A Sports Filled Weekend It Was

If life on the edge of your seat is intriguing, become a fan of the Detroit Lions. The Lions have overcome a fourth-quarter deficit in each of their five NFL victories this season.

The latest was Sunday’s, when Matt Prater kicked a 58-yard field goal as time expired in regulation. He is now 23 for 23 in his career on game-tying or go-ahead field goals in the fourth quarter or overtime. In overtime, Matthew Stafford hit Golden Tate for a 28-yard touchdown and a 22-16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

The Indianapolis Colts jumped out to an early lead – very early, as Jordan Todman returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown – and held on to beat the Green Bay Packers 31-26.

In the Sunday night game, Latavius Murray scored three times as the Oakland Raiders took over sole possession of first place in the AFC West by beating the Denver Broncos 30-20.

NASCAR

Rain held up the start of the AAA Texas 500 for six hours and the race was shortened because of it, but Carl Edwards’ victory still counts and moves him along into the Championship Four on Nov. 20 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Jimmie Johnson has also clinched a spot and the final two will be determined next week at Phoenix in the Can-Am 500.

Horse Racing

Arrogate erased California Chrome’s big lead and won the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic Saturday at Santa Anita by half a length. It was California Chrome’s first loss in seven starts this year. Keen Ice, a long shot at 33-1, took third.

Elsewhere
The second College Football Playoff rankings are due Tuesday. Last week’s surprise No. 4, Texas A&M, will fall from that lofty perch after a road loss at Mississippi State. Alabama, Michigan and Clemson should hold the top three spots again, with Washington the likely No. 4, though Ohio State could make the leap.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman