We're getting more college football on Friday nights. We don't want that. Here is what we do want.
Bill Bender
The Indians' heartbreaking Game 7 loss, when viewed through the prism of the team's potential and Cleveland's newfound sports success, isn't as painful as other letdowns.
More than 100 years of futility are gone after a heart-pounding Game 7 that will be remembered forever.
The Indians and Cubs were tied 6-6 through nine innings.
Cleveland trailed by three runs heading into the bottom of the eighth. It finished the inning tied.
Cleveland hustles its way back into the game after Jon Lester spikes a pitch off David Ross' mask.
Fowler is the first player to lead off a winner-take-all game with a home run.
The Indians have the guy they want on the mound, the guy who has already beaten the Cubs twice in this series.
If you’re not watching the College Football Playoff rankings show, what are you watching? What television could possibly top the rankings in that time slot?
Michigan's do-everything star might be the best player in the country, but that's only part of the race.
Don't be surprised if the Tigers and Badgers find their way to Tampa.
Every week, SN’s Bill Bender will look at the national landscape in college football. This week, we’ll explore LSU-Alabama, Nebraska’s chance to prove itself, a former Nebraska coach’s success and a basketball rivalry taking it to the football field.
The Cubs' young shortstop has become an October, er, November hero.
Things go from bad to much worse in the space of four batters in Cleveland.
The Aggies have no business being ranked ahead of the Huskies, unless the committee is seeking maximum drama.
A look at Sporting News’ preseason bowl projections for the 2016-17 season heading into Week 10. A total of 41 bowls are on the schedule, and 80 FBS teams will play in bowl games.
The Spartans have won three Big Ten championships and reached the Big Ten championship since the last time the Wolverines won in East Lansing. That’s makes Michigan State’s disappointing season even harder to figure out.
It’s survival of the fittest at its finest for Dabo Swinney and No. 3 Clemson.
Michigan could go 10-2 this season, and that doesn’t mean much without victories against Michigan State and Ohio State. One down, one to go.
Jabrill Peppers returned a fumbled pitch for two points with one second left to seal the win for the Wolverines.
The Tigers are in the same position Florida State was in 2014 after winning a national championship. They are getting everybody’s best shot in the regular season. A win would go a long way in shutting them up.
Chicago's lineup is stacked with young stars like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber, but the veteran Zobrist brings it all together.
Despite what you saw in Games 1 and 2, Schwarber is not yet recovered from knee surgery and probably isn't ready to play in the outfield during the middle games of the series at Wrigley Field.
"Only Happy When It Rains" by Garbage played from the loudspeaker at the Gateway Plaza outside Progressive Field around 3 p.m. Wednesday, but Cleveland and Chicago fans might not be happy if that gets in the way Wednesday night.
Targeting is an important rule geared at improving player safety, but there are better ways to interpret and enforce.
Indians fan Matt Riccardi showed up at Progressive Field for Game 1 of the World Series dressed like Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn, and it was oh, so appropriate.
After the Cavaliers raised their 2016 NBA championship banner, the Indians began their quest for their first World Series title since 1948 in Game 1 against the Cubs. It was the greatest night ever in Cleveland sports history.
Baylor or West Virginia could remain undefeated, and they could do it with their defense.
The Mid-American Conference has created a niche in the FBS with weekday games on ESPN and the CBS Sports Network, a November tradition that has increased the visibility of the conference.
A look at Sporting News’ preseason bowl projections for the 2016-17 season heading into Week 8. A total of 41 bowls are on the schedule, and 80 FBS teams will play in bowl games.
Michigan is on the move, climbing to No. 2 behind Alabama. But the Wolverines still face a long road to national title game.
The Buckeyes got lost in the Happy Valley "White Out" at the absolute wrong time. That won't prevent them from being in the College Football Playoff — provided they avoid further lapses.
Penn State, Happy Valley and James Franklin got that signature moment to help pull the program out of the aftermath of the fallout from the Jerry Sandusky scandal that forced Joe Paterno to retire.
Saban has lost 18 games at Alabama, and one third of those losses came against LSU and Auburn. They are the only two schools who have defeated Saban-led Alabama three times.
The hard hits keep coming in the Alabama-Texas A&M game.
Saturday’s showdown at Iowa was a battle of the last two Big Ten West Division champions and offered a few clues as to who this year’s representative in Indianapolis could be.
Should targeting have been called? It looks very close. Here's a look at the vicious hit.
Charlie Strong likely will lose his job, if not this week, then next, or at least in the offseason.
