Deadspin | No. 5 Texas Tech chases berth in Big 12 title game, braces for West Virginia

Deadspin | No. 5 Texas Tech chases berth in Big 12 title game, braces for West Virginia

Nov 15, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire watches the big screen in the first half against the Central Florida Knights at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

After a full week of rest, No. 5 Texas Tech will be out to make a statement Saturday afternoon when it closes out its regular-season schedule with a visit to West Virginia at Morgantown, W. Va.

The Red Raiders (10-1, 7-1 Big 12) have a chance to earn their first-ever spot in the conference championship game with a victory and all but clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Texas Tech also can clinch a spot in the Big 12 championship game if Arizona State loses to rival Arizona on Friday night.

The Red Raiders enter on a four-game winning streak and are set to play in their first road game since a 43-20 victory at Kansas State on Nov. 1. Their previous road game, Oct. 18 at Arizona State, ended in a 26-22 defeat.

A victory would match the program’s 2008 season for most regular-season wins.

“Our guys know exactly what is at stake,” Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire said. “When this all started, if you told us coming into the last game if we win, we’re in, we (now) know that’s the case so we’re planning on being ready to play.”

While Texas Tech’s defense has held opponents to 12.3 points per game and 266.1 yards, both of which lead the conference, the offense is second in the Big 12 with 481.6 yards per game.

Behren Morton completed 14 of 19 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown in a 48-9 romp over UCF on Nov. 15 before he was replaced by Mitch Griffis, who was 13 of 17 for 145 yards.

Morton, who took over after Will Hammond was lost for the season with an injury, has been playing through his own lower leg injury. McGuire suggested that Morton is on track to play against West Virginia.

“Yeah, he feels great,” McGuire said. “You know, we kept him in a boot all last week. He actually went through everything. It was a shorter practice (Sunday), but he went through everything — he just was in the boot.”

Not only has Texas Tech earned all of its victories by at least 22 points, it has an average margin of victory of 33.8 points. In their latest statement, linebacker Jacob Rodriguez took a turn lining up at quarterback and scored on a 2-yard run. He also intercepted a pass.

West Virginia (4-7, 2-6) absorbed a 25-23 setback to Arizona State on Nov. 15 before taking a week off heading into Saturday’s game.

With running backs Jahiem White and Tye Edwards already out for the season with injuries, freshman back Diore Hubbard also will miss the final game with an unspecified injury. Hubbard was limited to two carries against Arizona State.

The Mountaineers’ running game will be in the hands of Cyncir Bowers and Curtis Jones. Bowers has rushed for 246 yards on 58 carries this season with two touchdowns.

Freshman Scotty Fox Jr. is West Virginia’s fourth starting quarterback this season. He delivered a season-high 353 yards passing with two touchdowns and an interception against Arizona State.

“I know a lot of teams are like, ‘Boy, we’ve battled some injuries,’ when they lost one guy,” Mountaineers head coach Rich Rodriguez said. “How about losing three or four at that position. So, we’ll get it all out of the way this year and then, go from there.”

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Jon Rahm again dominates back 9 to remain LIV Mexico City leader  Aug 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Jon Rahm of Legion XIII reacts to making his putt on the 18th green in a playoff hole during the finals of the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship at The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images   Jon Rahm dominated the back nine once again on Saturday to remain atop the leaderboard at 14 under through three rounds of LIV Golf Mexico City in Naucalpan, Mexico.  Rahm overcame a double-bogey on the par-4 fifth hole and a 1-over showing on the front nine by shooting 5 under on the back nine to post his second consecutive 4-under-par 67. Through three rounds this week, the Spaniard has shot 11 under on the back nine at Club de Golf Chapultepec.  He’s two strokes clear of Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton (66) of England at 12 under, who had a bogey-free Saturday round which included an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole. Another Legion XIII player, Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin (69), is tied for third at 11 under with Brendan Grace (65) of South Africa.  Three members of the same team haven’t finished in the top three spots in a LIV event since the inaugural LIV event at London in 2022.  “It’s a real honor. Honestly. It’s great to see them playing well, too,” Rahm said of his team’s performance. ” … I’m not surprised at all. I’m happy to see them up there. And let’s see if it’s not me, but one of the three of us who wins tomorrow.”  Rahm, who has won the LIV individual championship each of the last two seasons, is seeking his second win of the season and sixth top-five finish in as many 2026 LIV events.   Grace, who was even par in the first round, has surged toward the top of the leaderboard after an up-and-down third round. He got to 4 under through his first five holes after an eagle at No. 7 before going bogey, birdie, birdie, double bogey on the next four holes.  He finished the back nine with four birdies in five holes before a bogey at the 18th and pars on the first and second holes to finish his rocky but effective round.  “I gave myself chances. I think I made eight birdies and an eagle today and then obviously a couple of mishaps out there,” Grace said. “But around a place like this, it’s easy to do.”  Included in a five-way tie for fifth at 10 under is Spain’s David Puig, who scattered eight birdies, an eagle and a bogey Saturday for the second 9-under round of the week. Victor Perez, who shot 9 under on Thursday, has fallen back into a tie for 22nd after posting a combined score of 5 over the last two rounds.  Bryson DeChambeau’s pursuit of becoming the first player in LIV Golf history to win three straight individual events appears quite finished after he shot 2 over in the third round to fall into a tie for 41st.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Jon #Rahm #dominates #remain #LIV #Mexico #City #leaderAug 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Jon Rahm of Legion XIII reacts to making his putt on the 18th green in a playoff hole during the finals of the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship at The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Jon Rahm dominated the back nine once again on Saturday to remain atop the leaderboard at 14 under through three rounds of LIV Golf Mexico City in Naucalpan, Mexico.

