1) Alabama Holds Off Georgia in Wild Finish
In a thrilling SEC showdown, No. 4 the University of Alabama Crimson Tide survived a late resurgence from the No. 2 University of Georgia Bulldogs, winning 41-34 on Saturday, Sept. 28. Alabama built a 28-point lead that evaporated when Georgia scored 19 points before a game-changing play in the final minutes.
Wide receiver Ryan Williams delivered a stunning 75-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Jalen Milroe with just over two minutes remaining to put the Crimson Tide ahead.
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck attempted a last-ditch effort slinging the ball in the end zone with time expiring, but freshman defensive back Zabien Brown sealed the win by intercepting a pass in the end zone which gave Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer a victory in his SEC conference debut.
2) Ravens Even Record with Derrick Henry’s Huge Game in 35-10 Win
Running back Derrick Henry powered the Baltimore Ravens offense to a 35-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Sept. 29. He rushed for 199 yards on 24 carries and scored two touchdowns.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson also had a strong performance, throwing for two touchdowns and adding another on the ground.
The Ravens’ defense played a key role, stifling Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense, holding them to just one touchdown. With this commanding win, Baltimore improved to 2-2 on the season, to bounce back after a rough start to the season.
3) Daniels Shines as Commanders Cruise to Third Straight Win
Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to impress, quickly transforming the Commanders into a rising force in the NFL.
On Sunday, Sept. 29, the Commanders delivered a 42-14 blowout victory against the Arizona Cardinals. Daniels threw for 26 of 30 attempts, 233 yards and one touchdown. This performance has helped him maintain an impressive 82% completion rate early in his career.
The Commanders’ offense has been firing on all cylinders, scoring 30 or more points in consecutive games for the first time since 2017, as they secured their third straight win.
4) Knicks Land Karl-Anthony Towns in Blockbuster Trade with Timberwolves
The New York Knicks have acquired All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a trade on Wednesday, Oct. 2. They sent Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick in return.
Towns, a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection will now suit up for the Knicks as they aim for a deeper playoff push.
While Towns brings significant star power, the Timberwolves are hoping DiVincenzo adds a solid backcourt presence alongside Anthony Edwards. However, fitting Randle into Minnesota’s system, especially as he ages, could present challenges for the team.
5) Arthur Fils Clinches Tokyo Open with Gritty Win
French rising star Arthur Fils capped off a remarkable run in the Tokyo Open with a dramatic victory over fellow countryman and Paris Olympics doubles partner Ugo Humbert on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Fils fought off a match point in a tense second-set tie-break before emerging victorious with a 5-7, 7-6(6), 6-3 win. The 20-year-old showcased his resilience throughout the tournament, taking down four Top 20 players, including top seed Taylor Fritz, defending champion Ben Shelton, Holger Rune and Humbert.
The majority of his wins came in three sets, with his semi-final against Rune decided by two tightly contested tie-breaks. Fils became the youngest champion in Tokyo in over 40 years. The championship win marks Fils’ second ATP 500 title, having previously won in Hamburg.