Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Immigration-Crime Victims
Immigration judge denies bond for man detained by ICE after nearly dying in Iowa shooting
SUMMARY: An immigration judge has denied bond to a man who has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement since he sought police help as the victim of a near-fatal shooting in Iowa months ago. The ruling means Felipe de Jesus Hernandez Marcelo will remain jailed pending deportation proceedings. He acknowledges he entered the country illegally in 2021 from Mexico. Hernandez has been in ICE custody since June 24, days after he nearly died from gunshot wounds he sustained when people tried to rob him in Muscatine, Iowa. A growing number of crime victims are facing arrest and deportation during the Trump administration’s illegal immigration crackdown, after ICE rescinded protections for them. Hernandez is applying for a special visa for crime victims.
WORDS: 509 – MOVED: 09/18/2025 12:19 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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US–Minneapolis-Mosques-Arson
Man pleads guilty to federal charges for setting fires at 2 Minnesota mosques
SUMMARY: A man who set fires at two mosques in Minnesota in 2023 has pleaded guilty to federal charges. Jackie Rahm Little, 38, admitted Wednesday to one count of arson and one count of damage to religious property. The incidents occurred at the Masjid Al-Rahma Mosque in Bloomington and the Masjid Omar Islamic Center in Minneapolis. A sentencing date has not been set. The fire at the Bloomington mosque forced the evacuation of children and caused significant damage. Leaders say the fires shocked the local Islamic community and are part of a larger trend of increased attacks on mosques.
WORDS: 274 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 5:03 p.m. CDT
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US–Charlie Kirk-Congress
House turns back effort to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar over remarks about Charlie Kirk
SUMMARY: The House declined late Wednesday to punish one of its own over commentary in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. The 214-213 roll call shelved a resolution from GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina to censure Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and have her removed from two House committees. The two have feuded viciously on social media. The effort showed the reach of President Donald Trump’s push for political retribution against those he calls the “radical left” and it sets the stage for more to come. Republicans in Congress have proposed investigations and other actions into various groups and entities in the aftermath of Kirk’s slaying.
WORDS: 715 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 6:05 p.m. CDT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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SD–State-Funded Gun Range
State-funded gun range in South Dakota nearly finished, expected to open in November
SUMMARY: The South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Department hopes to have a mostly state-funded gun range near Rapid City ready for public use in early November. The agency proposed the $20 million range in 2021 and former Gov. Kristi Noem authorized the use of over $13 million in workforce development fees to help build the range. It has 160 rifle, handgun and shotgun shooting bays along with a tactical shooting range and a main building that can house events, law enforcement training and firearm education. Donations are helping to pay for the rest of the cost. Supporters say it will be good for the economy. Opponents are concerned about the noise.
WORDS: 1471 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 2:49 p.m. CDT
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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SD–State-Funded Gun Range
State-funded gun range in South Dakota nearly finished, expected to open in November
SUMMARY: The South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Department hopes to have a mostly state-funded gun range near Rapid City ready for public use in early November. The agency proposed the $20 million range in 2021 and former Gov. Kristi Noem authorized the use of over $13 million in workforce development fees to help build the range. It has 160 rifle, handgun and shotgun shooting bays along with a tactical shooting range and a main building that can house events, law enforcement training and firearm education. Donations are helping to pay for the rest of the cost. Supporters say it will be good for the economy. Opponents are concerned about the noise.
WORDS: 1471 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 2:49 p.m. CDT
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US–Organic Sugar-Prices
Organic food prices could soar as US imposes import restrictions and new tariffs on specialty sugar
SUMMARY: The limiting of duty-free organic sugar imports and new tariffs are expected to cause the prices of all kinds of organic products from granola to yogurt to rise in the coming months. Industry officials say that could put some food manufacturers out of business. The Trump administration limited duty-free imports of specialty sugars in July and imposed a 50% tariff on Brazil, a major supplier of organic sugar. Since the U.S. produces almost no organic sugar, manufacturers are facing an estimated 34% increase in sugar costs. They say they will have to reduce profits, raise prices or halt production.
