Defending national champion Clemson has won 26 games in a row, but the 11 teams the Tigers have topped this season haven't exactly been murderer's row. At least Trevor Lawrence & Co. are absolutely destroying their opposition.

Ohio State might be the most complete team in the FBS, but it's hard to gauge exactly how good the Buckeyes are when they're beating up on Maryland and Rutgers.

LSU might have the most impressive body of work to date with victories over Texas, Florida, Auburn and Alabama, but at least two of those triumphs don't look as impressive as they once did. And the Tigers aren't exactly the Steel Curtain on defense after allowing 614 yards of offense in a 58-37 win over Ole Miss on Saturday. It was the fourth time this season that the Tigers have yielded 450 yards or more. LSU's offense is as good as anyone's. Its defense? Yeah, not so much.

So who's No. 1 with two weeks to go in the regular season? Here are the ESPN Power Rankings after Week 12.

1. Clemson (11-0)

The defending national champions seem to be hitting their stride with only one game left in the regular season. The Tigers blasted Wake Forest 52-3 at Death Valley for their 26th consecutive victory on Saturday, and they're one win away from finishing unbeaten in the regular season for the second year in a row. Clemson has scored at least 45 points in six consecutive games and hasn't allowed an opponent to score more than 14 during that stretch. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, the Tigers are only the third team during the AP poll era (since 1936) -- 1971 Nebraska and 1944 Army are the others -- to win four straight contests by at least 45 points. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence matched his career high with four touchdown passes; he completed 21 of 27 passes for 272 yards. Tailback Travis Etienne ran for 121 yards on 16 carries, and Tee Higgins scored three times on receptions. The Tigers have a bye before closing the regular season against rival South Carolina on the road.

Up next: at South Carolina (Nov. 30, TBD)

2. Ohio State (10-0)

The Buckeyes took care of business in their final warm-up before a challenging two-game stretch to close the regular season, beating Rutgers 56-21 on the road for their 16th consecutive win. Quarterback Justin Fields threw for a career-high 305 yards with four touchdowns on 15-for-19 passing, while tailback J.K. Dobbins ran for 89 yards with two scores, as Ohio State's offense piled up 594 yards. Dobbins has multiple touchdowns from scrimmage in four straight games, the longest streak by a Buckeyes player since Ezekiel Elliott in 2014. Ohio State hosts Penn State next week, before closing the regular season at rival Michigan on Nov. 30.

Up next: vs. Penn State (Saturday, noon ET, Fox)

3. LSU (10-0)

The Tigers' high-flying offense continued to flourish in a 58-37 win at Ole Miss on Saturday night. But how much should we be concerned about LSU's defense? The Tigers allowed 614 yards of offense, including 402 rushing on 44 attempts (9.1 yards per carry). Rebels quarterback John Rhys Plumlee passed for 123 yards and ran 21 times for 212 yards with four scores. Still, the Tigers were too prolific on offense to be in serious trouble, piling up 714 yards, including 489 passing. Heisman Trophy favorite Joe Burrow threw five touchdowns and completed 32 passes. It was his fourth game this season with at least five touchdown passes, which tied Missouri's Drew Lock (2017) for most in SEC history. Ja'Marr Chase caught eight passes for 227 yards with three scores, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran 23 times for 172 yards with one score. The Tigers remain in control of the SEC West, with home games left against Arkansas and Texas A&M.

Up next: vs. Arkansas (Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN)

4. Oregon (9-1)

As expected, the Ducks didn't receive much of a challenge from Arizona in their 34-6 victory, as they held their fifth opponent of the season to seven points or less. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw for a season-high 333 yards with four touchdown passes and a pick. With 28 touchdown passes to just three interceptions, Herbert has played himself into the Heisman Trophy discussion and could find himself in New York if he finishes strong, with games against Arizona State and Oregon State remaining. More important, Oregon remains in a good position to reach the playoff.

Up next: at Arizona State (Saturday, TBD)

5. Georgia (9-1)

It wasn't easy, but the Bulldogs clinched their third consecutive SEC East title with a 21-14 decision at Auburn on Saturday. That's the longest streak for SEC East crowns since Florida won five in a row from 1992 to 1996. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 21-0 lead going into the fourth quarter and held on to move to 6-1 in the conference. Georgia closes SEC play at home against Texas A&M next week and then plays at Georgia Tech in the regular-season finale. With their fourth straight win, ESPN's Football Power Index gives UGA a 42% chance to make the CFP. Quarterback Jake Fromm completed 13 of 28 passes for 110 yards with three scores, and tailback D'Andre Swift ran for 106 yards on 17 carries. The Bulldogs finished with only 251 yards of offense, the lowest total for a team winning against an AP top-15 foe since LSU had 239 yards in a 9-6 victory in overtime at Alabama in 2011.

Up next: vs. Texas A&M (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS)

6. Alabama (9-1)

The Crimson Tide rolled past Mississippi State 38-7 on the road on Saturday but lost star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the remainder of the season. Tagovailoa, who had surgery on his right ankle about five weeks ago, injured his right hip with about three minutes left in the first half. He suffered a dislocated hip and a posterior wall fracture. Tagovailoa was hurt with the Tide leading 35-7, and coach Nick Saban will undoubtedly be second-guessed for still having his star quarterback in the game. Defensive linemen Raekwon Davis (left leg), DJ Dale (knee) and receiver Henry Ruggs III (undisclosed) also were hurt. Davis was carted to the locker room late in the first half, and he didn't return. Backup quarterback Mac Jones completed 7 of 11 passes for 94 yards in Tagovailoa's absence. The Tide scored only three points after halftime.

Up next: vs. Western Carolina (Saturday, noon ET)

7. Utah (9-1)

The Utes maintained control of the Pac-12 South and moved a step closer to the Pac-12 championship game and a chance at the Rose Bowl (or CFP?) by blasting UCLA 49-3 at home on Saturday. Utah's stingy defense limited the Bruins to 269 yards of offense, forced five turnovers and sacked quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson five times. He threw two interceptions and lost a pair of fumbles. UCLA's three points were the fewest it scored in a game since being shut out by USC on Nov. 26, 2011. Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley threw for a season-high 335 yards with two scores, and tailback Zack Moss ran 17 times for 127 yards with two scores. The Utes have a one-game lead over USC in the Pac-12 South standings, and they'll be heavy favorites in their last two games at Arizona next week and home against Colorado on Nov. 30.

