🔥 Weekend Madness: NFL Week 2, College Football, WNBA, MLB, Golf + More!

Good Morning, Blitzers!

Hope you had a great weekend. If you’re anything like us, you’re likely moving a bit slow on a Monday morning, and looking for a nice distraction or way to procrastinate. Well, that’s where the Morning Blitz comes in. We’re covering everything that happened over the weekend, so buckle up!

WTF Stat: Instead of playing Ole Miss next season, Wake Forest has canceled next year’s game (the day after losing 40–6 to them). There has to be something more to this story, right?

Here are my only two realistic reasons 1) the economics didn’t make sense - traveling down to Oxford, Mississippi with the whole team would cost over a million, so they were better off taking the PR hit and canceling. But why do it right after the blowout loss? You would know it didn’t make economic sense way before this point so why announce now, it just looks bad. 2) There was some sort of behind the scenes argument/discussion that occurred during or after the game, that rubbed Wake Forest the wrong way and they decided they would rather not see them again next year. Just speculation, but that’s the only thing that makes sense as to why it would be announced now.

🏌️ Rasmus Hojgaard won the Irish Open at Royal County Down with a final-round 65, finishing at 9-under after a dramatic late charge. Rory McIlroy, who had a two-shot lead going into the final stretch, struggled with bogeys on the closing holes and missed a crucial birdie putt on the 17th, ultimately finishing second with a 69.

Jon Rahm clinched the LIV Golf Chicago title with a 4-under 66 and secured the season points championship, earning an $18 million bonus. Rahm's performance also helped his team, the Crushers, win the team title, and he will compete in the team championship next week.

• 🔥Take: Never thought I’d be writing about both the “Royal County Down” and “the Crushers” while covering golf, but here we are. I’m sorry, but the “Crushers” looks more like a rental car team or laser tag team than some of the best golfers in the world.

🏀 Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson made WNBA history by becoming the first player to score 1,000 points in a single season. Wilson, the leading candidate for the 2024 WNBA MVP award, is averaging a record-setting 27.0 points per game, along with 12.0 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 2.3 assists while shooting 51.9% from the field.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark set a new WNBA rookie scoring record with 761 points, surpassing the previous mark of 744 held by Seimone Augustus. Clark, had a career-high 35 points in Indiana’s 110-109 win over Dallas.

• 🔥Take: The playoffs start September 22nd, which includes the top 8 teams (in the 12 sport league). Seven of those teams have already clinched a spot leaving the 8th seed open which will go to either the Mystics, Sky or Dream (all have a 13-25 record). I’m not the biggest fan of the playoff expansions occurring across all of these leagues. We’re seeing the same thing in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and College football (okay, I like it for college football). But it seems to defeat the purpose of the regular season. A 13-25 record getting into the playoffs is pretty gross.

NFL Week 2

Chiefs 26 - Bengals 25

Takeaways: Another classic Chiefs vs Bengals battle, the Bengals come out 0-2 after this game, but at least showed a lot more fight than they did against the Patriots last week.  Patrick Mahomes looked human this game, but when it mattered most, Mahomes did Mahomes things, driving the offense down the field leading to a game-winning field goal.

Key Highlight: This Cam Taylor-Britt interception was incredible.

Steelers 13 - Broncos 6

Takeaways: Sloppy game that included 19 penalties for 202 yards. Despite pedestrian stats QB Justin Fields and the Steelers are 2-0, and I can’t imagine QB Russell Wilson taking back over when healthy.

Key Highlight: Cool trick play, Denver may need to dial up a few more of these in order to get any offense going.

Cardinals 41 - Rams 10

Takeaways: Whoa, this one was a bit shocking. The Cardinals had everything working yesterday with Marvin Harrison Jr. getting in the action early, and the Rams being unable to stop the run. Everything was bouncing the Cardinals way, literally. More negative news for the Rams, WR Cooper Kupp injured his ankle and left in the second quarter, and was seen with a boot on his foot after the game.

Key Highlight: MHJ first and second NFL TDs were both pretty electric

Commanders 21 - Giants 18

Takeaways: 7 field goals for the Commanders (yes you read that right), and 3 TDs for the Giants but a missed extra point and two missed two-point conversion attempts. Somehow not surprising at all for both of these teams. Rookie WR Malik Nabers had a key drop of 4th down, but other than that looked impressive (10 receptions, 127 yards, TD). QB Jayden Daniels was efficient, but they need to protect him better. He ran the ball 10x (and took a bunch of big hits), plus was sacked 5x and took 7 QB hits.

Key Highlight: Brian Robinson Jr. is super underrated and a guy I would not want to try tackling.

Jets 24 - Titans 27

Takeaways: Another game that was a bit sloppy but the Jets come away feeling pretty good about themselves, while Titans (now 0-2 losing both games in heartbreaking fashion) are probably feeling pretty distraught.

Key Highlight: Story of the game in two plays: Braelon Allen takes the lead with a touchdown versus Will Levis in the red zone.

Seahawks 23 - Patriots 20

Takeaways: A very impressive game for QB Geno Smith who went on the road against a legitimate Patriots defense, passed for 327 yards and a TD while having to deal with a non-existent running game and 5 drops from his receivers. The Pats almost snuck out a win, but are going to continue having trouble winning games with their current offensive makeup. Just not enough skill players and a pretty poor offensive line.

Key Highlight: Great game from Geno.

Vikings 23 - 49ers 17

Takeaways: Another big upset , with the Vikings taking it to the best team in the NFC. The Vikings were predicted to be the worst in the NFC North now lead the division at 2-0, with clutch play from their defense and a resurgence from QB Sam Darnold. The Vikings benefited from a blocked punt and two turnovers on downs. WR Justin Jefferson did look to get injured in the game, but he said he would be ‘ready to go’ next week.

Key Highlight: Justin Jefferson’s 97 yard touchdown catch.

Browns 18 - Jaguars 13

Takeaways: QB Deshaun Watson and the Browns offense showed a bit of life (at least in the first half), but they still looked out of sorts at times (now have 23 penalties in two games). The Jags can’t seem to get any rhythm, they have all the talent on paper but right now just seem to be a team that finds ways to lose games.

Key Highlight: Brian Thomas Jr. is long and fast, not sure how this offense isn’t more explosive. Get him the ball!

Packers 16 - Colts 10

Takeaways: This was a combination of great coaching, standout running back play from Josh Jacobs (32 carries, 151 yards). The Packers had backup QB Malik Willis in who is brand new to the offense, but asked him to do the bare minimum (12/14, 122 yards, 1 TD) and they played conservative, but to win. While the Colts inexplicably threw the ball 34 times with QB Anthony Richardson (17/34, 204 yards, 1 TD-3 INT), instead of feeding RB Jonathan Taylor (12 carries, 103 yards). A real head scratcher.

Key Highlight: This is for you Colts fans, give Jonathan Taylor the rock more.

Buccaneers 20 - Lions 16

Takeaways: Dan Campbell fell on his sword and took the blame for this one because of some poor time management to end the half (6:44 mark). Both these teams are really good (the Buccaneers surprisingly so), the Lions will be fine, the Buccaneers are 2-0 but really need to work on their run game/offensive line play.

Key Highlight: DE Aidan Hutchinson is a freak, 4.5 sacks and forced fumble.

New Orleans Saints 44 - Cowboys 19

Takeaways: This was a bit of a shock (I bet the Cowboys, whoops). The Saints went on the road and not only won but dominated the Boys in front of their home fans. Maybe week 1 for the Saints wasn’t an aberration? The Cowboys are so explosive but whenever they get down seem to collapse. Last week it was QB Derek Carr showing that he had a lot left in the tank, this week it was RB Alvin Kamara. Both teams have big tests again next week with the Saints hosting the Eagles, and the Cowboys hosting the Ravens.

Key Highlight: Alvin Kamara’s four TDs

Chargers 26 - Panther 3

Takeaways: Ahh good to see Jim-Harbaugh-football back in the NFL. 44 rushes, 219 yards, 21 first downs, 36 minutes of possessing the ball. Even WR Quentin Johnston who everyone already wrote off as a bust, contributed with 2 TDs. The 2-0 Chargers are looking good. The Panthers on the other hand, uhh… Jaycee Horn had a really nice interception, other than that… yikes.

Key Highlight: I love watching J.K. Dobbins run the football, so happy to see him healthy for once, he’s so dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Raiders 26 - Ravens 23

Takeaways: Another big upset in week 2. The Ravens dominated in total yards (383 vs 260), and were effective running and passing the ball, but QB Lamar Jackson was limited running the ball (compared to last game), they uncharacteristically missed a field goal and racked up the penalties. They’re probably the best 0-2 team out there. On the Raiders side they couldn’t run the ball at all… but WR Davante Adams and rookie TE Brock Bowers both came to play, if they can get both of these weapons going, they’ll be a tough matchup for any defense.

Key Highlight: Brock Bowers hands are so good.

Texans 19 - Bears 13

Takeaways: A bit of a boring game to end the Sunday night slate. Rookie QB Caleb Williams, hasn’t looked comfortable so far as he took 7 sacks and threw 2 interceptions. Doesn’t help that his running game is no where to be found (17 carries for 27 yards). The Texans didn’t really look dominant either, but did enough to win and are 2-0.

Key Highlight: WR Nico Collins continues to quietly be a one of the best WRs in the NFL.

College Football Roundup

The Shocker

#1 Georgia 13 - Kentucky 12: After getting stomped by South Carolina, the Wildcats entered the game as 21-point home dogs, apparently they took that personally. They had the #1 team in the nation on the ropes and if Mark Stoops had a spine they could have secured the biggest upset of the season thus far. Instead, Georgia escapes with a one-point win, but sends a clear message to the rest of the SEC.

Statement Games

#14 Kansas State 31 - #20 Arizona 7: Welcome to the Big 12, Arizona! In the battle of the Wildcats, KState had the sharper fangs, scoring 31 unanswered points.

#9 Oregon 49 - Oregon State 14: After two near upsets, the Ducks dominated their rivals ahead of their Big 10 opener against…UCLA. Smh realignment.

#18 Notre Dame 66 - Purdue 7: All business for the Irish after losing to Northern Illinois last week. They outgained Purdon’t 580 to 162 and were up 42-0 at the half. #Beatdown

UCF 35 - TCU 34: Big time rally from the Knights, they go into Fort Worth and win its Big 12 opener in dramatic style to stay undefeated.

That Could Have Been Embarrassing

#6 Missouri 27 - Boston College 21: Mizzou almost got the Billy-O bug, went down quick to BC, rallied, then held on to win in a tight one at home.

#16 LSU 36 - South Carolina 33: Best game of the day, LSU avoids a dreaded 1-2 start with some last minute heroics.

That is Embarrassing

Memphis 20 - Florida State 12: FSU hasn’t won since crying about not making the CFB playoff and it seems to get uglier every week. If they lose at home to Cal next week…

Toledo 41 - Mississippi State 17: It’s one thing to lose to a team you paid $1.5 million to, it’s another thing entirely to get absolutely curb stomped. Could be a long season in Starkvegas.

Video Game Stats

QB Jalen Milroe (BAMA): 12/17 196 passing, 75 rushing, 5 TDs

RB Omarion Hampton (UNC): 25 car, 210 yds, 3 TDs

WR/DB Travis Hunter (COLO): 13 rec, 100 yds, 2 TDs, 5 tack, 1 PD

South Alabama: The Jags beat visiting Northwestern State 87-10. Put the controller down, bro!

Top Ten Power Rankings

*Note this isn’t an AP Top 25, this is who I think are the best ten teams after this week. Come at me.

1. Georgia - W vs. Kentucky, 13-12

2. Texas - W vs. UTSA, 56-7

3. Ohio State - Bye

4. Alabama - W vs. Wisconsin, 42-10

5. Ole Miss - W vs. Wake Forest, 40-6

6. Tennessee - W vs. Kent State, 71-0

7. Miami - W vs. Ball State, 62-0

8. Oregon - W vs. Oregon State, 49-14

9. Missouri - W vs. Boston College, 27-21

10. USC - Bye

Knocking on the Door: Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Penn State

Premier League Weekend Recap

Chuffed

1. Manchester United - The Red Devils dominated Southampton at home coming off the international break, 3-0.

2. Arsenal - A 64th minute goal by Gabriel Magalhaes gives Arsenal the victory over crosstown rival Tottenham.

3. Nottingham Forest - Forest went into Anfield and stole 3 points from Liverpool, handing new manager, Arne Slot, his first loss as gaffer.

Gutted

1. Everton - The Toffees just can’t stay out of this section, scored two quick goals and then surrendered three unanswered to lose to Aston Villa.

2. Anthony Taylor’s Right Arm - The referee of Chelsea v. Bournemouth handed out a new Premier League record 14 yellow cards. Ice that shoulder, buddy!

3. Brighton - After two wins to start the season, the Gulls have two draws in a row, this one a disappointing nil-nil to newly promoted Ipswich Town.

Five Stars

1. Erling Haaland (Man City) - Scored a brace in City’s win over Brentford, he’s scored 9 goals in 4 matches, the most ever in the history of the EPL in a 4-game span

2. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) - Two goals vs. Everton

3. Jean-Philippe Mateta - 2 goals, including a match-tying PK in the 92nd minute vs. Leicester

4. Danny Ings (West Ham) - 95th minute goal to give the Hammers a draw vs. Fulham

5. Ederson (Man City) - The rare goalie assist! Helps when you have a giant Viking to punt to

The Mint Matches of the Week

Saturday

West Ham vs. Chelsea - 7:30 AM EST

Aston Villa vs. Wolves - 10:00 AM EST

Sunday

Man City vs. Arsenal - 11:30 PM EST

MLB - Top Games

• Tigers 4, Orioles 2: The Tigers continue to close in on the Wild Card spot, now only 2.5 games back and are 7-3 over the last 10 games.

• Phillies 2, Mets 1: Cristopher Sánchez and David Peterson both had strong outings but a walk off single from J.T Realmuto against Edwin Diaz ended things.

• Padres 4, Giants 3: Padres put up 2 runs in the 10th to seal the victory in extras.

• Diamondbacks 11, Brewers 10: A wild back-and-forth game that saw multiple lead changes and 17 hits, but saw the Dbacks prevail as Eugenio Suarez walked things off.

• Dodgers 9, Braves 2: A close game throughout until the 9th inning in a tie game the Dodgers went absolutely nuts putting up 7 runs including 3 home-runs in a row.

See the full MLB scoreboard here and the current standings here.

On this day in 2018, Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes sets an NFL record of 10 touchdowns in first 2 weeks of a season. Note this was his second year in the league and first season actually starting. He would go on to throw for 50 TDs that season. By comparison, this season Derek Carr and Baker Mayfield currently lead the NFL in passing touchdowns with 5 a piece through the first 2 weeks.

Friday’s Trivia Time Answer

Which current active MLB player has the most saves?

B) Kenley Jansen - Jansen currently leads all active players with 446 saves. Craig Kimbrel (440), Aroldis Chapman (329), and Edwin Diaz (223) are closing in (pun intended).

Check back on tomorrow for today’s trivia answer and more info!