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Ohio State football: Pat Elflein one of 5 semifinalists for Outland Trophy

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Elflein is on the short list for the award given annually to the nation's outstanding interior lineman.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- On the list of reasons why Pat Elflein came back to Ohio State for his fifth year, garnering national acclaim is probably pretty low.

It's probably not on the list at all.

But it's surely nice that it's happening anyway. Elflein on Wednesday was named one of five semifinalists for the Outland Trophy, given each year to the nation's most outstanding interior lineman.

Why Elflein came back to Ohio State

Elflein was a starter at guard for two-plus seasons before moving over to center this year. He projects at either position in the NFL, and has led an otherwise inexperienced Buckeyes offensive line this season along with Billy Price.

Price is not one of the five semifinalists for the award, but he is among the highest-rated linemen who were in consideration for the Outland Trophy.

The list of semifinalists will be whittled down to three on Nov. 22, and the winner will be announced during the Home Depot College Football Awards show on ESPN on Dec. 8.

Ohio State's last Outland Trophy winner was Orlando Pace in 1996.


Kevin Love stretches double-double streak to six games, beats buzzer with 3-pointer

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Kevin Love has his sixth consecutive double-double of the season and hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer against the Indiana Pacers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kevin Love is continuing his strong play against the Indiana Pacers, stretching his streak of consecutive games with double figure points and rebounds to six games.

With time winding down on the shot clock, Love hit a step-back 3-pointer off a feed from Iman Shumpert midway through the third period to bring the Cavaliers within eight points of the Pacers at 63-55.

Love is one of two players in the NBA to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds so far this season. The other is Anthony Davis of New Orleans.

Through three quarters against the Pacers, Love has 25 points and 15 rebounds in 28 minutes.

 

Hue Jackson on Cody Kessler: 'Maybe we've been a little too harsh on him'

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Hue Jackson has been hard on rookie Cody Kessler because he believes he can be good, but he's backing off of some of his criticism. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio - Browns coach Hue Jackson has eased the pressure on Cody Kessler, whom he benched in the third quarter of Thursday night's 28-7 loss to the Ravens.

"Cody has done some good things, too,'' Jackson said Wednesday. "Maybe we've been a little too harsh on him that way. He's made some jumps in some areas.''

In the week leading up to the Ravens game, Jackson stressed "it's the quarterback's job to win'' and that he needed Kessler (0-7) to do so. He also urged him to "push the ball down the field' and score more points.''

But on Wednesday, in preparation for Sunday's visit from the Steelers, Jackson backed off of that some, noting that Kessler has had a revolving door on the offensive line and didn't have receiver Corey Coleman until the last two weeks.

"He's playing with a cast of players that he's starting to get familiar with and they are getting familiar with him,'' he said. "That's just work in progress. Young quarterbacks grow at different rates.''

The biggest issue with Kessler is that he hasn't aired it out and stretched defenses. He's completed only five passes of 20 yards or more in his seven starts, which is 29th in the NFL, according to profootballfocus.com. He's also attempted only 17 for a 29 percent completion rate.

Granted, he's tied for second in the NFL with only one interception, but he's also tied for 30th with only six TD passes.

So he's either reluctant to do so, he doesn't have the time, or he doesn't have the arm strength to hit the deep ball. If it's the latter, can that be improved in the offseason?

"Yeah, I've seen guys get stronger, and can throw the ball further from Year 1 to Year 2, but I will say this: When we get to be where we want to be, we're not going to talk about any of those things. We're going to make sure that, whether it's Cody or someone else or whoever, he's going to be able to play the game the way we want it played and you guys will know.

"You won't have to ask those questions. You're going to feel good about all those characteristics that you are mentioning."

On Sunday, the Browns will face Ben Roethlisberger, who's a prototypical AFC North quarterback at 6-5, 240. He's 19-2 against the Browns. Last week, they faced another big AFC North passer in Joe Flacco, who's 6-6, 245. He's 15-2 against the Browns.

Do the Browns need a quarterback with that kind of ilk for this rugged division and weather?

"Uh, oh, That's a hot question,'' Jackson said. "What we need is a winning quarterback, let me put it like that. Obviously, Ben has a lot of great characteristics and I'm not going to compare him to the guys that are on our roster, but do we want a guy that can win like him? Absolutely. Everybody does.

"He's won Super Bowls, he's won division titles and everything that you can do. Our team, our organization, we want to have a guy that we can say is a winning Super Bowl, division, quarterback, at some point. That is what we are going to get some day."

RG3 cleared for non-contact activity, but won't be designated for return this week

Jackson noted it's difficult having weapons such as Corey Coleman, Terrelle Pryor and Gary Barnidge, and not being able to fully utilize them.

"I want to see them play as well as they can,but it's not just one guy,'' Jackson said. "I know a lot of that falls on the quarterback's shoulders, but it's not just him. It takes the other 10 guys to do their jobs at a top level to play really good offensive football. That's my job and the rest of our coaches' jobs is to get those guys there.

Specifically, Jackson needs to see Kessler improve on third down (19th), in the red zone and in the fourth quarter (28th).

"(It's) just running our offense,'' said Jackson. "Obviously, situational football, we have to be very good in order to have a chance to win. The next jump for him is in all those areas because it is something you have to do to be a good offensive football team."

Jackson noted the Browns are playing some very good teams and the pressure is enormous for a rookie.

"Some guys are just not ready for that,'' he said. "Having to do it right on a consistent basis, play in and play out for 55-60 snaps is tough.''

Jackson said Kessler has responded well to the first benching of his career.

"Cody's fine,'' he said. "He's out there working, ready to go, bright eyed, excited about the opportunity to play,'' said Jackson. "He's playing the Pittsburgh Steelers. You better be ready. We've really read into it a little bit more last week. I think it motivated him. He'll go play well this week. That's what he has to do."

Receiver Terrelle Pryor agreed that Kessler "did an awesome job'' at practice Wednesday in preparation for the 4-5 Steelers, who have lost four straight.

"Cody's an awesome player, and I think he's going to have a big game this week, I really do,'' said Pryor. "It's going to be awesome and I'm looking forward to playing with him on Sunday.''


NFL 2016 Week 11 Preview: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers opens weekend schedule (photos)

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New Orleans Saints begin Week 11 at Carolina Panthers on Thursday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The New Orleans Saints at the Carolina Panthers start off Week 11 today on Thursday Night Football (NBC/NFL Network).

It's a must win for the Panthers if they want to somehow turn around a disappointing season, especially since the Panthers played in the Super Bowl last season.

The New England Patriots will try to rebound from last week's loss against the Seattle Seahawks when they visit the 49ers in San Francisco. New England may have to play without Rob Gronkowski who was injured last week.

An intriguing game is the Houston Texans against the Oakland Raiders on Monday (8:30 p.m., ESPN), not only because the Raiders and Texans are leaders in their respective divisions, but because the game is being played in Mexico City as part of the NFL's international series.

The 8-1 Dallas Cowboys, coming off consecutive wins over the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, try to complete their sweep of the AFC North when they play host to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday (1 p.m., CBS). The Cowboys defeated the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this season.

And the Steelers are trying to snap a four-game losing streak when they play at Cleveland on Sunday (1 p.m., CBS).

Here's a look at some prime games to watch, along with the complete weekend schedule and TV. You can get live scores along with previews and updates from all the games all weekend on our NFL Scoreboard.

PRIME MATCHUPS

Today

New Orleans (4-5) at Carolina (3-6)  

  • When: 8:25 p.m., NBC and NFL Network
  • Why watch: Maybe the Panthers will play with some type of desperation since another loss would create an even bigger hole for a team that played in the Super Bowl last year. The Saints have also been a surprising disappointment as they will seek a .500 record with a victory.

Sunday

Philadelphia (5-4) at Seattle (6-2-1)  

  • When: 4:25 p.m., CBS
  • Why watch: The Eagles are coming off an impressive victory over Minnesota and the Seahawks beat the Patriots last week in New England. Eagles QB Carson Wentz played well against a solid Minnesota defense but how will he perform against the stacked defense in Seattle?

Houston (6-3) at Oakland (7-2)  

    • When: 8:30 p.m., ESPN
    • Why watch: In the ever attempt at expanding the NFL outside of the United States, this Monday night game will take place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The Raiders can maintain their lead in the AFC West with a victory. The Raiders and Texans have had trouble winning on the road.

NFL WEEK 11 SCHEDULE

Tonight

Sunday

  • Buffalo (4-5) at Cincinnati (3-5-1), 1 p.m., FOX
  • Pittsburgh (4-5) at Cleveland (0-10), 1 p.m., CBS
  • Baltimore (5-4) at Dallas (8-1), 1 p.m., CBS
  • Jacksonville (2-7) at Detroit (5-4), 1 p.m. CBS
  • Tennessee (5-5) at Indianapolis (4-5), 1 p.m., CBS
  • Tampa Bay (4-5) at Kansas City (7-2), 1 p.m., FOX
  • Arizona (4-4-1) at Minnesota (5-4), 1 p.m., FOX
  • Chicago (2-7) at NY Giants (6-3), 1 p.m., FOX
  • New England (7-2) at San Francisco (1-8), 4:25 p.m., CBS
  • Philadelphia (5-4) at Seattle (6-2-1), 4:25 p.m., CBS
  • Green Bay (4-5) at Washington (5-3-1), 8:30 p.m., NBC

Monday

  • Houston (6-3) at Oakland (7-2), 8:30 p.m., ESPN

LeBron James Family Foundation will donate $2.5 million to Muhammad Ali display at Smithsonian

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The Smithsonian announced the LeBron James Family Foundation and Maverick Carter will make a donation to the museum's Muhammad Ali exhibit. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The LeBron James Family Foundation and Maverick Carter will donate $2.5 million to the Muhammad Ali exhibit at the Smithsonian's Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, the museum announced.

The museum, which opened Sept. 24 on the National Mall in Washington D.C. near the Washington Monument, is a 400,000-square-foot archive showcasing the African American story and its impact on history.

James' gift will support the presentation titled "Muhammad Ali: A Force for Change," which has been on view since the museum's opening. The exhibit tells the story of Ali's commitment to challenging racial barriers and his impact on the careers of African American athletes.

James said in a press release that every professional athlete, regardless of race and gender, owes Ali a debt of gratitude.

"His legacy deserves to be studied and revered by every generation," James said. "I am honored to partner with the Smithsonian to celebrate one of the most influential figures in our nation's history who, along with Jackie Robinson and Jesse Owens, used the power of sports to advance our civil rights."

Ali's widow, Lonnie Ali, said she is overwhelmed by James' generosity.

"This exhibit will enable children visiting the Smithsonian to learn more about Muhammad's work outside of the ring, particularly his humanitarian work and stance on social justice for all people," she said.

Highlights of the exhibit include Ali's headgear and training robe worn at Dundee's Fifth Street Gym, and a look at the boxer's achievements in community activism, resistance, politics, spirituality and culture.

With the gift, the LeBron James Family Foundation and Carter will join the list of founding donors for the NMAAHC.

Smithsonian Sports Gallery curator Damion Thomas expressed gratitude to James and Carter for the gift.

"As the most socially active superstar in sports today, LeBron James is a testament to the influence of Muhammad Ali," Thomas said.

