Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was well aware of who was in attendance for the Lions’ Week 10 clash with the Washington Commanders in the nation’s capital.

After scoring a touchdown in the first quarter, St. Brown pointed toward the suite level at Northwest Stadium – where President Donald Trump was taking in the Week 10 game – before celebrating his score with a ‘Trump dance.’

The dance, inspired by the president’s unique dance moves, involves pumping both fists in the air while swaying the hips.

The dance’s use as a celebration first swept across the sports world last fall, shortly after Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. Multiple athletes across a variety of professional sports leagues – and college athletics – have mimicked Trump’s dance moves to use as a celebration the 12 months since.

USA TODAY confirmed that Trump would be attending the Commanders’ Week 10 game on Nov. 7. ESPN’s Pat McAfee initially reported the president was joining Josh Harris, the Commanders’ principal owner, in a suite at Northwest Stadium.

On Nov. 8, ESPN reported that Trump and the White House had been in contact with Harris and the Commanders to express his desire for the team’s new stadium to be named after him. Washington plans to have its $3.7 billion project built on the site of the old Robert F. Kennedy Stadium – the home of the football team from 1961 to 1996 – within the city limits of the nation’s capital.

The Nov. 9 game between the Commanders and Lions is the second NFL game President Trump has attended since his inauguration in January. The first was Super Bowl 59 in February.

Trump has also attended the FIFA Club World Cup, Daytona 500, U.S. Open men’s singles final, Ryder Cup and two UFC fights during his second term in the Oval Office.

The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are through the best-of-three Round 1 series and the journey toward the Dec. 6 championship game will continue with the conference semifinals.

In Round 1, the higher-seeded teams won seven of the eight matchups. The Philadelphia Union, the 2025 Supporters’ Shield winners, swept their first-round series; so did Los Angeles FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami avoided a first-round playoff upset this time around, dispatching Nashville SC in three games.

Here is a look at the schedule for the conference semifinals for the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs:

MLS Cup Playoffs 2025: Results and upcoming schedule

CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Eastern Conference

• FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami — Sunday, Nov. 23, 5 p.m. ET
• Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC — Sunday, Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m. ET (FS1)

Western Conference

• Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Los Angeles FC — Saturday, Nov. 22, 9:30 p.m. ET
• San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United — Monday, Nov. 24, 10 p.m. ET

Watch the MLS playoffs on Apple TV

ROUND 1

Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire

Philadelphia Union win series, 2-0

• Game 1: Philadelphia Union 2, Chicago Fire 2 (Philadelphia won penalty shootout, 4-2)
• Game 2: Philadelphia Union 3, Chicago Fire 0

FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew

FC Cincinnati wins series, 2-1

• Game 1: FC Cincinnati 1, Columbus Crew 0
• Game 2: Columbus Crew 4, FC Cincinnati 0
• Game 3: FC Cincinnati 2, Columbus Crew 1

Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC

Inter Miami wins series, 2-1

• Game 1: Inter Miami 3, Nashville SC 1
• Game 2: Nashville SC 2, Inter Miami 1
• Game 3: Inter Miami 4, Nashville SC 0

Charlotte FC vs. New York City FC

NYCFC wins series, 2-1

• Game 1: New York City FC 1, Charlotte FC 0
• Game 2: Charlotte FC 0, New York City FC 0 (Charlotte won penalty shootout, 7-6)
• Game 3: New York City FC 3, Charlotte FC 1

San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers

San Diego FC wins series, 2-1

• Game 1: San Diego FC 2, Portland Timbers 1
• Game 2: Portland Timbers 2, San Diego FC 2 (Portland won penalty shootout, 3-2)
• Game 3: San Diego FC 4, Portland Timbers 0

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Dallas

Vancouver Whitecaps win series, 2-0

• Game 1: Vancouver Whitecaps 3, FC Dallas 0
• Game 2: Vancouver Whitecaps 1, FC Dallas 1 (Vancouver won penalty shootout, 4-2)

Los Angeles FC vs. Austin FC

LAFC wins series, 2-1

• Game 1: Los Angeles FC 2, Austin FC 1
• Game 2: Los Angeles FC 4, Austin FC 1

Minnesota United vs. Seattle Sounders

Minnesota United wins series, 2-1

• Game 1: Minnesota United 0, Seattle Sounders 0 (Minnesota won penalty shootout, 3-2)
• Game 2: Seattle Sounders 4, Minnesota United 2
• Game 3: Minnesota United 3, Seattle Sounders 3 (Minnesota won penalty shootout, 7-6)

WILD-CARD ROUND

• Chicago Fire FC 3, Orlando City SC 1
• Portland Timbers 3, Real Salt Lake 1

2025 MLS playoff schedule

• Oct. 22: Wild-card matches (single-elimination matches)
• Oct. 24-Nov. 9: Round 1 (best-of-three series)
• Nov. 22-24: Conference semifinals (single-elimination matches)
• Nov. 29-30: Conference finals (single-elimination matches)
• Dec. 6: MLS Cup (single winner-take-all match)

