Associated Press

SEC newcomers represent major challenges to league powers South Carolina, LSU

South Carolina and LSU have two major new challengers for Southeastern Conference supremacy.

NCAA closes loophole that allowed Oregon to purposely induce late penalty in win

With Ohio State driving on its final possession of the game, Oregon was flagged for having too many defenders on the field, giving the Buckeyes 5 yards, but taking 4 seconds off the clock

NHL: Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby reaches 1,600 regular-season points milestone

Crosby recorded the secondary assist on Bryan Rust’s power-play goal at 11:01 of the first period against the Sabres.

Injured Florida QB Graham Mertz ready to be mentor, motivator and cheerleader for DJ Lagway

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz has a new role for the remainder of the season: Coach.

Jannik Sinner eliminates Daniil Medvedev at Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia

The Six Kings Slam is an exhibition event for a half-dozen men that awards money but no ATP ranking points and is Saudi Arabia’s latest foray into tennis.

Nestor Cortes on track to possibly return to Yankees for World Series

The 29-year-old left-hander hasn’t pitched in a game since Sept. 18 because of a flexor strain in his pitching elbow.

Ryan Browne will make 2nd straight start for Purdue against ranked opponent, this time No. 2 Oregon

Ryan Browne’s first start went so well Purdue coach Ryan Walters is giving him another chance.

Facing Friends: Clemson’s Dabo Swinney goes against longtime protégé in Virginia’s Tony Elliott

No matter the outcome, Dabo Swinney remains proud of Tony Elliott and their shared journey to success.

Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin becomes the 60th NHL player to record 700 career assists

Alex Ovechkin reached the milestone with his second point during the Capitals’ 4-2 victory against the Golden Knights.

Serena Williams says she had a benign cyst removed from her neck and ‘all is OK’

After tests, including a biopsy that was negative for cancer, Serena Williams said, her doctors said she should have a procedure.

With WNBA Finals even, Lynx will need to keep leaning on Courtney Williams to beat Liberty

In nine games in these playoffs, she’s averaging 14.9 points and shooting 57.9% from 3-point range.

New Kentucky coach Mark Pope shows off letterman-style jacket at media day

Mark Pope left no doubt where he played college basketball, in case anyone didn’t already know.

No. 7 Duke tabbed as ACC men’s basketball favorite; UNC’s RJ Davis named preseason player of year

Duke was picked to finish first last year, but the Tar Heels swept the Blue Devils on the way to winning the regular-season title.

Colorado’s Shilo Sanders eager to bounce back at Arizona after being called out by Deion

It was just the honest truth the Colorado free safety needed to hear from his coach/dad, and he’s taken it to heart.

Adam Silver does not regret efforts to legalize, regulate sports betting

Silver’s op-ed column in the New York Times a decade ago was a pivot-point in the discussion of legalizing betting.

NHL: Florida Panthers at Columbus Blue Jackets

Panthers beat the Blue Jackets 4-3 on an opening night dedicated to Johnny Gaudreau

Pregame ceremonies were dedicated to Gaudreau’s life and career as members of his family watched from a box.

MLB: ALCS-Cleveland Guardians at New York Yankees

Judge hits first home run of this postseason and Yankees beat Guardians 6-3 for 2-0 ALCS lead

Aaron Judge hit a two-run drive into Monument Park to help the Yankees take a 2-0 lead in the ALCS

WNBA: Finals-Minnesota Lynx at New York Liberty

Breanna Stewart and her wife Marta Xargay receive homophobic threats after Game 1 of WNBA Finals

The emails went directly to Xargay’s account, which was a bit unnerving for the couple, Stewart said.

Colorado expects to have Travis Hunter available at Arizona

It wasn’t all positive news on the injury front for Colorado’s deep corps of wideouts.

Phillies sign manager Rob Thomson to 1-year extension after three straight trips to playoffs

The 61-year-old guided the Phillies to the 2022 World Series and the 2023 NLCS and led them this season to their first NL East title since 2011.

Too many men: No. 2 Oregon purposely induced late penalty in win over No. 4 Ohio State

No. 2 Oregon had 12 men on the field late in its 32-31 win over No. 4 Ohio State, with the resulting penalty causing precious seconds to wind off the clock. Turns out, it was on purpose.