The Indians are headed to the World Series. Here's how they got there.
Rick Petino was charged with failure to monitor the Louisville basketball program after the NCAA's investigation into former basketball director Andre McGee allegedly providing escorts to players. So what's a fair punishment?
If you’re going to beat Ohio State under coach Urban Meyer, then you better do it in regulation.
We’re at the halfway point in the regular season, and that means it’s time to dish out some Midseason Awards.
Peppers is most often compared to Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson, but Woodson, now an ESPN analyst, compared Peppers to yet another standout defensive back.
The Big 12 screwed over at least 17 schools when it announced Monday it had decided not to expand, but two schools are going to feel that more than the rest.
After months of speculation, the decision to stay put at 10 teams could have an impact on several schools and conferences in the coming months.
There will be rumors that are sure to come from the NFL ranks, but don’t expect Harbaugh to leave Michigan.
Tennessee’s College Football Playoff hopes — while very, very slim — aren’t dead yet. Getting to Atlanta is still within reach, but that bye week comes first.
This was the most complete football game Alabama has played all season; if that continues, nobody is going to stop the defending national champion.
The Buckeyes still have zero losses after surviving a night in Madison.
Alabama has all the usual national championship ingredients. Hurts might put this team over the top.
It might be time the College Football Playoff committee put some respect on the Mountaineers' name.
West Virginia vs. Texas Tech is off to a thrilling start.
Does Penn State kicker Joey Julius deserve to be hit like that?
Hurts’ performance on the road so far has been a difference maker for No. 1 Alabama in its attempt to repeat as national champions.
Three years in college didn’t hurt Fournette’s draft value, and a freak ankle injury suffered in training camp isn’t going to hurt Fournette’s ability to play in the NFL next season.
Right now, unless Clemson or Washington gets in the way, all roads appear to either Michigan or Ohio State playing Alabama for the national title. Isn’t that the best way to find out which conference is best?
It could be worse. Yes, we’re serious. It has been worse.
Charlie Whitehurst looks like he will be the 27th starting Browns QB since 1999. It's No. 28 who is most important.
Trust us — you're happy about Tom Brady's return, even if you don't realize it.
As if Cleveland could afford to lose another quarterback.
Tom Brady's first drive back from his four-game suspension was flawless.
Francois helped clinch Florida State's victory with two third-quarter TD passes and a scramble for a first down in the final two minutes.
The Wolverines didn't allow a first down for the first 51 minutes of the game. That's how one-sided this game was.
Before the full-fledged freak-out about the passing game, here’s the good news: the Buckeyes’ three-part running game is borderline unstoppable.
Notre Dame had hopes of making the College Football Playoff this season. Now it needs to rebound if it even wants to make a bowl game.
Oklahoma is the defending Big 12 champion. The Sooners have the offense to be this year’s Big 12 champion. And that might eventually keep the Big 12 from the College Football Playoff.
For the second straight week, a player was ejected for targeting on Penn State kicker Joey Julius.
Boston has come back from the brink of elimination against Cleveland twice before in the past two decades. Dustin Pedroia and Co, will try to make it three beginning Sunday at Fenway Park.
The Klubot coolly aces his first postseason assignment and puts his team in position to sweep the Red Sox in the ALDS.
LeBron James threw his support behind the Indians on Friday.
Cleveland's manager eliminated the middle men in Game 1 and went straight to his late-inning studs.
The Indians take it to the Red Sox in the opener, backed by a festive home crowd. With Game 2 right around the corner, Cleveland has a chance to seize this series early.
Roberto Perez, Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor homer against Rick Porcello in the frame.
Brock Holt was thrown out, after further review, while trying to score on Hanley Ramirez's two-out double.
No. 7 Louisville might be out of sight on a bye week after a 42-46 loss at No. 3 Clemson on Oct. 1, but that doesn’t mean the Cardinals are out of mind.
Every week, SN’s Bill Bender will look at the national landscape in college football in “Around the Bender.” This week, we’ll explore Tennessee, J.T. Barrett, Mark Helfrich’s hot seats and two big-time rivalries that have lost steam.
No, it's not hypocritical for Saban to blast transfer QBs. There's just a time and a place for "quitting" to happen.
The biggest problem is Texas is still looking for its messiah, or it’s looking at a few other blue-blood programs that found theirs. And that's hurting Charlie Strong.
A look at Sporting News’ preseason bowl projections for the 2016-17 season heading into Week 6. A total of 41 bowls are on the schedule, and 80 FBS teams will play in bowl games.
