John Carroll trailed by 11 points at the half but rallied to defeat Baldwin Wallace, 77-62, in an Ohio Athletic Conference men's basketball game Wednesday.

MIKE PETICCA
Special to The Plain Dealer

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- For a good chunk of Wednesday night's Ohio Athletic Conference men's basketball game at John Carroll, it looked as if Baldwin Wallace was poised to surprise the host Blue Streaks for a second straight season.

Then the trademarks of John Carroll basketball took over: superb player and ball movement, stout defense and relentless effort keyed by the team's depth.

John Carroll (10-5, 7-2), which trailed by 11 points in the first half, rallied to a 77-62 win, getting 18 points and eight rebounds from 6-7 forward Simon Kucharewicz in 19 minutes of play.

Baldwin Wallace (8-8, 3-6) won, 79-78, last Feb. 10 at John Carroll, ending the Blue Streaks' 21-game homecourt winning streak.

Point guard David Linane tallied 14 points and smoothly directed the John Carroll offense, and 6-8 frontcourt player Doug Caputo netted 12 points.

Utilizing his roster as he always does, Blue Streaks coach Mike Moran gave 10 different players between 16 and 21 minutes of playing time.

Moran also confirmed what much of the northeast Ohio basketball community has known for a while, that he is retiring after the season. He said he wants to stay on as John Carroll's golf coach.

"This is the last rodeo. It's time," said Moran, who began coaching almost immediately after his graduation from Xavier University in 1973. "It is (fun). These kids who come to John Carroll spoil you, spoil you rotten. It comes from their parents. You can stay in the sport that long when you deal with these nice kids."

Moran is in his 25th season at John Carroll. His teams have a 461-230 record and have earned NCAA Division III national tournament bids 12 times. The Blue Streaks advanced to the Final Four in 2004. Moran coached Villa Angela-St. Joseph to two state championships in his 11 seasons at the Cleveland high school.

Guard Zack Brandy scored 13 of his 15 points, including three 3-point shots, to boost Baldwin Wallace to a 40-33 halftime lead. Another Yellow Jackets guard, Jay Battle, finished with 15 points and forward Alex Nahra had 13.

John Carroll's man-to-man defense forced six turnovers on the Yellow Jackets' first 10 offensive possessions in the second half, though, and the Blue Streaks caught Baldwin Wallace at 45-45 on a fastbreak dunk by Kucharewicz off a Brian Papich pass.

"Our coaches said at halftime that we needed to pressure them harder and go harder at them on switches," Linane said. "That forced some turnovers."

Baldwin Wallace steadied itself to lead, 53-52, midway through the half, but the Blue Streaks took control with a 25-7 run that featured seven different players getting points.

"Everybody plays together and moves the ball around," Kucharewicz said. "(Linane) is one of the best point guards in the nation. He's going to find people. It's just unselfish basketball."

Phil Mickelson makes his 2017 debut at the PGA Tour's CareerBuilder Challenge, which unfolds this week in California.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The PGA Tour's CareerBuilder Challenge received a huge boost at the "last minute'' when Phil Mickelson decided Wednesday that he would compete.

Mickelson, 46, has not played a round that matters since the Safeway Open in mid-October 2016. He underwent two sports-hernia surgeries in his offseason.

CareerBuilder tee times

Mickelson is ambassador for CareerBuilder, an event he has won twice. He finished tied for third last year. He has not won a tournament since the 2013 British Open.

Northeast Ohio native Jason Dufner is defending champion of CareerBuilder. He shot 25-under, then won in a playoff against David Lingmerth.

Thursday's live leaderboard:

PGA TOUR

CAREERBUILDER CHALLENGE

Site: La Quinta, Calif.

Courses: TPC Stadium Course at PGA West (Yardage: 7,113. Par: 72); Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West (Yardage: 7,159. Par: 72); La Quinta CC (Yardage: 7,060. Par: 72).

Purse: $5.8 million (First prize: $1,044,000).

Television: Golf Channel (Thursday-Sunday, 3-7 p.m.).

Defending champion: Jason Dufner.

Previous tournament: Justin Thomas won the Sony Open for his second straight victory.

