In the holiday spirit, let's hand out gifts to Ohio State's players and coaches. Look away, NCAA. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It's against NCAA rules to provide gifts to college athletes. So sue me.

In the spirit of Christmas, here are a few gifts for some Ohio State players and coaches.

Bradley Roby: The Marshall Mathers LP 2

The cornerback needs some motivation. He has seemingly sleepwalked through much of the season. The new album by the rapper Eminem should provide a little kick in the behind for the redshirt junior, who has already made his intentions clear for next year. He's leaving for the NFL after the Orange Bowl, so a strong showing in his final game in scarlet and gray could help his stock. Just pop in the album and feel the adrenaline.

Braxton Miller: A Magic 8-Ball

Quarterbacks must make proper decisions. Miller is considering a leap to the NFL following the Orange Bowl. A standout performance against Clemson could help his cause, or make his decision for him. A Magic 8-Ball could help give him the right answers, too. Maybe it could even tell him when to hand the ball to Carlos Hyde and when to keep it himself. That read-option can be tricky. Just avoid the "Ask again later" response.

Urban Meyer: A time machine

The coach had scripted a perfect start to his tenure in Columbus. Then, a forgettable night in Indianapolis marred nearly two years of work. Ohio State seemed ill-prepared to battle Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game. Maybe it was a result of a hangover following a narrow escape at Michigan the week before. Maybe the Spartans were just the better team. No matter the case, perhaps the Buckeyes would have prepared differently for Mark Dantonio's squad had they realized the fight they were about to join at Lucas Oil Stadium. Now, Meyer doesn't have a BCS Championship appearance to show for a pair of 12-0 starts.

On behalf of Doug and Ari, it has been a pleasure providing Ohio State content for our readers this season. We hope you have an excellent holiday. 

We've had plenty of laughs and tears (Ari is a notorious bawler) and we don't plan on stopping. We'll have the most comprehensive Orange Bowl coverage, analysis that takes you beyond the bowl game itself and instead dissects what everything means entering the 2014 campaign.

Doug tackled the offensive line and how it might look next year, following the final bowl game for the four senior starters.

Our countdown of the 20 best players this season is inching toward the end. Michael Bennett is No. 6.

In the final segment from our Orange Bowl Show at Harry Buffalo, we broke down the matchups between Ohio State and Clemson. 

June 4: Cleveland and Cuyahoga County will partner in a $350 million project including construction of a convention center hotel and pedestrian bridge to the lakefront. Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee, criticized for comments he made about "those damn Catholics" and the University of Notre Dame, announces he will retire July 1. She'dea Lane is found guilty...

June 4: Cleveland and Cuyahoga County will partner in a $350 million project including construction of a convention center hotel and pedestrian bridge to the lakefront.

Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee, criticized for comments he made about "those damn Catholics" and the University of Notre Dame, announces he will retire July 1.

She'dea Lane is found guilty of disorderly conduct for her role in an incident last September that resulted in her being punched by an RTA bus driver. A video of the altercation went viral online.

Rocky River police search the home of Indians' pitcher Chris Perez after a package of marijuana is delivered to his house. He and his wife, Melanie, subsequently face misdemeanor drug charges. The package was addressed to the couple's dog.

June 4: Sister Mary Assumpta, who became a Cleveland celebrity for her enthusiastic support of the Indians, will be moving to Oregon to work at a ministry for the dying.

Walt Arfons, who created the world's first jet-powered dragster in 1963 in Akron, dies at age 96.

June 5: Susan Rice, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, is named national security advisor by President Barack Obama. Rice is replaced by human rights advocate Samantha Power.

Don Gooch, an East Cleveland former Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation employee, and Gerard Scott of Cleveland, are accused of bilking the IRS out of more than $8 million.

The Transportation Security Administration drops plans to allow passengers boarding planes to carry pocketknives, golf clubs and other sports equipment.

June 6: A leaked document reveals that the U.S. government has checked the phone records of millions of Americans in a program aimed at combating terrorism. Federal officials say the program has helped prevent more than 50 potential terrorist events since 2001.

Swimming champion Esther Williams, who starred in MGM film extravaganzas featuring women swimming in geometric patterns, dies at age 91.

Cleveland Metroparks officially assumes control of the formerly state-managed lakefront parks that include Edgewater Park, Gordon Park and Euclid Beach Park.

June 7: A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicts Ariel Castro, 52, of Cleveland, on 329 counts for the kidnapping and rape of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight. Castro will plead not guilty to the charges.

Serial killer Richard Ramirez, convicted of 13 murders that terrorized Southern California in 1984 and 1985, dies at age 53.

June 9: The Rev. Bob Begin, 75, the activist pastor of Cleveland's St. Colman Catholic Church who led a successful campaign against Bishop Richard Lennon's order to close the church, announces he will resign his post Sept. 1.

June 11: A Cleveland police sergeant is fired, two supervisors demoted and eight other supervisors disciplined for their role in a chase last November that resulted in the police shooting two people to death.

Water levels in the Great Lakes drop to some of their lowest recorded levels due to recent dry summers and the mild winter of 2011-2012, forcing ships to carry less cargo so they don't run aground.

June 13: Airlines collected $27.1 billion in assorted fees in 2012, double the amount from 2009.

Joshua Stafford, 24, of Cleveland, is convicted of plotting with fellow anarchists to blow up the Ohio 82 bridge spanning the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area in 2012.

June 14: Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are held for the newly opened $465 million Cleveland Convention Center and Global Center for Health Innovation.

June 15: John Q's Steakhouse serves its last filet after more than two decades on Public Square. Its replacement, JQ's Steakhouse, will open in August.

June 18: Federal authorities charge three Ashland residents with holding a mentally disabled mother and her child captive for two years, forcing the mother to do domestic chores.

Former Chardon High School assistant football coach Frank Hall, who chased convicted shooter T.J. Lane from the school in 2012, is featured in a Sports Illustrated cover story.

President Barack Obama says U.S. officials will meet with the Taliban in hopes that peace talks will end the war in Afghanistan. That nation's president, Hamid Karzi,  announces that Afghan troops have now replaced the U.S.-led coalition forces in providing security for every province in the country.

June 19: William Montague, former director of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, is indicted on charges of accepting bribes and kickbacks from contractor Michael Forlani who was convicted of bribery, racketeering and other corruption-related crimes.

Sister Susan Clark is told to stop worshiping with the Community of St. Peter that severed ties with the Cleveland Catholic Diocese in 2010.

Actor James Gandolfini, best known for his portrayal of a mob boss in the HBO series "The Sopranos," dies at age 51.

June 20: The Miami Heat wins the NBA championship by beating the San Antonio Spurs 95-88.

University Hospitals announces plans to merge with Lorain County's EMH Healthcare.

Attorney Anthony O. Calabrese III is sentenced to nine years in prison for racketeering and 17 other federal charges related to the Cuyahoga County corruption scandal.

June 21: Federal prosecutors charge Edward Snowden with espionage, theft and conversion of government property. The former National Security Agency contractor fled to Hong Kong after leaking information about NSA surveillance programs.

The Food Network dumps celebrity cook Paula Deen after she admits to using racial slurs in the past.

Pete McDonald, of Hudson, whose expertise in tire design at Firestone led to use of that talent in criminal cases nationwide, dies at age 83.

June 23: Former Romanian Catholic priest, the Rev. Andre Matthews pleads guilty to stealing $176,000 from St. Helena Catholic Church on Cleveland's West Side.

Prolific science fiction and horror writer Richard Matheson, known for "I Am Legend" and other works made into movies, dies at age 87.

June 24: The Chicago Blackhawks win the NHL Championship, defeating the Boston Bruins 3-2 in Game Six of the series.

Alan Myers, former longtime drummer for the Akron rock group Devo, dies at age 58.

Mayfield Heights police set up fake drug checkpoint signs along Interstate 271, waiting for motorists to act suspiciously after seeing the signs.

Zoo officials in Knoxville, Tenn., report that a black bear scaled a 10-foot, barbed wire fence to break into the zoo, but apparently didn't like the habitat and climbed back out the same night.

June 25: The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, ruling that a portion of the law needs to be updated.

The Cuyahoga County clerk of courts' office discovers $23 million in unclaimed funds.

June 26: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that part of the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, giving legally married gay couples equal footing with all other married Americans.

Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is charged with murder in the shooting death of a semi-pro football player.

The Browns cut undrafted rookie Ausar Wolcott after he is charged with attempted murder of a man he punched outside a New Jersey bar.

June 28: Andrew Pochter, 21, a student at Kenyon College in Gambier, is killed during street protests in Alexandria, Egypt.

Nestle will invest $53 million in a global Product Technology Center to be built in Solon.

June 30: Nineteen firefighters are killed fighting a wildfire in Yarnell, AZ.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich signs a nearly $62 billion two-year budget plan that cuts income tax by 10 percent over three years but increases the sales tax from 5.5 percent to 5.75 percent.

Egyptians take to the streets to demand the resignation of President Mohammed Morsi.

The month ends as the fifth-wettest June on record in Cleveland since 1872, with a total of 7.9 inches of rain.

The search for a new head coach at Texas continues.

With bowl season well underway and the yearly wave of coaching changes in full effect, now seems like a good time to remember some of the best moments of the 2013 season and look ahead to what might be in the cards for next year.

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn celebrates after the second half of the Southeastern Conference NCAA football championship game against Missouri, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, in Atlanta. Auburn won 59-42. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Auburn's charmed season will culminate next month with the most improbable run to the BCS National Championship Game in the event's 16-year history. One year ago, Auburn finished a miserable 3-9 (0-8 SEC) season in which its dysfunctional offense could not have inspired less confidence. Following coach Gene Chizik's ouster, the school brought back Malzahn, the offensive wizard who helped Chizik and Cam Newton win the 2010 national title. With the help of juco transfer quarterback Nick Marshall and stud running back Tre Mason, Auburn didn't just improve -- it produced the nation's most powerful rushing attack, gashing Missouri for 545 yards in the SEC title game. The Tigers' nine-win improvement is tied for the biggest one-year turnaround in FBS history, and they've still got another game left to play.

FILE - In this Nov. 2, 2013 file photo, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston (5) outruns Miami defensive lineman Anthony Chickillo (71) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, in Tallahassee, Fla. Winston envisioned winning the Heisman Trophy before signing with the top-ranked Seminoles. He is one of six finalists for the award and will find out Saturday if his dream comes true.(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

With Florida State's Jameis Winston following in Manziel's footsteps, the floodgates are now open. Two takeaways from Winston's follow-up to Manziel's breakthrough: one, that this could become a normal occurrence, finally; and two, recruits are arriving on campus better prepared for the grind of college football than ever before.

The top seed will meet the fourth seed and the second seed will be paired against the third seed on either New Year's Eve or New Year's Day in the semifinals. The two winners will then play about 10 days later for the national championship.

Six bowls, including the Allstate Sugar Bowl, will rotate to host the semifinal round. The championship game will be bid out like the Super Bowl and Final Four. Arlington, Texas (2015); Glendale, Ariz. (2016) and Tampa, Fla. (2017) will host the first three national championships.

Mack Brown announces that he is stepping down as head football coach at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013. The Longhorns have had four straight seasons with at least four losses. Texas went 8-4 this year and Brown's final game will be the Dec. 30 Alamo Bowl against Oregon. (AP Photo/Jack Plunkett)

3rd Down: Texas' search continues

The 16-year tenure of Texas head coach Mack Brown will come to an end after the Longhorns play in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 30. This isn't news by now, but information is surfacing about how Brown's resignation came to be that suggests Brown was poised to continue coaching at Texas before losing support from University of Texas president Bill Powers: (via Yahoo! Sports)

On the Art Briles-to-D.C. front, Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan says he expects his situation to be cleared up Sunday, after the regular-season finale against the New York Giants. But he sounded like he wants to stay and keep building Washington up. Briles, obviously, can't become the Redskins' next coach if Shanahan remains.

Alabama had to keep Nick Saban. Had to. AD Bill Battle couldn't lose Saban in his first year on the job. So Alabama raised Saban's pay about 30 percent to more than $7 million per year, or about 14 MAC coaches. And Saban's still probably a bargain.

The senior center and captain is one of four offensive players in the top five on our list. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- This is getting serious. It's the top five, which will include four offensive players and just one defensive player, and that breakdown shouldn't be a shock given how things went for the Buckeyes this season.

No. 5: Corey Linsley, senior center

From: Youngstown, Ohio

Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 297 pounds

Recruiting rating: A four-star recruit as ranked by Rivals.com, Linsley was the No. 7 player in Ohio, the No. 6 offensive guard and the No. 174 overall prospect in the Class of 2009.

2013 stats: Part of an offensive line that allowed 29 sacks, which ranked 84th in the country, while the line led the way for an OSU rushing attack that gained 242 yards per game, which ranked 10th in the country.

The full top 20 Buckeyes list and explainer

What went right: Linsley, a fifth-year senior and captain, was at the heart of Ohio State's offensive success, and he was rewarded for it, named first-team All-Big Ten by both the coaches and the media. While injured and recovering at the start of the season, Linsley was concerned about being the weak link on the offensive line, but that was never the case. He regularly graded out as a champion, and Urban Meyer referenced him as the guy on whom the offense often balanced, as he did after the Michigan game.

"Our center, the apex, Corey Linsley graded out a champion. He's 100 percent healthy and playing like it," Meyer said.

Linsley's father, Jim, was so thrilled with how his son's career wound up unfolding, he said in October, "I have to step back in awe sometimes."

What went wrong: Linsley was limited early, taking it slow in the presason after having a screw inserted in his foot in the offseason. He played just 17 snaps in the opener against Buffalo, but as Meyer said then, "He'll play more and so he'll just keep gradually getting better and better." That was the case. But after the Buckeyes had their 24-game winning streak snapped with a loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship, Linsley was down. He felt like he'd been thrown off for the first quarter by Michigan State's defense, getting out of sorts and having trouble making line calls and making the right reads of the Spartans' defense at times. He felt like it was his worst quarter of the season, and it came at the wrong time.

Looking at 2014: Jacoby Boren will look to slide in as Linsely's replacement, which is how Linsley imagines it will happen. Boren has been groomed for the job for two years. Linsley, who was always called the strongest player on the Buckeyes' offensive line, will take his shot at the NFL, knowing that recent OSU centers like Nick Mangold, Jim Cordle and Mike Brewster have found a place in the league.

What we've written about Linsley

Sept. 23, 2013: Linsley looking forward to Buckeyes proving themselves in Big Ten

Oct. 4, 2013: Linsley didn't want to be the line's weak link

Oct. 24, 2013: Three claps for the offensive line, Urban Meyer's favorite Buckeyes

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians. Featured today are the Waiting For Next Year, Did The Tribe Win Last Night and Right Down Euclid.

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.

Kellen Winslow is one of many ghosts from Cleveland's past. (Joshua Gunter/ The Plain Dealer)

"While the Jets rookies and veteran came together, for at least one day, and collectively overachieved all on account of Next Year, it is the Cleveland Browns who were sent home with their sixth straight loss, having failed to win since their bye week, each loss seemingly getting more difficult to stomach. For Browns fans, the end is nearing as the Pittsburgh Steelers—once 0-5, now “in the hunt” for the postseason—represent the only hurdle between the Morning After and yet another season’s plug being pulled once and for all.

Bad news is that as nostalgic as Week 16 was for Clevelanders, Week 17, a game against a team that has destroyed Browns fan hearts for seasons on end, will provide plenty more. Whereas the Jets roster may have been littered with Ghosts of Cleveland’s Past, the potentially playoff-bound Steelers continue to represent the Ghosts of Cleveland’s Present. The Future? Well, that will be determined Next Year. We’ll be waiting."

Should fans be patient with Chris Grant and the Cavs? (Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer)

"But why are expectations so high if this is normal for a team with so many youngsters? One of the teams listed above is the reason. The Oklahoma City Thunder, in a way, ruined player development for the rest of the NBA. The Thunder hit on three consecutive draft picks, and made a Finals appearance within five years of drafting Kevin Durant. That’s the absolute best-case scenario for this situation, and now, it’s forced other teams to expect that same thing to happen, when in fact that’s just a ridiculous expectation. Think about it: You need a once-in-a-generation superstar to fall into your lap, and the other players you draft to compliment him well AND to develop rapidly. That just doesn’t happen with every top 5 draft pick."

Catching up with Omar. (Plain Dealer/Chuck Crow)

"If the call from the Hall ever does come, Vizquel will certainly don a Chief Wahoo hat on his plaque. He had his most personal and team success as a member of the Indians and the city still holds an obvious place in his heart.

“It’s hard not to be watching the games or where they are in the standings, even when you are with a different team,” Vizquel said. “There’s something about Cleveland that is still in my heart. After playing 11 years with this team, it gives you a special connection with the people and the city and everything else. It’s good to see them having success right now.”

Vizquel especially holds a special place in his heart for the fans that loved him so dearly for over a decade of his life.

“I think (I had a special connection with the fans) because I played here the longest,” Vizquel said with a smile. “There were some other guys that played here for a while, but I played here for 11 years. I signed a lot of autographs, I did a lot of things in the community and I made a connection with the fans. I wasn’t one of the guys that was hitting the homers and winning the games, but I was probably one of the most consistent ones."

Have a post that you think should be featured in our daily Blog Roundup? Email the link here. You can also follow Glenn on Twitter.

With 2013 winding down, it's time to make your New Year's resolutions for 2014. But what would your resolutions be for a handful of Cleveland sports figures?

With 2013 winding down, it's time to write down your New Year's resolutions for 2014. Whether it's to lose weight, call your parents more, earn more money, everyone has some kind of resolutions for the New Year.

Joe Banner

Jimmy Haslam

Terry Francona

Josh Gordon

Chris Perez

Contributor "100 percent wrong" got it right again last August when he forecast in the Browns Season Schedule Challenge that the Jets would win Sunday -- which they did, 24-13. But he  and a bit over a third of the others get bragging rights for being right, as 252 of the participants -- 61 percent -- foresaw a win all...

Contributor "100 percent wrong" got it right again last August when he forecast in the Browns Season Schedule Challenge that the Jets would win Sunday -- which they did, 24-13. But he  and a bit over a third of the others get bragging rights for being right, as 252 of the participants -- 61 percent -- foresaw a win all those weeks ago in August, and only 158 forecast a loss.

Next week, when the team reveals that the whole long season was a plot designed to lull the Steelers into false confidence in the last game, we'll reveal the final score of last summer's guesses.  A hint to go on with: Browns fans know their team, and they know their NFL, and they did a lot better than random guesses.

Predicting a win:
41553, 10and6, 2013-14, 8 and 8, Adamjg, aMingoAteYourBaby, AndyAkers, Anthony, Archie17, atrayn22, bdrjavlin, Berea Insider, better tan last year, BGBfirsttrystarbb, bhambamafrank, Big Jonge, bigweez, billmyer, BJ, blah, bman64, Bob, Bobby, Bowman, brendan, brownbomber34, browns 2013 season, browns 4-12, Browns 9-7, Browns Predictions, Browns Season of Dreams, browns2013, Browns6ten, Bryan, bsutton1, buckeyefan89, Bussin texas, Caden, caleconry, captmorgan919 and

CardiacKids, cb2013, ccclaiborne, CCM58, CDOWNS369, CEBrowns26, cerchick, charlie1, chevyman, Chicken319, cjhelbley, Clutch007, coleman, Craig B, Craigpreseason, Crumb, damon, DaP, dave Z, DaveInVA, Dawgs19, Delusional, Devus, Dgray16, Dizzyhayz, dlobster, dlte24-1, dlte24-2, dlte24-3, dlte24-4, DOG POUND, dogladi, Dogs1, Don Don, donsclowns, Doug, DRoedger01, dylanfire, Eh Eh Ron, eldaveablo, Eli, EmTee, EnglewoodBB, esse, Esse Opt, Esse Pess, Esse Real, eswick, eu, EustisBrowns, fanofbrowns17, First Impressions, Frank Sinclair, FrankieG, FreddyS, FRYZZZZZZLE77, fyrftr211, G5, Gagg, Gagg1, garth_mckillian, gator41, GatorsBrowns, gdi69, glcsr, glfmwbfore, gmoorecle, Go Browns, GoBrowns, grabski, Graveee, greenhouse, guns, harvey, haveatake, hdhardie, HEBEISEN, High hopes, Hopeful 2013, hungrydawg, iel76List, If it all goes right and

 If it all goes wrong, IndianaDawg, insulman, itsy, j.k.l., jackal, jak4848, Jakemitch, Jason Beattie, JD, Jeff Ressler, Jerry, jerrys picks, jim, jim m, Jim Swartz, JIMBO, Joe Flabeets, Josh Talley, jpm, jscruisen, justinwiley1, K.G.s list, ken w, Kevin Coy, kshermo1, labas, larry capri, lboneliners, Lear, lefthandle, Leonard miller, lrs7070#1, lrs7070#2, lrs7070#3, m4, Marn, martyas, metalist, metroplex1, MGrake1, michaelryan, Mike  n Florida big mike n Florida, MinBrwnsFan, mlsg24, Mog-a-Dog, Moo, msterymike, myfirstlist, Nathanael Ressler, nelsen2warfield, NEOMG, NHFan, Nick, norcalbrownsfan, Norm h, nuke, OC Browns, oldman, OldRuss, PappaDawg, Pat owens, pet dog, Peterson, peterw, pgoc, pit dog and

pjs19, Powerguy64, Prinzler, r8chel, RD, realbrownsfan19, Really?, red rocker, Regnery, renorhino, restuardo16, Richs Picks, Ron Dyer, RONI, RP Picks, rsb32, S0n0fsam1am, SAE Browns Fan, Salupo, Sandusky, Schoonie, SDBrowns, Seagle0013, Sean, Season of Dreams, Sharp2389, Slambar, Slambar2, Slambar3, sldgman, smole, smole1, spacecoastbrown, steve4steve, sunsoul, swank, Swindy List, Syracuse Warriors, TAD, Talley list, the new mediocracy, The TOC Magazine, thinfatman, Thom1-081913, Timmy, Tomoya Tatekawa, Tony, TS, turnaroundseason, TXBrownsBacker, uc_dan68, USMC Gunner, virgil, waittillnextyear, wanzworld, Weeden13, weedonwithlosing, Winners 2013, Winnerwahoo, winnerz, Yomamasugly, zjcvbm, Zongo

Predicting the loss:
41583, 100 percent wrong, 2013 Browns, 3wins, 8-8 no playoffs, ahiggs0718, ak-stunner, akrondave, Andre, atthemike, BarkeviousGringos, Best, BIG RAY, Big Red Browns Beliver, BIGG L, bnormant, Bo Knows, bosslogg, BOWG, brclash, brodian, BrownieDreams, Browns 2013 8-8, Browns149, browns1st, brownschuganot, Brownsfan, brownsfan19642004, Brownsw7, brwonlessfan, Butt Fumble, Cafiniisafootballdope, Calling My Shot, capmjh, cbusBrownsfan, Charlie2009, Chi-town Browns fan dude guy, Chumad, Cigarman, coolbeans69 and 

Daryl183, daveh2949, DawgPoundCraig, dawinner, DC Ashtabual, DD1, Dean, dennis1, dizzy2587, dlte24, Donati, downtown, dugoutdug, Eight and Eight, einars, emg906, eternaloptimist, Evol11, Fairfax, flabucki68@hotmail.com, Flaming Browns, flaray, fordworker21, GAMECOCK1, garybo, GblsBs, gizmo, Glorilla Brasky, grabskitj, Greendot67, gunselmo, Gus Brown, Haslampionship, Hess, hoping, Huntbrown, HwyBlues, j.l.beekley, JBirdsList, Jeff's '13 Brownies and

 JGM6262, JJB2, jjuno, jludwig, JN, JPyles, JSLIMBARSKI, jsmooth, KB's Dog's, Kenny, kldawg, Lauren, Lauren2002, Lbjkim, legaleyes, liposse, magoogala14, mc, Michael L Wilson SR, michele lee 843, mike, Milt Morin, Mingos Mangos, mittspicks, Montgomery22, mwarat, My 3 Sons, NDJAMES, neenee, New Dawgs 2013, niagara t-hawk, NJ, OrangeBlood, partyers, paul42, pauls2-13picks, pauls2013picks, Peter2, Petey, petranchdad, polonium84, pooponpitbos, predicted browns win/loss record, randolph, Randy17, richnj, RLBOpt, Rob J Staveskie, ROKKDAWG123, RPMpicks, schorman1, scott, scottybs, SEPcolaBrownsBackers, Shurk1, skynyrd74, sps, Steelerman, Steven J. Kerch, stimpy, Stones, Stryder, Suchecki2013, Thom2-08119, Thom3-08119, tjg, TMONEY, tshombe1950, tuff, Victim, wdnrbll, wonkguy, wright, wt3, wtg3, zdawgbone, Zotar

While the focus has been on Anthony Bennett struggling, some of the Cavs veterans are the real reason for the slow start.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles in my Cavs notebook:

1. Just when I think the Cavs may be OK, they play a game such as the dismal 115-92 home loss to Detroit. And that comes after a five-game stretch where they were only 1-4. And the one victory was in overtime against Milwaukee -- perhaps the worst team in the East.

2. On Christmas day, the Cavs are 10-17. That's with nearly one-third of the 82-game season finished. At this rate, they will be 30-52. And at that rate, they miss the plays. And at 30-52 no one is happy -- because that's not even bad enough to secure a high lottery pick.

3. The Cavs defense has improved from No. 30 last season to No. 16 this year in defensive field goal percentage. That was supposed to mean more road wins. The NBA saying is "defense travels," meaning good defense can help you win ugly games away from home when the shots are not falling.

4. But the Cavs are 2-12 on the road. Only Philadelphia (1-11) is worse on the road.

5. And there are so many games where the shots don't seem to be going in -- anywhere. Overall, the Cavs are averaging 95.5 points (ranked 23rd) and shooting .424 (27th) in the NBA.

6. But on the bright side, they are scoring 100.6 in December, shooting .432.

7. But on the dark side, the defense has been giving up 101.7 points, the opponents shooting .452.

8. That's why they are only 5-5 in December, despite a major improvement on offense.

9. You can say that 5-5 in December is a lot better than 5-12 in November. No debate there. I just wish the team had not lost 4-of-5, including home games to Portland and Detroit.

10. I wondered how Mike Brown's Cavs teams did in their first 27 games when he coaching here the first time. Here are the records from his first three seasons: 2005-06( 17-10), 2006-07 (16-11), 2007-08 (12-15). His best started was 23-4 in 2008-09 when the Cavs finished 66-16, my favorite team of the LeBron James Era.

11. Other than Anderson Varejao (.492), the only Cavs player receiving even semi-regular minutes shooting above 45 percent from the field is…Matt Dellavedova (.494).

12. Ponder this: In four years at St. Mary's, Dellavedova shot .415 for his career, including .404 as a senior.

13. And Ponder this: The Cavs had two first rounders -- Sergey Karasev and Anthony Bennett. And a second-rounder in Carrick Felix. But the only rookie to play in most games is the undrafted Dellavedova.

14. This should lead to a long sessions of agonizing and gnashing of teeth over Bennett, the No. 1 pick shooting only .294 from the field and being mostly a cheerleader. Bennett is a significant disappointment for the Cavs -- but to pin the 10-17 record on him is silly.

There is a lot more wrong with the Cavs than rookie Anthony Bennett.Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer

15. In December, Bennett has played eight games. He is 10-of-23 (.435) from the field for 22 points and seven rebounds in 68 total minutes. The most he has played in a game was 16 minutes of mostly trash-time (scoring seven points) in the loss to Detroit.

16. Brown was given the mission to improve the defense and make the playoffs. He doesn't see Karasev or Bennett helping in those short term goals. The first-rounders are still considered excellent long-term prospects, but Brown was been ordered to win now.

17. I can tell you that the only rookies averaging even eight points a game are: Michael Carter-Williams (17.6), Trey Burke (13.5), Victor Oladipo (12.9), Ben McLemore (9.1) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (8.3). Only Hardaway (.476) is shooting at least 41 percent from the field.

18. The league is a cruel place for most rookies, because they come to the NBA too soon, too young and often too entitled -- and not well coached because they don't stay in one high school or college long enough to be coached.

19. Which brings me to Jarrett Jack, who is shooting only .411 from the field. This is a 30-year-old veteran in his ninth pro season. He's a career .448 shooter. His ball handling also has been sloppy at times. Not much is said about this, but Jack has not produced as expected for the Cavs.

20. I watch Tristan Thompson and keep thinking his offense has improved since he switched from shooting with his left hand to his right hand. But he's averaging exactly the same 11.7 points as a year ago. Only his shooting percentage has declined from .488 to .442.

21. I can't explain why Thompson is shooting worse, other than he's taking more outside shots. His rebounding is about the same (9.8 to 9.4 last season). He has improved on defense, especially helping the guards defend pick-and-roll plays. But I thought he'd be better at this point in the season.

22. The only key players performing as I'd hope are Dion Waiters (14.9 points, .432 shooting and much better since moving to the bench) and the ever-solid Anderson Varejao.

23. Yes, the Cavs are thrilled Andrew Bynum is playing. Brown needs to be careful how he uses the 7-footer and realize that some days, those grumpy knees just drag down the big man. Consider that Bynum shot 0-of-11 vs. Detroit, 9-of-15 vs. Chicago, 3-of-14 vs. Milwaukee and 6-of-12 vs. Portland.

24. On the days that Bynum clearly doesn't have it, Brown should rest him. Keep the minutes short.

25. Kryie Irving may end up starting the All-Star game because he is very popular with fans. He's averaging 21.5 points, shooting .415 from the field, .331 on 3-pointers. Those are his lowest shooting percentages of his 3-year NBA career. That's the only reason that I think he can deliver more.

26. That said, Irving is up to .440 from the field and .399 on 3-pointers in December, so he is coming around. And his defense is better than a year ago. And he is dealing relatively well with the pressure being applied by the coaches to be more of an all-around player.

27. I can spend a lot of time on how the Cavs need a small forward, but you know that. I can mention that it was a bit of a surprise how fast Brown gave up on Earl Clark at small forward, moving him to backup power forward behind Thompson.

28. And that switch of Clark led to Bennett playing some small forward, after all he played in high school and college was power forward/center. And even in training camp, he played power forward. And now he's trying to learn small forward during the regular season. And that isn't easy.

29. OK, the Cavs are starting Alonzo Gee at small forward, where he is averaging 3.9 points and shooting .402 in 20 minutes a game. And yes, that is the worst of any starting small forward in the NBA.

30. Finally, a year ago, the Cavs were 5-22. So at 10-27, they have doubled their win total. Now, the real question will be if Brown can take this young team and have them make significant steps forward in the remaining 55 games. It is up to Brown along with veterans such as Irving, Jack, Bynum, Varejao, Thompson and Waiters to make that happen.

Baker has made a positive impression in two games with the Browns.

BEREA, Ohio – Former Michigan State teammates Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker have taken divergent paths to Sunday’s season finale at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

Bell’s route has been direct – he’s a 2013 second-round pick who’s showing why he’s the Steelers’ halfback of the future.

Baker’s journey has been circuitous – he’s a 2012 seventh-round pick who spent nearly two seasons on practice squads before getting his shot with the Browns.

Regardless of the circumstance, Bell and Baker arrive at Sunday’s game as their team’s feature back. Bell is enjoying the most productive rookie season for a Steelers’ back since Franco Harris with 1,163 yards from scrimmage in just 12 games. Baker made his NFL regular-season debut two weeks ago and has been the most impressive back during a season of frustration for the Browns’ ground game.

He ran for 64 yards and a 5-yard touchdown on 17 carries in the Browns’ 24-13 loss to the New York Jets.

“I thought this past week he played real well,” coach Rob Chudzinski said. “He’s given us a lift in the run game. He runs hard, he’s decisive. He’s been able to make some tough yards and run through some contact. So, he has been productive for us. I think it’s shown that our running game has improved.”

Of course, the bar has been set quite low since the Browns traded Trent Richardson after Week 2. They don’t have a 75-yard rusher let alone a 100-yard man this season.

Willis McGahee, 32, was signed after the Richardson deal and didn’t have the benefit of a training camp. The committee of McGahee, Chris Ogbonnaya and Fozzy Whittaker provided a minimal threat for opponents, especially as the Browns have focused heavily on the pass.

Baker has demonstrated a good burst and an ability to find the end zone. In just two games, the speedy back has scored half the Browns’ four rushing touchdowns.

“He runs tough,” quarterback Jason Campbell said. “(Offensive coordinator Norv Turner) had an opportunity to know him a little bit in San Diego (where the Chargers drafted him last season). I give him credit. He comes out there and he’s a tough little joker. He plays his butt off.”

Baker rushed for 1,201 yards as a Spartans’ sophomore in 2010, but saw his production dip the following year as Bell emerged as the team’s leading rusher.

The two players stay in touch, Baker said. He’s not surprised by Bell’s success in Pittsburgh after missing the first three games with a foot injury. He’s rushed for 770 yards and seven TDs on 224 carries. The Steelers are 7-5 since his return to the lineup.

“He’s been doing a fantastic job as a rookie,” Baker said. “Even coming out early (after his junior year), he’s been doing a great job. “

The Steelers (7-8), who for decades have had a strong rushing attack, were lacking it in recent seasons. When Bell ran for 124 yards last week in Green Bay he became the first Steelers’ back in 23 games to pierce the 100-yard mark.

“The word coming out of Pittsburgh is that he’s that kind of runner, that kind of back, that Pittsburgh-style guy,” Chudzinski said. “As the season has gone on he’s gotten more and more involved.”

Bell considers Baker an "explosive" runner and understands why the Browns snatched him the Houston Texans' practice squad on Dec. 10.

The former teammates plan to speak before Sunday's game. Bell’s future with the Steelers is secure. Baker’s time with the Browns isn’t guaranteed after this weekend.

The franchise likely will draft a back come May, but the 5-foot-8, 200-pounder would love to finish the season strong and work his way into its plans.

Baker has 102 yards on 25 carries, while also catching six passes for 58 yards.

“He’s shown well when he’s gotten his opportunity,” Chudzinski said. “That’s what you want to see guys do . . . You want to see them grow in that way.”

CLEVELAND, Ohio – St. Edward and Brecksville-Broadview Heights remained atop the cleveland.com wrestling Top 10 this week, but the rest of the poll saw plenty of movement. Two teams dropped out, two others joined and St. Vincent-St. Mary and Perry both jumped up after impressive wins last week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – St. Edward and Brecksville-Broadview Heights remained atop the cleveland.com wrestling Top 10 this week, but the rest of the poll saw plenty of movement.

Two teams dropped out, two others joined and St. Vincent-St. Mary and Perry both jumped up after impressive wins last week.

Do you agree or disagree with our poll? Let us know in the comments section, or share your own Top 10. To comment you will need to register, but it's fast, easy and free.

Each Wednesday we will release an updated poll, along with a video discussing the picks. Also, watch for weekly talking points post, which will explain some of the decisions that go into shaping each week's poll. However, due to the holiday week, no video or talking points will be posted today.

(The Top 10 takes into account both dual and tournament results. Previous ranking in parentheses.)

1. St. Edward (1)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated St. Ignatius.

This week: At Medina Invitational Tournament Friday, Saturday.

Comment: The Eagles had a light week, only facing rival St. Ignatius in a dual. They will join Massillon Perry and Detroit Catholic Central among the favorites at the M.I.T. this week.

2. Brecksville-Broadview Heights (2)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Avon Lake; Finished ninth at Beast of the East (two placers).

This week: Hosts Brecksville Holiday Tournament Sunday, Monday.

Comment: The Bees' Austin Assad (120) and Josh Murphy (195) have placed third and fifth, respectively, at both the Walsh Ironman and Beast of the East this season.

3. St. Vincent-St. Mary (5)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, Perrysburg.

This week: At Powerade Wrestling Tournament (Pa.) Friday, Saturday.

Comment: After a strong double dual performance last week, the Irish head to the tough Powerade event, where defending state champ Aaron Adkins will get his first official matches of the season.

4. Nordonia (3)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Revere, Tallmadge; Won Nordonia Duals (defeated Bedford, Willoughby South, Valley Forge, Beachwood, lost to Crestwood).

This week: At Brecksville Holiday Tournament Sunday, Monday.

Comment: The Knights suffered a one-point dual loss to No. 9 Crestwood but still managed to win the Nordonia Duals.

5. Perry (7)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Wadsworth, Mentor.

This week: At Brecksville Holiday Tournament Sunday, Monday.

Comment: The Pirates got a big win over Wadsworth to jump into the top five. After splitting their squad between earlier tournaments, the Pirates should be complete this weekend at Brecksville.

6. Wadsworth (4)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Defeated Revere, Tallmadge, Mentor; Lost to Perry.

This week: At Medina Invitational Tournament Friday, Saturday.

Comment: The Grizzlies went 3-1 last week, but a four-point dual loss to No. 5 Perry caused them to fall a couple spots.

7. Brunswick (6)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Cuyahoga Falls, Medina.

This week: At Medina Invitational Tournament Friday, Saturday.

Comment: The Blue Devils get their biggest test of the season against the field at the M.I.T.

8. Elyria (8)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Strongsville.

This week: At Brecksville Holiday Tournament Sunday, Monday.

Comment: The Pioneers celebrated their 1973 state championship team by handing Strongsville a 45-point dual loss.

9. Crestwood (--)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Kent Roosevelt, Field; Won 4 of 5 at Nordonia Duals.

This week: At Kenston Invitational Friday, Saturday.

Comment: The Red Devils will look to build on the momentum of their win over No. 4 Nordonia this week at Kenston.

10. Lake Catholic (--)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Mentor.

This week: At Brecksville Holiday Tournament Friday, Saturday.

Comment: The Cougars easily handled Mentor last week before defending state champ Anthony Tutolo finished third (132) at the Beast of the East tournament.

Dropped out: Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (9), Strongsville (10).

Just off the mat: Amherst, CVCA, Padua, Parma, Walsh Jesuit.

Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@ScottPatsko). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Northfield Park is hosting 213 evenings of harness racing in 2014, with weekday racing the standard for the coming season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The trotters and pacers will race on Sunday at Northfield Park, but it will be a rare weekend evening of racing at the harness track.

Northfield Park will send out 213 live racing cards in the coming year, concentrating on weekday evenings. The 2014 schedule begins with a New Year’s Day of racing that is followed by Monday through Thursday action through July, with a 6 p.m. post time for the first race of the evening. In August, Northfield will be dark on Wednesdays, switching to Friday night racing.

Sunday’s racing begins at 6:30 p.m. The track will have a special 5:30 p.m. first race post time on Monday because of an expanded 17-race program.

Thistle has 122-day season: ThistleDown Racino in North Randall is opening its 122-day season on April 18 with Friday through Sunday racing. That will be expanded in May to include Wednesday afternoon racing through the thoroughbred track’s closing day on Nov. 16.

Au Revoir seeks Anvil: When Anvil Raider N paced to victory in 1:57.1 on Dec. 21 at Northfield Park with Ronnie Wrenn Jr. in the sulky, his 22nd victory of the year was the most in harness racing in 2013. It might also have been his swan song. U.S. Trotting Association rules are forcing the 14-year-old to retire on Dec. 31.

Eric Warner, director of racing at New York’s Monticello Raceway, is hoping there is one race left in the old-timer, who is owned and trained by Will Johnson of Monroe, Mich. Warner is building the Au Revoir, a race on Monday exclusively for 14-year-old pacers, and he’s hoping to lure Johnson into letting his gelding make one final start.

Anvil Raider N has won 94 races in his long career, earning $339,412. His best mile was a 1:51 that was clocked at Mohawk Racetrack when he was just eight years old.

A 14-year-old Warner won’t invite is Forest Vic A. Despite his age, Forest Vic A had been knocking heads with top talent this season at New York’s Yonkers Raceway. He’s won only two races, but has earned more than $81,000.

Wrenn top driver in U.S.: Northfield Park regular Ronnie Wrenn Jr. is wrapping up a banner year, leading the 2013 North American Driving Standings with 696 victories. That easily tops second-place Dave Palone, who has won 645 races this year.

Northfield Park’s plentiful racing dates have had something to do with it. Wrenn has made 3,067 starts, climbing into the sulky for an average of almost 10 races every day of the year. Northfield’s Aaron Merriman was even busier, with 3,633 starts, holding down sixth place in the standings with 566 victories.

Self-serve only at Miami Valley: Officials at the new Miami Valley Gaming and Racing are knocking heads with the Ohio State Racing Commission after deciding to offer only self-serve wagering at the new harness racing facility and racino on I-75, just north of Cincinnati. To save money, there are no plans to hire mutual clerks.

The track opened Dec. 12 with video lottery terminals and full-card simulcasts, according to Blood-Horse magazine, and only self-serve wagering machines. All of the other Ohio horse racing tracks employs mutual clerks.

The track had been moved from its long-time location in Lebanon, Ohio. Churchill Downs Inc. and the Delaware North Companies now own it. OSRC chairman Robert Schmitz won’t grant a live racing permit for Miami Valley Gaming and Racing until the issue of racing without mutual clerks is resolved.

Four-star wide receiver Johnnie Dixon of West Palm Beach (Fla.) Dwyer is one of many youthful receivers Ohio State will hope to get production from in 2014.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Urban Meyer signed that exciting Florida wide receiver, the type who possesses that famous Southeastern Conference speed, in each of his first two recruiting classes at Ohio State.

And Meyer will make it three in a row in February when he signs four-star wide receiver Johnnie Dixon of West Palm Beach Dwyer as part of the Buckeyes 2014 class.

Getting these Florida burners to Ohio State has become a welcomed trend.

But there’s another trend, one that started before Meyer’s arrival – Ohio State has regularly plucked talented wide receivers from Florida, and since 2009 none of them have become regular producers.

Before Dixon there was James Clark (2013), Ricquan Southward (2012), James Louis (2010) and Duron Carter (2009). Clark, a former four-star prospect, was only a freshman this year, so the jury is still out on whether he’ll eventually become a big-time producer. But Southward, Louis and Carter never even finished their careers at Ohio State.

So why will Dixon be different? Perhaps because Dixon seems to play his best football when he’s on the biggest stages. Take Dwyer’s recent playoff run to its state championship for example, a five-game span during which Dixon hauled in 17 catches for 366 yards and six touchdowns.

But like the other Ohio State gets from Florida – all of which had similarly impressive numbers while in high school – statistics and prep performances matter little once college begins. It’s all about translating that talent to the collegiate level.

And development will continue to be key for Ohio State in 2014. After spending the past two years making the wide receivers “functional,” Zack Smith will have to start near the bottom again after saying goodbye to Philly Brown, Ohio State’s leading receiver, after the Orange Bowl. 

What remains on the Buckeyes’ roster are a few upperclassmen and a stacked room of talented young playmakers that haven’t yet proved themselves. Here’s how the wide receiver depth chart should shape up in 2014:

Seniors: Devin Smith, Evan Spencer

Juniors: Corey Smith, Jeff Greene

Sophomores: Michael Thomas, Frank Epitropolous 

Redshirt freshmen: Jalin Marshall, James Clark 

Freshmen: Johnnie Dixon, Curtis Samuel, Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown 

Ohio State talks a lot about how far the receivers have come, and maybe they have since being referred to as a "clown show" during Meyer's first practices with the team two years ago. But how good were they, really? Considering their two best receivers – Brown and Devin Smith – both failed to reach the 700-yard receiving mark, they probably could have been better. 

View full sizeJalin Marshall was considered one of the best players in the 2013 recruiting class, but he redshirted during his freshman year at Ohio State while learning the wide receiver position. Nick Daggy, The Plain Dealer

The Buckeyes will turn to Smith next year as the leader. He has great big-play ability, but he has yet to form into the consistent type of receiver that can definitely get open on mid-range third down situations. Ohio State also has Spencer, and maybe it can also get production from former JUCO transfers Corey Smith and Jeff Greene, a transfer from Georgia Tech that has reportedly been doing some impressive things during bowl practice. 

But how good Ohio State will be next year is all about the young guys, players like Marshall and Clark, and the group of talented freshmen. We expected freshmen to be heavily involved in this year's offense, but aside from H-Back Dontre Wilson, that wasn't the case. 

Meyer won't have the luxury of begin patient with his talent next year, so it's good that he's been so consistent landing top wide receivers during the recruiting process, both from places like Florida and even in Ohio. 

Marshall, a native of Middletown, Ohio, was considered one of the best players in the country in the 2013 class, but he played quarterback in high school. After learning a new position during his redshirt season, he's expected to contribute to the Buckeyes this year. 

Then there's Dixon and the other three wide receivers committed in the 2014 class. By Rivals.com rankings, Samuel is the No. 8-ranked wideout in the class, Dixon is No. 17 and McLaurin is No. 44. Brown is rated as the No. 9 athlete in the class. 

Great recruiting has given Meyer options. Now it's time to get the production. 

The Steelers still have a ray of hope in making the playoffs, but there is a lot at stake for several members of the Browns, as well.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Everyone knows the Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot to play for Sunday when they play host to the Browns at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still alive for the playoffs entering the final week of the season. The Steelers (7-8) need to beat the Browns and hope that Miami, Baltimore and San Diego - all 8-7 - lose.

That would create a five-way tie for the final-wild card spot that would somehow end with Pittsburgh traveling to Cincinnati to face the AFC North Bengals for the third time this season.

But the Browns, even though they are 4-11, still have much to play for as well. In this video, cleveland.com Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed talk about who has what at stake from Cleveland's point of view.

It's the final week of the regular season. Playoff spots are still up for grabs and teams are jockeying for draft position.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – It's the final week of the regular season. Playoff spots are still up for grabs and teams are jockeying for draft position.

For the first time in 2013 there are no changes in the Top 5 of these power rankings. The five best teams have separated from the rest of the pack, but they are jumbled close together amongst each other.

Upsets, injuries and parity continue to be the stories of the 2013 season. The team celebrating on a February night in New York will likely be the one that stays the healthiest during the next grueling month.

Keep in mind, power rankings are not standings so style points matter, the opponent matters and what I think of them using the eye test also matters.

1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3; 1)

Even though they lost at home to Arizona, the Seahawks have shown throughout the year that they are worthy of this spot in the rankings. The only real issue is on offense. Can Russell Wilson pick up his play?

2. San Francisco 49ers (11-4; 2)

Monday's game was a lot closer than anticipated. But the 49ers used their defense to get a key stop late against Atlanta. With QB Colin Kaepernick starting to find the form he showed last year, the Niners will be awfully tough to beat in the postseason.

3. Carolina Panthers (11-4; 3)

People wanted to see Cam Newton take a leap this year and that is exactly what he has done. The MVP belongs to Peyton Manning. But Newton should get consideration. He was silent for the first 55 minutes on Sunday and delivered in crunch time. 

4. Denver Broncos (12-3; 4)

On a day where Peyton Manning broke the single-season mark for passing touchdowns, the Broncos lost Von Miller (torn ACL). That could end up being the blow that prevents Denver from winning the Super Bowl.

5. New England Patriots (11-4; 5)

Two weeks ago the Patriots looked vulnerable after a loss against Miami. But they bounced back in a big way against the Ravens. They aren't the same team without Rob Gronkowski and they have suffered some key injuries, but they still have Tom Brady. They won't go out easy in the postseason.

6. New Orleans Saints (10-5; 6)

We can write the same thing every week about New Orleans. One of the most dominant teams at home, they wilt on the road. If I were in New Orleans, I wouldn't count on a long playoff run.

7. Arizona Cardinals (10-5; 8)

It took nearly two years but someone finally beat Russell Wilson in Seattle, and it was the Cardinals. They are 7-1 in their last eight. Head coach Bruce Arians should get some Coach of the Year votes.

8. Cincinnati Bengals (10-5; 9)

They, like New Orleans, dominate at home (34.4 points per game) while struggling on the road (19.4). The AFC North champs aren't close to 100 percent, but they are still getting it done.

9. Indianapolis Colts (10-5; 13)

It took a few games for Andrew Luck to get his feet back under him following the loss of Reggie Wayne. But he has done it. This past weekend he was completing passes to Griff Whalen, Da'Rick Rogers, and TY Hilton, and still went into Kansas City and left with the win. Impressive.

10. Kansas City Chiefs (11-4; 7)

Giving Jamaal Charles 13 carries in any game is a recipe for failure. If the Chiefs are smart they will make sure that doesn't happen again.

11. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6; 11)

Nick Foles is playing as well as any quarterback. LeSean McCoy is leading the NFL in rushing. DeSean Jackson is getting help from Riley Cooper in the receiving game. If the defense plays like it did Sunday night then the Eagles will fly into the postseason.

12. Baltimore Ravens (8-7; 10)

Sunday's game was critical for Baltimore. And they lost 41-7 to New England. Their $100 million-quarterback was a no-show.

13. San Diego Chargers (8-7; 16)

If not for losses against the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins, the Chargers would be a playoff team. They also lost to Oakland this season. San Diego will think about what could have been in Mike McCoy's first season as head coach, but also be proud of what they accomplished.

14. Chicago Bears (8-7; 12)

The Bears have turned into a team that needs to win shootouts because their defense has been terrible in 2013. Chicago has allowed at least 40 points four times.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8; 18)

They are 7-5 in games Le'Veon Bell has seen the field. He gives the Steelers the kind of balance necessary to be successful on offense. They need a lot of help to get to the postseason, but they have played well since an awful start.

16. Green Bay Packers (7-7-1; 15)

They are hanging in there despite not having Aaron Rodgers. Can they do it for one more week with Matt Flynn at the helm?

17. Dallas Cowboys (8-7; 19)

Tony Romo engineered a late-game comeback to save the Cowboys' season. But he also did it with a bad back, which could possibly require surgery, and force him to miss the finale. Sports can be cruel.

18. St. Louis Rams (7-8; 20)

It looks like Bernie Kosar was wrong about Kellen Clemens. The backup QB has gone 4-4 since taking over for an injured Sam Bradford. They also have Washington's first round pick so the future looks better and better in St. Louis every week.

19. Miami Dolphins (8-7; 14)

On Sunday, the shaky Miami offensive line showed up again. Ryan Tannehill didn't have a chance. If Miami protects him, he can lead them to the ninth win. If they don't then it will be a .500 record for the Dolphins despite a tumultuous season off the field.

20. Detroit Lions (7-8; 17)

Jim Schwartz won't call this season a failure for the Cowboys, but I will. The division was there for the Lions thanks to injuries in Green Bay and Chicago, and they still couldn't grab it. That's called failure. Time for a new coach in Detroit.

21. New York Jets (7-8; 21)

The Jets running game hasn't been great. The offensive line has given up the second-most sacks in 2013. The wide receiving corps is led by Jeremy Kerley, who has 483 receiving yards. And they have rolled with a rookie quarterback in 2013. Yet they are 7-8, with a legit shot to finish with a .500 record. And they want to fire the coach? Typical Jets.

22. Buffalo Bills (6-9; 26)

Another first-year head coach who has done a tremendous job is Doug Marrone. Making the leap from college to the pros hasn't been easy. Marrone has been forced to shuffle quarterbacks and his most talented offensive weapon (C.J. Spiller) has been less than 100 percent. Yet they are 6-9. That's a good job given the circumstances.

23. Tennessee Titans (6-9; 25)

The Titans season started to go downhill when Jake Locker was lost for the season. Locker was 4-3 as a starter. The Titans are 2-6 since. Maybe they don't have to make a QB change this off-season.

24. New York Giants (6-9; 23)

I have no idea what happened to Eli Manning and the Giants this year. It's one of the great mysteries of the season. Manning better stop throwing to the other team or his Hall-Of-Fame resume will take a huge hit.

25. Minnesota Vikings (4-10-1; 22)

Matt Cassel was looking good for the Vikings, and then he fell apart this past weekend. That's why he's a backup quarterback. He can play well in spurts, but he wouldn't be a successful starter for 16 games.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-11; 24)

Some people might look at their 4-11 record and call it a bad season. Given the lack of talent and the two quarterbacks (Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne) they were forced to use, I will call it a strong first year for Gus Bradley in Jacksonville. I thought they were bad enough to lose every game.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11; 27)

They are now 11-20 in the last two years. They still may not have their quarterback of the future on the roster. It could be the end for Greg Schiano is Tampa Bay.

28. Atlanta Falcons (4-11; 29)

The good news is they haven't quit on head coach Mike Smith, and their effort late has been admirable. This off-season will be very important for Atlanta. They need their offensive MVP (Julio Jones) to return to full strength in 2014.

29. Cleveland Browns (4-11; 28)

The Browns will finish the season with double-digit losses and a Top 10 pick again. They had embarrassing losses to Jacksonville and New York. There is more talent on this team than last year, and yet they are still one win away. Some of the blame has to go to Rob Chudzinski, who was the worst first-year coach in the NFL.

30. Oakland Raiders (4-11; 30)

They have lost five straight games and continue to shuffle quarterbacks. That's what happens when you don't have a capable starting quarterback on the roster.

31. Washington Redskins (3-12; 31)

People seriously thought Kirk Cousins (21-36, 197 yards, one touchdown and one interception) was going to make a difference in Washington? The issues run deep in the nation's capitol. For starters, they need a new coach.

32. Houston Texans (2-13; 32)

One more loss and they will solidify the top pick. Whatever Houston has to do to make that a reality should be done. The worst possible thing for the Texans to do is win the finale. 

Mike Hegan, who broadcast Cleveland Indians games on radio and television for 23 years, died this morning, according to the team.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Longtime Cleveland Indians broadcaster Mike Hegan died Tuesday morning, according to the team.

Hegan, 71, who was inducted into the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame in 2011, partnered with broadcaster Tom Hamilton to call Indians games on the radio for 14 years until he stepped down at the end of the 2011 season.

Hegan, who was a star athlete at St. Ignatius High School, started his broadcasting career in Milwaukee after playing 12 years in the big leagues with the Yankees, Seattle Pilots, Brewers and Oakland as a first baseman/outfielder.

Hamilton said he had talked to Hegan Saturday and knew his former broadcast partner's health was failing, but his death is still a shock.

"Mike was as good a broadcaster as anyone who has done the game of baseball," Hamilton said. "I was lucky to work with him, but the listeners were lucky to hear him."

Hamilton said his 14 years working alongside Hegan were "tremendous."

"He was a phenomenal person to work with," he said.

Click HERE for a full profile of Hegan from The Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes at the time he stopped broadcasting.

See his Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame profile HERE.

A press release just issued by the Indians states:

The Bullough news is a major blow for the No. 4 Spartans as they get ready to play No. 5 Stanford without the leader of their nationally-ranked defense.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Michigan All-Big Ten left tackle Taylor Lewan, a projected first-round NFL Draft pick, told the Detroit News on Wednesday that he did not assault anyone after the Wolverines lost to Ohio State this year. Bucknuts.com first reported earlier this week that an OSU fan had accused Lewan of assaulting him.

Said Lewan, according to the News:

“I’m not going to get in too many details — I wasn’t in any fight. I didn’t hit anybody. I was really just trying to help out a situation and break up something. I really can’t go into any more details than that.”

Earlier this week, MLive.com reported that Ann Arbor police were investigating whether Lewan had been involved in an incident that night, after Ohio State pulled out a 42-41 win at Michigan, and confirmed he was in the area of a fight involving OSU fans.

Ryan Munsch of Columbus told the Detroit Free Press earlier this week that Lewan allegedly punched him and one of his friends. Michigan is in Arizona preparing to play Kansas State in the Buffalo Wild Wings bowl on Saturday. Lewan is expected to play in the game.

In other off-field news involving Big Ten stars, Michigan State captain and senior linebacker Max Bullough, a two-time academic All-Big Ten pick, has been suspended for the Rose Bowl against No. 5 Stanford for a  violation of team rules. It's a major loss for the No. 4 Spartans, as Mike Griffith of Mlive.com wrote:

Bullough has started at middle linebacker the past three seasons and has been considered the heart and soul of the Spartans' No. 1-ranked defense, making the play calls from his position while also providing leadership off the field with impassioned team speeches.

“@Sean_Darwent: @BraxtonMiller5 #BuckeyeNation pic.twitter.com/T5GXKs7yd9” oh you got a medium I see 👀! Lol

— Braxton Miller (@BraxtonMiller5) December 25, 2013

Our countdown of the best 20 Buckeyes will reach No. 4. The Christmas Day honor went to Corey Linsley at No. 5. As a reminder, here's the full list of 20 to 5 so far.

Ari checked in Wednesday with a look at the Ohio State receivers, knowing that the Buckeyes have been regularly pulling some from Florida. With senior Philly Brown playing his last game, Ari broke down the depth chart of that skill group for next year.

Three more days until the Buckeyes, and Zack, Ari and I, hit South Florida. Ohio State will practice in Columbus on Friday and Saturday before flying down Sunday morning to start on-site Orange Bowl prep.

Atlanta's Kyle Korver is not just a great shooter. He's a great teammate. The Hawks will face the Cavaliers on Thursday night at The Q.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Atlanta general manager Danny Ferry describes Kyle Korver in terms every Cavaliers fan can understand.

"Kyle has an old soul,'' Ferry, the former Cavs player and general manager said before the Hawks game against the Cavs Thursday night at The Q. "He is a Zydrunas Ilgauskas or Larry Nance type of person and teammate. I don't use those names lightly and certainly say that respectfully.''

The last time the Cavs saw Korver and the Hawks, on Dec. 6 in Atlanta, Korver set an NBA record by making a 3-pointer in 90 straight games. He has extended that record to 97 games coming into Thursday's game.

"He's professional and a great teammate,'' Ferry said. "He works with a purpose and a focus and maximizes who he is. He's very diligent, very smart, very focused. I respect him. As we build our culture, our environment here in Atlanta, having Kyle back as a part of that was exciting.''

Korver re-signed as a free agent with the Hawks last summer, and it's clear how much his teammates respect him. During the game against the Cavs, DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Teague passed up wide open shots in order to pass the ball to Korver for his chance at setting the record.

"I wish I would've had the assist….I wanted to go down in history, too,'' Teague told reporters after the game.

After the game, Korver said he was glad that he got the record -- and that he was happy that the fuss was over.

"It's never been about the streak,'' he told reporters. "It's about making the shots you get. I don't want to be a high-volume shooter. I try to be efficient. You get a shot, you try to make it. I didn't even know this record existed until midway through the year last year when people started talking about it. It's a cool thing, but it was never the focus.''

He also thanked his teammates.

"I'm not out there creating shots,'' he said. "I'm a product of good team basketball, of setting screens and good passes and floor spacing and all of that. This wouldn't have happened without them. A lot of these guys have been here throughout this whole streak. There's a lot of thanks to go around -- players who aren't here this year, coaches who aren't here this year, and this group in here. I just said thank you.''

The rest of the Hawks were thrilled for Korver.

"His teammates are very happy for him and the coaching staff [as well] mostly because he's a great teammate,'' Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer said. "He's just a person that we all enjoy competing with and being around every day. He'a heck of a competitor. He's a heck of a basketball player and he's a heck of a shooter. For him to do what he did over the course of [90 games] it's a heck of an effort. We're just really pleased for Kyle. We all feel fortunate to be a part of Kyle's night.''

Even the Cavs are impressed by Korver's perfect form and smooth shot. Asked if he was the best pure shooter in the league, coach Mike Brown said, "If he's not the best, I don't know who is. But what makes it so tough with him is his size [6-foot-7]. People underestimate his size. He's a big, strong guy that is not afraid of anything. He'll stick his nose in there, get hit in the head when it comes to rebounding or trying to defend guys and then the next thing you know, he'll hit you in the face with a 3-pointer. So his skill set and his size and his toughness is very, very unique.''

Added Jarrett Jack of Korver's pursuit of the record, "It just shows a tremendous level of consistency, a tremendous level of professionalism on his part. Obviously that’s something you have to come in and work at each and every day. He’s been a guy who stays true to his title.

"One thing in this league that a lot of young guys don’t understand is you have to try to find a niche in this league and try to live up to it as much as you can. He’s done a tremendous job of that.''

Cavaliers vs. Hawks

Time: 7 p.m. Thursday

TV/radio: Fox Sports Ohio, WTAM AM/1100

Notable: Hawks clobbered Cavs in last meeting, 108-89, on Dec. 6 in Atlanta as Kyrie Irving went scoreless for the only time in his career….Cavs have lost their last two games -- at Chicago and against Detroit -- and looked horrible in doing so....Cavs have lost two straight to the Hawks, although they did win the last matchup in Cleveland on Jan. 9, 2013.

Those familiar with both Woody Hayes and Urban Meyer say the two coaches have a lot in common.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A sly grin sweeps across Urban Meyer's face. He plays it off as though he has never heard the comparison. But he has.

Meyer coached under Earle Bruce, who coached under Woody Hayes. Bruce sees the resemblance between his predecessor and his prodigy.

So does Bruce's grandson, Zach Smith, who now, under Meyer's direction, coaches Ohio State's receivers.

"He's somebody that loves Ohio State," Smith said of Meyer, "that's competitive, intense and at the same time, deep down, cares about his players and assistant coaches."

Meyer was an assistant at Ohio State from 1986-87, less than a decade after Bruce replaced Hayes as head coach in Columbus.

To those familiar with both men, some of the similarities in style, demeanor and authority are striking.

After Ohio State won at California in September, Jim Otis, a fullback for Hayes' Buckeyes from 1967-69, texted Meyer and told him as much.

"He does have a little bit of Woody in him," Otis said. "He coached with Earle and Earle is a disciple of Woody's, so you're going to get a lot of Woody. There's a big difference between Earle and Woody, but Urban has that."

Hayes was the emperor, the dictator no one wanted to tweak or disturb. He hired Rudy Hubbard to coach the running backs, but Hayes actually presided over the position group. When Hubbard asked to design plays for the backs, Hayes replied, "Well, what do you think I'm going to do?"

"So I'm thinking, 'Well, what did you hire me for, then?'" Hubbard said. "Shortly after that, he asked me to draw up plays and I came in early and got them all up and he was shocked. So after that, I never had a problem with that."

Bruce said Hayes was always in control, on and off the field, while a passenger in someone else's car, or while hiking up a mountain by himself.

"These guys were afraid to pick out a movie the night before a game," said former Ohio State quarterback Bill Long, "because Woody might not like the movie."

Meyer might not appear as hardened or unreasonable, but he has a comparable command for respect.

"This coach, you talk about this guy getting these guys ready. Jesus Christ," Long said. "These guys were playing hard all through that 56-0 game and they didn't slow down. That's hard to coach. He has them thinking. This guy is something. To do that with modern kids, this guy has them almost playing scared, which is pretty interesting."

The coaches also share an obsessive commitment to their job. Meyer stepped down at Florida, escaping the mounting stress that took a toll on his health and family. After a year off, he relocated to Columbus, but only after he signed a contract devised by his daughters that mandated he balance his time and energy more effectively.

"There's a craziness to [Meyer], and I mean that in a good way," Long said. "Not only in sports, but in life. There has to be craziness in a coach to get something done. I see it in this guy."

Hayes endured similar coaching rigors. Long said "he sacrificed family and everything for his job."

"He had a single-minded approach to everything, and that was football," said Larry Catuzzi, who coached under Hayes from 1965-67. "His life, other than his military career, was football. And he devoted all of his time, at some expense of his family, I thought, to football."

Meyer acknowledges some of the parallels. Despite first saying he had never thought about the comparison, he proceeded to list three of Hayes' traits that he also values.

"His love and care for the players," Meyer said. "His demand on the players. Putting a premium on academics."

Those are all virtues Otis has noticed as well. The loyalty, compassion, obsession, drive -- all of those quirks that contributed to Hayes' legacy -- seem present in the new sheriff in town.

They certainly have their wealth of differences. After all, Meyer lets his assistant coaches craft defensive schemes.

Still, where there's Urban, there's a bit of Woody, too.

"He's pretty tough, but he's fair and he's good to the kids," Otis said. "He will fight for them all the way, and that's how Woody was. When it comes down to nut-cracking time, they're going to fight for him.

"He's got some of that in him and he should."

Why should a Cleveland Browns have hope for next season? Will the Browns re-sign Alex Mack and T.J. Ward? Will Davone Bess be back next year? These are some of the questions answered in this midweek edition of Hey Mary Kay!

CLEVELAND -- Hey Mary Kay!

Hey, Mary Kay:  Since next year marks the 50 year anniversary of the last Brown's championship, the "Faithful" have seen a lot of regime/coaching changes  heralding promises of future victories.  We have drank the Brown's Kool aid decade after decade. 

  I really put some faith in Jimmy Haslam and Joe Banner as have many other fans.

  After 4 wins out of 15 games - the upcoming draft and free agency is our salvation (again).  Excuse my pessimism as I have run out of patience...consider:

  * Signed Davone Bess as key third down possession receiver.

  * Signed Paul Kruger to big dollar free agent sack specialist.

  * Drafted Barkevious Mingo No. 6 overall.

  * Drafted three or four other players who have negligible impact on roster.

  * Don't properly plan for running back position after Trent Richardson trade AND give up on Bobby Rainey too soon.

  * Sign Willis McGahee as our main back.

  * Almost trade Josh Gordon for draft pick. 

  * Probably going to let Alex Mack and T.J. Ward leave.

  * Please explain/analyze/comment on why The Faithful should have confidence in the current management group given the above facts.  

  * I also want to acknowledge the difficulty you face as the day to day Browns reporter.  Keep up the great work.

  - Tim Corbett, Ladera Ranch, Calif.

Hey Tim: I really feel for you and all of the other Browns fans who have to endure double-digit losses every year. You make some fantastic points and I understand why you're losing hope. But here are a few reason to keep the faith:

1. Several key players are coming back next season from injuries, including quarterback Brian Hoyer, return specialist Travis Benjamin, defensive end Desmond Bryant, linebacker Quentin Groves and running back Dion Lewis.

2. Most players should improve next season in their second year in both systems.

3. No. 6 overall pick Barkevious Mingo should be much-improved next year when he has a full training camp as opposed to missing a month with a bruised lung.

4. The Browns have a boatload of draft picks, including two first-rounders, and should be able to load up on some good, young talent.

5. When the Browns didn't suffer meltdowns this season, they played well, including the first 59 minutes of the New England game. If you can almost beat the Patriots on the road, you're doing something right.

   Hey Mary Kay:

  The return game has been non-existentst since the ACL injury to Travis Benjamin, the same injury suffered by Brian Hoyer.  Since Benjamin's game is based on speed, isn't there more concern about his recovery than Hoyer's?  Any update on his recovery so far?

  - Rich Smith, Columbus, Ohio

Hey Rich: Benjamin's injury is the same as Hoyer's, an ACL construction, but he will need a little more time to return to his world-class speed. Hoyer suffered his injury in September, and is expected to begin practicing in May. Benjamin suffered his in late October and is aiming to return to practice sometime during camp in the summer. I don't expect Benjamin to fullspeed until October or November, a year after his surgery. Some players are rushing back from their ACLs these days, but only a few -- including Adrian Peterson -- are really themselves until the second year back.

Hey, Mary Kay:  Now that the Browns season is over, do you think the players are tanking it?

  Steve Jochum, Parma, Ohio

Hey Steve: I don't think the players are consciously quitting, but I think it's hard for some to play with the same intensity during a six-game skid with no playoffs at stake. Others have let the losing affect their psyche. Jason Campbell is playing hard, but has already admitted that he let the New England loss spill over into the Bears game, and that he pressed in the second half of Sunday's loss to the Jets. I think the players are still trying, but there's just a different vibe during a playoff campaign.

Hey, Mary Kay:  Is there a possibility that the Browns bundle their two first-round picks together to move up in a draft? If they could potentially find their QB early and think he is an option for earlier teams, might they consider moving up? Or do you think they would prefer to get 2 solid draft picks in the first round and try to wait on their guy

  - Billy McGlone, Lexington, Ohio

Hey Billy: I think it's entirely possible for the Browns to package their two first-round picks and move up to take a quarterback if that's what it takes to get their man. Joe Banner will aggressively pursue his championship-caliber quarterback and will pull out all the stops to get him. At this point, I don't know if they're enamored with one of the college prospects, but if they are, they'll spend whatever picks they need to.

Hey, Mary Kay:  What are the chances that the Browns would trade the first round pick from the Colts to Washington for Kirk Cousins?  This would make all of us ecstatic while freeing up the first pick for someone like Sammy Watkins.

  - Doug Johnson, Youngstown, Ohio

 Hey Doug: With the struggles that Robert Griffin III has had this season coming off his torn ACL, I think the Redskins would have to think long and hard about trading Cousins. But coach Mike Shanahan, who shut down RGIII for the final three games, has been talking him up as a starter and hoping he might fetch a first-round pick for him. If he's on the market, it's worth exploring. Unfortunately for the Browns, the previous regime passed on the fourth-rounder in the 2012 draft even though Pat Shurmur seemed to really like him.

Hey, Mary Kay:  Do you think the Browns will resign TJ Ward, Alex Mack, and extend Joe Haden's contract? Also, do you think they will get their franchise QB with only using one of their two 1st round draft picks? I would really be disappointed if they package both picks for a QB! I think we our close to reclaiming the North, add more players and resign some core players!

  - Kevin  Sandy, Navarre, Ohio

Hey Kevin: I think T.J. Ward and Alex Mack will hit the free agent market, but both would like to be back in Cleveland and they're the kind of players you want on your team. Both are in their prime and are Pro Bowl-caliber players. I'd rather see the Browns re-sign their own quality draft picks instead of other teams' castoffs. The Browns can always franchise Ward, but they'd have to pay him about $8 million next season. As for drafting a QB, I am all for packaging the first two picks if that's what it takes. This team is going nowhere until it gets the quarterback situation right.

Hey Mary Kay: Do you think Davone Bess will return to the Browns after leaving this season for personal reasons?

- Melissa Wigginton, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Hey Melissa: From what I understand, Bess intends to return after he deals with a troubling situation involving a family member back in Oakland, Ca. Question is, will the Browns want him back? Bess did not live up to expectations this season, leading the league with 14 dropped passes according to profootballfocus.com and totaling 28 yards or fewer in 11 games. A source said Bess' family issue contributed to his performance. Problem is, Bess received a three-year extension from the Browns through 2016 worth $11.5 million, including $5.75 million guaranteed. That's a lot of guaranteed money for just one season -- but I've seen this regime cut its losses before.

Longtime Cleveland Indians broadcaster and former Major League Baseball player Mike Hegan died Tuesday morning in Hilton Head, SC. Fans, players and media react to his passing.

Fans, former players and media react to the passing of Mike Hegan, second of left. (Scott Shaw/Plain Dealer)