BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Missouri running back Cody Schrader has won the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the nation's best player who started his Division I career as a a walk-on.

Schrader, who walked on two years ago after transferring from Division II Truman State, leads Division I with 124.9 yards rushing per game this season. He has rushed for 1,625 yards and 13 touchdowns and led the Tigers to a 10-2 record. He was a unanimous Associated Press first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection this year.

Ninth-ranked Missouri will play No. 7 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 29.

Schrader ran for more than 700 yards at Missouri last season before emerging as one of the nation’s best running backs this season. In a 36-7 win over Tennessee, he became the first SEC player and 10th player in FBS history with 200-plus rushing yards and 100-plus receiving yards in the same game. He finished with 205 yards rushing and 321 total yards.

Other finalists for the award were James Madison nose guard James Carpenter and Oklahoma receiver Drake Stoops.

Carpenter had 48 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks and an interception for the 11-1 Dukes. Stoops led Oklahoma with 78 catches for 880 yards and 10 touchdowns in the regular season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701803759316.jpeg" alt="Missouri running back Cody Schrader (7) is knocked out of bounds by Arkansas defensive back Hudson Clark (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)" />
 <figcaption>Missouri running back Cody Schrader (7) is knocked out of bounds by Arkansas defensive back Hudson Clark (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)</figcaption>
 </figure>BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Missouri running back Cody Schrader has won the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the nation's best player who started his Division I career as a a walk-on.Schrader, who walked on two years ago after transferring from Division II Truman State, leads Division I with 124.9 yards rushing per game this season. He has rushed for 1,625 yards and 13 touchdowns and led the Tigers to a 10-2 record. He was a unanimous Associated Press first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection this year.Ninth-ranked Missouri will play No. 7 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 29.Schrader ran for more than 700 yards at Missouri last season before emerging as one of the nation’s best running backs this season. In a 36-7 win over Tennessee, he became the first SEC player and 10th player in FBS history with 200-plus rushing yards and 100-plus receiving yards in the same game. He finished with 205 yards rushing and 321 total yards.Other finalists for the award were James Madison nose guard James Carpenter and Oklahoma receiver Drake Stoops.Carpenter had 48 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks and an interception for the 11-1 Dukes. Stoops led Oklahoma with 78 catches for 880 yards and 10 touchdowns in the regular season.

Missouri RB Cody Schrader wins Burlsworth Trophy

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is the unanimous pick as Associated Press Southeastern Conference offensive player of the year, while Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson is defensive player of the year.

Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz won coach of the year honors Monday after leading the ninth-ranked Tigers into the Cotton Bowl against No. 7 Ohio State. Alabama safety Caleb Downs is the top newcomer.

Daniels, a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, leads the nation in total offense (412.2 yards per game), passing for 3,812 yards and a nation's best 40 touchdowns against only four interceptions. Daniels has also run for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Watson is the SEC's leading tackler with 137 and also has a league-best 10 sacks. Watson has two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

Downs led No. 5 Alabama with 99 tackles as a freshman, well ahead of No. 2 tackler Jihaad Campbell's 65. He also has two interceptions and returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown against Chattanooga.

Other unanimous first-team picks include LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, Missouri running back Cody Schrader, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers and Georgia center Sedrick Van Pran.

The AP All-SEC teams were voted on by a panel of 14 sportswriters and broadcasters covering the league.

WR — u-Malik Nabers, LSU, 6-0, 200, Jr., Youngsville, Louisiana

WR — Luther Burden III, Missouri, 5-11, 208, So., St. Louis, Missouri

T — Javon Foster, Missouri, 6-5, 319, grad, Detroit

T — JC Latham, Alabama, 6-6, 360, Jr., Oak Creek, Wisconsin

G — Tate Ratledge, Georgia, 6-6, 310, Jr., Rome, Georgia

G — Tyler Booker, Alabama, 6-5, 352, So., New Haven, Connecticut

C — u-Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia, Jr., 6-4, 310, New Orleans

TE — u-Brock Bowers, Georgia, 6-4, 240, Jr., Napa, California

QB — u-Jayden Daniels, LSU, 6-4, 210, Sr., San Bernardino, California

RB — u-Cody Schrader, Missouri, 5-9, 214, graduate, St. Louis, Missouri

RB — Ray Davis, Kentucky, 5-10, 216, Sr., San Francisco

PK — Will Reichard, Alabama, 6-1, 194, grad, Hoover, Alabama

All-Purpose — Ainias Smith, Texas A&amp;M, 5-10, 200, grad, Missouri City, Texas

DE — James Pearce Jr., Tennessee, 6-5, 242, So., Charlotte, North Carolina

DE — Darius Robinson, Missouri, 6-5, 296, grad, Southfield, Michigan

DT — Marcus Harris, Auburn, 6-3, 295, Sr., Montgomery, Alabama

DT — Deone Walker, Kentucky, 6-6, 348, So., Detroit

LB — Dallas Turner, Alabama, 6-4, 252, Jr., Fort Lauderdale, Florida

LB — Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&amp;M, 6-3, 230, Jr., Covington, Louisiana

LB — Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State, grad, 6-2, 245, Maplesville, Alabama

CB — Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri, 5-11, 178, Jr., Mobile, Alabama

CB — Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama, 6-1, 195, Jr., Birmingham, Ala.

S — Malaki Starks, Georgia, 6-1, 205, So., Jefferson, Georgia

S — Jaylin Simpson, Auburn, 6-1, 178, Sr., Brunswick, Georgia

P — Matthew Hayball, Vanderbilt, 6-1, 187, grad, West Adelaide, Australia

WR — Xavier Legette, South Carolina, 6-3, 227, Sr., Mullins, South Carolina

WR — Brian Thomas, LSU, 6-4, 205, Jr., Walker, Louisiana

T — Will Campbell, LSU, 6-6, 325, So., Monroe, Louisiana

T — Gunner Britton, Auburn, 6-6, 312, Sr., Conway, South Carolina

G — Joshua Braun, Arkansas, 6-6, 348, Jr., Live Oak, Florida

G — Cam'Ron Johnson, Missouri, 6-4, 305, Jr., Houston

C — Cooper Mays, Tennessee, 6-3, 305, Sr., Knoxville, Tennessee

TE — Rivaldo Fairweather, 6-4, 251, Jr., Lauderhill, Florida

QB — Jalen Milroe, Alabama, 6-2, 220, So., Katy, Texas

RB — Quinshon Judkins, Mississippi, 5-11, 210, So., Pike Road, Alabama

RB — Jaylen Wright, Tennessee, 5-11, 210, Jr., Durham, North Carolina

PK — Harrison Mevis, Missouri, 5-11, 243, Sr., Warsaw, Indiana

All-Purpose — t-Barion Brown, Kentucky, 6-1, 166, So., Nashville; Xavier Legette, South Carolina, 6-3, 227, Sr., Mullins, South Carolina

DE — Princely Umanmielen, 6-5, 255, Jr., Manor, Texas

DE — Landon Jackson, Arkansas, 6-7, 281, Texarkana, Texas

DT — Justin Eboigbe, Alabama, 6-5, 292, Sr., Forest Park, Georgia

DT — Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia, 6-3, 320, Sr., Stone Mountain, Georgia

