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Iowa State Shines with ‘A’ Grade as Purdue Struggles with Mid-Season C-

Houston extends win streak to 11 with dominant defense (Houston Rockets)

Attention is heavily focused on the SEC in college basketball, and this is well-deserved. Yet, the Big 12 has a pairing of teams that stands out in dominance.

Currently, Houston is riding an impressive streak of 11 consecutive victories, with 10 of those wins coming by double-digit margins, resulting in a 15-3 record (7-0 in Big 12 play).

Close behind in the conference rankings is Iowa State, boasting a 16-2 record (6-1) and having achieved five wins by ten or more points against conference rivals.

Iowa State transforms into a high-scoring powerhouse this season (Iowa State)

Houston’s success comes from a strategy that emphasizes a slow tempo and a punishing defense.

Meanwhile, Iowa State has experienced an offensive transformation this season, ranking 10th in KenPom’s offensive efficiency after previously never finishing higher than 50th during coach T.J. Otzelberger’s initial three years.

Iowa State has emerged as a high-scoring team, averaging 85.1 points per game and increasing their scoring by approximately ten points per game compared to last season.

While their defense remains a concern for opponents, they now pose a threat with their newfound offensive prowess.

As college basketball approaches a pivotal weekend, grades have been assigned to the top 15 teams that competed this week.

The following teams had a week off: No. 1 Auburn, No. 2 Duke, No. 8 Michigan State, No. 9 Kentucky, and No. 10 Marquette.

No. 3 Iowa State

Result: 108-83 victory against UCF

Against UCF, Iowa State delivered an impressive performance, shooting 56.3% and scoring 54 points in each half, marking their highest point total in a league game since 2001.

Excluding overtime matches, this was the Cyclones’ best-scoring conference game since 1995. Although T.J. Otzelberger’s previous teams have been known for their defensive capabilities, this year’s squad is proving they can compete offensively as well. Grade: A

No. 4 Alabama

Result: 103-87 victory against Vanderbilt

Alabama celebrated its 27th occasion scoring 100 points under coach Nate Oats while fending off a determined Vanderbilt squad that battled fiercely in the second half.

The depth of Alabama’s roster shone through, with Aden Holloway and Mouhamed Dioubate each contributing 22 points, highlighting the team’s multifaceted offensive strategies. Grade: A-

No. 5 Florida

Result: 70-69 victory at South Carolina

Florida’s first lead came from Will Richard’s layup in the final moments after trailing by as much as 14 against a winless South Carolina team in the SEC.

A decisive 22-0 advantage in fast-break points, aided by relentless full-court pressure, masked the Gators’ flaws in an otherwise lackluster performance against a struggling opponent. Grade: B-

No. 6 Tennessee

Result: 68-56 victory against Mississippi State

Following a loss to Vanderbilt, Tennessee showcased a classic defensive display, limiting Mississippi State to just 22.2% shooting in the first half and establishing a 34-16 lead.

Although the Bulldogs attempted a comeback in the second half, Chaz Lanier’s 23 points helped the Vols maintain their unbeaten home record. Grade: A-

No. 7 Houston

Result: 70-36 victory against Utah

In a commanding display, Houston forced Utah into a staggering 26 turnovers, resulting in a one-sided contest. The Cougars capitalized on points off turnovers, leading 29-2 while securing their 11th consecutive victory.

Six out of Houston’s seven league wins have come by more than ten points. Wasn’t the Big 12 expected to pose a tougher challenge than the AAC for Kelvin Sampson’s team? Grade: A+

No. 11 Purdue

Result: 73-70 loss against Ohio State

Purdue faced its first defeat at home since February 25, 2023, when a 26-game winning streak at Mackey Arena was halted by a barrage of three-pointers from Ohio State.

The Boilermakers held a 16-point advantage late in the first half but allowed the Buckeyes to convert 8 of 12 shots from beyond the arc in the second half. Star guard Braden Smith’s struggles, shooting just 3 of 14, further compounded the loss. Grade: C-

No. 12 Kansas

Result: 74-61 victory against TCU

Kansas rallied from a 14-point deficit at a packed Schollmaier Arena, finally securing a convincing win. The Jayhawks achieved their highest shooting percentage in a Big 12 game at 55.6%, with huge contributions from across their lineup.

Once they settled into the game, Kansas revealed glimpses of its championship-caliber potential. Grade: A-

No. 13 Texas A&M

Result: 63-62 victory at Ole Miss

Texas A&M’s style may not be aesthetically pleasing, but the team demonstrates resilience in every contest. Under Buzz Williams, a cohesive group of veterans showcased their grit in a thrilling victory over Ole Miss.

