Vanderbilt Men’s Golf Eyes Back-to-Back Wins at The Honors Course Invitational

After a strong season-opening victory, the Commodores travel to The Honors Course aiming to secure a second-straight win in the 2025-26 campaign.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. | Vanderbilt men’s golf is off to a hot start in the 2025-26 season, and the Commodores are looking to keep the momentum rolling. Fresh off a commanding win at the Carmel Cup, Vanderbilt heads to the Invitational at The Honors Course this week with eyes set on a second-straight victory.

The Honors Course, located just outside Chattanooga, is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious college golf venues in the country. Known for its demanding layout and championship history, it will provide the Commodores an early-season test against a stacked field of nationally ranked opponents.

Head coach Scott Limbaugh praised his team’s focus and competitive edge coming out of their opening performance. “Our guys played with poise and discipline last week,” Limbaugh said. “The challenge now is to build on that and prove we can sustain consistency against elite competition.”

Leading Vanderbilt is senior standout Gordon Sargent, who continues to anchor the lineup with his steady play and leadership. Sargent, paired with a deep roster of experienced players, has helped establish Vanderbilt as one of the nation’s premier programs in collegiate golf.

The Invitational at The Honors Course has long been a proving ground for future PGA Tour talent. A strong showing here would not only boost Vanderbilt’s national ranking but also solidify their confidence as they enter the heart of the fall schedule.

Vanderbilt Stuns No. 11 South Carolina 31-7 for First SEC Opener Win Since 2011

Diego Pavia leads Commodores with two touchdowns as defense forces four turnovers in historic upset at Williams-Brice Stadium.

COLUMBIA, S.C. | The Vanderbilt Commodores (3-0, 1-0 SEC) delivered a statement victory Saturday night, dismantling No. 11 South Carolina (2-1, 0-1 SEC) by a score of 31-7 in front of a sold-out crowd at Williams-Brice Stadium. The win snapped a 16-game losing streak to the Gamecocks, marked the Commodores’ first SEC-opening win since 2011, and was their most significant margin of victory in series history.

Graduate quarterback Diego Pavia continued his strong start to the season, throwing for 177 yards and two touchdowns on 18-of-25 passing. He became the first Vanderbilt quarterback since Jordan Rodgers in 2012 to record four consecutive multi-touchdown passing games.

Running back Sedrick Alexander added two touchdowns on the ground, scoring in each of the Commodores’ first three games for the second straight season. Sophomore Jamezell Lassiter added a highlight-reel 44-yard touchdown run to open the second half, his second long scoring rush of the year.

The Commodore defense was dominant, holding South Carolina to just 86 rushing yards, its lowest total of the season, and forcing four turnovers, the program’s highest total since 2022. Linebacker CJ Heard led with 12 tackles, while Nick Rinaldi added 2.5 tackles for loss and his eighth career sack. Graduate Zaylin Wood recorded his first interception in a Vanderbilt uniform, while Bryce Cowan, Miles Capers, and Jordan Matthews each contributed turnovers in a complete defensive effort.

Texas A&M Stuns No. 8 Notre Dame 41-40 With Last-Second Touchdown in South Bend

Marcel Reed connects with Nate Boerkircher in final seconds as Aggies earn first road win over AP Top-10 opponent since 2014.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. | In a game that will be remembered as one of the early-season thrillers of 2025, the No. 16 Texas A&M Aggies (3-0) edged past the No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-1) in a dramatic 41-40 victory at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday night.

The Aggies sealed the win with just 13 seconds remaining, as redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed connected with graduate tight end Nate Boerkircher on an 11-yard touchdown strike, silencing the Irish faithful and lifting Texas A&M to its first road win against a top-10 opponent since 2014.

Running back Le’Veon Moss was the Aggies’ anchor in the first half, rushing for three touchdowns in the second quarter and finishing with 73 yards on 18 carries. Wide receiver Mario Craver posted a career night, recording 207 yards on seven catches, including an 86-yard touchdown that electrified the Aggie sideline. Reed delivered his best performance yet, throwing for 360 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 37 yards.

