The Big Ten Conference announced Sunday afternoon football game matchups for Week 9 Champions Week games.&nbsp; Nebraska will travel to Piscataway, N.J., to take on Rutgers on Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT. The game from Rutgers' SHI Stadium will be televised on Big Ten Network. The matchup is Nebraska's first with Rutgers since 2017 and just the fifth all-time meeting between the schools. Nebraska holds a 4-0 edge in the series, including a win at Rutgers in 2015.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Big Ten Conference announced Sunday afternoon football game matchups for Week 9 Champions Week games.&nbsp; Nebraska will travel to Piscataway, N.J., to take on Rutgers on Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT. The game from Rutgers' SHI Stadium will be televised on Big Ten Network. The matchup is Nebraska's first with Rutgers since 2017 and just the fifth all-time meeting between the schools. Nebraska holds a 4-0 edge in the series, including a win at Rutgers in 2015.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Huskers and Scarlet Knights Meet Friday on BTN

By ERIC OLSON-AP College Football Writer

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Mohamed Ibrahim ran for two touchdowns following Nebraska turnovers, and a Minnesota team missing nearly three dozen players to COVID-19 protocols or injuries left Memorial Stadium with a stunning 24-17 win on Saturday after being idle three weeks.

Ibrahim scored on fourth-and-goal from the 1 to give Minnesota a 10-point lead early in the fourth quarter after Adrian Martinez fumbled at the Nebraska 39.

Connor Culp's 30-yard field goal cut it to 24-17 with 4:42 left. The Gophers then called on Ibrahim to finish off the game, having him carry six straight times for 59 yards before they went into victory formation at the Nebraska 6.

"Through the stuff we've had to go through, we've become closer and our bond has grown," quarterback Tanner Morgan said. "Guys want to do things for each other at an even higher level than before. It's a lot of fun being around the guys. Having fun was something we talked a lot about this week. Having fun playing the game, having fun with each other. Our guys definitely did that."

The Gophers (3-3, 3-3 Big Ten) had their last two games canceled because of a COVID-19 outbreak on the team, and most of their missing 33 players were in the conference's 21-day return to play protocol.

It also was Minnesota's first game without star wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who opted out Nov. 25, and the Gophers were down to four defensive linemen, two tight ends and they also were depleted on the offensive line.

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck gave part of the credit for the win to the team's medical staff, which helped manage the fallout from the virus.

"I do believe unless you're in a college football or college basketball locker room right now, I don't think anybody has any idea how hard this is," Fleck said. "Constantly changing roster, roster management, injuries on top of it, opt-outs, players testing positive for COVID two days before a game.

"We don't have enough players to put a scout team out there (at practice). We had 22 days off. There's a mental, physical and emotional toll this year has taken on athletes."

Nebraska (2-5, 2-5), which beat Purdue on the road last week, hasn't won back-to-back Big Ten games since 2018.

"I'm hurting for the kids," Huskers coach Scott Frost said. "I love the team. I thought the energy and preparation were really good. We just didn't play very well."

Ibrahim finished with 108 yards on 20 carries and Tanner Morgan was 17 of 30 for 181 yards.

The Gophers, who came to Lincoln as 10-point underdogs, took a 17-14 lead into the final quarter. They had gone ahead late in the first half after a targeting penalty on cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt kept alive a 75-yard scoring drive that started with Cam Wiley sprinting 61 yards down the sideline.

Taylor-Britt went helmet-to-helmet with Morgan while stopping him short on a third-down run. That set up Minnesota inside the 10, and Morgan threw to tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford in the back of the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown.

The Gophers opened the scoring after Tyler Nubin intercepted a tipped pass at the Huskers' 35 in the middle of the first quarter. On fourth-and-1, Seth Green replaced Morgan and lined up in wildcat formation. He stepped to the side as a direct snap went to Ibrahim, who broke through the middle for a 26-yard touchdown.

Luke McCaffrey threw the interception two plays after replacing starter Adrian Martinez, who appeared to get his left (non-throwing) hand dinged. Martinez returned for the next series.

Nebraska managed only 1.9 yards per play on its first three possessions against the statistically worst defense in the Big Ten.

"We just wanted our players to play with incredible effort and for each other, and I thought they did that," Fleck said. "They gave us everything they had."

Minnesota: This ranks as one of the guttiest wins in recent memory for a team ravaged by the virus. Ibrahim has been the bell cow for the Gophers, but they discovered young running back talent in Wiley and at receiver in Daniel Jackson to fill the void created by Bateman.

Nebraska: Whatever can go wrong for the Huskers does. The two turnovers were costly, and the defense lost Taylor-Britt to a targeting call for the second time this season and playmaking linebacker Luke Reimer to injury in the first quarter.

It was the first December game in Memorial Stadium history. The weather fit the time of year. About 3 inches of snow fell overnight and was piled behind the sidelines. The temperature was 32 degrees with a light north breeze at kickoff. The stadium opened in 1923.

Both teams are to play Dec. 19 against opponents to be announced by the Big Ten on Sunday.

By ERIC OLSON-AP College Football Writer LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Mohamed Ibrahim ran for two touchdowns following Nebraska turnovers, and a Minnesota team missing nearly three dozen players to COVID-19 protocols or injuries left Memorial Stadium with a stunning 24-17 win on Saturday after being idle three weeks.Ibrahim scored on fourth-and-goal from the 1 to give Minnesota a 10-point lead early in the fourth quarter after Adrian Martinez fumbled at the Nebraska 39.Connor Culp's 30-yard field goal cut it to 24-17 with 4:42 left. The Gophers then called on Ibrahim to finish off the game, having him carry six straight times for 59 yards before they went into victory formation at the Nebraska 6."Through the stuff we've had to go through, we've become closer and our bond has grown," quarterback Tanner Morgan said. "Guys want to do things for each other at an even higher level than before. It's a lot of fun being around the guys. Having fun was something we talked a lot about this week. Having fun playing the game, having fun with each other. Our guys definitely did that."The Gophers (3-3, 3-3 Big Ten) had their last two games canceled because of a COVID-19 outbreak on the team, and most of their missing 33 players were in the conference's 21-day return to play protocol.It also was Minnesota's first game without star wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who opted out Nov. 25, and the Gophers were down to four defensive linemen, two tight ends and they also were depleted on the offensive line.Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck gave part of the credit for the win to the team's medical staff, which helped manage the fallout from the virus."I do believe unless you're in a college football or college basketball locker room right now, I don't think anybody has any idea how hard this is," Fleck said. "Constantly changing roster, roster management, injuries on top of it, opt-outs, players testing positive for COVID two days before a game."We don't have enough players to put a scout team out there (at practice). We had 22 days off. There's a mental, physical and emotional toll this year has taken on athletes."Nebraska (2-5, 2-5), which beat Purdue on the road last week, hasn't won back-to-back Big Ten games since 2018."I'm hurting for the kids," Huskers coach Scott Frost said. "I love the team. I thought the energy and preparation were really good. We just didn't play very well."Ibrahim finished with 108 yards on 20 carries and Tanner Morgan was 17 of 30 for 181 yards.The Gophers, who came to Lincoln as 10-point underdogs, took a 17-14 lead into the final quarter. They had gone ahead late in the first half after a targeting penalty on cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt kept alive a 75-yard scoring drive that started with Cam Wiley sprinting 61 yards down the sideline.Taylor-Britt went helmet-to-helmet with Morgan while stopping him short on a third-down run. That set up Minnesota inside the 10, and Morgan threw to tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford in the back of the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown.The Gophers opened the scoring after Tyler Nubin intercepted a tipped pass at the Huskers' 35 in the middle of the first quarter. On fourth-and-1, Seth Green replaced Morgan and lined up in wildcat formation. He stepped to the side as a direct snap went to Ibrahim, who broke through the middle for a 26-yard touchdown.Luke McCaffrey threw the interception two plays after replacing starter Adrian Martinez, who appeared to get his left (non-throwing) hand dinged. Martinez returned for the next series.Nebraska managed only 1.9 yards per play on its first three possessions against the statistically worst defense in the Big Ten."We just wanted our players to play with incredible effort and for each other, and I thought they did that," Fleck said. "They gave us everything they had."THE TAKEAWAYMinnesota: This ranks as one of the guttiest wins in recent memory for a team ravaged by the virus. Ibrahim has been the bell cow for the Gophers, but they discovered young running back talent in Wiley and at receiver in Daniel Jackson to fill the void created by Bateman.Nebraska: Whatever can go wrong for the Huskers does. The two turnovers were costly, and the defense lost Taylor-Britt to a targeting call for the second time this season and playmaking linebacker Luke Reimer to injury in the first quarter.LATEST GAME IN LINCOLNIt was the first December game in Memorial Stadium history. The weather fit the time of year. About 3 inches of snow fell overnight and was piled behind the sidelines. The temperature was 32 degrees with a light north breeze at kickoff. The stadium opened in 1923.UP NEXTBoth teams are to play Dec. 19 against opponents to be announced by the Big Ten on Sunday.