After trailing by four points with less than 30 seconds remaining, Manny Obaseki hit a decisive three-pointer to give A&M the lead.

As usual, an advantage in offensive rebounds (14-6) and second-chance points (13-4) played a crucial role in their success. Grade: B+

No. 14 Mississippi State

Result: 68-56 loss at Tennessee

After a thrilling overtime victory against rival Ole Miss, Mississippi State struggled against Tennessee, starting the game poorly at 1 for 13 from the field.

Although the Bulldogs managed to reduce Tennessee’s lead to 38-31 in the second half, the Volunteers regained control, marking Mississippi State’s third loss in four games. Star guard Josh Hubbard’s slow start to the season raises concerns. Grade: C-

No. 15 Oregon

Result: 82-71 victory against Washington

Despite the final score suggesting a comfortable win, Oregon was locked in a tight contest with the struggling Huskies until the last minute.

TJ Bamba led the Ducks with a game-high 21 points, hitting a game-tying three-pointer at the 8:08 mark, followed by go-ahead free throws and a crucial layup to secure a 75-68 advantage with just over a minute left.

With a strong record (16-3, 5-3 Big Ten) and a solid 7-2 mark in closely contested games, Oregon has proven its resilience. Grade: B

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FEATURED

Auburn Falls as Duke Takes Over No. 1 in Updated Power Rankings

Duke dominates with top-five offensive and defensive efficiency (Duke)

The latest college basketball power rankings have seen Duke ascend to the top spot, overtaking Auburn. The Blue Devils have achieved a remarkable 12-game winning streak, leading the nation and boasting a net rating of 36.71.

Their current record of 16-2 represents the best start recorded in KenPom.com’s database since the 2014-15 Kentucky team. Duke is the only squad with both a top-five offense and defense in adjusted efficiency ratings.

Blue Devils secure No. 1 spot as they outpace tough competition (Blue Devils)

Duke’s Dominance and Auburn’s Resilience

Auburn remains an impressive contender in college basketball, currently holding a 17-1 all-in-all record (5-0 SEC) while performing well despite the absence of star player Johni Broome, who was once seen as a frontrunner for the National Player of the Year award.

Duke’s victory over Auburn by six points on December 4 underscores its formidable presence in the sport.

With this latest winning streak, Duke finds itself ranked No. 1 for the first time this season, positioning itself as the likely favorite in all remaining regular-season matchups.

Understanding Power Rankings

Analyzing the current power rankings reveals several aspects to consider, prompting a closer look into the factors influencing these evaluations.

Power Rankings are defined as a ranking of teams that prioritizes recent performance relative to the level of competition faced. This process is inherently unscientific and often boils down to a “vibes” ranking.

Factors such as margin of victory, injuries, performance against top-tier teams, momentum, and other subjective elements all play a role in shaping these assessments.

The rankings serve as a weekly response—or sometimes an overreaction—to the outcomes of the most recent week of games.

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College Football

Las Vegas Announced as Venue for 2027 College Football Playoff Championship

Buckeyes celebrate their return to CFP glory with a thrilling victory (The Ohio State Buckeyes)

The Ohio State Buckeyes secured their first College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship since 2014 with a victory over the Notre Dame Irish, finishing the game at 34-23.

In a separate announcement, Las Vegas has been chosen as the host city for the 2027 College Football Playoff national championship game.

Ohio State clinches their first CFP title since 2014 with a 34-23 win over Notre Dame (The Ohio State Buckeyes)

Upcoming Championship Game Details

The CFP confirmed on Friday that this prestigious title match will take place on Monday, January 25, 2027, at Allegiant Stadium, marking an exciting event for the city.

To celebrate this announcement, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority released a video featuring Strip performer Shin Lim executing an attractive illusion at the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.

In a creative twist, Lim altered the sign to reveal a warm message welcoming the College Football Playoff National Championship to the city.

“Las Vegas has demonstrated its incredible venues and unmatched energy to host an event like the College Football Playoff national championship in spectacular fashion,” remarked Rich Clark, the executive director of the CFP.

Las Vegas as a Prime Host City

With this upcoming event, “Sin City” will become the third location in the Pacific time zone to host the title game, following the Bay Area in 2019 and Los Angeles in 2023.

