Ball Girl #105: Rivalries, Right Hooks, and Real Estate

Welcome back to Ball Girl! Today, we’re diving into Thursday night’s games — because who doesn’t love staying up too late watching grown men make questionable decisions? We’ll break down the chaos and get you caught up. Then we’ll get to the preview of the weekend’s games, where you can expect dramatic rivalries and crazy stunts. Grab a drink and join us, it’s about to get rowdy!

🏈 Thursday Night Football

• Philadelphia Eagles 28, Washington Commanders 18
  The NFC East showdown we didn’t know we needed this year — mostly because no one expected the Commanders to go on a win streak. Who knew their No. 2 pick, QB Jayden Daniels, would actually show up in his first season? He certainly looked good last night, especially when the Eagles got off to a rocky start. After the Birds missed two field goals, RB Saquon Barkley was like, “Enough of this nonsense,” and decided to turn on the jets like he was late for an Uber. Saquon had already won over Eagles fans this season, but last night? He stole their hearts, tearing it up with two touchdowns and 146 yards to propel the Birds to victory. He’s just too good!

🏒  NHL: Jets Cool Off

• Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Winnipeg Jets 1

  The Jets strutted into Tampa looking like the popular kid after a perfect season start — 15 wins in their last 16 games — until the Lightning showed up, shutting them down in what can only be called a major reality check. Tampa nailed a 3-0 lead, and the Jets’ one late goal was basically an “I’ll show myself out.” But if we’ve learned anything about the Jets, they’ll be back for blood, or maybe just a little redemption, next week.

This Weekend’s Lineup

🥊 UFC: Legends Back in the Ring

• Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, Saturday 10pm

  This epic clash features Miocic and Jones, considered the best heavyweight and light heavyweight champions. Tomorrow, we’ll share a special edition of Ball Girl spotlighting the infamous Jon “Bones” Jones. His clash with Miocic is a chance to enhance an already goated legacy as the most captivating fighter in the game. Look out for our spotlight edition for more!

🏀 NBA: Short Kings?

• Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder, Saturday 8pm

  The Suns are in hot water, trying to dodge a losing streak like you & the girls spotting an ex at brunch. With Kevin Durant out with an injury, Devin Booker is stepping up, hoping to keep things on track. Across the court, OKC Thunder is ruling the Western Conference like they’ve been waiting for this chance for years, even with a team lineup that’s surprisingly… short? At least for the NBA… Their tallest guy, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is doing the heavy lifting, averaging 28 points per game. The Suns better bring all they’ve got because OKC is out here flexing like it’s their moment.

🏉 College Football: SEC Showdowns

• No. 6 Tennessee at No. 11 Georgia, Saturday 7:30pm

  Tennessee has had a "we’re fine, everything’s fine" season thanks to a defense that’s that one person doing all the work for the group project. To turn up the drama, Tennessee’s quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, might be out with a concussion. Meanwhile, Georgia is fuming from last week’s embarrassing loss to Ole Miss, and they’re ready to set the record straight. Their quarterback, Carson Beck, might be a little shaky, but they need this win to keep their playoff hopes from crashing harder than my will to exercise on a Monday. Tennessee better be ready for all the energy Georgia’s about to bring.

• No. 23 Missouri at No. 21 South Carolina, Saturday 4:15pm

  South Carolina’s home turf is no joke. The stadium crowd? Straight-up intimidating, and they’ve rattled more than a few visiting teams. But Missouri just came off a big win over Oklahoma, and they’re showing up with a “we’re here to stay” vibe. This game is Missouri’s big chance to prove they’re more than a one-hit wonder; lose here, though, and they’re basically packing it up for the season.

🏈 NFL: AFC Rivalries

• Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday 1pm

  In this AFC North battle, the Ravens are out to prove why they’re the team to beat. They’re led by Lamar Jackson (QB), the likely MVP who can throw, run, and probably cook you dinner all at once. Add in human wrecking ball Derrick Henry (RB) and you’d think this team is unstoppable. But the Steelers aren’t intimidated. They’re gritty, their defense is vicious, and old man QB Russell Wilson is holding it down. Throw in George Pickens, Steelers’ wide receiver/wild card, who might be catching passes or preparing for an impromptu UFC fight — who even knows at this point? — and it’ll be a full blown circus of a game.

• Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills, Sunday 4:25pm

  All signs point to this game being the prequel to the AFC Championship, so grab your popcorn. Josh Allen, stud QB, leads the Bills into this one, and they’re the favorites to win. But Patrick Mahomes thrives as the underdog — his record is 11-3 when his team is predicted to lose. Both teams have offenses that are just shy of untouchable; we’re predicting a lot of high-speed action that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Whatever happens, just know that neither team’s here to play nice.

🍿 Gossip Corner

• Newlyweds Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo Flex Their Way into LA’s Elite
  NFL star Christian McCaffrey and ex-Miss Universe Olivia Culpo have upgraded to a George Clooney mansion in LA. Yep, the $14.5 million, 7,000-square-foot estate on a lush 3.1 acres has a guesthouse, a pool, and—wait for it—a tennis court. This is prime celebrity territory, bought from Stevie Nicks by Clooney back in '95 for a mere $2.2 mil (ah, the ‘90s).

• Jalen Hurts Brings Boardroom Energy to the End Zone

  Jalen Hurts clocked in for Thursday Night Football looking like that guy. He pulled up in a kelly green Beamer (Eagles pride, of course) and toted a Louis Vuitton lunchbox like a bag of touchdowns. Paired with a sharp suit, Hurts made it clear he wasn’t just here to win — he was here to slay. While the Commanders were busy strategizing, Hurts was serving looks, reminding everyone that MVP-status starts in the parking lot.

That’s a wrap! ⏰ Looks like its about time to get this weekend started. See you on Monday!