WORDS: 926 – MOVED: 09/18/2025 11:04 a.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Big 12 This Week
No. 16 Utah hosts No. 17 Texas Tech in Big 12 opener after both piled up points in nonconference
SUMMARY: The first meeting in more than a half-century between Texas Tech and Utah will be a Big 12 opener and matchup of the league’s only ranked teams that are playing this week. They play Saturday in Salt Lake City. Behren Morton and the Red Raiders piled up a lot of points in nonconference play, as did the Utes. Tech is the nation’s highest-scoring team at 58 points a game. Morton has 923 yards passing with an FBS-high 11 touchdowns. Utah has averaged 45.7 points a game while also ranking eighth nationally allowing only 8.3 points. Defending Big 12 champion Arizona State opens conference play at Baylor..
WORDS: 654 – MOVED: 09/18/2025 12:45 a.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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FBC–T25-College Football Picks
College football picks: Average winning margin in FBS after Week 3 is widest since at least 2000
SUMMARY: The 2025 college football season has had a run of lopsided games. The average winning margin in the Football Bowl Subdivision is 25.5 points per game and 28.9 per game when one of the teams is from a power conference. Those figures are courtesy of Sportradar. There have been eight games where the winner amassed at least 70 points and 25 games where the winner scored 60. Eight FBS teams are averaging at least 50 points per game, most at this point in a season since 2019.
WORDS: 1070 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 1:44 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Injuries
Patrick Mahomes welcomes back Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals to Chiefs practice on his 30th birthday
SUMMARY: Patrick Mahomes celebrates his 30th birthday by welcoming wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals back to practice. Both have been sidelined with injuries since early in the season. Coach Andy Reid says they will have no restrictions preparing for Sunday night’s game against the New York Giants. Mahomes, off to a rough start with the winless Chiefs, is eager to improve the offense. The team has struggled with spotty protection and missing key receivers. Rashee Rice is still serving a suspension, and he will miss three more games after the Chiefs face the Giants.
WORDS: 779 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 2:40 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Mariners-Royals
Royals score four in the eighth to snap Seattle’s 10-game winning streak
SUMMARY: Adam Frazier hit a go-ahead, two-run home run in the eighth inning and the Kansas City Royals beat Seattle 7-5 to snap the Mariners’ 10-game winning streak. Lucas Erceg (8-4) earned the win despite giving up the lead on J.P. Crawford’s homer in eighth. Carlos Estévez allowed a ninth-inning run, but picked up his MLB-best 40th save. Eugenio Suárez snapped an 0-for-32 skid with four hits, two RBIs and two runs for Seattle. Seattle’s Matt Brash (1-3) gave up four runs and four hits in two-thirds of an inning.
WORDS: 352 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 9:42 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Bergert
Royals’ Ryan Bergert headed to Injured List with forearm tightness
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals will place RHP Ryan Bergert on the Injured List after he hurt himself in the bullpen prior to Wednesday night’s 7-5 win over the Seattle Mariners. Bergert was scheduled to start Kansas City’s game on Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager Matt Quatraro said Bergert felt forearm tightness in his throwing arm. Bergert’s start will be taken by RHP Michael Lorenzen, who was originally scheduled to pitch multiple innings Wednesday in relief of Cole Ragans.
WORDS: 173 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 10:14 p.m. CDT
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FBC–Big 12 This Week
No. 16 Utah hosts No. 17 Texas Tech in Big 12 opener after both piled up points in nonconference
SUMMARY: The first meeting in more than a half-century between Texas Tech and Utah will be a Big 12 opener and matchup of the league’s only ranked teams that are playing this week. They play Saturday in Salt Lake City. Behren Morton and the Red Raiders piled up a lot of points in nonconference play, as did the Utes. Tech is the nation’s highest-scoring team at 58 points a game. Morton has 923 yards passing with an FBS-high 11 touchdowns. Utah has averaged 45.7 points a game while also ranking eighth nationally allowing only 8.3 points. Defending Big 12 champion Arizona State opens conference play at Baylor..
WORDS: 654 – MOVED: 09/18/2025 12:45 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Giants Preview Capsule
Chiefs visit the Giants on Sunday night with each team off to an 0-2 start
SUMMARY: The New York Giants are the only team the Kansas City Chiefs have not defeated on the road. They meet Sunday night with each team off to an 0-2 start to the season. The Chiefs were last 0-2 in 2014 in Andy Reid’s second year as Kansas City coach, the most recent time they missed the playoffs. The Giants are coming off losing 40-37 in overtime at Dallas. Kansas City lost to Philadelphia in Week 2 in a Super Bowl rematch.
