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Deadspin | No. 1 Ohio State looks for redemption vs. No. 15 Michigan

Deadspin | No. 1 Ohio State looks for redemption vs. No. 15 Michigan

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Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day talks to quarterback Lincoln Kienholz (3) during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.

Whether Ohio State has its top receivers available has not been determined, at least publicly, but the possible absences of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate won’t diminish the stakes when the No. 1 Buckeyes play at No. 15 Michigan in Ann Arbor on Saturday.

Tate has missed the past three games and Smith sat last week vs. Rutgers, each with undisclosed injuries. Coach Ryan Day said Tuesday their status may not be known until closer to kickoff.

“They’re going to continue to get some rest tonight, had a good day of rehab,” Day said. “So, we’ll wake up in the morning and see how they’re doing, but nobody wants to play more than those two guys.

“In the end, we’ll look to the medical staff to give us a thumbs up or not.”

Smith on teammate Caleb Downs’ “Downs 2 Business” podcast this week said he “should be good to go.”

Tate and Smith are semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award which goes to the NCAA’s outstanding receiver. Smith has 69 receptions for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns; Tate has 39 catches for 711 yards and seven touchdowns.

“The receivers are elite. Four, Jeremiah (Smith) is elite. Carnell Tate is elite,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. “They got Brandon Inniss, he’s elite. The tight end, Max Klare, is a really good player as well. The quarterback is elite. They’ve got elite players everywhere on the field from a skill position standpoint.”

Of course, if one or both of the star receivers are out it could impact how the Buckeyes (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) go about ending a four-game losing streak to Michigan (9-2, 7-1 Big Ten).

Michigan is dealing with injuries as well. Fullback Max Bredeson, who suffered a leg injury in the most recent game against Maryland, is expected to play as are receiver Semaj Morgan and running back Jordan Marshall.

An Ohio State win puts the Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 6 in Indianapolis. The Wolverines must win and have either No. 2 Indiana (vs. Purdue) or No. 6 Oregon (against Washington) lose to qualify.

A Michigan win and an Indiana loss pits the Wolverines vs. Oregon; if Michigan wins and Oregon loses it will be the Wolverines and Hoosiers.

Then it gets interesting. If Michigan wins and Indiana and Oregon are upset, then the Buckeyes and Wolverines will have a rematch.

Ohio State has won 15 straight beginning with four games to win the 2024 CFP championship. Its last loss was a stunning 13-10 home loss to unranked Michigan, a 21 1/2-point underdog, last season and resulted in a postgame brawl when Michigan players attempted to plant a flag at midfield.

Neither coach expects a repeat of those hostilities.

“You have to play with emotion, but you can’t let it play with you,” Day said. “You have to learn to use it as a nitrous, not as a primary fuel source.”

Moore said the matchup is different than any other.

“It’s a feeling that you can’t describe. It’s an intensity. It’s just an aura about it that you can’t describe until you get on the field, but it’s awesome to be a part of,” he said. “It’s great to be a part of this. It’s the best rivalry in sports.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Ohio #State #redemption #Michigan

