Vanderbilt kickers train students for Pat McAfee ‘College GameDay’ field goal contest

Eli Drinkwitz, the head coach of the Missouri Tigers, recently commented that Missouri is merely a 'sideshow' for the upcoming College GameDay event in Nashville. This statement highlights the competitive nature of college football and the significance of GameDay as a platform for teams. It reflects the excitement surrounding the event and the attention it brings to participating teams, even if they are not the main focus.

This week, college football fans are buzzing about the matchup between Missouri and Vanderbilt, two top 25 teams in the AP Poll. Missouri, ranked 15th, is coming off a narrow victory, while Vanderbilt is celebrating its first top ten ranking since 1947. This game is crucial as it could influence the playoff race and the SEC title game, making it a must-watch for fans and analysts alike.

The Baltimore Ravens are struggling in the 2025 season, currently holding a disappointing 1-5 record after their bye week. The situation is exacerbated by the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Lamar Jackson's hamstring injury, which has left fans and analysts concerned about the team's future. This revelation has sparked reactions from notable figures like Pat McAfee and JJ Watt, highlighting the challenges the Ravens face as they attempt to turn their season around.

The NBA on NBC made its much-anticipated return on opening night, featuring Michael Jordan as a contributor. While fans were excited, the debut was met with mixed reviews, particularly from Bill Simmons, who felt Jordan's interview with Mike Tirico lacked energy. This moment is significant as it marks a new chapter for the NBA's broadcasting, and fans are keen to see how Jordan's involvement will evolve in future games.

LSU football is facing a tough situation as they prepare for their upcoming game against Texas A&M, following a disappointing loss to Vanderbilt. This defeat marks a significant setback for the Tigers, who haven't lost to Vanderbilt in 35 years, and has put their playoff aspirations in jeopardy. Adding to their woes, the team is dealing with injuries, particularly to key players like left tackle Tyree. This situation is crucial as it could impact their performance in the SEC and their chances of making it to the playoffs.

The Vanderbilt Commodores football team, which has been surprising fans this season, faces a significant setback with the loss of star defensive lineman Issa Ouattara to season-ending shoulder surgery. This injury not only affects the team's defensive strength but could also have serious implications for their standing in the SEC and their chances for a postseason appearance. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to this challenge.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has firmly rejected the idea proposed by Pat McAfee that the NBA should relinquish its Christmas Day games to the NFL. This stance highlights the NBA's commitment to maintaining its unique holiday tradition, which has become a significant part of its identity and fan engagement. By standing firm, Silver reinforces the importance of the NBA's presence during a time when sports viewership peaks, ensuring that basketball remains a central part of holiday celebrations for fans.

In an upcoming college football matchup, No. 10 Vanderbilt is set to face No. 15 Missouri, and coach Clark Lea has reached out to Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz with a light-hearted request to tone down the scoring. This game is significant as both teams are looking to solidify their standings in the NCAA rankings, making it a must-watch for fans and analysts alike.

The final T20 match between New Zealand and England is underway in Auckland, with England aiming for a series victory. The match has started with some exciting plays, including a strong opening from Tim Seifert. This game is significant as it not only determines the series winner but also showcases the competitive spirit of both teams, making it a must-watch for cricket fans.

In the second men's one-day international at Adelaide Oval, Australia is chasing a target of 265 runs to secure a victory against India. The match is currently in its early stages, with India starting cautiously against Australia's Josh Hazlewood, who has previously troubled their top order. This game is significant as it showcases the competitive spirit between two cricketing giants and could influence the series outcome.

The new season of Premiership Women’s Rugby is kicking off with excitement, riding the wave of England's recent Rugby World Cup victory. This triumph not only brought home the trophy but also saw record attendances and a surge in TV viewership, highlighting the growing popularity of women's rugby. As the teams prepare to compete, this season promises to build on the momentum generated by the World Cup, making it a pivotal moment for the sport.

Victor Wembanyama has made a stunning entrance into the NBA, showcasing his skills with a dominant performance against the Mavericks in the season opener. This impressive display not only highlights his potential but also signals to the league that he is a player to watch. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how he will shape the season ahead, making this a pivotal moment for both Wembanyama and the NBA.

The upcoming rugby series between England and Australia marks a significant moment as it's the first encounter since 2003, igniting excitement among fans and players alike. With a rich history of legendary players like Sam Burgess and James Graham, this series is not just about competition; it's a chance for England to showcase their growth and determination on the international stage. The motivation is high, and the stakes are even higher, making this a must-watch event for rugby enthusiasts.

Keisean Nixon has revealed that he no longer harbors negative feelings towards the Green Bay Packers, largely due to his respect for former quarterback Aaron Rodgers. As the Packers gear up to face the Steelers on Sunday Night Football, head coach Matt LaFleur is trying to shift the focus away from the Rodgers narrative, emphasizing that it's more of a media creation than a real storyline. This shift in Nixon's perspective highlights the evolving dynamics within the team and the impact of leadership on player relationships, making it a noteworthy development for fans.