data-mm-id=”_p0liv9gr9″>Michigan faces another tough challenge Saturday when 11th-ranked USC visits Ann Arbor in the Big Ten opener for both teams. It's another tough test for first-time head coach Sherrone Moore, but Jim Harbaugh's successor has already learned he can't stand pat with a struggling quarterback.Senior Davis Warren, who threw two interceptions in a 31-12 loss to No. 3 Texas two weeks ago, got picked off three more times in a 28-18 win against Arkansas State last Saturday and ended up getting benched for junior Alex Orji. On Monday, Moore made the change permanent, announcing that Orji will be the starting QB against the Trojans.RELATED: Arch Manning shows off lethal QB skill that Peyton and Eli definitely didn't have"We can't turn the ball over. We've got to take care of the football. That's the No. 1 thing, especially with our quarterback," Moore told Brad Galli of WXYZ in Detroit. "That was a huge point of emphasis, and when Orji went in the game (against Arkansas State), he took care of it."He gives you something in the offense that is a little different. But I just feel good with him and the team will be confident in him."INTERVIEW: Sherrone Moore explained the decision to make Alex Orji Michigan's starting quarterback for the game against USC."People have their opinions on him, but he can definitely throw. He'll make some big throws this week," Moore said. pic.twitter.com/EwGmE8Q9hb— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 16, 2024In three seasons at Michigan, Orji has played in 12 games, attempting seven passes and completing four for 20 yards. While Moore contends that Orji can "definitely throw," the upside of the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Texas native is his mobility and running ability.In his career, Orji has rushed for 181 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Against Arkansas State, he ran three times for 27 yards.Moore hopes Orji's dual-threat capability keeps USC guessing. The Trojans defense has been rejuvenated under first-year defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn during an impressive 2-0 start, including a 48-0 shutout of Utah State.Alex Orji's first series resulted in a 9-play drive that ended in a touchdown. Orji and Mullings combined for 71 yards on the ground, which opened up an easy 9-yard TD pass to Hogan Hansen. On his third series of the game, that dual-threat ability (combined with a great route… pic.twitter.com/OxEjjuPBIG— The Winged Helmet (@TWH_Chris) September 15, 2024Perhaps the Wolverines' most difficult task is trying to stop a USC offense that has been thriving with junior quarterback Miller Moss, the successor to former Heisman Trophy winner and 2024 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.Moss has thrown for 607 yards, including 378 in a season-opening 27-20 upset of then-No. 13 LSU in Las Vegas. He also ranks 11th in the country in completion percentage at 72.7%.MORE TOP STORIES FROM THE BIG LEADNFL: Jerry’s reaction to the latest Cowboys’ meltdownNFL: Malik Willis said what?!CFB: Florida State making the wrong kind of historyWNBA: Another record-setting performance from Caitlin Clark
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European champions Italy will face Spain in the last four at the Nations League Finals in June, with hosts Netherlands drawn against World Cup semi-finalists Croatia.
Italy, who were absent from a second consecutive edition of the World Cup in Qatar last year, reached the Nations League semi-finals by edging out Hungary for top spot in a group which also contained Germany and England.
Standing between Roberto Mancini s men and the final are Spain – who beat the Azzurri 2-1 at the same stage of the competition in 2021 before losing the final against France.
Spain, who saw off Portugal to win Group A2, will be led by new head coach Luis de la Fuente after Luis Enrique departed in the aftermath of their surprise World Cup exit against Morocco.
The Netherla…
Erik ten Hag said it would be normal if he has already held talks about becoming Manchester United s next manager.
The Ajax boss did not confirm whether discussions have taken place, and stressed he would wait until the end of the season before declaring his intentions.
But the 52-year-old appeared to give a strong hint his future could lie at Old Trafford, and said he hoped Ajax would understand if he elects to leave a year ahead of his contract expiring.
In an interview with Germany s Sport1, Ten Hag was asked about reports he has already spoken to United about the vacancy that will materialise when interim manager Ralf Rangnick steps aside.
Everyone knows each other in the industry. There are always talks with representatives from other clubs, that s…
Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score a quickfire hat-trick as Manchester United claimed back-to-back Champions League wins with a 5-0 hammering of RB Leipzig.
Mason Greenwood scored his first goal in the competition to give United the lead in the first half with a fine finish from a tight angle at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
But it was fellow striker Rashford, a 63rd-minute substitute, who left his mark on the game after twice breaking clear of the Leipzig finish and finishing emphatically.
