‘Nightcaps’ is a daily column designed to bring you up to speed on the biggest sports, news, and culture stories you might have overlooked while pretending to work. It’s published Monday to Friday.
Today, the spotlight is on the Commonwealth, which, frankly, is a bit overwhelming. But let’s take a moment to appreciate the little joys in life.
Here we are. It’s college football Friday again. Labor Day weekend is upon us—a significantly underrated time of the year.
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Football was on last night. More is coming tonight, tomorrow, and the day after that! And guess what? There’s even more afterward!
After the week wraps up, we get a full 48-hour break before the NFL season kicks off on Wednesday.
Oh wow. It’s finally here, and just as wonderful as I had pictured. Seriously, how lucky are we? What a treat.
Let’s dive in.
Welcome to this Friday’s Nightcaps—where Sophie Cunningham shows her support for veterans like a true patriot, while also revving us up for the returning football season, again, like a patriot.
What else happened? There was a chaotic moment with a woman getting knocked over on the sidelines in Piscataway, a high school football standout making waves, and the Buffaloes were riding high after their win over Georgia Tech.
What a wild scene!
So, grab whatever you’d like on this first Friday of September—it’s your choice!—and get comfy for this Friday ‘Cap!
Sophie Cunningham is Excited for College Football
There she is—our viewing timetable for Week 1. It’s pretty solid.
But honestly? This opening week isn’t the most thrilling we’ve seen. Sure, LSU-Clemson is the big game tomorrow, but there’s not a whole lot else to get excited about beforehand.
The early games today are a bit dull (except for that North Texas-Indiana match on FOX, of course!). In the 3:30 slot, we have Baylor vs. Auburn, and Boise State vs. Oregon for those still yearning for an SEC nostalgia fix.
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There isn’t much competition for the LSU-Clemson game later in the day. But you know what? I don’t care. College football is back. Thank goodness.
Let’s leave the WNBA behind now…
…Except when it comes to Sophie Cunningham!
She’s leading the charge today.
“Spicy Sophie is ready to make her mark.”
Colorado’s Excitement Last Night
She just can’t seem to miss. Maybe we should put Sophie on the juror pool up in the Commonwealth and see how that goes!
“It’s the start of a new football season. We’re amped up! Ready to kick some butt this year. Come out, be loud, and show your Mizzou pride.”
Sophie gets it. She’s just as fed up as we are with the WNBA chatter. It’s time for football!
By the way, Sophie’s welcomed veterans to Gainbridge Fieldhouse throughout the season? Just an absolute patriot there. With her and college football back, I think a few folks are feeling shaken today.
Alright, let’s keep moving. It’s Football Friday, after all.
Did anyone catch the end of that Colorado-Georgia Tech game last night? I’m not just referring to the blocked field goal.
I mean what transpired after that moment:
Opening Night Chaos, High School Standout & 80s Nostalgia
Look at those wild fans! They pulled off a significant win and really gave it to the Georgia Tech student section. One player even tried to leap into the stands.
Now that’s a risky move. He got tossed aside like a fly. Honestly, probably better that way. I’ve seen how that kind of thing can go south.
Speaking of excitement from last night, let’s hurry along this Friday session as we gear up for the first big weekend of the year.
First up? Let’s check in on the fans in New Jersey!
What a game for the UMass Minutemen! Their first win against an FBS team since 2023! Can you believe how much Rutgers dropped for that defeat?
They paid $1.5 million. That marks the second-largest payout for a loss in college football history:
Wow. The folks in Piscataway must be feeling pretty upset right now. Simply stunning.
As for my favorite part of the game? Did anyone witness the postgame fireworks?!
Incredible. The real question is—why not just cancel them? I mean, can you even do that? Or do you just move them to the next home game?
Yikes. Forget it. USC is rolling into town next, and I can’t see that first home win happening until they face Howard the following week.
Better keep that firework display on hold!
Now let’s wrap up with some reader messages. My mailbox is overflowing and it needs a little Labor Day tidy-up before the fall season kicks in.
Yesterday, we all chuckled at Ryan Reynolds for his bizarre comments on how challenging the 1980s were due to the Cuban Missile Crisis (which, by the way, ended in the ’60s).
I asked if there was any truth to that.
From Jeff D:
As a kid in the 80s, I don’t recall the Cuban Missile Crisis being top of mind. But I do remember some events that were truly monumental—like the Challenger explosion and Baby Jessica being rescued from a well.
That incident really united the country and her rescue was a happy moment shared by all.
Overall, most memories from that time were positive, and I’m pretty sure the Cuban Missile Crisis didn’t cross my mind.
Thanks, Jeff! Funny enough, there was a child in danger in the 1980s, and the whole nation rallied for her. Interesting, huh? Would that kind of thing happen today?
…Right?
Next, From Brian S:
Ryan Reynolds may be exaggerating a bit, but it wasn’t exactly all sunshine in the 80s either. We lived with the looming threat of nuclear war throughout that decade. There was a TV movie called “The Day After” in 1983 that scared everyone.
I think that looming nuclear fear contributed to our “Let’s just have a blast anyway” mentality. No hangover from the Cuban Missile Crisis, but Vietnam? Absolutely. Just look at the movies about that war that were released during the 80s.
That said, I would do anything to go back. You often say, “What a time to be alive.” The 80s genuinely represented that.
Thank you, Brian! I might have to check out “The Day After” this weekend. Those types of stories always intrigue me.
Finally, From Eric P:
The 80s were one of the greatest decades ever! The best music, cars still had character, and sports didn’t face this whole ‘woke’ situation. Plus, I once sank a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer against Mark Langston in an alumni basketball game.
This Reynolds character was just a child then and certainly didn’t face any real trouble. There’s no way I’m watching his movie.
Thanks, Eric! I totally appreciate those classic 80s cars. One day, I hope to get an old pickup from that era. That’s a bit of an unusual aspiration of mine—just to cruise around!
One of these days.
Alright, that’s all for today—and for the week! It’s a High School Football Friday, so let’s end this with an astounding talent from Alabama.
Catch you all on Monday.