Reflecting on the city’s capacity to host major events, Las Vegas Bowl executive director John Saccenti stated last month, “We hosted a Super Bowl (in 2024), and every sponsor, every team executive, every league executive, everybody under the sun said, ‘Hands down, the best city that’s ever hosted a Super Bowl.’ Our city is built for it.

We have 165,000 hotel rooms. Every one of them has massive convention space, so everybody can do their parties, every sponsor can do their thing. We have nine Las Vegas Strip properties within walking distance to the stadium.”

He emphasized the accessibility of the city, saying, “You can get non-stop flights from anywhere into here, restaurant options galore. We can do it better than anybody. It’s an absolute no-brainer.”

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NFL (American Football)

Nick Saban Advocates for Deion Sanders as the Next Head Coach of the Cowboys

Nick Saban publicly endorses Deion Sanders for the Dallas Cowboys head coaching role (Buffaloes ,Dallas Cowboys)

Rumors surrounding Deion Sanders and the Dallas Cowboys’ head coaching vacancy have sparked interest, particularly from seven-time national champion Nick Saban, who is a strong advocate for Sanders taking the position.

Saban has expressed his belief that Sanders could excel as the Cowboys’ head coach.

Deion Sanders calls the Cowboys job intriguing but reaffirms his love for Colorado (Buffaloes ,Dallas Cowboys)

Nick Saban Backs Deion Sanders for Cowboys Job

In comments made to The Pivot podcast, Saban stated, “I want him to get that job.” While this sentiment seems to resonate with some, including Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a formal interview between Sanders and Jones has yet to be arranged.

However, informal discussions have taken place, which Sanders confirmed, expressing that the idea of the role is indeed intriguing to him.

“It’s truly delightful to hear from Jerry Jones, and it’s intriguing,” Sanders remarked, as reported by ESPN. He added, “I love Jerry and believe in Jerry. After you hang up, and process it, and think about it, it’s intriguing.

But I love Boulder and everything about our team, the coaches, our student body, and the community.”

Sanders’ Commitment to Colorado and the NFL Speculation

Despite the allure of the NFL opportunity, Sanders has consistently emphasized his commitment to the Colorado program, aiming to raise it back to national prominence.

His efforts have shown promise, with the team’s performance improving from a 4-8 record in 2023 to a 9-4 season in 2024, during which the Buffaloes were briefly contenders for the Big 12 title late in the year.

An important factor in this turnaround has been the outstanding performance of Travis Hunter, who went on to win the Heisman Trophy as a standout two-way player in both defensive back and wide receiver roles.

Additionally, Sanders’ sons played pivotal roles in the team’s success: Shedeur led one of the most productive offenses in the nation as quarterback, while Shilo contributed massively as a defensive back.

As the season winds down, all three players are preparing to transition from Colorado to the NFL Draft, where they are anticipated to be highly sought-after prospects.

Although Sanders has reaffirmed his intention to remain with the Buffaloes, he has hinted at a specific condition that might change his stance.

“The only way I would consider it is to coach my sons,” he shared with Good Morning America, emphasizing the word “sons.”

This interest from both Sanders and Jones may indicate further possibilities, but until formal developments occur, it remains speculation.

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NBA (Basketball)

Mitchell & Ness and Dannijo team up for a sparkling NBA collection, launching in Philadelphia

Mitchell & Ness and Dannijo team up for a sparkling NBA collection, launching in Philadelphia

Mitchell & Ness and Dannijo have collaborated to give NBA merchandise a shiny new look. The collection, launched on Wednesday, includes jerseys, caps, and outerwear covered in crystals.

Inspired by Dannijo’s glamorous style, the collection features products for famous NBA teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat.

Stylish and Feminine Sportswear

The collection offers feminine designs, like jersey crop tops and miniskirts, while satin varsity jackets and corduroy snapbacks highlight Mitchell & Ness’ love for vintage-inspired styles.

Fans can buy the Mitchell & Ness x Dannijo collection online at mitchellandness.com and dannijopro.com, as well as in Lakers and Warriors team stores.

Mitchell & Ness x Dannijo

Mitchell & Ness started in Philadelphia in 1904 as a sporting goods company. In 2022, it was bought by Fanatics and a group of well-known investors, including Jay-Z, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Meek Mill, Odell Beckham Jr., and Kevin Durant. Mitchell & Ness holds licensing deals with major leagues like the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, and MLS. The brand has also worked with Hennessy, Bape, and Melody Ehsani, Foot Locker’s first female creative director.

