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Week 10 broadcast map: Will your station carry Saints vs. Falcons?

The New Orleans Saints will look to snap a seven-game losing streak as they face the visiting Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, marking their second meeting of the season against the team.

According to 506 Sports, the Atlanta vs. New Orleans contest will be carried by the majority of the states in the southeastern United States, including large parts of Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas.

FOX will carry the broadcast, and the game will obviously be bailable on the local channels pertinent to Georgia and Louisiana, the home states of the two teams playing here.

The Saints and the Falcons are set to kick off at Noon CT/1 p.m. ET on Sunday from the Caesars Superdome. This was a close game the first time this season that the two teams met, but it is expected to be a potential runaway for Atlanta in this upcoming meeting.

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NFL assigns Carl Cheffers as referee for Falcons vs. Saints

Carl Cheffers and his crew will be responsible for the officiating in Sunday’s matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons:

Carl Cheffers and his crew will be responsible for the officiating in Sunday’s matchup between the Falcons and the Saints. Cheffers has thrown 97 total flags this season, 28 of which were on the home team and 45 of which were on the away team.

That’s an average of roughly 12 total flags per game for a total of 589 yards, good for roughly middle of the pack in the league.

The last time the Saints played a game with Cheffers officiating was on Dec. 17, 2023 against the New York Giants. He called six penalties against the Saints for a total of 58 yards. New Orleans recorded a dominant victory in that one, 24-6. The Saints are 15-4 in games which Cheffers has refereed.

The Falcons last saw Cheffers officiating when they played the Detroit Lions on Sept. 24, 2023, wielding four penalties for 24 yards. Atlanta did not get the outcome it wanted in that game, losing 20-6. The Falcons are 7-8 in games with Cheffers at head referee.

It will be interesting to see what happens, with the Falcons highly favored, as both teams are set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 10.

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Alvin Kamara credits former teammate who chose to ‘show me the way’

As Alvin Kamara prepares to pass Mark Ingram II as the Saints’ all-time leading rusher, he reflected on how much Ingram means to him:

Barring anything unforeseen, Alvin Kamara will be the New Orleans Saints all-time leading rusher by Monday morning.

The team won’t have to try hard to get him the record. If the past two weeks are any indication, Kamara will cross that threshold on his first carry. He opened the last two games with runs of 20 or more yards.

Kamara’s only 12 yards away from toppling Mark Ingram II’s record set in 2021. He said his former teammate told him after last week’s game, “Good thing you can break it at home.” It’s something Ingram didn’t have the chance to do. He finished a home game against the Falcons just short of the record. Kamara will break the record against the Falcons at home.

The duo were teammates in 2017 and 2018 then again in 2021 and 2022. Their joint interviews were some of that era’s highlights.

Their friendship remains strong even after Ingram’s retirement, and Kamara spoke about how much Ingram meant to his career.

Kamara gives a lot of credit to Ingram for helping him become the player and professional he is today. “That was my example. Thank God he was in my room. I had an example right there, right next to me to guide me and show me the way.”

Fast forward seven years and Kamara has the opportunity to take down Ingram’s example: “It’s definitely a full circle moment because I came in, young buck. He gave everything to me, poured into me.”

The two leading rushers in Saints history shared the backfield for four seasons. That’s the definition of passing the torch.

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Saints rule out four players vs. Falcons on final Week 10 injury report

The New Orleans Saints ruled out four players for Sunday’s rivalry game with the Atlanta Falcons on the final Week 10 injury report:

The New Orleans Saints ruled out four players for Sunday’s rivalry game with the Atlanta Falcons on the final Week 10 injury report, including star wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion). He’ll be joined on the sideline by wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder), cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (hamstring), and left guard Lucas Patrick (ankle). Starting center Erik McCoy (groin), w ho recently returned to practice, is doubtful to suit up.

Seven more Saints players are questionable for Sunday. That list includes safety J.T. Gray (back), cornerback Rico Payton (back), running back Jamaal Williams (groin), defensive tackle John Ridgway (oblique), safety Will Harris (hamstring), guard/center Shane Lemieux (knee), and linebacker Nephi Sewell (knee).

Two more Saints players were listed on the injury report this week, but they are both expected to play — running back Alvin Kamara (hand) and quarterback Derek Carr (illness).

For Atlanta, inside linebacker JD Bertrand (concussion) has been preemptively ruled out, whereas wide receiver Drake London (hip) and center Drew Dalman (ankle) are each questionable. It feels safe to say the Falcons have an advantage in team health for this week’s game.

