There was no shortage of drama this college football season, but how will it close out and who will hoist the championship trophy? Our experts give their picks.
Canadiens Important Defenseman Out vs. Flyers
The Montreal Canadiens have gotten some less-than-ideal news ahead of their Dec. 16 game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Canadiens have announced that defenseman Mike Matheson will not be in the lineup for their matchup against the Flyers. In addition, the Habs shared that Matheson is considered day-to-day due to his injury.
With Matheson being one of the Canadiens' top defensemen, it is certainly tough news that he will not be in the lineup against the Flyers. Now, the Canadiens will need to adjust to not having him on their blueline as they look to extend their winning streak to two games.
Matheson has appeared in 32 games so far this season with the Canadiens, where he has recorded four goals, 12 assists, 16 points, and a plus-7 rating. Overall, the left-shot defenseman is once again having a solid season for the Habs and landed his five-year, $30 million contract extension back in November because of it.
It will now be interesting to see how the Canadiens respond to not having Matheson in the lineup against the Flyers from here.
“He Brings It”: Red Wings' Todd McLellan Praises Alex DeBrincat’s Relentless Competitiveness
The puck may not have been going in early for Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat, but once he scored his first goal of the season on Oct. 25 during the team’s historic comeback win over the St. Louis Blues, the floodgates opened.
DeBrincat now has 18 goals in 33 games and is on pace to set a new career high with 45 if he maintains his current trajectory. His previous best came during two 40-goal seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, and he nearly matched that mark last season with 39 goals.
The Farmington Hills, MI native scored five goals while adding four assists during Detroit's season-high six-game road swing, during which they earned nine of a possible 12 points up for grabs in the standings.
Alex DeBrincat is off to a hot start! 😼 pic.twitter.com/4nJ2uAlq7P
— NHL (@NHL) December 11, 2025
Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.
While DeBrincat has been known throughout his career for his goal-scoring abilities, head coach Todd McLellan touts the competitiveness he shows as one of his top attributes.
"The competitiveness, he plays in some tough situations, and he plays against 6'4", 6'5" defensemen, and the top pairs some nights over and over again, and he remains competitive even when the gas tank runs empty, which it does sometimes," McLellan explained. "He brings it."
"Not just this trip, but our - (assistant coach) Trent (Yawney) and my time with the Red Wings, we had an idea of how good Cat was, but he's shown us more than I would have known being in L.A. or San Jose and Edmonton all those years, just how well he competes. His shot, his offense, his mind, all that stuff. But just his competitiveness."
"It's Special": John Leonard Excited For Upcoming Red Wings Debut The Detroit Red Wings called up forward John Leonard from the American Hockey League, where he was leading all scorers with 19 goals in 20 games. DeBrincat is skating in his third season with the Red Wings since being acquired from the Ottawa Senators in July 2023, and he's been one of the club's most reliable sources of offensive production for the majority of his time in Detroit.
They'll need him to continue providing timely offense in order to break through and bring Stanley Cup Playoff hockey to Little Caesars Arena for what would be the first time since the venue's opening in 2017.
So far, there's little reason to believe that he won't.
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Why are Byrum Brown, Colton Joseph not playing in Cure Bowl?
Why are Byrum Brown and Colton Joseph opting out of the Cure Bowl? Here's what to know of the star USF and Old Dominion quarterbacks.
Mets bring in Jorge Polanco, Padres trade noise, and what David Stearns could do next | The Mets Pod
On the latest episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo react to the deal between the Mets and Jorge Polanco, and look for more moves ahead.
The guys break down the Polanco signing, and what his role will be with the team, then dig through the noise surrounding potential trade action between the Mets and Padres.
Connor and Joe also go Down on the Farm to pick an “untouchable” prospect, and answer Mailbag questions about Devin Williams, Jett Williams, David Stearns’ style of negotiation, and how long of a leash the Mets president of baseball operations actually has with owner Steve Cohen.
Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Why Steve Kerr is committed to keeping Warriors' starting lineup consistent
Why Steve Kerr is committed to keeping Warriors' starting lineup consistent originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – Warriors coach Steve Kerr has used nine unique starting lineups in as many games. He isn’t about to make it a perfect 10 for 10 Thursday in Phoenix against the Suns, or so he says.
“I would love to get some continuity,” Kerr said Tuesday at Chase Center after practice. “It’s been tough to string together games with everyone healthy and the same starting lineup. So assuming everybody’s available in Phoenix, we’ll start the same way we did last game. I’d like to keep doing that to really build some continuity with the starting lineup and then also with the rotation off the bench.”
A number of factors have led to Kerr trotting out a different starting five in each of the last nine games. The most notable obstacle has been health and availability.
Steph Curry only played in four of them, missing five. Draymond Green played three, missing six, and exited in the second quarter in one of the games he played. Jimmy Butler played seven, missing just two, but was unavailable the entire second half to injury in one of the games he was available for.
“To be honest, it’s been impossible the last couple of weeks,” Kerr said. “I mean, I don’t think we’ve had Dray, Steph and Jimmy all together since the Houston game, which was, I don’t know, six or seven games ago. And then obviously Pat [Spencer] played so well on the road and I wanted to reward him and we got two wins with him starting.
“Circumstances have led to some of the lack of continuity, but I can do a better job of trying to help the guys build some of that too.”
Prior to Sunday’s loss against the Portland Trail Blazers, the last time Curry, Butler and Green all played in the same game was the Warriors’ 104-100 loss against the Houston Rockets on Nov. 26, which was seven games and three weeks ago. Curry began limping the last few minutes of that loss and went to the locker room for the final 35 seconds with what later was deemed a left quad contusion that kept him out the next five games.
Butler missed two and a half games to left knee soreness, and Green missed a handful from a combination of a right foot sprain and an excused personal reason.
The starting five that Kerr went with Sunday night in Portland featured Curry, Butler, Moses Moody, Green and Quinten Post. It’s a group Kerr wants to give an extended run. As always, however, there are no guarantees.
“I would love for this to be our starting lineup,” Kerr said. “It’s our starting lineup going forward and we’ll give it a good look. I feel confident with it, but we always have to make adjustments as the season goes.”
That group of Curry, Butler, Moody, Green and Post played eight minutes and 55 seconds together in the Warriors’ 136-131 loss against the Trail Blazers. The starting five was outscored 29-28. They only made one of their three 2-point shots on the floor together while also going 8 of 14 from 3-point range.
On the other side, the Blazers went 2 of 5 on 2-pointers against the Warriors’ starting five and 5 of 8 from deep for an 80.6 true shooting percentage.
To no surprise, Curry, Butler and Green have started every game they have played this season. Moody has played 25 of the Warriors’ 27 games and has started 14. Post has played in all 27 and has been a starter in 13.
“Consistency is good,” Moody said after practice. “You can get a comfort and feel in your role your spot so you know it. But it’s the NBA, so you’ve got to be ready to adjust.”
Moody and Post making shots from deep is imperative for the lineup to work. Moody missed four open threes in the first half Sunday and then made two of his four in the second half to wind up with 12 points. Post scored 11, going 4 of 9 from the field and 3 of 6 on threes.
For years, the Warriors have thrived using Green as a small-ball center. But the 6-foot-6 veteran can only take so much at 35 years old, and Kerr believes the give and take of having a 7-foot center that can stretch the floor like Post next to him is a benefit the Warriors have to lean into.
“We’re more dynamic speed wise and disruptive defensively when he [Green] is at the five,” Kerr said. “He’s pushing the ball, he’s playing center field and blowing up a lot of things defensively. But when he’s at the four, he’s more on the perimeter offensively. So we’re not quite as dynamic, but I think the trade off is a good one. We get some minutes from him at the four, we can close the game with him at the five anytime we want.
“And this will give QP, who’s had a great year, who’s playing at a very high level, especially defensively, the size rebounding – I like that. We’re a pretty small team in general. So to get QP in the starting lineup with Dray feels good.”
