College football Week 11 overreactions: Fernando Mendoza won Heisman? ACC out of playoff?

Only three weeks remain incollege football's regular season. But while that might not seem like much, in this sport three weeks can be an eternity.

The weather might feel cooler, but emotions are only heating up. So with a whole lot of matters yet to be determined on the field, there's still room for overreaction even at this late stage of the campaign.

In our top five overreactions of Week 11, we'll delve into a so-calledHeisman moment in Happy Valley, an act of chicanery that still has folks buzzing, and the plight of a couple of entire conferences.

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Fernando Mendoza just won the Heisman

Well, he almost certainly earned a trip to New York for the ceremony withthat game-saving drive at Penn State, and he'd better give a shoutout to Omar Cooper Jr. in his acceptance speech if he does win the stiff-arm statue.

Let's be clear on a couple of points, though. There shouldn't be any such thing as a Heisman moment. Of course there are highlights and memorable plays central to any winning player's season. But the award is supposed to be based on the candidate's overall body of work during the year. With so many meaningful games to come, including the conference championship games that voters will also consider before submitting ballots, the trophy is not a done deal just yet.

Mendoza is undoubtedly at the head of the pack, and he's delivered with the game on the line before. But it is also fair to point out that a couple of mistakes on his part contributed to his team needing that miraculous finish in order to stay undefeated. Hold those ballots until all the datapoints are in.

Southern California's fake punt was the greatest trick play or heinous ethical violation

OK, in all honesty only the most die-hardTrojans' fans are posing the first half of that dichotomy. But while our couching of the case against the trickery might be a bit over the top – this is Overreaction HQ, after all –, there was arebuke from the Big Ten office.

To refresh everyone's memory, USC lined up in punt formation on fourth-and-6 when its game with Northwestern was still tied at 7-7. But instead of the Trojans' regular punter, a backup quarterback wearing the same number took the snap and completed a 10-yard pass for a first down. There are often multiple players with the same number on college rosters, but participants playing the same position cannot wear the same number during a game.

Later, Jason Benetti learns that this is actually USC backup QB Sam Huard throwing on the fake punt.Huard is the nephew of Benetti's former broadcast partner, Brock."My phone is going to be a disaster if Brock watches this. An absolute disaster."pic.twitter.com/pPwzgTrECOhttps://t.co/Tm6JF6hbWa

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing)November 8, 2025

It can be argued that the letter of the rule was not violated since the pregame roster indicated both players as being assigned the number in question. But they shouldn't have been allowed to do so, according to the Big Ten.

The ACC could miss the playoff

Strictly speaking, no conference champion is guaranteed a berth in the 12-team playoff. The format stipulates that the field will consist of the five highest-ranked conference champs with seven at-large teams. It was a bad weekend for the ACC's highest-rated teams, but could the eventual winner really be just the sixth best qualifier and get left out altogether? It's unlikely, but such a nightmare scenario is at least conceivable.

First and foremost, it's worth remembering that no teams from outside the so-called power conferences appeared in the playoff committee's initial top 25 last week, so it's improbable representatives from two other leagues would overtake the ACC champ. Unless – a team with four losses already somehow wins the ACC, and yes, there is one that could do exactly that.

None of Duke's three out-of-conference defeats are especially egregious, as Illinois, Tulane and Connecticut are all bowl-eligible. And, with just one league setback, the Blue Devils are still very much in the mix to play for the conference crown. Should they win it, and, say, Tulane – with a head-to-head victory over Duke remember – wins the American, and James Madison claims the Sun Belt title with a 12-1 overall mark?

There are a lot of ifs there, and it is worth pointing out that JMU's lone loss came at the hands of Louisville, which might dissuade the committee from elevating the Dukes ahead of the ACC champ regardless. Furthermore, Hawaii might have removed another possible complication by beating San Diego State in the wee hours, leaving the Mountain West with no one-loss candidates. So there's no need to panic at ACC headquarters yet, but these next three weeks are going to be a wild ride.

The Big 12 is still getting only one bid

Is the ACC's loss the Big 12's gain? Well, not necessarily. The committee clearly had a more favorable impression of the conference than it did at this time last season. But since Brigham Young wasn't able to keep its game at Texas Tech competitive, the Cougars are likely to take a tumble in the next set of rankings. There might still be room for the Red Raiders and another conference member, but it might take some help.

