Report: Matt Williams the favorite to land Washington Nationals manager job

The Nationals hope to announce their sixth manager in team history by November, and former Giants third baseman Matt Williams could be the guy, according to an MLB.com report.

Williams has a relationship with Washington GM Mike Rizzo, who was the scouting director with Arizona when Williams played third base for the world championship 2001 team.

If the Nationals go with Williams, the report indicates that the team will ask Randy Knorr, who also interviewed for the head coaching position, to remain as bench coach.

Former manager Davey Johnson retired following a disappointing 2013 season, and, in addition to Williams and Knorr, the team has interviewed Brad Ausmus, DeMarlo Hale and Trent Jewett to replace him. Cal Ripken, Jr., Dusty Baker and Dave Martinez have all been implicated as options, but none have been interviewed.

Williams, 47, spent 10 of his 17 MLB seasons with the San Francisco Giants, amassing 247 of his 378 career home runs in a Giants uniform.

Notre Dame will be without Louis Nix against Air Force

The Notre Dame defense will be without a big part of their defensive line.

Defensive tackle Louis Nix suffered a shoulder injury last week against USC and hasn't practiced this week. He won't be playing in this Saturday's game versus Air Force.

Head coach Brian Kelly says it's knee tendinitis that will be keeping Nix on the sidelines. Nonetheless, the Fighting Irish will miss the big man's presence. Even though Air Force is 1-6, the Falcons average around 54 carries a game using the triple option.