason slump with four catches for 103 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown.

The Panthers limited Russell Wilson to 19 of 35 passing for 142 yards and sacked him three times, sending the Broncos (3-8) to their seventh loss in eight games. Pro Bowl defensive end Brian Burns had two sacks of Wilson, including a forced fumble, and he tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage to end another drive.

The Panthers used the running game to set up play-action passes, including on Darnold's TD toss to Moore, which gave Carolina a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

The Panthers led 10-3 at the half when Darnold drove the Panthers to the Broncos' doorstep and scored an unusual 1-yard touchdown.

After faking a handoff from the 2, Darnold made a move toward the end zone and was stripped of the ball. But the QB alertly picked up the ball and then rolled into the end zone untouched for a 17-3 lead.

The Panthers put the game away early in the fourth quarter when Darnold hit Moore in stride on a 52-yard bomb along the right sideline, setting up a 26-yard field goal by Eddy Pineiro.

Denver came in with the worst scoring offense in the league and didn't find the end zone until a 1-yard TD pass by Wilson with 3:24 left in the game, a performance sure to turn up the heat even more on embattled first-year coach Nathaniel Hackett. Latavius Murray ran for 92 yards for the Broncos.

The Broncos and Panthers came in as the league's worst two teams at converting third downs and nothing changed there. Carolina was 2 of 12 on third down and Denver was 4 of 14.

Panthers: Safety Xavier Woods left with a knee injury.

Panthers: After a bye, visit Seattle on Dec. 11.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669596321468.jpeg" alt="AP photo" />
 <figcaption>AP photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for a touchdown and recovered his own fumble for another score in his first game of the season, helping the Carolina Panthers beat the Denver Broncos 23-10 on Sunday.Making his first start since Week 18 last year, Darnold completed 11 of 19 passes for 164 yards without a turnover. He is the third QB to start this season for the Panthers (4-8), joining Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker.Darnold got help from D’Onta Foreman, who ran for 113 yards on 24 carries, and receiver D.J. Moore, who broke out of a midseason slump with four catches for 103 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown.The Panthers limited Russell Wilson to 19 of 35 passing for 142 yards and sacked him three times, sending the Broncos (3-8) to their seventh loss in eight games. Pro Bowl defensive end Brian Burns had two sacks of Wilson, including a forced fumble, and he tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage to end another drive.The Panthers used the running game to set up play-action passes, including on Darnold's TD toss to Moore, which gave Carolina a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.The Panthers led 10-3 at the half when Darnold drove the Panthers to the Broncos' doorstep and scored an unusual 1-yard touchdown.After faking a handoff from the 2, Darnold made a move toward the end zone and was stripped of the ball. But the QB alertly picked up the ball and then rolled into the end zone untouched for a 17-3 lead.The Panthers put the game away early in the fourth quarter when Darnold hit Moore in stride on a 52-yard bomb along the right sideline, setting up a 26-yard field goal by Eddy Pineiro.Denver came in with the worst scoring offense in the league and didn't find the end zone until a 1-yard TD pass by Wilson with 3:24 left in the game, a performance sure to turn up the heat even more on embattled first-year coach Nathaniel Hackett. Latavius Murray ran for 92 yards for the Broncos.The Broncos and Panthers came in as the league's worst two teams at converting third downs and nothing changed there. Carolina was 2 of 12 on third down and Denver was 4 of 14.INJURIESPanthers: Safety Xavier Woods left with a knee injury.UP NEXTBroncos: At Baltimore on Sunday.Panthers: After a bye, visit Seattle on Dec. 11.

🏈 Broncos woes continue, lose to Panthers

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22RALPH%20D.%20RUSSO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>Michigan moved up to No. 2 in The Associated Press college football poll Sunday, with TCU at No. 3 and Southern California at No. 4 behind top-ranked Georgia after four top-10 teams lost on the final day of regular-season games.

The Bulldogs (12-0) are No. 1 for the eighth straight week and 11th time this season in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">AP Top 25 presented by Regions Bank</a>. Georgia received 58 first-place votes and Michigan received the other five.

The Wolverines (12-0) reached a season-high No. 2 after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-michigan-ohio-state-buckeyes-wolverines-63c6b9763cbb39b88bbfeb22c458463f">beating Ohio State</a>, which dropped the Buckeyes three spots to No. 5.

TCU (12-0) has its highest ranking since reaching No. 2 in the 2015 season, and USC (11-1) has its best ranking this late in the season since finishing the 2016 season at No. 3.

Other top-10 teams to fall were LSU, Clemson and Oregon.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-texas-georgia-bulldogs-louisiana-state-tigers-54c4c3270dff24d3bf5a677c54797eda">LSU's loss to Texas A&amp;M</a>&nbsp;dropped those Tigers five spots to No. 11.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-tennessee-clemson-tigers-south-carolina-7da4e99af7e2207584b269700c2ff20b">Clemson's loss to South Carolina</a>&nbsp;sent it falling three spots to No. 10 The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-oregon-ducks-bo-nix-corvallis-304c87dece73651facc882fcd4cbd6a4">Ducks' fourth-quarter collapse against Oregon State</a>&nbsp;cost Oregon a spot in the Pac-12 title game and five spots in the poll, where it fell to No. 15.

Alabama was No. 6, just ahead of Tennessee, which beat the Crimson Tide on a last-second field goal at home earlier this season.

No. 8 Penn State and No. 9 Washington both have their best rankings of the season. The Huskies haven't been in the top 10 since the 2018 season, when they peaked at No. 6.

This was the eighth regular-season week since 2017 where four top-10 teams lost, including the second this season. Three of those weeks occurred in 2017.

The last time five or more top-10 teams lost in the same regular-season week was 2016. The week of Nov. 12, 2016, five top-10 teams lost, all to unranked opponents.

The results: Iowa 14, No. 2 Michigan 13; Pittsburgh 43, No. 3 Clemson 42; USC 26, No. 4 Washington 13; Georgia 13, No. 8 Auburn 7; and Mississippi 29, No. 10 Texas A&amp;M 28.

— No. 23 UTSA (10-2) made its season debut in the AP Top 25. The Roadrunners reached the rankings last year for the first time in the short history of the program.

Texas-San Antonio became an FBS school in 2012. The defending Conference USA champions peaked at No. 15 last season and will head into a second straight C-USA title game ranked.

— No. 20 South Carolina (8-4) is back in the rankings after its second straight upset of a top-10 team. The Gamecocks beat Clemson on Saturday after taking down Tennessee last week. South Carolina was ranked for one week in October, but then immediately lost to Missouri.

— No. 25 Mississippi State (8-4) returned to the rankings for the second time this season.

— Mississippi (8-4) fell out of the rankings for the first time this season. The Rebels reached No. 7 after starting 7-0 but finished the season losing four of five.

— Cincinnati (9-3) is out again. The Bearcats have bounced in and out for most of the season. Losing to Tulane on Friday dropped them out again.

— Coastal Carolina (9-2) dropped out after being routed by James Madison but still has a spot in the Sun Belt championship game next week.

Pac-12 — 6 (Nos. 4, 9, 12, 15, 16, 17).

Championship week features matchup of ranked teams in five conferences:

— No. 11 LSU vs. No. 1 Georgia, Southeastern Conference championship.

— No. 3 TCU vs. No. 13 Kansas State, Big 12 championship.

— No. 4 USC vs. No. 12 Utah, Pac-12 championship.

— No. 10 Clemson vs. No. 24 North Carolina, Atlantic Coast Conference championship.

— No. 18 Tulane vs. No. 22 UCF, American Athletic Conference championship.

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22RALPH%20D.%20RUSSO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>Michigan moved up to No. 2 in The Associated Press college football poll Sunday, with TCU at No. 3 and Southern California at No. 4 behind top-ranked Georgia after four top-10 teams lost on the final day of regular-season games.The Bulldogs (12-0) are No. 1 for the eighth straight week and 11th time this season in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">AP Top 25 presented by Regions Bank</a>. Georgia received 58 first-place votes and Michigan received the other five.The Wolverines (12-0) reached a season-high No. 2 after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-michigan-ohio-state-buckeyes-wolverines-63c6b9763cbb39b88bbfeb22c458463f">beating Ohio State</a>, which dropped the Buckeyes three spots to No. 5.TCU (12-0) has its highest ranking since reaching No. 2 in the 2015 season, and USC (11-1) has its best ranking this late in the season since finishing the 2016 season at No. 3.Other top-10 teams to fall were LSU, Clemson and Oregon.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-texas-georgia-bulldogs-louisiana-state-tigers-54c4c3270dff24d3bf5a677c54797eda">LSU's loss to Texas A&amp;M</a>&nbsp;dropped those Tigers five spots to No. 11.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-tennessee-clemson-tigers-south-carolina-7da4e99af7e2207584b269700c2ff20b">Clemson's loss to South Carolina</a>&nbsp;sent it falling three spots to No. 10 The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-oregon-ducks-bo-nix-corvallis-304c87dece73651facc882fcd4cbd6a4">Ducks' fourth-quarter collapse against Oregon State</a>&nbsp;cost Oregon a spot in the Pac-12 title game and five spots in the poll, where it fell to No. 15.Alabama was No. 6, just ahead of Tennessee, which beat the Crimson Tide on a last-second field goal at home earlier this season.No. 8 Penn State and No. 9 Washington both have their best rankings of the season. The Huskies haven't been in the top 10 since the 2018 season, when they peaked at No. 6.POLL POINTSThis was the eighth regular-season week since 2017 where four top-10 teams lost, including the second this season. Three of those weeks occurred in 2017.The last time five or more top-10 teams lost in the same regular-season week was 2016. The week of Nov. 12, 2016, five top-10 teams lost, all to unranked opponents.The results: Iowa 14, No. 2 Michigan 13; Pittsburgh 43, No. 3 Clemson 42; USC 26, No. 4 Washington 13; Georgia 13, No. 8 Auburn 7; and Mississippi 29, No. 10 Texas A&amp;M 28.IN— No. 23 UTSA (10-2) made its season debut in the AP Top 25. The Roadrunners reached the rankings last year for the first time in the short history of the program.Texas-San Antonio became an FBS school in 2012. The defending Conference USA champions peaked at No. 15 last season and will head into a second straight C-USA title game ranked.— No. 20 South Carolina (8-4) is back in the rankings after its second straight upset of a top-10 team. The Gamecocks beat Clemson on Saturday after taking down Tennessee last week. South Carolina was ranked for one week in October, but then immediately lost to Missouri.— No. 25 Mississippi State (8-4) returned to the rankings for the second time this season.OUT— Mississippi (8-4) fell out of the rankings for the first time this season. The Rebels reached No. 7 after starting 7-0 but finished the season losing four of five.— Cincinnati (9-3) is out again. The Bearcats have bounced in and out for most of the season. Losing to Tulane on Friday dropped them out again.— Coastal Carolina (9-2) dropped out after being routed by James Madison but still has a spot in the Sun Belt championship game next week.CONFERENCE CALLPac-12 — 6 (Nos. 4, 9, 12, 15, 16, 17).SEC — 6 (Nos. 1, 6, 7, 11, 20, 25).ACC — 3 (Nos. 10, 14, 24).Big Ten — 3 (Nos. 2, 5, 8).Big 12 — 3 (Nos. 3, 13, 21).American — 2 (Nos. 18, 22).Conference USA — 1 (No. 23).Independent — 1 (No. 19).RANKED vs. RANKEDChampionship week features matchup of ranked teams in five conferences:— No. 11 LSU vs. No. 1 Georgia, Southeastern Conference championship.— No. 3 TCU vs. No. 13 Kansas State, Big 12 championship.— No. 4 USC vs. No. 12 Utah, Pac-12 championship.— No. 10 Clemson vs. No. 24 North Carolina, Atlantic Coast Conference championship.— No. 18 Tulane vs. No. 22 UCF, American Athletic Conference championship.

🏈 K-State up to No. 13 in latest AP poll

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard threw for 213 yards and two touchdowns, Deuce Vaughn ran for 147 yards and a score, and No. 15 Kansas State pounded Kansas 47-27 on Saturday night to earn a shot at payback against TCU in the Big 12 championship game.

Malik Knowles added a pair of touchdown runs, and Philip Brooks and Sammy Wheeler also reached the end zone, as the Wildcats (9-3, 7-2, No. 12 CFP) beat their biggest rival for the 14th straight time in a game they needed to win.

Kansas State blew a 28-10 lead and lost 38-28 to the Horned Frogs during the regular season. Now, they'll face each other again on Dec. 3 at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with a College Football Playoff spot likely on the line for TCU.

It will be the first time the Wildcats play in the Big 12 title game, which went on hiatus from 2010-17, since toppling then-No. 1 Oklahoma in 2003 during Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder's first tenure. The Horned Frogs were beaten by the Sooners in their only previous appearance in the 2017 championship game.

