September 2023 in photos: USA TODAY's most memorable images

With the arrival of fall also comes football season across the U.S. as Friday night lights shine on stadiums, and none are brighter than at high school stadiums in Texas. “I had this image in my mind's eye before I even arrived at the game that night," said Austin American-Statesman photographer Sara Diggins. "The iconography of the helmets, the stands, the lights, the flags are recognizable and familiar. You see it, and you know it's a high school football game in Anytown, America. It signals the start of fall, the possibility of a harrowing underdog story or state championship victory. It IS Friday night lights.”

A USA TODAY investigation found that Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker was accused of sexually harassing Brenda Tracy, a prominent rape survivor and activist. Hours after publication, the university suspended Tucker without pay. In November, Tucker signed an unprecedented 10-year, $95 million deal.

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