Gophers, missing 33 players, stun Huskers 24-17 after layoff

12.12.2020 NPHS Basketball vs GICC - LIVESTREAM

12.11.2020 NPHS Basketball vs Skutt

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Big Ten Conference dropped its six-game minimum requirement for the league championship game Wednesday, clearing the way for No. 3 Ohio State to take on No. 15 Northwestern in another chance for the Buckeyes to burnish their playoff credentials.

The Buckeyes (5-0) will try for their fifth straight conference title when they face the Wildcats (5-1) on Dec. 19 in Indianapolis. Ohio State finished the regular season with only five games after Michigan had to pull out of Saturday’s showdown because of COVID-19 issues.

The rule change had to be approved by the Big Ten Conference Administrators Council, which includes athletic directors, senior women’s administrators and presidents from all 14 schools.

“The decision was based on a competitive analysis which determined that Ohio State would have advanced to the Big Ten football championship game based on its undefeated record and head-to-head victory over Indiana, regardless of a win or loss against Michigan,” the Big Ten said in a statement.

The conference determined before the season that teams would have to play six of their eight scheduled games to qualify for the championship game. Ohio State — No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings and the conference’s only undefeated team — has missed three games because of issues with the pandemic.

The latest was the annual grudge match against Michigan, which canceled its trip to Columbus because of rising COVID-19 cases and players in quarantine. Falling a game short of the threshold set by the league, the Buckeyes would have been outside looking in.

Ohio State Coach Ryan Day said he was “appreciative” that other conference schools voted for the revision.

“A lot of changes have happened since that (six-game) recommendation was put in place,” Day said in a statement. “I know making this decision was not easy, and I am thankful for the opportunity our players will now have to play in Indianapolis as an undefeated East Division champion.”

Though Ohio State is already in the top four of the CFP rankings, a win against Northwestern could be important in seeding. The CFP selection committee said it ranks teams based on on-field performace, “using conference championships won, strength of schedule, head-to-head results and comparison of results against common opponents to decide among teams that are comparable.”

The ACC made a similar decision recently, guaranteeing a league title game between Clemson and Notre Dame with both teams also hoping for a CFP berth along with a conference championship.

The Big Ten change was made at the expense of surprising Indiana (6-1), which would have gone to the title game if the six-game rule had remained intact. The No. 9 Hoosiers, who lost 42-35 at Ohio State this season, had Saturday’s game against rival Purdue called off because of COVID-19 issues.

Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson said the Hoosiers were looking forward to completing one of the best seasons in program history.

“Although we understand the conference’s decision, we are disappointed,” Dolson said. “From the start of the year, we have said we can only control what we can control. We had a chance to earn our spot in the Big Ten championship game, but ultimately fell a touchdown short on the road against a great Ohio State team.”

AP College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo contributed to this report.

By MITCH STACY - Associated PressCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Big Ten Conference dropped its six-game minimum requirement for the league championship game Wednesday, clearing the way for No. 3 Ohio State to take on No. 15 Northwestern in another chance for the Buckeyes to burnish their playoff credentials.The Buckeyes (5-0) will try for their fifth straight conference title when they face the Wildcats (5-1) on Dec. 19 in Indianapolis. Ohio State finished the regular season with only five games after Michigan had to pull out of Saturday’s showdown because of COVID-19 issues.The rule change had to be approved by the Big Ten Conference Administrators Council, which includes athletic directors, senior women’s administrators and presidents from all 14 schools.“The decision was based on a competitive analysis which determined that Ohio State would have advanced to the Big Ten football championship game based on its undefeated record and head-to-head victory over Indiana, regardless of a win or loss against Michigan,” the Big Ten said in a statement.The conference determined before the season that teams would have to play six of their eight scheduled games to qualify for the championship game. Ohio State — No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings and the conference’s only undefeated team — has missed three games because of issues with the pandemic.The latest was the annual grudge match against Michigan, which canceled its trip to Columbus because of rising COVID-19 cases and players in quarantine. Falling a game short of the threshold set by the league, the Buckeyes would have been outside looking in.Ohio State Coach Ryan Day said he was “appreciative” that other conference schools voted for the revision.“A lot of changes have happened since that (six-game) recommendation was put in place,” Day said in a statement. “I know making this decision was not easy, and I am thankful for the opportunity our players will now have to play in Indianapolis as an undefeated East Division champion.”Though Ohio State is already in the top four of the CFP rankings, a win against Northwestern could be important in seeding. The CFP selection committee said it ranks teams based on on-field performace, “using conference championships won, strength of schedule, head-to-head results and comparison of results against common opponents to decide among teams that are comparable.”The ACC made a similar decision recently, guaranteeing a league title game between Clemson and Notre Dame with both teams also hoping for a CFP berth along with a conference championship.The Big Ten change was made at the expense of surprising Indiana (6-1), which would have gone to the title game if the six-game rule had remained intact. The No. 9 Hoosiers, who lost 42-35 at Ohio State this season, had Saturday’s game against rival Purdue called off because of COVID-19 issues.Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson said the Hoosiers were looking forward to completing one of the best seasons in program history.“Although we understand the conference’s decision, we are disappointed,” Dolson said. “From the start of the year, we have said we can only control what we can control. We had a chance to earn our spot in the Big Ten championship game, but ultimately fell a touchdown short on the road against a great Ohio State team.”___AP College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo contributed to this report.

Big Ten audible: Ohio State will play for title vs Wildcats

That was the message on twitter McCook fans saw around lunchtime on Dec 9th. It seemingly came out of nowhere with little warning. Head Coach Jeff Gross, who had been at the helm for 23 years was stepping aside.&nbsp;

He put together an impressive resume 22 playoff appearances 2 state titles (2003 and 2004) A record of 208 - 53 38 game winning streak (still longest in Class B)

He has been a staple of McCook Bison football, Class B football, and Nebraska football. Gross has said he will continue his duties as principal for the time being.&nbsp;

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After a great deal of reflection and discussion with my wife Diana and my children; Lexi and DJ, I have decided that it is time for me to step down as Head Football Coach at McCook High School. It has been an amazing 23 years as the Head Coach of the Bison.&mdash; Jeff Gross (@gross69001) <a href="https://twitter.com/gross69001/status/1336778452620480519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>That was the message on twitter McCook fans saw around lunchtime on Dec 9th. It seemingly came out of nowhere with little warning. Head Coach Jeff Gross, who had been at the helm for 23 years was stepping aside.&nbsp;He put together an impressive resume 22 playoff appearances 2 state titles (2003 and 2004) A record of 208 - 53 38 game winning streak (still longest in Class B)He has been a staple of McCook Bison football, Class B football, and Nebraska football. Gross has said he will continue his duties as principal for the time being.&nbsp;

Longtime McCook HS football coach steps down

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Big Ten athletic directors support removing the conference’s six-game minimum requirement for teams to be eligible to play for the league championship, and a vote is expected Wednesday to make it official, The Associated Press has learned.

Removing the minimum would clear the way for No. 3 Ohio State (5-0) to play in the Big Ten championship game on Dec. 19 against No. 15 Northwestern.

A person with knowledge of the Big Ten’s discussions told the AP on Wednesday that before the rule can officially be changed it must be voted on by ADs, senior women’s administrators and presidents.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Big Ten was not making its internal discussions public.

The conference determined before the season that teams would have to play six of their eight scheduled games to qualify for the championship game. But Ohio State — No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings and the conference’s best team — has missed three games because of COVID-19 issues, leaving it one short.

Movement on the rule Wednesday came a day after Michigan, citing a spike in COVID-19 cases, canceled its annual showdown with Ohio State scheduled for Saturday, leaving college football without one of its cornerstone rivalry games.

The Buckeyes played through what coach Ryan Day called a “mini outbreak” last weekend in a 52-12 win at Michigan State after he was relegated to watching the game from home. Day is among the coaches and players in the program who tested positive for the coronavirus, leading to Ohio State canceling a game at Illinois. The Buckeyes were unable to play an earlier game because of an outbreak at Maryland.

While outbreaks have disrupted more than 100 games across major college football since late August, the cancelation of the Ohio-State-Michigan game mattered because the undefeated Buckeyes have championship goals again this season.

Falling a game short of the threshold set by the league, the Buckeyes would have been outside looking in on the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis. Ohio State has won the last four conference titles.

The change was made at the expense of surprising Indiana (6-1), which would have gone to the title game if the six-game rule had remained intact. The No. 9 Hoosiers and Purdue both halted practices this week because of COVID-19 issues and then canceled their game scheduled for Saturday.

Day suggested on Tuesday that the conference’s six-game rule needed to be “looked at hard” to allow the Buckeyes in. He argued the rule was made early, before the pandemic caused delays and pauses that led to improvisational changes throughout the season.

By MITCH STACY - Associated PressCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Big Ten athletic directors support removing the conference’s six-game minimum requirement for teams to be eligible to play for the league championship, and a vote is expected Wednesday to make it official, The Associated Press has learned.Removing the minimum would clear the way for No. 3 Ohio State (5-0) to play in the Big Ten championship game on Dec. 19 against No. 15 Northwestern.A person with knowledge of the Big Ten’s discussions told the AP on Wednesday that before the rule can officially be changed it must be voted on by ADs, senior women’s administrators and presidents.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Big Ten was not making its internal discussions public.The conference determined before the season that teams would have to play six of their eight scheduled games to qualify for the championship game. But Ohio State — No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings and the conference’s best team — has missed three games because of COVID-19 issues, leaving it one short.Movement on the rule Wednesday came a day after Michigan, citing a spike in COVID-19 cases, canceled its annual showdown with Ohio State scheduled for Saturday, leaving college football without one of its cornerstone rivalry games.The Buckeyes played through what coach Ryan Day called a “mini outbreak” last weekend in a 52-12 win at Michigan State after he was relegated to watching the game from home. Day is among the coaches and players in the program who tested positive for the coronavirus, leading to Ohio State canceling a game at Illinois. The Buckeyes were unable to play an earlier game because of an outbreak at Maryland.While outbreaks have disrupted more than 100 games across major college football since late August, the cancelation of the Ohio-State-Michigan game mattered because the undefeated Buckeyes have championship goals again this season.Falling a game short of the threshold set by the league, the Buckeyes would have been outside looking in on the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis. Ohio State has won the last four conference titles.Full Coverage: College footballThe change was made at the expense of surprising Indiana (6-1), which would have gone to the title game if the six-game rule had remained intact. The No. 9 Hoosiers and Purdue both halted practices this week because of COVID-19 issues and then canceled their game scheduled for Saturday.Day suggested on Tuesday that the conference’s six-game rule needed to be “looked at hard” to allow the Buckeyes in. He argued the rule was made early, before the pandemic caused delays and pauses that led to improvisational changes throughout the season.___AP College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo contributed to this report.

AP source: Big Ten expected to let Ohio State play for title

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The NFL has suspended Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye six games without pay for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Boyue’s suspension means the Broncos (4-8) have lost their top three cornerbacks in a week. Bryce Callahan went on IR last week with a foot injury and rookie Essang Bassey sustained a season-ending knee injury Sunday against the Chiefs.

Bouye will be able to participate in the offseason and preseason practices and exhibition games next summer, but barring a successful appeal will still have to sit out the first two games of the 2021 regular season.

By ARNIE STAPLETON - Associated PressENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The NFL has suspended Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye six games without pay for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.Boyue’s suspension means the Broncos (4-8) have lost their top three cornerbacks in a week. Bryce Callahan went on IR last week with a foot injury and rookie Essang Bassey sustained a season-ending knee injury Sunday against the Chiefs.Bouye will be able to participate in the offseason and preseason practices and exhibition games next summer, but barring a successful appeal will still have to sit out the first two games of the 2021 regular season.

Broncos’ A.J. Bouye suspended six games for PED violation

The game time for the girls basketball game at NPHS versus Skutt Catholic on Friday night (12.11.20) has been changed to the following: 

The times for the boys games at North Platte CC WILL REMAIN THE SAME. 

Thanks for your understanding in this matter. 

The game time for the girls basketball game at NPHS versus Skutt Catholic on Friday night (12.11.20) has been changed to the following: Girls JV: 5:00 PM Girls V: 6:45 PM The times for the boys games at North Platte CC WILL REMAIN THE SAME. Thanks for your understanding in this matter.

NPHS Basketball: Game time change on 12.11

By LARRY LAGE and MITCH STACY - Associated Press

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Citing a rising number of COVID-19 cases in its program, Michigan canceled its annual showdown with Ohio State on Tuesday as college football lurches toward the end of the season without one of its cornerstone rivalry games.

The season-ending grudge match known as “The Game” won’t be played for the first time in 102 years.

“Our players, they want to play,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said. “They wanted to play this week and they want to play next week.”

Harbaugh said his players were “very disappointed” to not face the third-ranked Buckeyes, who would be heavily favored: “The odds were against us, but our players, to a man, wanted to have that opportunity.”

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said the spread of the coronavirus has not slowed since last week’s outbreak began and the team was not expected to be cleared to practice by the end of the week.

“The number of positive tests has continued to trend in an upward direction over the last seven days,” he said. “Unfortunately, we will not be able to field a team due to COVID-19 positives and the associated quarantining required of close contact individuals.”

Outbreaks have disrupted more than 110 games across major college football since August — including this weekend’s regular-season finale between No. 7 Cincinnati and No. 18 Tulsa, which will instead look ahead to their matchup in the Dec. 19 American Athletic Conference title game.

NCAA President Mark Emmert, in an interview with AP on Tuesday, said even with all the disruptions more than 80% of the games are likely to be played and the football season should still be considered a success. Along with the volleyball and soccer seasons.

“If you’re just looking at college football, how can you have a successful football season without Ohio State-Michigan. I mean, that seems crazy, right?” Emmert said. “But on the other hand, the success was despite all of the pressures to have that game, they said no. The health of our people is just too important. Our students and our staff, we’re not going to risk. So to me, that’s a success.”

The problems with the Wolverines were closely watched in part because the undefeated Buckeyes (5-0) have championship goals again this season.

With two games already canceled, the Buckeyes under current conference rules still need a sixth game to be eligible to play for a Big Ten championship Dec. 19 in Indianapolis against Northwestern.

Coach Ryan Day said the conference should consider allowing Ohio State to play with only five games.

“If we don’t quite get the games we need to get into the championship game, I think that needs to be looked at hard, just like anybody else in the conference,” Day said shortly before Michigan’s announcement.

“The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the most important rivalries in all of sports,” the Big Ten said in a statement. “The conference is committed to transparency and will continue to collaborate with its member institution stakeholders to determine Big Ten championship game participation requirements as well as tiebreakers.”

The league could decide Ohio State will still represent the East Division at least in part because the conference also doesn’t want to hurt the Buckeyes’ chances of earning a playoff berth. Ohio State entered the day No. 4 in the CFP rankings.

