Oregon Jumps to No. 5 in AP Poll; NFL Highlights and More

Oregon has made a significant return to the top five in The Associated Press Top 25 college football poll, now ranking at No. 5 after a decisive 15-point victory over Southern California. This marks a notable achievement for the Ducks, who have capitalized on their recent success as they look to solidify their standing in the collegiate football landscape. The top three teams remain unchanged, with Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M holding onto their positions for a sixth consecutive week, while Georgia sits at No. 4. Mississippi rounds out the top six.

In addition to Oregon’s rise, the University of Miami climbed to No. 13, leading a total of five teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in the rankings. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech has slipped to No. 23 following a loss to Pittsburgh. Ohio State’s continued dominance has them at the No. 1 position for the 13th straight week.

Ravens Secure Fifth Straight Win with Henry’s Touchdowns

In the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens secured their fifth consecutive victory, defeating the New York Jets 23-10. Running back Derrick Henry was pivotal, scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter, helping the team recover from a lackluster first half. Despite the win, the Ravens’ performance raised some concerns, particularly regarding quarterback Lamar Jackson, who completed 13 of 23 passes for 153 yards and showed diminished mobility due to recent knee and ankle injuries.

For the Jets, Tyrod Taylor, starting in place of the benched Justin Fields, threw for 222 yards and one touchdown but ended the game with a late interception.

Thitikul Shines at CME Group Tour Championship

In women’s golf, Jeeno Thitikul capped off an impressive year by winning the CME Group Tour Championship, with a final round score of 68 that secured her victory by four strokes. Thitikul faced early pressure from fellow Thai golfer Pajaree Anannarukarn but managed to pull away on the back nine. This win not only earned her $4 million but also established her as a repeat winner of the Tour Championship. Additionally, Thitikul achieved the lowest scoring average in LPGA history and was named LPGA Player of the Year.

Darryl Strawberry Celebrates Pardon in Tulsa Sermon

Former New York Mets star Darryl Strawberry expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump during a sermon at a Tulsa church, thanking him for his pardon related to past tax evasion and drug charges. Over 400 worshippers at Sheridan Church responded with applause as Strawberry shared his story of faith and redemption, crediting his Christian beliefs for his transformation and sobriety.

NHL’s Rantanen Faces Suspension After Ejection

In NHL news, Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars has received an automatic one-game suspension following his second ejection for boarding in three games. This marks the first suspension of Rantanen’s decade-long career, triggered by misconduct penalties that occurred within a span of 41 games. He was involved in a controversial check against Calgary’s Matt Coronato, which contributed to his recent disciplinary issues.

Shiffrin Dominates World Cup Slalom in Austria

In skiing, American star Mikaela Shiffrin showcased her dominance in the women’s World Cup slalom, securing her second consecutive win of the Olympic season in Gurgel, Austria. Shiffrin finished 1.23 seconds ahead of Italy’s Lara Colturi, solidifying her status as a leading competitor in the discipline. Shiffrin’s performance has set the stage for an exciting season ahead as she continues to lead the field in slalom events.

As the College Football Playoff rankings are set to be released, Oregon’s rise to No. 5 means they would host the Group of Five representative in the first round if the bracket were based on the latest AP poll. The top seeds remain consistent with Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, and Georgia all poised for playoff contention.

These developments across multiple sports highlight a week rich with competitive spirit and remarkable achievements, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the season.