We offer our takeaways following each race weekend this year and continue the 2024 schedule with ...

<p><em>We offer our takeaways following each race weekend this year and continue the 2024 schedule with the Qatar Grand Prix.</em></p><h3>Moments that decided the race 🏆</h3><p><strong>Race control issues have never been more apparent</strong></p><p>The FIA is no stranger to criticism or heavy scrutiny, but the Qatar GP left the organization nowhere to hide as gigantic problems with Formula 1's race control took center stage.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's not that there was a shortage of on-track highlights to discuss, either. Max Verstappen and Red Bull went from battling a Haas in the sprint race to winning the Grand Prix; Ferrari kept the constructors' fight alive versus McLaren; and Pierre Gasly finished fifth to power Alpine up the standings. Yet all of these topics require mentioning a decision made by race control.</p><p>Verstappen's pole was wiped off the board with a rare one-place grid penalty due to driving unnecessarily slow on a slow lap in qualifying. That impeded George Russell, who was also on a slow lap. Stewards wrote that it would've been a three-place penalty had it been a push lap, but they hedged to a one-place infraction since it wasn't.</p><p>Verstappen ultimately overtook Russell at Turn 1 and went on to win. But others behind him and in the steward room had a much busier day Sunday, starting with Lando Norris.</p><p>Norris was trading fastest laps with Verstappen in the first stint but had his push for the race win end disastrously after he failed to lift for double yellows on the main straight on Lap 30 as a displaced mirror laid on the track. He was eventually served a 10-second stop-go penalty, dropping him to the back of the pack and leaving him 10th at the checkered flag.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let's take a closer look 🔍<br><br>This yellow flag infringement cost Lando Norris a stop/go penalty ⚠️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/bI2UXZSWxy">pic.twitter.com/bI2UXZSWxy</a></p>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1863318401432817845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Norris was caught red-handed, but race control's treatment of the incident didn't help. There was confusion as the yellow flags came and went. Why wasn't a virtual safety car called for the mirror until Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz suffered punctures? While it's undeniable that Norris didn't lift and a 10-second stop-go penalty followed precedent, unlike Verstappen's penalty, it still leaves the FIA with one major question: Why are nuance and mitigating factors relevant in some scenarios and not others?</p><p>"To me, it looks like, somewhere, there must be a book with a lot of dust on the cover that was taken out: 'Let me see what it says, let me apply this,'" McLaren team boss Andrea Stella said after the race.</p><p>Why the race director allowed the mirror to lie on the track for a long period of time is another major concern. Calls for virtual safety cars or full safety cars continue to be delayed until it's completely too late, just as in Brazil. Although both races had different race directors, the same problem still emerged.</p><p>Qatar was the second F1 race weekend for new race director Rui Marques. He also had to handle duties as the race director for F2 and F1 Academy. Marques was promoted after former race director Niels Wittich stepped down following Brazil, though he denied resigning at his own volition.</p><p>Wittich is the latest in what seems like a never-ending string of dismissals coming from the FIA. The organization's president hasn't helped matters, telling drivers it was none of their business what decisions the FIA make before Sunday's race.</p><p>Despite all the changes within the FIA, and especially those within race control, it doesn't seem like the officiating and control are getting any better. Fans don't appreciate referees or stewards taking away from the on-field or, in this case, on-track action. But Qatar put a magnifying glass on what many already feared: the spectacle of Formula 1 and all its drivers have to offer is too often taking a backseat to race control, puzzling steward decisions, and leadership from a governing body that would rather have itself be front and center.</p><p><strong>Ferrari still alive in title fight thanks to Norris penalty</strong></p><p>One consequence of Norris' 10-second stop-go penalty was it effectively kept Ferrari's pulse alive in the constructors' championship.</p><p>Ferrari has refused to lay over in a season that feels like McLaren has had the upper hand for the majority of the second half. The gap between the two legendary constructors sits at 21 points, with a maximum of 44 points available in Abu Dhabi. The Scuderia may still be long shots, but they shouldn't be counted out.</p><p>After all, Ferrari has always risen this season from every tribute and meme dedicated to its so-called demise. The aftermath of Canada to Silverstone left Ferrari and Charles Leclerc looking lost and without direction. Yet Leclerc only stands eight points away from Norris for second in the drivers' standings.</p><p>Whether or not Ferrari pulls it off next week in Abu Dhabi, this isn't your dad's or grandfather's Scuderia. This isn't a team that raises expectations sky-high only to get blinded by the lights and their own hype. Fred Vasseur's Ferrari is chippy and gritty, and Qatar once again proved it.</p><p>The high-speed corners that fill the Qatar circuit weren't expected to favor the SF-24, while Sainz was also on the receiving end of a puncture during the race. Yet Ferrari rode the highs and lows better than anyone, leaving Qatar with more points scored (35) than any other constructor. Plus, Leclerc recorded a surprising podium.</p><p>"I would have signed straight away if I had a paper that told me that we will finish second after a weekend like this, especially on a track like this," Leclerc said post-race.</p><p>Ferrari will need a lot to go its way in Abu Dhabi to end a 16-year drought and claim its first constructors' title since 2008. But momentum has swung in its favor after surviving the Qatar circuit and watching another morale-crushing weekend strike longtime rival McLaren.</p><h3>Driver of the Day 🙌</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758371/cropped_GettyImages-2187148959.jpg?ts=1733094198" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758371/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187148959.jpg?ts=1733094198 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758371/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187148959.jpg?ts=1733094198 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758371/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187148959.jpg?ts=1733094198 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758371/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187148959.jpg?ts=1733094198 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758371/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187148959.jpg?ts=1733094198 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Zhou Guanyu</strong>: It might have taken 23 races, but Kick Sauber finally got their first points. Starting P12, Guanyu slowly picked off drivers and held his own amongst the carnage to finish P8. It ties his best-ever finish, and the Chinese driver earned more points in the last four races than Sergio Perez. They're also Guanyu's first points since last season’s iteration of the Qatar Grand Prix. In his second-to-last race in F1 (for now), Guanyu's personal victory feels bittersweet.</p><h3>They said what? 🗣️</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758367/cropped_GettyImages-2187078237.jpg?ts=1733093173" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758367/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187078237.jpg?ts=1733093173 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758367/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187078237.jpg?ts=1733093173 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758367/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187078237.jpg?ts=1733093173 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758367/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187078237.jpg?ts=1733093173 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758367/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187078237.jpg?ts=1733093173 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Verstappen on Russell: </strong>"I was quite surprised when sitting there in the stewards room, what was all going on. Honestly, very disappointing. Because I think we're all here, we respect each other a lot. Of course, I've been in that meeting room many times in my life, in my career, with, you know, people that I've raced and I've never seen someone trying to screw someone over that hard. For me, I lost all respect."</p><p><strong>Norris on receiving a 10-second penalty: "</strong>Honestly, I don't know what I did wrong at the minute. Apparently, I didn't slow under the yellow (flag). I'm not an idiot, if I knew there was a yellow (flag), I would have slowed down. I don't know if I missed it or just been dumb. The rule is, if you don't slow down on a yellow, it's a penalty, so it's a fair penalty."</p><p><strong>Leclerc on chasing McLaren for constructors' title: </strong>"I think, coming into the weekend, we never really said it within the team, but I think everybody expected McLaren would score more points than us, so it's a very good surprise. As much as it's going to be a stretch to win constructors, we'll give it all until the very last lap."</p><p><strong>Horner on Red Bull's third-place finish:</strong> "We're out of the constructors, and that's very frustrating 'cause that's where the financial revenue is distributed, but it does give us more wind tunnel time if you look at a glass-half-full perspective."</p><p><strong>Zhou on scoring first points of season: </strong>"Happy is probably not the word; relief is the word. It's been a long season."</p><h3>What's next?</h3><p>Formula 1 travels to the United Arab Emirates for the final race of the 2024 season with the Abu Dhabi GP going Sunday, Dec. 8 at 8 a.m. ET. </p><p>Verstappen has won the last four races at the circuit.</p><p>McLaren leads Ferrari by 21 points in the constructors' championship. It's looking for its first title since 1998. Neither of McLaren's drivers was alive when the team won its last championship.</p><p>Verstappen's already wrapped up the drivers' championship, but Norris leads Leclerc by only eight points for second place. Norris has never finished higher than sixth, while Leclerc would secure a second second-place finish in three years if he's able to surpass Norris. </p><p>The race will also be the final time Hamilton drives a Mercedes as he's set to join Ferrari next season. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Constructors' standings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Gvwx1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Gvwx1/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="569" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Drivers' standings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-bJ14n" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/bJ14n/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1092" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
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Qatar GP takeaways: Ferrari still alive, FIA needs fixing 

