SportsBeat KC

The Chiefs outgained the Houston Texans 502 yards to 219, held an overwhelming advantage in first downs (33-18) and controlled the ball for 10 minutes longer than their hosts. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes completed 20 straight passes in Sunday’s game at NRG Stadium.So why the Chiefs need overtime to record a 30-24 victory over a team that dropped to 1-12-1 this season? Let’s count the ways: Two fumbles, 10 penalties and a missed field goal and extra point, for starters.The Chiefs bumbled enough to keep the game close. But in the end they found a way to get it done. A big play by the defense, forcing and recovering a fumble, and Jerick McKinnon’s 26-yard touchdown run in overtime made the difference.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, we cover it all with columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Herbie Teope. This wasn’t a championship performance from the Chiefs, but it was good enough to clinch their seventh straight AFC West title.And in the end, that’s the most important takeaway for a team that nearly gave it away twice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ty Zentner had a smile on his face as he prepared to kick the 31-yard field goal in overtime that would give Kansas State the victory over TCU in the Big 12 Championship Game. What was he thinking?On today’s SportsBeat KC, Zentner provides the answer and much more in a conversation with beat writer Kellis Robinett and host Blair Kerkhoff.It’s been a wild ride for the Kansas State kicker who came to place-kicking late in his career. Zentner was an all-around athlete in Shawnee Hights High in Topeka, including goalkeeper on the soccer team. He was a punter and keep kickoff specialst throughout most of his college career at Butler County Community College and K-State.But when Zentner became the full-time place kicker for the Wildcats in late October, he’s been, well, perfect. He’s made all nine field goals and 29 extra points. Next stop: Caesars Superdome, where Kansas State takes on Alabama on New Year’s Eve.After a break, Robinett, who owns a winning record with his college football wagers against the spread this season, discusses the early bowl games. Here’s how to factor in changes in rosters and coaching staffs when considering bowl wagers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs head to Houston on Sunday with a chance to clinch their seventh straight AFC West title, and the division dominance is an amazing thing. But the past two games have shown some flaws. The Chiefs split games with Cincinnati and Denver and have had issues on the defensive side and with turnovers.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell and columnist Sam McDowell break down the Chiefs, warts and all. We discuss Patrick Mahomes’ recent performances and discuss his league MVP chances. We also get into the issues in the secondary.The Chiefs have been so good for several years that the standards are the NFL’s highest: Super Bowl or disappointment. What needs to improve for the Chiefs to reach that bar? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royals conducted the first program on their new stadium/entertainment district “listening tour,” on Tuesday. About 300 came to event held at the Plexpod Westport Commons. A lineup that started with Royals chairman and CEO John Sherman made their pitches for about an hour, then took submitted questions for 45 minutes.The presentation covered many details, although it was short on certain specifics. Left unanswered about the proposed $2 billion project are the specific breakdown between private and public contributions and a timetable.Among the revelations: The cost would be split between the ballpark and entertainment district, about $1 billion each. And, according to Populous, the architectural design firm, the cost to maintain Kauffman Stadium with a new lease would be the same as building a new stadium.The event hosted by Royals announcer Ryan Lefebvre wasn’t available via broadcast or livestream, so you’ll hear it here on SportsBeat KC. The speaker lineup after Sherman bats leadoff:Sarah Tourville, Royals senior vice-president, business operationsBrooks Sherman, Royals senior vice-president, Chief Operating OfficerSarah Dempster, principal, PopulousEarl Santee, global chair and founder of PopulousAdam Sachs, Royals vice president and chief legal officerSharita Hutton, Royals senior director, communicationCary Hirschstein, partner, HR&A AdvisorsHost: Ryan Lefebvre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The good news first. In defeating the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the Chiefs improved to 10-3 and won their 14th straight over the AFC West rival. The final score was 34-28.But the Chiefs led this game 27-0 and seemed on their way to a blowout victory. Three Patrick Mahomes interceptions and some shaky defense brought Denver back into the game.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Star columnist Sam McDowell and beat writer Jesse Newell break down the game’s ebbs and flows. What tells us more about their Chiefs; jumping to the big lead, or losing nearly all of it.The show started as a SportsBeat Live broadcast about 30 minutes after the game.Story link:Chiefs grades: On the way to making the honor roll, the Chiefs fooled around and barely passed.https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article269880312.