SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 05: Nick Martin #72 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish blocks Jermaine Roberts #16 of the Texas Longhorns as Josh Adams #33 rushes for a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on September 5, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish won 38-3. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesIs this where we are in 2026? I know there is a culture war raging across the United States, but were talking about Texas here TEXAS. But lets back up for a secondThe college football playoff is the all consuming driver in the sport now. Theres no way around it, and we have nothing to blame except for everyone. Conferences, networks, fans, coaches, politicians, alumni everyone is to blame for trying to make the CFP bigger than the sport itself. Weve lost sight of what we are and what we have been for decades. Dont get me wrong I too enjoy the college football playoff, but not once have I ever uttered with meaning that its more important than the season itself. Theres a difference. Still, there is so much tied into the CFP that its no big mystery as to why programs start doing stupid things which brings me to the New Age Cowards. It doesnt matter of its a southern California surfer bro or a Texas panhandle oil bro the bros are running scared. The Texas Longhorns have made that perfectly clear by continually being skittish with any question concerning playing Notre Dame on a future schedule. Steve Sarkisian isnt even trying to puff his chest out hes just saying they need to know that there wont be any consequences.Texas' Steve Sarkisian on whether Longhorns will play Notre Dame series: "I don't know about Notre Dame. We'll see." Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 23, 2026Seriously.I thought Texas was home to all of these tough people doing tough things in tough conditions and BOY YOU DONT KNOW NOTHING ABOUT BEING TOUGH CUZ YOU AINT FROM TEXAS? But obviously that isnt the case. Texas is now as tough as California, and we should remind them of that every chance we can get. Texas isnt afraid to express their fears just like Southern California. I never would have guessed that the testosterone levels of both Texas and Southern Cal would be exactly the same, but this is 2026, and weve hit a new low. There isnt an argument Steve Sarkisian can make that doesnt make him look like a coward in this situation, but at least he can always jump on the line with Lincoln Riley for moral support.

Jul 23, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Tyler Locklear (31) hits a one run single against the St. Louis Cardinals during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn ImagesIn the Dbacks Cardinals season finale, it was all Dbacks Thursday afternoon! On what wouldve been an off day for this team, the Dbacks had to go back to St. Louis today to play a makeup game as they were rained out earlier this month, and boy this one came at the perfect time as this offense and Brandon Pfaadt are rolling!Pfaadt ran into a little bit of trouble in the first inning as he got papercutted to death. He was not giving up hard contact at all, but balls kept finding holes and before Pfaadt could even get settled in, the Cardinals had a 2-0 lead with nobody out. This likely would have been a moment that would have snowballed for Pfaadt earlier this year, however this version of Brandon Pfaadt was able to lock it in and hold the Cardinals to just the 2 runs and get out of the first inning. After the first, Pfaadt was in total control holding the Cardinals offense scoreless over the next 5 innings, and needing just 87 pitches to get through 6. Pfaadt is now 5-0 since being recalled from Reno and he has come up huge when this team needed him the most and the season was on the line.On the offensive side, Tyler Locklear wasnt even supposed to start today as he was a late addition due to Ketel Marte experiencing some lower back tightness before the game, but boy did he finally break through today. Locklear went 3-5 today including his first home run of the season and finished a triple short of the cycle. Really feel good for Locklear to get off to such a hot start as he has been battling back and forth from the minors to the majors the past couple of seasons, and has been struggling with injury. If he continues to produce at first base, that would be a massive development for this team!Gabi Moreno also continued to look like the hottest hitter on planet earth going 3-4 but having some great at bats and coming through with guys on base getting 2 RBIs. Ildemaro Vargas and Adrian Del Castillo also both added 3 hit performances today as this offense appears to finally be firing on all cylinders! They had a couple of big innings as they put up 3 runs in the 4th and 5 runs in the 8th inning driving this offense to 10 runs on the afternoon marking double digit run production in back-to-back games.The Dbacks will now head to DC as they have the Nationals this weekend who are just 2 games back behind the Dbacks for the 3rd wild card spot. Eduardo Rodriguez gets a chance Friday to bounce back from his lone rough outing of the season his last time out. This weekends games and whether or not the offense can continue to stay hot may very well dictate the rest of the season for these boys as the front office is in the final stages of deciding whether to buy or to sell. Having exciting, must-watch baseball this time of year is certainly a treat!