LB — Jett Johnson, Mississippi State, 6-2, 230, grad, Tupelo, Mississippi

LB — Chris Braswell, Alabama, 6-3, 255, Sr., Baltimore, Maryland

LB — Debo Williams, South Carolina, 6-1, 232, Jr., Smyrna, Delaware

CB — Terrion Arnold, Alabama, 6-0, 196, So., Tallahassee, Florida

CB — Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky, 6-0, 196, So., West Bloomfield, Michigan

S — Javon Bullard, Georgia, 5-11, 195, Jr., Milledgeville, Georgia

S — Caleb Downs, Alabama, 6-0, 203, Fr., Hoschton, Georgia

P — Jeremy Chrawshaw, Florida, 6-4, 200, Jr., New South Wales, Australia

Offensive Player of the Year — u-Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Defensive Player of the Year — Nathaniel Watson, LB, Mississippi State

Coach of the Year — Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri

Newcomer of the Year — Caleb Downs, S, Alabama

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is the unanimous pick as Associated Press Southeastern Conference offensive player of the year, while Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson is defensive player of the year.Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz won coach of the year honors Monday after leading the ninth-ranked Tigers into the Cotton Bowl against No. 7 Ohio State. Alabama safety Caleb Downs is the top newcomer.Daniels, a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, leads the nation in total offense (412.2 yards per game), passing for 3,812 yards and a nation's best 40 touchdowns against only four interceptions. Daniels has also run for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns.Watson is the SEC's leading tackler with 137 and also has a league-best 10 sacks. Watson has two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.Downs led No. 5 Alabama with 99 tackles as a freshman, well ahead of No. 2 tackler Jihaad Campbell's 65. He also has two interceptions and returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown against Chattanooga.Other unanimous first-team picks include LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, Missouri running back Cody Schrader, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers and Georgia center Sedrick Van Pran.The AP All-SEC teams were voted on by a panel of 14 sportswriters and broadcasters covering the league.(u-unanimous choice)FIRST TEAMOffenseWR — u-Malik Nabers, LSU, 6-0, 200, Jr., Youngsville, LouisianaWR — Luther Burden III, Missouri, 5-11, 208, So., St. Louis, MissouriT — Javon Foster, Missouri, 6-5, 319, grad, DetroitT — JC Latham, Alabama, 6-6, 360, Jr., Oak Creek, WisconsinG — Tate Ratledge, Georgia, 6-6, 310, Jr., Rome, GeorgiaG — Tyler Booker, Alabama, 6-5, 352, So., New Haven, ConnecticutC — u-Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia, Jr., 6-4, 310, New OrleansTE — u-Brock Bowers, Georgia, 6-4, 240, Jr., Napa, CaliforniaQB — u-Jayden Daniels, LSU, 6-4, 210, Sr., San Bernardino, CaliforniaRB — u-Cody Schrader, Missouri, 5-9, 214, graduate, St. Louis, MissouriRB — Ray Davis, Kentucky, 5-10, 216, Sr., San FranciscoPK — Will Reichard, Alabama, 6-1, 194, grad, Hoover, AlabamaAll-Purpose — Ainias Smith, Texas A&amp;M, 5-10, 200, grad, Missouri City, TexasDefenseDE — James Pearce Jr., Tennessee, 6-5, 242, So., Charlotte, North CarolinaDE — Darius Robinson, Missouri, 6-5, 296, grad, Southfield, MichiganDT — Marcus Harris, Auburn, 6-3, 295, Sr., Montgomery, AlabamaDT — Deone Walker, Kentucky, 6-6, 348, So., DetroitLB — Dallas Turner, Alabama, 6-4, 252, Jr., Fort Lauderdale, FloridaLB — Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&amp;M, 6-3, 230, Jr., Covington, LouisianaLB — Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State, grad, 6-2, 245, Maplesville, AlabamaCB — Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri, 5-11, 178, Jr., Mobile, AlabamaCB — Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama, 6-1, 195, Jr., Birmingham, Ala.S — Malaki Starks, Georgia, 6-1, 205, So., Jefferson, GeorgiaS — Jaylin Simpson, Auburn, 6-1, 178, Sr., Brunswick, GeorgiaP — Matthew Hayball, Vanderbilt, 6-1, 187, grad, West Adelaide, AustraliaSECOND TEAMOffenseWR — Xavier Legette, South Carolina, 6-3, 227, Sr., Mullins, South CarolinaWR — Brian Thomas, LSU, 6-4, 205, Jr., Walker, LouisianaT — Will Campbell, LSU, 6-6, 325, So., Monroe, LouisianaT — Gunner Britton, Auburn, 6-6, 312, Sr., Conway, South CarolinaG — Joshua Braun, Arkansas, 6-6, 348, Jr., Live Oak, FloridaG — Cam'Ron Johnson, Missouri, 6-4, 305, Jr., HoustonC — Cooper Mays, Tennessee, 6-3, 305, Sr., Knoxville, TennesseeTE — Rivaldo Fairweather, 6-4, 251, Jr., Lauderhill, FloridaQB — Jalen Milroe, Alabama, 6-2, 220, So., Katy, TexasRB — Quinshon Judkins, Mississippi, 5-11, 210, So., Pike Road, AlabamaRB — Jaylen Wright, Tennessee, 5-11, 210, Jr., Durham, North CarolinaPK — Harrison Mevis, Missouri, 5-11, 243, Sr., Warsaw, IndianaAll-Purpose — t-Barion Brown, Kentucky, 6-1, 166, So., Nashville; Xavier Legette, South Carolina, 6-3, 227, Sr., Mullins, South CarolinaDefenseDE — Princely Umanmielen, 6-5, 255, Jr., Manor, TexasDE — Landon Jackson, Arkansas, 6-7, 281, Texarkana, TexasDT — Justin Eboigbe, Alabama, 6-5, 292, Sr., Forest Park, GeorgiaDT — Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia, 6-3, 320, Sr., Stone Mountain, GeorgiaLB — Jett Johnson, Mississippi State, 6-2, 230, grad, Tupelo, MississippiLB — Chris Braswell, Alabama, 6-3, 255, Sr., Baltimore, MarylandLB — Debo Williams, South Carolina, 6-1, 232, Jr., Smyrna, DelawareCB — Terrion Arnold, Alabama, 6-0, 196, So., Tallahassee, FloridaCB — Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky, 6-0, 196, So., West Bloomfield, MichiganS — Javon Bullard, Georgia, 5-11, 195, Jr., Milledgeville, GeorgiaS — Caleb Downs, Alabama, 6-0, 203, Fr., Hoschton, GeorgiaP — Jeremy Chrawshaw, Florida, 6-4, 200, Jr., New South Wales, AustraliaOffensive Player of the Year — u-Jayden Daniels, QB, LSUDefensive Player of the Year — Nathaniel Watson, LB, Mississippi StateCoach of the Year — Eliah Drinkwitz, MissouriNewcomer of the Year — Caleb Downs, S, Alabama

Mizzou's Eli Drinkwitz earns SEC Coach of the year, several Tigers earn first and second team honors

Missouri to the Cotton Bowl, first NY6 game since 2014

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Missouri is headed to its first New Year's Six bowl game in the 10 seasons since the four-team playoff began and will play No. 7 Ohio State, which has never missed one. They meet in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 29, kicking off at 7pm on ESPN.