Jalon Daniels threw for 168 yards while running for a touchdown, and Devin Neal also had two TD runs, as the Jayhawks — bowl-bound for the first time since 2008 — finished the regular season by losing six of their final seven games.

Kansas (6-6, 3-6) made enough mistakes in the first quarter alone Saturday night to fill an entire game.

The result was a hole it could never escape.

The trouble began when O.J. Burroughs muffed a punt after a nice stand by the Jayhawks' defense, and Knowles needed one play to scoot in from the 5 for a touchdown. And after Kansas answered with a 75-yard scoring drive, its defense blew the coverage on Wheeler on a 42-yard touchdown pass.

On the ensuing kickoff, Trevor Wilson was mobbed at the 10-yard line, and another penalty on the return buried the Kansas offense. On third down, Bryce Cabeldue was called for holding in the end zone to give Kansas State a safety.

After the free kick, the Wildcats cruised to the end zone again for a 23-7 lead after one quarter.

The game soon turned into a track meet: Kansas marched through a suddenly driving rainstorm for two quick touchdowns around another score by the Wildcats, leaving them with a 30-21 advantage heading into the break.

Another major mistake by Kansas — a fumble by Torry Locklin in the third quarter — gave the Wildcats another short field, and Vaughn carried eight times on a nine-play drive before finding the end zone and putting the game out of reach.

Kansas has earned a reputation under Lance Leipold for playing mistake-free football, yet a multitude of mistakes on both sides of the ball gave the Wildcats more opportunities than they needed to hold onto the Governor's Cup.

Kansas State has struggled defensively the past two weeks, giving up 31 points to West Virginia before coughing up plenty of yards against the Jayhawks. Joe Klanderman's bunch will need to do better against the Horned Frogs.

The Wildcats have a week to prepare for TCU while Kansas awaits its bowl destination.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669527655669.jpeg" alt="Deuce Vaughn scores a touchdown vs. Kansas Saturday night at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Deuce Vaughn scores a touchdown vs. Kansas Saturday night at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard threw for 213 yards and two touchdowns, Deuce Vaughn ran for 147 yards and a score, and No. 15 Kansas State pounded Kansas 47-27 on Saturday night to earn a shot at payback against TCU in the Big 12 championship game.Malik Knowles added a pair of touchdown runs, and Philip Brooks and Sammy Wheeler also reached the end zone, as the Wildcats (9-3, 7-2, No. 12 CFP) beat their biggest rival for the 14th straight time in a game they needed to win.Kansas State blew a 28-10 lead and lost 38-28 to the Horned Frogs during the regular season. Now, they'll face each other again on Dec. 3 at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with a College Football Playoff spot likely on the line for TCU.It will be the first time the Wildcats play in the Big 12 title game, which went on hiatus from 2010-17, since toppling then-No. 1 Oklahoma in 2003 during Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder's first tenure. The Horned Frogs were beaten by the Sooners in their only previous appearance in the 2017 championship game.Jalon Daniels threw for 168 yards while running for a touchdown, and Devin Neal also had two TD runs, as the Jayhawks — bowl-bound for the first time since 2008 — finished the regular season by losing six of their final seven games.Kansas (6-6, 3-6) made enough mistakes in the first quarter alone Saturday night to fill an entire game.The result was a hole it could never escape.The trouble began when O.J. Burroughs muffed a punt after a nice stand by the Jayhawks' defense, and Knowles needed one play to scoot in from the 5 for a touchdown. And after Kansas answered with a 75-yard scoring drive, its defense blew the coverage on Wheeler on a 42-yard touchdown pass.On the ensuing kickoff, Trevor Wilson was mobbed at the 10-yard line, and another penalty on the return buried the Kansas offense. On third down, Bryce Cabeldue was called for holding in the end zone to give Kansas State a safety.After the free kick, the Wildcats cruised to the end zone again for a 23-7 lead after one quarter.The game soon turned into a track meet: Kansas marched through a suddenly driving rainstorm for two quick touchdowns around another score by the Wildcats, leaving them with a 30-21 advantage heading into the break.Another major mistake by Kansas — a fumble by Torry Locklin in the third quarter — gave the Wildcats another short field, and Vaughn carried eight times on a nine-play drive before finding the end zone and putting the game out of reach.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669524694825.jpeg" alt="Devin Neal rushed for two touchdowns vs. Kansas State Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Devin Neal rushed for two touchdowns vs. Kansas State Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>THE TAKEAWAYKansas has earned a reputation under Lance Leipold for playing mistake-free football, yet a multitude of mistakes on both sides of the ball gave the Wildcats more opportunities than they needed to hold onto the Governor's Cup.Kansas State has struggled defensively the past two weeks, giving up 31 points to West Virginia before coughing up plenty of yards against the Jayhawks. Joe Klanderman's bunch will need to do better against the Horned Frogs.UP NEXTThe Wildcats have a week to prepare for TCU while Kansas awaits its bowl destination.

🏈 No. 15 K-State  beats Kansas to earn Big 12 title shot

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

HAYS - Fort Hays State hit a season-high 12 three-pointers and shot over 59-percent from the floor and beat Manhattan Christian College 95-40 Saturday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers have won five-straight to close out non-conference play 5-1.

FHSU scored 17-straight points to open the game, holding the Thunder scoreless for the first 6:32. Kaleb Hammeke scored&nbsp;10 of the 17 and finished with a game-high 22 points. He also dished out a team-high seven assists in the game.

The Tigers built the lead to 31 on a Jaheim Holden 3-pointer with 7:51 in the first half and were up 28 at halftime. The Tiger lead grew to 40 when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/haggan-hilgendorf/6900">Haggan Hilgendorf</a>&nbsp;buried one of his career-high four 3-pointers&nbsp; with 7:50 to go. The Hastings, Nebraska sophomore scored a career-high 15. Gilbert Peters added 10 points on&nbsp;4-of-4 shooting and 2-of-2 at the free-throw line.&nbsp;

FHSU outrebounded MCC 42-27 and finished at 59.4 percent from the field, going exactly 19-of-32 from the field in each half, and 50 percent beyond the 3-point line (12-of-24). Traymont Lindsey and Jamie Juncal led Manhattan Christian with eight points each. The Thunder shot just 28.8 percent from the field.

The Tigers open MIAA play next week when they host Northeastern State on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669521934690.jpeg" alt="Haggan&nbsp; Hilgendorf attempts a 3-points vs. Manhattan Christian College Saturday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Haggan&nbsp; Hilgendorf attempts a 3-points vs. Manhattan Christian College Saturday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS - Fort Hays State hit a season-high 12 three-pointers and shot over 59-percent from the floor and beat Manhattan Christian College 95-40 Saturday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers have won five-straight to close out non-conference play 5-1.FHSU scored 17-straight points to open the game, holding the Thunder scoreless for the first 6:32. Kaleb Hammeke scored&nbsp;10 of the 17 and finished with a game-high 22 points. He also dished out a team-high seven assists in the game.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1391203648&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/11-26-22-fhsu-johnson-post-int" title="Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Manhattan Christian (Nov. 26, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Manhattan Christian (Nov. 26, 2022)</a></div></div>The Tigers built the lead to 31 on a Jaheim Holden 3-pointer with 7:51 in the first half and were up 28 at halftime. The Tiger lead grew to 40 when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/haggan-hilgendorf/6900">Haggan Hilgendorf</a>&nbsp;buried one of his career-high four 3-pointers&nbsp; with 7:50 to go. The Hastings, Nebraska sophomore scored a career-high 15. Gilbert Peters added 10 points on&nbsp;4-of-4 shooting and 2-of-2 at the free-throw line.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1391203612&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/11-26-22-fhsu-men-highlights" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Manhattan Christian (Nov. 26, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Manhattan Christian (Nov. 26, 2022)</a></div></div>FHSU outrebounded MCC 42-27 and finished at 59.4 percent from the field, going exactly 19-of-32 from the field in each half, and 50 percent beyond the 3-point line (12-of-24). Traymont Lindsey and Jamie Juncal led Manhattan Christian with eight points each. The Thunder shot just 28.8 percent from the field.UP NEXTThe Tigers open MIAA play next week when they host Northeastern State on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.

🏀 Tigers cruise past Manhattan Christian for fifth-straight win

HAYS - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team forced a season-high 22 turnovers and had eight players score five or more points adn beat Tabor College 65-51 win over Tabor College Saturday evening at Gross Memorial Coliseum.&nbsp;

The 23rd-ranked Tigers (4-3) scored the first 13 points, holding the Bluejays (4-3) scoreless for more than seven minutes to start the game. Fort Hays State led by as many as 17 in the first. Tabor outscored FHSU 19-16 in the second to close within 35-23 at halftime.

The Bluejays used a 14-4 run that spanned the final 35 seconds of the first half and the first six minutes of the second half to pull within six at 39-33 with 4:04 in the third but the Tigers scored the next nine to push the lead back to 15. It was part of a bigger 16-2 run that saw the lead grow to 20. The Tigers later led by as many as 24 following buckets from Kia Wilson and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/clary-donica/6854">Clary Donica</a>&nbsp;before Tabor closed the game on a 13-3 run.

Fort Hays State turned the 22 Tabor turnovers into 24 points while converting on 13 offensive rebounds to 13 second-chance points. The Tigers dished out a season-high 22 assists on their 30 made buckets, including five each from Brooke Loewe and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>. Katie Wagner led the team with 16 points with Wilson, Donica and Olivia Hollenbeck all scoring eight points each.&nbsp;

The Tigers continue their five-game home stand and open MIAA play on Thursday when FHSU hosts Northeastern State beginning at 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669520587208.jpeg" alt="Kia Wilson attempts a layup vs. Tabor College Saturday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kia Wilson attempts a layup vs. Tabor College Saturday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team forced a season-high 22 turnovers and had eight players score five or more points adn beat Tabor College 65-51 win over Tabor College Saturday evening at Gross Memorial Coliseum.&nbsp;The 23rd-ranked Tigers (4-3) scored the first 13 points, holding the Bluejays (4-3) scoreless for more than seven minutes to start the game. Fort Hays State led by as many as 17 in the first. Tabor outscored FHSU 19-16 in the second to close within 35-23 at halftime.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1391203510&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/11-26-22-fhsu-hobson-post-int" title="Tony Hobson Postgame vs. Tabor College (Nov. 26, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tony Hobson Postgame vs. Tabor College (Nov. 26, 2022)</a></div></div>The Bluejays used a 14-4 run that spanned the final 35 seconds of the first half and the first six minutes of the second half to pull within six at 39-33 with 4:04 in the third but the Tigers scored the next nine to push the lead back to 15. It was part of a bigger 16-2 run that saw the lead grow to 20. The Tigers later led by as many as 24 following buckets from Kia Wilson and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/clary-donica/6854">Clary Donica</a>&nbsp;before Tabor closed the game on a 13-3 run.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1391203510&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/11-26-22-fhsu-hobson-post-int" title="Tony Hobson Postgame vs. Tabor College (Nov. 26, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tony Hobson Postgame vs. Tabor College (Nov. 26, 2022)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State turned the 22 Tabor turnovers into 24 points while converting on 13 offensive rebounds to 13 second-chance points. The Tigers dished out a season-high 22 assists on their 30 made buckets, including five each from Brooke Loewe and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>. Katie Wagner led the team with 16 points with Wilson, Donica and Olivia Hollenbeck all scoring eight points each.&nbsp;UP NEXTThe Tigers continue their five-game home stand and open MIAA play on Thursday when FHSU hosts Northeastern State beginning at 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Balanced attack leads No. 23 FHSU women past Tabor College