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of college basketball’s top rivalries–Kansas vs. Missouri–continues on Saturday, and we’re here to break it down. The current state of the programs, the history, Norm Stewart, we talk about it all on today’s SportsBeat KC.Star columnist Vahe Gregorian joins beat writers Gary Bedore and Shreyas Laddha to preview the game that begins at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday and will be televised by ESPN.Mizzou is 9-0 under new coach Dennis Gates and roster full of transfers. Kansas, the defending NCAA champion, is ranked sixth at 8-1. The Jayhawks overwhelmed Missouri in last year’s first meeting in a decade in an incredible atmosphere at Allen Fieldhouse. Mizzou Arena should be just as frenzied on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The assumption for several weeks has been the Chiefs are the top team in the AFC, if not the NFL. Is that still true after the team’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend? The outcome dropped the Chiefs to 9-3 and they no longer have the top seed in the AFC playoff picture.If that’s the case, how do the Chiefs get back to the top, and what issues did the Bengals expose? We discuss that and more on today’s SportsBeat KC with the reporters and columnists who cover the team for The Star.The Chiefs remaining schedule, starting with Sunday’s game at Denver, looks manageable, so the Chiefs could eventually work their way back to the top seed. But against some of the top teams in the AFC this season–Cincinnati, Buffalo and Tennessee–the Chiefs have struggled. It’s never too early to begin thinking, or fretting over, playoff matchups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas State won a conference championship, then joined Missouri and Kansas in learning its bowl destination.SportsBeat KC tells the huge weekend in college football in podcast form. You’ll hear comments from K-State coach Chris Klieman and players Daniel Green, Deuce Vaughn, Will Howard and Felix Anudike-Uzomah after their stirring 31-28 victory over TCU for the Wildcats’ first Big 12 championship in a decade.The Wildcats are headed to the Sugar Bowl to face Alabama. Also with their suitcases packed are the Tigers and Jayhawks.Mizzou is headed to the Gazparilla Bowl to meet Wake Forest and Kansas to the Liberty Bowl to play Arkansas. You may have heard about a poential Mizzou-KU matchup in a bowl game last week. Missouri Coach Eli Drinkwitz addresses that topic, and Kansas coach Lance Leipold talks about the unexpected success of Kansas in his second season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So much for the Chiefs circling the Bengals game on the schedule.The team that defeated Kansas City twice last year — and knocked them from the playoffs — did it again. Cincinnati defeated the Chiefs 27-24, winning the matchup for the third time in 17 games.The Chiefs had won 26 straight games in November and December until Sunday.On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Herbie Teope joins host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss the game. It shifted momentum a few times, the time last swinging toward the Bengals after Travis Kelce lost a fourth-quarter fumble. We also discussed what the outcome means for the NFL playoff picture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas rolled to a big victory over Seton Hall in the Big 12/Big East Battle on Thursday with the Jayhawks getting double-figure scoring from six players. The victory capped a 2-0 week for KU after suffering its first loss of the season.On today’s show new beat writer Shreyas Laddha discusses the game and more. Laddha joined The Star this week and offers his first impressions of the defending NCAA champion. We also discuss some bowl game possibilities for the football team.After a break, you’ll hear from Bill Self as he broke down the Seton Hall game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since Patrick Mahomes became a starter, two teams have defeated him twice in one season. The first was the New England Patriots in 2018. The next was the Cincinnati Bengals last year. Both times, the second losses came in the AFC Championship Game, and both came in overtime,But there was something different about the Bengals’ loss. The Chiefs were in control of that game in the first half, only to fall apart after the break. Mahomes played his worst half in a Chiefs uniform. We’ll see that outcome motivates the Chiefs on Sunday when they travel to Cincinnati in a game with major playoff implications.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell and columnist Vahe Gregorian break down Chiefs-Bengals and discuss the Chiefs running back situation among other topics. The show started as a SportsBeat Live broadcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time since 2003, Kansas State is playing in a Big 12 Championship Game. The Wildcats can only hope this one will go as well.Two decades ago, K-State throttled then top-ranked Oklahoma at Arrowhead Stadium. This time, the opponent is undefeated TCU angling for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The game is Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex.In between those games, Kansas State picked up another Big 12 championship, in 2012, but there wasn’t a title game then.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast beat writer Kellis Robinett breaks down the matchup and discusses how the Wildcats can reverse the regular-season loss to the Horned Frogs and what the bowl implications are for both teams.Story link:K-State may use QB Adrian Martinez in unique ways against TCU at Big 12 championshiphttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article269326407.