The ninth-ranked Tigers (10-2, SEC) have 10 wins for the first time since 2014, when they won the Citrus Bowl in the first season of the College Football Playoff, a year after winning in their last Cotton Bowl appearance. They were 6-7 in each of the past two seasons, both ending with bowl losses.

“In my wildest dreams, I don’t know that I ever thought about being able to coach in the Cotton Bowl vs. Ohio State,” fourth-year Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said. “So it’s something that I’m going to be very, very present in, and really enjoy the moment.”

Drinkwitz said the Tigers seniors have been through a lot, and that a 10-win season with a NY6 game is a reminder that all the hard work, dedication and hard practices were worth it.

The only loss for the Buckeyes (11-1, Big Ten) was 30-24 in their regular-season finale against Michigan, which won the Big Ten title and was the No. 1 team in the final CFP rankings released Sunday.

Ohio State played in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day 2014, just over a year before ending the 2014 season with a win over Oregon in the first CFP championship game. That game was played at AT&amp;T Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and the Cotton Bowl.

Ohio State has a 10-1-1 series record against Missouri, but is 2-12 against Southeastern Conference teams in bowl games. That includes last year’s 42-41 loss to Georgia in the CFP semifinal Peach Bowl.

The Buckeyes and Tigers haven’t played since 1998, when Ohio State won 35-14 at home. This will be their first postseason meeting.

“They play a tough schedule in the SEC. So they’ve got to bring it every week and have some really good wins this year against Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “We know they’re a very good team, any time you’re playing that type of schedule and winning like they are. ... But that’s what you expect when you get into a bowl game like this.”

Ohio State standout junior Marvin Harrison Jr. and Missouri sophomore Luther Burden are two of the nation's leading receivers.

The 6-foot-4 Harrison has 67 catches for 1,211 yards and is tied second nationally with his 14 touchdowns. He is averaging 100.9 yards per game receiving, which ranks ninth.

Burden is 10th at 99.8 yards per game, only three total yards from a triple-digit average. He has 83 catches for 1,197 yards and eight touchdowns.

Former walk-on Cody Schrader, a super senior who began his career at Division II Truman State, is now the nation's leading rusher for Missouri.

Schrader averages 124.9 yards per game, nearly 30 yards more than any other SEC player, while running for 1,499 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has TDs in nine consecutive games, and his fifth consecutive 100-yard game was a season-high 217 in the regular-season finale at Arkansas.

He joins Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon II and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton as finalists for the Doak Walker Award that goes to the top running back. Gordon led the nation in rushing before being limited to 34 yards on 13 carries against Texas in the Big 12 championship game Saturday, dropping his season average to 124.2.

Missouri has won its last three games since a 30-21 loss at then-No. 1 Georgia, the only team to finish ahead of the Tigers in the SEC East. They are 3-2 vs. Top 25 teams, the other loss being to then-No. 23 LSU.

The last time Missouri had been in the Top 10 was when being fifth in the final AP poll of the 2013 season, when the Tigers finished 12-2 after a 41-31 win over Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl.

Ohio State beat Southern Cal 24-7 in the Cotton Bowl at the end of the 2017 season. The Buckeyes' only other Cotton Bowl was New Year's Day 1987, a 28-12 win over Texas A&amp;M (then in the Southwest Conference) in the game's former home and namesake stadium. ... The Tigers are going to their fourth Cotton Bowl. They also beat Arkansas on New Year's Day 2008, and lost to Texas in the 1946 game.

Kansas and UNLV meet for first time since '03 in Guaranteed Rate Bowl

Kansas will face UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, the first meeting between the schools since the Jayhawks won 46-24 in 2003. The Jayhawks clinched bowl eligibility with a 38-33 upset of then-No. 6 Oklahoma and have won at least eight games for the 11th time in school history. UNLV is coming off a 44-20 loss to Boise State in the Mountain West championship and will make its fifth postseason appearance. The Rebels seek their first bowl win since beating Arkansas 31-14 in the 2000 Las Vegas Bowl.

Kansas (8-4, 5-4 Big 12) vs. UNLV (9-4, 6-3 Mountain West), Dec. 26,8pm airing on ESPn

Kansas: QB Jason Bean took over for injured Jalon Daniels and has led four wins, passing for 1,681 yards and 12 touchdowns. RB Devon Neal has rushed for 1,209 yards and 15 TDs, ranking fifth in the Big 12, while safety Kenny Logan Jr. recorded a team-high 86 tackles.

UNLV: Kicker Jose Pizano set school records with six field goals in a game and 127 points along with 19 consecutive made attempts over one stretch. Freshman QB Jayden Maiava has passed for 2,794 yards and 14 TDs with eight interceptions, ranking fourth in the Mountain West.

Kansas clinched bowl eligibility with a 38-33 upset of then-No.6 Oklahoma and is appearing in consecutive postseasons for the first time since 2007-08. The Jayhawks ranked seventh in Big 12 offense at 434 yards per contest.

UNLV led the Mountain West conference in scoring at 34.3 points per game. The Rebels are coming off a 44-20 loss to Boise State in the conference championship.

Kansas won 46-24 in 2003 to even the series at a game each.

Kansas is 6-7 all-time in bowls. UNLV is 3-1.

Kansas State meets up with North Carolina State in Pop-Tarts Bowl

North Carolina State faces Kansas State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 28. North Carolina State finished third in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Wolfpack enter the game on a five-game win streak, including a victory over Clemson. North Carolina State has been invited to a bowl game in 11 of coach Dave Doeren's 13 years at the school. Kansas State tied for fourth in the Big 12. The Wildcats will play a bowl game in Florida for the first time. Kansas State's four losses are by a combined 21 points,

Kansas State (8-4, Big 12) vs. No. 19 North Carolina State (9-3, ACC), Dec. 28, 4:45 p.m. airing on ESPN

Kansas State: QB Will Howard, 2,643 yards passing, 24 touchdowns; 9 touchdowns rushing.

North Carolina State: QB Brennan Armstrong, 1,621 yards passing, 11 touchdowns; 544 yards, 6 touchdowns rushing.

Kansas State: The Wildcats have another outstanding running back in DJ Giddens. He has rushed for 1,075 yards and nine touchdowns.

North Carolina State: WR Kevin Concepcion has 64 catches for 767 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

Kansas State: First appearance in Pop-Tarts Bowl, 25th bowl appearance overall.

North Carolina State: Sixth appearance in bowl at Camping World Stadium; 35th bowl appearance overall.

Missouri to the Cotton Bowl, first NY6 game since 2014<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701708057772.jpeg" alt="Missouri running back Cody Schrader (7) celebrates next to the Battle Line trophy after the team's win over Arkansas in an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)" />
 <figcaption>Missouri running back Cody Schrader (7) celebrates next to the Battle Line trophy after the team's win over Arkansas in an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Missouri is headed to its first New Year's Six bowl game in the 10 seasons since the four-team playoff began and will play No. 7 Ohio State, which has never missed one. They meet in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 29, kicking off at 7pm on ESPN.The ninth-ranked Tigers (10-2, SEC) have 10 wins for the first time since 2014, when they won the Citrus Bowl in the first season of the College Football Playoff, a year after winning in their last Cotton Bowl appearance. They were 6-7 in each of the past two seasons, both ending with bowl losses.“In my wildest dreams, I don’t know that I ever thought about being able to coach in the Cotton Bowl vs. Ohio State,” fourth-year Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said. “So it’s something that I’m going to be very, very present in, and really enjoy the moment.”Drinkwitz said the Tigers seniors have been through a lot, and that a 10-win season with a NY6 game is a reminder that all the hard work, dedication and hard practices were worth it.The only loss for the Buckeyes (11-1, Big Ten) was 30-24 in their regular-season finale against Michigan, which won the Big Ten title and was the No. 1 team in the final CFP rankings released Sunday.Ohio State played in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day 2014, just over a year before ending the 2014 season with a win over Oregon in the first CFP championship game. That game was played at AT&amp;T Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and the Cotton Bowl.Ohio State has a 10-1-1 series record against Missouri, but is 2-12 against Southeastern Conference teams in bowl games. That includes last year’s 42-41 loss to Georgia in the CFP semifinal Peach Bowl.The Buckeyes and Tigers haven’t played since 1998, when Ohio State won 35-14 at home. This will be their first postseason meeting.“They play a tough schedule in the SEC. So they’ve got to bring it every week and have some really good wins this year against Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “We know they’re a very good team, any time you’re playing that type of schedule and winning like they are. ... But that’s what you expect when you get into a bowl game like this.”CATCHING THE BALLOhio State standout junior Marvin Harrison Jr. and Missouri sophomore Luther Burden are two of the nation's leading receivers.The 6-foot-4 Harrison has 67 catches for 1,211 yards and is tied second nationally with his 14 touchdowns. He is averaging 100.9 yards per game receiving, which ranks ninth.Burden is 10th at 99.8 yards per game, only three total yards from a triple-digit average. He has 83 catches for 1,197 yards and eight touchdowns.WALK-ON TO TOP RUSHERFormer walk-on Cody Schrader, a super senior who began his career at Division II Truman State, is now the nation's leading rusher for Missouri.Schrader averages 124.9 yards per game, nearly 30 yards more than any other SEC player, while running for 1,499 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has TDs in nine consecutive games, and his fifth consecutive 100-yard game was a season-high 217 in the regular-season finale at Arkansas.He joins Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon II and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton as finalists for the Doak Walker Award that goes to the top running back. Gordon led the nation in rushing before being limited to 34 yards on 13 carries against Texas in the Big 12 championship game Saturday, dropping his season average to 124.2.RISING TIGERSMissouri has won its last three games since a 30-21 loss at then-No. 1 Georgia, the only team to finish ahead of the Tigers in the SEC East. They are 3-2 vs. Top 25 teams, the other loss being to then-No. 23 LSU.The last time Missouri had been in the Top 10 was when being fifth in the final AP poll of the 2013 season, when the Tigers finished 12-2 after a 41-31 win over Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl.COTTON HISTORYOhio State beat Southern Cal 24-7 in the Cotton Bowl at the end of the 2017 season. The Buckeyes' only other Cotton Bowl was New Year's Day 1987, a 28-12 win over Texas A&amp;M (then in the Southwest Conference) in the game's former home and namesake stadium. ... The Tigers are going to their fourth Cotton Bowl. They also beat Arkansas on New Year's Day 2008, and lost to Texas in the 1946 game.Kansas and UNLV meet for first time since '03 in Guaranteed Rate Bowl<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701373860475.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas will face UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, the first meeting between the schools since the Jayhawks won 46-24 in 2003. The Jayhawks clinched bowl eligibility with a 38-33 upset of then-No. 6 Oklahoma and have won at least eight games for the 11th time in school history. UNLV is coming off a 44-20 loss to Boise State in the Mountain West championship and will make its fifth postseason appearance. The Rebels seek their first bowl win since beating Arkansas 31-14 in the 2000 Las Vegas Bowl.Kansas (8-4, 5-4 Big 12) vs. UNLV (9-4, 6-3 Mountain West), Dec. 26,8pm airing on ESPnLOCATION: PhoenixTOP PLAYERSKansas: QB Jason Bean took over for injured Jalon Daniels and has led four wins, passing for 1,681 yards and 12 touchdowns. RB Devon Neal has rushed for 1,209 yards and 15 TDs, ranking fifth in the Big 12, while safety Kenny Logan Jr. recorded a team-high 86 tackles.UNLV: Kicker Jose Pizano set school records with six field goals in a game and 127 points along with 19 consecutive made attempts over one stretch. Freshman QB Jayden Maiava has passed for 2,794 yards and 14 TDs with eight interceptions, ranking fourth in the Mountain West.NOTABLEKansas clinched bowl eligibility with a 38-33 upset of then-No.6 Oklahoma and is appearing in consecutive postseasons for the first time since 2007-08. The Jayhawks ranked seventh in Big 12 offense at 434 yards per contest.UNLV led the Mountain West conference in scoring at 34.3 points per game. The Rebels are coming off a 44-20 loss to Boise State in the conference championship.LAST TIMEKansas won 46-24 in 2003 to even the series at a game each.BOWL HISTORYKansas is 6-7 all-time in bowls. UNLV is 3-1.Kansas State meets up with North Carolina State in Pop-Tarts Bowl<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701710697986.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas State quarterback Will Howard (18) is pressured by Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) during overtime in an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian calls defensive tackles T’Vondre Sweat, an Outland Trophy finalist, and Byron Murphy II the best interior linemen tandem in the country and the anchor for a defense that leads the nation in third down efficiency and red zone defense. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas State quarterback Will Howard (18) is pressured by Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) during overtime in an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian calls defensive tackles T’Vondre Sweat, an Outland Trophy finalist, and Byron Murphy II the best interior linemen tandem in the country and the anchor for a defense that leads the nation in third down efficiency and red zone defense. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Carolina State faces Kansas State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 28. North Carolina State finished third in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Wolfpack enter the game on a five-game win streak, including a victory over Clemson. North Carolina State has been invited to a bowl game in 11 of coach Dave Doeren's 13 years at the school. Kansas State tied for fourth in the Big 12. The Wildcats will play a bowl game in Florida for the first time. Kansas State's four losses are by a combined 21 points,Story BodyKansas State (8-4, Big 12) vs. No. 19 North Carolina State (9-3, ACC), Dec. 28, 4:45 p.m. airing on ESPNLOCATION: Orlando, FloridaTOP PLAYERSKansas State: QB Will Howard, 2,643 yards passing, 24 touchdowns; 9 touchdowns rushing.North Carolina State: QB Brennan Armstrong, 1,621 yards passing, 11 touchdowns; 544 yards, 6 touchdowns rushing.NOTABLEKansas State: The Wildcats have another outstanding running back in DJ Giddens. He has rushed for 1,075 yards and nine touchdowns.North Carolina State: WR Kevin Concepcion has 64 catches for 767 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.BOWL HISTORYKansas State: First appearance in Pop-Tarts Bowl, 25th bowl appearance overall.North Carolina State: Sixth appearance in bowl at Camping World Stadium; 35th bowl appearance overall.