Notes: Phil Mickelson is the headliner. ... Hunter Mahan, who hasn't finished in the top 50 in nearly a year, is playing this tournament for the first time since 2007. ... John Cook received a sponsor's exemption. Cook, 59, is a two-time winner of the Bob Hope Classic. Also playing is 55-year-old Mark Brooks, who won the Hope in 1996 -- the year he bagged his only major (PGA Championship). ... Harrison Frazar once shot 59 on the Nicklaus course during the fourth round of Q-school in 2008. ... Spencer Levin and Peter Malnati are in the field. They have not missed a PGA Tour event for which they have been eligible in the 2016-17 season. ... Americans have won this tournament all but three years since it began in 1960. The exceptions were Jhonattan Vegas of Venezuela (2011), Jesper Parnevik of Sweden (2000) and Bruce Devlin of Australia (1970).

Next week: Farmers Insurance Open.

Online: www.pgatour.com

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Take yourself to Southeastern Ohio for Saturday's annual cave-filled winter hike in the Hocking Hills.

The Cavs are in first place in the East and own the same record they did a year ago as they approach the midway point of the 2016-17 season, but as cleveland.com's Joe Vardon writes there is work to be done.

Dickey Lanes is an old-school gem, where every day is a throwback Thursday and yesterday keeps rolling on today.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The clock on the wall was only partially correct. Yes, it was 9:10 p.m. But the year was in doubt.

Can this really be 2017?

Nah, can't be - everything about this evening harkens back to some other time. And not just because the radio was playing "Apeman" that oh-so 1970 hit by the Kinks.

The signs. The machines. The game. And, yes, the bar -- which dates back to 1960 and specializes in a good old-fashioned shots of Canadian Club.

Welcome to Dickey Lanes.

This well-worn bowling alley and bar -- 3275 West 25th Street, Cleveland, 216-741-9774 -- is an old-school gem, where every day is a throwback Thursday and yesterday keeps rolling on today.

"My mom and dad bought this place in 1946 and we've been open ever since," says owner George Dickey. "This place has been my only job... I've worked here my whole life."

To put things in perspective, Dickey started as a pin boy - back before they had machines to reset the things - when he was 14. He will be 85 in May.

Ah, but he's a young pup compared to the bowling alley, as Dickey is quick to point out.

"It was built in 1915," says Dickey. "We're the new owners."

Marketing and branding "authenticity" has become all the rage in the 21^st century. This spot doesn't need to do any of that.

The Lustre King ball polishing machine is 50 years old.

"Yeah, but the cash register next to it is 100," says Dickey. "We only use it for change these days."

The Lustre King doesn't get as much work as it did when it first came through the door, either.

"We used to have 112 teams bowl here every week 40 years ago," says Dickey. "There used to be bowling alleys and bars up and down this street, but now we're the only alley still going on the west side of Cleveland."

Indeed, the sport started its rise after World War II, just as Dickey Lanes opened its doors. It was fueled by bowling leagues - way back in the '60s and '70s, when Earl Anthony's crewcut defined tenpin panache.

The decline in leagues led to a wide range of concepts conjured up in the 1990s to lure the recreational bowler -- like "disco," "cosmic" and "rock 'n' bowl" nights, where fog machines, strobe lights and music blast away to pump up the excitement.

Dickey's has added a few new things. The Ms. Pacman/Galaga machine and Ripley's Believe It Or Not pinball game came in a year ago. I guess you could say that CAVS beer sign is pretty new; it came in somewhere in the mid-1990s - so modern!

But the appeal remains its vintage appeal.

"People love the nostalgic feeling of coming here," says Dickey's son, Greg. "There aren't many places like this anywhere."

Greg was working on Tuesday night in the bar, which, of course, also meant taking in a game.

"My brother George and I grew up in this place," he said, pointing to the younger George, who was also in the bar. "We each started setting up pins when we were five years old and we feel in love with the game and played it our whole lives."

Greg Dickey has three 300 games to show for his play.

"Hey, Greg, you're up," said a lady, as she popped her head into the bar.

He walked to take up his lane and eyed the pins.

"I like that you have to keep score by hand here," said a woman sitting at a table a few feet away, tallying up her score with a pencil. "It helps me with my math."

Mine had suddenly gone shoddy - and not because I just did a shot of CC at the bar or because of the Kinks song.

