KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid,&nbsp;Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, and Mitchell Schwartz fielded media questions during a presser Thursday. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:

You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM), your local Chiefs Radio Network stations.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid,&nbsp;Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, and Mitchell Schwartz fielded media questions during a presser Thursday. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fvideos%2F2703602713302065%2F&show_text=true&width=734&height=523&appId" width="734" height="523" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM), your local Chiefs Radio Network stations.

📹Chiefs' Reid, players field media questions Thursday

Week 3&nbsp; of Anesthesia Associates' Gridiron Glory on Salina Post&nbsp;kicks off tonight! Have you made your picks yet?

Throughout the season, Anesthesia Associates' Gridiron Glory on Salina Post gives you the opportunity to win weekly prizes, including Kansas City Chiefs merchandise and even cash!

Haven't signed up yet? You still can for a chance to win some of those weekly prizes.&nbsp;Just&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">click here</a>&nbsp;to sign up and then make your picks each week.

Select the team that you believe will be the winner of each pro football regular season and playoff game and predict the scores for the winning and losing team for the designated tie-breaker game each week. You may enter your picks and score predictions until&nbsp;five minutes before the start&nbsp;of each game.

Week 3 is scheduled to begin at 7:20 p.m. Thursday.

To access Gridiron Glory,&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">click here</a>.

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But remember: You can win if you don't play! Are you up to the challenge? Sign up for Anesthesia Associates'&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">Gridiron Glory</a>&nbsp;today!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599153961730.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Week 3&nbsp; of Anesthesia Associates' Gridiron Glory on Salina Post&nbsp;kicks off tonight! Have you made your picks yet?Throughout the season, Anesthesia Associates' Gridiron Glory on Salina Post gives you the opportunity to win weekly prizes, including Kansas City Chiefs merchandise and even cash!Haven't signed up yet? You still can for a chance to win some of those weekly prizes.&nbsp;Just&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">click here</a>&nbsp;to sign up and then make your picks each week.Select the team that you believe will be the winner of each pro football regular season and playoff game and predict the scores for the winning and losing team for the designated tie-breaker game each week. You may enter your picks and score predictions until&nbsp;five minutes before the start&nbsp;of each game.Week 3 is scheduled to begin at 7:20 p.m. Thursday.To access Gridiron Glory,&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">click here</a>.In addition to the weekly prizes, you can accumulate points throughout the pro football season toward winning the local grand prize of $1,000 and a national grand prize of a trip to Hawaii!But remember: You can win if you don't play! Are you up to the challenge? Sign up for Anesthesia Associates'&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">Gridiron Glory</a>&nbsp;today!

Week 3 of Gridiron Glory kicks off tonight; have you made your picks?

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Royals outfielder Alex Gordon announced today that he will retire from baseball, effective this Sunday, following the season finale vs. the Detroit Tigers. 

Gordon, a seven-time Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner and Rawlings Platinum Glove winner (2014), ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in most all offensive categories, including walks (682, 3rd), home runs (190, 4th), doubles (357, 5th), extra-base hits (573, 5th), games played (1,749, 6th), at-bats (6,380, 6th), runs (867, 6th), hits (1,641, 6th) and RBI (749, 6th).

Gordon, who started all 16 postseason games during Kansas City’s 2015 World Series run, has played his entire 14-year career with Kansas City from 2007-20, making him one of three position players to play 14 seasons (or more) with the Royals, joining George Brett (21 seasons) and Frank White (18). Gordon’s 1,749 games entering tonight are the fourth most of any active player who has played for only one team, trailing Yadier Molina (2,021), Joey Votto (1,768) and Ryan Braun (1,761).

Gordon was selected second overall in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Nebraska and made his Major League debut on Opening Day in 2007 as a third baseman, before moving to left field during the 2010 season. In his first full season in the outfield in 2011, he earned his first of seven Rawlings Gold Glove Awards while leading the Majors with 20 outfield assists, a mark that has not been topped by any player in nine seasons since.

Gordon is one of two players—and the only outfielder—to earn seven Rawlings Gold Glove Awards in the nine-year span from 2011-19, joining third baseman Nolan Arenado, who won seven straight from 2013-19. Gordon won four straight Rawlings Gold Gloves from 2011-14, becoming the first American League outfielder to do so since Ichiro Suzuki and Torii Hunter each won 10 straight from 2001-10. Following injury-plagued seasons in 2015-16, Gordon went on to win three more Rawlings Gold Gloves from 2017-19, and his seven Rawlings Gold Gloves are second most in Royals history, trailing only Frank White’s eight.

Gordon is also a three-time Wilson Defensive Player of the Year, earning the honor in 2014 and from 2017-18. In 2014, he was named the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award winner, which honors the best overall defensive player in each league. He was the first outfielder to earn the award, which was established in 2011.

His 101 career outfield assists are most in the Majors since 2010 and rank second in Royals history behind only Amos Otis’ 116.

Gordon is the Royals’ all-time leader in leadoff home runs (14) and hit-by-pitches (121), the latter of which are 43 more than second place Mike Macfarlane (78). Gordon set a single-season career-high with an American League-most 19 plunkings in 2019, which were the second-highest single-season total in club history, trailing only David DeJesus’ 23 in 2007. Gordon’s 121 hit-by-pitches rank fourth among active players behind Anthony Rizzo (154), Shin-soo Choo (152) and Derek Dietrich (122).

Among many other things, Gordon will be remembered for one of the most iconic home runs in franchise history, a game-tying home run off Mets’ closer Jeurys Familia in the ninth inning of Game 1 in the 2015 World Series, which forced extra innings and led to a Royals win in 14 innings. Gordon also drove in the go-ahead run in Game 4 of the ALDS in Houston that year, as the Royals rallied from a four-run deficit in the eighth inning to extend the series to a fifth game that the Royals won to advance to the ALCS.