Dannijo was founded by sisters Danielle and Jodie Snyder in 2007. The brand is known for bold jewelry, tie-dye silk dresses, and resort-style clothing. Dannijo also has a philanthropic side: their first collection of Maasai-inspired bib necklaces helped raise funds for the first health clinic in Lwala, Kenya.

More recently, Dannijo teamed up with Vanessa Bryant to release a line of tie-dye hoodies and sweats, with proceeds benefiting the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which helps underserved athletes and children’s sports programs.

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NBA (Basketball)

Ty Jerome’s LA home robbed while the Cavs were on the road, amid rising athlete-targeted break-ins

Ty Jerome's home targeted in a burglary while on a road trip (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome’s home in Los Angeles was broken into on January 17, 2025, according to TMZ. The break-in occurred around 7:30 p.m., with the suspects reportedly gaining access through a broken glass window.

Authorities are actively searching for the criminals, though it is unclear what, if anything, was stolen. Jerome was not at home at the time, as he was traveling with the Cavaliers on a road trip to Indiana, Oklahoma City, and Minnesota.

This burglary follows a series of similar incidents involving star athletes. Just months earlier, four Chilean nationals were arrested in connection with the burglary of Joe Burrow’s $7.5 million home.

Rising Trend of Athlete Home Burglaries

The suspects involved in the theft at Burrow’s house were reportedly in the U.S. illegally or had overstayed their visas. They were found with LSU and Bengals gear, suspected to have been taken from Burrow’s home.

Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)

This case comes after other recent burglaries targeting high-profile athletes, including NFL stars like Travis Kelce. Kelce’s $6 million mansion was raided in October, where thieves took jewelry, cash, and personal items, including his first Super Bowl jersey.

In Ty Jerome’s case, he was away for the Cavaliers’ road trip when the break-in occurred. The increase in burglaries involving athletes’ homes has raised concerns over the safety and security of their properties.

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NFL (American Football)

Will Anderson Takes a Jab at the NY Jets After Texans’ Playoff Loss

Will Anderson celebrates in the 2nd half

The New York Jets seem to always be in a tough spot. Even as the team works on finding a new general manager and head coach, players from other teams keep criticizing them. Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson spoke with reporters on Monday after his team’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs.

Anderson shared his frustration about how the Texans’ season ended and explained what his team needs to do in 2025 to avoid a similar disappointment, starting with beating the Jets.

Anderson emphasized that the Texans need to win more regular-season games to get a better spot in the playoffs. Specifically, he mentioned that Houston “can’t lose to teams like the Titans and the Jets.”

The Jets Need Wins to Change the Perception

The Texans finished the season with a 10-7 record, leading the AFC South. However, Anderson’s point still stands. Losing to teams like the Jets and Titans hurt their chances of earning a higher seed and possibly having home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Despite the Texans being a much stronger team than the Jets, they’ve had issues with AFC teams like the Jets in recent seasons. Anderson, for example, has yet to beat the Jets. The Jets have faced the Texans in the past two years, winning both games with a combined score of 51-19. This includes a 30-6 win in 2023, with Zach Wilson leading the team, and a 21-13 victory in the current season.

New York Jets celebrates after a touchdown

Anderson and the Texans’ defense gave Wilson one of his best NFL games in 2023, as he completed 27 out of 36 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns. In the most recent win, Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdowns for the Jets.

Anderson is right that the Texans should beat teams like the Jets and Titans, who only had eight wins in 2024. However, criticizing a team that has outscored his by 32 points in the last two years might not be the best choice.

In the end, the only way the Jets can stop being the target of such comments is by winning more games. The Jets haven’t won more than seven games in a season since 2015, and they haven’t made the playoffs in 14 years. Until they start winning, they will keep being the team other players mock, even those they’ve beaten. This is the reality for the Jets.

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NFL (American Football)

Texans OL Coach Chris Strausser Likely to Depart, Team Uncertain About OC Bobby Slowik in Houston

Houston Texans players celebrate after the win

According to Aaron Wilson, Texans offensive line (OL) coach Chris Strausser is not expected to return in 2025, although the team hasn’t officially confirmed this.

Wilson mentions that Strausser considered retiring after last season. He also points out that assistant OL coach Cole Popovich could be a leading candidate to take over Strausser’s position.

Regarding the status of offensive coordinator (OC) Bobby Slowik, Wilson states that his future with the team is uncertain. Texans head coach (HC) DeMeco Ryans was asked about Slowik during his end-of-season press conference and gave a short response.