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plenty of good and some concerns for the Chiefs in their 26-10 triumph over the L.A. Rams on Sunday. The outcome was never in doubt. The Patrick Mahomes-to-Travis Kelce connection produced another impressive touchdown. The Chiefs’ 9-2 record remains the best in the AFC.But the Chiefs didn’t get touchdowns on five of six trips to the red zone, one of the failures on a Patrick Mahomes end zone interception. And another muffed punt by rookie Skyy Moore may mean his days on that duty are numbered.On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s coverage team of beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope along with columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian, sort out Sunday’s contest and look ahead to the remaining schedule starting with this week’s game at the Cincinnati Bengals.The show started as a SportsBeat Live broadcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s high school football playoffs semifinal weekend in Kansas and for Class 6 in Missouri, and Dion Clisso of PrepsKC.com is here to break it down.Great matchups include Liberty North against Christian Brothers College of St. Louis and Lee’s Summit North against DeSmet in Missouri Class 6. Could there be an All-Kansas City championship game?Kansas 6A features teams reaching the semifinals in class for the first time: Gardner-Edgerton against Olathe Northwest.In Kansas 5A, Mill Valley, which hasn’t surrendered a score in the playoffs, takes on a Blue Valley Southwest squad that scored 69 last week. Then, there’s there all-private school clash in Kansas 4A with Bishop Miege meeting Aquinas.After a break, you’ll hear from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes from his weekly news conference with reporters. Mahomes spoke of his new weapon, wide receiver Kadarius Toney and the challenge of facing the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football.Story link:PrepsKC.comhttps://prepskc.com/playoffs.php?year=2022&state=K&class=5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The last best chance for keeping the Chiefs from winning a seventh straight AFC West title happens on Sunday Night Football, when Kansas City visits the L.A. Chargers.The Chiefs hold a two-game lead over the Chargers and have beaten them once already. Win this one and only an epic collapse would prevent the Chiefs from taking the division yet again.But there are some concerns. Three Chiefs wide receivers have missed practice time with injuries this week, and on today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Herbie Teope advises us to pay close attention to JuJu Smith Schuster’s progress.Also, beat writer Jesse Newell shares his thoughts about the emergence of newly added receiver Kadarius Toney, and we discuss the role-changes at running back, especially with Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a letter to fans and media, Royals owner John Sherman laid out his vision for a new downtown ballpark and entertainment district, complete with a price tag–$2 billion–and renderings.There is plenty to determine, starting with more specifics on funding and a timetable. On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Lynn Worthy explore those questions and more.What seems more clear now than at any other time, the Royals are determined to move downtown.After a break, we discuss the team’s resigning of first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, and did the Royals get the choices right for player and pitcher of the year, Bobby Witt Jr., and Brady Singer?Story links:Read Royals owner John Sherman’s letter about proposed $2 billion downtown stadium, districthttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article268796187.html#subtopperhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article268797387.htmlWhat Royals owner John Sherman’s open letter did, didn’t say about downtown ballpark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas State has an inside track in the race to be TCU’s opponent in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Wildcats can clinch a spot this weekend.For that to happen, the Cats would have to win at West Virginia and Texas would need to lose at Kansas. Easier still: K-State would also be in with two straight wins, meaning at WVU and against. KU the following week.K-State’s Big 12 title-game chances have see-sawed in recent weeks, but one common thread is the performance of backup quarterback WIll Howard. The Wildcats’ offense runs better with Howard under center than it does with starter Adrian Martinez at the controls, and that’s in spite of the fact Martinez is having a good season.Injuries have forced coach Chris Klieman to make some pivotal decisions about playing time. On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Kellis Robinett speculates about where the Cats will go from here.Also, we talk K-State basketball and the return to action of Keyontae Johnson. Once an SEC preseason player of the year at Florida, Johnson has missed most of the past two seasons while recovering from a heart ailment. He was named the Big 12’s newcomer of the week and is off to a great start in 2022-23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The possibility of a defeat for a team that loses the turnover battle by three, falls victim to an opening onside kick and misses and extra point has to be high. But the Chiefs also did many things well and defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-17 on Sunday.We unpacked most of it on The Star’s postgame show, SportsBeat Live, which you’ll hear today presented as a podcast. Columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian along with beat writer Herbie Teope broke down the game and extended the Chiefs’ lead in the AFC West.From Patrick Mahomes’ four touchdown passes...the play of new wide receiver Kadarius Toney...Carlos Dunlap’s 100th career sack...the dangerous hit absorbed by JuJu Smith-Schuster that didn’t draw a penalty were primary topics for the show.What we didn’t cover and will save for Thursday’s SportsBeat Live: The Chiefs didn’t commit a penalty for the fourth time in franchise history, the superb play of Chris Jones and Sunday’s game marked the first time the Jaguars haven’t led in a game this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The high school football playoffs have reached the quarterfinal stage, and Dion Clisso of PrepsKC.com is here to break down the key matchups in Missouri and Kansas.Is Liberty North vulnerable as the region’s top team against Park Hill South in Class 6? Which of the newcomers to the late rounds will emerge in Kansas 6A? Clsso breaks down these story lines and games.After a break, you’ll hear from Patrick Mahomes from his weekly media session. He speaks about throwing a person record 68 passes against the Titans and his decision making when it came to scrambling. Mahomes picked up another person best in that department with 63 rushing yards but he didn’t like all of his calls“There were definitely some decisions that I missed some throws that were out there,” Mahomes said.Story link:Here’s the week’s schedule of high school football playoff games in Missouri and Kansashttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/high-school/article268416272.