"We look at Michigan as a team with a strong resume," Hocutt said. "They have three wins against top 10 teams, they played an impressive game this past weekend against No. 2 Ohio State, despite the loss."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Remember when Jim Harbaugh used his hands to illustrate how short he thought J.T. Barrett was at getting that crucial overtime first down? 

As it turns out, Harbaugh could use that same hand-gesture again as a way to show how close Michigan still may be to getting into the College Football Playoff despite its double-overtime loss at Ohio State on Saturday. 

Michigan, who checked in at No. 5 in this week's playoff rankings, is right there. 

"We look at Michigan as a team with a strong resume," College Football Playoff committee chair Kirby Hocutt said Tuesday evening. "They have three wins against top 10 teams, they played an impressive game this past weekend against No. 2 Ohio State, despite the loss. It's a small separation, and I can't emphasize that enough, between No. 4 (Washington) and No. 5." 

Like No. 2 Ohio State, Michigan will not play for the Big Ten Championship but remains ranked ahead of the two teams who will: No. 6 Wisconsin and No. 7 Penn State. 

The playoff committee maintains Ohio State's lead over Penn State is wide, but it's unclear whether Michigan -- who has two losses -- is more susceptible to being jumped by the Big Ten champion. 

The way Hocutt is speaking, though, Michigan is seemingly more like Ohio State in the committee's eyes than Wisconsin and Penn State -- two teams the Wolverines have beaten. 

Michigan is being compared more directly to Washington. 

"From the discussion, the debate, the discussion between Washington and Michigan is very small," Hocutt said. "Over the course of the last two days, we spent very close to two hours in details and comparisons (of those two teams). There were a number of committee members who were really struggling with who the best team was there."

If the committee is prepared to send Ohio State to the playoff over the Big Ten Champion, why would Michigan be any different? The Wolverines would need some help -- a Washington loss to Colorado, who Michigan beat, or a Clemson loss -- but their bid for one of the top four spots in the final poll is still very much alive. 

Could Ohio State's next game be against Michigan again?

Probably not, but it's also not impossible. 

Why latest rankings were good news for OSU

2. Precedent? Hocutt refuses to speak about things that will occur in the future, but how much does the past influence what the committee does?

Is there such a thing as a precedent, like there is in law? 

Or is every year different? 

"We don't (look at precedent)," Hocutt said. "Every year is unique, and we start new every year. You know, you have three new members on the Selection Committee this year, so I will say the chemistry this year has been terrific. All the members have been engaged in great participation. Every year is new, and we do not look back the previous years. It's done based upon this current college football season."

3. Did Ohio State's failure to make it last year help them this year? That's part of the reason I asked Hocutt about precedent or whether the past helps shape a way of thinking for the future. 

Even if precedent isn't used, these 12 people on the committee are human beings. Thoughts, views and opinions change as knowledge is gained. It's natural. So is it possible that putting in Michigan State in 2015 -- the team who "deserved" to go to the playoff last year -- is helping Ohio State now?

The committee put in Michigan State with the head-to-head win over the Buckeyes and the conference championship, but there was some doubt as to who was the better team. Look at how Ohio State finished out last year -- and then look at the NFL Draft. 

Meanwhile, Michigan State got blown out by Alabama in the playoff. That left doubt. 

So now wouldn't sending a two-loss Penn State Big Ten champ this season look a lot like what the committee did last year with Michigan State? 

Is that why the committee loves Ohio State so much right now? 

Iman Shumpert returned after missing two games with a hamstring injury on Tuesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Iman Shumpert returned to the floor for Cleveland after missing a game on Tuesday night and wasted little time making his presence felt against Milwaukee .

Early in the second quarter, Shumpert tracked down a rebound, and dished to Mike Dunleavy who missed a long 3-point shot from the top of the paint.

Shumpert timed the rebound perfectly and slammed it home with two hands in front of Milwaukee's Michael Beasley to give the Cavaliers a five point lead.

Shumpert has two points and a pair of rebounds in nine early minutes for Cleveland.

"Like Santa Claus. Right down the chute."

You need to be watching this on @FOXSportsOH! pic.twitter.com/9kCPXmQdib

-- Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 30, 2016

J.R. Smith got faked out by Milwaukee's Jason Terry, and it cost the Cavaliers a bucket.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- J.R. Smith had a momentary lapse of defense, and it cost the Cleveland Cavaliers two points in the first half against Milwaukee on Tuesday.

With just under three minutes to play in the second quarter, the Bucks were set to inbound the ball when Terry, a crafty veteran of 17 seasons, called Smith over toward the Milwaukee bench near the baseline.

Smith, who was supposed to be guarding Tony Snell, shook hands with Terry. The distraction was just enough to give Matthew Dellavedova an opportunity to deliver a pass to Snell for a two-handed dunk.

Iman Shumpert, who was guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo at the free throw line, was helpless to step in.

Jason Terry daps up JR Smith, Tony Snell gets an easy bucket https://t.co/W2V72A0NpQ

-- The Cauldron (ICYMI) (@CauldronICYMI) November 30, 2016

Smith, who entered the game mired in a 1-for-22 shooting slump, broke out with two early 3-point field goals and has an assist and two steals. But it was the defensive miscue that will probably land him on SportsCenter's Not Top 10.

With 3:03 remaining in the second quarter and play set to resume following a timeout, four of the five Cavaliers were in position, ready to defend. All of them, but J.R. Smith. Watch video

MILWAUKEE -- There's one play that best epitomizes the Cleveland Cavaliers' listless 118-101 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.

With 3:03 remaining in the second quarter and play set to resume following a timeout, four of the five Cavaliers were in position, ready to defend. All of them, but J.R. Smith.

The unpredictable shooting guard was dapping up veteran Jason Terry on the Milwaukee bench while Tony Snell, the player Smith was supposed to be guarding, sprinted to the basket and recorded the easiest two points of his career.

"I wasn't even paying attention," Smith said. "I don't even remember that."

When Smith asked a reporter to point out the specific play, and was informed of his blunder, being responsible for the uncontested dunk, Smith's response turned even more bizarre.

"I didn't even know I was in the game," he said. "My bad."

OK then. Whether he truly knew or not -- and chances are he did as two teammates appeared to yell at him immediately on the court and a few admitted they saw the video in the locker room and had a chuckle about it, with one saying it would be on Shaqtin' A Fool -- it was a significant play.

No, it's not why the Cavs lost. There were plenty of things that went wrong during their worst performance of the season. But that play started a 7-0 Bucks run and helped build momentum going into halftime. And while many on social media were laughing hysterically and posting videos, Milwaukee was in the midst of shredding Cleveland's answerless defense.

"I didn't see it yet," Lue said when asked about the error after the game.

I'm sure he has by now. It's unavoidable. Most have seen it, including those in the Bucks' locker room where the blunder was part of the postgame chatter.

"Oh yeah, that was a timeout play," Giannis Antetokounmpo said after tying his career high in scoring with 34 points. "Jason (Kidd) told Jet, 'Occupy him and...' No. I'm joking."

Terry is a savvy veteran. Did he know play had begun? Was this part of some devious plan to pull one over on his buddy?

"Nah, I was just saying what's up, that's it," Terry said before noting he didn't know play had restarted. "Totally harmless."

And believe it or not, Smith's gaffe wasn't even the oddest part of Tuesday night. Nor was his explanation in the locker room.

When it was time to get dressed and get on the second bus out of the arena, Smith appeared perplexed that reporters huddled around his locker waiting to talk to him. After all, he had just scored six points, going 2-of-7 from the field and acknowledged that he will have to walk out his front door backwards in an effort to change his bad shooting luck.

He got dressed in front of his locker adjacent to LeBron James, put up his hood, tossed on a black ski mask that completely covered his mouth and sat in his cushy chair looking like a comic book villain -- ready to answer questions.

Bane, the villain from "Dark Knight Rises," has an unmistakable look that sort of resembled Smith's on Tuesday. YouTube 

"It's my alter ego," Smith said when queries came about his latest fashion choice. "It's a gift from Ohio State, so I figure why not (wear it)?"

His alter ego does have a name, but he can't - or perhaps isn't - willing to reveal it. Stay tuned. It's only November. This might not even be peak J.R. yet. 