Manhattan Christian (4-2) at Fort Hays State (4-1) Saturday, November 26 – 7 PM Hays, Kan. – Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Riverside Chiropractic National Anthem:&nbsp;FHSU Pep Band Promotion:&nbsp;Toys for Tots Stuffed Animal Toss - Bring a stuffed animal to toss at halftime of the men's game, and get a $5 GA ticket. Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> The Fort Hays State men will reach the end of their non-conference schedule on Saturday (Nov. 26) when they host Manhattan Christian College. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum, which follows the women's contest against Tabor College at 5 p.m. FHSU enters at 4-1 on the season, while Manhattan Christian is 4-2 on the season, but will claim this contest as an exhibition. The Tigers more than doubled up Central Christian in their last outing, winning 65-32 on Tuesday. FHSU held Central Christian to 10 first-half points and held a 25-point halftime lead before winning by 33.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;reached double figures with 10 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/traejon-davis/6896">Traejon Davis</a>&nbsp;had a career-high 11 rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jaheim-holden/6906">Jaheim Holden</a>&nbsp;joined Hammeke for top assist honors in the game, each with five. The Tigers have won four straight after dropping the season opener at Southwestern Oklahoma State. The streak includes a pair of wins over Division II opponents and a pair of wins over NAIA opponents. Manhattan Christian is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). FHSU will start its 22-game MIAA schedule next week with Northeastern State and Rogers State in Hays. After finishing second in Division II in scoring defense last year, the Tigers are near the top of the list again through five games this season. FHSU has held opponents inside 60 points in four of five games this season. The only contest it did not was the 68-66 win over MSU Denver last Sunday. FHSU currently ranks fourth in NCAA Division II for scoring defense, allowing just 53 points per game. Holding opponents to a low shooting percentage has been a big part of the defensive effort for FHSU The Tigers are holding the opposition to just 33.7 percent shooting from the field so far, which is also fourth-best in Division II. On the offensive end of the floor, the Tigers are shooting free throws well as a team. FHSU ranks fifth in Division II for free-throw percentage as a team, currently hitting at an 84.6 percent clip. Four Tigers are still perfect at the line this season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;leads the scoring effort for FHSU at 14.0 points per game, and he is the top assister at 4.0 per game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/iyen-enaruna/6907">Iyen Enaruna</a>&nbsp;(5.8) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gabe-pieschl/6904">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;(5.4) are each averaging more than five rebounds per game. Manhattan Christian has played two NCAA Division II schools in exhibition this season. They fell to Nebraska-Kearney 89-54 on November 15 and Northwestern Oklahoma State 103-54 on November 22. Both of those contests, like the upcoming game with FHSU, were exhibitions for MCC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669426104733.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsManhattan Christian (4-2) at Fort Hays State (4-1) Saturday, November 26 – 7 PM Hays, Kan. – Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Riverside Chiropractic National Anthem:&nbsp;FHSU Pep Band Promotion:&nbsp;Toys for Tots Stuffed Animal Toss - Bring a stuffed animal to toss at halftime of the men's game, and get a $5 GA ticket. Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> The Fort Hays State men will reach the end of their non-conference schedule on Saturday (Nov. 26) when they host Manhattan Christian College. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum, which follows the women's contest against Tabor College at 5 p.m. FHSU enters at 4-1 on the season, while Manhattan Christian is 4-2 on the season, but will claim this contest as an exhibition. The Tigers more than doubled up Central Christian in their last outing, winning 65-32 on Tuesday. FHSU held Central Christian to 10 first-half points and held a 25-point halftime lead before winning by 33.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;reached double figures with 10 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/traejon-davis/6896">Traejon Davis</a>&nbsp;had a career-high 11 rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jaheim-holden/6906">Jaheim Holden</a>&nbsp;joined Hammeke for top assist honors in the game, each with five. The Tigers have won four straight after dropping the season opener at Southwestern Oklahoma State. The streak includes a pair of wins over Division II opponents and a pair of wins over NAIA opponents. Manhattan Christian is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). FHSU will start its 22-game MIAA schedule next week with Northeastern State and Rogers State in Hays. After finishing second in Division II in scoring defense last year, the Tigers are near the top of the list again through five games this season. FHSU has held opponents inside 60 points in four of five games this season. The only contest it did not was the 68-66 win over MSU Denver last Sunday. FHSU currently ranks fourth in NCAA Division II for scoring defense, allowing just 53 points per game. Holding opponents to a low shooting percentage has been a big part of the defensive effort for FHSU The Tigers are holding the opposition to just 33.7 percent shooting from the field so far, which is also fourth-best in Division II. On the offensive end of the floor, the Tigers are shooting free throws well as a team. FHSU ranks fifth in Division II for free-throw percentage as a team, currently hitting at an 84.6 percent clip. Four Tigers are still perfect at the line this season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;leads the scoring effort for FHSU at 14.0 points per game, and he is the top assister at 4.0 per game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/iyen-enaruna/6907">Iyen Enaruna</a>&nbsp;(5.8) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gabe-pieschl/6904">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;(5.4) are each averaging more than five rebounds per game. Manhattan Christian has played two NCAA Division II schools in exhibition this season. They fell to Nebraska-Kearney 89-54 on November 15 and Northwestern Oklahoma State 103-54 on November 22. Both of those contests, like the upcoming game with FHSU, were exhibitions for MCC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎙️ LISTEN - Tiger men close out non-conference play Saturday vs. MCC

No. 23 Fort Hays State Women's Basketball (3-3, 0-0 MIAA) vs. Tabor College (4-3, 2-0 KCAC) Saturday, November 26, 2022 • 5 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Riverside Chiropractic National Anthem:&nbsp;FHSU Pep Band Promotion:&nbsp;Toys for Tots Stuffed Animal Toss - Bring a stuffed animal to toss at halftime of the men's game, and get a $5 GA ticket. Radio: KJLS (103.3)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK TO LISTEN</a> The 23rd-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team will return to action after a short Thanksgiving break on Saturday (Nov. 26) when the Tigers host Tabor College beginning at 5 p.m. The contest is a part of&nbsp;the first men's and women's basketball doubleheader of the season, with the men hosting Manhattan Christian later that evening. The sixth-annual Toys for Tots Stuffed Animal Toss will take place during halftime of the men's contest on Saturday. Fans can purchase a general admission ticket for just $5 when they bring a new stuffed animal with them to Gross Memorial Coliseum. The animals will be tossed onto the court at halftime of the men's game and will be donated to Toys for Tots. Live video of the matchup between the Tigers and Bluejays will be available on&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">The MIAA Network</a>, presented by Tiger Media Network. Fans can purchase access to a single contest for $10, a month-long pass for $25 or a season-long, all-access pass for $125. Both the monthly and year-long passes gain access to any event in any sport streamed on The MIAA Network. Last Time Out - Fort Hays State turned in another 1-1 weekend last Friday and Saturday at home, falling on a buzzer-beater against Minnesota State before defeating Colorado Mesa by 25 points. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;averaged a double-double on the week, putting up 12.5 points and 10.5 rebounds across the two games. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;scored 16 points in the win over Colorado Mesa. The forward hit 57.1 percent from the floor (8-of-14). Tiger Notables - Wagner's four double-doubles are tied for first with seven other student-athletes in Division II. No other player in the MIAA has more than three double-doubles on the year. - Wagner also leads the conference and ranks 27th nationally with an average of 10.5 rebounds per game. She leads the Tigers with 12 offensive rebounds, helping the Tigers to an average of 9.3 second chance points per game. - The Tigers are ranked 23rd in the latest WBCA DII Coaches Poll. This is the 26th-consecutive week the Tigers have been listed in the top 25, three shy of the longest stretch in program history (29 weeks between 2018-19 preseason and Feb. 4, 2020). -&nbsp;Hollenbeck needs five blocks to become just the eighth Tiger all-time to reach 100 career blocks. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ellie-stearns/6851">Ellie Stearns</a>&nbsp;has hit a team-high 11 3-pointers through six games this season, seventh-most in the MIAA to date. - Four different Tigers have led the team in scoring so far this season (Hollenbeck 2, Wagner 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/whitney-brown/6853">Whitney Brown</a>&nbsp;1, Stearns 1). - The Tigers have a chance to win the league for a third-consecutive year, a feat not accomplished in more than 15 years (Washburn 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06). -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/mallory-cowman/6855">Mallory Cowman</a>&nbsp;is the only Tiger with any experience playing Tabor after&nbsp;recording 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block against the Tabor JV team while at Butler CC (11/8/21). Home Cooking - This is the 50th season of basketball inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. - The women are 548-134 at home over the last 50 seasons, good for a winning percentage better than 80 percent. - The Tigers have won at least 10 home games in 34 of the last 49 seasons inside the Coliseum, including each of the last 12 seasons and 13 of 14 during the&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;era. - FHSU has only two losing records at home during the GMC era. - Fort Hays State has not lost consecutive home games since January 15 &amp; 19, 2011 (PSU, ESU). - The Tigers are 149-14 at home since the start of the 2012-13 season (.914). - FHSU is 190-31 (.860) at home under Hobson, including a 116-24 record in conference games and a 74-7 mark in non-conference games. - FHSU has not lost more than three games at home in a season since 2010-11. Series History -&nbsp;Fort Hays State is a perfect 21-0 all-time against the Bluejays, by far the most games played against an opponent without a loss in program history (Bethel is second with FHSU leading that series 10-0). - The Tigers are 17-0 against Tabor at home, 2-0 on the road and 2-0 in neutral site meetings. - Fort Hays State is 9-0 against the Bluejays during the Hobson era, including an 8-0 record inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. - The most recent meeting was in 2019 (11/30/19), also played on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Fort Hays State limited the Bluejays to just four points in the first quarter en route to an 88-36 home victory. The Tigers never trailed, leading for more than 38 minutes of the contest. Kacey Kennett led the Tigers with 12 points while the Tiger defense forced 26 turnovers thanks to 17 steals. The Coach -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;enters his 15th season at Fort Hays State and his 31st season as a head coach at the collegiate level in 2022-23. - He is 315-112 as a Tiger and 728-218 all-time. - Hobson ranks third all-time amongst MIAA head coaches with 315 wins at FHSU. - He ranks in the top 30 in win percentage amongst all active NCAA head coaches and in the top 10 in Division II. - Hobson earned the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Women's Four-Year College Coach of the Year award last season, his 19th career coach of the year award. - He has coached four All-Americans, four Academic All-Americans, two conference players of the year and 48 All-MIAA performers over the last 14 seasons. Scouting the Bluejays - Tabor is 4-3 so far this season after winning each of its last four games. The Bluejays are 2-1 away from home this season. - Zoe Rust surpassed the 1,000 career-point plateau last weekend against Sterling. The senior leads the team with an average of 8.7 points per game. - The Bluejays finished last season 22-9 overall and 19-5 in the KCAC, qualifying for the NAIA Tournament. - Shawn Reed is now in his 12th season at the helm at Tabor College. He holds a career record of 232-120 and has won three KCAC regular season titles, five KCAC tournament championships, seven national tournament appearances and two trips to the Elite Eight. Looking Ahead Fort Hays State wraps up a five-game home stand and enters conference play next weekend when the Tigers host Northeastern State on Thursday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m. and Rogers State on Saturday, December 3 at 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669430147052.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsNo. 23 Fort Hays State Women's Basketball (3-3, 0-0 MIAA) vs. Tabor College (4-3, 2-0 KCAC) Saturday, November 26, 2022 • 5 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Riverside Chiropractic National Anthem:&nbsp;FHSU Pep Band Promotion:&nbsp;Toys for Tots Stuffed Animal Toss - Bring a stuffed animal to toss at halftime of the men's game, and get a $5 GA ticket. Radio: KJLS (103.3)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK TO LISTEN</a> The 23rd-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team will return to action after a short Thanksgiving break on Saturday (Nov. 26) when the Tigers host Tabor College beginning at 5 p.m. The contest is a part of&nbsp;the first men's and women's basketball doubleheader of the season, with the men hosting Manhattan Christian later that evening. The sixth-annual Toys for Tots Stuffed Animal Toss will take place during halftime of the men's contest on Saturday. Fans can purchase a general admission ticket for just $5 when they bring a new stuffed animal with them to Gross Memorial Coliseum. The animals will be tossed onto the court at halftime of the men's game and will be donated to Toys for Tots. Live video of the matchup between the Tigers and Bluejays will be available on&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">The MIAA Network</a>, presented by Tiger Media Network. Fans can purchase access to a single contest for $10, a month-long pass for $25 or a season-long, all-access pass for $125. Both the monthly and year-long passes gain access to any event in any sport streamed on The MIAA Network. Last Time Out - Fort Hays State turned in another 1-1 weekend last Friday and Saturday at home, falling on a buzzer-beater against Minnesota State before defeating Colorado Mesa by 25 points. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;averaged a double-double on the week, putting up 12.5 points and 10.5 rebounds across the two games. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;scored 16 points in the win over Colorado Mesa. The forward hit 57.1 percent from the floor (8-of-14). Tiger Notables - Wagner's four double-doubles are tied for first with seven other student-athletes in Division II. No other player in the MIAA has more than three double-doubles on the year. - Wagner also leads the conference and ranks 27th nationally with an average of 10.5 rebounds per game. She leads the Tigers with 12 offensive rebounds, helping the Tigers to an average of 9.3 second chance points per game. - The Tigers are ranked 23rd in the latest WBCA DII Coaches Poll. This is the 26th-consecutive week the Tigers have been listed in the top 25, three shy of the longest stretch in program history (29 weeks between 2018-19 preseason and Feb. 4, 2020). -&nbsp;Hollenbeck needs five blocks to become just the eighth Tiger all-time to reach 100 career blocks. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ellie-stearns/6851">Ellie Stearns</a>&nbsp;has hit a team-high 11 3-pointers through six games this season, seventh-most in the MIAA to date. - Four different Tigers have led the team in scoring so far this season (Hollenbeck 2, Wagner 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/whitney-brown/6853">Whitney Brown</a>&nbsp;1, Stearns 1). - The Tigers have a chance to win the league for a third-consecutive year, a feat not accomplished in more than 15 years (Washburn 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06). -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/mallory-cowman/6855">Mallory Cowman</a>&nbsp;is the only Tiger with any experience playing Tabor after&nbsp;recording 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block against the Tabor JV team while at Butler CC (11/8/21). Home Cooking - This is the 50th season of basketball inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. - The women are 548-134 at home over the last 50 seasons, good for a winning percentage better than 80 percent. - The Tigers have won at least 10 home games in 34 of the last 49 seasons inside the Coliseum, including each of the last 12 seasons and 13 of 14 during the&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;era. - FHSU has only two losing records at home during the GMC era. - Fort Hays State has not lost consecutive home games since January 15 &amp; 19, 2011 (PSU, ESU). - The Tigers are 149-14 at home since the start of the 2012-13 season (.914). - FHSU is 190-31 (.860) at home under Hobson, including a 116-24 record in conference games and a 74-7 mark in non-conference games. - FHSU has not lost more than three games at home in a season since 2010-11. Series History -&nbsp;Fort Hays State is a perfect 21-0 all-time against the Bluejays, by far the most games played against an opponent without a loss in program history (Bethel is second with FHSU leading that series 10-0). - The Tigers are 17-0 against Tabor at home, 2-0 on the road and 2-0 in neutral site meetings. - Fort Hays State is 9-0 against the Bluejays during the Hobson era, including an 8-0 record inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. - The most recent meeting was in 2019 (11/30/19), also played on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Fort Hays State limited the Bluejays to just four points in the first quarter en route to an 88-36 home victory. The Tigers never trailed, leading for more than 38 minutes of the contest. Kacey Kennett led the Tigers with 12 points while the Tiger defense forced 26 turnovers thanks to 17 steals. The Coach -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;enters his 15th season at Fort Hays State and his 31st season as a head coach at the collegiate level in 2022-23. - He is 315-112 as a Tiger and 728-218 all-time. - Hobson ranks third all-time amongst MIAA head coaches with 315 wins at FHSU. - He ranks in the top 30 in win percentage amongst all active NCAA head coaches and in the top 10 in Division II. - Hobson earned the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Women's Four-Year College Coach of the Year award last season, his 19th career coach of the year award. - He has coached four All-Americans, four Academic All-Americans, two conference players of the year and 48 All-MIAA performers over the last 14 seasons. Scouting the Bluejays - Tabor is 4-3 so far this season after winning each of its last four games. The Bluejays are 2-1 away from home this season. - Zoe Rust surpassed the 1,000 career-point plateau last weekend against Sterling. The senior leads the team with an average of 8.7 points per game. - The Bluejays finished last season 22-9 overall and 19-5 in the KCAC, qualifying for the NAIA Tournament. - Shawn Reed is now in his 12th season at the helm at Tabor College. He holds a career record of 232-120 and has won three KCAC regular season titles, five KCAC tournament championships, seven national tournament appearances and two trips to the Elite Eight. Looking Ahead Fort Hays State wraps up a five-game home stand and enters conference play next weekend when the Tigers host Northeastern State on Thursday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m. and Rogers State on Saturday, December 3 at 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎙️ LISTEN - No. 23 FHSU women hosts Tabor College Saturday