Ironically, it might be an ACC member that provides that assistance. If Pittsburgh upends Notre Dame next week, handing theFighting Irisha third loss in the process with one marquee wins to speak of, that might open up another at-large spot. Of course, there would be other candidates from the SEC and Big Ten trying to fill that potential opening as well, and, well, the Irish might not provide such an opening anyway. Which leads to the final consideration this week …

All Notre Dame has to do is get to 10-2 and it's in

That's probably the case given the initial rankings, though it would help if the past and future opponents of the Fighting Irish win some more games as well. Would a third loss be fatal? Perhaps not definitively so with other teams in the general vicinity also likely to take additional 'L's, but they'd be well advised not to tempt the fates.

The Pittsburgh game Saturday looms as the toughest assignment for Marcus Freeman's team. Syracuse and Stanford to finish should be walkover, meaning we will know a lot more in this space next week.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:College football Week 11 overreactions on Heisman, ACC playoff case

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November 10, 2025

College football Week 11 overreactions: Fernando Mendoza won Heisman? ACC out of playoff?

Only three weeks remain incollege football's regular season. But while that might not seem like much, in this sport ...

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10 biggest MLB hot stove questions, from top free agents to latest trade rumors

They will gather this week at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Hotel playing cards, throwing dice, talking shop and trying to con their buddies.

It's the annualMajor League BaseballGeneral Manager Meetings in Las Vegas where they will stage the ultimate game.

They will have you believing their ownership has no money, only to fork over $400 million for free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker or sign starters Framber Valdez and Dylan Cease.

MLB FREE AGENT RANKINGS:Top 79 players available this winter

They'll convince you thatMunetaka Murakamiis nothing more than an overhyped strikeout machine out of Japan, but quietly slip in as one of the top bidders for the power-hitting infielder. They'll publicly deny that Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and others stars are on the trade market, only to tell 29 other GMs to make their best offer, but to keep it quiet.

They'll bemoan trying to compete with theLos Angeles Dodgers, only to boldly tell their ownership that one shrewd move will make them the team to finally topple the two-time defending World Series champions.

"Everyone lies at these things," one veteran GM said. "That's what we do. You never know what to believe. Everyone says they don't have money when they do. The truth comes out in spring training and you find out who lied the least."

MLB has privately told owners that teams lost $1.8 billion last year, led by theNew York Metswith about $350 million in losses but, of course, that's paper money. It doesn't reveal the financial growth in franchise value, record revenues, or that their owner is worth $21 billion.

Whether the losses will have any effect, or simply be shrugged off, it will be a constant theme heard from the dealers to the slots to the sports bookies.

Here are the top 10 questions heading into the GM Meetings, and by the time things conclude Thursday, maybe then, will we at least have some hints to answers.

1. Will teams spend like usual or stash away money for a lockout fund?

No one knows for sure, but there wasn't a single GM interviewed by USA TODAY Sports who was told by their ownership that they will spend less because of a potential lockout.

"We had the same thing going into the 2021 season and it didn't stop teams from spending," one NL GM said. "I don't see it having any effect, Now, a year from now, may be a completely different story. But not now. I haven't heard that from any team."

2. Which teams are expected to be the most aggressive in free agency?

–Los Angeles Dodgers: Just freed up $87 million, with Clayton Kershaw, Michael Conforto, Chris Taylor and Kirby Yates off the books. They'll still be aggressive as anyone and will come away at the least with a high-priced closer.

–New York Mets: They embarrassed themselves by having the biggest payroll and failed to make the playoffs. And owner Steve Cohen hates to be embarrassed. They'll come up with one, if not two front-line starters

– Baltimore Orioles: They can't afford to miss the postseason again or GM Mike Elias' job is on the line. They have to bring in a front-line starter

– New York Yankees: They must spend just to keep up with the rest of the powerful AL East and will either bring back Cody Bellinger or sign Kyle Tucker.

–Atlanta: President Terry McGuirk recently told shareholders they plan to be a top-five payroll team, which means adding about $50 million to their player budget.

–Toronto Blue Jays: They just earned an extra $50 million or so in revenue from their World Series run. They'll put it right back into the team and could be the favorite for Kyle Tucker.

See the Dodgers' World Series winning moment and champagne-soaked party

3. What team could be the hot stove's biggest sleeper?

TheChicago Cubsknow that finishing second to theMilwaukee Brewersin the NL Central every year is inexcusable, and with Tucker expected to depart for greater riches, they'll have plenty of money to burn. They want another corner outfielder, and will be shopping in the expensive aisle for starting pitching, with fellow GMs predicting they could land Framber Valdez and/or Dylan Cease.