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Deadspin | Offensive eruption helps Orlando City take down Charlotte FC Apr 22, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City SC defender Zakaria Taifi (19) celebrates a goal by midfielder Luis Otavio (5) against Charlotte FC in the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Martin Ojeda scored his third and fourth goals of the season early in the second half to help Orlando City to a 4-1 victory over visiting Charlotte FC on Wednesday night. Luis Otavio added his first career MLS goal early and Ignacio Gomez added his first late for Orlando (2-6-1, 7 points), which had scored only six times before Wednesday’s victory. The 20-year-old Gomez was making only his second MLS appearance, playing on a short-term loan from Orlando’s MLS NEXT Pro reserve team. The Lions also continued their recent defensive improvement, allowing only one goal in each of their last three matches after conceding 23 in their first six. Morrison Agyemang’s header pulled Charlotte (4-3-2, 14 points) level late in the first half in their second of three consecutive away matches. Charlotte conceded three or more goals for only a second time this season, the first coming in a 3-0 loss at the LA Galaxy in their second match of the campaign. Ojeda’s multi-goal performance was his first since a brace in last season’s 3-2 win over Nashville on Sept. 20, the final two tallies of a 16-goal campaign. Wednesday’s tallies came 12 minutes apart, with the first arriving in the 49th minute. As Orlando worked the ball down the left flank, Ojeda drifted into space in front of Charlotte’s back line, which appeared to lose sight of him. Eventually, the ball came to Justin Ellis, who drew multiple defenders on the left side of the penalty area, then dropped a pass to Ojeda near the penalty arc. Ojeda hit it with his left foot, guiding his finish beyond Kristijan Kahlina’s dive and inside the right post. His second came from a free kick earned when Zakaria Taifi absorbed Harry Tofolo’s foul above the right side of the penalty area. Charlotte set up a three-man defensive wall. But Ojeda was able to curl a low, left-footed shot around it and into the bottom right corner. This time, the lunging Kahlina reached it, but without enough power to push it clear of danger. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Offensive #eruption #helps #Orlando #City #CharlotteApr 22, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City SC defender Zakaria Taifi (19) celebrates a goal by midfielder Luis Otavio (5) against Charlotte FC in the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Martin Ojeda scored his third and fourth goals of the season early in the second half to help Orlando City to a 4-1 victory over visiting Charlotte FC on Wednesday night.

Luis Otavio added his first career MLS goal early and Ignacio Gomez added his first late for Orlando (2-6-1, 7 points), which had scored only six times before Wednesday’s victory.

The 20-year-old Gomez was making only his second MLS appearance, playing on a short-term loan from Orlando’s MLS NEXT Pro reserve team.

The Lions also continued their recent defensive improvement, allowing only one goal in each of their last three matches after conceding 23 in their first six.

Morrison Agyemang’s header pulled Charlotte (4-3-2, 14 points) level late in the first half in their second of three consecutive away matches.

Charlotte conceded three or more goals for only a second time this season, the first coming in a 3-0 loss at the LA Galaxy in their second match of the campaign.

Ojeda’s multi-goal performance was his first since a brace in last season’s 3-2 win over Nashville on Sept. 20, the final two tallies of a 16-goal campaign.


Wednesday’s tallies came 12 minutes apart, with the first arriving in the 49th minute.

As Orlando worked the ball down the left flank, Ojeda drifted into space in front of Charlotte’s back line, which appeared to lose sight of him.

Eventually, the ball came to Justin Ellis, who drew multiple defenders on the left side of the penalty area, then dropped a pass to Ojeda near the penalty arc.

Ojeda hit it with his left foot, guiding his finish beyond Kristijan Kahlina’s dive and inside the right post.

His second came from a free kick earned when Zakaria Taifi absorbed Harry Tofolo’s foul above the right side of the penalty area.

Charlotte set up a three-man defensive wall. But Ojeda was able to curl a low, left-footed shot around it and into the bottom right corner.

This time, the lunging Kahlina reached it, but without enough power to push it clear of danger.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Offensive #eruption #helps #Orlando #City #Charlotte">Deadspin | Offensive eruption helps Orlando City take down Charlotte FC Apr 22, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City SC defender Zakaria Taifi (19) celebrates a goal by midfielder Luis Otavio (5) against Charlotte FC in the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Martin Ojeda scored his third and fourth goals of the season early in the second half to help Orlando City to a 4-1 victory over visiting Charlotte FC on Wednesday night. Luis Otavio added his first career MLS goal early and Ignacio Gomez added his first late for Orlando (2-6-1, 7 points), which had scored only six times before Wednesday’s victory. The 20-year-old Gomez was making only his second MLS appearance, playing on a short-term loan from Orlando’s MLS NEXT Pro reserve team. The Lions also continued their recent defensive improvement, allowing only one goal in each of their last three matches after conceding 23 in their first six. Morrison Agyemang’s header pulled Charlotte (4-3-2, 14 points) level late in the first half in their second of three consecutive away matches. Charlotte conceded three or more goals for only a second time this season, the first coming in a 3-0 loss at the LA Galaxy in their second match of the campaign. Ojeda’s multi-goal performance was his first since a brace in last season’s 3-2 win over Nashville on Sept. 20, the final two tallies of a 16-goal campaign. Wednesday’s tallies came 12 minutes apart, with the first arriving in the 49th minute. As Orlando worked the ball down the left flank, Ojeda drifted into space in front of Charlotte’s back line, which appeared to lose sight of him. Eventually, the ball came to Justin Ellis, who drew multiple defenders on the left side of the penalty area, then dropped a pass to Ojeda near the penalty arc. Ojeda hit it with his left foot, guiding his finish beyond Kristijan Kahlina’s dive and inside the right post. His second came from a free kick earned when Zakaria Taifi absorbed Harry Tofolo’s foul above the right side of the penalty area. Charlotte set up a three-man defensive wall. But Ojeda was able to curl a low, left-footed shot around it and into the bottom right corner. This time, the lunging Kahlina reached it, but without enough power to push it clear of danger. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Offensive #eruption #helps #Orlando #City #Charlotte

The Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) announcement that they will now contract their players, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does, is excellent news. This is yet another example of an administration that is alert and alive to the needs of its players, giving them the security to play the game without worrying about where the next pay cheque is coming from.

A couple of years ago, after Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy, the Association not only matched the prize money that the winners receive from the BCCI but also announced that it would pay players what the BCCI pays. This latter part is very important, as players now receive payment from the MCA immediately after a match finishes. BCCI payments do take a little time, as there are payments to be made not just to one team but to several, and determining what each player should receive involves some delay, given the slabs based on the number of matches played. By paying players immediately after the game is over, the wait for BCCI payments becomes a little easier. Who does not like to be paid immediately after the work is complete?

Today, corporate jobs for players to participate in inter-company tournaments are drying up, so this immediate payment is a boon. It is understood that two other progressive-minded associations, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and the Karnataka State Cricket Association, also pay players for every game, apart from BCCI payments. Other associations, which receive a handsome subsidy each year from the BCCI, would do well to match these payments. What is the point of showing crores in the bank when players could perform with far greater freedom if they were better looked after?

That said, even players from teams that reach the Ranji Trophy final do not end up earning the base price of Rs. 30 lakh that an IPL player receives. This, mind you, is for playing around 40 days of cricket, while an IPL player earns the same for 16 matches, out of which he may not even play one.

Yes, one can argue that it is market forces that fetch an uncapped IPL player the crores he commands, but it is still disappointing to see that those who give everything to compete in the National Championships, across different weather conditions and often in front of sparse crowds, do not even earn the base price of an IPL player.

The BCCI must be complimented on its decision to continue providing pensions to the widows of retired international players if, unfortunately, the player passes away. This is truly magnanimous, as without the support and backing of players’ better halves, they would not have been able to perform at their best. Hopefully, the MCA will take the lead here as well and ensure that the widows of its retired Ranji, Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy players continue to receive pension payments. This would be another generous gesture by the Association, expressing its gratitude for the service these players have given.

Times have changed for the better, and that is exactly how it should be.

Was it not the great Sir Don Bradman who said, “Each player should endeavour to leave the game better than he found it”?