The Thunder Ridge Longhorns take on the Axtell Eagles in the 8-man Division 2 state championship game Saturday at Fischer Field in Newton.

Kickoff from Kensington is set for 11 a.m. on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KKQY">101.9 The Bull.</a>

The Thunder Ridge Longhorns take on the Axtell Eagles in the 8-man Division 2 state championship game Saturday at Fischer Field in Newton.Kickoff from Kensington is set for 11 a.m. on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KKQY">101.9 The Bull.</a>

🏈🎧 LISTEN LIVE: Thunder Ridge vs Axtell

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs big win over the Chargers last Sunday and previews this Sunday's home game with the Rams.

The Holthus hotline airs Saturday mornings around 8:00 a.m. on 96.9, KFIX.

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs big win over the Chargers last Sunday and previews this Sunday's home game with the Rams.The Holthus hotline airs Saturday mornings around 8:00 a.m. on 96.9, KFIX.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1390394452%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-QV76Z5Zjn7D&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/holthus-hotline-nov-26-2022/s-QV76Z5Zjn7D" title="Holthus Hotline (Nov. 26, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Holthus Hotline (Nov. 26, 2022)</a></div></div>

🎧 Holthus Hotline with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus

PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — Santiago Vescovi scored 20 points while No. 22 Tennessee locked down on third-ranked Kansas to beat the reigning national champions 64-50 in Friday night's championship game at the Battle 4 Atlantis.

Vescovi hit five 3-pointers to drive the offense for the Volunteers (5-1), who dominated the glass, overcame their own turnover troubles and made the Jayhawks work for clean looks. And for the third time in as many days, Tennessee won despite not having leading scorer Josiah-Jordan James due to knee soreness.

This win led to a title and Vescovi being picked as the tournament's most valuable player.

The Vols held the Jayhawks to 32.1% shooting, bothering them with size and length around the rim. And they showed the toughness to take the ball right at the Jayhawks with 5-foot-9 sophomore guard Zakai Zeigler leading the way.

Zeigler had 14 points, including a 3-pointer to beat the shot clock at the 7-minute mark to push Tennessee's lead to 56-38. He followed with another big one from the right wing with 4:42 left after Kansas had closed within 11.

Jalen Wilson and Joseph Yesefu each scored 14 points to lead the Jayhawks (6-1), who shot 28.6% in the first half and never warmed up. They made 5 of 21 3-pointers in what was an all-around rough night, from losing starting guard Dajuan Harris to fouls with 9 minutes left to failing to keep the Vols off the glass (45-27).

Tennessee: The Volunteers opened the tournament with a win over Butler, then grinded through an overtime win against Southern California in Thursday's semifinals behind a big game from first-year forward Julian Phillips. But things were somehow easier on Friday, with Tennessee playing in front the entire way en route to its first title in three tries at the Atlantis resort.

Kansas: The Jayhawks didn't have an easy first two days in the Bahamas. First came a battle to the final minutes with North Carolina State. Then came Thursday's overtime win against Wisconsin on Bobby Pettiford Jr.'s last-second putback. But they never looked in any type of offensive flow this time, ending a 17-game winning streak dating to last year's run to coach Bill Self's second NCAA title.

Tennessee: The Volunteers return home to host McNeese State on Wednesday.