The years just aren't adding up here. Look around, all around. This, my friend, can't be 2017.

Cleveland State assistant coach Cornelius Jackson, a point guard at Tennessee and Marshall, says high school and college players do not invest the time needed to become quality point guards. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- What used to seem so simple is fast becoming a lost art in college basketball -- point guard play.

They were called "floor generals." Point guards who controlled their teams offensively and defensively were extensions of the head coach on the floor, and capable of making clutch plays at clutch moments. They are now becoming harder to find, and tougher to develop.

It wasn't that long ago that if a head coach needed a point guard he would seemingly head to the nearest urban mecca and pick his choice. The perception was you could go to any street corner and pick one off the Bob Cousy, Dean Meminger, JoJo White, Butch Lee, Isaiah Thomas tree of choice.

Some could score better, defend better, or orchestrate better. But all had the complete package.

Not anymore.

Listen to just about any telecast of a college basketball game, and somewhere during the contest there will be a discussion about the quality of the point guard play ... or lack there of.

Players who can handle the ball, score, defend, direct their teams and think all in one package just are not out there. College coaches used to say a good pure post players was the hardest position to recruit. But more and more, it is becoming harder to find a quality point guard.

Cleveland State assistant coach Cornelius Jackson was a point guard at Tennessee and Marshall. He says high school and college players don't spend enough time working the craft to become quality point guards.

Jackson talks about it in this video.

Cleveland.com sports columnists Bud Shaw and Doug Lesmerises take a swing (appropriately enough) at the question of what Warriors bad boy Draymond Green would be like as a member of the Cavaliers. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Draymond Green is a coach's dream. Nightmare, too.

He can be counted on for offense, defense and rebounding but can't necessarily be counted on to keep himself on the court.

He consistently shows up. Until league rules say he can't.

The Warriors couldn't do without him in last year's NBA Finals. Proof of that came when he got himself suspended for Game 5 after an altercation with LeBron James.

So we asked the question: would you want him on the Cavaliers team?

Can you take the emotions out of it -- forgetting for a moment he's Cleveland's biggest villain -- and look at his strengths?

Or would his volatility and alpha dog personality be too disruptive?

We talked about Green as part of our video debate series Prepare for List Off.

Cleveland.com sports columnist Doug Lesmerises had chemistry in mind when he made his argument. In particular, he had LeBron James in mind. Could James and Green co-exist?

I looked more at Green's versatility and ultra competitiveness. And since I'm writing this intro to the Green debate, I get to mention a point I didn't make in the video.

Remember a year or so ago when Cavs fans (and players) thought the team could use an enforcer? Green is that for the Warriors, sometimes to a ridiculous extreme obviously.

Which is why he makes for such a complicated discussion topic. Maybe not for you, but for me.

Hear us out and come back and pick a side in the debate. (I have a feeling I'm going to lose this one by the same margin the Cavs lost at Golden State Monday night.)

The Cavs reach the midway point of their schedule when they host the Suns at 7 tonight. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavs (29-11) host the Phoenix Suns (13-28) at 7 p.m. on Thursday in their first home game in two weeks.

Last meeting: The Cavs won 120-116 on Jan. 9 in Phoenix.

Cavs fast fact: They're 20th in the league with 21.3 assists per game and 16th at 13.9 turnovers each night.

Cavs injuries: Kevin Love (lower back soreness) is questionable; J.R. Smith (right thumb surgery) and Chris Andersen (torn right ACL) are out.

Suns fast fact: Devin Booker scored a career-high 39 points in consecutive games last week in Mexico against Dallas and San Antonio.

Suns injuries: Brandon Knight (left wrist sprain) is questionable.

Probable starters:

Cavs

F LeBron James (25.6 ppg; 7.8 rpg; 8.1 apg)

F Kevin Love (20.7 ppg; 10.8 rpg; 1.7 apg)

C Tristan Thompson (7.3 ppg; 9.7 rpg; 0.8 apg)

G Iman Shumpert (7.3 ppg; 2.9 rpg; 1.6 apg)

G Kyrie Irving (23.6 ppg; 3.5 rpg; 5.6 apg)

Suns

F T.J. Warren (14.0 ppg; 3.7 rpg; 0.9 apg)

F Marquese Chriss (7.2 ppg; 3.4 rpg; 0.6 apg)

C Tyson Chandler (7.8 ppg; 12.1 rpg; 0.6 apg)

G Devin Booker (20.4 ppg; 2.8 rpg; 3.1 apg)

G Eric Bledsoe (20.3 ppg; 5.1 rpg; 6.2 apg)

Cleveland Indians Tribe Fest 2017 general admission tickets have sold out for the Jan. 28 event, but fans can still purchase autograph session passes.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians announced Thursday that general admission tickets for Tribe Fest 2017 are sold out, but autograph session tickets for the event still remain.