Paul Doug McBeeCredit: Smith-Reagan Funeral HomeNEED TO KNOWPaul Douglas McBee, a longtime Tennessee high school basketball coach and educator, has died at 73 following a tractor accident on his farmHe coached at Grainger High School and was the father of former University of Tennessee basketball player Skylar McBeeMcBee is survived by his wife of 53 years, three children and five grandchildren, according to his obituaryPaul Douglas McBee, a longtime Tennessee high school basketball coach and educator died at the age of 73.Officials from the Grainger County Sheriffs Office said he McBees death followed a rollover tractor accident on his farm on July 21, WVLT reported.McBee spent decades shaping the lives of students and athletes in Grainger County, first teaching at Rutledge High School before the school became Grainger High School in 2008, according to Knox News. During his career, he served as an assistant coach for both the boys and girls basketball teams.His obituary remembered him as someone whose impact stretched well beyond the basketball court.Beyond his family, Doug made an immeasurable impact as a teacher and coach. To many, he was more than a teacher or coach-he was a mentor, role model, and a trusted friend who believed in people even when they struggled to believe in themselves, the obituary reads.He also coached his sons in high school, including Skylar McBee, who joined the University of Tennessee mens basketball team as a walk-on in 2009. Skylar later earned a full scholarship and played four seasons under coaches Bruce Pearl and Cuonzo Martin, according to Knox News.In 2012, after Grainger High School retired Skylars jersey following his graduation with 2,363 career points the second-most in school history McBee reflected on what the honor meant to their family.Were so appreciative and so humbled because of it, he told Knox News at the ceremony. Were just Grainger Countians and were just so proud of the way theyve supported him and taken this opportunity to honor him. Words cant express how you feel at moments like this.The obituary describes McBee as someone who quietly served others, offering encouragement, helping neighbors and supporting those in need without seeking recognition.He had a true servants heart, the obituary states. He never sought recognition for the countless acts of kindness he quietly offered to those in need.Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLEs free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.His son, Chase McBee, similarly remembered his fathers generosity and dedication to others.He was one of those that would give you the shirt off his back, Chase told Knox News. He loved his community, he loved his family, but most importantly, he loved the Lord.McBee is survived by his wife, Sue, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage, and their children, Megan, Chase and Skylar. He is also survived by his sister, Deb Holt, and five grandchildren, according to his obituary.Read the original article on People

LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) Through two games, Team USA is making life in WBSC Womens Baseball World Cup group play look easy. The USA had outscored its opponents 46-7.Thursday night, before a packed house of 3400 fans, they dominated Mexico 24-5 in five innings. Team USA struck for seven runs in the bottom of the first inning and then nearly doubled that by scoring 13 runs in the second inning.Catch Denae Benites homered, and she drove in six runs. Outfielder Ashton Lansdell homered, had two more hits, and she drove in seven runs. Third baseman Kate Blunt reached base four times, and she drove in a pair of runs. Outfielder Ashanthy Vizcarrondo added two hits and two RBIs. Team USA will next face Australia at 7 p.m. Friday at Rivets Stadium. Australia is also 2-0.Watch the media player for highlights of Team USAs victory against Mexico.Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO WQRF News, Weather and Sports.

Morgan Scalley enters his first season as head coach of the Utah Utes ready to pick up where Kyle Whittingham left off. After inheriting one of the best situations from last year, what's the outlook in Salt Lake City? Most analysts have the Utes anywhere from the second-best team to No. 5 in the Big 12. Needless to say, that's a pretty good range considering Scalley hasn't coached a full season yet. This isn't a rebuild, but rather a continuous motion of culture with how Utah has traditionally run the program. One of the best position groups to keep an eye on will be Utahs quarterback room.The Utes have two of the best quarterbacks in the nation with Devon Dampier leading the charge. There are good enough players in place all around the roster. However, Utah might have the best quarterbacks in the nation. Dampier is fascinating because he's a pure dual-threat. If you don't protect the edges against him, he's going to escape and take off down the field. His arm is also just as lethal.Dampier accounted for 3,325 yards of total offense, along with 34 total touchdowns and just five interceptions. His quarterback rating (84.4) was seventh in the nation last season. Just imagine what he's capable of when he's 100 percent healthy. He enters the 2026 season as the No. 3 quarterback in the Big 12. What's rare when addressing Utah's QB situation is using plural language. Byrd Ficklin showed flashes of greatness last year and returns under Dampier. What's scary is he's a carbon copy in many regards. If Dampier goes down due to injury, Ficklin is capable of carrying the load and is built for the same scheme.Whittingham wanted Ficklin to follow him to Michigan. And really, why not? Bryce Underwood is a decent signal-caller, but he'll move on to the NFL sometime soon."I know that Michigan went after Ficklin, and offered him a considerable package," Former Utah coach Ron McBride said this week.Ficklin knows he's in a perfect position to take over the Utes' offense as soon as next season. This all depends on Dampier heading to the NFL in 2027. With a little help in the legal process, there's a possibility he could stay at Utah for an additional season due to the fifth-year ruling, which was first adopted from a case regarding former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. We'll know more in December on Dampier's future plans. Regardless of when he goes to the league, Ficklin will be ready to go. The Utes are pretty stable at the QB position ahead of the 2026 season. More Utah Utes News:Where Utah ranked in Phil Steeles College Football preseason pollUtah football is all over social media after film session catches attention of NFL veteranJoe D'Orazio sends strong message to recruits: 'Utah puts people in the NFL

