Sportsbeat Kc

 Oddmakers have made Kansas State and Missouri underdogs on Saturday in road games against Texas and Georgia. What are the prospects for a surprise or two? K-State beat writer Kellis Robinett and Mizzou beat writer Souichi Terada tell us how that can happen. Also, Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill spent some time with the Star’s Sam McDowell and talked about his climb to becoming an NFL player. Read the stories we discussed: How doubt transformed Chiefs rookie Juan Thornhill from overlooked to NFL starter - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article237132234.html K-State Q&A: Big 12 title contenders, injured starters and Austin BBQ - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article237129619.html Mizzou faces Georgia’s pro style offense, Jake Fromm in defense’s toughest test yet - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article237155179.html Get access to all of The Star’s stories by signing up now for a digital subscription. Use the kansascity

Will Patrick Mahomes play against the Titans on Sunday? He’s missed two and a half weeks with a dislocated kneecap but Mahomes was listed as a full practice participant this week. That usually means the coast is clear to play. But the Chiefs aren’t saying that yet. The A-team had plenty to say about it on Facebook Live. Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian tackled this Chiefs topic and many more. Read the stories we discussed: How Matt Moore has buoyed Chiefs as Patrick Mahomes’ status remains unclear this week - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article237081829.html Chiefs linebacker Reggie Ragland was nation’s No. 1 hoops prospect...as a 7th grader - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article237084329.html Chiefs defense is improving, and here’s one way it could and should get even better - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article237084064.html Get access to all of The Star’s stories by signing u

For only the second time in the Bill Self era, Kansas opened the season with a loss. And there was no guesswork about what went wrong for the Jayhawks against Duke in the Championship Classic. KU committed an incredible 28 turnovers. Is this a problem that can be fixed? KU beat writer Jesse Newell joined SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff to break down the game. Also, the Chiefs haven’t named a starting quarterback for Sunday’s game at Tennessee. But Matt Moore met the media on Wednesday and spoke to the opportunity to play for Andy Reid and with Patrick Mahomes. Read the stories we discussed: Bill Self’s angriest moment vs. Duke and how it helps us see the big picture for KU - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article237043104.html Coach K calls KU a championship contender after victory over Jayhawks - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article237063989.html Patrick Mahomes will get more work at practice but return date still not firm - ht

The Royals didn’t exactly search for a new manager. Mike Matheny was already on the staff. And he didn’t exactly win the introductory news conference. But in a side sessions with reporters, Matheny opened up about his success and failures as the St. Louis Cardinals manager. Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian were there and offer up their takes on the hire — and their first impression of Matheny as a manager. Also, Kansas helps usher in the college basketball season with a huge game against Duke in New York City Tuesday night. Can college basketball do a better job celebrating its opening night? Read the stories we discussed: A closer look at Matheny’s hiring, including the Royals’ biggest potential problem - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article236907003.html Why new Royals’ manager Mike Matheny the benefit of the doubt from KC fans - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article236887258.html Five bold predictions and a season pro

The Kansas City Chiefs did something on Sunday they haven’t done since September, win a home game. They defeated the Vikings in dramatic fashion 26-23 on Harrison Butker’s 44-yard field goal as time expired. The A-team of Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Vahe Gregorian, Sam Mellinger and Blair Kerkhoff provided the postgame breakdown, from the improved play of the defense, to Damien Williams’ 91-yard touchdown burst to the impactful play of Tyreek Hill. The victory improved the Chiefs’ record to 6-3 and with the return of quarterback Patrick Mahomes perhaps looming, the outlook looks more positive for the Chiefs.  Read the stories we discussed: Vahe Gregorian: Beyond Mahomes no one animates Chiefs or raises their ceiling like Tyreek Hill - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article236965468.html Sam Mellinger: Why Harrison Butker might have just kicked the Chiefs into a chase for first-round bye - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article236965293.htm

Kansas State beat writer Kellis Robinett and KU beat writer Jesse Newell tell is what’s at stake at the most significant Sunflower Showdown in at least a decade. The Wildcats and Jayahwks are coming off victories and feeling good about the direction of their programs heading into Saturday’s game. Not feeling great these days are the Missouri Tigers, and Mizzou beat writer Souichi Terada sees some troubling signs for team. Read the stories we discussed: Appreciative for the good times: Skylar Thompson’s journey to stardom for K-State: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article236829138.html Missouri bye week update: Odom on Bryant’s health, third-down failures: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article236867833.html Kansas State fined, but KU only reprimanded by Big 12 for football field stormings: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/article236837658.html Get access to all of The Star’s stories by signing up now for a digital subscripti

The Chiefs could be without quarterback Patrick Mahomes for a second straight week, and suddenly Arrowhead Stadium has become a not-so-friendly home. The A-Team of Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger discuss. Also, the Royals have their new manager. No surprise — it’s Mike Matheny. Read the stories we discussed: Just maybe the Chiefs are beginning to heal and injured players will begin to return - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236864653.html Matheny hired as Royals manager, says ‘something very special is about to happen’ in KC - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article236855658.html Royals and Cardinals fans sound off on Mike Matheny being hired as new Royals manager - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article236855743.html Get access to all of The Star’s stories by signing up now for a digital subscription. Use the kansascity.com/sportsbeatkcoffer link to get a 40% discount. Thanks to our spon

As a podcast host on the talknorth.com network, Stephen Strom, knows the Vikings and shares his knowledge of the Chiefs’ next opponent with Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC. Also, Andy Reid didn’t say who would start at quarterback on Sunday between Matt Moore and Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from a dislocated kneecap. But Moore met the media on Wednesday and shared his thoughts about his temporary assignment playing in place of one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Read the stories we discussed: Who starts at quarterback this week for the Chiefs against the Vikings? Stay tuned - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236815223.html ‘He was into it’: How Patrick Mahomes handled sitting out of Sunday’s game - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236756378.html ‘Good with it’: Despite just playing 9 snaps in Week 8, Chiefs’ Hardman stays patient - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236821853.html Get access to all of The Star’s s

The football version of Sunflower Showdown, the rivalry between Kansas and Kansas State, has been a one-sided conversation for decades. The Wildcats have dominated on the gridiron, winning 10 straight meetings, and the Jayhawks have looked forward to basketball. This week is different with both teams coming off Big 12 victories. K-State stunned Oklahoma, and KU beat Texas Tech on the game’s final play. Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian join SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff to talk about this season's Sunflower Showdown. We also throw in some less encouraging words about the Missouri Tigers. Read the stories we discussed: Kansas State Wildcats vs. KU Jayhawks, kickoff time, info, line, five things to know - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/article236734263.html KU (quietly) motivated for K-State: “Don’t want to give you bulletin board material” - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article236750258.html Chris Klieman wants K-State to ‘stay humbl

The Chiefs fell to the Green Bay Packers 31-24 on Sunday Night Football. The Chiefs fell behind 14-0, rallied to take a 17-14 leader behind reserve quarterback Matt Moore, but couldn’t hold off Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell and Sam Mellinger broke down the game, the big moments and pivotal decisions on Facebook Live now presented as a SportsBeat KC podcast. Read the stories we discussed: Andy Reid’s conservative turn cost the Chiefs their last chance against the Packers - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article236718718.html Some troubling blocks have emerged on Chiefs’ road to potential Super Bowl - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article236719628.html It was a loss but Chiefs quarterback Matt Moore looked impressive in first start - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236718938.html Chiefs rally, get solid night from Matt Moore but can’t solve Rodgers’ Packers - https://www.kansascity

It’s a full college football weekend, with Kansas State, Missouri and Kansas each looking for some consistency. The Wildcats broke a two-game losing streak last week but now face rugged Oklahoma. Mizzou looks to avoid its second straight upset loss and visits Kentucky. Kansas nearly pulled off a stunner at Texas and hopes to find some answers on defense against Texas Tech. Also, meet The Star’s new Missouri beat writer, Souichi Terada, and find out his favorite ginger ale. Read the stories we discussed: How Chris Klieman can build off Kansas State’s solid start, guide Wildcats to a bowl - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article236601658.html Mizzou offense looking to fix mistakes after season-low performance - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article236568913.html KU Jayhawks vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Kickoff time, TV, 5 things to know - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article236499518.html Get access to

Patrick Mahomes is practicing. On a limited basis, but practicing. What are we to make of this? Sam Mellinger, Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell and Blair Kerkhoff dive into the topic on SportsBeat KC. Also, the group discusses the prospect of turning the terrific game by the defense in Denver into a trend, and its tackles this philosophical question: Would you take an Aaron Rodgers career to this point for Mahomes? Remember, that would mean a Super Bowl and likely first ballot Hall of Fame selection. Read the stories we discussed: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes might play Sunday night? Call him a 'special type of human' - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article236567573.html Matt Moore is preparing to start for the Chiefs...but still doesn’t know if he will - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236573908.html Hall of Famer: 'I’d be shocked if Patrick Mahomes doesn’t start against Packers' - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/a

There was plenty to talk about for Kansas basketball coach Bill Self at Big 12 media day at Sprint Center. Self addressed the NCAA letter of allegations, his future at KU and the renewal of the Border War rivalry with Missouri — among other topics. KU beat writers Jesse Newell and Gary Bedore join SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss what we heard. Also, is it possible that Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes practiced on Wednesday, a week after suffering a dislocated kneecap against the Broncos? He did… on a limited basis. Hear what Andy Reid and reserve quarterback Matt Moore had to say about the situation. Read the stories we discussed: KU’s Devon Dotson turns ankle, Bill Self dubs point guard day to day - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article236550078.html Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes works out, practices and throws (!) at Wednesday’s practice - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236567153.html Get access to all of The Star’s stories

Kansas and Missouri will renew their men’s basketball rivalry starting next year, the schools announced Monday night. Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger join host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss why this happened, why it’s important and why we love this rivalry. The columnists also use tonight’s World Series opener between the Astros and Nationals to remember what happened in Kansas City five years ago. It started with a magical Wild Card game and ended with the tying run in the final game 90 feet away from home plate. Read the stories we discussed: About time: KC sports scene deserves this resumption of dormant Kansas-Mizzou rivalry - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article236510553.html Mellinger Minutes: Mahomes’ timetable, Royals and Matheny, Border War returns - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article236500408.html Poll: Are you in favor of Border War men’s basketball series returning - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-pe