James, Ali and a discussion of race relations in America

Cavs discussed fight against social injustice during White House visit

Big Ten Network to air documentary on the 2006 Ohio State-Michigan game: "The Game of the Century"

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The Big Ten Network is airing a documentary on that game, which is set to air at 9 p.m. Monday following the men's basketball matchup between Ohio State and Western Carolina. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Most people can't believe it's been 10 years since the 2006 Ohio State-Michigan game, a matchup between two undefeated teams in perhaps the most intense rivalry in college football. 

The game was dubbed, "The Game of the Century." 

Now you can relive it. 

The Big Ten Network is airing a documentary on that game called "The Game: 2006 ... Remembered," which is set to air at 9 p.m. Monday following the men's basketball matchup between Ohio State and Western Carolina.

After the documentary, the network will also air an enhanced replay of the game itself. 

Part of the documentary will dive into the death of Michigan coach Bo Schembechler, who died on the eve of the game. Before becoming the most iconic coach in Michigan history, Schembechler played for legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes at Miami (Ohio) and later joined Hayes at Ohio State as part of his coaching staff.

People featured in the documentary include both head coaches from that game, Michigan's Lloyd Carr and Ohio State's Jim Tressel, Ohio State's Troy Smith and James Laurinaitis and Michigan's LaMarr Woodley and Mike Hart.

Current head coaches Jim Harbaugh and Urban Meyer and former Purdue head coach Darrell Hazell, who was an Ohio State assistant under Tressel that year, are also featured. 

This year's Ohio State-Michigan game is perhaps the most important game in the rivalry in the 10 years since 2006. Like a decade ago, the winner of this year's game will continue its push for a national title while the loser sees the dream end. 

Cleveland.com started producing stories about this year's game a week early -- we're ignoring Saturday's matchup at Michigan State -- in order to provide you as much coverage as possible for Michigan, the game everyone is actually anticipating. You can find a lot of those stories above and to the right. 

If you can't watch the documentary when it premiers, below are alternate air times: 

Date

All Times ET

Mon., Nov. 21

9:00 PM

Tues., Nov. 22 

3:00 AM

Tues., Nov. 22 

6:00 AM

Tues., Nov. 22 

1:00 PM

Wed., Nov. 23

3:00 PM

Thurs., Nov. 24

6:00 PM

Fri., Nov. 25

12:30 AM

Fri., Nov. 25

8:00 AM

Fri., Nov. 25

10:30 AM

Fri., Nov. 25

9:00 PM

Sat., Nov. 26

9:30 AM

Mon., Nov. 28

8:00 PM

Tues., Nov. 29

8:00 AM

Lamont Wade, a four-star CB, officially eliminates Ohio State from his recruitment

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Wade's final five consists of Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, UCLA and West Virginia.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The writing has been on the wall for a while, but four-star cornerback Lamont Wade of Clairton, Pa., announced a final five on Thursday that didn't consist of Ohio State.

He has officially has moved on. 

Rated the No. 5 cornerback in the 2017 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings, Wade's final five consists of Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, UCLA and West Virginia. 

Wade will announce a final decision on Dec. 17. 

Ohio State was involved with Ohio State early in his recruitment and the Buckeyes were once considered a leader for the 5-foot-9, 190-pound prospect.

However, things began trending in a different direction when Wade's desire to enroll early in college were met with trepidation by Ohio State because of the program's numbers crunch. 

Ohio State is still involved with elite defensive backs like five-star Jeffrey Okudah of Grand Prairie (Texas) South and Bubba Bolden of Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman. 

Zack Kuntz, the No. 1 TE in the 2018 class, includes Ohio State on new list

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The other schools to make the cut were Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, Stanford -- who hasn't issued an offer yet -- and Tennessee.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State is going to need a tight end in the 2018 recruiting class. Maybe two. 

One of Urban Meyer's top targets at that position is Zack Kuntz of Camp Hill, Pa., and the 6-foot-8, 218-pounder included the Buckeyes in the new top eight he revealed on Thursday. 

The other schools to make the cut were Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, Stanford -- who hasn't issued an offer yet -- and Tennessee. 

"I would like to take this time to thank all of the coaches and their staffs for all they have done through my recruiting process," Kuntz wrote on Twitter. "My recruitment is by all means not closed and I am open to any other school that shows interest in the future, but these are the schools that I will be focusing my attention on." 

Rated the No. 1 tight end in the 2018 class in the 247Sports composite rankings, Kuntz is one of OSU's three tight end targets. The others are Jeremy Ruckert of Lindenhurst (N.Y.) Senior and Trenton Gillison of Pickerington (Ohio) Central. 

Kuntz unofficially visited Ohio State in July for the Buckeyes' Friday Night Lights camp. 

As of right now it looks as if Ohio State isn't going to be signing a tight end in its 2017 class, which has created a big need in 2018. Getting an early start on elite-level prospects like Kuntz could pay dividends down the line. 

 


Hue Jackson says he came here 'to solve this QB issue and I think we will'

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Hue Jackson says a main reason he's here is to spring the Browns from the quarterback quandary they've been in for years.

BEREA, Ohio -- Hue Jackson says he's here to solve the Browns' longstanding quarterback conundrum, and is confident he'll get it done.

"I think we'll do that,'' he said. "I'd hope to tell you guys that's why I am here. I came here with that thought in mind that we're going to solve this quarterback issue that's been here. Is the guy on our roster now? We're going to find that out. Is the guy somewhere else? We're going to find that out, too. That's the beautiful part of it, of trying to solve that and I think we will.''

He acknowledged that the Browns, who have passed on Ben Roethlisberger, Derek Carr, Teddy Bridgewater, Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott over the years, will not progress until they get it right. They also have two first-round picks in the draft, including likely the first overall pick.

"Until we solve that, I'm sure like many of you guys feel, we'll not be what we want to be. I feel very comfortable and confident that we'll get that part of it solved and then we will move on from there."

That's why Jackson is growing weary of questions about Cody Kessler's arm strength and other issues.