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tell me I’m wrong to believe Chiefs fans should be more concerned about the victory over the Tennessee Titans than the loss to the Buffalo Bills. We start today’s SportsBeat KC podcast with Star columnist Sam McDowell and beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell with that topic.But there’s plenty more to discuss as the Chiefs play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, when Andy Reid will be taking on a former assistant coach Doug Pederson. We break down the Chiefs running back position and why it’s been difficult to get traction at times this season.The show started as a SportsBeat Live broadcast and several audience members weighed in with good questions, like the impact in the locker room of Ronald Jones Jr., asking for a trade, and the slow progress of rookie wide receiver Skyy Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three games remain in the Big 12 regular season and Kansas State and Kansas remain in the conference championship race. The Wildcats figured to be here, but it’s an epic season from the Jayhawks. Beat writers Kellis Robinett and Gary Bedore break down the teams they cover on today’s SportsBeat KC.For K-State, the plot thickens at quarterback. In last weekend’s loss to Texas, Coach Chris Klieman returned to Adrian Martinez, who had been out with an injury. In stepped Will Howard and looked good. How will Kansas State handle the position going forward?Also, the Wildcats opened the basketball season with three able bodies on the bench, ticketed for redshirt seasons. We have the explanation.KU opened defense of its NCAA title season with a solid offensive performance that was not witnessed by Bill Self, who was serving the first of his school-imposed four-game suspension. Where was Self’s game-day hangout?The Jayhawks’ football team put together an impressive performance in defeated Oklahoma State last weekend to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2008. Gary tells us why Potter Lake was part of the celebration tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The college sports crossroads season is upon us. Regular-season football is in its final month as basketball season tips off. On today’s SportsBeat KC, Missouri is the focus of this junction.Mizzou is coming off a disappointing football loss, which has been this season’s theme in conference games. But head coach Eli Drinkwitz and defensive coordinator Blake Baker received contract extensions last week. We talk about those developments with Chris Gervino of the Tiger Radio Network, the sideline reporter in football and color analyst for men’s basektball.We pick up the basketball conversation with interviews from Missouri’s recent media day. You’ll hear about season aspiration from new coach Dennis Gates; preseason All-SEC forward Kobe Brown on playing with a group of new teammates; and freshman Aidan Shaw from Overland Park and how he sees himself fitting in this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs got big numbers from Patrick Mahomes and needed all of them to outlast the Tennessee Titans 20-17 in overtime on Sunday Night Football.On today’s SportsBeat KC, Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell break down the game, and engage in a spirited debate over how concerned the Chiefs should be with the performance.Does it matter how a victory was achieved when it comes to thinking about the playoffs? The Chiefs’ triumph kept them atop the AFC West and they share the conference’s best record with the Buffalo Bills. But Sunday’s game also exposed some cracks along the offensive line, and unfixed, will that limit the Chiefs?Also, the Chiefs’ defense came up big, especially in the second half, and if you haven’t seen the catch by Noah Gray to keep alive the game-winning field-goal drive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs were off last week but they stayed busy. Wide receiver Kadarius Toney joined the team. Cornerback Rashad Fenton departed. Injured players like rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end Mike Danna worked their way back, while the Chiefs worked out with suspended end Frank Clark.We talk about it all and then some on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast with columnist Sam McDowell, and beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell, who join host Blair Kerkhoff. The show started as a SportsBeat KC live stream.Also, as Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans approaches, we wonder why the Chiefs are now at 12 1/2 point favorite against the team with the same record (5-2). And the Chiefs have had little success against Tennessee in Andy Reid’s career.Finally, the bye week presents a good time to evaluate the rookie class, especially with the Chiefs’ large collection of first-year players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Royals manager Matt Quatraro was introduced at Kauffman Stadium on Thursday by team executive vice-president for baseball operations J.J. PIcollo, and shared ideas of his new team and his first job as a major league manager.