4. Where will Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman land?

Tucker, a native of Tampa, will sign with the Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays or Los Dodgers, GMs predict. The San Francisco Giants are a darkhorse, but considering they still owe Rafael Devers $250 million, are in the second year of a seven-year, $182 million contract with Willy Adames and the second of a six-year, $151 million extension with Matt Chapman, there's only so many nine-figure contracts the Giants can seemingly afford. They are paying $137 million alone to their top six players next year: Devers, Chapman, Adames, Robbie Ray, Logan Webb and Jung Hoo Lee. And don't forget they are paying a record $10.5 million in salaries for a manager in 2026 – $4 million to fired Bob Melvin, $3.5 million tonew manager Tony Vitelloand $3 million to Tennessee for Vitello's buyout.

Don't be surprised if the Blue Jays are the perfect fit.

Bichette, who was expected to depart Toronto a year ago and whose name surfaced a year ago in trade talks now is expected to stay put to complete their goodwill tour.

Bregman won't get $40 million a year from the Red Sox after walking away from $80 million over two years, but the Red Sox still make the most sense, particularly with the Tigers proving they can win without him and the Cubs finding a third baseman with rookie Matt Shaw.

5. Does Pete Alonso finally find a permanent home with the Mets?

Nope. David Stearns, Mets president of baseball operations, was ready to let Alonso walk last year. Alonso had a monster year but they still missed the playoffs, making it easier to walk away now. They are preaching defense or in the words of Stearns, "run prevention," and are expected to let him depart unless he signs a deal they can't turn down. GMs are predicting the perfect landing spot for Alonso must may be the Red Sox.

6. Will Tarik Skubal or Paul Skenes get traded?

No. And no.

The Pirates won't even listen to trade proposals for Skenes, so don't bother calling.

The Tigers will at least listen on Skubal, but would have to be completely overwhelmed. Considering that teams know that he won't sign an extension and plans to hit free agency in a year commanding the biggest deal or a pitcher in history, no one will dare up give up more than two top-10 prospects. The Tigers are expected to hang onto him until at least the July 2026 trade deadline.

7. Will thePhillieskeep DH Kyle Schwarber?

He's the heartbeat of their team and means everything to their clubhouse let alone his impact on the field with 187 homers the past four years. Still, tough decisions loom. The Phillies lost about $85 million last year, even after drawing 3.35 million fans, thanks to a $56 million luxury tax hit. They'll make some changes this winter, but desperately need Schwarber.

Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans

8. Is Munetaka Murakami the real deal?

The jury is out, and no one has a strong sense of just what he'll bring in the major leagues. The power is real, with five seasons of at least 30 homers and 246 homers in 892 games.

But so is the strikeout rate, which was at an alarming 29% last year against in Japan.

Most troubling, his contact rate was just 63% against pitches 93-mph or faster since 2022, according to FanGraphs. The average fastball in MLB last season was 94.5-mph. Scouts also believe he's more ideal as a third baseman than a first baseman.

If teams don't want to take the gamble on Murakami, they'll turn to Kazuma Okamoto, a 29-year-old corner infielder. He doesn't have the power of Murakami, but he's a better contact hitter with scouts believing he'll have an easier transition to big-league pitching.

9. Who's on the MLB trade block?

–Minnesota Twins starters Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez: The Twins have two of the greatest trade chips and could completely rebuild their organization by trading away the pitchers. Lopez still is under control for two more years at $21.5 million a season while Ryan still has two years of club control and is salary-arbitration eligible after earning $3 million last year.

– Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene: Despite their recent public denials, they still plan to listen to offers for Greene. Yet, unless they're completely overwhelmed and receive a return that will help them not only now but in the future, they'll keep him. He's owed only $39 million over the next three years with a $21 million club option in 2029. The Reds aren't going to find a better pitcher at a bigger discount rate.

– Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte: The Diamondbacks will ask for a lot in return, but they are definitely motivated in moving him with $71 million remaining through 2030. If they don't move him by mid-April, Marte will have 10-and-5 rights and a full no-trade provision.

– Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara: The Marlins never got the offer they wanted to move their former Cy Young winner, but this winter, are set to accept the best offer they receive, believing now is the time. He earns $17.3 million in 2026 with a $21 million club option in 2027.

– San Diego Padres All-Star right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr.: They certainly don't want to trade him, and still may not listen now, but with all of their bloated and back-loaded contracts, someone is going to eventually have to depart. And no one making big money has more trade value than Tatis, whose 14-year, $340 million contract suddenly looks rather reasonable.

– St. Louis Cardinals starter Sonny Gray: Gray is one of the finest starters on the trade block, but he's also earning $35 million this year and has a full no-trade clause. He has a $30 million club option in 2027. The Cardinals will have to eat some of the contract if they want to move him.

– Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker: Walker's name came up in trade talks with the Minnesota Twins when they landed Carlos Correa, and they'll gladly listen to all offers for him this winter trying to shed the remaining two years and $40 million in his contract.

– Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado: He rejected deals to the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels a year ago. This time around, he may not say no to anybody and will be willing to waive his no-trade clause to get out of town. The Cardinals will have to pay down some of the remaining $31 million left on his contract through 2027.

– Milwaukee Brewers starter Freddy Peralta:Despite the rumors and speculation, the Brewers are planning to keep him, knowing that at $8 million he's an absolute steal making 33 starts and striking out 200 batters, and they need him if they're going to run it back again.

– Washington Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore: The Nationals have a whole new front office, new coaching staff and new ideas. They are expected to use Gore, who has two more years of club control, as the trade bait to kick-start their new era.

– Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan: They nearly traded him to the Dodgers at the trade deadline and Los Angeles will come calling again. The price-tag will be high, but the Dodgers certainly have the prospect capital.

– Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran: The Red Sox believe that they need an upgrade over Duran, and that he needs a fresh start. It would a huge surprise if he's in Fort Myers, Fla., come spring training.

– Miami Marlins starter Edward Cabrera: He still has three more years of control, and is coming off his best season, but he has never had more trade value than now after never pitching 100 innings before last season.

– Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller: You can't have Paul Skenes, but Mitch Keller, who was in trade talks last summer with the Chicago Cubs, is more than available. He still has three more years left on his deal that pays him $15.9 million in 2026, $18.4 million in 2027 and $20.4 million in 2028. And the Pirates love nothing more than saving money.

– Athletics starter Luis Severino: Severino, who signed a three-year, $67 million contract last winter with the Athletics, has made it clear that he doesn't like pitching in Sacramento. The A's have made it clear they don't like him constantly complaining about it. Both sides are willing to move on.

– Yankees prospect Spencer Jones: After floating his name in trade talks for the past year, the Yankees could finally move one of their top prospects.

10. Will trades go down at the GM Meetings?

Well, there likely won't be a single trade consummated, but the best trade was engineered three months ago by the Toronto Blue Jays.

They took the gamble of trading for pitching prospect Khal Stephen for Shane Bieber, who was still recovering from Tommy John surgery. Bieber produced just as they hoped, leading them to Game 7 of the World Series by yielding a 3.57 ERA in seven regular-season starts and a 3.87 ERA in five playoff appearances. Then, Bieber decided to exercise his opt-in and stay next season for $16 million. Considering he had a $4 million buyout, he's actually staying for $12 million, the price of an 8th-inning reliever these days.

The Blue Jays, a team where free agents once used in leverage, but avoid, suddenly has become the ultimate destination spot for free agents.

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:MLB hot stove free agent rumors, 10 biggest questions, trade targets

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November 10, 2025

10 biggest MLB hot stove questions, from top free agents to latest trade rumors

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Belgium's Courtois likely to miss World Cup qualifiers due to muscle injury

BRUSSELS (AP) — Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to miss Belgium's upcoming World Cup qualifiers because of a muscle injury.

Madrid said in a statement on Monday the 33-year-old Courtois has been diagnosed with an injury "to the long abductor muscle in his right leg" after undergoing medical tests with the club. The Spanish league side did not specify how long he will be sidelined, saying only that "his recovery will be assessed."

The Belgian federation has yet to comment on the announcement. Belgium is already missingKevin De Bruyne, who has a severe lesion to his thigh muscle and is out for several months.

Belgium currently tops Group J ahead of North Macedonia and Wales. It faces Kazakhstan in Astana on Saturday before hosting Liechtenstein in Liège on Nov. 18. The Red Devils will qualify directly for next year's World Cup in the United States if they beat Kazakhstan.

Courtois returned to the Belgium team in March after a 21-month absence. He abruptlyleft the teamin June 2023 ahead of a European Championship qualifier after falling out with Belgium's then-coach, Domenico Tedesco. Their feud, which began over a captaincy dispute and was dubbed "Courtoisgate," quickly escalated and damaged their relationship beyond repair.

Theappointment of Rudi Garciaas the new coach this year paved the way for Courtois' return. The veteran goalkeeper has made 107 appearances for Belgium.

AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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November 10, 2025

Belgium's Courtois likely to miss World Cup qualifiers due to muscle injury

BRUSSELS (AP) — Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to miss Belgium's upcoming World Cup qualifiers ...

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Scott Hamilton Reveals Why He Stopped Ice Skating — And It's Not For the Reason You'd Think (Exclusive)

John A. Russell

NEED TO KNOW

• Scott Hamilton reveals why he decided to hang up his ice skates

• He also talks about heading to Milan for next year's Winter Olympics as a broadcaster

• On Nov. 23, he'll also host his annual Scott Hamilton and Friends fundraiser for cancer research

Scott Hamilton, the legendary ice skater who won the United States' very first Olympics gold medal for men's figure skating back in 1984, says he no longer gets on the ice.

