Shohei Ohtani Leads Dodgers in World Series Game 7 Against Blue Jays

Shohei Ohtani will take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the decisive Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. This pivotal matchup highlights Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities, allowing him to pitch while still remaining in the lineup as a designated hitter, a strategic advantage for the Dodgers. The decision to start Ohtani stems from a rule introduced in the 2022 season that permits starting pitchers to continue hitting after leaving the mound, thereby maximizing his impact in this crucial game.

College Football Highlights: Texas and Ohio State Triumph

In college football, Texas quarterback Arch Manning made a significant comeback, leading the No. 20 Longhorns to a thrilling 34-31 victory over No. 9 Vanderbilt. Manning, who returned from a concussion, completed 328 yards and threw three touchdowns, including a stunning 75-yard pass on the game’s first play. Despite a strong fourth-quarter rally from Vanderbilt, which had reduced a 24-point deficit, the game concluded when their onside kick attempt went out of bounds.

Meanwhile, top-ranked Ohio State showcased its dominance with a 38-14 win against Penn State. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 316 yards and four touchdowns, cementing his place in history by joining Geno Smith as the only players since 1985 to achieve three games in a season with at least 300 yards, three touchdowns, and an 85% completion rate. This victory propels Ohio State into a strong position as the season progresses.

SMU Upsets Miami and Sebastian Coe’s Olympic Vision

In a surprising twist, SMU defeated No. 10 Miami 26-20 in overtime, significantly impacting the Hurricanes’ playoff aspirations. T.J. Harden scored the winning touchdown after an interception by Ahmaad Moses put SMU in a strong position. This victory marks a remarkable turnaround for SMU, particularly after a tough loss the previous week.

In the realm of athletics, Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, expressed interest in reintroducing cross-country running to the Olympics at the 2030 Winter Games. Coe believes this addition could attract more nations, especially from Africa, and he is optimistic about support from Kirsty Coventry, president of the International Olympic Committee. Cross country was last featured in the Olympics in 1924 but was removed due to adverse conditions.

Quarterback Changes and Other Football Results

In the NFL, veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start for the Arizona Cardinals for the third consecutive game due to Kyler Murray‘s ongoing recovery from a foot injury. Coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed Brissett’s starting role ahead of their Monday night game against the Dallas Cowboys, although Murray may still be active if his condition improves.

In other college football news, No. 2 Indiana crushed Maryland 55-10, maintaining its undefeated status, while No. 16 Louisville rallied to defeat Virginia Tech 28-16. Indiana’s performance continues to impress, with Fernando Mendoza accounting for multiple touchdowns despite an early interception. Louisville’s victory was bolstered by strong performances from Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown, who propelled the team past Virginia Tech after a sluggish first half.

As the AP Top 25 poll approaches the next update, the losses for Vanderbilt and Miami have opened the door for potential shifts in rankings. With Ohio State expected to retain the top position following their victory, the college football landscape remains highly competitive.

The latest results in the Premier League saw Arsenal extend its lead at the top with a 2-0 victory over Burnley, while Liverpool also won 2-0 against Aston Villa, snapping a four-game losing streak. Manchester United managed to salvage a late draw against Nottingham Forest, while Wolverhampton continues to struggle, remaining winless after a 3-0 defeat to Fulham.