One thing to monitor to start the season will be the USC Trojans' defense and how much it has improved. Gary Patterson's reputation will be put to the test this season. How much can he get out of the Trojans' defensive talent? The answer to that question will determine whether he becomes a USC legend and increases his greatness. The USC Trojans' defense should be primed to have a dominant showing in the 2026 debut against San Jose State.Here are my predictions for the Trojans' defense in Game 1:Run defense will improve, holding SJSU to 50 yards rushingOne area of weakness last season was the Trojans' run defense. Teams beat the Trojans by being the more physical team and dominating them on the ground. Bringing in a guy like Alex VanSumeren will drastically improve that. Along with some big, physical freshmen who came in from this past recruiting class. The Trojans' defense will make a statement and show that improvement by completely stalling the Spartans' rushing attack. Gary Patterson's defense will get 5 sacksThere is a lot of excitement surrounding the Trojans' defensive line, as it features young, talented players and guys coming back another season with more experience. You add in Gary Patterson, a veteran defensive mind; he will put all of the talent on this defensive line in a great position to dominate. You will see that come to fruition in game 1. The Trojans' defensive line will feast on San Jose State, resulting in the Spartans' quarterback hitting the ground a lot on Saturday.Luke Wafle will lead Trojans' defense in pressuresLuke Wafle will get the start for his debut. I think he will shine big time and show just how special he can be for the Trojans this season. Wafle will wreak havoc in San Jose State's backfield all game long. With him being a freshman, I do not expect him to get off the field early with the other starters. Wafle will be the most productive edge for USC in this game, and he will lead the Trojans in pressures, along with getting his first college sack.Jontez Williams will get his first interception as a TrojanJontez Williams is someone who specializes in making plays on the football. Combine that with his elite ball skills, and you get a 4-interception season, as he had in 2024. I think that kind of season will happen for Williams, and it starts on Saturday with him getting his first interception at USC. Trojans' defense will give up fewer than 10 points in this gameThe Trojans' offense will get a lot of attention for their dominant day, but I believe the Trojans' defense being very stout in this game should be the headline. USC's defense obviously will need to be great this year for this team to reach its goals. I think Gary Patterson and company will make a statement and hold the Spartans to less than 10 points in their dominant debut.Contact/Follow @TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of USC Trojans news, notes and opinion.This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Micah Huff's 5 bold predictions for Trojans' defense in 2026 Game 1

