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We’re down to the final two weeks of the season, as playoff spots continue to be clinched and mathematical eliminations occur on a near-nightly basis.

Which players will have an outsized impact on the home stretch? Which players are we most intrigued to see before the postseason (or the offseason) begins for their club? Here’s one X-factor player for all 32 teams.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another — taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule — and those results are tabulated to produce the list featured here.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the most recent edition, published March 24. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 80.67%
Next seven days: @ PIT (Apr. 1), @ STL (Apr. 2), vs. TOR (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Taylor Hall. The Bruins have so much going for them; there’s no one player that will really improve their stretch run. The Bruins do need to determine Hall’s status though. Ideally Boston would like to have one of their top wingers back in the mix before the playoffs to ensure he’s fully tuned up. The sooner Hall — absent with a lower-body injury since March 2 — can get back in, the better.

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 69.59%
Next seven days: @ MTL (Apr. 1), vs. NYI (Apr. 2), vs. OTT (Apr. 4), @ NSH (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Frederik Andersen. Carolina wants to be confident in its goaltending ahead of playoffs. That means having Andersen at his best. Antti Raanta and Pyotr Kochetkov have handled netminding duties throughout the season, but Andersen should still be Carolina’s No. 1. These final weeks are a critical preparatory period for Andersen.

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 68.00%
Next seven days: @ CHI (Apr. 1), @ WPG (Apr. 2), vs. PIT (Apr. 4), vs. CBJ (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Vitek Vanecek. New Jersey knows there’s (most likely) a first-round playoff meeting forthcoming with the Rangers. And New York has a Vezina Trophy winner in Igor Shesterkin between the pipes. This stretch drive is a valuable opportunity for Vanecek to get on top of his game. Coach Lindy Ruff will have to manage Vanecek’s workload well too, ensuring he’s primed to go save-for-save with Shesterkin.

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 66.22%
Next seven days: @ OTT (Apr. 1), vs. DET (Apr. 2), vs. CBJ (Apr. 4), @ BOS (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Morgan Rielly. Toronto has been rolling out an 11-7 alignment that rotates defenseman in and out of the lineup. The Leafs need back-end stability leading up to playoffs, and that leadership should come from Rielly. He’s the team’s longest-tenured player, their top defender and a valued voice in the room. Rielly’s contributions from here to postseason can’t be overlooked.

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 65.33%
Next seven days: @ BUF (March 31), @ WSH (Apr. 2), vs. TB (Apr. 5), @ STL (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Vladimir Tarasenko. New York acquired Tarasenko for exactly this time of year. It hasn’t been an entirely seamless transition for Tarasenko to play with old pal Artemi Panarin though, and these last games before playoffs can be a difference-maker for Tarasenko to showcase why the Rangers wanted him — and what he’ll wield when the calendar turns over to postseason play.

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 66.00%
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Apr. 1), @ MIN (Apr. 3), @ NSH (Apr. 4), vs. LA (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Jack Eichel. Vegas expected Eichel to boost their postseason prospects when they traded for him last season — and then the Golden Knights promptly did not reach the playoffs. Bummer. Now it’s on Eichel to make sure Vegas isn’t just in the field, but primed when it gets to the league’s second season. He has all the tools to be a game-changer and shouldn’t miss out on these final chances to improve.

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 64.00%
Next seven days: @ SEA (Apr. 1), @ VAN (Apr. 2), vs. EDM (Apr. 4), @ VGK (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Joonas Korpisalo. Los Angeles made waves trading long-time goaltender Jonathan Quick and acquiring Korpisalo. But you can see why. Korpisalo opened his career in L.A. at 4-0-1 with a .929 save percentage. He’s potentially pushing Pheonix Copley for the coveted No. 1 starter’s job for playoffs. There’s a lot on the line for both netminders as the Kings finish out this regular season.

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 64.67%
Next seven days: @ VGK (Apr. 1), vs. VGK (Apr. 3), @ PIT (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Matt Boldy. Minnesota should have Kirill Kaprizov back for the playoffs. Until then, it’s on forwards like Boldy to keep the offense warm. Boldy is delivering too, recently recording a hat trick in Seattle and showing some consistency. That sort of play would continue to fire up the Wild’s attack and make it easy for Kaprizov to step back in — without undue pressure — when he’s ready.

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 63.51%
Next seven days: vs. DAL (Apr. 1), @ SJ (Apr. 4), @ SJ (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Gabriel Landeskog. Colorado is finally, consistently showing its Stanley Cup-winning prowess. How much more dangerous would the Avalanche be if Landeskog — who has yet to play this season — could make a return before the postseason? It’s a big deal for Colorado to have him available and would be a real determining factor in their success throughout games — and playoff rounds — to come.

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 63.51%
Next seven days: @ ARI (March 31), @ COL (Apr. 1), vs. NSH (Apr. 3), vs. PHI (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Nils Lundkvist. Dallas is deep up front but hasn’t had the defensive depth to match. Enter Lundkvist. He has a few weeks remaining to show the Stars how he can help — in the present and postseason. Dallas’ limited blue-line resources means everyone must be at their best, and Lundkvist should have more to give at 5-on-5 and in a power-play spot.

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 63.82%
Next seven days: vs. ANA (Apr. 1)., @ LA (Apr. 4), @ ANA (Apr. 5)

X-factor: Jack Campbell. Edmonton knows what it has in No. 1 goalie Stuart Skinner. What the Oilers must have certainty in also is Campbell. Skinner deserves some rest down the stretch, which would lead to more action for Campbell. He must show Edmonton he’ll be a reliable piece of the puzzle if called upon in the playoffs.

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 61.84%
Next seven days: vs. NYI (Apr. 1), @ NYR (Apr. 5), @ NYI (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Steven Stamkos. Tampa Bay has been skidding through the end of this regular season. Cause for concern? It’s on Stamkos to make sure that’s not the case. It’s less about Stamkos addressing the Lightning’s on-ice difficulties than it is setting the example of persevering through a rough patch and coming out the other side a stronger team for it.

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 57.24%
Next seven days: @ TB (Apr. 1), @ CAR (Apr. 2), vs. TB (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Bo Horvat. New York stunningly pursued — and then extended — Horvat because of his potential to be an offensive game-changer on a team that required more scoring. The Islanders need a lot more out of Horvat though — in the regular season and playoffs. The 27-year-old hasn’t hit his stride yet, with only six goals and 11 points in 24 games for New York (after 31 and 23 in 54 for Vancouver). All eyes will be on Horvat to elevate his game in the coming weeks.

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 60.81%
Next seven days: vs. LA (Apr. 1), vs. ARI (Apr. 3), @ VAN (Apr. 4), vs. ARI (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Philipp Grubauer. Seattle’s glaring weakness all season has been goaltending. Grubauer is the Kraken’s starter once again, but can he hold on to the mantle and help Seattle secure its first playoff berth? What more can Grubauer show that would give the Kraken confidence he’ll be a postseason rock?

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 56.67%
Next seven days: vs. DET (March 31), vs. NJ (Apr. 2), vs. CGY (Apr. 5)

X-factor: Mark Scheifele. Winnipeg’s playoff hopes hinge on production from core players. Scheifele has to lead the charge there. He’s had an up-and-down season, but retains all the ability to lift this Jets’ offense. If Scheifele can really turn up the heat on his scoring game, it’ll go a long way for Winnipeg’s postseason push.

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 56.00%
Next seven days: vs. BOS (Apr. 1), vs. PHI (Apr. 2), @ NJ (Apr. 4), vs. MIN (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Tristan Jarry. Pittsburgh has had its problems in net all season. Chief among them has been Jarry’s availability. The Penguins’ projected No. 1 goalie has weathered injury issues and struggled when he is in the lineup. Casey DeSmith isn’t the answer if Pittsburgh wants to be a playoff contender. Jarry has to stay healthy from here and get as many reps as possible to help carry the Penguins’ postseason hopes.

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 55.33%
Next seven days: @ VAN (March 31), vs. ANA (Apr. 2), vs. CHI (Apr. 4), @ WPG (Apr. 5)

X-factor: Jacob Markstrom. Calgary has lacked consistency throughout starter Markstrom’s up-and-down season. That roller-coaster ride has to end now. Calgary can still grab a wild-card spot, but only if Markstrom continues to play like he did this week shutting the door on L.A. in a 33-save performance. The Flames’ postseason hopes depend on Markstrom standing tall.

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 55.41%
Next seven days: vs. STL (Apr. 1), @ DAL (Apr. 3), vs. VGK (Apr. 4), vs. CAR (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Cody Glass. Nashville’s infirmary is filled with the team’s top players, from Matt Duchene to Roman Josi. But the Predators’ push for a playoff spot is ongoing, and forwards like Glass have to be the difference that ultimately gets Nashville over the hump. Glass has a top-line role and scored a big goal against Boston earlier this week. The Predators need everything Glass has to give from here.

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 54.61%
Next seven days: @ CBJ (Apr. 1), vs. BUF (Apr. 4), vs. OTT (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Sergei Bobrovsky. Florida has pushed its way into the playoff conversation by averaging four goals per game the last few weeks. At issue? The more than four goals per game they’re giving up. Bobrovsky has to lock down the Panthers’ crease from here in a significant way. If he can’t, there’s little chance of Florida clawing its way into the postseason.

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 50.66%
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Apr. 2), @ MTL (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Evgeny Kuznetsov. Washington has likely played itself out of postseason contention. That would frustrate any skater, including — apparently — Kuznetsov. The Capitals’ forward shot down Russian media reports this week claiming he wants to be traded. Where Kuznetsov should do his talking though is on the ice. Washington has a handful of games left and deserves to see Kuznetsov giving them a $7.8 million-worthy effort. It hasn’t happened nearly enough this season.

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 52.74%
Next seven days: vs. NYR (March 31), @ PHI (Apr. 1), @ FLA (Apr. 4), @ DET (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Jordan Greenway. Buffalo is keeping its gaze on the future, and Greenway will be a part of that. The question — to be determined in these coming games — is where Greenway will fit. How big can his impact on the Sabres’ offense be? Greenway’s workload has increased slowly since he was traded. Buffalo has time now to see what the big winger’s best role in their lineup could be.

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 52.67%
Next seven days: vs. TOR (Apr. 1), @ CBJ (Apr. 2), @ CAR (Apr. 4), @ FLA (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Cam Talbot. Ottawa needs a miracle to make the playoffs. Blue-line injuries have piled up again — both Thomas Chabot and Jakob Chychrun are currently out — and the Senators’ best hope of replacing those lost contributions is through excellent goaltending. Hello, Cam Talbot. The veteran returned from injury this week and has to shake off any rust quickly. Ottawa will rely on him to give the team a final, fighting chance to the finish line.

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: vs. CGY (March 31), vs. LA (Apr. 2), vs. SEA (Apr. 4), vs. CHI (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Brock Boeser. Vancouver won’t make any major personnel decisions based off a couple weeks. But Boeser’s future with the Canucks continues to be a major storyline. What will these final games show the organization, and potential offseason trade partners, about what Boeser can offer? Will Boeser convince Vancouver to hold on to him? Or make himself even more valuable as a potential trade asset?

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 50.67%
Next seven days: @ NSH (Apr. 1), vs. BOS (Apr. 2), vs. PHI (Apr. 4), vs. NYR (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Colton Parayko. St. Louis will have offseason blue-line decisions to make and now is the time for highly paid players like Parayko to prove why the Blues should keep them around. Parayko’s improved lately amid what’s been a challenging season. This last gasp of the season is an opportunity for Parayko to showcase his best effort.

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 50.68%
Next seven days: @ WPG (March 31), @ TOR (Apr. 2), @ MTL (Apr. 4), vs. BUF (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Dylan Larkin. Detroit can still wrap up its regular season on a high note. That’s where Larkin comes in. He’s continued to play at a high level in spite of the Red Wings diminishing postseason hopes. Seeing Larkin continue to push himself sets a tone for everyone in Detroit to do the same, and foster belief in brighter — not to mention longer — springs to come.

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 47.97%
Next seven days: vs. BUF (Apr. 1), @ PIT (Apr. 2), @ STL (Apr. 4), @ DAL (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Cam York. Philadelphia has a couple pending RFAs, and York is one of them. These last few games are York’s opportunity to show off why he’s the Flyers’ top-pairing defenseman of the future — and should be extended accordingly. Plus, York’s efforts should help keep Philadelphia competitive until the end.

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 44.67%
Next seven days: vs. DAL (March 31), vs. SJ (Apr. 1), @ SEA (Apr. 3), @ SEA (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Matias Maccelli. Arizona’s on-ice play doesn’t generate the most headlines. That’s a shame for Maccelli. He’s second in rookie scoring this season and can further cement his Calder Trophy candidacy with an impressive last stretch. It would give the Coyotes a nice boost for the future to see Maccelli continuing to dominate.

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 43.42%
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Apr. 1), vs. DET (Apr. 4), vs. WSH (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Denis Gurianov. Montreal’s overall mission now is securing the highest possible pick in this June’s draft. Simultaneously, the Canadiens will try to sort out what they’ve got in Gurianov. Montreal has seen multiple sides of Gurianov since trading for him, and will likely use what’s left of the regular season to decide how much to invest in the pending RFA forward.

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 38.00%
Next seven days: @ ARI (Apr. 1), vs. COL (Apr. 4), vs. COL (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Kaapo Kahkonen. San Jose could have its goaltender of the future in Kahkonen. But that’s a pretty big “could.” Kahkonen has struggled — like many Sharks — throughout the season, and that’s called into question his candidacy for the No. 1 spot going forward. Ahead are a few potential final chances for Kahkonen to make his case.

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 37.33%
Next seven days: @ EDM (Apr. 1), @ CGY (Apr. 2), vs. EDM (Apr. 5)

X-factor: Trevor Zegras. Anaheim has a key negotiation incoming with pending RFA Zegras. The investment both sides make to one another will reflect well — or not — on the organization. Zegras can use this time to keep hockey fun in Anaheim and show off why he deserves a large incoming payday that ensures better days ahead for the Ducks.

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 36.49%
Next seven days: vs. FLA (Apr. 1), vs. OTT (Apr. 2), @ TOR (Apr. 4), @ NJ (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Boone Jenner. Columbus is so decimated by injuries at this point that stalwarts like Jenner become more critical than ever. Maintaining positivity is always part of a captain’s job, and it’s imperative Jenner do that — through on- and off-ice leadership — to cap off Columbus’ season on a less-than-sour note.

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 36.00%
Next seven days: vs. NJ (Apr. 1), @ CGY (Apr. 4), @ VAN (Apr. 6)

X-factor: Jonathan Toews. Chicago isn’t looking for points. But the Blackhawks did get a big win this week when Toews returned to the fold. His presence should be a nice boost to wrap up Chicago’s regular season and will give Toews time to assess his own next chapter — whether that’s with the Blackhawks or not.

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8-2 Buffs roll, still looking for ‘our best game’

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8-2 Buffs roll, still looking for 'our best game'

BOULDER, Colo. — Deion Sanders watched his Colorado offense put up 49 points on the top scoring defense in the Big 12 on Saturday, but he isn’t satisfied. The coach expects dominance in all three phases of the game.

The Buffaloes outplayed Utah in two out of three phases and eventually got rolling on offense in a 49-24 victory, extending their win streak to four games and ensuring they’ll remain in the Big 12 championship race the rest of the way. Afterward, Sanders delivered a critique that sounded a little more like a warning to others.

“We haven’t even put it all together yet,” Sanders said. “Like, we haven’t even played our best game. That should be, in itself, scary. Like, man, when I said we comin’, we still comin’. We never stopped comin’. We are comin’. And we ain’t nearly there yet.”

Colorado (8-2, 6-1) got a strong start from its defense, which held the Utes (4-6, 1-6) to 83 yards on 33 plays in the first half, and a 76-yard punt return touchdown from receiver LaJohntay Wester to help make up for a bumpy start on offense. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was intercepted on his first pass and later fumbled a snap for another turnover.

It may not have been the Buffaloes’ finest performance of the season, but it was a 25-point win over the preseason Big 12 front-runner, snapping a seven-game losing streak against a program whose last win at Folsom Field came by a score of 63-21.

“I think that speaks a lot about the program and where we are,” Deion Sanders said. “We’ve got to tighten some things up and get some things together, but you see we’re trending in the right direction.

“We started off rough. That wasn’t indicative to who Shedeur is, and I thought he was kind of OK all game long. Then I look at the stats and he’s 30-for-41 for 340 [yards] and three [touchdowns]. Like, c’mon man. I guess I’m just a hard dad to please at times, as well as a hard head coach.”

Sanders praised Utah’s defense and the problems it presented throughout the contest and said he was thankful for the challenge. It took complementary football to overcome the two first-half turnovers, with Colorado’s defense holding Utah to field goals after both takeaways. The Buffaloes didn’t surrender a touchdown until midway through the third quarter.

“Those type of things can’t happen,” Shedeur Sanders said, “and I’m going to have a talk with the whole offense and apologize for my performance out there at the very beginning, because I can’t put the team in that type of situation. I’m thankful for the defense. I may have to take them out to dinner this week for saving me and saving the team.”

Sanders responded after the fumble by guiding an 85-yard touchdown drive that featured another highlight-reel moment for Travis Hunter. Sanders threw deep to Colorado’s two-way star on a fourth-and-8, and Hunter made a leaping grab over two Utah defenders for a 25-yard gain. Sanders hit Will Sheppard for an 8-yard score on his next throw to extend Colorado’s lead to 21-6.

Hunter added to his Heisman Trophy résumé Saturday with 55 receiving yards on five catches, a 5-yard rushing touchdown on a reverse and his third interception of the season while playing 132 snaps.

When asked if he had a message for undecided Heisman voters, Deion Sanders did not hold back.

“If they can’t see, they can’t see,” Sanders said. “It is what it is. I mean, Travis is who he is. It’s supposed to go to the best college football player. I think that’s been a wrap since, what, Week 2? So we ain’t petitioning for nobody. We ain’t doing that. We’ve got a wonderful display of cameras here and I think we’re on national television every week. If they can’t see it, there’s a problem.

“Don’t allow their hatred for me to interfere with our kids’ success. They gotta stop that. Y’all gotta stop. Some of y’all are like that. Y’all gotta stop that, man. Give the kids what they deserve, man. I had my turn. I played 14 years. You had 14 years to hate me. Now let it go.”

Hunter was the Heisman front-runner in ESPN BET odds entering Week 12 at +125, ahead of Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Miami quarterback Cam Ward.

Colorado’s defense was able to constantly pressure freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson, forcing four sacks and three interceptions, and Utah finished with a mere 31 rushing yards, their fewest in a game since 2011. The preseason No. 12 Utes were considered the Big 12 favorites entering their first season in the conference but are now in danger of their first losing campaign since 2013.

“I’m in the twilight zone,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “… It’s the most difficult year of my coaching career, hands down, not even close.”

Colorado continues to control its destiny in chasing a Big 12 championship game bid, as the lone team in the 16-member conference that has lost just one conference game entering Saturday. The Buffaloes’ four-game win streak since a 31-28 home loss to Kansas State on Oct. 12 is the longest of Sanders’ two-year tenure.

After a 4-8 debut season, he has this once struggling program right where he planned to be for Year 2. In a league known for dramatic games decided by one-score margins, Sanders isn’t just trying to survive and advance to Arlington, Texas. He says he’s aiming for “flawless.”

“We expect to be here,” Sanders said. “A lot of y’all didn’t expect us to be here, and don’t think we don’t know that. But we expected to be where we are. Matter of fact, we expected to be a little better.”

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Florida regroups, sends LSU to 3rd straight loss

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Florida regroups, sends LSU to 3rd straight loss

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — DJ Lagway threw for a touchdown and set up another with a long completion in his return from a strained left hamstring, and Florida upset No. 21 LSU 27-16 on Saturday to give the Gators their first series victory since 2018.

Jadan Baugh‘s 55-yard scoring scamper with 3:48 remaining essentially sealed it and put the Gators (5-5, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) on the verge of becoming bowl-eligible. Florida had dropped eight in a row against ranked opponents and was 1-10 under coach Billy Napier in rivalry games.

Former Florida coach Steve Spurrier suggested all week that fans should rush the field named after him if the Gators win. But it didn’t happen.

Florida’s defense, though, deserved to be celebrated. The unit sacked Garrett Nussmeier seven times — one more than LSU (6-4, 3-3) had allowed in its first nine games combined.

Lagway provided the big plays on offense for Florida. After sitting out most of the past two losses with the injury, he connected with Elijhah Badger for a 23-yard score in the first quarter. Lagway never scrambled but was mobile enough to create extra time by moving around the pocket.

He completed 13 of 26 passes for 226 yards. Badger caught six for 131 yards.

“Elite play,” Florida coach Billy Napier said of Lagway. “God blessed that young man.”

The game started to turn in Florida’s favor when T.J. Searcy sacked Nussmeier late in the third quarter. Nussmeier fumbled, one of his linemen scooped it out of the air then fumbled again. Caleb Banks recovered in what was one of several huge plays for the defensive tackle.

The Gators went backward from there despite the solid field position and ended up punting. But Jeremy Crawshaw pinned the Tigers inside the 10-yard line.

Florida then forced a punt and started another drive in LSU territory. This time, Lagway found Badger for a 36-yard gain that set up Ja’Kobi Jackson‘s 1-yard scoring run.

LSU dominated time of possession in the first half and doubled up Florida in plays. But Nussmeier struggled to find time in the second half. He completed 27 of 47 passes for 260 yards with a touchdown and the fumble, and the Gators’ defense frustrated him in bouncing back from a subpar effort the week before in a blowout loss at Texas.

“Last week was unacceptable, and they took ownership of that,” Napier said of his defense. “There was no moping around.”

Losing three in a row — to Texas A&M, Alabama and now Florida — makes it impossible for LSU coach Brian Kelly to continue his streak of 10-win seasons, which will end at seven. Kelly won double-digit games in each of his last five seasons at Notre Dame and extended it with consecutive 10-win campaigns in Baton Rouge.

“This is a simple exercise of do you want to fight or not?” Kelly said after the loss. “Do you want to fight and take responsibility as coaches and players that we’re not playing well and we’re struggling right now? … There’s a rough spot here that we have to fight through, and we have to do it together.”

As Napier left the field following handshakes and postgame interviews, he was cheered by the fans hovering at the team’s tunnel.

“You’ve got to be a tough guy, and you got to be up for the challenge,” Napier said. “This group has proven they’re up for that. It’s harder than ever in my opinion. These guys could have pointed fingers and splintered a long time ago. That’s what I’m most proud of.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ball State fires Neu amid another losing season

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Ball State fires Neu amid another losing season

Ball State fired coach Mike Neu, the school announced Saturday. The Cardinals are 3-7.

Neu was 40-63 in nine seasons at Ball State. Neu led the Cardinals to the MAC title in 2020, which was his only winning season at Ball State.

Sources told ESPN that the staff was informed of Neu’s dismissal early Saturday.

Offensive line coach Colin Johnson will serve as the interim head coach for the last two games, athletic director Jeff Mitchell said in a statement. Ball State hosts Bowling Green on Nov. 23 then plays at Ohio on Nov. 29.

Neu, 53, is a beloved alum with a strong campus reputation, but the lack of results ultimately led to his dismissal. Ball State lost 51-48 in overtime at Buffalo this week and fell to 2-4 in MAC play.

That clinched a fourth consecutive losing season for Ball State.

“Coach Neu has poured his heart into the Ball State football program,” Mitchell said in the statement. “I commend him for his professionalism and the positive team culture he has constructed. His efforts have greatly impacted the lives of hundreds of young men. He has represented the Ball State brand with integrity and class, and I wish him well in future pursuits.”

Neu led Ball State to two bowl games. That included a win over San Jose State in the Arizona Bowl to conclude the 2020 season, when Ball State finished 7-1 and won its first MAC title since 1996.

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