The event, scheduled for Jan. 28 at the Intercontinental Hotel, features a host of current and former players and coaches including Cy Young finalist Corey Kluber and MVP candidate Francisco Lindor.

Fans who have already purchased general admission tickets can still add autograph session passes by calling Indians Fan Services at (216) 420-4487. Further event details can be found by visiting indians.com/tribefest. 

The event includes two general admission sessions, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2-7 p.m. Each general admission session is broken into several one-hour autograph sessions that require additional passes to guarantee spots in line.

Prices for autograph sessions are $30 for Indians alumni and $35 for current Major League roster players.

Cleveland Indians Tribe Fest 2017 set for Jan. 28

Each session includes 250 tickets for autograph seekers. Autographs for specific players are not guaranteed. Get full autograph session details here.

Players scheduled to appear include: Cody Allen, Carlos Carrasco, Carlos Santana, Josh Tomlin, Andrew Miller, Jose Ramirez, Edwin Encarnacion, Roberto Perez, Trevor Bauer, Tyler Naquin, Zach McAllister, Abraham Almonte and more.

Here's where to watch, listen and stream the Cleveland Cavaliers' game vs. the Phoenix Suns tonight.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers play Game 41 of the 2016 NBA season Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. Here's how to watch, listen and stream the action online.

What: Cleveland Cavaliers (29-11 vs. Phoenix Suns (13-28).
Where: Quicken Loans Arena.
When: 7 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Ohio.
Radio: WTAM 1100 AM; 87.7 FM La Mega.
Online: Fox Sports Go.

Phoenix notable: Over their last nine games, the Suns are allowing an average of 102.2 points after giving up 114.3 in their first 32 games.

Cleveland notable: The Cavs are averaging 109.4 points per game this season (2nd in the East, 4th-best in NBA). They have scored at least 100 points in 30 of 39 games (including in 18 of 21 home contests) and at least 120 points on 10 occasions.

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

Hue Jackson heads to the Senior Bowl with an overhauled staff, especially on defense. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Hue Jackson announced five more additions to his coaching staff Thursday and acknowledged how tough it was to overhaul his inaugural group.

Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who was announced last week, will be introduced in a press conference at noon today.

The five new additions have been reported previously by cleveland.com. They are Jerod Kruse (assistant defensive backs), Clyde Simmons (defensive line), DeWayne Walker (defensive backs), Blake Williams (linebackers) and Bob Wylie (offensive line). Simmons replaces Robert Nunn, who has been relieved of his duties.

"Over the last two weeks I've spent a lot of time interviewing coaches and have had some difficult decisions to make," Jackson said. "As I've said before, that's part of my responsibility in my role as head coach of this football team as we are constantly chasing improvement and success. Coaching is always going to be about teaching, and it was very important that we found the right coaches that will come in and be able to help our players reach their full potential.

"We always talk about creating the right environment for our players to succeed and I believe the group we've been able to assemble will help us accomplish just that."

Hue Jackson will coach Alabama tight end O.J. Howard and others in the Senior Bowl

Seven of the original assistants are gone, including top offensive assistant Pep Hamilton, who hasn't yet been replaced.

The new staffers will accompany Jackson to Mobile, Ala., on Sunday to coach the South team in the Senior Bowl college all-star game.

More to come soon on the newcomers.

The Ohio State football program signed early-enrollee Baron Browning as part of its recruiting class for National Singing Day 2017.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State football program signed early-enrollee Baron Browning as part of its recruiting class for National Singing Day 2017. Here is an in-depth look at this member of the Buckeyes' recruiting class. 