In the 2014 postseason, Gordon matched a franchise record with four RBI in Game 1 of the ALCS vs. Baltimore, including a bases-clearing double in the third inning and a go-ahead homer in the 10th. That followed a three-RBI effort in his previous game in the ALDS vs. the Angels. Gordon’s 10 postseason doubles rank second in Royals history and 17 postseason RBI rank fourth.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Royals outfielder Alex Gordon announced today that he will retire from baseball, effective this Sunday, following the season finale vs. the Detroit Tigers. Gordon, a seven-time Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner and Rawlings Platinum Glove winner (2014), ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in most all offensive categories, including walks (682, 3rd), home runs (190, 4th), doubles (357, 5th), extra-base hits (573, 5th), games played (1,749, 6th), at-bats (6,380, 6th), runs (867, 6th), hits (1,641, 6th) and RBI (749, 6th).Gordon, who started all 16 postseason games during Kansas City’s 2015 World Series run, has played his entire 14-year career with Kansas City from 2007-20, making him one of three position players to play 14 seasons (or more) with the Royals, joining George Brett (21 seasons) and Frank White (18). Gordon’s 1,749 games entering tonight are the fourth most of any active player who has played for only one team, trailing Yadier Molina (2,021), Joey Votto (1,768) and Ryan Braun (1,761).Gordon was selected second overall in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Nebraska and made his Major League debut on Opening Day in 2007 as a third baseman, before moving to left field during the 2010 season. In his first full season in the outfield in 2011, he earned his first of seven Rawlings Gold Glove Awards while leading the Majors with 20 outfield assists, a mark that has not been topped by any player in nine seasons since.Gordon is one of two players—and the only outfielder—to earn seven Rawlings Gold Glove Awards in the nine-year span from 2011-19, joining third baseman Nolan Arenado, who won seven straight from 2013-19. Gordon won four straight Rawlings Gold Gloves from 2011-14, becoming the first American League outfielder to do so since Ichiro Suzuki and Torii Hunter each won 10 straight from 2001-10. Following injury-plagued seasons in 2015-16, Gordon went on to win three more Rawlings Gold Gloves from 2017-19, and his seven Rawlings Gold Gloves are second most in Royals history, trailing only Frank White’s eight.Gordon is also a three-time Wilson Defensive Player of the Year, earning the honor in 2014 and from 2017-18. In 2014, he was named the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award winner, which honors the best overall defensive player in each league. He was the first outfielder to earn the award, which was established in 2011.His 101 career outfield assists are most in the Majors since 2010 and rank second in Royals history behind only Amos Otis’ 116.Gordon is the Royals’ all-time leader in leadoff home runs (14) and hit-by-pitches (121), the latter of which are 43 more than second place Mike Macfarlane (78). Gordon set a single-season career-high with an American League-most 19 plunkings in 2019, which were the second-highest single-season total in club history, trailing only David DeJesus’ 23 in 2007. Gordon’s 121 hit-by-pitches rank fourth among active players behind Anthony Rizzo (154), Shin-soo Choo (152) and Derek Dietrich (122).Among many other things, Gordon will be remembered for one of the most iconic home runs in franchise history, a game-tying home run off Mets’ closer Jeurys Familia in the ninth inning of Game 1 in the 2015 World Series, which forced extra innings and led to a Royals win in 14 innings. Gordon also drove in the go-ahead run in Game 4 of the ALDS in Houston that year, as the Royals rallied from a four-run deficit in the eighth inning to extend the series to a fifth game that the Royals won to advance to the ALCS.In the 2014 postseason, Gordon matched a franchise record with four RBI in Game 1 of the ALCS vs. Baltimore, including a bases-clearing double in the third inning and a go-ahead homer in the 10th. That followed a three-RBI effort in his previous game in the ALDS vs. the Angels. Gordon’s 10 postseason doubles rank second in Royals history and 17 postseason RBI rank fourth.

Alex Gordon to retire at conclusion of Royals' season finale Sunday

Bill Burch bought an Ezra Brooks-brand bourbon decanter in the shape of the WuShock mascot in 1971. In early October this year, he’ll bring that bottle back to Wichita for a toast with his Wichita State University football teammates.

Burch played linebacker for the Shockers in 1970 as a senior. As fate would have it, a knee injury kept him from traveling to Utah State on Oct. 2. He had expected to travel with the team, but instead was forced to stay home and heal. On that day, the Martin 4-0-4 airliner that carried the Shocker starters crashed near Silver Plume, Colorado, killing 31 people – 14 student-athletes, 14 staff and boosters, and three crew members.

On Oct. 2 this year, Wichita State will hold its annual observance in honor of those lost that day.

Burch will make the trip from his home in Traverse City, Michigan, to share a drink with his friends, some of whom survived the crash, some of whom landed safely in Utah and some who stayed back in Wichita that day.

“I was holding it for a special event,” he said. “And the 50th, it just doesn’t get more special.”

Burch, from Hannibal, Missouri, worked at a liquor store located near the now-demolished Fairmount Towers in 1970. He purchased the decanter soon after it was released a year later.

“The bottle meant so much to me, because of the players it represented and the event,” he said.

He carried the decanter with him through 28 residences, although he wasn’t sure of its purpose until years later. After the crash, he grew estranged from Wichita State because of the memories and pain.

In 2000, Burch returned for the 30th anniversary memorial. He said talks with Jim Rhatigan, then senior vice president of student affairs, and then university president Don Beggs convinced him to come to campus and see his friends and teammates.

That experience proved cathartic for Burch and renewed his association with Wichita State. He attended a reception at Beggs’ home. He joined many of his teammates on the field at Cessna Stadium for what he remembers as more than three hours of discussion about the crash and the guilt some survivors carried.

“It was good for the soul,” Burch said. “When we were together, we realized we weren’t alone.”&nbsp;

After that reunion, Burch returned for several memorials and served on an advisory board for the president. As his relationship with the university healed, he began to target the 50th anniversary as the time to toast from the decanter. He expects many of his teammates to return for this observance, in part because they know their time together is growing short.

