Trevor Bauer will try to beat the Twins for the first time this season after three losses against them.\

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Here are the lineups for Friday night's game between the Indians and Twins at Target Field.

INDIANS

CF Michael Bourn, L.

SS Jose Ramirez, S.

DH Michael Brantley, L.

1B Carlos Santana, S.

RF David Murphy, L.

3B Lonnie Chisenhall, L.

2B Mike Aviles, R.

LF J.B. Shuck, L.

C Roberto Perez, R.

RHP Trevor Bauer, 5-8, 4.04.

TWINS

SS Danny Santana, S.

2B Brian Dozier, R.

1B Joe Mauer, L.

DH Kennys Vargas, S.

3B Trevor Plouffe, R.

C Kurt Suzuki, R.

RF Oswaldo Arcia, L.

CF Aaron Hicks, S.

LF Jordan Schafer, L.

RHP Phil Hughes, 15-10, 3.56.

UMPIRES

H Fieldin Culbreth, crew chief.

1B Brian Knight.

2B Manny Gonzalez.

3B Jim Reynolds.

Can receiver Josh Gordon push the Browns over the top in the final six games of the season now that he's been reinstated?

BEREA, Ohio -- After a drawn-out ordeal that at times left him depressed, All-Pro receiver Josh Gordon is coming back home to the Browns.

With the NFL and NFLPA approving the new substance-abuse policy Friday, Gordon's minimum season-long drug ban has been reduced to 10 games, and he can return to the field Nov. 23 in Atlanta, providing he meets all the terms of his Stage Three program.  If all goes well, he'll be available for the final six games of the season.

Under terms of the policy, he'll also be permitted to return to the Browns facility immediately for conditioning and meetings, but will not be allowed to practice with the team until the week leading up to the Atlanta game.

"I'm happy that the NFLPA and NFL worked hard to agree on a new Substances of Abuse policy,'' Gordon said in a statement released by the NFLPA. "I'm very thankful to my union for fighting for a significant reduction in my suspension. I'm glad I can go to the facility during my suspension. I look forward to going to meetings, working out individually, and learning from my coaches and teammates. I can't wait until game 11 to get back on the field!"

A league source also told Northeast Ohio Media Group that Gordon avoided the new mandatory two-game ban for a first-time DWI conviction, and is also not expected to be docked more games for it even under the old rules.

The NFL and NFLPA worked out an agreement that players with outstanding drunk-driving charges have until the beginning of November to get them resolved and benefit from the less-stringent old rules.

Gordon moved up his DWI hearing in Raleigh, N.C. from Nov. 18 to Tuesday and pleaded guilty so that he could avoid the automatic two-game suspension without pay.

A first-time offender under the old policy is subject to a $50,000 fine, but Commissioner Roger Goodell can increase that or suspend a player who's had previous alcohol or drug misconduct. Even though Gordon fits the bill, the NFL and NFLPA have already agreed to a maximum of 10 games for him this season -- unless he violates the policy again.

 Under the new DUI rules, a first offense will result in a two-game suspension without pay and a second offense is eight games without pay. In either case, Goodell can tack on more games if there are aggravating circumstances.

The new substance abuse policy also eases the restrictions on marijuana use. The threshold for a positive marijuana test will be raised from 15 ng/ml to 35 ng/ml, which will prevent players from arguing that they were victims of secondhand smoke.

The new discipline stages for positive marijuana tests are as follows: a first violation will result in referral to the substance abuse program; subsequent violations will result in a two-game fine, a four-game fine, a four-game suspension, a 10-game suspension, and one-year banishment.  The new stages are the two-game fine and the 10-game suspension.·

Gordon is subject to frequent drug testing, and another misstep in his Stage Three substance abuse program could result in an indefinite ban. Gordon is also on probation for 12 months for the DWI, and has had his driver's license suspended.

The drawback for the Browns in Gordon returning for the final six games -- an accrued season -- is that he'll be eligible to become a free agent after next season instead of after 2016, which would've been the case if he had served the season-long ban. If they're in playoff contention when he returns, it might be worth it. If not, it's questionable.

Therefore, if the Browns hope to keep him beyond next season, they'll either have to extend his contract, franchise him in March of 2015 or bid on him in free agency if he hits the market. For comparison's sake, the franchise number for a receiver in 2014 is $12.132 million for the year.

"We are aware of the new NFL policy related to the reduction of Josh Gordon's suspension to 10 games,'' Browns general manager Ray Farmer said in a statement. "We will continue to support and work with him under the NFL guidelines throughout this process. Our team's focus right now remains on preparing for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens."

 From a financial standpoint, Gordon will lose about $820,000 for the 10 games (base salary plus prorated signing bonus), and he'll make $339,954 (base times seven checks including the bye week) if he plays in those final six games. An additional two games for the DWI would've cost more than $160,000. His base salary is $825,604 2014 and $1.068 million in 2015.

Gordon's teammates, who have supported him every step of the way, are eager to have him back for the final six games.

"Hopefully, we will (be in the thick of it),'' said safety Donte Whitner. "That's the goal, and when you get a piece like that, it'll scare a bunch of defensive coordinators, especially in our division because they know the things that he can do. Six games is enough games to go out there and make a statement, and we believe that he's going to do that.''

Gordon made a tremendous impact last season despite missing the first two games. In the final 14, he led the league with 1,646 yards and became the first player in NFL history with back-to-back 200-yard receiving games.

"It can be huge,'' said Whitner. "With the guys that we have out there now, the scheme that we're running, the misdirection and taking advantage of other guys' mistakes on the defensive side of the football, just adding a weapon like him is going to take us over the top. If these guys continue to stay healthy, continue to work, continue to produce, when he comes back, it'll be an added bonus for us.''

If Gordon matches his production from last year, the Browns can expect about four TDs, 705 yards and 37 receptions over those final six games -- enough perhaps for an extra victory or two.

"Obviously, we saw what Josh did last year,'' said quarterback Brian Hoyer. "We saw how big of a playmaker he is and what his potential is. So we'll see how it plays out. I'm worried about the guys in this room, but to get Josh back around would obviously be great for us."

Providing the Browns are still in playoff contention, Gordon will be returning just when a team needs to get hot. Included in those final six games are two potentially pivotal division games: Dec. 14 at home against the Bengals and at Baltimore in the season finale Dec. 28.

"The best teams in this league, they get better week after week after week and they really hit their peak towards the end of the season,'' said Hoyer.  "I think that's the biggest thing that I took from my time in New England.''

The Browns are also excited to get Gordon back at the Browns facility, where they can give him the support he needs. He won't be permitted to practice with the team until the week before the Atlanta game, but can condition and attend meetings.

During the ban, he's been selling cars and working at Sarchione Auto Group in Randolph, Ohio. "That's great for him,'' said Whitner of Gordon's return to Berea.

