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Talking Cavaliers, Jerome Harrison, Browns-Steelers and more - WFNY podcast

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Who should start for the Cavaliers this season? Was Jerome Harrison given a fair shot? We answer these questions as we welcome WaitingforNextYear.com writers Rick Grayshock and Andrew Schnitkey for our weekly WFNY podcast.

wfny-logo.jpgView full sizewaitingfornextyear.com

Who should start for the Cavaliers this season? Was Jerome Harrison given a fair shot? We answer those questions as we welcome WaitingforNextYear.com writers Rick Grayshock and Andrew Schnitkey to talk about their expectations for the Cavaliers, Colt McCoy's first start and more. We also touch on when Eric Mangini's "process" needs to start producing wins, whether Anderson Varejao could become a trade chip for the Cavaliers and make predictions for Browns-Steelers.

More from Waitingfornextyear.com:


You can also follow Rick and Andrew on Twitter: @rickwfny and @RockWFNY.

Click on the play button below to listen or download the MP3 podcast to listen on the go.

Check out previous WFNY podcasts with cleveland.com.


Colt McCoy facing the worst possible scenario in his Cleveland Browns debut, says Tony Grossi (SBTV)

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PD Browns reporter says he can't remember a Browns QB facing a tougher task in his first game than McCoy will against the Steelers.

colt-mccoy.jpgColt McCoy faces the tallest of tasks Sunday, says Tony Grossi.

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, as Branson Wright is on assignment.



Let's go to the highlights:



• The Browns will take on Pittsburgh on Sunday with rookie Colt McCoy getting the start. What would qualify as a successful debut for him? Cast your vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.


Today's guest, Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi, says in all the years he's been covering the Browns, he can't remember a quarterback making his debut in a less desirable situation than McCoy will on Sunday.


Tony also answers questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature about the legacy of Browns quarterbacks post-1999; St. Louis QB Sam Bradford; the Browns Stadium playing surface; and how the Browns were able to sign Brett Ratliff from New England's practice squad.


Starting Blocks will return Monday with the PD's Dennis Manoloff breaking down the Browns-Steelers game. And don't forget to play our You Pick the Winners Contest where you can outpick Chuck and Branson each week and earn an appearance on SBTV, a $25 gas card and a chance at a $250 gift card.



Starting Blocks TV for friday Oct. 15, 2010

LeBron James poetry contest aims to welcome him to Miami Heat, and looks for entrants

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Miami paper and radio station seek poems to 'welcome' LeBron James to Miami. Got any ideas?

lebron-james-el-nuevo-herald.JPGView full sizeThe Miami Herald and radio station WLRN are looking for the best poem to welcome LeBron James to the Miami Heat. Gee, any ideas from Cavs fans?
The Miami Herald and radio station WLRN in Miami are running a contest asking Miamians to write six-line poems to welcome LeBron James to the Heat. The prize is the privilege of having your poem read on the air, plus two tickets to "O, Miami: A Contemporary Poetry Festival" in April 2011 in Miami Beach.

The rules are pretty simple, according to MiamiHerald.com/insight, where you go to sign up and submit your entry:

* Poem must commemorate the arrival of Lebron James to Miami
* The poem can utilize any form but cannot exceed six lines (Lebron's jersey is #6)
* No limit to the number of poems you can submit
* The entry must be received by Friday, October 22 at 6 p.m.


Now we here at Starting Blocks are sure they're looking for nice, sweet "Gee, it's great to have you!" poems. But maybe Cavs fans have a bit of a different take on just exactly what constitutes "commemorate the arrival of LeBron James to Miami."



LeBron James played in Cleveland for seven long years

His "Decision" to depart filled fans with anger and tears.

"We supported you, we cheered you, we spent our hard-earned bucks."

"And you betray your birthplace on national TV? That sucks!"

As Cavaliers fans hearts may bleed from festering sores

At least he's not our problem now, Miami. He's YOURS.



At least, that's how Starting Blocks might enter. If you're going to enter, do it quickly; the contest ends next Friday. How cool would it be if there were more entrants (and a winner) from Cleveland?

"Sorry," we could say, "We're taking your prize to Northeast Ohio."

 


P.M. Ohio State links: Terrelle Pryor's numbers best those of Wisconsin's Scott Tolzien

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Badger quarterback Scott Tolzien's numbers are good ... but not as good as those of Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor.

scott-tolzien-ap.JPGView full sizeWisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien is putting up some pretty good numbers, but they're not as good as those from newly discovered pocket-passer Terrelle Pryor.
If the Buckeye secondary is as good at playing defense as the featured writer on thebuckeyebattlecry.com, Wisconsin doesn't stand a chance on Saturday. "Jim," the only name listed, took issue with some Badger bloggers questioning Terrelle Pryor's consistency at quarterback. So good ol' Jim did what you'd expect for a guy who writes for a site called The Buckeye Battle Cry: He showed 'em the stats.

I appreciate the concern and all, but the last time I checked (a few minutes after answering those questions, actually) Terrelle Pryor is putting up better numbers this year than Scott Tolzien (Wisconsin’s quarterback).

Pryor has thrown for 1,349 yards, a 224.8-yard average, and 15 touchdowns. Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien has thrown for 1,201 yards, a 200.2-yard average and only seven touchdowns.
But the kicker came in the post-statistical commentary:

Tolzien, to his credit, has thrown just as many touchdown passes (2) in one game against Ohio State as Pryor has thrown in two games against Wisconsin… to Ohio State players.
Sorry, Badger fans. But that's what happens when you lead with your chin.

Torrid Torrence
Devon Torrence apparently is a lot better at hitting receivers than he was at hitting baseballs. The latter is evidenced by the .149 and .151 average he put together in two seasons in the Houston Astros rookie league. The former is in the pudding, as they say. And the pudding would be that he's in his second year as a starting cornerback for the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes.

