CLEVELAND, Ohio – Get all the latest news and results from the third round of the Ohio high school football playoffs right here in this post. Northeast Ohio has 12 teams remaining, and they will be in action Friday and Saturday. They are: St. Edward, Mentor, St. Ignatius, Avon, Madison, Highland, Glenville, St. Vincent-St. Mary, Benedictine, Manchester, Kirtland and...

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Get all the latest news and results from the third round of the Ohio high school football playoffs right here in this post.

Northeast Ohio has 12 teams remaining, and they will be in action Friday and Saturday. They are: St. Edward, Mentor, St. Ignatius, Avon, Madison, Highland, Glenville, St. Vincent-St. Mary, Benedictine, Manchester, Kirtland and Mogadore. Division I is at the regional semifinal level, while Divisions II through VII are playing for regional championships tonight and Saturday.

This post will feature recaps as well as preview material for all 12 local teams that are playing in the third round. This post will be updated Friday and Saturday night with results statewide, as well as who the winners play next.

Check the links below for videos, slideshows, podcasts, preview capsules, and more by the Northeast Ohio Media Group's high school sports staff.

We encourage you to give your take on games in the comments section at the bottom of this post.

Getting ready for the games

Here is a recap, game by game, of all the preview material posted all week, including preview capsules, podcasts, polls and some stories from other area media outlets.

DIVISION I:

St. Edward vs. Austintown Fitch (poll):

High school reporter Stephanie Kuzydym takes a look at St. Edward's strong defense.

If you aren't attending the game on Saturday night but want to listen to it, we have you covered with live audio play-by-play.

The rushing attack has been huge for the Eagles all season, with Shaun Crawford and Andrew Dowell earning recognition for their performances.

St. Ignatius vs. Mentor (poll):

Cleveland.com's Scott Patsko takes a look at how these two teams are very accustomed to seeing each other the past few seasons.

He also took a look at what it would mean for Mentor to get a win, after losing to the Wildcats 26-6 this season.

Coaches Chuck Kyle and Steve Trivisonno and players Jack Hyland and Conner Krizancic coaches gathered together Wednesday night for an in-studio video at the Northeast Ohio Media Group offices.

High school sports reporter Bill Landis wrote about Cincinnati WR recruit Conner Krizancic playing the quarterback position in his final HS season.

Joe Noga takes a look back at the many memorable matchups these two teams have provided in recent years.

DIVISION II:

Madison vs. Glenville (poll):

Glenville defensive back Marshon Lattimore was nominated for the 2014 U.S. Army Player of the Year award.

Scott Patsko of cleveland.com took a look at the Glenville program and their return to playoff success.

He also was able to provide an in-depth look at Madison as the Blue Streaks have upset the No. 2 and 3 seeds on their path to the regional final.

Highland vs. Avon (poll):

If you can't make it to the game, but want to listen to the game, click here for live audio play-by-play.

Highland has won its last 16 games, and has shown it can win in dominating fashion, as well as the hard fought competitive game.

Bill Landis shows here that the Avon Eagles can win despite not playing their best football, as they did last week.

Michael Beaven of the Akron Beacon Journal takes a look at the Kinsey brothers' performance this season for Highland.

DIVISION III:

St. Vincent-St. Mary vs. Hubbard (poll):

SVSM coach Dan Boarman talked about even though the Irish have been successful and are unbeaten, the team is still coming together and improving every week.

Kevin Connelly of the Vindicator takes a look at the game, and talks about the Fighting Irish expecting a much different than the team they beat by 40 points last season.

DIVISION IV:

Benedictine vs. Cardinal Mooney (poll):

You want to be playing your best football at the end of the season, and the Benedictine Bengals appear to be doing that the past two games.

Jerome Baker has been playing at a high level this season, and that play earned him a spot in the ESPN Top 300 for the current junior class.

Ryan Buck of the Vindicator takes a look at this matchup, as Benedictine and Cardinal Mooney renew what was once a big-time rivalry.

DIVISION V:

Manchester vs. Crestview (poll):

David Cassilo of cleveland.com posted a question about which top seeded team is most likely to win a state title? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section of that story.

After losing to Fairless in a classic game this season, the Panthers made up for that loss last week and look to build off that victory.

DIVISION VI:

Kirtland vs. Mogadore (poll):

Mogadore coach Matt Adorni understands the challenge his team has in winning this matchup.

Michael Beaven of the Akron Beacon Journal takes a look at the terrific season Mogadore running back Brandon Berry has had.

Staff predictions

The race is heating up among 11 members of the high school sports staff on game predictions. Take a look at who each member thinks will win this weekend's games involving local teams.

Be sure to check throughout the weekend as we will update the games as soon as they go final.

The Browns and Steelers will renew their rivalry on Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium. There have been many memorable moments during the last 63 years.

Despite having the NFL's worst home mark since 1999, the Browns are 7-4 in their last 11 games at FirstEnergy Stadium.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – During a week in which the Browns and the city agreed on a payment plan for stadium upgrades, the football team has an opportunity to demonstrate legitimate home improvement.

A win Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers would enable the Browns to sweep all three AFC North rivals at FirstEnergy Stadium for the first time. That’s right, the Browns have never beaten the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens and Steelers at home in one season.

Truth is the locals haven’t been good against many teams in Cleveland since their 1999 return. The Browns hold the NFL’s worst home record (44-73) in that span, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. But while winning on the road remains a serious problem, fortunes are starting to turn on the lakefront.

The Browns are 7-4 in their last 11 games at the stadium where they’re exhibiting a resilience often lacking on the road. Such a modest stretch might draw yawns at Lambeau Field or boos at Heinz Field, but it’s a sign of progress for the Browns, who have finished above .500 only once at home in 14 years.

“If we want to be a consistently good team that wins a lot of games it’s going to be important to make First Energy Stadium a tough place to play,” said left tackle Joe Thomas of a squad that's 3-2 in Cleveland this season. “All the good teams that put together multiple winning seasons, multiple playoff runs, they are tough to beat at home.”

The Browns (4-6) play three of their next four games here and anything short of three wins likely disqualifies them from the chase for the final wild card spot. Back-to-back victories over Pittsburgh and Jacksonville certainly would buttress their chances.

They are among a cluster of six teams trailing the New York Jets (5-5) and Miami Dolphins (5-5) for the No.6 seed.

“In November and December this is (when) the top people play (well),” Browns nose tackle Phil Taylor said. “You are trying to make that push to play in January and February. This is the time you have to do it.”

With the exception of the 2007 season – one in which they finished 7-1 at home – the Browns rarely have given fans reason to attend the cold-weather games. We’re talking about a franchise that has won less than three home games four times in 15 years.

Poor starts have left a sea of orange seats in November and December unless they were occupied by Steelers fans or those of another contending team.

Running back Willis McGahee has played for Baltimore and Denver in stadiums that crackled which energy at this time of year. Sunday’s showdown against the Steelers (4-6) represents an elimination game for the loser. McGahee expect the venue to be at full throat.