Here’s the full and final Week 10 Saints-Falcons injury report:

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Wisconsin upcoming opponent ranked No. 1 in first College Football Playoff rankings release

The Wisconsin Badgers (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) are currently in line to host the No. 1 team in the country in Week 12 on Nov. 16.

That team is the Oregon Ducks (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten). Not only did they remain No. 1 in the AP Poll for the third consecutive week after a decisive win over Michigan, but the team was also the No. 1 seed in the season’s first College Football Playoff rankings release.

Those rankings now reflect the updated 12-team model, with auto-bids for the five highest-ranked conference champions and seven more at-large selections. In that expanded format, seeds 1-4 get first-round byes, while the rest of the field plays first-round games at the campus of the higher-ranked team.

Here is a full look at the first projected bracket, led by Wisconsin’s upcoming opponent:

The first 12-team College Football Playoff bracket is here 👀

🔗https://t.co/HMcuwasSxp pic.twitter.com/uRhmhAvlWA

— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) November 6, 2024

Oregon is one of four Big Ten teams in the top 12 of the first rankings, joining Ohio State (No. 5 seed), Penn State (No. 7 seed) and Indiana (No. 8 seed).

The Ducks host a struggling Maryland team in Week 11 before traveling to Wisconsin for the Week 12 matchup. The team isn’t expected to have any trouble improving to 10-0 and maintaining its No. 1 ranking — it’s playing the best football of any team in the sport currently, with three recent wins by a combined margin of 85 points.

Wisconsin is idle in Week 11 before hosting the No. 1-ranked Ducks. All likely signs point to a 10-0, No. 1-ranked Oregon team facing the 5-4 Badgers.

Wisconsin has had several AP top-five home matchups in 2024. Week 12 vs. Oregon projects to be the biggest of them all, and should give Wisconsin its first chance at a win over the No. 1 team since it defeated then-No. 1 Ohio State in 2010.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Oregon Ducks star receiver could return for Week 12 game at Wisconsin

The No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks may have one of their star receivers available when they visit the Wisconsin Badgers in Week 12.

That is Tez Johnson, who went down with a shoulder injury in the team’s Week 10 win over Michigan. ESPN’s Pete Thamel is reporting that the injury ‘is not considered season-ending, and [Johnson is] expected back later this year.’

Johnson leads the Ducks in every receiving category through nine games with 64 receptions, 649 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Oregon is in action in Week 11 — a home contest against a struggling Maryland team. The Ducks will then travel to Madison, Wisconsin for the primetime Week 12 contest.

According to Thamel, Johnson ‘is expected back at some point in the upcoming weeks,’ which could mean Nov. 16 vs. Wisconsin.

Sources: Oregon star receiver Tez Johnson’s shoulder injury is not considered season-ending, and he’s expected back later this year. He’s not expected to have surgery after the injury at Michigan, which knocked him from the game and left him on the sideline in a sling. pic.twitter.com/Tqd2EMdUXy

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 4, 2024

The Badgers are idle in Week 11 before hosting Oregon. They project to be sizable underdogs to the top team in the country, especially after a blowout loss to rival Iowa.

Johnson’s availability will be a significant storyline to watch as the matchup approaches, as will Oregon’s performance against Maryland with him likely on the sideline.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Wisconsin basketball vs. Holy Cross injury report: Badgers without a top transfer addition

Wisconsin basketball has released its injury report ahead of its season-opening contest against Holy Cross.

The Badgers will be without transfer guard Camren Hunter, while top forward Nolan Winter is considered a game-time decision, according to 247Sports’ Evan Flood.

Both Hunter and Winter were on the court for the team’s recent scrimmage against UW-River Falls last Wednesday. Winter was in the starting lineup — signaling an increased role after he was Steven Crowl’s primary backup in 2023-24. He played 24 minutes in the scrimmage win, totaling eight points and seven rebounds.

Hunter, meanwhile, played just five minutes as a depth option off the bench. The Central Arkansas transfer projects to enter the season behind Max Klesmit, John Blackwell, John Tonje, Kamari McGee and Daniel Freitag on the team’s backcourt depth chart. His status is of note after he missed the entire 2023-24 season with an injury.

#Badgers down Camren Hunter.

Nolan Winter is a game time decision. pic.twitter.com/4ovUaoU5iv

— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) November 4, 2024

Wisconsin and Holy Cross will tip-off at 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. CT at the Kohl Center. The game will be available via stream on BTN+ and on radio on the Badger Sports Network.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Kickoff time, TV channel announced for Wisconsin Badgers Week 12 game vs. No. 1 Oregon

Kickoff time, TV channel announced for Wisconsin Badgers Week 12 game vs Oregon

Yet another primetime game has been added to Wisconsin’s 2024 football schedule.