Baron Browning 

School: Kennedale, Texas

Position: Linebacker 

Height, weight: 6-foot-2, 229 pounds

247Sports Rating: Browning is a five-star prospect rated the No. 1 outside linebacker and No. 9 overall player in the 2017 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings. 

Other schools: Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, UCLA, Arizona, California, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Houston, LSU, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Oregon, Stanford, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, USC and many others. 

What's his deal? Ohio State was considered one of the favorites in Browning's recruitment for months, but it was filled with ups and downs and excitement and uncertainty. That's usually the type of recruitment a program has to experience to land a top 10 overall player in the country. 

Though Ohio State, TCU, Alabama, Michigan and Notre Dame all took turns being in the driver's seat for Browning, Urban Meyer was able to close the deal for the linebacker when he officially visited on Nov. 26 for the dramatic win over the Wolverines. The to follow up the official visit, Meyer, Tim Beck, Luke Fickell and Greg Schiano all went to Texas to visit Browning. 

He was a major priority for Ohio State in the 2017 class. And Meyer got him. 

How he fits into Ohio State's plans: Remember when Ohio State signed five-star outside linebacker Raekwon McMillan three years ago and he became the heart and soul of the Buckeyes defense for two years? Ohio State probably has that type of vision when it comes to Browning. 

Ohio State has all three of its starting linebackers set for next year, so Ohio State won't have to worry too much about Browning producing immediately. However, he's an early-enrollee and will acclimate to the program quicker, and the plan is for him to be a starter by the time he's a sophomore. It's kind of like the McMillan route. 

Projections for 2017: The McMillan route means no redshirting. Chris Worley, Dante Booker and Jerome Baker will likely be Ohio State's starting linebackers, but that doesn't mean Browning can't figure into the rotation. Giving young guys like Browning some experience will be key in 2018 when the Buckeyes may have to replace all three of its linebackers. No redshirt for Browning. 

Player comparison: Ryan Shazier. You probably remember Shazier is that outside linebacker that was faster than most offensive skill players, but also could drop an opposing player powerfully. That's kind of what Browning does. He's so athletic that his high school team even used him at cornerback when it was facing a team with a top receiver. Browning is a can't miss talent that should change games the way Shazier did. 

Why he's important to the best class in Ohio State history: The thing people often forget in recruiting is the importance of time allocation. There is so much time put into one prospect, and when it comes to Browning, Ohio State didn't spare a second. All the time the Buckeyes spent on Browning went to good use because the Buckeyes got him, which is instrumentally important in the assembly of this class. Also, he's ranked the No. 9 overall player in the country, which is the elite of the elite. 

Highlights: 

What we've written about Browning:

Baron Browning to Ohio State: The start of a historic recruiting finish? 

Baron Browning taunted with "OH-IO" hand signal during playoff game

Akron University's basketball team is 15-3 and has won 26 in a row at home.

AKRON, Ohio -- Keith Dambrot has been the head basketball coach at the University of Akron for 13 seasons.

"And I've never had a team like this," said Dambrot. "It's totally different from how we usually play."

These Zips ... well ... they zip up and down the court.

They fire up jump shots from different zip codes. They rank No. 6 in the country, making nearly 11 3-pointers per game.

Their leading assist man is a guy named "Big Dog."

They have four players who received no other Division I offers.

And these Akron Zips are 15-3, including 5-0 in the Mid-American Conference.

They are on an eight-game winning streak overall. They have won 26 in a row at home heading into Friday's 6:30 p.m. game against Eastern Michigan at JAR Arena.

Best of all, they are so much fun to watch!

ADJUSTING TO THE GAME

Most of Dambrot's teams are defensive-minded and determined to lead the MAC in floor burns. He's has had some high-scoring teams before, but this is perhaps his most skilled team.

"Our effective field goal percentage is .574," said Dambrot. "The highest before that was .547 in 2006-07."

The 58-year-old Dambrot has dug into modern basketball analytics for those stats, which show something you can see with your eyes -- this group can shoot.

They are shooting .394 from 3-point range, the best in the MAC.

They have five players making at least 40 percent of their shots from 3-point range: Daniel Utomi (.550), Kwan Cheatham (.422), Antino Jackson (.419), Tavian Dunn-Martin (.412) and Noah Robotham (.400).

In the last few years, Dambrot realized the 3-point shot is becoming even more important in basketball than anyone ever imagined.

"And we're one of the few teams that has a legitimate low-post player," said Dambrot.

THE BIG DOG ROAMS

Dambrot means Isaiah "Big Dog" Johnson, who is listed at 6-foot-10 and 295 pounds. He leads the team in scoring (15.3), rebounding (7.2) and assists (3.3).

Johnson has long battled weight problems. He is a highly-skilled player who was headed to Xavier or another high mid-major program until he broke his foot when he was at Walnut Hills High in Cincinnati.

"He got heavy and the other schools backed off," said Dambrot. "We hung in there with him."

Akron's most gifted player is probably Cheatham, a 6-foot-9 forward from Winston Woods in Cincinnati.

"Cheatham and Big Dog are seniors, but both have already graduated," said Dambrot. "They could have transferred to another school without missing a year, but they have stayed with us."

That doesn't always happen. Remember when Cleveland State lost Trey Lewis (to Louisville) and Anton Grady (to Wichita State) in 2015 under those same circumstances. It was a major setback for the program.

Johnson has excellent hands, able to catch the ball in traffic. He is an old-fashioned big man, able to make superb passes to players cutting to the rim. He has back-to-the-basket moves, scoring with either hand near the rim.

LOTS OF LITTLE GUARDS

The Zips have a point guard named Noah Robotham, who was the Nevada Player of the Year in 2014. But according to the Las Vegas Sun, the only other significant offer Robotham received was from San Jose State.

He's optimistically listed at 6-foot-1, and weighs only 165 pounds.

Freshman Tavian Dunn-Martin was the 2016 West Virginia Player of the Year. Dambrot believes the 5-foot-8 guard's only real Division I offer was from the Zips.

Junior guard Antino Jackson is only 5-foot-11, and he was very lightly recruited. Jackson and Robotham are the starting backcourt.

"I'd rather have a 5-10 kid who can play than a 6-2 kid who can't," said Dambrot. "I'm not afraid to recruit small guards."

Dambrot often plays three guards. Local products Josh Williams (St. Vincent-St. Mary) and Jimond Ivey (Glenville) play a lot. The 6-foot-4 Ivey is a slasher to the rim who delivers some highlight dunks. Williams is a solid guard who can defend.

Zips assistant coach Charles Thomas has connections in Texas and that led to the Zips recruiting Daniel Utomi, Antino Jackson and Emmanuel Olojakpoke from Houston. Dambrot said Jackson and Olojakpoke played on the same Cypress Springs High School team, and Akron was their only Division I offer.

"We have The Big Dog, who can pass like a guard," Dambrot said. "We have Cheatham, who is playing great right now. We have a lot of little guards. We have some guys no one else wanted. But you know what? We're pretty good and we can get better."

Get live updates from the press conference right here from cleveland.com.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - New Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will meet with local media Thursday at 12 p.m in an introductory press conference.

Get live updates from the press conference right here from cleveland.com Browns reporters Mary Kay Cabot, Dan Labbe and Scott Patsko, as well as other media covering the team.

This post has live updates in the Twitter widget below and also in the comment section, where you can join in the discussion. Check elsewhere on cleveland.com/browns for complete coverage of the team.

"People have asked me over and over why I never considered transferring and looking for more playing time," Collier wrote. "When they do, I just laugh." Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As Ohio State was preparing for its College Football Playoff semifinal game against Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl, Stephen Collier admitted he wasn't sure about whether he'd play football next season. 

It turns out he won't. 

A career backup quarterback at Ohio State, Collier wrote an open letter with Landof10.com detailing his decision to end his playing career, which you can read in full here. 

"People have asked me over and over why I never considered transferring and looking for more playing time," Collier wrote. "When they do, I just laugh.

"Being a Buckeye transcends playing time in every way imaginable. Only someone who is skilled enough to be involved in this program could understand that. The pundits, the Twitter "experts" and the talking heads don't and have never mattered to me."

Cleveland.com wrote an extensive story on Collier from the Fiesta Bowl reflecting back on his career, what he gave to the program and analyzing whether a backup can look at his playing days as a success. 

