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Today's starting lineup
Believe it or not, the Rockets' season tips off in a week. But before that opener against defending NBA champion Oklahoma City, Houston still has a pair of preseason games left, starting tonight in Birmingham, Ala. Coach Ime Udoka discusses what he'd like to see in those final dress rehearsals.
Please scroll down for the rest of this morning’s headlines.
 | Greg Rajan, Senior Editor |
Rockets / NBA
Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle
To-do list for tune-ups
Rockets coach Ime Udoka wants to see different lineups, more corner 3-pointers and (hopefully) improved defense in his team's final two preseason games this week, beginning tonight in Birmingham.
- Dunkstronaut returns: The Rockets are going back to a familiar look for their 2025-26 City Edition uniforms. Read More
- Heading (far) East? As the NBA begins to regain its place in China, Houston and Dallas are on track to play in Macau during the 2026 preseason. Read More
UH Basketball
Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
Second to one
The Cougars, last season's national runner-up, are ranked in the preseason top 10 for the fourth consecutive year and matched the highest ranking to start a season in school history at No. 2.
- Poll tracker: A closer look at the voting behind UH's No. 2 ranking and how the preseason AP poll breaks down. Read More
UH Football
Photo by: Brian Bahr, Getty Images
Getting his kicks
Ethan Sanchez has 14 field goals in six games and is closing in on UH's record of 22 for a season with six games to play
Commentary
Photo by: Barry Reeger, Associated Press
'It's a business'
Seven head coaches are out before Halloween as Penn State fires James Franklin, a $49 million buyout underscoring college football’s win-now era. Texas' Steve Sarkisian knows exactly what the moves mean, writes Kirk Bohls.
Texas A&M Football
Photo by: Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images
Ready for expanded role
Rueben Owens has rushed for 327 yards in Texas A&M’s first six games and brings a versatile style to the backfield with Le’Veon Moss injured.
- Key absence for Aggies: Aggies coach Mike Elko said the ankle injury for Le'Veon Moss will not end the running back's season, but he will miss extended time. Read More
Astros / MLB
Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle
Offseason analysis: Shortstop
Jeremy Peña reached new levels of production raising the question of where he fits best in the lineup — leadoff or in the middle — for next season.
- Mariners 10, Blue Jays 3: Julio Rodríguez and Jorge Polanco hit three-run homers and Josh Naylor added a two-run drive as visiting Seattle took a 2-0 lead in the ALCS. Read More
- Dodgers 2, Brewers 1: Blake Snell allowed one baserunner in eight shutout innings before Los Angeles' bullpen barely held on to win the NLCS opener in Milwaukee. Read More
Texans / NFL
Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer
Winds of change keep blowing
For the sixth consecutive season, the AFC South has seen a coach fired, with Brian Callahan let go by Tennessee on Monday.
Worth a read
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