The Kansas City Chiefs punched their ticket to the postseason with another near-miraculous finish...

<p>The Kansas City Chiefs punched their ticket to the postseason with another near-miraculous finish in a 19-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday.</p><p>The Raiders were in position for a potential game-winning field goal on their final drive before center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199772" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199772">Jackson Powers-Johnson</a>'s ill-timed snap was recovered by Kansas City, sealing the victory. Las Vegas had the ball at the Chiefs' 32-yard line with 14 seconds remaining prior to the play. Chiefs linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161822" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161822">Nick Bolton</a> ended up on top of the loose football.</p><p>Las Vegas was also called for an illegal shift on the play, though Kansas City declined.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a WILD ending on Black Friday 👀 <a href="https://t.co/JtYRVva6Zy">pic.twitter.com/JtYRVva6Zy</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1862637158764286272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Las Vegas signal-caller <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188217" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188217">Aidan O'Connell</a> and Jackson-Powers each took the blame for the mistake. O'Connell told reporters he clapped too early and that it was a clear sign for Jackson-Powers to snap the football, according to <a href="https://x.com/VicTafur/status/1862643894267306335">Vic Tafur of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>"We didn't come up short," Jackson-Powers said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/PGutierrezESPN/status/1862643833915187512">Paul Gutierrez of ESPN</a>. "I came up short. ... (That) shit's on me."</p><p>Raiders coach Antonio Pierce explained that the plan was to kill a few seconds and throw the ball away on the botched-snap play, according to <a href="https://x.com/jjones9/status/1862641839326609450">Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports</a>. The Raiders spiked the ball on the play prior to the turnover.</p><p>The Chiefs become the first team to clinch a playoff appearance. They also tied the NFL record for the earliest any team has secured a postseason berth since the merger with five weeks remaining, according to <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1862637558171066385">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero</a>.</p><p>It also marks the 10th consecutive season Kansas City will be in the postseason. The Chiefs are attempting to be the first franchise ever to produce a Super Bowl three-peat. </p><p>Kansas City moves to 11-1 and has been no stranger to winning nail-biters this season. The Chiefs defeated the Carolina Panthers last week on a walk-off field goal, while a blocked field goal with no time remaining clinched their win against the Denver Broncos in Week 10. They also defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime in Week 9.</p><p>The Chiefs jumped out to a 16-3 lead versus the Raiders with just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter but struggled to put away their division rivals. Raiders tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199738" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199738">Brock Bowers</a> hauled in a 33-yard touchdown pass to make it a one-score game in the third frame before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188112" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188112">Tre Tucker</a>'s 58-yard receiving score in the fourth quarter gave Las Vegas its first and only lead.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">RAIDERS 58-YARD TOUCHDOWN TO TAKE THE LEAD 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LVvsKC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LVvsKC</a> on Prime Video<br>Also streaming on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLPlus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/9FuqYBmXNG">pic.twitter.com/9FuqYBmXNG</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1862625636113637711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Chiefs answered back with a field goal to retake the lead. The Raiders had another opportunity to go back up before their final drive, but Daniel Carlson's 58-yard field goal was unsuccessful, his third miss of the day.</p><p>Mahomes finished the game with 306 passing yards, and one touchdown while O'Connell totaled 340 passing yards and two scores.</p><p>The rookie Bowers was the leading receiver in the contest, hauling in 10 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. Chiefs receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/46606" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/46606">DeAndre Hopkins</a> caught four passes for 90 yards, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a> put up 68 yards on seven receptions.</p>

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - NOVEMBER 29: Aidan O'Connell #12 of the Las Vegas Raiders congratulates Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.

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Chiefs outlast Raiders, become 1st team to clinch playoff berth

New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence is expected to be out "long term" after disloca...