Manuel said he didn’t think the Buckeyes, or any team, should be punished for not playing enough games during the pandemic and added that Ohio State is one of the top four teams in the country. He also said if Ohio State does not play for the conference championship, it would be “great” to play the rivalry game against Michigan on Dec. 19.

The Buckeyes played through what Day called a “mini outbreak” last Saturday in a 52-12 win at Michigan State as he watched the game from home. Day is among the coaches and players in the program who tested positive for the coronavirus, leading to Ohio State canceling a game at Illinois.

The Wolverines canceled last weekend’s game against Maryland because they had at least 12 positive COVID-19 cases within the football program, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. That number had reached 16 by Tuesday, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the size of the outbreak has not been disclosed by the school.

The cancellation spares Harbaugh and the Wolverines (2-4) what would likely be another lopsided loss.

The Buckeyes beat Michigan 56-27 at the Big House last year, extending their winning streak in the series to a school-record eight straight. Harbaugh fell to 0-5 in the rivalry, continuing a trend that has seen Michigan lose 15 of its last 16 games to Ohio State to knock some luster off one of the greatest rivalries in sports.

Harbaugh’s winless record as a coach in The Game is often scrutinized, especially this season with Michgan sputtering. Harbaugh, who is paid about $7 million per season, has one year left on his contract at the school he led as a quarterback in the mid-1980s.

The Game was first played in 1897 and became an annual contest in 1918. Michigan still leads the series 58-51-6, but the next showdown will have to wait. Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs said the idea of not being able to play against Michigan made him “sick to my stomach.”

“This game has been a part of my life since I was 5 years old,” said the 59-year-old Coombs, who grew up in suburban Cincinnati.

Ohio State guard Wyatt Davis said the team works all year with the goal of beating Michigan.

“There’s a lot of hatred that goes toward that (Michigan) logo,” he said. “All the stuff we have to do during the offseason, all the sit-ups and push-ups, everything, so there’s a lot of stuff that is definitely geared toward them.”

Stacy reported from Columbus, Ohio. College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo in New York contributed.

By LARRY LAGE and MITCH STACY - Associated PressANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Citing a rising number of COVID-19 cases in its program, Michigan canceled its annual showdown with Ohio State on Tuesday as college football lurches toward the end of the season without one of its cornerstone rivalry games.The season-ending grudge match known as “The Game” won’t be played for the first time in 102 years.“Our players, they want to play,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said. “They wanted to play this week and they want to play next week.”Harbaugh said his players were “very disappointed” to not face the third-ranked Buckeyes, who would be heavily favored: “The odds were against us, but our players, to a man, wanted to have that opportunity.”Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said the spread of the coronavirus has not slowed since last week’s outbreak began and the team was not expected to be cleared to practice by the end of the week.“The number of positive tests has continued to trend in an upward direction over the last seven days,” he said. “Unfortunately, we will not be able to field a team due to COVID-19 positives and the associated quarantining required of close contact individuals.”Outbreaks have disrupted more than 110 games across major college football since August — including this weekend’s regular-season finale between No. 7 Cincinnati and No. 18 Tulsa, which will instead look ahead to their matchup in the Dec. 19 American Athletic Conference title game.NCAA President Mark Emmert, in an interview with AP on Tuesday, said even with all the disruptions more than 80% of the games are likely to be played and the football season should still be considered a success. Along with the volleyball and soccer seasons.“If you’re just looking at college football, how can you have a successful football season without Ohio State-Michigan. I mean, that seems crazy, right?” Emmert said. “But on the other hand, the success was despite all of the pressures to have that game, they said no. The health of our people is just too important. Our students and our staff, we’re not going to risk. So to me, that’s a success.”The problems with the Wolverines were closely watched in part because the undefeated Buckeyes (5-0) have championship goals again this season.With two games already canceled, the Buckeyes under current conference rules still need a sixth game to be eligible to play for a Big Ten championship Dec. 19 in Indianapolis against Northwestern.Coach Ryan Day said the conference should consider allowing Ohio State to play with only five games.“If we don’t quite get the games we need to get into the championship game, I think that needs to be looked at hard, just like anybody else in the conference,” Day said shortly before Michigan’s announcement.“The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the most important rivalries in all of sports,” the Big Ten said in a statement. “The conference is committed to transparency and will continue to collaborate with its member institution stakeholders to determine Big Ten championship game participation requirements as well as tiebreakers.”The league could decide Ohio State will still represent the East Division at least in part because the conference also doesn’t want to hurt the Buckeyes’ chances of earning a playoff berth. Ohio State entered the day No. 4 in the CFP rankings.Manuel said he didn’t think the Buckeyes, or any team, should be punished for not playing enough games during the pandemic and added that Ohio State is one of the top four teams in the country. He also said if Ohio State does not play for the conference championship, it would be “great” to play the rivalry game against Michigan on Dec. 19.The Buckeyes played through what Day called a “mini outbreak” last Saturday in a 52-12 win at Michigan State as he watched the game from home. Day is among the coaches and players in the program who tested positive for the coronavirus, leading to Ohio State canceling a game at Illinois.The Wolverines canceled last weekend’s game against Maryland because they had at least 12 positive COVID-19 cases within the football program, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. That number had reached 16 by Tuesday, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the size of the outbreak has not been disclosed by the school.The cancellation spares Harbaugh and the Wolverines (2-4) what would likely be another lopsided loss.The Buckeyes beat Michigan 56-27 at the Big House last year, extending their winning streak in the series to a school-record eight straight. Harbaugh fell to 0-5 in the rivalry, continuing a trend that has seen Michigan lose 15 of its last 16 games to Ohio State to knock some luster off one of the greatest rivalries in sports.Harbaugh’s winless record as a coach in The Game is often scrutinized, especially this season with Michgan sputtering. Harbaugh, who is paid about $7 million per season, has one year left on his contract at the school he led as a quarterback in the mid-1980s.The Game was first played in 1897 and became an annual contest in 1918. Michigan still leads the series 58-51-6, but the next showdown will have to wait. Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs said the idea of not being able to play against Michigan made him “sick to my stomach.”“This game has been a part of my life since I was 5 years old,” said the 59-year-old Coombs, who grew up in suburban Cincinnati.Ohio State guard Wyatt Davis said the team works all year with the goal of beating Michigan.“There’s a lot of hatred that goes toward that (Michigan) logo,” he said. “All the stuff we have to do during the offseason, all the sit-ups and push-ups, everything, so there’s a lot of stuff that is definitely geared toward them.”___Stacy reported from Columbus, Ohio. College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo in New York contributed.

Michigan cancels Ohio State showdown, citing COVID-19 cases

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607440830294.jpeg" alt="12.7 NPHS guidelines.jpg" />
 <figcaption>12.7 NPHS guidelines.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

NPHS Activities: New spectator guidelines 12.7.2020

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are so dynamic offensively they sometimes don’t even know when they’ve scored a touchdown.

They were fortunate one of those cases didn’t come back to bite them Sunday night.

Patrick Mahomes threw for 318 yards and a score, Harrison Butker was perfect on five field-goal attempts, and the underrated Chiefs defense bailed out an offense that struggled once again in the red zone — and made two big mistakes that cost them touchdowns — in a 22-16 victory over the Denver Broncos.

Travis Kelce had eight receptions for 136 yards along with the go-ahead TD grab late in the third quarter, and Tyrann Mathieu twice picked off Broncos quarterback Drew Lock — the second with 24 seconds left to seal the win — as the Chiefs clinched a playoff berth by improving to 11-1 for the second time in franchise history.

“It’s obviously a big deal — you want to find a way to get in the playoffs,” Mahomes said, “but we have bigger goals.”

It might help their cause if the Chiefs actually count the touchdowns they score.

The play everyone was left talking about came on third-and-10 at the Denver 40 early in the second quarter. Mahomes found a wide-open Tyreek Hill downfield, only for him to appear to drop the certain touchdown. But replays clearly showed the ball trapped between Hill and a defender, never touching the ground, for what should have been a score.

Hill never argued when it was called incomplete, though, nor did Chiefs coach Andy Reid throw his red challenge flag.

