Cavs coach Byron Scott started his coaching career under Houston's Rick Adelman.

Steve Campbell / Associated PressThe Cavaliers' J.J. Hickson is beaten to this rebound by Houston's Jordan Hill in the first half of their exhibition game Sunday night.

CAVALIERS AT DALLAS MAVERICKS
Tipoff: Monday, 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Arena.
TV/radio: No TV; WTAM AM/1100.
Notable: Cavs will be playing the second night of a back-to-back. Mo Williams (groin), Anderson Varejao (personal) and Loren Woods (left Achilles tendinitis) are not on the trip. Cavs’ next play against Spurs Thursday at Pittsburgh. Spurs knocked off the Heat on Saturday.
— Mary Schmitt Boyer

HOUSTON, Texas -- Byron Scott wasn't entirely sure what to expect when he interviewed for his first NBA assistant coaching job with Rick Adelman back in Sacramento in 1998.

As a player with the Los Angeles Lakers, Scott had had some success against Adelman's teams in Portland, but the two didn't really have a personal relationship.

"I remember one playoff series against Portland in 1991 where I shot about 60 percent from the field," Scott recalled. "I thought he was going to bring me up there and cuss me out about the way I played against him at times."

Instead, Adelman, now the coach of the Houston Rockets, offered Scott a job and gave him the weekend to think about it.

"I always thought he was a guy who understood the game well, played on a very good team, understood what it was like to win," Adelman said. "I always was impressed with him."

Scott called Adelman back the next day.

"I don't need the weekend," he said. "I'm ready to jump in."

A career, and a friendship, were born.

"I admired him from afar," Scott said. "I thought he was always a pretty good coach. Now I have much more of an understanding of what type of coach he is. Very, very underrated.

"Pat Riley, Larry Brown and Rick Adelman are three of the best coaches in the league. The first two I named get a lot of recognition for what they've done, and deservedly so. Rick is the guy under the radar who I got a chance to be up close to for a year and a half and I learned a lot from him."

Big void: The Cavs have been working on their post defense the past couple of days, and Scott was looking forward to have his young big men face All-Star Yao Ming. But the Rockets are resting him to ease Yao's return from foot surgery last season.

"I was kind of hoping he would get a chance to play so we'd get a chance to work on those things," Scott said. "If Yao's not playing, we'll still get a chance to work on those things, but not as much as I would like."

Brad Miller is also out with a sprained left ankle.

Hitting the road: After the game, the Rockets left for the China Games. Adelman knows what to expect, having taken the Kings there before. It's a tough haul.

"You're not on your own timetable," he said. "We lose Monday somewhere along the line, get there Tuesday, come back Saturday. We play two games in two different places. ... We're going to have to get turned around and get back on our own time before we have a back-to-back [to end the preseason.] Then we start [the regular season] in L.A."

Sick bay: Listeners may have heard that Hall of Fame radio broadcaster Joe Tait was a bit under the weather last night. Not only was he not feeling well, but he was diagnosed with pleurisy.

For Terrelle Pryor, this is new. He's the quarterback of the No. 1 team in the country.

Marvin Fong / The Plain DealerOhio State's cheerleaders received more news to get excited about on Sunday, as the Buckeyes assumed the No. 1 ranking in the major national polls.

THIS WEEK’S BEST NATIONAL GAMES
1. Texas at No. 5 Nebraska, Saturday, 3:30, ESPN: Maybe the toughest regular-season test remaining for the Cornhuskers, who were sharp against Kansas State. The Longhorns, off two straight losses, had a bye week to prepare.
2. No. 12 Arkansas at No. 7 Auburn, Saturday, 3:30, CBS: Auburn is the team that beat the team that beat No. 1, knocking off South Carolina two weeks ago. In this game and against LSU next week, the Tigers have a chance to show if they are in the national title mix.
3. Mississippi at No. 8 Alabama, Saturday, 9, ESPN2: Alabama isn’t out of the national title picture. If the Crimson Tide wins out by pounding opponents, they’ll have their supporters.

THIS WEEK’S BEST BIG TEN GAMES
1. No. 1 Ohio State at No. 18 Wisconsin, Saturday, 7, ESPN: College Gameday is headed to Madison for the first time since 2004, with the Badgers hosting the No. 1 team for the first time since Michigan visited in 1997.
2. No. 15 Iowa at Michigan, Saturday, 3:30, ABC: The Hawkeyes were off this week, and their talented defensive line had plenty of time to watch Michigan State’s formula for slowing Denard Robinson.
3. Illinois at No. 13 Michigan State, Saturday, noon, Big Ten Network: Might the Illini be better than people thought? Off big wins over Wisconsin and Michigan, this could be a dangerous spot for the Spartans.

HEISMAN WATCH
1. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan, Soph., Odds: 4-1, vs. Iowa: Still second in the nation in total offense, but threw three picks in a loss to Michigan State and looked mortal. The race really tightened up.
2. Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State, Jr., Odds: 7-2, at Wisconsin: Had his first 300-yard passing game and showed voters another side. Certainly doesn’t hurt to play for the new No. 1 team in the country.
3. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon, Soph., Odds: 5-1, Bye week: Had 223 total yards and three touchdowns against Washington State, he’s the best running back amid a sea of quarterbacks.
4. Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn, Jr., Odds: 8-1, vs. Arkansas: Ran for 198 yards and four touchdowns and threw for 210 yards in a tight win over Kentucky. Another showcase against Arkansas coming up.
5. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State, Jr., Odds: 10-1, at San Jose State: Leads the nation in passing efficiency, has 14 TDs and just one interception.
6. Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska, Soph., Odds: 12-1, vs. Texas: He’s the Denard Robinson of the Plains, but not quite the thrower. Still, he’s the nation’s fourth-leading rusher, and ripped Kansas State for 241 yards.
7. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama, Jr., Odds: 50-1, vs. Mississippi: Took a major hit with just 41 rushing yards in a loss to South Carolina, might be on his way out of the race again.
Dropped out: Stanford QB Andrew Luck

DOUG’S TOP 25
1. Oregon; 2. Ohio State; 3. Boise State; 4. TCU; 5. Oklahoma; 6. Auburn; 7. Nebraska; 8. Michigan State; 9. South Carolina; 10. Alabama; 11. LSU; 12. Stanford; 13. Utah; 14. Arizona; 15. Iowa; 16. Florida State; 17. Arkansas; 18. Nevada; 19. Air Force; 20. Wisconsin; 21. Missouri; 22. Michigan; 23. Oklahoma State; 24. Oregon State; 25. Florida
Explaining my ballot
• Ohio State received 34 first-place votes in the AP poll, but I was one of the 15 voters to rank Oregon No. 1. With Miami dropping out of the top 25, their second loss dropping the Hurricanes to No. 26 in the coaches poll and No. 27 in the AP, the Buckeyes don’t have a win over a ranked team. It’s close between Ohio State and Oregon, but I found the Ducks’ best wins — over Stanford and Arizona State — more impressive than Ohio State’s best wins — over Miami and Illinois.
I think any of my top eight teams could make some semblance of a case for No. 1, and between the AP and coaches, six got first-place votes. Oregon joins Boise State, Ohio State and Alabama as teams I’ve ranked No. 1 this season.
• South Carolina has to be ranked ahead of Alabama, with both teams having one loss and South Carolina beating the Crimson Tide convincingly on the field Saturday. I have South Carolina No. 9 and Alabama No. 10, but the overall poll has Alabama No. 8 and South Carolina No. 10.
I was actually surprised and happy to see that 41 of the 60 AP voters ranked South Carolina ahead of Alabama, but the 19 who ranked Alabama higher really skewed the poll. Why? Because 34 of the 41 have South Carolina just one spot ahead of the Crimson Tide. But 14 of the 19 have Alabama at least four spots ahead of South Carolina, including one voter that has Alabama No. 3 and South Carolina No. 13. Arrogant or ignorant voters ignoring head-to-head results drastically changed where those teams should be ranked.
• Michigan State at No. 8 to me was as low as the 6-0 Spartans could go after consecutive wins over Wisconsin and Michigan. The undefeated Spartans are No. 13 in the AP poll and I have no idea why anyone would think they should be ranked behind Utah or Arkansas.
-- Doug Lesmerises

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- For Terrelle Pryor, this is new. He's the quarterback of the No. 1 team in the country.