J.R. Smith and his "alter ego" make a postgame appearance. pic.twitter.com/5vyGxeTjir

-- Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 30, 2016

Muscling their way into the paint with little resistance and beating the champs up and down the floor and to loose balls, the Bucks scored their second-highest point total of the year.

MILWAUKEE -- Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue spent the morning praising the Milwaukee Bucks' tenacious and athletic defense. But Milwaukee's 22nd ranked offense was the Cavaliers' biggest issue Tuesday night.

Muscling their way into the paint with little resistance, putting together a season's worth of highlight-reel dunks, whipping the ball around with relative ease (27 assists) and beating the champs up and down the floor and to loose balls (17 second-chance points), the Bucks scored their second-highest point total of the year, crushing the Cavaliers, 118-101. 

So enraged with his East-leading squad, Lue called for mass substitutions in the third quarter, taking all five players off the floor and replacing them with little-used reserves DeAndre Liggins, Jordan McRae, Mike Dunleavy, James Jones and Chris Andersen. At that point -- the 3:49 mark of the period -- Milwaukee had tallied 78 points on 52.5 percent shooting and led by 11.

It's November and the Cavs have cruised to a blistering 13-3 start. But Lue had seen enough. He appeared to be sending a message, especially after a sluggish beginning on Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

This time, starting slow wasn't Cleveland's problem. It was providing the requisite intensity, especially on the defensive end, to keep up with the young, energetic Bucks, who easily erased a 14-point deficit in the first half.

J.R. Smith's defensive gaffe -- allowing an easy basket while sharing a hug with Milwaukee reserve Jason Terry while play had already resumed -- summed up the Cavs' dreadful night perfectly.

Jason Terry daps up JR Smith, Tony Snell gets an easy bucket https://t.co/W2V72A0NpQ

-- The Cauldron (ICYMI) (@CauldronICYMI) November 30, 2016

Lue brought his starters back for one final fourth-quarter push about one minute into the final period, with the team trailing, 92-74, but they couldn't make up any ground. Tuesday belonged to Milwaukee, which finished 46-of-86 (53.5 percent) from the field and scored a whopping 68 points in the paint. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee's 21-year-old star-in-the-making, led all scorers, tying his career high with 34 points on 13-of-19 from the floor. Versatile forward Jabari Parker added 18 while Michael Beasley chipped in with 17 points off the bench.

There weren't many positives from Cleveland's third loss of the season, and second with James in the lineup, but the Cavs did finish 14-of-39 from 3-point range. They have yet to go a game this season with fewer than 10 made triples.

Smith briefly snapped out of his shooting skid, burying his first two shot attempts, both 3-pointers, but just like the rest of his teammates, fizzled late. Smith missed his last five attempts.

LeBron James led the way with 22 points on 8-of-16 from the field.

Kevin Love, the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week, had his streak of scoring at least 20 points snapped at three games. He finished with 13 points on 3-of-10 from the field, including 2-of-7 from beyond the arc. He also grabbed 13 rebounds. Kyrie Irving scored 20. 

Turnovers, an area James highlighted earlier in the day, were also an issue, as the Cavs committed 20 miscues, which the Bucks turned into 22 points. 

The night began with the Cavaliers exchanging pleasantries with former teammate Matthew Dellavedova. It ended with a dejected departure after suffering their worst loss of the season.

NEXT

The Cavs return home to take on the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday night in the first game of a back-to-back. Tipoff is at 8 p.m. After the brief stop in Cleveland, the Cavs head back on the road for a three-game trip, which starts in Chicago Friday night.

A high-octane offense was what Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin wanted ... and so far this year he's getting it. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You gotta love the Cavaliers ... well, other than maybe Tuesday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

In my Cavs book, THE COMEBACK, I wrote about the vision general manager David Griffin had for his team.

That idea -- a high-octane offense -- was one of the main reasons David Blatt was fired as the coach, replaced by Tyronn Lue.

At times, we saw it last season.

But Lue has unleashed the Cavs this season, as they are averaging 112 points.

The only concern is the occasional letdown on defense, as was the case Tuesday against the Bucks.

We talk about the transformation of the team from a year ago in this video.

Since this award started in 2011, an Ohio State quarterback has won it four times. Braxton Miller won it in 2012 and 2013 and Barrett won it as a redshirt freshman in 2014.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- J.T. Barrett has fallen out of the Heisman Trophy race, but Ohio State's quarterback was a virtual lock to land this award. 

Barrett was named the Big Ten's named the Big Ten's Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year on Wednesday night, the second time he's won the award. 

Since this award started being named in honor of Purdue quarterback greats Bob Griese and Drew Brees in 2011, an Ohio State quarterback has won it four times. Braxton Miller won it in 2012 and 2013 and Barrett won it as a redshirt freshman in 2014. 

Michigan State's Connor Cook won it a year ago -- remember, Barrett and Cardale Jones split time in 2015 -- and now Barrett is back as the Big Ten's best.

Barrett ranks No. 3 in the Big Ten in total offense with 272.9 yards per game and has accounted for 33 total touchdowns.

It also helps that Barrett has led the Buckeyes to another one-loss regular season and has them on the verge of its second College Football Playoff appearance in three years. 

J.T. Barrett of @OhioStateFB named the 2016 #B1GFootball Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year. pic.twitter.com/qCetzIECpw

-- Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 30, 2016

Ohio State Big Ten Quarterbacks of the Year

2016: J.T. Barrett

2014: J.T. Barrett

2013: Braxton Miller

2012: Braxton Miller

Here are The Associated Press Division V All-Ohio football teams for 2016.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Here are The Associated Press Division V All-Ohio football teams for 2016.

RELATED

• Division I All-Ohio


• Division II All-Ohio


• Division III All-Ohio


• Division IV All-Ohio

FIRST TEAM

Offense

Ends/wide receivers — Mason Bernhardt, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, 6-feet-5, 200 pounds, junior; Nate Weinman, Creston Norwayne, 6-7, 230, sr.; Gunnar Oakes, Swanton, 6-5, 210, sr.; Neal Muhlenkamp, Coldwater, 6-2, 190, sr.

Lineman — Alex DeJonge, Marion Pleasant. 5-11, 185, sr.; Joel Honigford, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-6, 280, sr.; Tyler Webb, Ironton, 6-6, 300, sr.; Austin Mathis, Orwell Grand Valley, 6-2, 270, sr.; Curtis Roupe, Sullivan Black River, 6-2, 245, sr.; Nick Frederick, Milan Edison, 6-0, 200, sr.

Quarterbacks — RJ Jacobs, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-0, 190, sr.; Elmer Zollinger, Creston Norwayne, 6-2, 190, sr.; Dalton Fall, Garrettsville Garfield, 6-4, 220, sr.; Mack Dyer, Wheelersburg, 6-2, 185, jr.; Dylan Thobe, Coldwater, 6-4, 180, sr.; Ben Conner, Beachwood, 6-2, 190, sr.

Backs — Jonah Barnett, Mount Gilead. 5-10, 180, sr.; Sam Stoll, Milan Edison, 6-1, 190, jr.; Kesean Gamble, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, 6-1, 218, sr.; Eduardo Hernandez, Orwell Grand Valley, 5-9, 170, jr.

Kicker — Connor Moreton, Galion, 6-1, 165, sr.; Dan Mills, Canton Central Catholic, 6-1, 170, sr.

Defense

Linemen — Keith Leindecker, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 6-3, 265, sr.; James Wills, Canton Central Catholic, 5-9, 195, sr.; Griffin Perkins, Elyria Catholic, 6-2, 210. sr.; Andrew Siefring, Coldwater, 6-1, 185, sr.; Zach Dziengelewski, Swanton, 6-4, 265, sr.; Isaiah Harding, Jamestown Greeneview, 5-11, 230, sr.; Chase Creeger, Marion Pleasant. 6-1, 180, sr.

Linebackers — Dalton Hoover, Martins Ferry, 5-11, 217, jr.; Griffin Baumoel, Canton Central Catholic, 6-3, 219, sr.; Jesse Ball, Cadiz Harrison Central, 6-1, 255, sr.; Anthony Crum, Orwell Grand Valley, 5-11, 225, sr.; Clay Lenhart, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 5-10, 170, sr.; Noah Andrews, Nelsonville-York, 5-10, 200, sr.; Dallas Griffiths, Coshocton, 6-2, 220, sr.