<p>New York Giants defensive lineman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105300" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105300">Dexter Lawrence</a> is expected to be out "long term" after dislocating his elbow during a 27-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, head coach Brian Daboll said Friday, according to team reporter <a href="https://x.com/Dan_Salomone/status/1862543421451251970">Dan Salomone</a>.</p><p>Lawrence is expected to miss the remainder of the season, <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1862544856289067271">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a> adds. </p><p>Lawrence, who left the game prematurely due to the injury, was seen postgame with his elbow in a sling. The two-time Pro Bowler said he'll undergo further tests in the next few days to determine how much time he'll miss.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In addition to Lawrence's injury, tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/200019" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/200019">Theo Johnson</a> is also potentially lost for the rest of the year with a foot injury, Daboll told reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/Dan_Salomone/status/1862544845673222474">Salomone</a>.</p><p>Lawrence recorded three tackles before exiting Thursday's game in the third quarter. He sustained the injury while trying to make a tackle.</p><p>Arguably the NFL's best defensive tackle, Lawrence has put on a show this season, registering 16 QB hits, eight tackles for loss, and nine sacks - the best single-season mark of his career.</p><p>The 27-year-old has appeared in 92 games since the Giants drafted him in the first round in 2019.</p>

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 24: Dexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants yells out in a huddle prior to the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Giants' Lawrence out long term after dislocating elbow

The Detroit Lions held on for a dramatic 23-20 victory on Thanksgiving Day after a puzzling clock...

<p>The Detroit Lions held on for a dramatic 23-20 victory on Thanksgiving Day after a puzzling clock management decision by the Chicago Bears left them with no time to attempt a potential game-tying field goal.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a> was sacked with just over 30 seconds remaining at the Lions' 41-yard-line on the Bears' final drive. However, instead of using their final timeout, the Bears watched the clock run down before finally snapping the ball with 6 seconds remaining. Williams' final pass downfield fell incomplete as time expired.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A wild end to this one. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHIvsDET?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHIvsDET</a> <a href="https://t.co/zwR7g1Efv9">pic.twitter.com/zwR7g1Efv9</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1862240559194108224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Bears head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters postgame that he'd hoped to run a play with around 18 seconds left, throw the ball, and then call a timeout, according to <a href="https://x.com/jjones9/status/1862252310480474180">CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think we handled it the right way," Eberflus said, according to <a href="https://x.com/CourtneyRCronin/status/1862256955005276374">ESPN's Courtney Cronin</a>. "It didn't work out the way we wanted to."</p><p>Williams said he was in no position to override the plan and call a timeout as time ticked down.</p><p>"In that situation, I'm living with the call and letting coaches make that decision," the rookie quarterback <a href="https://x.com/CourtneyRCronin/status/1862258750461014435">said</a>. "Maybe in the later years of my career (I might make the decision); right now, I get the call and I'm trying to lead my team to a win."</p><p>Wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97110" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97110">DJ Moore</a> also was confused about the game-ending sequence of events.</p><p>"I don't think we huddled. We just got right back on the ball and ran a play, so like I said, I don't know why we didn't call a timeout," Moore said in the locker room, according to <a href="https://x.com/WatchMarquee/status/1862252878515015763">Marquee Sports Network</a>.</p><p>He <a href="https://x.com/WatchMarquee/status/1862252539950796869">added</a>: "We keep coming back in these games and be having time to actually win the games and we just shit the bed."</p><p>The Bears' final drive began at their own 1-yard line before coming up short.</p><p>Chicago fell behind 16-0 and then scored 20 of the game's final 27 points, including a 13-0 run in the fourth quarter.</p><p>Williams was especially impressive in the second half, throwing three touchdown passes. Veteran wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/44826" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/44826">Keenan Allen</a> hauled in two of the rookie's scores while Moore hauled in the other.</p><p>Lions tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188193" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188193">Sam LaPorta</a> was responsible for both of his team's touchdowns. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a> completed 21 of his 34 passes for 221 yards and two scores. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/112122" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/112122">David Montgomery</a> finished with 88 rushing yards while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188196" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188196">Jahmyr Gibbs</a> also tallied 87 yards on the ground. </p><p>The Bears have now lost six games in a row, several of them in heartbreaking fashion. They lost on a game-winning Hail Mary pass in Week 8 to the Washington Commanders and a blocked potential game-winning field-goal attempt versus the Green Bay Packers in Week 11.</p><p>Chicago dropped to 4-8 while Detroit improved to 11-1. The Lions can now clinch a playoff berth this week, though they'd need one of six possible <a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1861506269607076132">scenarios</a> to come to fruition.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions eats turkey during a CBS interview after beating the Chicago Bears 23-20 at Ford Field on November 28, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Lions hang on after Bears let clock run out in all-time blunder

The New York Giants will start quarterback Drew Lock against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday.  Tom...

<p>The New York Giants will start quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98893" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98893">Drew Lock</a> against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188915" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188915">Tommy DeVito</a> will be inactive due to a forearm injury but will serve as the emergency third quarterback.</p><p>DeVito missed practice Wednesday and flew into Dallas later than the rest of his team due to the injury. He was considered a long shot to start.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Thanksgiving matchup will be Lock's first start with the Giants. He's previously started 23 games over his career with the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, posting a 9-14 record.</p><p>A former second-round pick of the Broncos in 2019, Lock has thrown for 28 career touchdowns to 23 interceptions. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/74372" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/74372">Tim Boyle</a> will serve as Lock's backup. </p>

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 24: Drew Lock #2 of the New York Giants looks to throw the football during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Report: Giants' Lock to start vs. Cowboys with DeVito sidelined

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith confirmed North Carolina contacted him abo...

<p>Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith confirmed North Carolina contacted him about its head coach vacancy, but he's happy where he is. </p><p>"Reality is (North Carolina) reached out on preliminary call. I appreciate it, love that place, but that’s not my focus," Smith <a href="https://x.com/937theFan/status/1862202190200545607">said</a> Thursday. "I’ve got one of the best jobs in football right now. There’s a lot to be said, too, about can’t put a price on personal and professional happiness, which I have here. Love that place, appreciate it, but that’s usually how it goes. People cast a wide net and then some narratives get out of control."</p><p>He added: "I've got an awesome job here. Love it here in Pittsburgh."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Tar Heels announced earlier this week that they will be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3140854" href="https://thescore.com/news/3140854">firing longtime coach Mack Brown</a> after the 2024 season. Smith has been linked to the opening because UNC is his alma mater. The Steelers' offensive coordinator began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for North Carolina in 2006.</p><p>Smith is in the midst of his first season as the Steelers' offensive play-caller. The unit ranks 14th in points per game (22.9) and has been effective on the ground, ranking eighth in rushing yards per game.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Arthur Smith not interested in UNC job: 'Love it here in Pittsburgh'

Winning Formula 1's drivers' championship is hard enough, with only 34 people ever accomplishing ...

