Sports
No. 11 USC, No. 18 Michigan set for 'iconic' Big Ten opener
Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) rushes against the LSU Tigers during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images For the first time since 1958, No. 11 Southern California will visit Ann Arbor, Mich., to take on No. 18 Michigan for the Trojans’ first-ever Big Ten Conference game.
USC (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) last visited Michigan Stadium on Sept. 27, 1958, for a 20-19 Wolverines win. The two programs faced off in seven Rose Bowl Games in the years since, last meeting in the 2007 edition.
“Two of the most iconic brands (in college football playing) … it’s cool, man,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said at his post-practice media availability on Tuesday.
The Trojans aim to make a statement about their place in the new-look Big Ten by knocking off the conference’s three-time defending champion and the reigning national champion in Michigan (2-1, 0-0).
USC heads into traditional Big Ten territory for the first time coming off a bye week. The Trojans won their first two games in nonconference play, but needed a decisive touchdown in the closing seconds of their 27-20 Week 1 win over LSU in Las Vegas.
No such heroics were needed in Week 2, as USC pounded Utah State, 48-0. Trojans running backs combined for five rushing touchdowns against the Aggies, led by Quinten Joyner’s two.
Woody Marks reached the end zone twice against LSU, including on the game-winner.
The bye week provided USC with an opportunity to heal up, most notably linebacker Mason Cobb and cornerback Jaylin Smith. Both returned to practice on Tuesday and should play key roles as the Trojans look to extend Michigan’s initial offensive woes.
The Wolverines endured a rocky nonconference slate. After losing a 31-12 rout at home in Week 2 to Texas, they were sluggish offensively for stretches last week in a 28-18 win over Arkansas State, prompting a quarterback change.
Alex Orji will make his first career start after closing out the Week 3 victory. Stepping in for Davis Warren, Orji passed for a touchdown and carried for 27 yards.
“Take the reins, perform like he did the first couple weeks of camp,” coach Sherrone Moore said of his advice to Orji ahead of the quarterback’s move to the first string. “I think he will. He’s had a great couple weeks of practice — so has Davis, but obviously you’ve got to perform in the game.”
Warren threw progressively more interceptions each week, from one in the opener vs. Fresno State, to two against Texas and then three vs. Arkansas State before his benching.
With the passing game seeking its footing, Michigan has leaned on Kalel Mullings carrying the ball. Mullings is averaging 7.5 yards on his 36 rushes.
While Michigan is trying to recapture its offensive productivity from a year ago, the Wolverines’ defense remains stout through three games. Michigan is holding opponents to 70 rushing yards per game behind the effort of a talented front seven, starting on the line with All-American Mason Graham.
Graham is a Southern California native. Riley said on Tuesday that he recruited the defensive tackle to USC upon taking the job in late 2021, but that Graham was firmly committed to Michigan by then.
Graham is one of the “(future) NFL players all over” the Wolverines’ roster, as Riley described it.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Cards extend manager Oliver Marmol through '28 season
Feb 22, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) looks on from inside the dugout against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol received a two-year contract extension through the 2028 season, the team announced Sunday.
Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, which holds an option for the 2029 season.
“As I’ve gotten to know Oli, I’ve seen someone who cares about this organization and knows what has made the Cardinals special over time — and who understands that for us to get where we need to go, we must compete relentlessly to set new standards in everything that we do,” president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said.
“He is invested in the progress of our young core and is unafraid to challenge himself and to help those around him grow. I am energized to continue working with him towards the on-field success that we expect and that our fans deserve.”
Marmol, 39, has guided the Cardinals to a 325-323 record during his four seasons as the skipper. He led St. Louis to the National League Central title in 2022 before the team fell in the wild-card series to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Last season, the Cardinals posted a 78-84 record to finish in fourth place in the NL Central.
Marmol was a coach with St. Louis from 2017-21 under previous managers Mike Shildt and Mike Matheny.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Tyler Reif treated for heat exhaustion after Trucks race
Oct 31, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Truck Series driver Tyler Reif (41) during the NASCAR Truck Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rookie Tyler Reif was treated for heat exhaustion after Saturday night’s street race in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Reif, 18, was transported to an area medical facility after finishing 16th in the race in the No. 42 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet. He was later released.
“Tyler and his family would like to express their gratitude to the NASCAR officials, track medical workers and the local medical facility staff for their care,” Niece Motorsports said in a release.
Reif made his debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks Series in 2025. Saturday’s race was just his third on the circuit, including a 17th-place finish at Atlanta on Feb. 21.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Report: RB David Montgomery 'wants out' of Detroit
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Lions running back David Montgomery “wants out” of Detroit after three seasons, ESPN reported on Sunday.
Montgomery, however, immediately appeared to refute the report on X, posting: “Damn, Dmo told you that?”
The ESPN report claims the Lions would want “a decent Day 3 pick (possibly a fifth-rounder)” in the 2026 NFL Draft in return for Montgomery, who turns 29 in June and is owed $6 million next season.
The report follows general manager Brad Holmes’ remarks after the season about Montgomery being unhappy with his playing time in 2025. Sharing a backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery rushed for a career-low 716 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games (no starts).
“Those are conversations that we’re going to have to have because I’ve got a lot of respect for that player,” Holmes said of Montgomery in January. “He deserves to be in a situation where his skillset can be utilized, and so yeah would love for it to be here, but if it can’t be here then you’d just love to see where could work out best for him.”
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Holmes said the situation with Montgomery is “fluid.” He signed a two-year extension during the 2024 season that runs through the end of the 2027 campaign.
“Yeah, I have been in touch with David’s agent, and his representation,” Holmes revealed. “Obviously, we love David, he’s a great player, we love to have him, you know, kind of want to put last year in the rear view, and just move forward. But, obviously, a player has to want to be at a certain place as well. The conversations are still fluid, but we’ll see how it goes.”
Montgomery has rushed for 2,506 yards and 33 touchdowns in 45 games (28 starts) in three seasons with Detroit (2023-25). He has 76 catches for 650 yards in that span.
He began his career with the NFC North rival Chicago Bears, who drafted him in the third round in 2019. Montgomery rushed for 3,609 yards and 26 scores in 60 games (51 starts) with the Bears (2019-22).
–Field Level Media
Cards extend manager Oliver Marmol through '28 season
Tyler Reif treated for heat exhaustion after Trucks race
