Garcia Homers Twice as No. 1 Sooners Complete Sweep of No. 15 Arkansas…

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Gabbie Garcia homered twice, Nelly McEnroe-Marinas launched a three-run home run and Sam Landry continued her dominance in the circle to close the game as No. 1/1 Oklahoma (26-0, 6-0 SEC) overcame a 3-0 deficit to complete the sweep against No. 15/12 Arkansas (20-6, 1-5 SEC) Sunday, March 16.

Oklahoma put up six runs in the second inning en route to a 10-7 victory, OU’s third double-digit scoring performance in six Southeastern Conference games.

Arkansas took the lead first for the second time this weekend, using a three-run home run from Courtney Day in the first inning.

The Sooner bats responded immediately, beginning with a Garcia solo home run to right field on the second pitch she saw in the second inning. Ailana Agbayani walked and Hannah Coor doubled her home, cutting the deficit to 3-2. After Abigale Dayton worked a free pass, McEnroe-Marinas belted a 3-2 pitch to the berm in left for a 5-3 OU lead. The advantage became 6-3 after Garcia plated Ella Parker following her four-pitch walk.

Arkansas got within one in the bottom of the third after Bri Ellis hit a two-run homer to center.

Once again, Garcia answered for the Sooners, scoring Kasidi Pickering with a two-run homer to right center in the top of the fourth to bring OU’s lead to 8-5.

Oklahoma came up with more helpful insurance in the fifth inning. After Dayton walked, McEnroe-Marinas doubled to right center and later scored on a Parker single up the middle.

Ellis hooked a two-run homer to left, cutting OU’s lead to 10-7 in the fifth, but Landry worked 2.1 scoreless innings to seal the sweep.

Breaking News: Milwaukee is a special place to Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope; even more so Friday….

Mark Pope loves Milwaukee.

He didn’t just play for the Milwaukee Bucks, he was a starter for the Milwaukee Bucks.

In fact, of the 153 games Pope played for four NBA teams over six seasons, all 57 of his starts were as a member of the Bucks spread over the 2000-01 and 2001-02 campaigns.

“I have so many memories,” the Kentucky basketball coach said Sunday after learning that his Wildcats will open NCAA Tournament play at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

“It’s a really special place to me. George Karl was the only coach — sorry George — dumb enough to actually start me in the NBA.

Started most of the season there on a great team (2000-01) that made an epic run to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 7.”

Mark Pope’s Wildcats will find many familiar faces in NCAA Tournament’s Midwest Regional..

A look at the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional — which includes the No. 3 seed Kentucky Wildcats:

Meet UK’s first foe Kentucky (22-11, 10-8 SEC regular season) will open NCAA Tournament play against Sun Belt Conference Tournament champion Troy (23-10, 13-5 regular season) in Milwaukee at 7:10 p.m. EDT Friday.

The Trojans rampaged through their league tournament, winning their three games by an average margin of 16 points.I

n a highly anticipated matchup, Mark Pope’s BYU Wildcats will enter the NCAA Tournament’s Midwest Regional, where they will face off against several teams they’ve encountered throughout the season. With a roster boasting returning players and a coaching staff that has built solid relationships across the conference, BYU’s journey through the tournament promises to be an exciting challenge.

The Wildcats have already faced stiff competition this year, and Pope’s experience in high-pressure games will be key as they look to make a deep run in the postseason. The Midwest Regional is known for its competitive field, with several top-ranked teams vying for a chance at the Final Four.”

Facing these teams again is an opportunity for us to show how much we’ve grown,” said Pope in a recent press conference. “We’ve played some tough teams in our conference, and we’ve learned a lot from those games. Now, we’re ready to take on anyone in our path.

“BYU has been firing on all cylinders this season, with key players stepping up in both offensive and defensive roles. Pope, known for his strategic game plans, is focused on making the most of his team’s familiarity with their opponents, using their prior matchups to inform their approach in the tournament.

With a deep roster and a wealth of experience in high-stakes games, the Wildcats are poised to make a statement in the Midwest Regional, hoping to secure a spot in the next round and ultimately challenge for the championship.

Fans are excited to see how their beloved team fares, as BYU looks to continue their momentum and prove they can compete with the nation’s best. The Wildcats’ first game of the tournament is scheduled for later this week, with more familiar faces set to test their mettle on the national stage.