Instead, he quickly sent his punt team out and tried to pin the Broncos deep in their own territory.

“I checked with Tyreek,” Reid said afterward. “He came off, and normally you can tell with a receiver whether he had it or not — especially Tyreek — and he was surprised as any of us he ended up with the football.”

Hill also had a 48-yard touchdown reception wiped out by holding late in the game, which gave the Broncos (4-8) a chance to march for the go-ahead score. Denver managed to move to midfield before stalling, but rather than going for it on fourth-and-3 with 6 minutes to go, coach Vic Fangio elected to punt the ball away.

The Chiefs melted most of the clock before Butker kicked a 48-yard field goal with 1:06 left, and the Kansas City defense forced Lock into a wild fourth-down throw that Tyrann Mathieu intercepted to put the game away.

“I gave it strong consideration,” Fangio said of his fourth-down call, “but you know, at some point in the game, we’ve got to get a stop, and we weren’t able to. We held them to a field goal but that made it a touchdown game and burned off some of the time there, so in retrospect, should have probably gone for it.”

Lock returned after missing last week’s game against New Orleans, along with the rest of Denver’s quarterbacks, because of COVID-19 positive tests and contact tracing. The local boy finished with 151 yards passing and two touchdown throws to Tim Patrick, while Melvin Gordon ran for 131 yards on just 15 carries.

“There’s no feel-good losses in this league,” Lock said. “We did play them closer than we have before, but I mean, what does that get you? Nothing. It gets you an upset locker room. It gets you a sad flight home.”

Made even more stinging is how close the Broncos came to springing the upset.

The Chiefs didn’t take the lead until Butker’s fourth field goal early in the second half, then answered the second&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1335786854453399561?s=20" target="_blank">Lock-to-Patrick touchdown connection</a>&nbsp;with a TD of their own. With a defender hanging on his jersey, Mahomes tossed a 15-yard&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1335789269764296705?s=20" target="_blank">scoring pass to Kelce</a>, ending their streak of seven straight red-zone trips without a touchdown.

The Chiefs defense made sure that the only touchdown they scored in the game would be enough.

“It’s such a blessing to have that guy back there slinging it around,” Kelce said, “because he takes the ultimate pride in his craft and playing the game, and you know you can always count on him.”

The Chiefs learned early Sunday that they had returned seven positive tests, but it wound up being a computer glitch and the game was allowed to proceed. “When they talk to you early in the morning like that, you’re not sure what is real and what is not real,” Reid said. “They said, ‘Let’s give us an hour to work through this thing and see if we can get it right,’ and it all came back where we were OK.”

Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris, who had COVID-19 along with his pregnant wife and three children, returned for the first time in about a month. But after describing his “weird headaches” and “nerve pain” in detail Friday, Harris was stunned by the lax approach taken by some Chiefs fans to wearing masks and social distancing. “They really don’t care about COVID in Missouri,” he said in a pregame tweet, followed by: “Full tents of people tailgating makes no sense.”

Broncos: C Graham Glasgow left with a foot injury in the first quarter. CB Essang Bassey, pressed into a bigger role after Bryce Callahan (foot) landed on IR this week, left with a knee injury on the first drive of the second half.

Chiefs: CB Antonio Hamilton had to be helped off the field after blocking on a punt return early in the fourth quarter.

By DAVE SKRETTA - Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are so dynamic offensively they sometimes don’t even know when they’ve scored a touchdown.They were fortunate one of those cases didn’t come back to bite them Sunday night.Patrick Mahomes threw for 318 yards and a score, Harrison Butker was perfect on five field-goal attempts, and the underrated Chiefs defense bailed out an offense that struggled once again in the red zone — and made two big mistakes that cost them touchdowns — in a 22-16 victory over the Denver Broncos.Travis Kelce had eight receptions for 136 yards along with the go-ahead TD grab late in the third quarter, and Tyrann Mathieu twice picked off Broncos quarterback Drew Lock — the second with 24 seconds left to seal the win — as the Chiefs clinched a playoff berth by improving to 11-1 for the second time in franchise history.“It’s obviously a big deal — you want to find a way to get in the playoffs,” Mahomes said, “but we have bigger goals.”Like defending their Super Bowl title.It might help their cause if the Chiefs actually count the touchdowns they score.The play everyone was left talking about came on third-and-10 at the Denver 40 early in the second quarter. Mahomes found a wide-open Tyreek Hill downfield, only for him to appear to drop the certain touchdown. But replays clearly showed the ball trapped between Hill and a defender, never touching the ground, for what should have been a score.Hill never argued when it was called incomplete, though, nor did Chiefs coach Andy Reid throw his red challenge flag.Instead, he quickly sent his punt team out and tried to pin the Broncos deep in their own territory.“I checked with Tyreek,” Reid said afterward. “He came off, and normally you can tell with a receiver whether he had it or not — especially Tyreek — and he was surprised as any of us he ended up with the football.”Hill also had a 48-yard touchdown reception wiped out by holding late in the game, which gave the Broncos (4-8) a chance to march for the go-ahead score. Denver managed to move to midfield before stalling, but rather than going for it on fourth-and-3 with 6 minutes to go, coach Vic Fangio elected to punt the ball away.The Chiefs melted most of the clock before Butker kicked a 48-yard field goal with 1:06 left, and the Kansas City defense forced Lock into a wild fourth-down throw that Tyrann Mathieu intercepted to put the game away.“I gave it strong consideration,” Fangio said of his fourth-down call, “but you know, at some point in the game, we’ve got to get a stop, and we weren’t able to. We held them to a field goal but that made it a touchdown game and burned off some of the time there, so in retrospect, should have probably gone for it.”Lock returned after missing last week’s game against New Orleans, along with the rest of Denver’s quarterbacks, because of COVID-19 positive tests and contact tracing. The local boy finished with 151 yards passing and two touchdown throws to Tim Patrick, while Melvin Gordon ran for 131 yards on just 15 carries.“There’s no feel-good losses in this league,” Lock said. “We did play them closer than we have before, but I mean, what does that get you? Nothing. It gets you an upset locker room. It gets you a sad flight home.”Made even more stinging is how close the Broncos came to springing the upset.The Chiefs didn’t take the lead until Butker’s fourth field goal early in the second half, then answered the second&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1335786854453399561?s=20" target="_blank">Lock-to-Patrick touchdown connection</a>&nbsp;with a TD of their own. With a defender hanging on his jersey, Mahomes tossed a 15-yard&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1335789269764296705?s=20" target="_blank">scoring pass to Kelce</a>, ending their streak of seven straight red-zone trips without a touchdown.The Chiefs defense made sure that the only touchdown they scored in the game would be enough.“It’s such a blessing to have that guy back there slinging it around,” Kelce said, “because he takes the ultimate pride in his craft and playing the game, and you know you can always count on him.”CLOSE COVID CALLThe Chiefs learned early Sunday that they had returned seven positive tests, but it wound up being a computer glitch and the game was allowed to proceed. “When they talk to you early in the morning like that, you’re not sure what is real and what is not real,” Reid said. “They said, ‘Let’s give us an hour to work through this thing and see if we can get it right,’ and it all came back where we were OK.”OUTSPOKEN RETURNBroncos defensive end Shelby Harris, who had COVID-19 along with his pregnant wife and three children, returned for the first time in about a month. But after describing his “weird headaches” and “nerve pain” in detail Friday, Harris was stunned by the lax approach taken by some Chiefs fans to wearing masks and social distancing. “They really don’t care about COVID in Missouri,” he said in a pregame tweet, followed by: “Full tents of people tailgating makes no sense.”INJURIESBroncos: C Graham Glasgow left with a foot injury in the first quarter. CB Essang Bassey, pressed into a bigger role after Bryce Callahan (foot) landed on IR this week, left with a knee injury on the first drive of the second half.Chiefs: CB Antonio Hamilton had to be helped off the field after blocking on a punt return early in the fourth quarter.UP NEXTBroncos: Visit the Panthers on Sunday.Chiefs: Visit the Dolphins on Sunday.

