Ball Girl #109: Weekend Sports Recap

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: Upsets Galore

• Cowboys Crush Commanders: The Cowboys (4-7) have been the definition of a hot mess lately… When franchise QB Dak Prescott got hurt a few weeks ago, it seemed like the rest of the season would be a wash. But they shocked everyone yesterday when they beat the Washington Commanders (7-5). Is their season salvageable yet? Maybe not, but the NFC East is heating up!

• Mahomes and the Miracle Factory, Cont’d: The Chiefs (10-1) were dangerously close to losing to the Carolina Panthers (3-8) – but of course, Mahomes wasn’t about to let that happen. He led a miracle drive that ended with Chiefs’ new kicker, Spencer Shrader, drilling a field goal like he’s been on this team for a decade and not, you know, two weeks. We gotta shoutout Panthers QB Bryce Young, who was playing like his next meal depended on it. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think the Panthers were actually gonna pull this off. But we all know it’s not over until Mahomes says it’s over.

• Titans Tower over Texans: Oof, the Texans (7-5) were on fire at the start of the season, but now they're sliding like they're wearing roller skates on ice. Yesterday, they got punked by the Tennessee Titans (3-8), of all teams. CJ Stroud was throwing interceptions like he was handing out free samples, and RB Joe Mixon was held to just 22 yards. Kudos to the Titans, but don’t count the Texans out just yet; they're still in the playoff hunt. First step: bounce back next weekend.

🏀 NBA: LaMelo’s Big Night and Denver’s Big Win

• Nuggets Dominate the Lakers: Denver crushed Los Angeles 127–102 in a game that felt more like a therapy session for Lakers fans. Nikola Jokić led the charge with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while Michael Porter Jr. added 22 points. Nuggets coach Michael Malone celebrated becoming the franchise’s all-time wins leader, but let’s not overlook the Lakers’ struggles. Their bench is thinner than a TikTok influencer’s excuses for bad PR.

• LaMelo Ball Joins NBA History: LaMelo Ball became the third-youngest player to notch 50 points and 10 assists in a single game. His partner-in-crime Brandon Miller helped combine for 82 points for Charlotte, but Milwaukee wasn’t here for fairy tales. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard carried the Bucks to a 125–119 win, reminding everyone they’re here to take the East.

🏒 NHL: Comebacks and Overtime Chaos

• Predators Rally to Beat the Jets: Nashville’s Roman Josi scored twice in a 4–1 win over Winnipeg, proving that when Josi shows up, the Predators actually stand a chance. Juuse Saros made 23 saves, but let’s not sugarcoat it—this team has been as inconsistent as my ex’s texts.

• Blue Jackets Win a Wild One in OT: Columbus overcame a 3–0 deficit to beat Tampa Bay 7–6 in overtime. Zach Werenski had a career-high five points, including the OT game-winner. Nikita Kucherov reached 900 career points for Tampa Bay, but their defense was about as reliable as a flaky situationship. Columbus, on the other hand, showed resilience that’s hard to ignore.

🎓🏈 College Football: High Stakes, Big Losses, and Overtime Thrills

• Indiana’s Cinderella Run Ends: Indiana’s perfect 10–0 season was crushed by Ohio State, 38–15. The Buckeyes flexed their muscles with a 79-yard punt return touchdown and stellar plays by TreVeyon Henderson and Caleb Downs. Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, meanwhile, spent more time on the ground than a toddler learning to walk, getting sacked five times.

  • Backstory Drama: Indiana’s coach Curt Cignetti spent the season trash-talking like it was an Olympic sport. Ohio State coach Ryan Day didn’t forget, rubbing in the win with a late touchdown. Playoff hopes for Indiana are on life support, but their climb from underdog to contender? Chef’s kiss.

  • Final takeaway: Like thinking you matched with a 10 on Bumble, only to discover they ghosted you after one date.

• Florida Stuns Ole Miss: Florida, fresh off a win against No. 22 LSU, took down No. 9 Ole Miss 24–17. QB DJ Lagway is looking like Florida’s next big thing, earning shoutouts from Kirk Herbstreit and the college football world.

  • What’s the buzz?: This isn’t the Gators’ year for playoffs, but they’re finally trending upward under coach Billy Napier. Their resilience this season is giving "I moved to a new city, cut my bangs, and got promoted at work" energy.

• Auburn Outlasts Texas A&M in a Marathon Game: Auburn pulled off a 43–41 win after FOUR overtimes against No. 15 Texas A&M. Jarquez Hunter ran for 130 yards and three touchdowns, while KeAndre Lambert-Smith secured the game-winning two-point conversion in OT.

  • Heartbreaker: Texas A&M fought back from a 21–0 deficit, only to drop a key pass in the fourth OT. This loss stings for A&M fans, whose playoff hopes now rest on beating Texas.

  • Vibes: The football version of watching a four-hour Bachelor finale, complete with tears, drama, and someone yelling, “Can we steal you for a second?”

🗞️ Gossip Corner: Everybody loves a girl Dad

• Baby No. 4 for Kylie and Jason Kelce: Kylie Kelce — queen & wife to former Eagles’ player Jason Kelce — announced she’s pregnant with their fourth kid. This comes after Jason announced a new ESPN show on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and Kylie made waves with Taylor Swift at an NFL playoff game. The Kelces: redefining what it means to juggle fame, family, and… football Swifties?

There you have it. Call us Serena or Blair, because we've got all the Gossip, Girls. Cheers to a short work week! We’ll see you Wednesday.