And it was even tougher because Torrence began his Ohio State career as a receiver, according to a story by Jim Naveau of the Lima News.

Much of that is because of acquiring experience as a cornerback. Not only was he splitting his time between football and baseball, he began his Ohio State career as a receiver.

"I kind of had to change a lot of things about myself, my thought process, coming in as an offensive guy and a baseball player. On defense you have to have a different mentality," he said.

"Last year I was just out there trying to help the defense and not really understanding the whole package of what I was doing. Now I'm starting to pay attention to down and distance, the play clock, personnel, receivers' tendencies. I'm just starting to become an overall corner and I'm only going to get better the more games I play."

Ohio State expects its cornerbacks to tackle as well as drop back in coverage, so that was also an adjustment.

"When I was playing baseball and focusing on offense, my mentality was more of a finesse-type guy. Then I had to really shift it to being more physical, pushing and shoving and tackling. I had played defense in high school. It was just doing it on the college level," he said.

Torrence has an interception, four pass break-ups and his 15 tackles are more than any Ohio State defensive back other than Chimdi Chekwa.

Interesting, isn't it, that as a football player his best offense has been a strong defense.

And the winner is...
Bill Trocchi, who writes for si.com, previewed the Ohio State-Wisconsin game, which is likely to be the best game in college football this weekend.

For the third time in the history of the rivalry, Wisconsin will host Ohio State with the Buckeyes sitting atop the AP poll. In 1942, the sixth-ranked Badgers knocked off No. 1 Ohio State, 17-7; in 1973, the top-ranked Buckeyes blanked the Badgers, 24-0. Ohio State ascended to the top spot on Sunday following Alabama's loss at South Carolina, and the Bucks will be tested immediately against the one-loss Badgers. The last three matchups between these two teams have been battles, and this one figures to be no different.
But will the Buckeyes suffer the fate of their 1942 counterparts, or is a repeat of the 1973 outcome more likely? Come on, Trocchi. Inquring minds want to know.

From The Plain Dealer
Beat writer Doug Lesmerises takes a look at how Big 10 schools honor their greatest names, most with statues. Ohio State and Michigan, Lesmerises notes, have no plans to join the five schools that have statues honoring local luminaries.

Lesmerises' Ohio State Football Insider talks about freshman right tackle Andrew Norwell and the crucial  role he could end up playing because of a chronic foot problem plaguing starting tackle J.B. Shugarts.

Ohio State closes door on Santonio Holmes investigation

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 COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State has closed a brief investigation of alleged payments by an agent to former Buckeyes football player Santonio Holmes five years ago after consulting with the NCAA, which is not pursuing the matter. The alleged incident was reported in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated. "During an interview on Wednesday, Holmes stated he never received...

Santonio-Holmes.jpgSantonio Holmes


COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State has closed a brief investigation of alleged payments by an agent to former Buckeyes football player Santonio Holmes five years ago after consulting with the NCAA, which is not pursuing the matter.

The alleged incident was reported in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated.

"During an interview on Wednesday, Holmes stated he never received money or benefits from an agent," Ohio State said in a statement released Friday. "The institution has contacted the Agents, Gambling and Amateurism staff at the NCAA, and the NCAA has stated it does not intend to investigate anything further related to the allegations."

The university did not say why the NCAA was closing the books on the matter, but since it allegedly took place in November 2005, it would be beyond the organization's four-year statute of limitations for infractions.

In the SI article, former agent Josh Luchs said he approached Holmes in November 2005, right after Holmes' junior season at Ohio State. Holmes, who caught the winning touchdown pass in the 2009 Super Bowl while with the Pittsburgh Steelers, now plays for the New York Jets.

"We met him outside the football building," Luchs said in the article. "And he said, 'Listen, I want to save you the time. We don't need to meet. I've been taking money from [an agent] the last couple years, and he's been taking care of my family too."

Coach Jim Tressel said Thursday that he was troubled by the report but was reassured by Holmes' denial.

"Oh, you're always concerned when anything is brought up," Tressel said. "I personally haven't talked to Tone. [Ohio State assistant coach] Darrel' [Hazell] has, because we wanted to get a hold of him right away. ... Even his statements to Darrell obviously put your mind at ease. But you never like to be mentioned in any other way other than glowing."

Tressel said he did not bring up the Sports Illustrated article as a cautionary tale to his players this week because the top-ranked Buckeyes have enough to deal with preparing for the big showdown at No. 18 Wisconsin on Saturday night.

Tressel, who has frequently spoken out about agents who make improper inducements to college athletes, said there is a constant threat to student-athletes' eligibility.

"I guess it just reminds you that stuff is out there," he said. "We've told our guys many times that there are 1,200 registered agents and only 300 have clients, so that means 900 desperate folks. And desperate people do desperate things, whether it's to try to get clients or to try to clear their name or whatever. So, it's part of life."

Award-winning author Jeff Alt brings hiking passion to Cleveland area

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Jeff Alt is a hiker whose hobby has gone wild. He's ready to hit the trail at the drop of a hat, whether it's a day trip around the Cleveland Metroparks or a months-long journey on the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, or entertain could-be hikers at appearances around the country.

 

Jeff Alt Book.jpg

Jeff Alt is a hiker whose hobby has gone wild. He's ready to hit the trail at the drop of a hat, whether it's a day trip around the Cleveland Metroparks or a months-long journey on the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, or entertain could-be hikers at appearances around the country.

"I love hiking and I love sharing stories," said Alt, 43, the award-winning author of "A Walk for Sunshine."

The book is a collection of tales gleaned from his 1998 hike of the Appalachian Trail. An easy, interesting read, Alt found plenty of humor in a physically demanding adventure that included bedding down with a skunk, being chased by a bull and charged by a black bear.

Alt is sharing his experiences at a free 2 p.m. presentation on Saturday (Oct. 23) at Ohio Books a Million in Fairview Park.

Author Jeff Ault.jpgAward-winning author and avid hiker Jeff Alt is featured Saturday at at 2 p.m. at Ohio Books A Million in Fairview Park.

 
 "I'm bringing lots of slides, music and tips on hiking gear," said Alt, 43, a Toledo native who is a speech therapist in the Cincinnati area.

"My goal is to inspire others to take up hiking, and to take their kids outdoors."

 While only about two or three of every 10 hikers on the Appalachian Trail complete the 2,160-mile journey, Alt had a special incentive.

He was hiking to raise funds for the Sunshine Home in Maumee, Ohio, a care center where his brother, Aaron Alt, 36, lives. Aaron has cerebral palsy and is unable to speak or walk. 

 "The Sunshine Home has been wonderful for him, and I wanted to help," said Alt. 

 Alt's Appalachian Trail hike brought in $16,000 for the Sunshine Home. He helps sponsor annual Sunshine Hikes in the Maumee area that have raised more than $180,000.

Alt convinced his wife, Beth, to hike with him on California's 215-mile John Muir Trail, a difficult but spectacular trek from Yosemite National Park to Mt. Whitney in the Sierra Nevada Mountains that resulted in a second book, "A Hike for Mike." 

 "Beth is athletic, but favored hotels and beaches," said Alt, with a laugh. "After two weeks on the trail, she'd gotten past the grime, and was almost used to towlettes instead of hot showers."

 Alt is passionate about the need for children to hike and experience the outdoors. His daughter, Madison, 6, joined them at 23 months old as they walked from town to town along Ireland's Atlantic Coast. William, 3, was on his father's back at eight weeks of age as Alt revisited a stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

"You need to get the kids out and hiking at a young age," Alt said. "Start with after-dinner walks. If the older kids love electronic gadgets, get a GPS unit or a pedometer to carry along. Hiking is the cheapest form of exercise and entertainment for the entire family."

 Alt has enjoyed exotic hikes, and while his 50-pound backpack is always packed, he says new hikers should start close to home.

"Cleveland is a gem in the rough," Alt said. "It's easy to find a fun trail to hike in the Cleveland Metroparks or the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I'll have free trail maps of both areas available on Saturday, so I can tell people, 'Take a hike, and here are some great local trails I've enjoyed that you can, too.'"

Cavs Jamison, Parker out for Saturday

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INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Forward Antawn Jamison and guard Anthony Parker are not expected to play for the Cavaliers in Saturday night's game against CSKA Moscow at The Q. Jamison sprained his left knee and Parker sprained two fingers on his right hand in Thursday night's victory over San Antonio at Pittsburgh. Guard Mo Williams (groin) probably will not play....

Anthony Parker, Jason KiddAnthony Parker will sit out the Cavaliers' next preseason game on Saturday.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Forward Antawn Jamison and guard Anthony Parker are not expected to play for the Cavaliers in Saturday night's game against CSKA Moscow at The Q.

Jamison sprained his left knee and Parker sprained two fingers on his right hand in Thursday night's victory over San Antonio at Pittsburgh.

Guard Mo Williams (groin) probably will not play. Anderson Varejao also is unlikely as he recovers from an ankle injury and his absence after the death of his grandfather in Brazil. Coach Byron Scott has left the decision of when to return up to Varejao, who said he's not yet comfortable enough with the new offense to play.

Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis questionable, expects to be 100% for Steelers

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Browns running back Peyton Hillis is questionable but expects to be 100% for the Steelers game.

 

peyton hillis.JPGBrowns running back Peyton Hillis says he'll be 100% for the Steelers.

CLEVELAND -- Browns running back Peyton Hillis questionable for the Steelers game with his strained quad muscle, but said today he expects to be 100% for the game.

Hillis practiced for the first time Friday on a limited basis and said "it felt great getting out there. With wrapping it up and keeping it warm, I think it should be fine."

In other Browns news, four players are listed as doubtful:  quarterbacks Jake Delhomme (ankle) and Seneca Wallace (ankle), defensive lineman Robaire Smith (back) and right tackle John St. Clair (ankle).

Hillis is one of six players who are questionable. The others are defensive linemen Kenyon Coleman (knee) and Shaun Rogers (elbow), tight end Robert Royal, safety Nick Sorensen (calf) and right guard Floyd Womack (knee).

Browns coach Eric Mangini still stopped short of naming rookie Colt McCoy the starting quarterback, but he'll start unless  Wallace or Delhomme has a miraculous healing. Both were in their walking boots yesterday and have only a 25% chance of playing.

"I'm not going to officially rule them out,'' Mangini said. "One thing I've learned (with high ankle sprains) it's just day-to-day seeing where it is.''

Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said McCoy had a good week of practice and the game didn't seem too big for him.

"He's got a little something about him running the huddle for the first time,'' said Daboll. "Being a third string guy, he took it upon himself to prepare like he's going to play each week.''

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has also been impressed.

"I've seen him light up our defense now for three weeks,'' he said. "I like him.''

Center Alex Mack (shoulder), left tackle Joe Thomas (shin), Josh Cribbs (ankle) and Abe Elam (knee) are all listed as probable.

 


Is Tom Brady Justin Bieber's hair apparent?

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Kid-pop singer Justin Bieber raps (sort of) and tells Tom Brady to leave the 'do to the guy who sang "Baby."

justin-bieber-tom-brady-ap.JPGView full sizeTom Brady's 'do has triggered another criticism, this time from kid-pop singer Justin Bieber. That's Justin on the ... on the ... on the ... CRUD, who can tell?
Randy Moss reportedly said Tom Brady's shaggy 'do made him look like a girl. Brady's counter dis was that Moss's beard looked like he had a Chia pet glued to his chin, or something to that effect. Next thing you know, Moss is in Minnesota, trying to catch Brett Favre's fluttering ducks and Brady is again throwing to Deion Branch.

Funny enough as it goes. But now, pop singer Justin Bieber (two words Starting Blocks prayed we would never have to write) is in the act. He's got a song out making fun of Brady's locks, advising him to leave the look to "the guy who sang 'Baby.' " (Yeah, like Bieber's the first and only singer to use the word.)

Here's the video. Please don't hate us.

Hathaway Brown races to big lead at first day of state girls golf tournament

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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Hathaway Brown's girls shot themselves out of sight ahead of the pack and the boys from University School shot themselves into contention Friday during the first 18 holes of the Division II state golf tournament at the Ohio State University courses. With sophomore Ashley Yarbrough and senior Sydney Kirby shooting seven-over 77s and sophomore Nia Marshall...













Sydney Kirby shot a seven-over 77 today to help Hathaway Brown lead the team race after the first day.










COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Hathaway Brown's girls shot themselves out of sight ahead of the pack and the boys from University School shot themselves into contention Friday during the first 18 holes of the Division II state golf tournament at the Ohio State University courses.


With sophomore Ashley Yarbrough and senior Sydney Kirby shooting seven-over 77s and sophomore Nia Marshall turning in her first round of the season under 80 with a 78, the Blazers blitzed the Gray Course and the field with a team score of 321, a remarkable 22 shots better than Huron and Lima Shawnee, which share second place.


University School, seeking a sixth state title, trails defending champion Dayton Oakwood by two shots after a first-round 333 on the Scarlet Course. Senior Scott Smith paced the Preppers with a seven-over 78.


Par is 70 on the Gray Course and 71 on the Scarlet.

Cleveland Browns linebacker Marcus Benard fined $5,000 for late hit on Falcson QB Matt Ryan

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Browns linebacker and sack-leader Marcus Benard was fined $5,000 for striking Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan late.

 

marcus.jpgLinebacker Marcus Benard was fined $5,000 for roughing Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

CLEVELAND -- Browns linebacker Marcus Benard, who leads the Browns with 3.5 sacks, was fined $5,000 by the NFL this week for roughing Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, specifically for striking him late.

The 15-yard penalty came in the first quarter following an 18-yard pass to Roddy White, moving the Falcons to the Browns' 20. A few plays later, they kicked a field goal to go up 3-0. Browns defensive end Kenyon Coleman was flagged for unnecessary roughness three plays after Benard's penalty when he knocked down an offensive linemen, but was not fined.

Wisconsin backers ignore scoreboard when discussing 2008, 2009 games vs. Ohio State, Bill Livingston writes

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Folks in Madison like to talk about how the Badgers have dominated the Buckeyes the past two years, ignoring the fact that OSU won both games.

Madison, Wis. -- The scoreboard doesn't matter here, which is about what you would expect of a place called Madtown.

The visitor from Ohio might note that the flagship university of the Big Ten has beaten Wisconsin the past two years, albeit while using improbable and downright bizarre methods. The response from the natives here would be to clap both hands over their ears, hum "On Wisconsin!" loudly, and then shout, "I can't hearrrr you!"

"U-Rah-Rah!" and all that school spirit stuff aside, they are seriously delusional people.

Too many Leinies imbibed before the 7 p.m. kickoff Saturday against Ohio State may be to blame.

There is also the chance that a frozen marshmallow with a nickel embedded inside, aimed for an Ohio State partisan, might have whanged off the young Wisconsin scholars' noggins instead, reducing them to pumpkins without seeds.

Perhaps the stronger-armed among the missile throwers is now playing quarterback for the Badgers.

The improbable 20-17 OSU victory in 2008 came on an 80-yard drive, led by inexperienced freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor. He finished it himself with an 11-yard touchdown run on an option keeper in the last 1 minute, 8 seconds.

On its heels came the bizarre game in 2009 at the Horseshoe. Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien lobbed two marshmallow balls to the Buckeyes, both of which were returned for touchdowns in OSU's 31-13 victory. When Glenville's Ray Small took a kickoff back for a touchdown, you were left to wonder if it wasn't the biggest day for returns since MacArthur waded ashore in the Philippines.

Wisconsin has apparently had the same quarterback for the whole decade. Sometimes, he's named Brooks Bollinger, sometimes he's Jim Sorgi (until Ohio State linebacker Robert Reynolds infamously choked him out of the 2003 game, to be replaced by Matt Schabert), sometimes he's Allan Evridge. This time, he's Tolzien. Again.

Doesn't matter. Only Schabert did much damage, snapping a 19-game Ohio State winning streak with a long, late touchdown pass to Bedford's Lee Evans.

Lately, the Badgers have eschewed the pass as much as possible. With their quarterbacks, it's understandable. The Badgers instead gain big yardage on the ground in the middle of the field.

Thus has been born the fiction that Wisconsin dominated Ohio State both of the past two years.

But in 2008, OSU actually outgained the Badgers, 183-179, in rushing and 327-326 overall.

In 2009, Wisconsin did own the offensive yards, 368-184, but that's because the Badgers ran 89 plays to OSU's 40. When you're running back all those interceptions and kickoffs, it cuts down the chances for the offense. The Badgers had the ball for 42 minutes, 47 seconds and amassed 22 first downs to OSU's six.

With the ball all day, Wisconsin averaged 4.1 yards per play. Ohio State averaged 4.6.

John Clay, who's supposed to be the second coming of 1999 Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne, the feature back when Wisconsin actually won Big Ten titles, gained 59 yards on 20 carries.

Furthermore, first downs, a big Cheesehead point of pride in last year's game, is a misleading statistic. A 10-yard run is a first down. So is a 60-yard pass. Neither time of possession nor first downs can offset a serious deficit in big plays.

Badger coach Bret Bielema can dial up a big play, all right. It's just usually against his team.

In 2007, a fake punt at his own 25-yard line blew up like a bruise from a frozen marshmallow. OSU, leading 24-17 at the time, won, 38-17.

In 2008, an OSU formation confused the Badgers, who on the game-deciding play mustered only one defender to play both Pryor and the option pitch man, tailback Beanie Wells.

Bielema is the new John L. Smith, the former Michigan State coach who squandered talent earlier in this decade. John L. once slapped himself in the face in a press conference and then left the podium. All that was needed was a voice-over of Porky Pig spluttering, "Th-th-th-th-that's all, folks."

The scoreboard , not a cartoon character, usually has the last word in sports. If it is to be believed, of course.

Here are the ALCS starting lineups for Game 1 between the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers

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It will be CC Sabathia vs. C.J. Wilson in Game 1 of the ALCS.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Here are the starting lineups for Game 1 of the ALCS at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Yankees: SS Derek Jeter (R), RF Nick Swisher (S), 1B Mark Teixeira (S), 3B Alex Rodriguez (R), 2B Robinson Cano (L), DH Marcus Thames (R),  C Jorge Posada (S), CF Curtis Granderson (L), LF Brett Gardner (L) and LHP CC Sabathia.

Rangers: SS Elvis Andrus (R),  3B Michael Young (R), CF Josh Hamilton (L), DH Vlad Guerrero (R), LF Nelson Cruz (R), 2B Ian Kinsler (R), RF Jeff Francoeur (R), C Matt Treanor (R), 1B Jorge Cantu (R) and LHP C.J. Wilson.

Umpires: H Gerry Davis, 1B Tony Randazzo, 2B Jim Reynolds, 3B Angel Hernandez, LF Fieldin Culbreth, RF Brian Gorman.

Pre-game notes:

-Texas country artist Stoneyu LaRue will sing the national anthem.

-In 40 previous ALCS matchups, the team winning Game 1 has gone on to win the series 24 times. That's a 60 percent success rate.

-With Texas reaching the ALCS, every team in the AL has done it.

-The Yankees are the ninth wild card to reach the ALCS. It's the first time the Yankees have reached the ALCS as a wild card.

Cleveland Indians OF Trevor Crowe undergoes right elbow surgery; should be ready for spring training

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Versatile Trevor Crowe will need six weeks to recover from arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Indians outfielder Trevor Crowe on Friday underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow to remove loose bodies. Dr. Lewis Yocum performed the operation in Los Angeles.

The Indians said Crowe will need about six weeks to recover. His training routine for next season is not expected to be interrupted and he should be ready to open spring training on time.

Crowe spent most of this year with the Indians. He hit .251 (111-for-442) with 24 doubles, three triples, two homers and 36 RBI. He stole 20 bases in 27 attempts and was second on the team with nine assists from the outfield.

Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis says he'll be close to 100 percent for Steelers

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Browns running back Peyton Hillis says he'll play Sunday against Pittsburgh and its top-ranked run defense.

hillis-falcons-vert-ldj.jpgPeyton Hillis expects to play Sunday at Pittsburgh.

Browns running back Peyton Hillis is not about to let a little thing like searing pain his thigh keep him from facing the arch-rival Steelers and their No. 1-ranked run defense.

"I'll be very surprised if I'm not 100 percent," said Hillis, who's listed as questionable. "I feel great right now and with wrapping it up and keeping it warm, it should be fine."

Hillis, who aggravated his strained quad muscle last week against the Falcons, practiced for the first time all week on Friday and was limited, but wouldn't miss this game for the world.

"I've heard it a lot from the fans in the city how big it is, and I really want to go in there and get this win to give confidence and bring a victory back to the city," he said.

Besides, the Browns really need him, especially with rookie quarterback Colt McCoy starting the game and the Steelers ready to pounce.

"No matter who's taking the snaps or what team you're playing, running the ball effectively is always a high priority," said Hillis. "We have to be able to do that this week."

And they'll be doing it against the best rush defense in the NFL, one that's putting up some daunting statistics. The Steelers are surrendering a league-low 62.3 yards per game and no back has rushed for more than 42 yards against them this season. That was Atlanta's Michael Turner, who averaged 2.2 yards on his 19 attempts.

The Steelers held Tennessee's Chris Johnson to 34 yards on 16 carries, snapping his 12-game streak of rushing for more than 100 yards. What's more, the Steelers have allowed only one 100-yard rusher in the past 38 games.

"There's no doubt they're a good defense," said Hillis. "But we're not looking at (all the stats). They're human just like we are. They put their pants on one leg at a time and we've just got to approach it like that."

The last time Hillis faced a run defense like this -- in Baltimore -- he gashed them for 144 yards and put himself on the NFL map. "You've just got to prepare well for them and hope you can do the best you can against them," he said.

Despite suffering the strained quad three days before the Falcons game, Hillis hurdled over a cornerback on his first play, made a spectacular one-handed touchdown grab and chased down a defender after an interception, one that was nullified by a penalty. But he was in excruciating pain most of the game, one in which he ran only 10 times for 28 yards. He also lost a fumble on the first drive. Afterwards, he left the locker room with a pronounced limp.

"It was bluntly obvious (I aggravated it)," he said. "I just did what I could for my team and tried to produce as much as I could because I knew my team needed me."

Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll acknowledged that it was challenging, especially because Jerome Harrison managed only 6 yards on six carries. On Wednesday, Harrison was traded to the Eagles for bigger back Mike Bell.

"(Hillis) is your bell cow," said Daboll. "We were talking on the sidelines and it was 'Hey I need something here, I need a little break here,' and his rhythm probably wasn't where it needed to be. I'd like to try to get him into a flow. God willing, he's ready to roll."

Hillis said he's confident he'll be 100 percent because the injury isn't necessarily worse than before.

"Plus, I've been off it now for five days," he said. "It feels great. I've tested my limits some. It's not like I decided to not do any running."

He said the strain is unrelated to the calcified thigh issue he had in college. "That was three or four years ago, and I've always been fine," he said. "It's just not keeping hydrated, being on your legs all the time, not taking really good care of your body."

In case Hillis needs to alternate, the Browns have been working overtime to get Bell ready to go.

"I don't think it's unrealistic," Daboll said of Bell being able to contribute. "There'll be a number of plays that he can translate what he did in the past. He's a sharp guy. He's meeting with (running backs coach) Gary (Brown) as we speak and (Friday) he did pretty well not making many mental mistakes for his second practice."

Bell said he thinks he can be effective in Pittsburgh, especially in the running game.

"It's like riding a bike," he said. "I just have to make the terminology make sense to me. They've been very helpful in the passing game."

As for the Steelers' top-ranked defense, he said: "It's going to be tough, but I think we need to focus on what we do and let everything else take care of itself. When people get so caught up in 'This is the No. 1 rush defense' they've lost already."

Bell said he just has to keep his cool. "I have a tendency to get overly excited," he said.


Gilmour leads by eight shots at Division III boys golf state tournament

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Sunbury -- All went according to plan for Gilmour Academy on the first day of the Division III state boys golf tournament Friday at NorthStar Golf Resort. With four of their top five players back from the team that finished fourth at state a year ago, the Lancers came in expecting to contend for the championship.













Andrews










Sunbury -- All went according to plan for Gilmour Academy on the first day of the Division III state boys golf tournament Friday at NorthStar Golf Resort.


With four of their top five players back from the team that finished fourth at state a year ago, the Lancers came in expecting to contend for the championship.


They're well on their way to doing so after turning in a 316 that leaves them in first place heading into today's final round.


The only other team to break 330 was Toledo Ottawa Hills, which is second with a 324.


"Coming into the weekend, we knew we had three seniors and after getting fourth place last year we felt like this year was our year to shine," senior Matt Oliver said.


Gilmour Academy senior Alex Andrews, who is the defending champion, shot 37 on the front nine and 35 on the back to card a 72 that leaves him in first place individually.


Sophomore Andrew Bieber is on pace to make second-team all-state after turning in a 79 that leaves him tied for seventh with Connor Dudley of Fremont St. Joseph Central Catholic. Also competing for the Lancers are Oliver (82), senior Greg Calabrese (83) and junior Duncan DeFino (88). Only Bieber didn't compete at state for Gilmour Academy a year ago.


Andrews is followed in the field by Sugarcreek Garaway's Ryan Troy and Centerburg's Garrison Myles, who each are at 73, and Ottawa Hills' Ethan Haigh and Minster's Craig Purpus, who each are at 76.


"I felt like I could have played a lot better, but it was solid," Andrews said. "I had a lot of birdie opportunities. I think I only missed two greens, and I got an eagle on 12, which was a real momentum builder. After that eagle, I was feeling pretty good."


Also at the Division III state tournament is Lake Ridge Academy, which shot 356 on Friday and is 11th.


Senior Spencer Scheeler shot 84, followed by senior Nick Nemetz (87), juniors Thomas Tavolara (92) and Mitchell Rice (93) and freshman Ryan McCarthy (95).


Trinity junior Jimmy Wild became his school's first golfer to make it past the sectional tournament this season.


On Friday, he shot 42 on the front and 43 on the back for an 85 that leaves him tied for 26th.

New York Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera still going strong; ALCS Insider

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The postseason and saves never get old for Yankee closer Mariano Rivera. He went into Game 1 of the ALCS Friday night against Texas with 559 saves in the regular season and a record 41 in the postseason.

mariano-rivera.jpgView full sizeMariano Rivera, here pitching against the Indians in 2009, is considered one of, if not the best postseason closer in history.

Arlington, Texas -- Mariano Rivera has 559 regular-season saves, the most in American League history. He has a record 41 more in the postseason.

He is the man who slams the door; who adds the period to the last sentence in the final chapter.

Rivera earned his first save for the Yankees in 1996 when he was 26 years old. He recorded his first postseason save in 1997.

This month Rivera, 40, saved the first two games in the Yankees' three-game sweep of the Twins in the AL Division Series. He has been at it for 14 years, and he will be waiting for a chance to do it again against Texas in the AL Championship Series that opened Friday night at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

"Everytime it's like brand new . . . brand new," said Rivera. "Even though I've been here a few times, you go out there and you feel the butterflies. You feel the excitement. It's tremendous . . . a tremendous feeling."

Texas closer Neftali Feliz saved 40 games this year. He is 22, a baby. Rivera came to the same job later in life, but he has given no indication he is ready to go anywhere.

"I have no idea what it feels like to save 40 games when you're 22," said Rivera. "I never did it. But he attacks the hitters. That's what all closers have to do -- attack."

Rivera finished the regular season at 3-3 with 33 saves and a 1.80 ERA. He struck out 45, walked 11 and allowed 39 hits in 60 innings. The opposition hit .183 against him.

This is the Yankees' 15th postseason appearance in the past 16 years. Rivera has been here for all of them.

"It never gets old," said Rivera. "When you have an opportunity to get here, it never gets old. A lot of great players have never had this opportunity.

"I take every shot in the playoffs like it's the first one. I don't know when I will be doing this again. . . . I will never take it for granted."

Texas, in advancing to the ALCS for the first time in franchise history, needed five games to defeat Tampa Bay in the Division Series. In Game 5, they scored three runs from second base without the benefit of a hit.

How do you stop such aggressive baserunning?

"That's easy," said Rivera with a smile. "You just don't let them on base. Sounds easy, huh?"

No, it doesn't. Except, perhaps, if your name is Mariano Rivera.

Language barrier: Texas shortstop Elvis Andrus learned English in an unusual way.

"I listened to country and western songs," said Andrus, a native of Venezuela. "It was a lot easier to learn than listening to hip hop." Good scouting report: MVP candidate Josh Hamilton hit .111 with one RBI in the division series for the Rangers. He missed most of September with broken ribs, and it showed against the Rays.

Second baseman Ian Kinsler, speaking during Thursday's ALCS workout day, said he wasn't worried about Hamilton.

"He's so talented, it can be at any moment when he breaks out," said Kinsler. "There's really no one worried about him, thinking that's he's stuck some place. He's a positive person and he's going to keep working."

Friday night, in the first inning of Game 1, Hamilton hit a three-run homer off CC Sabathia to give Texas a 3-0 lead. Deer season: If you've been watching the Rangers this season, you might wonder what's going on when one of them puts his hands on either side of his batting helmet after a good play on the bases or sticks his arm in the air in like he's just finished shooting a hook shot after a big hit.

It's all about antlers and horns.

"When Mark DeRosa was here, he brought up the whole deer thing," said Kinsler. "He started calling fast guys deers. . . . Then Nelson Cruz started throwing the deer antlers thing around. Nelson is a funny guy and we just kind of grabbed onto it in spring training and it went from there.

And the claw?

"It's been around for a while," said Kinsler. "Esteban German started doing it. People like to watch him play the game. When he does something like that, everyone jumps on board."

Cleveland Browns return ace Josh Cribbs looks to break out against Pittsburgh Steelers

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Josh Cribbs has three kickoff returns for TDs vs. the Steelers, but needs to overcome what teams have done to neutralize him.

josh-cribbs.JPGBrowns' Joshua Cribbs looks to break one on special teams Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Browns receiver Josh Cribbs has had many happy returns against the Steelers, but will have to take it up a notch if he's going to break one Sunday.

Three of his NFL record eight kickoff returns for touchdowns have come against the Steelers -- which is tied for an NFL record against a single opponent. One of those was a 98-yarder last October in Pittsburgh.

But this season, with teams kicking away from him and pop-kicking, Cribbs has mostly been a non-factor in the return game. He is ranked 51st in the NFL with a 20.2-yard average -- a far cry from the 27.5-yard average he finished with last season for No. 3 in the NFL.

"I have to pick up my return yardage and try to help this football team in the return game, and I have yet to do that," he said. "Teams will continue to pop-kick it until we get it out to the 40 all the time or across the 50. Until we do that, they're going to pop-kick it rather than give me a chance to run it back for a touchdown. The whole unit needs to improve, myself included."

Cribbs, whose longest return is 24 yards against the Falcons, has been limited with an ankle injury this season and is listed as probable for the Steelers, but has refused to use that as an excuse. Clearly, coach Eric Mangini expects him to come through.

"There were some kicks that Cribbs returned last year that the blocking wasn't exactly stellar, he just sort of made it look better, so that becomes a component of it," said Mangini. "We're trying to get that group as tight as we possibly can, and they work hard. It's important to them, and everybody understands what a weapon he is and it's important to Josh. There's a commitment and we're going to continue to improve it.

"Teams are doing a lot of things to prevent us from doing the things that we want to do and we're trying to respond and hurt them enough when they do those things so that they have to make a decision. Last year, there was improvement throughout the season. Josh has made people miss that two guys don't block, that three guys don't block, and he makes them miss so it's a combination."

If Cribbs can't hurt the Steelers on returns, he hopes to in the wildcat. In the 13-6 Browns victory last December, he ran eight times for 87 out of the formation.

"They just couldn't stop it," said Cribbs. "Our guys were blocking up front pretty good, and we executed better than they did. When teams execute better, it shows. They're going to be prepared to try to stop it and we'll go at it until they will."

He said he expects to see plenty of the wildcat, especially with rookie Colt McCoy starting at quarterback.

"Definitely. It'll take a lot of pressure off him," said Cribbs.

Thomas on Harrison: Left tackle Joe Thomas struggled against Atlanta's John Abraham last week, and will face the Steelers' James Harrison this week, who is leading the team with three sacks and three forced fumbles.

"For the most part, I've got to just give the guy credit," said Thomas. "He had a lot of one-on-one battles with me and he made the most of them. Anytime I get beat in a game it's frustrating to me and I go back and I try to fix it. What I don't want to do is change everything I'm doing just because of a couple bad plays in a game against an outstanding pass rusher."

He said the game wouldn't affect his confidence.

"Everybody in this league gets beat," he said. "I've seen Walter Jones, who I think is the best lineman ever, give up two sacks in a game and he bounces back from it. It's only if you kind of dwell on it and act like you're the only guy in America who's ever given up a sack."

Said Mangini: "My feeling about Joe is that he'll do a great job this week. It's not just James Harrison, he'll get a combination of rushers over there and they're all going to be good and I expect that he'll do a great job."

Benard fined: Linebacker Marcus Benard, who leads the Browns with 3.5 sacks, was fined $5,000 by the NFL this week for roughing Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, specifically for striking him late.

McCoy's the man: Even though Mangini hasn't officially declared McCoy the starter, it's been common knowledge all week, and a source confirmed that. Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace are doubtful with high ankle sprains, and both wore walking boots in the locker room.

Dawson can be No. 1: Phil Dawson needs one field goal to break the mark of 234 held by him and Hall of Famer Lou Groza for the Browns' record.

"Phil's done a great job, and I really like Phil," said Mangini. "The things that he's done as a Cleveland Brown have been exceptional. I'm looking forward to him breaking the record here this weekend. I want all touchdowns but a field goal mixed in, game-winner would be a nice way to break the record."

Smith doubtful: Defensive end Robaire Smith is doubtful with a back injury, and right tackle John St. Clair is doubtful with an ankle injury. Five players besides running back Peyton Hillis are questionable: defensive linemen Kenyon Coleman (knee) and Shaun Rogers (elbow), tight end Robert Royal, safety Nick Sorensen (calf) and right guard Floyd Womack (knee).

Center Alex Mack (shoulder), Thomas (shin), Cribbs (ankle) and defensive back Abe Elam (knee) are probable.

Ohio State's Devon Torrence has singular focus in secondary

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Once Devon Torrence began concentrating on strictly being a cornerback, he began to make strides that have made him a key player on the top-ranked Buckeyes' defense.

devon-torrence.jpgView full sizeDevon Torrence returns an interception against Indiana.

Madison, Wis. -- Ohio State senior Devon Torrence remembers sitting in a meeting room and Jim Tressel popping his head in the door.

"Can you be the next Chris Gamble?" Tressel would ask.

"I hope so," Torrence would say. Tressel remembers it a bit differently, with the conversation starting from the other direction.

"A lot of the times he was suggesting it," Tressel said. "Our response always was let's get good at one thing, and then we'll talk about expanding that. . . . We wanted him to get good at something, and he's moving toward being very good at something."

Torrence is more ready than ever to help the No. 1 Buckeyes (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) against No. 18 Wisconsin (5-1, 1-1 Big Ten) tonight because he gave up on everything else. He played baseball in the Houston Astros farm system for two summers before giving that up before his junior year. He came to Ohio State as a receiver and fiddled around at two positions before starting to focus on cornerback as a sophomore. And before his senior season began, he finally abandoned in the preseason his dreams of serving as a return man for the Buckeyes.

"I kind of really just said forget it, I'm a true corner," Torrence said this week. 'Let's go cover these guys.' "

In 2002, Gamble famously played receiver and cornerback, sliding over after the Buckeyes were hit with injuries on defense, and he helped lead Ohio State to the national title. Torrence said that after he came to Ohio State he tried to get in touch with Gamble, and he still believes that if given the right chance, he could have pulled off the Gamble double.

"That's what I really wanted to do, but I guess you have to be a team player and do what's best for the team," Torrence said. "That's what coach Tressel told me when I came back from baseball [as a sophomore] and I thought I was going to play receiver and contribute to the defense, but it was definitely the opposite. But I'm glad I made the change."

Though he made that change on the field, he hadn't flipped the switch in his head, even while starting at cornerback last season. Torrence could run with and cover a receiver, but he wasn't thinking like a defender. "He used to be out there going crazy over calls," senior safety Jermale Hines said, "and not really knowing what he's doing coming over from playing receiver. He really didn't have any idea about the corner spot. Now he's learned the ins and outs of it and he's getting a lot better."

Last week against Indiana, Torrence intercepted a pass when Hoosiers quarterback Ben Chappell had a miscommunication with his receiver and Torrence brought in the deep ball like he was fielding a punt and returned it 25 yards.

"We talked about, 'Hey, get your hands on the ball and you'll be an offensive guy,' " OSU cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson said. "He took that one back a little bit and I said, 'You are good with the ball in your hands.' "

That was nice for Torrence to hear. But maybe an even better play was when he sniffed out a route that, thanks to film study during the week, he'd been sitting on all game and came up and cracked Indiana running back Zach Davis-Walker for a 4-yard loss.

"That was probably the best hit for me so far," Torrence said. "I never really had the chance to hit anybody until this year. Being out there in the game is when you get that experience and learn to be more physical and that's what going on this year."

If only it had happened a little sooner. Torrence said there's a part of him that wishes he had redshirted as a freshman so he'd have a year of eligibility left. After he was named the Buckeyes' defensive player of the week for the Indiana game, Tressel called him a young senior. But Torrence doesn't regret anything he chased in the past, and with half a season left, he figures there are still plenty of chances to make up for lost time.

"The more I'm out there, the more I'm feeling at home," Torrence said.

That's easier to do when there's only place you're trying to call home.

Brunswick rallies to beat Strongsville, 36-33

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When it comes to football, momentum is important. In the case of Brunswick’s (5-5) 36-33 win over Strongsville on Friday night at Pat Catan Stadium, momentum was everything.




When it comes to football, momentum is important.


In the case of Brunswick’s (5-5) 36-33 win over Strongsville on Friday night at Pat Catan Stadium, momentum was everything.


The Mustangs (5-3) held the early edge, capitalizing on two Blue Devil turnovers to take a 26-10 lead with time winding down in the first half. But just when it seemed Strongsville was running away with the game, Brunswick quarterback James Grega found Steve Uhler for a 20-yard touchdown with: 07 seconds left in the half and the tables were turned.


“After we got the touchdown right at the end of the half, we had the momentum going in,” said Brunswick coach Luke Beal. “You could just see it in their eyes.”


Beal wasn’t kidding. His Blue Devils unleashed a powerful rushing attack in the second half and scored 18 unanswered points to make it 36-26 with just 2:53 to go in the fourth quarter.


The Mustangs, however, did not go down quietly.


Less than a minute after it appeared Brunswick had the game in hand, Strongsville quarterback Austin Pritchard hit tight end Ray Hamilton for a 36-yard touchdown.  Following the extra point, the Mustangs were back within a field goal.


Making matters even more dramatic, Strongsville held the Blue Devils on their next drive and got the ball back with 1:00 minute left in the game. But Strongsville’s excitement turned to disappointment when Pritchard was sacked on his own 25-yard line with: 06 seconds remaining.


The Mustangs tried one last play, desperately lobbing the ball to each other in a series of lateral passes, but the Blue Devils sniffed it out and tackled the last man with the ball as time expired.


“We couldn’t stop the running game,” said Strongsville coach Russ Jacques. We knew that had to be a priority for us going in.


“They just lined up and ran it and we didn’t have an answer for it. That’s something that we have to fix.”

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