Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press
UNDATED (AP) — TCU is taking its freshman quarterback to his home state to take on Iowa State in the Big 12’s first weekend with a full slate of conference games. The Cyclones are trying to avoid an 0-2 start in league play after being a trendy preseason pick to make the Big 12 championship game. Horned Frogs true freshman quarterback Max Duggan was the top high school quarterback in Iowa last year.
ATLANTA (AP) — Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuña Jr., two keys to Atlanta’s lineup, say they are healthy for the Braves’ NL Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Acuña’s status for Thursday’s Game 1 was the bigger concern. The 21-year-old outfielder has not played since Sept. 24 due to tightness in his left hip. The injury ended his chase for a rare 40-40 season. He finished with 41 homers and 37 steals. Freeman has struggled with bone spurs in his right elbow.
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jakub Vrana scored at 2:51 of overtime to give the Washington Capitals a 3-2 victory over the Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues in the opener for both teams. Vrana beat Jordan Binnington with a snap shot to the upper corner for his first point in five career games against the Blues.
ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) — Nebraska defensive lineman Khalil Davis has been suspended for the game against Northwestern on Saturday for striking an Ohio State player in violation of the Big Ten’s sportsmanship policy. The Big Ten also issued a public reprimand. The conference said Davis struck an Ohio State player near the 9:18 mark of the first quarter. No penalty was called.
ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) — The amateur model of college athletics could be shaken once California’s Fair Pay to Play Act takes effect in a few years. It will allow athletes to profit from their names, images and likenesses through things such as endorsement deals or autograph signings. All are against current NCAA rules. The issue was front and center at the Big Ten’s annual basketball media day. Players seem to be all for it.