<p>Winning Formula 1's drivers' championship is hard enough, with only 34 people ever accomplishing the feat. The number of drivers who have done it without the fastest car is much smaller than that, but Max Verstappen joined that exclusive group with his 2024 campaign.</p><p>While Red Bull's RB20 began the year as a world-beater, its advantage quickly disappeared after McLaren took a significant step in Miami with its MCL38. Ferrari - and even Mercedes - showed competitive flashes occasionally after Miami as well. Verstappen's fourth championship campaign was a tale of survival, as he tactically nursed his early advantage to the finish line, winning just one of the last 12 races.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="RB20's race-by-race pace" aria-label="Column Chart" id="datawrapper-chart-kBnfc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kBnfc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="524" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Here are five post-Miami moments where the Dutch driver made the difference.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>5. Hanging on in Imola, Montreal, Barcelona</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757606/cropped_GettyImages-2153281655.jpg?ts=1732733420" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757606/w220xh124_GettyImages-2153281655.jpg?ts=1732733420 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757606/w320xh180_GettyImages-2153281655.jpg?ts=1732733420 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757606/w640xh360_GettyImages-2153281655.jpg?ts=1732733420 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757606/w768xh432_GettyImages-2153281655.jpg?ts=1732733420 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757606/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2153281655.jpg?ts=1732733420 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">SOPA Images / LightRocket / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>McLaren proved Miami was no mirage very quickly in the following races. Lando Norris challenged Verstappen for the top step of the podium in four of the next five races. The Red Bull leader came out ahead 3-0 in tight races in Imola, Montreal, and Barcelona, with a collision in Austria knocking both drivers off the podium.</p><p>In Imola, Verstappen narrowly grabbed pole - his record-tying eighth consecutive pole to start 2024 - and hung on through a late Norris charge. In Montreal, he survived a race dictated by changing conditions, strategy, and a pinch of luck. And in Barcelona, he capitalized on Norris losing his lead from pole to take what would end up being his last grand prix win until Brazil, 11 races later.</p><h3>4. Savvy Silverstone drive </h3><p>Credit for Verstappen's second-place finish in Silverstone should be shared between himself, race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, and Red Bull's strategy department. </p><p>In a race with changing wet and dry conditions, Verstappen and Red Bull outlasted the elements better than all except race winner Lewis Hamilton. In a car that lacked pace in the first stint, Red Bull called him in at the perfect time for intermediate tires, which gained him ground and allowed him to show off his natural ability as the track began to dry near the end of the stint. Another bold call for the hard tire led to Verstappen passing Norris and just missing out on a race win, a result few saw coming an hour or so prior.</p><h3>3. Mind games in Austin</h3><p>As many drivers have mentioned, racing Verstappen is not only a matter of outpacing him but also outthinking him. It's difficult to do both against an uncompromising and cerebral driver that exploits the grey area of the regulations. Norris found that out firsthand in Austin.</p><p>Lining up on the front row alongside pole-sitter Norris, Verstappen dove up the inside and shoved the McLaren wide on the exit. The overtake attempt left Charles Leclerc in the lead, Verstappen still second, and Norris crucially in fourth. The reigning champion got the better of his challenger yet again later, taking advantage of F1's overtaking regulations by late-braking into the apex and forcing him and Norris wide. Norris elected to overtake Verstappen off-track and was given a five-second penalty, surrendering his third-place podium finish to Verstappen.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A big moment in the race and potentially the season 😮<br><br>Norris overtakes Verstappen but picks up a 5-second penalty for passing off track ✋<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/y1DFXGde0U">pic.twitter.com/y1DFXGde0U</a></p>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1848124170065850399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Verstappen left Austin with a sprint victory, a podium, and a five-point gain on Norris, the first time he extended his lead on his title rival in five race weekends.</p><h3>2. Podium in Singapore</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757607/cropped_GettyImages-2173066116.jpg?ts=1732733468" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757607/w220xh124_GettyImages-2173066116.jpg?ts=1732733468 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757607/w320xh180_GettyImages-2173066116.jpg?ts=1732733468 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757607/w640xh360_GettyImages-2173066116.jpg?ts=1732733468 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757607/w768xh432_GettyImages-2173066116.jpg?ts=1732733468 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757607/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2173066116.jpg?ts=1732733468 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Singapore has been the boogeyman for Verstappen. The circuit proved to be the lone weakness of the dominant 2023 RB19 and the only obstacle capable of making Verstappen look human last season. And with a tough start in the practice sessions, it was shaping up to be another nightmare for Verstappen and a dream weekend for Norris. </p><p>But that's not exactly what happened. </p><p>Norris qualified on pole as expected, but Verstappen joined him on the front row. Ferrari showed tremendous pace as well but was unable to execute in Q3. Verstappen wouldn't miss his moment. Norris ended up dominating the race, winning by over 20 seconds, but the margin would make no difference as Verstappen finished runner-up. The Dutch pilot walked into his circuit of horrors and surrendered only seven points. In what was a frequent theme of the 2024 season, Norris - even on his best weekends - was unable to get away from Verstappen.</p><h3>1. Wet-weather magic in Brazil</h3><p>Verstappen's wet-weather Brazil 2024 drive will be remembered as the defining drive of the season and likely of his career.</p><p>It's one of five championship races ever to be won from 17th or worse, and Verstappen was the first driver to win from outside the top 10 in Interlagos. The numbers speak volumes on their own, but they still don't capture the pressure Verstappen was under to deliver.</p><p>With Verstappen in 17th and Norris on pole, it appeared inevitable that the Red Bull driver's 44-point lead would take a big hit. Instead, Verstappen didn't put a step wrong on a rain-soaked circuit, dominating his way to a 19-second victory while posting nine of the 10 fastest laps. Meanwhile, his title rival finished sixth, effectively sealing the championship with authority.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"The championship pendulum swings in one corner!" 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrazilGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BrazilGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/WZwv6ozkzR">pic.twitter.com/WZwv6ozkzR</a></p>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1853149626959835408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: 2024 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates with race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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5 championship moments where Verstappen made the difference

New York Jets head coach Jeff Ulbrich said there's been no talk of shutting down quarterback Aaro...

