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Butler basketball scores 112 points to beat IU Indy, but still has plenty to improve: Likes, dislikes

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**Butler Insider: Akeem Glaspie on Butler’s Season-Opening Win Over IU Indy**

Butler improved to 2-0 on the season with a commanding 112-80 victory over IU Indianapolis. Michael Ajayi led the Dawgs with 11 points and 14 rebounds, marking his second double-double in as many games since transferring from Gonzaga. Jalen Jackson contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

Here’s a breakdown of what stood out, what needs improvement, and what this win means for Butler moving forward.

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### What I Liked in Butler’s Win vs. IU Indy

IU Indy is known for their frenetic pace, pushing the tempo relentlessly and applying full-court pressure after made baskets. Butler navigated the press effectively, often finding open looks on the secondary break. A highlight came when Azavier “Stink” Robinson hit a jumper in transition, breaking the press in the first half.

Jalen Jackson utilized his speed to break the press and deliver lob passes to the big men inside. Butler also introduced a clever defensive tactic by putting Drayton Jones on the inbound passer in the first half. Standing 6-foot-11, Jones used his active hands and imposing presence to disrupt IU Indy’s smaller inbounder, Micah Davis (6-foot-2), resulting in a forced turnover.

Jackson’s on-ball defense was another plus. The Fort Wayne transfer racked up four steals in the first half, including a memorable play where he snatched the ball away, dribbled between a defender’s legs to maintain possession, and finished with an easy layup. Similarly, Jackson Keith showcased his strength and length to lock down opponents on defense. Five Butler players recorded blocks in the first half, highlighting strong team rim protection.

Rebounding from guards also stood out. Jackson and Robinson grabbed six and five rebounds respectively in the first half, complementing Ajayi’s nine boards. Guards who rebound well help elevate the entire team by enabling quick outlet passes and immediate transition opportunities.

Off the bench, Yohan Traore continued to provide energy and excitement. He scored 11 points, with eight coming in the second half on explosive dunks. His ability to dribble through multiple defenders and finish with authority injected life into Butler’s second-half performance.

Jack McCaffery also impressed at the five position, especially against a smaller IU Indy frontcourt. At 6-foot-9, McCaffery displayed excellent footwork and touch around the basket, regularly finishing through contact despite his lean frame. This adds a new dimension to Butler’s frontcourt rotation beyond Ajayi and Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor.

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### What I Disliked in Butler’s Win vs. IU Indy

Butler’s fast-paced style occasionally spun out of control, particularly in the first half which featured 24 fouls and 30 free throw attempts. IU Indy resorted to fouling once Butler broke their press, but the result was an ugly game flow. Butler’s poor free-throw shooting made fouling an effective strategy for the opposition, though it’s not an exciting approach to watch.

Jackson attacked the basket well but did not receive consistent support from teammates when looking to dish. Butler’s big men struggled to finish lobs cleanly, bobbling passes and allowing IU Indy’s defense to reset. Reliable hands in the paint are a valuable asset, and currently, lob plays do not seem like a dependable part of Butler’s offense.

Despite holding a 13-point lead at halftime, Butler shot very poorly, missing eight consecutive free throws at one point and going just 2-for-12 (16.7%) from three-point range in the first half. Missing that many free throws is difficult to excuse; Butler cannot afford to be this unreliable from the charity stripe in closer contests.

Turnovers also continued to plague Butler, losing the turnover battle for the second consecutive game. IU Indy capitalized on 17 Butler giveaways, turning them into 26 points. Reducing turnovers is critical for sustained success this season.

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### What Butler’s Win vs. IU Indy Means

Butler showed it can handle teams it is favored over — the Dawgs were heavy favorites against Southern Indiana and IU Indy, and they avoided any major hiccups. However, the performance raises as many questions as it answers regarding the team’s longer-term outlook.

Butler’s ability to beat the press should be viewed in context; IU Indy lacks the length and athleticism that higher-level opponents will bring. Slow starts and poor shooting might have derailed past Butler squads, so the team deserves credit for regrouping and closing out strongly.

Overall, this win is a positive step, but consistency in execution — especially from the free-throw line and in limiting turnovers — will be necessary for Butler to thrive against tougher competition.