WORDS: 698 – MOVED: 09/18/2025 11:51 a.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Moves
Royals place pitcher Ryan Bergert, outfielder Kyle Isbel on IL; recall Luinder Avila, John Rave
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals have placed pitcher Ryan Bergert and outfielder Kyle Isbel on the injured list. They recalled reliever Luinder Avila and outfielder John Rave from Triple-A Omaha before their series finale against the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. Bergert experienced forearm tightness during a bullpen session on Wednesday and was placed on the 15-day IL with a right elbow strain. Isbel hit .255 with four homers and 33 RBIs this season. Avila and Rave both made their big league debuts this season, with Avila showing promise in the bullpen.
WORDS: 203 – MOVED: 09/18/2025 11:57 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings-Jones
Vikings put RB Aaron Jones on IR with hamstring injury that will sideline him more than a month
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings have placed running back Aaron Jones Sr. on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury. This move requires him to miss at least four games. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is also likely out for multiple weeks with a sprained ankle. The Vikings signed former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder for depth behind Carson Wentz and rookie Max Brosmer. Jordan Mason will be the primary running back with Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott behind him. The Vikings signed Cam Akers to the practice squad for another option after acquiring him in separate trades in each of the past two seasons.
WORDS: 828 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 11:41 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Bengals-Quarterbacks
Zac Taylor doesn’t feel need to change Bengals’ offensive scheme much for backup QB Jake Browning
SUMMARY: Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor says Jake Browning is ready to take over at quarterback for the injured Joe Burrow. Browning has been with the Bengals for five years and is familiar with the team’s offense. On Wednesday, Taylor expressed confidence in Browning’s preparation as the Bengals get ready to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Browning, who joined the Bengals in 2021, had a winning record in seven starts in 2023. With Burrow on the injured reserve list, Browning gets another chance to prove himself. The Bengals have added potential backups Mike White and Sean Clifford to their practice squad.
WORDS: 722 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 4:34 p.m. CDT
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BKL–Coach of the Year
Golden State Valkyries’ Natalie Nakase voted WNBA Coach of the Year after reaching playoffs
SUMMARY: Natalie Nakase won over Golden State Valkyries owner Joe Lacob with her fire in a matter of two hours when they sat down last year for a formal interview. Now, the entire WNBA understands why. Nakase was named WNBA Coach of the Year after leading her team to the playoffs, making league history as the only first-year franchise to reach the postseason. The announcement came ahead of Golden State’s home game against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx.
WORDS: 720 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 3:04 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Yankees-Twins
Trent Grisham’s 2 homers power Yankees to 10-5 win over Twins
SUMMARY: Trent Grisham homered twice and Cody Bellinger also went deep as the New York Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins 10-5. Aaron Judge went 3 for 4 to raise his major league-leading batting average to .329. The Yankees moved within four games of first-place Toronto in the AL East. Luis Gil pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing five runs, four earned, on nine hits. Four relievers combined to blank the Twins the rest of the way, with Fernando Cruz getting four outs for the win. Grisham has 33 homers this season. Taj Bradley gave up both of Grisham’s homers and took the loss.
WORDS: 323 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 9:50 p.m. CDT
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BKL–Lynx-Valkyries
Collier scores 24 points as No. 1 seed Lynx beat Valkyries 75-74 to advance in WNBA playoffs
SUMMARY: Napheesa Collier made a go-ahead 18-footer with 1:24 left on the way to 24 points, and the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx rallied from a 17-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Golden State Valkyries 75-74 and move on in the WNBA playoffs. Collier shot 10 for 16 and followed up her 20-point performance in Game 1 with a 14-point second half to bring her team back — and give the Lynx another chance to keep chasing that championship they just missed last year.
WORDS: 484 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 11:38 p.m. CDT
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BKL–WNBA Balanced Playoffs
WNBA playoffs: Three decisive Game 3s highlight a balanced season
SUMMARY: It’s fitting that many of the opening round playoff series are going the distance after the balanced regular season the WNBA had. They’ll be three decisive Game 3s over the next two days. That’s the first time that’s happened since 2015. Last season all four opening round series were sweeps. The WNBA changed its playoff format this season giving each team at least one home game in the opening round which probably has helped. In the past few years, the better seeded team would have the first two games at home. Indiana and Seattle evened up their series on their homecourt Tuesday night and Golden State came within a point of beating No. 1 Minnesota to make it 4-for-4 on series going the distance.