MLS Cup: Results of every championship game since 1996

• 2024: Los Angeles Galaxy over New York Red Bulls (Dignity Health Sports Park), 2-1.
• 2023: Columbus Crew over Los Angeles FC (Lower.com Field), 2-1
• 2022: Los Angeles FC over Philadelphia Union (Banc of California Stadium), 3-3 (LAFC won penalty shootout, 3-0)
• 2021: New York City FC over Portland Timbers (Providence Park), 1-1 (NYCFC won penalty shootout, 4-2)
• 2020: Columbus Crew over Seattle Sounders FC (Mapfre Stadium), 3-0
• 2019: Seattle Sounders FC over Toronto FC (CenturyLink Field), 3-1
• 2018: Atlanta United over Portland Timbers (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), 2-0
• 2017: Toronto FC over Seattle Sounders FC (BMO Field), 2-0
• 2016: Seattle Sounders FC over Toronto FC (BMO Field), 0-0 (Sounders won penalty shootout, 5-4)
• 2015: Portland Timbers over Columbus Crew (Mapfre Stadium), 2-1
• 2014: Los Angeles Galaxy over New England Revolution (StubHub Center), 2-1 (extra time)
• 2013: Sporting Kansas City over Real Salt Lake (Sporting Park), 1-1 (SKC won penalty shootout, 7-6)
• 2012: Los Angeles Galaxy over Houston Dynamo (Home Depot Center), 3-1
• 2011: Los Angeles Galaxy over Houston Dynamo (Home Depot Center), 1-0
• 2010: Colorado Rapids over FC Dallas (BMO Field), 2-1 (extra time)
• 2009: Real Salt Lake over Los Angeles Galaxy (Qwest Field), 1-1 (RSL won penalty shootout, 5-4)
• 2008: Columbus Crew over New York Red Bulls (Home Depot Center), 3-1
• 2007: Houston Dynamo over New England Revolution (RFK Stadium), 2-1
• 2006: Houston Dynamo over New England Revolution (Pizza Hut Park), 1-1 (Dynamo won penalty shootout, 4-3)
• 2005: Los Angeles Galaxy over New England Revolution (Pizza Hut Park), 1-0 (extra time)
• 2004: D.C. United over Kansas City Wizards (Home Depot Center), 3-2
• 2003: San Jose Earthquakes over Chicago Fire (Home Depot Center), 4-2
• 2002: Los Angeles Galaxy over New England Revolution (Gillette Stadium), 1-0 (extra time)
• 2001: San Jose Earthquakes over Los Angeles Galaxy (Crew Stadium), 2-1 (extra time)
• 2000: Kansas City Wizards over Chicago Fire (RFK Stadium), 1-0
• 1999: D.C. United over Los Angeles Galaxy (Foxboro Stadium), 2-0
• 1998: Chicago Fire over D.C. United (Rose Bowl), 2-0
• 1997: D.C. United over Colorado Rapids (RFK Stadium), 2-1
• 1996: D.C. United over Los Angeles Galaxy (Foxboro Stadium), 3-2 (extra time)

USA TODAY Sports’ 48-page special edition commemorates 30 years of Major League Soccer, from its best players to key milestones and championship dynasties to what exciting steps are next with the World Cup ahead. Order your copy today!

Every week for the duration of the 2025 NFL regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the league’s ever-evolving playoff picture − typically starting after Sunday afternoon’s late games and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday’s and Thursday’s games or Saturday’s, if applicable. And, when the holidays roll around, we’ll be watching then, too.)

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference’s seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday, Jan. 4.

Here’s where things stand with Week 10 of the 2025 season nearly complete:

NFC playoff picture

1. Seattle Seahawks (7-2), NFC West leaders: They reside atop the conference and division … for now. Winners of four in a row, they currently have a better record in NFC West games than the Rams, who are also 7-2. But those clubs will meet in LA in Week 11. Also, Seattle could lose the No. 1 spot Monday night. Remaining schedule: at Rams, at Titans, vs. Vikings, at Falcons, vs. Colts, vs. Rams, at Panthers, at 49ers

2. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2), NFC East leaders: Something catastrophic (not uncommon in Philly) would have to occur for the defending champs not to be the first back-to-back winners of this division since they last did it … 21 years ago. A superior record in NFC games would allow the Eagles to move ahead of the Seahawks if they can win at Green Bay on Monday. Remaining schedule: at Packers, vs. Lions, at Cowboys, vs. Bears, at Chargers, vs. Raiders, at Commanders, at Bills, vs. Commanders

3. Green Bay Packers (5-2-1), NFC North leaders: With losses to Cleveland and Carolina, it’s certainly been an uneven campaign to date for an ultra-talented team. But a loss Monday to the Eagles would drop the Pack from first place to third in their division. Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, at Giants, vs. Vikings, at Lions, vs. Bears, at Broncos, at Bears, vs. Ravens, at Vikings

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3), NFC South leaders: You can afford to drop two of three in a division the Bucs have ruled since 2021. Remaining schedule: at Bills, at Rams, vs. Cardinals, vs. Saints, vs. Falcons, at Panthers, at Dolphins, vs. Panthers

5. Los Angeles Rams (7-2), wild card No. 1: Winners of four straight, all in dominant fashion, they have a strong case as the league’s best team at the moment. Yet a Week 3 loss at Lincoln Financial Field could come back to haunt them when the NFC playoff field is seeded. Remaining schedule: vs. Seahawks, vs. Buccaneers, at Panthers, at Cardinals, vs. Lions, at Seahawks, at Falcons, vs. Cardinals

6. Detroit Lions (6-3), wild card No. 2: The offense responded Sunday as Dan Campbell assumed the offensive play-calling. Detroit could assume first place in the NFC North on Monday night. Remaining schedule: at Eagles, vs. Giants, vs. Packers, vs. Cowboys, at Rams, vs. Steelers, at Vikings, at Bears.

7. Chicago Bears (6-3), wild card No. 3: They’ve won six of seven since an 0-2 start but have struggled to beat seemingly weaker teams − as happened Sunday against the Giants. Remaining schedule: at Vikings, vs. Steelers, at Eagles, at Packers, vs. Browns, vs. Packers, at 49ers, vs. Lions

AFC playoff picture

1. Indianapolis Colts (8-2), AFC South leaders: The schedule’s been soft, but you can’t control whom you play − though the second-half lineup seems much less forgiving. A 6-1 record in conference games currently gives Indy the advantage over Denver and New England. Remaining schedule: BYE, at Chiefs, vs. Texans, at Jaguars, at Seahawks, vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans

2. Denver Broncos (8-2), AFC West leaders: They’re also winning a lot of ugly games − as they did Thursday night against Las Vegas. But wins are wins − and the Broncos have one more in AFC play than the Patriots do right now. Remaining schedule: vs. Chiefs, BYE, at Commanders, at Raiders, vs. Packers, vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers

3. New England Patriots (8-2), AFC East leaders: They’re in position to win the division for the first time since Tom Brady led them to first place in 2019 and maybe their first No. 1 seed since 2017. Not a whole lot of seemingly tough matchups from here on out. Remaining schedule: vs. Jets, at Bengals, vs. Giants, BYE, vs. Bills, at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Dolphins

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4), AFC North leaders: Don’t look now, fellas, but you’re only one game up on Baltimore for the division lead. Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals, at Bears, vs. Bills, at Ravens, vs. Dolphins, at Lions, at Browns, vs. Ravens

5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3), wild card No. 1: They manhandled Pittsburgh in prime time, offering fresh evidence that maybe they can overcome their litany of injuries. Remaining schedule: at Jaguars, BYE, vs. Raiders, vs. Eagles, at Chiefs, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, at Broncos

6. Buffalo Bills (6-3), wild card No. 2: They’re starting to lose sight of the Patriots atop the AFC East after a pathetic performance at Miami on Sunday. Remaining schedule: vs. Buccaneers, at Texans, at Steelers, vs. Bengals, at Patriots, at Browns, vs. Eagles, vs. Jets

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4), wild card No. 3: Tough loss at Houston on Sunday. But their Week 5 defeat of the Chiefs, who are also 5-4, could eventually loom large for both teams. Remaining schedule: vs. Chargers, at Cardinals, at Titans, vs. Colts, vs. Jets, at Broncos, vs. Colts, at Titans

President Donald Trump became the first sitting president to attend a NFL regular-season game since 1978 when he showed up to the Detroit Lions’ drubbing of the Washington Commanders in Landover, Maryland on Sunday, Nov. 9.

The crowd let the 45th president know how they felt by booing him (with a smattering of cheers) while being shown on the video board at Northwest Stadium and during a halftime military swearing-in ceremony, which Trump led.

Trump also spent a few minutes of the third quarter being interviewed by the FOX broadcast team of Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma.

‘It’s a microcosm of life,’ Trump answered when Albert asked him why he loved sports. ‘It’s sort of like life: the good, the bad, the ugly.

‘You have the triumph. You have the problems. You got to get through the problems to hit the triumphs. You can never quit. You can never give up.’

Standing between the two broadcasters, Trump complimented injured Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and praised backup Marcus Mariota – without mentioning their names and referring to them as ‘second-string’ and ‘first-string.’ He alluded to the Lions’ trade of Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff and said it worked out for both sides.

The broadcast showed a team photo from Trump’s football-playing days, uniform No. 85, at New York Military Academy. Trump admitted he never scored a touchdown.

‘I actually loved playing football … at least you realize that I never tell a lie,’ Trump said.

It seems Trump has strayed from his New York allegiances as a fan of both the Giants and Jets. There was praise of one of Vilma’s teammates with the New Orleans Saints, quarterback Drew Brees. As far as his game analysis, Trump harped on the importance of the Commanders’ drive as they trailed 32-10.

Vilma asked him about the general health of the nation. The stock market hit an all-time high, Trump said, along with his claim that ‘prices are coming down.’

‘We’re doing great,’ Trump said. ‘Just how (the Commanders) are doing right now.’

Mariota hit Deebo Samuel for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 32-16 after he said that.

‘I love ratings,’ Trump later said. ‘But you guys have the ratings.’

Trump went on to wax poetic about Washington coaches of the past and name-dropped George Allen and Joe Gibbs.

When Albert gave Trump the opening to exit stage left, Trump replied, ‘I’d love to have your job.’

Trump is no stranger to sporting events. He attended Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans in February shortly after beginning his second term. He was also on hand for the first day of play at the Ryder Cup in New York, the Major League Baseball playoffs and the men’s final of the US Open.

Trump attempted to purchase the Buffalo Bills in 2014 and his relationship with the league while in office is a complicated one, from his bashing of the protests that took place during the national anthem during his first term to standing in the Oval Office with commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this year to announce that the 2027 NFL draft will be held in Washington D.C. ESPN reported Nov. 8 that Trump wants the Commanders’ new stadium, at the former RFK Stadium site in Washington, to be named after him.

AI-assisted summary
• Despite Gardner’s debut, the Colts narrowly defeated the Atlanta Falcons 31-25 in overtime, relying on running back Jonathan Taylor.
• The trade signals the Colts are betting on their current roster, which may lead to a large contract extension for quarterback Daniel Jones.
• History suggests a lockdown cornerback alone is not enough to guarantee Super Bowl success, which typically depends on elite quarterback play.

Having a lockdown cornerback in the NFL is basically the same as having a lockdown left tackle – awfully nice but hardly predictive of Super Bowl success.

Maybe the Indianapolis Colts, who forked over two first-round draft picks to the New York Jets for corner Sauce Gardner ahead of the league’s Nov. 4 trade deadline can disprove that. But Sunday’s (very) early returns suggest otherwise.

The Colts are now 8-2 and back atop the overall AFC standings after escaping the Atlanta Falcons 31-25 in overtime in the first-ever regular-season game staged in Berlin. After a crash course into his new playbook, Gardner, who hasn’t exactly been airtight in coverage after earning All-Pro honors in 2022 and ’23, seemed to do fine in his Indy debut.

He was regularly deployed to guard Drake London, Atlanta’s top receiver and a guy coming off a three-touchdown performance at New England in Week 9. London wound up with six catches for 104 yards Sunday. However, per Next Gen Stats, he only secured two of four targets for 26 yards against Gardner, who nearly registered his first pick of 2025 while covering him. London did snare a TD on a play that Gardner was either schemed out of or made a bad decision on.

“I mean, man, I’m going to be honest; it was like a tough week for me, like mentally, just trying to learn all the plays,” said Gardner.

“I started watching tape on Cleveland, then already had to switch and watch tape on Atlanta, and that’s besides having to hurry up and fly to Indy and then hurry up and fly to Berlin.”

London also beat Gardner, who slipped, on a two-point conversion inside of two minutes to go that gave Atlanta a three-point lead before Indianapolis tied the game in the final minute of regulation.