"I love it for the Ohio State students and fans, but it's a big responsibility and opportunity for us," Pryor said, as Ohio State released statements from coach Jim Tressel and several players on Sunday. "How we react to being No. 1, and how we stay determined in our focus and in our work habits, will tell us how long we will stay there."

After Alabama lost to South Carolina on Saturday, the Buckeyes emerged as the overwhelming No. 1 team, earning 70 percent of the first-place votes in the three major polls -- the coaches and Harris polls, which each make up one-third of the BCS rankings, and the AP poll.

In the coaches poll, Ohio State earned 49 of 59 first-place votes and stayed 67 points ahead of No. 2 Oregon. In the Harris Poll, Ohio State received 79 of 114 first-place votes and was 71 points ahead of Oregon.

In the AP poll, the Buckeyes were ranked No. 1 on 34 of 60 ballots and held a 26-point edge on Oregon.

"The Buckeyes know what's it's like to have a target on our back, especially since we are now well into Big Ten play," Tressel said. "We expect that every team will give us its best shot. How we respond will determine our ultimate ranking."

Tressel and his fourth- and fifth-year seniors know the target. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 1 for the entire regular season in 2006 before losing to Florida in the BCS National Championship and again in the latter part of 2007, before losing to LSU in the title game.

But for Pryor and his highly-rated 2008 recruiting class, this is foreign territory and what they came to Ohio State to accomplish.

Now they'll be immediately tested in the top spot, traveling to play at No. 18 Wisconsin on Saturday.

"They're always talented and it's always a hard game and a fighting game, especially at Camp Randall," Pryor said after the Buckeyes' 38-10 win over Indiana on Saturday.

The Buckeyes need to go undefeated to assure themselves a spot in the BCS title game, and it's hard to imagine a scenario in which Ohio State is 12-0 and not playing in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 10. So style points aren't a major concern.

But with the first official BCS rankings coming out next weekend, a win at Wisconsin would help their resume. Though they are No. 1 in both polls, ESPN's mock BCS ratings on Sunday night had the Buckeyes at No. 5 because they are rated so low in the six computers that combine to make up one-third of the BCS ratings. Four of the six were available to the public on Sunday, and Ohio State was rated fourth, sixth, eighth and 23rd.

With Miami falling out of the top 25 after losing to Florida State on Saturday, the Buckeyes haven't beaten a team that is currently ranked, and their strength of schedule pales compared to many other top teams, including non-BCS conference schools Boise State and TCU. But with games against the Badgers, Iowa, Penn State and Michigan, that schedule strength will improve. And the goal is clear, regardless.

Win, and they're in.

"It's good to be No. 1, but if we don't play like it every week," OSU linebacker Brian Rolle said, "then all the hype will be for naught."

The Browns starting quarterback for Pittsburgh is uncertain with Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace both suffering from ankle injuries.

UPDATED: 11:32 p.m.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerSeneca Wallace gingerly watched the second half on the Browns sidelines after suffering a right ankle injury late in the first half against Atlanta.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Seneca Wallace said he suffered a sprained right ankle in the first half of Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Falcons, and Jake Delhomme's high right ankle sprain receiving a painkilling injection before the game in case he was needed, a league source said.

That means the Browns' quarterback status is uncertain heading into the Sunday's game in Pittsburgh.

"I was limited," said Delhomme. "I'm not blaming anything. I was somewhat limited, but we knew that going in. We certainly didn't think Seneca would go down, but that's football. There were a couple plays you wish you could move a little better, but that's the frustrating thing."

Delhomme, who was questionable for the game and limited in practice all week, said the film didn't lie.

"We had a decent idea [I would sit out]," he said. "The film from practice told us a great deal of what I could and couldn't do. You didn't have to be too smart to know Seneca was going to be our best option this week. It just wasn't there."

In regard to the Steelers game, Delhomme said, "You want to let the healing or swelling process take place and see what happens in the morning and go to work. Nobody is coming to save us. We'll see."

Delhomme, who limped throughout, was sacked once by Jamaal Anderson and pressured into his second interception by John Abraham, who also had two sacks on Wallace.

"Me trotting out there or hobbling out there, that's blood in the water for a lot of those guys, let's be honest," said Delhomme.

Coach Eric Mangini said the Falcons' quick pass rush helped make the decision to start Wallace.

"This is a fast defense, a defense that does pressure quite a bit," he said. "I just felt like Seneca, with his mobility and things that he could do, would give us a better chance to operate the offense and do some of the 'move in the pocket plays' that were effective early in the game."

Wallace suffered the sprained ankle with 25 seconds left in the first half when Abraham rolled up on it after a sack. Wallace said X-rays showed "nothing bad, but we'll see what happens after I go in here and have the doctors check it out."

Wallace will most likely undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury. When it first happened, Wallace hopped off the field and limped into the locker room.

He said he felt like he could've gone back in the game, but "I would've been close to 70 percent. I think if I would've gone back in, it probably would've made things worse."

Wallace went 11-of-15 for 139 yards with the 19-yard TD pass to Peyton Hillis, earning a 124 passer rating.

"I felt like I was clicking," he said. "We were hitting on all cylinders offensively in the first half, and unfortunately got an ankle sprain, so we'll see what happens from here on out."

Injury report, part II: Hillis said he suffered a pulled quad muscle during Thursday's practice and was struggling the whole game.

"I came out there today and tried to warm it up, hoping it would loosen up a little to where I could play and wouldn't feel it, but that wasn't the case," he said. "I went out there and knew I wasn't 100 percent, but I knew that my teammates needed me. I wanted to stay out there for them."

Hillis only rushed for 28 yards on 10 carries, but made a sensational one-handed grab of a 19-yard Wallace pass for the Browns' lone TD. He limped off after the catch, then aggravated the injury chasing down a third-quarter interception that ended up being nullified. He was in obvious pain on the sidelines, getting attention from the trainers.

"They just told me to just calm down," he said. "That's what I did and that's why it took me so long to stay on the sideline."

Hillis became the first Browns player to record a touchdown in five consecutive games since Earnest Byner did it in six straight in 1985.

Lisa DeJong / The Plain DealerWith a 19-yard field goal in the third quarter, Phil Dawson drew even with Lou Groza for career field goals for the Browns.

BROWNS CAREER FIELD GOALS
1. Lou Groza (1950-59, 1961-67): 234 
1. Phil Dawson (1999-2010): 234 
3. Don Cockroft (1968-80): 216 
4. Matt Bahr (1981-89): 143 
5. Matt Stover (1991-95): 108

CAREER POINTS BY A BROWN
1. Lou Groza (1950-59, 61-67): 1,349 
2. Don Cockroft (1968-80): 1,080 
3. Phil Dawson (1999-2010): 990* 
4. Jim Brown (1957-65): 756 
5. Matt Bahr (1981-89): 677 
* — includes 1 rushing touchdown vs. Cincinnati (10/10/99)

Dawson ties record: With his 19-yard field goal in the second quarter, Phil Dawson tied Hall of Famer Lou Groza's Browns' career mark of 234.

"I have a lot of mixed emotions," said Dawson. "I would trade it for a win. I'm guarded to say anything too remarkable about the accomplishment because this is a team game. It's just the way I approach it but it would be doing Mr. Groza a disservice to just blow it off.

"He's a Hall-of-Famer, he's in the Ring of Honor and he's a legend, especially in Ohio. He grew up in Berea and was an Ohio State Buckeye, so out of respect for him, this is a tremendous honor. To finally get here through it all, to have my wife and two boys here and my daughter back home watching on TV, that is pretty neat."

Brown was down: Cornerback Sheldon Brown suffered a shoulder injury tackling Tony Gonzalez in the third quarter, and trotted off for a play. But a play later, he ran back out onto the field, only to give up a 45-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White.

"I'll be all right," he said. "The shoulder's good. It had nothing to do with it."

Falcons coach Mike Smith thought maybe it did.

"We saw the guy leave the field, there's no doubt about that, on the Tony Gonzalez completion," said Smith. "He was not able to leave the field, and had to leave the field under assistance from the trainers. You're always doing your due diligence in knowing who is in the game and who is not in the game."

Of the potential scenarios, which BCS National Championship matchup would create the greatest gag reflex across the college football landscape?

Tony Ding / Associated PressLe'Veon Bell and Michigan State erased another barrier to an undefeated season by rolling past Michigan on Saturday. Could the Spartans be a sleeper BCS contender?

WEEKLY WOLVERINE WATCH
So Michigan lost to Michigan State for the third straight time, the Wolverines' first three-game losing streak in the series since 1965-67.

So Rich Rodriguez has as many losses against the Spartans in three years as Lloyd Carr did in 13 years. Carr went 10-3 against Michigan State from 1995 to 2007.

It's over. Michigan State's a good team.

Now the Wolverines can't let this thing fall apart. And they don't even have to beat No. 15 Iowa this week.

In 2008, Michigan started 2-2, then lost five straight and seven of their last eight to finish 3-9. In 2009, Michigan started 4-0, then finished the season on a five-game losing streak, dropping seven of their last eight, to finish 5-7.

This wasn't a national title season for the Wolverines or a Big Ten championship season. They need to be competitive this week - they hung right with the Hawkeyes in a 30-28 loss last season - and then take care of the softer middle of their conference schedule. After Iowa, Michigan gets Penn State, Illinois and Purdue before finishing against Wisconsin and Ohio State.

Rodriguez at Michigan is 2-7 against ranked teams, but an upset against the Hawkeyes isn't impossible. But Saturday's loss absolutely cannot be the start of Michigan losing six of their last seven.
-- Doug Lesmerises

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Thirteen unbeaten teams remain. Of those 13, five regular-season games are on the schedule between the 13 teams, as well as the Big 12 title game, which still could be an unbeaten showdown.

At the most, the season could end with six unbeaten teams, though obviously that won't happen. Probably.

Yet of the potential scenarios, which BCS National Championship matchup would create the greatest gag reflex across the college football landscape and cause experts to rush, say, a two-loss Alabama team into the title game?

Boise State-TCU? Missouri-Nevada? Auburn-Oklahoma State?

Nope.

Ohio State-Michigan State.

The South would secede and the Pac-10 teams would send Arnold Schwarzenegger on a mission to the Midwest before that would be allowed to occur, even if the Buckeyes and Spartans finished as the country's only undefeated teams.

This is the last time something like that could ever happen, with the Big Ten adding a championship game in 2011. The SEC, ACC and Big 12 already play title games and the Pac-10, Big East, Mountain West and WAC teams all face each other during the regular season.

The idea of the Buckeyes and Spartans both ending the season 12-0 is both tantalizing and disappointing, a potentially heightened replay of the 2002 season when both Ohio State and Iowa finished the Big Ten season at 8-0, though the Hawkeyes had a nonconference loss to Iowa State. Ohio State entered that bowl season ranked No. 2 and beat No. 1 Miami for the national title, while No. 3 Iowa lost to No. 5 USC in the Orange Bowl.

But we never saw what could have been a classic Big Ten game.

The Spartans haven't finished a season without a loss since going 9-0-1 in 1966 and are battling the reality that they are ... the Spartans.

Michigan State hasn't exactly built up a big-game reputation in recent years, and instead seems to tease the fans every year. Maybe this is a tease. After big wins over Wisconsin and Michigan, facing Illinois this week looks like it could be a trap game.

While the Buckeyes have had double-digit wins in seven of the last eight season, Michigan State has won 10 games just twice in its history, in 1999 and 1965. At 6-0, with a manageable schedule ahead, it certainly looks like a third 10-win season is a possibility.

Will the Buckeyes get to 12-0? I've believed it since the preseason and still think it today. Could the Spartans get there, too? Going to Iowa on Oct. 30 is the toughest game on the calendar, but the Spartans seem like solid favorites in their other five remaining matchups.

At the halfway point of the season, this looks like a season that could end up with multiple undefeated teams. As I wrote before, Nebraska's path in the Big 12 isn't daunting, and the Cornhuskers looked like they might be ready to roll with the way they beat Kansas State last week.

I'd bet the TCU-Utah winner runs the table in the Mountain West and Boise State gets through the rest of the WAC to finish without a regular-season loss for the fourth time in five years.

It's doubtful that an SEC team emerges unscathed, with LSU and Auburn the only candidates. Oregon, while impressive, has to watch out for what could be a very frustrated USC team that will host the Ducks on Oct. 30.

With six games down and six to go, the guess is that Ohio State finds its way to 12-0 and then finding the right opponent for the Buckeyes is a mess.

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, one of Jim Tressel's best friends, could be sitting 250 miles from Columbus, raising his hand, saying, "What about us?"

Dave James of Northfield won the Overall Open full-marathon championship at the Towpath Marathon on Sunday.

PENINSULA, Ohio -- Dave James of Northfield won the Overall Open full-marathon championship at the Towpath Marathon on Sunday, completing his run at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in two hours, 43 minutes and 22.77 seconds.

Jennifer Valentine of Boulder, Colo., led the women with a time of 2:52:19.12 on the course in Peninsula.

Brecksville's Mark Modic and University Heights' Maggie Infeld earned Overall Open titles in the half-marathon. Modic finished in 1:17:23.56, Infeld in 1:18:53.30. The 10K Overall Open winners were Stow's Greg Dykes (38:15.07) for the men and Rocky River's Kim Dobler (42:13.53) for the women.

Races were run for 12 age groups in each event. There were more than 2,000 participants from around the country.

Go here to find results from all divisions.

Plain Dealer’s Cleveland Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot analyze the Cleveland Browns 20-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland Browns Stadium Sunday.

Plain Dealer’s Cleveland Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot analyze the Cleveland Browns 20-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland Browns Stadium Sunday.

Alabama's loss to South Carolina cleared the path for OSU's bump to No. 1. Buckeyes have not played any teams now in Top 25. Besides Wisconsin, No. 15 Iowa remains on the OSU slate.

Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer Ohio State's Brandon Saine catches a pass from Terrelle Pryor and heads upfield to complete a 60-yard touchdown during the Buckeyes' 38-10 win over Indiana.

Cleveland, Ohio -- Six-and-zero, 35-21 and 38-10 means No. 1 for Ohio State.

The Buckeyes are 6-0 and the nation's new No. 1 team, as reported by The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises.

Defending national champion Alabama had been ranked first, but opened the door for OSU's entry into the top spot when it lost, 35-21, on Saturday at South Carolina. Ohio State had positioned itself for such a move from No. 2 to No. 1 by routing Indiana, 38-10, at Ohio Stadium earlier in the day.

The Columbus Dispatch reports Buckeyes' reactions to the No. 1 ranking, including from coach Jim Tressel and several players, such as linebacker Ross Homan and quarterback Terrelle Pryor:  

LB Ross Homan: "It's a good feeling to be No. 1, but it really doesn't change how we work. We still have to work hard every day and try to get better. We've just got a bigger target on us now."

QB Terrelle Pryor: "I love it for the Ohio State students and fans, but it's a big responsibility and opportunity for us. How we react to being No. 1, and how we stay determined in our focus and in our work habits, will tell us how long we will stay there."

The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises also reports on the Buckeyes' reactions to the No. 1 news.

Ohio State plays at No. 18 Wisconsin (5-1) on Saturday night. Some observers say the game is just the second challenging one on the Buckeyes' schedule. OSU topped now-unranked Miami (Fla.), 36-24, at home in a much-hyped Game 2 for the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes' other remaining game against a ranked team is on Nov. 20 at No. 15 Iowa.

Buckeyes watch

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State coverage also includes Doug Lesmerises' report on the possibility of several teams, including OSU and Big Ten foe Michigan State, going undefeated, along with his Weekly Wolverine Watch; his Ohio State Insider; his game story on the win over Indiana; his Buckeyes Leaves; Ohio State report card; his On the clock; Jodie Valade's Best and Worst from the game, including coach Jim Tressel's 100th win at Ohio State; her story about freshman defensive back Christian Bryant; Bud Shaw's column on the Ohio State-Indiana game; Doug Lesmerises' video of Jim Tressel discussing his 100th Ohio State win.

Tressel flexible

Bob Hunter writes a column about Tressel for the Columbus Dispatch.

It says a lot about why Tressel has been so successful. Although most would probably describe his offensive philosophy as conservative, he has shown a willingness to adapt to what he has. Last season, when Pryor was struggling with turnovers and a partly torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, Tressel grounded the offense. Pryor threw only 17 passes in each of the team's last three regular-season games - all victories. Then, in the Rose Bowl, Tressel surprised Oregon with a pass-happy attack led by a healthy Pryor. The maturing sophomore completed 23 of 37 for 266 yards and two touchdowns.

No. 1, be careful

Rusty Miller of the Associated Press writes about the Buckeyes' history in the polls. In this report, carried by the Dayton Daily News, Miller writes: 

The Buckeyes have a lot of experience being No. 1. It's just that not all of those are experiences are positive ones.

A lot of fans were fed up seeing No. 1-ranked Ohio State teams in the national title games after the 2006 and 2007 seasons — and getting humiliated both times.

Being ranked high is nothing new at Ohio State. The Buckeyes have finished in the AP's top 10 every year since 2005 and seven of the last eight seasons. They have been made 91 consecutive appearances in the AP Top 25, the longest current streak in the nation.

Goal line stands

Adam Rittenberg writes for ESPN.com about how it's a shame that Ohio State and Michigan State, both undefeated, don't play each other this season.

Jim Tressel wins a lot, and does so with class, writes Bill Tilton for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

Ranking Ohio State No. 1 was the easy way out for voters, comments Dennis Dodd for CBSSports.com.

Commentary on the Ohio State-Indiana game by Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Game story on the Buckeyes' win over Indiana by John Kampf for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

The Heisman Trophy Watch, and where Terrelle Pryor stands in its chase, by Dari Nowkhah for ESPN.com.

 Ohio State notes by John Kampf for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

It's fun to watch Ramon Sessions because he plays so much like Mo Williams. It's no coincidence.

UPDATED: 11:13 p.m.

Steve Campbell / Associated PressForward Joey Graham (12) was among the five Cavaliers who played the final seven minutes Sunday and helped seal the Cavaliers' victory. Graham scored three points with three rebounds and an assist in 17 minutes of action.

HOUSTON, Texas -- It's fun to watch Ramon Sessions because he plays so much like Mo Williams. It's no coincidence. The two are best friends after Williams took Sessions under his wing when the two were with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Sessions has the same little running floater that Williams has and the same sort of energy running the offense. It must be killing Williams to watch as he recovers from a groin injury that has prevented him from taking part in most of training camp.

New coach Byron Scott thinks Williams will have no problem picking up the new Princeton offense when he returns, but in the meantime his former pupil is doing a great job running the show. The team seems to be getting more comfortable with him and the offense every day.

The same is true for Daniel Gibson, who finished Sunday's game on the floor with newcomers Joey Graham, Manny Harris, Christian Eyenga and Samardo Samuels. When Scott went to that combination with about seven minutes left, it looked as if he was willing to concede a victory in order to gain some insight into some of his bench players. But that group actually broke the game open.

The biggest surprise? Two 3-pointers from Eyenga, who's much more likely to slam it than shoot it.

In-game blog

The Cavaliers defeated the Houston Rockets, 99-93, in Toyota Center on Sunday night.

Cavs improved to 2-1 in the preseason with a much better effort than in Thursday's home loss to Washington. Rockets are 2-2 and heading to China for a pair of exhibition games.

J.J. Hickson finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Ramon Sessions had 15 points and did a great job directing the offense. He's filling in for the injured Mo Williams, but his game will remind a lot of people of Williams' -- especially that running floater.

That should come as no surprise. The two are best friends and Williams tutored Sessions in Milwaukee.

Third quarter update: Rockets 72, Cavs 67. But there are signs the Cavs are starting to get Byron Scott's offense. Jawad Williams, Ramon Sessions and Anthony Parker ran some beautiful breaks. Williams is going to have to pick up his defense, though, as Chase Budinger had 11 points in the period.

Halftime update: Cavs, 47, Rockets 45. J.J. Hickson has 16 points and 8 rebounds and has livened things up considerably. Cavs are outshooting Rockets, 47.5 percent to 43.9 percent and outrebounding them, 24-16. But each team has 26 points in the paint, which probably isn't the kind of post defense Byron Scott is looking for.

First quarter update: Houston 23, Cavs 19. With Cavs missing likely starters Mo Williams and Anderson Varejao and the Rockets resting Yao Ming, Luis Scola and Shane Battier, the first quarter featured lots of backups looking to earn more minutes. Not sure any of them did that.

Lineup changes: Houston coach Rick Adelman decides to start forwards Chase Budinger and Jared Jeffries instead.

Cavs starters: F Antawn Jamison and Jawad Williams, C J. J. Hickson, G Ramon Sessions and Anthony Parker

Rockets starters: F Shane Battier and Luis Scola, C Jordan Hill, G Kevin martin and Aaron Brooks.

Officials: David Jone, Marat Kogut, Leroy Richardson

Three things to watch

1. Cavs have been working on low-post defense, which might be easier not having to deal with Yao Ming, who is being brought back slowly after foot surgery last season.

