Month: September 2024

USC vs. LSU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s USC vs. LSU odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The USC Trojans and LSU Tigers open their seasons Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the USC vs. LSU odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

It’s a big night for USC football, as it officially kicks off as a member of the Big Ten Conference, although this isn’t a league game. It’s still a marquee game, and we’ll find out a lot about the Trojans in Vegas.

Coach Lincoln Riley must replace QB Caleb Williams, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Veteran QB Miller Moss started the Holiday Bowl, with William opting out, and he won the job in the spring and summer. UNLV transfer QB Jayden Maiava is waiting in the wings, in case of struggles or injury.

USC won 8 games last season, which was disappointing for a team considered as a CFP contender. But the defense was putrid, allowing 34.4 points per game (PPG), while ranking last in the Pac-12 in rush defense. The team turns to defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to clean up departed DC Alex Grinch’s mess, but it will be easier said than done.

For LSU, it is also replacing a 1st-round NFL pick under center. Heisman winner QB Jayden Daniels is now a member of the Washington Commanders, so QB Garrett Nussmeier is now expected to be the big man on campus. Like usual, the Bayou Bengals have a bevy of top-notch receivers to ease the transition.

The Tigers defense was also pretty brutal in 2023, including 33.0 points and 6.3 yards per play allowed in conference play.

USC is No. 23 and LSU is No. 12 in the US LBM Coaches Poll — conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports.

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USC vs. LSU odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:43 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): USC +146 (bet $100 to win $146) | LSU -178 (bet $178 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): USC +4.5 (-118) | LSU -4.5 (-104)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 64.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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USC vs. LSU picks and predictions

Prediction

LSU 41, USC 30

Moneyline

If you’re a super conservative bettor who wants action on this game, LSU (-178) is a very safe play, and not priced too terribly out of line. However, that’s a lot of risk for not a great return. Personally, I prefer just laying the points for a better payoff, but can’t fault bettors who don’t want to mess with the spread.

Against the spread

Play LSU -4.5 (-104), especially if line continues to fall. The Tigers opened at -6.5, and the line has continued to tumble, perhaps because USC +4.5 (-118) will likely have a lot more fans making the quick ride up Interstate 15 from the greater Los Angeles area.

However, crowd noise aside, the USC defense isn’t great, and needs work. LSU has a lot of receivers to spread an already thin Trojans secondary thinner. I expect the Tigers to pass, pass and pass some more, as Nussmeier gets the new LSU era of football off to a rousing start.

Over/Under

The OVER 64.5 (-110) is a strong play. Going Over last season with these 2 teams was a winning combination more often than not.

The defenses for LSU and USC have to be a little bit improved, right? Both were abysmal in 2023, with the Tigers allowing 408.8 total yards and 27.8 points per game, and the Trojans coughing up 432.8 total yards, 186.5 rushing yards and 34.4 points per game.

We should see some improvement on that side of the ball, but LSU will have plenty of 5 receiver looks to test the depth of USC’s defense, and each of the receiver are quality. USC might have more of an uphill battle on offense, and there are question marks on the O-line, too. But, we could have ourselves an old-fashioned shootout in Vegas.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Oakland A’s at Texas Rangers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Oakland A’s at Texas Rangers odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Oakland A’s (59-77) and Texas Rangers (64-72) conclude their 3-game series Sunday. First pitch from Globe Life Field is set for 2:35 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the A’s vs. Rangers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Rangers lead 5-4

Texas got a walk-off RBI single from CF Leody Taveras to beat the A’s 3-2 on Saturday night. C Jonah Heim had a 2-run HR in the 2nd inning. LHP Cody Bradford pitched a gem, striking out 8 batters over 7 innings. This was the Rangers 4th victory in their last 5 games.

RHP Joey Estes was the hard-luck loser (6 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 7 K). Oakland is 3-2 on their 6-game road trip which wraps up Sunday.