"That's great for anybody that's suspended and can't be around their second family, and you can't go to your second home. Now, he'll be able to come here, be able to condition here. He'll be able to lift here. He'll be able to eat here. He'll be able to watch film, so that when he's ready to step back on the field, he doesn't miss a step.

"That's good. Those guys need that support, and I've said it a long time ago. No, he doesn't need to be cut, or he doesn't need to be kept away from the football team. He needs to be around us, and we need to support him and get him the help that he needs, because, first and foremost, he's a human being, and secondly, he's a football player. We know the things that he can do on a football field.''

Gordon told ondecker.com earlier this month that the original verdict of the season-long ban left him down.

"I was definitely upset because you won't be able to play for a full year, and that I believe has rarely been seen in a positive light ever in the NFL or hardly even seen anybody come back from a full year suspension and become a fundamental part of the team again and go on to do good things and great things. So all of those things play on my mind and you get emotional, you get depressed,'' he said.

"You touch all of your emotions I believe at once and it was definitely a dark period of time for me, definitely probably the worst experience I've had in my life for sure, having your livelihood being possibly taken away, so now we're just trying to turn it into a positive and taking the best things out of it as best we can.''

See reaction from Northeast Ohio's top high school football players following Friday night games from Week 4 of the 2014 season.

What Indians' starting pitcher -- Corey Kluber is off limits -- do you think the 29 other teams in the big league value the most?

Hey, Hoynsie: Which of the Indians' emerging starters, other than Corey Kluber, is the most highly regarded around the league? – Steve Cornelius, Rocky River.

Hey, Hoynsie: Stuff wise you'd have to say Carlos Carrasco, but he's been around a long time and it's hard to change opinions in baseball. Carrasco has already been labeled so I think it's going to take more than a hot stretch in the second half for him to go to the top of the most wanted list by another team.

Bauer, 23, has age on his side and certainly has the arm and work ethic. But there are quirks and special handling is needed. That could scare some teams off.

T.J. House, Zach McAllister and Josh Tomlin seem to be useful middle of the rotation guys, who could move to the pen if needed.

I'd have to say Danny Salazar is the guy. Teams have to be intrigued by the arm. They caught a glimpse of it last year, but durability remains a question. The Indians pampered him through spring training, which increased the concern. Then, just when he was getting rolling in May, they sent him to the minors he wouldn't get overworked and manager Terry Francona could manipulate the bullpen.

Salazar rejoined the rotation on July 22 and has been more consistent with his delivery, stuff and durability. He's using his best stuff from the first batter on and isn't easing into games. It seems like he's been around forever, but Salazar is only 24 and his start against Houston on Thursday was the 29^th of his big-league career.

In other words, he has yet to pitch a full season in the big leagues.

Hey, Hoynsie: Is Corey Kluber part Cyborg? – Casey Dubiel, Belmont

Hey, Casey: I'd have to say no. He's 100 percent human, a good guy with a good sense of humor who just happens to be one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Hey, Hoynsie: I have two questions. Who in NY decides the replay challenges? Who does the official scoring (calling hits, errors, etc.) for Indians' games?  I never see or hear any mention of these people before, during or after the games. Is it a big secret? – Susan Urban, Independence.

Hey, Susan: A rotating crew of big league umpires in New York reviews all challenges and issues decisions.

Regarding official scorers, each big-league team hires a group of official scorers to work their home games. MLB must approve them.

Many times it's a retired baseball writer, but just as frequently it can be a high school or college baseball coach or official with a good knowledge of the rules. They are paid on a per game basis by MLB.

There is some secrecy involved in the umpires making the decisions at replay central. They can be identified by crew name (name of their crew chief), but no specific umpire responsible for making a replay decision will be identified.

If an official scorer is involved in a controversial call during a game, he sometimes gets mentioned in news stories. In the boxscores handed out in the pressbox, the scorer's name is included.

Hey, Hoynsie: I'd like to nominate Albert Belle and Tito (Francona) for the Indians Hall of Fame. Who heads the nominating committee? Can you find out who next year's voters are? – Bill Compton, Cleveland.

Hey, Bill: The Indians ask media members, baseball historians and executives to nominate players and non-uniform personnel worthy of being selected to their Hall of Fame. The nominees must have been active for at least three years with the organization and be retired one year to be eligible.

When the nominations are collected, it's the Indians who decide who gets in and who doesn't.

Belle is eligible and has been nominated in the past.

I'm assuming you're talking about current manager Terry Francona, nicknamed Tito after his father, who also played for the Indians. Terry Francona played just one year for the Indians so he wouldn't be eligible as a player. He would be eligible for the Distinguished Hall of Fame honor, according to Bob DiBiasio, Indians vice president of public affairs.

Hey, Hoynsie: Is the rumor true that the Dolans are entertaining the idea of moving the Indians to Charlotte if the attendance does not improve? I hope this doesn't happen, but couldn't blame them if they did so. Go Tribe! Or should I say, stay Tribe? – Scott Harley, Parma.

Hey, Scott: Attendance has been terrible over the last two years at Progressive Field, but it is extremely difficult to move a MLB franchise. I have not heard any rumors about such a move.

Didn't the Indians just announce a big facelift for Progressive Field to make it more fan friendly? They don't sound like a franchise on the move to me.

Staff predictions for the Cleveland Browns-Baltimore Ravens game on Sunday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Staffers from The Plain Dealer and Northeast Ohio Media Group weigh in on the Browns-Ravens game on Sunday at 1 p.m. in FirstEnergy Stadium:

Browns vs. Ravens
(Ravens favored by 1 1/2 points)

Mary Kay Cabot
(Record: 1-1)
Browns 24, Ravens 21
Joe Flacco drops to 11-2 against the Browns after starting 11-0.

Dan Labbe
(Record: 2-0)
Browns 16, Ravens 14
Browns figure out a way to score just enough and the defense hangs on to go above .500 at the bye.

Bill Livingston
(Record: 1-1)
Browns 21, Ravens 20
The crab cakes are good in Baltimore. End of nice comments about Ray Rice's old team. 

Dennis Manoloff
(Record: 1-1)
Ravens 20, Browns 17
Browns are improving, and Ravens are not to be feared. But Ravens are a tad better on this particular afternoon.

Terry Pluto
(Record: 1-1)
Ravens 20, Browns 17
A tough loss at the end of the game.

Tom Reed
(Record: 1-1)
Browns 21, Ravens 20
The Browns make it two straight this season and against the Ravens.

Bud Shaw
(Record: 1-1)
Browns 20, Ravens 17
Crazy as it sounds, a home-field advantage is possible two weeks in a row.

Branson Wright
(Record: 2-0)
Ravens 23, Browns 17
Wide receiver Torrey Smith makes a difference.

