A 6-foot-2, 250-pound senior, Jabari Taylor repeatedly worked his way into St. Vincent-St. Mary's backfield to lead Archbishop Hoban's defensive effort.

AKRON, Ohio — Jabari Taylor has a motor.

How else to explain two references to "putting gas in the car?"

Taylor, a 6-foot-2, 250-pound senior defensive linemen stood outside Archbishop Hoban's locker room Saturday at the University of Akron's InfoCision Stadium with a smile on his face. Not only is Hoban back in the Division III, Region 9 final with a 21-7 win against rival St. Vincent-St. Mary, but coach Tim Tyrrell is now back. And Taylor had a lot to do with it.

He repeatedly worked his way into the STVM backfield to sack sophomore quarterback Ryan Fischer. One blocker could not stop Taylor. Rarely did a second blocker fare much better.

"He's somebody that I'm sure there's folks from our league that are going to be happy to see him graduate," interim coach Tom Paris said, "because it's been a tough road for folks to block him. He has been a force on our defensive line all year."

Akron and Kent State are among schools interested in Taylor, Paris said.

See how ferocious of a defender Taylor is in the above video. See how Taylor and the defense rebounded from a quick deficit to slow the sixth-seeded Fighting Irish (7-5) at a field Taylor could play on in college. The second-seeded Knights (11-1) advanced to next week's regional final vs. New Philadelphia, which beat Akron East in Saturday's other Region 9 semifinal.

Here's how Hoban did it.

And here is how Saturday's game progressed:

A Hoban fumble on its opening drive set up short field for STVM. The Irish took advantage with senior Donte Taylor scoring on a 2-yard QB keeper.

9:49 1Q, Donte Taylor 2-yard TD cashes in on Hoban fumble. STVM up 7-0. #NEOvarsity pic.twitter.com/5fPtS4armo

— Matt Goul (@mgoul) November 13, 2016

Facing fourth-and-1 with the lead later in the first quarter, STVM went for it on a fake punt. Hoban came up with the stop.

From earlier, a stop on the fake punt run set up Hoban for its first score. pic.twitter.com/DXRPm9bDwp

— Matt Goul (@mgoul) November 13, 2016

Just like earlier, when STVM took advantage of the short field, Hoban did the same with Todd Sibley scoring on a 2-yard run.

3:49 1Q: Todd Sibley 2-yard run for Hoban ties it at 7. #NEOvarsity pic.twitter.com/tswxsV2Voj

— Matt Goul (@mgoul) November 13, 2016

Two plays later, Matt Salopek gave Hoban the lead on his 22-yard interception return.

Another turning point: @msalopek_12's INT for a TD that put Hoban ahead. Football bounced like a pinball before Salopek scored. pic.twitter.com/7CsLkY6Hcg

— Matt Goul (@mgoul) November 13, 2016

Taylor closed the first half with a sack of Fischer.

Half ended on this Jabari Taylor sack of Luke Lindsay. Taylor has been dominant for @HobanFootball pic.twitter.com/Mkqsmdqpfd

— Matt Goul (@mgoul) November 13, 2016

STVM charged downfield to open the third quarter, and Fischer found DeAmonte King on a pass to the 2-yard line.

Here's how DeAmonte King got STVM to the 2 on that opening drive of the half. pic.twitter.com/LEG6G7IaTC

— Matt Goul (@mgoul) November 13, 2016

Four players later, Hoban kept the Irish out of the end zone.

5:59 3Q: Hoban D holds on four plays from the 3 and closer. Knights still lead 21-7. pic.twitter.com/sR4oGJTsD8

— Matt Goul (@mgoul) November 13, 2016

The effort preserved Hoban's 14-point lead and sent the Knights on their way to win.

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.

Insider are the complete offensive and defensive units who played in the second half, which gives an idea of what Ohio State could look like in 2018.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- When Ohio State was up by like 100 in the second half of its win at Maryland on Saturday, things finally got interesting. You got to see the backups. 

"Up 100?" Offensive lineman Billy Price chuckled after Ohio State's 62-3 win over Maryland on Saturday. "Our future is bright." 

The way Urban Meyer recruits, that statement is always true. 

But when Ohio State was up by 100 in its second consecutive blowout performance, Meyer basically put out the entire second-team offense and defense, which gave an interesting glimpse of what this team is going to look like in 2018. 

And when those second-stringers were out there, more of the same stuff happened: Touchdowns and stops. 

Before we give you a complete look at the complete second teams, a closer look at a few players who stood out: 

* WR Binjimen Victor: A true freshman, Victor may have the best chance of anyone on the team of contributing more this year. A 6-foot-5 wide receiver, Victor caught his first-career touchdown in the Maryland game from quarterback Joe Burrow. He stretched out his long arms and grabbed a pass from over Maryland defenders, which is exactly what this current team is lacking. 

Asked about the youth after the game, Meyer specifically singled out Victor as someone he's excited about. Maybe Victor's role could increase because there's a need for playmakers at the outside wide receiver position.

"I think Ben Victor, we're just dying to get him the ball," Meyer said. "You saw two catches, his wingspan, he's really a good player. His future (is bright). He's starting to learn to play high-level football, the speed that's required and understanding the offense. 

Congrats on the first career TD, @OhioStateFB's @BinjimenVictor!

More video >> https://t.co/OJ7KNbGQ17 https://t.co/jeqpazy7AV

-- Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 12, 2016

Freshman running back Demario McCall made the most of his time during Ohio State's 62-3 blowout of Maryland. Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer 

* RB Demario McCall: Another freshman, McCall has been Ohio State's consistent garbage-time player this year. He even led Ohio State in rushing with the touches he got in the second half of the Buckeyes' blotout over Nebraksa last week. 

This week, McCall rushed the ball 13 times for 53 yards and scored a touchdown. Meyer's biggest apprehension with giving McCall meaningful touches is his size and ability to protect the ball, but the freshman gives off some pretty big vibes: Could he be the next Curtis Samuel? 

"They are showing us more and more every week," offensive coordinator Ed Warinner said of Victor and McCall. "They are explosive playmakers. Any time you have those guys, if you can use them, we will." 

* DE Jonathon Cooper: A lot of the attention and hype went to freshman defensive lineman Nick Bosa, and rightfully so given his star rating and who his older brother is. But Cooper was also a five-star defensive lineman, and in any other class would have been hyped up just as much. 

You saw why against Maryland. In limited time, Cooper had two tackles and grabbed his first-career sack. Thinking of a future defensive line that consists of Bosa and Cooper on both ends should make Meyer feel secure. 

True freshman Jonathon Cooper gets in on the sack party. pic.twitter.com/zFS6myrOOn

-- Eleven Warriors (@11W) November 12, 2016

Defensive coordinator Luke Fickell: "A lot of guys got to play. We can't use the excuse of young guys anymore. Nowadays guys take off early anyways. A guy is a freshman or a sophomore, he's not young, especially by the end of the year. So we got an opportunity for some of our young guys to get out of the game and some of our younger guys to get in the game. I'm just so happy and proud because of the way they work." 

Offensiver coordinator Ed Warinner: "We really want those guys to develop. We have spent a lot of time this year developing the backups, and they're starting to grow. They deserve that the way they practice and they played last week and we had a scoring drive. We let them play. 

"We don't try to do anything too wild with them in there, but we let them go play and have fun and compete and show us what they can do. They are depth. They are one play away from playing for us." 

Below are the complete offensive and defensive units who played in the second half: 

OFFENSE: 

QB: Joe Burrow

RB: Demario McCall 

WR: Austin Mack

WR: James Clark 

WR: KJ Hill 

TE: AJ Alexander

LT: Evan Lisle

LG: Kyle Trout

C: Brady Taylor

RG: Matthew Burrell 

RT: Branden Bown 

DEFENSE: 

DE: Nick Bosa 

DT: Joshua Alabi 

DT: Davon Hamilton 

DE: Jonathon Cooper 

LB: Malik Harrison 

LB: Keandre Jones

LB: Craig Fada

CB: Joshua Norwood 

CB: Damon Arnette 

S: Jordan Fuller 

S: Erick Smith 

* When they played Nickel, Rodjay Burns came in and played outside corner, Arnette moved to the slot and one of the linebackers came out. 

With goals from junior midfielder Aubrey Bechter and senior forward Sofia Rossi, the Warriors pulled out the win over the Panthers, who were making their first appearance in the state tournament. W...

COLUMBUS, Ohio- For the 10th time in program history, the Walsh Jesuit girls soccer team has won the OHSAA Division I state championship, defeating Springboro by a final score of 2-0 on Saturday night at MAPFRE Stadium.

With goals from junior midfielder Aubrey Bechter and senior forward Sofia Rossi, the Warriors pulled out the win over the Panthers, who were making their first appearance in the state tournament. Walsh Jesuit has now won five straight state championships dating back to 2012.

“I doubted these guys halfway through the season, I’m going to be very honest, just because I’m used to certain play, you know, certain consistency, and we just didn’t have it. But once again, my biggest teacher in coaching has been my own players that I’ve coached,” Walsh head coach Dino McIntyre said. “This year they taught me another lesson: to never doubt.”

Although the Warriors dominated possession throughout the game and controlled the pace, the match was a tale of two halves for the team.

In the first half, the Warriors took nine shots. Luckily for the Panthers, senior goalkeeper Morgan Ramby saved five of those shots. Along with Ramby, the Panthers’ defense prevented the Warriors from scoring in the first 40 minutes.

“We were doing really good in the back third and mid third, and in the final third our decisions were just a little bit too fast sometimes and too slow sometimes,” McIntyre said. “So I just said, ‘Look, girls, you don’t need to change anything. Just keep doing what we’ve done all year. You know what I mean? Just a little more composure.’”

Walsh showed that composure and finally broke through in the second half, scoring two goals within the first 11 minutes.

With 35 minutes remaining in the second period, sophomore defender Maddie Shinaberry crossed the ball into the box where Bechter headed the ball passed Ramby to score the first goal of the game.

“At halftime, Dino kept saying, ‘Aubrey, you’re always on the end of crosses and this is going to be you,’” Bechter said. “I saw Maddie coming and I got on the end of it to score the goal.”

The second goal came when Rossi, the reigning Ohio Player of the Year, shook off a defender with a sharp cut to her left in the box, which created the space for her to take a shot. The strike hit off the bottom of the crossbar and bounced straight down behind the goal line, giving Walsh the 2-0 lead.

“Bella Rosalina did a great job of shielding off her defenders,” Rossi said. “She shielded them perfectly, I did a takeover and then I just roofed it.”

The goal was also Rossi’s fifth goal in state championship games, as the Wake Forest commit is now a four-time state champion with a goal in each tournament final.

“Not a lot of teams can say that they did that, and it was just amazing doing it with these girls,” Rossi said. “Those goals wouldn’t have happened without my teammates.”

Springboro was able to generate a few more chances, but were not able to get on the scoreboard. The Walsh back line and freshman goalkeeper Kiera Sarka kept the shutout, holding Springboro to seven total shots, four of which were saved by Sarka.

The win gives McIntyre his 427th career win with Walsh, as he is second in the state in all-time wins behind Centerville’s Don Skelton.

In addition, the 10th state title for the team makes Walsh Jesuit the first school, regardless of gender, to reach double digits in state titles in soccer.

 “I’m the worst interview tonight because I have no idea what’s hitting. It hasn’t hit yet,” McIntyre said. “We have amnesia at Walsh. As soon as we are done with one year we just worry about next year.”

It's an emotional conflict for Buckeyes thanks to expansion, division, tiebreakers and the playoff.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- What could make an Ohio State football fan root for Michigan?

Self-preservation. 

Expansion, Big Ten divisions, tiebreakers, Penn State coach James Franklin and the College Football Playoff Committee combined Saturday night to turn what in previous seasons would have been a reason to celebrate for Buckeyes into a night of consternation.

No. 2 Michigan lost at Iowa. No. 5 Ohio State, which hosts the Wolverines in two weeks, should enjoy that.

Except that the loss by previously undefeated Michigan, because of the tiebreakers, made it much harder for the Buckeyes to reach the Big Ten Championship as the winner of the East Division. And that would make it some degree more difficult for the Buckeyes to reach the College Football Playoff.

We already have stories explaining both the tiebreaker

Explaining the Big Ten tiebreaker

and examining whether Ohio State could make the playoff without appearing in its conference championship.

Examining Ohio State's playoff hopes

But what about the emotion of the moment? Saturday night was a confusing time for some of the Buckeye faithful.

Some understood from the start the implications of a Michigan loss, others came around to the understanding during the course of the game and some insisted that it didn't matter.

During the close second half, we asked in a quick Twitter poll what fans were feeling. Were they rooting for Michigan or not?

Ohio State fans, a Michigan loss would hurt OSU Big Ten champ and playoff hopes, so what are you rooting for in UM-Iowa?

-- Doug Lesmerises (@DougLesmerises) November 13, 2016

Signs of early conflict.

Imagine before Big Ten divisions and a title game. A poll like this would have been crazy. Maybe some OSU fans would want Michigan to be ranked as high as possible to give the Buckeyes a boost in the polls, or just to make a potential fall by the Wolverines hurt them more.

But 60 percent rooting for Michigan?

Never.

When @DougLesmerises says ichigan winning is actually better for OSU, but you can't actually root for them, then Iowa throws a pick. pic.twitter.com/O8c2uRA6aP

-- Merle Madrid (@merlemadrid) November 13, 2016

It'd just be another reason to hate Michigan https://t.co/dyz7b0VZmj

-- Mandi Lynn (@CLEsportsgirl_) November 13, 2016

Yes we all know that fact. But I won't root for Ttun https://t.co/4nBhfpugtu

-- CFBplayoffCommittee (@BuckeyeDawg13) November 13, 2016

And then Michigan lost, the Hawkeyes kicking a game-winning field goal on the last play of the game.

Another poll. Ohio State fans, how do you feel about the Michigan loss?

-- Doug Lesmerises (@DougLesmerises) November 13, 2016

@DougLesmerises any osu fan that is happy about this loss doesn't understand what just happened

-- Mike Laurenzi (@__Z___) November 13, 2016

@DougLesmerises Harbaugh did it on purpose to screw OSU. He still wins B10 East if he beats OSU, but now OSU can't win it.

-- Mark Stang (@BCSBuck) November 13, 2016

So after a good night's sleep and some time to reflect, how are you feeling about it now, Ohio State fans?

Here's how I see the top 25 teams in college football after 11 weeks of games.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- We're entering the 12th week of the college football season, and we might finally have a unanimous No. 1 team in the Associated Press top 25. 

Alabama is the only unbeaten Power 5 conference team left standing. The Crimson Tide have been No. 1 all season, but there have been some stray first-place votes going other places. Clemson, Michigan and Washington all lost on Saturday.

No question, Alabama is No. 1.

And Ohio State has a great chance of being No. 2 in the poll that doesn't matter. The Buckeyes also have a shot at being No. 2 in the playoff rankings that come out on Tuesday night.

I have the Buckeyes No. 2 this week. They're now on an even playing field with Michigan, Clemson, Washington and Louisville in terms of overall record. Ohio State has the best resume out of those teams. I don't think that's a question. Clemson, with wins over Louisville and Florida State, is my No. 3.

With Michigan, Louisville and Washington, you're basically talking about teams that have one good win. Michigan beat Wisconsin, Louisville beat Florida State and Washington beat Utah. Michigan and Washington are still both top-10 in scoring offense and scoring defense, so I gave them both the nod over Louisville.

But it's close between those three.

The AP poll will be released today around 2 p.m. Here's my full ballot for this week:

1. Alabama (10-0)

2. Ohio State (9-1)

3. Clemson (9-1)

4. Michigan (9-1)

5. Washington (9-1)

6. Louisville (9-1)

7. Penn State (8-2)

8. Wisconsin (8-2)

9. Oklahoma (8-2)

10. Colorado (8-2)

11. Utah (8-2)

12. Oklahoma State (8-2)

13. West Virginia (8-1)

14. USC (7-3)

15. Florida State (7-3)

16. Washington State (8-2)

17. Nebraska (8-2)

18. Western Michigan (10-0)

19. Texas A&M (7-3)

20. Auburn (7-3)

21. LSU (6-3)

22. Boise State (9-1)

23. Troy (8-1)

24. Navy (7-2)

25. San Diego State (9-1)

Here's where to watch, listen and stream the Cleveland Cavaliers' game vs. the Charlotte Hornets today.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers play Game 9 of the 2016 NBA season today against the Charlotte Hornets. Here's how to watch, listen and stream the action online.

What: Cleveland Cavaliers (7-1) vs. Charlotte Hornets (6-2).
Where: Quicken Loans Arena.
When: 3:30 p.m.
TV: FoxSports Ohio.
Radio: WTAM 1100 AM; 87.7 FM La Mega.
Online: FoxSports Go.

Hornets notable: In Friday's loss to the Toronto Raptors, Charlotte's Kemba Walker became the first point guard in Hornets history to score 40 points, grab 10 rebounds and pass for six assists. 

Cleveland notable: Cleveland has made at least 10 three-pointers in all eight games this season, which is tied for the NBA record for consecutive games with 10 or more triples to start a season.

Catch the coverage from before the game; join in the live chat starting at tipoff; and stick around for full postgame coverage. For all Cavs information, be sure to check out cleveland.com/cavs.

J.R. Smith will not start Sunday's Cavaliers game vs. Charlotte after tweaking his right ankle on Friday. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- J.R. Smith "tweaked" his right ankle Friday against Washington and will not play Sunday against Charlotte, Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said.

Mike Dunleavy, who is shooting 3-of-12 over his last four games off the bench, will start at shooting guard for Smith.

The Cavs and Hornets play at 3:30 today.

The severity of Smith's injury, or, really, what even happened to him is unclear. Lue said Smith "tweaked his ankle a little bit" and Tad Carper, vice president of communication for the Cavs, spoke over Lue to say that Smith "did it in Washington. He came in today a little bit sore so we're just going to hold him out."

Smith, who scored 17 points against the Wizards Friday, played the final 7:28 of that game.

Dunleavy is starting instead of Iman Shumpert in Smith's place because "I wanted to start Dunleavy," Lue said.

Shumpert, a shooting guard by nature, has been playing some minutes as the Cavs' backup point guard.

"Just to keep the rotation the same, and Shump's been playing great coming off the bench," Lue said. "I think Mike has a favorable matchup in the starting lineup with Charlotte, so we'll see how it plays out."

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (lower back strain) is returning to the lineup Charlotte. today. Kidd-Gilchrist is 6-7; Dunlevy has two inches on him at 6-9.

According to the AP, Ohio State is the best one-loss team in the country.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Ohio State jumped up to No. 2 in the most recent Associated Press Poll after after No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Clemson and No. 4 Washington lost on Saturday. 

The AP Poll rankings don't matter at all, and though it's not related in any way to the College Football Playoff committee's rankings, it could be a preview of where Ohio State is ranked come Tuesday evening. 

Alabama remained the unquestionable No. 1 team in the country with a blowout of Mississippi State, but there's going to be some question as to where the playoff committee ranks one-loss teams like Ohio State, Clemson, Michigan and Louisville because all three of those teams still have a chance at winning a conference title.

This week's AP Poll's top 10 rounded out the with No. 3 Louisville, No. 4 Michigan, No. 5 Clemson, No. 6 Wisconsin, No. 7 Washington, No. 8 Oklahoma, No. 9 Penn State and No. 10 West Virginia. 

According to the AP, Ohio State is the best one-loss team in the country. 

But don't be fooled. The AP poll doesn't rerank teams every week and doesn't have the same critical thinking that's normal with the committee, which reranks teams from scratch every week. There's absolutely no relation between the AP Poll and the playoff rankings. 

Can Ohio State still make the playoff?

But these are the rankings that have to hold us over until the real ones are released in two days. 

AP POLL

1. Alabama

2. Ohio St

3. Louisville

4. Michigan

5. Clemson

6. Wisconsin

7. Washington

8. Oklahoma

9. Penn St

10. WVU

11. Utah

12. Colorado

13. Oklahoma State

14. Western Michigan

15. USC

16. LSU

17. Florida State

18. Auburn

19. Nebraska

20. Washington State

21. Florida

22. Boise State

23. Texas A&M

24. San Diego State

25. Troy 

Get the latest updates and analysis from the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 9 against the Charlotte Hornets.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers face the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday afternoon in Game 9 of the 2016 NBA regular season.

Follow along in the comments section as Joe Vardon, Chris Fedor and Joe Noga bring you observations and analysis throughout the game.

Make sure to follow Vardon, Fedor and Noga on Twitter

Game 9: Cavs (7-1) vs. Hornets (6-2)

Tipoff: 3:30 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena.

TV/radio: FoxSports Ohio; WTAM 1100 AM; 87.7 FM (ESP)

Cavs probable starting lineup: LeBron James, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, Mike Dunleavy, Kyrie Irving.

Hornets probable starting lineup: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams, Cody Zeller, Nicolas Batum, Kemba Walker.

FREQUENTLY REFRESH this page to get the latest updates. If you're viewing this on a mobile app, click here

See all the neutral sites for OHSAA football playoff games for the third round/regional finals statewide.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- St. Ignatius and St. Edward will play their rematch in much cozier confines.

The OHSAA announced host sites Sunday for the upcoming regional football finals. Among them, Bedford Bearcat Stadium will play host to the Division I, Region 1 championship Friday between the Wildcats and Eagles. They met in Week 10 of the regular season with St. Ignatius winning at FirstEnergy Stadium, 34-7.

This will be just the third postseason meeting between St. Ignatius and St. Edward. They reached this stage after St. Ignatius upended top-seeded Solon, 31-7, and St. Edward held off Stow, 41-35. The winner should draw undefeated Olentangy Liberty or Lorain (10-2) in a state semifinal on Friday, Nov. 25. The Titans reached their first regional final by beating Dublin Jerome, 30-14, and return Friday to Mansfield Madison for that game.

The OHSAA will announce state semifinal pairings next week based on location of the regional champions.

Eleven teams from Northeast Ohio advanced to the third round of the playoffs, which will be played Friday and Saturday. (Click here for interactive and printable brackets for all 26 regions statewide.)

Other matchups for Friday include a Division II, Region 5 final between fourth-seeded Hudson (10-2) and No. 3 Warren Harding (11-1) in Twinsburg. The Region 6 final between No. 6 Olmsted Falls (9-3) and No. 4 Whitehouse Anthony Wayne (9-3) will be at Sandusky Perkins Firelands Regional Medical Center Stadium.

In Division IV, Perry (12-0) and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (9-3) will meet up Friday in Mentor. Cuyahoga Heights (12-0) and defending Division VI state champion Kirtland (11-1) will also play that night in Solon. The Redskins beat Kirtland, 21-0, in Week 9.

On Saturday, defending Division III state champion Archbishop Hoban (11-1) will play New Philadelphia (10-2) at Canal Fulton Northwest. The Knights beat rival St. Vincent-St. Mary on Saturday, 21-7, and will have coach Tim Tyrrell back from a two-game postseason suspension.

Scroll to the bottom to see a schedule graphic by day statewide.

Pairings are shown with seeds and overall records. Home team listed first.

FRIDAY'S REGIONAL FINALS

SATURDAY'S REGIONAL FINALS

LeBron James played the passing lane for a steal and two-handed slam dunk against Charlotte.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James picked off a Frank Kaminsky pass and cruised to the the basket for a two-handed slam dunk in the first quarter Sunday as the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Charlotte Hornets.

James played the passing lane perfectly as Kaminsky tried to get the ball to Marco Belinelli. The dunk accounted for two of James' four points in the quarter.

Cleveland pushed out to a 10 point lead at 32-22 after one period as Kevin Love scored 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the floor. Kyrie Irving played just 5:11 in the period after picking up two quick fouls.

Easy like a Sunday morning.#DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/NnaJC8QeT5

-- Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 13, 2016

Kevin Love recorded a steal and dunk for two of his 17 first-half points against Charlotte.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kevin Love is enjoying one of his finest halves basketball in 2016 with 17 points and seven rebounds early Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets.

Love typified his performance with a steal and breakaway dunk midway through the second quarter to put the Cavaliers ahead 46-44.

Love has one assist and is shooting 6-for-8 from the floor for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The swipe and slam! @kevinlove is going off on @FOXSportsOH. #CavsHornets pic.twitter.com/m7Ohp8Ykfh

-- Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 13, 2016

Watch The Ohio State University band perform Script Ohio at halftime of the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets game. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Members of The Ohio State University's fall athletics band performed Script Ohio, Hang on Sloopy and other favorites for the crowd during halftime of Sunday's Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets game.

Mike Smith, assistant director of marching bands at Ohio State, said the 85-member band performs at basketball, hockey, volleyball and soccer games for the Buckeyes, and takes on the same responsibilities and duties as its counterpart on the football field.

"They will actually play more events than the football band," Smith said.

Steve Merriman, a drummer and graduate of West Geauga High School, said it was a thrill to play in front of his hometown fans.

"It's the opportunity of a lifetime," Merriman said.

Cleveland Cavaliers fans took advantage of the chance to shoot free throws on the court Sunday following the team's 100-93 win vs. Charlotte. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers shot 53 percent from the free throw line in Sunday's 100-93 win against the visiting Charlotte Hornets at Quicken Loans Arena. Cavaliers fans shot a significantly lower percentage from the line after the game, but had plenty of fun doing it.

"It's exciting just to step out there on the floor where LeBron and Kyrie do their work," said A.J. Kingmet, 23, of North Royalton after stepping to the line and air-balling a 15-footer.

Kingmet was among the hundreds of fans lined up to take their shots well after the Cavs and Hornets players had left the floor.

Some fans proudly wore their LeBron James or Kyrie Irving signature shoes to the game, but the Cavaliers make sure to roll out carpeting to keep the fans from directly contacting the brand new court that was installed this season. It saves on cleaning costs from street shoes that can sometimes carry dirt.

But that doesn't deter fans like Kingmet, who waited "about 10 minutes" in line for his shot at glory.

"I'd get back in line to do it again if I didn't have to leave now," he said.

Fans who missed their chance to shoot free throws after Sunday's game will have several more chances this season. The Cavaliers will host fan free throws on Dec. 13, Jan. 29, Feb. 15, March 14 and April 2.

Cavaliers promotional schedule for 2016-17 season

LeBron James scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and the Cavs beat the Hornets Sunday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- One injury, even a minor one, can expose just how much uncertainty there is with the Cavs' player rotation beyond their starters.

What's becoming clearer by the game (as if it wasn't already crystal) is the team needs to begin fourth quarters of close games with LeBron James on the court.

So while Tyronn Lue was forced to juggle lineups Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets because of the absence of J.R. Smith, a James-led group locked down the fourth quarter and the Cavs won 100-93.

The Cavs (8-1) opened the final period trailing by one. James, Jordan McRae (who'd played just eight minutes all season), Iman Shumpert, Richard Jefferson, and Channing Frye scored 10 points in three minutes and built a nine-point lead with 5:44 left.

Lue stayed with those five for the entire fourth quarter. Neither Kyrie Irving nor Kevin Love played at all in the fourth.

James scored 11 of his 19 points in the final quarter. The Cavs drained six of their 14 3-pointers, and the Hornets were held to 22 points. In Friday's win over Washington, Cleveland (with James starting and playing the whole fourth) limited the Wizards to 19 points in the frame.

Fourth quarters had been a problem for the Cavs heading into the weekend -- they'd been outscored by six overall in them and were struggling especially in the minutes in which James was on the bench.

The win allowed the Cavs to match last season's 8-1 start. They of course went on to win the NBA Finals.

"Right now we're in a good place, we're playing good basketball," Lue said. "We can always play better. We're just trying to figure out, like I said before, different rotations. It's going to be ongoing to the end of the season, just trying to find different mixtures and the right combinations."

The Cavs became the first team in NBA history to begin a season connecting on at least 10 treys in nine consecutive games.

Frye was sensational, pacing Cleveland with 20 points on six 3-pointers off the bench. Three of his 3-pointers came during the fourth quarter. He was averaging 11 points and shooting 13-of-26 from 3-point range over his last five games entering play.

Irving added 19 points. Love scored 15 of his 17 points in the first quarter and finished with 11 rebounds. Shumpert contributed 15 points in 32 minutes off the bench. James shot just 8-of-21 from the field but added eight rebounds and eight assists.

Smith was held out after he apparently injured his right ankle in the closing moments of the Cavs' 105-94 win over Washington Friday night. Lue chose to start Mike Dunleavy in Smith's place, and it didn't go well.

Dunleavy shot just 1-of-6 for two points in 17 minutes, and is now 4-of-16 shooting over his past five games.

As Sunday's contest wore on, Lue chose to sub Kay Felder and then McRae at junctions where it would normally be Dunleavy's (or Smith's) turn to come back.

McRae, who was Cleveland's leading scorer during the preseason but has been buried on Lue's bench since, played 13 consecutive minutes and scored two points with two rebounds and three assists.

Lue chose to rest James at the start of the second quarter and let Irving anchor the second unit. A 10-point Cleveland lead was erased with James on the bench.

"I see it like this: If we win out all our games, Big Ten Championship or not, you not gonna put us in? Like you're going to leave Ohio State out?" Barrett asked. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State doesn't control its own College Football Playoff destiny. 

J.T. Barrett understands that.

And he thinks it shouldn't matter. 

Even if Ohio State wins its remaining two regular-season games -- which would include a win over Michigan -- it doesn't play for a Big Ten Championship if Penn State does the same. 

But in that scenario where Ohio State finishes the regular-season with one loss and doesn't have a Big Ten Championship, Barrett thinks the Buckeyes are a still one of the four playoff teams. 

"I see it like this: If we win out all our games, Big Ten Championship or not, you not gonna put us in? Like you're going to leave Ohio State out?" Barrett asked. "That's how I see it. That doesn't make sense to me.

"With that, I know Big Ten Championships and conference championships is a major thing, but then you're talking about one of those two-loss teams and things like that. It's something totally different. 

"I think if we won our games, that's the only thing we can control, the only thing we can handle. And (the playoff) is left to somebody else, people on the committee and things like that. At the end of the day, it's one of those things of, 'We can't control that.' We control winning games, and if we do that, I feel like we've done our part."

Can OSU make the playoff without winning the Big Ten?

Ohio State Big Ten tiebreaker tracker: What does Michigan's loss to Iowa means

Watch the video of Meyer's disbelief Monday when told of the practice. He was intrigued. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Alabama has been using former players on its scout team all season.

Urban Meyer just learned that fact Monday. 

He was shocked.

Blake Sims, the quarterback for the Crimson Tide when it lost to Ohio State in the 2014 playoffs, came back and helped the current players practice this season.

Former Browns first-round pick Trent Richardson helped his college team get ready for LSU by playing the role of future first-round running back Leonard Fournette in practice.

These stories aren't new, but they were new to the Buckeyes coach.

He was informed of the practice by Columbus radio reporter Lori Schmidt at Monday's news conference to preview Saturday's game with Michigan State. 

Q. Coach, in the past couple weeks, we've learned that apparently it's okay with the NCAA to bring back former players who aren't in the NFL to use on scout teams. Is that something that you have done or would consider doing?

COACH MEYER: Say that again.

Q. The NCAA says it's okay for, for instance, Alabama to use Trent Richardson as a scout team player.

COACH MEYER: In practice?

Q. Yes.

COACH MEYER: I did not know that. Like padded practice, he's running plays?

Q. We don't have all the details on it. We just know that he's at practice.

COACH MEYER: Padded practice, NFL players?

As you can see in the video, Meyer acted like he was going to call some former Buckeyes right now. 

He was intrigued.

An Ohio man who ripped off four NFL players in a horse-racing investment scheme and used the money to finance his lavish lifestyle was sentenced Monday to 21 months in federal prison.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An Ohio man who ripped off four NFL players in a horse-racing investment scheme, including former Cleveland Browns, and used the money to finance his lavish lifestyle was sentenced Monday to 21 months in federal prison.

Jonathan Pippin wept as he apologized for ripping off former Cleveland Browns players Chansi Stuckey and Reggie Hodges, former Browns and current Denver Broncos wide receiver Jordan Norwood and current San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead.

Pippin, 30, of Logan said his lifestyle, his alcoholism and the need to sustain both caught up with him. U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko scolded him for putting so much stock in appearances.

"So now you're paying a price for trying to be a cool kid," Boyko said. "Steep price to pay."

The judge ordered Pippin to pay $358,370 in restitution and to undergo addiction treatment.

The U.S. Secret Service, IRS and the Northern Ohio Money Laundering Task Force began its investigation in 2012 when NFL security told them that players were being defrauded. Pippin pleaded guilty in July to two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.

Pippin defrauded the players, some of whom he met while playing pickup basketball games at Cleveland State University, through PJH Horse Racing, a company he formed in 2011. He solicited people to invest in PJH under the pretense that he was working with a wealthy businessman and was going to purchase ownership interests from the businessman.

He told investors that they would receive a percentage of the winnings from the horses and that he had "stud rights" to a horse.

Pippin had no relationship with the businessman, identified in court records as "M.R." He created a fake email address for "M.R." and would use it to communicate with investors. When one investor questioned Pippin on this, he claimed the purchase was an "under the table" deal.

Pippin used investor money to pay personal expenses including gambling, strip clubs and the purchase of a Cadillac Escalade. His plea agreement said that he took thousands of dollars from people in exchange for tickets to sporting events and kept the money for himself.

Pippin was arrested in California in December. He was pulled over while driving a Lamborghini that he was paying thousands a day to rent.

"Really, a Lamborghini? $2,700 a day? Really?" the judge wondered aloud.

The judge read a report that said Pippin "enjoyed the taste of expensive champagne," and would down entire bottles daily. The bottles were worth between $500 to $8,000. Boyko said he didn't even know that champagne could be that expensive.

Federal public defender Carlos Warner said his client was incredibly bright. He said Pippin's parents, who sat in the viewing gallery, said their son could do anything.

"He'd be a magnificent lawyer if he put his mind to it," Warner said.

Hodges was the only victim to show up to Monday's sentencing. He said Pippin betrayed his family's trust. While that hurt, Hodges said his faith meant he had to try to forgive him.

"So Jonathan, I forgive you. Mom and Dad, I hope that you can help him," Hodges said.

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Monday's crime and courts comments section.

Watch Meyer, Barrett and the Buckeyes talk about Ohio State's game against Michigan State during Monday interviews. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- You'll never guess what Urban Meyer's focus was on Monday during his weekly Ohio State news conference: Michigan State.

Not any playoff talk, not about a semi-important game looming next week -- Michigan State. The Buckeyes play their final road game of the 2016 season on Saturday in East Lansing, Mich.

Watch the video above to hear what Meyer said on Monday. Look below for videos of quarterback J.T. Barrett, linebacker Raekwon McMillan, offensive lineman Billy Price, defensive end Tyquan Lewis and running backs coach Tony Alford.

J.T. Barrett

Raekwon McMillan

Billy Price

Tony Alford

Tyquan Lewis

Pat Elflein and Billy Price had answers to that question. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State fans were conflicted Saturday night while watching Michigan, knowing that a loss by the Wolverines would actually hurt the chances of the Buckeyes to reach the Big Ten Championship.

Ohio State players? Seemingly less conflicted.

Michigan's loss at Iowa means that Ohio State now will not go to the Big Ten Championship if Penn State wins its last two games against Rutgers and Michigan State.

If Michigan had beaten Iowa, the then beat Indiana this Saturday, the Buckeyes would have gone to the Big Ten Championship by beating Michigan State and Michigan, regardless of what Penn State did.

But Michigan is Michigan.

Linemen Pat Elflein and Billy Price were among the Buckeyes would couldn't bring themselves to hope for a Michigan win, regardless of the circumstances.

Watch them make that point in the video.

Michigan lost and some Ohio State fans are conflicted