Chiefs rally to beat Broncos 22-16 to clinch playoff berth

12.5.2020 NPHS Girls VS Fremont (@ GINW) - LIVESTREAM

Lincoln - The Big Ten Conference and its television partners announced television designation for the 2020-21 men's basketball season Wednesday afternoon.

The Nebraska men's basketball program will make a minimum of 18 appearances on BTN in Big Ten play, beginning with the matchup against Michigan on Christmas Day. Tipoff between the Huskers and Wolverines is set for 5 p.m. and is the first of two Christmas games on BTN that day. 

Nebraska's only Big Ten games without a specific television designation are the two games with Wisconsin. NU's Big Ten opener in Madison on Dec. 21, will be set at a later date, while the Feb. 12 rematch in Lincoln will be carried by either ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNU.

The Big Ten also announced the start time for Nebraska's matchup with Ohio State on Wed., Dec. 30. That game will tip off at 5:30 p.m. (central).

Including non-conference games, the Huskers will make a minimum of 24 appearances on BTN during the 2020-21 regular season, while the Dec. 9 game against Georgia Tech in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge will be carried on

ESPNU.  All 27 of the Huskers' scheduled games this season will be carried nationally.

Additional start times will be announced by the Big Ten Conference at a later date, and all announced times and dates are subject to change.

Big Ten TV Designations and Start Times

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln - The Big Ten Conference and its television partners announced television designation for the 2020-21 men's basketball season Wednesday afternoon.The Nebraska men's basketball program will make a minimum of 18 appearances on BTN in Big Ten play, beginning with the matchup against Michigan on Christmas Day. Tipoff between the Huskers and Wolverines is set for 5 p.m. and is the first of two Christmas games on BTN that day. Nebraska's only Big Ten games without a specific television designation are the two games with Wisconsin. NU's Big Ten opener in Madison on Dec. 21, will be set at a later date, while the Feb. 12 rematch in Lincoln will be carried by either ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNU.The Big Ten also announced the start time for Nebraska's matchup with Ohio State on Wed., Dec. 30. That game will tip off at 5:30 p.m. (central).Including non-conference games, the Huskers will make a minimum of 24 appearances on BTN during the 2020-21 regular season, while the Dec. 9 game against Georgia Tech in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge will be carried onESPNU. All 27 of the Huskers' scheduled games this season will be carried nationally.Additional start times will be announced by the Big Ten Conference at a later date, and all announced times and dates are subject to change.Big Ten TV Designations and Start Times<div><style type="text/css">
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 <tr>
 <th class="tg-0pky">Date</th>
 <th class="tg-c3ow">Opponent</th>
 <th class="tg-c3ow">TV</th>
 <th class="tg-c3ow">Time</th>
 </tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Mon 12/21</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">@ Wisconsin</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Fri 12/25</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">Michigan</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">5pm </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Wed 12/30</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">@Ohio State</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">5:30pm</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Sat 1/2</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">Michigan State</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Tues 1/5</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">@ Purdue</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Sun 1/10</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">Indiana</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Wed 1/13</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">Illinois</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Sat 1/16</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">@ Maryland</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Wed 1/20</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">Minnesota</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Sun&nbsp;&nbsp;1/24</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">@ Iowa</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Sat 1/30</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">Penn State</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Wed 2/3</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">@ Michigan state</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Mon 2/8</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">@ Minnesota</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Thurs 2/11</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">Wisconsin</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">ESPN/2/U</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Sun 2/14</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">@ Penn State</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Wed 2/17</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">Maryland</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Sat 2/20</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">Purdue</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Wed 2/24</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">@ Illinois</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Sun 2/28</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">Rutgers</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-0pky">Sun 3/7</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">@ Northwestern</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">BTN</td>
 <td class="tg-c3ow">TBA</td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>

Huskers to Make at Least 18 Big Ten Appearances on BTN

12.3.2020 NPHS basketball vs GINW - LIVESTREAM

LINCOLN, Neb. (Dec. 1, 2020) – The Cornhusker State Games is launching its High School Ambassador Program and is now accepting applications. This program allows high school student-athletes to be an extension of the organization by marketing the Cornhusker State Games and Torch Run in their school and community. One ambassador will be chosen per school. There are several ways the chosen ambassador can benefit from participating including; resume builder, volunteer/service hours and networking.

The Nebraska Sports Council is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission of providing events and programs that promote healthy lifestyles. The Cornhusker State Games are held each year in the months of June and July in Lincoln, Omaha and surrounding communities. Leading up to the Cornhusker State Games, the Torch Run takes place in June. In addition to the Cornhusker State Games, the Nebraska Sports Council produces several other programs including the Corporate Games, Mud Run, Pumpkin Run, “Golf For Gold” Scramble, LiveWell Challenge and Adopt an Athlete program.

Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2021.

For more details or to apply visit: https://www.cornhuskerstategames.com/ambassador-program/

LINCOLN, Neb. (Dec. 1, 2020) – The Cornhusker State Games is launching its High School Ambassador Program and is now accepting applications. This program allows high school student-athletes to be an extension of the organization by marketing the Cornhusker State Games and Torch Run in their school and community. One ambassador will be chosen per school. There are several ways the chosen ambassador can benefit from participating including; resume builder, volunteer/service hours and networking.The Nebraska Sports Council is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission of providing events and programs that promote healthy lifestyles. The Cornhusker State Games are held each year in the months of June and July in Lincoln, Omaha and surrounding communities. Leading up to the Cornhusker State Games, the Torch Run takes place in June. In addition to the Cornhusker State Games, the Nebraska Sports Council produces several other programs including the Corporate Games, Mud Run, Pumpkin Run, “Golf For Gold” Scramble, LiveWell Challenge and Adopt an Athlete program.Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2021.For more details or to apply visit: https://www.cornhuskerstategames.com/ambassador-program/

Cornhusker State Games High School Ambassador Program Launches

Christmas came early this year for a Bulldog squad looking to build on momentum started in the Fall.&nbsp;

The Bulldog bowlers had a great season and are backing up that hard work with impressive finishes at the district level.&nbsp;

Runner up with a 868? Thats not too bad ten-pinners. Now the Bulldogs anxiously await word that they did enough to snag a wildcard and an invite to the state tournament.&nbsp;

Christmas came early this year for a Bulldog squad looking to build on momentum started in the Fall.&nbsp;The Bulldog bowlers had a great season and are backing up that hard work with impressive finishes at the district level.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Your North Platte Unified Bowling team is the NSAA District 8 RUNNER UP!!! The Bulldogs bowled a 868 over six games to claim the runner up plaque. We will now wait and see if NPHS claims the wildcard spot to potentially qualify for the state meet next week!! Way to go Dawgs!! <a href="https://t.co/aPWjna4xEd">pic.twitter.com/aPWjna4xEd</a>&mdash; North Platte Public School District (@nppsd) <a href="https://twitter.com/nppsd/status/1333854058520711176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>Runner up with a 868? Thats not too bad ten-pinners. Now the Bulldogs anxiously await word that they did enough to snag a wildcard and an invite to the state tournament.&nbsp;

NPHS Bowling: Early Xmas for Bulldog bowlers possible after strong district showing

At 1-4 and with three games to go the
Huskers are hoping the view of what’s ahead for the football
program can become clearer in December.

That starts on the field at Purdue this
Saturday then against Minnesota the following week, although the
Gophers have canceled its game this week against Northwestern because of COVID-19 concerns.

But beyond this season, what will Scott
Frost and the Huskers see for 2021, 2022 and beyond?&nbsp; Attrition has become an issue with players
transferring including another one of the team’s high-ceiling future prospects
from Florida, Marcus Fleming.&nbsp; 

Scott
Frost confirmed the departure Monday at his weekly media conference.

Fleming had a strong game against
Northwestern with all five of his catches this season, but he’s been
mysteriously not a part of the offense much since, and he didn’t travel to the game at Iowa.

Even with a full stock of wideouts a football team
can’t move the ball if it can’t get it snapped. And that was a huge issue again
for Nebraska in the loss to the Hawkeyes.