It's oh-so-easy to project what Michigan can be this season. But we can't do that — not yet.
Speight didn't have the best outing against Wisconsin. He's still Michigan's man for the job.
The Wolverines lined up 10 guys in a straight line with Wilton Speight to the side late in the first quarter.
Miami’s Mark Richt took care of a rivalry he owned in the past. Now it’s time to take care of a rivalry the Hurricanes must own in the future.
The Huskies loudly announced themselves as true College Football Playoff contenders with a beatdown of the Cardinal.
A lot of questions will get answered in October. Here’s one question for each day.
If you like football, nachos and defense, then this Big Ten game is for you.
Washington can announce its arrival as a Pac-12 and CFP contender after its hot start. But head coach Chris Petersen doesn't see it that way.
Louisville's Lamar Jackson and Clemson's Deshaun Watson are poised to deliver on the hype surrounding their Saturday night matchup.
Notre Dame is off to a 1-3 start, so of course non-Domers are thrilled and ready to tell the world about it. They shouldn't bother getting so worked up about a football program.
We love Miles on Saturday. We need Miles on Saturday.
Siemian reminded us that Denver will have something to say to New England and Pittsburgh about who wins the AFC.
A look at Sporting News’ preseason bowl projections for the 2016-17 season heading into Week 4. A total of 41 bowls are on the schedule, and 80 FBS teams will play in bowl games.
The Bengals looked like the Bungles again, and it's getting to be an old narrative in Cincinnati.
There are really only two right answers for the next head football coach at LSU.
One game isn’t going to win the SEC championship, but this one game – this come-from-behind victory against a rival that had dominated the series for more than a decade – could unlock so much more for a program that’s been searching for a moment like this since Phillip Fulmer retired.
The Volunteers ended the suffering for Tennessee football fans after their big win over the Gators.
The Volunteers wide receiver had fans holding their breath before taking a late lead vs. Florida
Tennessee was so bad in the first half against Flordia that Volunteer fans booed the team as they left the field.
Wisconsin shocked a top-10 team for the second time this season. And, yes, it can keep doing it.
Brooks remembered the weekend routine with his father. He would call Clarence after games on Saturday, and his father always took a few minutes before team meetings from the hotel. Then Clarence would call back after games on Sunday night.
It's up to Florida grad transfer Austin Appleby to uphold the Gators' 11-game win streak over Tennessee.
The Badgers and Spartans have taken notes from each other's playbooks in the past two decades. Which team has the more complete version?
“We have a message from DBU to Tennessee,” Florida cornerback Quincy Wilson said “Have you ever seen a duck pull a truck? Ducks don’t pull trucks. Nobody has ever seen a duck pull a truck. Florida Gators are going to win, simple as that.”
The former Louisiana-Lafayette player says he's always looking to push himself. He'll do it again Saturday with a day game in D.C. and a night game in Baltimore.
Kevin Sumlin and Bret Bielema will match wits Saturday in Arlington. The winner figures to have a lot on the line when he eventually locks horns with Nick Saban.
Some college football players are a little too loose — footloose, even — with the ball as they get near the goal line. Our expert has some pointed advice for these rebels.
Palmer couldn’t believe what Jackson to the Seminoles’ defense on Saturday.
Terrelle Pryor got flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty late in the game and Josh McCown followed with an interception to seal the Browns' fate.
The Browns got another scare Sunday when quarterback Josh McCown left the game with a shoulder injury.
Is it possible for these team's seasons to be over on Sept. 17?
Urban Meyer knows how to coach big games, and for Ohio State, it's going to pay off again.
What a catch. What a statement.
Lamar Jackson's numbers are insane and he's on pace to break some records.
Louisville's quarterback is the best in the country and an absolute sensation.
J.T. Barrett has a chance to lead Ohio State to an early-season signature win against Oklahoma and quarterback Baker Mayfield, who finished fourth in the Heisman voting last season.
The Cougars are forcing themselves into the CFP discussion. If they keep winning (and they do need to keep winning), they'll be tough to ignore in December.
Ward exhibited the virtue of patience Thursday against Cincinnati, proving the virtue he is for Houston.
Houston vs. Cincinnati was more than a Thursday night game. It was an audition for the Big 12.
The Bearcats tied the game with the help of an incredible play from the defense.
Tim Tebow says he's ready for the hype that will surround him during Instructional league workouts.
Curtis Samuel is a running back, receiver and return man all rolled into one, and he could play a big role when Ohio State meets Oklahoma Saturday.