“It would mean a lot if we could all sit there and take a drink of it,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600953353394.jpeg" alt="Bill Burch with his WuShock decanter. Photo courtesy WSU" />
 <figcaption>Bill Burch with his WuShock decanter. Photo courtesy WSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By WSU STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONSBill Burch bought an Ezra Brooks-brand bourbon decanter in the shape of the WuShock mascot in 1971. In early October this year, he’ll bring that bottle back to Wichita for a toast with his Wichita State University football teammates.Burch played linebacker for the Shockers in 1970 as a senior. As fate would have it, a knee injury kept him from traveling to Utah State on Oct. 2. He had expected to travel with the team, but instead was forced to stay home and heal. On that day, the Martin 4-0-4 airliner that carried the Shocker starters crashed near Silver Plume, Colorado, killing 31 people – 14 student-athletes, 14 staff and boosters, and three crew members.On Oct. 2 this year, Wichita State will hold its annual observance in honor of those lost that day.Burch will make the trip from his home in Traverse City, Michigan, to share a drink with his friends, some of whom survived the crash, some of whom landed safely in Utah and some who stayed back in Wichita that day.“I was holding it for a special event,” he said. “And the 50th, it just doesn’t get more special.”Burch, from Hannibal, Missouri, worked at a liquor store located near the now-demolished Fairmount Towers in 1970. He purchased the decanter soon after it was released a year later.“The bottle meant so much to me, because of the players it represented and the event,” he said.He carried the decanter with him through 28 residences, although he wasn’t sure of its purpose until years later. After the crash, he grew estranged from Wichita State because of the memories and pain.In 2000, Burch returned for the 30th anniversary memorial. He said talks with Jim Rhatigan, then senior vice president of student affairs, and then university president Don Beggs convinced him to come to campus and see his friends and teammates.That experience proved cathartic for Burch and renewed his association with Wichita State. He attended a reception at Beggs’ home. He joined many of his teammates on the field at Cessna Stadium for what he remembers as more than three hours of discussion about the crash and the guilt some survivors carried.“It was good for the soul,” Burch said. “When we were together, we realized we weren’t alone.”&nbsp;After that reunion, Burch returned for several memorials and served on an advisory board for the president. As his relationship with the university healed, he began to target the 50th anniversary as the time to toast from the decanter. He expects many of his teammates to return for this observance, in part because they know their time together is growing short.“It would mean a lot if we could all sit there and take a drink of it,” he said.

Former Wichita State linebacker plans to toast fallen teammates

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Tesho Akindele and Benji Michel scored in the first half and Orlando City beat Sporting Kansas City 2-1 on Wednesday night to run its unbeaten streak to seven games. 

Akindele scored in the 36th minute. Two minutes later, Nani passed to Michel on the edge of the penalty area. Michel beat a defender and connected for Orlando City (7-2-4) from close range. 

Johnny Russell scored his sixth goal of the season for Sporting KC on header in the 53rd minute.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Tesho Akindele and Benji Michel scored in the first half and Orlando City beat Sporting Kansas City 2-1 on Wednesday night to run its unbeaten streak to seven games. Akindele scored in the 36th minute. Two minutes later, Nani passed to Michel on the edge of the penalty area. Michel beat a defender and connected for Orlando City (7-2-4) from close range. Johnny Russell scored his sixth goal of the season for Sporting KC on header in the 53rd minute.

Orlando City beats Sporting KC to run unbeaten streak to 7

TOPEKA -- The Kansas Volleyball Association has announced&nbsp;the 2020 Week 3 Volleyball Rankings. 

Records listed reflect information that was submitted by Monday. Classifications for this week’s rankings are still based on enrollments from 2019-20.

Rank – School – Record – Last Week’s Ranking

TOPEKA -- The Kansas Volleyball Association has announced&nbsp;the 2020 Week 3 Volleyball Rankings. Records listed reflect information that was submitted by Monday. Classifications for this week’s rankings are still based on enrollments from 2019-20.Rank – School – Record – Last Week’s RankingClass 6A1. Washburn Rural 8-1 (1)2. Olathe Northwest 7-0 (3)3. Shawnee Mission Northwest 7-0 (5)4. Blue Valley West 2-1 (2)5. Blue Valley 3-3 (4)6. Blue Valley North 5-3 (6)7. Mill Valley 7-2 (10)8. Gardner-Edgerton 2-2 (7)9. Derby 8-5 (NR)10. Hutchinson 10-3 (9)Class 5A1. St. Thomas Aquinas 7-1 (1)2. St. James Academy 8-1 (2)3. Lansing 9-0 (3)4. Bishop Carroll 8-1 (5)5. McPherson 10-0 (6)6. Bonner Springs 9-1 (7)7. Spring Hill 11-3 (4)8. Seaman 12-2 (9)9. Andover 11-2 (8)10. De Soto 10-2 (10)Class 4A1. Andale 11-1 (1)2. Circle 7-2 (2)3. Nickerson 10-3 (3)4. Buhler 9-2 (9)5. Bishop Miege 2-2 (5)6. Clay Center 8-3 (8)7. Louisburg 5-5 (6)8. Eudora 4-2 (7)9. Ottawa 9-7 (NR)10. Topeka-Hayden 4-9 (4)Class 3A1. Sabetha 14-0 (5)2. Royal Valley 13-2 (1)3. Cheney 9-1 (2)4. Smoky Valley 13-1 (3)5. Silver Lake 13-3 (8)6. Wichita-Trinity Academy 6-2 (4)7. Thomas More Prep-Marian 13-2 (6)8. Phillipsburg 8-0 (7)9. Nemaha Central 9-3 (9)10. Riverton 16-0 (NR)Class 2A1. Wabaunsee 13-0 (2)2. Garden Plain 9-1 (1)3. St. Mary’s-Colgan 8-0 (3)4. Smith Center 9-0 (NR)5. Ellinwood 11-3 (4)6. Sedgwick 16-2 (5)7. Herington 9-0 (8)8. Jefferson County North 13-3 (6)9. Belle Plaine 14-1 (7)10. Valley Heights 12-3 (NR)Class 1A – Division 11. Olpe 9-0 (1)2. Pretty Prairie 10-0 (2)3. Burlingame 11-0 (3)4. Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton 8-0 (4)5. Lebo 8-1 (6)6. Hanover 11-2 (NR)7. Thunder Ridge 11-2 (7)8. Meade/Fowler 9-1 (8)9. Victoria 9-2 (9)10. South Central 12-2 (5)Class 1A – Division 21. Central Plains 7-2 (1)2. Attica 9-1 (2)3. St. Francis 11-2 (3)4. Golden Plains 12-3 (4)5. Centre 7-2 (8)6. Central Christian 9-3 (6)7. Wheatland/Grinnell 11-5 (7)8. Elyria Christian 7-3 (10)9. Lakeside 7-2 (NR)10. Dighton 10-3 (NR)

KVA announces 2020 Week 3 volleyball rankings

Look who is AFC Special Teams Player of the Week! Congrats Harrison Butker! From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:

Look who is AFC Special Teams Player of the Week! Congrats Harrison Butker! From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs">The Kansas City Chiefs</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fposts%2F10158744565923373&show_text=true&width=552&height=590&appId" width="552" height="590" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>You can listen to the Chiefs' games on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM), your local Chiefs Radio Network stations.

Chiefs' Butker receives AFC Player of the Week honors

The Southeast of Saline volleyball team dropped two matches to Minneapolis Tuesday.