WORDS: 683 – MOVED: 09/18/2025 12:26 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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FBC–T25-College Football Picks
College football picks: Average winning margin in FBS after Week 3 is widest since at least 2000
SUMMARY: The 2025 college football season has had a run of lopsided games. The average winning margin in the Football Bowl Subdivision is 25.5 points per game and 28.9 per game when one of the teams is from a power conference. Those figures are courtesy of Sportradar. There have been eight games where the winner amassed at least 70 points and 25 games where the winner scored 60. Eight FBS teams are averaging at least 50 points per game, most at this point in a season since 2019.
WORDS: 1070 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 1:44 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Injuries
Patrick Mahomes welcomes back Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals to Chiefs practice on his 30th birthday
SUMMARY: Patrick Mahomes celebrates his 30th birthday by welcoming wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals back to practice. Both have been sidelined with injuries since early in the season. Coach Andy Reid says they will have no restrictions preparing for Sunday night’s game against the New York Giants. Mahomes, off to a rough start with the winless Chiefs, is eager to improve the offense. The team has struggled with spotty protection and missing key receivers. Rashee Rice is still serving a suspension, and he will miss three more games after the Chiefs face the Giants.
WORDS: 779 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 2:40 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Reds-Cardinals
Spencer Steer homers as the Reds beat the Cardinals 6-2 in rubber game
SUMMARY: Spencer Steer homered and drove in five runs, helping Brady Singer and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-2. The Reds used 11 hits to take the rubber game of the three-game series. They are hoping to rally into the third NL wild card in the final days of the season. Singer permitted two runs, one earned, and three hits in 5 2/3 innings. Cincinnati went ahead to stay in the fourth. Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz each drew a one-out walk against Andre Pallante before Steer connected for his 18th homer.
WORDS: 294 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 3:20 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Mariners-Royals
Royals score four in the eighth to snap Seattle’s 10-game winning streak
SUMMARY: Adam Frazier hit a go-ahead, two-run home run in the eighth inning and the Kansas City Royals beat Seattle 7-5 to snap the Mariners’ 10-game winning streak. Lucas Erceg (8-4) earned the win despite giving up the lead on J.P. Crawford’s homer in eighth. Carlos Estévez allowed a ninth-inning run, but picked up his MLB-best 40th save. Eugenio Suárez snapped an 0-for-32 skid with four hits, two RBIs and two runs for Seattle. Seattle’s Matt Brash (1-3) gave up four runs and four hits in two-thirds of an inning.
WORDS: 352 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 9:42 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Bergert
Royals’ Ryan Bergert headed to Injured List with forearm tightness
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals will place RHP Ryan Bergert on the Injured List after he hurt himself in the bullpen prior to Wednesday night’s 7-5 win over the Seattle Mariners. Bergert was scheduled to start Kansas City’s game on Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager Matt Quatraro said Bergert felt forearm tightness in his throwing arm. Bergert’s start will be taken by RHP Michael Lorenzen, who was originally scheduled to pitch multiple innings Wednesday in relief of Cole Ragans.
WORDS: 173 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 10:14 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Giants Preview Capsule
Chiefs visit the Giants on Sunday night with each team off to an 0-2 start
SUMMARY: The New York Giants are the only team the Kansas City Chiefs have not defeated on the road. They meet Sunday night with each team off to an 0-2 start to the season. The Chiefs were last 0-2 in 2014 in Andy Reid’s second year as Kansas City coach, the most recent time they missed the playoffs. The Giants are coming off losing 40-37 in overtime at Dallas. Kansas City lost to Philadelphia in Week 2 in a Super Bowl rematch.
WORDS: 698 – MOVED: 09/18/2025 11:51 a.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Moves
Royals place pitcher Ryan Bergert, outfielder Kyle Isbel on IL; recall Luinder Avila, John Rave
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals have placed pitcher Ryan Bergert and outfielder Kyle Isbel on the injured list. They recalled reliever Luinder Avila and outfielder John Rave from Triple-A Omaha before their series finale against the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. Bergert experienced forearm tightness during a bullpen session on Wednesday and was placed on the 15-day IL with a right elbow strain. Isbel hit .255 with four homers and 33 RBIs this season. Avila and Rave both made their big league debuts this season, with Avila showing promise in the bullpen.