“I think with Bobby, I saw some growth,” Ryans said. “I saw some improvement throughout the year.”

Ryans told reporters that he would take the week to consider potential staff changes. Players, including Texans QB C.J. Stroud, supported Slowik, but Ryans emphasized that the offense needs to get better.

Houston Texans players celebrate in the 1st half

Strausser, 61, has over 25 years of coaching experience in college football, where he worked with the offensive line and tight ends in various assistant roles. His NFL career began in 2017 with the Broncos as an assistant OL coach. He became the main OL coach the following year and moved to the Colts in 2019 for the same role. The Texans hired him as their OL coach in 2023.

Slowik, 37, started his coaching career as a defensive assistant with the Commanders from 2011 to 2013. He then worked as the 49ers’ defensive quality control coach from 2017 to 2018. In 2019, San Francisco named him an offensive assistant, and in 2021, he was promoted to offensive pass game specialist.

The Texans hired Slowik as their offensive coordinator for the 2023 season, and after that, they gave him a new contract.

In 2024, the Texans’ offense ranked 22nd in total yards, 19th in total points, 15th in rushing yards, and 21st in passing yards.

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NFL (American Football)

Buffalo Bills Gear Up for AFC Championship Showdown with Chiefs in Buffalo

Patrick Mahomes during the match
Patrick Mahomes during the match

The Kansas City Chiefs are aiming for an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl win, which would solidify their place as one of the best teams in NFL history. To achieve this, they first have to defeat the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs—a challenge they have successfully met three times since 2021.

As the Bills try to beat the Chiefs after losing to them in past postseasons, DAZN News looks at three key factors that could impact the game.

The quarterback battle between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen is important, though it is not the only factor that will decide the game. Both are crucial to their teams’ success. In the 2024 AFC Divisional playoffs, Mahomes had an impressive performance, completing 17 out of 23 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns, earning a quarterback rating of 131.6. On the other hand, Allen struggled, especially with deep passes, finishing with only 186 yards on 39 attempts and a lower quarterback rating of 86.1.

Mahomes has a strong record in the playoffs, with a 3-0 record against the Bills, and he is known for stepping up in critical moments, especially in the fourth quarter. This gives him a mental edge heading into this matchup.

Bills’ Pass Rush vs. Chiefs’ Offensive Line

For the Buffalo Bills’ defense to win this game, they need to make Mahomes uncomfortable in the pocket. However, the Chiefs have an advantage here. While the Chiefs have had some issues with pass protection this season, they still have the edge against Buffalo’s pass rush.

In 2024, the Chiefs allowed the 16th-most sacks, compared to the second-fewest sacks allowed in 2023. But Buffalo’s pass rush hasn’t been very effective, ranking only 20th in the league with 39 sacks during the regular season. They only managed two sacks in their two playoff games this year.

Buffalo Bills celebrates after scoring

In their earlier meeting in Week 11, the Bills pressured the Chiefs 13 times, but Kansas City made adjustments by moving Pro Bowler Joe Thuney to left tackle. If Buffalo is to succeed, they need to improve their pass rush.

Travis Kelce and the Chiefs’ Receivers vs. the Bills’ Secondary

Travis Kelce remains a significant threat to opposing defenses. Even at 35 years old, he still has the strength to overpower defensive backs and the speed to get past linebackers. While his regular-season numbers in 2024 were lower than usual (823 yards and three touchdowns), he has a history of delivering big performances in important games, like his 117-yard, one-touchdown performance in the 2024 Divisional Round.

The Bills have some talented players in their secondary, including Taron Johnson, who will try to limit Kelce’s impact. The Bills also hope that Matt Milano’s return will help them improve on defense, as they led the NFL in takeaways.

However, Mahomes has a tendency to spread the ball around to different receivers, including fast players like Xavier Worthy. Therefore, the entire Bills’ defense needs to be prepared for a variety of threats.

Conclusion

While Josh Allen and the Bills have the talent to overcome any NFL defense, their success in this game will depend on overcoming the history of past playoff losses to the Chiefs. Both teams have strong rushing games that could help them secure a win if they get an early lead.

The Bills must start fast and build a solid lead, but they must be cautious of the Chiefs’ ability to win close games in the final moments. Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid, known for his success in the NFL, will likely create a game plan that takes advantage of these key matchups.

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Football (Premier League)

Shamrock Rovers fined for fan misconduct during European match in London

Chelsea and Shamrock Rovers

Chelsea and Shamrock Rovers have both been fined by UEFA for inappropriate chants during their Conference League match last month. Shamrock Rovers were fined €10,000 (£8,450) for chants referencing the death of Queen Elizabeth II during the game at Stamford Bridge on December 19.

