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

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Every year, Iowa State fans scour the schedule before the season in hopes of finding a path to the six wins needed for bowl eligibility. It’s those exceedingly low expectations _ from supporters and players _ that second-year coach Matt Campbell has worked so hard to change.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Former Washington Nationals pitching coach Mike Maddux has been hired by the St. Louis Cardinals. Maddux replaces Derek Lilliquist on manager Mike Mathney’s staff. He joins the Cardinals after spending the last two seasons in Washington, where he coached 2016 Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs and Broncos appeared to be the class of the AFC West just a couple of weeks ago. They were a combined 8-1 to start the season. But they have combined to lose their past four games, and that has turned their Monday night showdown at Arrowhead Stadium into a matchup between teams desperate for a win.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jamaal Charles envisioned playing his entire career with the Chiefs, retiring from the organization that drafted him. But the business of the NFL put a twist in those plans. Now their career rushing leader is returning to Kansas City with the rival Denver Broncos for a crucial AFC West showdown on Monday night.

UNDATED (AP) — Jeff Brohm came to Purdue to win. The first-year coach still believes he can even with some midseason missteps. Nebraska coach Mike Riley understands. The Boilermakers and Cornhuskers have both lost back-to-back games. They both need three wins to become bowl eligible. And both know that the turnaround must begin Saturday night in West Lafayette, Indiana.