Monday Morning Mailbag: Week 1 of Vikings Free Agency Creates Flexibility…

The limited advice I offered our readers last week was to buckle up for free agency’s wild ride.

Hopefully everyone strapped in for all the twists and turns presented during the first wave.

It is beyond a hunch that you all are the folks in the roller-coaster seat who see no one in line and start negotiating for another trip with the ride operator.

Even after such a monumental week, there’s more happening.

Important work is still being accomplished by teams on the free agency front, but for those who haven’t been combing through the Vikings Free Agency Tracker, here’s a simple list of official moves the Vikings personnel department has executed since last week’s Mailbag, which included the news of deals to return Theo Jackson and Aaron Jones, Sr.

Returned: P Ryan Wright, CB Byron Murphy, Jr., Harrison Smith

Added: S Bubba Bolden, DL Jonathan Allen, C Ryan Kelly, G Will Fries, DL Javon Hargrave, CB Isaiah Rodgers, DB Tavierre Thomas, T Justin Skule, LB Eric Wilson (which also counts as bringing him back since he played for Minnesota from 2017-20)

Traded: G Ed Iagram to Houston for a 2026 sixth-round pick

You may notice a move that has been reported, say this past Saturday night, but is not included. That’s because I can’t add any moves until they become official with the NFL office.

Also last week, we were proud to help announce retired equipment manager Dennis Ryan will be receiving an Award of Excellence at the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. D-Ryan set a tremendous example of selfless service during his 47 seasons with the club.

The NFL also announced Minnesota was awarded the first compensatory pick (97th overall) in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Vikings received the selection to offset the departure of Kirk Cousins during 2024 free agency.

The opening of every free agency means players depart for a variety of reasons — often for financial or playing time opportunities.

Among the confirmed departures this year were quarterbacks Sam Darnold (Seahawks), Nick Mullens (Jaguars) and Daniel Jones (Colts).

For the second time in as many offseasons the Vikings have allocated dollars that would have gone to retaining the previous year’s starter toward other parts of the roster.

Lastly, before we get to the questions, I’d like to offer condolences to the family and longtime friends of Paul Flatley, who won 1963 Rookie of the Year honors during his first season as a Viking. Flatley passed away Saturday at age 84.

Lindsey Young worked on this tribute to Flatley, who had participated in a really cool video conference with Justin Jefferson in 2020 when Jefferson won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Flatley also had returned to Minnesota to visit Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in recent years, and it was an absolute treat to share appreciation to him for what he had a role in the NFL becoming.

Flatley recorded the first 200-yard game for a Vikings receiver on Oct. 24, 1965, and Fran Tarkenton aired it out for a career-high 407 yards as Minnesota overcame three 21-point deficits to upend the 49ers by a 42-41 margin. I wish we had full footage of that comeback effort.

Vikings Reportedly Prioritizing Another QB Over Aaron Rodgers…

Over the last couple of days, the rumors connecting the Minnesota Vikings and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers have grown very loud.

Rodgers seems to prefer the idea of signing with the Vikings over other interests he has received from the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants.

However, the question has been, does Minnesota reciprocate that interest? There have been reports that the Vikings are considering the option, but nothing further than that.

A new update may start to slow down the idea that Rodgers could end up in Minnesota.

As shared by Bleacher Report, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler offered an update during an appearance on “SportsCenter” on Sunday.

“Teams are waiting this out, waiting on Rodgers. The feeling is there’s not just a money consideration here. There’s fit, there’s surroundings, all those things. Minnesota Vikings are sort of on the periphery here.

Sources there tell me that it’s possible they get involved with Rodgers, but the feeling this week has been probably not. They want to develop J.J. McCarthy.” Recently, another report was made by The Athletic that Rodgers could choose to retire rather than sign with the Steelers or Giants.

Right now, the honest truth is that no one knows what Rodgers is going to do. He always keeps his cards close to his chest. There is no question that Rodgers can still play if he chooses to do so.

He is coming off of a 2024 season with the New York Jets that saw him complete 63 percent of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

Whoever he chooses to sign with would be getting a quarterback upgrade. Only time will tell, but the 41-year-old star is not rushing a decision. That has annoyed some fans and media analysts, but it’s a smart decision for him and his future.

This new update from Fowler certainly could change the situation. If the Vikings are out on Rodgers, Pittsburgh would offer Rodgers the best opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl.

Signing with New York would simply allow him to continue playing in the city that he has enjoyed the last two years. No timeline has been offered for Rodgers’ decision.

Until that decision happens, there will be endless updates and reports about what he could choose to do.

For more on the Vikings and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports. Related Articles Vikings Make Massive Trade With 49ers, Land RB Aaron Rodgers Retiring Would Heavily Impact NFL Quarterback Market Aaron Rodgers Would Reportedly Rather Retire Than Sign With Steelers, Giants Vikings Strong Free Agency Lands Team Top Grade 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 8:28 AM. Take Us With You Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand.

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Former Vikings QB sends heartfelt message after signing with new team…

All love, here.

This has been the offseason of massive quarterback change for the Minnesota Vikings, and we’ve only just begun.

After watching Sam Darnold choose to sign with the Seattle Seahawks, the questions immediately turned to second-year pro J.J. McCarthy and whether the Vikings were indeed going to roll with the former Michigan standout as their starter going forward.

But, another Vikings quarterback departed this offseason as well. Backup quarterback Nick Mullens left Minnesota after three years and, in his free agency, chose to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars to likely back up Trevor Lawrence under new head coach Liam Coen.

Now continuing his journey elsewhere, it sure sounds like Mullens enjoyed his trio of seasons with the Vikings.

After his new contract was official in Jacksonville, Mullens took to his social media account to send a heartfelt message to Minnesota, thanking the coaching staff, teammates and fan base.

“The culture of Minnesota sports will always be important to me. I’m very thankful for my 3 years in Minnesota. Coaches, teammates, staff, the fans – the place does it right and I’m so thankful I got to be a part of it! SKOL always,” Mullens wrote.

While with the Vikings, Mullens was active for 13 games, starting three, and threw for a total of 1,568 yards, eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. He was the type of backup quarterback Kevin O’Connell could still choose to let air it out while, of course, it came with inevitable turnovers at times.

Still, Mullens felt loved as a Viking and cherished his time here. The fan base can wish him the best as Minnesota looks ahead to a new chapter under center.

The only real question now, is, does Aaron Rodgers actually have a chance at signing with the Vikings?

That’s a different topic altogether, but, here’s to hoping we find out soon.

NEWS UPDATE: Georgia made big impression on 4-star SEC QB commit this week…

Georgia football is making moves with one of the best QBs in the country who is committed to Oklahoma.

Georgia football’s spring practices are officially underway, with the Bulldogs finishing their first two practices of the year already. While spring practice means that UGA football is officially back and fans get to see what the team is going to look like this season, it also means that it is time to hear a lot about recruiting again.

After the recruiting dead period throughout February, March presents a great time for recruits to travel to schools to continue their recruitments in person. And in Georgia’s case, they are bringing in the best players from all across the country.

Kirby Smart and his staff are also bringing in players committed to other programs, and that was the case earlier this week when four-star quarterback Jaden O’Neal who visited Georgia for three days.

O’Neal is one of the top quarterbacks in the country, currently ranked No. 11 at his position by the 247Sports Composite rankings. On top of that, he is the No. 138 overall player in the country and the No. 16 player from his home state of Oklahoma as well.

It is a big deal whenever Georgia brings a highly ranked recruit to campus who is committed elsewhere, but the fact that O’Neal is committed to an SEC rival like Oklahoma is very signficant. On top of that, he was in Athens for three days, which is quite a long time for an unofficial visit.

O’Neal spoke with On3’s Jeremy Johnson on Wednesday after his visit, and it sounds like UGA made a great impression with him.

 

Injury Report: Georgia Freshman WR Suffers Injury, Set For Surgery…

The Georgia Bulldogs are in the midst of spring practice. They entered this portion of the offseason relatively healthy, with only (9) Bulldogs on the injury report to start spring practice. That list received an addition this week as freshman WR, Tyler Williams announced via his Instagram that he’d be undergoing surgery on his ankle.

The injury occured during practice, as he was seen during practice observations to open the spring.

Williams entered Georgia as a four star prospect, alongside early enrolees CJ Wiley, Talyn Taylor, and Landon Roldan.