Despite the persistent problems, Coach
Frost is staying loyal to his center Cam Jurgens.

Meanwhile, Husker quarterback Adrian Martinez has
seen his role go from pre-season Heisman Trophy candidate last year to simply the starter
this year, to splitting game time with freshman Luke McCaffrey.

But as a captain and an upperclassman,
Martinez isn’t just sitting and sulking in disappointment.&nbsp; He’s taking the troubles head on and wants to
help his teammates by leading and motivating them in ways unique to what they
respond well to.

And according to Martinez, those ways
have changed over the years and his generation of players aren’t always as willing to bear the brunt of harsh coaching
as others have in the past.

The Husker quarterback knows getting his
team back on track is also about the details and executing them more cleanly on
offense.

Audio clips courtesy: NU Athletic Communications, Huskers.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606835919756.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports DirectorAt 1-4 and with three games to go the
Huskers are hoping the view of what’s ahead for the football
program can become clearer in December.That starts on the field at Purdue this
Saturday then against Minnesota the following week, although the
Gophers have canceled its game this week against Northwestern because of COVID-19 concerns.But beyond this season, what will Scott
Frost and the Huskers see for 2021, 2022 and beyond?&nbsp; Attrition has become an issue with players
transferring including another one of the team’s high-ceiling future prospects
from Florida, Marcus Fleming.&nbsp; Scott
Frost confirmed the departure Monday at his weekly media conference.<div><iframe width="100%" height="20" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/939325750&color=%238c0920&inverse=false&auto_play=false&show_user=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/scott-frost-on-marcus-fleming-team-status" title="Scott Frost on Marcus Fleming Team Status" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Scott Frost on Marcus Fleming Team Status</a></div></div>Fleming had a strong game against
Northwestern with all five of his catches this season, but he’s been
mysteriously not a part of the offense much since, and he didn’t travel to the game at Iowa.Even with a full stock of wideouts a football team
can’t move the ball if it can’t get it snapped. And that was a huge issue again
for Nebraska in the loss to the Hawkeyes.Despite the persistent problems, Coach
Frost is staying loyal to his center Cam Jurgens.<div><iframe width="100%" height="20" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/939327550&color=%238c0920&inverse=false&auto_play=false&show_user=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/scott-frost-on-cam-jurgens-and-snapping-issues" title="Scott Frost on Cam Jurgens and snapping issues" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Scott Frost on Cam Jurgens and snapping issues</a></div></div>Meanwhile, Husker quarterback Adrian Martinez has
seen his role go from pre-season Heisman Trophy candidate last year to simply the starter
this year, to splitting game time with freshman Luke McCaffrey.But as a captain and an upperclassman,
Martinez isn’t just sitting and sulking in disappointment.&nbsp; He’s taking the troubles head on and wants to
help his teammates by leading and motivating them in ways unique to what they
respond well to.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606836254323.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>And according to Martinez, those ways
have changed over the years and his generation of players aren’t always as willing to bear the brunt of harsh coaching
as others have in the past.<div><iframe width="100%" height="20" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/939329251&color=%238c0920&inverse=false&auto_play=false&show_user=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/adrian-martinez-on-players-responding-differently-to-coaching-style" title="Adrian Martinez on Players Responding Differently to Coaching Style" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Adrian Martinez on Players Responding Differently to Coaching Style</a></div></div>The Husker quarterback knows getting his
team back on track is also about the details and executing them more cleanly on
offense.<div><iframe width="100%" height="20" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/939330043&color=%238c0920&inverse=false&auto_play=false&show_user=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/adrian-martinez-on-hitting-the-details-and-execution" title="Adrian Martinez On Hitting The Details and Execution" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Adrian Martinez On Hitting The Details and Execution</a></div></div>Audio clips courtesy: NU Athletic Communications, Huskers.com

🏈🔊| Frost: Key future Husker leaves team, Martinez comments on new style of coaching players

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606754902740.jpeg" alt="11.30 guidelines.jpg" />
 <figcaption>11.30 guidelines.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

NPHS Activities: New spectator guidelines 11.30.2020

Here's whats coming up this week for the Bulldogs:&nbsp; Tuesday Dec 1st: Unified Bowling Varsity Districts @ Scottsbluff

Thursday Dec 3rd: Girls Varsity Basketball vs GINW - 4:30pm Boys Varsity Basketball vs GINW - 6:00pm

Friday Dec 4th: Wrestling Dual @ Lexington - 6:00pm

Saturday Dec 5th: Girls Varsity Basketball @ GINW - Time also TBD (depending on Thursday games) Boys Varsity Basketball @ Millard West - Time also TBD (depending on Thursday games) Swimming - Diving invite @ Hastings HS - 9:00am

Here's whats coming up this week for the Bulldogs:&nbsp; Tuesday Dec 1st: Unified Bowling Varsity Districts @ ScottsbluffThursday Dec 3rd: Girls Varsity Basketball vs GINW - 4:30pm Boys Varsity Basketball vs GINW - 6:00pmFriday Dec 4th: Wrestling Dual @ Lexington - 6:00pmSaturday Dec 5th: Girls Varsity Basketball @ GINW - Time also TBD (depending on Thursday games) Boys Varsity Basketball @ Millard West - Time also TBD (depending on Thursday games) Swimming - Diving invite @ Hastings HS - 9:00am

NPHS Athletics: Week of 11.30

For the fourth straight week, the top eight teams in The Associated Press college football poll were stuck in place, and a glance at the upcoming schedule suggests it could be a couple more weeks before this gridlock lets up.

The elite eight runs down like this: Alabama at No. 1 followed by Notre Dame, Ohio State, Clemson and Texas A&amp;M in the top five. Florida is sixth, Cincinnati is seventh and BYU eighth.

And that’s the way its been since Nov. 8, the day after Notre Dame beat Clemson.

Among the top six teams, only one plays an opponent with a winning record next week. Texas A&amp;M is at Auburn (5-3). No. 7 Cincinnati and No. 8 BYU are scheduled to be off, and the speculation about those two unbeatens trying play each other on short notice seemed to be doused when the Bearcats had their American Athletic Conference game against Temple called off because of COVID-19 issues with both teams.

No. 3 Ohio State is also in danger of getting another week off next Saturday because of a virus outbreak — which would create a whole other set of problems for the Buckeyes.

So barring a big upset by LSU, Syracuse, Virginia Tech or Tennessee, or a more modest upset by Auburn, the AP poll could be heading toward a fifth straight week of stagnation.

Reality check takes no issue for the voters standing pat. Here is where the ranked teams stand heading into an unusual December stretch run in college football, where the pandemic is the toughest opponent.

Reality check: Because the Crimson Tide really needed another offensive weapon, the last two weeks sophomore tight end Jaleel Billingsley, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound former four-star recruit, has emerged with five catches for 111 yards and a touchdown.

Reality check: The Irish have faced four of the top-10 rushers in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Louisville’s Javian Hawkins, Clemson’s Travis Etienne and North Carolina’s Javonte Williams and Michael Carter have run 52 times for 164 yards (31.5 per carry) against Notre Dame.

Reality check: If the Buckeyes lose one more game from their schedule, and become ineligible for the Big Ten title game, it’s going to make a mess of the College Football Playoff race.

Reality check: Remember when the Tigers were looking for a downfield threat? Senior Cornell Powell has become that guy, with 23 catches for 442 yards in the last three games.

Reality check: At a time when defense does not win championships, the Aggies are going to try to make the playoff with a tough defense — that was torn up by both Alabama and Florida earlier this season.

Reality check: The Gators played their best defensive game of the season against Kentucky, but don’t get too excited because it was against Kentucky.

Reality check: Two weeks on hold for the Bearcats is poorly timed. Being out of sight and maybe out of mind is not great for a playoff contender.

Reality check: The Bearcats might not be ready to play next week, but the Cougars definitely want a game. Anyone?

Reality check: The Hurricanes will return to action after a two-week COVID-19 pause against Duke instead of Wake Forest, which should be an easy way for Miami to get back into the swing of things before playing North Carolina on Dec. 12.

Reality check: The running game was enough for the Hoosiers to survive Maryland after Michael Penix Jr. went out with a leg injury. That probably won’t work against the Badgers.

Reality check: The big question for the Bulldogs right now has nothing to do with this season. What’s the chances QB J.T. Daniels declares for the NFL draft after a brief layover in Athens. Seems unlikely, but who knows?

Reality check: The Cyclones were a combined 7-84-2 against Oklahoma and Texas before Matt Campbell became Iowa State’s coach in 2016. Under Campbell, the ’Clones are 4-6 against those Big 12 blue bloods.

Reality check: The Sooners had their first COVID-19 postponement last week and now we wait to see if it turns into two.

Reality check: Coastal scheduled this game with Liberty in mid-August after the Power Five teams bailed on most of the Group Five. Who knew it would be one of the biggest games of this week?

Reality check: The Thundering Herd has not played since Nov. 14, and Rice has been a team that has struggled to get on the field.

By RALPH D. RUSSO - Associated PressFor the fourth straight week, the top eight teams in The Associated Press college football poll were stuck in place, and a glance at the upcoming schedule suggests it could be a couple more weeks before this gridlock lets up.The elite eight runs down like this: Alabama at No. 1 followed by Notre Dame, Ohio State, Clemson and Texas A&amp;M in the top five. Florida is sixth, Cincinnati is seventh and BYU eighth.And that’s the way its been since Nov. 8, the day after Notre Dame beat Clemson.Among the top six teams, only one plays an opponent with a winning record next week. Texas A&amp;M is at Auburn (5-3). No. 7 Cincinnati and No. 8 BYU are scheduled to be off, and the speculation about those two unbeatens trying play each other on short notice seemed to be doused when the Bearcats had their American Athletic Conference game against Temple called off because of COVID-19 issues with both teams.No. 3 Ohio State is also in danger of getting another week off next Saturday because of a virus outbreak — which would create a whole other set of problems for the Buckeyes.So barring a big upset by LSU, Syracuse, Virginia Tech or Tennessee, or a more modest upset by Auburn, the AP poll could be heading toward a fifth straight week of stagnation.Reality check takes no issue for the voters standing pat. Here is where the ranked teams stand heading into an unusual December stretch run in college football, where the pandemic is the toughest opponent.No. 1 Alabama (8-0)Next: at LSU, Saturday.Reality check: Because the Crimson Tide really needed another offensive weapon, the last two weeks sophomore tight end Jaleel Billingsley, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound former four-star recruit, has emerged with five catches for 111 yards and a touchdown.No. 2 Notre Dame (9-0)Next: vs. Syracuse, Saturday.Reality check: The Irish have faced four of the top-10 rushers in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Louisville’s Javian Hawkins, Clemson’s Travis Etienne and North Carolina’s Javonte Williams and Michael Carter have run 52 times for 164 yards (31.5 per carry) against Notre Dame.No. 3 Ohio StateNext: at Michigan State, Saturday.Reality check: If the Buckeyes lose one more game from their schedule, and become ineligible for the Big Ten title game, it’s going to make a mess of the College Football Playoff race.No. 4 Clemson (8-1)Next: at Virginia Tech, Saturday.Reality check: Remember when the Tigers were looking for a downfield threat? Senior Cornell Powell has become that guy, with 23 catches for 442 yards in the last three games.No. 5 Texas A&amp;M (6-1)Next: at Auburn, Saturday.Reality check: At a time when defense does not win championships, the Aggies are going to try to make the playoff with a tough defense — that was torn up by both Alabama and Florida earlier this season.No. 6 Florida (7-1)Next: at Tennessee, Saturday.Reality check: The Gators played their best defensive game of the season against Kentucky, but don’t get too excited because it was against Kentucky.No. 7 Cincinnati (8-0)Next: at No. 22 Tulsa, Dec. 12.Reality check: Two weeks on hold for the Bearcats is poorly timed. Being out of sight and maybe out of mind is not great for a playoff contender.No. 8 BYU (9-0)Next: at San Diego State, Dec. 12.Reality check: The Bearcats might not be ready to play next week, but the Cougars definitely want a game. Anyone?No. 9 Miami (7-1)Next: at Duke, Saturday.Reality check: The Hurricanes will return to action after a two-week COVID-19 pause against Duke instead of Wake Forest, which should be an easy way for Miami to get back into the swing of things before playing North Carolina on Dec. 12.No. 10 Indiana (5-1)Next: at No. 18 Wisconsin, Saturday.Reality check: The running game was enough for the Hoosiers to survive Maryland after Michael Penix Jr. went out with a leg injury. That probably won’t work against the Badgers.No. 11 Georgia (6-2)Next: vs. Vanderbilt, Saturday.Reality check: The big question for the Bulldogs right now has nothing to do with this season. What’s the chances QB J.T. Daniels declares for the NFL draft after a brief layover in Athens. Seems unlikely, but who knows?No. 12 Iowa State (7-2)Next: vs. West Virginia, Saturday.Reality check: The Cyclones were a combined 7-84-2 against Oklahoma and Texas before Matt Campbell became Iowa State’s coach in 2016. Under Campbell, the ’Clones are 4-6 against those Big 12 blue bloods.No. 13 Oklahoma (6-2)Next: vs. Baylor, Saturday.Reality check: The Sooners had their first COVID-19 postponement last week and now we wait to see if it turns into two.No. 14 Coastal Carolina (9-0)Next: vs. No. 25 Liberty, Saturday.Reality check: Coastal scheduled this game with Liberty in mid-August after the Power Five teams bailed on most of the Group Five. Who knew it would be one of the biggest games of this week?No. 15 Marshall (7-0)Next: vs. Rice, Saturday.Reality check: The Thundering Herd has not played since Nov. 14, and Rice has been a team that has struggled to get on the field.No. 16 Northwestern (5-1)Next: at Minnesota, Saturday.Reality check: Wildcats might have to wait to bounce back from their first loss as the Gophers work their way through a COVID-19 outbreak that canceled their last game.No. 17 Southern California (3-0)Next: vs. Washington State, Sunday.Reality check: Still more COVID-19 news. USC and Washington State had their games canceled last week and instead of playing Friday night they’ll now meet on Sunday at the Coliseum.No. 18 Wisconsin (2-1)Next: vs. No. 10 Indiana, Saturday.Reality check: QB Graham Mertz has completed 55.5 percent of his passes since going 20 for 21 against Illinois in the opener.No. 19 Oklahoma State (6-2)Next: at TCU, Saturday.Reality check: Cowboys’ defense was lauded early in the season but it has crumbled the past couple weeks, allowing more than 7 yards per play against Oklahoma and Texas Tech.No. 20 Louisiana-Lafayette (8-1)Next: at Appalachian State, Friday.Reality check: Ragin’ Cajuns get the defending Sun Belt champions and then have a week off before the rematch with Coastal Carolina in the conference title game. ULL has gotten overshadowed by Coastal’s feel-good story, but could still turn out to be the Sun kings.No. 21 Oregon (3-1)Next: at California, Saturday.Reality check: Voters underrated all the attrition and opt outs on the Ducks’ defense, which ranks 10th in the Pac-12 at 6.37 yards per play allowed.No. 22 Tulsa (5-1)Next: at Navy, Saturday.Reality check: The Golden Hurricane got an unexpected week off after Houston had to postpone their game. Tulsa has played in consecutive weeks twice this season.No. 23 Washington (3-0)Next: vs. Stanford, Saturday.Reality check: If you don’t know sophomore outside linebacker Zion Tupuola-Fetui, you need to catch up. He has seven sacks in three games after wrecking Utah.No. 24 Iowa (4-2)Next: at Illinois, Saturday.Reality check: Solid running game. Not much of a passing game. Good defense, kicker and punter. Just another Iowa football team.No. 25 Liberty (9-1)Next: at Coastal Carolina, Saturday.Reality check: Flames looking for their first 10-win season in FBS.