Backs — Bryce Ostheimer, Milan Edison, 6-1, 170, sr.; Tee Rupp, Canton Central Catholic, 6-2, 175, sr.

Punter — Ethan Bradds, Jamestown Greeneview, 6-5, 250, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Sam Stoll, Milan Edison

Defensive player of the year: Griffin Baumoel, Canton Central Catholic

Coach of the year: Marce Porcello, Wickliffe

SECOND TEAM

Offense

Ends/wide receivers — Brevin Harris, Creston Norwayne, 6-4, 185, sr.; Tariq Drake, Leavittsburg LaBrae, 6-2, 165, sr.; Colin Wuebker, Anna, 6-0, 180, sr.; Cole Peardon, Baltimore Liberty Union, 5-10, 172, sr.

Lineman — Nick Noyen, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, 6-2, 280, sr.; Tyler Tudor, Pemberville Eastwood, 6-0, 233, sr.; Danny Williamson, Mount Gilead, 5-9, 205, sr.; Jared Szinte, Wickliffe, 6-3, 275, jr.; Lane McKinney, Springfield Northeastern, 6-4, 285, sr.

Quarterbacks — Austin May, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 6-2, 193, jr.; Austin Harris, Chillicothe Zane Trace, 5-11, 175, sr.; Danny Vanatsky, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, 6-2, 190, jr.; Jack Murphy, Canton Central Catholic, 6-5, 185, sr.

Backs — Brian McWhorter, Belmont Union Local, 5-8, 165, sr.; Isaac Pettway, Wickliffe, 5-9, 175, so.; Alex Mount, Nelsonville-York, 6-1, 200, sr.; Keaton Newsome, Wheelersburg, 6-1, 200, sr.; Ridge Reed, Carlisle, 6-1, 220, sr.

Kickers — Nick Koback, Swanton, 5-8, 150, sr.; Daylor Lewis, Wheelersburg, 5-7, 170, sr.

Defense

Linemen — Jacob Sattelmaier, Creston Norwayne, 6-1, 230, Reece Human, Carlisle, 6-2, 255, sr.; A.J. Hammonds, Cincinnati North College Hill, 6-4, 230, sr.; Brett Bates, Columbus Academy. 6-3, 225, sr.; Jordan Carkin, Coshocton, 6-2, 230, sr.; Matt Herrick, Genoa, 6-1, 215, sr.

Linebackers — Jake Dempsey, Baltimore Liberty Union, 5-7, 178, sr.; Nate Moore, Rootstown, 6-3, 205, jr.; Ryan Schwartz, West Salem Northwestern, 5-10, 195, sr.; Xander Carmichael, Wheelersburg, 6-2, 205, jr.; Steven Cooper, Bethel Bethel-Tate, 5-11, 198, sr.; Caleb Boy, Carlisle, 6-2, 210, sr.; Ben Collado, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, 6-0, 212, sr.; Christian Koch, Richwood North Union, 5-9, 160, sr.

Backs — Cody Shiver, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, 6-3, 190, sr.; Braden Smith, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 6-2, 175, sr.; KieVaughn Sanks, Cincinnati Aiken, 5-8, 170, so.

THIRD TEAM

Offense

Ends/wide receivers — Jerome Buckner, Columbus Academy, 5-8, 165, jr.; Reed Tucker, Worthington Christian, 6-0, 160, sr.; Ty Hamsher, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-1, 190, sr.; Tyler West, Cadiz Harrison Central, 5-10, 165, so.

Lineman — Eric Knapke, Versailles, 5-11, 220, sr.; Brenton Stull, Cadiz Harrison Central, 5-11, 245, sr.; Matt Herrick, Genoa, 6-1, 215, sr.

Quarterbacks — Joe Craycraft, Marion Pleasant. 6-4, 200, sr.; Nelson Mozden, Magnolia Sandy Valley, 6-0, 180, sr.; Hunter Edwards, Nelsonville-York, 6-3, 185, sr.

Backs — Andrew McFadden, Akron Manchester, 5-10, 170, sr.; Daryl Davis, Elyria Catholic, .5-9, 160. sr.; Tyler West, Cadiz Harrison Central, 5-10, 165, so.

Kicker — Casey Claxon, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 5-11, 163, so.; Tanner Brooks, Elyria Catholic, 5-8, 165, sr.

Defense

Linemen — Nathan Daniszewski, Canfield South Range, 6-0, 215, sr.; Jordan Murphy, Columbiana Crestview, 6-4, 240, sr.; Jack Davis, Martins Ferry, 6-1, 210, sr.

Linebackers — Roman Bellisari, Columbus Academy. 6-1, 190, sr.; Peyton Remish, Canfield South Range, 5-11, 195, sr.

Special Mention

Jeremiah Mills, Columbus Academy; Trevor Roach, Johnstown Northridge; Jackson Smith, Baltimore Liberty Union; Logan Garee, Johnstown Northridge; Herman Moultrie, Columbus Academy; Sammy Myers, Worthington Christian; Colton Clark, Richwood North Union; Joseph Greenwood, Worthington Christian; Bobby Husted, Marion Pleasant; Tyler Bland, Mount Gilead; Mack Marston, Utica; Zach Pytlarz, Marion Pleasant; Kyle Varney, Baltimore Liberty Union; Anthony Padovano, Richwood North Union; Josh Bolyard, Belmont Union Local; Quinn Miller, Sugarcreek Garaway; Darren Finn, Magnolia Sandy Valley; Dominic Wallace, Martins Ferry; Brent Bordenkircher, Coshocton; Dawson Deetz, Sugarcreek Garaway; Shane Smolenak, Belmont Union Local; Seth Cade, Richmond Edison; Jake Fortney, Coshocton; T.J. Kelly, Belmont Union Local,; Javon Merrill, West Lafayette Ridgewood; Tanner Petitte, Sugarcreek Garaway; Rayven Davidson, West Lafayette Ridgewood; River Pappas, Richmond Edison; Andrew Mason; Kyle Roberts, Cadiz Harrison Central; Ben Howell, Belmont Union Local; Tommy Bissler, Garrettsville Garfield; Zayne Veon, Garrettsville Garfield; Billy Smith, West Salem Northwestern; Trent Harrell, Doylestown Chippewa; Dakota Pitz, Akron Manchester; Carlton Brown, Leavittsburg LaBrae; Luke Brown, Doylestown Chippewa; Jacob Campbell, Sullivan Black River; Jayden Demmy, Hudson Western Reserve Academy; Trevor Kimmel, East Palestine; Christian Reddick, Rootstown; Nick Wagner, Sullivan Black River; Cory Hamilton, Sullivan Black River; JT Wolke, Leavittsburg LaBrae; Riley McCleary, Leavittsburg LaBrae; Chase Gasser, Creston Norwayne; JoJo France, Akron Manchester; Zach Steiner, Creston Norwayne; Brandon Reed, West Salem Northwestern; Ryan Brown, Garrettsville Garfield; Austin Davis, Wooster Triway; Parker Smith, West Salem Northwestern; Trevor Porter, Wellington; Mark Ferrell, Beachwood; Doug Taylor, Elyria Catholic; Tyler Leroux, Gates Mills Gilmour Academy; Nate Varney, Wickliffe; Dauson Hammer, Wellington; Jerry Higgins, Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph; Cody Osburn, Orwell Grand Valley; Erick Willis-Jordan, Gates Mills Hawken; Brandon Sorg, Wellington; Josh Bialosky, Beachwood; Gaige Willis, Andover Pymatuning Valley; Tony Loparo, Elyria Catholic; Tristan Arno, Wellington; Jake Reichek, Orwell Grand Valley; Max Carevic, Wellington; Danny McGarry, Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph; Matt Chiancone, Gates Mills Gilmour Academy; A.J. Dobbins, Findlay Liberty-Benton; Jacob Schimming; Zach Klosterman, Coldwater; Ian Downard, Pemberville Eastwood; Preston Ingol, Paulding; Aaron Hazlett, Swanton; Antonio Salinas, Pemberville Eastwood;Tyler Schmeltz, Pemberville Eastwood; Dalton Burns, Milan Edison; Jonathon Shanks, Swanton; Cade Boos, Pemberville Eastwood; Josiah Bradfield, Genoa; Travis Veach, Piketon; Tanner Bivens, Wheelersburg; Clint Hatfield, Wheelersburg; Tre Craycraft, Bidwell River Valley; Matt Carter, Nelsonville-York; Hunter Brower, Chillicothe Zane Trace; Colin Boehm, Portsmouth; Robert Drummond, Bidwell River Valley; Drew Turner, Oak Hill; Roddy Brown, Wellston; Lyden Collins, Wheelersburg; Garrett Carrico, Ironton; Keedrick Cunningham, Proctorville Fairland; Talyn Parker, Portsmouth; Travis Jayjohn, Wellston; Gabe Birkhimer, Piketon; Tyler McCormick, Minford; Brady Knipp, Ironton Rock Hill; Ethan Duncan, Ironton; Brandon Barker, Chillicothe Zane Trace; Heath Jones, Piketon; Tyler Compton, Minford; Jaymen Travis, Oak Hill; Christian Berry, Nelsonville-York; Tanner Wilson, Ironton; Cameron Barnette, Ironton Rock Hill; Will Palmer, Chillicothe Zane Trace; Jaden Josley, Portsmouth; Dalton Billetter, West Portsmouth Portsmouth West; Dillon Shepherd, Minford; Jacob Campbell, Bidwell River Valley; Bayley Clutters, Oak Hill; Nick Cox, Wellston, Chase Fisher, Proctorville Fairland; Eli Willis, Ironton; Trystan Matney, Ironton Rock Hill; Tim Adkins, Ironton Rock Hill; Eric Mullins, Piketon; Ryan Williams, Portsmouth; Patrick Brown, Bidwell River Valley; Darby Pillow, Chillicothe Zane Trace; Jack Cravaack, Cincinnati Madeira; Ryan Wichman, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy; Tristan Greene, Blanchester; Chris Landgrebe, Cincinnati Madeira; Keaton Lucous, West Milton Milton-Union; Derrick Skinner, Dayton Northridge; Krue Thwaits, West Milton Milton-Union.