“It’s surreal still,” Quatraro. “There is so much work ahead.”Yes, there is for a franchise that finished last in the AL Central with a 65-97 record.The Royals face the future with a manager who comes from his position as bench coach of the Tampa Bay Rays and previously served with the Cleveland Guardians. Those are successful small market franchises the Royals see as models.But executive vice-president for baseball operations J.J. Picollo emphasized the Royals weren’t interviewing the franchise but the candidate. You’ll hear from Quatraro and Picollo, who met with a small group of reporters after the press conference. You’ll hear from both on today’s SportsBeat KC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two starters — Jalen Wilson and DeJuan Harris — return from the Kansas Jayhawks hoops team that bathed in a confetti shower on the court in New Orleans.On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, KU beat writer Gary Bedore previews the 2022-23 team that recently unfurled another NCAA championship banner at Allen Fieldhouse. Who will join Wilson, Harris and Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar in the Jayhawks’ starting lineup, and how deep will Bill Self go with his playing rotation?After a break, you’ll hear from Self, who met with reporters last week. He spoke about the pressure this team faces while providing insights about the roster. KU opens the season Thursday with an exhibition game against Pittsburg State, coached by former KU guard Jeff Boschee, and plays regular-season games against Omaha and North Dakota State before meeting Duke in the Champions Classic on Nov. 15.Story link:Is KU a contender for repeat NCAA basketball title? One preseason poll is skeptical Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s fair to say Kansas State responded well to its first Big 12 loss. The Wildcats followed their loss at TCU by demolishing Oklahoma State 48-0. Next up is another conference showdown with Texas visiting K-State.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Kellis Robinett breaks down Kansas State in the Big 12 race and shares his thoughts with what the Wildcats should do at quarterback: Stay with backup Will Howard, who was carried off the field after a four-touchdown performance against the Cowboys, or return to starter Adrian Martinez.After a break, Robinett and host Blair Kerkhoff discuss the meaning of the Big 12’s new television agreement with ESPN and Fox Sports. The six-year deal kicks in for the 2025-26 season and will pay the conference $380 million per year. That’s a big windfall for the 12 members, including newcomers Houston, Cincinnati, Brigham Young and Central Florida. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Missouri men’s basketball starts over this year with new coach Dennis Gates, and the women’s basketball program looks to get over last year’s disappointing NCAA Tournament snub under women’s coach Robin Pingeton.You’ll hear from both on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. Gates, who replaced Cuonzo Martin, explains why he reached out to Martin and other former Mizzou coaches–including legend Norm Stewart–after taking the job.Pingeton speaks to how her team can be motivated by the crushing omission from last year’s omission. Both spoke with host Blair Kerkhoff at a Tiger Club event at Westport Flea Market last week.“It’s been a really good six months post-March 13, 2022,” Pingeton said of the selection show. “That date is posted in our locker room. It was probably one of my toughest days as a coach.”Also, you’ll hear from Star columnist Vahe Gregorian, who recently explored Gates’ career in a column and discusses the Tigers’ basketball and football seasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kansas City Current’s spot in the NWSL Championship Game is an amazing accomplishment in the moment and over the past two seasons.They had to win both playoff games on the road to reach the final on Saturday in Washington D.C. against the Portland Thorns. And it’s the second year of the team’s existence. The team has been know as the Current only this season. The franchise came together in such a hurry last year that it was known as KC NWSL.On today’s SportsBeat KC, Coach Matt Potter and star midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta share their thoughts on the team and this season.Also, Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Daniel Sperry discuss what has made this organization such a success on and off the field.Kickoff Saturday is 7 p.m., and the game will be televised by CBS (Ch. 5)Story link:How the Kansas City Current and Portland Thorns match up ahead of Saturday’s NWSL finalhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/kc-current/article267942267.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You ya got in the high school football playoffs in Missouri and Kansas? Liberty North? Center? Kearney? Olathe North? Mill Valley? All have had excellent seasons and are among the favorites in their classifications.But anything can happen in the postseason, and on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Dion Clisson, the managing editor of prepskc.com breaks it down.He discusses the brackets and top contenders on both sides of the state line, and gets into the changes he’d consider making to improve the competitiveness of the competition.Here are the defending state champions:MissouriClass 6: Christian Brothers CollegeClass 5: Webb CityClass 4: SmithvilleClass 3: St. Mary’sClass 2: Lutheran St. CharlesClass 1: East BuchananKansas6A: Blue Valley Northwest5A: Mill Valley4A: St. James3A: Andale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The college football is on to the second half of its season, and dreams remain alive.Missouri, coming off its first SEC victory, needs to find three victories in its final five games to become bowl eligible. The Tigers visit No. 25 South Carolina on Saturday and Jeremiah Holloway, part of the Gamecocks’ coverage team for The State in Columbia, S.C., breaks down the game and South Carolina’s four-game winning streak.Kansas State lost its first Big 12 last week to TCU and faces another big challenge when No. 9 Oklahoma State visits. Beat writer Kellis Robinett provides updates on the Wildcats’ injury situation and discusses the Big 12 race.Kansas remains one victory away from bowl eligibility. The Jayhawks don’t play this weekend but beat writer Gary Bedore discusses KU’s postseason prospects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs broke open a game that had been close at halftime Sunday and rolled to a 44-23 victory at the San Francisco 49ers.It happened with dominating play on the offensive side and big plays on defense, including the season’s first safety. The Chiefs bounce into their bye week in a familiar position, leading the AFC West.Sunday marked the third time this season the Chiefs won a game after trailing by double-digits. The 49ers scored the first 10 points Sunday.Today’s SportsBeat KC podcast breaks down the Chiefs’ impressive triumph, focusing on the play of Mecole Hardman, who recorded the first multi-touchdown game of his career; Patrick Mahomes, with his fifth best passing total; and a defense led by Chris Jones and Frank Clark.Columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Herbie Teope led a lively conversation that began as a SportsBeat Live postgame show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The unofficial start to college basketball season is a conference media day, and the Big 12 and SEC held theirs this week. On today’s SportsBeat KC, we hear from a first-time head coach, another who is coaching in the Power Five for the first time, and one coming off the NCAA Championship.That Kansas coach Bill Self. He kicks things off by discussing what the national championship means to the conference that has produced many great players and coaches but historically has come up short on NCAA titles. KU’s marked two in a row for the Big 12.Kansas State coach Jerome Tang speaks about his new job and how his time as a Baylor assistant helped prepare him.Missouri’s Dennis Gates, who spent the past three years at Cleveland State, tells us what attracted him to Columbia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Silly season is starting a bit early in the NFL. Rumor have been flying about the next destinations for players like Odell Beckham Jr., and Christian McCaffery. Chiefs fans are part of the whirlwind, and so is tight end Travis Kelce, who restuctured his contract to clear cap space. Bring Beckham to Kansas City, Kelce hinted on his podcast this week.Separating what might and what should happen on today’s SportsBeat KC are beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope along with columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian. There are bigger needs for this team than wide receiver, they say.The pass rush and pass blocking issues were amplified in last week’s lost to the Bills, and now the Chiefs take on the NFL’s top ranked defense at the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.Also, the group gets into the lack of production from the Chiefs’ rookie class, and why there is plenty of season remaining for improvement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Big 12 game of the year every week is getting fun. This week it’s No. 17 Kansas State at No. 8 TCU in a game that matches the league’s two undefeated teams.Today’s SportsBeat KC might as well SportsBeat KC/DFW because we’re talking to the beat writers for both teams, Steven Johnson, who covers the Horned Frogs for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and Kellis Robinett of the WIchita Eagle and Kansas City Star. He’s a long time Kansas State beat writer.They break down the game, sharing their thoughts on what’s happened so far and what might happen Saturday in Fort Worth.After a break, new Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark answers questions from reporters from Big 12 basketball media day this week in Kansas City, He spoke about the near and long term future of the league and how it plans to go forward without Texas and Oklahoma without losing TV revenue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Gueldner started on a Kansas Jayhawks NCAA champion team, and today you hear his insights on the KU pre- and post-game broadcasts. In between? Enough to fill a book about life experiences that required strength and perseverance through difficult times.In “Without You: A Story About Thanks and Appreciation,” Gueldner writes about the challenges he’s faced in the years after his playing career, including battling back from Stage Four carcinoma cancer at age 41.“I was asked by my doctors at the time if I would be willing to counsel others who had a similar type of cancer, and I did,” Gueldner said on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. “That kind of got the wheels turning. Can I help other people? Can I share my story?”He does, and Gueldner shares his approach to confronting other life obstacles like divorce and failed business ventures along the way.Of course there’s basketball. As a sophomore, Gueldner became a starter for the Danny Manning-led 1988 team 20 games into a season that was headed nowhere. KU was being asked about NIT dates for Allen Field House. But fortunes soon changed for the team coached by Larry Brown.A few weeks later, the Jayhawks defeated Oklahoma at Kemper Arena to win the national title.“People started to find their role and assume their role,” Gueldner said. “I was able to guard people and not screw up.”The program’s fourth NCAA championship, the second for Coach Bill Self, was captured in April as Kansas overcame the largest halftime deficit to win a title game. Gueldner was part of this run as well as a broadcaster who could relate. Few know more about battling back.Story link:For more information on Without You:jeffgueldner.