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*Stay tuned for more Butler basketball insights and coverage throughout the season.*
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/butler/2025/11/08/butler-basketball-score-today-iu-indy-game-stats-likes-dislikes-points-michael-ajayi-jalen-jackson/87166843007/

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Colts dealt disappointing DeForest Buckner injury update

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The Indianapolis Colts had a strong trade deadline, adding a key piece to their defense. However, the team faced a setback on Friday, as star pass rusher DeForest Buckner will be sidelined for an extended period due to a neck injury.

According to NFL insider Ari Meirov, “The Colts are placing DT DeForest Buckner on IR with a neck injury. Very significant loss. He’s out at least four games.” The Colts officially confirmed the injury shortly afterward.

This is a major blow to the Colts’ defense, which currently ranks in the top 10 in sack percentage, according to Team Rankings. Head coach Shane Steichen revealed that Buckner sustained the neck injury during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This marks the second significant injury in Buckner’s career; he previously missed five weeks last season due to an ankle injury. Over the course of his career, Buckner has missed a total of six games.

As the Colts prepare to travel to Germany for a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, they will be without their best pass rusher. Buckner leads all Colts pass rushers with four sacks and has tallied 26 solo tackles so far this season.

Adding to the team’s defensive concerns, Tyquan Lewis, who ranks second on the team with three sacks, is currently dealing with a groin injury. This situation will likely require Kwity Paye, also with three sacks, to step up in Buckner’s absence.

With a 7-2 record, the Colts are entering a critical stretch as they aim to secure a playoff berth by winning the AFC South. Following their game in Germany against the Falcons, the team faces a challenging schedule:

– After their bye week, they travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs.
– Next, they will host the Houston Texans.
– Finally, they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in Northern Florida.

By placing Buckner on injured reserve, his earliest eligible return is Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. If he is unable to return then, his next opportunity will be the following week on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Colts will need to hold the fort defensively until Buckner’s return as they navigate this difficult gauntlet in pursuit of a playoff spot.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-indianapolis-disappointing-deforest-buckner-update

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Was Jets’ Darren Mougey planning to trade Sauce Gardner all along?

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The New York Jets made headlines on NFL Trade Deadline day by executing two of the biggest trades, sending Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner to new teams. The first major move involved trading standout cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts, even before the contract extension he signed this offseason had officially begun.

Jets rookie General Manager Darren Mougey addressed the Gardner trade during his post-deadline press conference. “We structured the contract in a way that it would be a tradeable contract if that sort of opportunity came to pass,” Mougey explained, as reported by The Athletic’s Zach Rosenblatt.

Earlier this year, the Jets secured both Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson with contracts extending through the 2030 season, signaling the team’s commitment to building through the challenges of the Aaron Rodgers era. However, Mougey made it clear that the organization has been open to offers for some time.

“We have our set values, and we keep all those conversations private. And when it came down to the last few days, Indianapolis kept getting richer and richer with their value, and eventually it was too good to pass up,” Mougey said.

The Jets received an incredible package in return for Gardner, comparable to the blockbuster price the Green Bay Packers paid for Micah Parsons. With three additional first-round picks now in hand, Mougey faces the task of rebuilding the roster, focusing on constructing a strong offensive line and surrounding Garrett Wilson with complementary talent.

Currently, the Jets sit at 1-7 as they return from their bye week, preparing for a matchup against the Cleveland Browns. They recently snapped a losing streak with a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, marking their first win of the season. However, uncertainty remains around their next starting quarterback, as the Jets have yet to announce whether Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor will take the snap on Sunday.

Looking ahead, the Jets may once again find themselves near the top of the draft order this April, potentially searching for a new quarterback to lead the franchise into the future.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-york-jets/jets-news-darren-mougey-planning-trade-sauce-gardner

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Cowboys trade for Jets All-Pro defensive lineman Quinnen Williams

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Nov. 4 (UPI) — The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to trade two draft picks and defensive lineman Mazi Smith to the New York Jets in exchange for defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, league sources told UPI on Tuesday.

The Cowboys will send a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, along with Smith, to the Jets as part of the Williams deal. This move comes on the same day the Jets also agreed to trade All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts.