Defensively, Texas A&M made critical plays to keep the Irish in check. The Aggies racked up eight tackles for loss and two sacks, led by Marcus Ratcliffe’s eight tackles and 1.5 TFLs. Linebacker Scooby Williams secured the team’s first interception of the season in the second quarter, setting up one of Moss’s touchdowns. At the same time, Albert Regis added a career-high seven tackles with a sack.

Notre Dame matched Texas A&M blow for blow, totaling more than 500 yards of offense, but the Aggies’ resilience and clutch execution in the closing moments proved the difference.

No. 13 Ole Miss Survives Arkansas 41-35 in SEC Shootout to Move to 2-0 in Conference Play

Trinidad Chambliss leads Rebels’ offensive surge, while TJ Dottery’s late forced fumble seals Home win at Vaught-Hemingway.

OXFORD, Miss. | In a game defined by explosive offense and high drama, the No. 13 Ole Miss Rebels (3-0, 2-0 SEC) outlasted the Arkansas Razorbacks (1-2, 0-1 SEC) in a thrilling 41-35 victory Saturday night at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The win kept Ole Miss unbeaten in SEC play and underscored its resilience in the face of a furious Arkansas comeback.

The matchup showcased fireworks from the start, with both teams combining for nine straight scoring drives in the first half and racking up 997 total yards of offense. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss guided Ole Miss with a balanced effort, throwing multiple touchdowns and adding a rushing score. At the same time, backup Austin Simmons stepped in during a key moment to toss a touchdown pass despite playing through injury.

Running back Kewan Lacy set the tone early, scoring on a short-yardage plunge after Arkansas committed a costly penalty on fourth down. Wide receiver Dae’Quan Wright and Wallace delivered clutch receptions, including a highlight 64-yard grab that set up another Chambliss rushing touchdown.

Arkansas, led by quarterback Green, refused to fold, responding with big plays through the air and on the ground, including a 20-yard scramble and a 5-yard touchdown run. Wideout Mike Washington added two touchdowns, keeping the Razorbacks within striking distance deep into the fourth quarter.

Special teams also proved decisive. Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro went 2-for-2 on field goals, including a key 36-yarder before halftime, while Arkansas missed two field goals that ultimately spelled the difference in a one-score game.

Defensively, the Rebels came up big when it mattered most. Cornerback Antonio Kite nearly had a red-zone interception before a penalty negated the play, but in the final two minutes, TJ Dottery forced a critical fumble, recovered by Wydett Williams Jr., sealing the win in front of a roaring home crowd.

No. 24 Auburn Tops South Alabama 31-15 in Homecoming Victory at Jordan-Hare

Quarterback Jackson Arnold accounts for three touchdowns as Tigers’ defense delivers takeaways ahead of SEC opener at Oklahoma.

AUBURN, Ala. | Behind a balanced offensive attack and timely defensive takeaways, the No. 24 Auburn Tigers (3-0) celebrated Homecoming with a 31-15 win over South Alabama (2-1) on Saturday at a sold-out Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Quarterback Jackson Arnold showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing for 50 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries while completing 13-of-24 passes for 142 yards and a score. Running back Jeremiah Cobb powered the ground game with 119 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, marking his second consecutive 100-yard performance.

Auburn struck quickly on its opening drive, converting a fourth-and-5 before Arnold hit Cam Coleman on a 32-yard touchdown strike. The Tigers then capitalized on an interception by Keyron Crawford, who added two tackles for loss in a breakout defensive effort, to extend the lead to 14-3. Arnold’s six-yard rushing touchdown capped the drive, while his five-yard scoring run later in the first half pushed Auburn ahead 21-3.

The Tigers controlled the tempo offensively, stringing together multiple scoring drives of 10-plus plays. Cobb capped a 14-play, 75-yard march with a two-yard touchdown just before halftime, giving Auburn a commanding 28-9 advantage.

South Alabama battled back in the third quarter with an 11-play drive ending in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Bishop Davenport to Devin Voisin, trimming Auburn’s lead to 28-15. But Auburn’s offense responded with a clock-chewing 8:34 drive, capped by Alex McPherson’s 34-yard field goal to put the game out of reach.

