Football - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Disney Plus to stream ESPN’s Super Bowl telecast this season

ESPN's telecast of Super Bowl LXI at the end of the current 2026 NFL season will also be streamed on Disney Plus.

By The Associated Press October 7, 2026

An official league football sits on the field before an NFL regular-season game between the New York Giants and the host Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 21 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Bishop relishing contact for Vols; MacIntyre expected to start

How impressive was Tennessee senior running back DeSean Bishop's rushing performance during last Saturday's 24-14 triumph over Auburn inside Neyland Stadium?

By David Paschall October 6, 2026

Tennessee Athletics photo by Andrew Ferguson / Tennessee senior running back DeSean Bishop rushed for 220 yards during last Saturday's 24-14 win over Auburn, including 158 yards after contact.

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UTC football: Five things to know about SoCon opponent Samford

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team comes home looking to get back on track.

By Gene Henley October 6, 2026

UTC photo by Laura O'Dell/UTC head coach Rusty Wright leads his team from the locker room prior to last week's game at ETSU

Bijan Robinson’s big production and efficient play from Michael Penix Jr. sparks Falcons’ turnaround

The Atlanta Falcons' running game has taken the pressure off quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in his return to the starting offense.

By BILL TROCCHI / Associated Press October 6, 2026

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) celebrates after scoring against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

No. 7 Hoosiers’ ground game remains Turbo-charged with 2-man rotation of Richard and Lee Beebe Jr.

At times, it's hard to separate Indiana running backs Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr.

By MICHAEL MAROT / AP Sports Writer October 6, 2026

Indiana running back Turbo Richard (1) rushes against Rutgers linebacker Ty Morris (10) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

NFL flags officials, suspending 2 after outbursts during a weekend marked by profane flare-ups

NFL players have to show sportsmanship or they can draw flags and/or fines and now officiating crews are on notice that they, too, must display appropriate behavior in the heat of the moment.

By ARNIE STAPLETON / AP Pro Football Writer October 6, 2026

FILE - Line judge Jeff Seeman (45) works during an NFL preseason football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Jacksonville Jaguars in New Orleans, Aug. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman, File)

Missouri freshman offensive lineman Johnnie ‘DJ’ Jones is hospitalized, needs a heart transplant

Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie “DJ” Jones needs a heart transplant and is hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, coach Eli Drinkwitz said Tuesday.

By MAURA CAREY / AP Sports Writer October 6, 2026

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz watches from the sidelines during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Heupel says ‘find out Saturday’ regarding quarterback decision

It's Arkansas week for the 15th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers.

By David Paschall October 5, 2026

Tennessee Athletics photo / Tennessee sophomore quarterback George MacIntyre was 8-of-10 passing for 86 yards in a little over two quarters of action during Saturday's 24-14 triumph over Auburn.

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Prep football surprises: Silverdale Baptist picks up stunning home win

Surprises happen every week on the high school football field, and the Times Free Press staff is all over them. Here are five notable surprises from this past week's action:

By Patrick MacCoon, Lindsey Young October 5, 2026

Staff File Photo by Matt Hamilton / Silverdale Baptist Academy's Isaac Summey makes a play against Tyner earlier this season. Summey and the Seahawks provided one of the area's biggest upsets Friday night with a win over Lakeway Christian.

Alabama, Georgia prep for 10th meeting in nine seasons

Remember that sizable era of Southeastern Conference football when Alabama and Georgia rarely played?