The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Will Wade's press conference, Kara Lawson being named USA women's coach and Bruce Pearl stepping down.

NC State head basketball coach Will Wade stepped to the podium yesterday afternoon just minutes before his first practice for the 2025-26 season. Wade said the team is already better than he expected and he expects people will have to take NC State seriously “real quick.”  What are the expectations for The Pack?

Kara Lawson was recently named the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Basketball Team for the 2025-28 cycle. In this role, she will lead Team USA in major international competitions, including the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Her appointment comes under the leadership of Sue Bird, the managing director of USA Basketball and she replaces Cheryl Reeve. Should Lawson be the coach or is there a better candidate for the job?

Bruce Pearl has officially stepped down as the head coach of Auburn University’s men’s basketball team. After leading the Tigers to their most successful season ever — a 32–6 record, a No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, an SEC regular-season title, and a Final Four appearance — Pearl announced that he no longer feels he can give 100% to the job. Taking over the head coaching position is his son, Steven Pearl, who has been a longtime assistant and most recently served as associate head coach. What is Pearl's legacy?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the Ravens loss to the Lions, Bryce Young and more. 

The Carolina Panthers delivered a dominant performance this weekend, shutting out the Atlanta Falcons 30-0 at home in Charlotte. What should people think of Bryce Young?

The Detroit Lions defeated the Baltimore Ravens last night 38-30 on Monday Night Football. A pivotal moment occurred late in the fourth quarter when, with the Ravens trailing 28-24, Derrick Henry fumbled the ball near their 21-yard line. The Lions capitalized on the turnover, kicking a field goal to extend their lead to 31–24, swinging the momentum firmly in their favor. Lamar Jackson was sacked 7 times last night which is the most since 2021. How good is Detroit? What’s wrong with the Ravens? Is it time for the Ravens to panic?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the Lions win over the Ravens.

The Detroit Lions defeated the Baltimore Ravens last night 38-30 on Monday Night Football. A pivotal moment occurred late in the fourth quarter when, with the Ravens trailing 28-24, Derrick Henry fumbled the ball near their 21-yard line. The Lions capitalized on the turnover, kicking a field goal to extend their lead to 31-24, swinging the momentum firmly in their favor. Lamar Jackson was sacked 7 times last night which is the most since 2021. What’s wrong with the Ravens? Is it time for the Ravens to panic?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Stefon Diggs, Cardi B, A’ja Wilson and more. 

Cardi B and NFL star Stefon Diggs are currently expecting their first child together, which Cardi confirmed during an appearance on CBS Mornings. The baby is due before she kicks off her "Little Miss Drama" tour in February 2026. Are Diggs and Cardi B really together?

A’ja Wilson was named the 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), making history as the first player ever to win the award four times. Wilson's dominant performance throughout the year earned her the top honor once again, solidifying her legacy in the league. She received the MVP trophy from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert during a special presentation, where she was also joined by her boyfriend, NBA player Bam Adebayo, in a memorable moment celebrating her achievement.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss which ACC team in the most trouble.

The ACC appears to be underperforming in football this season. One major concern is how ACC teams are faring in nonconference games — the Big 12, for example, currently holds a dominant 6-1 record against the ACC. Traditional powerhouses like Clemson are also struggling; the Tigers are off to a 1-3 start, and teams like UNC have had disappointing outings as well. Which ACC team is in the most trouble?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss their Good Looks and Bad Looks on this Good Look Bad Look Monday.

The Alabama Crimson Tide has a bye this past weekend but that didn't stop them from falling from No. 14 to No. 17 in the AP and Coaches Polls. Should Alabama have dropped?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the Panthers win, Clemson and Dabo Swinney's loss to Syracuse and more.

The Carolina Panthers delivered a dominant performance this weekend, shutting out the Atlanta Falcons 30-0 at home in Charlotte. It was one of the most complete games the Panthers have played in recent memory, marking their first shutout since 2015 and Atlanta’s first time being held scoreless since 2020.

The Duke Blue Devils defeated the NC State Wolfpack 45-33 this weekend. Quarterback Darian Mensah threw three touchdown passes, while running back Anderson Castle added three rushing touchdowns, including a pivotal 66-yard run late in the game. The Blue Devils also capitalized on turnovers, forcing four, including three interceptions and a fumble, and added a blocked field goal. NC State's offense was potent, accumulating 535 yards, with quarterback CJ Bailey passing for a career-high 364 yards and two touchdowns. However, four turnovers, a missed extra point, and a blocked field goal proved costly, ultimately leading to their first loss of the season. This victory improved Duke's record to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in ACC play, while NC State fell to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the conference. What did we learn about Duke and State?

Clemson suffered a 34-21 home loss to Syracuse this past weekend, marking the first time the Orange have ever won at Death Valley. Despite the defeat, Clemson’s offense put up a season-high 503 yards, including 363 through the air. Quarterback Cade Klubnik had a career day, completing 37 of 60 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns. The win improved Syracuse’s record to 3-1, while Clemson dropped to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in ACC play. What's wrong with Dabo Swinney and Clemson? Can they turn it around?

The Chicago Bears defeated the Dallas Cowboys 31-14 this weekend in a dominant performance. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw four touchdown passes without any interceptions, leading the offense effectively. The Bears’ defense also played a crucial role, stepping up in the fourth quarter by forcing turnovers that helped secure the victory. How does Pam feel about her Cowboys?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with D. Curtis Lawson.

D. Curtis Lawson is the Associate AD, Director of Tennis, and Head Men's Tennis Coach at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). He has over 35 years of tennis instructing, coaching and officiating experience to his credit. In 2025 Coach Lawson entered his 25th season at NCCU (1990-96 and 2006- Present) and his eleventh year as President of the MEAC Tennis Coaches Association.

North Carolina Central University’s men’s tennis team captured the 2025 Men’s HBCU National Tennis Championship in dominant fashion, finishing with 82 points—well ahead of Alabama State (57) and two-time defending champion Tennessee State (52). The victory, earned at the South Fulton Tennis Center in Atlanta, marks NCCU’s first HBCU tennis title since 2014. Looking ahead, the Eagles will compete in the MEAC Individual Championships at Cary Tennis Park from October 2–4, where winners will qualify for the ITA Conference Masters tournament in San Diego in early November.

For more information visit: https://nccueaglepride.com/news/2025/9/21/mens-tennis-eagles-soar-high-crowned-2025-mens-hbcu-national-tennis-champions.aspx

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss their Good Looks and Bad Looks on this Good Look Bad Look Monday.

There was a lot of football action this weekend in the NFL and in college. How was the NFL weekend?

This past weekend, the NC Central Eagles dominated their rivals, the NC A&T Aggies, with a decisive 62-20 victory in the annual Aggie-Eagle Classic. The Duke Blue Devils defeated the NC State Wolfpack 45-33 this weekend. Duke overcame a 13-point deficit, scoring 21 points in less than four minutes spanning the end of the second quarter and the start of the third. The North Carolina Tar Heels suffered a tough 34-9 loss to UCF in Orlando, dropping their season record to 2-2. UCF, now 3-0, dominated from start to finish.

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Stefon Diggs, Travis Kelce's ex-girlfriend and other entertainment news.

Apparently, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has a baby on the way with Cardi B. Is Diggs still an elite receiver or has he fallen off? Travis Kelce's ex-girlfriend is also in the news. Why?