AP Sports SummaryBrief at 11:57 a.m. EST

Netherlands eliminates US in round of 16 at World Cup

AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Memphis Depay and Daley Blind scored in the first half and Denzil Dumfries added a late goal as the Netherlands eliminated the United States from the World Cup with a 3-1 victory that advanced the Dutch to the quarterfinals. Second-half subsitute Haji Wright cut the U.S. deficit to 2-1 in the 76th minute when Christian Pulisic’s cross hit his trailing foot and popped over goalkeeper Andries Noppert and into the net. Dumfries assisted on the first two goals and scored on a volley in the 81st. The Oranje extended their unbeaten streak to 19 games and face Argentina or Australia next.

No. 4 USC falls to Utah in Pac-12, all but ending CFP hope

LAS VEGAS (AP) — No.  12 Utah pounded a limping, bloodied Caleb Williams and roared past fourth-ranked Southern California 47-24 to not only win the Pac-12 Championship, but all but end USC’s College Football Playoff hopes. The loss by the Trojans could open the way for Ohio State to find a way in the CFP. USC is fourth in the CFP rankings, the Buckeyes are one step behind. Utah is heading to the Rose Bowl, but the Utes already were going there regardless of this outcome. They are responsible for USC’s only losses, having edged the Trojans 43-42 on Oct. 15 in Salt Lake City.

Rust issues? Deshaun Watson’s long layoff could be factor

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Deshaun Watson may be a bit rusty when he plays his first game in nearly two years this weekend. The Cleveland Browns quarterback will face the Houston Texans, his former team. Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of this season after two dozen women accused him of sexual harassment and assault. He’s practiced for two weeks, but that’s not the same as playing. When he takes the field, it will be 700 days since his last regular-season game. In that game on Jan. 3, 2021, Watson passed for 365 yards, three touchdowns and posted a 115.9 passer rating for Houston in a 41-38 loss to Tennessee.

World Cup Viewer’s Guide: Rested France faces Poland

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The reigning World Cup champions breezed through the group stage to clinch a spot in the round of 16 with a game to spare and now France looks to continue its tournament in a Sunday knockout game against Poland. France is the first defending World Cup champion to reach the round of 16 since Brazil in 2006. France is 5-0 in the first knockout round since the stage was introduced to the World Cup in 1986 and well-rested after using nine substitutes in its final game of group play. England faces Senegal in the second game and is trying to reach the quarterfinals in consecutive World Cup tournaments for the first time since 2002 and 2006.

Texas Rangers sign ace Jacob deGrom to $185M, 5-year deal

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Free-agent ace Jacob deGrom and the Texas Rangers have agreed to a $185 million, five-year contract. The two-time Cy Young Award winner leaves the New York Mets after nine seasons — the past two shortened substantially by injuries. After making his first start last season in early August, deGrom went 5-4 with a 3.08 ERA. He helped the Mets reach the playoffs, then opted out of his contract to become a free agent for the first time. Texas announced the signing Friday night after the 34-year-old deGrom passed his physical. A person with direct knowledge of the deal disclosed the financial terms to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the club did not announce those details.

CFP deja vu: TCU in third, Ohio State lurking and lobbying

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — TCU is third in the College Football Playoff rankings going into its last game before final four teams are set. Just like in 2014, Ohio State is fifth. The Horned Frogs missed out on the inaugural four-team playoff eight years ago even after a seven-TD win. Ohio State got in and won the national title. Their rankings are the same now, but the scenarios are different. The undefeated Frogs play in the Big 12 championship game Saturday. The Buckeyes missed the Big Ten title game, and can only tout what they had done before losing to Michigan last week.

US coach Berhalter to draw on Dutch lessons at World Cup

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Gregg Berhalter went to the Netherlands 28 years ago to turn pro and will apply some of the early lessons he learned when he coaches the United States against the Dutch on Saturday for a berth in the World Cup’s quarterfinals. The U.S. was knocked out in the round of 16 in extra-time losses to Ghana in 2010 and Belgium in 2014 then failed to qualify for the 2018 tournament. The Americans have not reached the quarterfinals since 2002. The Netherlands is a three-time World Cup runner-up and finished third in 2014.

New 48-team World Cup format fails to impress Poland coach

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The high drama of split-screen tension during simultaneous matches in the final set of World Cup group games is now a thing of the past. The next tournament in 2026 will feature 48 teams instead of 32 and use a different format that will do away with group rivals playing at the same time with advancement and elimination swinging on late goals. Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz has led his team into the round of 16 but isn’t a fan of the upcoming changes. Michniewicz says “I think sometimes this can spoil the show.” Michniewicz’s team was one of several involved in late drama over the last few days in Qatar.

Messi, Mbappé and co: The AP’s World Cup team of group stage

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Writers covering the World Cup for The Associated Press have chosen their standout players at the tournament so far to form a best team of the group stage. Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France star Kylian Mbappé are two of the more high-profile players selected after combining to score five goals in the group stage. There are also a slew of surprise names who have helped to cause some of the many big upsets in Qatar including Australia defender Harry Souttar and Morocco right back Achraf Hakimi. The performances of Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo and Croatia center back Josko Gvardiol have probably earned them big-money moves in the near future.

Column: College coaching color barrier firmly entrenched

Associated Press Sports Columnist Paul Newberry says Hugh Freeze is returning to the Southeastern Conference with enough baggage to fill a jumbo jet. He also writes that Freeze had one big edge when the Tigers came looking for a new head football coach: He’s white. Newberry contends that an all-too-familiar pattern remains firmly intact at the highest level of college football: Black coaches need not apply. Chances are, they’re not even going to get a call back.