In a thrilling matchup in Gainesville, the Florida Gators claimed a significant victory over the 9th ranked Ole Miss Rebels with a score of 24-17, ending the Rebels' playoff hopes and securing bowl eligibility for Florida. The closely contested game saw both teams tied at halftime, but Florida took the lead in the second half with a key touchdown by Montrell Johnson Jr. Despite Ole Miss's strong offensive efforts, they struggled in the red zone and suffered a critical defensive injury, altering the game's trajectory and their postseason prospects.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Scott Turner, an accomplished former NFL player and Texas state representative, to lead the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). With a distinguished career span from sports to politics, Turner has pioneered initiatives aimed at community development, making his mark as the first Black individual selected for Trump's Cabinet. Tasked with overseeing crucial housing programs amidst prospective budget cuts, Turner's nomination is heralded by many, marking a significant milestone in the administration's housing policy plans.
Donald Trump has announced Brooke Rollins as his pick for Secretary of the Department of Agriculture. A Texas native with a strong conservative background, Rollins' nomination completes Trump's cabinet selections ahead of his 2025 inauguration. Rollins, who has been a close ally of Trump, will manage a vast federal agency with pressing responsibilities such as farm programs and trade policies, crucially impacting U.S. agriculture.
The South Carolina Gamecocks achieved a dominating 56-12 victory against the Wofford Terriers in their final home game of the 2024 season at Williams-Brice Stadium. This win elevated their record to 8-3 and marked their fifth consecutive triumph. LaNorris Sellers had a standout performance, leading the Gamecocks' offensive charge. This victory sets the stage for their crucial upcoming matchup against Clemson, keeping postseason hopes alive.
No. 21 Arizona State narrowly defeated No. 14 BYU 28-23 in a pivotal Big 12 football showdown at Mountain America Stadium, confirming their place as formidable contenders for the conference championship. The match was marked by an explosive first half by Arizona State, driven by standout running back Cam Skattebo's exceptional performance, and a nail-biting second half where BYU mounted a resilient comeback. The fiercely contested clash ended in drama, with fans rushing the field prematurely before officials added an extra second to the clock, culminating in a failed BYU Hail Mary attempt. The result sees Arizona State bolstering their championship aspirations while complicating BYU's College Football Playoff hopes.
The No. 24-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini achieved a thrilling 38-31 victory over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in an exciting college football matchup held at SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey. This victory, marking their eighth win of the season, solidified their standing as strong contenders in the Big Ten championship. The Illini, led by the outstanding performance of quarterback Luke Altmyer and wide receiver Pat Bryant, overcame a 30-24 deficit, culminating in a last-minute 40-yard touchdown. With significant contributions from key players and strategic leadership by head coach Bret Bielema, Illinois is poised for continued success in the upcoming rivalry game against Northwestern, aiming to conclude the season with significant achievements.
Florida State University achieved a significant win on their home turf, breaking a six-game losing streak by defeating Charleston Southern 41-7. Freshman quarterback Luke Kromenhoek had a standout performance, contributing to the team's decisive victory during the annual Seminole Heritage game. This win provides momentum as FSU prepares to face their upcoming rivals, the Florida Gators.
In a thrilling match at the Etihad Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur handed Manchester City a shocking 4-0 defeat, marking a significant moment in Premier League history as it ended City's impressive 52-match unbeaten home streak and Pep Guardiola's five-match losing skid—a first in his career. The game was highlighted by standout performances, particularly by James Maddison, who netted two first-half goals. Despite dominating possession, City struggled defensively in the absence of key player Rodri and missed numerous opportunities. This defeat leaves City facing critical questions about their title defense, while Tottenham's rise in the league standings intensifies the competition.
The Miami Hurricanes clinched a commanding 42-14 victory over Wake Forest Demon Deacons during their Week 13 college football showdown at Hard Rock Stadium. This win not only boosts Miami's season record to 10-1, but also enhances their chances at contending for the ACC Championship. Quarterback Cam Ward shone with record-breaking performances, while Miami's defense clamped down after an initial push from Wake Forest, who are now 4-7 for the season.
The Kentucky Wildcats faced off against the No. 3 Texas Longhorns on Saturday at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, marking a crucial game in their season. Despite starting strong, Kentucky struggled offensively against a dominant Longhorns team. With Kentucky's seventh defeat, their chances for postseason play are eliminated for the first time since 2015. The game saw a quarterback change and a defensive touchdown that momentarily narrowed the score, but ultimately, Texas secured their victory with a 31-14 win. As Kentucky reflects on a disappointing season, Coach Mark Stoops focuses on preparing his team for their final game against the Louisville Cardinals.