Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes lit the league on fire last season, throwing for more than 5,000 yards with 50 touchdown passes and a mere 12 interceptions. But the Chiefs quarterback showed in their preseason opener Saturday night that he’s grown even more, as evidenced by a seemingly simple slide toward the end of his only drive against Cincinnati.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Coach Matt Campbell has spent three years making Iowa State respectable within the Big 12. The Cyclones might be ready for more. Iowa State has been picked third in the preseason Big 12 poll. The Cyclones return a tough defense and have a strong quarterback in sophomore Brock Purdy. Iowa State opens the season Aug. 31 against Northern Iowa.

UNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma and Texas could be on the course for another Red River rematch in the Big 12. The Sooners have won the last four Big 12 titles. They got their latest with a win over Texas in the Big 12 championship game to avenge their only regular-season loss. Oklahoma has another transfer quarterback in Jalen Hurts after their last two transfers won the Heisman Trophy and were No. 1 overall NFL draft picks. Iowa State has been on the rise with consecutive eight-win seasons under coach Matt Campbell.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Wins in four of its last six games left Nebraska coaches and players optimistic about what lies in store in 2019. The Cornhuskers are a popular pick to win the Big Ten West. Quarterback Adrian Martinez returns and the defense expects to continue improving in year two of the 3-4 system. Nebraska also has a favorable schedule with most of its key Big Ten games at home. The Huskers open Aug. 31 at home against South Alabama.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball will open its 2020 season March 26, its earliest start other than international games. The schedule also features an April series in Puerto Rico between the New York Mets and Miami Marlins. Globe Life Field, the new home of the Texas Rangers, opens March 31. The 2020 regular season is to end Sept. 27, putting the World Series on track to run from Oct. 20-28.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Missouri State volleyball coach Melissa Stokes has resigned after an investigation launched by the university found apparent NCAA violations. The university announced Stokes’ resignation Monday. She will receive an $80,000 severance payment. The university says an investigation concluded that Stokes allowed a “non-qualifier” to accompany the team during a foreign tour without personally paying costs and allowed currently enrolled athletes to participate as campers in Stokes’ volleyball camps.