<p>New York Jets head coach Jeff Ulbrich said there's been no talk of shutting down quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> for the remainder of the season, according to <a href="https://x.com/ZackBlatt/status/1861134408243192084">Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Rodgers will remain the starter for the upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.</p><p>Rumors emerged this weekend around Rodgers' future after <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5941684/2024/11/23/russinis-what-im-hearing-the-day-the-jets-fell-apart-and-the-broncos-rallied-belichick-best-fits/">The Athletic's Dianna Russini</a> reported that it "appears increasingly likely" that Rodgers could be placed on injured reserve in the coming weeks, though no decision had been made. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rodgers reportedly has also resisted getting testing done on his injuries in order to not reveal the extent of the issues, according to <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/aaron-rodgers-return-to-jets-for-2025-unclear-with-six-games-left-in-2024-season">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>. </p><p>However, Ulbrich also shot that rumor down, stating that Rodgers declining medical evaluations is news to him, per <a href="https://x.com/ZackBlatt/status/1861134783889199285">Rosenblatt</a>.</p><p>New York <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133666" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133666">reportedly</a> would like to move on from Rodgers after the 2024 season. Team owner Woody Johnson apparently even suggested benching Rodgers for Tyrod Taylor to members of the franchise's brass following a Week 4 loss because he felt Rodgers was holding the team back.</p><p>The Rodgers era has been a disaster for the Jets, who sit 3-8 and in last place in the AFC East. The franchise is in the midst of cleaning house after firing general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh during the season.</p><p>Rodgers, 40, is signed through 2025 but has no guaranteed money remaining on his contract, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/aaron-rodgers/1085">Over The Cap</a>.</p>

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 17: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on November 17, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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North Carolina head coach Mack Brown said he intends to return in 2025, according to ESPN's Andre...

<p>North Carolina head coach Mack Brown said he intends to return in 2025, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42604751/mack-brown-intends-return-north-carolina-next-season">ESPN's Andrea Adelson</a>. </p><p>However, Brown added that he hasn't talked to athletic director Bubba Cunningham about it yet.</p><p>"You never talk to your athletic director until the year's over," Brown told media. "Everybody always does that. My total focus is on NC State. What an awful thing to be talking about me when we just played a bad game and need to beat State."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Brown <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3135123" href="https://thescore.com/news/3135123">reportedly</a> recently informed his coaching staff and players of his desire to return. </p><p>The 73-year-old has the Tar Heels in the midst of a 6-5 campaign. Brown began his second stint as North Carolina's head coach in 2019 after previously leading the program from 1988-1997. He has a combined 113-78-1 record with the Tar Heels.</p>

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Mack Brown of the North Carolina Tar Heels argues with an official during the first half of the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Kenan Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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The New York Jets are turning to a familiar face to help them find a new general manager and head...

