Miami snaps a three-game losing streak
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ð Good morning to all, but especially to …
THE MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Dolphins, at long last, are back in the win column after a 23-15 win over the Rams.
We saw a few glimpses of what Miami can do when its offense has Tua Tagovailoa, but really, this one is thanks to the defense. Miami …
sacked Matthew Stafford four times — he hadn’t been sacked at all in his previous two games
forced two turnovers
didn’t allow a touchdown
gave up just 70 yards rushing on 18 attempts (3.9 yards per carry)
Let’s credit Calais Campbell and Zach Seiler up front and the Dolphins as a whole for not giving up on a season that’s been quite challenging. Miami is now 3-6 with the Raiders and Patriots up next. I never want to get ahead of things — this result could very well end up being a one-off surprise — but Miami might even have an outside chance to get back into the playoff picture.
And perhaps most importantly, the Dolphins gave the state of Florida its only football win this week.
ð Honorable mentions
The 2024 NBA Cup begins tonight! Here’s everything you need to know.
The Cavaliers are now 12-0.
Aaron Boone spoke about everything Yankees.
Will Juan Soto beat Shohei Ohtani’s deal?
Here are the MLB awards finalists.
Ausar Thompson has been cleared to play after dealing with blood clots.
Matt Milano is getting closer to returning.
Five-star 2025 shooting guard Meleek Thomas committed to Arkansas.
Here’s the men’s college basketball AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll and the women’s AP Top 25.
Is Lily Yohannes the next USWNT star after she picked the USA over the Netherlands?
Dana Holgorsen joined Nebraska last week. Now he’s calling plays.
Candace Parker hopes to own a WNBA (and NBA) team.
ð And not such a good morning for …
THE LOS ANGELES RAMS
We’ll be quick. This is the first time the Rams failed to score a touchdown in a home game with Stafford. An offensive line that had been improving — and even got some key players back — yet again struggled. It was just bad all-around.
After three straight wins got its season back on track, Los Angeles (4-5) took a significant step back, especially after NFC West rivals Arizona and San Francisco won. Four of the Rams’ five losses this season are by one possession, and with a tough closing stretch, those small margins mean a big challenge ahead.
ð Not so honorable mentions
The Cowboys are sticking with Cooper Rush. Sure!
The Giants aren’t sure if they’ll stick with Daniel Jones.
Changes are coming for the Bears.
“What an idiot.” That’s how Kirby Smart reacted to Georgia defensive back Jake Pope celebrating with Ole Miss students after the Bulldogs’ loss. This is a bad, bad look for Pope.
Georgia’s offense, meanwhile, has an identity crisis.
Brian Kelly and Lincoln Riley continue to disappoint.
BYU’s cheer coach says she was hit by a bottle and knocked unconscious after the Cougars’ win over Utah.
The SEC fined LSU and Ole Miss for fan behavior.
Jim McElwain is under NCAA investigation after Connor Stalions was on CMU’s sideline last season.
Damian Lillard is in the concussion protocol.
Chauncey Billups ripped into his Trail Blazers after a 45-point loss to the Grizzlies.
Auston Matthews is the latest hurt NHL star.
Jack Del Rio resigned from his staffer position at Wisconsin after being arrested for allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Wander Franco was arrested after a gun-related altercation as he remains in the Dominican Republic ahead of his sexual abuse trial.
ð Projecting tonight’s College Football Playoff Bracket, plus updated CBS Sports 134
The Champions Classic remains the event of early November in men’s college basketball. When Kansas, Michigan State, Duke and Kentucky are all in one arena, it’s not only a great night for college hoops, but for NBA scouts and fans, too.
This year is no different, but it’s a little one-sided. Duke has each of the top four NBA prospects in action in Atlanta tonight according to Kyle Boone.
“F Cooper Flagg (prospect rank: 1) — He’s just 17 years old and already one of the most impactful defensive talents in college hoops … At 6-foot-9 he has guard-like versatility with the way he can score, and he plays with anticipation and an understanding of the game that is wise beyond his years.” (Now can he solve his cramping issues?)
“G Kon Knueppel (prospect rank: 10) — He’s a smooth operator who can shoot it at a high level and his polished skill set should allow him to continue producing at a high level as a scorer inside and outside the arc.”
“G Isaiah Evans (prospect rank: 16) — The former five-star recruit checks all the boxes of what NBA teams covet in combo forwards at the next level right now because of his size, length and shooting ability.”
“C Khaman Maluach (prospect rank: 23) — He’s a raw talent who didn’t pick up the game until age 13 and only recently turned 18 years old, but his size and shot-blocking are building blocks for him to develop into a potential lottery pick.”
It’s always fun to look to the next level, but let’s also appreciate these games in the here and now. Duke has a ton of talent, but so does Kentucky. Kansas is the No. 1 team in the nation, but will certainly get a stern test from Tom Izzo’s Spartans.