A’s at Rangers projected starters

RHP Mitch Spence vs. LHP Walter Pennington

Spence (7-9, 4.54 ERA) makes his 19th start and 30th appearance. He has a 1.34 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 in 121 IP.

  • Last start: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K in 5-4 road win against Cincinnati Reds Tuesday
  • 2024 away splits: 3-4, 5.23 ERA (53 1/3 IP, 31 ER), 1.37 WHIP, 6.4 K/9 in 14 games
  • First start vs. Rangers

Pennington (0-0, 3.00 ERA) makes his 1st career start and 9th appearance. He has a 1.89 WHIP, 7.0 BB/9 and 11.0 K/9 in 9 IP

  • Last appearance: No decision, 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 1 K in 9-2 setback against the A’s Friday
  • Appeared in 1 game with Kansas City Royals before being traded to Rangers

Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.

A’s at Rangers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:31 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): A’s +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Rangers -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread: A’s +1.5 (-200) | Rangers -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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A’s at Rangers picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 6, A’s 4

Moneyline

PASS.

I am going to completely stay away from the moneyline and run line because I hate everything about this game. You’ve got 2 unproven young pitchers, so many variables. It just doesn’t make sense to make any bet on the moneyline or run line. My lean would be to take the Rangers just because they are playing better baseball right now.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

This is just a terrible game to handicap against the moneyline and spread because of these pitchers. You’ve got a guy making his 1st career start against a guy who has been awful on the road. Stick to the total.

Over/Under

BET OVER 9 (-110).

Taking the Over is a great idea. You’ve got 2 wild cards on the mound, including a guy making his starting debut, and Spence has been shaky on the road with an ERA over 5.

The Over has hit in 4 of their last 5 matchups, and the A’s have gone Over in 3 of their last 4. With these factors, it’s looking like a high-scoring game could be on the horizon.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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New York Mets at Chicago White Sox odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s New York Mets at Chicago White Sox odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New York Mets (72-64) and Chicago White Sox (31-106) conclude their 3-game series Sunday. First pitch from Guaranteed Rate Field is set for 2:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Mets vs. White Sox odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Mets lead 2-0

New York won its 3rd game in a row and 2nd straight over the White Sox, 5-3 on Saturday after a 5-1 win Friday. Starter Jose Quintana held Chicago to 2 R (1 ER) in 5 IP on Saturday as LF Jesse Winker went 3-for-3 with a 2-run HR and 1B Pete Alonso also went deep. The Mets are 6-3 on their road trip which concludes Sunday.

Starter Davis Martin gave up 3 runs in the 1st inning and the White Sox never recovered. RBIs came from RF Corey Julks, DH Gavin Sheets, and 3B Miguel Vargas. It was Chicago’s 9th consecutive loss and 13th in the last 14 games.

Mets at White Sox projected starters

LHP Sean Manaea vs. LHP Garrett Crochet

Manaea (10-5, 3.51 ERA) makes his 27th start. He has a 1.14 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 in 143 2/3 IP.

  • Last start: No-decision, 6 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 11 K in 8-3 road victory against Arizona Diamondbacks Tuesday
  • 2024 away splits: 5-2, 3.18 ERA (70 2/3 IP, 26 R (25 ER), 1.20 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 in 13 starts
  • Career vs White Sox: 2-0, 2.81 ERA (16 IP, 5 ER), 0.94 WHIP, 9.6 K/9 in 3 games

Crochet (6-9, 3.64 ERA) makes his 28th start. He has a 1.07 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 12.6 K/9 in 128 1/3 IP.

  • Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 6-2 victory at San Francisco Giants Aug. 21
  • 2024 home splits: 4-6, 3.39 ERA (71 2/3 IP, 30 R (27 ER), 1.05 WHIP, 11.4 K/9 in 15 games
  • First start vs. Mets

Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.