Ole Miss is trying to do the unthinkable: The Rebels are trying to become the first team to beat a Nick Saban-coached Alabama team for the third straight season.
This week’s “Angry Bender” addresses sideline tantrums and why you should not get angry when Saban gets angry. It’s really not a big deal.
Nebraska won't be 'back' if it beats Oregon on Saturday, but a win will be a big step on the path; plus, a must-win in Norman, a showcase for an elite QB, and a history lesson.
Timing is everything. Sometimes the right play at the perfect time leads to a timeless moment. “The Catch” still fits that description 25 years later.
Colorado’s roster underwent a massive overhaul heading into Saturday’s game at No. 4 Michigan.
The wrong call at the end of the Oklahoma State-Central Michigan game provides a great opportunity to fix the problem. Fix it or we'll be living in deja vu.
A look at Sporting News’ preseason bowl projections for the 2016-17 season heading into Week 3. A total of 41 bowls are on the schedule, and 80 FBS teams will play in bowl games.
The Big 12's College Football Playoff hopes aren't dead just yet, but they aren't in fair condition, either.
Arkansas might be ready now. Now, are we ready for Arkansas?
No. 15 TCU and Arkansas played a wild-overtime shootout on Saturday, one that really didn’t get started until the fourth quarter.
Game officials should have known the rule. Mike Gundy should have done everything in his power to create that conversation. What happened shouldn't have happened, but it did.
They aren’t in real trouble yet, but questions persist. What’s wrong with Clemson? Is something wrong with Deshaun Watson?
Cooper Rush to Jesse Kroll to Malik Fountain. Wow.
Art Briles clearly wants to set up his next job. Does he have to make it so obvious?
Inspired by his high school coaching career, Barry Alvarez helped U.S. Cellular launch its Most Valuable Coach program on Friday, a campaign that will honor coaches who make a difference in their community. Fans can visit TheMostValuableCoach.com and share their stories until Oct. 3.
The Packers are all out of excuses not to make the Super Bowl.
Want to know what's going to be hot Saturday? Check out these five topics that are sure to trend.
LSU lost its season opener for the first time in 12 years and Les Miles is back in familiar territory — on the coaching hot seat.
Beat the Panthers in the renewal of a cherished rivalry, and the Nittany Lions might be on their way back. Lose, and it might be another mediocre season in Happy Valley.
If we learned anything from Week 1, then it’s that Alabama is the best bet to win the SEC, and the list of teams who can challenge the Crimson Tide for the national championship is short.
The every-other-possession rotation Brian Kelly put in place against Texas deserves questioning.
Sporting News went behind the scenes of Baylor's first football game after the offseason saga that changed the franchise.
What a mighty fine day it was.
Hunter was helped off the field under his own power.
If Saturday was any indication of how the rest of the season will play out for the Crimson Tide's defense, good luck to the rest of college football.
The Group of 5 can claim Houston, but can they keep them? The Power 5 can root against Houston, but do they want them? If the Cougars keep this going, the College Football Playoff might go a long way in making the decision for both.
The Cougars just pulled a Kick-Six on Oklahoma on a massive stage.
We’re not saying these things will happen, but if we get three or four of these it will be pretty damn close to the greatest week of all time.
One of college football's offseason darlings was taken to overtime by Appalachian State before winning at home in Week 1. That will serve as a valuable lesson.
Tennessee learned some tough lessons in its near-upset to the Mountaineers.
Reeves-Maybin had the penalty called on him in the first quarter.
It’s easy to forget Wisconsin won 10 games in Paul Chryst’s first season. Just take a look at its 2016 schedule.
Week 1 is almost here. SN college football writer Bill Bender dives into the hot topics heading into the season, including the almost-impossible scenario: What if Alabama loses to USC?
It’s easy to forget how good TCU — ranked No. 13 in the Preseason AP Poll — can be this season. The Horned Frogs are 23-3 the last two seasons but flying a little low despite starting out 8-0 in 2015.
Winning the American Athletic Conference is the No. 1 goal for Houston. The game against Oklahoma in Week 1 is exactly that: one game.
Jalen Hurts has been in the running for the starting job with Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett and David Cornwell since spring practice, and even if he doesn’t win the starting job there’s a chance we’ll see him sooner rather than later.
Ohio State redshirt freshman Torrance Gibson has suspended from the school for the fall semester, the school announced Monday.
No. 1 Alabama meets No. 20 USC in the AdvoCare Classic at AT&T Stadium in a colossal season opener for both teams.
