SAN DIEGO (AP) β Jay Cutler became the Chicago Bears’ all-time leader in touchdown passes by throwing two more in a 22-19 comeback win over San Diego. He broke Sid Luckman’s 72-year-old record by hitting Martellus Bennett for a second-quarter score, but the Bears still trailed until Zach Miller grabbed a 25-yard pass in the end zone with 3:19 remaining. The Bears ended a two-game skid, improved to 3-5 and handed the 2-7 Chargers their fifth consecutive loss.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) β The president of the University of Missouri system has resigned amid protests over racial tensions that drew the support of football team members. Over the weekend, at least 30 black players had vowed not to take part in team activities until Tim Wolfe resigned or was forced out. Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin also announced his resignation, although he will stay on through the end of the year and shift to leading research efforts.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) β Illinois has fired athletic director Mike Thomas, saying a change was needed following reports that football and women’s basketball players had been mistreated by their coaches. Thomas is the latest high-profile leader to be swept aside in the turmoil at the campus this year, following the resignation of chancellor Phyllis Wise and the August dismissal of football coach Tim Beckman. The school said Thomas had done nothing wrong, and he said he acted appropriately but accepts the decision.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) β Ohio State Quarterback J.T. Barrett has regained the starting job following a one-game suspension. Coach Urban Meyer announced Barrett as the starter two days after backup Cardale Jones led the Buckeyes to a 28-14 win against Minnesota. Barrett was suspended by Meyer after the quarterback was cited for driving while impaired.
UNDATED (AP) β Seniors Kyle Wiltjer (WILT’-jur) of Gonzaga, Georges Niang (nee-ANG’) of Iowa State and Buddy Hield (HEE’-uld) of Oklahoma have been selected to The Associated Press preseason All-American basketball team. Junior Kris Dunn of Providence and freshman Ben Simmons of LSU round out the team. This is the third straight preseason All-America team to have a freshman on it.