2. Coach Byron Scott still experimenting with starting lineup, trying to find the right small forward.

3. How much will fatigue be a factor for Rockets, who beat Pacers here last night and will fly to China after the game?

For Ramon Sessions, the moment is now as he displayed his playmaking skills as the Cavaliers won in Houston.

View full sizeSteve Campbell / Associated PressChristian Eyenga drives for a basket in the second half of Sunday's preseason game in Houston. Eyenga scored 10 points -- including a pair of 3-pointers -- in just over 20 minutes in the Cavaliers' 98-93 victory.

• Rockets' Adelman gave Scott first coaching break: Insider

HOUSTON, Texas -- When Cavaliers guard Ramon Sessions was a rookie with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2007-08, an older, wiser teammate Mo Williams taught him a valuable lesson.

Sessions never forgot it, and he doesn't hesitate when asked to name the most important thing Williams taught him.

"To cherish every moment in this league," Sessions said. "You never know when you're going to get a moment."

Sessions' moment is now. Ironically, it's because Williams, his best friend, is out of the Cavaliers' lineup with a groin injury.

In his stead, Sessions has been running coach Byron Scott's new Princeton offense, and he directed the Cavs to a 99-93 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday evening at the Toyota Center.

J.J. Hickson led the Cavs with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Sessions added 15 points and three assists as the Cavs improved their preseason record to 2-1. Chase Budinger finished with 13 points for the Rockets, 2-2, as coach Rick Adelman elected to rest starters Shane Battier, Luis Scola and Yao Ming after Saturday night's victory over the Indiana Pacers and prior to the team's flight to China.

Scott also tinkered with his lineup and closed out the game with Daniel Gibson leading a contingent of Joey Graham, Manny Harris, Christian Eyenga and Samardo Samuels.

"What I liked tonight was the defensive effort," Scott said. "I'm looking at a team tonight that started to show a lot more trust in each other on both ends of the floor. Any time you can come into this arena, no matter who they have on the court, and hold them to 42 percent shooting, you're doing a pretty good job."

It wasn't perfect. While Scott loved his team's transition defense and the improvement on the pick-and-roll defense, he was not crazy about the post or weak-side defense. But he sees hints of what he thinks this team can become.

"What I'm getting is more flashes from game one to game two to game three," he said. "Obviously, this was the best performance we've had, the best we've played on the defensive end as well as the offensive end."

Jawad Williams, making his first start at small forward, finished with 12 points, and he and Sessions combined with Anthony Parker and J.J. Hickson for a couple of textbook fast breaks in the third quarter as the Cavs pulled out to a 63-60 lead.

Harris had 12 points and Eyenga 10, including two 3-pointers, in the fourth as the Cavs broke open a close game.

"Overall you could see the trust factor coming into play on both ends of the floor," Scott said.

Sessions trusts that he'll get a chance to play with Williams, and he admits that they'll compete -- hard -- for minutes.

"I was definitely looking forward to playing with him, but it's still early yet," Sessions said. "We're going to have times when we're out there playing together.

"It's fun now, though. I get to go out there and run the ballclub, something I love to do."

Indianapolis beats Kansas City as no unbeaten teams remain in the NFL after Week 5

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Keyunta Dawson, left, goes for a fumbled ball against Kansas City Chiefs center Casey Wiegmann in the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010. The Colts recovered the ball. Indianapolis won 19-9. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
• NFL scoreboard | Browns coverage

INDIANAPOLIS - Mike Hart scored the game's only touchdown on an 11-yard run with 4:02 to go and the Indianapolis Colts handed the Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of the season 19-9 on Sunday, leaving the NFL without any unbeaten teams.

It's the first time since 1970 that no team has reached 4-0.

The Colts (3-2) won in atypical fashion. For the first time this season, Peyton Manning failed to top 300 yards or throw for a touchdown. He finished 26-of-44 for 244 yards with one interception and couldn't get the Colts into the end zone until Hart's clinching score.

Hart replaced Joseph Addai midway through the third quarter with what appeared to be a right shoulder injury. He did not return.

Jamaal Charles carried 16 times for 87 yards, and Matt Cassel was 16-of-29 for 156 yards for Kansas City (3-1) Ryan Succop kicked three field goals.

The Chiefs opened the game with an onside kick, but the ball never traveled the required 10 yards. The Colts took possession and Adam Vinatieri opened the scoring with a 20-yard field goal.

Cardinals 30, Saints 20

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Max Hall's debut as Arizona's quarterback was a winning one as the Cardinals defense intercepted three passes by Drew Brees.

The undrafted rookie from BYU completed 17 of 27 passes for 168 yards, Jay Feely kicked three field goals and Kerry Rhodes returned a fumble 27 yards for a score to lead the way.

Hall threw an interception that led to an early Saints field goal and fumbled twice, but both turned out to be key plays for Arizona (3-2). The first was returned 2 yards by Cardinals tackle Levi Brown for a touchdown. Guard Alan Faneca pounced on the other for a 10-yard gain.

Arizona's defense, awful in a 41-10 loss at San Diego a week earlier, converted two turnovers by the Saints (3-2) into touchdowns.

Raiders, 35 Chargers 27

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Michael Bush ran 3 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 3:39 remaining and Tyvon Branch returned a fumble 64 yards for a score as Oakland snapped a 13-game losing streak against San Diego.

All it took to end the seven-year drought for the Raiders (2-3) was two blocked two punts, two long touchdown drives in the second half led by backup quarterback Jason Campbell and the big play at the end by Branch and Michael Huff.

This was Oakland's first win over San Diego (2-3) since September 2003 — which was the second longest active streak to Buffalo's 14-game losing streak to New England.

With the Chargers driving for the potential go-ahead score, a blitzing Huff hit Rivers just before his arm went forward, knocking the ball loose. Branch picked up the ball and raced 64 yards for the score to make 35-27 with 58 seconds left.

Titans 34, Cowboys 27

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Chris Johnson scored a pair of 1-yard touchdowns in the fourth quarter, lifting Tennessee over mistake-prone Dallas.

The Cowboys got behind 17-3 with penalties and errors on defense. Dallas managed to tie it at 17 and 20, then a tipped pass that was intercepted set up Johnson's first touchdown of the final period.

Tony Romo tied it again at 27 on a touchdown throw to Jason Witten, then offensive lineman Marc Colombo was penalized 15 yards for celebrating. Dallas (1-3) kicked off from farther back and Tennessee's Marc Mariani returned it to the 11. A penalty on the tackle moved the ball to the 5, setting up Johnson's next touchdown.

The Titans (3-2) won their 11th straight against an NFC team, the NFL's longest active non-conference win streak.

Eagles 27, 49ers 24

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Kevin Kolb passed for 253 yards while capably filling in for injured Michael Vick, and Quintin Mikell returned Alex Smith's fumble 52 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter of Philadelphia's victory over winless San Francisco.

LeSean McCoy rushed for a score and Trevard Lindley made a last-minute interception for the Eagles (3-2), who forced five turnovers and survived San Francisco's late rally for their fifth straight win over the 49ers (0-5).

Smith passed for 309 yards, but also committed three turnovers. He received thunderous boos from the Candlestick Park crowd and an apparent tongue-lashing from coach Mike Singletary before leading two fourth-quarter TD drives.

After throwing TD passes to Vernon Davis and Frank Gore, Smith got the 49ers past midfield again in the final minute, but he was hit by Trevor Laws while making a throw. Lindley intercepted the wobbling pass with 28 seconds to play, and the 49ers dropped to their worst start in 31 years.

Lions 44, Rams 6

DETROIT (AP) — Stefan Logan's 105-yard kickoff return broke a tie and sent the Lions to their first win of the season and ended a 10-game losing streak.

The win was the Lions' most-lopsided since beating the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars 44-0 in 1995.

Logan's franchise-record tying score helped the Lions (1-4) outscore St. Louis 21-3 in the second quarter, and they didn't let up.

The Rams (2-3) lost standout receiver Mark Clayton with an injured knee in the first quarter and limited rookie Sam Bradford's passing options — he was 23 of 45 for 215 yards with two interceptions.

Shaun Hill threw for 227 yards and connected with Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew and Nate Burleson for touchdowns.

Ravens 31, Broncos 17

BALTIMORE (AP) — Ray Rice ran for 133 yards and two touchdowns, and Baltimore frustrated Denver quarterback Kyle Orton.

Baltimore (4-1) jumped to a 17-0 lead and coasted to its third straight win, the first this season by double digits. The Ravens moved past idle Pittsburgh into sole possession of first place in the AFC North.

The Broncos (2-3) fell to 0-5 against the Ravens in Baltimore. In those games, Denver has been outscored 142-56, including 60-24 over the last two years.

Orton completed his fourth straight 300-yard passing game with a 44-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Lloyd with 35 seconds left. It was of little consolation to the Broncos, who hurt themselves by losing a fumble and committing 10 penalties for 90 yards.

Baltimore's Joe Flacco completed 14 of 25 passes for 196 yards and ran for a score.

Giants 34, Texans 10

HOUSTON (AP) — Eli Manning threw two of his three touchdown passes to Hakeem Nicks and the Giants held Houston to a franchise-low 24 yards rushing.

Nicks finished with career highs of 12 catches and 130 yards, another big day for a receiver against the Texans' porous secondary. Manning finished 27 of 42 for 297 yards, and threw his third TD pass to Steve Smith in the fourth quarter.

Osi Umenyiora sacked Texans quarterback Matt Schaub twice and also forced a fumble for the Giants (3-2). New York held NFL rushing leader Arian Foster to 25 yards on 11 carries.

Linebacker Brian Cushing made four solo tackles in his season debut for Houston (3-2). Cushing was suspended the first four games for violating the NFL's policy on banned substances.

Redskins 16, Packers 13, OT

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Graham Gano kicked a 33-yard field goal 6:54 into overtime to lift Washington.

The winning score was set up by LaRon Landry's diving interception of Aaron Rodgers at the Packers 39. The Redskins moved the ball with the help of two penalties to set up Gano's kick.

Washington overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit, tying the game on Gano's 44-yard field goal with 1:07 to play. Green Bay's Mason Crosby hit the left upright from 53 yards with 1 second left in regulation.

Both teams are 3-2.

Bears 23, Panthers 6

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Matt Forte rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns, Julius Peppers had an acrobatic interception against his former team and Chicago overcame four interceptions by backup Todd Collins to keep Carolina winless.

Forte scored both his TDs in the first quarter, during which Peppers silenced a booing crowd in his first game back to Carolina with a diving interception to set up a field goal.

The Bears (4-1) bounced back from an ugly loss a week earlier against the Giants to do just enough to beat the Panthers (0-5), who again couldn't move the ball with Jimmy Clausen at quarterback.

With Jay Cutler sidelined with a concussion, Collins threw for just 32 yards before being benched for Caleb Hanie.

Falcons 20, Browns 10

CLEVELAND (AP) — Defensive end Kroy Biermann's spectacular interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter led Atlanta.

After pressuring Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme, Biermann leaped to deflect the pass and then made a diving headfirst catch like a seasoned wide receiver. Knowing he had not been touched, Biermann scrambled to his feet and rumbled 31 yards on a twisting, turning effort to give the Falcons a 20-10 lead with 4:01 left.

Matt Ryan threw a 45-yard TD pass to Roddy White as the Falcons (4-1) won their fourth straight. Michael Turner rushed for 140 yards.

The Browns (1-4) lost starting quarterback Seneca Wallace just before half with an ankle injury.

Cleveland picked up just 48 yards rushing.

Jaguars 36, Bills 26

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Tight end Marcedes Lewis caught two touchdowns passes as Jacksonville rallied from a 10-point deficit to keep Buffalo winless.

David Garrard shook off an interception and a lost fumble to throw for three touchdowns as the Jaguars (3-2) snapped a four-game road skid. Mike Sims-Walker's 7-yard touchdown put the Jaguars ahead for good, 27-20 lead late in the third quarter.

Lewis scored on 1- and 27-yard receptions to give him five TDs on the season, breaking the Jaguars' franchise record for scores by a tight end. Josh Scobee made all five field-goal attempts.

The Bills squandered 10-0 and 13-3 leads, and are 0-5 for the fifth time in franchise history, the first since 1985. Buffalo has allowed 30 points in four straight games for the first time.

Buccaneers 24, Bengals 21

CINCINNATI (AP) — Carson Palmer's third interception gave Tampa Bay one last chance, and Connor Barth kicked a 31-yard field goal with 1 second left.

Second-year quarterback Josh Freeman set up the winning kick with a sensational pass, hitting Micheal Spurlock along the sideline for a 21-yard completion to the 13. Spurlock kept both toes inbound for a falling-down catch that was upheld on review.

It was a signature win for young Tampa Bay (3-1), which hadn't beaten a contender. With Freeman leading the way, the Buccaneers took down the defending AFC North champions.

The Bengals (2-3) had a chance for a go-ahead field goal, but Palmer's tipped pass went to safety Sabby Piscitelli, setting up Tampa Bay's winning kick.

Philadelphia sweeps Reds, Tampa Bay evens series with Rangers and Giants go up 2-1 vs. Braves

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels gets sprayed with champagne in the clubhouse after his 2-0, complete game win over the Cincinnati Reds in Game 3 of baseball's National League Division Series Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
• MLB scoreboard

CINCINNATI - Cole Hamels completed what Roy Halladay started, putting the Philadelphia Phillies back in the NL championship series.

Hamels struck out nine in a five-hitter, Chase Utley homered and the Phillies beat the Reds 2-0 on Sunday night to finish off the franchise's first playoff sweep.

Philadelphia, trying to become the first NL team in 66 years to win three straight pennants, will host San Francisco or Atlanta in the NLCS opener on Saturday.

Halladay opened this best-of-five series with the second no-hitter in postseason history. Hamels ended it with another dominant performance.

The Reds, making their first postseason appearance in 15 years, committed six errors in the last two games of the series after finishing second in the NL with a club-record .988 fielding percentage during the regular season.

The league's top offense managed only 11 hits in three games — the fewest for a team in a postseason series, according to STATS LLC. The previous low was 13 by Texas against the New York Yankees in 1998.

Hamels got Joey Votto to ground into a double play after Brandon Phillips' leadoff single in the ninth, then struck out Scott Rolen to end it. The 2008 World Series MVP threw 119 pitches and did not walk a batter in his first postseason complete game.

Utley connected against Johnny Cueto in the fifth, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead with his club-record 10th postseason homer. A first-inning throwing error by ailing shortstop Orlando Cabrera allowed Philadelphia to score early.

___

Giants 3, Braves 2

ATLANTA (AP) — Substitute second baseman Brooks Conrad made his third error of the game in the ninth inning, allowing San Francisco to rally for a victory over Atlanta and a 2-1 lead in their NL division series.

The Braves were within one out of taking control of the best-of-five series, but a 30-year-old journeyman infielder who wouldn't have been playing if not for season-ending injuries to Chipper Jones and Martin Prado simply couldn't catch the ball.

Buster Posey's grounder went right under Conrad's glove, his worst miscue yet in a performance that might speed up the retirement of Braves manager Bobby Cox. Freddy Sanchez raced around with the go-ahead run, and Brian Wilson shut down Atlanta in the ninth for the save.

San Francisco can close it out Monday night. For Conrad, the memories of this one will linger for a lifetime. He tied a postseason record for errors in a game and became the fourth second baseman to make three, according to STATS LLC.

Pinch-hitter Eric Hinske lined a two-run homer off Sergio Romo in the eighth, giving Atlanta a 2-1 lead after a stirring pitchers' duel between Tim Hudson and Giants starter Jonathan Sanchez.

With the Braves missing injured closer Billy Wagner, Aubrey Huff tied it in the ninth on a two-out single off Mike Dunn.

San Francisco scored first when Conrad dropped a second-inning popup in short right field.

___

Rays 5, Rangers 2

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Evan Longoria snapped out of his postseason slump with a homer and two doubles, Carlos Pena scored twice after a pair of extra-base hits of his own and Tampa Bay escaped elimination again with a victory over Texas.

After losing the first two games of the AL division series at home, the Rays won twice in Texas to force a deciding Game 5 at Tropicana Field on Tuesday night. Postseason ace Cliff Lee will start for the Rangers against 19-game winner David Price in a Game 1 rematch.

The winner hosts the New York Yankees in the AL championship series opener Friday night.

Rookie right-hander Wade Davis pitched into the sixth, getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the fifth when he struck out Vladimir Guerrero. Rafael Soriano worked a perfect ninth for the save.

Tampa Bay, which finished with the AL's top record in the regular season, is trying to become the only team other than 2001 New York Yankees to win a division series after losing the first two games at home.

Texas is still the lone current major league franchise that's never won a postseason series. The Rangers are 0-6 in home playoff games.

Pena helped the Rays rally with two big hits Saturday. Add in his first two at-bats Sunday and he hit for the cycle in a span of four at-bats.

Nelson Cruz hit his third homer in four postseason games for Texas.

Three brothers, all in the NFL at the same time, providing a nation in need with its greatest multiple-sibling dominance since Alec, Daniel, William and Stephen Baldwin were Hollywood near-heavyweights in the 1990s.

Associated PressDan Gronkowski is one of three Gronkowski brothers playing in the NFL.

The following is a re-enactment of real events. The names have not been changed because, well, this column is about these very people:

A long time ago in western New York, Diane and Gordon Gronkowski were building a family. When they got pregnant, Diane asked her husband, “Do you want a boy or a girl?” “I want a tight end,” Gordon answered. And on Jan. 21, 1985, Dan was born.

A while after, they again got pregnant. Diane again asked Gordon, “Do you want a boy or a girl?” “I want a fullback,” he answered. And on Dec. 26, 1986, Chris was born.

A few years later, they again got pregnant. “Do you want a boy or a girl?” she again asked. “I want another tight end,” he answered. And on May 14, 1989, Rob was born.

Meet the Gronkowskis.

Dan Gronkowski is a 6-5, 255-pound tight end with the Denver Broncos.

Chris Gronkowski is a 6-2, 245-pound fullback with the Dallas Cowboys.

Rob Gronkowski is a 6-6, 264-pound tight end with the New England Patriots.

Three brothers, all in the NFL at the same time, providing a nation in need with its greatest multiple-sibling dominance since Alec, Daniel, William and Stephen Baldwin were Hollywood near-heavyweights in the 1990s.

More than 300 sets of brothers have played pro football, but the Gronkowskis mark the first time three siblings have been in the NFL simultaneously since Brian, Gary and Rich Baldinger overlapped from 1986 to ’92. Brother acts go back to the earliest days of pro football — Red Grange played with his brother Garland on the 1929-31 Chicago Bears, and before that, Jim Thorpe played with brother Jack on the 1921 Oorang Indians.

(Footnote I: The Oorang franchise was nicknamed the Indians because the team was comprised entirely of American Indians, as opposed to the current Washington NFL franchise, which has nothing to do with Indians and uses a term — Redskins — that is offensive to many Native Americans.)

But the mother of all sibling acts in pro football was the Nesser Brothers. In 1921, the Columbus Panhandles had five, maybe six, Nesser brothers on the roster.* There was Ted, Phil, John, Fred, Frank and perhaps Al Nesser, plus Ted’s son Charlie.

* The precise number of brothers is unclear, due to conflicting historical accounts. To pin it down, I would suggest checking with Peter King of NBC and Sports Illustrated; whatever number he gives you, just add or subtract two and you will probably have a ballpark figure. Oh, and if he mentions Brett Favre is retiring, I would just walk away.

(Footnote II: Ted Nesser was player- coach, so there was a teensyweensy degree of nepotism at work here. And, to be honest, brotherly love might have turned to brotherly bickering when the 1921 Panhandles stumbled to a 1-8 record.)

The Gronkowskis — whose father was an offensive guard at Syracuse and whose older brother, Gordie Jr., played baseball at Jacksonville University — all attended Williamsville (N.Y.) North High School. Dan went to Maryland, Chris went to Maryland but transferred to Arizona and Rob went to Arizona.

Dan was the next-to-last player picked in the 2009 NFL Draft, by the Detroit Lions, and was traded to the Broncos this year. He has four career catches for 17 yards.

Chris was undrafted and signed with the Cowboys. He has one carry for eight yards and three catches for 13 yards, including a one-yard touchdown reception in his first career start in Week 2.

Rob was a 2010 second-round draft pick by the Patriots, with six catches this season, including two for touchdowns.

As good as these Gronkowskis are on the gridiron, it could get even better.

They got pregnant yet again. “Do you want a boy or a girl?” “I want a wide receiver.” And Glenn was born.

Glenn Gronkowski is a 6-3, 215-pound senior at Williamsville North. Two Saturdays ago, he had 11 catches for 194 yards and four touchdowns. Last Saturday, he had a touchdown catch, a fumble recovery for another score and three interceptions. I believe Mel Kiper Jr. has projected him as a fourth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Ask the Slouch!

Q: How does Fox justify the viewer discomfort caused every Sunday by Tony Siragusa?—Matt Gross, Albany, N.Y.

A: As Westley told Buttercup in “The Princess Bride”: “Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.”

Q: Who is more of a slouch, you or Randy Moss? — Geoff Stoner, Spokane, Wash.

A: Sure, I never get up off the couch, but I never take a play off while watching an NFL game.

Q: Do you agree that rooting for the New York Yankees is like rooting for the dealer in blackjack? — M.R. Anderson, Deer Park, Texas.

A: Yes, and in either case, it feels as if you’re playing against a stacked deck.

Q: When your wife is hoping for a late bedroom rally, does she play “Day-O” on the home sound system? — Paul Mika, Naples, Fla.

A: Pay the man, Shirley.

You, too, can enter the $1.25 Ask The Slouch Cash Giveaway. Just e-mail asktheslouch@aol.com and, if your question is used, you win $1.25 in cash!

The Browns face a decision when it comes to quarterback and this Sunday's Steelers game in Pittsburgh.

View full sizePlain Dealer Historical PhotographCould Brian Sipe be coaxed out of retirement? At 61, he's probably still more mobile than Jake Delhomme.

 The injuries have piled up so high for the Cleveland Browns that even News-Herald columnist Jim Ingraham wonders if Colt McCoy should have played on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Ingraham didn't wonder too loud because he writes that it didn't get that bad, but it came close. Apparently, the Browns were serious when they said before the season started...

Tracy Boulian, The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs

 The injuries have piled up so high for the Cleveland Browns that even News-Herald columnist Jim Ingraham wonders if Colt McCoy should have played on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

Ingraham didn't wonder too loud because he writes that it didn't get that bad, but it came close.

Apparently, the Browns were serious when they said before the season started that this would be a learning year for McCoy. A learning year unencumbered by any actual, you know, playing time.

The education continued Sunday, when McCoy learned from Wallace how to hop off the field on one foot after injuring your ankle.

Next, McCoy learned from Delhomme how to run the Statue of Liberty play, at least the part of the play where the quarterback stands like a statue in one spot until the pocket caves in on him. Over and over and over again.

Ingraham also writes how McCoy, although more healthy than Delhomme and Wallace, doesn't mean he would have been successful on Sunday. It's obvious, despite how bad things were (or could become), McCoy will not play this season.

Starting QB

Ohio.com columnist Marla Ridenour suggests Josh Cribbs should start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that's only if Jake Delhomme and or Seneca Wallace can't play.

Ridenour writes that coach Eric Mangini only has three options:

Turn the offense over to rookie Colt McCoy, whom president Mike Holmgren hoped would only watch and learn this year.

Pick up former Browns backup Brett Ratliff off New England's practice squad.

Or go with Cribbs, the former Kent State quarterback.

Ridenour notes that Cribbs has thrown only 11 times in his six years with the Browns and completed four for 45 yards with an interception.

Key play

AJC.com reporter D. Orlando Ledbetter writes about a key part of the game when the Falcons took advantage of cornerback Sheldon Brown.

A blitz left Brown in one-on-one coverage against Roddy White. It ended with a 45-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Ryan to pump some life into the offense.

Falcons coach Mike Smith called it "due diligence" by the coaching staff.

"We saw the guy leave the field, there is no doubt about that," Smith said.

The touchdown put the Falcons ahead for good, 13-10 with 7:57 left in the third quarter.

"Matt did a good job of throwing the ball," White said. "I did a good job of tracking it and getting it in the end zone."

Game stories

The News-Herald: MASH up

Ohio.com: Failure against Falcons

CantonRep.com: Wounded Browns

Medina County Gazette: Injuries pile up on the Browns

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Falcons defense too much for Browns

"Rookie or not, Colt McCoy is a pro QB and given that our #1 and #2 QB's are hurt, he must be expected to play."
- bulldog2424

Joshua Gunter/The PDTime for Colt McCoy?

cleveland.com reader bulldog2424 says it's time to give McCoy a chance.

"Rookie or not, Colt McCoy is a pro QB and given that our #1 and #2 QB's are hurt, he must be expected to play. I know that they did not want to play him this year, but the situation dictates that he is the only healthy QB we have left that knows the offense. He should play if the others cannot perform due to injuries. Otherwise, cut him and get someone in here that will be capable of playing in this situation"

What do you think? Post your comments.

"It shows there is talent on this team, and I for one am encouraged that this will be a fun squad to watch, win or lose."
- Sorry, but you're wrong

Cavaliers guard Manny Harris knocks the ball loose from Rockets' guard Jermaine Taylor last night in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Campbell)

cleveland.com reader Sorry, but you're wrong says while it's too early to tell, he's encouraged.

"Preseason games are hard to use as a measure of how a team will perform in the regular season. Different rotations are being tried out, and marginal players are being evaluated to see if they will be kept. Still, it shows there is talent on this team, and I for one am encouraged that this will be a fun squad to watch, win or lose."

What do you think of how the Cavs have played so far? Post your comments below.

PD Browns reporter: Steelers' QB is eager to return from suspension - and to gain a measure of revenge for last season's loss in Cleveland.

Associated PressBen Roethlisberger: Ready for return against the Browns on Sunday.

Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, our Web video show about what's going on in Cleveland sports. Today's show is hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright.

Let's go to the highlights:

• The Browns are banged up as they prepare for Sunday's rivalry game against the Steelers. Who should start at quarterback for Cleveland? Cast your vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.

• Today's guest, Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot, says the healthier player between Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace should get the start. She also says Delhomme might be suffering today because, she was told, he had an injection of pain-killers to get through Sunday's loss to the Falcons.

Mary Kay also talks about Peyton Hillis and the pounding he is taking; and the struggles of Joe Thomas at left tackle.

SBTV will return Tuesday with Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff breaking down the Browns-Falcons game after writing his "Upon Further Review" feature.

Speaking of football, don't forget to play our You Pick the Winners Contest where you can outpick Chuck and Branson Wright each week and earn an appearance on SBTV, a $25 gas card and a chance at a $250 gift card.

Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme re-injured his right ankle against the Falcons and now has both a high and low sprain, a league source said.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerJake Delhomme re-injured his ankle and now has both a high and low sprain, a source said.

CLEVELAND -- Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme re-injured his ankle during Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Falcons and now has both a high and low right ankle sprain, a league source said.

Delhomme will undergo an MRI today and won't know how long he'll be out until after that, but it could be an extended period of time.

Delhomme first suffered the high ankle sprain in week one in Tampa and missed the next three games. He was expected to play Sunday, but was pressed into service when Seneca Wallace went down with a sprained ankle.

 Delhomme had his ankle shot up with painkillers before the game just in case he had to play. He's in more pain today than he was on Sunday, the source said.

Delhomme seems to have re-injured the ankle on a 10-yard sack in the third quarter by Jamaal Anderson. The Browns might have to sign another quarterback soon depending on the severity of Wallace's sprain.

Michael Jordan wins easily in first-round fantasy one-on-one basketball.

Jeffrey M. Boan / Associated PressMiami Heat's Dwyane Wade dunks easily here, but it wasn't so easy against George Gervin in the Starting Blocks one-on-one fantasy tournament.

The first round was easy for many of the participants in our Starting Blocks one-on-one tournament, especially for Michael Jordan who received over 96 percent of the votes when it came to his game against Andrew Toney.

All four of the top seeds (1. Jordan 2. Kobe Bryant 3. Allen Iverson 4. Kevin Durant), were all winners. But the Ice Man (George Gervin) pulled the upset with a victory over Dwyane Wade (53.2 percent to 46.7 percent).

So now we're down to the Elite Eight, and we have some interesting match ups. Durant is often compared to Gervin and the two play each other in the next round. Another key game is Bryant (who defeated Pistol Pete Maravich) against LeBron James (who defeated Isiah Thomas).

Remember, voting is based on who would win in one-on-one (game to 21), not who is the best basketball player in relation to a game.

I believe a a good one-on-one player must be quick, have the ability to finish at the basket, possess good ball-handling skills and have a good outside shot.

Join us for the a live Browns chat today at noon with The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi. We'll talk about the uncertainty at quarterback, what happened to the running game yesterday, Joe Thomas' bad game and more with Tony at noon. . You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other...

Chat live with Tony Grossi today at noon.

Join us for the a live Browns chat today at noon with The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi.

We'll talk about the uncertainty at quarterback, what happened to the running game yesterday, Joe Thomas' bad game and more with Tony at noon.
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You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Tony's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.