“I was sick after that,” said Gardner, who vowed to tighten things up in overtime, when the Falcons had -8 yards on five plays.

But that’s really the rub.

Gardner couldn’t much help a team that was so often abysmal in gotta-have-it situations, the Colts 4-for-16 combined on third and fourth downs. He couldn’t bolster the blocking of an offensive line that struggled in key spots and surrendered seven sacks. He wasn’t able to limit the mistakes of quarterback Daniel Jones, who turned the ball over twice – giving him seven giveaways over the past two games (after committing three in the first eight) in a frightening reversion to the version of himself whom New York Giants fans were so familiar with. Defensively, the Colts seemed to miss injured defensive tackle DeForest Buckner much more than they needed whatever Gardner gave them Sunday.

Ultimately, running back Jonathan Taylor, a legit MVP candidate, saved the day with 244 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including an 83-yarder in the fourth quarter and the decisive score from 8 yards out in overtime.

“They go as Jonathan Taylor goes,’ said NFL Network analyst and former Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy.

‘You take away JT, you put it in Daniel Jones’ hands – we don’t know what’ll happen.”

Yup.

As pleasant a surprise as the conference-leading Colts have generally been this season – I certainly didn’t foresee this level of success unfolding – general manager Chris Ballard has now made a bed with what could be a mattress on a short shelf life. By acquiring Gardner for the hefty price he paid, Ballard has bet big on his team – and GMs should do that when they feel like their roster is Super Bowl-caliber or close to it. Gardner is a player who would need to earn his stripes in the playoffs against quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson – but he’s likely not going to make that much of a difference immediately in what’s typically an eminently winnable AFC South.

By extension, Ballard is also obligated to re-sign Jones, who’s playing on a one-year deal, to a sizable contract extension – the same mistake the Giants made after the 2022 season and ultimately regretted. Yet given Ballard’s next Round 1 selection is scheduled for the 2028 draft and 2023 first-rounder Anthony Richardson is just about relegated to bust status (at least in Indianapolis), the GM now has little recourse but to hope Jones’ marriage with head coach Shane Steichen is built to last in a way the union to Brian Daboll wasn’t.

The Colts – their losses this season have come against the division-leading Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers – have fattened their record this season against the likes of the Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans (twice) and now the Jekyll-and-Hyde Falcons, who fell to 3-6 Sunday and have been manhandled this season by the Dolphins and the Carolina Panthers.

Moving forward, with potential future battles against Mahomes, Jackson, Allen, et al. looming, the Colts are banking that Jones can be a rarity – a largely ordinary QB1 like Nick Foles or Joe Flacco who can break through with a postseason hot streak that leads to Lombardi glory. If that happens, then Gardner will join a list that includes Stephon Gilmore, Darrelle Revis, Jalen Ramsey and even the incomparable Deion Sanders – topflight corners who couldn’t lead their original teams to success but subsequently won rings with squads largely propelled by Hall of Fame-caliber quarterbacks.

Barring that?

After betting the farm on Gardner and eventually Jones, Ballard’s years-long quarterback conundrum could ultimately be his undoing … perhaps thanks in part to his new cornerback.

Roll Tide Roll.

Thanks to a late fourth-quarter fumble caused by Yhonzae Pierre, No. 4 Alabama (No. 4 in College Football Playoff) continued to roll through the Southeastern Conference with a defensive 20-9 win over LSU on Saturday, Nov. 8 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Stream Alabama vs. LSU football live with Fubo (free trial)

With its win, No. 4 Alabama has now won eight consecutive games, giving Kalen DeBoer’s a shot at making the SEC championship game and, potentially more. 

A low-scoring game through the midway point of the second quarter, Alabama’s offense kicked it into high gear to end the first half, as the Crimson Tide scored two touchdowns in the final 9:25, including a 13-yard touchdown pass from Ty Simpson to Ryan Williams just before they went into the locker room.

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson benched Garrett Nussiemer in the third quarter, replacing him with backup Michael Van Burden. The Tigers weren’t able to overcome numerous self-inflicted wounds on offense despite a stellar night from their defense.

Simpson struggled at times throughout the night, especially with the deep ball. The Heisman Trophy candidate completed 21 of 35 passes (60%) for 277 yards and a touchdown, but also lost a fumble on the first play of the fourth quarter. 

The win for the Crimson Tide extends its nation leading home win streak to 17 straight, and its record at home under DeBoer to 12-0. USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, stats and highlights from the Crimson Tide Week 11 win over the Tigers. Follow below: 

Alabama vs LSU football live score

This section will be updated during the game

Alabama vs LSU football updates

Final: Alabama 20, LSU 9

It wasn’t pretty, but Alabama slogged through a defensive-dominant game vs. LSU to emerge victorious, 20-9. The Crimson Tide return to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Week 12 to take on Oklahoma.

Alabama forces fumble

Yhonzae Pierre comes up with his second big play of the night, and this time it results in a turnover. The Alabama linebacker came around the side and knocked the ball out of the hand of Michael Van Buren for the fumble at the end of a sack, which was recovered by London Simmons.

Alabama takes over on offense.

Alabama extends lead with FG

Conor Talty redeems himself from an earlier miss in the game with a successful 44-yard field goal to push Alabama’s lead over LSU to a two-score game, at 20-9. Those are the first points for the Crimson Tide since Ty Simpson connected with Ryan Williams for a 13-yard touchdown just before halftime.

Alabama now leads LSU 20-9 with 4:25 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Alabama punts

Alabama has gone cold on offense, as Kalen DeBoer sends out the punt unit for the second time in the Crimson Tide’s last three drives. The Crimson Tide’s defense got some help from its special teams unit, however, as the ball is spotted at LSU’s own 2-yard line.

LSU cuts deficit to one score with FG

LSU is not going away that easily.

The Tigers make it a one-score game at 17-9 against Alabama with 10:28 remaining in the fourth quarter after Damon Ramos makes the 37-yard field goal attempt. LSU had made it all the way down to the Alabama 7-yard line, but a false start penalty and a 10-yard sack on Michael Van Buren sent the Tigers backwards.

An important drive is coming up for Ty Simpson and Alabama’s offense after Simpson turned the ball over on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Alabama sacks Michael Van Buren

LT Overton comes up with the second sack of the night for the Alabama defense on first-and-goal from the 12-yard line, as he sacks Michael Van Buren for a loss of 10 yards to make it second-and-goal from the Crimson Tide’s 22-yard line.

LSU sacks Ty Simpson, forces fumble

LSU opens the fourth quarter with its first takeaway on defense, as Harold Perkins sacks Ty Simpson and forces the ball out of the hands of the Alabama quarterback. The Tigers linebacker recovers his own forced fumble and gives the ball back to Michael Van Buren and the LSU offense deep in Alabama territory, down 17-6.

Alabama takes lead over LSU into fourth quarter

Fours up in Tuscaloosa, as Alabama takes a 17-6 lead over LSU into the fourth quarter. The Crimson Tide will start the fourth quarter with a second-and-9 at their own 48-yard line following a 1-yard carry from Daniel Hill.

Alabama is 15 minutes away from picking up its eighth consecutive win of the season. Ty Simpson is 17 of 28 passing for 244 yards and a touchdown, while Michael Van Buren is 2 of 4 for 16 yards since he came in for Garrett Nussmeier during LSU’s last drive.

End of third quarter: Alabama 17, LSU 6

LSU false start forces to punt

LSU’s communication struggles on offense continue on fourth-and-1, as offensive lineman Bauer Sharp jumps before the snap. The 5-yard penalty sends Michael Van Buren and the Tigers’ offense off the field, and sends a punt unit on.

It’s the second big communication error by the Tigers in as many plays, and kills a drive that showed a slight pulse from LSU’s offense after Garrett Nussmeier was benched.

Michael Van Buren takes over for Garrett Nussmeier

As the LSU offense heads back onto the field, the Tigers do so with a new quarterback, as backup quarterback Michael Van Buren is in for Garrett Nussmeier.

Alabama sacks Garrett Nussiemer, LSU hits FG attempt

Alabama dials the pressure on third-and-8 with the three-man rush to Garrett Nussmeier, who was sacked for a loss of 14 yards by Yhonzae Pierre. Nussmeier attempted to get away from the rush, but he turned in the wrong direction and into the diving hands of Pierre.

Nussiemer’s sack sends out the LSU field goal unit. The Tigers cut their deficit to 17-6 after Damian Ramos hit the 44-yard field goal attempt. LSU has yet to score a touchdown on the night.

Nic Anderson injury update

LSU will be down a man at wide receiver, as Nic Anderson is carted off the field after being tended to by LSU trainers on the sidelines. Anderson appeared to have gone down weirdly at the conclusion of a 16-yard catch when he was tackled by two Alabama defenders.

End of first half: Alabama 17, LSU 3

Alabama vs LSU halftime stats

Here’s a look at how Alabama and LSU stack up statistically at halftime, with the Crimson Tide holding a 17-3 lead:

• Total yards: Alabama 244, LSU 131
• Passing yards: Alabama 210, LSU 76
• Rushing yards: LSU 55, Alabama 34
• Yards per play: Alabama 7.4, LSU 4.9
• Third downs: Alabama 2-6, LSU 2-7

Alabama scores quick TD before halftime

Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is in his bag.

One play after Ty Simpson connected with Lotzeir Brooks for a 53-yard catch on the deep route, the Heisman Trophy candidate finds Ryan Williams in the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown pass. It’s an impressive drive by Alabama, as Simpson threw back-to-back dots into the hands of his receivers to get points on the board before halftime.

The scoring drive was three plays for 66 yards and took just 34 seconds of game time.

Alabama misses field goal attempt

Alabama is unable to extend its lead over LSU to two scores, as Conor Talty’s 26-yard field goal attempt goes wide left. It’s an important series coming up for the Crimson Tide’s defense, as they will look to get a stop to keep their seven-point lead intact as LSU begins the second half with the ball.

Aaron Anderson injury report

ESPN’s Molly McGrath reports that LSU wide receiver Aaron Anderson hyperextended his left elbow on the Tigers’ previous offensive drive and that LSU’s medical staff has put a brace on his elbow. He is expected to return to the game.

Daniel Hill TD puts Alabama in front

The first touchdown of the night goes to Alabama and Daniel Hill, who fights his way through a group of LSU defenders to get into the end zone. It’s a 4-yard rushing touchdown for the sophomore running back, and his second rushing score of the season.

The big play of the drive was a 33-yard pass down the left side of the field on second-and-3 when Simpson found his tight end, Josh Cuevas, in stride. The scoring drive was seven plays for 75 yards and took 3:02 off the game clock.

It’s 10-3 Alabama with 9:25 remaining in the second quarter.

LSU ties game with 37-yard FG

Wilson elects to take the field goal out of the injury timeout on the field for Aaron Anderson. Damian Ramos hits the 37-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3 against Alabama with 12:27 remaining in the second quarter.

Both teams have exchanged field goals in the first half, as both teams’ offenses continue to settle in.

LSU facing fourth down decision

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson faces an early big decision: go for it on a fourth-and-2 at the Alabama 20-yard line or take the field goal. Before heading off the injury tent, Aaron Anderson caught a 7-yard pass from Garrett Nussiemer to make it fourth-and-short for the Tigers.

End of first quarter: Alabama 3, LSU 0

Alabama gets on board with field goal

Despite the good starting field position, Alabama goes backward, setting up a 45-yard field goal attempt from kicker Conor Talty. His kick is true, however, sailing through the middle to give the Crimson Tide the first points of the game.

Alabama forces turnover

What looked like a huge LSU chunk play on third-and-5 from the Tigers’ 11 instead turns into a turnover, courtesy of the Alabama defense. Linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green punched the ball out of tight end Bauer Sharp and recovers it deep in LSU territory.

Alabama punts

The Crimson Tide get a nice chunk play off a 33-yard connection between Ty Simpson and Germie Bernard out to the Alabama 39-yard line, but follow that up with three straight incompletions (including two throwaways) to end the drive. Following a 40-yard punt by Blake Doud, LSU will take over at its own 7-yard line.

LSU misses field goal attempt

Another bend-don’t-break effort by Alabama’s defense sets LSU up with a field goal attempt from the Crimson Tide 13-yard line. But Tigers kicker Damian Ramos, who entered the game 14 of 17 on field goal attempts, kicked it wide right to negate the scoring opportunity.

Alabama turns ball over on downs

Alabama tries to catch LSU off guard with a fake on fourth-and-1, as Jam Miller takes the direct snap, but LSU linebacker West Weeks is all over it and tackles Miller for no gain. It was an interesting play-calling sequence by the Crimson Tide, as they called three consecutive run plays.

LSU takes over at its own 39-yard line.

Alabama starts on offense

After LSU won the toss and deferred the opening kickoff to the second half, Alabama gets its night started on offense with a 25-yard kickoff return from Lotzeir Brooks. Underway in Tuscaloosa!

Pregame

Dave Roberts at Alabama-LSU game

World Series champion manager Dave Roberts is in attendance for Alabama vs. LSU in Tuscaloosa. According to The Tuscaloosa News’ Colin Gay, the Los Angeles Dodgers manager is friends with Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer.

Ryan Williams status vs LSU

Ryan Williams looks to be a go against LSU. The Crimson Tide sophomore was removed from the final SEC injury report, which was released 90 minutes before the game on Saturday, Nov. 8, after being listed as ‘probable’ on the previous three.

What was Alabama football ranked in first CFP ranking?

Who is LSU football’s interim head coach vs Alabama?

Ty Simpson Heisman Trophy odds 

The first-year Alabama starting quarterback enters his Week 11 start vs. LSU with the third-best odds on BetMGM (+350) to win the 2025 Heisman Trophy. 

What time does Alabama vs LSU start?

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 8
• Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Alabama vs. LSU will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 8 from Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

What TV channel is Alabama vs LSU on today?

• TV: ABC
• Streaming: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

Alabama vs. LSU will be broadcast nationally on ABC in Week 11 of the 2025 college football season. Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy will broadcast the game from the booth at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with Molly McGrath reporting from the sidelines.

Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries ABC and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Stream Alabama vs. LSU football live with Fubo (free trial)

How to watch college football on ESPN, ABC without YouTube TV

Disney-owned channels such as ABC and the ESPN family of networks are no longer available on YouTube TV after it and Disney were unable to agree to new contract terms.

One way college football fans who subscribe to YouTube TV can stream games on Disney-owned channels is via Fubo, which carries ABC and the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Alabama vs LSU predictions

Colin Gay, The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama 32, LSU 21

‘Who knows what LSU could look like with interim coach Frank Wilson? With two weeks to prepare for Alabama, the Tigers could lead with one of the better pass offenses and pass defenses in the SEC. But, especially facing an Alabama pass rush that is finding its footing, and the best passing offense that it has faced all season, LSU has a tall task, one that should continue the Crimson Tide’s SEC success.’

Chase Goodbread, The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama 23, LSU 17

‘A lower-scoring affair could be in order. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier has struggled to be effective behind an underperforming offensive line. A full house at Bryant-Denny Stadium won’t make it any easier for him. But it likely won’t be an easy night for Alabama’s offense, either.’

Alabama schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Alabama’s 2025 schedule, including past scores and available kickoff and TV channel information:

• Saturday, Aug. 30: Florida State 31, Alabama 17
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Alabama 73, ULM 0
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Alabama 38, Wisconsin 14
• Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
• Saturday, Sept. 27: Alabama 24, No. 5 Georgia Tech
• Saturday, Oct. 4: Alabama 30, No. 16 Vanderbilt 14 *
• Saturday, Oct. 11: Alabama 27, No. 14 Missouri 24 *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: Alabama 37, No. 11 Tennessee 20 *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: Alabama 29, South Carolina 22 *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. LSU * | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
• Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. No. 12 Oklahoma * | 3:30 p.m. ET | ABC (Fubo)
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Eastern Illinois | 2 p.m. ET | SEC Network+
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at Auburn *

* Denotes SEC game

LSU schedule 2025

Here’s a look at LSU’s 2025 schedule, including past scores and available kickoff and TV channel information:

• Saturday, Aug. 30: LSU 17, No. 4 Clemson 10
• Saturday, Sept. 6: LSU 23, Louisiana Tech 7
• Saturday, Sept. 13: LSU 20, Florida 10
• Saturday, Sept. 20: LSU 56, Southeastern Louisiana 10
• Saturday, Sept. 27: No. 13 Ole Miss 24, LSU 19 *
• Saturday, Oct. 4: BYE
• Saturday, Oct. 11: LSU 20, South Carolina 10 *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: No. 17 Vanderbilt 31, LSU 24 *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: No. 3 Texas A&M 49, LSU 25 *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 8: at No. 4 Alabama * | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC (Fubo)
• Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. Arkansas * | 12:45 p.m. ET | SEC Network (Fubo)
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Western Kentucky
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at No. 12 Oklahoma *

* Denotes SEC game

The bars are staying open late tonight in Madison, Wisconsin.

For the first time in 63 days, Wisconsin football has won a game, as the Badgers defeated Washington 13-10 at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8. It is the first win for Luke Fickell’s squad in Big Ten play, moving their conference record this season to 1-5.

Given the drought the Badgers were on, fans didn’t hold back from getting their postgame celebrations underway as they stormed the field as the clock went triple zeros.

Wisconsin entered the week on a six-game losing skid, which featured losses to then-No. 19 Alabama, then-No. 20 Michigan, No. 1 Ohio State and two unranked defeats at home against Maryland and Iowa. The Badgers were a 10.5-point underdog against Washington, which was ranked No. 23 in the College Football Playoff top 25.