That unit had played just six minutes together going into Sunday’s game. Starting with the Warriors’ contest Thursday in Phoenix, Kerr hopes he can trust it for much longer.
Gerwyn Price thrives off crowd support to ease through at PDC World Championship
Price cruises to 3-0 victory against Adam Gawlas
Danny Noppert rallies to beat Jurjen van der Velde
Gerwyn Price romped to a 3-0 win against Adam Gawlas to ease into the second round of the world championship on Tuesday.
Price, who was roared on by the the crowd at Alexandra Palace, bagged six 180s before closing out the win with his second 120 checkout of the evening. Despite missing 17 of his 26 attempts at doubles, he scored a 96.44 average to set up a second-round meeting with Wesley Plaisier.
Continue reading...Canadiens Reveal Starting Goalie For Flyers Matchup
The Montreal Canadiens are facing the Philadelphia Flyers on Dec. 16. The Canadiens will be looking to build off their impressive 4-1 win against the Edmonton Oilers in their last contest.
While speaking to reporters, Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis announced that Jacob Fowler will be the Habs' starting goalie against the Flyers. Meanwhile, Jacob Dobes will be Fowler's backup, while Sam Montembeault will be in the press box.
With Fowler being one of the Canadiens' most exciting prospects, fans will certainly be looking to see what the 21-year-old goaltender can do against the Flyers.
Fowler's most recent appearance for the Canadiens was against the New York Rangers on Dec. 13. The 2023 third-round pick allowed five goals on 29 shots in the Canadiens' 5-4 overtime loss to the Blueshirts.
Fowler made his NHL debut for the Canadiens on Dec. 11 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and had a big performance, however. During it, he stopped 36 out of 38 shots he faced and picked up his first NHL win in the process.
It will now be very interesting to see how Fowler performs in his third career NHL game from here.
Navy All-American Bowl Announces Finalists for the 2026 Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year Award
The Navy All-American Bowl Selection Committee announced the finalists for the Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year Award, presented to the top high school lineman in the class of 2026.
Kansas’ Melvin Council Jr. named AP men’s college basketball player of the week
The 6-foot-4 senior stepped up with a huge game that helped Kansas edge N.C. State in overtime on the road, posting career highs of 36 points and nine 3-pointers in the 77-76 win. Council was averaging 10.7 points but had missed his first 10 3-pointers of the season and entered Saturday's game having made just 5 of 27 3-pointers.
Legal experts examine Sherrone Moore case: ‘He’s not going to go to prison’
Legal experts said even if Sherrone Moore takes a plea or is found guilty of the most serious charges he's unlikely to go to prison.
No. 15 Nebraska is rolling with its best-ever start. Now it must build for Big Ten play ahead
Fred Hoiberg has his Nebraska team off to its best start in program history, owning the nation’s longest winning streak and armed with its best AP Top 25 ranking in more than three decades.
García brings energy, aims for resurgent 2026 with Phils
García brings energy, aims for resurgent 2026 with Phils originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Eight homers, an electrifying walk-off blast in the Fall Classic and a championship ring with Texas to show for it. Adolis García made his mark in the 2023 postseason, emerging as a playoff hero.
Now, as the newest slugger in Philadelphia enters his age-33 season, García understands that the “focus is not to be a hero,” he said through Phillies assistant general manager Jorge Velandia at his introductory press conference Tuesday.
Three seasons ago marked the peak of García’s career. He clubbed 39 home runs, drove in more than 100 RBIs for a second straight year and posted an .836 OPS. The last two seasons, however, told a different story — and injuries played a significant role.
In 2024, García played through a patellar tendon strain that required eight weeks of rehab the following offseason. He finished that year with a career-low .684 OPS. Leading into 2025, he dealt with an oblique strain, then sprained his left ankle and later suffered a Grade 2 right quad strain upon his return. He still appeared in 135 games but posted another career-worst OPS, this time at .665.