Rahm overcame a double-bogey on the par-4 fifth hole and a 1-over showing on the front nine by shooting 5 under on the back nine to post his second consecutive 4-under-par 67. Through three rounds this week, the Spaniard has shot 11 under on the back nine at Club de Golf Chapultepec.

He’s two strokes clear of Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton (66) of England at 12 under, who had a bogey-free Saturday round which included an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole. Another Legion XIII player, Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin (69), is tied for third at 11 under with Brendan Grace (65) of South Africa.

Three members of the same team haven’t finished in the top three spots in a LIV event since the inaugural LIV event at London in 2022.

“It’s a real honor. Honestly. It’s great to see them playing well, too,” Rahm said of his team’s performance. ” … I’m not surprised at all. I’m happy to see them up there. And let’s see if it’s not me, but one of the three of us who wins tomorrow.”


Rahm, who has won the LIV individual championship each of the last two seasons, is seeking his second win of the season and sixth top-five finish in as many 2026 LIV events.

Grace, who was even par in the first round, has surged toward the top of the leaderboard after an up-and-down third round. He got to 4 under through his first five holes after an eagle at No. 7 before going bogey, birdie, birdie, double bogey on the next four holes.

He finished the back nine with four birdies in five holes before a bogey at the 18th and pars on the first and second holes to finish his rocky but effective round.

“I gave myself chances. I think I made eight birdies and an eagle today and then obviously a couple of mishaps out there,” Grace said. “But around a place like this, it’s easy to do.”

Included in a five-way tie for fifth at 10 under is Spain’s David Puig, who scattered eight birdies, an eagle and a bogey Saturday for the second 9-under round of the week. Victor Perez, who shot 9 under on Thursday, has fallen back into a tie for 22nd after posting a combined score of 5 over the last two rounds.

Bryson DeChambeau’s pursuit of becoming the first player in LIV Golf history to win three straight individual events appears quite finished after he shot 2 over in the third round to fall into a tie for 41st.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jon #Rahm #dominates #remain #LIV #Mexico #City #leader">Deadspin | Jon Rahm again dominates back 9 to remain LIV Mexico City leader  Aug 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Jon Rahm of Legion XIII reacts to making his putt on the 18th green in a playoff hole during the finals of the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship at The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images   Jon Rahm dominated the back nine once again on Saturday to remain atop the leaderboard at 14 under through three rounds of LIV Golf Mexico City in Naucalpan, Mexico.  Rahm overcame a double-bogey on the par-4 fifth hole and a 1-over showing on the front nine by shooting 5 under on the back nine to post his second consecutive 4-under-par 67. Through three rounds this week, the Spaniard has shot 11 under on the back nine at Club de Golf Chapultepec.  He’s two strokes clear of Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton (66) of England at 12 under, who had a bogey-free Saturday round which included an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole. Another Legion XIII player, Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin (69), is tied for third at 11 under with Brendan Grace (65) of South Africa.  Three members of the same team haven’t finished in the top three spots in a LIV event since the inaugural LIV event at London in 2022.  “It’s a real honor. Honestly. It’s great to see them playing well, too,” Rahm said of his team’s performance. ” … I’m not surprised at all. I’m happy to see them up there. And let’s see if it’s not me, but one of the three of us who wins tomorrow.”  Rahm, who has won the LIV individual championship each of the last two seasons, is seeking his second win of the season and sixth top-five finish in as many 2026 LIV events.   Grace, who was even par in the first round, has surged toward the top of the leaderboard after an up-and-down third round. He got to 4 under through his first five holes after an eagle at No. 7 before going bogey, birdie, birdie, double bogey on the next four holes.  He finished the back nine with four birdies in five holes before a bogey at the 18th and pars on the first and second holes to finish his rocky but effective round.  “I gave myself chances. I think I made eight birdies and an eagle today and then obviously a couple of mishaps out there,” Grace said. “But around a place like this, it’s easy to do.”  Included in a five-way tie for fifth at 10 under is Spain’s David Puig, who scattered eight birdies, an eagle and a bogey Saturday for the second 9-under round of the week. Victor Perez, who shot 9 under on Thursday, has fallen back into a tie for 22nd after posting a combined score of 5 over the last two rounds.  Bryson DeChambeau’s pursuit of becoming the first player in LIV Golf history to win three straight individual events appears quite finished after he shot 2 over in the third round to fall into a tie for 41st.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Jon #Rahm #dominates #remain #LIV #Mexico #City #leader