It took some time for it to come together, but the full NASCAR Cup Series schedule for 2027 is officially set in stone. Next years schedule sees minor tweaks compared to 2026, including a revamp of how the 2027 Chase will look. Among the adjustments include the Wheatley Vodka Clash exhibition race to start the season. Previously at Bowman-Gray Stadium, the Clash will return to the Daytona International Speedway for the first time since 2021 and first time on the oval configuration since 2020.Dover Motor Speedway returns to the schedule as a points-paying race in 2027 after hosting the All-Star Race in 2026. The $1 million All-Star exhibition returns to North Wilkesboro Speedway after the North Carolina short track was the site for the event from 2023-2025.North Wilkesboro loses its points-paying race in 2027 after hosting one this season for the first time since 1996.The Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway moves out of the Chase and will be the regular-season finale in 2027. World Wide Technology Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway also move out of the Chase in 2027 to points-paying races in August.Richmond Raceway moves back into the Chase for the first time since 2021 and will be the Chase opener on Saturday night, September 11. Watkins Glen International, previously having a May date in 2026, will be the second race of the Chase in 2027.New Hampshire Motor Speedway also moves back into the Chase next season as it will be the site for the third race of NASCARs postseason.Full 2027 NASCAR Cup Series scheduleHere is a look at the complete 2027 NASCAR Cup Series schedule:Sat., Feb. 13 Wheatley Vodka Clash (Daytona International Speedway) TV: FOX SportsThu., Feb. 18 Duel at Daytona (Daytona International Speedway) TV: FOX SportsSun., Feb. 21 Daytona 500 (Daytona International Speedway) TV: FOX SportsSun., Feb. 28 Autotrader 400 (EchoPark Speedway) TV: FOX SportsSun., March 7 DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix (Circuit of The Americas) TV: FOX SportsSun., March 14 Phoenix Raceway TV: FOX SportsSun., March 21 Las Vegas Motor Speedway TV: FOX SportsSun., April 4 Darlington Raceway TV: FOX SportsSun., April 11 Bristol Motor Speedway TV: FOX SportsSun., April 18 Cook Out 400 (Martinsville Speedway) TV: FOX SportsSun., April 25 Jack Links 500 (Talladega Superspeedway) TV: FOX SportsSun., May 2 Wrth 400 presented by Liqui Moly (Texas Motor Speedway) TV: FOX SportsSun., May 9 Kansas Speedway TV: FOX SportsSun., May 16 Dover Motor Speedway TV: FOX SportsSun., May 23 All-Star Race (North Wilkesboro Speedway) TV: FOX SportsSun., May 30 Coca-Cola 600 (Charlotte Motor Speedway) TV: Prime VideoSun., June 6 Nashville Superspeedway TV: Prime VideoSun., June 13 Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISIT PA (Pocono Raceway) TV: Prime VideoSun., June 20 Michigan International Speedway TV: Prime VideoSun., June 27 Chicagoland Speedway TV: Prime VideoSun., July 4 Iowa Speedway TV: TNT SportsSun., July 11 Toyota/Save Mart 350 (Sonoma Raceway) TV: TNT SportsSun., July 18 Dollar Tree 400 (EchoPark Speedway) TV: TNT SportsSun., July 25 Brickyard 400 (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) TV: TNT SportsSun., Aug. 1 Naval Base Coronado TV: TNT SportsSat., Aug. 14 Bass Pro Shops Night Race (Bristol Motor Speedway) TV: USA SportsSun., Aug. 22 Enjoy Illinois 300 (World Wide Technology Raceway) TV: USA SportsSat., Aug. 28 Coke Zero Sugar 400 (Daytona International Speedway) TV: USA SportsSun., Sept. 5 Southern 500 (Darlington Raceway) TV: USA SportsThe ChaseSat., Sept. 11 Richmond Raceway TV: USA SportsSun., Sept. 19 Watkins Glen International TV: USA SportsSun., Sept. 26 New Hampshire Motor Speedway TV: USA SportsSun., Oct. 3 Kansas Speedway TV: USA SportsSun., Oct. 10 Las Vegas Motor Speedway TV: USA SportsSun., Oct. 17 Charlotte Motor Speedway TV: USA SportsSun., Oct. 24 Freeway Insurance 500 (Phoenix Raceway) TV: USA SportsSun., Oct. 31 YellaWood 500 (Talladega Superspeedway) TV: USA SportsSun., Nov. 7 Xfinity 500 (Martinsville Speedway) TV: USA SportsSun., Nov. 14 Homestead-Miami Speedway TV: USA Sports

The Tennessee Titans' joint practice with the Chicago Bears reached peak intensity after a hit on Wan'Dale Robinson from former Titans defensive back Xavier Woods during a team period.Robinson left the field under his own power but is being evaluated for a concussion, Robert Saleh said."We're checking Wan'Dale for a concussion," Saleh said.The hit produced tension between both teams, with both sidelines coming together. Saleh had a quick reaction after practice to the hit on Robinson."Cheap," Saleh said. Robinson signed with the Titans this offseason after four seasons with the New York Giants under current Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. The Kentucky alum has 185 catches over the last two seasons and posted his first 1,000-yard receiving season in 2025 despite changes at quarterback throughout the year.If all gels, Robinson, veteran Calvin Ridley and rookie Carnell Tate could become one of the league's top receiving trios.This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Wan'Dale Robinson injury update after big hit during Titans-Bears joint practice

Mainz forward Bving nearing 1.FC Nrnberg loan spellWilliam Bving is on the brink of leaving Mainz 05 to join 1.FC Nrnberg, according to exclusive information from Sky Germany.With transfer negotiations already in the home stretch, it's believed the Danish talent will join the Bavarian club on a year-long loan.However, the second division outfit will not be granted an option to purchase the 23-year-old after the 2026-27 season ends.Bving, who found the net in Mainz's 9-0 win over VfB Krieschow, will undergo his medical scheduled for tomorrow, Friday 28 August.In Mainz, the versatile forward is still under contract until 2029 and is rated highly by those in charge despite struggling with form.

