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Hammond Jr., Smith run for 2 TDs each, Sacramento State beats Eastern Washington 35-13

CHENEY, Wash. (AP) — Rodney Hammond Jr. rushed for 208 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, while Jaquail Smith added two rushing touchdowns of 45 and 29 yards as Sacramento State defeated Eastern Washington 35-13 on Saturday.

Sacramento State (5-4, 3-2 Big Sky Conference) finished the game with a dominant 376 yards on the ground, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

Hammond opened the scoring with a spectacular 59-yard touchdown run. Taking a handoff up the middle, he bent toward the right sideline and outran defenders to the end zone, giving the Hornets a 14-10 lead with about five minutes left in the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, following a 10-yard punt by Eastern Washington’s Landon Ogles, Smith broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run, extending Sacramento State’s lead.

A 17-yard punt later gave the Hornets possession at the Eagles’ 35-yard line. Five plays later, Hammond plunged into the end zone on a 7-yard run, pushing the score to 28-10.

Kicker Soren McKee contributed with a career-long 51-yard field goal in the first quarter and added a 19-yard field goal as time expired in the first half.

Eastern Washington (4-5, 3-2) got on the board with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Nate Bell to Wilson Medina. However, Bell left the game early in the second quarter with an apparent shoulder injury after completing 6-of-14 passes for 39 yards. Redshirt freshman Jake Schakel replaced him and finished 24-of-38 for 201 yards.

Quarterback Cardell Williams opened the scoring for Sacramento State with a 1-yard touchdown run just over two minutes into the game. Smith, who carried 12 times for 117 yards, capped the scoring with a late touchdown run with 9:47 remaining.

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More AP college football coverage is available at [insert link].
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/college-sports-general-news/10133148/hammond-jr-smith-run-for-2-tds-each-sacramento-state-beats-eastern-washington-35-13.html

Patriots Drake Maye faces tough test against Falcons

**Drake Maye’s Deep Passing Fuels Patriots’ Momentum Ahead of Clash with Falcons**

*FOXBOROUGH, Mass.* — Drake Maye hasn’t been afraid to throw the ball deep down the field during his NFL career. One of the Patriots second-year quarterback’s first memories as a pro comes from one of his initial practices last season, when he connected on a deep pass with receiver Kayshon Boutte that beat cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

“You just remember things of throwing deep throws, seeing him come up on the right side of it and it just makes you want to keep going back to it. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Maye said.

In his sophomore season, Maye has embraced that ability to chuck it long. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he has completed 13 of 17 passes (76.5%) that traveled 20 or more yards in the air, logging five touchdowns along the way.

It’s a skill that has helped the Patriots (6-2) win five straight games and take a step forward under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ latest stint in New England. The timing couldn’t be better as the Patriots prepare to host the Atlanta Falcons (3-4), who boast the NFL’s top-rated passing defense this Sunday.

Through seven games, Atlanta is allowing only 149.1 passing yards per game. Meanwhile, Maye has passed for at least 200 yards in every game this season.

“He’s way better than I want him to be,” Atlanta defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said of Maye. “He feels like a mini Josh Allen, a younger Josh Allen, in a lot of ways: his mobility, his arm, the way he can take the game over in both facets of the game. So, he’s going to be — he’s a problem.”

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel noted that Maye’s confidence in airing it out has steadily increased since the preseason — a trend that starts with the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.

“I think he stays patient. I don’t think he panics and launches it or throws it seven yards out of bounds, but I think there’s been a lot of improvement from training camp and seeing some of those passes,” Vrabel said. “I don’t think there were as many completions in the preseason as there were in the regular season. I’m glad we saved them for the regular season.”

### Good Hands: Kayshon Boutte Shines

One of the main recipients of Maye’s deep balls has been Kayshon Boutte. A 2023 sixth-round draft pick by New England, Boutte is tied for the league lead with seven receiving touchdowns covering 20 or more air yards since 2024, alongside Ja’Marr Chase. Notably, AJ Brown, Quentin Johnston, and DK Metcalf each have six over that period.

### Injury Watch: Falcons’ Key Players Questionable

A major storyline this week is the availability of Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and top receiver Drake London. Both missed last week’s 34-10 loss to Miami. Penix sat out with a bone bruise on his left knee and was replaced by Kirk Cousins. London was inactive due to a hip injury.

Both players were limited in the Falcons’ first practice of the week and are considered day-to-day, according to coach Raheem Morris. However, Morris expressed optimism about Penix’s availability.