"When we get to be where we want to be, we're not going to talk about any of those things,'' he said Wednesday. "We're going to make sure that, whether it's Cody or someone else or whoever, he's going to be able to play the game the way we want it played and you guys will know.

"You won't have to ask those questions. You're going to feel good about all those characteristics that you're mentioning."

In the meantime, he's willing to let Kessler develop, and see what he can become.

"I just think let's let the guy play and let's see what it will be when it's all said and done,'' he said. "He's a young player. He's a rookie. He's in a tough division, played against some of the best defenses in football. He has, and he's gone out there and competed.

"Everything is not going to go perfect for him, and it just does not, but I think sometimes when you pull a rookie quarterback everybody goes, 'Oh my gosh, what is this?' That happens. This is the National Football League. My job is what we just talked about is to win football games. It is not anything else. It is not a popularity contest. This is I am trying to win every chance I walk out there.''

Jackson on Kessler: 'Maybe we're being too harsh on him'

Jackson believes the media has been too hard on Kessler in the wake of his benching.

"Sometimes, it just doesn't go right,'' said Jackson. "Sometimes quarterbacks get beat up the most, and they should - they are the leader of it all - but I think he is a young player and I think he's trying his hardest and he's working extremely hard at it, and I want him to have success.

"It's my goal. It's my job. At the same time, when it doesn't happen, it's also my job to make sure I do something different and that should be OK, especially in this situation."

Being harsh on Cody Kessler and getting ready for the Steelers: Berea report

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Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe talk about the news of the day from Berea. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns are preparing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They held practice on Thursday.

Mary Kay Cabot and I discussed the happenings today. We talked about Hue Jackson clarifying his "Maybe we have been a little too harsh on (Cody Kessler) that way," comment from Wednesday. We also talked about the impact Terrelle Pryor could have on Sunday and whether the Browns vs. Steelers rivalry still matters.

Check out the video above to get the latest from Berea and to get ready for Sunday.

OHSAA releases state semifinal football pairings, home sites to be announced on Nov. 20

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Check back to cleveland.com on Nov. 20 for the full schedule of the state football semifinals.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – On the eve of the state high school football regional finals, the OHSAA announced its state semifinal bracket pairings beginning Nov. 25.

The pairings were provided for every division except for Division II, but will be announced on Sunday along with the home team sites.


Division I, II, IV and VI state semifinal games will be played on Friday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Division III, V and VII games will be on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m.


See below for the pairings. Click each region to which teams are still in contention.


DIVISION I


Region 1 vs. Region 2


Region 3 vs. Region 4


DIVISION II


Home teams and sites to be announced Sunday, Nov. 20.


State semifinal pairings cannot be determined until after regional finals.


DIVISION III


Region 9 vs. Region 11


Region 10 vs. Region 12


DIVISION IV


Region 13 vs. Region 15


Region 14 vs. Region 16


DIVISION V


Region 17 vs. Region 18


Region 19 vs. Region 20


DIVISION VI


Region 21 vs. Region 23


Region 22 vs. Region 24


DIVISION VII


Region 25 vs. Region 27


Region 26 vs. Region 28

Mount Union is now focused on first-round opponent Hobart in D-3 playoffs

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Mount Union can erase last Saturday's loss to John Carroll with another championship run.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Before Mount Union had any chance to grieve its loss to John Carroll last Saturday -- a defeat that ended the Purple Raiders 112-game winning streak -- the team's fate was in the hands of an NCAA selection committee.

It was a position Mount Union had not been in for years when it came to the postseason because winning 24 consecutive Ohio Athletic Conference championships secured a spot in the playoffs. But the loss snapped that streak and forced the team to watch computer and television monitors with hopes and dreams.

A collective sigh of relief followed the announcement that Mount Union (9-1) will play the Hobart Statesmen (9-1) at noon Saturday in Geneva, N.Y. in the first round of the 32-team Division III playoffs.

The Raiders, the defending national champions, are in position for redemption.

"I hope they're motivated, that's the feel I get from them," said Raiders coach Vince Kehres. "We're excited that we're able to play football. That wasn't always the case after our loss on Saturday. We had to wait it out... The guys are excited that we can keep playing. We're relieved that we got another chance to play."

Including last season, Mount Union has won 12 national titles. But those titles and last Saturday's defeat will have nothing to do with its game against the Statesman, winners of the Liberty League title.

Hobart is led by quarterback Shane Sweeney, who is eighth in the country in passing yards (3,145) and touchdowns (33). And the Raiders will also have to focus on wide receiver Brandon Shed, the No. 2 receiver in touchdown receptions (17) and seventh in receiving yards (1,241).

Defensively, Hobart is led by linebacker Almaty Conde (89 tackles) and defensive end James Hedger, who averages eight tackles per game.

"They have a big offense and defensive line," Kehres said. "They play a physical style of football. They're a hard-nosed group on defense. They're solid from top to bottom."

Despite Mount Union's defeat, it will come into the game in the top 10 in the country in 12 combined offensive and defensive categories. To name a few, the Raiders are No. 3 in scoring offense (49.2 ppg), No. 6 in third down offense (52.1 percent), No. 3 in sacks (40) and No. 3 in scoring defense (9.7 ppg).

Division III NCAA Football Playoffs

FIRST ROUND

Who: Mount Union (9-1) vs. Hobart Statesman (9-1)

When: Noon, Saturday

Where: Boswell Field, Geneva, N.Y.

On Mount Union: The defending D-3 champions hit the road in the playoffs for the first time in 22 years. It's also the first time since 2005 that the Purple Raiders enter the playoffs with a loss. Mount Union has an 91-15 record in NCAA playoff games and the Raiders have advanced to the Stagg Bowl 19 times since 1993 with a record 12 national championships. 

On Hobart: The Statesman advanced as the champions of the Liberty League. Hobart makes its 12th playoff appearance and is 9-11 in playoff games. This is the fourth meeting between the teams and second playoff meeting. Hobart holds a 2-1 lead in the series, but the Raiders won the last meeting -- a 42-7 second-round game in Alliance in 2008.

On the air:  WDPN 1310 AM and WRMU 91.1 FM. Also hear the WRMU 91.1 FM feed on any phone by calling 330-445-7900.

Akron Zips defeat Villanova Wildcats in NCAA College Cup men's soccer playoffs

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The Akron Zips defeated the Villanova Wildcats, 2-0, in the NCAA men's soccer tournament opener on Thursday in Akron.

Zipsi logo goes from eAi to eZ,i and whereis Zippy?

AKRON, Ohio -- Freshman Nick Hinds scored twice as the Akron Zips blanked the Villanova Wildcats, 2-0, in the first round of the NCAA College Cup men's soccer playoffs at FirstEnergy Stadium - Cub Cadet Field on Thursday.

With the win, Akron advances to play seventh-seeded Indiana on Sunday in Bloomington, Indiana at 1 p.m. Villanova finished 10-8-3.

Hinds had his first multi-goal game of the season in the Zips' 2-1 win over Buffalo last week that pushed them into the tournament.

Akron got on the board at 38:34 of the first half when Hinds beat Villanova keeper Will Steiner in the right corner from the top of the box. It was the fourth goal of the season for Hinds, a freshman defender from Florida.

Hinds got his second goal at 72:53, assisted by Goncalo Soares and Jonathan Lewis. Hinds took a pass in the box and made the shot.

Akron's defense was stifling, limiting Villanova to no shots on goal. The Zips had nine shots on goal, including the three by Hinds.

Akron is now 26-24-8 in 58 NCAA Championship matches, having won the national title in 2010. Since 2005, the Zips are 17-4-8 in tournament play, including 5-1-2 under coach Jared Embick. The Zips are in the NCAA Tournament for the 31st time in school history.

After starting the season ranked No. 1 in the nation, the Zips struggled early and finished 12-5-3, but they were 5-1 down the stretch.

John Carroll, Mount Union shaping up as real D3 football rivals as playoffs open -- Terry Pluto

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John Carroll knocked off Mount Union to end the Purple Raiders 112-game regular season winning streak. Now the two teams move on to the Division III playoffs.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Tom Arth tried not to smile, but he couldn't help it.

For the first time in 27 years, John Carroll beat Mount Union in football.

"How many times did you lose to Mount," I asked Arth, now in his fourth season as JCU's head coach.

The answer was five as a player, "One of them was in triple overtime."

Three as an assistant coach.

Four as the head coach.

It all changed last Saturday, when JCU upset Mount, 31-28, and did it on the road in Alliance.

It was the first time in 112 games that Mount had lost a regular-season game.

"It was a great moment in John Carroll history for us to play in that atmosphere," said Arth. "To see our players respond with so much on the line -- it was like a dream come true."

Mount Union entered the game ranked No. 1 in country and the defending Division III national champions.

By winning the game, JCU was the Ohio Athletic Conference champion and received an automatic bid to the D3 playoffs. They play host to Olivet at noon at Don Shula Stadium on Saturday.

It was the first time in 25 years that Mount has not won the OAC title.

"We have been coming close (against Mount Union)," said Arth. "We'd be in the game, but this time, we finished."

In 2014, Mount Union beat the Blue Streaks 31-24 in the regular season and then 36-28 in the playoffs.

In 2013, Mount was a 42-34 winner.

Arth is not gloating, he's just proud of his players and knows it's a major step for his goal of making the Blue Streaks a national D3 football power.

"Mount Union is a great team and they have dominated football in a way I don't think we'll ever see again," he said. "It's amazing what they have done."

IT'S NOT OVER

Mount Union received an at-large bid and plays Saturday at Hobart College.

I called Purple Raiders coach Vince Kehres, asking him what impact the loss had on his team.

Kehres was quiet for a moment, looking for the right words.

"It motivates us," he said. "It motivates us to get back on track. It can be a good thing. It's a loss. But it's not heart-breaking."

He paused.

"As I told our players, the sun came up again the next day and it's time to go play some more football," said Kehres.

Then he praised JCU.

"They have had the kind of talent to win a national title recently," he said. "They're getting close. We've had great games with them. Tom is doing an outstanding job."

Four years ago, Vince Kehres took over for his father Larry as Mount Union's head coach.

Four years ago, Arth moved up from a JCU assistant to head coach.

In the five years before Arth, 35, became the head coach, the Blue Streaks were 24-26. So he has been a game changer on the University Heights campus as JCU is 37-7 on his watch. This is his third trip to the D3 playoffs.

Kehres, 40, has a 55-3 record in his four seasons. He won the 2015 national title and was runner-up in 2013 and 2014. His father had won 11 titles as head coach.

Arth was able to convince Thomas Aquinas quarterback Anthony Moeglin to attend JCU. He grew up about 15 miles away from Mount Union, which also was very interested in Moeglin.

"We compete for some of the same players in recruiting," said Kehres.

D3 schools can't offer athletic scholarships, but they can talk to players and their parents about the merits of attending their colleges.

HOMEGROWN COACH

Arth is a St. Ignatius graduate. He spent three seasons as a backup quarterback to Peyton Manning in Indianapolis. He also was briefly with the Green Bay Packers.

"I owe so much to John Carroll," he said. "It's shaped who I am as a person and as a leader. It's had a tremendous impact on my life."

After being a star at JCU, Arth believes the reason he received a tryout with the Indianapolis Colts was the JCU connections. Graduates David Caldwell and Chris Polian worked in the Colts front office.

After his pro career came to an end, Arth spent a year in business.

That came from a meeting set up by former JCU coach Tony DeCarlo with a local company. Then former Blue Streak coach Regis Scafe hired Arth as quarterback coach.

Scafe has Thomas More in the D3 playoffs in his second season as that school's head coach.

Arth said JCU now has seven graduates working for the New England Patriots, led director of player personnel Nick Caserio.

"It's hard to explain all this school means to me," said Arth.

LOCAL TALENT

Many of JCU's top players are from Northeast Ohio.

Defensive lineman Ray Brown (St. Ignatius) is an All-American candidate. Mentor products Mason McKendrick and Reese Armstrong play key roles on the defense. Other defensive standouts include Jovon Dawson (Benedictine), Scott Eilerman (Kirtland) and Mike Hollins (Maple Heights).

Gilmour's Ro Golphin has rushed for 919 yards and 10 TDs. Kirtland's Sam Kukura has scored 11 TDs. Benedictine's Marshall Howell leads the team with 43 receptions.

It was freshman William Woods (John Hay) who caught what proved to be the winning TD pass against Mount Union from Moeglin, who threw three TD passes in the victory.

"We have great high school programs and coaching in Northeast Ohio," said Kehres. "It's why there are so many strong D3 programs here."

Mount Union's Matt Fichet (Conneaut) and Brian Groves (Stow) were named to the District 7 All-American Academic team. Hudson's Tim Kennedy leads the Purple Raiders with 40 receptions. Freshman Dom Davis (St. Vincent-St. Mary) is Mount's starting quarterback.

There are many more area players on both teams. I mentioned a few names just to give the flavor.

The bottom line is there are now two great D3 programs in Northeast Ohio with two relatively young coaches who should keep things interesting for a long time.

Cody Kessler has moved on from benching: 'You can't play scared, timid'

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Cody Kessler is set to take on the Steelers and their 28th-ranked pass defense Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio - Cody Kessler won't be looking over his shoulder against the Steelers on Sunday for the big hook from Hue Jackson.

"You can't feel like that,'' he said. "You can't play scared, you can't play timid. You have to go out and focus on that next moment, that next game, that next play and you've got to improve on it.''

Kessler, benched in the third quarter of last Thursday's 28-7 loss to the Ravens, understands exactly what Jackson needs. While he's faring well against pressure and has thrown only one interception, he's tied for 30th in the NFL with six TD passes and is 29th with only five completions of 20 yards or more.

"I've got to play better, I've got to extend drives more, I've got to do better on third down, I've got to be able to finish drives and eliminate three-and-outs,'' said Kessler. "At the end of the day, coach Jackson's been awesome for me. He's done so much for me, and him and Pep have been awesome and they've helped me out so much.''


Kessler said he's moved on from the benching, which occurred with the Browns trailing only 13-7 and Kessler with a 92.6 rating. But he had gone 1-for-6 on third down at that point and 2-of-15 over his previous two games. He netted 20 yards or fewer on five of his six drives.

"I've moved on from it obviously and it's a new week and it's something to learn from and like I said, it just gets you motivated and want to do better and not let that happen again and do everything you can,'' he said. "My main focus is Pittsburgh and getting ready for this game and going out there and having a great week of practice.''

He said he brushed it off by the next day.

"It's hardest after the game,'' he said. "You kinda have a little bit of a 24-hour rule. But you can't let it stick in your head. But at the same time, you learn from it.''

Kessler, 13th in the NFL with a 95.7 rating, said his teammates have rallied around him this week, including quarterbacks Josh McCown and Robert Griffin III.

"I'm very fortunate to have the guys I do on this team help me out, but it's something you want to improve on and you don't want it to happen so you've got to move on and do better,'' he said.

Hue Jackson says he came here 'to solve the QB issue and I think we will'

Kessler knows that 2-of-15 on third down over his past two games is a main reason he got benched.

"That's something that I've really emphasized this week,'' he said. "(I) made sure I had everything down right and all the calls. I wanted to have it down perfectly, so I felt very comfortable going into the week.''
 
He'll also take up Jackson's challenge to push the ball downfield more and take some chances. The Steelers are 25th in total defense and 28th against the pass, so he should have some opportunities.

"You want to take more chances downfield and you want to extend drives, but at the same time you want to be smart with the football and keep it in your possession,'' he said. "You have to find a happy medium in that.''

Kessler, a native of Bakersfield, Ca. who played at USC, will get his first taste of frigid temperatures and possibly even snow on Sunda at FirstEnergy Stadium .

"We played Notre Dame a couple times at South Bend and it got pretty cold,'' he said. "My sophomore year, we played at Colorado and I think it was in the teens temperature wise and with the wind chill it was even colder than that and there was snow, so I've been used to that.

"And then growing up in Bakersfield, not a lot of people know this, in the summer it can get to triple-digits but we've had about two or three winters since I've been there that it's snowed, so I played in that in high school and as a little kid. Not a whole lot, obviously, you know in Bakersfield, but a couple of games in the snow."

He acknowledged he can't really simulate snow or windchill, but "you just have to go in with the mindset of you can't control it and you have to focus on what you can control and if the wind's going, maybe drive the ball a little bit more and get a little better grip on the ball and do whatever you can to play through the factors."

Joe Thomas complimented Kessler on rebounding this week.

"He's doing a great job,'' he said. "Watching him out there today, he's the same old guy. When something like that happens, obviously your confidence gets shaken and you ask a lot of questions, but seeing him come back to work on Monday, that's what kind of gets your mindset back into being the starter and kind of forgetting about something that happened on Sunday."

Thomas acknowledged it will be interesting to see how the California native handles the whipping winds and lake effect snow.

"Brett Favre was from Mississippi and he played in Mississippi, and I'm sure with that pedigree, you'd think no way he could play in the cold in Green Bay but he was one of the best of all time playing in cold and nasty weather,'' said Thomas. "So just because you didn't grow up in the north doesn't mean you can't play well in cold weather. Some guys are better at handling t than others and Cody's one of the guys we're about to find out."


LA Angels' Mike Trout, Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant win AL, NL MVP awards from writers

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Mike Trout played on a bad Angels team this season, but won his second AL MVP award. Kris Bryant won the same award in the NL, while helping the Cubs win the World Series.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Mike Trout has played five full seasons for the Angels. He's finished first or second in the American League MVP voting each year.

Kris Bryant has played two seasons in the big leagues for the Cubs. Last year he won National League Rookie of the Year award. This year the Baseball Writers Association of America has named him the NL's MVP.

Those might not be established traditions like Thanksgiving dinner, but they're certainly a couple of drumsticks worth chewing on.

This year Trout, the power-hitting center fielder, won the award for the second time. He finished ahead of fellow finalists Mookie Betts of Boston and Houston's Jose Altuve. He is the first player to win the AL MVP award from a non-playoff team since Alex Rodriguez in 2003.

Trout finished second in 2012, 2013 and 2015. He won the award for the first time in 2014.

This year he received 19 first place votes, eight second place votes and one vote each for third, fifth and seventh place for a total of 356 points. Betts finished with 311 points, including nine first-place votes. Altuve finished with 227 points, including two-second place votes and 15 third-place votes.

Boston's David Ortiz and Adrian Beltre of Texas received the other two first-place votes. Ortiz finished with 147 points in his final season.

Three Indians received MVP votes: Francisco Lindor finished ninth with 56 points, Jose Ramirez finished tied for 17th with two points and Corey Kluber finished tied for 19th with one point.

Bryant received 29 of a possible 30 first place votes. Washington's Daniel Murphy was second with 245 points and Corey Seager of the Dodgers was third with 240. Seager was named NL Rookie of the Year on Monday.

This past season Trout hit .315 (173-for-549) with 32 doubles, 29 homers, 30 steals and 100 RBI. He led all MLB position players with a 10.6 WAR (wins above replacement), 123 runs, 116 walks and a .441 on base percentage.

The Angels, however, were a disappointing 74-88 for a fourth place finish in the AL West. Some MVP voters tie a player's performance with his team's performance, but that was not the case this year as Trout easily won the award.

"I was really surprised," said Trout, during a conference call. "You hear all the talk. If you're team isn't doing well will that hurt your chances? I'm just happy. It's a surreal moment. It's one of those moments you can't really explain. It was a good moment."

The Red Sox won the AL East with a big assist from Betts, who opened the year as their leadoff hitter, but ended it hitting in the middle of the lineup. He batted .318 (214-for-672) with 31 homers, 113 RBI and a .897 OPS. He scored 122 runs and stole 26 bases in 30 attempts.

Altuve led the AL with a .338 (216-for-640) batting average, but also turned on the power. The 5-6 second baseman hit a career-high 24 homers with 96 RBI. Altuve's 216 hits led the big leagues.

Bryant, who helped the Cubs beat the Indians in the World Series, hit .292 (176-for-603) with 35 doubles, 39 homers and 102 RBI. He led the NL with 121 runs and posted a .939 OPS, while playing third, first, shortstop and all three outfield positions for manager Joe Maddon.

He is just the fourth player in history to win the MVP award the year after winning the rookie of the year award. Ryan Howard, Cal Ripken and Dustin Pedroia are the others.

Murphy hit .347 (184-for-531) with 25 homers and 104 RBI. He led the NL with 47 doubles, a .595 slugging percentage and a .985 OPS.

Seager, the Dodgers 6-4 left-handed hitting shortstop, hit .308 (193-for-627) with 26 homers, 72 RBI and.877 OPS. Seager, besides winning the Rookie of the Year award and finishing third in for the MVP, made the All-Star team and won the Silver Slugger award for his position. That's a full season.

Ohio State basketball: JaQuan Lyle leads Buckeyes to 72-67 win over Providence

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The Buckeyes moved to 3-0 with a win over Providence on Thursday night.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State got the kind of game it needed from JaQuan Lyle.

It's not a coincidence that it came on a night when the Buckeyes got a nice win.

Lyle flirted with a triple-double, posting 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in Ohio State's 72-67 win over Providence on Thursday night as part of the Gavitt Tipoff Games between the Big Ten and the Big East.

It was by far the best Lyle has played all season, and it came after back-to-back games in which he was passed up in the second half for junior college transfer C.J. Jackson. On Thursday it was all Lyle.

He was aggressive getting his own shot in the early portion of the game, and did a good job of finding his teammates as the game wore on. Junior forward Jae'Sean Tate had 14 points and six rebounds, while center Trevor Thompson added 12 points and nine rebounds -- playing most of the second half in foul trouble.

Rodney Bullock led Providence with 27 points.

After opening the season with a pair of inconsistent wins, Ohio State put together its best game of the season against Providence.

Crucial run

When Providence cut Ohio State's lead to one at 50-49 with 9:53 left, the Buckeyes went on a 9-0 run to build the lead back up. Kam Williams punctuated it with a 3-pointer that gave Ohio State a 59-49 lead with 7:50 remaining.

It was still close from there, but that response kept Providence from ever taking a lead in the second half.

Player of the game

Lyle. He needed it. Ohio State will be tough to beat going against most teams when Lyle is going the way he was on Thursday. It wasn't all great (he got a little sloppy in the second half), but it was a drastic improvement from the first two games.

What it means

We're three days away from the one-year anniversary of Ohio State's three-game nonconference losing streak last season. This game, against a Providence team that could potentially be in the NCAA Tournament, is one the Buckeyes would have struggled in last year.

The Fiars aren't the best team Ohio State will face in the nonconference slate, but this was the first test, and the Buckeyes passed it. The next one comes on Nov. 30 at Virginia.

Bates-Diop injured

Midway through the second half, Buckeyed junior forward Keita Bates-Diop went down awkwardly. His right leg appeared to get caught underneath him. He left the floor with the help of trainers, then limped to the locker room under his own power.

An update on Bates-Diop was not given before the game ended.

No lineup change

After two lackluster starts, Thad Matta didn't tweak his starting lineup. Its was Lyle, Tate, Marc Loving, Keita Bate-Diop and Micah Potter for the third straight game.

Big minutes from Dave Bell

With early foul trouble to both Micah Potter and Trevor Thompson, redshirt sophomore center Dave Bell was asked to play bigger minutes than he's used to. He finished with four points, two rebounds and two blocks in 15 minutes.

What's next?

Ohio State (3-0) is back on the floor on Monday night against Western Carolina. That will be the first of a stretch of three games in five days. Tip from Value City Arena is set for 7 p.m on Big Ten Network.

Jake Moretti, a four-star OT, flips his commitment from Ohio State to Colorado

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Moretti had been committed to Ohio State for more than a year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Four-star offensive tackle Jake Moretti of Arvada (Colo.) Pomona announced on Twitter on Thursday evening that he's no longer committed to Ohio State. He flipped to Colorado. 

Ohio State has been so good at keeping top Ohio prospects home and taking other elite-level prospects away from theirs. 

Sometimes that's easier than others. 

Rated the No. 13 offensive tackle in the 2017 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings, Moretti had been committed to Ohio State for nearly a year and a half before announcing the change. 

On the scars of losing and the hope it will all be worth it: Cleveland Browns Thursday observations

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The Browns are sitting on a winless season so far. It's not easy, but there's hope that it will pay off. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio - If you think this so-far-winless season has been a grind for you to watch, think about what it's been like for veteran left tackle Joe Thomas. 

"Being on an 0-10 team, it's a mental marathon. It's a struggle," Thomas said on Thursday. 

Thomas is no stranger to these things, of course. After a promising start to his career - the Browns went 10-6 his rookie season - Thomas has been a part of just one team that has won more than five games. 

"You come in every day and you try to refocus on, 'What am I working for?'" Thomas said. "It's easy when you're in the midst of the playoff hunt to say, 'OK, this is easy, I know why I'm doing this, I'm doing it for the playoffs.' When you're sitting there at 0-10, you've got to constantly remind yourself what the mission is, what the goal is, what you're aiming for. It's tough." 

Head coach Hue Jackson was asked if this year will be worth it if the team's long-term plan works out. 

"For what we are trying to do, which is be division champs and hoist the Super Bowl trophy, I promise you I will look back at this year and I will probably laugh about it at some point," Jackson said. 

That, of course, doesn't mean it's easy. 

"Right now, I can't (stomach it)," Jackson added. "I can't stomach it, but I will because I truly believe in what we are trying to accomplish and what we are trying to do. I will be the first to tell you, there are times when I wake up and I go, 'Wow, what am I doing?'" 

Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Sashi Brown said earlier this week that the franchise isn't planning on going 0-16 and it would be very disappointing if they did, but reiterated something he told MMQB's Jenny Vrentas in a story that published on Thursday morning: 

"We're not focused just on wins and losses," he said.

There are dueling forces at work, of course, in any situation like this. There's the long-term planning and the short-term desire. Jackson has a locker room full of players he has to face every day, men fighting for jobs and trying to prolong careers in a league where jobs are lost quickly and careers are short. Players can ill afford to not compete at the highest level in a game as violent as football. 

"I don't know any other way to do this, me personally," Jackson said. "With the team, that is all we ever talk about. I don't care what the situation is here as far as what anyone thinks about talent, these things, the elements or any of it. I am always trying to win. I just don't know any other way to do it. I don't want our players to know any other way to do it."  

Jackson said that Brown, from a team-building standpoint, has to look at things through a different lens - one that takes the longer view. 

There is real danger in losing, though. It can take its toll. It can teach bad habits. It can lead to acceptance. It can hurt. 

"Every time you lose it kind of takes a little chunk out of you," Thomas said, "and those are scars that don't heal very quickly." 

Haden downgraded, but not a concern: Joe Haden was downgraded to limited in practice today with a groin injury after being listed as a full participant on Wednesday. After some initial concern, a team spokesperson confirmed it was a scheduled downgrade as part of Haden's treatment.

The injury report also included Tramon Williams not practicing (knee) and Jamar Taylor being limited (groin), so the good news on Haden is welcome considering the challenge the Browns will face on Sunday.

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On what planet would it make sense for the Cleveland Indians to trade Andrew Miller? (video)

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No player is untouchable, but the Indians would have to be salivating over the potential return to even consider moving their ace reliever, right? Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Andrew Miller struck out 123 batters this season. He walked nine.

He seems like the type of pitcher a team would want to keep on its roster for as long as possible. So why were there rumors earlier this month that the Indians might survey the trade market to see what sort of value they could fetch for the 6-foot-7 southpaw?

No player is untouchable, but the Indians would have to be salivating over the potential return to even consider moving their ace reliever, right? 

That's the topic of discussion in the video above, as Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes weigh the possibilities of a trade involving Miller. The Indians acquired the left-hander from the Yankees prior to the 2016 non-waiver trade deadline. They forked over a well-regarded package of four prospects, including former first-round draft selection Clint Frazier.

Could they obtain a haul of young talent that exceeds what they sent away a few months ago? Miller certainly didn't hurt his market value, as he posted a 1.55 ERA with the Indians during the regular season. He started the playoffs with 15 consecutive scoreless frames, with 27 strikeouts in that span. 

The Indians certainly could use such an effective pitcher for another run at a World Series appearance. The team has received plenty of calls on the hurler, but any deal seems unlikely. Miller is signed for two more years at $9 million per season. He'd retrieve much more than that on the open market, and the Indians witnessed, first-hand, what type of influence he can have on a pitching staff.

With Miller, bullpen roles were made to be broken

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