Kirby on Daylen Everette (Sports Hernia) Daylen will be limited for the spring. He’s not out, but he’s coming back from a sports hernia repair. He’s doing great, running around and being a leader.

Labrum Surgery Group – “They’re in really good progression in terms of getting back. Monroe, Gabe (Harris) Colton (Heinrich), Christen Miller, and Jaylan Morgan all had labor repairs, which is very common. I had it when I played here.”

Soft Tissue Injuries – “Then we’ve got Ryan Montgomery, who’s had the ACL repair, Branson (Robinson) who had the PCL repair, Rod Robinson who had the ankle repair, and then (Brett) Thorson, who, you know, had the ACL, MCL repair.

Kirby Smart states Georgia QB has “long way to go” in competition…

Gunner Stockton appears the be the clear leader in the battle for the starting quarterback job at Georgia.

Georgia football enters the first weekend of spring ball still in the middle of a quarterback battle as Gunner Stockton and Ryan Puglisi are the two options for the Bulldogs this fall to be the starting quarterback.

Most fans think the job is Stockton’s to win, and early signs show that to be the case. But Puglisi has the ability to challenge Stockton for the job this offseason, but according to Kirby Smart he has a “long way to go.”

“He’s a competitor,” Smart said via 247sports.com. “He’s a really good baseball player. He’s got arm talent. He’s got size. He’s a competitor. He was one of those guys that really flashed when he was on the scout team. You have a card, you don’t have a read, and you just fire away. He’s made some really good throws on the run. He’s got a strong arm. But he does have a long way to go in terms of learning exactly what we’re asking him to do, the command of the offense and the volume of the offense. He’s getting better at all those things.”

This comment from Smart makes it seem like the QB competition this offseason at Georgia isn’t much of a competition at all. Saying that Puglisi has a “long way to go” pretty clearly states that Smart doesn’t think he’s ready to take over as the starter this fall.

On top of that, Stockton so far has looked the part as QB1 in the early stages of spring ball as he has been the first QB to take reps in every drill so far.

Now this doesn’t mean Puglisi can’t catch up to Stockton and win the starting job this fall, but as it stands today during the first week of spring ball, it appears that Stockton is the clear leader to become the starting quarterback this fall.

🚨 Aaron Rodgers to the Vikings? Reports elaborate on possibility…

Aaron Rodgers is looking for a new home after two seasons in the Big Apple, but could he follow the same career path as another Packers legend?

According to Mike Silver of The Athletic, that is exactly what Rodgers is hoping to do, as he reports that the quarterback is “hoping” to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, with the club “strongly weighing” the possibility.

If that story sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Legendary quarterback Brett Favre played in two games for the Atlanta Falcons as a rookie, but then spent 16 seasons with the Packers, winning a Super Bowl and setting an NFL record for most consecutive starts.

He ended up leaving before the 2008 season, signing with the Jets, then headed to the Vikings for the final two seasons of his NFL career, which ended in 2010.

As for Rodgers, he too had a lengthy career in Green Bay, playing 18 seasons with the Packers and capturing a Super Bowl title. He then signed with the Jets prior to the 2023 season, but tore his Achilles tendon on his very first drive of the season.

In the 2024 campaign, Rodgers completed 63% of his passes, throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as the Jets went 5-12.

Now, New York is looking to move on and Rodgers could be on the lookout for a new home, but it’s unclear whether the Vikings will reciprocate the interest.

Minnesota and head coach Kevin O’Connell were forced to turn the keys to their offense over to Sam Darnold last season, and the strategy paid massive dividends, as Darnold threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, finishing in the top-10 in MVP voting and making his first Pro Bowl.

Now, Darnold has signed with the Seahawks and the Vikings have to decide whether they will sign a veteran quarterback like Rodgers, or if they will go with JJ McCarthy, who suffered a torn meniscus during the preseason in 2024 and was unable to play in his rookie year.

The Vikings’ decision will have a domino effect for both the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, who are looking at their quarterback options. The Steelers saw Justin Fields sign with the Jets during free agency, but could still reunite with Russell Wilson if Rodgers ends up signing with Minnesota.

The Giants are in a similar boat, evaluating their options between Wilson and Rodgers as they look to move forward at quarterback for the 2025 season.