The Morning Shot: September 13, 2026
The stories worth knowing before your coffee gets cold.
01 | Texas Turns Austin Upside Down
No. 4 Texas trailed No. 1 Ohio State 23–3 entering the fourth quarter, then scored three unanswered touchdowns to win 24–23 in Austin. Arch Manning found Ryan Wingo for the spark Texas desperately needed, and Hollywood Smothers’ 1-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds left completed a comeback that will immediately reshape the national-title conversation.
Ohio State controlled nearly three full quarters, but they simply could not finish. A missed 45-yard field goal opened the door, and Texas took every inch Ohio State gave them. The Longhorns did not just beat the nation’s top-ranked team; they made a statement that they belong right at the top of the rankings. And I can confirm that it was ELECTRIC in that stadium all fourth quarter long. I will not be forgetting that game anytime soon. Go Horns!
02 | Ben Shelton’s Shot at History
Ben Shelton faces top-seeded Alexander Zverev in the U.S. Open final, with a first Grand Slam title and a place in American tennis history on the line. Shelton is trying to become the first American man to win a major since Andy Roddick in 2003—and the first Black American man to reach the U.S. Open final since Arthur Ashe.
It will be a huge test. Zverev is 5–0 against Shelton and has been outstanding all season, but Shelton has already knocked out Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe on his way to his first major final. This is the kind of match that could turn a very good young player into the face of American men’s tennis.
Women’s tennis deserves to be part of the conversation, as well. Despite two powerhouses taking the court and the match going three sets, Elena Rybakina comfortably defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6–4, 5–7, 6–2 to win her first U.S. Open title. Rybakina ended Sabalenka’s bid for a third straight New York championship and claimed the world No. 1 ranking with a composed, powerful performance. She clearly showed up wanting to show why she is now the best in the world.
03 | Michigan Makes Its Statement
Michigan knocked off No. 11 Oklahoma 17–10 at the Big House, using a late interception to set up Jordan Marshall’s go-ahead 1-yard touchdown run. Bryce Underwood added a 38-yard rushing touchdown, and Michigan held on for the kind of physical, grind-it-out win that the program has built its reputation on.
For Oklahoma, this is a frustrating missed opportunity. For Michigan, it is the sort of early-season win that can put the Wolverines back in the rankings and help silence critics after last week’s controversial win.
04 | Team USA Plays for World Cup Gold
The U.S. women face France in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup final today, chasing a fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal. The Americans earned their spot with a 76–66 semifinal win over Spain and now get a rematch of the 2024 Olympic gold-medal game.
France has been excellent in Berlin, so Team USA will have to earn this one. A win would extend one of the most dominant runs in international team sports—and provide another reminder of just how deep and talented women’s basketball is right now.
05 | Oklahoma State Delivers the Shock of the Day
Oklahoma State, coming off a 1–11 season, beat No. 6 Oregon 39–31 in Stillwater. Drew Mestemaker threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns, added 109 rushing yards and a score, and led a Cowboys offense that outgained Oregon 554–281.
Oregon had been favored by 23½ points. Instead, the Ducks are suddenly facing a much smaller margin for error in the playoff race, while Oklahoma State gave its fans a field-storming, program-defining win in Eric Morris’ home debut.
☕ One to Watch | NFL Season Returns
Packers at Vikings — 3:25 p.m. CDT on CBS
There are plenty of big games across the first NFL Sunday, but this is the one I’ll have on. A road game against a division rival is a loud way to start the season, and it should tell us plenty about where the Packers stand right away.
Okay, Maybe Not Just One…
Ben Shelton vs. Alexander Zverev — U.S. Open Final
Shelton has the chance to end a 23-year Grand Slam drought for American men’s tennis in the biggest match of his career. Zverev has won all five previous meetings, but Shelton has already proven he can rise to the occasion in New York. This one has history written all over it.