WORDS: 203 – MOVED: 09/18/2025 11:57 a.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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FBC–T25-College Football Picks
College football picks: Average winning margin in FBS after Week 3 is widest since at least 2000
SUMMARY: The 2025 college football season has had a run of lopsided games. The average winning margin in the Football Bowl Subdivision is 25.5 points per game and 28.9 per game when one of the teams is from a power conference. Those figures are courtesy of Sportradar. There have been eight games where the winner amassed at least 70 points and 25 games where the winner scored 60. Eight FBS teams are averaging at least 50 points per game, most at this point in a season since 2019.
WORDS: 1070 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 1:44 p.m. CDT
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BKC–Creighton-Facilities Project
Creighton AD says $300M project will help achieve vision of becoming the ‘model program’ of Big East
SUMMARY: Creighton announced a $300 million facilities project that will encompass 11 new or upgraded buildings and outdoor spaces covering a 12-block recreational and athletic corridor on the east side of campus. The donor-funded Fly Together initiative received a lead gift of $100 million from the Heider Family Foundation, the largest gift in university history. Athletic director Marcus Blossom said the initiative will help the school achieve its vision of being the model program of the Big East. The centerpiece of the project is the three-building Sports Performance Center that will serve the school’s 300 athletes.
WORDS: 443 – MOVED: 09/18/2025 12:14 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–T25-College Football Picks
College football picks: Average winning margin in FBS after Week 3 is widest since at least 2000
SUMMARY: The 2025 college football season has had a run of lopsided games. The average winning margin in the Football Bowl Subdivision is 25.5 points per game and 28.9 per game when one of the teams is from a power conference. Those figures are courtesy of Sportradar. There have been eight games where the winner amassed at least 70 points and 25 games where the winner scored 60. Eight FBS teams are averaging at least 50 points per game, most at this point in a season since 2019.
WORDS: 1070 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 1:44 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Raiders-Laulu
Jonah Laulu’s rise: From seventh-round pick to Raiders defensive standout
SUMMARY: Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu has been impressive early this season. He already has three sacks in two games, surpassing his total from last year. Coach Pete Carroll praises Laulu’s growth and hard work. Laulu, who struggles with impostor syndrome, focuses on consistency and improvement. He sacked quarterbacks in games against the Patriots and Chargers. The Raiders, tied for eighth in the NFL with six sacks, are preparing for a game against Washington. Meanwhile, Raiders quarterback Geno Smith is working to improve after throwing three interceptions against the Chargers.
WORDS: 766 – MOVED: 09/17/2025 8:11 p.m. CDT
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FBC–T25–Oklahoma-Arnold Returns
Jackson Arnold returning to Oklahoma as Auburn’s QB following a rocky stint with the Sooners
SUMMARY: Jackson Arnold was expected to be a standout quarterback at Oklahoma, following in the footsteps of stars like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. However, after struggling with injuries and losing his starting job last season, Arnold transferred to Auburn. The change has been positive, as he has led the Tigers to a 3-0 start. On Saturday, Arnold will return to Oklahoma as Auburn’s quarterback. He says he’s focused and not distracted by outside noise. Auburn coach Hugh Freeze advises him to concentrate on the team. Oklahoma coach Brent Venables holds no ill will and acknowledges Arnold’s success.
WORDS: 714 – MOVED: 09/18/2025 12:04 a.m. CDT
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FBC–Big 12 This Week
No. 16 Utah hosts No. 17 Texas Tech in Big 12 opener after both piled up points in nonconference
SUMMARY: The first meeting in more than a half-century between Texas Tech and Utah will be a Big 12 opener and matchup of the league’s only ranked teams that are playing this week. They play Saturday in Salt Lake City. Behren Morton and the Red Raiders piled up a lot of points in nonconference play, as did the Utes. Tech is the nation’s highest-scoring team at 58 points a game. Morton has 923 yards passing with an FBS-high 11 touchdowns. Utah has averaged 45.7 points a game while also ranking eighth nationally allowing only 8.3 points. Defending Big 12 champion Arizona State opens conference play at Baylor..
WORDS: 654 – MOVED: 09/18/2025 12:45 a.m. CDT
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