Weber rushed for 1,072 yards and nine touchdowns, which ranked No. 5 in the Big Ten in rushing.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- There was some concern that Ohio State would have a hard time relying on a redshirt freshman at running back after it had to say goodbye to Ezekiel Elliott after last season. 

Mike Weber eased the concerns out of the gate. 

A former four-star running back of Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech, Weber was named the Big Ten's Thompson-Randle El Offensive Freshman of the Year on Wednesday evening. 

Weber rushed for 1,072 yards and nine touchdowns -- 89.33 yards per game -- which ranked No. 5 in the Big Ten in rushing. He is the only freshman in the top 12 in rushing in the conference. 

Weber is one of three freshmen in Ohio State history to rush for 1,000 yards. The other two were Robert Smith (1990) and Maurice Clarett (2002), both of which won the freshman of the year award. 

"It was a dream come true," Weber said on the Big Ten Network telecast. "To accomplish those goals I set at the beginning of the year." 

He's 1 of 3 OSU freshmen to rush for 1,000+ yards in a year.

He's also the @bigten Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year.

CONGRATS Mike! pic.twitter.com/XWrb7s8shl

-- Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 30, 2016

Ohio State Big Ten Freshmen of the Year

2016: Mike Weber

2014:  J.T. Barrett

2011: Braxton Miller

2008: Terrelle Pryor

2002: Maurice Clarett

1996: Andy Katzenmoyer

1994: Orlando Pace

1992: Korey Stringer

1990: Robert Smith

Elflein was recognized when he was named the Big Ten's Offensive Lineman of the Year award. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- There was some question as to whether Pat Elflein was going to come back to Ohio State this season, and Urban Meyer certainly is glad he did. 

Meyer referenced all season that the Buckeyes would be in big trouble if they didn't have Elflein at center and J.T. Barrett at quarterback.

Elflein made the crucial move from guard to center before the season and gave Ohio State a reliable core to an offense that ranked No. 1 in both scoring and total offense in the Big Ten. 

On Wednesday evening he was recognized, as Elflein was recognized when he was named the Big Ten's Offensive Lineman of the Year award. 

A finalist for the Outland Trophy, Elflein started all 12 games this season. The Buckeyes rank No. 9 in the country in scoring (42.7 points per game) and rushing offense (258.3 yards per game) and No. 24 in total offense (479.5 ypg).

He came back.

He led this offense.

He's the @bigten Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Congratulations, @elflein65. [?] pic.twitter.com/PIMXpMQHT2

-- Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 30, 2016

Ohio State Big Ten Offensive Linemen of the Year

2016: Pat Elflein

2015: Taylor Decker

2001: LeCharles Bentley

1996: Orlando Pace

1995: Orlando Pace

1994: Korey Stronger

1993: Korey Stringer

With all of those players, it's no wonder Ohio State's offense ranked No. 1 in both scoring offense (42.7 points per game) and total offense (479.5 yards per game).

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Quarterback J.T. Barrett, offensive linemen Pat Elflein and Billy Price and H-Back Curtis Samuel were all named first-team All-Big Ten on Wednesday evening. 

Offensive lineman Jamarco Jones and running back Mike Weber, who also won the conference's freshman of the year award -- were named to the second team by both the coaches and the media. 

Tight end Marcus Baugh and wide receiver Noah Brown were named honorable mention. 

With all of those players above, it's no wonder Ohio State's offense ranked No. 1 in both scoring offense (42.7 points per game) and total offense (479.5 yards per game). 

The most telling thing about Ohio State's award haul was that Barrett was named the Big Ten quarterback of the year, Elflein was named the offensive lineman of the year and Weber was named freshman of the year. 

Penn State running back Saquon Barkley was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, but Samuel had to also have been in that conversation. 

Here's the full breakdown of Ohio State offensive players honored: 

Quarterback J.T. Barrett: first-team media and coaches.

Wide receiver Curtis Samuel: first-team media and coaches.

Running back Mike Weber: second-team coaches and media.

Offensive lineman Pat Elflein: first-team coaches and media, offensive lineman of the year

Offensive lineman Billy Price: first-team coaches and media 

Offensive lineman Jamarco Jones: second-team coaches and media 

Tight end Marcus Baugh: honorable mention 

Wide receiver Noah Brown: honorable mention 

At least one Buckeye represented at every position. Says a lot about this team! GO BUCKS! pic.twitter.com/iu7p6K4v8z

-- Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) November 30, 2016

Masked by a 13-3 record and with the Larry O'Brien trophy still crowding their rearview mirrors, the Cavs' focus has waned lately. J.R. Smith is only one example.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- The Cavs have a bit of a focus problem right now.

It's not just J.R. Smith, though he happens to be the ski mask-wearing, Jason Terry-hugging, 3-for-29-shooting team member right now.

And it's not even Cleveland's 17-point loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, though it was the Cavs' largest defeat of the year and they did cough up 68 points in the paint.

They canceled practice on Monday, went to the Ohio State-Michigan football game Saturday instead of practicing, and on Friday canceled shootaround before playing the Dallas Mavericks. And when they have practiced, coach Tyronn Lue said recently that they haven't been very good.

Masked by a scorching 13-3 start and with the Larry O'Brien trophy still hogging most of their rearview mirrors, the Cavs' focus has waned a bit over the past week, something Lue admitted on practice Wednesday ahead of Cleveland's showdown against the Los Angeles Clippers (8 p.m., TNT). He said he'll make sure the players are working hard enough (no more skipping practice for a while) and the guys need to be "professional."

"When you have a team that's a championship team and you went to two straight Finals, you've been doing the same thing for three years, it gets redundant," Lue said. "With the team we have, a bunch of veteran guys, rightfully so. But you still have to do the drills, continue to get better, you still have to go through offensive sets you've been working on, continuing to work on execution, and the guys know it so they get bored with it sometimes. Rightfully so."

Lue, who was actually happy with the way the Cavs practiced Wednesday, said the team had to "continue to have practice and not take it for granted, having days off. Just being professional.

"We only work 40 minutes a day, at the most," Lue said. "Just come in, be professional, don't take it for granted, just continue to get those habits. Then when we do that, we can back it off again."

