We’re about to find out on Sunday how far they have really come. At the very least, we’ll get a clearer indication.
Day: December 30, 2016
Today in History
On Dec. 30, 1916, Grigory Rasputin, the so-called “Mad Monk” who wielded considerable influence with Czar Nicholas II, was killed by a group of Russian noblemen in St. Petersburg. In 1853, the United States and Mexico signed a treaty under which the U.S. agreed to buy some 45,000 square miles of land from Mexico for $10 million in a deal known as the Gadsden Purchase.
Redskins need to beat Giants, hope for no Packers-Lions tie
It’ll be a long night for the Washington Redskins on Sunday, even if they beat the New York Giants at home in the afternoon. The Redskins face a virtual win and get into the playoffs scenario in their regular-season finale, with one hitch.
Texans, Titans insist they have lots to play for in finale
The AFC South title Tennessee hoped to be playing for Sunday now rests comfortably in Houston ‘s hands for a second straight season. Houston can finish its first season sweep of the AFC South and extend a divisional winning streak already tied for the NFL ‘s longest active string to 11 games.
Wild win 12th in a row, 6-4 against Islanders
… the first time in NHL history two teams have had concurrent win streaks of at least 12 games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. “They have a will to win,” Minnesota coach Bruce Boudreau said of his team. “I mean, they like this. I’m sure …
Gainesville boy battling leukemia will be honorary Falcons captain Sunday
Emma Claire, 9, J.R., Riley, 6, and Molly Johnson pose for a photo at their Gainesville home Wednesday. J.R. and Molly Johnson said they are blown away by the support they have received from the community after Riley was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Down to the wire: Lions-Packers will decide NFC North
It’s not the biggest game in the history of Ford Field, though it’s probably the biggest that’s actually involved the Detroit Lions . Motown’s new football stadium opened in 2002, and since then it has hosted a Super Bowl and a Final Four.
Abhay Singh Chautala to resign if IOC disapproves decision
New Delhi: Embattled Abhay Singh Chautala yesterday offered to relinquish the life presidency of the Indian Olympic Association, but only if the International Olympic Committee has reservations about his elevation to the position. Chautala, who has been chargesheeted in a disproportionate assets case, and 2010 CWG corruption scandal tainted Suresh Kalmadi were made Life Presidents at the IOA’s Annual General Meeting in Chennai on December 27, leaving the Sports Ministry fuming.
Cal State Northridge snaps 4 game skid, beats Morgan State
Kendall Smith scored 19 points and Cal State Northridge built an insurmountable early lead and cruised in the second half to an 82-61 win over Morgan State on Thursday night. Tavrion Dawson had 16 points while Aaron Parks and Rakim Lubin each added 12 for the Matadors , who snapped a four-game losing streak.
Bucs want to finish strong, despite only slim playoff hopes
Tampa Bay’s slender playoff prospects are not foremost on Jameis Winston’s mind heading into what’s likely to be his team’s season finale against the Carolina Panthers . What matters more to the young quarterback is the Buccaneers not only finish strong against the defending NFC champions, but play with a fervor that doesn’t reflect the disappointment of letting a potential postseason berth slip away.
Mike Tolbert continues to be role model on, off field
Special Photo/Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez Douglas County native and Carolina Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert was named to his third Pro Bowl game of his nine-year professional career.
Smith, Ravens seek a rare upbeat ending in Cincinnati
What feels like the end of the road for Steve Smith isn’t at all what he or the Baltimore Ravens expected. They were mere seconds away from taking control of the AFC North when the Steelers snatched it away from them, scoring a touchdown with 9 seconds left for a 31-27 win that ended Baltimore ‘s chances last week.
Brandon Robinson plays first game in Atlanta
… North Carolina has won two straight since a Dec. 17 loss to Kentucky, 100-103, in Las Vegas as part of the CBS Sports Classic. The Tar Heels only other loss was 76-67 at Indiana in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Robinson has played in all 14 of the Tar …
Raiders-Broncos finale represents a role reversal
Spoiler is an unfamiliar role for Von Miller and Chris Harris Jr., who get to see what it’s like to play for nothing but pride Sunday when the Denver Broncos host the Oakland Raiders . The Broncos were eliminated from playoff contention last week, so they won’t get a chance to defend their Super Bowl 50 title.
Avoiding injuries top priority for playoff-bound Cowboys
Staying healthy – not winning – is the top priority for the playoff-bound Dallas Cowboys when they visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday because they already clinched home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. “No game is meaningless,” Prescott said.
No. 8 Louisville women rally past No. 25 Syracuse, 91-76
Asia Durr’s final 3-pointer of the night was much like her previous six, a beautifully arced shot that came right on time for No. 8 Louisville.
A lawmaker’s solution for marriage debate: Remove the state
In this April 19, 2016, file photo, supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment to protect businesses that deny services for same-sex weddings lobby Missouri legislators in Jefferson City, Mo. A Republican Missouri lawmaker says he has a solution to end tense debates over same-sex marriage.
KC seeks AFC West title; Chargers face possible SD finale
Already in the playoffs for the third time in four years, Alex Smith and the Chiefs need to beat the Chargers and have the Denver Broncos beat the Oakland Raiders in order to clinch the AFC West title and a first-round bye. The games kick off at the same time, and it’ll be tempting for the Chiefs to check the antiquated Jumbotron at the aging stadium for Raiders-Broncos updates.
Bills, Jets meet while facing offseasons of uncertainty
There’s still plenty of intrigue and uncertainty surrounding both teams, though, as their seasons crawl to a close without the playoffs in sight. Again.
Blue Jackets win 14th straight, on to historic game vs. Wild
Columbus Blue Jackets’ Brandon Saad scores on Winnipeg Jets goaltender Michael Hutchinson as Dustin Byfuglien and Mathieu Perreault defend during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky makes a save against the Winnipeg Jets during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Carson Palmer returns to Coliseum when Cards wrap up vs Rams
Carson Palmer hasn’t visited the Coliseum since he was Southern California’s starting quarterback 14 years ago. Although he won the Heisman Trophy just a few weeks later, that final home victory over Notre Dame still stands out as a major highlight of his football life.