The Chicago Bears took part in a hot and physical practice with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday ahead of their preseason finale over the weekend. Things apparently got too physical at one point as Bears safety Xavier Woods laid a big hit on Titans wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson that was flagged for a penalty and resulted in a scuffle on the field, as observed by CHGO's Adam Jahns.\nBears safety Xavier Woods just laid out Titans WR WanDale Robinson. Hard high hit over the middle. Flag thrown. Titans players went after Woods. Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) August 27, 2026\nThe Bears have been known to push the envelope physically during these joint practices going back to their 2025 meeting with the Miami Dolphins. But it seems this hit crossed a line.\nAfter the practice concluded, Titans head coach Robert Saleh told the media Robinson was being evaluated for a concussion and took exception to Woods' hit. "Cheap" Saleh said when a reporter tried to classify it as a big hit.\nWoods spent the 2025 season with the Titans before joining the Bears, though Robinson and Saleh were not with the team at the time. It's unclear if Woods was trying to send a message to his former organization or if he simply got caught up in the heat and humidity by trying to make a play. Either way, the Titans head coach clearly isn't happy with the Bears safety and Robinson could be sidelined due to the hit.\nThis article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Titans HC Robert Saleh calls out Bears DB Xavier Woods for 'cheap' hit

Como hope in Kean talks, but stalling with Milan for RicciComo director Carlalberto Ludi admits advanced talks with Fiorentina for Moise Kean, but warns they are stalling on Samuele Ricci from Milan. Were not sure yet.The director of sport spoke to Sky Sport Italia in the wake of the Champions League draw, the first in the clubs history.It will see them face the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Manchester United in the tournament, a remarkable achievement considering they were in Serie B just three years ago.SASSUOLO, ITALY APRIL 17: Carlalberto Ludi, Sporting Director of Como 1907 looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)As a result, they have had to spend big this summer to reinforce the squad for coach Cesc Fabregas, and the latest deal would seem to be for Fiorentina striker Kean.Its reported an agreement has been reached for the 10m loan, obligation to buy at the end of the season for 25m and another 5m in various add-ons.Others note that they are still discussing the finer details of the performance-related bonuses, so there is no permission to travel yet.Como active on the transfer marketFLORENCE, ITALY SEPTEMBER 21: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Como 1907 at Artemio Franchi on September 21, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)I was going to disappoint you by saying that I wasnt here to talk about the transfer market, but I cant do that, confessed Ludi with a smile on Sky Sport Italia.With regards to Kean, the two clubs are in contact, we have not finalised anything yet, but this is a strong player and we hope that he can join our squad.PARMA, ITALY NOVEMBER 08: Samuele Ricci of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)It had also been reported that an agreement was reached for Milan midfielder Ricci, on loan for 2m with option to buy for another 22m plus 1m bonus.However, in this case Ludi poured cold water over the suggestions of imminent medical tests.We admire Ricci, but as of today there is nothing concrete. If we were to go for a midfielder, it would be the very last move of the transfer market, but were not sure yet if we want to do that, so were stalling.

Galantic: Roma must always be in the Champions LeagueRoma CEO John Galantic sees exciting games for the Giallorossi in the Champions League and is not worried by Gian Piero Gasperinis demands in the transfer market: Winners are always exigent.Roma learned their Champions League opponents on Thursday, and their CEO, Galantic, who was appointed at the end of July, examined the outcome in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.Its a great emotion, Galantic said, speaking perfect Italian.VERONA, ITALY MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, acknowledges the fans after the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)Galantic: Roma stronger than last seasonIll start with the most obvious comment: all teams are difficult. There are some exciting games; it will be so good for our fans. Well be ready.Roma will face two of their ex-coaches, Jos Mourinho and Luis Enrique. Will it be exciting to reunite with the Special One?It is. But also PSG in Paris, all the games, Galantic said.Ive been a Roma fan since I was a kid. For me, this is more than a job. Its passion, he continued.Im truly honoured and very busy. Its a bit of a baptism of fire, with the transfer market and the pre-season, but its nice to understand the reality of the sporting part. Thats where you create the value. The commercial part is important, but that is like throwing gasoline on a fire. The fire is on the pitch.MILAN, ITALY MARCH 11: The UEFA Champions League trophy is displayed on a plinth at the side of the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and Feyenoord at on March 11, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)Roma have signed Santiago Castro, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Rodrigo Mora and Nahuel Molina this summer, but according to several reports, Gasperini is still waiting for a left-footed attacking winger.The winners are always exigent. Better this way. We are vigilant. Well see if there are opportunities at the end of the transfer window, said the Roma director.Gasperini has also said that hes happy with the team and the players who have arrived. We are stronger than last season, and let me add that this is an important moment. Not just for the nice start on Monday, but also for the Champions League, so we have to thank the fans, the coach and the team. Its an important moment for Roma. Roma must always be in the Champions League.ROME, ITALY AUGUST 24: Donyell Malen with Paulo Dybala and Wesley Franca of AS Roma celebrates during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on August 24, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)Aside from Mourinhos Real Madrid and Luis Enriques PSG, Roma will also meet Sporting CP, Manchester United, Lille, Fenerbahce, S. Bratislava and AEK Athens.UEFA is expected to release the full fixture list for the league phase of the Champions League no later than Saturday, August 29.