The ineffectiveness in those two seasons ultimately led to his departure from Texas, as the Rangers non-tendered the outfielder on Nov. 21.
“I did everything that I could while I was there, and I have great memories in Texas,” García told reporters. “Unfortunately, things happen. Everything happens for a reason.”
The Phillies — who signed García to a one-year, $10 million deal on Monday — acknowledge the 32-year-old’s recent struggles but believe the two-time All-Star can still produce at a high level offensively.
“Even though some things were down, there are still positives,” President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. “One thing we talked to Adolis about is being more under control with his swing. We don’t need him trying to hit the ball out of the park every swing.”
“We believe this is more about approach than ability,” Dombrowski continued. “The tools are still there. The bat speed is still there. The ball still jumps off his bat.”
Getting García back on track is a clear organizational priority. While the move is low-risk both financially and in years, the Phillies want to maximize his offensive profile. Manager Rob Thomson said assistant hitting coach Edwar Gonzalez will travel to Tampa soon to begin working with García as he prepares for the season.
While Thomson is unsure where García may slot into the lineup, he shares Dombrowski’s optimism, with the understanding that adjustments will be necessary.
“If Adolis is himself, he’s one of those guys who can protect the left-handed bats,” the Phillies skipper said. “Getting back to basics, controlling the strike zone, using the whole field … his power plays everywhere.”
Regardless, García’s defense gives the club confidence in its outfield alignment, presumably with Brandon Marsh in left field and Justin Crawford in center.
For the 6-foot, 205-pound García — built more like an NFL running back — defense has long been central to his identity.
“It’s something I take a lot of pride in. You may not get an RBI, but you can stop an RBI in the outfield. If you can take a run away, I’m willing to do that at any time,” the 2023 Gold Glove winner said.
Taking away runs is something García has consistently done. Since becoming an everyday player in 2021, he has totaled +36 defensive runs saved (DRS), per FanGraphs — the second-most among all outfielders in that span.
His arm plays a major role. In 2025, he averaged 91.9 mph, and in Outfield Arm Runs Saved (rARM), García ranks first with 24 over the past five seasons, doubling Cleveland’s Steven Kwan, who is second with 12.
“That’s part of what I bring every day. I concentrate a lot on defense in the offseason so I can be at my best in the outfield at all times,” García said.
For context, the defensive contrast is stark. Over that same span, Nick Castellanos posted -51 DRS and -12 rARM — both second-worst marks among all players in baseball.
Offensively, the gap may not be as wide. García and Castellanos are two of just eight outfielders to record five consecutive seasons with at least 200 total bases.
But “El Bombi” brings something else to the field: energy. From emphatic bat flips to memorable home run trots, García has never shied away from showing emotion.
“That’s in my blood,” García said. “Emotion is great. That’s one of the reasons I play this game.”
With the energy the Philadelphia fanbase routinely brings to Citizens Bank Park, García’s personality could make him a quick fan favorite.
“The energy I bring is how I give everything I have to the fans.”
Phillies and Adolis García agree to a 1-year contract to fill expected spot in right field
PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies and outfielder Adolis García have agreed on a one-year contract for the 2026 season.
The Phillies and two-time All-Star with the Texas Rangers agreed on a reported $10 million deal. The 32-year-old Garcia is expected to start in right field for the Phillies, with veteran Nick Castellanos expected to part ways with the organization.
Garcia posted career bests in home runs (39), RBIs (107), OPS (.836), OPS+ (127), runs scored (108) and walks (65) in 2023 when he helped lead the Rangers to their first World Series title.
He was named the ALCS MVP after posting a 1.293 OPS with five home runs and 15 RBIs, which included two home runs and five RBIs in Texas’ Game 7 win over the Astros in Houston.
García this year batted .227 with 19 homers and 75 RBIs. He had a .675 OPS over the past two seasons to rank 117th among 123 qualified hitters.
How to watch Marquette vs. No. 1 UConn: TV, live stream info, storylines for Wednesday’s game
The Golden Eagles and Huskies meet in a clash of undefeated teams in the Big East.