Additionally, senior Dorothy Ann Sparacino went down with an ankle injury during warmups.

Karsyn Schlesener, Junior, 11/13 serves, 27good passes, 2 digs, 2 kills, 40 good sets w/11 assists, 3 blocks

Makenzie Boley, Senior, 8/9 serving, 11 good passes w/2 digs, 3 kills, 7 block assists, 1 block

Makenna Bartholomew, senior, 7/8 serving, 8 kills

Lexi Jacobson, freshman, 19/19 serving, 3 digs and 29 good passes, 6 kills

Chase Gilpin, sophomore, 10/10 serving w/2 aces, 26 good passes, 46 sets w/13 assists, 3 block assists

Kyler Boley, sophomore, 8/8 serving 29 good passes, 5 digs

Karsyn Schlesener, junior, 10/11 serving w/2 aces, 24 good passes w/3 digs, 2 kills, 39 sets w/11 assists

Makenzie Boley, senior, 12/12 serving, 4 kills, 2 Block Assists

Lexi Jacobson, freshman, 5 kills, 1 block

Chase Gilpin, sophomore, 2 aces, 17 good passes, 6 digs

Kyler Boley, sophomore, 8/8 serving, 19 good passes, 1 dig

Brielle Ptacek, freshman, 11/11 serving, 2 digs, 22 good sets, 5 assists

The Southeast of Saline volleyball team dropped two matches to Minneapolis Tuesday.Additionally, senior Dorothy Ann Sparacino went down with an ankle injury during warmups.Match 1Lost 25-20, 17-25, 25-27Stats:Karsyn Schlesener, Junior, 11/13 serves, 27good passes, 2 digs, 2 kills, 40 good sets w/11 assists, 3 blocksMakenzie Boley, Senior, 8/9 serving, 11 good passes w/2 digs, 3 kills, 7 block assists, 1 blockMakenna Bartholomew, senior, 7/8 serving, 8 killsLexi Jacobson, freshman, 19/19 serving, 3 digs and 29 good passes, 6 killsKara Suhr, senior, 2 digs, 5 killsChase Gilpin, sophomore, 10/10 serving w/2 aces, 26 good passes, 46 sets w/13 assists, 3 block assistsKyler Boley, sophomore, 8/8 serving 29 good passes, 5 digsMatch 2Lost 17-25, 25-21, 25-15Stats:Karsyn Schlesener, junior, 10/11 serving w/2 aces, 24 good passes w/3 digs, 2 kills, 39 sets w/11 assistsMakenzie Boley, senior, 12/12 serving, 4 kills, 2 Block AssistsMakenna Bartholomew, 5 kills, 3 blocksLexi Jacobson, freshman, 5 kills, 1 blockKara Suhr, senior, 5 killsChase Gilpin, sophomore, 2 aces, 17 good passes, 6 digsKyler Boley, sophomore, 8/8 serving, 19 good passes, 1 digBrielle Ptacek, freshman, 11/11 serving, 2 digs, 22 good sets, 5 assists

SES volleyball drops two matches to Minneapolis

NEW ORLEANS, La. - Despite an off week from competition last week, the Cloud County Community College women's and men's cross country teams were both able to stay within the top-10 of the latest United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association NJCAA Division I Cross Country Polls released on Wednesday.

On the women's side, CCCC is a perfect two-for-two in meets this year with a pair of team titles coming at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic and Ollie Isom Invitational to hold steady in the number three spot for the second consecutive poll. Iowa Central continues to hold down the top spot in the latest poll while Colby Community College makes a jump from unranked up to second after competing this past weekend at the Muthama-Rogers Invitational where they posted a third-place team finish.&nbsp;

The Cloud County men were able to stay inside the top-10 despite slipping two spots from fifth down to seventh as the T-Birds are one of five Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference schools that are ranked inside the top-10. Top-ranked Iowa Central manages to hold down their number one ranking from two weeks ago while Hutchinson moves up one spot to number two to go along with Iowa Western and Butler both making moves into the poll at number three and four. New Mexico Junior College moves down two spots and is tied with Butler at number four while Southern Idaho comes in at number six just ahead of Cloud County.&nbsp;

The next USTFCCCA NJCAA Coaches Polls will be released on Oct. 7, and will come after seeing the T-Birds compete in one of the two weekends between polls as CCCC is slated to take part in this weekend's Tabor College Cottonwood Challenge. The meet, which is being hosted at Harvey Lake East Park in Newton is the first of two meets that the T-Birds will run in Newton this season.&nbsp;

NEW ORLEANS, La. - Despite an off week from competition last week, the Cloud County Community College women's and men's cross country teams were both able to stay within the top-10 of the latest United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association NJCAA Division I Cross Country Polls released on Wednesday.On the women's side, CCCC is a perfect two-for-two in meets this year with a pair of team titles coming at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic and Ollie Isom Invitational to hold steady in the number three spot for the second consecutive poll. Iowa Central continues to hold down the top spot in the latest poll while Colby Community College makes a jump from unranked up to second after competing this past weekend at the Muthama-Rogers Invitational where they posted a third-place team finish.&nbsp;The Cloud County men were able to stay inside the top-10 despite slipping two spots from fifth down to seventh as the T-Birds are one of five Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference schools that are ranked inside the top-10. Top-ranked Iowa Central manages to hold down their number one ranking from two weeks ago while Hutchinson moves up one spot to number two to go along with Iowa Western and Butler both making moves into the poll at number three and four. New Mexico Junior College moves down two spots and is tied with Butler at number four while Southern Idaho comes in at number six just ahead of Cloud County.&nbsp;The next USTFCCCA NJCAA Coaches Polls will be released on Oct. 7, and will come after seeing the T-Birds compete in one of the two weekends between polls as CCCC is slated to take part in this weekend's Tabor College Cottonwood Challenge. The meet, which is being hosted at Harvey Lake East Park in Newton is the first of two meets that the T-Birds will run in Newton this season.&nbsp;

T-Bird women 3rd, men 7th in USTFCCCA NJCAA polls

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor missed Sunday’s game against Kansas City because a team doctor accidentally punctured his lung. 

That’s according to a person familiar with the case who spoke to The Associated Press. 

Taylor was taken to the hospital shortly before kickoff because of difficulty breathing. Coach Anthony Lynn described it as a reaction to an injection. 

Taylor was released from the hospital Sunday night. 