“Obviously, he feels better than he did last week,” Morris said. “He obviously feels better than he did every single day with it being a bone bruise. That stuff gets better every day, so I feel really good about him.”

### Battle on the Ground Could Be Key

While the Patriots may challenge the Falcons through the air, this game could be decided by the ground game matchup.

New England is the only team in the NFL this season not to surrender 50 rushing yards to an opposing running back through eight games.

Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson, tied for fourth in the league, is averaging 79 yards per game. This includes a season-high 170-yard performance during Atlanta’s Week 6 win over Buffalo.

“A Vrabel-coached team is always going to be great. They’re always going to play sound. They’re always going to play really fundamentally fast, and we’ve got to be ready and prepared for that,” Morris said.

As the Patriots and Falcons prepare to face off, all eyes will be on Maye’s deep throws and the ground battle that could shape the outcome of this pivotal matchup.
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/10/31/patriots-drake-maye-faces-tough-test-against-falcons/

Vikings Trade Prediction Lands 10-Time Pro Bowl Quarterback

While the Minnesota Vikings expect to start quarterback J.J. McCarthy on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, things remain unsettled beyond their expected starter. The Vikings lost backup quarterback Carson Wentz for the season due to a shoulder injury, leaving Minnesota’s quarterback depth thin. Currently, the backups are rookie Max Brosmer on the active roster and veteran John Wolford on the practice squad.

USA Today’s Jacob Camenker predicts that the Vikings will trade for New York Giants backup quarterback Russell Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler who has seen better days. “That could lead the Vikings to buy low on Wilson,” Camenker wrote. “It wouldn’t be to install him as a starter, but it would provide McCarthy with a veteran sounding board as he looks to establish himself as Minnesota’s quarterback of the future.”

Camenker also noted, “The Giants should be willing to part with Wilson on the cheap, and the Vikings would only have to take on a prorated version of the 36-year-old quarterback’s $2 million salary for the 2025 season.”

Wilson’s experience would be invaluable for a young quarterback like McCarthy. In 14 seasons, Wilson has thrown for 46,921 yards and 353 touchdowns versus 114 interceptions across 204 career games. He led the Seattle Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one. Wilson also holds a 9-8 career postseason record with 4,056 yards and 27 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions.

**Russell Wilson Would Give Vikings QB Insurance**

If McCarthy were to get hurt again, the Vikings would have a proven veteran ready to step in with Wilson. While Wilson hasn’t looked like a dominant starting quarterback in recent years, he has still produced impressive performances at times.

For instance, last season in Week 5, Wilson threw for 414 yards and three touchdowns for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Cincinnati Bengals. This season, he had a 450-yard, three-touchdown game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. In both cases, Wilson wasn’t working with a receiving corps on the same level as the Vikings’ stars Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

**NFL Analyst Weighs In on Playoff Hopes With J.J. McCarthy**

While the jury is still out on McCarthy after just two regular season games, former NFL running back and current analyst Rashad Jennings is optimistic about the Vikings’ future.

“Not sure if it’s going to happen this year,” Jennings said during *Good Morning Football* on Friday. “When you talk about the NFC North… they’re at the bottom, and they’re at the bottom with a really good team up top, and that’s good teams and that’s being the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.”

Jennings added, “I don’t know if it’s enough juice over there to take them over that hump.”

As the Vikings continue to develop McCarthy and consider veteran additions like Wilson, their playoff aspirations remain a topic to watch closely this season.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/trade-prediction-russell-wilson-ny-giants/

Steelers lose Deshon Elliott to injury in Packers clash

The Pittsburgh Steelers took a significant hit on their defensive front during Sunday night’s home game against the visiting Green Bay Packers. Steelers defensive back Deshon Elliott, one of the most reliable members of Pittsburgh’s defense in the 2025 NFL season, was carted off the field in the second half after suffering an apparent knee injury.

According to the NFL’s official website, Elliott was done for the night, as the Steelers finished the contest without their 28-year-old safety. Before leaving the game, the former Texas Longhorn recorded five total tackles. The Steelers entered Week 8 looking to bounce back quickly following a loss to Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7’s Thursday Night Football showdown. In that previous game, Elliott had recorded nine total tackles.

So far in the 2025 season, Elliott has amassed 38 total tackles along with a forced fumble through seven games. He sustained the injury while attempting to stop Packers tight end Tucker Kraft, who has been a standout performer against the Steelers. Elliott went down and immediately grabbed his right knee in pain.

While the Steelers have yet to release an official update on Elliott’s recovery timeline, indications suggest that he will need to miss more than just one game. Fortunately, the hope remains that he did not suffer a torn ligament or broken bone.