Up next: at Arizona (Saturday, TBD)

8. Oklahoma (9-1)

Oklahoma kept its Big 12 title and CFP hopes alive with a big dose of Sooner Magic in a 34-31 decision at Baylor on Saturday. The Sooners trailed by 25 points in the second quarter and 21 at the half. But OU outscored Baylor 24-0 in the second half and won on Gabe Brkic's 31-yard field goal with 1:45 to play. It was the biggest comeback in school history and marked only the second time in the past 15 years that a team trailing by 25 points to a ranked team on the road came from behind to win (teams were 1-906 in such situations). Oklahoma's quick-strike offense put together touchdown drives of 12, 13 and 13 plays after intermission, consuming more than 16 minutes. OU's 58 offensive plays in the second half were the most by an FBS team this season, according to data from ESPN Stats & Information. Quarterback Jalen Hurts had three turnovers, including a fumble into the Bears' end zone, but he bounced back to complete 30 of 42 passes for 297 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. He also ran 27 times for 114 yards. The Sooners were without star receiver CeeDee Lamb, who didn't play because of an undisclosed "medical issue."

Up next: vs. TCU (Saturday, TBD)

9. Penn State (9-1)

The Nittany Lions bounced back from their first loss of the season by grinding out a 34-27 win over Indiana at home. After the Hoosiers cut Penn State's lead to 27-24 with 10:45 to go, the Nittany Lions put together an 18-play, 75-yard drive that ate up 9:01 off the clock. Quarterback Sean Clifford's 1-yard run gave PSU a 10-point lead. Clifford scored three touchdowns, while passing for 179 yards and rushing for 55 more. Journey Brown added 100 rushing yards with one score. Star receiver KJ Hamler left after a kickoff return in the first quarter with an undisclosed injury, but coach James Franklin is hopeful he'll play next week. The Nittany Lions stayed within one game of Ohio State in the Big Ten East standings. They play the Buckeyes at the Horseshoe next week.

Up next: at Ohio State (Saturday, noon ET, Fox)

10. Florida (9-2)

The Gators remained in the mix for a New Year's Six bowl game after knocking off Missouri 23-6 on the road. After struggling on offense in the first half, Florida quarterback Kyle Trask threw two touchdowns in the third quarter to help the Gators pull away. He completed 23 of 35 passes for 282 yards with two touchdowns. He has thrown at least two touchdowns in eight consecutive games, which is the longest streak by a Florida player since Tim Tebow did it in 10 straight contests in 2008. But the story for Florida was its defense, which allowed only 52 rushing yards and had 10 tackles for loss, including five with two sacks by Jonathan Greenard. The Gators get a week off before closing the regular season against rival Florida State at the Swamp on Nov. 30.

Up next: vs. Florida State (Nov. 30, TBD)

11. Baylor (9-1)

The Bears squandered a golden opportunity on Saturday, blowing a 25-point lead in their Big 12 showdown against four-time defending league champion Oklahoma at home. The Bears were shut out in the second half and couldn't muster much of anything on offense. With the Sooners dominating time of possession, Baylor had only five possessions in the second half, which resulted in a fumble, three punts and an interception. Quarterback Charlie Brewer had 194 passing yards with two touchdowns and one interception while running 17 times for 65 yards and two scores. The Bears can still reach the Big 12 championship game -- and a potential rematch with the Sooners -- if they take care of business in their final two games against Texas at home and at Kansas.

Up next: vs. Texas (Saturday, TBD)

12. Minnesota (9-1)

The Golden Gophers' dreams of an unbeaten season came to a screeching halt at Iowa with a 23-19 loss, just a week after they stunned Penn State 31-26 for one of the biggest victories in the program's history. Minnesota has dropped nine straight road games against the Hawkeyes and hasn't won at Kinnick Stadium since 1999. The Gophers dug themselves an early hole, falling behind 20-3 with 6:20 left in the second quarter, and they couldn't erase the deficit in the second half. Quarterback Tanner Morgan threw for 368 yards with one touchdown. The Hawkeyes had six sacks, and Morgan was knocked out in the final minute with a possible concussion. The Gophers ran for only 63 yards on 30 carries. Despite the loss, Minnesota is still in the driver's seat in the Big Ten West. It plays at Northwestern next week, followed by a showdown at home against Wisconsin on Nov. 30.

Up next: at Northwestern (Saturday, TBD)

13. Wisconsin (8-2)

The Badgers stayed within striking distance of Minnesota in the Big Ten West by winning 37-21 at Nebraska. It was the Jonathan Taylor show once again, as the star tailback ran 25 times for 204 yards with two touchdowns. It was the third time Taylor rushed for 200 yards or more against the Cornhuskers. He has 11 career games with at least 200 yards, which ties Ron Dayne, Ricky Williams and Marcus Allen for the most in FBS history, according to data from ESPN Stats & Information. With 5,634 career rushing yards, Taylor passed 1982 Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker's NCAA record for most rushing yards by a player through his junior season. Walker had 5,596 yards from 1980 to 1982. Taylor still has two regular-season games and at least a bowl game to add to his total.

Up next: vs. Purdue (Saturday, TBD)

14. Michigan (8-2)

The Wolverines' new offense is clicking at just the right time, with the showdown against Ohio State in The Game only two weeks away. Quarterback Shea Patterson threw for a season-high 384 yards with four touchdowns on 24-for-33 passing in a 44-10 rout of Michigan State on Saturday. It was the first time he had at least 300 yards with three touchdowns in a game at Michigan. He had 182 passing yards in the first half, which was the most by a Wolverines player since Chad Henne against the Spartans in 2005. Ronnie Bell caught nine passes for 150 yards. Michigan beat the Spartans for the third time in the past four meetings, after losing seven of the previous eight games.

Up next: at Indiana (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, TBD)

15. Notre Dame (8-2)

The Fighting Irish didn't sell out a home game for the first time since Thanksgiving Day of 1973, and the fans who didn't show up missed one of their most complete performances of the season. Quarterback Ian Book threw for 284 yards with five touchdowns -- four of them to Chase Claypool. It was Book's third game with at least five passing touchdowns this season, which is the most in Notre Dame history; it also ties Brady Quinn for the most in a career by an Irish player. Claypool had seven catches for 177 yards, and his four touchdown receptions tied Maurice Stovall's single-game school record, set against BYU in 2005. The Irish defense forced four fumbles, which were converted into 24 points, and it did an adequate job of stifling Navy's triple-option offense. The Irish have games left against Boston College (home) and Stanford (road), and they might be able to sneak into a New Year's Six bowl with some help.

Up next: vs. Boston College (Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET, NBC)

16. Memphis (9-1)

The Tigers started slowly at Houston -- they trailed 17-7 at the end of the first quarter -- before erupting for 35 points over the second and third quarters to pull away with a 45-27 victory. Memphis won its fourth straight game and maintained its position for the Group of 5 leagues' automatic invitation to a New Year's Six bowl. Quarterback Brady White threw for 341 yards with five touchdowns and ran for another score. He tossed touchdowns to four different players. Tailback Kenneth Gainwell ran for 99 yards on 17 carries, as the Tigers outgained the Cougars 531-256 in total yards. Memphis went 9-for-13 on third down. The Tigers remained in a tie in the AAC West Division with one loss in conference play. The Tigers will play at USF next week and host Cincinnati in the Nov. 29 regular-season finale.

Up next: at USF (Saturday, TBD)

17. Iowa (7-3)

The Hawkeyes spoiled Minnesota's perfect season with a 23-19 upset of the Golden Gophers at home on Saturday. It was the sixth time since 2008 that the Hawkeyes have knocked off a ranked opponent at Kinnick Stadium in November -- and the third time in four seasons that they've upset a top-10 foe. The Hawkeyes also beat No. 3 Penn State in 2008; No. 15 Michigan in 2011; No. 3 Michigan and No. 16 Nebraska in 2016; and No. 6 Ohio State in 2017. Iowa scored touchdowns on its first three possessions to take a 20-3 lead and held off Minnesota's rally in the second half. Quarterback Nate Stanley threw for 173 yards with two touchdowns, and Tyler Goodson ran for 94 yards with one score. Iowa still can reach 10 victories this season with contests remaining against Illinois at home and Nebraska on the road, followed by a bowl game.

Up next: vs. Illinois (Saturday, noon ET, BTN)

18. Boise State (9-1)

Even with third-string quarterback Jaylon Henderson called in to start his first game for the Broncos due to injuries, New Mexico didn't provide much of a hurdle. The one-sided 42-9 affair was Boise State's third straight win since losing to BYU, and it has started a different quarterback in each one. The Broncos can clinch the Mountain West Conference's Mountain division with a win at Utah State next week, while a loss could lead to a three-way tie atop the division with the Aggies and Air Force.

Up next: at Utah State (Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET, CBSSN)

19. Cincinnati (9-1)

The Bearcats have been guilty of playing down to their competition at times this season, and that was the case in a 20-17 win at South Florida on Saturday. The Bearcats trailed 10-0 at the half after gaining only 46 yards of offense on 27 plays in the first two quarters. But they rallied to score 20 points after intermission and won on Sam Crosa's 37-yard field goal as time expired for their eighth straight victory. Cincinnati clinched at least a share of the AAC East Division title. With a 6-0 record in conference play, the Bearcats are two games ahead of UCF and Temple in the league standings. Cincinnati overcame an off-night from quarterback Desmond Ridder, who completed nine of 18 passes for 78 yards. The Bearcats were outgained 438-278 in total yards.

Up next: vs. Temple (Saturday, TBD)

20. Auburn (7-3)

For the third time this season, the Tigers came up just short against a top-10 opponent, losing to Georgia 21-14 at home. After falling behind 21-0 late in the third quarter, the Tigers scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to make things interesting. The Tigers had two chances to tie the game late but failed to convert a pair of fourth-down plays -- at the Georgia 34 and the Auburn 27. Quarterback Bo Nix completed 30 of 50 passes for 245 yards with one touchdown, and Seth Williams caught 13 passes for 121 yards. The Bulldogs have won 12 of the past 15 meetings in the Deep South's oldest rivalry. The Tigers have games left against FCS foe Samford and No. 5 Alabama, and a loss to the Crimson Tide would only increase the scrutiny on Auburn coach Gus Malzahn, who might be a top candidate for Arkansas' vacancy.

Up next: vs. Samford (Saturday, noon ET)

21. Oklahoma State (7-3)

The Cowboys have quietly won three games in a row to climb up the Big 12 standings, the latest a 31-13 decision over Kansas. Tailback Chuba Hubbard ran for 122 yards with two touchdowns on 23 carries. It was his seventh game this season with at least 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns, which is the second most in a season in Big 12 history, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Texas' Ricky Williams had eight such games in 1997. OSU's defense turned in one of its better performances of the season, limiting the Jayhawks to only 290 total yards, including 39 rushing. The Pokes also picked off three passes.

Up next: at West Virginia (Saturday, TBD)

22. Virginia Tech (7-3)

After a 2-2 start, the Hokies continued their resurgence by shutting out Georgia Tech 45-0 on the road on Saturday. It was Virginia Tech's fifth victory in its past six games since being routed by Duke 45-10 on Sept. 27. The Yellow Jackets were held scoreless for the first time since a 38-0 loss to Florida State on Oct. 18, 1997. Virginia Tech coordinator Bud Foster's unit limited Georgia Tech to eight first downs, 2-for-15 on third down, 134 total yards of offense and 53 rushing yards. Virginia Tech is now 5-0 in games started by quarterback Hendon Hooker, who threw for 159 yards with one touchdown and ran for two more scores. With games remaining against Pittsburgh (home) and Virginia (road), the Hokies are very much in the hunt for an ACC Coastal Division title and the league's automatic berth in the Capital One Orange Bowl (provided Clemson makes the CFP).

Up next: vs. Pittsburgh (Saturday, TBD)

23. Appalachian State (9-1)

The Mountaineers trailed Georgia State 21-7 on the road after Chris Bacon intercepted a pass and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown with 1:38 to play in the first quarter in Atlanta. Then the Mountaineers scored 49 consecutive points to rout the Panthers 56-27. Appalachian State's defense forced seven three-and-outs in that stretch, and one of the other possessions ended in an interception. Quarterback Zac Thomas threw for four touchdowns and ran for another score. Darrynton Evans had 131 rushing yards with one touchdown. The Mountaineers remained one game ahead of Georgia Southern in the Sun Belt East standings. Appalachian State closes the regular season against Texas State at home next week and at Troy on Nov. 29.

Up next: vs. Texas State (Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

24. Texas A&M (7-3)

The Aggies ran for 319 yards and stifled South Carolina's offense in a 30-6 win on Saturday at Kyle Field, their fourth consecutive victory. Quarterback Kellen Mond threw for 221 yards with one touchdown and ran for another score. Cordarrian Richardson ran for 130 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown, and Isaiah Spiller had 129 yards on 24 attempts. The Aggies couldn't produce much offense in the third quarter before putting up 17 points in the fourth. South Carolina had 260 yards of offense, and the Aggies controlled the ball for more than 41 minutes. They'll have to be as efficient in their final two regular-season games at Georgia and at LSU.

Up next: at Georgia (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS)

25. San Diego State (8-2)

The Aztecs moved within one victory of clinching a spot in the Mountain West Conference title game by beating defending league champion Fresno State 17-7 on Friday night. The Aztecs limited the Bulldogs to 206 yards of offense -- 70 rushing and 136 passing. Fresno State was only 3-for-12 on third down and turned the ball over three times. San Diego State quarterback Ryan Agnew completed 33 of 47 passes for 323 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He is the first Aztecs player to throw for 300 yards since Quinn Kaehler had 326 against Air Force in 2014. The Aztecs clinched at least a share of the MWC West crown for the fourth time in the conference's two-division format, and they can secure a spot in the league championship game with a win at Hawaii next week.

Up next: at Hawaii (Saturday, 11 p.m. ET, TBD)

A high-ranking Houston Astros official asked scouts to spy on opponents' dugouts leading up to the 2017 postseason, hoping to steal signs and suggesting the potential use of cameras to do so, sources familiar with the request told ESPN.

The reaction among those who received an email from Kevin Goldstein, a special assistant to Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow, was mixed, sources told ESPN. Some were intrigued by the idea, sources who received the email said, while others were bothered with the thoughts of pointing cameras from the stands toward opposing teams' dugouts, a plan that could have earned them scorn within the scouting community if caught.

The email, which was first reported by The Athletic and confirmed by recipients to ESPN, is the first indication of Astros front-office involvement in potential cheating and further reveals the scope of Houston's attempts to gain advantages through intercepted signs. Major League Baseball is investigating the organization's methods of sign stealing after pitcher Mike Fiers told The Athletic that during its World Series-winning 2017 season the team used a live video feed to steal catchers' signs and transmit them to hitters by banging on a trash can.

Goldstein, who did not return a message seeking comment, wrote in the email: "One thing in specific we are looking for is picking up signs coming out of the dugout. What we are looking for is how much we can see, how we would log things, if we need cameras/binoculars, etc. So go to game, see what you can [or can't] do and report back your findings."

MLB's investigation ramped up this week as interviewers spoke with on-field and front-office staff from the Astros and other teams. As the investigators attempt to confirm the allegations by Fiers, they continue to lay groundwork for other tentacles of alleged cheating, which people around baseball fear has grown into an epidemic in recent years.

"Technology and stealing info is going to be the black eye of this generation," one longtime Astros employee said. "It's really the last frontier that isn't banned. It's a way to get a competitive advantage without altering the actual players."

The Pandora's box of technology use, even with new rules put into place before the 2019 season, continues to vex a sport that encourages teams to meander into gray areas. Sign stealing long has been a part of baseball, supported by players and scouts alike, particularly runners on second base eyeing the catchers' signals and relaying them to the batter.

The use of cameras to do so is regarded as unethical by many and due to recent rule changes is now codified as illegal by MLB. The level of punishment for those involved in the Astros' alleged 2017 sign stealing might depend on commissioner Rob Manfred's interpretation of a rule against using technology for "stealing signs or conveying information." In 2017, the league fined the Boston Red Sox for using an Apple Watch in their dugout.

The breadth of the Astros' willingness to use technology for on-field advantages continues to come into focus. During the 2018 postseason, Kyle McLaughlin, an Astros baseball operations staffer, was removed from the camera wells next to the dugouts of the Cleveland Indians and Red Sox during the postseason after pointing a cell phone into the dugout. Luhnow said the Astros simply were running a counterintelligence operation against the teams to ensure they were not cheating.

The 2017 plans relayed by Goldstein involved a pro scouting department that since has been gutted, with the Astros' analytics-scouting balance since then tilting wildly to the side of analytics -- "99 to 1," according to a person familiar with the team's resources. Much of the Astros' scouting work today, sources said, involves cameras and video.

On-field personnel that has drawn the interest of the league includes Red Sox manager and former Astros bench coach Alex Cora, New York Mets manager and former Astros designated hitter Carlos Beltran, Astros manager AJ Hinch and Red Sox bullpen coach Craig Bjornson, who had the same job with Houston in 2017.

MLB's probe follows years of cheating allegations by teams regularly reported to the league office because of suspicious actions or anomalous results. The league has looked into past allegations against the Astros by the Oakland Athletics in August and the McLaughlin incidents in October and cleared Houston of wrongdoing. The scope of the investigation is expected to include other Astros teams, including the 2019 version that lost the World Series in seven games.

After a three-day finish to the first Test, India and Bangladesh have stayed back in Indore to train with the pink ball before they head to Kolkata for the second and final Test, also the maiden day-night Test for the two teams.

The Eden Gardens Test will start on November 22, which gives the players just under a week for full-fledged preparation. At the moment, only a handful of players from the two teams have trained with the pink ball, mostly in small pockets during their regular training sessions before the start of the series.

ALSO READ: 'The lateral movement is big' - Rahane's pink-ball experience

"I hadn't played with the pink ball before," Virat Kohli had said on Tuesday, before the first Test began. "I was given an opportunity to try and I wanted to, so that was my mindset behind playing with the pink ball. I think everyone else did it as well. You require extra concentration to pick the pink ball suddenly when you're playing with the red ball.

"It [the alternating] was to work on the reflexes a little bit as well. Because when you play with the red ball in the net and you arrive at the pink ball, it gets very difficult to pick it up, which can be the case in the game as well. It sort of gives you the match scenario and how it might be difficult to pick it early on. To get into that zone was the reason behind it."

"It's a new experience, and as we go on, we'll understand bowling with the pink ball" India bowling coach Bharat Arun

There are various other factors that the players will have to take a look at.

The few players in the Indian team who have played matches with pink balls have only played with the Kookaburra ball, whereas the Kolkata Test will be played with SG balls, the same brand as the ones used in regular Test and domestic cricket in the country.

Also in the discussions, no doubt, will be catching. India dropped at least five clear catching chances across two innings in the first Test, and Bangladesh dropped two. And while a lot of talk around the pink ball so far has focused on swing, the spinners in the two teams will also have to figure their way around long spells in the dew that is expected at the ground in the evenings.

ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar expects dew to affect pink-ball Test

"Actually, it is a new experience for us, the pink ball," bowling coach Bharat Arun said after India sealed the win on Saturday. "The spinners that we have are No. 1 and No. 2 in the world [among spinners, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, respectively]. They come with a lot of experience. My job is to give them the right feedback so that they can connect with what they know better and use that. It's a new experience, and as we go on, we'll understand bowling with the pink ball."

The players will also welcome the extra time to train in the relative calm of Indore as Kolkata prepares for what looks like it will be a grand affair under the direct guardianship of new BCCI president Sourav Ganguly at his home ground. Tickets for the first three days have been sold out and the Test could have a dramatic start, with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) reportedly looking to enlist paratroopers to deliver pink balls to the two captains at the start.

"The paratroopers will fly into the wicket with two pink balls. We have discussed the plans with the army (Eastern Command)," CAB secretary Abhishek Dalmiya was quoted as saying by PTI on Friday. The army, it is believed, will also play both teams' national anthems before the start of the game.

The paratrooper delivery is only one element of a lavish plan, which includes the ceremonial ringing of the Eden Gardens bell by Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, laps along the boundary by sporting greats of the two nations, and a feature programme with five players who were part of India's famous 2001 come-from-behind win against Australia in Kolkata.

College football, by its nature, is meant to be enjoyed in the moment. Sure, the history and traditions endure, but the sport is inherently fleeting. Today's star is tomorrow's NFL draft pick. A season-defining win can evaporate amid a brutal loss a week later. For all the consistency of Alabama and Clemson, every Saturday manages to offer a new revelation.

The ephemeral nature of the sport was at the forefront Saturday, when college football welcomed Baylor to the big time, then kicked the Bears to the curb an hour later, capsized Minnesota's Playoff boat and supplied an absolute gut punch to everyone who has witnessed the brilliance of Tua Tagovailoa, only to watch him scream into a towel as his hip throbbed and blood gushed from his face.

There will be debate in the days to come about whether Tagovailoa should've even been on the field when the injury occurred, what it means for his predicted future in the NFL, how Alabama will rebound, what this moment -- the sight of one of the sport's most recognizable stars writhing in pain -- could do to change the discussion around paying players. All are worthy conversations, but in the moment, let's consider this:

It has been less than two years since Tagovailoa stepped into the spotlight in the second half of the national championship game and delivered one of the most thrilling comebacks in the sport's history. It has been less than a year since he saw his surefire Heisman hopes eclipsed by the ascendant Kyler Murray. It has been just a week since he played through a serious ankle injury, willing his team back into contention against LSU, only to fall short there, too. If this is the last we see of Tagovailoa in an Alabama uniform, it will have been an all-too-brief flirtation but an overwhelmingly memorable one.

It's almost hard to remember that, until Tagovailoa emerged from the tunnel to lead the Tide back to beat Georgia in the national championship game in January 2018, Alabama's recent run had little to do with the men playing quarterback. His predecessors were fine, but Alabama's run was built largely by elite defenses and dominant runners, and the QBs were along for the ride. Remember Jacob Coker? He won a title.

Then Tagovailoa came along and changed everything. Suddenly Alabama, the team that oozed tradition and brute-force swagger, became one of the most explosive offenses in the country. For all the deserved accolades afforded Mike Leach and Chip Kelly and Lincoln Riley, it was Tagovailoa who turned old-school Bama into a new-school juggernaut that truly changed the sport. Once the Tide did it, there was no going back.

Now, it's likely over. Not the change in Bama's approach. There will be other big-name QBs and plenty more points, even if they didn't come in the second half against Mississippi State. The magic of Tagovailoa's tenure, though, will be tough to replicate. Because guys such as Tagovailoa -- quiet and reserved but utterly joyous on the field, a player whose greatness was recognized in real time -- don't come around very often.

In Minnesota, the Playoff hopes proved fleeting, too. The high that followed a stunning win over Penn State lasted just a week, as the Gophers went to Iowa and ran into a buzzsaw. Minnesota's offensive line always made a run through the Big Ten a tough road, and A.J. Epenesa & Co. finally took advantage, utterly smothering the Gophers' ground game and sacking Tanner Morgan six times in a 23-19 win.

But nothing was more fleeting than Baylor's playoff push, which went from an emphatic statement to an utter disaster in the span of a half. Baylor jumped out to a 28-3 lead in the first half and led by 21 at the half. The Bears have lived on the brink often this year, but Saturday looked to be an easy one against Oklahoma. It didn't last.

Baylor didn't score in the second half, Jalen Hurts moved the ball at will, and that big lead couldn't hold. Hurts threw for 297 yards, ran for 114 more on a whopping 27 carries, and finished with four TDs in a 34-31 win.

That Hurts' Playoff hopes remain, while Tagovailoa's season is over, offers yet another reminder of the often merciless, occasionally exhilarating and always dramatic ups and downs this sport provides.

SEC's Achilles' heels

The SEC currently has three teams in the nation's top five, but that doesn't mean there aren't some serious questions looming at the top of the country's best conference.

The Tagovailoa injury certainly puts Alabama's chances at the playoff chances under even more scrutiny. The Tide already needed help, but we've seen the committee give Saban's crew the benefit of the doubt before. Will that same luxury be afforded to Alabama without its star QB if it finishes 11-1? Is 11-1 even possible without Tagovailoa in the Iron Bowl?

It was Georgia that moved into the No. 4 spot last week, edging out Alabama. The Dawgs added a huge line to an already strong resume with a 21-14 win over Auburn. The Georgia D was dominant, stuffing the run and forcing Bo Nix to throw 50 times. Still, the lingering questions about UGA's offense remain. Jake Fromm made the big throws he needed to win, but he was just 13-of-28 passing for the game, and the Auburn D-line made life uncomfortable throughout. Auburn finished with seven pass break-ups and five QB hurries, and Georgia mustered just 251 yards of offense. It's the fifth time this season Georgia has failed to crack 400, which given the offensive fireworks Clemson, LSU and Ohio State are capable of producing, certainly makes for a stark contrast.

Meanwhile, LSU's offense continues to chug along, but that defense provided more fodder for folks looking for a weakness in the Tigers' seemingly stellar facade. Ole Miss racked up 614 yards of offense in a 58-37 loss Saturday, the fourth time this season LSU has allowed 450 yards or more. Clemson, Ohio State, Georgia, Oregon and Utah have yet to allow 450 yards in a game this season.

Heisman Five

That Tagovailoa won't be a part of this conversation down the stretch is heartbreaking, but he'll also join a group of elite QBs who never actually came away with the award, including Andrew Luck and Deshaun Watson in recent years. Here's to hoping Tagovailoa's future includes as much success as those guys' did.

1. Joe Burrow, LSU

This wasn't supposed to require much playing time for Burrow down the stretch, but because Ole Miss kept coming back, Burrow kept throwing. The end result was 489 yards and five touchdowns (though two picks!) which will help boost those Heisman stats.

2. Justin Fields, Ohio State

It's a shame playing Maryland and Rutgers doesn't give Fields much time in the second half to run up his stats. He had to settle for 335 total yards and four touchdowns.

3. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma

Hurts' second-half effort is everything a Heisman run is made of, and his 27 carries underscored the physicality he showed. Four touchdowns ain't bad either.

4. Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State

With another 164 yards and two touchdowns for Hubbard in an easy win over Kansas, what looked like an all-QB affair at the Heisman ceremony seems increasingly likely to include the Cowboys' tailback, too.

5. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

He finished the first quarter vs. Louisville in Week 8 with three completions on seven attempts and two picks. Since then, Lawrence's stat line: 77.5% completions, 11.4 yards/pass, 16 TD, 0 INT.

Now you see them ...

Indiana did something momentous last week. For the first time in 25 years, the Hoosiers cracked the AP top 25. After a 7-2 start, IU found itself ranked No. 24, the first time the Hoosiers made the poll since 1994. Much like grunge, flannel and "House Party" movies, it was all downhill from there for Indiana.

So, how'd the new ranking treat the team? About the same as the last one. In '94, Indiana climbed to No. 25 on Sept. 25, then promptly lost their next game 25-14 to Minnesota. This year, the one-week stint at No. 24 likely came to a screeching halt with a slightly more competitive, but nevertheless fruitless 34-27 loss to Penn State.

Bouncing back at the Big House

Remember when we wrote off Michigan and started scripting Jim Harbaugh's epitaph in Ann Arbor? Well, a funny thing has happened since the Wolverines fell behind 21-0 at Penn State last month. Shea Patterson & Co. came charging back in that one, only to fall just short, 28-21. Since then, they've been dominant, demolishing Notre Dame, Maryland and, this week, rival Michigan State.

Saturday's 44-10 win gave Michigan rights to the Paul Bunyan trophy (not the same as Paul Bunyan's axe trophy because the Big Ten is really into Paul Bunyan-related trophies) and also marked the first time since 2013 the Wolverines posted 38 points or more against three straight Big Ten opponents.

Harbaugh's team will still be a heavy underdog to Ohio State on the final Saturday of the regular season, but that game suddenly has a little more cache than we might've thought a month ago.

Two hundred and history

Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor posted his 11th career game with at least 200 yards on the ground, going for 204 and two touchdowns in a win over Nebraska on Saturday. Taylor is now tied with Ricky Williams, Marcus Allen and Ron Dayne for the most 200-yard rushing games in college football history.

While Taylor and the Badgers celebrated the moment, Nebraska fell to 4-6 and will now need to win its final two games (at Maryland, vs. Iowa) to become bowl-eligible. If the Cornhuskers can't get to six wins, it would mark the third straight season without a bowl bid -- something that happened just twice in the previous 48 seasons.

Big bets and bad beats

• College kickers haunt the dreams of every bettor, and for good reason, as Minnesota fans found out Saturday. The Gophers were 3-point dogs at Iowa, despite their 9-0 record, and a strong second half was called with a Rodney Smith TD run with 3:27 to play to pull to within four, pending the point-after try. Unfortunately, freshman Brock Walker missed the kick -- putting the Gophers in position to need a TD for the win and Minnesota backers just a point shy of a push. Neither came away happy as the Gophers fell for the first time in 2019.

• Honestly, if you were betting hapless Northwestern on Saturday, you knew you were flirting with danger, so there's no use complaining now. Still, the Wildcats left most of their backers shaking their heads (or their fists) after a woeful first quarter in which UMass's awful defense held Northwestern scoreless, another awful third frame in which they mustered just a field goal, three brutal turnovers and just 76 yards from the passing game. In the end, Northwestern still covered the 38.5-point spread -- for anyone who got their bets in just before kick. Until four minutes before kickoff, the spread was actually 39.5, which left most bettors on the wrong end of an ugly game.

• Clemson doesn't seem to have much trouble covering a big number this season, putting up an impressive 8-1 record against the spread when favored by at least 24 points this year against FBS competition. That trend held Saturday as the Tigers walloped Wake Forest, but in order to also provide a payday to bettors who had Clemson -21.5 in the first half, the Tigers needed a little luck. Leading 17-3, Clemson got the ball with just 2:15 to play in the half. Trevor Lawrence made quick work of the Wake defense, engineering an 80-yard TD drive in just 1:34. Still, Wake was covering -- until Jamie Newman tossed a pick with 20 seconds left, and Lawrence hit Tee Higgins for a 30-yard touchdown pass on the next play -- scoring with just 13 seconds left until the break.

• Entering Saturday, there were two teams still undefeated against the spread in the first halves of games: Navy and Ohio State. The Midshipmen were +4.5 against Notre Dame and ... it didn't go well. The Irish trucked Navy, leading 38-3 at the break and going on to win 52-20. Ohio State at least offered a bit more drama. The Buckeyes were favored by 35 in the first half, but failed to cover thanks to two straight stops by Rutgers at the 1-yard line. The Scarlet Knights also covered a 52-point spread for the game because not even Rutgers is quite that embarrassing. This week, anyway.

• Colorado State was a 10.5-point underdog against rival Air Force, but Mike Bobo's crew got off to a hot start and jumped out to a 14-0 lead. Air Force punched its way back after a woeful first half, but with fewer than two minutes remaining, the Rams trailed by just 10 and were knocking on the door of ensuring a cover with a second-and-goal at the Air Force 1-yard line. And as many a Georgia fan yelled during Bobo's years as the Bulldogs' offensive coordinator, he should've just run the ball. Instead, a Patrick O'Brien pass was picked off by Zane Lewis and returned for a touchdown -- ending any hopes of a win and blowing what should've been an easy cover.

Under-the-radar play of the week

OK, so it wasn't a play, but good luck finding a moment Saturday infused with more meaning than Casey O'Brien, a four-time cancer survivor playing for Minnesota, getting a chance to wave to the kids at the Iowa Children's Hospital.

Minnesota's Casey O'Brien is a four-time cancer survivor.

On Saturday, he was part of Iowa's traditional wave to the children's hospital ��

(via @BigTenNetwork) pic.twitter.com/V9e0NsFJb5

- ESPN (@espn) November 16, 2019

Under-the-radar game of the week

Perhaps you were focused on Minnesota's late drive in hopes of staying undefeated at Iowa. Perhaps you were glued to the Georgia-Auburn game, wondering if the Tigers could come all the way back from down 21-0. Well, shame on you, because while neither of those other two come-from-behind efforts worked out, you were missing a truly epic comeback in the heart of Indiana, where Central Michigan put up 34 second-half points and edged Ball State, 45-44.

Ball State led by 16 at the half, was up 41-24 late in the third quarter and still had a six-point lead with five minutes left to play. It was all for naught, as Central Michigan engineered a 10-play, 72-yard TD drive, then picked off Drew Plitt to seal the win.

Why's all this noteworthy? Well, you might've written off Jim McElwain as the guy who couldn't win enough at Florida and, possibly, as the coach who looks like a guy who took a naked photo with a shark. But that'd be underestimating McElwain, who now has CMU -- a team that went 1-11 last year and had lost 15 of its last 16 FBS contests entering October -- at 7-4, winners of five of its last six and still with a chance to win the MAC West.

Give Rice a trophy

Saturday was a huge day for winless teams, as both New Mexico State and Rice managed to pick up win No. 1 of the season.

For New Mexico State, the win was a little less impressive, upending FCS Incarnate Word. Still, a win's a win.

At Rice, however, the 31-28 victory over Middle Tennessee has huge ripple effects. Or, at least it does if you like playing with the transitive property, as ESPN Stats & Info noted. Rice (1-9 on the year) beat MTSU, which beat Marshall, which beat Ohio, which beat Toledo, which has a win vs. Ball State, which beat BYU. And, of course, BYU has a win over Tennessee, and the Vols have a win over South Carolina and South Carolina gave Georgia its only loss. So, now all we need is for the Dawgs to go on to win the national championship, and they'll really be partying in Houston.

SAN ANTONIO -- Tim Duncan was back in charge in San Antonio and the Spurs were flourishing under his leadership again.

Duncan was directing players on defensive assignments, encouraging them and providing needed leadership. But in the end, he couldn't provide the same late-game heroics from the bench that he long did on the court.

CJ McCollum scored 32 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Spurs 121-116 on Saturday night to spoil Duncan's first shot at coaching following Gregg Popovich's ejection.

Duncan took over just 13 games into his first season as an assistant coach. Popovich was asked if he considered having Becky Hammon take over to make history as the first woman to lead an NBA team.

"I'm not here to make history," Popovich said.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 30 points and 13 rebounds but the Spurs lost their fifth straight and fell to 5-8.

Damian Lillard added 22 points and Hassan Whiteside had 21 points for Portland (5-8), which rallied from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to snap a four-game skid in San Antonio.

"We've blown leads before, so we kind of know what to expect," McCollum said. "Once you do it, you've got to stay grounded, focus on the little stuff."

Before the game, Popovich said coaching could only go so far and it was up to each player to take responsibility for his own mistakes and performance during this losing streak. Popovich put that responsibility squarely on the Spurs when he was ejected early in the third quarter.

Popovich was ejected after walking onto the court to berate official Jason Goldenberg over a non-call. Popovich calmly walked off the court following his first ejection of the season.

Duncan, Hammon and Will Hardy coached by committee, but it was Duncan calling the plays and screaming out instruction.

"It was cool," Spurs guard Bryn Forbes said. "It didn't really feel like a huge difference. I think he did a good job. He took control. He helped lead us to a big lead."

San Antonio took a 111-104 lead with 4 minutes remaining but couldn't hold on. Portland took a 114-111 lead on Rodney Hood's three-point play on a left-handed hook and foul on DeMar DeRozan.

DeRozan was later called for a charge against Hood that was changed to a pushing foul after a coaching challenge by the Spurs. The Blazers took a 116-113 lead with 37 seconds following the review.

DeRozan was still upset by the call after the game, stating Hood hit him in the face prior to any possible push off.

"As soon as we say something out on the court, we get a tech," DeRozan said. "We're held responsible for things we say about the refs, but when refs cost us the game, I don't know what we get. An apology later on after it's reviewed?"

After trailing by 23 points in the opening minute of the second quarter, the Spurs went on a 34-15 run capped by Aldridge's sixth 3-pointer. Aldridge had 10 3-pointers last season.

The Spurs stormed to a 96-90 lead late in the third quarter behind a series of energy plays that drew thunderous cheers from the previously restrained crowd.

"We've got to play the way we played after Pop got kicked out the full game," DeRozan said. "Fighting against bad calls, so many things out there, we just listened, went out there and played hard."

Bryn Forbes added 17 points and DeRozan and Rudy Gay added 16 apiece.

TIP-INS

Trail Blazers: Portland's bench had 25 points led by eight peach by Mario Hezonja and Kent Bazemore. . The Blazers lost 113-110 in San Antonio on Oct. 28 when Lillard's 3-pointer at the buzzer rattled out of the rim.

Spurs: The Spurs entered the season with a losing record for only 65 days since 1998. . Aldridge's career high for 3-pointers is 37 set in 2015 and his highest percentage is 41% set in 2017.

MUSCLE MELO

Lillard and McCollum both reached out to Carmelo Anthony after he agreed to sign with the Trail Blazers.

Anthony has not played since Nov. 8, 2018, with the Houston Rockets, but he spent the past summer working out with McCollum and others.

"He looks like he's changed his body a little bit," McCollum said. "Started lifting more on his legs, his lower half. He was dunking this summer. He doesn't usually dunk, so that's how I knew he was feeling good. I don't know if it was because of the work or because he's been off or a combination, but he looked like he had new life, more bounce in his step."

UP NEXT

Trail Blazers: At Houston on Monday night.

Spurs: At Dallas on Monday night.

Chris Green has signed the longest deal in BBL history after Sydney Thunder signed the offspinner for a further six seasons.

Green, 27, is one of the very few Australian players who isn't involved in the traditional domestic state pathway, instead opting to become a T20 globetrotter. But the Thunder have signed him on for six seasons not only for his value as a specialist T20 spinner with an ability bowl in the powerplay, as well as being a crafty lower-order batsman, but also for his loyalty to the Thunder and his standing as a leader and ambassador for the club.

Despite not currently being involved in four-day and 50-over cricket for New South Wales - he has never played a first-class game - Green has been encouraged by feedback from the Australian selectors about his international prospects. He was not selected for Australia's most recent two T20I series but was picked to play in the Prime Minister's XI and the Cricket Australia XI T20 tour games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan and remains in contention for the T20 World Cup in Australia next year.

Green said he was grateful for the Thunder's backing after being the first franchise to give him a chance.

"Thunder was the first team that backed me when I was playing grade cricket, so to lock in my future with the club is really exciting," Green said. "It's not often you have security, so for me to get that with a club that I love, I'm really excited and very grateful for this opportunity to continue to represent Thunder into the future."

Green's performances for the Thunder in the powerplay have propelled him to opportunities in the Caribbean Premier League where he has starred for the Guyana Amazon Warriors. He has also played in Canada's Global T20, the T20 Blast and the PSL. He is currently playing for the Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament.

CHICAGO -- On the final night of a five-game road trip, the Brooklyn Nets entered the fourth quarter at the United Center trailing the Chicago Bulls 78-74 without All-Star guard Kyrie Irving as he rested his injured shoulder.

Then, Spencer Dinwiddie caught fire down the stretch, and the Nets didn't trail for much longer.

The Nets guard posted 20 of his 24 points in the final nine minutes to lead Brooklyn to a 117-111 victory.

"He took over," Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said. "His drives, how aggressive he was, understanding the mismatch, understanding when to get out up the blitz. He was just fantastic."

It was a career high for points in any quarter for Dinwiddie, per ESPN Stats & Information research. In fact, in the past three seasons, the only other time a Nets player had 20 points in the fourth quarter was D'Angelo Russell last season against the Kings on March 19, when the Nets came back from 28 points down to win.

"Well, down the stretch, yes, but in general, not really," Dinwiddie said after the game of filling Irving's role. "I'm not Kyrie. He's gonna continue to lead this team and do a great job. I just tried to gauge what needed to be done to win the game. I'm not gonna be Kyrie. Kyrie might win MVP this year."

Even with the free throw margin heavy in the home team's favor for most of the night, and both teams blowing double-digit leads, it was Brooklyn that executed best when it mattered. The Bulls went 11-for-25 (44%) in the fourth, while the Nets connected on 61.1% of their field goal attempts, behind Dinwiddie's 20 points and Taurean Prince's nine.

Prince ended with 13 points and five boards, shooting just 4-for-13. Zach LaVine led Chicago with a season-high 36 points, with 16 in the fourth.

The win ended a three-game losing streak for Brooklyn.

"It's pretty big, obviously, anytime you can shift the momentum of a road trip and end it on a high note going into a homestand," said Nets forward Joe Harris, who contributed a season-high 22 points and a career-best eight assists. "It's big just in terms of confidence and overall momentum."

After the win, Irving laughed and joked next to teammate DeAndre Jordan in a chair next to his locker room stall. He told the guys, "Good win" before walking out to the team bus. The Nets were headed back to Brooklyn to play Indiana on Monday.

Irving's status remains day-to-day as he continues to battle right shoulder impingement. For one night, in Chicago, Dinwiddie was able to help carry the load in Irving's absence.

After the final buzzer, 27-year-old Matt Abreu reaped the benefits from the performance by catching a pair of game-used Dinwiddie sneakers from his K8IROS line. Abreu made the 2#&189;-hour drive from Portage, Michigan, to Chicago to watch his favorite player, alongside his wife, LeeAnn, in Dinwiddie's white No. 8 jersey.

"I just think he's a very special player, and it's been an inspiration to me as well just to see his journey to get to where he is," Abreu told ESPN. "I really look up to him. It's pretty crazy. I was not expecting this at all."

Neither were the Bulls, who dropped to 4-9 on the season.

MINNEAPOLIS -- James Harden scored 49 points on a whopping 41 shots from the field and the undermanned Houston Rockets won their seventh straight game, 125-105 over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.

With Russell Westbrook resting, the Rockets needed Harden to shoulder an even bigger scoring load than usual. The 41 attempts are the most in his career, and the most in the NBA this season, surpassing the 37 Golden State's D'Angelo Russell took in an overtime loss Nov. 8 in the same building in Minnesota.

Harden made 16 of the 41 shots, going 8 for 22 from 3-point range. He was 9 of 11 on free throws.

Ben McLemore scored 20 points. Undrafted rookie Chris Clemons scored a career-high 19 off the bench for the Rockets, who broke open the game with a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter. Austin Rivers also scored 19 points.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 27 points and 15 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who also were short-handed. Andrew Wiggins missed his second consecutive game for personal reasons.

Jake Layman made his first start of the season for Minnesota and scored a season-high 21 points. Robert Covington had 17 points.

Harden scored 18 of his 30 first-half points in the first quarter. It was his highest-scoring first quarter of the season. Harden took 17 of his team's first 25 shots. He and the Rockets led by two at halftime despite trailing by as many as 11.

TIP-INS

Rockets: In addition to Westbrook, the Rockets were without center Clint Capela (concussion), guard Eric Gordon (right knee arthroscopy), guard Gerald Green (left cuneiform fracture) and forward Danuel House Jr. (sacral contusion). Isaiah Hartensetein had a career-high 16 rebounds. The Rockets have held double figure lead in 12 of 13 games this season.

Timberwolves: Guard Josh Okogie did not play because of left knee soreness. Guard Shabazz Napier (right hamstring strain) remained out.

UP NEXT

Rockets: Host Portland on Monday night.

Timberwolves: At Utah on Monday night.

PITTSBURGH -- Vera Clemente, the widow of Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente and a goodwill ambassador for Major League Baseball, has died. She was 78.

MLB and the Pittsburgh Pirates announced her death on Saturday. She died in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

MLB said she recently had experienced health issues. The Pirates tweeted on Nov. 1 that she had been hospitalized in "delicate health."

Vera and Roberto Clemente were married in November 1964, according to the Roberto Clemente Foundation. Roberto Clemente was a 15-time All-Star with the Pirates. He was killed in a plane crash on New Year's Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said Vera Clemente "impacted countless children and extended her family's humanitarian legacy of helping those in need."

She served as the chairwoman for the foundation, which works "to promote positive change and community engagement through the example and inspiration of Roberto." Vera and Roberto had three sons: Roberto, Luis and Enrique.

Pirates owner Bob Nutting called Vera Clemente "a cherished member of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball family." He said she "epitomized grace, dignity and strength in the wake of heartbreaking tragedy and loss."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.