The QB Ohio State got when it missed on Deshaun Watson: How Stephen Collier views his career

Collier's decision to move on helps Ohio State's scholarship numbers situation. As things stand right now, the Buckeyes are still two over the 85-scholarship limit for the 2017 season. And keep in mind that Ohio State is still likely going to add more verbal commitments to its 2017 recruiting class. 

You can see the updates numbers chart below. 

Ohio State scholarship chart

In Prepare for List Off, Bud Shaw and Doug Lesmerises debate if the head coach should still be the guy running the offense on the sideline every Sunday. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns coach Hue Jackson changed much of his coaching staff, turning the entire defensive side of the ball over to Gregg Williams while also losing two offensive assistants, including assistant head coach Pep Hamilton.

Overall, seven of the assistants from Jackson's first staff for last year's 1-15 season are gone.

One thing that hasn't changed? The guy calling the plays.

"I don't know why I wouldn't," Jackson said. "Until I get this organization where I need it to be, I need to continue to do what I think I have done in the past to play winning football. Obviously, we didn't do it as well this past year. Trust me, I have looked at myself, too. Hue Jackson has to get better as well as anybody has to get better."

In this Prepare for List Off, Bud Shaw and I debate whether Jackson still should be calling the plays, or whether he should be handing that duty over to his new offensive coordinator.

Frank Mason at Kansas and Nigel Williams-Goss at Gonzaga are two of four basketball players to watch as Player of the Year candidates for 2017. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The sizzle factor might not be there for national Player of the Year candidates for college basketball, but there are several viable candidates for the Wooden Award.

The annual rush of "one-and-done" players does not allow fans to grow attached to many quality players. But veterans are leading the list this year.

One player who entered the season with the notoriety to win the award, Grayson Allen at Duke, has had other issues take the focus away from his game.

Adding to the sense of "who's he?" on the list of players in the running for POY is the fact that several of them are playing on the West Coast, where their games are often not televised back East until after the nightly news.

So who are some of these guys? Here's my early list. All are winners on winning teams.

Frank Mason, Sr. Kansas -- The 5-11, 190-pound guard is averaging 20.3 points a game, 4.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He's shooting 52.4 percent overall from the field and 53.8 percent on 3-pointers.

Lonzo Ball, Fr. UCLA -- The 6-6 190-pound guard is averaging 14.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 8.0 assists. He's shooting 53.0 percent overall and 43.0 percent on 3-pointers.

Nigel Williams-Goff, Jr. Gonzaga -- A 6-3 200-pound guard is averaging 15.2 points a game, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists shooting 49.5 percent overall, 41.1 percent on 3-pointers and a very impressive 89.7 percent on free throws.

Josh Hart, Sr., Villanova -- a 6-6 215-pound guard is averaging 18.8 points a game, 6.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 37.1 percent on 3-pointers.

George will reprise the role of Billy Flynn for two nights, May 9-10, at the E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Eddie George was known for the razzle dazzle he did with his feet as a running back at Ohio State and in the NFL, but lately he's made a name for himself singing "Razzle Dazzle" in the musical "Chicago."

George will reprise the role of Billy Flynn in the touring production of the long-running musical for two nights, May 9-10, at the E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron. The 1995 Heisman Trophy winner played the part, made famous by Richard Gere in the 2002 movie version, during a six-week stint on Broadway in 2016.

Reviews for the ex-football player turned musical theater star, who only had a few local theater credits to his name and had never sung professionally before, were mostly positive. "Weak in his opening number, George's singing voice got stronger as the show went on," USA Today wrote. "He actually showed some range in his final number, 'Razzle Dazzle.'

"He didn't have to dance much but, when he did, he moved easily and comfortably."

George has become somewhat of a renaissance man since his retirement from football in 2004. Besides acting, he's been a football analyst on TV, teacher at Ohio State and has run a restaurant, financial services company and a landscaping business.

"I know people are curious," George told the New York Times last year. "Eddie George? You mean the football player -- he's acting?"

Tickets for "Chicago," part of the Broadway in Akron series, range from $20-$85 and are available at broadwayinakron.com.

The Indians' home opener, set for April 11, will begin at 4:10 p.m. The Indians will play on national TV on five occasions, in addition to Opening Day. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians' 2017 campaign will commence in less than 1,800 hours. 