Mets at White Sox odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:07 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Mets -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | White Sox +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread: Mets -1.5 (-105) | White Sox +1.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Mets at White Sox picks and predictions

Prediction

Mets 4, White Sox 2

Moneyline

PASS.

No doubt in my mind that the Mets (-175) will sweep this series on Sunday, but definitely not taking those odds. I’ll take my wager to the run line.

Run line/Against the spread

BET METS -1.5 (-105).

Taking the Mets -1.5 (-105) against the White Sox on Sunday is a solid play. The Mets have been pretty strong on the road, going 37-31, and Manaea has been a big part of that. They also hit better against lefties, which is great news for this matchup. Plus, they’re looking to cap off their 10-game road  trip on a high note after sweeping the Colorado Rockies.

Meanwhile, the White Sox are a mess with just 11 wins in day games and a 56-80 record against the run line this season. The Mets should cover the spread pretty easily.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 8 (-105).

Going with the Under seems like a smart choice. These teams have gone under in 8 of their last 10 meetings, and the White Sox have hit the Under in their last 5 games and the Mets in their last 3. Plus, Crochet has allowed more than 3 ER only once in his last 22 starts, and Manaea hasn’t given up more than 3 ER in his last 7 starts. With these trends, a low-scoring game looks pretty likely.

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Marcus Freeman updates wide receiver Jordan Faison’s injury status

Faison limped off during the second quarter

While Notre Dame football won its season opening contest against the Texas A&M Aggies 23-13 on Saturday night, it was all good news for the Irish.

During the game one of the team’s top expected wide receivers, [autotag]Jordan Faison[/autotag], caught a pass and went down awkwardly. He limped off the field and looked like he was in some pain, and we wouldn’t see the two-sport star for the rest of the game.

Following the contest, head coach [autotag]Marcus Freeman[/autotag] gave a somewhat vague update on Faison’s status, saying he was going to be OK and that he shouldn’t be out long due to a lower body injury.

https://twitter.com/tbhorka/status/1830088546654253149

Clearly he didn’t give specifics as to what the issue is, which I’m sure we will find out exactly what the ailment is in the coming days. Until then, we should expect the sophomore receiver back on the field soon.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions.

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Washington TE Decker DeGraaf scores first career touchdown on first snap

Decker DeGraaf made a major impact on the game after Quentin Moore went down with an injury, something that could continue if Moore misses an extended period.

The Washington Huskies faced unfortunate injury luck in the first half against Weber State as starting tight end Quentin Moore went down with an injury and has yet to return. With coach Jedd Fisch’s team shallow at the tight end position, California transfer Keleki Latu and true freshman Decker DeGraaf are the next players up.

Washington relied heavily on their tight ends in the first half to assist their struggling offensive line, and DeGraaf found a way to impact the game as a receiver when he scored a 33-yard touchdown to extend the team’s lead to 14-0 on his first career snap.

https://twitter.com/UW_Football/status/1830100871331434924

If Moore is out for an extended period of time, it wouldn’t be surprising if DeGraaf takes over the starting role as the season wears on. The high-upside freshman developed quicker than expected during the offseason, and Fisch and his staff may be forced into trusting a younger player like DeGraaf for an integral position within the offense.

With quarterback Will Rogers relying on check-downs to move the ball, tight end will continue to be one of the positions he targets most frequently.

DeGraaf was a three-star recruit coming out of high school, but the coaching staff was extremely excited about what he could bring to the team. Though he’s on the smaller side for a tight end, he moves extremely well, something that Fisch and offensive coordinator Brennan Carroll value highly at the position.

The Huskies will have multiple star freshmen entering the program next year, so if DeGraaf can establish himself as the clear starter if Moore has to miss an extended period of time, it could go a long way to securing his future role with the program.

Man U vs. Liverpool odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Man U vs. Liverpool odds and lines, with expert EPL picks, predictions and best bets.