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#Sunil #Gavaskar #Domestic #cricketers #deserve #applause #sparse #crowds">Sunil Gavaskar: Domestic cricketers deserve more than applause and sparse crowds The Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) announcement that they will now contract their players, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does, is excellent news. This is yet another example of an administration that is alert and alive to the needs of its players, giving them the security to play the game without worrying about where the next pay cheque is coming from.A couple of years ago, after Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy, the Association not only matched the prize money that the winners receive from the BCCI but also announced that it would pay players what the BCCI pays. This latter part is very important, as players now receive payment from the MCA immediately after a match finishes. BCCI payments do take a little time, as there are payments to be made not just to one team but to several, and determining what each player should receive involves some delay, given the slabs based on the number of matches played. By paying players immediately after the game is over, the wait for BCCI payments becomes a little easier. Who does not like to be paid immediately after the work is complete?Today, corporate jobs for players to participate in inter-company tournaments are drying up, so this immediate payment is a boon. It is understood that two other progressive-minded associations, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and the Karnataka State Cricket Association, also pay players for every game, apart from BCCI payments. Other associations, which receive a handsome subsidy each year from the BCCI, would do well to match these payments. What is the point of showing crores in the bank when players could perform with far greater freedom if they were better looked after?That said, even players from teams that reach the Ranji Trophy final do not end up earning the base price of Rs. 30 lakh that an IPL player receives. This, mind you, is for playing around 40 days of cricket, while an IPL player earns the same for 16 matches, out of which he may not even play one.Yes, one can argue that it is market forces that fetch an uncapped IPL player the crores he commands, but it is still disappointing to see that those who give everything to compete in the National Championships, across different weather conditions and often in front of sparse crowds, do not even earn the base price of an IPL player.The BCCI must be complimented on its decision to continue providing pensions to the widows of retired international players if, unfortunately, the player passes away. This is truly magnanimous, as without the support and backing of players’ better halves, they would not have been able to perform at their best. Hopefully, the MCA will take the lead here as well and ensure that the widows of its retired Ranji, Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy players continue to receive pension payments. This would be another generous gesture by the Association, expressing its gratitude for the service these players have given.Times have changed for the better, and that is exactly how it should be.Was it not the great Sir Don Bradman who said, “Each player should endeavour to leave the game better than he found it”?Published on Apr 23, 2026 #Sunil #Gavaskar #Domestic #cricketers #deserve #applause #sparse #crowds

Deadspin | Dramatic goalkeeper goal earns Toronto FC draw with Philadelphia Apr 18, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran (1) looks on against Austin FC during the second half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images A header from goalkeeper Luka Gavran six minutes into second-half stoppage time gave Toronto FC a dramatic 3-3 draw with the visiting Philadelphia Union on Wednesday. Gavran was downfield with the rest of his teammates during Daniel Salloi’s late free kick, bidding for an equalizer. Salloi’s initial shot was deflected back out to Alonso Coello, whose pass into the box found Gavran’s head for his first career goal. The draw extended unbeaten streaks for both clubs. Philadelphia is 1-0-2 in its last three matches while Toronto FC are 3-0-4 in their last seven. Toronto is also 4-0-9 in its last 13 home matches dating back to last June. Josh Sargent and Kobe Franklin scored for Toronto (3-2-4, 13 points) earlier in the second half as it recovered from a 2-0 deficit. Milan Iloski, Danley Jean Jacques and Nathan Harriel scored for the Union (1-6-2, five points). Harriel was almost the late-game hero for Philadelphia after the defender converted a header off a corner kick in the 89th minute. Frankie Westfield’s eighth-minute free kick off the goalpost highlighted a dominant opening 25 minutes for Philadelphia. Toronto then controlled the rest of the first half, but Union defenders Westfield, Harriel, and Japhet Sery all made impressive individual plays to disrupt scoring chances. With the back line helping stifle Toronto FC’s attack, Iloski put Philadelphia ahead four minutes into first-half stoppage time. Jovan Lukic’s through-ball found Iloski moving between two Toronto FC defenders and Iloski buried the shot after entering the box. It was Iloski’s second goal of the season, then Jean Jacques followed with his second goal in the 52nd minute. On something of a broken play for Toronto, Jean Jacques beat Zane Monlouis to a loose ball in the box and his one-touch strike sailed into the net. Sargent and Franklin then recorded their second goals of the season, as Toronto FC roared back to quickly level the score. Four minutes after Jean Jacques’ tally, Sargent took the ball in the box and made a canny move to find space before burying his second goal. Franklin then banked a shot off the post and into Philadelphia’s net for the 64th-minute equalizer. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dramatic #goalkeeper #goal #earns #Toronto #draw #PhiladelphiaApr 18, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran (1) looks on against Austin FC during the second half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

A header from goalkeeper Luka Gavran six minutes into second-half stoppage time gave Toronto FC a dramatic 3-3 draw with the visiting Philadelphia Union on Wednesday.

Gavran was downfield with the rest of his teammates during Daniel Salloi’s late free kick, bidding for an equalizer. Salloi’s initial shot was deflected back out to Alonso Coello, whose pass into the box found Gavran’s head for his first career goal.

