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October 01, 2023

For Astros, a 'muted' celebration reflects bigger goals

Your daily sports update from the Houston Chronicle.

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Texas Sports Nation's Daily Playbook

Today's starting lineup

Sunday promises to be a special one for Houston sports.

The Astros, who clinched a seventh consecutive playoff spot on Saturday, can still win the AL West and earn a bye. Houston needs to beat Arizona and have the Rangers lose at Seattle.

When Houston wrapped up its postseason spot, the Astros didn't have an extravagant clubhouse celebration. After a trying season, the team still has the goal of the division title and then, of course, repeating as World Series champions.

While the Astros are looking to the future, the Texans are taking time to honor their past. J.J. Watt will go into the team's ring of honor. Jonathan M. Alexander takes a look back at the moment when everyone knew J.J. would be a star: his pick six in the playoffs against the Bengals.

With Watt's honor as a backdrop, Brooks Kubena takes a look at what is making C.J. Stroud a leader as a rookie. It's Taco Tuesdays, Zombie movie and caring for teammates and fans.

In college football Saturday, UH wore down in the second half of a loss at Texas Tech. An open date comes at a good time for the Cougars.

Texas finally pulled away from Kansas to head into next week's annual showdown with Oklahoma at 5-0. But the Longhorns have some issues to fix.

Texas A&M took care of Arkansas again and is looking good as Alabama comes to College Station.

And Rice was glad to see JT Daniels in action as the Owls beat East Carolina for their first AAC win.

In soccer, the Dynamo earned a point in a draw with FC Dallas to keep place in the MLS playoff race.

Stat of the day: 661. Texas totaled 661 yards in its win over Kansas. That was the most yards in a Big 12 game for the Longhorns.

Reid Laymance HeadshotReid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com
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Astros / MLB

Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) pitches to Arizona Diamondbacks Corbin Carroll during the first inning of a MLB baseball game at Chase Field on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 in Phoenix.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

For Astros, a 'muted' celebration reflects bigger goals

Houston wrapped up a postseason spot with win over Arizona but with a chance at AL West and a run at a World Series, a bigger celebration could wait


Texans / NFL

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud sits on the bench watching his teammates warm up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Jon Shapley, Staff Photographer

How C.J. Stroud is becoming Texans leader: Taco Tuesdays and more

Texans rookie C.J. Stroud knows the city and teammates are counting on him and he uses that pressure to help make everyone around him better

  • Defining moment: J.J. Watt was booed when he was drafted in 2011 but when he returned an interception for a TD to give Houston its first playoff win, it was history.
  • Time to shine: As J.J. Watt is going into Texans' Ring of Honor, Sunday is a perfect time for C.J. Stroud to have another breakout game.

College Football / Big 12

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 30: Tahj Brooks #28 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders rushes for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Houston Cougars at Jones AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas.

Photo by: Josh Hedges, Getty Images

Second-half slowdown costs UH in loss to Texas Tech

UH produced its best start of the season but went cold in the final two quarters to drop its second straight Big 12 matchup.


College Football

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 30: The Texas A&M Aggies celebrate with the trophy after the win over the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.

Photo by: Richard Rodriguez, Getty Images

Texas A&M handles Arkansas again, improves to 2-0 in SEC play

Texas A&M continued its recent domination of Arkansas in Arlington, winning its first two SEC games of the season for the first time under Jimbo Fisher.


Dynamo / MLS

Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark (12) attempts to catch a shot while Los Angeles FC defender Jesús Murillo (3) is ttrying to score during the second half of a MLS game Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at PNC Stadium in Houston. Houston Dynamo defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1.

Photo by: Yi-Chin Lee, Staff Photographer

Dynamo, FC Dallas play to scoreless draw in Texas Derby

The Dynamo (12-11-8) grabbed a point to remain in fourth place in the Western Conference standings with 44 points, three ahead of Dallas (10-10-11)


Golf / Ryder Cup

United States' Patrick Cantlay celebrates after holing his putt that led to him winning his afternoon Fourballs match on the 18th green at the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Marco Simone Golf Club in Guidonia Montecelio, Italy, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.

Photo by: Andrew Medichini, AP

Patrick Cantlay sparks 4-ball win as U.S. finds hope

He holed birdie putts on the final three holes as the Americans clawed back to within five points of leader Europe.


High School Football

Ridge Point's Austin Carlisle (12) scrambles for yardage against George Ranch in the first half of a high school football game at Mercer Stadium, Saturday, Sep. 30, 2023 in Sugar Land.

Photo by: Kirk Sides, Staff Photographer

Ridge Point routs George Ranch for fourth straight win

Junior QB Austin Carlisle's school-record six touchdown passes led Ridge Point in the District 20-6A win.


Worth a read

• U.S. men's gymnastics team secures its place in Paris Olympics. (Washington Post)

• Chris Snow, NHL executive and beacon of hope for those with ALS, dies at 42. (Boston Globe)

• Hand Caleb Williams the Heisman. He's already proved he's best. (Los Angeles Times)

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