“(The crowd) can sometimes get into an opponent’s head,” McGahee said. “It depends on who you’re playing. I think our crowd is going to be really into it because they know what it means to them and what it means to us. I think they are going to bring it and it’s something Pittsburgh is going to have to account for.”

Many Browns fans are still recovering from the disappointment of the 41-20 loss to the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The visitors enjoyed a 13-0 lead before the Bengals erupted for a franchise-record 31 second-quarter points.

In road losses to Cincinnati, Kansas City and Green Bay, the Browns fell apart for extended stretches at the first sign of adversity. They quickly trailed 14-0 against the Packers and 13-0 against the Chiefs.

While they surrendered the final 24 points in a home loss to Detroit on Oct 13, the run was gradual. But in home wins over Buffalo and the Ravens, the Browns were able to overcome big plays and adverse moments such as losing quarterback Brian Hoyer to a knee injury.

“Without a doubt when you make a play at home and everyone yells and screams it feels good,” Browns center Alex Mack said. “It can turn attitudes around very fast.”

Nothing illustrated Mack’s point like Travis Benjamin’s 57-yard punt return against the Bills to ignite a first-half rally.

“As you (saw against) Buffalo, momentum swung our way and we were able to take that and win,” safety Tashaun Gipson said. “We were down 10-0 early and the crowd got behind us and we were able to feed off the energy just like the Cincinnati game the first time.”

Except for the Week 3 win at Minnesota, the Browns haven’t built off their occasional big plays away from the stadium.

The club has won just two of its last 20 road games, and is 5-24 since the start of the 2010 season.

“When something like that happens you need everyone to gather themselves and then you need someone to make a play to stop the bleeding,” Thomas said. “The couple times on the road where it’s happened we haven’t don’t that. At home we have.”

The Browns showed their mettle against the Ravens' Joe Flacco, who had been 11-0 versus Cleveland until suffering a 24-18 loss here on Nov. 3.

Enter Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who’s 15-1 lifetime against the Browns. The Pittsburgh quarterback will make his share of plays Sunday. How the Browns respond could determine if their final two home games have meaning.

“We are playing better at home and I think it’s a function of being a better team so I think that’s a big factor,” Thomas said.

New scoreboards and escalators will be welcomed next season. But a win over the Steelers on Sunday would do wonder for enhancing the stadium experience.

Cavaliers coach Mike Brown elects to start rookie Matthew Dellavedova tonight at New Orleans after singling him out for praise in Wednesday's loss to Washington.

NEW OREANS, Louisiana -- Rookie Matthew Dellavedova will make his first start at shooting guard for the Cavaliers tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans at the New Orleans Arena.

Coach Mike Brown made the announcement at the team's shootaround on Friday morning, and it was not a total surprise.

After Wednesday's 98-91 loss to Washington at The Q, Dellavedova was the only player singled out for praise by Brown.

“We had one guy that competed the entire time he was on the floor -- that’s Matthew Dellavedova,'' the coach said.

It was the second straight game -- both against the Wizards -- that Dellavedova's hustle and defense was the highlight for the Cavs. Last weekend through the fourth quarter and overtime in Washington, it was enough to get the Cavs their first road victory of the season. Wednesday night, his teammates fell behind by 27 points in the third quarter and not even the non-stop Dellavedova could get them over the hump in that one.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound rookie from Australia has played in six games and is averaging 2.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1 assist per game. He said he had no reaction to learning he'd start.

"I'll just try to do the same thing, be ready to play, come out and provide some energy and hope to set the tone,'' Dellavedova said. "I'm just trying to do whatever the team needs.

"We just need to get a win.''

Probable starters: Cavs -- F Tristan Thompson, F Earl Clark, C Anderson Varejao, G Kyrie Irving, G Matthew Dellavedova. Pelicans -- F Al-Farouq Aminu, F Anthony Davis, C Jason Smith, G Jrue Holiday, G Eric Gordon.

Injuries: Cavs -- C.J. Miles (right calf sprain) and Carrick Felix (sports hernia) are out, Tyler Zeller (right ankle sprain) is questionable. Pelicans -- Darius Miller (left foot) and Greg Stiemsma (sprained left knee) are out.

Officials: Joe Crawford, Leroy Richardson, Ben Taylor.

Up next for Cavs: At San Antonio on Saturday.

The Browns nose tackle was fined for his concussive hit in the season finale last year.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Steelers offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert told reporters that he’s “pretty sure" Browns nose tackle Phil Taylor “is going to get his” for a concussive hit on a teammate in last season’s finale in Pittsburgh.

Taylor was fined $7,875 for a blindside forearm to guard Kelvin Beachum – a shot that highlighted a nasty game between the AFC North rivals. Beachum, now a tackle, would not comment on the blow.

The teams meet again Sunday in Cleveland and Gilbert makes it sound as though Taylor is a marked player.

“It is no motivation once he gets on the field,” Gilbert told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Friday. “He knows what it is and it is business. It is smash mouth football and there’s no talking. It is what it is. We are aware of it, but football is football, and I am pretty sure he is going to get his. It was a dirty play and he put it on film. Once it is on film it is out there.”

Taylor, who spoke to the media Friday, said he wasn’t delivering a statement with the Beachum hit, only “playing through the whistle.” He said some of the Steelers, “tried to get after him” during the game and he exchanged barbs with Pittsburgh fans on Twitter after it.

The third-year nose tackle, enjoying his best season, was asked if he were expecting retaliation Sunday.

“They can try what they want,” Taylor said. “But I’m not going to let them get me out of my game.”

Sunday represents a playoff-field elimination game between a pair of 4-6 teams. Fellow Browns defensive linemen Ahtyba Rubin said he expects emotions to run high.

“You could use the word hate,” Rubin said regarding the Steelers. “A lot of people around here would use that word . . . Everybody’s amped up. The fans are amped up. They’re playing dirty. We’re playing dirty. It’s just that type of game, and it’s going to be that type of weather, too. We’ve just got to bring our hard hat and come to work.”

Free agent Joe Smith is headed for a three-year deal, which will probably take him out of Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio –- Free agent Joe Smith’s chances of getting the three-year deal he’s seeking improved Friday with the help of the San Francisco Giants. Which is another way of saying, Smith probably won’t be re-signing with the Indians.

It was Friday that the Giants came to terms with left-hander Javier Lopez on a three-year deal worth $13 million. Lopez, a free agent, is set to rejoin the Giants providing he passes a physical scheduled for Tuesday.

Smith, 29, is seven years younger than Lopez and more versatile. All of which puts him in line for a three-year deal worth at least $15 million to $18 million. On the Indians’ budget, that’s probably more than they’re willing to pay for a set-up man.

Lopez, 36, is a left-handed specialist. Lefties hit .156 (14-for-98) and righties .296 (16-for-54) against him last season.