The Badgers also entered Saturday’s Big Ten game in a scoring drought at home, as they were shut out in back-to-back games against Iowa (37-0) and Ohio State (34-0) in their previous two home games. That drought was snapped at the 13:44 mark of the first quarter when Nathanial Vakos hit a 42-yard field goal.

The eventual game winner for the Badgers on Saturday against Washington was a 32-yard field goal from Vakos at the end of the third quarter. Badgers punter Sean West finished as the team’s leading passer, as he completed a 24-yard completion on a fake punt attempt.

Here’s another look at the field storming at Camp Randall from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s John Steppe:

The win also comes just a few days after Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh announced Fickell would return for the 2026 college football season amid the Badgers’ struggles.

‘I can see a path forward,’ McIntosh told the Journal Sentinel on Thursday on keeping Fickell. ‘I can see a plan that we can execute and I can see a way for us to be successful and competitive in ‘26 and beyond.

Does the Big Ten fine teams for rushing the field?

No. Unlike the SEC, Big 12 and ACC, there is no fine in place for fans who rush the field in the Big Ten. According to an ESPN article from Feb. 26, 2024, the Big Ten does have ‘punishments’ in place for such events.

‘• Big Ten: A discretionary fine can result on a third offense for failure to ‘provide adequate security for visiting teams from their arrival for a game through their departure.’ There is a private reprimand for a first offense; a public reprimand for second.’

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

AI-assisted summary
• Colorado lost to West Virginia 29-22, dropping the Buffaloes to a 3-7 record and eliminating them from bowl eligibility.
• Coach Deion Sanders confirmed a change in offensive play-callers but stated the team’s struggles are not the fault of one coach.
• Freshman Julian ‘JuJu’ Lewis made his first collegiate start at quarterback, throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns.

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders started a new quarterback at West Virginia on Saturday, one week after installing a new play-caller on offense against Arizona. But Colorado still lost to the Mountaineers, 29-22, dropping the Buffaloes to 3-7 this season and eliminating them from postseason bowl eligibility.

After the game, Sanders addressed a USA TODAY Sports report from Nov. 4 that said he changed his offensive play-caller after a 53-7 loss at Utah on Oct. 25. Instead of offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur calling the plays, passing game coordinator Brett Bartolone called plays during a 52-17 loss against Arizona last week and then again on Saturday in Morgantown.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Sanders said when asked about it. He then explained he has different coaches focused on the running game and the passing game. He also said it wasn’t Shurmur’s fault.

“Guys, it’s too easy to try to shoot at Pat or try to shoot at somebody,” Sanders said. “That’s too easy of a target. It’s not Pat’s fault. It’s not whatsoever. I told you guys to attack me, you know. It’s not, it’s not that. We collectively got to do a much better job, and let’s start with me. We got to do a much better job. You think I’m happy right now? You think I’m elated? You think this is what I want for these young men, for this university, for (athletic director) Rick (George)? You think this is what it’s about? It’s not. It’s not whatsoever. And we are so much better than what we’re doing right now.”

What happened in the game at West Virginia?

Sanders started his third different quarterback this season, this time giving freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis his first college start.  But in a battle of freshman quarterbacks, West Virginia’s Scott Fox Jr. came out on top in front of 55,510 in Morgantown, West Virginia. He completed 17-of-28 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. Lewis completed 22-of-35 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns.

Lewis led his team to a touchdown and two field goals on his final four drives, but it was too little, too late. Colorado kicker Alejandro Mata kicked a 38-yard field goal with 1:16 remaining to cut the lead to 29-22, but West Virginia recovered the ensuing onside kick attempt to salt away the game.

Colorado trailed the entire game after falling into a 9-0 hole in the first quarter.

“We’ve done everything you can think of to try to flip it,” Sanders said of his team’s current three-game losing streak.

Colorado’s new play-caller

TNT broadcast the game and also confirmed the USA TODAY Sports report about the change in play-callers, having spoken with Shurmur before the game.

Sanders has changed play-callers in the middle of a season previously, at Colorado in 2023 and at Jackson State in 2021. In 2023, he promoted Shurmur to play-caller and demoted offensive coordinator Sean Lewis, who left after the season to become head coach at San Diego State.

The offense didn’t get any better after Shurmur started calling plays that year, in large part because quarterback Shedeur Sanders was beaten up and injured. They lost their four remaining games after the switch. But Shurmur did help lead the Buffs to a 9-4 season last year. On Saturday, Colorado scored its most points since a 24-17 win against Iowa State Oct. 11, when Shurmur was still calling plays.

“I felt amazing playing football again, realistically as a starter,” Lewis said.

One week ago, Lewis was Colorado’s third-string quarterback. Now he’s the Buffs’ quarterback of the future. Colorado is off next week before finishing the regular season against Arizona State and at Kansas State.

“We’re playing for pride now,” Colorado safety Tawfiq Byard said.

Sanders is 16-19 in three seasons at Colorado.

“I don’t think we played a team that’s athletically and physically better than us,” Sanders said.  “I really don’t. I’ll stand on that.”

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

(This story was updated to add a photo gallery.)

To assist with your most difficult lineup decisions, you’ll find Week 10 fantasy football rankings below (scroll to the bottom for complete rankings). Toggle between standard, half PPR (point per reception), and full PPR to see where players rank in your league’s format.

Our team at the USA TODAY Sports Network also has you covered for all your fantasy football needs. Looking for up-to-date player news? We’ve got it. Need to know who the best starts and sits of the week are? We have an article for that. We also have fantasy defense rankings, kicker rankings, and a trade value chart to help with all your trade decisions.

Given the volatility of this league and fantasy football in particular, these rankings will be updated up until a half hour before the Sunday afternoon games kick off. Let’s get to it.

(The sleepers and streamers sections will focus on players available in at least half of Yahoo leagues. All snap and target data from PFF.)