Is it because he's sacred of slipping and breaking a hip? His ankles could give way?

None of the above.

"See, when you get to be a certain age...I'm 67 now, and nobody, NOBODY — I say that in all caps — wants to see a 67-year-old man in spandex. No one," he tells PEOPLE with a laugh.

While he may no longer do triple-axels while donning tight suits and sequins, he is still very much involved in the world of skating.

Next February, Hamilton will be in Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, bringing his signature exuberance and joy to the broadcasting booth, and on Nov. 23, he's putting on his annual Scott Hamilton and Friendsfundraiser, which brings music and ice skating together to raise money for hisCARESFoundation.

John A. Russell

Figure skaters rocking the rink this year will include Olympians Jeremy Abbott, Nathan Chen, Keegan Messing, Mariah Bell, Polina Edmunds and Sinead Kerr Marshall with partner John Kerr, alongside viral sensation Elladj Baldé and Maxim Naumov.

"We also have lead singers from Loverboy, Chicago, Journey, Kansas and REO Speedwagon," he says of this year's musical performers, all of whom are joining to form one superband for the night.

"Back in the day, I would've killed to get a backstage pass to see or meet or to be in the same proximity as these guys, and now I'm producing them at my show. It's like, 'Are you kidding me?!' "

Hamilton's CARES Foundation partners with cancer research centers that focus on cures that don't leave lasting harm to the patient — a mission close to Hamilton's heart, afterhe recovered from prostate cancerin 1997.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo

"For so long, chemotherapy, traditional radiation, all the surgeries that have traditionally been used, they create harm in the patient. We like to partner with like-minded organizations to elevate specific cancer research — immunotherapy, targeted therapy, proton therapy — anything that will treat the cancer and spare the patient harm," Hamilton explains.

Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation

He says everything he's seen throughout his years as a fundaiser and activist gives him a positive outlook when it comes to the future of cancer treatments.

"Everything I've learned, everything I've seen, everything I've witnessed, everything that I believe to be true says that there'll be a time, probably in my lifetime — and I'm 67, so it's not like I've got decades and decades left — is that there will be a day wherenoone dies of cancer."

Read the original article onPeople

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November 10, 2025

Scott Hamilton Reveals Why He Stopped Ice Skating — And It's Not For the Reason You'd Think (Exclusive)

John A. Russell NEED TO KNOW Scott Hamilton reveals why he decided to hang up his ice skates He also talks about heading to Milan for ne...

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Ohio State replaces Indiana at No. 1 in college football's NCAA Re-Rank 1-136

Ohio State returns to No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank 1-136, replacingIndianaafter theHoosiers struggled to pull out a last-second winagainst Penn State inWeek 11 of the college football season.

The razor-thin margin separating the two best teams in the Big Ten comes down to theBuckeyes' stunning amount of game control in conference play. All six conference wins, four on the road, have come by at least 18 points while the Hoosiers have a pair of single-digit road wins against Iowa and theNittany Lions.

Indiana ranks 10th in the Bowl Subdivision with 7.02 yards per play. The Buckeyes are two spots behind at 6.99 yards per play. The Ohio State passing game is more productive, ranking second in the Power Four with 9.9 yards per pass and leading the nation in completing 80.5% of attempts.

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Defensively, the Buckeyes leads the FBS in allowing 211.5 yards per game and 3.8 yards per play. Indiana isn't far behind, though, ranking fifth with 257.1 yards per play and tied for 13th with 4.62 yards per play.

The overall gap might be microscopic — but it's a comparison the Buckeyes win. Texas A&M remains a somewhat distant No. 3 aftersending another road crowd home early in a 38-17 win against Missouri. Next comes No. 4 Alabama, No. 5 Georgia, No. 6 Oregon, No. 7 Mississippi and then No. 8 Texas Tech, which moves up one spot after beating Brigham Young 29-7.

One team making a noticeable climb in this week's re-rank is No. 10 Texas, which rises five spots and moves ahead of No. 11 Oklahoma, No. 12Georgia Techand No. 13 Vanderbilt. TheLonghornshave wins against theSoonersandCommodores.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:College football re-rank sees Ohio State back leading NCAA 1-136

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November 10, 2025

Ohio State replaces Indiana at No. 1 in college football's NCAA Re-Rank 1-136

Ohio State returns to No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank 1-136, replacingIndianaafter theHoosiers struggled to p...

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