This summer, Pittsburgh signed Elliott to a two-year contract extension worth $12.5 million. This came after he posted a career-high 108 combined tackles, six passes defended, three quarterback hits, and a sack across 15 games (14 starts) last season.

Should Elliott be sidelined for an extended period, the Steelers will look to players like Chuck Clark, Juan Thornhill, and Jabrill Peppers to step up and fill the void in the defensive backfield.

Having already used their bye week in Week 5, Pittsburgh will next face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 at Acrisure Stadium. The team and fans alike will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Elliott and a strong show of resilience from the Steelers defense moving forward.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/steelers-news-loses-deshone-elliott-to-injury-packers-clash

Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss ties Johnny Manziel in SEC history with monster performance vs. Oklahoma

The No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels secured a significant 34-26 victory over the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners in Week 9 on Saturday. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss delivered yet another standout performance, leading his team to its seventh win of the season.

Chambliss’ recent play has been so impressive that he has now tied a unique SEC record held by Texas A&M legend Johnny Manziel. The 23-year-old senior threw for 315 passing yards and added 53 rushing yards against the Sooners. This marked the fourth time this season that Chambliss has surpassed 300 passing yards and 50 rushing yards in a single game.

According to Eli Lederman of ESPN, this achievement ties Chambliss for the second-most such performances in SEC history, alongside Manziel. In his sixth start for Ole Miss, Chambliss completed 24 of 44 pass attempts for 315 yards, and gained 53 rushing yards on 12 carries. ESPN Research confirms that this outing was his fourth game with at least 300 passing yards and 50 rushing yards this fall—matching Manziel’s mark from 2012 over the past 30 years.

Chambliss is a transfer quarterback who originally played at the Division II level for Ferris State. During his three seasons with the Bulldogs, he was highly successful, amassing 3,279 passing yards, 1,323 rushing yards, and a total of 60 touchdowns (31 passing and 29 rushing).

Since joining Ole Miss, Chambliss has emerged as a star. In eight games with the Rebels, he has thrown for 1,864 yards and nine touchdowns, completing 61.0% of his passes. He has also contributed 376 rushing yards and five rushing scores.

Looking ahead, Chambliss will have the opportunity to surpass Johnny Manziel’s record in Week 10 when Ole Miss faces the South Carolina Gamecocks. As long as Chambliss maintains his high level of play, the Rebels should be considered a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/ole-miss-football-news-trinidad-chambliss-ties-johnny-manziel-sec-history-monster-performance-oklahoma

Ravens need a win to avoid tying their worst-ever seven-game start

Now that we know it will be Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley—and not two-time MVP Lamar Jackson—starting at quarterback for the Ravens against the Bears on Sunday, the big question is whether the 1-5 Ravens can secure a win.

With another loss, Baltimore would match its worst seven-game start in franchise history. Back in 2015, the Ravens began the season 1-6. If they lose again this year, their margin for error the rest of the way will be wafer-thin.

A loss on Sunday would also mark their fifth consecutive defeat, creating the third-longest losing streak in franchise history. For context, the Ravens lost nine straight games in 2007 and six in a row in 2021.

Regardless of the outcome against the Bears, the Ravens will face a short-week challenge with a visit to Miami on Thursday night. It’s entirely possible that we’ll be watching the 1-6 Ravens take on the 1-7 Dolphins in that game.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/ravens-need-a-win-to-avoid-tying-their-worst-ever-seven-game-start

Report: Carl Lawson agrees to terms with Ravens

The Ravens have agreed to terms with defensive end Carl Lawson, according to Jordan Schultz of Always On!. Lawson worked out for the Ravens prior to reaching the agreement.

Last season with the Cowboys, Lawson recorded five sacks and 15 quarterback hits over 15 games. He played 401 defensive snaps in 2024, showcasing his durability and impact on the field.

Throughout his career, Lawson has amassed 32 sacks and 122 quarterback hits while playing for the Bengals (2017-2020), Jets (2022-2023), and Cowboys (2024).

The Ravens, currently ranked 30th in yards allowed and 32nd in points allowed, are clearly looking to strengthen their defense. Adding Lawson to the roster will provide much-needed help to the team’s defensive front.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-carl-lawson-agrees-to-terms-with-ravens

Bears’ Ben Johnson puts Caleb Williams on notice after beating Saints

When Ben Johnson took the Chicago Bears head coaching job, helping quarterback Caleb Williams reach his No. 1 pick ceiling was his top priority. So far, the results have been mixed.