Week 10 fantasy football quarterback sleepers and streamers

• Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy vs. Ravens – McCarthy might be the best widely-available add at the position. The 22-year-old has totaled 23.2 and 19.9 fantasy points in two of his three starts this season, and now he faces a Ravens defense that’s allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to the position.
• Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers at Chargers – Rodgers has been the epitome of a floor play in 2025. To date, he has yet to post fewer than 12 fantasy points in a game, and he has also surpassed 16 in three of his last four outings. In Week 10, he’ll square off against a Chargers defense that’s allowed four quarterbacks to surpass 17 fantasy points against it.
• Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota vs. Lions – A brutal injury to Jayden Daniels means that Mariota will be taking over at quarterback in Washington. The 32-year-old will face the Lions, who have ceded the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing signal-callers.

Week 10 fantasy football running back sleepers and streamers

• New England Patriots RB Terrell Jennings at Buccaneers – With Rhamondre Stevenson out last week, rookie TreVeyon Henderson played 75% of the snaps and racked up 19 opportunities. However, despite playing just 17 snaps, Jennings garnered 11 carries and one target, turning that volume into 44 total yards and a score. Jennings also received three of the backfield’s five red zone carries. With Stevenson ruled out this week, Jennings is in play against a Bucs defense that’s allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs.
• New York Giants RB Devin Singletary at Bears – Tyrone Tracy Jr. was widely expected to be the lead back following Cam Skattebo’s injury. Still, it was actually Singletary who led the team last week. The 28-year-old finished first in snaps (32 to 25) and opportunities (10 to 9), while running just four fewer routes (15 to 19). Singletary is a solid streamer in a decent matchup versus the Bears.
• Jacksonville Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten at Texans (31%) – Last week, Tuten finished third behind Travis Etienne and LeQuint Allen Jr. in both snaps and routes. However, the rookie did finish fifth among all running backs with six red zone carries, and potential touchdown equity makes him a viable streaming option for desperate managers in deeper leagues, even in a tough matchup.

Week 10 fantasy football wide receiver sleepers and streamers

• Buccaneers WR Tez Johnson vs. Patriots – Johnson was the clear WR2 on the Bucs in Week 8 with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out of the lineup. The 23-year-old placed second on the team in snaps (41) and targets (6) while finishing tied for first in routes (41). With Godwin out of the lineup, Johnson is a top streaming option in a mediocre matchup.
• Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson vs. Eagles – With tight end Tucker Kraft out for the season, Watson is suddenly very much on the fantasy radar. Kraft was the passing game’s primary threat for explosive plays, a role Watson will now have to fill. It’s worth noting that rookie wideout Matthew Golden is banged up, as well. The 26-year-old Watson is a high-upside sleeper against an Eagles secondary that’s surrendering the 10th-most yards per game to receivers.
• Indianapolis Colts WR Alec Pierce vs. Falcons – While he has yet to reach the end zone, Pierce has now racked up at least 67 receiving yards in five of his last six outings. The volume has been there as well, as the 25-year-old ranks fifth at the position in targets over the last three weeks. That kind of usage makes him an intriguing flex play, even against a Falcons team that’s allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wideouts in 2025.
• New York Giants WR Darius Slayton at Bears – Slayton got an elite 90% snap share in Week 9, and that came with a serviceable 22% target share. Slayton ended up leading the team with 62 receiving yards and he’ll get a much friendlier draw this week. In Week 10, the Giants face a Bears team that’s allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts.

Week 10 fantasy football tight end sleepers and streamers

• Chicago Bears TE Colston Loveland vs. Giants – Loveland exploded against the Bengals last week, catching six of his seven targets for 118 yards and two scores. While he won’t get to face Cincinnati this week, the performance still puts him on the streaming radar. The Giants have ceded more than 16 half-PPR points to a tight end in two of their last four games.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Cade Otton vs. Patriots – In Week 8, Otton played all but two snaps and finished third on the team in routes (22) and targets (5). That marked the fourth straight game in which Otton had garnered at least five targets. He’s a solid start against a Patriots defense that’s allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to the position this season.

Week 10 fantasy football defense (D/ST) sleepers and streamers

• Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST at Texans – With C.J. Stroud out, the Texans will have to turn to Davis Mills at quarterback. In 26 career starts, Mills has thrown 24 picks, taken 59 sacks, and lost four fumbles. The Jaguars’ defense could feast this week.
• Carolina Panthers D/ST vs. Saints – Only three teams have allowed more fantasy points to opposing defenses than the Saints. Over its last three contests, New Orleans’ opponents have totaled 10 sacks, six interceptions, four fumble recoveries, and one touchdown. Meanwhile, Carolina has ranked inside the top-10 in two of its last three games.

Week 10 fantasy football kicker sleepers and streamers

• Chicago Bears K Cairo Santos vs. Giants
• Buffalo Bills K Matt Prater at Dolphins

Week 10 fantasy football rankings: PPR and non-PPR

Montana football, undefeated in Division I FCS, caught an all-time break against Eastern Washington on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Schakel fumbled the ball, losing his grip as he attempted to slam the ball into the ground to set up a final play for the game-winner. Eastern Washington recovered the ball, but the clock had already expired.

Montana ultimately avoided a scare against the 4-6 Eagles, improving to 10-0 in 2025.

In Schakel’s defense, Eastern Washington wouldn’t have been in a position to win if it wasn’t for the redshirt freshman quarterback. He completed 43 of 63 passes for 451 yards with two touchdowns to two interceptions on the day.

‘(Jake) stood in there and made a ton of plays, over and over again,’ Eastern Washington coach Aaron Best said after the game. ‘He stood the test of all the pressures and situations. That was a memorable one and our guys fought. They gave everything they had and that’s all we asked. We’ll bounce back and we’ll be better for it knowing we just took the number two team in the country toe-to-toe and five yards away from winning the game.’

Montana led 22-0 after the first quarter before Schakel and Eastern Washington mounted a comeback that fell just short. Eastern Washington made the score 29-24 with 61 seconds left after a Schakel touchdown throw. The Eagles then recovered the onside kick, setting up the potential game-winning drive.

EWU drove 44 yards in four plays before the fumbled spike attempt. They couldn’t quite pull off the upset with the late-game blunder, but may have found their quarterback of the future.