Ball Girl #106: Kings and Comebacks

In case you didn’t get the memo: Ball Girl is back!

Your sports bestie is back, three times a week in your inbox with all the tea. And soon, even more entertainment on TikTok, Instagram, and Spotify (hard launch incoming shortly). TLDR, we’re becoming the Kardashians of sports news: we’re freakin’ everywhere. Whether you're here for the touchdowns, the drama, or just to have something new to talk about at the water cooler, we got you.

🏈 NFL: Kings Come Crashing Down

• Buffalo Bills 30, Kansas City Chiefs 21
  The Buffalo Bills defeated the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs yesterday. After more drama than a sorority rush event, it came down to the final few plays. With the clock ticking down, instead of being basic and kicking a field goal (which would’ve given Patrick Mahomes plenty of time to pull a rabbit out of his hat), Buffalo’s coach put his trust in Bills QB Josh Allen. On a fourth and two (that’s like, one shot, no pressure), he ran through the defense like it was his ex’s Instagram, taking it 26 yards to the house for a TD. Bills go up 30-21. But of course, you can’t ever count the Chiefs out. Mahomes then launched a deep pass to Travis Kelce, hoping for a last-minute miracle. But Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard intercepted the ball and sealed the deal for Buffalo. Oh, and fun little tidbit: this was one of the only times this season that Taylor Swift wasn’t seen at a Chiefs game. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. But I’m just saying, the universe works in mysterious ways. 🍿

🏈 College Football: Fairy Tales, Comebacks, and the Chaos We Crave

• Kansas Turns BYU’s Fairytale Into a Pumpkin
  BYU waltzed into Kansas undefeated and looking like the belle of the ball. But by the end of the game, their glass slipper had shattered, thanks to Kansas’ 17-13 upset. The pivotal moment? A pooch punt (translation: its a sneaky, short kick, and no, I really couldn’t tell you why) late in the fourth quarter that BYU botched worse than trying to flirt via text. Kansas running back Devin Neal recovered the fumble and ran it in for a go-ahead touchdown, ending BYU’s playoff dreams on the spot.

• Georgia Bulldogs: From Frazzled to Fearsome
  Georgia’s opening against Tennessee was giving “hot mess express,” as they quickly fell into a 10-0 hole. But Carson Beck, Georgia’s quarterback and BookTok’s new fictional boyfriend, flipped the script. He threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping 38-yarder to wide receiver Dominic Lovett that had “sports movie moment” written all over it. Georgia’s defense clamped down in the second half, forcing Tennessee into two costly turnovers and a lot of regret. Now 8-2, Georgia’s playoff hopes are still alive, while Tennessee is left questioning their life choices.

• Colorado’s Prime Time Magic Keeps Rolling
  Coach Deion Sanders has turned Colorado into the Beyoncé of college football — all eyes are on them, and they don’t miss. The Buffaloes obliterated Utah 49-24, thanks to the human highlight reel that is Travis Hunter. Hunter, who plays both wide receiver and cornerback (the equivalent of your best friend who is insanely hot AND funny cause some people just have it all), logged an insane 132 snaps, scored a rushing touchdown, and grabbed an interception. Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son and quarterback (nepo babies are so in right now), threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns in a performance that felt effortless. Colorado’s playoff dreams are alive and kicking, and Deion is already thinking about how he’ll accessorize his Coach of the Year trophy.

🏒 NHL: History Made and a Little Ice Drama

• Leafs Edge Oilers, but It’s Not All Smooth Skating
  Toronto’s 4-3 overtime win over Edmonton should’ve been the headline, but Ryan Reaves’ controversial hit on Darnell Nurse stole the spotlight. Nurse, Edmonton’s star defenseman, left the game with an upper-body injury, and Reaves is facing suspension-level scrutiny & a massive fine. On the ice, Mitch Marner delivered the game-winner, and Bobby McMann chipped in two goals for Toronto. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid, usually Edmonton’s unstoppable force, was held in check. It’s a win for Toronto, but the lingering drama? That’s an L on their reputation.

🥊 Boxing: The Day Mike Tyson Deserved Better

• Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: When Heroes Get Hurt
  Watching 58-year-old Mike Tyson lose to 27-year-old Jake Paul was like seeing someone’s dad at college parents’ weekend get BULLIED by the fraternity everyone wants banned. It was heartbreaking, infuriating, and just plain wrong. The fight ended in a unanimous decision for Paul, but Tyson never stood a chance. He landed just 18 punches over eight rounds, and fans were left screaming into the void. Paul admitted after the fight that he stretched it out “for entertainment,” essentially toying with Tyson like a cat batting around a wounded mouse. It didn’t feel like a boxing match—it felt like a spectacle, and not the good kind. Tyson, an icon who redefined the sport, deserved a farewell on his terms, not this cash-grab charade orchestrated by the Paul brothers. Fans are demanding better for boxing legends, and honestly, so are we.

🏀 NBA: Streaks, Records, and the Draymond Drama Train

• Cavs Make History with Their Longest Winning Streak
  Cleveland’s 144-126 victory over the Bulls wasn’t just another win — it marked their longest winning streak ever. Donovan Mitchell was unstoppable, dropping 37 points, while point guard Darius Garland added 29 points and nine assists. This team isn’t just winning — they’re thriving. Their offense is explosive, their chemistry is undeniable, and their newfound swagger has the Eastern Conference on high alert.

• Bucks Stumble Against Hornets
  Milwaukee lost 115-114 in a game that ended on a foul call sketchier than a LinkedIn DM from your high school acquaintance. LaMelo Ball tripped in the final seconds, but refs handed him free throws that sealed the deal. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Coach Doc Rivers both threw shade post-game, comparing Giannis’ treatment to Shaq's back in the day — big guys just don’t get the same love.

• Warriors Beat Grizzlies, But Draymond Steals the Spotlight
  Golden State’s 123-118 win over Memphis was overshadowed by — you guessed it — Draymond Green. The Warriors infamous forward was ejected after grabbing rookie Zach Edey’s leg in what’s seemingly becoming his signature illegal move. Thankfully, Steph Curry was there to save the day with 34 points, proving once again that when all else fails, just give the ball to Steph.

🥋 UFC: The GOAT’s Not Done Yet

• Jon Jones Defends Title, but Retirement Can Wait
  Jon Jones retained his heavyweight title with a third-round TKO over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Miocic, 42, announced his retirement after the fight, closing the book on one of MMA’s most storied careers. As for Jones? Despite speculation, nothing about his post-fight demeanor suggested he’s done. Instead, he teased potential matchups with Tom Aspinall and Alex Pereira, reminding everyone why he’s the GOAT.

🎤 Gossip Corner

• No Turkey for Taylor and Travis
  Donna Kelce confirmed what we feared: Taylor Swift won’t be joining the Kelce family for Thanksgiving. Between her Eras Tour and Travis Kelce’s Friday game, the couple’s holiday plans are on hold — talk about power couple problems. Fans are already dreaming of a Christmas cameo, but for now, it’s Taylor, turkey, and touchdowns — served separately.

• Brianna Chickenfry’s Boo Heard ’Round the Arena
  Barstool’s Brianna Chickenfry was caught booing a Zach Bryan song at UFC 309, stirring up all kinds of drama. The move reignited interest in her claims of emotional abuse during their relationship, with TikTok users quickly turning the moment into a meme. Was it petty? Sure. Was it relatable? Absolutely — who among us hasn’t thrown a little shade when the ex comes up?

And that’s a wrap on the madness from this weekend! That should be enough sports tea to carry you through to hump day. See you back here on Wednesday 🫡