The Badgers’ upcoming Week 12 showdown against No. 1 Oregon will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on NBC.

The Badgers are idle in Week 11, while Oregon hosts Maryland. The two will then meet on Nov. 16 on NBC’s ‘Big Ten Saturday Night.’

It will be Wisconsin’s third consecutive game in that television window. The contest follows the team’s 28-13 home loss to Penn State and 42-10 blowout loss to Iowa — two of the worst results of the season.

🚨 6:30 PM CT kick vs Oregon on NBC 🚨 pic.twitter.com/8HsQgegJca

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) November 4, 2024

Wisconsin will enter the home matchup with Oregon at 5-4 on the season and 3-3 Big Ten play. Assuming the Ducks have no trouble with a struggling Maryland team, they should enter Camp Randall Stadium ranked No. 1 in the nation with a 10-0 record (7-0 Big Ten).

The Badgers could use a get-right matchup with a lower-ranked Big Ten team after their recent struggles. That is not what this matchup against Oregon represents. Instead, it’s yet another pivotal opportunity for Luke Fickell to notch a program-defining victory.

Wisconsin is 0-5 against ranked opponents during the Fickell era. Not many trends will favor the team entering the matchup other than the primetime atmosphere.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

How to watch Wisconsin basketball vs. Holy Cross

Wisconsin basketball officially begins its 2024-25 season on Monday night at the Kohl Center.

The opening opponent: the Holy Cross Crusaders — KenPom’s No. 343 team in the nation and 10th of 11 in the Patriot League.

The Badgers enter the season ranked No. 47 in KenPom. The metric and most preview services submit a cautious outlook for the team after it lost top contributors Tyler Wahl, Chucky Hepburn and A.J. Storr after last season.

Wisconsin appears to have a team deep enough to establish a strong position in the new Big Ten landscape. Transfer additions John Tonje, Camren Hunter and Xavier Amos, and top freshman Daniel Freitag all figure to play significant roles.

But the bigger question surrounding the team is its top-end talent. A deep bench of contributors won’t make a substantial difference if nobody emerges as the go-to option. Sophomore John Blackwell is a popular pick to fill that top role.

Those questions won’t be definitively answered during Wisconsin’s season opener on Monday against Holy Cross. We will, however, begin to learn what the season has in store.

Here is how to watch Wisconsin’s 2024-25 opener:

Date: Monday, Nov. 4, 2024
Opponent: Holy Cross
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m. CT
TV Channel: BTN+ (stream)

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Wisconsin vs. Iowa injury report: Hawkeyes’ top tight end uncertain for Saturday’s game

Wisconsin vs Iowa injury report

The Wisconsin Badgers (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) and Iowa Hawkeyes (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) are now just over one hour from the kickoff of their primetime Week 10 matchup.

The contest is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa has released its final injury status report with those minutes continuing to count down before kickoff.

The Hawkeyes will be without two quarterbacks, previous starter Cade McNamara and depth option Marco Lainez, while starting tight end Luke Lachey is considered to be ‘questionable.’ Brendan Sullivan will draw the start at quarterback and if Lachey is unable to go, that’d make his job that much harder.

The Badgers will once again be without WR Tyrell Henry, who’s operated as one of their return specialists in 2024, so S Hunter Wohler will likely return punts again in Week 10. Additionally, starting WR Bryson Green is listed as ‘questionable’ for the second week in a row as he looks to return to the field for the first time since Oct. 5 versus Purdue.

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Here is the full injury report entering Saturday’s Week 10 game between Wisconsin and Iowa:

Iowa injury report

Questionable: TE Luke Lachey
Out: John Nestor, Marco Lainez, Cade McNamara, Reece Vander Zee, Addison Ostrenga

Wisconsin injury report

Questionable: WR Bryson Green, LB Jaheim Thomas, LB Tackett Curtis, TE J.T. Seagraves
Out: Chez Mellusi, Tyler Van Dyke, Joseph Griffin, Kamo’i Latu, Tyrell Henry, Cole LaCrue, Tamer Dalloul, Evan Brown, Leyton Nelson, Rob Booker, James Thompson Jr.

Iowa QB Cade McNamara injury update

McNamara was benched in the second half of the team’s 40-14 win over Northwestern in Week 9 and he’ll now be forced to miss Week 10 completely as a result of an undisclosed injury. Brendan Sullivan will draw his first start of the season after transferring to Iowa ahead of the 2024 campaign.

Iowa TE Luke Lachey injury update

Lachey was a late add to the injury report for the Hawkeyes and it’s unclear what is ailing him. The tight end is a big part of Iowa’s success in both the passing and running games on offense and his absence would be a big blow for Kirk Ferentz and his squad.