Week 7’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints was a clear negative for Williams. Although the Bears came out with a 24-16 victory, even the quarterback admitted that he didn’t play his best.

“We weren’t efficient enough in the passing game,” Johnson noted. “We’ll see why that was. I was hopeful by Week 6 we would play cleaner football than that.”

“The benefit when you win,” Johnson added, “is you usually can coach a little harder. We’re always truth tellers, on Monday in particular. When it’s good, we’ll tell them when it’s good. When it’s bad, we’ll tell them what we’ve got to clean up.”

Overall, Williams completed 15-of-26 passes for 172 scoreless yards and one interception. He fumbled twice, although he didn’t lose possession on either occasion. Still, he failed to pass the 200-yard threshold and did not throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season.

Meanwhile, the Bears’ run game and defense were on fire. Chicago rushed for 222 yards, while the defense forced three interceptions and a fumble. However, Williams and the offense couldn’t capitalize fully.

They’ll take the 24-16 win, but the victory could have been much larger had Chicago’s quarterback delivered a stronger performance.

Johnson isn’t necessarily looking for blowouts, though he probably wouldn’t mind. More importantly, he wants to see Williams play a consistent, four-quarter game of football.

Williams and the Bears will have their next opportunity to improve in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news-ben-johnson-caleb-williams-notice-beating-saints

Saints activate Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau ahead of Sunday’s game against the Giants

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints have moved versatile quarterback Taysom Hill and tight end Foster Moreau from the team’s Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s home game against the New York Giants.

The roster moves, announced Saturday, increase the likelihood that both players, who are recovering from major knee injuries sustained late last season, could make their 2025 debuts for the winless Saints (0-4) against the Giants (1-3).

Hill, who had been listed as a tight end over the past two seasons, had his designation changed back to quarterback last week—the position he began his NFL career playing as a backup in 2017 after starring at BYU in college.

Saints first-year coach Kellen Moore has emphasized that Hill will continue to play a versatile role on offense and special teams, just as he has in previous seasons. Hill is expected to contribute in various positions, potentially lining up as a tight end, running back, or receiver, as well as regularly participating on the punt and punt coverage units.

Despite these changes, Spencer Rattler, who has lost all 10 of his career NFL starts (six as a rookie last season), will remain the starting quarterback.

Foster Moreau, who was injured late in the fourth quarter of the Saints’ 2024 regular-season finale, had a solid previous season with 32 catches for 413 yards and a team-high five touchdown receptions.

In other roster moves, the Saints elevated linebacker Eku Leota from the practice squad to the active roster, placed wide receiver Trey Palmer on injured reserve, and waived rookie tight end Moliki Matavao. Additionally, defensive tackle John Ridgeway III was downgraded to out for Sunday’s game.

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AP NFL
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/nfl/2025/10/04/saints-activate-taysom-hill-and-foster-moreau-ahead-of-sundays-game-against-the-giants

No. 1 Ohio State opens Big Ten play with road win at Washington

The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes traveled out west on Saturday and secured their first road win of the 2025 season, defeating the Washington Huskies 24-6 at Husky Stadium in Seattle.

In a nationally televised game on Channel 7, quarterback Julian Sayin completed 22 of 28 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. The Buckeyes also rushed for 149 yards. Ohio State’s defense proved tough on third down, holding the Huskies to just one conversion on 11 third-down attempts.

With the victory, Ohio State improves to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten.

After a scoreless first quarter, Washington took an early 3-0 lead with a 28-yard field goal by Grady Gross to begin the second quarter. The Huskies’ lead was short-lived, as Ohio State responded before halftime. Sayin connected with Jeremiah Smith on an 18-yard touchdown pass, capping a 10-play, 73-yard scoring drive and giving the Buckeyes a 7-3 halftime lead.

The Buckeyes took the second-half kickoff and engineered a 75-yard drive over 14 plays. CJ Donaldson, Jr. finished the drive with a one-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 14-3. The teams then exchanged field goals, with OSU holding a 17-6 advantage.

After stopping the Huskies on a fourth-down attempt, Ohio State took over at their own 44-yard line with 8:44 remaining. Sayin threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Donaldson, increasing the lead to 24-6. This score capped an eight-play, 44-yard drive.

Bo Jackson led the Buckeyes on the ground with 80 yards rushing, while Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Ohio State’s next game is scheduled for October 4, when they will host Minnesota at 7:30 p.m. in Columbus.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/no-1-ohio-state-opens-005718436.html