The NFL Players Association says it has been in contact with Taylor and his agent and has started an investigation into the matter.

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor missed Sunday’s game against Kansas City because a team doctor accidentally punctured his lung. That’s according to a person familiar with the case who spoke to The Associated Press. Taylor was taken to the hospital shortly before kickoff because of difficulty breathing. Coach Anthony Lynn described it as a reaction to an injection. Taylor was released from the hospital Sunday night. The NFL Players Association says it has been in contact with Taylor and his agent and has started an investigation into the matter.

AP Source: Team doctor punctured Chargers quarterback's lung

Following are the cross country results from the Southeast of Saline Invitational.

Following are the cross country results from the Southeast of Saline Invitational.<h2>Southeast of Saline Junior High results</h2>Girls/Grade/Time/PlaceAbby Commerford	8	13:49.6	2			Cali Augustine	8	14:30.0	4			Josie Heller	8	15:54..9	12			Abigail Pearson	7	15:32.2	6Boys/Grade/Time/PlaceJace Fry	8	11:59.5	2			Cooper Carlin	8	12:53.0	9			Ben Heinrich	8	13:04.4	11			Caden Parry	8	13:26.5	13			Clayton Shelby	8	15:13.1	28			Samuel Knopf	8	15:53.6	33			Jacob Bircher	7	12:42.6	1			Isaiah Kejr	7	13:17.3	2			Brayden Walker	7	13:18.4	3			Adam Thiel	7	14:37.8	12			Miguel Ortega	7	14:53.7	16			Kaden Barragan	7	15:54.3	21			Jacob Foster	7	17:24.3	26			Matthew Whelchel	7	17:49.3	30<h2>Southeast of Saline High School results</h2>Girls team results1	SOUTHEAST	422	Cimarron	623	Sacred Heart	934	Smoky Valley	1015	Minneapolis	1186	Halstead	1367	Bennington	146Girls/Grade/Time/PlaceJentrie Alderson	11	20:03.3	2Ashley Prochazka	10	21:19.1	7Savannah Sutton	10	21:52.3	9Sadie Franklin	9	23:09.6	18Joni Schroeder	11	23:23.6	21Makenna Roths	12	24:16.5	27Mallorie Pearson	11	24:31.8	32Boys team results1	SOUTHEAST	392	Berean Academy	483	Smoky Valley	544	Hesston	1415	Halstead	1426	Cimarron	1537	Bennington	1938	Minneapolis	2339	Chapman	23510	Sacred Heart	26911	Ellsworth	271Boys/Grade/Time/PlaceLuke Gleason 12 16:40.3 2Dominic Jackson 12 17:02.8 3Damion Jackson 10 17:45.2 6Drew Hanson 12 17:56.6 11Joel Kejr 11 18:15.1 18Spencer Smith 12 18:25.5 19Nakari Morrical 10 18:40.2 22Drew Richardson 10 19:58.1 1-JVCayden Walker 9 19:37.6 3-JVGreyson Pembleton 10 20:29.8 8-JVHart Nurnberg 11 20:37.4 9-JVMack Johnson 10 22:24.9 16-JVCharlie Weiss 10 22:53.8 19-JV Jackson Kempke 9 24:51.9 29-JVDylan Sprecker 11 DNR

Results of the SES Invitational cross country meet

NEW YORK (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs remain on top of the AP Pro32 poll. 

But the Baltimore Ravens, another contender in the AFC, have closed the gap at No. 2. The teams meet in Baltimore on Monday night in the NFL's top matchup of Week 3. 

The Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers and the surprising Buffalo Bills round out the top five.

NEW YORK (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs remain on top of the AP Pro32 poll. But the Baltimore Ravens, another contender in the AFC, have closed the gap at No. 2. The teams meet in Baltimore on Monday night in the NFL's top matchup of Week 3. The Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers and the surprising Buffalo Bills round out the top five.

Chiefs, Ravens lead the way in the AP Pro32 poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Austin Gomber tossed six innings of four-hit ball in a crucial spot start, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-0 victory over Brady Singer and the Kansas City Royals. 

The Cardinals still trail the Chicago Cubs by 3 1/2 games in the NL Central, but they improved to 27-25 and edged ahead of Milwaukee and Cincinnati for the No. 2 spot in the division. 

Dylan Carlson paced the St. Louis offense by driving in two runs while finishing a homer shy of the cycle. 

Singer walked five in three-plus innings while taking the loss for Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Austin Gomber tossed six innings of four-hit ball in a crucial spot start, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-0 victory over Brady Singer and the Kansas City Royals. The Cardinals still trail the Chicago Cubs by 3 1/2 games in the NL Central, but they improved to 27-25 and edged ahead of Milwaukee and Cincinnati for the No. 2 spot in the division. Dylan Carlson paced the St. Louis offense by driving in two runs while finishing a homer shy of the cycle. Singer walked five in three-plus innings while taking the loss for Kansas City.

Gomber pitches playoff-hunting Cards to 5-0 win over Royals

By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer

Patrick Mahomes showed he's nearly as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm. 

The Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback displayed his scrambling ability in a 23-20 overtime win over the Los Angeles Chargers with his 21-yard run on third-and-20 setting up the game-tying field goal late in regulation. 

Mahomes converted four third downs with scrambles when the Chiefs needed at least 3 yards to go. The only other player since 1991 to convert that many third downs with at least 3 yards to go in a single game was Tennessee's Vince Young with six in 2006 against Indianapolis.

By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football WriterPatrick Mahomes showed he's nearly as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm. The Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback displayed his scrambling ability in a 23-20 overtime win over the Los Angeles Chargers with his 21-yard run on third-and-20 setting up the game-tying field goal late in regulation. Mahomes converted four third downs with scrambles when the Chiefs needed at least 3 yards to go. The only other player since 1991 to convert that many third downs with at least 3 yards to go in a single game was Tennessee's Vince Young with six in 2006 against Indianapolis.

Patrick Mahomes shows off his scrambling ability

MANHATTAN –&nbsp;With coordination from the Big 12 Conference,&nbsp;K-State and TCU have agreed to play their postponed match on Oct. 25, at 1 p.m., at Buser Family Park.

To accommodate the schedule change, Baylor has agreed to host K-State on&nbsp; Oct. 22, at 7 p.m., in Waco, Texas.

In addition to the changes for the weekend of Oct. 22, K-State’s home match against Oklahoma on Oct. 16, has been adjusted from a 7 p.m., start time to a 5 p.m., kickoff.