<p>The New York Jets are turning to a familiar face to help them find a new general manager and head coach.</p><p>Former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum's football media and technology company, The 33rd Team, will advise the franchise with data analysis and experience in its hunt for a new GM and coach, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42604072/sources-mike-tannenbaum-rick-spielman-aid-jets-gm-hc-search">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>. Rick Spielman, former general manager of the Minnesota Vikings, joins Tannenbaum as co-leader of the project.</p><p>It's not yet clear whether Tannenbaum and Spielman will participate in interviews, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini, though they will check candidates' references.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jets ownership will make the final decision on the next general manager and head coach, Cimini adds.</p><p>Tannenbaum served as Jets GM from 2006-12, and the team produced a 57-55 record during his tenure. New York made the postseason in three of those years, including AFC title game appearances in 2009 and 2010. The Jets haven't earned a playoff berth since, and they fired Tannenbaum after a 6-10 campaign in 2012.</p><p>The Jets fired general manager Joe Douglas last week after falling to 3-8, having already terminated head coach Robert Saleh in the wake of their 2-3 start. Phil Savage is serving as the interim general manager while Jeff Ulbrich is the interim head coach.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 09: Mike Tannenbaum attends SiriusXM At Super Bowl LVII on February 09, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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<p><em>We offer our takeaways following each race weekend this year and continue the 2024 schedule with the Las Vegas Grand Prix.</em></p><h3>Moments that decided the race 🏆</h3><p><strong>Verstappen clinches championship in fitting way</strong></p><p>Max Verstappen is the world champion for the fourth straight year. And while the sport has grown accustomed to seeing the Dutch driver dominate the opposition, this title was arguably the sweetest of the bunch as it forced Verstappen to show off his talent in what became one of the most competitive seasons in Formula 1 history.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Verstappen clinched the title not by winning the Las Vegas Grand Prix but by finishing fifth. It was an unspectacular result but one that captures the essence of the championship campaign put forth by the Red Bull driver.</p><p>Verstappen maximized results despite being in inferior machinery, exactly what he's done for the majority of the season and the leading reason why he's now a four-time champion.</p><p>Red Bull opened the season with its trademark dominance, though it was short-lived. From Miami onward, Verstappen battled Lando Norris in a McLaren that was now class of the field, even occasionally falling behind Ferrari and Mercedes at races.</p><p>Verstappen acknowledged after the race that he agreed with team principal Christian Horner saying 2024 was his most impressive season to date.</p><p>"I would say for 70% of the season, we didn't have the fastest car, but actually, we still extended our lead," Verstappen said. "So that is definitely something that I'm very proud of."</p><p>Verstappen recorded more points and race wins than any other driver from Miami to Las Vegas despite the RB20 falling behind in the pecking order. It was during this span that Verstappen leveraged his talent and experience to stifle the more inexperienced Norris and McLaren, who had never been in a title fight before.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Since Miami</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Wins</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Max Verstappen</td>
<td>293</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lando Norris</td>
<td>282</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles Leclerc</td>
<td>243</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>There were many moments where Verstappen's grip on the title appeared to be slipping, too. Yet, he found a way to never be far behind Norris, including at Singapore and Zandvoort. And who could forget his championship-saving win from 17th in Brazil that effectively sealed the title?</p><p>A fourth championship puts only Michael Schumacher (seven), Lewis Hamilton (seven), and Juan Manuel Fangio (five) ahead of Verstappen in the record books. Only Schumacher has ripped off more consecutive titles (five).</p><p>It won't be talent that stops Verstappen from continuing to soar at an unprecedented pace toward the sport's other legends. He's said numerous times that he's not here to chase records. But if you had to measure the quality rather than the quantity of championships, Verstappen's 2024 title measures up among the finest years in Formula 1 history.</p><p><strong>Mercedes comes alive in Las Vegas </strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756881/cropped_GettyImages-2186424930.jpg?ts=1732365868" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756881/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186424930.jpg?ts=1732365868 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756881/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186424930.jpg?ts=1732365868 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756881/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186424930.jpg?ts=1732365868 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756881/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186424930.jpg?ts=1732365868 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756881/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186424930.jpg?ts=1732365868 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Clive Rose - Formula 1 / Formula 1 / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Mercedes W15 has been an unpredictable monster, but there's something about cold temperatures that just seems to bring the car alive. In a chilly Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, the W15 didn't just find its pulse again - it became an unbeatable juggernaut.</p><p>Mercedes was dominant in the three practice sessions, though being a practice-session pacesetter is nothing unusual for the team. But Mercedes carried that momentum all throughout the weekend this time, with George Russell grabbing pole and converting that into a comfortable race win.</p><p>Even Lewis Hamilton, who started in 10th, finished second, giving the Brackley-based constructor its first 1-2 finish of the season.</p><p>Though the cold temperatures and low-grip street track play into the hand of the W15, even Russell admitted he was stumped at how Mercedes had an advantage reminiscent of its dominant predecessors from the previous regulation set.</p><p>"It's been a dream of a weekend," Russell said after the race. "I don't know how we've been so quick, but I'm just riding this wave right now."</p><p>Las Vegas will go down as another blip in an otherwise rocky year for Mercedes. But if the Silver Arrows can smooth out those volatile waves into a higher, more consistent baseline, the team could join what's expected to be a packed group of front-running teams next season.</p><p><strong>Inner turmoil at Ferrari</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757068/cropped_GettyImages-2186592768.jpg?ts=1732472845" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757068/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186592768.jpg?ts=1732472845 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757068/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186592768.jpg?ts=1732472845 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757068/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186592768.jpg?ts=1732472845 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757068/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186592768.jpg?ts=1732472845 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757068/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186592768.jpg?ts=1732472845 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jayce Illman / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ferrari walked away from Las Vegas with one driver finishing third and the other fourth, plus a net 12-point gain on McLaren in the fight for the constructors' title. Truth be told, it was a productive result masking utter dysfunction and divisiveness between Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.</p><p>Leclerc and Sainz swapped positions on multiple occasions during the race, some via team orders and another in defiance of team orders. Sainz switched with Leclerc on their first stint as both Ferraris experienced tire degradation, with the latter's pace significantly affected. The opposite happened on Lap 27, with Leclerc passing Sainz due to Sainz's tires now struggling for life.</p><p>The next move was where the controversy began. Upon emerging from the pits, Leclerc was told Sainz wouldn't overtake him, only for the Spaniard to get past him almost immediately after. This prompted the first of many frustrated radio calls from Leclerc.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">📻 Bryan: "Carlos has been told to not overtake."<br><br>📈 Sainz overtakes Leclerc.<br><br>📻 Charles: "Maybe try in Spanish..." <a href="https://t.co/jLwRJFoW4T">pic.twitter.com/jLwRJFoW4T</a></p>— Autosport (@autosport) <a href="https://twitter.com/autosport/status/1860580106252501022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Monegasque didn't hide his feelings that he thought the Spaniard had gone against pre-race instructions set by the team.</p><p>"Yeah, I did my job, but being nice f--ks me over all the f-----g time, all the f-----g time," Leclerc said on the radio. "It's not even being nice; it's just being respectful. I know I need to shut up, but ... it's always the same."</p><p>Sainz's race wasn't perfectly managed, either, with him having to delay his pit stop on Lap 27 due to Ferrari not being ready.</p><p>"So, I guess he's not happy, but I'm also not happy with the way things were handled at the time," Sainz told the media later.</p><p>Ferrari has repaired most of its image under team principal Fred Vasseur, but old problems reared their ugly head in Las Vegas. What should have been a positive weekend in which ground was made on McLaren ended with fractured pieces littered along the Las Vegas Strip. The driver under contract with the Scuderia in 2025 is left questioning the trust of the team and his teammate.</p><h3>Driver of the Day 🙌</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757198/cropped_GettyImages-2185870493.jpg?ts=1732547286" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757198/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185870493.jpg?ts=1732547286 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757198/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185870493.jpg?ts=1732547286 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757198/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185870493.jpg?ts=1732547286 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757198/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185870493.jpg?ts=1732547286 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757198/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185870493.jpg?ts=1732547286 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Anadolu / Anadolu / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Lewis Hamilton</strong>: The seven-time world champion showed he had a lot of shelf life left after blitzing through the field in Las Vegas. Hamilton reckoned that a victory would have been a "breeze" without his Q3 mishaps in qualifying, and it's hard to argue that based off the pace he showed. Ultimately, his second-place finish gave him his 36th different circuit with a podium, extending his F1 record.</p><h3>They said what? 🗣️</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757056/cropped_GettyImages-2186600430.jpg?ts=1732463062" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757056/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186600430.jpg?ts=1732463062 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757056/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186600430.jpg?ts=1732463062 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757056/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186600430.jpg?ts=1732463062 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757056/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186600430.jpg?ts=1732463062 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757056/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186600430.jpg?ts=1732463062 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Graythen / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Verstappen on winning another title:</strong> "To stand here as a four-time world champion is something that I never thought was possible. At the moment, I'm feeling relieved in a way but very proud ... If you look to next year, I think it's going to be a proper battle with a lot of cars, but I'm hungry. I'm going to enjoy this."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Max Verstappen to Zak Brown:<br><br>"And like you said, you know, before I could only win it in the fastest car! This year its been a little bit different!"<br><br>😌😉<a href="https://t.co/cXFAvlH9uX">pic.twitter.com/cXFAvlH9uX</a></p>— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RBR_Daily/status/1860612364132815224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>Horner on Verstappen's season: </strong>"It's been a roller coaster of a year, and Max has been truly outstanding. We got off to a flying start, had a very difficult summer, but he just kept nailing results. He won eight grand prix; that's more than double any other driver. I think this has been his best and hardest championship ... There's no one more deserving of this championship than Max."</p><p><strong>Lando on losing drivers' title to Verstappen: </strong>"Congrats to Max ... I didn't even expect to be in the title fight. I think I was happy with how calm I was and how focused I was. It's definitely more pressure. There's more eyes, more demands on me making sure I go out and (don't make mistakes). You have to drive better when you get to that point, and I feel like I have.</p><p>"The first half (of the season), I don't think I was - or we were as a team - mentally ready to be like, 'Oh, now we have to fight against the big boys and execute perfectly.' And we paid the price a little bit."</p><p><strong>Lewis Hamilton:</strong> "If I would have done my job (Saturday), it would have been a breeze today. But it's OK, I had fun coming from 10th. We don't know why we were so quick this weekend, but that's the best the car's ever felt."</p><h3>What's next?</h3><p>Verstappen's celebration will be brief as F1 goes directly from Las Vegas to the Arabian Peninsula for the Qatar GP on Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. ET.</p><p>It will mark just the third F1 race at the Lusail International Circuit. Verstappen won the 2023 race, while Hamilton claimed the inaugural race in 2021. </p><p>With the drivers' championship now settled, the focus flips to the three-team race for the constructors' title with two races to go. Red Bull, the two-time defending champion, trails both McLaren and Ferrari.</p><p>McLaren last won the constructors' title in 1998, while Ferrari's most recent title came in 2008. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Constructors' championship" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-oPM4O" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/oPM4O/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="569" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Drivers' standings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Sv0xq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Sv0xq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1006" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure>