Anthony Martial was on target from the penalty spot before Rashford put the gloss on the scoreline with another goal late on.
The victory leaves United top of Group H on six points, three clear of Leipzig and Paris Saint-German, who were 2-0 winners ove…
“He is one of the best in the business in the world,” Hyypia told the PA news agency at a Nike Game On initiative which, in conjunction with the LFC Foundation, has provided more than 8,000 local schoolchildren with access to a range of sports.
“I think he has raised the standard with everyone expecting him to play at that level every time and that is very difficult.
“But he is doing well, he is a big part of our team and a big leader of the team so I think we all need to be patient and his best is coming.
“I think this season he has shown in some games he is still at the level and I have no doubts he will be the best centre-back in the league this season.”
Despite their good start to the season there has been scrutiny on Liverpool’s defence…
Vlahovic should stick with Juventus after ´storm´ of Serie A season, says former Fiorentina director
Dusan Vlahovic should remain at Juventus even if the Bianconeri fail to qualify for the Champions League, according to Lecce director Pantaleo Corvino.
Injuries have limited Vlahovic to just 12 appearances in Serie A this season, yet he is Juve s top scorer with eight goals.
The Serbia striker scored two and assisted another in the midweek win at Salernitana and will hope to add more in Sunday s match against former club Fiorentina.
But Juventus head into that match only two points ahead of La Viola due to a 15-point deduction following an investigation into past transfer dealings.
The Bianconeri have a mammoth 14 points to make up on the top four if they are going to qualify for the Champions League through their league position, and Vlahovic has been li…
Pep Guardiola hailed Gabriel Jesus display in Manchester City s 5-0 win against Norwich City and said he feels fortunate to be able to work with a player as selfless as the Brazilian.
Jesus was brought into City s starting line-up as one of five changes from last weekend s defeat to Tottenham as City produced a five-star showing against Norwich.
The Brazil international was fielded to the right of a front three that also contained Ferran Torres and Jack Grealish in Saturday s Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
While Jesus did not find the net, he played a game-high three key passes, which included assists for Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling.
He also sent in the ball that led to Grant Hanley and Tim Krul inadvertently combining for City s opene…
Rangers will sign Fabio Silva on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the January transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Italian journalist has claimed that Rangers, who are aiming to win the Scottish Premiership title this season, have reached an agreement with Wolves on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Romano has added that Silva will sign the loan deal soon. The two clubs have already reached an agreement. Former Scottish Premiership champions Rangers will have no option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
🚨🔵 Fábio Silva to Rangers, here we go! Deal in place between Scottish club and Wolves — agreement reached on loan until June.
Portuguese striker will sign the contract soon. 🏴
…
England boss Gareth Southgate is keeping a close eye on teenage talent Kobbie Mainoo having been impressed by his “fabulous” breakthrough at Manchester United.
The 18-year-old academy graduate joined the Red Devils aged nine and has long been tipped for stardom, going onto make his first-team bow in January 2023.
Mainoo has now made 14 appearances in all competitions for United and would have played more had he not sustained an injury during their US tour in the summer.
The midfielder has represented England up to under-19s level and his burgeoning displays have impressed senior boss Southgate.
“He’s doing brilliantly,” the England manager said after Thursday’s Nations League draw in Paris. “I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a…
Brazil great Robinho has returned to Santos for a fourth spell after signing a short-term contract with his boyhood club.
The former Manchester City and Real Madrid forward has agreed a deal with the Brazilian top-flight club for the remainder of the campaign.
Robinho had been without a team since leaving Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir in August and the 36-year-old was delighted to return to familiar surroundings.
This has always been my home, he said of Santos, who are currently seventh in the table after 14 games.
My objective is to help on and off the pitch and get Santos in as high a place as possible.
O ROBINHO ESTÁ DE VOLTA! O eterno Rei das Pedaladas assinou contrato de cinco meses e acertou seu retorno para iniciar a quarta passagem …
Former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has completed his move to West Brom on a one-year contract.
Ivanovic, 36, has been a free agent since leaving Zenit when his contract expired at the end of the Russian Premier League season in July.
Three Premier League titles and the Champions League were among 10 trophies he won during nine successful years with Chelsea between 2008 and 2017.
The Premier League is the best league in the world, Ivanovic, who will wear the number 20 shirt with West Brom, said after finalising his move on Tuesday.
I need to challenge myself and I am ready for the challenge. I am really happy to be back playing in the Premier League.
I hope I am going to be successful here. I have a lot of ambition and I want to prove a …