Tickets for all K-State home soccer matches will be available for purchase at 8:30 a.m., on the day prior to the match by contacting the K-State Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 221-CATS or by visiting <a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

Seating capacity in Buser Family Park will be limited to 25 percent. Fans are instructed to sit general admission-style and socially distanced from other pods of fans.

In accordance with City of Manhattan ordinance and Kansas State University policy, fans must wear face coverings over their mouths and noses in order to enter Buser Family Park and continue wearing them inside the stadium. Fans with a medical condition, mental health condition, deaf or hard of hearing or have a disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering will be required to wear a face shield as a reasonable modification. Children 5 and under are not required to wear a face covering. Fans should provide their own face coverings; K-State will not provide face coverings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All three matches will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and available for free at <a href="http://kstatesports.com">kstatesports.com</a>.

– <a href="http://kstatesports.com">kstatesports.com</a> –

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600806511750.png" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://kstatesports.com">kstatesports.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://kstatesports.com">kstatesports.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN –&nbsp;With coordination from the Big 12 Conference,&nbsp;K-State and TCU have agreed to play their postponed match on Oct. 25, at 1 p.m., at Buser Family Park.To accommodate the schedule change, Baylor has agreed to host K-State on&nbsp; Oct. 22, at 7 p.m., in Waco, Texas.In addition to the changes for the weekend of Oct. 22, K-State’s home match against Oklahoma on Oct. 16, has been adjusted from a 7 p.m., start time to a 5 p.m., kickoff.Tickets for all K-State home soccer matches will be available for purchase at 8:30 a.m., on the day prior to the match by contacting the K-State Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 221-CATS or by visiting <a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.Seating capacity in Buser Family Park will be limited to 25 percent. Fans are instructed to sit general admission-style and socially distanced from other pods of fans.In accordance with City of Manhattan ordinance and Kansas State University policy, fans must wear face coverings over their mouths and noses in order to enter Buser Family Park and continue wearing them inside the stadium. Fans with a medical condition, mental health condition, deaf or hard of hearing or have a disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering will be required to wear a face shield as a reasonable modification. Children 5 and under are not required to wear a face covering. Fans should provide their own face coverings; K-State will not provide face coverings.&nbsp;&nbsp;All three matches will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and available for free at <a href="http://kstatesports.com">kstatesports.com</a>.– <a href="http://kstatesports.com">kstatesports.com</a> –

K-State soccer schedule adjusted in October

An exciting, fast-paced sport is coming to Mabee Arena in 2021-22. Kansas Wesleyan has announced the addition of men's volleyball as the university's 25th varsity sport.

Men's volleyball will be the second sport added under the leadership of Director of Athletics Steve Wilson, as women's flag football was added earlier this year, and will begin competition this spring.

The men's volleyball season runs from January to April. The national championships are held during the second week of April. Teams are allowed up to 28 playing dates for the season.

"Men's volleyball is fast, fun and exciting to watch," Wilson said. "It was a smart addition, we already have an outstanding facility for the sport (Mabee Arena) and there's not a lot of major expense. The court is the same, the net just needs to be a bit higher (than women's volleyball), and the men play with a slightly different volleyball, but otherwise it's all the same."

In the NAIA, 48 institutions sponsor men's volleyball, including fellow KCAC member Ottawa, as well as Central Christian College, in McPherson. Several other regional institutions sponsor the sport as well, reducing strain on travel for competition. In the 2020 season, Ottawa played its entire schedule in the states of Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa.

2018-19 was the first season that men's volleyball was a championship sport at the NAIA level. 2019-20 was slated to be the second year of the national championship for the sport, but it was canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wilson says a national search for a coach is underway, and hopes to have the position filled soon to begin the recruiting process.

"We are on an aggressive timeline to fill the head coaching role, to give as much time as possible to recruit the roster for the 2021-22 academic year," Wilson said. "A great list of candidates will surface, as this position will draw national interest. I've been associated with men's volleyball for more than a decade, and the level of talent in the coaching pool is immense. I am excited to fill this role and begin another new era of Coyote Athletics."

An exciting, fast-paced sport is coming to Mabee Arena in 2021-22. Kansas Wesleyan has announced the addition of men's volleyball as the university's 25th varsity sport.Men's volleyball will be the second sport added under the leadership of Director of Athletics Steve Wilson, as women's flag football was added earlier this year, and will begin competition this spring.The men's volleyball season runs from January to April. The national championships are held during the second week of April. Teams are allowed up to 28 playing dates for the season."Men's volleyball is fast, fun and exciting to watch," Wilson said. "It was a smart addition, we already have an outstanding facility for the sport (Mabee Arena) and there's not a lot of major expense. The court is the same, the net just needs to be a bit higher (than women's volleyball), and the men play with a slightly different volleyball, but otherwise it's all the same."In the NAIA, 48 institutions sponsor men's volleyball, including fellow KCAC member Ottawa, as well as Central Christian College, in McPherson. Several other regional institutions sponsor the sport as well, reducing strain on travel for competition. In the 2020 season, Ottawa played its entire schedule in the states of Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa.2018-19 was the first season that men's volleyball was a championship sport at the NAIA level. 2019-20 was slated to be the second year of the national championship for the sport, but it was canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic.Wilson says a national search for a coach is underway, and hopes to have the position filled soon to begin the recruiting process."We are on an aggressive timeline to fill the head coaching role, to give as much time as possible to recruit the roster for the 2021-22 academic year," Wilson said. "A great list of candidates will surface, as this position will draw national interest. I've been associated with men's volleyball for more than a decade, and the level of talent in the coaching pool is immense. I am excited to fill this role and begin another new era of Coyote Athletics."

Kansas Wesleyan adding men's volleyball for 2022 season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Franco hit the go-ahead single with two outs in the sixth inning, the Kansas City bullpen shut down the St. Louis Cardinals from the fourth inning on, and the Royals rallied for a 4-1 victory over their cross-state rivals Monday night. 

Alex Gordon and Jorge Soler also drove in runs for the Royals, who returned for their final homestand after getting swept in Milwaukee, and were starting off with a playoff contender in the Cardinals that had won four straight games. 

Adam Wainwright took the loss for the Cardinals. 