No. 10 Notre Dame travels to face Texas in a Sunday showdown that ranks among the best games in Week 1 because it gets the spotlight all to itself.
The Big Ten East Division runs through the Michigan-Michigan State-Ohio State round robin, and the winner will be favored to win the Big Ten championship in Indianapolis.
The film, which has a national release on Friday, details the story of former Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, considered by many the greatest walk-on in college football history.
You’re angry North Carolina coach Larry Fedora hired former Illinois coach Tim Beckman as a volunteer assistant coach. Wait until next year when somebody goes through the same rationale process and hires former Baylor coach Art Briles.
The Cavaliers are embracing their city's past pain and hoping to bring them through it.
King James has seen it all before in the playoffs, so a Game 5 in a tied series isn't going to rattle him. And it didn't against the Raptors.
The Cavaliers' Eastern Conference playoff run is nearly unprecedented.
The Cavaliers are 14-0 in the playoffs with Love, James and Kyrie Irving in the lineup at the same time, but he missed much of the 2015 postseason with an injured shoulder.
Everyone in Cleveland knows who the backup point guard is because of nights like Tuesday.
MJ or LeBron? The debate rages on. Here is the proper etiquette for engaging in the best basketball player ever debate.
Tristan Thompson had six points and seven rebounds in the first quarter of Game 3, yet he has been overshadowed by LeBron James and Matthew Dellavedova.
Several top prospects were on display at The Opening on Sunday, and the battle for the Big Ten East has stretched to the recruiting trail.
Mark May is off "College Football Final" on ESPN, and Ohio State fans aren't shy about being happy about it. A look at the reaction to May's new move.
Cleveland fans are cautiously optimistic heading into the NBA Finals. Will the snake-bitten city finally break its 51-year championship drought?
Dabo Swinney canceled his appearance at a fundraiser after pressure from Clemson students, South Carolina politicians and LGBT groups
Sporting News releases its preseason bowl projections for all 42 bowls on the 2015-16 schedule. Will Ohio State repeat as national champions?
There are 100 days until college football season starts. Here are 100 reasons why we can't wait for Week 1.
Houston raised eyebrows by landing a 5-star commitment last week. That might just be the start under first-year coach Tom Herman.
Former Michigan cornerback Blake Countess announced his transfer to Auburn on Tuesday, which continues an interesting offseason back-and-forth between the Wolverines and Tigers.
Jim Harbaugh will meet with a group of students to discuss his views on "American Sniper," according to a report.
Do you believe in Everett Golson? He can be a championship quarterback at Florida State, which happens to be the right landing spot.
Everett Golson announced he's transferring to Florida State for the 2015 season, according to a report.
Yes, there were upsets last season. But the Power 5 schools come out on top more often than not, writes Bill Bender, in Part III: Blurred lines. The Group of 5 was 15-102 last season vs. the Power 5.
Everett Golson's transfer plans are on hold, at least for a day, according to multiple reports. Golson might visit other schools before making a decision.
Ohio State's Braxton Miller might be staying with the Buckeyes, after all. According to a report, Ohio State AD Gene Smith says Miller isn't going anywhere.
Jim Harbaugh took a jab at Deflategate on his pilgrimage to Peru, yet another reason the Michigan coach is the college football follow on Twitter.
LSU transfer Hayden Rettig is fighting for the starting job at Rutgers. If Rettig wins the job, then numbers could follow.
Former Michigan star Chris Webber reopened wounds from the Fab Five days Wednesday, a move that is totally unnecessary. It's time to move on.
According to a report, Florida State is in the lead for the services of Everett Golson in 2015.
With Everett Golson out, Malik Zaire steps in as the starting quarterback in South Bend. Here are five things to know about Zaire moving forward.
Michigan's spring game on Saturday didn't count, and that's fine for now while Jim Harbaugh continues to learn about his team.
LSU's Leonard Fournette put on a show at the Music City Bowl, but he was upstaged by Malik Zaire, who might be Notre Dame's quarterback of the future.
Cardale Jones is quickly becoming the prince of Cleveland, at least on social media.
What are the potential problems with a 42-game bowl schedule? Attendance, fill rate and television ratings are only part of the issue.
No, the SEC draft gap isn't closing, but the disparity between the Power 5 and Group of 5 continues to grow. Take a look at the draft trends.
Oregon's spring game uniforms are fly as usual. See what the Ducks will be sporting for their spring game Saturday.
The Spartans quarterback wouldn’t be lying if he said he’s seen it all.