Quinnen Williams, 27, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Jets. A three-time Pro Bowl selection and 2022 first-team All-Pro, Williams has recorded 32 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and a sack through eight starts this season. Over his first seven NFL seasons and 98 appearances, he amassed 322 combined tackles, 59 tackles for loss, 40 sacks, 14 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one interception.

The Jets signed Williams to a four-year, $96 million extension in 2023, keeping him under contract through 2027.

Mazi Smith, 24, was the No. 26 overall pick by the Cowboys in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has totaled 57 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks through 39 NFL appearances. Smith is currently in the third year of his four-year rookie contract.

Through the Williams and Gardner trades, the Jets acquired first- and second-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, two first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, defensive lineman Mazi Smith, and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

In a separate deadline-day deal earlier Tuesday, the Cowboys traded a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for linebacker Logan Wilson.

The Cowboys (3-5-1), currently ranked with the second-worst defense in the NFL, are on a bye in Week 10. They will face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) in Week 11.

The Jets (1-7) will host the Cleveland Browns (2-6) at 1 p.m. EST Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2025/11/04/Cowboys-trade-Jets-All-Pro-Quinnen-Williams/4251762285993/

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Jalen Ramsey Challenged Steelers, Inspired Team Before Big Win vs. Colts

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Defensive back Jalen Ramsey selflessly filled in at safety to help the Pittsburgh Steelers secure a key victory against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. But Ramsey’s impact went far beyond just his positional flexibility.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed after Sunday’s game that Ramsey addressed the team the night before kickoff. While Rodgers declined to share the exact details of the speech, he emphasized that Ramsey’s words played a crucial role in Pittsburgh’s commanding 27-20 win over the Colts.

“I noticed that something kind of changed last night when Jalen [Ramsey] spoke,” Rodgers told reporters. “It’s not easy to speak in front of the team even when you’re a player. It’s unnatural. Coaches are used to it. They do it every day. Mike [Tomlin] is fantastic about it.

“Jalen went on and on. Had the attention in the room. He said good stuff. I’m not going to get into it. It’s kind of need-to-know information. It was meaningful to me on the offensive side. I felt like we had a different energy in the locker room today.”

Rodgers did provide one key insight into Ramsey’s message: “The only peek into the conversation last night was that he wanted us to play with the edge on defense. Didn’t feel like we were doing that enough. And they played with an edge today for sure.

“Really thankful that Jalen is here, and that he felt comfortable speaking up and then the guys responded the right way.”

### Jalen Ramsey Leads Steelers Defensive Turnaround

In recent weeks, the Steelers defense has faced heavy criticism, including from within its own ranks. Defensive captain Cameron Heyward expressed frustration after the Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers, saying the defense lacked fight and wasn’t responding well to adversity.

Whether Ramsey’s speech echoed those sentiments remains unknown, but Rodgers clearly felt the cornerback’s leadership made a difference.

“Got to give 5 [Jalen Ramsey] a lot of credit for his leadership the last 24 hours. I haven’t seen the film,” Rodgers said. “But the eye test felt like he was in the right place at the right time on defense, and we were opportunistic. Really proud of those guys.”

Ramsey finished the game against the Colts with five tackles. Several were hard-hitting plays, including one that resulted in a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness on a defenseless receiver. While such aggression underscores his effort, it will be important for the veteran to avoid crossing the line with future hits.

Nonetheless, Ramsey clearly set a motivated tone before the game and backed it up throughout Week 9.

### Steelers Debut New Safety Tandem

Due to the absence of starting safety DeShon Elliott and other backups, the Steelers moved Ramsey to the back end of the secondary out of necessity. Additionally, the team recently acquired veteran safety Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots, and Dugger saw significant playing time on Sunday as well.

The duo played nearly every defensive snap together—Ramsey was on the field for all 73 defensive snaps, while Dugger missed just one. This new safety tandem proved highly effective.

The Steelers defense notably contained MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor and limited the impact of tight ends, who exploited Pittsburgh’s defense the previous week.

In Week 9, many things changed for the Steelers defense, with Ramsey’s leadership and the emergence of a new safety combination playing a big part. This development could represent an important step forward for Pittsburgh moving ahead.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/jalen-ramsey-nfl-news-rumors-colts-win/