Defensively, Auburn forced two key turnovers — Crawford’s interception and a fumble recovery by Xavier Atkins after a strip by Jared Smith. Kaleb Harris led the Tigers with eight solo tackles, while Auburn’s defense came up with crucial stops on third and fourth down to seal the win.

The victory gives Auburn momentum as it now turns to Southeastern Conference play, beginning next Saturday against No. 13 Oklahoma in Norman. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC, the first of four straight games against ranked opponents for the Tigers.

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-- By Masakela Rawls

© Copyright 2025 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.

No. 19 Alabama Rolls Past Wisconsin 38-14 Behind Ty Simpson’s Career Day

Quarterback Ty Simpson throws for 382 yards and four touchdowns as Crimson Tide defense stifles Badgers in Tuscaloosa.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. | The No. 19/18 Alabama Crimson Tide (2-1) secured its second consecutive win with a commanding 38-14 victory over Wisconsin (2-1) on Saturday night at Saban Field inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, delivering an electric performance in front of a sold-out home crowd.

Quarterback Ty Simpson put together the best outing of his young career, completing 24 of 29 passes for 382 yards and four touchdowns, while also adding 25 rushing yards. His accuracy and command of the offense powered Alabama’s balanced attack, which finished with 454 total yards.

Freshman standout Ryan Williams showcased his big-play ability, hauling in five receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Germie Bernard continued his consistency with 62 receiving yards, one touchdown, and even added a two-yard rushing score. Isaiah Horton chipped in with five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown as Alabama’s receiving corps overwhelmed the Wisconsin secondary.

Defensively, Alabama imposed its will, holding the Badgers to just 209 total yards and a mere 92 rushing yards. Safety Bray Hubbard highlighted the effort with two interceptions, while linebacker Deontae Lawson recorded a team-high nine tackles. Up front, the Tide’s pass rush delivered with four sacks, coming from LT Overton, Yhonzae Pierre, Qua Russaw, and London Simmons.

Maryland Stays Perfect: Terps Dominate Towson 44-17 to Improve to 3-0

Freshman QB Malik Washington sets Power Conference record as Maryland defense delivers historic performance at SECU Stadium.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. | The Maryland Terrapins (3-0) continued their flawless start to the 2025 season with a decisive 44-17 victory over the Towson Tigers (2-1) on Saturday at SECU Stadium, extending their nation-leading non-conference win streak to 18 games.

True freshman quarterback Malik Washington made history by surpassing 773 career passing yards through his first three starts, the highest total for a true freshman in a Power Conference since 2018. Washington accounted for two touchdowns in the first quarter — a rushing score and a 32-yard strike to Shaleak Knotts — as Maryland’s offense exploded out of the gate.

The Terps dominated early, scoring on their first six possessions and posting 31 points in just 19 minutes. Running back DeJuan Williams opened the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run, while Nolan Ray added a five-yard score after a key forced fumble and recovery by Maryland’s defense.

Defensively, the Terps showcased one of their best starts in over two decades. Eyan Thomas forced a turnover that led to a quick touchdown, and La’khi Roland’s 100-yard interception return in the third quarter marked Maryland’s first pick-six of that length since 1962. Overall, the unit has allowed just 33 points through three games, its best start since the 2001 season.

Special teams added to the momentum when Maryland blocked a punt in the fourth quarter, their first since 2018, setting up a field goal by Sean O’Haire to close out the scoring.

The victory marks Maryland’s fourth 3-0 start in the past five seasons, reinforcing its status as one of the Big Ten’s rising programs. Head coach Michael Locksley’s squad will now turn its focus to Big Ten play, traveling to Madison to face Wisconsin on September 20, with kickoff scheduled for 12 PM ET on NBC and the Maryland Sports Radio Network.

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-- By James W. Thomas

© Copyright 2025 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.

Trump Again Overstates Number of Drug Overdose Deaths in U.S.

Reviving an unfounded claim he has made for several years, President Donald Trump on Sept. 5 overstated the number of Americans who died in 2024 of drug overdoses, saying that he believed 300,000 or “350,000 people died last year from drugs.” A spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told us the provisional number of drug overdose deaths in 2024 was 79,383, and an expert in addiction medicine told us Trump’s number was “a gross exaggeration.”

Trump made the overestimate at the White House while signing an executive order renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War. Asked by a reporter about the recent U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, Trump said those actions were in response to drug trafficking. Eight U.S. warships carrying attack aircraft, an attack submarine, and Navy surveillance planes have been deployed to the southern Caribbean, the New York Times reported.

On Sept. 2, the president announced on Truth Social that a boat in international waters carrying what he said were “positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists” with illegal drugs was hit in a U.S. airstrike that “resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action.” Trump shared a black-and-white video showing an open boat with passengers being blown up. The administration hasn’t provided more information about who was on board or what was being transported.

Asked about the subsequent U.S. military buildup, Trump said, “Well, I just think it’s strong. We’re strong on drugs. We don’t want drugs killing our people. I believe we lost 300,000. You know, they always say 95[,000], 100,000. I believe they’ve been saying that for 20 years. I believe we lost 300,000 people last year.”

“Whether it’s 100,000, but it’s not — it’s 300[,000], 350,000 people died last year from drugs. And we’re not going to let that happen to this country,” he later added. 

Viral Claims About Charlie Kirk’s Words

Since the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, social media users have shared posts showing, quoting, or paraphrasing remarks the posts attribute to the conservative activist. Many readers have asked us to provide the facts on whether Kirk, the founder of the youth political group Turning Point USA, made the aforementioned comments.

We’ll review some of the statements that our readers have asked about and correct a viral social media post that got what Kirk said.

While he did say many of the statements, some have been misrepresented or not presented with full context.

After Kirk’s Death, a False Social Media Post on Partisan Reaction to Violence

After the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, social media claims offering political views on the assassination and the reaction to it quickly spread. One message falsely claimed that “not a single Republican condemned” the targeted shooting of a Democratic politician in Minnesota in June. Many Republicans, including President Donald Trump, condemned it.

Kirk, the founder of the conservative youth political group Turning Point USA and an ally of Trump, was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10 when he was shot and killed. He was 31 years old. The FBI said on Sept. 11 that it had recovered what is believed to be the weapon used, “a high-powered bolt action rifle,” and law enforcement was still searching for a suspect. The FBI released images of a “person of interest.”

Trump and politicians of both political parties, including former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, made statements condemning the killing and expressing condolences. A reader asked us about the validity of one social media message that highlighted the statements of Democrats and then falsely said Republicans hadn’t offered similar condemnations of political violence after the murder of a Democrat a few months ago.

A Sept. 10 post on X, which received more than 6 million views, wrongly said: “I would like it to be noted that every Democrat on Twitter,” including Newsom, “is condemning the shooting of Charlie Kirk but not a single Republican condemned the assassination of Melissa Hortman.” A post on Threads made a nearly identical claim.

COVID Vaccines Are Harder to Get, Despite Claims from HHS, RFK Jr.

Heated exchanges between some senators and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a Sept. 4 hearing amplified confusion about the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for the fall, with Kennedy misleadingly claiming that “anybody” can still get a vaccine. HHS policies have created roadblocks to vaccine access.

The full extent of vaccine availability won’t be clear until at least Sept. 18, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is expected to meet to discuss its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Kennedy dismissed the entire committee over the summer and has since installed some new members, several of whom have a history of spreading false or misleading claims about vaccines.

However, changes to vaccine policy thus far mean that, unlike in past years, many people may need a prescription to receive a vaccine, and more may also need to pay out of pocket for the shot. They may also be unable to visit a pharmacy to get vaccinated in some areas.

On Aug. 27, the Food and Drug Administration approved four COVID-19 vaccines for the upcoming season — Nuvaxovid from Novavax, Comirnaty from Pfizer/BioNTech, and Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE from Moderna. However, in each case, approval is limited to those 65 years old and over or those with at least one underlying health condition.