CFB Roundup: Mizzou gets NY6 bowl, KU and K State going bowling as well

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Jordan Love connected with Christian Watson on two of his three touchdown passes and the resurgent Green Bay Packers won their third straight game, 27-19, over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night at Lambeau Field.

The Packers scored touchdowns on three of their first four drives and never trailed, with their defense making two big stops in the last 5 1/2 minutes. Green Bay knocked down Mahomes' pass into the end zone on the game’s final play.

The Packers (6-6) improved their December record to 16-0 under coach Matt LaFleur. The only team ever to win more consecutive December games was the San Diego Chargers with 18 straight from 2006-09, before their move to Los Angeles.

Love went 25-of-36 for 267 yards. Tight end Ben Sims had a one-yard catch for his first career touchdown, and Love added TD passes of 9 and 12 yards to Watson.

Mahomes was 21-of-31 for 210 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs (8-4), who lost&nbsp;in front of pop superstar Taylor Swift&nbsp;for the first time. Kansas City had won its previous four games Swift had attended since beginning her relationship with tight end Travis Kelce.

Kansas City still leads the AFC West but fell behind three other teams for the top seed in the conference.

Isiah Pacheco rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown before getting ejected for punching Keisean Nixon during a scuffle on the game’s final series. Noah Gray had a two-yard TD catch early in the fourth quarter that got Kansas City within two.

Mahomes had a couple of late chances to tie the game or take the lead.

Kansas City had a first down just beyond midfield when Nixon picked off Mahomes' pass intended for Skyy Moore with 5:14 left. The turnover set up a 48-yard field goal by Anders Carlson that made it 27-19.

Kansas City got the ball back at its own 30 with 1:09 left and no timeouts remaining.

Mahomes had a 10-yard run and got hit by Jonathan Owens while going out of bounds, leading to a personal foul that put the ball at Green Bay’s 45. Rashee Rice then appeared to fumble, with Green Bay’s Corey Ballentine returning it for a game-clinching touchdown, but replays showed Rice was down before the ball came loose.

The Chiefs argued in vain for a pass interference call on a long incompletion to Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the final minute. The Chiefs had the ball at Kansas City’s 33 on the game’s final play, when Mahomes threw into a crowd, and there was plenty of contact before the ball fell to the ground.

Chiefs: LB Drue Tranquill left with a concussion in the first quarter. Safety Bryan Cook was carted off the field with an ankle injury in the third quarter. Running back Jerick McKinnon (groin) didn't play.

Kansas City is back home to face Buffalo on Sunday at 3:25 central. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701665740964.jpeg" alt="Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)." />
 <figcaption>Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke).</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Jordan Love connected with Christian Watson on two of his three touchdown passes and the resurgent Green Bay Packers won their third straight game, 27-19, over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night at Lambeau Field.The Packers scored touchdowns on three of their first four drives and never trailed, with their defense making two big stops in the last 5 1/2 minutes. Green Bay knocked down Mahomes' pass into the end zone on the game’s final play.The Packers (6-6) improved their December record to 16-0 under coach Matt LaFleur. The only team ever to win more consecutive December games was the San Diego Chargers with 18 straight from 2006-09, before their move to Los Angeles.Love went 25-of-36 for 267 yards. Tight end Ben Sims had a one-yard catch for his first career touchdown, and Love added TD passes of 9 and 12 yards to Watson.Mahomes was 21-of-31 for 210 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs (8-4), who lost&nbsp;in front of pop superstar Taylor Swift&nbsp;for the first time. Kansas City had won its previous four games Swift had attended since beginning her relationship with tight end Travis Kelce.Kansas City still leads the AFC West but fell behind three other teams for the top seed in the conference.Isiah Pacheco rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown before getting ejected for punching Keisean Nixon during a scuffle on the game’s final series. Noah Gray had a two-yard TD catch early in the fourth quarter that got Kansas City within two.Mahomes had a couple of late chances to tie the game or take the lead.Kansas City had a first down just beyond midfield when Nixon picked off Mahomes' pass intended for Skyy Moore with 5:14 left. The turnover set up a 48-yard field goal by Anders Carlson that made it 27-19.Kansas City got the ball back at its own 30 with 1:09 left and no timeouts remaining.Mahomes had a 10-yard run and got hit by Jonathan Owens while going out of bounds, leading to a personal foul that put the ball at Green Bay’s 45. Rashee Rice then appeared to fumble, with Green Bay’s Corey Ballentine returning it for a game-clinching touchdown, but replays showed Rice was down before the ball came loose.Kansas City couldn’t capitalize.The Chiefs argued in vain for a pass interference call on a long incompletion to Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the final minute. The Chiefs had the ball at Kansas City’s 33 on the game’s final play, when Mahomes threw into a crowd, and there was plenty of contact before the ball fell to the ground.INJURY REPORTChiefs: LB Drue Tranquill left with a concussion in the first quarter. Safety Bryan Cook was carted off the field with an ankle injury in the third quarter. Running back Jerick McKinnon (groin) didn't play.UP NEXTKansas City is back home to face Buffalo on Sunday at 3:25 central. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701665876367.jpeg" alt="Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) catches a 12-yard touchdown pass as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) defends during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)." />
 <figcaption>Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) catches a 12-yard touchdown pass as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) defends during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke).</figcaption>
 </figure>

Jordan Love throws 2 TD passes, Packers beat Chiefs on Sunday night

TEXARKANA, AR -The Missouri Western football team fought hard for three quarters, trailing only 29-27 entering the fourth quarter against Southern Arkansas.

However, the Muleriders (10-2) scored 14 unanswered points in the final period, benefitted from three Griffon turnovers and Southern Arkansas came away with a 43-27 win in the Farmers Bank and Trust Live United Bowl in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Missouri Western (8-4) got down 6-0 in the first quarter and never led in the game.

The Griffons scored a touchdown on the first play of the second quarter - a one-yard touchdown run by Seth Cromwell - but the point-after missed, leaving the game tied at 6-6.

Later in the second quarter, Southern Arkansas' Melvin Smith Jr. picked off Armani Edden and took it in for a 19-yard pick six.

Trailing 15-6 with 1:33 left before halftime, the Griffons marched 79 yards on three plays. Edden connected with Jake Berry on a five-yard touchdown pass, making it a 15-13 game at halftime.

Both offenses went to work&nbsp; comin out of the locker room. Each team scored touchdowns on each of their first two possessions, and Southern Arkansas still had a 29-27 advantage with 6:58 to play in the third.

The Muleriders were driving when the fourth quarter started, and their quarterback O.B. Jones took off on an 18-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth, putting Southern Arkansas up 36-27.

Missouri Western, again down nine, were driving, but got stood up on a 4th-and-1 from the Southern Arkansas 22.

Later in the fourth, still down by nine with 6:11 to play, Edden fumbled a snap on first down, which was recovered by Southern Arkansas on the Griffon 36-yard line.

The Muleriders scored the final touchdown with 2:12 to go, icing the game and securing for Southern Arkansas their first 10-win season since 1952 and their first bowl victory since 1990.

The Muleriders dominated the line of scrimmage, outrushing Missouri Western 390-178. Southern Arkansas also sacked Edden four times. The Griffons had no sacks.

Jones, the SAU quarterback, completed 16-of-23 passes for 162 yards and a score. He also rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Jariq Scales, a first-team all-GAC running back, finished 17 carries for 172 yards and a touchdown. Kadyn Roach, the No. 2 running back, was close behind with 149 yards rushing on 20 carries. He also had a touchdown.

Edden completed 16-of-26 passes for Missouri Western, finishing with 194 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Jared Scott was the leading rusher for the Griffons, going for 94 yards on seven carries. Seth Cromwell carried the ball 12 times for 43 yards, scoring twice.

Jake Berrey and Jonas Bennett each had five catches and each of them caught a touchdown for MWSU. Berrey finished with 83 yards receiving - Bennett had 78.

C.J. Ravenell led Missouri Western defensively with 11 total tackles.&nbsp;

The Griffons struggled on third down offensively, going 3-of-10. The Griffons were also 0-for-2 on fourth down.

In all, Southern Arkansas had 552 total yards, averaging over seven yards per play - all while remaining turnover free as well.

The game was chippy throughout. Missouri Western was called on eight penalties - SAU on 11. The Griffons' star defensive end Dakari Streeter got ejected from the game early in the fourth quarter due to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that occurred during a point-after try.

Missouri Western hadn't lost a bowl game since 2008. The Griffons are now 8-4 in bowl games all time.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701555949855.jpeg" alt="Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostTEXARKANA, AR -The Missouri Western football team fought hard for three quarters, trailing only 29-27 entering the fourth quarter against Southern Arkansas.However, the Muleriders (10-2) scored 14 unanswered points in the final period, benefitted from three Griffon turnovers and Southern Arkansas came away with a 43-27 win in the Farmers Bank and Trust Live United Bowl in Texarkana, Arkansas.Missouri Western (8-4) got down 6-0 in the first quarter and never led in the game.The Griffons scored a touchdown on the first play of the second quarter - a one-yard touchdown run by Seth Cromwell - but the point-after missed, leaving the game tied at 6-6.Later in the second quarter, Southern Arkansas' Melvin Smith Jr. picked off Armani Edden and took it in for a 19-yard pick six.Trailing 15-6 with 1:33 left before halftime, the Griffons marched 79 yards on three plays. Edden connected with Jake Berry on a five-yard touchdown pass, making it a 15-13 game at halftime.Both offenses went to work&nbsp; comin out of the locker room. Each team scored touchdowns on each of their first two possessions, and Southern Arkansas still had a 29-27 advantage with 6:58 to play in the third.The Muleriders were driving when the fourth quarter started, and their quarterback O.B. Jones took off on an 18-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth, putting Southern Arkansas up 36-27.Missouri Western, again down nine, were driving, but got stood up on a 4th-and-1 from the Southern Arkansas 22.Later in the fourth, still down by nine with 6:11 to play, Edden fumbled a snap on first down, which was recovered by Southern Arkansas on the Griffon 36-yard line.The Muleriders scored the final touchdown with 2:12 to go, icing the game and securing for Southern Arkansas their first 10-win season since 1952 and their first bowl victory since 1990.The Muleriders dominated the line of scrimmage, outrushing Missouri Western 390-178. Southern Arkansas also sacked Edden four times. The Griffons had no sacks.Jones, the SAU quarterback, completed 16-of-23 passes for 162 yards and a score. He also rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown.Jariq Scales, a first-team all-GAC running back, finished 17 carries for 172 yards and a touchdown. Kadyn Roach, the No. 2 running back, was close behind with 149 yards rushing on 20 carries. He also had a touchdown.Edden completed 16-of-26 passes for Missouri Western, finishing with 194 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.Jared Scott was the leading rusher for the Griffons, going for 94 yards on seven carries. Seth Cromwell carried the ball 12 times for 43 yards, scoring twice.Jake Berrey and Jonas Bennett each had five catches and each of them caught a touchdown for MWSU. Berrey finished with 83 yards receiving - Bennett had 78.C.J. Ravenell led Missouri Western defensively with 11 total tackles.&nbsp;The Griffons struggled on third down offensively, going 3-of-10. The Griffons were also 0-for-2 on fourth down.In all, Southern Arkansas had 552 total yards, averaging over seven yards per play - all while remaining turnover free as well.The game was chippy throughout. Missouri Western was called on eight penalties - SAU on 11. The Griffons' star defensive end Dakari Streeter got ejected from the game early in the fourth quarter due to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that occurred during a point-after try.Missouri Western hadn't lost a bowl game since 2008. The Griffons are now 8-4 in bowl games all time.Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Live-United-Bowl---MWSU-vs--Southern-Arkansas-e2cno3m/a-aamhqah" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Tyler Fenwick interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Tyler-Fenwick---Live-United-Bowl-postgame-e2cno2j/a-aamhq82" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701557226995.jpeg" alt="Bryce Marcus (83)." />
 <figcaption>Bryce Marcus (83).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701557250911.jpeg" alt="Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU football falls to Southern Arkansas in Live United Bowl

COLUMBIA- A historic season for the North Platte Panthers football team came to an end Friday afternoon, falling to Marionville 29-0 in the Class 1 State Championship game at Memorial Stadium at Faurot Field in Columbia. 

Marionville struck first late in the first quarter, consuming nearly nine minutes on their first drive, capping it with an eight-yard rushing touchdown. Late in the second, points were added on a long 34 yard rushing score, pushing score at halftime to 14-0.   

Again, the Comets scored late in the third quarter on a one-yard rush, extending the lead again. The final score came late in the fourth quarter, Marionville breaking a 67-yard rush, pushing the lead to 27-0 before converting a two-point conversion. 

North Platte quarterback Colton Kirkham was just 2 of 10 through the air in his final game as a Panther but was effective with his legs rushing 23 times for 84 yards.  

After finishing last season with their first winning record since 2011, the Panthers put together an impressive season, recording their most wins since the 1998 season when they earned the first district title in school history. 

North Platte finishes the season 12-2.    