The draw extended unbeaten streaks for both clubs. Philadelphia is 1-0-2 in its last three matches while Toronto FC are 3-0-4 in their last seven. Toronto is also 4-0-9 in its last 13 home matches dating back to last June.

Josh Sargent and Kobe Franklin scored for Toronto (3-2-4, 13 points) earlier in the second half as it recovered from a 2-0 deficit.

Milan Iloski, Danley Jean Jacques and Nathan Harriel scored for the Union (1-6-2, five points). Harriel was almost the late-game hero for Philadelphia after the defender converted a header off a corner kick in the 89th minute.


Frankie Westfield’s eighth-minute free kick off the goalpost highlighted a dominant opening 25 minutes for Philadelphia. Toronto then controlled the rest of the first half, but Union defenders Westfield, Harriel, and Japhet Sery all made impressive individual plays to disrupt scoring chances.

With the back line helping stifle Toronto FC’s attack, Iloski put Philadelphia ahead four minutes into first-half stoppage time. Jovan Lukic’s through-ball found Iloski moving between two Toronto FC defenders and Iloski buried the shot after entering the box.

It was Iloski’s second goal of the season, then Jean Jacques followed with his second goal in the 52nd minute. On something of a broken play for Toronto, Jean Jacques beat Zane Monlouis to a loose ball in the box and his one-touch strike sailed into the net.

Sargent and Franklin then recorded their second goals of the season, as Toronto FC roared back to quickly level the score.

Four minutes after Jean Jacques’ tally, Sargent took the ball in the box and made a canny move to find space before burying his second goal. Franklin then banked a shot off the post and into Philadelphia’s net for the 64th-minute equalizer.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dramatic #goalkeeper #goal #earns #Toronto #draw #Philadelphia">Deadspin | Dramatic goalkeeper goal earns Toronto FC draw with Philadelphia Apr 18, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran (1) looks on against Austin FC during the second half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images A header from goalkeeper Luka Gavran six minutes into second-half stoppage time gave Toronto FC a dramatic 3-3 draw with the visiting Philadelphia Union on Wednesday. Gavran was downfield with the rest of his teammates during Daniel Salloi’s late free kick, bidding for an equalizer. Salloi’s initial shot was deflected back out to Alonso Coello, whose pass into the box found Gavran’s head for his first career goal. The draw extended unbeaten streaks for both clubs. Philadelphia is 1-0-2 in its last three matches while Toronto FC are 3-0-4 in their last seven. Toronto is also 4-0-9 in its last 13 home matches dating back to last June. Josh Sargent and Kobe Franklin scored for Toronto (3-2-4, 13 points) earlier in the second half as it recovered from a 2-0 deficit. Milan Iloski, Danley Jean Jacques and Nathan Harriel scored for the Union (1-6-2, five points). Harriel was almost the late-game hero for Philadelphia after the defender converted a header off a corner kick in the 89th minute. Frankie Westfield’s eighth-minute free kick off the goalpost highlighted a dominant opening 25 minutes for Philadelphia. Toronto then controlled the rest of the first half, but Union defenders Westfield, Harriel, and Japhet Sery all made impressive individual plays to disrupt scoring chances. With the back line helping stifle Toronto FC’s attack, Iloski put Philadelphia ahead four minutes into first-half stoppage time. Jovan Lukic’s through-ball found Iloski moving between two Toronto FC defenders and Iloski buried the shot after entering the box. It was Iloski’s second goal of the season, then Jean Jacques followed with his second goal in the 52nd minute. On something of a broken play for Toronto, Jean Jacques beat Zane Monlouis to a loose ball in the box and his one-touch strike sailed into the net. Sargent and Franklin then recorded their second goals of the season, as Toronto FC roared back to quickly level the score. Four minutes after Jean Jacques’ tally, Sargent took the ball in the box and made a canny move to find space before burying his second goal. Franklin then banked a shot off the post and into Philadelphia’s net for the 64th-minute equalizer. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dramatic #goalkeeper #goal #earns #Toronto #draw #Philadelphia

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