The Rundown: One Tough Cookie

A reoccurring theme in today’s Rundown is head trauma. No we haven’t started covering people who head bang at a rock show but athletes who are worried about what’s going on upstairs.

It’s what’s on the inside that counts,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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NFL (National Football League)

• Bo knows. Bo Jackson was an athlete for the ages. He made playing in the NFL look easy and then did the same in MLB (Major League Baseball). (Yes he played in two professional sports - a rarity). As head trauma from football continues to take center stage, Jackson spoke out saying, “If I knew back then what I know now (about head injuries), I would have never played football. Never.” 
• Pack your bags. After 55 years in San Diego the Chargers announced they will be moving to Los Angeles starting next season. Disputes over funding for a new stadium led to the move. The Chargers join an already saturated L.A. market with the L.A. Rams (NFL), multiple college teams, teams in all other professional sports, the beach and Hollywood. 

Divisional Playoffs

• Saturday games

Seattle Seahawks vs Atlanta Falcons

Battle of the birds. The Seahawks beat the Falcons in a nail-biter earlier in the season.

Houston Texans vs New England Patriots

Texas-sized underdog. The Patriots are virtually unbeatable at home in the playoffs and the Texans head into the game as one of the biggest underdogs in playoff history (15.5 points).

• Sunday games

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Kansas City Chiefs

Icing on the cake. The game in Kansas City will involve the two teams battling it out with each other and mother nature, who is dishing out an ice storm. (Anyone else singing Frozen’s "Let It Go" in their head? You are now).  

Green Bay Packers vs Dallas Cowboys

Unbiased opinion. Green Bay fans have started a petition to prevent announcers Joe Buck and former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman from calling the game on TV. The petition has 24,000 signatures. Packers fans claim the duo are biased and too negative toward the Packers. (Here’s our unbiased five things to know about Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers in case you need a refresher for the game). 

Overtime

• Carl Edwards (37) announced that he will be driving off into the sunset. Edwards has been a NASCAR driver since 2002 and is known for his backflips off the car when he’d win a race. He cited walking away with his health as one of the reasons for retirement, especially after seeing Dale Earnhardt Jr. struggle with concussions.

Daniel Suarez is poised to take his place on the circuit, becoming the first Mexican born full-time NASCAR driver.

Sideline stat

• University of Connecticut women’s basketball is a dynasty. They’ve won four national championships in a row and have tied their own winning streak at 90 games. Tomorrow they will look to win their 91st game in a row which would be an all-time record for men and women’s college basketball. The UConn women have not lost since November 17, 2014.

Coaches’ corner

• Have you ever read a game listing, such as Houston Texas vs New England Patriots and wondered where the game will be played? In most major American sports, the home team is listed last. Now you’re in the know. 

The Rundown: Weekend Wrap Up Edition - Getting You Up To Speed

If you thought your weekend was rough, be glad you weren’t playing college football or fighting in the octagon where mayhem ensued. Don’t worry, your Monday will be better.

Deep breath,

The Last Night’s Game Team

PS - Want to share us with your friends? Use the handy dandy share button at the bottom. 

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UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)

• Kind of a big deal. Conor McGregor once again lives up to the hype surrounding his fights.  He knocked out Eddie Alvarez in the second round on Saturday night to be crowned the lightweight champion. McGregor became the first fighter to simultaneously hold two different championship belts (lightweight and featherweight). The fight drew a record $17.7 million in ticket sales for the first ever UFC event in New York.   

NCAA Basketball (College)

• There goes the neighborhood. College basketball season began over the weekend. To celebrate the start of the college basketball season, ESPN will show 24 hours of live men’s and women’s college basketball starting tonight. We’re calling in sick with basketball fever. Games begin at 6 pm EST. Want the full schedule? It’s right here.

NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)

• It’s getting good. In the Chase for the Cup, Joey Logano won the race in Phoenix securing his spot in the final round of four which takes place Sunday. The other drivers in the final round are Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards.

Soccer

• Adios amigos. Team U.S.A men’s soccer team lost on Friday to Mexico in World Cup qualifying game. They will play an important game against Costa Rica on Tuesday. 

Overtime

• This weekend the NFL (National Football League) observed Veteran’s Day by honoring veterans in its “Salute to Service.” The Carolina Panthers took it a step further by putting decals on their helmets representing the initials of a fallen soldier that they were playing for. The team provided each of the players with the story of their solider to understand their sacrifice. The players signed the helmets and sent messages to the families of the fallen soldiers.  

Sideline stat

• It was a tough weekend to be a top 10 ranked college football team with three of the top four teams losing (Clemson #2, Michigan #3, Washington #4). There are only two undefeated teams left in college football – Alabama (#1) and Western Michigan (#21).

Coaches’ corner

• In the most dramatic ending since The Bachelorette finale, the Denver Broncos blocked the New Orleans Saints extra point and ran it back to score and win the game. In the NFL, the defense can return a blocked extra point, which happens after a touchdown, for two points. Like The Bachelorette, there are many ways to score in football.

The Rundown: Weekend Preview Edition - Hug A Veteran

Today is Veteran’s Day where we honor those who have fought for our freedom. Take the time to thank a veteran for their service. If you want to talk to them about sports, we have you covered for that too.

There’s something for everyone,

The Last Night’s Game Team

PS – It’s Friday and that means it’s time for a tailgate treat! Today’s feature is Warm Artichoke and Bacon Dip. Did someone say bacon? 

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NFL (National Football League)

• No vacancy. The vote to raise the hotel tax to pay for the San Diego Chargers’ new stadium failed in this week’s election. The future of the team remains uncertain. As you may recall, the Chargers we’re approved by the NFL owners to move the team to Los Angeles and share a stadium with the newly anointed Los Angeles Rams. The Chargers have until January 15th to make a decision to move to L.A. or not.  

UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)

• The wait is over. This weekend will feature the first UFC fight ever in New York – UFC 205. Headliner Conor McGregor is the organization’s top money maker. To prove it, he’s been driving around the city in a Rolls Royce with a custom paint job featuring his face and nickname “Notorious.”  Here's the fight card (a menu of who’s fighting). Don’t be surprised if the women’s fights end up being the best. Click here for our Five Things to Know About UFC.

NCAA Basketball (College)

• Aloha basketball. College basketball begins today with four teams playing in this year’s Armed Forces Classic in Hawaii. One of the teams, The University of Arizona, will wear special “U.S.S. Arizona” uniforms to honor the ship that sank in the battle at Pearl Harbor. For the full college basketball schedule, click here. 

NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)

• Race to the finish. Sunday will be the last chance for six drivers to claim the final two spots in the elimination-style playoffs - the “Chase for the Cup.” A total of four drivers will move on to the final round to race for the title of “NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion.”  (Drivers Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards have already claimed their spots in the final round with previous wins).  

Overtime

• Florida International University tight end Jonnu Smith is out the rest of the season with an injury that was not sustained through football. His girlfriend dumped a pot of boiling water on his head during an argument. Yowza! She is five months pregnant with their child and now faces felony assault charges.

Sideline stat

• Today is one of the most important rivalry games for Team U.S.A. as they look to qualify for the 2018 Soccer World Cup. They will take on southern neighbor Mexico in Columbus, OH. Team U.S.A. has beaten Mexico 2-0 in the last four World Cup qualifying matches played in Columbus. The game can be seen on Fox Sports One at 8 pm EST.   

Coaches’ Corner

• It was purely coincidence that the Cleveland Cavaliers made the traditional NBA Champions trip to the White House on the same day as the new President Elect. There was no talk of politics, only praise from President Obama for the Cavs who overcame an insurmountable deficit in last season’s finals to beat the Golden State Warriors.