Kansas: The Jayhawks host Texas Southern on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669433650685.jpeg" alt="KU's Joseph Yesefu goes in for a layup vs Tennessee Friday in the Battle 4 Atlantis finals at Paradise Island, Bahamas. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>KU's Joseph Yesefu goes in for a layup vs Tennessee Friday in the Battle 4 Atlantis finals at Paradise Island, Bahamas. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — Santiago Vescovi scored 20 points while No. 22 Tennessee locked down on third-ranked Kansas to beat the reigning national champions 64-50 in Friday night's championship game at the Battle 4 Atlantis.Vescovi hit five 3-pointers to drive the offense for the Volunteers (5-1), who dominated the glass, overcame their own turnover troubles and made the Jayhawks work for clean looks. And for the third time in as many days, Tennessee won despite not having leading scorer Josiah-Jordan James due to knee soreness.This win led to a title and Vescovi being picked as the tournament's most valuable player.The Vols held the Jayhawks to 32.1% shooting, bothering them with size and length around the rim. And they showed the toughness to take the ball right at the Jayhawks with 5-foot-9 sophomore guard Zakai Zeigler leading the way.Zeigler had 14 points, including a 3-pointer to beat the shot clock at the 7-minute mark to push Tennessee's lead to 56-38. He followed with another big one from the right wing with 4:42 left after Kansas had closed within 11.Jalen Wilson and Joseph Yesefu each scored 14 points to lead the Jayhawks (6-1), who shot 28.6% in the first half and never warmed up. They made 5 of 21 3-pointers in what was an all-around rough night, from losing starting guard Dajuan Harris to fouls with 9 minutes left to failing to keep the Vols off the glass (45-27).BIG PICTURETennessee: The Volunteers opened the tournament with a win over Butler, then grinded through an overtime win against Southern California in Thursday's semifinals behind a big game from first-year forward Julian Phillips. But things were somehow easier on Friday, with Tennessee playing in front the entire way en route to its first title in three tries at the Atlantis resort.Kansas: The Jayhawks didn't have an easy first two days in the Bahamas. First came a battle to the final minutes with North Carolina State. Then came Thursday's overtime win against Wisconsin on Bobby Pettiford Jr.'s last-second putback. But they never looked in any type of offensive flow this time, ending a 17-game winning streak dating to last year's run to coach Bill Self's second NCAA title.UP NEXTTennessee: The Volunteers return home to host McNeese State on Wednesday.Kansas: The Jayhawks host Texas Southern on Monday.

🏀 No. 22 Tennessee beats No. 3 Kansas for Atlantis title

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs were oh-so close to playing in the Super Bowl in February.

On Sunday, they'll get to face each other under far different circumstances at Arrowhead Stadium.

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs were oh-so close to playing in the Super Bowl in February.On Sunday, they'll get to face each other under far different circumstances at Arrowhead Stadium.The Rams are off to a 3-7 start, the worst in NFL history by a defending Super Bowl champ, and things only appear to be getting worse. Matthew Stafford is in the concussion protocol, which means unheralded Bryce Perkins will get his first start at quarterback, and his supporting cast will be without injured wide receiver Cooper Kupp and the Rams' leading rusher, Darrell Henderson Jr., who was released this week."It's been challenging," acknowledged Rams coach Sean McVay, who is mired in his first four-game losing streak."There's a lot of different things that we've worked through as it relates to the injuries, the moving parts, and some of those types of things. And so you just have to be able to say, 'Alright, who's up next? What does that look like?'"Up next for the Rams? One of the hottest teams in the league.The Chiefs have followed up their brutal AFC title game letdown against the Bengals by romping to an 8-2 start, led by a young and hungry defense and an offense that may be even better without Tyreek Hill on the roster.Kansas City has the league's top offense, pass offense and scoring offense through the first 11 weeks, and coach Andy Reid's group tends to get even better this time of year. The Chiefs have won 24 straight in November and December."We have good players, good locker room. Coach that are willing to work. I mean, a combination that does well, but it's everybody," Reid offered by way of explanation. "It's not one thing we're doing."Since the Bengals played spoiler in a Rams-Chiefs showdown in the Super Bowl, the franchises haven't faced each other since 2018, when they played one of the epic regular-season games in NFL history. Jared Goff threw a 40-yard TD pass to Gerald Everett with 1:49 left to give the Rams a 54-51 victory that day.Most of the faces have changed, though some remain the same. Aaron Donald will still be trying to chase down Patrick Mahomes, who in turn will be trying to get the ball out to Travis Kelce as quickly as possible."They still have a ton of talent. They're still a great defense," Mahomes said. "(Donald) strip-sacked me twice when we played them; we have to account for him every time we're on the field. (Jalen) Ramsey is a great player. They have great players throughout that defense."The offense has been another matter this season."Without a doubt," McVay said, "you try to remain positive within the framework of the things you can control and shift your energy and focus toward those things. That will continue to remain consistent for me and for our coaches."CAPTAIN COMEBACKThe Chiefs have won after trailing at halftime four times this season, and they improved to 9-6 with Mahomes when they trail after three quarters with their come-from-behind 30-27 win over the Chargers last week. No other quarterback with at least 15 tries has a winning record when behind entering the fourth quarter."Hopefully we can try to get some leads going into halftime and make it easy on us," Mahomes said. "That would help."WIDE RECEIVER WOESThe Chiefs hope JuJu Smith-Schuster will play Sunday after spending last week in the concussion protocol. Mecole Hardman is on his second week on injured reserve with an abdominal issue and fellow wide receiver Kadarius Toney missed practice this week with a hamstring injury.TUTU'S TD DANCEOne of the rare bright spots for the Rams has been Tutu Atwell, who didn't have a catch as a rookie after they chose him in the second round of the 2021 draft. Atwell finally showed his game-breaking speed and ability last week against the Saints, hauling in a 62-yard pass from Stafford for his first career touchdown."It means everything," Atwell said afterward. "It just means everything."RUNNING BACK ROULETTEThe Rams' decision to waive Henderson, one of their key players last season, means Cam Akers and rookie Kyren Williams will get the bulk of the work Sunday. Akers requested a trade after getting little playing time earlier this season.REMEMBER METhere aren't many players left that played in that 54-51 thriller in 2018, but one of them is Kelce, who caught 10 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown that day. His play hasn't diminished over the past four years, either. Kelce had six catches for 115 yards and three touchdowns against the Chargers."I love the energy that he brings, and I love the positive impact that he has with our team on the sidelines," Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said, "so it's been fun to watch."