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Following 10 years of road cycling events, organisers are now focusing on gravel and MTB challenges rather than traditional road routes [Gran Fondo Isle of Man]The Gran Fondo Isle of Man returns this weekend with a new off-road format, marking the biggest change in the event's 10-year history.Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, the cycling festival has moved away from its traditional road route in favour of a multi-surface challenge featuring gravel tracks, green lanes, forest trails and historical railway lines.Organisers said the redesigned course had been created to reflect the Island's landscape and the growing popularity of gravel cycling, while remaining true to the event's focus on endurance and participation.New RoutesThe flagship Gran Fondo Gravel and Gran Fondo XC MTB races take place on Sunday, with riders setting off from Ramsey at 09:30 BST before finishing about 60 miles (100km) later in Port Erin.The point-to-point route takes competitors to the island's northern tip before heading south through farmland, wetlands, moorland, forests and coastal scenery.It features 30 designated off-road and C-road sectors, including Ballacorey Farm, The Curraghs, The Kella, Ballacarnane Farm, Archallagan Plantation and Eary Cushlin, before a final climb over Bradda Head and a technical descent into Port Erin.Organisers described it as "a route shaped by the island itself", rather than adapting an existing road course.Weekend Programme The event begins on Saturday with two warm-up events.The 'Minisculo Fondo' starts at 11:00 on a fully closed half-mile circuit around Mooragh Park in Ramsey, offering children and families the chance to take part.It is followed at 13:00 by the Gran Fondo Challenge, a non-competitive 30-mile (50km) event that starts and finishes in Ramsey and is designed for riders looking for a shorter off-road experience or a warm-up ahead of Sunday's races.Why is it called Gran Fondo?The name Gran Fondo has its origin in Italian cycling, and points to endurance challenges and long distance. The Isle of Man Gran Fondo is a qualifying competition for the UCI Gran Fondo World Series.The UCI Gran Fondo World Series said it adopted the "Gran Fondo" name to connect with a continental mass-participation cycling tradition.Why off-road? The Isle of Man Gran Fondo has organised large-scale cycling events on the Island for more than a decade, beginning with the Isle of Man Cyclefest in 2016 before launching the Gran Fondo series.The event has previously attracted riders ranging from first-time cyclists to professional racers, including Sir Mark Cavendish, Ben Swift, Lizzie Holden and Anna Christian.After hosting road-based events for 10 years, organisers said the move to gravel and mountain bike racing reflected "the sport's changing landscape" while "showcasing more of the Island's natural environment".Previous Gran Fondos have attracted some famous faces, like Mark Cavendish (pictured) [Gran Fondo Isle of Man]What road closures are there? Several temporary road closures will be in place during the Gran Fondo weekend to allow the event to take place safely.On Saturday (between 10:00-12:00), closures will affect:Park RoadNorth Shore Road from its junction with Park Road to its junction with Ballacloan RoadBallacloan RoadOn Sunday (between 09:00-12:00), closures will take place across several areas as riders make their way from Ramsey to Port Erin.Ballacorey Road from its junction with Bride Road to the entrance of Ballacorey FarmThurot Cottage RoadSmeale Road from its junction with Bride Coast Road to the entrance of Public Right of Way U79Leodest Road from the entrance of Public Right of Way 25 to its junction with Bride Coast RoadBride Coast Road from its junction with Kiondroghad Road to its junction with Polly RoadPolly Road from its junction with Bride Coast Road to Public Right of Way 9Old Windmill Road from its junction with Ballamona Road to its junction with Old Sulby RoadOld Sulby Road to its junction with Clenagh RoadKella Road from its junction with Clenagh Road to its junction with Kella CloseOn Sunday (between 10:00-15:00), closures will be in place on:Staarvey RoadBrack A Broom Lane from its junction with the A20 Poortown Road to its junction with Glen Mooar Loop RoadSloc Road from its junction with D60 Lhagg Road to its junction with Public Right of Way 197 / Surby Mill RoadOn Sunday (between 10:00 - 18:00), closures will affect:Station Road from its junction with Falcon Hill U129 to its junction with Shore RoadFalcon Hill U129Strand Road from its junction with Athol ParkShore Road from its junction with Strand Road.Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.Off-road route revealed for reinvented Gran Fondohttps://www.granfondoisleofman.com