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701483934274.jpeg" alt="North Platte senior wide receiver Jax Carpenter breaks out of a tackle during the Class 1 State Championship game/ Photo by Clifton Grooms" />
 <figcaption>North Platte senior wide receiver Jax Carpenter breaks out of a tackle during the Class 1 State Championship game/ Photo by Clifton Grooms</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostCOLUMBIA- A historic season for the North Platte Panthers football team came to an end Friday afternoon, falling to Marionville 29-0 in the Class 1 State Championship game at Memorial Stadium at Faurot Field in Columbia. Marionville struck first late in the first quarter, consuming nearly nine minutes on their first drive, capping it with an eight-yard rushing touchdown. Late in the second, points were added on a long 34 yard rushing score, pushing score at halftime to 14-0. Again, the Comets scored late in the third quarter on a one-yard rush, extending the lead again. The final score came late in the fourth quarter, Marionville breaking a 67-yard rush, pushing the lead to 27-0 before converting a two-point conversion. North Platte quarterback Colton Kirkham was just 2 of 10 through the air in his final game as a Panther but was effective with his legs rushing 23 times for 84 yards. After finishing last season with their first winning record since 2011, the Panthers put together an impressive season, recording their most wins since the 1998 season when they earned the first district title in school history. North Platte finishes the season 12-2. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701483980947.jpeg" alt="Colton Kirkham/ Photo courtesy of Clifton Grooms" />
 <figcaption>Colton Kirkham/ Photo courtesy of Clifton Grooms</figcaption>
 </figure>

North Platte falls to Marionville in Columbia ending historic season

The Missouri Western women's basketball team led by as many as 10 points in the first half and led by six at halftime, but a 27-point third quarter lifted Pittsburg State to a 65-56 win over the Griffons at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph Thursday.

Missouri Western (4-2, 0-1 MIAA) trailed by 17 with 7:10 to play and made somewhat of a rally, but ultimately fell short.

The third quarter was especially tough, as Pitt State shot 70.6% (12-of-17) in that period. Missouri Western was just 2-of-14 from the field in that same time.

The Griffons had a tough night shooting overall, connecting on 23-of-64 shots (35.9%), including just 3-of-13 from the free throw line.

Pitt State (6-0, 1-0 MIAA) outrebounded Missouri Western 40-33 and had 18 assists compared to just five by the Griffons.

Tiani Ellison led Missouri Western with 11 points. Connie Clarke had 9.

Sydney Holmes led four Pitt State players in double figures with 17 points.

Dating back to 2016, Pittsburg State has beaten Missouri Western in 12 of the last 15 women's basketball meetings.

Griffon men start strong in first half, hold off Pitt State late

The first 20 minutes were quite smooth for the Missouri Western men, as the Griffons shot 53.1% and led Pittsburg State 40-23 at halftime.

The Gorillas (2-3, 0-1 MIAA) made a strong charge in the second, getting back to within four points with 4:27 to play, but Missouri Western held on down the stretch for an 85-75 win on Thursday night at the MWSU Fieldhouse.

The Griffons (6-0, 1-0 MIAA) never trailed and shot a solid 52.7% from the field (29-of-55), including 8-of-23 from three.

Missouri Western scored 22 points off of 15 Pitt State turnovers. JaRon Thames led five Griffons in double figures with 21 points.

Reese Glover came off the bench for a season-high 15 points on four made three-pointers. Kiani Saxon scored 15 points as well, while Zion Swader had 14 and Julius Dixon added 13.

Max Alexander scored a game-high 31 points for Pittsburg State, who has lost eight of their last 10 meetings against the Griffons.

Pitt State made 19-of-23 free throws, while Missouri Western was 19-of-30. The Gorillas also outrebounded the Griffons 38-28.

Both Missouri Western teams stay home Saturday to host Missouri Southern. The women's game starts at 3:30, with the men's at 5:30.

Both games will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

Will Martin, Kiani Saxon interview

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701408233704.jpeg" alt="Brionna Budgets (23) brings the ball up the floor in a 65-56 loss to Pittsburg State on Thursday at the MWSU Fieldhouse. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Brionna Budgets (23) brings the ball up the floor in a 65-56 loss to Pittsburg State on Thursday at the MWSU Fieldhouse. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western women's basketball team led by as many as 10 points in the first half and led by six at halftime, but a 27-point third quarter lifted Pittsburg State to a 65-56 win over the Griffons at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph Thursday.Missouri Western (4-2, 0-1 MIAA) trailed by 17 with 7:10 to play and made somewhat of a rally, but ultimately fell short.The third quarter was especially tough, as Pitt State shot 70.6% (12-of-17) in that period. Missouri Western was just 2-of-14 from the field in that same time.The Griffons had a tough night shooting overall, connecting on 23-of-64 shots (35.9%), including just 3-of-13 from the free throw line.Pitt State (6-0, 1-0 MIAA) outrebounded Missouri Western 40-33 and had 18 assists compared to just five by the Griffons.Tiani Ellison led Missouri Western with 11 points. Connie Clarke had 9.Sydney Holmes led four Pitt State players in double figures with 17 points.Dating back to 2016, Pittsburg State has beaten Missouri Western in 12 of the last 15 women's basketball meetings.Candi Whitaker interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---Pitt-State-postgame-e2clkmd/a-aamb6a8" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-WBB-vs--Pitt-State---113023-e2clkgg/a-aamb5oo" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Griffon men start strong in first half, hold off Pitt State late<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701408174893.png" alt="Reese Glover (3) scored 15 points off the bench in Missouri Western's 85-75 win over Pittsburg State Thursday. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Reese Glover (3) scored 15 points off the bench in Missouri Western's 85-75 win over Pittsburg State Thursday. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>The first 20 minutes were quite smooth for the Missouri Western men, as the Griffons shot 53.1% and led Pittsburg State 40-23 at halftime.The Gorillas (2-3, 0-1 MIAA) made a strong charge in the second, getting back to within four points with 4:27 to play, but Missouri Western held on down the stretch for an 85-75 win on Thursday night at the MWSU Fieldhouse.The Griffons (6-0, 1-0 MIAA) never trailed and shot a solid 52.7% from the field (29-of-55), including 8-of-23 from three.Missouri Western scored 22 points off of 15 Pitt State turnovers. JaRon Thames led five Griffons in double figures with 21 points.Reese Glover came off the bench for a season-high 15 points on four made three-pointers. Kiani Saxon scored 15 points as well, while Zion Swader had 14 and Julius Dixon added 13.Max Alexander scored a game-high 31 points for Pittsburg State, who has lost eight of their last 10 meetings against the Griffons.Pitt State made 19-of-23 free throws, while Missouri Western was 19-of-30. The Gorillas also outrebounded the Griffons 38-28.Both Missouri Western teams stay home Saturday to host Missouri Southern. The women's game starts at 3:30, with the men's at 5:30.Both games will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).Will Martin, Kiani Saxon interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin--Kiani-Saxon---Pitt-State-postgame-e2clkth/a-aamb73m" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-MBB-vs--Pitt-State---113023-e2clknq/a-aamb6ne" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU WBB falls to unbeaten Pitt State, Griffon men improve to 6-0

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 298 yards and two touchdowns, and the Kansas City Chiefs ended their three-game second-half scoring drought to rally past the Las Vegas Raiders 31-17 on Sunday.

Kansas City (8-3) fell behind 14-0 in the second quarter, but tied it by halftime and pulled away after that. Isiah Pacheco rushed for two touchdowns, and Rashee Rice caught eight passes for 107 yards and a TD.

Josh Jacobs rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown for the Raiders (5-7), ending a 12-game streak in which the Chiefs did not allow a 100-yard rusher.

Las Vegas' Aidan O'Connell passed for 248 yards and a touchdown.