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<p>The Los Angeles Angels signed left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10619" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10619">Yusei Kikuchi</a> to a three-year, $63-million contract, the team announced Wednesday. </p><p>Kikuchi ended the 2024 season with the Houston Astros after being acquired in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. He pitched admirably in Houston, registering a 2.70 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and averaging 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings across 60 innings.</p><p>The 33-year-old southpaw spent three years in Toronto before being shipped to Houston. Kikuchi became a reliable piece of the Blue Jays' rotation after struggling in his first season, posting a 3.86 ERA in 2023 and a 4.75 ERA in 2024 before his move.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Angels have been busy this offseason. They also added slugger <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3605">Jorge Soler</a> in a deal with the Atlanta Braves and veteran starter <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4432">Kyle Hendricks</a> in free agency. Los Angeles has picked up first baseman <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12766">Ryan Noda</a>, catcher <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2068">Travis d'Arnaud</a>, and utility player <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8230">Scott Kingery</a> as well.</p><p>The Angels finished last in 2024 with a 63-99 record.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 25: Yusei Kikuchi #16 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on September 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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The San Francisco 49ers are under the impression Brock Purdy's shoulder injury won't sideline him...

<p>The San Francisco 49ers are under the impression <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174189" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a>'s shoulder injury won't sideline him for long.</p><p>The franchise believes Purdy, who is sidelined for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers, should be able to return for next week's matchup against the Buffalo Bills, <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1860658968424538309">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a> reports.</p><p>There does not seem to be a high level of concern with Purdy's injury, Schefter adds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Purdy popped up on the injury report earlier this week after leaving practice early Thursday due to pain in his throwing arm. He then missed practice Friday before being ruled out for the matchup against Green Bay.</p><p>The 49ers have been plagued by injuries throughout their 2024 campaign. Star pass-rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111907" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111907">Nick Bosa</a> is also out Sunday, reigning Offensive Player of the Year <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/85079" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/85079">Christian McCaffrey</a> missed the first eight games of the season due to an Achilles injury, and wideout <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/125339" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/125339">Brandon Aiyuk</a> went down with a season-ending knee injury in October.</p><p><a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53651">Brandon Allen</a> is starting in place of Purdy on Sunday.</p><p>San Francisco is 5-5 on the year with Purdy throwing 13 touchdowns to eight interceptions.</p>

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) waits on the field for players to gather for a prayer after the San Francisco 49ers played the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, November 17, 2024.

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Indiana coach Curt Cignetti was appalled at questions over whether his squad deserves a spot in t...

<p>Indiana coach Curt Cignetti was appalled at questions over whether his squad deserves a spot in the top 12 of next week's College Football Playoff rankings following a 38-15 loss to Ohio State.</p><p>"Is that a serious question?" Cignetti said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/Jake_Trotter/status/1860427595428372984">ESPN's Jake Trotter</a>. "I'm not even going to answer that one. The answer's so obvious."</p><p>Indiana got off to its best start in school history with a 10-0 start under Cignetti. However, the Hoosiers' undefeated run came to an end Saturday to Big Ten rival Ohio State.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ohio State's scoreboard shows a message saying "Buckeys Win?? Google It!" after the game <a href="https://t.co/5b1qIAuoia">pic.twitter.com/5b1qIAuoia</a></p>— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1860420646423171166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ohio State dominated Indiana, limiting quarterback Kurtis Rourke to 68 passing yards and eight completions. The Hoosiers jumped out to a 7-0 lead but then surrendered 31 consecutive points before two late scores made it 38-15.</p><p>Indiana claimed the fifth spot in the third CFP rankings, which were released Tuesday.</p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers walks across the field before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is off the injury report and on track to play Sunday against ...

<p>Detroit Lions tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188193" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188193">Sam LaPorta</a> is off the injury report and on track to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, the team announced Friday.</p><p>LaPorta missed the Lions' 52-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars last week due to a shoulder injury. He also battled an ankle injury earlier this season but did not miss time due to the issue.</p><p>The Pro Bowl tight end is third on the team in receiving yards with 366 and has caught three touchdown passes from quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Detroit currently occupies the top spot in the NFC at 9-1 after ripping off eight consecutive victories. </p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 15: Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions runs onto the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on September 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. The Buccaneers beat the Lions 20-16.

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The NFL is flexing a matchup between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers into Thursday Ni...