When Patrick Mahomes injured his knee against the Broncos on Thursday night, the worst was immediately feared. It’s doubtful Mahomes will play on Sunday but he hasn’t been ruled out. Coach Andy Reid and trainer Rick Burkholder spoke to the media on Monday. Chiefs beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell join SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss the latest developments. Read the stories we discussed: Chiefs provide update on quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ injury - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236487443.html Patrick Mahomes posts inspirational message on Instagram after tests on a kneecap - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article236491778.html Chiefs LB Reggie Ragland stayed on task, saw payoff against Denver. Can it continue? - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236465953.html Get access to all of The Star’s stories by signing up now for a digital subscription. Use the kansascity.com/sportsbeatkcoffer lin

The Chiefs got out of Denver with a convincing victory and an injured quarterback. On a quarterback sneak, Patrick Mahomes suffered a dislocated right kneecap and left the game. That didn’t prevent the Chiefs from an impressive 30-6 triumph to end a two-game losing streak. But it presented questions about the Chiefs’ future at the position that Sam Mellinger, Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell and host Blair Kerkhoff attempt to answer. If Mahomes is out for a few weeks, do the Chiefs stay the course with veteran reserve Matt Moore or do they scour the landscape for a replacement? Check out what the A-team had to say about Mahomes and the Chiefs’ most resounding triumph of the season. This episode was originally recorded as a Facebook Live for the Red Zone Extra page. Read the stories we discussed: The 2019 Chiefs will be defined largely by how they cope without Patrick Mahomes “It looked deformed” Chiefs players’ reaction to Patrick Mahomes’ injury Chiefs’ defense, special teams come up big, and now it’s vital fo

It’s game day. The Chiefs visit the Denver Broncos tonight and it’s a matchup of teams headed in different directions. After starting 4-0, the Chiefs have dropped two straight. After starting 0-4, the Broncos have won two in a row. We get the Broncos perspective on the game from Nick Griffith, a former Kansas City TV sports anchor who has spent the last eight years covering the Broncos and Denver’s sports scene. Also, we hear from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who met the media earlier this week. What’s his outlook on tonight’s game? Read the stories we discussed: Does Tyreek Hill’s return solve the Chiefs’ woes? Well, it’s complicated. The Vegas’ oddsmakers are starting to lose some confidence in the Chiefs Chiefs-Broncos prediction: KC looks to extend series streak, but Broncos are hotter Mellinger Minutes: How much Chiefs freakout is too much Chiefs freakout? Get access to all of The Star’s stories by signing up now for a digital subscription. Use the kansascity.com/sportsbeatkcoffer link to

This week's college episode is happening as the football and basketball seasons begin their crossover. K-State beat writer Kellis Robinett tracked down Wildcats’ basketball coach Bruce Weber for an exclusive interview. Jesse Newell, who covers KU, provides the update on the latest basketball commitment and the first to pledge after the Jayhawks received their Notice of Allegations from the NCAA. Meanwhile, columnist Vahe Gregorian provides the update on Mizzou’s newly minted top 25 ranked football program. Read the stories we discussed: How Bruce Weber recruited one of the nation’s top-rated basketball classes: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article236077988.html “I’m staying home:” Why former KC high schooler says he committed to KU basketball: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article236199038.html KU has new offensive coordinator. His contract suggests he’ll get a long look: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kan

After suffering their second straight loss on Sunday, the Chiefs are officially struggling. The offense has slowed, the defense can’t stop opponents — especially on the ground — and injuries have played a role. But is this the right roster? The majority of the team’s 53-man squad was acquired by general manager Brett Veach through the draft, free agent signings and trades. How much has Veach gotten right? That’s part of the conversation with Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian, Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell and SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff. This episode was originally recorded as a Facebook Live for the Red Zone Extra page. Read the stories we discussed: Sam Mellinger: This headline about the Chiefs should be the exact same headline as last week: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article236210283.html Chiefs Andy Reid on balance of offense: “Our time of possession in way out of whack”: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236211588.html When Chiefs didn’t

Oh boy, now it’s a losing streak for the Chiefs. And that’s two straight at Arrowhead Stadium. The A-Team of Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian joins Blair Kerkhoff in breaking down the Chiefs 31-24 loss to the Houston Texans. Not even the return of Tyreek Hill, who was terrific with two touchdown receptions, could rally the Chiefs, who were ahead 17-3 only to have the offense go into a shell and the defense not come up with a big stop. This episode was originally recorded as a Facebook Live for the Red Zone Extra page. Read the stories we discussed: Sam Mellinger: The Chiefs’ Super Bowl push is being run down. “They’re exploiting us.: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article236093503.html Vahe Gregorian: Here’s the Chiefs’ dilemma in playing Patrick Mahomes with an ankle injury: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article236092903.html Mahomes, Chiefs baffled by reversal of Kelce pass interference call: https://www.ka