Cowboys Dominate Raiders on MNF; Virginia Tech Secures James Franklin as Head Coach

The Dallas Cowboys delivered a decisive performance against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football, while Virginia Tech made headlines by appointing James Franklin as their new head coach. In other sports news, an injury threatens Victor Wembanyama’s chances for a major award, and LSU reportedly flew Ole Miss’s coach’s family to Baton Rouge for a campus tour.

NFL: Cowboys vs. Raiders

The Dallas Cowboys (7-3) showcased a dominant display against the Las Vegas Raiders (4-6) in their Monday Night Football matchup at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Cowboys secured a comfortable victory, winning by a score of 33-10, marking a significant turnaround after a recent loss against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dak Prescott led the Cowboys’ offense, completing 22 of 32 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns. CeeDee Lamb was Prescott’s primary target, hauling in seven receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown. The Cowboys’ ground game also proved effective, with Tony Pollard rushing for 98 yards on 16 carries.

On the defensive side, the Cowboys stifled the Raiders’ offense, holding them to just 233 total yards. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence recorded two sacks, while cornerback Trevon Diggs intercepted a pass. The Raiders’ quarterback, Aidan O’Connell, struggled throughout the game, completing only 10 of 25 passes for 153 yards and one interception. The Raiders’ leading rusher, Josh Jacobs, was limited to just 34 yards on 12 carries.

The Cowboys’ victory improves their standing in the NFC East, where they currently sit in second place behind the Eagles. The Raiders, on the other hand, are facing an uphill battle in the AFC West, trailing the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers.

College Football: Virginia Tech Hires James Franklin

Virginia Tech has named James Franklin as their new head football coach, marking a significant move in the college football landscape. Franklin’s appointment comes after a tumultuous period at Penn State, where he was recently terminated following a disappointing 3-3 start to the 2025 season.

Franklin’s tenure at Penn State was marked by both successes and failures. He led the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten Championship in 2016 and consistently had them ranked among the top teams in the nation. However, his inability to consistently win against top-tier opponents and a perceived lack of progress in recent years led to his dismissal.

Virginia Tech, meanwhile, was seeking a new head coach after parting ways with Brent Pry, who struggled to establish a winning culture in Blacksburg. Pry’s tenure was characterized by inconsistent performances and a failure to compete with the top teams in the ACC.

Franklin’s arrival at Virginia Tech is expected to bring a renewed sense of optimism and excitement to the program. He has a proven track record of success and is known for his ability to recruit top talent. However, he will face a significant challenge in rebuilding the Hokies’ program, which has fallen from its once-lofty perch in the college football world.

NBA: Wembanyama’s Injury

San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama is facing a setback in his quest for individual accolades due to a recent injury. Wembanyama, the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been sidelined with a sprained ankle, an injury that is expected to keep him out of action for several weeks.

Wembanyama’s injury comes at a crucial time in the season, as he was emerging as a leading candidate for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. Through the first month of the season, Wembanyama was averaging 20.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, showcasing his immense potential and versatility.

However, the extended absence due to his ankle injury could significantly impact his chances of winning the Rookie of the Year award. With other promising rookies like Chet Holmgren and Scoot Henderson also vying for the honor, Wembanyama will need to make a strong return and quickly regain his momentum to remain in contention.

College Football: LSU’s Recruitment Tactics

LSU is under scrutiny for its aggressive recruiting tactics, specifically regarding Ole Miss’s head football coach Lane Kiffin. Reports have surfaced that LSU flew Kiffin’s family to Baton Rouge for a campus tour, raising eyebrows and sparking controversy within the college football community.

The move is viewed by many as a blatant attempt to lure Kiffin away from Ole Miss, where he has achieved considerable success in recent years. Kiffin has transformed the Rebels into a competitive program, leading them to a 10-3 record in 2021 and consistently challenging the top teams in the SEC.

LSU, meanwhile, is seeking to maintain its position as a national powerhouse and is reportedly willing to invest heavily in attracting top coaching talent. The Tigers have a rich history of success, having won national championships in 2003, 2007, and 2019.

The situation highlights the intense competition and high stakes involved in college football recruiting, where schools often go to great lengths to secure the best players and coaches.

MLB: Non-Tender Decisions Loom

Major League Baseball teams are facing crucial decisions regarding their rosters as the November 21 deadline for tendering contracts to players approaches. The non-tender deadline is a significant date in the MLB calendar, as teams must decide whether to offer contracts to their arbitration-eligible players or release them into free agency.

Several notable players are facing uncertain futures as the deadline nears, including Boston Red Sox first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. Lowe, who has shown flashes of potential but has also struggled with consistency, is a prime candidate to be non-tendered by the Red Sox.

Other intriguing non-tender decisions involve players like Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies, Jonathan India of the Cincinnati Reds, and Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles. These players have all shown promise at times but have also faced challenges that could make them expendable to their respective teams.

The non-tender deadline often leads to significant roster turnover and provides opportunities for teams to acquire undervalued players on the free-agent market.

NBA: Grading the 2024 Draft Class

With the 2025-26 NBA season approaching the one-month mark, it’s an opportune time to assess the performance of the 2024 NBA Draft class. The sophomore players are making varying degrees of impact on their respective teams, ranging from cornerstone contributors to G League participants.

Stephon Castle, the 2024 Rookie of the Year and the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs, has earned an A+ grade for his outstanding performance. Castle has been instrumental in the Spurs’ impressive 9-4 start, showcasing his all-around skills and leadership qualities.

Other notable performers from the 2024 draft class include Alexandre Sarr, who has emerged as a key contributor for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Ron Holland, who is displaying his potential with the Detroit Pistons. However, some players have struggled to find their footing in the NBA, facing challenges in adapting to the league’s pace and competition.

Upcoming Sporting Events

College Basketball: No. 17 Michigan State at No. 12 Kentucky, 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN; No. 24 Kansas at No. 5 Duke, 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.
NHL: New Jersey Devils at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7 p.m. ET on NHL Network.
College Football: Massachusetts at Ohio, 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs, 8 p.m. ET on NBC; Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers, 11 p.m. ET on NBC.
World Cup Qualifying: Costa Rica vs. Honduras, 8 p.m. ET on Paramount+; Panama vs. El Salvador, 8 p.m. ET on Paramount+.