Neville Gallimore, a four-star Canadian defensive tackle, released his top five and the Buckeyes made the cut.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Where there's elite high school football talents, Urban Meyer is going to find it. Even if it's in Canada. 

Ohio State is firmly entrenched in the recruitment of four-star defensive tackle Neville Gallimore of St. Catharines (Ontario) Canada Prep Football Academy. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound prospect recently released his top five, and the Buckeyes made the cut along with Oklahoma, Florida, Florida State and and Oregon. 

My Top 5 (no particular order) pic.twitter.com/Rp0Hy5GlQu

— Neville G (@Path2Greatwork) September 19, 2014

Rated by 247Sports the No. 34 overall prospect and the No. 5 defensive tackle in the 2015 class, Gallimore picked up offers from more than 25 other programs before narrowing it down, including Miami (Fla.), Michigan State, Notre Dame, Penn State, UCLA, Virginia Tech and others. 

Gallimore hasn't scheduled an official visit to Ohio State, but he's anticipated to make it to Columbus for a game this season. 

According to 247Sports' "Crystal Ball" – a tool that compiles expert projections for where a prospect will commit – 58 percent of the reporters polled picked Ohio State, while Oklahoma has 37 percent and Florida has five percent. 

"I haven't locked down any dates for the officials yet either," Gibson wrote. "I do know that I'll definitely be visiting Ohio State and Oklahoma, but, like I said, I don't know the dates yet."

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Five-star quarterback Torrance Gibson of Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage has been a rumored silent commitment to Ohio State that would reveal his decision officially on Oct. 20. 

Pump the breaks.

Gibson says that's far from reality. 

In his blog done with USA Today, Gibson wrote that he isn't silently committed to anyone and he also announced that he has to push his decision date back. 

"I know there are a lot of rumors floating around out there about my recruitment, but you can't listen to that stuff," Gibson wrote. "You can't stop people from posting anything crazy, but, just so y'all know, I'm not committed to anyone silently or any other way. When I'm ready to commit, everyone will know.

"It's all about the best fit for me and not anyone else." 

Gibson's academic schedule has changed and it has caused to him to alter when he takes his official visits. That, in turn, has thrown off his target date to announce his commitment. 

"I just found out recently that I have to take the SAT before I can take official visits so I set that up for Oct. 11," Gibson wrote. "That's gonna push everything back a little bit for me because I had originally planned to have a decision by Oct. 20; now I'm gonna set up the visits after I take the SAT and go from there. I don't know when the new date for my decision will be, but y'all know I'll let you know!" 

Gibson was initially supposed to visit Ohio State for the Buckeyes' home night game vs. Virginia Tech, but he couldn't make it. Since then, he's been trying to schedule an official visit to Columbus for the Buckeyes' game vs. Michigan in November. 

As of now, he doesn't have any official visits set. Gibson, though, won't go without seeing Ohio State. 

"I haven't locked down any dates for the officials yet either," Gibson wrote. "I do know that I'll definitely be visiting Ohio State and Oklahoma, but, like I said, I don't know the dates yet." 

Five questions with first base prospect Jesus Aguilar.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Power is one of the most sought after talents in baseball. Rookie first baseman Jesus Aguilar is all about power. He hit .304 (130-for-427) with 31 doubles, 19 homers and 77 RBI this year for Class AAA Columbus. He hit 16 homers and drove in a club record 105 RBI at Class AA Akron in 2013.

The Indians recalled Aguilar on Sept. 1 for the third times this season.

The 6-3, 250-pound right-handed hitter lives in Maracay, Venezuela.

Q. You hit 18 homers in 58 games for Caracas last winter in Venezuela. Will you play winter ball there again after this season?

A. "Yes, I love playing there. For me, it's hard when this season ends to go home and not play for three or four months. By playing winter ball, I get to keep hitting, I get to keep seeing pitchers. It helps me a lot.

"I've done it for the last two years and it's worked for me. So I've got to keep doing it."

Q. Did you play other sports when you were growing up?

A. "I played basketball and a little soccer. But nothing like baseball. In baseball, you have to spend a lot of time with it when you're young. So when I was in school I played some basketball and soccer, but when I wanted to be a professional I just played baseball."

Q. You talking to Jose Altuve (MLB's leader in hits) when the Indians were in Houston on this trip. How do you know him?

A. "I've known him for over 18 years. We went to school together. We played against each other in the same Little League. We live five minutes away from each other in the same city (Maracay) so we're always talking.

"He's having a really good season. No, I'm not surprised at what he's done. He's just got to keep going."

Q. This is your third promotion to the big leagues this year from Columbus. How has that helped you?

A. "When they sent me down the first time, I kept telling myself, "I've got to keep working hard. I've got to keep working hard.' I want to play in the majors. That's what I put in my mind. I know I can do it.

"I went down and tried to make the adjustments they wanted me to make. Finally, I got back here and I want to help the team anyway I can."

Q. What's the biggest adjustment you have to make with your hitting?

A. "It's a little thing with my hands. Sometimes I'm too high with my hands. I have to keep my hands on the same level at the same spot to help me hit the slider and the off-speed pitch. That worked for me at Triple-A and I've got to bring that here.

"People think this is an easy job, but they don't realize that the season really never ends. I love it. That's why I do it, but you have to keep working every day to get better."

Will Jordan Cameron play? How will Brian Hoyer fare against this stout defense? Will Joe Haden be able to handle receiver Steve Smith? These are some things to watch in Browns vs. Ravens Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Ravens come to town rocked by the Ray Rice domestic violence scandal, but coach John Harbaugh pulled the team together for a convincing 26-6 rout of the Steelers in their last game Sept. 11 for a 1-1 mark.

Running back Bernard Pierce ran for 96 of Baltimore's 157 yards, Joe Flacco completed 21 of 29 attempts and a pair of TD passes to tight end Owen Daniels, and the defense held Pittsburgh to just two field goals while forcing three turnovers. Their other top back, Justin Forsett, is averaging 6.6 yards per carry.

The Browns are coming off their sensational 26-24 upset of the Saints, but have lost 11 of their last 12 against the Ravens,  including five of their last six in Cleveland. Overall, the Ravens have dominated in Cleveland 10-5, but their only loss in the last 12 games came last year at FirstEnergy Stadium, a 24-18 decision.

Here are five things to watch in the game, besides Flacco, who's 11-1 against the Browns:

1. Receiver Steve Smith vs. Joe Haden and the secondary.

The 14-year pro and five-time Pro Bowler, signed as a free agent in the offseason, has given the Ravens the savvy veteran they lost when they let Anquan Boldin leave in free agency after 2012.

Smith has seven 1,000-yard campaigns for second-highest active total in the league. He leads the Ravens with 189 yards on 13 carries, and has 117 yards on third down for second-most in the NFL -- including an 80-yard TD.

"He brings attitude. Competitiveness. He's always been like that,'' said Browns safety Donte Whitner. "A very, very chippy guy. He can still make the plays that he made when he was younger. I don't know if he's as fast as he used to be, but he's every bit the competitor he used to be and he's the firestarter on that offense. He's a firecracker and we'll have to understand where he is and we'll have to understand that we can't get into personal battles with him.''

Haden, who gave up plenty of yards and at least one TD to Jimmy Graham last week and several big plays to Antonio Brown the week before, knows that Smith will try to take him and Justin Gilbert out of their game.

"I think if you just play your composure, play your game, [you'll be fine],'' said Haden. "I played against Steve Smith before, I think in my rookie year, and he didn't say too much of anything at all. I think he plays with a lot of passion. He talks. When he catches the ball, he just does his thing. I think the way you stop that is you play ball, don't let him catch it, just play your game. It's not really having a shouting match with him. He plays with a lot of emotion and a lot of passion."

Said Gilbert, who rebounded with a much better game last week: "I hear he talks trash, but I don't plan on saying much. I'm quiet.''

2. Joe Thomas and Mitchell Schwartz vs. pass-rushers Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil

Suggs and Dumervil will give the Browns their stiffest pass-rush challenge to date. Suggs doesn't have a sack yet this season and Dumervil has the club's only two, but coach Mike Pettine stressed that it's more about getting a quarterback off his mark than taking him down.

What's more, the Browns always seem to bring out the best in the duo. Dumervil's 10 sacks against the Browns are the most he has against one team in his career; and Suggs' 15 are the most he has against an opponent. Suggs has three multi-sack performances against the Browns and his seven forced fumbles are also the most against any team.   

"They're always good battles (with Suggs),'' said Thomas. "I think this is 14 or 15 times playing him. He wins one, I win one. It's back and forth. It's a good challenge. I wouldn't say it's fun because it's a long day's work when you're trying to block him."
 
Thomas said the two are so effective because the Ravens play to their strengths.

"They just let them rush,'' he said. " A lot of times you see 3-4 teams where the linebackers are dropping into coverage or covering tight ends. They just line them up and let them rush. That's why I think they're so effective and they get so many sacks and quarterback pressures. If it's third down they're going to be over the tackle rushing the quarterback."

Thomas acknowledged, "Being a tackle is like being a cornerback. You could have 28 of 29 knockdowns but the 29th play you give up a sack or as a cornerback you give up a touchdown pass, everybody observing thinks you had a horrible game."
 
3. Tight ends Dennis Pitta and Owen Daniels

If the Browns hadn't pulled off that incredible gamewinning drive against the Saints last week, all the talk would've been about Jimmy Graham taking over the game with 10 catches for 118 yards and two TDs -- all in the final three quarters.

This week, the Ravens bring two formidable tight ends in Pitta and Daniels and are the only team in the NFL that have two with nine catches or more. Pitta has 13 catches for 113 yards and Daniels has nine for 62, with two TDs.

"Jimmy's a great player obviously,'' said Browns defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil. "But the Baltimore Ravens kind of have a one-two punch with those tight ends. They're both dual threat tight ends, which makes them a little different than Jimmy. They'll do a good job in the run game, and then they're obviously a threat in the pass game. It does present a problem. You have to scheme around them. Our guys are aware of it. I think we have a good plan for it."

The Browns caught a break last year when Pitta sat out both meetings with a hip injury that  caused him to miss the first 12 games of the season. But in 2012, the Ravens' Super Bowl season, he tied for second on the team with a career-high 61 catches for 669 yards and a career-high seven TDs.  The linebackers and safeties, especially, will have to be on the lookout. 

"We'll have to account for both of them, especially on passes over the middle,'' said Browns linebacker Jabaal Sheard.  

4.  Brian Hoyer and RBs vs. Ravens' stingy defense

Hoyer has been effective this season largely out of the hurry-up offense, but the Ravens are shutting down opponents, especially in the red zone. They haven't allowed a TD in four red-zone stands and have allowed only one TD all season for best in the league.   

"It starts up front with those guys and their front seven have been there for a long time,'' said Hoyer. "You don't have to say much about Terrell Suggs, you know that he's a threat on every play. You have to be mindful of where he's at, but also the other two guys (Courtney) Upshaw and Dumervil, those guys too.

"They're great pass rushers. Great outside linebackers and in that system, so we're definitely aware of where they're at all times....(they're) a tough, sound defense that knows exactly what they're supposed to be doing and they have some good playmakers, too." 
  
The Ravens are allowing only 14.5 points per game for fifth-best in the league and they're they're holding opponents to just 89 yards rushing a game for No. 8 in the league. Alex Mack will have his hands full five-time Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata, and Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell might have a tough time maintaining their better than 5.0 yards per carry average.

"I'm not surprised (about West),'' said Harbaugh. "We thought really very highly of him. I would say he's done even better than the draft reports would have predicted. He's really running downhill. He's quick. He's explosive. He's got excellent vision. He's taken to the scheme exceptionally well. They've got two really good young running backs. They've found two guys that are going to be able to work for a long time and who are good fits in that offense."
 
6. Jordan Cameron: Will he or won't he?

The Browns' Pro Bowl tight end was limited in practice all week and is questionable for the game with his sprained right shoulder. Last week, he sat out the game while Gary Barnidge made the biggest play of the game on fourth down on the gamewinning drive.

But Harbaugh was so interested in Gordon's status that he asked Cleveland reporters on the conference call Wednesday if Cameron practiced that day.

"Yeah, that's flattering,'' said Cameron. "Anytime a coach from another team mentions your name it's pretty cool, I guess. Hopefully you guys lied and said I didn't.''

In the first meeting against the Ravens last year,  a 14-6 Browns loss, Cameron caught five passes for 95 yards. In the second meeting, a 24-18 Browns victory, they limited him to just one catch for 4 yards,   
 
"Yeah, they chipped me at the line a little more,'' said Cameron. "They had a safety over the top. Some games go like that. You don't get the balls. You don't get the looks. You don't get what you're looking for through the week. It's a pattern of adjusting. Our team does well. Other guys step up and make plays so it's all good."

Still, Harbaugh will breathe a little easier if Cameron sits this one out.

"He's definitely a gamechanger,'' said Harbaugh. "He's definitely a guy who you have to gameplan around. It showed up early in the Pittsburgh game (a 47-yard catch) so he's definitely a guy we're preparing for. We assume he's going to be out there and we're assuming he's a guy they're going to want on the field as many snaps as they can get him on the field."

If not, Barnidge and Jim Dray are ready to step up again.

"I knew those guys could make plays,'' said Cameron. "They never really got the opportunity to show what they could do. Gary and Jim have been in the league five years each, so obviously they know what they're doing. They're not in the league by chance. They've proven they can make plays in big time games. If (I can't play) I'm more than happy with them taking the reps and producing."

Midview's 83 points is believed to be a school record but falls well short of the Ohio record of 165.

GRAFTON, Ohio – When Midview quarterback Dustin Crum sprinted 44-yards down the middle of the field for a fourth-quarter touchdown Friday night, it gave the sophomore 200 yards rushing on 20 carries.

It also gave him his second rushing score to go with five passing touchdowns.

And it made the score 83-50.

As you can see, Friday’s all-you-can-score buffet in Grafton had a plateful of big statistics. The teams combined for more than 1,100 yards of offense, and the 83 points scored by Midview is the most by an Ohio team this season.

Check out the full recap and slideshow from Midview’s win against No. 24 Rocky River.

Midview’s 83 points is not even close to the Ohio record of 165, accomplished by Medina in 1923, according to Ohio High School Athletic Association records. Twenty-three teams have scored at least 110 points in a game, but none since 1930.

The 83 points is believed to be a Midview school record, but not the first time the Middies scored 80 points. They beat Oberlin 80-12 in 2002.

This is also not entirely new territory for the Pirates, who lost 76-48 last season to North Ridgeville.

So how did Midview and Rocky River combine for 133 points in Week 4? Here’s a closer look:

Wow we scored 83 tonight.... Not a typo. 83 points.

— Dante' Redwood ☯ (@DanteRedwood) September 20, 2014

Onside kicks

Field position played a part in the outcome. The Pirates fell behind 20-0 in the first quarter, and after scoring their second touchdown with 9:39 left in the second quarter – making it 27-14, Midview – they realized trading scores wasn’t going to work.

So the Pirates started trying onside kicks, but couldn’t recover any.

“The offense kept getting the ball at the 50-yard line,” said Middies coach D.J. Shaw. “That had a lot to do with it.”

The Middies, meanwhile, starting kicking high, short kickoffs, and even got to one before the Pirates. The first came with 4:38 left in the first half and led to the offense’s seventh touchdown in seven possessions and a 48-21 lead.

Efficient offense

Even if the Pirates had kicked deep on their kickoffs, the Middies were in such an offensive groove that it likely wouldn’t have mattered.

The Middies scored on 11 of their first 12 possessions, only being stopped by halftime. Actually, halftime wasn’t as much the culprit as a penalty that negated a pass deep into Pirates territory in the final seconds of the second quarter.

The Middies didn’t punt until 2:53 remained in the third quarter, and didn’t fail to score again until a clock-draining final drive.

Crum was 17-of-20 passing in the first half and finished 24-of-31 for 253 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for two scores. Not what you’d expect from a sophomore in his fourth varsity start.

“He’s just efficient and makes the right decisions,” said Shaw. “He’s basically playing like a senior right now.”

Running back Brett Zupancic, at 5-foot-11, 249 pounds, was tough for the Pirates to bring down all night. He had 24 carries for 162 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Logan Bolin had 10 catches for 115 yards and four touchdowns. While some of those were quick screens, Bolin also made some tough catches, including one in the third quarter on which he out-jumped a defender for a 24-yard score.

The Pirates kept up

The Middies probably would not have reached 83 points if the Pirates hadn’t been chasing them on the scoreboard. The clock ran briefly (under the new point differential rule) early in the fourth quarter when the Middies took a 76-42 lead, but the Pirates scored barely two minutes later to revert to normal timing.

The Middies finally go the clock running for good in the final five minutes after Crum’s final touchdown gave them a 33-point lead.

After falling behind 20-0 early, the Pirates mostly traded scores with the Middies the rest of the way.

Quarterback Matt Lowry was 11-of-24 passing for 245 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 170 yards and three scores, including a 71-yard run in the second quarter.

In the third quarter, Lowry connected with Patrick Connors for a 76-yard touchdown and Evan Nugent returned a kickoff 76 yards for a score.

If the Pirates had recovered a couple onside kicks, the game might have had a different outcome, or at least been in doubt into the final seconds.

Or even still going today.

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Although its early the Browns' defense ranks dead last in total yardage. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio – Early in any season it's dangerous to attach much meaning to statistics except for the numbers in the win-loss column.

One great or lousy outing can dramatically skew averages. But allowing 900 yards in total offense through two games is an unsightly look. It's a pimple-on the-morning-of-homecoming look.

The good news for the Browns' defense is the team carries a 1-1 record into Sunday's showdown with the Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. The unit scored in the 26-24 win over the Saints – a Tashaun Gipson 62-yard pick six. It also delivered a huge fourth-quarter play – a Karlos Dansby sack taking New Orleans out of field-goal range -- the kind that was so rare a season ago.

But the defense knows it can play more consistently than it has in the first weeks. A decent second half against the Steelers and a nice start versus the Saints is not enough.There's too much talent here to be the NFL's last-rated unit.

The Browns need a robust game from their defense to win Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium. Unless, they're counting on Gary Barnidge to keep playing like Antonio Gates and the rookie halfbacks to compile an endless string of 100-yard-plus games.

The Ravens have surrendered one touchdown in eight quarters. You know Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil are sharpening their quills in anticipation of facing a short-handed Browns' offense.

The forecast calls for rainy, wind-swept conditions, an ideal day for defenses to exert their dominance. When Browns coach Mike Pettine was a Ravens' assistant he referred to AFC North clashes as "double-chinstrap games." This one has that feel about it.

The coach and Dansby realize the Browns must be better against the run as both the Steelers and Saints have gashed them. The defense conceded some rushing yards against New Orleans by design with hopes of eating clock and limiting Drew Brees' big-pass plays.

Dansby, however, deemed a 150.5-yard average unacceptable regardless of the game plan.

"We're at the bottom right now, if you ask me," Dansby told reporters. "I'm kind of sick to my stomach about it, to be honest. I know it's all self-inflicted stuff that we're doing, giving guys all these rushing yards. It pisses me off every time I think about it. So, we've got to get it right."

Dansby has room to talk. He's been good in his first two games with the Browns. Same for outside linebacker Paul Kruger, who's accepted Pettine's challenge of lining up in various spots of the formation to make plays. Gipson, a future Pro Bowler, also has been solid.

But others have been too ordinary too often, including a pair of Pro Bowl defensive backs Donte Whitner and Joe Haden. Whitner uncharacteristically whiffed on a tackle at the end of last week's first half leading to a four-point swing. Haden, who missed the final two pre-season games, has drawn difficult assignments against shifty Antonio Brown and All-Pro tight Jimmy Graham. These are proven players who will get better as the season unfurls. Their efforts figure to be crucial against the Ravens.

The defense is adjusting to a new scheme, relying on a rookie, Justin Gilbert, at a key position, and still meshing as players return from injury. But the same is true of the Browns' offense, surprisingly effective despite the absence of Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron and Ben Tate.

Opening the season against Super-Bowl winning quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees and Joe Flacco is a difficult task. But the defense is where the big money and high draft picks are invested.

Offenses are going to amass yardage in an era when all the rules favor it. Nowadays, defense is more about making plays than suffocating opponents. The Browns need to make more.

Sunday would be a good time to start.

About 500 people gathered Saturday as the Collinwood Athletic Complex was dedicated to legendary Collinwood girls track coach Lou Slapnik.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — About 500 former athletes, friends and family members gathered Saturday at the Collinwood Athletic Complex where the facility was dedicated to legendary Collinwood girls track coach Lou Slapnik.

Slapnik coached the Railroaders for 17 years, leading them to nine state championships before retiring in 2010. No coach in Cleveland schools history has won more state titles in any sport.

During the hour-long ceremony, Slapnik received a resolution from city councilmen Jeffrey Johnson and Michael Polensek, and Saturday was declared Lou Slapnik Day by Mayor Frank Jackson’s office.

After speeches from Commissioner of Athletics Leonard B. Jackson, sister Shelli Slapnik-March, former athlete Cherree Jones and former John Adams and Cleveland Heights track coach Claude Holland, a Lou Slapnik Track sign was unveiled inside the stadium. The large billboard at the entrance will be redone soon to rename the facility after Slapnik, athletic office personnel said.

“This is all so surreal, humbling, yet it’s really rewarding,” Slapnik said during his speech before the sign was revealed. “For your dedication and for believing in me as your coach, thank you, and I love all of you.”

Slapnik was inducted into the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame in 2012. He led the Railroaders to the Jesse Owens Cleveland City Championship in each of his 17 years. His athletes won 41 individual events in state championship meets.

High school participants are changing the flavor of the Head of the Cuyahoga regatta

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Head of the Cuyahoga has been rowed for an impressive 19 years now on a gnarly stretch of the river on both sides of the former and future Columbus Road bridge. As the regatta has gotten older, the event is trending younger. By a lot.

More high school students in the area are taking to crew. And where kids have competitions, parents follow -- throwing their support behind the sport. Tents proclaiming the schools on hand as well as for crew clubs dotted the Cleveland Rowing complex Saturday for the regatta, helping bring the number of participants to 2,000 this year, in 400 boats.

"That is what we were going for this year -- more of an athlete's village," said Kirk Lang, executive director of the Cleveland Rowing Foundation. "We're really happy with it."

Parents from Anthony Wayne High School, south of Toledo, disembarked around 6 a.m. to set up and make breakfast for team members, a squad that numbers more than 60.

That work done, it was time for one of those parents, Warren Cleveland, to retire to the family tent -- set up just off the launch area. The eight-foot-long waterproof sanctuary allowed for comfortable seating for the three family members not competing as they rooted on Mason, a freshman at the school, and his teammates. It figured to be about a 10-hour day for the family on the lip of the river before the long drive home.

Breakfast was probably a little fancier at the St. Joseph Academy station, closer to the finishing area. Only a few years ago, crew members got by on granola bars. Now they can choose yogurt wraps and parfaits before an event, said Rob Zdankiewicz, the head coach.

He and assistant, Erik Murdell, helped coach rowing at St. Ignatius High School before starting the program at St. Joseph, a Catholic school on Rocky River Drive in Cleveland.

That makes for long road trips to find competition. Murdell, who doubled as the announcer for Saturday's regatta said, "We look forward to the regatta. It is the only home meet we have."

Murdell said crew is different from other sports, both in coaching and participating. "In all the other sports you have a team, but all the athletes are doing something different. Here, everyone in the shell has to be doing the same thing at the same time."

Mackenzie Schoenherr, a senior at the academy, has been on the team for four of its five years. She is a coxswain, the only one on a large boat without an oar. A coxswain steers the shell and calls out the rowing rhythm to the crew.

The Avon Lake resident loves her role, just as much as when she started. "Being on the water, when the boat is moving, it's just like flying," Mackenzie said.

T.J. House will try to improve to 3-0 against the Twins this year when he faces them Saturda night at Target Field.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Here are the lineups for Saturday night's game between the Indians and Twins at Target Field.

INDIANS

CF Michael Bourn, L.

SS Jose Ramirez, S.

LF Michael Brantley, L.

1B Carlos Santana, S.

3B Lonnie Chisenhall, L.

DH Yan Gomes, R.

RF David Murphy, L.

C Roberto Perez, R.

2B Mike Aviles, R.

LHP T.J. House, 3-3, 3.42.

TWINS

SS Danny Santana, S.

2B Brian Dozier, R.

1B Joe Mauer, L.

DH Kennys Vargas, S.

3B Trevor Plouffe, R.

C Kurt Suzuki, R.

RF Oswaldo Arcia, L.

CF Aaron Hicks, S.

LF Jordan Schafer, L.

RHP Trevor May, 3-4, 7.71.

UMPIRES

H Brian Knight.

1B Manny Gonzalez.

2B Jim Reynolds.

3B Fieldin Culbreth, crew chief.

John Carroll quarterback Mark Myers returned from a broken hand to throw four TD passes against Heidelberg.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio – Last year, John Carroll played its best game and handed Heidelberg its worst loss of the football season.

On Saturday, it didn't get any better for Heidelberg, but it did for John Carroll.

The Blue Streaks welcomed back quarterback Mark Myers, who returned from a broken hand and led No. 10 JCU to a 43-16 victory over 16th-ranked Heidelberg in front of 3,345 at Don Shula Stadium.

John Carroll (2-0, 1-0 Ohio Athletic Conference) plays host to Baldwin Wallace (1-1, 0-1) next Saturday, followed by an intriguing road game against Ohio Northern, then has relatively smooth sailing to what could be another season-ending showdown of unbeaten teams at Mount Union on Nov. 15. Ohio Northern beat BW, 37-35, on a touchdown with nine seconds remaining Saturday.

"We're not where we need to be by any stretch of the imagination,'' JCU coach Tom Arth said. "We have to get better in a lot of ways, but I'm very proud of where we're at right now.''

One glitch: With the exception of an interception returned 100 yards for a touchdown, Myers showed few signs of having missed five weeks, including the season opener Sept. 6, after breaking his left (throwing) hand.

John Carroll rolled to a 17-0 lead and was on the verge of adding another score when Myers threw a strike to Heidelberg linebacker Clay Staib, who was standing alone at the goal line and rumbled 100 yards. It was Myers' only major miscue.

Myers completed 28 of 41 passes for 392 yards and four touchdowns. He was not sacked and connected with eight receivers, led by Aramis Greenwood (6 for 134 yards, 1 touchdown) and Marshall Howell (8 for 75, 1 TD).

While injured, Myers immersed himself in the film room, and once the game began, he resembled the same poised QB who led JCU to the playoffs last year.

"I studied my butt off trying to get the plays down,'' Myers said. "I think it showed today. Our offense stepped it up. The line protected me and I rarely got hit. We established the run game early, which was a huge help, and the pass game, they really couldn't stop us at all.''

Myers repeatedly burned Heidelberg (1-1, 0-1) with intermediate-range throws until hitting Greenwood at the Heidelberg 40 for a 73-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Last year, Myers threw for 387 yards and three TDs in a 48-7 win over Heidelberg that was, and probably still is, the Blue Streaks' biggest victory in a dozen years.

"He wasn't as pin-point accurate as he was when we played him a year ago in Week 9, when he was in full stride, but he's been out,'' Heidelberg coach Mike Hallett said. "He's going to continue to get better and it will be a lot like last year.''

Gripping a bag of ice with his left hand after the game, Myers said the injury didn't have any lingering effect while playing.

"It didn't bother me at all,'' he said.

JCU running back Tommy Michals gained 100 yards on 24 carries and scored on runs of four and six yards.

De-fense, de-fense: Just as significant, John Carroll shut down Heidelberg senior running back Cartel Brooks and forced ineffective quarterback Michael Mees of North Ridgeville to the bench.

Brooks rushed for 117 yards and one touchdown, but 94 of those yards came on a TD run late in the game. It was his 70^th career touchdown. JCU succeeded in taking away Brooks' outside game, where he typically thrives. The 73-yard run was up the middle.

"They stopped us from getting to the edge a lot,'' Brooks said. "They have a lot of good personnel. It really was (frustrating). We try to get a lot of big plays going, and it didn't work out too much.''

Mees completed 8 of 16 passes for 51 yards and threw an interception before being replaced in the second half.

Led by end Nick Lasko (seven tackles, one-half sack), JCU's defensive line was dominant. Take away Brooks long run, and Heidelberg had 63 yards rushing and a 2.1-yard average.

"Our attitude is that we're the best in the country through our hard work and everything we do. You have to have that attitude,'' said safety Marty Gibbons, who had an interception and three tackles.

"Krash" landing: JCU kicker Kresimir Ivkovic, who did not miss an extra point  last year, had two extra points and a field goal blocked, one by Andy Sieving and two by Ryan Malloy. Sieving served a tour in Afghanistan with the Army National Guard. Several of Ivkovic's kicks were low, and Heidelberg overloaded the middle of the line to get penetration.

The Cleveland Browns and their fans have a chance to make the lakefront a hostile environment again Sunday, this time for the division rival Baltimore Ravens -- Bud Shaw's Sports Spin.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Every time you think you're all in, they push you back out.

Every time the lakefront feels like a serious home-field advantage, something ridiculous happens to convince you otherwise.

That's been the history. And that's what Mike Pettine's Browns must change Sunday given the opportunity to follow the first home opening win since 2004 with something equally uplifting.

Or at least something that doesn't kill the buzz so soon. (We're looking at you, Weeden.)

"(It was a) great experience, a great atmosphere playing in front of that crowd,'' Pettine told reporters this week about his first NFL win. "It was a blast. There were times when I felt the ground moving underneath. The place was rocking.

"That was big for us – to make sure we were doing things that got that reaction. I think our fans are obviously very hungry, very loyal and very passionate. You could see it. You could feel it. That's why it was so important for us to come out and play well in the home opener.''

The earth moved under his feet last week. What this week? The sky tumblin' down?

The Browns have great respect for the Seattle Seahawks model. Having the 12^th man screaming in the stadium seats (and keeping him out of the huddle) would be part of that.

Respectability in the NFL starts at home, especially winning division games at home. Pettine knows that. He might not know how long that's been missing here.

It hasn't been the case since the Baltimore Ravens were the old Browns.

Sorry for bringing that up. Too soon?

We've seen a helmet toss. We've watched the Browns hold Peyton Manning  to 10 points and 125 yards passing and lose anyway.

They started 3-0 at home in 2004 and somehow managed to drop their next five in front of a partisan crowd.

They started the season 3-2 last year. Then with a chance to win a third straight game at home and establish an identity missing since the Marty years, the quarterback they drafted in the first round does this:

That's the question that gets answered today at the stadium. Is this different? Will the sense of communion revived when the Saints came marching in and went staggering out be felt again? Will it last through four quarters a week later?

Today could mean a lot in changing the culture of Browns' fandom if not Browns football. Certainly more than clamping down on tailgating in the Muny lot. Maybe as much as any game since the Browns had a chance to make the playoffs in 2007 and instead lost a pass-happy game at Cincinnati.

Because today could make it safe (OK, safer) to fully engage.

That 2007 season stands alone for another reason just as unbelievable as Derek Anderson throwing 48 times at Riverfront Stadium despite swirling winds and freezing temperatures.

It is the only season since 1999 that the Browns won more games at home than they lost. They went 7-1 (7-0 in games not started by Charlie Frye).

Nobody expected that. Teams that go 10-6 don't often bench the starting quarterback in the opener and trade him a few days later.

In the last 21 seasons of football at the lakefront, the Browns have two winning seasons at home. The other one came in 1994 (6-2).

The most recent reason to hedge your bets happened a year ago when the Browns lost their first two games, installed Brian Hoyer at quarterback and won three straight (the last with Brandon Weeden in relief against Pettine's Bills' defense).

They went 1-9 to finish the season.

Is this different? Sure seems so.

Hoyer is 4-1 as a starter, 3-1 as a finisher. Twice he's led game-deciding drives, once on the road.

The Browns are so much better in the running game than a year ago that they could lose a quarterback to injury and give themselves a chance to win.

When the schedule came out, the bye was circled and given consideration as the week Pettine's 0-3 team might be turned over to Johnny Manziel (if not before).

Now, the sense is the Browns let one get away in Pittsburgh. That they could easily be 2-0. That they're a far better team than the one that beat the Ravens at home last year and only lost 14-6 in Baltimore.

That things just might get shaken up under Mike Pettine, starting from the ground up.

Marshall shows it has not lost its touch against Mid-American Conference opponents with an easy victory over the Akron Zips.

AKRON, Ohio -- Marshall's powerful offense rolled at will over Akron and remained undefeated with a 48-17 victory over the Zips Saturday afternoon in InfoCision Stadium.

Marshall entered the game with two of its three wins coming against Mid-American Conference teams. The Thundering Herd, a former MAC power, then made it look like old times in beating the Zips to improve to 4-0.

The Zips were gracious MAC hosts, offering up one interception and two fumbles in the first half, plus a critical offensive pass interference call, all of which spoiled many chances Akron had to score.

The interception was in the end zone, one of Akeem Lawrence's two fumbles was at the 13, and the pass interference came at the 20 on Akron's last drive of the opening half, already trailing, 31-3. Three trips into the red zone for Akron's veteran offense and just a field goal to show for it.

The Thundering Herd, averaging 44.6 points after their first three games, were threatening that number by halftime as quarterback Rakeem Cato, paced the potent Marshal attack with 312 of their over 500 yards by halftime. Known for his passing arm, Cato was only 8 of 18 for 120 yards at the break with one TD and one interception.

It was Marshall's run game that inflicted the most first half pain as starting tailback Devon Johnson had 83 yards and 1 TD by halftime with his backup, Remi Watson, in the books for 97 yards on just five carries with a TD.

Akron's defense was the anticipated strength of the team, but in the first quarter alone Marshall had 10 plays that covered 10 yards or more as they marched at will against the Zips.

Nothing changed to start the second half as Marshall opened with a 75-yard scoring drive, capped by a 13-yard TD run by Cato for a 38-3 lead. Akron's first possession ended with a failed fourth down, its second of the game to go with 1-of-9 on third downs to that point, giving the ball back to the Thundering Herd.

Marshall got a 33-yard field goal next to go over 40 points for the fourth straight game this season, 41-3. Akron scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Get updates and chat as the Indians try to bounce back from Friday night's loss.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota -- Get scoring updates and chat with other fans in the comments as the Indians travel to Target Field to take on the Minnesota Twins in the second of three games.

Game 154: Indians (79-74) vs. Twins (66-87)

First pitch: 7:10 p.m. at Target Field

TV/radio: STO; WTAM AM/1100, WMMS 100.7

Starting pitchers:  T.J. House (3-3, 3.42 ERA) vs. Trevor May (3-4, 7.712 ERA)

Tweets from @clevelanddotcom/indians

Tuberville, as the Auburn coach, beat Florida's Meyer in 2006 and 2007. "He had a lot of success, and I've enjoyed playing Urban," Tuberville said Sunday. "Urban's been a good friend."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A lot of numbers will be tossed around before 2-1 Ohio State hosts 2-0 Cincinnati at 6 p.m. Saturday in Ohio Stadium.

Here's a stat that won't mean much to the Bearcats, but that Urban Meyer may be aware of - Cincinnati coach Tommy Tuberbille is 2-0 against him.

I jokingly asked Tuberville on his regular conference call with reporters on Sunday afternoon if he had Meyer's number.

"Well, I don't think you have anybody's number," Tuberville said.

But while coaching at Auburn, Tuberville did something no one else in the nation did during the 2006 season. He beat Florida. The Gators' lone loss during Meyer's first national title season, which ended with a win over Ohio State, was a 27-17 defeat at Auburn in week seven.

Tuberville, thinking back through his 19-year coaching career, thought that came in Meyer's first year at Florida, when it was actually his second. But he did remember the win.

"We played Urban when he won the national championship," Tuberville said. "They came to Auburn and we were fortunate that we played well, they turned the ball over a few times. ... I think Chris Leak was his quarterback that year."

The next win came the next season, a 20-17 victory in 2007 during Tim Tebow's first year as the starter.

"And then we played Tebow one of his years, I forget whether it was the next year or the year after that," Tuberville said. "We played them in the Swamp and beat them on a last-second field goal."

That was Meyer's first home loss at Florida, the No. 4 Gators knocked off on a 43-yard kick as time expired.

So 2-0 for Tuberville isn't too bad against a coach with a career record of 130-26. Meyer was 65-15 at Florida. That's 65-13 against everyone else, and 0-2 against the guy he's facing Saturday.

But it wasn't beating him that Tuberville remembered most about Meyer.

"Urban brought a lot to the SEC," Tuberville said. "I can remember where everybody there was three yards and a cloud of dust. And he came from Utah and he brought a different element to the conference that has kind of hung on with a lot of schools over there.

"And that conference is hard to break, in terms of changing traditional type of things you do on offense and defense. But he had a lot of success, and I've enjoyed playing Urban. Urban's been a good friend. I've known Urban I guess ever since he came to Florida and I enjoyed watching his teams play. They awfully hard and are well-coached."

Tuberville resigned at Auburn after going 5-7 in 2008. He then coached for three years at Texas Tech before leaving for Cincinnati. He went 9-4 with the Bearcats last season and now is 2-0 this year.

He's trying to get to 3-0, on the year and against Urban Meyer.

Be sure to like our cleveland.com Ohio State sports Facebook page, where we'll keep you up to date with everything that's happening in the world of Ohio State football, basketball and recruiting.

Hoyer met with the media after the game and talked about the loss, the bye week ahead and the trick play with Johnny Manziel.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer met with reporters after the Browns fell, 23-21, to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium. Here are the highlights of his comments:

The long pass to Taylor Gabriel

"He was wide open. It's one of those that you keep in your back pocket when you get a certain kind of coverage, and we got it, so I just threw it up there."

This loss hurts

"It's tough. It's heart-breaking. We're on the other side (of a late loss) this week, and it doesn't feel good. We made a lot of plays but we didn't make enough of them. . . When it comes down to critical moments, we just have to make more plays."

On the pass where he was over the line of scrimmage

"I knew it was close. I was just trying to slow my body down a little bit. ... I know the rule is your whole body has to be over the line and you're just hoping your foot's down."

The thinking on the Johnny Manziel trick pass

"From what we were told, it was (a legal play). We talked about it all week long. It was something we practiced and we thought it was a legal play. . . . From what we were told and we practiced it that way, as long as he doesn't come off the field and try to come back on, it's a legal play.

"The whole time I'm just looking out of the corner of my eye to see if anyone is on him out there. 

"Because of what happened last week when we played him, that set it up."

How he felt throwing the ball

"It was a good day, but we didn't make plays when we needed to. ... When we did in the first half it was penalties. ... I felt good throwing the ball. I was locked in. Whatever we were doing was working."

The bye week ahead

"It's going to be a long two weeks. I know we're going to watch this film and be mad at ourselves. We had several opportunities to put this game away and we didn't do it, so it's on us.

"Because we don't play Sunday, this will hang with us longer. ... We have no one to blame but ourselves on this, and that's what hurts the most."

Missed chances down the stretch

"We knew all along maybe a field goal would put it away. ... Both of those drives, you've got to be able to put it away."

Losing a close game at home

"It's definitely tougher than losing the tough one at Pittsburgh, because it was in front of our fans. ... It's disappointing."

On Mike Pettine saying the loss is on himself and the coaches

"I don't think so. As players you have to take some accountability, too. On the surface, it looks like we had big plays and played well, but we have to do it when it counts. He's a good coach and willing to put it in himself, but as players we have to be accountable, too."

Are the Browns a force to be reckoned with in the AFC North?

"We have to win games before we can say that. ... We're only three games in. We're going out every week and giving everything we have, and when you do that you're going to be in the game. ... Three weeks in a row, last-second kicks. ... That's what it comes down to in this league, the last play of the game."