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

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The most heartwarming new tradition in college football can be found at Iowa. It’s called “The Wave.” At the end of the first quarter, everyone inside Kinnick Stadium is encouraged to turn and wave to the young patients watching the game in the nearby children’s hospital. The idea was sparked in June by a fan and it has already become a beloved part of game day. Scott Turner is the executive director of the hospital. He says it provides a sense of normalcy for patients and their loved ones.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska defensive coordinator Bob Diaco said he needs more time to get the defense up and running the way coaches and fans expect. He added that his players’ tackling skills were so poor at the start of spring practice that to say it was alarming would be an understatement. With the Cornhuskers 4-5 and head coach Mike Riley on the hot seat, Diaco addressed reporters for more than 20 minutes after practice to lay out the challenges he’s faced.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals have promoted Terry Bradshaw to hitting coach and Cal Eldred to pitching coach as part of a series of moves to manager Ned Yost’s coaching staff. Vance Wilson will oversee the bullpen, Pedro Grifol will continue to oversee catchers and Mike Jirschele will handle third base duties. Mitch Maier will be the new first base coach.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa didn’t really know what it had in sophomore Nate Stanley when he was named the starting quarterback in August. Stanley’s coming out party came last weekend when he threw five touchdown passes in a stunning 55-24 rout of Ohio State. It was the second five-touchdown performance of the season for Stanley. It helped the 25th-ranked Hawkeyes return to the Top 25 for the first time this season. Iowa plays at No. 6 Wisconsin on Saturday.