RJ Young

FOX Sports National College Football Analyst

Show up or get shown out. That’s the motto heading into November.

With more than half of the 2024 college football season in the books, programs that have not proven to be perennial powers are flexing their resilience.

Iowa State is 7-0 for the first time since 1938. Indiana is 8-0 for just the second time since 1967. BYU is 8-0 for just the second time since 1990. Army is 8-0 for the first time since 1996. All four programs could end this season undefeated, and that includes the Hoosiers, who will play Ohio State on Nov. 23 in the Shoe.

And all of that is happening while Vanderbilt has earned its first top 25 ranking since 2013 and Boise State boasts a tailback who might come close to breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing total (2,628). Normally, these programs would simply make for good stories — like UCF running the table in 2017 or TCU running the table in 2010. Each ended their seasons undefeated with wins in a New Year’s Six Bowl, but neither had the opportunity to play for the national title in the Bowl Championship Series or College Football Playoff era.

This season, that comes to an end. 

At least one of these programs – Iowa State, Indiana, BYU and Army – will earn entry into the 12-team CFP if they finish the regular season unbeaten. Odds are that it will be either BYU or Iowa State, who could meet for the first time this season in the Big 12 title game and be one of the four highest-ranked champions. Not bad in a season where Alabama has faltered, Florida State has been abysmal and Oklahoma and USC have simply been mediocre.

With that said, let’s get to my updated CFP projections:

1. Oregon
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 8-0

2. Georgia
Conference: SEC
Record: 6-1

3. Miami (Fla.)
Conference: ACC
Record: 8-0

4. Iowa State 
Conference: Big 12
Record: 7-0

5. Ohio State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 6-1

6. Penn State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 7-0

7. Texas
Conference: SEC
Record: 7-1

8. Clemson
Conference: ACC
Record: 6-1

9. BYU
Conference: Big 12
Record: 8-0

10. Texas A&M 
Conference: SEC
Record: 7-1

11. Tennessee 
Conference: SEC
Record: 6-1

12. Boise State
Conference: Mountain West
Record: 6-1

1. Oregon: Bye (would then play the winner of 8. Clemson vs. 9. BYU)

2. Georgia: Bye (would then play the winner of 7. Texas vs. 10. Texas A&M)

3. Miami: Bye (would then play the winner of 6. Penn State vs. 11. Tennessee)

4. Iowa State: Bye (would then play the winner of 5. Ohio State vs. 12. Boise State) 

5. Ohio State (Big Ten championship runner-up) vs. 12. Boise State (highest-ranked Group of 5 champion)

This matchup involves the most prolific tailback in the sport in Ashton Jeanty and perhaps the most talented set of tailbacks on one team in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Jeanty rushed for 192 yards against an Oregon team that is the consensus No. 1 team in the country. Going up against the Buckeyes would make for an exciting matchup.

Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty leads the country with 1,376 rushing yards this sason. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

6. Penn State (one of the top-12 teams) vs. 11. Tennessee (one of the top-12 teams)

If Ohio State has the best set of tailbacks in the sport, then Penn State has the second in Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. The tandem has helped lead Penn State to a 7-0 start to the season, while Tennessee possesses the best tailback in the SEC in Dylan Sampson, who rushed for over 100 yards in the Vols’ win against Alabama.

Backup Penn State QB Beau Pribula threw for 98 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 28 yards in place of an injured Drew Allar against Wisconsin. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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7. Texas (one of the top-12 teams) vs. 10. Texas A&M (one of the top-12 teams)

This matchup might be the most anticipated of this projected CFP field with the Longhorns and Aggies meeting for the first time this November since 2011. That game could also decide which team earns entry into the SEC Championship Game. Mike Elko’s Aggies remain undefeated in SEC play as the season enters November.

Texas QB Quinn Ewers completed 17 straight passes in its win over Vanderbilt.(Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images)

8. Clemson (ACC championship runner-up) vs. 9. BYU (Big 12 championship runner-up)

After a devastating loss to Georgia to open this season, the Tigers have rampaged through their schedule. Meanwhile, the Cougars are off to an 8-0 start for just the second time since 1990. Between quarterbacks Cade Klubnik and Jake Retzlaff, this CFP matchup could come down to who scores 40.

Cade Klubnik has led Clemson to a 6-1 record this season. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

RJ Young is a national college football writer and analyst for FOX Sports and the host of the podcast “The Number One College Football Show.” Follow him at @RJ_Young.

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The NBA is back.

The Boston Celtics are months removed from becoming NBA champions for an 18th time, after knocking off the Dallas Mavericks in five games in the 2024 NBA Finals.

But the path to another championship won’t be a cakewalk, with a number of real contenders in both conferences. 

Here’s a look at the NBA title odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Oct. 28.