Greg Holland earned the save by handling the ninth.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Franco hit the go-ahead single with two outs in the sixth inning, the Kansas City bullpen shut down the St. Louis Cardinals from the fourth inning on, and the Royals rallied for a 4-1 victory over their cross-state rivals Monday night. Alex Gordon and Jorge Soler also drove in runs for the Royals, who returned for their final homestand after getting swept in Milwaukee, and were starting off with a playoff contender in the Cardinals that had won four straight games. Adam Wainwright took the loss for the Cardinals. Greg Holland earned the save by handling the ninth.

Royals rally behind stout bullpen to beat Cardinals, 4-1

A person with knowledge of the punishment tells The Associated Press that at least three NFL coaches and their teams have been fined because their coaches weren't wearing face coverings on the sidelines at all times.

 The person says the three coaches who were fined are Vic Fangio of the Denver Broncos, Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks and Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers. The coaches were fined $100,000 each and their teams $250,000 each. 

Other fines could be coming as several other coaches violated the rules a week after the league sent out a memo reminding them to wear face coverings over their noses and mouths to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.

A person with knowledge of the punishment tells The Associated Press that at least three NFL head coaches have been fined $100,000 for violating the league's rules that they wear face coverings on the sideline.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the league wasn't announcing specific fines, said Denver's Vic Fangio, San Francisco's Kyle Shanahan and Seattle's Pete Carroll were each docked $100,000. Their teams were fined $250,000 each.

More fines could be coming as several other coaches violated the league's rules requiring coaches to wear coverings over their mouths and noses at all times. Players are exempt from these protocols.

Among the violators were Patriots coach Bill Belichick and both coaches in Monday night's game, Jon Gruden of the Raiders and Sean Payton of the Saints.

Gruden wore his face mask like a chin strap and Payton wore his gaiter like a turtleneck.

The punishments come a week after the NFL warned all 32 teams in a memo about following the rules for wearing face coverings during the coronavirus pandemic lest they put the NFL season at risk.

If the fines, which were earlier reported by ESPN and NFL Network, prove ineffective, the league could hand out stronger discipline.

AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner contributed to this report.

By ARNIE STAPLETONAP Pro Football WriterA person with knowledge of the punishment tells The Associated Press that at least three NFL coaches and their teams have been fined because their coaches weren't wearing face coverings on the sidelines at all times. The person says the three coaches who were fined are Vic Fangio of the Denver Broncos, Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks and Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers. The coaches were fined $100,000 each and their teams $250,000 each. Other fines could be coming as several other coaches violated the rules a week after the league sent out a memo reminding them to wear face coverings over their noses and mouths to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.A person with knowledge of the punishment tells The Associated Press that at least three NFL head coaches have been fined $100,000 for violating the league's rules that they wear face coverings on the sideline.The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the league wasn't announcing specific fines, said Denver's Vic Fangio, San Francisco's Kyle Shanahan and Seattle's Pete Carroll were each docked $100,000. Their teams were fined $250,000 each.More fines could be coming as several other coaches violated the league's rules requiring coaches to wear coverings over their mouths and noses at all times. Players are exempt from these protocols.Among the violators were Patriots coach Bill Belichick and both coaches in Monday night's game, Jon Gruden of the Raiders and Sean Payton of the Saints.Gruden wore his face mask like a chin strap and Payton wore his gaiter like a turtleneck.The punishments come a week after the NFL warned all 32 teams in a memo about following the rules for wearing face coverings during the coronavirus pandemic lest they put the NFL season at risk.If the fines, which were earlier reported by ESPN and NFL Network, prove ineffective, the league could hand out stronger discipline.AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner contributed to this report.

AP source: NFL fines 3 coaches, clubs for unmasked coaches

Following a late season opener and a quick bye week, Kansas State begins its nine-game Big 12 schedule by traveling to Norman to face No. 3 Oklahoma (1-0) on Saturday inside Memorial Stadium. 

The game will kick at 11 a.m., and will be shown nationally on FOX with Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst) and Jenny Taft (sidelines) on the call. Nationally, the game will be broadcast by Westwood One with Ted Emrich (play-by-play) and James Laurinaitis (analyst) on the call. Fans can also catch the game on SiriusXM (S: 121, X: 380, Internet: 970) in addition to the TuneIn app.

• K-State is looking to rebound from a 35-31 last-minute loss to Arkansas State on Sept. 12.

• Playing in their latest season opener since 1992, the Wildcats dropped just their fourth season opener in the last 31 years and their second home opener during that same span.

• K-State enters conference play with 47 returning letterwinners – including 12 starters – from a year ago that ended tied for third in the competitive Big 12 with a 5-4 record.

• Among the 47 returning letterwinners are eight players that earned All-Big 12 honors last season, including first-team selections Wyatt Hubert (DE), Nick Lenners (FB/TE) and Joshua Youngblood (KR).

• Senior quarterback Skylar Thompson is in line to make his 29th career start against the Sooners. He is one of just four quarterbacks in school history to throw for 4,000 career yards and rush for 1,000 career yards, but he was the only one to do so prior to entering his senior campaign.

• Senior running back Harry Trotter earned the start against Arkansas state and had a team-high 16 carries, but it was true freshman Deuce Vaughn that led the team in rushing, which included his first-career touchdown. He became the first true freshman in school history to score a touchdown in a season opener.

• Defensively, Hubert added to his career sack total, which now stands at 12.5. His 0.50 career sacks is tied for fourth nationally among active players.

• Senior linebacker Justin Hughes, who was playing in his first game in 658 days, tied for team high honors with six tackles against the Red Wolves.

• Nickelback Will Jones II did have any tackles but made a major impact in his first start by blocking a punt and recording an interception, the first Wildcat to do both in the same game since 2008.

• Place kicker Blake Lynch went 1-for-3 on field goals against Arkansas State but still ranks second in school history and fifth nationally among active players with his 85.0% conversion rate.

• Oklahoma is 1-0 on the year after a 48-0 season-opening win over Missouri State on September 12.

• The Sooners scored 31 points in the first quarter en route to a 41-0 halftime lead over the Bears. They garnered 608 yards of total offense, including 484 passing yards between a pair of quarterbacks.

• Starting quarterback Spencer Rattler threw for 290 yards and four touchdowns on 14-of-17 aim, all coming in the first half.

• Marcus Major started the game at running back, but backup Seth McGowan led the team with 61 rushing yards and a touchdown.

• Defensively, the Sooners carded four sacks and nine tackles for loss against the Bears. Linebacker Brian Asamoah led the squad with seven tackles, while Delarrin Turner-Yell had four stops and a 42-yard interception return that led to the Sooners’ final score.