Lue discusses J.R.'s "embarrassing moment"

Again, Smith is the poster child for this because he momentarily lost his mind Tuesday night. With 2:57 left in the second quarter, Smith walked to the Bucks' bench to hug it out with backup guard Jason Terry while play was going on -- leading to an uncontested dunk by his man, Tony Snell. Then after the game he pretended like he didn't remember the play and thought he was out of the game at that point, all while wearing a ski mask.

On Wednesday Smith said he and Lue had a deeper discussion in which they pinpointed Smith's bad night against the Bucks as one example of Cavs' slippage that is more widespread.

"As a team we haven't been as focused as we previously were," Smith said. "Winning and being who we are has a lot to do with that, but we've just got to overcome that and be better as a whole. It starts as individuals and then we can collectively become a group and team and have that mindset."

Smith said too many players -- himself included -- had fallen into a false sense of comfort because of the presence and play of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love. Each member of the Big 3 had been exemplary of late, from Love's 40-point game last week, to Irving's 39-point outing Sunday to James' two triple-doubles in a span of three games.

Virtually no player puts in as much work as James, and as a group Irving, James, and Love are expected to put up huge numbers, but Smith's point was that Cleveland's Big 3 could be a little more lax with off days because of its talent. The rest of the players can't, or shouldn't, do that.

"We've got to understand for guys like myself, we can't be the Bron-Kevin-Ky who can have that mindset," Smith said. "We have to be those guys, the 'worker ants.' We have to put that work in even more and have their back even more and have their back even more."

Reserve forward Richard Jefferson put perhaps a little different spin on the goings on around Cavsland lately. He said "we look at it from a standpoint of we never really lose, we just have lessons that we learned."

In essence, the Cavs learned from this that they shouldn't mess around quite so much.

"Kind of our mindset," Jefferson said. "Kind of seeing things happen before they actually transpire, whether it's just hey guys, we've had a bad couple of days of practice let's lock in. You remember the last time that this happened."

Here are The Associated Press Division VI All-Ohio football teams for 2016.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Here are The Associated Press Division V All-Ohio football teams for 2016.

RELATED

• Division I All-Ohio


• Division II All-Ohio


• Division III All-Ohio


• Division IV All-Ohio


• Division V All-Ohio

FIRST TEAM

Offense

Ends/wide receivers — Xavier Johnson, Cincinnati Summit Country Day, 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, junior; Devin Pearl, Cardington-Lincoln, 6-3, 170, sr.; Dylan Drummond, Cuyahoga Heights, 5-11, 155, jr.; Jacob Miller, Defiance Ayersville, 6-1, 175, sr.

Lineman — Brady Treherne, Barnesville, 5-7, 205, sr.; Jonathan Teter, Cuyahoga Heights, 6-2, 225, jr.; Luke Moorman, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-0, 230, sr.; Gunnar Doran, West Jefferson, 6-3, 300, jr.; Francisco Pedrozo, Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas, 6-7, 295, sr.; Dylan Hartman, Mechanicsburg, 6-2, 235, sr.; Brett Bauman, Smithville, 6-2, 225, sr.

Quarterbacks — Lukas Isaly, Hannibal River, 5-10, 170, jr.; Brett Lowther, Cuyahoga Heights, 6-2, 162, sr.; Casey McComas, Chesapeake, 5-9, 155, sr.; Kaleb Romero, Mechanicsburg, 5-11, 195, sr.

Backs — Devin Dukes, Columbus Ready, 5-10, 224, jr.; Nathan Rich, Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas, 6-1, 210, sr.; Donny Johnson, Hamler Patrick Henry, 5-8, 175, sr.; Joey Torok, Kirtland, 5-9, 138, so.; Kyle Gibson, Newark Catholic. 6-2, 225, sr.

Kicker — Sterling Armstrong, Centerburg, 6-3, 200, sr.

Defense

Linemen — James Lachey, Grandview Heights, 6-4, 235, jr.; Ben Rogers, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 6-6, 220, sr.; Brendan Meadows, Chesapeake, 5-11, 215, sr.; Dylan Hartley, Mechanicsburg, 6-2, 265, sr.; Jon Knapschaefer, Maria Stein Marin Local, 6-3, 200, sr.

Linebackers — Cody Saksa, Hannibal River, 5-9, 200, sr.; Owen Loncar, Kirtland, 6-0, 175, sr.; Dauson Dales, Defiance Ayersville, 6-0, 205, sr.; Jack Homan, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-3, 205, sr.; Trey Zimmer, Hamler Patrick Henry, 5-11, 210, sr.

Backs — Parker Caretti, Hannibal River, 5-11, 180, sr.; Arron Adams, Casstown Miami East, 5-10, 145, sr.

Punter — Ben Sullivan, New Paris National Trail, 6-4, 235, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Donny Johnson, Hamler Patrick Henry

Defensive player of the year: Owen Loncar, Kirtland

Coach of the year: Bill Inselmann, Hamler Patrick Henry

SECOND TEAM

Offense

Ends/wide receivers — D'eondre Burney, Bellaire, 5-10, 140, sr.; Jack Iannarino, Milford Center Fairbanks, 5-11, 187, sr.; Aaron Hoffman, Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas, 5-10, 165, sr.

Lineman — Anthony Baum, Columbus Ready, 5-9, 225, jr.; Rece Roney, Columbus Grove, 6-3, 270, sr.; Nick Freewalt, Spencerville, 6-2, 265, sr.; Dakota Schweitzer, Defiance Ayersville, 5-10, 218, sr.; Nick Giadini, Newark Catholic, 5-11, 215, sr.; Brett Diemer, Kirtland, 5-10, 240, jr.; Hunter Shelley, Tipp City Bethel, 6-0, 240, jr.

Quarterbacks — Luke McCarrell, Cardington-Lincoln, 6-0, 170, sr.; Mitch Davidson, Columbiana, 5-10, 190, sr.

Backs — Jacob Rings, Centerburg, 6-0, 170, sr.; Caide Bunfill, Barnesville, 6-0, 205, sr.; Cody Fitzwater, Dalton, 5-10, 180, sr.; Devan Yarber, Oberlin, 5-10, 175, jr.: Hunter Binkley, Delphos Jefferson, 5-10, 190, sr.; Xavier Bailey, Brookfield, 6-0, 180, sr.; Blake Treisch, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 6-0, 200, sr.

Kicker — Marcus Reeves, Defiance Tinora, 6-4, 195, sr.

Defense

Linemen — Ramaria'a Eisom, Oberlin, 6-1, 185, sr.; Tyler Glander, New Paris National Trail, 6-2, 250, sr.; Derek Smith, Defiance Tinora, 5-11, 275, sr.

Linebackers — Zack Stouffer, New Middletown Springfield, 5-9, 175, sr.; Ethan Nezbeth, New Middletown Springfield, 6-1, 180, sr.; Larry Jones, Cincinnati Purcell Marian, 5-10, 215, sr.; Mitch Schwieterman, St. Henry, 5-11, 190, sr.; Kutch Clark, Steubenville Catholic Central, 5-9, 190, sr.; Ricarie Howard, Miamisburg Dayton Christian, 5-9, 195, sr.; Jacob Rigsby, Milford Center Fairbanks, 5-11, 176, sr.

Backs — Jace Stockwell, Delphos Jefferson, 6-0, 185, sr.; Tywon Berry, Miamisburg Dayton Christian, 5-9, 160, jr.; Evan Hershberger, Dalton, 6-4, 160, sr.

Punter — Jarrett Hooper, Woodsfield Monroe Central, 5-9, 165, sr.

THIRD TEAM

Offense

Ends/wide receivers — Justyn Keyser, Bellaire, 6-0, 160, sr.; Ian Langermeier, West Jefferson, 6-0, 160, sr.

Lineman — Caleb Stone, Bucyrus Wynford, 5-10, 225, jr.; Jordan Baker, Beverly Fort Frye, 5-11, 270, sr.

Quarterbacks — Kyle Warner, Milford Center Fairbanks. 6-5, 220, sr.; Zach Hoffman, Bucyrus Wynford, 5-9, 165, sr.

Backs — Yianni Koullias, Campbell Memorial, 5-10, 165, sr.; Zack Carpenter, Liberty Center, 6-1, 190, sr.; Tanner Booth, Lewisburg Tri-County North, 6-1, 210, sr.; Casey Lewis, Beverly Fort Frye, 5-11, 178, sr.

Kicker — Allen Waltz, Cincinnati Summit Country Day, 6-1, 175, sr.

Defense

Linemen — Gunnar Gearhart, Casstown Miami East, 6-0, 246, sr.; Ryan Demaline, Liberty Center, 6-2, 220, sr.

Linebackers — Jason Thompson, Lisbon David Anderson, 5-10, 165, sr.; Ian Anderson, Tipp City Bethel, 6-2, 185, sr.; Ethan Beckett, Howard East Knox, 6-1, 245, jr.

Special Mention

C.J. Hardin, Centerburg; Brandon Spaulding, Grandview Heights; Patrick Jansen, Columbus Ready; Trey Purdy, Centerburg; Connor Sheehan, Newark Catholic; Brandon Burkes, Columbus Ready; Michael Collins, Centerburg; Hunter Holland, Grandview Heights; Nolan Jurden, Newark Catholic, Daniel Kill, Cardington-Lincoln; Nathan Romine, Sugar Grove Berne Union; Bryce Pitorwak, Milford Center Fairbanks; Ryan LaFollette, Woodsfield Monroe Central; Kaelan Hannahs, Barnesville; Jordan Baker, Beverly Fort Frye; Alex Webb, Woodsfield Monroe Central; Vince Oliver, Steubenville Catholic Central; Mason Ladyga, Hannibal River; Owen Matheny, Beverly Fort Frye; Matthew Burkhart, Barnesville; Tate Engle, Beverly Fort Frye; Mason Ramsay, Bellaire; Chris Lengyel, Newcomerstown; Tyson Camsky, Bellaire; Butch Holskey, Barnesville; Joel Ebersbach, Newcomerstown; Dan Harris, Steubenville Catholic Central; Luke Matusik, Hannibal River; Drew Dietz, Hannibal River; Jacob Prichard, Beverly Fort Frye; Wyatt Conner, Newcomerstown, Anthony Leluika, Steubenville Catholic Central; Bobby O'Donnell, Woodsfield Monroe Central; Tate Dowler, Barnesville; George Brode, Newcomerstown; Drew Wagnild, Hannibal River; Garrett Lochary, Beverly Fort Frye; Brandan Septer, Newcomerstown; Andrew Wolf, Jeromesville Hillsdale; Trevor Wise, Waterloo; Wyatt Larimer, Berlin Center Western Reserve; Nate Nussbaum, Dalton; Jimmy Burchett, Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas; Cody Hilles, Berlin Center Western Reserve; Trey Williams, Jeromesville Hillsdale; Jack Cappabianca, Berlin Center Western Reserve; Cole Geiser, Dalton; Keenan Green, Columbiana; Andrew Duplin, Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas; Jason Newlan, Smithville; Alex Cintron, McDonald; Colin Sweeney, Lisbon David Anderson; Craig Cline, Jeromesville Hillsdale; Andrew Jenkins, Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas; Brandon Coleman, Columbia Station Columbia; Austin Sahlica, Columbia Station Columbia; Journey Toole, Oberlin; Chad McDaniel, Cuyahoga Heights; Matt Rasmussen; Sam Speece, Kirtland; Mark Shafer, Cuyahoga Heights; Jarel Owens, Richmond Heights; Antonio Rini, Kirtland; Jeremy Austin, Oberlin; Blake Andonian, Kirtland; Matt Harris, Cuyahoga Heights; Mike Jacobucci, Columbia Station Columbia; Tyler Selig, Cuyahoga Heights; Lucas D'Orazio, Cuyahoga Heights; Jeremy Davis, Kirtland; Palmer Capretta, Kirtland; Cody Schwartz, Columbia Station Columbia; Justin Noble, Oberlin; Jeff Dunsmore, Oregon Cardinal Stritch; Caleb Smelcer, Harrod Allen East; Braxton Fasone, Van Buren; Chase Harman, Delphos Jefferson; Damian Lanzer, Hamler Patrick Henry; Dakota Slocum, Ashland Crestview; Ryan Clark, Gibsonburg; Ethan Schlachter, Defiance Ayersville; Dakota Prichard, Spencerville; Kent Petersen, Hamler Patrick Henry; Jaylon Martinez, Defiance Ayersville; Christian Kahle, Liberty Center; Jonathon Racheter, Carey; Ryan Thobe, Maria Stein Marion Local; Cole Heinlen, Bucyrus Wynford; Tristen Novak, Hamler Patrick Henry; Michael Blake, Montpelier; Collin Mescher, St. Henry; Tyler Lochbaum, Chillicothe Southeastern; Brad Roach, Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant; Dakota Houser, Chillicothe Southeastern; Drake Stanforth, Bainbridge Paint Valley; Gavin Snyder, Chillicothe Huntington; Cecil Fletcher, Chesapeake; Jacob Clark, Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant; Daniel Rutherford, Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant; Chip Russell, Crooksville; Jacob Ott, Bainbridge Paint Valley; Wyatt Shanton, Frankfort Adena; Carson Stauffer, Chillicothe Southeastern; Will Scott, Chesapeake; Kimo Baldwin, Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant; Austin Browning, Chesapeake; Caden Miller, Crooksville; Quamonte Richardson, Cincinnati Purcell Marian; Cambell Gostomksy, Arcanum; Thompson Garhett, Fayetteville-Perry; Trevor Burden, West Liberty-Salem; Zairn Davis, Cincinnati Summit Country Day; Brandon Kinney, Arcanum; Andrew Bissmeyer, Cincinnati Summit Country Day; Connor Pohl, Cincinnati Country Day; Nate Rimkus, Tipp City Bethel.

Browning was supposed to announce his college decision Tuesday, but he said early this week that he needs more time to sort through his options.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- How can you tell when a prospect is one of the top targets on Ohio State's recruiting board?

When Urban Meyer and three of his assistants go on an in-home visit. 

Meyer, quarterbacks coach Tim Beck, linebackers coach Luke Fickell and defensive coordinator Greg Schiano dropped in on five-star linebacker Baron Browning of Kennedale, Texas on Wednesday evening.

Great in home visit with THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY... #GoBucks [?] pic.twitter.com/6e79eneT8H

-- Baron Browning (@baronbrwnng) December 1, 2016

Rated the No. 2 outside linebacker in the 2017 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Browning took an official visit to Ohio State this past weekend to see the Buckeyes double-overtime win over Michigan. 

Browning was supposed to announce his college decision Tuesday, but he said early this week that he needs more time to sort through his options. 

Though Ohio State has a commitment from four-star linebacker Antjuan Simmons of Ann Arbor (Mich.) Pioneer, Meyer is clearly interested in adding another linebacker to the class.

The Buckeyes have also been pursuing another fellow Texas linebacker in four-star Anthony Hines of Plano (Texas) East and four-star Pete Werner of Indianapolis (Ind.) Cathedral. 

Sonny Milano and Aaron Palushaj scored shootout goals to lift the Cleveland Monsters to a 3-2 victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins on Wednesday.

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan -- The Cleveland Monsters scored twice in a shootout to defeat the Grand Rapids Griffins, 3-2, in an American Hockey League game on Wednesday in Van Andel Arena.

Sonny Milano and Aaron Palushaj both scored for Cleveland in the shootout, while Monsters goalie Anton Forsberg stopped both shots he faced.

It was the third straight game between the Monsters and Griffins, who won here Friday, 5-3, then won Saturday at the Q, 6-2. The Monsters are 1-3-0-1 vs. the Griffins this season.

With the win, the Monsters improve to 7-10-1-1. Grand Rapids is now 11-6-0-1.

• Monsters-Griffins summary
• AHL standings

Grand Rapids got on the board at 3:14 of the second period on a power play goal by Mitch Callahan, but Cleveland evened the score just 40 seconds later when Nick Moutrey scored his fourth goal of the season, assisted by Joe Pendenza and John Ramage.

Milano put the Monsters on top, 2-1, when he scored at 12:08 of the second period, off assists from Palushaj and Sheldon Brookbank.

Callahan's second goal, and sixth of the season, came on another power play and made it 2-2 with 9:23 gone in the third period and setting up overtime.

Forsberg stopped 42 of 44 shots to improve to 6-5-1. Grand Rapids goalie Eddie Pasquale stopped 24 of 26 shots.

The Monsters were out-shot, 40-25 in overtime and 4-1 in the shootout period. Grand Rapids has had at least 40 shots in seven of its 18 games. Cleveland was 0 for 4 on power plays, while the Griffins were 2 for 5, although Forsberg stopped four power play shots in the extra session. They have scored on a power play in nine straight games.

Roster move: On Monday, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded defenseman Cody Goloubef to the Colorado Avalanche for veteran blue-liner Ryan Stanton, who was assigned to the Monsters. Stanton, 27, has 1-3-4 with 29 penalty minutes and a +7 rating in 15 appearances for the San Antonio Rampage this season and has 4-23-27 with 71 penalty minutes and a +14 rating to his credit in 120 career NHL appearances for the Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals. 

Goloubef, 26, posted 2-5-7 with 22 penalty minutes and a +4 rating in 16 appearances for the Monsters this season. A former second-round pick of the Blue Jackets (37th overall) in 2008, Goloubef has 2-16-18 to his credit in 96 career NHL appearances for Columbus.

Up next: The Monsters will be home to the Milwaukee Admirals on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. ... Grand Rapids returns to the Q on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Simmons announced Wednesday evening that he has decided to break ties with Ohio State and reopen his recruitment. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Four-star linebacker Antjuan Simmons of Ann Arbor (Mich.) Pioneer took an official visit to Ohio State this past weekend as a Buckeyes commit. Now he's no longer pledged. 

Simmons announced Wednesday evening that he has decided to break ties with Ohio State and reopen his recruitment. 

After talking to my mom and people I'm close to I have decided to re-open my recruiting process. No interviews please. Thank you.

-- Antjuan Simmons (@_antjuan_) December 1, 2016

Simmons' decommitment occurred on the same night Urban Meyer and three Buckeyes assistants had an in-home visit with five-star linebacker Baron Browning of Kennedale, Texas. 

Ohio State is also involved with four-star linebacker Pete Werner of Indianapolis (Ind.) Cathedral -- who just decommitted from Notre Dame on Tuesday -- and four-star linebacker Anthony Hines of Plano (Texas) East. 

Meyer's 2017 recruiting class has limited room and the Buckeyes have been seemingly trending upward with Browning and Werner. 

Simmons was a big recruiting get for Ohio State because his high school is only 589 steps from Michigan Stadium. He had been committed to the Buckeyes since March. 

Here are Wednesday's girls basketball regional scores from around Ohio.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are Wednesday's girls basketball regional scores from around Ohio.

Alliance Marlington 46, Cuyahoga Falls CVCA 25

Amherst Steele 73, Avon 60

Andrews Osborne Academy 50, Cle. Collinwood 18

Atwater Waterloo 51, Alliance 46

Avon Lake 47, Olmsted Falls 44

Beavercreek 96, Xenia 43

Berea-Midpark 82, N. Olmsted 44

Berlin Hiland 76, E. Can. 31

Brecksville-Broadview Hts. 63, Garfield Hts. 42

Can. Cent. Cath. 62, Maple Hts. 44

Canfield 42, Beloit W. Branch 25

Carrollton 35, Cambridge 32

Cin. Clark Montessori 63, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place 30

Cin. Country Day 53, Cin. Hills Christian Academy 25

Cin. Finneytown 59, Cin. College Prep. 28

Cin. Glen Este 58, Seton 31

Cin. Mariemont 36, Cin. McNicholas 33

Cin. Mercy 75, Cin. Anderson 35

Cin. Princeton 68, Middletown 39

Cin. Seven Hills 43, Hamilton New Miami 22

Cin. St. Ursula 55, Cin. Madeira 44

Cin. Summit Country Day 53, Cin. N. College Hill 26

Cin. Taft 51, Cin. Mt. Healthy 44

Cin. Turpin 57, Hamilton 46

Cin. Walnut Hills 67, Cin. Hughes 12

Clayton Northmont 57, Greenville 39

Cle. Hts. 55, E. Cle. Shaw 53

Cle. Hts. Lutheran E. 49, Wickliffe 38

Cols. Hartley 70, Cols. Bexley 16

Cols. Mifflin 40, Patriot Preparatory Academy 26

Copley 46, Barberton 43

Cuyahoga Falls 65, Akr. Ellet 36

Cuyahoga Hts. 38, Burton Berkshire 32

Day. Oakwood 45, Cin. Christian 27

Dublin Coffman 71, Zanesville 54

Eastlake N. 61, Cle. Hay 43

Elyria 48, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit 46

Elyria Cath. 59, Parma Normandy 35

Fairfield 67, Oxford Talawanda 43

Fairview 58, Cle. Max Hayes 22

Garfield Hts. Trinity 43, Independence 27

Garrettsville Garfield 53, Mantua Crestwood 38

Gates Mills Gilmour 70, Cle. St. Joseph 55

Gates Mills Hawken 50, Brooklyn 27

Geneva 64, Ashtabula Lakeside 19

Girard 50, Niles McKinley 39

Grafton Midview 60, Lakewood 20

Green 58, Medina Highland 42

Hudson 44, Chagrin Falls Kenston 33

Jamestown Greeneview 53, Spring. NW 29

Kent Roosevelt 55, Can. South 49

Kirtland 68, Chesterland W. Geauga 35

Lebanon 51, Fairborn 39

Leesburg Fairfield 60, Lees Creek E. Clinton 55

Lodi Cloverleaf 85, Akr. Coventry 45

Lorain 63, Oberlin Firelands 34

Louisville 56, Uniontown Lake 35

Magnolia Sandy Valley 40, Newcomerstown 23

Malvern 80, Tuscarawas Cent. Cath. 44

Mayfield 41, Chagrin Falls 34

McConnelsville Morgan 57, Crooksville 25

Medina 49, Ashland 43

Mentor 68, Lyndhurst Brush 44

Mentor Lake Cath. 45, Madison 38

Milford 56, Cin. Winton Woods 41

Mogadore 75, Hartville Lake Center Christian 38

N. Can. Hoover 52, Rocky River Magnificat 42

N. Ridgeville Lake Ridge 54, Bedford 44

New Carlisle Tecumseh 57, Vandalia Butler 46

New Concord John Glenn 38, Dresden Tri-Valley 34

New Philadelphia 43, Navarre Fairless 42

Norton 43, Mogadore Field 22

Orwell Grand Valley 61, Conneaut 46

Parma 44, Rocky River 42

Parma Hts. Holy Name 35, Bay Village Bay 27

Parma Padua 60, Parma Hts. Valley Forge 26

Perry 60, Painesville Riverside 29

Poland Seminary 50, Salem 39

Powell Village Academy 58, Ohio Deaf 13

Ravenna 59, Peninsula Woodridge 34

Ravenna SE 82, Rootstown 32

Richfield Revere 58, N. Royalton 43

Rocky River Lutheran W. 47, Cle. Hts. Beaumont 34

Sarahsville Shenandoah 55, Byesville Meadowbrook 20

Shaker Hts. 56, Akr. SVSM 42

Shaker Hts. Hathaway Brown 58, Akr. Hoban 55

Springboro 74, Riverside Stebbins 35

St. Bernard Roger Bacon 66, Cin. Aiken 25

Streetsboro 44, Akr. Springfield 31

Sugarcreek Garaway 74, Strasburg-Franklin 14

Thornville Sheridan 57, Zanesville Maysville 40

Tipp City Tippecanoe 53, Casstown Miami E. 22

W. Chester Lakota W. 60, Cin. Oak Hills 34

W. Lafayette Ridgewood 36, Warsaw River View 33

Warren Harding 68, Cle. John Marshall 27

Warren Howland 53, Brookfield 36

Wellington 50, Vermilion 44

Westerville N. 48, Cols. DeSales 44

Westlake 65, N. Ridgeville 34

Wooster 59, Massillon Washington 54

Yellow Springs 64, St. Paris Graham 55

Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley 57, Dover 31

New Lexington vs. Philo, ppd. to Dec 1.

Oak Hill vs. Wayne, W.Va., ccd.

Urbana vs. Piqua, ppd.

Willow Wood Symmes Valley vs. Crown City S. Gallia, ppd.

The Buckeyes suffered their first loss of the season on Wednesday night at Virginia.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Ohio State withstood Virginia's first run. The Buckeyes couldn't take two shots.

Ohio State suffered its first loss of the season, 63-61, to the No. 6 Cavaliers on Wednesday night in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

Virginia point guard London Perrantes tied game at 55 on a 3-pointer with 4:03 left, and from there the Cavs went on a mini-run to gain a lead they never relinquished and denied the Buckeyes what would have been a signature win in November.

The Cavaliers came into Wednesday as the best defensive team in the country, and for the first 17 minutes (and spurts in the second half) the Buckeyes were able to get around that with good play in transition fueled by strong defense.

But turnovers -- 11 in the second half -- caught up to Ohio State. JaQuan Lyle was the lead culprit, turning the ball over eight times on the night.

Even with all of that, there still was a shot to tie or win the game on the last possession. After Virginia's Marial Shayock missed a pair of free throws, Ohio State worked for an open look out of a timeout, but settled for a Lyle fall-away 3-pointer that glanced off the front of the rim.

Ohio State briefly survived an early second-half run from Virginia. The Cavaliers scored the first 11 points of the half, and took a 39-38 lead on a Perrantes 3-pointer with 14:42 left.

The Buckeyes answered with a 3 from C.J. Jackson, and went on a little 8-2 run to get some of the cushion back after leading by 12 at the break.

Perrantes led all players with 19 points. Jae'Sean Tate led Ohio State with 14 points and nine rebounds. Lyle finished with 12 points and five assists, but that turnover number is what will stick out.

Buckeyes survive late struggles in first half

Ohio State turned the ball over four times in the final 2:49 of the first half and lived to tell about it. That's because the Buckeyes were the better team on both ends of the floor for the first 17 minutes.

They shot 60 percent in the opening half, and led 36-24 at the break. The largest first-half lead was 16, when Jackson hit back-to-back 3-pointers for a 32-16 lead with 3:41 left.

Virginia couldn't capitalize on the Buckeyes' late blunders, managing just two field goals and a couple free throws in the final three minutes despite Ohio State giving away four possessions.

Bates-Diop sits again

Junior forward Keita Bates-Diop missed his fourth-straight game with an ankle sprain. Bates-Diop dressed, and was part of warmups, but didn't play. Thad Matta said Bates-Diop was a game-time decision coming into Wednesday.

'Buckeye strong'

Virginia held a brief pregame moment for the victims of the attack on Ohio State's campus this week, and a group of UVA students held a banner that read "Buckeye Strong" during player introductions.

What's next?

Ohio State is back home on Saturday against Fairleigh Dickinson. Tip-off from Value City Arena is set for 4:30 p.m., and the game will be streamed online on BTNPlus.

After days of near round-the-clock talks, negotiators reached a verbal agreement about 3 1/2 hours before the expiration of the current pact.

IRVING, Texas -- Baseball players and owners reached a tentative agreement on a five-year labor contract Wednesday night, a deal that will extend the sport's industrial peace to 26 years since the ruinous fights in the first two decades of free agency.

After days of near round-the-clock talks, negotiators reached a verbal agreement about 3 1/2 hours before the expiration of the current pact. Then they worked to draft a memorandum of understanding, which must be ratified by both sides.

"It's great! Another five years of uninterrupted baseball," Oakland catcher Stephen Vogt said.

In announcing the agreement, Major League Baseball said it will make specific terms available when drafting is complete.

As part of the deal, the luxury tax threshold rises from $189 million to $195 million next year, $197 million in 2018, $206 million in 2019, $209 million in 2020 and $210 million in 2021, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been signed.

Tax rates increase to 20 percent for first offenders, 30 percent for second offenders and 50 percent for third offenders. There also is a new surtax of 12 percent for teams $20 million to $40 million above the threshold and additional amounts for teams more than $40 million above the threshold.

There will be a new penalty for signing certain free agents that could affect a team's draft order. There is no change to limits on active rosters, which remain at 25 for most of the season and 40 from Sept. 1 on.

Management failed to obtain an international draft of amateurs residing outside the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada, but did get a hard cap on each team's annual bonus pool for those players.

Negotiators met through most of Tuesday night in an effort to increase momentum in the talks, which began during spring training. This is the third straight time the sides reached a new agreement before expiration, but a deal was struck eight weeks in advance of expiration in 2006 and three weeks ahead of expiration in 2011.

Talks took place at a hotel outside Dallas where the players' association held its annual executive board meeting.

Tony Clark, the first former player to serve as executive director of the union, and others set up in a meeting room within earshot of a children's choir practicing Christmas carols. A man dressed as Santa Claus waited nearby.

While there were no games to be lost at this point, baseball had faced the prospect of a hold on transactions and other off-season business only hours after the Mets finalized their $110 million, four-year contract for Yoenis Cespedes.

Baseball had eight work stoppages from 1972-95, the last a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95 that led to the first cancellation of the World Series in 90 years. The 2002 agreement was reached after players authorized a strike and about 3 1/2 hours before the first game that would have been impacted by a walkout.

The peace in baseball is in contrast to the recent labor histories of other major sports. The NFL had a preseason lockout in 2011, the NBA lost 240 games to a lockout that same year and the NHL lost 510 games to a lockout in 2012-13.

It finally is here: Tiger Woods returns to competitive golf for the first time since August 2015 when he plays at the Hero World Challenge this week in the Bahamas.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Hero World Challenge field of 18 includes Dustin Johnson, Henrik Stenson and Jimmy Walker, each of whom won his first major in 2016.

Multiple major winners Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth and Zach Johnson also are competing.

Click here for HERO LEADERBOARD.

And so is a 14-time major champion named Woods. Tiger Woods. You might have heard of him.

The Hero World Challenge, which unfolds this week in the Bahamas, marks Woods' much-much-anticipated return to competitive golf. Woods, 40, has not played in an event that mattered since finishing tied for 10th at the PGA Tour's Wyndham Championship in August 2015.

The HWC is sanctioned by the PGA Tour but not an official event. The winner does not get credit for a PGA Tour victory, and the field's earnings only matter at the bank. World ranking points are available, though.

Woods owns 79 official PGA Tour titles. He is host of the HWC, which he has won five times, most recently in 2011. Watson is defending champion, Spieth won in 2014 and Zach Johnson in 2013.

Woods, plagued by back issues for years and sidelined by multiple procedures/surgeries, had hoped to return at the PGA Tour Safeway Open in October. He decided that his game was not where it needed to be.

HERO WORLD CHALLENGE

Site: Nassau, Bahamas.

Course: Albany GC. Yardage: 7,267. Par: 72.

Purse: $3.5 million (First prize: $1 million).

Television: NBC Sports (Saturday, 2:30-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.); Golf Channel (Thursday-Friday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon-2:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

Defending champion: Bubba Watson.

Last week: Denmark won the World Cup of Golf behind Thorbjorn Olesen and Soren Kjeldsen.

Notes: Tiger Woods returns to competition for the first time since he tied for 10th in the Wyndham Championship on Aug. 23, 2015. ... Woods was No. 257 in the world ranking after his last official tournament. He returns at No. 898. ... Woods will be paired in the opening round with Patrick Reed. ... The 18-man field includes four players who were in Australia last week for the World Cup of Golf: Hideki Matsuyama, Rickie Fowler, Jimmy Walker and Russell Knox. ... Spieth won the Hero World Challenge by 10 shots two years ago at Isleworth after winning the Australian Open the previous week. ... Knox, Brooks Koepka and Emiliano Grillo are playing the tournament for the first time. ... Adam Scott, who lives at Albany, is not playing this year because he is at the Australian PGA. ... The two sponsor exemptions were given to Woods (tournament host) and Zach Johnson, who beat Woods in a playoff in 2013 the last time it was held at Sherwood Country Club in California. ... Justin Rose has not played a 72-hole tournament of stroke play since the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick in September.

Next week: Franklin Templeton Shootout.

Online: www.pgatour.com

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)