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Football truly never takes a week off. As Joe Burrow inches closer to an unexpected early return for the Bengals, college football is dealing with its own brand of turbulence, with James Franklin’s move to Virginia Tech kicking off a coaching carousel that now revolves squarely around Lane Kiffin. Both college football and the NFL are keeping fans guessing heading into Thanksgiving week.

Letter Rip!

< CFB >

Coaching Chaos

James Franklin stole headlines this week after landing the Virginia Tech job, but as we head into coaching carousel crunch time, the real spotlight is fixed on Lane Kiffin.

Franklin was fired by Penn State after his 3-3 start to the season. With so many programs hitting the reset button in recent weeks, fans were left guessing where the dominos would fall. On Monday, Franklin finally gave us our first major answer: He’s headed to Blacksburg. The move not only slashes his hefty Penn State buyout, but also throws him straight into the fire with a debut matchup against Miami this weekend.

As for the other teams, all eyes are on Lane Kiffin. Florida and LSU have zeroed in on Kiffin after firing both of their head coaches mid-season (and dealing with buyouts of their own). Kiffin’s family reportedly visited both Baton Rouge and Gainesville last weekend as the Rebels hosted the Gators in Oxford. 

After Ole Miss defeated Florida, Kiffin was asked about the coaching rumors and his potential fit at Florida. And his response? Let’s just call it… peak Kiffin. He reaffirmed his love for Ole Miss but said discussing his future would be “disrespectful” to his players after such an important win. Interesting choice of words. He could’ve shut it all down with a firm “I’m staying,” but he didn’t, and that silence might speak louder than anything he said.

Right now, Kiffin’s next move feels like the most anticipated announcement in college football. His interviews suggest he may be suiting up on a different SEC sideline sooner than Rebels fans expect. Then again, Lane Kiffin is Lane Kiffin: Trolling is his brand. And staying in Oxford? Honestly, that might be the biggest troll of all.

< NFL >

Week 12 Injury Report

NFL stars are finally eyeing their returns to the field — even if it took until Week 12 to get here.

Joe Burrow was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, a surprising development given early reports that his turf toe injury would sideline him until December. The Bengals hinted he might be ready by Thanksgiving, but things have escalated quickly: Burrow could be back under center as early as this weekend.

The rush feels questionable, especially with Cincinnati sitting at 3–7. But then again, we’ve seen this movie before. Burrow dragged the Bengals to a miraculous late-season run just last year. So who’s to say he can’t pull off another?

Other Notable Injuries

Josh Jacobs (Knee) – Questionable for Week 12

Aaron Rodgers (Wrist) – Questionable for Week 12

Jaylen Warren (Ankle) – Questionable for Week 12

Travis Etienne (Shoulder) – Questionable for Week 12

Bhayshul Tuten (Ankle) – Questionable for Week 12

Jaxson Dart (Concussion) – Questionable for Week 12

Drake London (Knee) – Expected to return Week 13

C.J. Stroud (Concussion) – Expected to return Week 13

Michael Penix Jr. (Knee) – Out for season

Calvin Ridley (Fibula) – Out for season