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs dropped their second game this season but unlike the loss at the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3, this wasn’t an upset. Even playing at home wasn’t enough of an advantage for the Chiefs to overcome the Buffalo Bills, who prevailed 24-20.After the game, Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell and beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope broke down the game, and look at the key moments that turned the game in the Bills’ favor. And where do the Chiefs need to improve if there is a rematch in the playoffs?Hint: Look at the line play edges, on both sides. The Bills effectively rushed Patrick Mahomes with four lineman with old friend from his Denver Broncos days Von Miller leading the charge. The Chiefs needed to blitz to impact Josh Allen. Even then, Allen found some success against the blitz.We discuss this and other turning points on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another week, another huge game for the Chiefs. This time it’s the Buffalo Bills, a circle-the-day opponent. This will be the fifth meeting in three seasons between the AFC powers and there could be a sixth if they meet for a third straight year in the playoffs.Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen. Other starts like Travis Kelce, Stefon Diggs, Chris Jones and Von Miller could have a major impact on the game. And Chiefs won’t soon forget Bills wide receiver Gabriel Davis, who set a playoff record with four touchdowns last season at Arrowhead.But the Chiefs won that game, one of the wildest in NFL history, and they’ve knocked the Bills from the playoffs in consecutive seasons.Today’s SportsBeat KC features an interview with Jay Skurski, beat writer for the Buffalo News. Skurski has been covering the Bills since 2009 and no one knows the team better.After a break, Mahomes shares his thoughts about facing off against Allen and confronting Miller. Defensive backs coach Dave Merritt speaks to the challenges of his young crew facing perhaps the NFL’s top wide receiving tandem in Diggs and Davis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teams with the AFC’s best records battle on Sunday when the Chiefs take on the Buffalo Bills. This is there fifth meeting in three years, and there could be a sixth in the AFC playoffs.It’s Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen in a great quarterback battle, two of the NFL’s best offenses, the Bills’ top-rated defense against the Chiefs’ improving defense.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Star columnist Sam McDowell and beat writer Jesse Newell break down the game and share their thoughts on the key story lines.The Chiefs are coming off an escape victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Bills crushed the Pittsbiurgh Steelers. Those results help explain why Buffalo is the favorite. How rare is that? It’s the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era that he’s been an underdog in a home game that he starts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes got a head start on thinking about next season, not that he wanted to. For only the second time in the past dozen years, Sporting missed the playoffs. Tack another two weeks onto the season and SKC might have made. But it’s time to begin thinking about 2023.On today’s SBKC, Vermes discussed is the issued that slowed the 2022 team, starting with the injuries to Alan Pulido and Gadi Kinda and their ripple effect. The additions of Erik Thommy and Willie Agada provided a huge boost and they helped turn the season around over the final few weeks.The prospect of starting with a healthier squad and more depth has Vermes counting down the weeks until the 2023 season begins.But before, then there’s a matter of the World Cup. Vermes shares his thoughts on the chances of the U.S. squad and picks his winner. Also, there was the time Vermes coached against Lionel Messi, who he believes could be the greatest player ever. Guess who’s team won? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Say this for the Chiefs’ 30-29 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead on Monday Night Football There was plenty to discuss.So we did. Beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian analyzed the game that proved to be one of the greatest comebacks in Chiefs history. Only three times have the Chiefs overcome a deficit more than 17 points.But with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce anything is possible with these Chiefs. Then there was the roughing the passer penalty on Chris Jones that infuriated Andy Reid.The Raiders got a career-best 154 rushing yards from Josh Jacobs, two over the top touchdown passes from Derek Carr to Davante Adams, didn’t commit a turnover, and they got beat. That’s the NFL,,,and the Chiefs.The show started as a SportsBeat Live recorded about 90 minutes after the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Kansas City Current broke ground on their new 11,500-seat stadium on Thursday and hundreds of fans came to celebrate with the owners, executives and players at Berkley Riverfront Park.’On today’s SportsBeat KC, you’ll hear from co-owners Angie and Chris Long, PortKC president Jon Stephens and National Women’s Soccer League commissioner Jessica Berman. They spoke with Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell and host Blair Kerkhoff.The Longs’ dream of their team’s own stadium is edging close to reality. Stephens speaks to the development in the Riverfront area.Berman tell us what this means not only for the league but in the soccer world. She also shares her thoughts on the the Current’s rise from last place to a playoff spot this year, and recent allegations of abuse by coaches in the league.Story link:KC Current breaks ground on new downtown stadium and thinks big about the futurehttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/kc-current/article266388076.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After convincing victories, like the Chiefs’ over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4, coaches look for nits to pick. On today’s SportsBeat KC, we give Andy Reid a hand.Beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell along with columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian say there are areas that need attention.With the next opponent, the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football at Arrowhead in mind, we also discuss the rookie class, the rushing defense, Patrick Mahomes and last week’s play-calling compared to the previous wee against the Colts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

