Ball Girl #103: Streaks, Squirrels, and Superstitions

Hello, Ball Girls and Boys! On this Veteran’s Day, we thank our veterans for their service. Today’s newsletter is packed with on-field feats, wild fan antics, and shade from college football coaches and fans who, frankly, are spiraling like they just got ghosted. Buckle up — this weekend was one for the ages.

🏈 NFL Drama Digest: Hail Marys and Hot Seats

• Lions Prevail in Texas
  Sunday night football served up a ridiculous come from behind win for the Detroit Lions. The Houston Texans got up to an early lead thanks to Jared Goff (Lions QB) throwing five interceptions — before last night, he’d thrown 4 interceptions all season. The Lions woke up in the second half though, tying the game 23-23. The Texans had a chance to win it but gaffed a field goal with 2 mins on the clock, setting up a game-winning Lions drive. The Lions reached field goal range and coach Dan Campbell ran down the clock to just 4 seconds: plenty of time for kicker Jake Bates to float a close 52 yard field goal to secure the win.

• Chiefs Hang Onto Their Perfect Season by a Thread
  We’ve all been there: you’re teetering after a long night out, and your friend just barely saves you from face-planting coming out of the club. That’s the Chiefs’ 16-14 win over the Broncos thanks to DE Mike Danna. Danna blocked Denver’s final field goal attempt to keep Mahomes’ perfect record intact. This is nothing new for Kansas City, who has won most of their games this year on miracle plays. KC, take a deep breath — and another shot to celebrate.

🏈 College Football Chaos: Rivalries and Rowdy Traditions

• Ole Miss and the Great Squirrel Scandal vs. Georgia

  Ole Miss knocked down #2 Georgia with a 28-10 victory in an absolute broadway production of a game. Not only was it a huge upset, but during the game, a squirrel darted onto the field, halting play. Later, as Georgia’s kicker lined up, Ole Miss threw that squirrel’s face up on the jumbotron, hoping to scramble his nerves. The fans were so riled up that they stormed the field preemptively, with 16 seconds still left on the clock — including some fans jumping on the goal posts. This is a big no-no, and since it isn’t Ole Miss’s first violation, they’ll have to pay Georgia a $250,000 fine. Talk about Sunday Scaries…

• Bama vs. LSU: Bottles Over Bama
  Alabama roared past LSU with a 41-13 win, and LSU fans got rowdy, pelting bottles onto the field after a controversial call — similar to you getting chirped by your ex’s friends when you dared to show up at their fave bar with your new boo (but we know Ball Girls are classier than that😘). Alabama’s playoff dreams are still alive, while LSU might end up footing the SEC’s bottle-cleanup bill.

• Georgia Tech’s Goalpost Heist
  Georgia Tech shocked everyone by handing Miami their first L of the season, winning 28-23. Fans celebrated by stealing the goalposts. Yes, you heard me — we’re talking college kids parading them all the way to the university president’s mansion. Miami came in as undefeated darlings, but now? Yellow Jackets have swiped the crown.

🏒 NHL Iced Out: Ridiculous Save

• Binnington’s Diving Save
  St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington pulled off a save that had Blues fans screaming and Avalanche fans cursing the universe. Colorado’s Rantanen had a wide-open goal, but Binnington came out of nowhere — meaning, nowhere near the goal — to barely catch an edge on the puck. Love him or hate him, Binnington just proved he’s got the reflexes of a pro dodging a text from their situationship.

🏀 NBA: Courtside Comebacks

• Cavs Make It 11-0 with a Comeback for the Ages
  Cleveland Cavaliers fans, it’s time to start dreaming big. Down 14 points in the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets, the Cavs stormed back with Evan Mobley leading the charge. Mobley threw down a whopping 23 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Cavs to another victory. They’re only the 12th team in NBA history to start the season 11-0.

💫 Gossip: Food Fights And Superstitions

• Texas Tech’s Tortilla Toss
  Say that 3 times fast! Colorado edged out Texas Tech with a 41-27 victory, but it was Texas Tech fans’ tortilla-tossing antics that stole the show. Picture fans pelting tortillas onto the field — a school tradition that’s as extra as an influencer’s skincare routine. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders even signed one, proving sportsmanship and style are alive and well in the Lone Star State.

• Florida Panthers: Weirdest Superstitions
  The Panthers (11-3) have taken to rolling up on game day wearing bath robes rather than their usual suits in order to guarantee victory. It all started when they received custom robes before a 2-game trip to Finland, where saunas are religion. They won both games; obviously due to the robes. Hockey streaks are not to be messed with, so until the streak is broken, expect to see some leg hair in Florida.

Alright crew, that’s your Ball Girl roundup of all the weekend’s antics. See you Wednesday!