The club revealed the start times for its regular-season games on Thursday. The team's season opener in Texas on April 3 will start at 7:05 p.m. ET. The tilt will air on both SportsTime Ohio and nationally on ESPN.

The Indians' home opener, set for April 11, will begin at 4:10 p.m. It will serve as one of four games simulcast on WKYC Channel 3.

The Indians will play on national TV on five occasions, in addition to Opening Day: June 10 vs. the White Sox; July 1 vs. the Tigers; July 8 vs. the Tigers; July 9 vs. the Tigers; and Sept. 9 vs. the Orioles. The July 9 affair will be broadcast as part of ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball package. The other four clashes will air on FOX.

It will mark the first time the Indians have hosted Sunday Night Baseball since 2009. They last appeared on ESPN's signature Major League Baseball broadcast in 2014, in a late-August matchup at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

 

STO will broadcast 157 of the Indians' 162 regular-season contests. Each game will also be broadcast on the Indians Radio Network, including 160 games slated for WTAM 1100 and 146 slated for WMMS 100.7 FM.

The Indians will continue their recent trend of starting weeknight games at Progressive Field in April and May at 6:10 p.m. There will be 11 such start times this season: April 12, 13, 25, 26 and 27 and May 15, 16, 24, 25, 30 and 31.

The club's pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Goodyear, Arizona, for spring training on Feb. 12. The rest of the team arrives on Feb. 16. 

The Indians will send their two equipment trucks on their journey to the desert on Feb. 3.

Indians to host ESPN Sunday Night Baseball in July

Browns new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has the run-through-a-wall demeanor to match Hue Jackson's intensity.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Hue Jackson has met his match on the other side of the ball in fiery defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

Remember when Jackson said things will be alright because "Hue's here, Baby?'' Well, Gregg's here now too, baby and he promises to deliver plenty of fireworks and firepower on his side of the ball.

Williams' power-packed introductory press conference rivaled Jackson's, and the Browns now have booming personalities on offense and defense.

Here are some quick highlights from Williams' opening presser, which lasted about 48 minutes:

* Williams, who wore his diamond-encrusted Saints Super Bowl ring during the presser, recalled interviewing for the Browns head coaching job here in 2001. He took the Bills job instead.

* He loves the Dawg Pound: 'I've been hit by batteries, dog biscuits, and beer cans. I'm glad I'm on their side now.''

* He came because of his tremendous respect for Jackson: "He coaches with a defensive mentality. We have to play complimentary football.''

* Williams is all about football: "I'm happiest during the season, happiest between the white lines. ...I want to mentor young guys in the building.''

* "We have to stir the emotions and stir the culture to be more competitive.''

* "We have to hit the ground running. I can't wait to get to the Senior Bowl (next week) to coach with Hue.''

* "I'm a competition-aholic.''

* On college scouting: "Are you willing to reprove yourself in the NFL every single day?''

* "You have a homefield advantage when you're defense is dominant.''

Hue Jackson on hiring Gregg Williams: 'I need growth over there as fast as I can get it'

* On his Bountygate suspension: "We're not here to talk about that.''

* On the fact he's been quoted before on Bountygate: "Use that one then.''

* "I'll accentuate your strengths and hide your weaknesses.''

* "The players will have a say in some of the things we do. Not gong to box them into a certain kind of defense.''

* Williams says he's friends with Bill Belichick and Nick Saban.

* "Find the ball, see ball, get ball....if the ball goes over your head in a hurry, you're not going to get to do it.''

* Will he play a 4-3: "Nope. Cleveland-based. 4-3, 3-4, 5-2, Bear. I have 42 packages of defense.''

* "If you can't effect change, you don't belong at this level.''

* "I want them to have fun playing... but we'll be more aggressive, more physical, more attacking.''

* "We measure yards after contact. We tackle every day.''

* "Whenever coach Jackson has us in helmets, we're tackling, even if it's just in jerseys.''

* "There are several players on this defense that I wanted to draft.''

* He receives 200 calls and text from former players every Father's Day: "I really care about them.''

* He declined to comment on specific Browns players and the talent he inherited, but plans to get the most of all of them.

* "I've walked away from head coaching jobs. It has to be program correct. I love what I do.''

* "I watched every one of Hue's post-game interviews. I have even more respect.''