Over the last five years with the Indians, righties have hit .201 (118-for-587) and lefties .251 (101-fr-403) against Smith. Over the last two years, lefties have hit just .223 (47-for-211) against Smith.

Since being acquired by former General Manager Mark Shapiro at the Las Vegas winter meetings in 2008, Smith is 18-11 with three saves, a 2.76 ERA and a .221 batting average against in 303 appearances for the Tribe. Now Smith, who made $3.15 million last season and has averaged 71 appearances over the last three years, is in line to get paid.

The Indians have been reluctant to give Smith a three-year deal with reason. Not only would it stretch their budget, but last winter several relievers signed two to three-year deals that did not turn out well.

The most painful examples were Brandon League and Jonathan Broxton. The Dodgers signed League to a three-year $22.5 million deal and he almost immediately went into the tank and eventually lost his closer’s job to Kenley Jansen. The Reds signed Broxton to a three-year $21 million deal and he made just 34 appearances before needing season-ending surgery on flexor muscle in his right elbow.

Relievers Mike Adams, Jason Grilli, Sean Burnett and Kyuji Fujikawa broke down as well after signing two-year deals that ranged from $6 million to $9 million. Smith has been the picture of durability in his career, topping 70 innings four times in six seasons, but the late-inning relief market is unpredictable to say the least.

The Indians are still interested in keeping Smith at the right price, but right now it appears they’re on the sideline as he explores other options. Smith is represented by Barry Meister, who did Lopez’s three-year deal with the Giants.

Smith is one of eight Indians' free agents along with Ubaldo Jimenez, Scott Kazmir, Matt Albers, Rich Hill, Jason Kubel, Kelly Shoppach and Chris Perez. The Indians released Perez, thus making him a free agent.

Grady Sizemore expects to be back playing baseball in 2014. He has not played since 2011 because of injuries.Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer

Comeback trail: Grady Sizemore, according to those close to him, is convinced he’ll be back playing baseball in 2014. He’s been working out for teams in Arizona and there has been interest among several clubs such as the Twins.

Sizemore has stayed in contact with the Indians, but there probably isn’t a match right now unless he wants to DH. Sizemore, who has not played in the big leagues since 2011, has let it be known that he still wants to play the outfield if he gets an opportunity.

The Indians’ outfield is full with the signing of David Murphy. The Indians starting outfield is expected to be Michael Brantley in left, Michael Bourn in center and Murphy in left. They all hit left-handed and in the past that’s been a problem for the Indians.

In 2014 manager Terry Francona will be able to substitute with right-handed hitters Ryan Raburn, Matt Carson and Drew Stubbs, depending on the makeup of the final roster.

Sizemore, 31, is just the second 30-30-man in Indians history. He won two Gold Gloves for his play in center field and went to three All-Star games before being knocked out of the game by a series of knee, back, groin and elbow injuries.

Joe Haden vs. Antonio Brown, Josh Gordon vs. Ike Taylor and what Jason Campbell needs to do to rebound are some of the things to watch in Sunday's game between the Cleveland Brown and Pittsburgh Steelers.

CLEVELAND -- Five things to watch in Sunday's game between the 4-6 Browns and 4-6 Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium:

1. CB Joe Haden vs. WR Antonio Brown:

If Haden does to Brown what he did to A.J. Green last week (2 catches, 7 yards) and the rest of the top receivers in the NFL this season, Brown will be in for a long afternoon.

Haden has surrendered only one touchdown all season, and has shut down Green twice, Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe (1 catch, 7 yards), Miami's Mike Wallace (1 catch 15 yards) and others.

Brown leads the Steelers with 74 catches for 952 yards and is second with five TD catches. He's coming off a blistering performance in last week's victory over the Lions, with seven catches for 147 yards and two TDs. He needs just six receptions to join Hines Ward as the only Steelers to reach 80 receptions in the first 11 games.

"He is up there,'' said Haden. "He does stuff differently. I have been going against a lot of bigger guys, but with him he's really quick, runs the best routes out of the people we are going against and has really good hands. It's not really certain routes he runs, it's just when the first thing's covered, (Ben) Roethlisberger scrambles and he just takes off up field. So you have to make sure you stay locked in and plaster your receiver."

Said Roethlisberger: "He puts the work in. He's got really good hands, so he makes up for bad throws from me. He's a guy that wants to be great, wants to be the best and it's showing on Sundays, the hard work he's put in on the practice field.''

Likewise, Roethlisberger sung the praises of Haden. "He may be playing the best of any cornerback that we’ve seen all year,'' he said. 

2. WR Josh Gordon vs. CB Ike Taylor

Gordon, who's coming off a 125-yard game against the Bengals, will go against a crafty, 11-year vet in cornerback Ike Taylor.

"He’s got a long resume of good film,'' said Gordon. "You’re gonna get a hard-nosed veteran, a player that knows what he’s doing out there. At the same time, I feel like regardless if it’s Ike Taylor or anybody, I gotta play my game. It really doesn’t matter who it is. I gotta go out there and compete and try to make plays.''

Gordon is second in the NFL with an 18.8-yard average and fourth with 93.9 yards per game. He caught a 74-yard TD pass against the Bengals and is averaging 49 yards on his four TDs this season. He leads the team with 751 yards and has four 100-yard games.

He should be able to outrun Taylor and hit a big play or two.

"Hopefully so,'' he said. "That’s definitely the one thing. You gotta take him up top at least one time. That’s my job. I gotta get behind you.''

Last week, Detroit's Calvin Johnson shook free for six catches for 179 yards and two TDs, including a 79-yarder.

"Calvin, that’s a different animal out there on the field,'' said Gordon. "The way they work in Detroit, it’s magnificent for them. You definitely can see where they can be exploited at, the opportunities a lot of wide receivers can make. Hopefully we can do that this week."

 3. WR Jerricho Cotchery vs. Browns Red Zone D

The Browns have tumbled all the way to last in the NFL in red zone TD percentage, at 67.9%. Opponents have had the ball 28 times inside the Browns' 20, and have scored 19 TDs. For comparison's sake, the Baltimore Ravens, who are also 4-6, have allowed only nine touchdowns in 28 red zone possessions for 32.1% -- which is first in the NFL.

The Browns surrendered TDs on both of the Bengals' trips inside the red zone last week and have also surrendered 14 TD passes the last five games compared to only two in the first five games.

Conversely, the Steelers are just warming up in the TD pass department while the Browns have sprung a leak. In their first seven games of the season, Ben Roethlisberger threw a total of eight TD passes. In his last three games, he's thrown nine.

Most of his red zone TD passes have gone to Jerricho Cotchery, who leads the team with seven TD catches this season, including six inside the 20.

"I really don't have the answers for (the poor red zone defense),'' said Tashaun Gipson. "Honestly that is a good question.  When you have to defend a short field (like in Cincinnati) things like that are going to happen. I can't remember how many times Cincinnati got the ball inside the 25. No matter how good the defense is, you can only take so much and I'm not pointing the finger whatsoever in any way or shape, form or fashion, but they made plays when we didn't.

"Honestly, some of the passes that (Andy Dalton) threw should've been picked off.  He probably should've thrown about five picks that game, but it happens. I tip my hat off to the offense. We're just moving forward.  We're looking forward to making plays this upcoming week against Ben Roethlisberger and see what happens come Sunday.''

4. Browns-killer Troy Polamalu

Polamalu has given the Browns fits since 2004, and he's still to be feared even in his 11th season. He has eight interceptions against the Browns, his most against any team.

“He’s a tremendous player,'' said Jason Campbell. "He's going to be a Hall of Fame safety one day. He does a lot of things. He plays safety different than any other guy in the league. He and Ed Reed are two of the guys in the NFL that can roam the field and do the things do. A lot of that is experience and him knowing where to be and just making the play. I have the utmost respect for him. I think he’s a tremendous player and an outstanding athlete.’'

 Said tight end Jordan Cameron, who will have to contend with the seven-time Pro Bowler over the middle: “He’s everywhere. He’s a disruptor,'' said Cameron. "At the line of scrimmage, he’ll see something and he’ll kind of just jump the gun and kind of avoid his responsibility if he sees something, and usually he’s right. He’s a dangerous player. You’ve got to be aware of where he’s at all times. He’ll line up deep and he’ll come running down and shoot a gap. He’s a tough guy to go against. He disguises a lot. He’s kind of a freelance guy.”

T.J. Ward ranks Polamalu among his top five safeties of all time and has patterned his game after Polamalu's.

"He's been a great player in this league for awhile,'' said Ward. "He does everything the right way. He plays with complete heart and passion. He's definitely a player I have looked up to and said that’s the way this game is supposed to be played. He doesn’t talk a lot, he just makes plays and goes about the same thing every week.''

5. Jason Campbell vs. the Steelers D

Can Campbell rebound from his bad outing against the Bengals, one in which he threw three picks off tipped balls and earned a horrible 44.3 rating? Campbell will go against Dick LeBeau's attack-minded scheme -- one that's ranked 14th overall and No. 8 against the pass -- and will have to use his legs more than he did last week to scramble out of trouble. It would help to have a running game, but he can't count on that, even though the Steelers are 26th against the run with a 125.2 yards per game. Campbell's ribs were bothering him last week more than he let on, meaning he might be able to throw downfield more this week and lift the ball over the heads of defenders. At 6-5 and with good mobility, he shouldn't be getting balls batted down at the line. It's another huge division game, and Campbell needs to prove he's up to the task. He'll need more help from his receivers getting open than they managed last week, and he'll have to protect the football.

"He’s been preparing to play a real good Pittsburgh defense,'' said offensive coordinator Norv Turner. "They know our players, we know theirs. It makes it very competitive, but Jason’s getting ready to go play and I expect him to play well.”

Ohio Stadium will say goodbye to four senior offensive linemen on Saturday vs. Indiana, but four-star JUCO offensive tackle Chad Mavety was in attendance for a visit.

Ohio Stadium will say goodbye to four senior offensive linemen on Saturday vs. Indiana, but four-star JUCO offensive tackle Chad Mavety was in attendance for a visit.

St. John Fisher rally ends season for John Carroll.

MIKE PETICCA
Special to The Plain Dealer

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- John Carroll looked like the football team it had been all season for most of the first half in Saturday's Division III first-round playoff game at Don Shula Stadium.

Suddenly, though, the Blue Streaks couldn't sustain the brilliant play that had carried them to their first playoff appearance in 12 years. And stunningly, their season ended, as St. John Fisher College rallied from a 13-0 deficit to upset John Carroll, 25-16.

The Blue Streaks' offense which had averaged 44.5 points a game stalled, and the defense which had held the first nine opponents to 33 total points -- prior to last Saturday's 42-34 loss at first-ranked Mount Union -- wobbled. The key to the costly turnaround was simple: John Carroll's offense committed six turnovers while its defense didn't come up with any against St. John Fisher, from Pittsford, N.Y.

"The turnover margin is probably the most important statistic in football," said first-year John Carroll coach Tom Arth. "Unfortunately, we gave them some plays. But, they made them."

Arth was John Carroll's All-American quarterback when the Blue Streaks last played in the postseason, reaching the 2002 Final Four before a loss to eventual national champion Mount Union.

The Blue Streaks played the second half without two defensive stars, senior cornerback Randy Greenwood and senior linebacker Matt Feeney. Both left with undisclosed injuries.

Talented junior quarterback Mark Myers limped off the field after taking a big hit with the Blue Streaks up, 7-0, in the first quarter, but didn't miss a play. Myers threw four interceptions the rest of the way, after being picked off just eight times in 339 passes during the regular season.

The Blue Streaks (9-2) scored a touchdown on their third offensive play of the game -- a 45-yard pass from Myers to Aramis Greenwood, Randy's brother, but didn't get into the end zone again.

Kresimir Ivkovic provided the rest of the John Carroll scoring with three field goals, including a 34-yarder into a tricky wind that gave the Blue Streaks a 16-14 lead with 6:34 left.

St. John Fisher (9-2) responded, though, with its game-winning 10-play, 66-yard drive, capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Fenti to Nathan Nigolian. The score, followed by Fenti's two-point conversion pass to Nigolian, put the Cardinals ahead, 22-16, with 3:30 to go.

Brendan Carey's 39-yard field goal with 1:54 left locked up the Cardinals' win.

John Carroll's most costly turnover turned into a 13-yard interception return for a touchdown by St. John Fisher's Ryan Seymour, giving the Cardinals a 14-13 lead midway through the third quarter.

Myers threw a short pass along the left sideline on the play, just as Aramis Greenwood was turning his route upfield for a longer throw.

"It was just an error. It was just a mis-communication," Arth said. "One guy saw something. Another guy saw something else."

The 45-yard Myers-to-Greenwood connection that began the scoring was Myers' 28th touchdown pass of the season and the 13th touchdown reception for Greenwood, who made the catch along the right sideline at the Cardinals' 26 before sprinting for the score.

Ivkovic booted a 27-yard field goal late in the first quarter and a 19-yarder midway through the second to boost the Blue Streaks' lead to 13-0. John Carroll settled for the second field goal after marching 95 yards, from its 3 to the Cardinals' 2, on a drive that included Tommy Michals' 43-yard run.

Michals gained 87 rushing yards on 24 carries and caught 10 passes for 83 yards. Michals, who played a key role all season, was the featured back instead of DaQuan Grobsmith, who missed the game after injuring a shoulder against Mount Union.

John Fisher will play a second-round game against host Hobart in Geneva, N.Y. next Saturday.

"We needed to stay on the field (offensively) to keep their offense off," John Fisher coach Paul Vosburgh noted as a key to the game. "We wanted to make sure we made good tackles. They were going to complete passes, but we had to keep the ball in front of us and make them work the ball downfield."

Browns defense playing 'Steelers football' more than the current Steelers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – In years past, the Browns spent the week leading up to Steelers’ games answering questions of how they would account for a catalog of menacing defenders.

It was Joe Greene, Jack Lambert and Mel Blount then Greg Lloyd, Kevin Greene and Rod Woodson then Joey Porter, James Harrison and Troy Polamalu.

Other than a few queries about Polamalu, the future hall-of-fame safety, I can’t recall much chatter about individual Steelers defenders in the Browns locker room this week.

Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, offensive coordinator Todd Haley compared Browns’ defensive linemen Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin favorably to Detroit’s intimidating tandem of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. Taylor also was the subject of conversation for his concussive and finable forearm to Steelers’ offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum in last year’s season finale.

“We are aware of it, but football is football, and I am pretty sure (Taylor) is going to get his,” Steelers Marcus Gilbert told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review of a player who’s been fined twice in the past three years for hits on Steelers. “It was a dirty play and he put it on film. Once it is on film it is out there.”

As the Browns (4-6) and Steelers (4-6) meet Sunday, there’s no sense the lopsided rivalry is about to swing. The Browns are 5-24 against their divisional nemesis since 1999. Over the years, their jersey nameplates might as well have read: Kick Me – which, of course, Mean Joe Greene notoriously did to poor Bob McKay in 1975.

View full sizeFormer Steelers defensive tackle Joe Greene kicks Browns offensive lineman Bob McKay in the groin during a 1975 gamePlain Dealer archive

In terms of defense, however, the roles appear to be reversing. It is Pittsburgh reacting to a young, aggressive Browns defense, which is playing “Steeler football” better than the current Steelers.

The Browns unit, coordinated by former Pittsburgh assistant and Dick LeBeau protege Ray Horton, ranks fourth in total defense (306.5 yards) and ninth in sacks (31). Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger called Joe Haden the best cornerback they’ve faced. Haley said virtually the same about the Browns defense in general.

Some of these verbal valentines are in keeping with traditional praise for an upcoming opponent. After all, the Browns must drastically improve their third-down and red-zone defense. But they aren’t sitting two games under .500 because this unit is in need of an overall.

The Browns aren’t going to seriously contend until they upgrade offensively. The Steelers’ issues run across both sides of the line of scrimmage except at the game’s most important position.

Roethlisberger, who’s 15-1 lifetime against the Browns, remains an excellent quarterback despite serving as stunt double for the Allstate Mayhem dude. He was outstanding against the Lions last week and has been pivotal in their 4-2 resurgence after the Steelers lost their first four games.

Roethlisberger represents their best chance at winning Sunday’s wild-card-field elimination game.

The Browns locker room was filled with talk about neutralizing the Steelers quarterback and receiver Antonio Brown. The Pittsburgh defense has no such focal point save for Polamalu, who has a combined two interceptions and two sacks in the past two seasons.

Age and injury caught up to the nucleus of a Steelers defense that led them to Super Bowls in 2005 and 2008. Gone are Casey Hampton, James Farrior, Aaron Smith and Harrison. Injuries have slowed Polamalu and LaMarr Woodley.

LeBeau is still one of the game's best coordinators, but he doesn’t have the same cast of playmakers. The Steelers were first in total defense last season, yet ranked 15th in sacks and 25th in takeaways.

The Steelers enter Sunday’s game 14th in total defense and have surrendered 18 plays of 25 yards or longer.

“I think it's an accumulation of a lot of things,” Polamalu told the Tribune-Review. “We just haven't played well as a team in general. When you don't play well as a team, it gives their offense an opportunity to make plays.”

The Steelers are a defense in transition. They also are an excellent organization that sooner or later will regain its swagger.

But anyone who’s watched the Browns closely the past two seasons knows they aren’t getting pushed around by the Steelers and Ravens as they did for so many years. It hasn’t translated into many wins, but the Browns’ snarl factor is growing.

The 2012 season finale between the Browns and Steelers was peppered with chippy play. The gloves are coming off. But it won’t truly be a rivalry again until the Kick Me nameplates are removed, as well.

Led by the feet of Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde, Ohio State took a 14-0 lead after one quarter against Indiana on Saturday at Ohio Stadium.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Through an unrelenting wind and intermittent snow flurries, Ohio State relied on its running game to grab a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

Braxton Miller rushed five times for 91 yards. He capped a 37-yard touchdown scamper with a forward flip into the end zone. Carlos Hyde, who entered the game 53 yards shy of becoming the first 1,000-yard running back under Urban Meyer, logged five carries for 33 yards.

Hyde, one of 19 players honored before the game for Senior Day, scored on a 16-yard run on Ohio State's opening drive.

In all, Ohio State compiled 130 rushing yards on 11 carries. Miller also completed three of four pass attempts for 13 yards.

The Buckeyes are in search of their 23rd consecutive win, which would establish a new program record. Ohio State tallied 22 straight victories from 1967-69. With a win against the Hoosiers, the Buckeyes would clinch a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game.

The Browns bring the better defense to a game against the Steelers. That's a lot more unusual than the pre-Thanksgiving freeze expected for today at FirstEnergy Stadium.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Some season along the way in this dysfunctional rivalry with Pittsburgh, the Browns must have boasted the higher ranked defense. Just stands to reason.

I can’t remember it, but then I’ve only been here 22 years.

Last five? Certainly not.

Ten? Unh-uh.

Fifteen years? Surely. If by “surely” you mean no way, Jose.

Twenty? Sorry.

Today is the first time since 1991 when both the Browns and Steelers were middle-of-the-pack in overall defense. Barring a cataclysm, the Browns will finish the season ranked higher than the Steelers in almost every category.

We know all about the disparity in quality quarterback play since the Steelers drafted Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. He’s 15-1, his only loss coming in 2009.

Outdueled? Hardly.

Brady Quinn, one of a thousand or so Browns’ starters since Roethlisberger came into the league, completed six of 19 passes for 90 yards in the Browns’ 13-6 icy win. The Browns sacked Big Ben eight times.

The surest way to even the playing field in any rivalry is to have an answer to the other team’s franchise quarterback.

So how’s that going?

Tim Couch never looked so good as he does when the Steelers pop up on the schedule two times a year. He beat the Steelers three times, once in a season (1999) that began with Pittsburgh trouncing the Browns 43-0 and holding them to two first downs.

Not to take anything away from Couch, but he squared off against Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham and Tommy Maddox.

Trivia question: What do they have in common with Roethlisberger?

Nothing. Nothing at all.

In large part because of Roethlisberger, the Steelers have owned the Browns. But he's also had a dominating defense.

Here’s the Steelers’ ranking in overall defense since his rookie year:

2004 – No. 1

2005 – No. 4

2006 -- No. 9 (Slackers)

2007 – No. 1

2008 – No. 1

2009 – No. 5

2010 – No. 2

2011 – No. 1

2012 – No. 1

20013 – No. 14

The Steelers have fielded nine Top 5 defenses since 1999. The Browns have fielded one. Make that are fielding one in 2013.

Great defense is another way to get a foothold in a division where the thermometer takes unhealthy plunges toward ice fishing weather as early as Thanskgiving (if you didn’t notice) .

The Steelers have been a double barrell of trouble since 2004 and have two Super Bowls to show for it. But half of what’s made them dominant in this matchup is shifting this season.

Hint: it’s not Roethlisberger vs. Jason Campbell.

The Browns are 4th in the league in overall defense, 4th against the pass and 8th against the run. They have a shutdown corner in Joe Haden, pass rushers and run defenders and – not coincidentally – a Dick LeBeau disciple in Ray Horton.

“I thought Detroit was real good, but this team is better,” Steelers’ offensive coordinator Todd Haley told reporters this week.. “Statistically, they’re better. It starts inside with (Phil) Taylor and (Ahtyba) Rubin . . . The front seven in general, I think, is the best front seven we’ve seen.”

Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi spent and drafted on defense this year. The success of 2013 defensively might cost them Horton, who will no doubt interview for more head coaching jobs. But it lifts hope they can do as well when they turn their attention and resources to offense after this season.

For now, the Browns ‘ best chance to nullify Roethlisberger certainly isn’t for Jason Campbell to match him throw for throw. But Campbell will face a less daunting defense than many of his predecessors did.

And Roethlisberger takes on a bigger challenge than he’s faced in this mismatch for quite some time.

SPINOFFS

• Since the Steelers drafted Ben Roethlisberger in 2004, the Browns have started Jeff Garcia, Kelly Holcomb, Luke McCown, Trent Dilfer, Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Ken Dorsey, Bruce Gradkowski, Colt McCoy, Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace, Brandon Weeden, Thad Lewis, Brian Hoyer and Jason Campbell.

#ImsureImmissingsomebody.

• Cavaliers’ head coach Mike Brown says he’s going to reward players who compete the hardest.

Because that’s how you win games in the NBA, with an abundance of Matthew Dellavadova.

The Cavs managed to lose a 93-81 lead with 4:44 remaining Friday in New Orleans to fall to 4-8.

For this season to get off to a worse start than it already has, somebody would’ve had to get punched in a player’s only meeting.

• According to pregame.com, the last time Vegas made the Steelers an underdog against the Browns was 2003. Before that it was 1994.

Yet another superiority complex is expected in 2023.

• Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones got a positive performance review.

“(Jerry is) getting to do some of the best work (he’s) done.”

Said Jerry Jones.

• Jones is 71 years old and says he wants to be the Cowboys GM for the next 15-to-20 years.

As someone who grew up in Philadelphia as an Eagles’ fan, I think that’s a great idea.

• Jones says he wants the Cowboys offensive to play like it practices.

Which would be possible if it could play against the Cowboys’ defense.

• The Cowboys’ record since 1997 is 133-133 with one playoff win.

I’ll give Jones this much. In Berea, that’s what they’d call “boom times.”

• Alex Rodriguez pounded the table and stormed out of the hearing called as part of his grievance against Major League Baseball and commissioner Bud Selig.

“We crushed it,” Rodriguez said. “They had nothing.”

In his totally unbiased opinion.

• The 211-game suspension MLB gave A-Rod was so heavyhanded he’ll almost certainly win a sentence reduction when arbitrator Frederic Horowitz announces his decision.

So Rodriguez has a point when he says commissioner Selig should’ve testified at the hearing.

As sympathetic figures go, though, A-Rod is still right up there with Darth Vader and Ryan Braun.

• When Welsh golfer Stuart Manley aced the par-3 third hole at Royal Melbourne in Saturday’s third round of the World Cup, he patted the Mercedes parked near the tee box thinking he’d won the car.

He was informed as he took the ball out of the cup that the car could only be won with an ace in Sunday’s fourth and final round.

Manley put that disappointment behind him the way so many of us do in an often unforgiving game.

With an 11 on the par-4 fourth hole.

• Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston is accused of a December 2012 rape. DNA samples tie Winston to his accuser but Timothy Jansen, Winston’s attorney, says the sex was “absolutely consensual.”

Any FSU player charged with a felony faces an immediate suspension from the team but there is a provision that waives the suspension for “extraordinary circumstances as determined by the administration.”

FSU is 11-0 and in line to play for the national championship. Winston is the leading Heisman candidate.

Hopefully that’s not what they mean by “extraordinary circumstances.”

• The Browns announced they will divert tons of waste at FirstEnergy Stadium into sustainable energy.

(Insert 20-starting-quarterbacks-since-1999 joke here).

• Prince Fielder’s trade to the Texas Rangers only benefits the Indians , at least for the 30 minutes or less it takes Detroit owner Mike Ilitch to sell enough pizzas to go on another shopping spree.

• Ed Reed, who signed with the Jets, wore a T-shirt this week that read, “Wanted: In the air or on the ground: $20,000.”

The Jets are 28th in the league in interceptions, 30th in fumble recoveries and last in takeaways.

“No, I’m not offering $20,000 for a turnover,” Reed told the media this week.

The shirt is.

• Richie Incognito spent eight hours talking with NFL investigator Ted Wells. Two of those hours were spent apologizing for giving Wells a swirlie.

• Robert Griffin III apologized for post-game comments last week in which he said Redskins’ receivers didn’t get open on the game’s final play against Philadelphia that ended with an interception.

“I’m trying to give you guys honest answers and it hurt us in that sense,” Griffin told reporters. “Sometimes, (saying) let me look at the film is good enough.”

Works for Rob Chudzinski, who says that for all questions including, “Nice day, huh, Coach?”

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Sunday Edition)

Bud:

Are the Browns building a wishing well in the Muny lot? – Russ G

Dip a hand in there if you want, but I wouldn’t assume anything in the Muny lot is water.

Bud:

Here's how bad it's been for the Browns of late. They’ve had only four seasons since '99 of at least six wins. They have not won all of their home games against division opponents since 1988 – Tim, Canton

Thanks for bringing some balance to the discussion.Too often these Steelers’ Weeks pass with the citing of a disproportionate number of uplifting, positive Browns’ stats.

Bud:

Have you ever been plagiarized? – Good Rick

Usually people are moved to plagiarize based on the quality of another’s work.

Bud:

During your performance evaluations at the PD, have you ever slammed the table and stormed out, stating, "I am disgusted with this abusive process, designed to ensure that the writer fails"? – Jeff, Westlake

No. I’ve grown totally confident in my ability to fail all on my own.

Bud:

Do you think Michael Olowokandi is ready to pass the torch to Anthony Bennett? -- Jim Lefkowitz, Pepper Pike

Yes, but he's made the mistake of looking for him in the paint.

Bud:

Are the additional escalators planned for First Energy Field for people moving, county taxes, or player salaries? – Jim Corrigan, Fairview Park

This being the NFL, ownership revenues.

Bud:

You drink IPAs? Which part appeals to you more, the imperial, or the pale? – Sammy Usmani

The part where I've had enough to forget I make a living reading “You Said It” email

Bud:

I could use a couple million dollars a year towards my retirement fund. Do you think Mayor Jackson would mind kicking my ass also? -- Thaddeus Trout, Lakeview, MI

First-time “You Said It” winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

Bud:

Are all these rib injuries due to the Browns still giggling over the Richardson trade? – Michael Sarro

Repeat winners attempting to get a second T-shirt are stopped for no gain.

Ohio State leads Indiana 28-0 at halftime in Ohio Stadium. Big plays in the second quarter for the Buckeyes included a blocked punt by Bradley Roby and a pair of five-yard touchdown runs from Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – On the first play of the second quarter and Indiana already trailing Ohio State by 14, Hoosiers kicker Mitch Ewald pushed a field goal attempt right and off the goalpost.

It didn’t get much better for Indiana from there. And because of it, the No. 3 Buckeyes hold a comfortable 28-0 lead at halftime.

Another Indiana miscue on special teams led to Ohio State’s next score. Cornerback Bradley Roby, who celebrated his final game in Ohio Stadium with the rest of the Buckeyes seniors, blocked a Hoosiers punt that was recovered by Ron Tanner and returned to the Indiana 7.

Two plays later, backup quarterback Kenny Guiton took a snap and flipped it to starter Braxton Miller, who rushed for five yards around the edge and into the end zone, flipping through the air before crossing the goal line. 

After last season GM Chris Antonetti said Lonnie Chisenhall would get a shot at starting at third base next season. How long will the opportunity last?

Hey, Hoynsie: Are the Indians really prepared to go into 2014 with Lonnie Chisenhall as the everyday third baseman? Does GM Chris Antonetti think a light is just going to go on and he's going to hit sixty points higher and actually be a respectable defensive third baseman? I wonder what advanced metrics he would point to that nobody else is aware of? – Andy Goebel, Parma.

Hey, Andy: Yes, I believe the Indians will give Chisenhall a shot at the starting job in 2014 but I don't think they're living in a dream world.

I've heard Carlos Santana is already taking grounders at third base and could play some third this winter in the Dominican Republic. I'm not sure if it's to increase his versatility or to give the Indians another option if Chisenhall can't do the job.

It would be nice to see Chisenhall get 500 at bats so the organization can finally make a decision on him. To do that, however, he has to perform well enough to stay in the lineup. Injuries and an inability to hit lefties (.111 last season) have prevented him from doing that.

Last season Chisenhall hit 11 homers in 289 at-bats. It projects to 19 homers in 500 at-bats, but turning projection into reality is the difficult part.

Hey, Glenn: At 36, Chen fits the mold of the veteran starting pitcher the Indians desire. He’s pitched the last five years with the Royals so they certainly know what he can do. The question is what does Chen want?

With Scott Boras as his agent, I would imagine he’s after at least a two-year deal. I don’t see the Indians going for that.

Hey, John: There is no indication that David Murphy played hurt last season when he appeared in 142 games for the Rangers. The Indians, I'm sure, looked at his career stats as opposed to his rocky 2013 and weighed them against each other. What they did was take a chance.

They did the same thing last year, scoring big on Scott Kazmir and Ryan Raburn and taking a hit on Brett Myers and Mark Reynolds. This time, however, they made a much bigger commitment to Murphy.

When you don’t have a $150 million payroll, those are the things you have to do.

Hey, Hoynsie: I know the Indians do not have a lot of dollars to play with this offseason, but will they use the available resources to upgrade the club? Asdrubal Cabrera could net a decent return and Drew Stubbs could bring a reliever. The Indians have a long-standing reputation of holding on to guys too long. See Jaret Wright, Brian Giles, et al. -- Casey Dubiel, Belmont.

Hey, Casey: Ricardo Rincon for Brian Giles? I think the Indians should have hung on to Giles a lot longer than they did.

We’ve talked a lot about Cabrera and so far he’s still here. The addition of Murphy gives the Indians extra outfielders so Stubbs could be dealt. But they won't give him away and I think they can find a way to fit him on the club because of his speed and defensive ability if that's what they want to do.

I think it would take a pitcher or a prospect to get Stubbs.

Hey, Hoynsie: Is it fair to assume that the Tribe is after Carlos Beltran again after being so close two years ago? – Patrick Star, Cleveland.

Hey, Patrick: No, it’s not fair to assume. Beltran has already told the Indians to take a hike twice – although I’m sure he and his agent did it politely. I don’t think the Indians need to hear “no’ a third time.

Hey, Hoynsie: Are the Indians keeping an eye on Grady Sizemore's progess? I realize he has had multiple surgeries in the last few years, but he was always a fan favorite and I hear talk of the Tribe looking for a left-handed bat to potentially platoon with Drew Stubbs in right. – Lucas Carter, South Burlington, Vt.

Hey, Lucas: I think the signing of David Murphy, a left-handed hitting outfielder, probably canceled any reunion plans between the Tribe and Sizemore.

Sizemore has talked to the Indians in the last several weeks, but I don’t think those conversations are headed anywhere serious. The former Gold Glove center fielder has been working out for teams this winter and those close to him say he has every intention of playing next season.

At 31, Sizemore has been out of baseball for two years while recovering from a variety of injuries. He has not played in the big leagues since 2011.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Shaw Cardinals started the 2013-2014 season on the right track as they defeated Cleveland Central Catholic by a score of 55-14 on Saturday. The defense set the tone early for the Cardinals, as they jumped out to a 14-3 lead after the first quarter, and never looked back. Senior point guard Alexis Marion led the...

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Shaw Cardinals started the 2013-2014 season on the right track as they defeated Cleveland Central Catholic by a score of 55-14 on Saturday.

The defense set the tone early for the Cardinals, as they jumped out to a 14-3 lead after the first quarter, and never looked back. Senior point guard Alexis Marion led the way for Shaw with 11 points.

Cleveland State recovered from a slow early start against Robert Morris to pull out an 87-74 victory that may have cost CSU the services of guard Charlie Lee who suffered a knee injury in the game.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After a slow start Cleveland State applied the pressure, recovered from an early nine point deficit, steadily caught up, then ultimately pulled away for a 87-74 victory over Robert Morris Saturday afternoon in the Wolstein Center as Bryn Forbes led CSU with 18 points.

"They threw the first punch, and that was a good bounce-back,'' CSU swingman Sebastian Douglas said.

It was inspiring play from Douglas on the defensive end, combined with inside work from junior center Anton Grady and strong drives to the hoop from diminutive Charlie Lee paced the Vikings to 3-2 on the season with a road game looming, Monday, at powerhouse Kentucky.

Grady finished with 13 points and six rebounds, while Lee had 17 with four assists, despite missing the final 6:41 of the game, with an ice pack on his right knee.

"Twisted his knee,'' CSU head coach Gary Waters said. "I hope it is not bad. We can't afford to lose him.''

The Vikings opened with a 2-0 lead, then watched Robert Morris up the tenacity and immediately go on a 10-0 run. Waters then called a timeout, and that was followed by a hoop inside from Douglas to get CSU refocused.

It was the start of a 15-6 run to tie the game, 17-17. Douglas then gave CSU its second lead with a layup off a fast break, 19-17, as the Vikings full court pressure started taking its toll on the Colonials. The lead grew to 33-24 before a mini run right before the half by Robert Morris cut the Vikings halftime lead down to 33-29.

Grady, who had 10 points and five boards at halftime, immediately went to work after the break, drawing the third and fourth fouls on Robert Morris center Stephan Hawkins with less than two minutes off the clock.

Grady missed all four free throws, but three straight turnovers off the press helped the Vikings build a 45-33 lead at the 15:57 mark of the second half. Minutes later, the Vikings seemed on cruise control, leading 53-35.

But the Colonials would cut the lead under double figures, while Waters was giving generous minutes to the end of his bench, forcing the front line troops to close the game out the final 10 minutes under duress.

"We started easing up and stopped attacking'' said Douglas, who finished with 10 points and five rebounds. "But we rallied back up and made a run."

Lee led that charge as he consistently drove to the hoop for layups and free throws in a game that had 52 fouls and 77 free throws, with 54 free throws in the second half.

The Colonials closed within 59-54 before the Vikings put together a 12-4 run to get the lead back above double digits, 71-58 with 5:45 to go on a Marlin Mason 3-pointer. The game was never is serious doubt after that.

PARMA, Ohio - Heading into the fourth quarter, the Padua Bruins were down two points to the visiting Brunswick Blue Devils. However, they were able to send the game into overtime, and ended up escaping with the 51-43 victory. Savannah Heckelmoser led the Bruins with 13 points, while Paige Salisbury led Brunswick with 19 points.

PARMA, Ohio - Heading into the fourth quarter, the Padua Bruins were down two points to the visiting Brunswick Blue Devils. However, they were able to send the game into overtime, and ended up escaping with the 51-43 victory.

Savannah Heckelmoser led the Bruins with 13 points, while Paige Salisbury led Brunswick with 19 points.

Ohio State has run for 250 yards through three quarters against the Hoosiers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State kept its shutout of Indiana into the fourth quarter Saturday, as the Hoosiers banged a field goal attempt off the left upright after previously bouncing one off the right upright.

On a snow-covered field, the Buckeyes upped their lead to 35-0 after three quarters, scoring once in the third quarter on a 24-yard swing pass from Braxton Miller to Dontre Wilson. In general, it was difficult to generate a passing game in the weather, as Miller had a pass tipped and intercepted, his second turnover of the day following an earlier fumble.

Miller has completed 9 of 14 passes for 96 yards, while the Buckeyes have gained 250 yards on the ground, 151 by Miller and 88 by Hyde.

Indiana was driving and in the red zone, at the 5-yardline, as the third quarter ended

The Shoe early third quarter. #Ohiostate pic.twitter.com/mHMZoC3glk

— Bill Livingston (@Livy70) November 23, 2013

Get live game updates this afternoon as Ohio State takes on Indiana.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - No. 4 Ohio State plays the final game of 2013 in the Horseshoe this afternoon against Indiana at 3:30 p.m. The Buckeyes are trying to move to 11-0 and stay unbeaten during the Urban Meyer era.

cleveland.com's Ari Wasserman will chat live during the game in the comments below. Doug Lesmerises and Zack Meisel will also provide up-to-the-minute analysis and insight during today's game on Twitter, which you can find in the box below. You can follow along with the action in the widget below. Check out the box score. Read quarterly updates and more at cleveland.com/osu.

Jump in the comments when the game starts and chat with Ari while you watch the game.

The Browns have now lost 5-of-6 and are down to Brandon Weeden at quarterback. The forecast for the rest of the season is bleak.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- I hate writing stories like this about the Browns.

I hate writing that the snow is flying and the hopes for the team in the orange helmets is dying -- killed by the Steelers. I hate watching a Browns quarterback staggering off the field while fans keep asking themselves, "Why does this always happen to my team?"

It's a legitimate question after the 27-11 loss on this frigid Sunday at First Energy Stadium.

The Browns are now 4-7, and have lost five of six. Brandon Weeden is back at quarterback -- his third turn in 11 games. By now, you may be asking yourself, "Why does this keep happening to the Browns?"

Wish I had an answer.

My guess is Jason Campbell's ribs have been worse than anyone wanted to admit. Campbell has been refusing to discuss the injury. But he was shaky in last week's 41-20 loss at Cincinnati. This week, he was blasted by the Steelers, and ended up leaving the game with what the Browns called a head injury.

Timeout for a complaint: Campbell was knocked out of the game in the third quarter by cornerback William Gay. Watching the play, it looked as if Gay clubbed Campbell's helmet. Television replays made it look as if he really blasted Campbell in the head. Why no flag?

Instead, Campbell fumbled and that set up a touchdown that led to the Steelers taking a 20-3 lead. Had Campbell remained in the game, it's doubtful the Browns would have won. He was 14-of-22 for 124 yards and was not making any real progress against the Steelers.

Had the flag been tossed, the score would still be 13-3 with Weeden at quarterback -- and I'd still be skeptical about the Browns' ability to come back. The lack of a flag just added to the frustration, but not as much as the injury to Campbell.

By now, most fans believe it's a hopeless situation with Weeden at quarterback. Two coaching staffs have worked to make him a starter. Two have failed, because Weeden seems to lack touch on short passes, and poise in the pocket.

Hard to believe, but Weeden is 14-of-30 on passes BEHIND the line of scrimmage. Most quarterbacks are at 80 percent on those throws.

Before this game, the media and many of the fans were talking about how a victory over the Steelers would make the Browns 3-0 at home in the AFC North. And how Jacksonville comes to town next Sunday, and if the Browns won that game … well, they'd be 6-6.

And if the Browns had drafted Ben Roethlisberger in 2004 instead of Kellen Winslow … Ah, never mind.

Returning to the original theme: I hate stories like this because I've written too many over the years. The Browns ended last season on a three-game losing streak. It was six in a row in 2011, and four in a row in 2010. That happens because injuries pile up and sink marginal teams as the schedule separates the Browns (and others like them) from the real contenders.

The last two games have been so depressing, so one-sided, it's hard to spend much time second-guessing the coaches. In both games, the Browns reached a point where they were overwhelmed. And yes, the lack of a legitimate NFL starting quarterback showed up … again.

And the Browns made some key turnovers.

And it was over. Just like that, the Browns giving their fans little reason to stick around.

With five games left and only Weeden remaining, Rob Chudzinski and his coaching staff face an enormous challenge of stopping this season from turning into another of those dreadful 4-12 or 5-11 finishes that fans have endured here since 2007.

It won't be easy.