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Man U (1 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss) welcomes Liverpool (2-0-0) to Old Trafford Sunday. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. ET (Peacock). Below, we preview FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Man U vs. Liverpool odds, and make our best EPL bets, picks and predictions.

Man U has historically been one of the EPL’s most recognizable names, but it has struggled over the last few seasons. United kicked off their season with a 1-0 win over Fulham but lost 2-1 on the road to Brighton, ending with 0.7 fewer expected goals in their 2nd match. United has tallied 2 and allowed 2 in 2 matches. Man U’s offense is driven mainly by the play of M Casemiro, 1 of 4 players to have logged all 180 minutes for United.

Liverpool finished 3rd in the EPL last season (United 8th) and has gotten off to a quick start. The Reds beat Ipswich Town 2-0 on the road to start the season then took down Brentford 2-0 at home. Liverpool has had 2.6 expected goals and has allowed 0.5 expected goals in both games. It is led by F Mohamed Salah, who has netted 2 goals and has an assist through 2 matches.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Man U vs. Liverpool odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:46 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Man U +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Liverpool -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Draw +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +118 | U: -142)

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Man U vs. Liverpool picks and predictions

Prediction

Liverpool 2, Man U 0

Moneyline (ML)

BET LIVERPOOL (-120).

United has a slew of new talent on their roster, and meshing those with a group of veterans takes time. That group of veterans didn’t produce last season as United didn’t met expectations. They lost 2 of 3 at home to teams that finished in the top 3. To commence this season, they already had a tough loss to Brighton.

Liverpool has consistency with players like Salah and D Virgil van Djik. The Reds have been dominant in both their 1st 2 games and should be expected to continue that Sunday. They won 9 of 19 road games last season.

Take LIVERPOOL (-120).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET ALTERNATIVE UNDER 2.5 (+168).

Liverpool’s defense has been too good to assume there will be numerous goals in this battle. It has won both of its games 2-0, having yet to allow a goal. Having allowed just 1.0 expected goals is impressive as well.

Man U has given up a goal per game as well, but it has a competent backline led by England D Harry Maguire. United’s offense hasn’t been potent either, scoring just 1.00 per game. Considering the value here, back ALTERNATIVE UNDER 2.5 (+168).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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Milwaukee Brewers at Cincinnati Reds odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Milwaukee Brewers at Cincinnati Reds odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Milwaukee Brewers (80-56) and Cincinnati Reds (64-73) meet Sunday for the finale of a 4-game series. First pitch from Great American Ball Park is set for 12:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Brewers vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Milwaukee leads 9-3

Milwaukee squeezed out a 5-4 win over Cincinnati Saturday while covering as a -127 road favorite. LF Jackson Chourio hit the tie-breaking solo shot in the top of the 9th as the Brewers extended their win streak to 5 games.

Reliever Justin Wilson took the loss, pitching only 1 inning, but allowing 1 ER, 2 H and 1 BB. The Reds have lost 3 straight with 2 of those losses coming by a single run.

Brewers at Reds projected starters

RHP Tobias Myers vs. TBD

Myers (6-5, 2.99 ERA) makes his 21st start. He has a 1.13 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 through 108 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K in a 5-4 loss vs. San Francisco Tuesday
  • Career vs. Cincinnati: 0-0, 0.00 ERA (7 1/3 IP, 0 ER), 3 H, 0 BB, 9 K in 1 start

No Cincinnati pitcher announced at time of publishing but RHP Brandon Williamson is expected to come off the IL (shoulder) and make his 1st start of the season. He went 5-5 with a 4.46 ERA in 23 starts in 2023.

Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.

Brewers at Reds odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:33 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Brewers -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Brewers +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Brewers -1.5 (+122) | Reds +1.5 (-146)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Brewers at Reds picks and predictions

Prediction

Brewers 7, Reds 4

Moneyline

BET BREWERS (-130).

Milwaukee is 7-3 in its last 10 overall while the Reds are only 2-8 in their last 10. The Brewers are also 5-1 in their last 6 on the road while Cincinnati is 1-5 in its last 6 at home.

Milwaukee has also won 3 straight against Cincinnati and is 4-0 in its last 4 meetings with the Reds in Cincinnati. The Brewers are a dominant 8-2 in their last 10 matchups vs. the Reds.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

I am not a fan of either line here as neither team has a real ATS advantage. Bet on the moneyline and/or total instead.

Over/Under

BET OVER 9.5 (-110).

The Over has hit in each of Cincinnati’s last 5 games and is 7-2-1 in its last 10. For Milwaukee, the Over is 5-1 in its last 6 road games and 6-3-1 in its last 10 overall. The Over has also hit in each of the last 3 Milwaukee-Cincinnati meetings and the Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Cincy and 6-4 in the last 10 meetings overall.

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Watch Notre Dame’s highlights of its road win over Texas A&M

Re-live the Irish’s huge road win over the Aggies

While not many thought that Notre Dame football could go into Kyle Field and defeat Texas A&M, they did just that.

The Irish came up clutch in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 of its 23 points to close out the game. It wasn’t just the Jeremiyah Love touchdown to seal the deal, Notre Dame was making plays all game even if the score might now have shown it.

It’s a big win for the program, one that is among the best of the first week of college football. Head coach [autotag]Marcus Freeman[/autotag] gets a signature win for the year, one that could propel the Irish to the College football playoff.

Aug 31, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) speaks during a post game interview at Kyle Field against the Texas A&M Aggies. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Re-live all the action right here on ESPN’s YouTube page.

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Updated injury reports following Texas A&M’s loss to Notre Dame on Saturday

Here is the latest injury report after Texas A&M’s 23-13 loss to Notre Dame

Texas A&M’s season-opening matchup vs. Notre Dame started and ended in a low-scoring contest. Tied 13-13 heading into the fourth quarter, Notre Dame pulled away late after several clutch throws from quarterback Riley Leonard, as the Irish escaped with a 23-13 win to open the season.

Throughout the night, defense reigned supreme, but minor injuries occurred throughout the game, mainly on Texas A&M’s side across the offensive and defensive lines. Being that this was the first game of the 2024 season for both squads, bumps, and bruises, especially concerning the lower body, happened early and often.

Texas A&M injury report:

In the first half of the game, Texas A&M center Mark Nabou, who started the game, went out briefly before returning but continued to sub in and out with backup center Kolinu’u Faaiu.

Staying on the O-line, starting right guard Ar’maj Reed-Adams also went out of the game early with a lower-body injury. It did not return, as head coach Mike Elko and O-line coach Adam Cushing went with sophomore TJ Shanahan as his replacement.

On the defensive line, junior defensive end Nic Scourton was down in the first half after sustaining a lower-body injury and left for the injury tent to take a movement test, and was deemed healthy enough to return but looked slower throughout the night.

Notre Dame injury report:

Coming into the game, two freshmen safeties, Taebron Bennie Powell (our for the season) and Tae Johnson (who will miss half the season), were announced, while freshman offensive lineman Styles Prescod will miss the rest of the season.

During the game, Notre Dame stayed relatively healthy outside of cramps, as both teams continued to deal with the heat and humidity all night.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

James Madison QB Alonza Barnett III deserves Emmy for bad acting

Push came to shove for James Madison QB Alonza Barnett III

The late, great wrestling star Eddie Guerrero would have been proud of the performance by James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III on Saturday.

Watch as a little shove of Barnett sets the quarterback back off on a tumbling routine that would have made Simone Biles proud (not really).

Barnett was healthy enough to throw two TD passes in the Dukes’ 30-7 win over Charlotte.

Barnett is a communications studies major. He must have a minor in theatre, acting or drama, too.

As for the late, great Guerrero, who could forget this: