The Indians' pitching staff limped into the postseason because of injuries, but they they've produced four shutouts in 10 playoff games. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Indians threw their fourth shutout of the postseason Tuesday night in Game 1 of the World Series. Of all the stats they've compiled in this drive into October that might be the most improbable.

Carlos Carrasco still has a broken hand. Danny Salazar was added to the roster Tuesday, but he hasn't pitched in a big league game since Sept. 9. Trevor Bauer takes the mound Wednesday night for Game 2 of the World Series with at least 10 stitches in the little finger of his right (pitching) hand.

Bauer was stopped on cuts in Game 3 of the ALCS after two outs in the first. He does not think that will be a problem when he pitches Wednesday night, but just in case manager Terry Francona already has the bullpen on alert.

The Indians shut out Boston in Game 2 of the ALDS, 6-0. They shut out Toronto, 2-0, in Game 1 and 3-0 in Game 5 of the ALCS. Now they've done it to the Cubs in the World Series in a 6-0 victory.

Again, how can that be?

Francona opened the World Series with a three-man rotation - Corey Kluber, Bauer and Josh Tomlin. What about Games 4, 5, 6 and 7? Who are the Indians going to pitch in those games?

Kluber, at the most, can pitch in two of those games. Could Salazar be an answer? What about Ryan Merritt, who strode out of the Arizona desert to throw 4 1/3 scoreless innings in the Game 5 clincher against Toronto?

When asked what lies beyond Game 3 for his rotation, Francona keeps saying its TBA (To Be Announced). He added, "It doesn't take a genius to figure it out."

Yes, the bullpen has been good this postseason - 3-0, 1.53 ERA, seven saves and 47 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings. But Andrew Miller needed 46 pitches to get through two innings Tuesday night in Game 1 after six scoreless innings by Kluber. There are questions about his availability for Game 2, but the shutouts keep coming.

"You can't explain it," said closer Cody Allen. "You're just trying to make a pitch at a time. Hopefully, you stack enough pitches together and you get enough outs to keep them off the board for as long as you can. Your goal is to be just one run better at the end of the day."

The four shutouts are the most by the Indians in a single postseason. They've tied the major league record for shutouts by a team in one postseason. The Giants did it in 1905, 2010 and 2012. The Yankees did it in 1998.

Each of the last two teams to throw a shutout in Game 1 of the World Series - the 1990 Reds and the 1989 Athletics - went on to win the championship.

There are three common threads in the Tribe's shutouts - Kluber, Miller and Allen. Kluber has thrown 19 1/3 scoreless innings, Miller 6 1/3 and Allen three.

"I think our guys have really been able to stay in the moment and not worry about trying to win Game 3 when you haven't even won Game 1 yet," said Allen. "Our focus is showing up tomorrow and being ready to play. We just want to stay in the moment, make a pitch and move on to the next one. I think that's the one thing we've been able to do very well."

Miller Time! The Greenhouse Tavern is selling High Lifes for a penny to honor Andrew Miller.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Look, is there a better pitcher going than Cleveland Indians reliever Andrew Miller?

The dude has been unhittable all through the playoffs. Check this out. Not just his ERA (0.00) or his strikeouts -- 24 Ks in 13 2/3 innings -- his entire statline:

Andrew Miller in the post-season has been perfect.espn.com 

In a matter of months, he's captured the imagination and loyalty of Cleveland fans. Everyone lights up when it's Miller Time, which has given Greenhouse Tavern owner Jonathon Sawyer an idea that will leave many lit.

In honor of one of the stars in last night's World Series win against the Cubs, the Greenhouse will be selling Miller High Life for a penny a pop. I was inspired to hit the joint with a buck in my pocket and splurge. Alas, there's a limit of five High Lifes per person.

The Greenhouse -- 2038 East Fourth St., Cleveland; 216-443-0511; thegreenhousetavern.com -- will be doing the deal all day (Wednesday, Oct. 26).

Toughness defines Frank Solich and his Ohio University Bobcats: MAC Minute (video). Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Frank Solich is the sage of Mid-American Conference football coaches and once again has Ohio University in the thick of the MAC East Division race.

The Bobcats have had their struggles with injuries this season, but Solich says his team has displayed the toughness needed to overcome and rise to the top.

OU is at Toledo on Thursday (7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network) and looks to be out-manned as the Rockets have one of the top offenses and defenses in the league. But overcoming odds is nothing new for Solich, a native of Cleveland and a product of Holy Name High School.

In this era of high-octane football, the Bobcats turned to a freshman starting his first game at quarterback last week and still pulled out a 14-10 road victory.

Solich, 72, has a career record of 143-83 with stops at Nebraska (58-19), where he also played fullback, and at Ohio (85-64). He has taken the Bobcats to a bowl game six of the last seven years.

His teams have finished above .500 for seven straight season and is one victory away from making it eight.

Solich currently has the Bobcats tied with Akron in the race for a MAC East title. Both teams still have some hurdles, including games against Toledo.

If the Zips and the Bobcats remain tied it could come down to a season-ending game in Athens on Nov. 22 to decide which team advances to the MAC title game on Dec. 2 in Detroit's Ford Field.

ESPNU released a video on its Facebook page of a fake radio call done by the "NOT Ohio State Radio Network."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- If you're an Ohio State fan, watching the blocked field goal that led to the Buckeyes loss at Penn State was painful enough. 

Now ESPNU is putting a little salt in the wound. 

That's because the network released a parody video on its Facebook page of a fake radio call done by the "NOT Ohio State Radio Network." ESPNU wasn't singling Ohio State out. It's something the network does every week.  

The fake broadcasters are calling the game with an Ohio State slant. They refer to Urban Meyer as "the most incredible human being on the planet" and quarterback J.T. Barrett as a "future Heisman winner." 

You can watch the parody video below: 

Here are the factors that go into determining whether

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Major League Baseball made the decision during Tuesday's Game 1 of the World Series to bump the start time of Wednesday's Game 2 back one hour in order to avoid potential inclement weather, but the earlier first pitch might still not give Mother Nature enough time.

If Wednesday's rain is unrelenting, who makes the call as to whether the game is delayed or postponed?

Field conditions, anticipated rain in the forecast and player safety are factors that go into determining whether or not the game will be played.

Major League Baseball has dominion over whether or not the game will be delayed or postponed up until the scheduled start time of 7:08 p.m.

Once the game begins, the umpiring crew, headed by crew chief John Hirschbeck, makes the call as to whether or not play continues.

The postseason is a different animal compared to the regular season. Home teams have control over when a scheduled game will start, with the ability to delay or postpone contests after consulting their opponents and the umpires.

Notably, the Indians' season opener against Boston was delayed and ultimately rescheduled due to weather similar to what awaits Cleveland today.

How many World Series games have been suspended by weather?

Indians-Red Sox postponed on Opening Day

Cody Kessler hasn't been cleared from his concussion yet and Josh McCown is gearing up to start vs. the Jets. He also has to receive clearance from team doctors. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio - Cody Kessler sat out Wednesday's practice with his concussion and Josh McCown is preparing to start Sunday vs. the Jets.

He looked good throwing the ball in the early portion open to the media, and said he'll do more this week than he has the past two weeks.

McCown, who suffered a broken left collarbone in week two against the Ravens, wouldn't say if he's been cleared for game action, but said he's hopefully moving in that direction.

He said he underwent X-rays recently, and will see how things go as the week moves along. The Browns still have one more full practice on Thursday and then a walk-through on Friday.

McCown, who suffered a concussion in week one against the Jets last year, acknowledged it's difficult to be cleared from the concussion protocol in a week. He said it's up to the individual, but that there are several hurdles to clear.

Kessler has been feeling better each day,  a source told cleveland.com, but he must be cleared by an independent neurologist to play Sunday against the Jets.

If Kessler is cleared at all, it probably won't be until Friday at the earliest.

If he is cleared late in the week, coach Hue Jackson will have to decide between a quarterback who hasn't practiced all week and one who has.

McCown, who began throwing two weeks ago, joked about helicoptering into the end zone at the end of his opening drive against the Jets in the season opener last year. He lost the ball, suffered a concussion and had to sit out the next week against the Titans.

"How much would I like to land the helicopter? In the end zone? With the ball?'' he said. "That'd be great.''

He stressed however, that it's all about the Browns snapping their 0-7 skid. In fact, in the Browns are 3-25 in their last 28 games.

With Kessler not cleared yet, rookies Kevin Hogan and Joe Callahan were the only two other quarterbacks in practice Wednesday. But McCown had good zip on the ball and moved well. He didn't appear to be in any pain or favoring his left side.

Now, it's up to the doctors to decide who will get the nod.

In other Browns news Wednesday:

* No. 15 overall pick Corey Coleman ran routes in practice for the first time since he broke his hand in practice leading up to the third game. They didn't throw him the ball however. He's just getting his feet wet and easing back into things.

* Cornerback Joe Haden, who sat out Sunday's game against the Bengals with a groin injury, was back in practice Wednesday, most likely on a limited basis. Haden has missed three of the past five games with two different groin injuries, but should play this week.

* Center Cam Erving declined to disclose the illness that kept him out of the second half of the Bengals game. He practiced Wednesday, however.

*  Joe Thomas (knee) didn't practice today and said he won't practice tomorrow. But he's been playing thorough the sore knee the past two weeks.

* Tight end Seth DeValve (knee) returned to practice today. He's missed the past four games.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, close friends from northeast Ohio and Chicago, respectively, have a bet on the Indians-Cubs World Series. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If LeBron James and his Cavaliers teammates do indeed attend Game 2 of the World Series as they suggested they would, several may be wearing Indians jerseys.

And if the Tribe holds on and beats the Chicago Cubs in the series, Dwyane Wade will be donning a full Indians uniform when the Bulls play at The Q Jan. 4.

But if the Tribe messes this up and the Cubs win, James will be donning their (Cubs) pinstripes when the Cavs visit the United Center Dec. 2.

Wade announced the bet on Uninterrupted, the online video platform for athletes James created.

The #WorldSeries bet is on! @DwyaneWade (@Cubs) sends @KingJames (@Indians) the official wager. pic.twitter.com/h71F22FqJA

-- UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) October 26, 2016

James and Wade, close friends who are from northeast Ohio and Chicago, respectively, chose this for their World Series bet. The loser has to wear the winner's full baseball uniform into the arena the next time his basketball team visits Chicago or Cleveland.

As an aside, James gifted Beats by Dre headphones to every Indians player ahead of their 6-0 victory in Game 1.

Perhaps every box contained a note: "Yo, you better win."

James was watching Game 1 while he was getting dressed after the Cavs' 117-88 season-opening win over the Knicks and during his interview session.

When sensational Tribe reliever Andrew Miller ended the eighth inning via strikeout, James stopped mid-sentence to say: "He struck him out? That's great. It's Miller Time."

James bet wine on Ohio State beating Michigan State in football last year, but lost to Spartans alum and Warriors rival Draymond Green.

Three-year starting centers Kyle Payne of St. Edward and John Spellacy of St. Ignatius give their football teams something they rarely enjoy: longevity up front.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Before St. Ignatius’ 2014 football game versus St. Edward, John Spellacy noticed his rival's roster.

The Eagles started a sophomore center, too.

This is not common for either school, yet Spellacy and St. Edward’s Kyle Payne will touch the football as much as anyone for a third straight year when their teams meet. This one just happens to be at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns.

The venue is big for both.

Payne has twice lined up at center in Ohio Stadium for state championship games, but the Horseshoe crowds of about 11,000 will be rivaled by what's expected for Saturday's regular-season finale.

Both teams are ascending.

Spellacy and the Wildcats (8-1) are poised for a playoff return, ranked seventh in Division I, Region 1. Even with a loss to St. Edward (7-1), Drew Pasteur’s Fantastic50.net projects the Wildcats with an 88 percent chance to still make the top eight. Spellacy and his teammates want more than just that.

“Hopefully we’ve got six more games to go,” he said.

Playing that long will vault a team to the state championship. Such a feat could require the Wildcats and Eagles to meet again in the playoffs, which has happened only twice in their history.

RELATED: See 10 of the best, significant games between St. Edward and St. Ignatius.

St. Ignatius has 11 state championships. St. Edward has three, including the last two. That is part of the reason why Spellacy and Payne are rare.

Neither team has many underclassmen crack the starting lineup. The offensive and defensive lines present greater difficulty because of the size and strength required, both coaches said.

St. Edward had Alex Boone in the early 2000s. He went on to Ohio State and is now in the NFL. More recently, the Eagles produced Kyle Kalis. He's now at Michigan.

St. Ignatius just graduated a three-year starting tackle in Liam Eichenberg, who is now at Notre Dame.

Other than that?

“There’s not been a whole lot,” St. Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle said. “A sophomore’s a kid. He’s still learning how to drive yet. Division I Ohio football is really getting close to college football.”

Spellacy will do that.

Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 285 pounds, Spellacy is committed to East Carolina for football. Payne, at 6-2, 295 pounds, said he is talking to colleges but awaiting offers.

“He has great positioning and footwork,” St. Edward coach Tom Lombardo said. “He just needed that extra push on the finish. To his credit, he’s corrected that and done that this year.”

Both Payne and Spellacy said they felt physically ready to start as sophomores two years ago. Their challenge became more mental.

In Spellacy’s case, he learned a new offense while adjusting to the speed increase during August practices against older teammates.

He at least knew the position.

Spellacy learned center as a fourth grader at Saint Raphael School in Bay Village. Payne grew up as a defensive tackle until a coach asked him as a freshman to try it.

Both learned to snap the football with their current starting quarterbacks, Patrick Ryan at St. Ignatius and Kevin Kramer for St. Edward.

“I hadn’t taken a single snap with him until this year,” Kramer said, “but it was natural.”

Payne’s introduction to starting for St. Edward came about five weeks after Spellacy won his job at St. Ignatius. The Eagles center remembered his first start came with a trip to Youngstown Cardinal Mooney.

His nerves nearly got the better of him. The rain didn’t help, either.

“I didn’t want to let anyone down,” Payne said. “We came off two losses and we had to win out. Me being the young guy, I didn’t want to be the scapegoat.”

They reeled of 10 straight wins and beat Huber Heights Wayne for a state championship.

New teammates joined both the following season and subsequently graduated. It’s a regular occurrence for both schools, and the results don’t seem to change.

St. Edward produced an All-Ohio running back last year in Cole Gest, who is now at Indiana. In Gest’s place is senior Curtis Szelesta, and the Eagles’ offense has remained steady. The entire line is new, except for Payne.

“You’ve got to adjust and be versatile,” Lombardo said, “and that’s one of Kyle’s best traits.”

Spellacy has more seasoned teammates around him at the St. Ignatius. The Wildcats churn out 38.4 points per game behind four linemen who started started last year.

They all look to Spellacy. He initiates the line for each play, points out the middle linebacker and confers with his guards on blocking adjustments. Ryan said it's common for them to check blocking calls as Spellacy snaps the football.

“He’s the rock at center,” Ryan said. “We call him ‘Grandpa Spellacy.’”

For both Payne and Spellacy, their offenses remain steady as a rocking chair.

Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or email (mgoul@cleveland.com). Or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

The Cavaliers Team Shop and Kay Jewelers are selling several replica versions of the championship rings including one for $11,999.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You were watching the Cavaliers' ring ceremony Tuesday night and thought to yourself, "Geez, I sure would like to wear one of those."

Now you can. Sort of. The Cavaliers Team Shop and Kay Jewelers are selling several replica versions of the championship rings including one for $11,999.

While not exactly like the ones the players received, because come on, it's not like you nailed a three-pointer with 53 seconds to go or chased down and blocked Andre Iguodala's shot, the premium deluxe championship ring, available at the team shop, is blingy enough to impress your friends. Designed by the same company that made the real ones, it features 10-carat white and 14-carat yellow gold with 3.5-carat diamonds.

If that's a little out of your price range, the $549 deluxe version does the job without needing to take out a second mortgage. According to the website, it's made of a "high-strength, scratch-resistant metal alloy that simulates the sheen and brilliance of polished sterling silver." You can also customized the ring by adding gold and diamonds for an extra $1,150-$4,950.

Finally, there's a stripped-down version starting at $299 that will make you feel like you were part of something while still allowing you to feed your kids. 

Kay Jewelers' Cavaliers championship rings go for between $4,000-$5,000, with the top of the line made of 10-carat white gold accented with 10-carat yellow gold and sparkling diamonds equaling between 1.95 to 2.11 carats.

The real rings given to the players, by the way, are 6.5 carats each and feature 400 diamonds, 10-carat white gold, 14-carat yellow gold and weigh a whopping 165 grams. They also include a variety of intricate details the consumer versions don't.

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A photo posted by Khloe (@khloekardashian) on Oct 25, 2016 at 8:54pm PDT

Cavs forward Tristan Thompson shows off his championship ring in this photo from Khloe Kardashian's Instagram account.

"I think there's a fascination with Jack to see what else is out there, to visit new places."

FAIRFIELD, Ohio -- Jackson Carman was describing In-N-Out Burger, and when he got to the onions, he emphasized they were "carmalized." 

"Carmalized?" Jason Krause, the head coach at Fairfield, Ohio, interrupted. "What 16-year-old kid uses the word 'Carmalized?' "

Take one look at the 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive tackle, and you're probably not surprised he's looking forward to eating In-N-Out when he eventually gets out west for his USC visit. Big linemen love food. 

But the In-N-Out discussion was actually more about how the food is prepared than eating it, which gave an interesting look into Carman's multifaceted personality. He's quite impressive.

You'd think a five-star prospect and one of the most complete players in the 2018 class would have to be focused on football 24-7. Though Carman is certainly dedicated to playing football, he also plays five instruments (guitar, piano, drums, base, others), is into graphic design, likes cooking and draws. Carman plays guitar and drums at his church on Sundays while his mother sings. 

All this stuff gives you a window into Carman's recruitment. 

"They're all my passions to be honest," Carman said. 

Michigan's satellite camp at Jackson Carman's high school

Rated a five-star prospect and the No. 3 offensive tackle in the 2018 recruiting class, Carman could be Ohio State's top junior priority. Take a look at Carman's cell phone and there are regular texts from Urban Meyer reminding the offensive tackle he could be great at Ohio State. 

Carman is an Ohio prospect, so most people have already started dreaming about Ohio State's offensive line of the future: Carman at left tackle and five-star commit Josh Myers at left guard. 

"And (five-star commit) Wyatt Davis," Carman interrupted. You see, he knows. 

But Carman is just like every other high-profile Ohio prospect: He swears he's not just going to end up at Ohio State because he lives in the Buckeye State. What do most of those kids typically do? 

Jason Krause, the head coach at Fairfield, holding up a picture Jackson Carman drew of himself. Ari Wasserman, cleveland.com 

"They end up at Ohio State," Krause said. 

Carman could be different, which is what the cooking, drawing and instruments may tell you about him. The offensive lineman loves Ohio and is proud of where he's from, but his general curiousness about life -- his desire to try something knew -- could give a school far away from Ohio a chance. He has an inquisitive mind. 

"I think there's a fascination with Jack to see what else is out there, to visit new places," Krause said. "I think that's part of the reason he wants to take his visits. He wants to see, he wants to make sure. He's an eccentric guy. There's other things he likes. He likes music, he likes the arts, he likes cooking.

"He just wants to make sure there isn't something out there in the world that fascinates him that he may miss out on." 

Carman can to go college anywhere he wants. He has scholarships from Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, USC and roughly 35 others. He's still waiting on one from LSU -- "you know, because of the whole Les Miles thing" -- then he anticipates narrowing it down a little bit. 

That's when the visits will take place. 

And what Meyer has to fear is that Carman is going to discover a new passion somewhere, even though no school in the country can really offer more than Ohio State, which is an hour and a half up the road from Fairfield. Other programs can be different, though, and Carman is clearly drawn to different.  

Jackson Carman is a five-star offensive tackle who Ohio State has made a priority in the 2018 recruiting class. Ari Wasserman, cleveland.com 

"That's probably what I like most about all the things I do," Carman said. "I like learning and experiencing new things and being able to do something you haven't done before.

"When I was terrible at passing (blocking), then I saw myself get better and better and now all of a sudden I can pass (block) against anyone. And same thing with guitar. I couldn't play the strings at first, and now i am playing with my eyes closed, literally. It's fun." 

Ohio State will have its usual in-state advantage in his recruitment. When you walk through the front doors at Fairfield you see a picture of Meyer because the school's secretary, Kim Savage, is an Ohio State graduate who took and framed a picture with the coach when he dropped in on Carman. 

Most of Carman's influences are likely going to encourage him to be a Buckeye, and Meyer's persistence is already paying dividends. Maybe he'll end up at Ohio State. 

"I know right now that Ohio State is No. 1 on his list," Krause said. "They've obviously done a tremendous job of recruiting him. You can tell, they don't want their guys leaving the state. It's obvious." 

Or maybe he'll fall in love with the palm trees in California. 

Or the swamps in Louisiana. Was it mentioned his father is an environmentalist? 

Or maybe he'll fall in love with something that he doesn't know exists yet. 

Nancy Glatt, a Cubs fan from Roseville, California, made a new friend in Indians fan Mary Breiner from Lakewood. After Glatt's visit to Cleveland for the World Series, she's now a big fan, of the city, not the Indians.

Cleveland, Ohio -- Mary Breiner was headed home to Lakewood from a visit in Texas when she encountered Cubs fan Nancy Glatt, who was on a bucket-list trip to the World Series in Cleveland.

They struck up a conversation in which Breiner learned that Glatt, who grew up in Chicago, was traveling alone from Roseville, Calif. to root on her Cubs against the Indians. She might have guessed from the Cubs T-shirt Glatt was wearing.

Glatt's husband and two grown daughters had purchased, as a birthday gift, tickets for both games at Progressive Field. Her 56th birthday, fortuitously, was Wednesday, the day of Game 2, a game the Cubs dominated in a 5-1 win to even the series, 1-1.

"I always said that if the Cubs are playing on my birthday, then it's been a good year," Glatt said. "But it never happened."

Finally, 2016 is a good year. The Cubs, who have not won a World Series since 1908, are playing in the Fall Classic for the first time since 1945.

And meeting Breiner made it even better. Aside from their divided World Series allegiance, they discovered they were around the same age (Breiner is 60), they got married the same year (1985) and honeymooned in Greece (three months apart). Their adult kids are around the same age and they both love meeting people and talking.

"Where's your hotel?" Breiner asked at their chance meeting.

"Beachwood," Glatt replied.

Said Breiner: "No offense to Beachwood, but that's not really close to downtown."

So she made her new friend an offer: "Why don't you stay with me in Lakewood? It's an easy Uber and I know you'll have a lot more fun."

Glatt called her husband and he told her it sounded fine to him. "Make a new friend," he said. He also said it sounded like something she would have done.

When their plane leveled off, she got up and sat next to Breiner. They talked. And Glatt accepted the invitation. She got a text from her daughters later. They warned: "Stranger danger!" But they were just teasing.

Glatt and Breiner, in two short days, are strangers no more.

"It's like we've known each other forever," said Breiner.

They had coffee with Briener's friends, ate Middle Eastern fare at Nate's on W. 25^th Street, visited the West Side Market, got pictures at the script Cleveland sign at Edgewater Park, and drove through the flats.

Cubs fan Nancy Glatt cheered for her team in seats high above home plate at Progressive Field: "For the Cubs to win on my birthday is sweet!" Michael K. McIntyre/Plain Dealer photo

It was so much fun Wednesday it almost made Glatt forget the Cubs got smoked Tuesday night. Wednesday night's win also helped with that.

Glatt is still pulling for her Cubbies. Breiner hasn't convinced her to love the Tribe, but she has made Glatt a believer in Cleveland.

"I have never been here before, but I love it. I have met the most amazing people in this wonderful city," she said. "I could have filled my time, but this is a thousand times better. Mary knows everyone. She grew up here. And everyone knows her."

At Progressive Field, fans greeted her and made her feel welcome. She sat in nosebleed seats - upper deck, row R - wearing a Ryne Sandberg jersey and Cubs hat, wrapped in a fleece Cubs blanket. She cheered when the Cubs slapped three more runs on the scoreboard in the fifth inning.

She got one sideways glance and said, politely, "I'm sorry I'm not rooting for your team." She got a smile in return.

Earlier, one Tribe fan kindly said, "We'll win this year, and we'll let you have the next three."

No dice.

"I'm not ready to give up on this year," she said. "But should the Cubs happen to not win it all, this visit will soften the blow. You've sold me. I love Cleveland."

Ohio State's offense has sputtered for three weeks. Are the Buckeyes calling the right plays? Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It's a strange thing to be questioning the methods of an Ohio State offense ranked No. 13 in the country in yards per game and No. 5 in scoring.

But here we are with the No. 6 Buckeyes preparing to host Northwestern on Saturday in their eighth game of the season with real questions about what exactly the offensive plan is.

It doesn't always look bad, early on it looked very good, but over the last few weeks something feels off with the way this offense is operating.

The play calling has felt uninspired and predictable, which is something you wouldn't have said four weeks ago. Slow starts have plagued Ohio State all season, but inability to consistently move the ball started against Indiana.

"It's a complicated process," Urban Meyer said this week. "That is part of it, what we're seeing and the ability to adjust and adapt ... Certain defenses take away certain looks and things we're trying to do on offense." 

It's always a chess match, especially when the level of competitions jumps up the way it has in Ohio State's last three games. As the Buckeyes look for more consistent offense beginning this week, we're taking a close look at play calling and how things might change.

Creativity

This isn't a new criticism of Meyer's offense, but when things get close, the play list shortens and it feels like the Buckeyes rely on a handful of plays that make them predictable.

In the second half against Penn State, the Nittany Lions defenders were selling out against the run, coming downhill and daring Ohio State to throw the ball. Poor pass protection and execution played right into Penn State's hands.

"It just depends on on what's working and the confidence you have in what you're doing, what they're doing," offensive coordinator Ed Warinner said. "You're playing with a lead, and how wide open do you want to be when you're up two touchdowns?"

Ohio State wasn't open enough against Penn State, and inability to move the ball with a lead in the second half had a hand in the loss.

In general, have the Buckeyes been diverse enough offensively so as not to become predictable?

"We have to a better job of keeping teams off-balance," Ed Warinner said. "They were attacking us and coming after us pretty aggressively, and playing to win. They were behind and they were playing to win, they were aggressive and did a nice job in the second half."

What happened to some of the cool stuff we saw early in the season?

Ohio State was great at using mixed packages early on that included Curtis Samuel and Dontre Wilson in the backfield together. There was some wildcat, some misdirection, some great use of play-action -- and now it feels like there's very little of any of that.

The Wilson to Samuel H-back wrinkle

The Buckeyes don't need to go crazy on every play, but sprinkling in something other than Mike Weber inside runs and J.T. Barrett scrambles could go a long way in solving some of these offensive problems.

First downs

Here's a stat from Saturday's game against Penn State:

The Buckeyes had 31 first-down snaps and ran the ball 20 times. Barrett was 3-of-10 passing on first down. After Ohio State took a two-score lead in the second half, the offense averaged one yard per play on first down and ran it nine times on 12 snaps.

That's a sign that the Buckeyes need to be more creative on first down, and not bottle up because they have a lead.

Opening drives

Meyer wants to script 12 plays to begin a game. Ohio State has three total points on its opening drives this season, they came on a field goal against Tulsa. The other six opening drives ended in three turnovers and three punts.

"That is being evaluated, making sure we have the right scripted plays and making sure we're putting the guys in the right place to have some success," Meyer said.

One thing that's throwing off the opening drives is the fact that four of Ohio State's opening drives have started inside its own 20-yard line.

"We've had some situations where we've been really backed up," Warinner said. "Sometimes the opening script doesn't apply on the 3-yard line."

So that's why you see Ohio State's opening drive start with three inside Weber runs. The Buckeyes seem averse to opening anything up when the field position isn't great. That's not an uncommon philosophy, but it's led to perhaps the biggest play calling issue.

Curtis Samuel

This guy is Ohio State's best offensive player:

And twice this season the Buckeyes have gone 20-plus plays before giving him the ball. On Saturday against Penn State, Samuel -- who is is second in the country in yards per carry (8.23) among players with 50 or more carries -- ran the ball twice.

Mike Weber ran it 21 times for 11 yards.

"(Samuel) had eight catches, which I think is his season high," Warinner said. "We tried to get him the ball. Any time you can get the ball to athletes in space, that's your objective. We have to do a better job of that, no question."

The Buckeyes need more of a running balance between Weber and Samuel, especially as they try to figure out the passing game. Samuel is more explosive.

And nobody said they can't use them together. That's actually worked pretty well for Ohio State this season.

Ohio State plays the No. 72 defense in the country on Saturday, which is the worst it will have faced since beating Rutgers.

Now's the time to get things back on track offensively.

Former Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, a native of Akron and Kent State alum, is retired from coaching and doing well as he battles lymphoma.

COLUMBIA, Missouri -- Former Missouri Tigers coach Gary Pinkel walked into his favorite coffee shop here recently, looking every bit like the tight end who once played for the Kent State Golden Flashes -- broad shouldered, long-striding and back-slapping familiar faces from one end of the room to the other.

"This is where I had my interview when I came out here,'' Pinkel said. "It's the only coffee shop I know."

Pinkel, 64 and a native of Akron, ended his coaching career following the 2015 season after discovering he had lymphoma.

In 15 seasons at Missouri, Pinkel, compiled a 118-73 record and made 10 bowl trips, winning six. He was head coach at Toledo from 1991-2000 and went 73-37-3, making one bowl trip. He is the winningest coach at both schools.

He played under Hall of Fame coach Don James at Kent State, along with defensive back Nick Saban, now the head coach at Alabama. His roommate was NFL Hall of Famer Jack Lambert. Pinkel is a Mid-American Conference Hall of Famer.

After getting his coffee, Pinkel would not let his official interview begin before getting caught up on the pro sports teams in Ohio, relishing in the success of the Cleveland Cavaliers and locked into the Cleveland Indians baseball playoff run.

"I came into Cleveland last spring for the playoffs to watch Lebron,'' he said. "We sat just above floor level, right about the 5-yard line. They were great seats."

When told he sounded just like a typical football coach -- "you really mean about the free throw line" -- Pinkel had the last word.

"That's right, but actually my description is a bit more specific."

Pinkel then marveled at how LeBron James played in the 2015 championship series and rallied the Cavaliers to a NBA title in 2016. He then spoke of his late brother, Greg, and how he first came to know of the future NBA superstar.

"When I was head coach at Toledo, Greg would always call me up,'' Pinkel said. "He was always out looking at players -- football, basketball, all of it. He would call me up about this kid, that kid, all these guys who probably never panned out.

"Once he called me during the summer and said, 'I just saw this eighth-grader playing basketball.' So I'm barely holding the phone and rolling my eyes and saying, 'OK, what's the deal. What's his name.' He said, 'LeBron James. And he's going to be better than Michael Jordan.' So, through my brother, I have been a big LeBron James fan forever. My brother got it right on that one.''

Pinkel then spent some time talking about the world of college football through the eyes of a now retired football coach.

Kent State alum Gary Pinkel coached at Toledo and Missouri and is a member of the Mid-American Conference Hall of Fame. (Missouri athletics photo)

PD: What is it like now being retired?

Pinkel: "I have found out that people have a lot more opinions than I ever thought. It's interesting going to games now. I went to my first tailgate, ever, in my life. To think all those people are out there every week, partying, when my life was on the line inside that stadium was a hit by itself. I started playing football when I was eight or nine, in pads, so for 55 straight years. So this has been an extraordinary year for me in many, many ways.

"All the TVs, the phones, evaluations and opinions. The instant analysis. All my friends, I listen to them now, and I never used to do that. After my first year as head coach at Toledo, I never read the sports pages and never listened to the radio. It was the smartest thing I ever did. But it's amazing everybody's opinions on everything. I'm thinking, all these guys, were they saying all these bad things about me too.

"You did not realize all the conversation out there, all the time, that was going on; good and bad. I never looked at it or listened to it, and thank heaven I didn't."

PD: How do you think these mega-conferences have played out; the Big Ten, the SEC, the ACC and so forth. Let's face it, this was done for football.

Pinkel: "I would suggest that college football is more popular than it has ever been, in the history of college football. Someone told me, think I heard it on the radio, the (TV) ratings for college football is even ahead of professional football. There is this remarkable enthusiasm for football, to see how huge it is in our society. It is really cool.

"But I think if we could do it all over again (mega conferences) we'd get four 16-team leagues and they would be geographical. and do it that way."

PD: What do you think of the Playoff system?

Pinkel: "I think we are getting the best teams now in the playoffs. I like the idea of the human element (in the selection process). The goal is to get the best four teams in at the end. I think we're pretty close to doing it, so I feel good about that.

I think for now (four teams) it is really good. You have to ask yourself, right now football is as popular as it has ever been. You better watch yourself if you want to start changing a bunch of things. You have to ask yourself, why?

"I think you always want to try to make yourself better. But you don't want to mess with the bowl system.

PD: But the bowl system is a waste of time other than being a string of holiday infomercials.

Pinkel: "It's not a waste of time if you are coaching, or playing.  Most people can't get there."

PD: You're wrong. If a team is 6-6 they are in a bowl game. What's special about that?

Pinkel: "Well, I don't think you should ever be in a bowl game at 5-7, and last year there was some of that. The number of bowls, that is certainly a discussion to be had. But the point is the reward.

PD: The NCAA seems to let football go its own way a bit, with the ability to shuffle scholarships around; redshirts, gray shirts, blue shirts and what have you. The fifth-year transfer rule can basically be a free semester for football when it is abused. Is all of this good for the game?

No other sport on campus can you do that. The ability is there for a fifth-year transfer (in football) to arrive in August, play through December, then bolt for the NFL combine without effectively taking a class.

Pinkel: "I don't know. I'd like to see some analysis on that. But those guys already have a degree. They don't have a masters, but they do have a degree, and should be working towards a masters. The point is, you have a degree.''

Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel, finished with a career record of 191-110-3 as a head coach after 25 years. (Missouri athletics photo). 

PD: Is there a ceiling to how good a Conference-USA, MAC, Sunbelt type team can be? And if so, how high is it. Can these leagues produce a consistent Top 25 program?

Pinkel: "Ahhh, I don't know about consistent. I think it is difficult. You are going to have years when you have an outstanding team in the league. The MAC is historic for its ability to play and beat high-level competition. As a former player and coach, I'm proud of that. It's awesome. I have great pride in that and great respect for the teams that do it.

"But I think it is very difficult to have a consistent Top 25 program. I think one reason is because of money, and I think coaching consistency is big. I coached at Toledo for 10 years, and you just don't see that very much at that level, particularly now. It's hard to have a coach stay at one place in the MAC for example for a long period of time. To have that consistency, like Herb (Deromedi) at Central Michigan (16 years), that just doesn't happen any more."

PD: These (mega conferences) seem to be producing a pretty distinct top and bottom, not really parity, in Division I football, both between the Power Five conferences and the next group of conferences, and also within the Power Five conferences. Is this good for the game?

Pinkel: "I think the Power Five is good because ... what the Power Five allows you to do is operate on a different level, financially. The budgets are different. Instead of having others (teams/leagues) that can't afford it trying to do things the Power Five can do, this allows all teams to be as good as they can be at their highest level. Be as good as you can be in the MAC, in the Sun Belt and so on.

"I really believe the Power Five allows that group of teams around the country, at the end of the day, to go after a national championship. It's apples against apples. I think that's what we've tried to do."

PD: Let's talk about coaching. More coaches are getting fired in the midst of the season, is this good. You made your own decision, which is rare.

Pinkel: "Health-wise, I did. That's what decided it for me. I think it is problematic. I don't think it is good. I think some people like Les (Miles, LSU) won the SEC championship, a couple of them, he won the national championship, you would think they would let him finish. The problem is, if you know you are going to be going out there looking for people and you know you are going to do it, you want to do it as fast as you can.

"You want the new staff that is going to get in there to be rolling by December 1. I think they just kind of said they want to be up front and honest about it. We don't want him back. Do I think that's right? No. But I think that's their reasoning.

What's happening now is, coaches are making so much money now. I call it the Nick Saban rule, in our league.

"He's winning at such a high level, consistently, 10 wins a year for such a long period of time. The point is, if you can't do what he's doing, we're going to get somebody else. You got to watch what you wish for, too. History says that.

The same thing at LSU. (They're thinking) We got just as good of players as anybody in the country. Why can't we be doing what Saban's doing at Alabama. He's set a bar, a standard for programs that should be parallel to (Alabama), which is an element of the problem, without question."

PD: Did you ever call your boy and say, "Nick, you're killing us."

Pinkel: (Laughing) "He's done a good job, have great respect for him. Can't fault him for setting the bar high. It's kind of funny. When we were graduate assistants at Kent, we had to watch training table, and we were talking about getting into college football coaching. He was a year older than me, so he shared some things he had talked to other people about.

"I just remember walking out to the car that day, and we looked at each other and said; 'that would be pretty cool if we could do it.' Image that. coaching football. It's kind of interesting to see how it has turned out here at the end."

PD: What is it about the state of Ohio and college football coaches. There are a bunch of them all around the country. Is it in the water?

Pinkel:  "It is pretty cool. But I don't even know why. There's a bunch of guys coaching, that's for sure. There are a bunch, historically. I guess the football Hall of Fame, it was put there a long time ago and must be sending out some vibes to the whole state. It is neat to be on the list."

PD: Do you see yourself back into the game, college or pro.

Pinkel: "No. I really feel good. A year ago, last March, when I was diagnosed with lymphoma, and started taking treatments, I said I'm going to do this. Hopefully I can manage this, because it is never really cured. And I'm feeling fine.

Then I'm sitting there in August, out with the team grinding like we do, and I started thinking; am I going to wait until I get really sick, then need more treatments, and force me to retire?

"It just became real important to me, priority-wise, to spend the rest of my healthy time the right way. To me, the right way was to see my grand kids and spend my time with family. Ultimately, I made the right decision.

I feel really, really good that I did that. I still work for the university, fund raising and public relations. Ultimately it was that, and to de-stress my life.

"You also look back at it, and you keep thinking, the grind and the adjustment, I can't believe I did that for 15 years here, 10 at Toledo, the hours that I worked. I met with all my kids recently, and my eight grand kids, and I came to the realization I was never home.

I mean, I was rarely ever home. I mean, I have great kids, great family, my ex-wife did an amazing job. But honestly, I wasn't home that much. I was gone all of the time. I talked to my kids about it, and they didn't want me to feel bad about it. They told me, 'we reaped a lot of benefits from you. You always came home when you could.' ''

PD: Looking back, was that kind of damning with faint praise, for you?

Pinkel: "Yeah, a bit. There are 52 weeks in the year, you figure I worked every weekend -- one or both days -- 42 weeks out of the year. Add it up. That's a lot of days in our business. One reason I was able to keep a lot of assistants is because I adjusted our schedule so we could get home by 7 p.m. in the evening so they could put their kids to bed.

"But there were times when I would get home Sunday nights at 11, Monday nights at 11, Tuesday nights at 11, Wednesday nights at 7, Thursday nights 6 or 7, for months. You hardly get to see your kids at all. Then it's recruiting all the time until the middle of February.

"Listen, I loved what I did. I'm one of the most fortunate guys in the world. I was a head coach for 25 years. The average Division I coach is for 6.2. and I did it for 25. So that's a grind.

"At the end of the day it was the best thing for me, health wise (to retire), and it was the best thing for me, family-wise, and I was going to put those interests on top of coaching.

PD: Last one. How do you get Kent State football rolling again?

Pinkel: "They have been good in other sports, but they (football) have been snakebit for a bit of time. As much as you can, match the resources for the coach who is there, comparable to everybody else in the league. I think that's what you have to do. If I was healthy, I'd come back. But it's all a little different now."

In addition to writing about fitness, I'm now trying to get people up and moving, participating in activities. Up first: a good, old-fashioned hike in the Cleveland Metroparks.

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio - Don't take this the wrong way, but I'd really, really like it if you'd go take a hike.

No offense because I mean that literally. I'm inviting you, the reader, to join me on a walk through the woods.

It's all in the name of exercise, you see. In addition to writing about fitness, I'm now trying to get people up and moving, participating in activities I and real health experts from University Hospitals believe to be good and accessible forms of exercise. Nothing too crazy, like some of the things I try in my regular "Stretching Out" column.

For this first activity, I'm starting off simple, with a hike organized by the Cleveland Hiking Club. I went that route not only because now is peak fall and hiking is great exercise but also because hiking was my first activity under the "Stretching Out" banner, back in 2008.

Here's what you need to know.

First off, Cleveland Hiking Club is amazing. Every single day, its members lead anywhere from 15 to 20 events at sites all over Northeast Ohio, all of them free and open to the public (there are dues for membership). Some are brisk and vigorous. Others are leisurely, intended for beginners or relaxation.

We're going to land somewhere in the middle. For this first public activity, I've chosen a hike of moderate length and difficulty: a 5-mile jaunt through the Bedford Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. "Moderate," according to the club's website, means a pace of 18 to 20 minutes per mile.

This trip begins at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2. Participants are to meet at the Egbert Picnic Area off Gorge Pkwy in Bedford. The trip will be led by one Barb Palumbo and is slated to entail wooded trails, hills, and pavement.

There's something in it for you, too. Besides bragging rights, time in nature, and solid exercise, all who participate as readers of "Stretching Out" will receive a little swag, courtesy of University Hospitals.

Time now for said hospital to chime in. To help you decide whether or not this particular hike is for you, Amanda Weiss Kelly, chief of pediatric sports medicine at University Hospitals, offers the following points to consider:

1) Only if you're already somewhat active should you take part in this activity. Five miles is a long way. True beginners will need to start smaller and build endurance.

2) Wear appropriate shoes. Since we'll be on trails, you'll want to wear something sturdier than a running shoe, something that provides ankle support.

3) Bring water, and plenty of it. Deep in the woods is no place to be developing muscle cramps. Also, be sure to have eaten a good breakfast.

4) Dress for the weather, and remember that sweat cools. Similarly, wear appropriate socks. Weiss-Kelly recommends a synthetic, wicking variety. No cotton or double layers.

5) If you have an allergy or other medical condition, be sure to bring along any medication needed to treat it. An EpiPen, for example.

Any questions? Email me at zlewis@plaind.com or consult the club's website, clevelandhikingclub.org. Hope to see many of you there.

NFL Network's documentary, "A Football Life: Pat Tillman," telling the story of the Arizona Cardinal safety who gave up his sports career and enlisted in the Army, later killed in Afghanistan, will premiere Friday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - A story of sports, patriotism and sacrifice will be presented Friday in the premiere of the NFL Network's documentary, "A Football Life: Pat Tillman," at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

The one-hour film tells the story of the Arizona Cardinals player who put aside his NFL career and a $3.6 million contract to serve in the Army Rangers following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Tillman, 27, was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004, and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.

The documentary will be presented continuously at the Hall of Fame, 2121 George Halas Drive NW, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The film traces Tillman's life, from playing football to his military service, through a collection of highlights, anecdotes and interviews.

Tillman was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 1998 out of Arizona State. He played safety four seasons and started 39 games for the Cardinals. At one point he turned down a five-year, $9 million contract offer from the St. Louis Rams, out of loyalty to the Cardinals.

In 2002, he enlisted in the Army along with his brother, Kevin, who was a Cleveland Indians minor-leaguer and had played briefly in Akron.

At the time, Pat Tillman cited his family's military history in his decision to enlist.

"My great-grandfather was at Pearl Harbor, and a lot of my family has gone and fought in wars, and I really haven't done a damn thing as far as laying myself on the line like that," he said. "And so I have a great deal of respect for those that have and what the flag stands for."

After his death, Tillman's jersey was retired by the Cardinals and Arizona State, and he was inducted posthumously into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Tillman was the first professional football player to be killed in combat since Bob Kalsu, of the Buffalo Bills, who died in 1970 during the war in Vietnam.

The new pics, coming to a mall, online ad or billboard near you next week, show off pieces from Banana Republic's holiday collection.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Let's get this out of the way right off the top: Kevin Love looks better than you.

Still, that doesn't mean you can't at least dress like the Cavaliers superstar this winter. Love, who describes his fashion sense as a cross between Don Draper and Larry David, is featured in another ad campaign for Banana Republic.

The new pics, coming to a mall, online ad or billboard near you next week, show off pieces from the retailer's holiday collection. They include outerwear, jackets and sweaters. Unable to locate my thesaurus at the present time, here's what the press release said:

Traditional fabrics, like wool and cashmere, receive a dose of weather-ready technology, creating sophisticated styles that perform to the highest of standards, like a specialty 3-in-1 Parka with Primaloft down that adds extra warmth and features a removable shell and hood for a slam-dunk of versatility and style, and Polartec sweaters that are stylish enough to wear anywhere and conquer any winter weather.

"Slam-dunk of versatility." See what they did there?

Clothes featured in the ads go on sale at Banana Republic stores and web site starting Oct. 31. The only thing missing from the look is a Cavaliers NBA Championship ring. But if you have $12,000, you can buy one of those too.

Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love featured in Banana Republic's fall campaign

Iman Shumpert remains in the NBA's concussion protocol but is expected to play Friday against the Toronto Raptors.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- There is a "great chance" Iman Shumpert plays in the Cavs' first road game Friday night despite still being in the league's concussion protocol, coach Tyronn Lue said Thursday.

Shumpert was on the court during the portion of Cleveland's practice open to the media, though Lue said he remained in the protocol after suffering a head injury in the third quarter of the Cavs' season-opening 117-88 win over the Knicks on opening night.

The Cavs flew to Toronto after practice to play the Raptors Friday.

"He practiced today, got through practice," Lue said. "Still doing the protocol but there is a great chance he plays tomorrow so we're happy about that." 

If he is cleared, as expected, Shumpert would be the Cavs' primary backup point guard behind Kyrie Irving. Kay Felder, a rookie point guard who missed the opener because of a concussion, will also be available against the Raptors, Lue said.

Shumpert was wobbly as he left the court with about 50 seconds left in the third quarter Tuesday night, after banging his head against Kristaps Porzingis' hip. He was placed in the concussion protocol immediately after the game, and has to pass a series of physical tests without showing any symptoms to play.

But Shumpert attended Game 2 of the World Series with his teammates, and, as previously mentioned, practiced Thursday. Which begs the question, can a player be in the concussion protocol without actually having a concussion?

"I don't know," Lue said. "But I just know when gets get hit in the head, they got to go through the concussion protocol and they do a good job of making sure the guys are cleared and ready to play."

Vine, the once-hot video app that allows you to create and watch six-second video loops, is being discontinued.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Vine, the once-hot video app that allows you to create and watch six-second video loops, is being discontinued.

Twitter launched Vine in 2013 but said Thursday its killing off the app in the coming months. Verge reported Vine was hit by "significant layoffs" on Thursday. Twitter itself announced the layoffs of about 350 employees today, Recode reported.

The LeBron James kid from Vine has been looped more than 73 million times.Joey Morona, cleveland.com 

"Nothing is happening to the apps, website or your Vines today. We value you, your Vines, and are going to do this the right way," Vine announced in a statement, adding the website, at least for now, will remain online so users can watch and download their videos.

"You will be notified before we make any changes to the app or website," the statement reassured users.

Vine quickly became the platform for many users to share memes, sports highlights, breaking news and LOL moments when it launched three years ago. It has since faced competition from the likes of Instagram and Snapchat.

So, while you have a chance, go watch or download this glorious Vine from 2014.

Week 8 of the NFL season begins tonight with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans begin the NFL week tonight in a game that could mean the beginning of the end for Jacksonville coach Gus Bradley.

The Jaguars, predicted by many to make some noise in the AFC South, have generated the wrong noise when it comes to wins and losses. The Jaguars are in last place in the division and a loss tonight would certainly begin questions about Bradley's future with the team.

The biggest game of the week is Sunday when the Philadelphia Eagles visit the Dallas Cowboys.

It's a game where the biggest question surrounding the surprising Cowboys is how long will rookie quarterback Dak Prescott remain as the starter, especially since Tony Romo is due to come back soon from his back surgery.

But the other rookie quarterback in the game is Carson Wentz, who led the Eagles to victory last week over the Minnesota Vikings. A victory over the Cowboys by Wentz would generate even more buzz about the rookie quarterback.

You can get live scores along with previews and updates from all the games all weekend on our NFL Scoreboard.

Here's a look at some prime games to watch, along with the complete weekend schedule and TV.

PRIME MATCHUPS:

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-4) at Tennessee Titans (3-4)

• When: 8:25 tonight on NFL Network     
• Why watch: The Jags and Titans enter tonight's game after losses last week. Despite all of the preseason hype, the Jags are in last place in the AFC South which means the pressure is on for coach Gus Bradley, who desperately needs a victory. Can DeMarco Murray continue his rushing success? He's third in the league with 633 yards.

• When: 4:25 Sunday on FOX
• Why watch: The Packers struggled offensively this season until quarterback Aaron Rodgers came back with an incredible quick-hitting passing game to complete a team-record 39 passes in last week's victory. The Falcons began the season with consecutive wins over last season's Super Bowl teams but the Falcons have recently struggled with two straight losses.

Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) at Dallas Cowboys (5-1)

• When: 8:30 p.m. Sunday on NBC        
• Why watch: Is this the last start for Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott because of the possible return of Tony Romo?  Or will Eagles rookie sensation Cam Wentz defeat the one-loss Cowboys after defeating the once undefeated Vikings last week?

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

Tonight

Jacksonville (2-4) at Tennessee (3-4), 8:30 p.m., NFL Network

Sunday

Washington (4-3) at Cincinnati (3-4) (in London), 9:30 a.m., FOX
Kansas City (3-4) at Indianapolis (3-4), 1 p.m., CBS
Arizona (3-3-1) at Carolina (1-5), 1 p.m., FOX
Oakland (5-2) at Tampa (3-3), 1 p.m., CBS
Seattle (4-1-1) at New Orleans (2-4), 1 p.m., FOX
Detroit (4-3) at Houston (4-3), 1 p.m., FOX
New England (6-1) at Buffalo (4-3), 1 p.m., CBS
New York Jets (2-5) at Cleveland (0-7), 1 p.m., CBS
San Diego (3-4) at Denver (5-2), 4:05 p.m., CBS
Green Bay (4-2) at Atlanta (4-3), 4:25 p.m., FOX
Philadelphia (4-2) at Dallas (5-1), 8:30 p.m., NBC

Monday

Minnesota (5-1) at Chicago (1-6), 8:30 p.m., ESPN

Is it good enough for Ohio State to compete for the College Football Playoff? Maybe. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- At the beginning of the season there were some people wondering if this year's Ohio State team had the best defense in program history. 

But midway through the season -- and after a loss at Penn State -- we have answers to some of the hyperbolic questions. 

Is it faster than year's? No. 

Is it better than last year's? No.

Is it good enough for Ohio State to compete for the College Football Playoff? Maybe. 

We discuss the Ohio State defense in the video above.