• Oklahoma leads the all-time series, 76-20-4, including a 37-8-3 mark in Norman.

• The Wildcats won last year’s matchup over the fifth-ranked Sooners, 48-41, in Manhattan. In that game, K-State held a 48-23 lead in the fourth quarter and was able to hold on down the stretch to secure their first victory over a top-five team in 13 years.

• Kansas State will be looking for consecutive wins over OU since winning five-straight games from 1993 to 1997.

• Since the Big 12 began a round-robin schedule in 2011, K-State is 2-2 in Norman. The Wildcats are the only Big 12 team to have two wins at Oklahoma during that stretch. The other seven conference opponents that play in Norman every other year have a combined four wins.

• K-State is 11-13 all-time in Big 12 openers after last year’s loss at Oklahoma State.

• The Cats are only 1-4 in their last five Big 12 openers.

• Opening Big 12 play on the road is nothing new to the Wildcats as this weekend will be the 20th time in the 25-year history of the conference that K-State will open league play away from home (18 road, 2 neutral), including the seventh time in the last eight years.

• The Wildcats are 10-14 all-time in their first Big 12 road game of the season and are looking for a win in their inaugural conference road game of the season since a 32-28 triumph at Iowa State in 2014.

• After starting a season the latest it had since 1992, K-State is playing a conference opponent within the first two games of a season for just the third time in 56 years.

• In 2014, K-State played its second game at Iowa State before hopping back into non-conference play against Auburn and UTEP. In 1996, the Wildcats defeated Texas Tech in the inaugural Big 12 game to open the season.

• Outside of those two occurrences, the last time the Wildcats played a conference opponent within the first two games was 1964 (at Colorado).

• Saturday’s matchup between K-State and Oklahoma features two teams that rank in the top three in Big 12 wins since the league’s inception in 1996. The Sooners lead with 153 wins, while the Wildcats are third with 118 victories.

• The Wildcats also rank third in the conference in winning percentage since round-robin play began in 2011. They sit at .605 (49-32), trailing only Oklahoma (.827; 67-14) and Oklahoma State (.642; 52-29).

• A proven winner with a championship history, Chris Klieman holds an 80-19 career record as his 80.8% winning percentage ranks 10th among all NCAA coaches – regardless of division – among those with at least seven full years of experience.

• Klieman came to Manhattan after capping his five-year stint as head coach at North Dakota State by winning his fourth national championship in 2018.

• A native of Waterloo, Iowa, Klieman guided the 2018 Bison to a perfect 15-0 record, making NDSU just the fifth team in FCS history to go undefeated and untied on the way to a national championship.

• Despite not having any FBS head coaching experience prior to the 2019 season, Chris Klieman showed that “football is football” is more than just a saying.

• Klieman tallied eight victories last year to set the school record by first-year head coaches, topping College Football Hall of Famer Lynn “Pappy” Waldorf (7-2-1 in 1934) and Ron Prince (7-6 in 2006).

• In fact, Klieman is one of the most successful first-time Power 5 head coaches over the last five years as his eight regular-season wins were tied for fifth over that span.

• However, he is the only one in the top five to have taken over a team the year after that program produced a sub-.500 regular season.

• K-State has always been one to play ball control, and that was elevated in 2019 as the Wildcats finished ninth nationally in time of possession at 33:27.

• The mark in 2019 was the Wildcats’ best since they finished the 2011 season fourth in the nation at 33:55.

• K-State possessed the ball for over 40 minutes twice in 2019, including a 42:52 mark against Bowling Green to rank eighth in Big 12 history. They had two other games with over 38:00 of possession.

• Of the 14 games under head coach Chris Klieman and offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham, the Wildcats have won the time of possession nine times.

• Kansas State played 33 freshmen during the 2019 season, including 12 true freshmen, and that trend continued in the 2020 season opener.

• Against Arkansas State, 11 freshmen played – including starts by redshirt freshman right tackle Cooper Beebe and redshirt freshman nickelback Will Jones II. Of the group that played, five were true freshmen in Felix Anudike, Aamaris Brown, Will Howard, TJ Smith and Deuce Vaughn.

• K-State is the nation’s best in non-offensive touchdowns over the last 21-plus seasons as it has 118 since 1999, 10 more than the next closest team.

• Since 1999, the Wildcats are averaging 5.6 non-offensive touchdowns per year, while the yearly average for the other 105 teams to play FBS football since 1999 is 2.7.

• Kansas State’s average is boosted by the fact that it has at least five non-offensive touchdowns in seven of the last nine years, which included the 2019 season.

• K-State needed just two plays to get into the end zone for the first time in 2020 on a Skylar Thompson-to-Phillip Brooks 17-yard pass with 13:24 remaining in the first quarter against Arkansas State.

• It marked the third time in the last six years that K-State has scored within the first two minutes of a season opener. In 2017, Alex Barnes scored on a 1-yard run with 13:58 remaining in the first quarter, and, in 2015, Morgan Burns returned the opening kickoff 100 yards and crossed the goal line with 14:48 left in the first quarter.

• K-State showcased a balanced offense in 2019, totaling 2,352 passing yards and 2,314 rushing yards.

• The 38-yard difference between passing and rushing was the fewest in a season since at least 1948 as records of K-State’s season stats only go back to 1949.

• In the Wildcats’ upset over No. 5 Oklahoma last year, K-State was a perfect 50-50 split with 213 rushing yards and 213 passing yards.

• Kansas State made the most of its opportunities in the red zone last season as it converted on a nation-leading 96.2% (50-of-52) of its trips.

• Its only two trips that did not result in points came within the first three games as the Wildcats are currently riding a streak of 44 red-zone opportunities that have resulted in scores dating back to last season.

• K-State finished the 2019 season with 39-straight scoring trips inside the red zone, the most by the Wildcats since at least 2003.

• K-State had three touchdown drives last season of at least 90 yards – 97 yards against Nicholls, 95 yards against TCU and 98 yards against Iowa State.

• The long drive against the Frogs was capped by a 3-yard run by Skylar Thompson with 2:45 left in a 24-17 victory.

• The 98-yard drive against the Cyclones was the longest by the Wildcats since also going 98 yards against both Texas Tech and UCLA in 2017.

• In the 2020 season opener against Arkansas State, K-State had a touchdown drive that spanned 92 yards.

• The Wildcats only had 10 offensive turnovers during the 2019 season (4 FUM, 6 INT), their fewest in a 13-game season in school history.

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