The GIST: An emerging star made her college basketball debut, an all-time wins record is about to be broken and a top-ranked team might’ve literally thrown away their shot at the College Football Playoff (CFP)…what a weekend in college sports.

Bits & Bites: USA

The GIST: Breaking news: the Chargers won a game! On the college front, USC and UCLA split this weekend’s crosstown rivalry games on the gridiron and the court.

The GIST: The Bears snapped their six-game losing streak with a 36–7 beatdown of the Houston Texans, and the Northwestern Wildcats took on the U of I Fighting Illini in college rivalry week. Finally, a great weekend to be a Chicago football fan!

The GIST: With the unseasonably warm weather yesterday, it’s weird to think that college ice hockey is underway with several of our Boston-area teams holding their season openers. Drop the puck!

The GIST: While it’s getting chilly in Philly, our teams are just starting to heat up. This weekend, the Eagles upset the New Orleans Saints 24–21, Penn State recorded their third-straight win and the Sixers kick off the NBA preseason on Tuesday. Let’s go!

The GIST: It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With just three weeks left in the regular season, it’s playoff-clinching time in the NFL.

This Week in Tennis, Soccer, and Hockey

The GIST: ICYMI, the Eagles benched their franchise quarterback (QB) Carson Wentz mid-game last week. After days of non-answers, head coach Doug Pederson finally announced that Jalen Hurts will start on Sunday. And you thought season four of The Crown was dramatic.

The GIST: The Giants are trying to hold onto their playoff slot, and the Jets just want to win one game. Send a virtual hug to Jets fans today.

The GIST: There’s lots of young Illinois talent to cheer for in the NCAA this weekend, with a Northwestern vs. Illinois football matchup and two top-25-ranked basketball teams on the schedule.

The GIST: Stop us if you’ve heard this one before, but more college football and basketball games have been canceled due to COVID-19...and it’s having a major impact on the playoff picture.