Deadspin | George Kirby the answer to Mariners beating Rangers this season  Apr 18, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (68) is greeted by teammates in the dugout after being pulled from a game in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images   George Kirby continued his mastery of the Texas Rangers, allowing one run over 5 2/3 innings, as the host Seattle Mariners posted a 7-3 victory Saturday against their American League West rivals.  Luke Raley homered for the Mariners, who snapped a four-game losing streak and beat Texas for the first time in five tries this season.  Seattle closer Andres Munoz entered with two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth and struck out Brandon Nimmo for the right-hander’s second save of the season.  Josh Jung went deep for the Rangers, who had won their previous two games.  Trailing 7-1, the Rangers scored twice in the ninth off Cole Wilcox, with singles by Wyatt Langford and Josh Smith and a walk to Jung loading the bases. Evan Carter hit a sacrifice fly down the right field line caught in foul territory by second baseman Cole Young. Ezequiel Duran’s run-scoring double into the left field corner made it 7-3 and a walk to Kyle Higashioka forced the Mariners to use Munoz.  Kirby (3-2) improved to 9-1 in 12 career starts against Texas. The right-hander gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out five. The only run he allowed came on Jung’s homer to straightaway center field with one out in the sixth that trimmed Seattle’s lead to 3-1.  An out later, Duran grounded a single to right, ending Kirby’s outing. Reliever Matt Brash got Higashioka to ground out to short to end the threat.   Raley led off the bottom of the inning with a towering shot to right off Nathan Eovaldi (2-3) to restore Seattle’s three-run lead.  The Mariners scored three more runs off Cal Quantrill in the eighth. Raley drew a one-out walk and took third on Dominic Canzone’s double off the wall in left. Young grounded a two-run single to center against a drawn-in infield to make it 6-1. Young stole second, took third on catcher Higashioka’s throwing error and scored on Leo Rivas’ sacrifice fly.  Eovaldi gave up four runs (two earned) on eight hits in five-plus innings. The righty walked one and struck out three.  The Mariners opened the scoring in the first. J.P. Crawford, batting leadoff with Brendan Donovan out with a hip injury, doubled to right and advanced as Cal Raleigh grounded out to first. With the infield drawn in, Julio Rodriguez grounded an RBI single into right.  Seattle extended its lead with a pair of unearned runs in the fourth. With one out, Randy Arozarena hit a bloop single down the right field line. Raley grounded to second, with Duran’s throw in a bid to start a double play sailing into left field, putting the runners at second and third. With the infield again drawn in, Canzone hit a hard grounder up the middle to make it 3-0.  Nimmo got his 1,000th career hit with an eighth-inning single.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #George #Kirby #answer #Mariners #beating #Rangers #seasonApr 18, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (68) is greeted by teammates in the dugout after being pulled from a game in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

George Kirby continued his mastery of the Texas Rangers, allowing one run over 5 2/3 innings, as the host Seattle Mariners posted a 7-3 victory Saturday against their American League West rivals.

Luke Raley homered for the Mariners, who snapped a four-game losing streak and beat Texas for the first time in five tries this season.

Seattle closer Andres Munoz entered with two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth and struck out Brandon Nimmo for the right-hander’s second save of the season.

Josh Jung went deep for the Rangers, who had won their previous two games.

Trailing 7-1, the Rangers scored twice in the ninth off Cole Wilcox, with singles by Wyatt Langford and Josh Smith and a walk to Jung loading the bases. Evan Carter hit a sacrifice fly down the right field line caught in foul territory by second baseman Cole Young. Ezequiel Duran’s run-scoring double into the left field corner made it 7-3 and a walk to Kyle Higashioka forced the Mariners to use Munoz.

Kirby (3-2) improved to 9-1 in 12 career starts against Texas. The right-hander gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out five. The only run he allowed came on Jung’s homer to straightaway center field with one out in the sixth that trimmed Seattle’s lead to 3-1.


An out later, Duran grounded a single to right, ending Kirby’s outing. Reliever Matt Brash got Higashioka to ground out to short to end the threat.

Raley led off the bottom of the inning with a towering shot to right off Nathan Eovaldi (2-3) to restore Seattle’s three-run lead.

The Mariners scored three more runs off Cal Quantrill in the eighth. Raley drew a one-out walk and took third on Dominic Canzone’s double off the wall in left. Young grounded a two-run single to center against a drawn-in infield to make it 6-1. Young stole second, took third on catcher Higashioka’s throwing error and scored on Leo Rivas’ sacrifice fly.

Eovaldi gave up four runs (two earned) on eight hits in five-plus innings. The righty walked one and struck out three.

The Mariners opened the scoring in the first. J.P. Crawford, batting leadoff with Brendan Donovan out with a hip injury, doubled to right and advanced as Cal Raleigh grounded out to first. With the infield drawn in, Julio Rodriguez grounded an RBI single into right.

Seattle extended its lead with a pair of unearned runs in the fourth. With one out, Randy Arozarena hit a bloop single down the right field line. Raley grounded to second, with Duran’s throw in a bid to start a double play sailing into left field, putting the runners at second and third. With the infield again drawn in, Canzone hit a hard grounder up the middle to make it 3-0.

Nimmo got his 1,000th career hit with an eighth-inning single.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #George #Kirby #answer #Mariners #beating #Rangers #season">Deadspin | George Kirby the answer to Mariners beating Rangers this season  Apr 18, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (68) is greeted by teammates in the dugout after being pulled from a game in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images   George Kirby continued his mastery of the Texas Rangers, allowing one run over 5 2/3 innings, as the host Seattle Mariners posted a 7-3 victory Saturday against their American League West rivals.  Luke Raley homered for the Mariners, who snapped a four-game losing streak and beat Texas for the first time in five tries this season.  Seattle closer Andres Munoz entered with two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth and struck out Brandon Nimmo for the right-hander’s second save of the season.  Josh Jung went deep for the Rangers, who had won their previous two games.  Trailing 7-1, the Rangers scored twice in the ninth off Cole Wilcox, with singles by Wyatt Langford and Josh Smith and a walk to Jung loading the bases. Evan Carter hit a sacrifice fly down the right field line caught in foul territory by second baseman Cole Young. Ezequiel Duran’s run-scoring double into the left field corner made it 7-3 and a walk to Kyle Higashioka forced the Mariners to use Munoz.  Kirby (3-2) improved to 9-1 in 12 career starts against Texas. The right-hander gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out five. The only run he allowed came on Jung’s homer to straightaway center field with one out in the sixth that trimmed Seattle’s lead to 3-1.  An out later, Duran grounded a single to right, ending Kirby’s outing. Reliever Matt Brash got Higashioka to ground out to short to end the threat.   Raley led off the bottom of the inning with a towering shot to right off Nathan Eovaldi (2-3) to restore Seattle’s three-run lead.  The Mariners scored three more runs off Cal Quantrill in the eighth. Raley drew a one-out walk and took third on Dominic Canzone’s double off the wall in left. Young grounded a two-run single to center against a drawn-in infield to make it 6-1. Young stole second, took third on catcher Higashioka’s throwing error and scored on Leo Rivas’ sacrifice fly.  Eovaldi gave up four runs (two earned) on eight hits in five-plus innings. The righty walked one and struck out three.  The Mariners opened the scoring in the first. J.P. Crawford, batting leadoff with Brendan Donovan out with a hip injury, doubled to right and advanced as Cal Raleigh grounded out to first. With the infield drawn in, Julio Rodriguez grounded an RBI single into right.  Seattle extended its lead with a pair of unearned runs in the fourth. With one out, Randy Arozarena hit a bloop single down the right field line. Raley grounded to second, with Duran’s throw in a bid to start a double play sailing into left field, putting the runners at second and third. With the infield again drawn in, Canzone hit a hard grounder up the middle to make it 3-0.  Nimmo got his 1,000th career hit with an eighth-inning single.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #George #Kirby #answer #Mariners #beating #Rangers #season

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