Boston Celtics: +270 (bet $10 to win $37 total)
Oklahoma City Thunder: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
New York Knicks: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total) 
Dallas Mavericks: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Minnesota Timberwolves: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Philadelphia 76ers: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Denver Nuggets: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)
Milwaukee Bucks: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Los Angeles Lakers: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Phoenix Suns: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Memphis Grizzlies: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Golden State Warriors: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Cleveland Cavaliers: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Miami Heat: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Orlando Magic: +5500 (bet $10 to win $560 total)
New Orleans Pelicans: +5500 (bet $10 to win $560 total)
Indiana Pacers: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Sacramento Kings: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
LA Clippers: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Houston Rockets: +12000 (bet $10 to win $1,210 total)
San Antonio Spurs: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Atlanta Hawks: +60000 (bet $10 to win $6,010 total)
Washington Wizards: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Utah Jazz: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Toronto Raptors: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Portland Trail Blazers: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Detroit Pistons: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Chicago Bulls: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Charlotte Hornets: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Brooklyn Nets: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
 
One of the Celtics’ Eastern Conference foes made a few huge moves this offseason, with the Knicks acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Nets and re-signing OG Anunoby.

They then traded for Wolves All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns in September.

Another East foe, the Philadelphia 76ers, made waves by signing nine-time All-Star Paul George to a four-year max contract. 

Along with George signing, the Sixers also inked franchise cornerstone Tyrese Maxey to a max extension, meaning the trio of George, Maxey and former NBA MVP Joel Embiid appear to be in it for the long haul.

Still, there will be questions about health when it comes to the Sixers, considering George has played 70-plus games just once in the past five seasons and Embiid has never played 70-plus games in a season.

In addition, Maxey missed 12 games last season and 22 in 2022-23.

As far as the West goes, the Thunder are second on the board, followed by a trio of contenders in Dallas, Minnesota and Denver. 

In the West, the move that created the biggest shift near the top of the oddsboard was Oklahoma City’s signing of center Isiah Hartenstein.

However, Hartenstein fractured his left hand during the preseason and will be re-evaluated in five to six weeks.

Follow along with FOX Sports for the latest news on the NBA and other sports.

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Former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has joined Serie A club Genoa on a free transfer.

The 34-year-old had been without a club since departing Turkish Super Lig side Adana Demirspor this summer.

Balotelli, who has 36 Italy caps, returns to playing in his home country more than three years after leaving Monza.

Part of Manchester City’s title winning squad in 2012, Balotelli joins a struggling Genoa side who sit in the relegation positions.

Genoa, managed by Alberto Gilardino, are 18th after taking six points from their opening nine games.

Balotelli made headlines for his behaviour on and off the pitch during his time in the Premier League.

At Manchester City that included a training-ground bust-up with manager Roberto Mancini, and he famously revealed a ‘why always me?’ T-shirt after scoring in a 6-1 demolition of rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Balotelli scored 30 goals in two and a half years with the Blues, helping the club win a first league title since 1968.

After a first, brief stint at AC Milan, an unsuccessful move to Liverpool in 2014 followed, which led to a loan back to the San Siro.

Since then, Balotelli has played across Europe for a number of clubs, including French sides Nice and Marseille, and Italian clubs Brescia and Monza.

A member of the Italy squad that finished as runners-up at Euro 2012, Balotelli has not played for his country since 2018.

The South Carolina Gamecocks won the 2024 NCAA women’s March Madness tournament, and will now begin their quest to win three out of four.

The Gamecocks won the national title in 2022, lost in the Final Four in 2023, and then won the title again this past season.

With head coach Dawn Staley at the helm, the Gamecocks, once again, are atop the oddsboard to make it two in a row.

Let’s take a full look at the early NCAA tournament betting board at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Oct. 28.

NCAA Women’s Tournament Winner 2025 odds: 

South Carolina: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)
USC: +450 (bet $110 to win $55 total)
UConn: +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)
Texas: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)
Notre Dame: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
UCLA: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)
LSU: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
NC State: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Iowa State: +4000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Duke: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Stanford: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Baylor: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)

Second to South Carolina on the oddsboard is another No. 1 seed from last year’s tourney, the USC Trojans.

With Caitlin Clark now in the WNBA, USC has arguably the most famous college baller in Juju Watkins, who is entering her sophomore season in Socal. 

As a freshman, Watkins averaged 27.1 points, second in the nation to Clark. Her Trojans were a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Women’s Tournament after winning the Pac-12 title. 

Joining Watkins at USC is graduate transfer Kiki Iriafen, an all All Pac-12 performer at Stanford last season who averaged 19.4 points and 11 rebounds for the Cardinal.

Who are you backing to win next year’s NCAA women’s title? Follow FOX Sports for the latest!

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The Maryland Miracle won the weekend, with the Commanders topping the Bears in a battle of top draft picks, but it was a pair of losses that shake up my rankings this week. The Vikings and Ravens suffered disappointing defeats, leaving openings for the Texans and Packers to slide up. 

The Chiefs and Lions, meanwhile, continue to hold firm to the top spots. And there’s something brewing at the bottom of the Top 10, with the Bills and Eagles showing that they could be teams to reckon with in the second half. 

Here’s my Top 10 for Week 8 of the 2024 season.

1. Kansas City Chiefs
Last week: 1

Andy Reid’s squad lacks the flash of some of his previous championship teams, but it keeps stacking wins against quality competition. Led by a disruptive defense that creates turnovers and splash plays, the Chiefs can rely on Chris Jones & Co. to make enough game-changing plays to sustain the squad until Patrick Mahomes regains his MVP form. Considering the Chiefs have raced out to a 7-0 start without No. 15 playing his best ball, the rest of the league should pay close attention to how the defending champs are getting it done without relying extensively on the quarterback to make it happen each week. 

2. Detroit Lions
Last week: 2

Dan Campbell’s team specializes in punching opponents in the mouth behind a dominant offensive line and destructive defensive front. Though Detroit’s dynamic skill players routinely grab the headlines, the blue-collar frontline players set the tone for a team built on grit and toughness. With the Lions’ trench play capable of masking some inconsistencies on the perimeter, the NFC’s top team looks like a formidable title contender.

3. Houston Texans
Last week: 7

Joe Mixon’s re-emergence as a high-end back has elevated an offense sputtering without Nico Collins in the lineup. Mixon has four 100-yard games in five starts, flashing the strength, power and explosiveness that earned him Pro Bowl honors in 2021. As the Texans rely on a balanced offense to take the load off C.J. Stroud and complement an opportunistic defensive unit that suffocates opponents, Mixon’s production as the No. 1 back is critical to the team’s strong start. 

4. Green Bay Packers
Last week: 6

Malik Willis does not look like the same QB prospect who flamed out in Tennessee as a third-round pick. The third-year pro filled in admirably for Jordan Love (groin injury) as an emergency sub in Week 8 with a strong second-half culminating in a game-winning drive. Given the Packers’ turnover-obsessed defense and adaptable offense, Matt LaFleur has a team that can win in various ways. 

5. Washington Commanders
Last week: 5

The legend of Jayden Daniels continues to grow, with the Hail Mary cementing his superhero status. The dynamic dual-threat can single-handedly carry the Commanders to a win with or without his supporting cast playing up to par. As Dan Quinn continues to tweak the defensive lineup and tactics to maximize his personnel, the Commanders can rest easy knowing No. 5 can throw on his cape and rescue them from any situation. 

6. Minnesota Vikings
Last week: 3

Back-to-back losses have led to some concerns over the Vikings’ ultra-aggressive pressure tactics. The defense has given up too many big plays in crucial moments due to blown assignments or misaligned defenders. Though DC Brian Flores has dialed back the pressure to balance out his approach, the defense needs to get back on track before the rest of the division leaves the Vikings in the dust. 

7. Baltimore Ravens
Last week: 4

A disappointing loss to a bitter division rival raises concerns over Baltimore’s defensive performance. The secondary is surrendering big plays at an alarming rate, with the pass rush unable to mask the inconsistent coverage. Though John Harbaugh has made some lineup changes and added a mentor to help DC Zachary Orr fix the problems, the Ravens defense could keep them from challenging the heavyweights in the AFC. 

8. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week: 8

A win over the New York Giants on Monday night would keep the Steelers in the hunt as a dark-horse contender. As Russell Wilson gets more comfortable running the offense as the new QB1, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith could expand the playbook to add more diversity to a unit that has relied on a ground-and-pound approach in the first half of the season. 

9. Buffalo Bills
Last week: 9

Don’t look now, but the Bills are becoming the juggernaut that some envisioned when Josh Allen stepped onto the scene. The MVP candidate challenges defenses with his unique talents as a dual-threat playmaker on the perimeter. Whether throwing lasers to an unheralded cast of pass-catchers or rumbling between the tackles on designed QB runs, the 6-foot-5, 237-pounder is an unstoppable force with the ball in his hands. 

10. Philadelphia Eagles
Last week: Not in Top 10

It has taken the Eagles a little longer than expected to find their identity, but the Jalen Hurts–Saquon Barkley combination has helped the team get back to its roots as a grind-it-out squad with big-play potential. The duo’s physicality and dominance as runners set the tone for an offense at its best when pushing opponents around at the point of attack. With the defense rounding into form under Vic Fangio, the Eagles again look like a potential title contender. 

Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also breaks down the game for NFL Network and as a cohost of the “Moving the Sticks” podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.

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