MCCAFFREY’S TD RUN HIGHLIGHTS PANTHERS’ WIN OVER DOLPHINS
N.C.» Running back Christian CHARLOTTE, McCaffrey had 120 yards from scrimmage in the first half, including a 71-yard touchdown run as the Carolina Panthers defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-20. McCaffrey had 92 yards rushing on five carries and caught four passes for 28 yards.
Cam Newton overcame an early interception Friday night and threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Ian Thomas. Ryan Tannehill was 14-of-17 passing for 100 yards, but the Dolphins struggled to reach the end zone.
Ryan impressive in Falcons’ 28-14 loss to Chiefs.
ATLANTA» After a dismal showing in the first preseason game, Matt Ryan and the Falcons found their offensive rhythm Friday.
Ryan guided the Falcons right down the field for a touchdown on their first possession, hooking up with Austin Hooper on a 4-yard scoring pass, and led another impressive drive before calling it a night in a 28-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ryan finished 5-of-7 for 90 yards, looking very much like the quarterback who won the MVP during the 2016 season even though two of his top weapons, receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman, were held out for the second week in a row.
New Mexico regents vote to uphold contested cuts of teams.
Regents at New Mexico’s flagship university on Friday voted for a second time to cut men’s soccer and other teams, citing longstanding financial challenges within the Lobos’ troubled athletic department and failures by the Mountain West school to meet federal gender equality mandates under Title IX.
The unanimous vote followed hours of public testimony that included emotional pleas to preserve the soccer team along with men’s and women’s skiing, beach volleyball and women’s diving.
Diving was taken off the table before the final vote after questions were raised regarding the facilities used by the team, the overall effects on the swim team and the minuscule savings that would result.
Park, Salas share LPGA Tour lead in rainy Indy.
INDIANAPOLIS» Sung Hyun Park relied on the same, steady style that has helped make her one of the LPGA Tour’s top players. When her putts kept rolling in Friday, she was virtually unbeatable.
Park shot a 9-under 63 for a share of the lead with Lizette Salas during the suspended second round of the Indy Women in Tech Championship.
Salas, the first-round leader after a sizzling 62, shot a 69 to match Park at 13-under. Danielle Kang and Nasa Hataoka were two shots back.
Maryland Board of Regents takes control of McNair probe.
COLLEGE
The University of Maryland Board of Regents has assumed authority over the investigation into the death of Jordan McNair, who collapsed during football practice and subsequently died.
The board also voted to assume control of the commission formed to investigate the culture of the Maryland football program.
The action was announced Friday night after the board was briefed by university president Wallace Loh about McNair’s death, as well as the investigation into allegations of physical and verbal abuse.
Johnny Robinson new Hall of Fame seniors finalist.
OHIO» Former CANTON, Kansas City Chiefs safety Johnny Robinson was selected Friday as the seniors finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019. Robinson played 12 seasons for the DallasKansas City franchise from 1960 to 1971, starting as a first-round pick in the American Football League’s first draft.
The Hall’s selection committee, at its annual meeting Feb. 2 in Atlanta, will consider for induction 18 finalists, including Robinson, two contributors and 15 modern-era finalists.