In response, Chelsea fans sang an anti-IRA chant. As a result, Chelsea were also fined €10,000 by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB).

Chelsea players celebrate after the goal

Chelsea won the match 5-1, finishing the Conference League group stage with a perfect record and securing an automatic place in the last-16. Shamrock Rovers finished 10th in their group and will now face Norwegian team Molde in the knockout play-off round next month.

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NFL (American Football)

NFL’s integrity raised after player’s sideline outburst in Houston

Kris Boyd cheers after the game of an NFL football matchup

Former Texas Longhorns cornerback Kris Boyd is under fire after pushing Houston Texans special teams coordinator Frank Ross during the team’s divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. Kansas City won the game 23-14, securing a spot in the AFC Championship.

The incident occurred when Chiefs returner Nikko Remigio broke through the Texans’ coverage and started a run towards the end zone. Boyd managed to catch up with him and went to the sidelines to celebrate the fumble. However, Boyd was unaware that the Chiefs had recovered the fumble.

Boyd shoved Ross on the sidelines and was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after removing and throwing his helmet. This resulted in a 15-yard penalty for the Texans.

Boyd was criticized on social media, with many assuming the shove was out of frustration. However, Boyd explained to reporters afterward that it was a gesture of excitement, not anger. Regardless, the penalty negatively impacted the Texans.

Houston Texans cornerback Kris Boyd celebrates

Boyd, who played at Texas from 2015 to 2019 and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round, had spent four seasons with the Vikings and part of a season with the Arizona Cardinals. He joined the Texans in his second season, starting on the practice squad.

After the incident, Boyd returned to the field on the very first play, but the Texans were trailing 13-6 at halftime. He was seen back on the field after Ka’imi Fairbairn’s successful field goal briefly tied the game.

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Football (Premier League)

Callum McGregor matches Celtic icon’s trophy record in Glasgow

Callum McGregor holds the trophy

Callum McGregor helped Celtic win another trophy at Hampden, guiding them to a penalty shoot-out victory over Rangers in the League Cup final. As the team captain, McGregor was a key player in midfield, showing strong leadership throughout the match. After the game, he praised his teammates for their determination, especially during the tense shoot-out and the 120 minutes of play.

In his interview with Celtic TV, McGregor said, “It was a tough game, an old-fashioned cup final and the game becomes a bit chaotic and, to be honest, we gave ourselves a lot of work to do by the way we started the game. When we started to play in the second half, you could see the team more dangerous but, like I said, by that point the game is a bit chaotic and anything can happen.

So the big takeaway is how well the players dug in and fought for each other, and then in the moments when we had to show quality, we did that to make sure we bring the trophy home.”

Celtic’s Dramatic Path to Victory

Celtic were behind at halftime, but early second-half goals from Greg Taylor and Daizen Maeda put them ahead. Rangers equalized before Nicolas Kuhn scored to give Celtic the lead again with just three minutes left in regular time. However, Rangers responded quickly, scoring again to send the match into extra time. After 30 minutes with no further goals, the game was decided by a penalty shoot-out.

McGregor was one of the five Celtic players to score their penalties, while Kasper Schmeichel made a crucial save, and Daizen Maeda scored the winning penalty. McGregor reflected on the pressure, saying, “If you want to win things you need a big personality in difficult moments and pressure situations.

Callum McGregor in the half time

That’s so many penalties in a row we’ve scored, so it bodes well, it shows the work the boys are doing leading into these games. You know that anything can happen but then it’s about keeping your nerve and trusting yourself, trusting your technique and trusting your teammates, and Kasper came up with a big save as well.”

This victory marked McGregor’s 23rd major trophy with Celtic, tying him with the legendary Billy McNeill. While proud to be mentioned alongside McNeill, McGregor remains focused on adding to his collection of trophies. He said, “When you start to get mentioned in the same breath as these guys in terms of honours and what you’ve achieved, you’re super proud and you just try and put one foot in front of the other.

I think anybody who wins a lot of trophies will tell you that – it’s just a combination of day-to-day work, and then, when the games arrive, you just try and give your all to not miss the opportunity. So I’m delighted.

It was massive personality shown by the group and quality in the difficult moments. It’s brilliant because it shows the combination of the work we’ve done so far – it gives us something tangible to show for how well we’ve started the season and it can be a real springboard for us.”