The Chiefs have held 11 consecutive opponents to 24 or fewer points - just three off the team record. They shut down the Raiders in the second half, holding them to 113 yards after Las Vegas picked up 245 in the first two quarters.

Kansas City extended its winning streak to six games over the Raiders, and the Chiefs have beaten their AFC West rival in 16 of the last 18 meetings.

More importantly for the Chiefs, they bounced back from a 21-17 loss last Monday night to Philadelphia - a Super Bowl rematch in which several receivers dropped passes.

Those receivers did a much better job against Las Vegas, especially after the Chiefs fell into an early 14-point hole.

The Raiders took the lead on an&nbsp;18-yard pass from O'Connell to Jakobi Meyers&nbsp;and a&nbsp;63-yard run by Jacobs&nbsp;in which he stiff-armed safety Mike Edwards. But Las Vegas also left points on the board when interim coach Antonio Pierce eschewed going for it on fourth-and-1 and Daniel Carlson missed a 30-yard field goal to the right.

Kansas City answered with short two touchdowns in the second quarter to tie the game and end a three-period scoreless stretch.&nbsp;Pacheco rushed for a 1-yard score&nbsp;and Mahomes connected with&nbsp;Justin Watson on a 3-yard touchdown just 25 seconds before halftime,

The Chiefs took a 21-14 lead to open the second half on&nbsp;another 1-yard Pacheco touchdown run.

They took full control early in the fourth when Mahomes converted a third-and-6 with a short pass to Rice, who maneuvered down the left sideline&nbsp;for a 39-yard touchdown&nbsp;and a 28-17 lead.

Kansas City heads to Green Bay next Sunday for a prime time showdown against the Packers. Kickoff is set for 7:20 central. The game will be on KFEQ (680, 95.3) and Q&nbsp; Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701047592815.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes signals toward teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes signals toward teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher).</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostLAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 298 yards and two touchdowns, and the Kansas City Chiefs ended their three-game second-half scoring drought to rally past the Las Vegas Raiders 31-17 on Sunday.Kansas City (8-3) fell behind 14-0 in the second quarter, but tied it by halftime and pulled away after that. Isiah Pacheco rushed for two touchdowns, and Rashee Rice caught eight passes for 107 yards and a TD.Josh Jacobs rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown for the Raiders (5-7), ending a 12-game streak in which the Chiefs did not allow a 100-yard rusher.Las Vegas' Aidan O'Connell passed for 248 yards and a touchdown.The Chiefs have held 11 consecutive opponents to 24 or fewer points - just three off the team record. They shut down the Raiders in the second half, holding them to 113 yards after Las Vegas picked up 245 in the first two quarters.Kansas City extended its winning streak to six games over the Raiders, and the Chiefs have beaten their AFC West rival in 16 of the last 18 meetings.More importantly for the Chiefs, they bounced back from a 21-17 loss last Monday night to Philadelphia - a Super Bowl rematch in which several receivers dropped passes.Those receivers did a much better job against Las Vegas, especially after the Chiefs fell into an early 14-point hole.The Raiders took the lead on an&nbsp;18-yard pass from O'Connell to Jakobi Meyers&nbsp;and a&nbsp;63-yard run by Jacobs&nbsp;in which he stiff-armed safety Mike Edwards. But Las Vegas also left points on the board when interim coach Antonio Pierce eschewed going for it on fourth-and-1 and Daniel Carlson missed a 30-yard field goal to the right.Kansas City answered with short two touchdowns in the second quarter to tie the game and end a three-period scoreless stretch.&nbsp;Pacheco rushed for a 1-yard score&nbsp;and Mahomes connected with&nbsp;Justin Watson on a 3-yard touchdown just 25 seconds before halftime,The Chiefs took a 21-14 lead to open the second half on&nbsp;another 1-yard Pacheco touchdown run.They took full control early in the fourth when Mahomes converted a third-and-6 with a short pass to Rice, who maneuvered down the left sideline&nbsp;for a 39-yard touchdown&nbsp;and a 28-17 lead.Kansas City heads to Green Bay next Sunday for a prime time showdown against the Packers. Kickoff is set for 7:20 central. The game will be on KFEQ (680, 95.3) and Q&nbsp; Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701047671044.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs in front of Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs in front of Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker).</figcaption>
 </figure>

Mahomes throws 2 TDs, Chiefs rally after slow start to beat the Raiders

The Missouri Western men's basketball team got off to a pretty smooth 28-15 start in the first 10 minutes against NAIA opponent Bethel on Saturday.

Only to trail 35-34 at halftime. A bit later, Bethel went up 51-41.

After a Will Martin timeout, the Griffons righted the ship, went on a 9-0 run and eventually retook the lead, 54-53, with 7:13 to play.

Missouri Western (5-0) never looked back after that, defeating the Bethel Threshers 72-60 on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph.

The Griffons got off to a great start, but Bethel (3-4) ended the first half on a 17-4 run, taking the halftime lead on a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Nick Bonner.

The woes didn't stop there, as Bethel outscored MWSU 16-7 to start the second half.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700961179153.jpeg" alt="Kiani Saxon goes up for a dunk in the first half of Missouri Western's 72-60 win over Bethel at the MWSU Fieldhouse on Saturday. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Kiani Saxon goes up for a dunk in the first half of Missouri Western's 72-60 win over Bethel at the MWSU Fieldhouse on Saturday. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western men's basketball team got off to a pretty smooth 28-15 start in the first 10 minutes against NAIA opponent Bethel on Saturday.Only to trail 35-34 at halftime. A bit later, Bethel went up 51-41.After a Will Martin timeout, the Griffons righted the ship, went on a 9-0 run and eventually retook the lead, 54-53, with 7:13 to play.Missouri Western (5-0) never looked back after that, defeating the Bethel Threshers 72-60 on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph.The Griffons got off to a great start, but Bethel (3-4) ended the first half on a 17-4 run, taking the halftime lead on a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Nick Bonner.The woes didn't stop there, as Bethel outscored MWSU 16-7 to start the second half.But, the Griffons eventually woke up, as they outscored Bethel in the second half 38-25 and held the Threshers to just 9-of-34 shooting over the last 20 minutes.JaRon Thames led Missouri Western in scoring with 15 points. He also had six assists, five rebounds and two blocked shots.Taye Fields tallied a double-double with 14 points and a career-high 19 rebounds. Zion Swader scored 11 points to go with four steals. Julius Dixon had 10 points, including two made threes.Missouri Western was a perfect 17-for-17 at the free throw line, and shot 42.1% from the field (24-57), including 7-of-24 from three. The Griffons also outrebounded Bethel 45-36.Harper Jonas led Bethel with a game-high 17 points. Nick Bonner was close behind with 16.Missouri Western, who is undefeated going into conference play for the first time since 2005, open the MIAA slate at home on Thursday against Pittsburg State.That doubleheader starts with the women's game at 5:30 and the men at 7:30. Both games will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700961242832.jpeg" alt="JaRon Thames." />
 <figcaption>JaRon Thames.</figcaption>
 </figure>Taye Fields, Will Martin postgame<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Taye-Fields--Will-Martin---Bethel-postgame-e2cdgok" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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