Panthers win(!), angry coaches and Chef Curry in the sports moments of the week

By Clark Gerber, WRAL Sports contributor

The internet is a big place. Unless you're 100% plugged in all the time (and let's be clear, that is NOT recommended), you're going to miss some stuff.

Let us do that work. You can be a well-adjusted human being and still catch all the best sports moments of the week, with a quick review ...

1. That winning feeling

The Carolina Panthers have had a rough start to the 2023 season. They've dealt with a rash of injuries, a struggling offense, and entered the weekend as the only winless team in the NFL.

So when they finally did get its first win Sunday (on a last-second field goal no less), you could see that there was a lot of pent-up emotion. Like a giant weight had been lifted off the team's -- and fan base's -- shoulders.

Linebacker Frankie Luvu, a team leader and fan favorite, grinned ear-to-ear as he delivered a thank you to the squad's most loyal supporters.

But nobody was more hyped than rookie quarterback Bryce Young, who earned his first victory as a pro.

This game was billed as a duel between him and CJ Stroud (who was picked one spot behind Young and has had a better season thus far). No matter what the rookie said publicly, it was plain to see that getting this head-to-head win meant a lot. Good for him.

(Warning: NSFW language in the video below)

2. Testy week for college football coaches

College football coaches are always a surly bunch. Most rule their programs with an iron fist and do not like to be questioned or challenged.

As it happens, the Carolinas was hot bed for coaching outbursts this weekend, all of which were very entertaining in their own way.

In Raleigh, NC State head coach Dave Doeren wasn't happy even after his team got a big win over Clemson. In fact, he concluded his on-field postgame interview with some, shall we say, pointed words toward former Panthers great Steve Smith Sr.

(Another warning: NSFW language in the video below)

As we've covered in this space before, Steve Smith Sr. is not somebody you should be picking a fight with. But when Smith said that NC State was "waiting for basketball season" as the guest picker on ESPN's College Gameday, you can see why Doeren did what he did.

On the other side of the coin, Clemson is now 4-4 after its loss to NC State.

It's the worst start in quite some time under head coach Dabo Swinney, and some Tiger fans are getting pretty restless.

One of them, "Tyler from Spartanburg," called in to Swinney's radio show on Monday, questioning why the coach was making so much money while the team fails to meet expectations.

Swinney followed with an angry, lengthy rebuttal that is pure content gold (especially if you're a Clemson hater).

Our final angry coach of the week is Charlotte's Biff Poggi, who is already legendary for his, uh, casual sideline attire.

Poggi has inherited a 49ers squad that's not very good, and is now 2-6 in his first season at the helm. He was especially frustrated during Friday's loss to FAU, and gave a rather blunt in-game interview complete with some creative imagery.

3. A Marty party at Carter-Finley Stadium

Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook is known for his energetic style and outgoing personality. His pregame "MISTA SVECHNIKOV!!!" videos are always good for a chuckle.

So when Martinook was selected as NC State's Alpha Wolf Starter of the Game on Saturday, you knew he'd go all out.

And he certainly did.

Stick taps to Martinook for bringing the energy (and possibly inspiring the Wolfpack to a win). Also, well wishes to him after a puck hit him in the face during Monday's win over Philadelphia.

4. Duke plants the Flagg

Stop me if you've heard this one before -- Duke basketball signed a major recruit this week.

Yawn, right?

Well, think again.

Cooper Flagg committed to the Blue Devils on Monday and, if the experts are to be believed, the 16-year old is already a lock to go #1 in the 2025 NBA Draft and could be the best college player since Zion Williamson.

Flagg reclassified to the Class of 2024, so he will be playing for Duke next year ... and won't turn 18 until midway through the season.

The 6'9" forward already has a versatile skill set. He won the MVP at the NBA Players Association Top 100 camp in June and has completely dominated other showcase events as well.

He also may or may not have showed up 3-time All-Star Bradley Beal in a game of 1-on-1 (that's the rumor).

This isn't just any major recruit. Cooper Flagg is going to be a star.

5. Steph Curry COOKS the Rockets

News flash: Steph Curry is still very good at basketball.

The North Carolina native dropped 42 in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday and, somehow, that wasn't even his best moment of the week.

Chef Curry also went deep in his bag on Sunday night against the Houston Rockets, cooking up four straight three-pointers to ice the game in the 4th quarter.

The final dagger was his best work, as Curry shook Dillon Brooks multiple times to get the shot off. And as good as the play was, the reaction was even better and became an instant internet meme.

6. Historic World Series moment

If you aren't watching the World Series between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks, you're not alone.

Game 1 on Friday night was the least watched World Series game in recorded history ... which is a real shame because it was absolutely electric and historic.

Adolis Garcia, who has been a monster for the Rangers this postseason, hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

It's the first walk-off homer in a World Series Game 1 since Kirk Gibson's iconic pinch-hit blast in 1988.

It's also the 17th walk-off home run in any World Series game, which may not sound like much but this thing has been played since 1903.

On top of all that, the Rangers are going for their first World Series title in their 62-year history.

Seems important ... maybe more of us should watch?

TAYLOR SWIFT WATCH

Taylor Swift did not attend the Chiefs-Broncos game this weekend as she gears up for her international tour, but Travis Kelce may need to ask her to cancel that tour and stay with him.

Kansas City, and especially Travis, have been at their best with Taylor in the crowd this season. Without her, they delivered a huge dud on Sunday and lost to the Broncos for the first time since Peyton Manning was the quarterback.

Then they got trolled with the postgame music selection.

A couple days earlier, "Shake It Off" had a much happier connotation for Kelce, who was spotted at Game 1 of the World Series in Texas.

Kelce got some time on the jumbotron with his girlfriend's song playing, and took a moment to do a quick dance.

(A bit later, he was spotted singing along to Taylor's "Love Story" at a postgame party. We're going to give him a pass for clearly not knowing all the words... it's the enthusiasm that counts!)

Finally, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have become the go-to Halloween costume for couples of all ages! Sorry Barbie and Ken. Better luck next year.

Predictable? Yes.

Adorable? Also yes.

See you next week.