The Green Bay Packers are adding another veteran to their offense just days before NFL teams must finalize their initial 53-man rosters. Green Bay is signing former Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to a one-year deal, giving Jordan Love another experienced option in the passing game.MORE:Previewing all 16 NFC teams & predicting every record in 2026Packers add veteran experienceDec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Smith, 31, spent the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, catching 38 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games. While those numbers were a significant drop from his previous season, Smith remains an experienced veteran with 345 career receptions, 3,529 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns.His best season came in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, when he earned his first Pro Bowl selection after setting career highs with 88 receptions, 884 yards and eight touchdowns.The Packers are hoping some of that version of Smith can return in Green Bay.Theres also a familiar connection. Smith spent time with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur when both were with the Tennessee Titans, giving LaFleur familiarity with what the veteran tight end can bring to an offense.MORE:NFL predictions: Previewing all 16 AFC teams & predicting every record in 2026Smith fills important Packers needThe timing of the signing makes plenty of sense for Green Bay.Tucker Kraft is expected to be available for Week 1 after recovering from a torn ACL, but the Packers could still be cautious with him early in the season. Meanwhile, Luke Musgrave has been dealing with a neck injury and remains unavailable.That left Green Bay looking for another proven option at the position.Smith can provide insurance behind Kraft while also giving the Packers another versatile piece who can line up in different spots. He has played in 141 career games with 91 starts and has not missed a game since 2022.The signing also comes at an interesting point on the NFL calendar. Teams are approaching the final roster cutdown, so Smith will have very little time to get comfortable with his new teammates and learn the offense.Still, this is a low-risk addition for Green Bay.Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter

The New Orleans Saints face a difficult decision behind Tyler Shough. New Orleans has Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson competing for the backup job, and both offer different strengths. Rattler, who is two years younger, has experience in the Saints' offensive system under head coach Kellen Moore, while Wilson offers more NFL experience; granted, it has been a somewhat rocky road.In an appearance on Ari Meirov's "NFL Spotlight" podcast, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football said that the Saints could be willing to trade either quarterback, depending on interest. Meirov added that he has heard some teams could be interested in acquiring one of them.I think theyd be willing to trade one of them if the right offer is there, Underhill said. I think they like all three. I know they really like Spencer quite a bit, but if the ROI was there they spent a fifth on him and somebody wants to give you more than you spent on him, yeah, I would see them being open to that offer.The Saints selected Rattler in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he started 14 games over his first two seasons. He's a valuable insurance policy behind Shough, but if another team offers more than the Saints initially invested, they could be convinced to come off their current stance.Wilson has been volatile throughout training camp, as he's been throughout his NFL career. Underhill estimated that Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick, delivered two of the five best throws he witnessed while also showing four of the five worst.I would feel much better about the floor in a game with Spencer in there than I would with Wilson, Underhill said. But if youre chasing ceiling, I think Wilsons the guy over Rattler.Keeping three quarterbacks would ensure that the room is as complete as possible. Underhill believes that it would be the best outcome for the team, though things can change as the 53-man roster crunch nears. Roster spots are increasingly valuable, which could lead New Orleans to allow the trade market to break the tie between the two quarterbacks. The team doesn't appear determined to trade either quarterback. If the right offer arrives, though, another team could resolve one of the Saints' most interesting roster decisions.To watch Underhill's full interview with Ari Meirov, click the link below:This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints may be hoping another team can make backup QB decision for them

Flu and Palmeiras vie for the Brasileiro U17 lead this ThursdayFluminense and Palmeiras battle for the lead in the Brasileiro U-17Credits: LEONARDO BRASIL/ FLUMINENSE FC and Fabio Menotti/PalmeirasFluminense and Palmeiras face off at 8 p.m. (Braslia time) this Thursday (27) at Luso-Brasileiro Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, in a direct clash for the top spot in the Brasileiro U-17. The Tricolor das Laranjeiras believes it has a chance to take over first place, while Alviverde sees an opportunity to open a four-point lead at the top of the table.In second place with 27 points, the Rio de Janeiro side is just one point behind the So Paulo team, which has 28. At home, the Rio side has a 100% record in six matches. The So Paulo side, meanwhile, has four wins, one draw, and one loss.The match also pits the best attack in the competition (38 goals scored by Palmeiras) against the best defense (nine goals conceded by Fluminense and So Paulo).Fluminense vs. Palmeiras will be broadcast live on sportv.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in here.

Belichick last called defensive plays full-time in 2019 with the Patriots

Aug 25, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Victoria Mboko of Canada in action against Barbora Krejcikova of Czech Republic in the first round of the womens singles at the US Open at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre. Mandatory Credi | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Jim SmithWith only a few days until the first ball is struck at Arthur Ashe Stadium, several women have already made the decision to withdraw from the US Open. Here, we provide a list of those who will be absent and who will replace them in the draw.9 Women Withdraw From The US OpenWhich Women Withdrew?Victoria MbokoThe 19-year-old Canadian tore ligaments in her left knee during a fall at Queens Club in June. It has been a rough stretch sincethe injury also cost her Wimbledon and her home tournament, the National Bank Openand it simply has not healed in time. This is going to be a long-term injury, as Mboko never even appeared on the US Open entry list in the first place.Hailey BaptisteBaptiste, ranked No. 34 is out for similar reasons, also never appearing on the entry list. She tore her ACL and meniscus during the second round of the French Open, cutting short a season that had taken her to a career-high No. 25.Jacqueline CristianThe Romanian suffered a right knee injury and she underwent surgery in July. The same knee kept her off the tour after a surgery in 2022 that sidelined her for eight months.Emma RaducanuThe 2021 US Open champion has been out since the Queens Club final with a severe grade-4 stress fracture in her right shin. This injury already wiped out her Wimbledon, Toronto, and Cincinnati campaigns.Irina-Camelia BeguThe 36-year-old had already been off tour for nine months with a knee problem before making her comeback in May, using a protected ranking to get back into tournaments. Then, just as she was rebuilding her season, she fractured two toes in an off-court accident, which ultimately forced her out of the US Open.Jil TeichmannThe 29-year-old has been battling a right leg injury since Wimbledon that still has not cleared up, missing the entire North-American swing.Ajla TomljanovicTomljanovic looked to be on the mend after rough clay season, even making a semifinal at the Libema Open going into grass. But due to a series of minor injuries, the Australian decided to end her season early and recover for 2027.Embed from Getty ImagesLaura SiegemundAfter losing in the first round at Wimbledon, the German announced on Instagram she is stepping away from the tour entirely for now to recover mentally and physically before deciding what comes next.Varvara GrachevaGracheva round out the list. She tore her ACL back in March and has been out ever since, missing the entire hard-court swing as a result.Who Will Replace Those Players on the Main DrawMananchaya Sawangkaew earned direct entry into the main draw as a result of Mbokos withdrawal. Meanwhile Kaitlin Quevedo steps in for Baptiste and Darja Vidmanova replaces Cristian.Anna Blinkova takes Raducanus place, and Elsa Jacquemot moves into the draw following Begus withdrawal. Julia Grabher replaces Teichmann and Ella Seidel benefits from Tomljanovics absence.Nadia Podoroska has been handed Siegemunds spot, while Anastasia Zakharoba rounds out the list of beneficiaries, replacing Gracheva.Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images