<p>The NFL is flexing a matchup between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers into Thursday Night Football in Week 16 in place of an AFC North meeting between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, the league announced Friday.</p><p>This marks the first time the league has opted to change a Thursday Night Football tilt.</p><p>Browns-Bengals in Cincinnati will move to Sunday in Week 16 and kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 22.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Thursday night bout, which takes place in Los Angeles on Dec. 19, could carry huge playoff implications as the Chargers and Broncos are in the thick of the AFC's wild-card race. The 7-3 Chargers led by head coach Jim Harbaugh currently occupy the fifth spot while the 6-5 Broncos are the seventh and final seed.</p><p>The two AFC West clubs met Oct. 13 in Denver with Los Angeles emerging victorious 23-16. The Chargers rolled out to a 23-0 lead before the Broncos answered with 16 points but were unable to complete the comeback.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 13: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers gets set during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on October 13, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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<p>The New York Jets would prefer to move on from veteran quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> in 2025, sources told <a href="https://sny.tv/articles/jets-joe-douglas-firing-what-comes-next">SNY's Connor Hughes</a>.</p><p>The Jets are in the midst of cleaning house after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133365" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133365">firing</a> general manager Joe Douglas on Tuesday. The franchise also dismissed head coach Robert Saleh earlier in the campaign following a 2-3 start and stripped offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of his play-calling duties.</p><p>Getting rid of Rodgers in the offseason would signal the end of a disastrous chapter for New York. The Jets entered the season with a healthy Rodgers and expectations of contending atop the AFC, but they're far from those hopes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>New York owns a 3-8 record - tied for worst in the AFC East - and has gone 1-5 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.</p><p>Rodgers has struggled to look like his usual self in 2024. He's completed 63.4% of his passes for 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions, though his 6.4 yards per attempt and 88.9 passer rating would rank as career lows for him as a full-time starter.</p><p>Jets owner Woody Johnson suggested benching Rodgers for Tyrod Taylor to members of the franchise's brass following a Week 4 loss because he felt Rodgers was holding the team back, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5933929/2024/11/19/joe-douglas-new-york-jets-gm-fired/">The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Zack Rosenblatt</a> report. The coaches reportedly convinced Johnson to back off the decision, arguing it would negatively affect the locker room and embarrass Rodgers.</p><p>To improve the team's trajectory, the Jets swung a trade in October with the Las Vegas Raiders to reunite star receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/57482" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/57482">Davante Adams</a> with Rodgers. However, the added help hasn't moved the needle, with Adams accumulating 278 yards and one touchdown through five games.</p><p>New York acquired Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in April 2023, but his first season with the team lasted only four snaps before a torn Achilles tendon sidelined him for the year.</p><p>The 40-year-old is signed through 2025 but has no guaranteed money remaining on his contract, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/aaron-rodgers/1085">Over The Cap</a>.</p><p>The Jets have won no more than seven games in a season since hiring Douglas in 2019. The club hasn't made the postseason since the 2010 campaign and has started 15 different quarterbacks since its last playoff appearance.</p>

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 17: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets celebrates during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on November 17, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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The top five remained unchanged in the third College Football Playoff rankings released this seas...

<p>The top five remained unchanged in the third College Football Playoff rankings released this season, while Boise State climbed into the top 12, giving the Broncos a bye in the format.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>Previous Rank</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td>11-0</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Texas</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Penn State</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Indiana</td>
<td>10-0</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Notre Dame</td>
<td> 9-1</td>
<td> 8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Miami</td>
<td> 9-1</td>
<td> 9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Ole Miss</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Georgia</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Tennessee</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Boise State</td>
<td> 9-1</td>
<td> 13</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Boise State leapfrogged BYU, which fell to 14th in this week's rankings. No. 1 Oregon, No. 3 Texas, and No. 8 Miami would also receive first-round byes in the playoffs if the season ended today as the highest-ranked teams leading a conference.</p><p>BYU suffered a hit after Kansas ruined its undefeated season, but the program keeps a spot in the CFP thanks to being the highest-ranked Big 12 team.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tennessee wouldn't make the CFP despite being ranked 11th.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE UPDATED CFP BRACKET PROJECTION 🏈 <a href="https://t.co/btjbCEx38a">pic.twitter.com/btjbCEx38a</a></p>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1859028168792809847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Four of the top five teams come from the Big Ten, while eight SEC programs are in the top 25.</p><p>Arizona State, Iowa State, UNLV, and Illinois are the newcomers to the third edition of the CFP rankings.</p><p>Below are the rest of the teams that occupy the top 25 spots.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>Previous Rank</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td> SMU</td>
<td> 9-1</td>
<td> 14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td> BYU</td>
<td> 9-1</td>
<td> 6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Texas A&amp;M</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td> Colorado</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td> Clemson</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> 20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td> South Carolina</td>
<td> 7-3</td>
<td> 21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td> Army</td>
<td> 9-0</td>
<td> 24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td>Tulane</td>
<td> 9-2</td>
<td> 25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td> Arizona State</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> NR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td> Iowa State</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> NR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td> Missouri</td>
<td> 7-3</td>
<td> 23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td> UNLV</td>
<td> 8-2</td>
<td> NR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td> Illinois</td>
<td> 7-3</td>
<td>NR</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 16: Dillon Gabriel #8 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball for a first down late in the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin.

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CFP rankings: Top 5 unchanged, Boise State in position for bye

The undefeated Oregon Ducks have clinched their spot in the Big Ten championship game, the confer...

<p>The undefeated Oregon Ducks have clinched their spot in the Big Ten championship game, the conference announced Tuesday. </p><p>The conference came to the conclusion Tuesday after <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/article/blt323f32f0ef5dac27/">conducting</a> a "comprehensive evaluation of all possible scenarios over the final two weeks," which determined that the 11-0 Ducks could finish no worse than second in the conference.</p><p>Oregon defeated Wisconsin 16-13 on Saturday to keep its perfect season alive.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Ducks were No. 1 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.</p><p>Oregon is set to get a big boost with top wideout <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/149233" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/149233">Tez Johnson</a> stating on Instagram on Tuesday that he's returning to the field, per <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1858898110828744718">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>. Johnson has been sidelined since injuring his shoulder in a contest against Michigan on Nov. 2.</p><p>The conference title game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET.</p>

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) celebrating during the college football game between the Oregon Ducks and the UCLA Bruins on September 28. 2024, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.

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Oregon clinches spot in Big Ten title game

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is inactive for Sunday's game against the Seattle Sea...

<p>San Francisco 49ers tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72637" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72637">George Kittle</a> is inactive for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks due to a hamstring injury, the team announced. </p><p>Kittle was listed as questionable coming into the contest after being a limited participant in practice Thursday and Friday.</p><p>It's the second time this season the five-time Pro Bowl tight end's been sidelined due to a hamstring injury after also missing the team's Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With Kittle down, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/66116" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/66116">Eric Saubert</a> is the next man up at tight end for San Francisco. Saubert's caught four passes for 67 yards this season.</p><p>Kittle is the 49ers' leading pass-catcher with a team-high 43 receptions, 560 yards, and seven touchdowns. </p>

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 10: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

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49ers' Kittle out vs. Seahawks due to hamstring injury

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Sarah Wallace

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