OLD GOATS, YOUNG STARS, & WEEKEND RIVALRIES 🐐✨

Morning, fam! We had some great games (and meme-able content) the last 48 hours but this weekend promises rivalries that run deeper than your PSL cravings. Here’s what’s brewing and what you need to keep an eye on!

🏀 NBA Drama: Awkward Run-Ins & Court Side Sass

Steve Kerr & Jayson Tatum’s Tension-filled Reunion
The Celtics and Warriors faced off on Wednesday night and all eyes were glued to the awkward reunion between Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Warriors coach Steve Kerr: Kerr made the gutsy call to bench Tatum in two out of the 6 Olympic games this summer. This reunion had the vibe of bumping into your toxic ex’s friend group. Boston had their boy’s back and boo’d Kerr to start off the night. Tatum played like he had something to prove, but the Warriors ultimately walked away with the dub and major bragging rights.

LeBron vs. Ja Morant: Court Clash & “Too Small” Taunts
The Lakers took on the Grizzlies in a game that felt more like an episode of Real Housewives than a basketball match. Ja Morant turned up the drama, trading “too small” taunts with LeBron James every time one scored on the other. The Grizzlies walked away with a victory despite a roster decimated by injuries, leaving the Lakers to question everything. Ja’s performance made it clear he’s not bowing down to anyone — LeBron included.

🏈 NFL: Ravens v. Bengals Showdown

Isn’t Halloween Behind Us?
Someone should tell the Bengals and Ravens defense because they were in orange and purple outfits giving away touchdowns like free candy last night. Thursday night football was a QB showdown, with heartthrob Joe Burrow (Bengals) and two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson (Ravens) trading long passes and clutch plays. After a slow start, we got: 3 Ja’marr Chase (Bengals) touchdowns, a Bengals fumble, 1 rushing and 2 passing Ravens touchdowns minus a missed extra point, and a crazy final play where the Bengals hit a buzzer beater touchdown, went for extra points, and lost because of penalties missed by the refs. PHEW! I think I’ve had enough for one week…

📺 What to Watch This Weekend: Rivalries & Redemption Stories

College Football 🏈

Alabama Crimson Tide at LSU Tigers (Saturday, 7:30pm)

• Why Watch: With College Football Playoff spots on the line, this one’s more intense than binge-watching the last season of your favorite series. Alabama’s got a terrifying defense that’s basically the FBI of football—specializing in takeaways. Meanwhile, LSU’s QB Garrett Nussmeier has a rep for throwing interceptions at unfortunate times.

• Current Records: Alabama (6-2), LSU (6-2)

• Vibe Check: Alabama’s D vs. LSU’s shaky offense could mean turnover city. LSU better protect the ball, or Bama will be running away with this one under the lights in Baton Rouge.

Georgia Bulldogs at Ole Miss Rebels (Saturday, 3:30pm)

• Why Watch: Georgia is the big dog in the SEC, but Ole Miss’s defense is no joke—imagine facing a team that brings sacks like Beyoncé drops albums. This is make-or-break for Ole Miss, who’s already dropped two close SEC games.

• Current Records: Georgia (7-1), Ole Miss (7-2)

• Vibe Check: This game will be a battle of two of the league’s best quarterbacks (Rebels' Jaxson Dart and Georgia's Carson Beck). It’s Ole Miss’s shot to shake up the SEC standings, but the Bulldogs won’t back down.

NFL 🏈

Detroit Lions at Houston Texans (Sunday, 8:20pm)

• Why Watch: Battle of the ex-Underdogs! Each team now leads their division after being insignificant for years. The Lions have one of the best offenses in the league in Jared Goff (QB) and Amon Ra St. Brown. The Texans have a young but hungry squad and are rising quickly through the ranks.

• Current Records: Lions (7-1), Texans (6-3)

• Vibe Check: Lions are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now after being at the bottom of the barrel just a few seasons ago. Texans QB CJ Stroud was rookie of the year last year but hasn’t quite been able to replicate his early success this season… Will this be a redemption arc or a missed-mark?

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (Sunday, 4:25pm)

• Why Watch: Eagles versus Cowboys is one of the top tier rivalries in the NFL so these games are like Thanksgiving dinner: everyone’s fighting for the spotlight and drama is inevitable. The Eagles are rolling with a four-game win streak, but all Eagles fans are holding their breath. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are desperate for a win, but will have to do it without their recently injured QB, Dak Prescott.

• Current Records: Eagles (6-2), Cowboys (3-5)

• Vibe Check: Philly has Saquon Barkley running wild, and Dallas will have to pray for a defensive miracle from Micah Parsons, who’s returning after injury. This one’s about pride, power, and a healthy (or not) NFC East rivalry.

💄 Gossip Grab Bag

• Serving in ‘Suits: Sports Illustrated just announced a preview of their 2025 swimsuit issue, and it features some all-star athletes: Gabby Thomas, Suni Lee, Eileen Gu, and Nelly Korda. Kudos to these women for serving not only kick-ass athletic careers but also lethal face cards.

There you have it! Whether you’re here for the rivalries, the upsets, or just the athlete drama, this weekend’s got something for everyone. Until next time, Ball Girl.