College football’s biggest party comes to Lawrence on Saturday.ESPN’s GameDay crew will set up shop near Memorial Stadium for the first time (for football, that is — the show’s been to Lawrence 10 times for hoops) because the Kansas Jayhawks are one of the nation’s biggest surprises. The No. 19-ranked KU team takes on No. 17 TCU at 11 a.m. Saturday.In today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, KU beat writer Gary Bedore discusses the Jayhawks’ remarkable start amid a level of hype and hoopla that’s usually reserved for KU’s big men’s basketball games.Also on the podcast, Missouri has lost two straight heartbreakers and now faces another big challenge at Florida. You’ll hear from Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz on today’s show.And K-State beat writer Kellis Robinett shares his thoughts about the No. 20 Wildcats, who share the Big 12 lead with neighboring KU. Saturday’s visit to Iowa State for the annual Farmageddon showdown will be a challenge for the Cats, with the Cyclones plenty motivated after consecutive losses (including the one at KU last weekend). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For non playoff-bound teams like the Royals, the season ends on Wednesday. They’ll get a jump on their team’s big decisions, and for the Royals it starts with manager Mike Matheny. Will he be back next season or might he be fired?Already, six managers who started the season have either been replaced or have announced their departures. Two of them, the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays, are in the playoffs.Matheny will have completed three seasons with the Royals without a playoff run, and the person who hired him, Dayton Moore, is no longer with the club.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Vahe Gregorian break down the future of Matheny and starting pitcher Zack Grienke, who appeared in his final game of the season on Monday and finished with a solid 3.68 ERA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the first play, things were different for the Kansas City Chiefs this week. Tampa Bay fumbled away the opening kickoff, the Chiefs got a Patrick Mahomes to Travis Kelce touchdown pass two plays later and they were on their way to a 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.After the game, Star reporters and columnists on site talked about the victory with host Blair Kerkhoff. It was an all-around solid effort from a team coming off its worst game a week earlier in the loss at Indianapolis. Sunday, the offensive line was especially good, leading a running game that produced a season-best 189 yards.Mahomes and Kelce had milestone moments. L’Jarius Sneed contributed a big strip sack. The Bucs hardly used their rushing offense and were held to three yards on the ground.Enjoy the conversation, which started as a SportsBeat Live.Story link:Past Super Bowl loss? KC Chiefs look ready for next one in blasting Brady’s Tampa Bucshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article266635356.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sporting Kansas City knows when its season ends and that’s a strange thing. SInce 2011, the year of the team’s rebrand from Wizards to SKC, the team missed the playoffs once. Now, it’s twice No postseason for Coach Peter Vermes’ club, and on today’s SportsBeat KC, Star soccer writer Daniel Sperry discusses how that happened and the decisions in store for the club.After a break, we switch to the area’s other professional soccer team, the Kansas City Current. In an amazing turnaround, the Current has clinched a spot in the NWSL playoffs. The team and be seeded anywhere from first to fifth, depending on the weekend outcomes.Wherever the Current fall on the bracket, it’s been a memorable season for the organization that will break ground on a new stadium next week.Story links:Johnny Russell named Sporting Kansas City MVPhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article266267146.htmlThe KC Current have clinched a playoff spot. Who will they meet?https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/kc-current/article266460901.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Chiefs shake off the upset loss at Indianapolis and turn their attention to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s natural to wonder if last week’s problems will follow them into Sunday Night Football.The running game bogged down and special teams were abysmal. Clock management at the end of the game also was questionable. On today’s podcast, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell along with columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell break it all down.Also, you’ll hear the clip from Bucs defensive end Shaq Barrett that has Chiefs fans talking, the one where he said Kansas City’s offensive line is no better than the one the Bucs whipped in the Super Bowl two years ago.Story link:How this late game error, which we glossed over, was costly in loss to Coltshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article266479361.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas State has known what it’s like to have a meaningful football season well in autumn, and after last weekend’s victory at Oklahoma, the Wildcats figure to be part of the Big 12 championship race.It’s been different at Kansas, which time of year has been about counting down the days until the first basketball game. Not this year. KU is off to a 4-0 start and coming off a victory played before a packed stadium in Lawerence.On today’s SportsBeat KC, bear writers Kellis Robinett and Gary Bedore discuss the Wildcats and Jayhawks. K-State quarterback Adrian Martinez was remarkable against the Sooners, accounting for more than 400 yards and five touchdowns.KU quarterback Jalon Daniels has been great all season and has the Jayhawks thinking of bowls, polls and other rewards that had been far beyond their reach for more than a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices