No. 2 Ohio State takes on unranked - but 5-1 - Florida State in tonight's round of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

View full sizeAP FileEarly success means Ohio State freshman Jared Sullinger is having to adjust his game on the fly.

This should be a cakewalk. With that in mind, another word for cakewalk is sometimes "upset."

Ohio State's men's basketball team is ranked No. 2 in all the polls. When the Buckeyes played then-10th-ranked Florida 10 days ago, they came away with 93-75 win. Two days ago, the Gators beat unranked cross-state rival Florida State, 55-51.

Tonight, the ACC/Big Ten Challenge continues with the Buckeyes in Tallahassee to take on the Seminoles. Easy game, right?

Probably not. Here's what bigtennetwork.com had to say to preview the bout:

Hot shooting usually keys the offense for Florida State, but Ohio State doesn't allow opponents to get many open looks from the field.

Being accurate from the field is critical for the Buckeyes, but the Seminoles don't give opponents easy baskets.

In its last game, Ohio State had no trouble with Miami (OH), downing the RedHawks 66-45.

Florida State is good at both ends of the court. In the offensive front court, the Seminoles hit the offensive boards hard. Defensively, Florida State doesn't allow many open looks, as it bottles up the paint with opponents shooting 37.5 percent on two-pointers. For the Seminoles, Chris Singleton is back after a solid 2009-10 campaign during which he averaged 10.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

Jay Williams: Florida State -- Yes, I call the upset here. Xavier Gibson and Bernard James will give Mr. Sullinger a lot to deal with down low.

Sullinger would be Ohio State's freshman big man Jared Sullinger, who had 26 points against Florida in that win 10 days ago.

'Nole and void
The Miami Herald preview didn't actually say "Ohio State will kick Florida State booty." But it probably could have.

The Buckeyes are as dangerous a team as any in the country, thanks to a balanced attack that features great veteran leadership and a ton of youthful talent. The backcourt is highlighted by the play of seniors David Lighty (15.5 ppg, 4.2 apg) and Jon Diebler (11.0 ppg), junior William Buford (11.5 ppg) and the emergence of freshman Deshaun Thomas (14.8 ppg). The attack in the frontcourt is spearheaded by another freshman phenom in Jared Sullinger (15.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg). With great scoring depth, OSU is averaging a steady 81.2 ppg. The defensive effort has been solid as well, with the team yielding just 53.4 ppg and outrebounding foes by 9.8 caroms per contest. Lighty was on fire in the second half against Miami-Ohio, netting 19 of his 21 points in the second stanza and leading the Buckeyes to victory. Thomas poured in 15 points, while Sullinger tallied 12 for OSU, which (is) .521 from the floor overall.

"Sometimes as a freshman, you come out and you walk out there and think, 'I'll do the same thing I did the last game,'" Sullinger said Monday, admitting that the lower level of competition has affected his level of play.

There's another thing, too. After what he did to the Gators, opponents are game-planning for Sullinger. They want to take him outside on defense and get him out of the lane, then get multiple players on him on the offensive end when a shot goes up.

"It's been a lot different, actually," Sullinger said. "It's obvious that sometimes the focal point is keeping me off the offensive boards, and it's kind of tough because normally it's two people boxing me out instead of one, so I can't really be as effective as I want to."

Sullinger, then, is in the adjustment-to-the-adjustment phase of his career, just five games in.

Herron won the weekly offensive player award five times, once more than quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

Marvin Fong/ The Plain DealerRunning back Dan Herron was Ohio State's offensive player of the week five times this season.

On Monday, Ohio State put 10 players on the All-Big Ten first team, twice the amount of any other team in the Big Ten. But which Buckeyes were honored the most on their own team this season?

Today Ohio State named its final weekly award winners for their performance in the Buckeyes' 37-7 win over Michigan. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor was the offensive player of the week, safety Jermale Hines was the defensive player and return man Jordan Hall was the special teams player. Justin Boren was the offensive lineman of the week, Nathan Williams was the attack force player and the hit of the week went to Hines.

Despite the award this week, Pryor fell short of running back Dan Herron in the offensive awards over the course of the year, while Boren tied Mike Adams on the offensive line. Here's the final tally of the Ohio State player of the week awards:

* Offensive Player: Dan Herron 5; Terrelle Pryor 4, Jake Stoneburner 1; Dane Sanzenbacher 1; Brandon Saine 1

* Defensive Player: Brian Rolle 4; Chimdi Chekwa 2; Tyler Moeller 1; John Simon 1; Devon Torrence 1; Cameron Heyward 1; Jermale Hines 1; No award 1

* Special teams Player: Devin Barclay 2; Drew Basil 2; Nate Oliver 1;  Ben Buchanan 1; Jake McQuaide 1; Jonathan Newsome 1; Jordan Hall 1; No award 3

* Offensive lineman: Mike Adams 4; Justin Boren 4; Mike Brewster 2; Bryant Browning 1; Zach Boren 1

* Defensive Attack Force: Cameron Heyward 3; Nathan Williams 3; Dexter Larimore 1; Ross Homan 1; Jermale Hines 1; Andrew Sweat 1; John Simon 1; No award 1

Twenty-three different players were given weekly awards for their work on scout team in practice during the year. Nine players were singled out more than once. They were: OL Chris Maxwell 3; DE David Durham 3; CB Dionte Allen 3; QB Kenny Guiton 2; TE Spencer Smith 2; WR James Louis 2; DB Julian Vann 2; WR Verlon Reed 2; RB Bo DeLande 2.

Charles Barkley has no idea what will happen in Cleveland on Thursday when LeBron James returns, but Barkley says it won't be like his first trip back to Philadelphia when he was traded.

Elise Amendola / Associated PressFormer NBA star and current TNT analysts Charles Barkley.

Charles Barkley has no idea what to expect from fans when the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Miami Heat on Thursday night in a nationally televised game on TNT.

Barkley just knows one thing when it comes to LeBron James, who will play at Quicken Loans Arena for the first time since his ballyhooed "The Decision" announcement last summer.

"I wouldn't stand close to him," said Barkley, half jokingly. "I hope nothing bad happens, but no one knows what's going to happen. Everyone's trying to guess, which doesn't make sense because those are some mad people in Cleveland."

In the most anticipated sports event in this city in recent memory, an expected sellout crowd will get the chance to express their harbored feelings since James took his talents to South Beach. It's such a national event that TNT's Overtime studio show with Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson will set up shop inside of The Q.

Barkley has made several comments since the summer when it comes to James' free agent move; from calling "The Decision" a punk move (which Barkley later apologized), to how he disrespected the Cavaliers' organization by not telling them in advance.

And Barkley said Cleveland fans have a right to be upset, not necessarily because James left as a free agent, but in how he chose to make his exit.

"Clearly, LeBron handled the entire situation wrong," Barkley said. "What sucks the most is that they're begging people to come to Heat games. That's one of the reasons why many of us said LeBron should stay in Cleveland. He was adored in Cleveland. The fans are loyal. Now he's in Miami and they're begging people to come to the game."

Not only have the crowds been smaller than anticipated in Miami, but the Heat have not played up to expectation. The Heat is 10-8. There was talk about 70-plus wins and a cake-walk to an NBA Title.

Barkley, who will talk about Thursday's game on Conan tonight, said the Heat's problem is their pace.

"They just don't play fast enough," Barkley said. "They walk the ball up court. As great a player as Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are, they are guys who need the ball. LeBron is the only who one who can play without the ball. Those guys will continue to struggle until they pick up the pace."

It appeared that slow pace could have cost Heat coach Eric Spoelstra his job. An ESPN report cited sources about several Heat players not happy about their roles under Spoelstra's tutelage.

"That's bogus," Barkley said. "Eric Spoelstra has nothing to do with this. This is on those players, but Spoelstra will get the blame and he might end up being the scapegoat. Players, not just in Miami, will do crazy stuff to get coaches fired."

Crazy is the last thing Barkley wants to happen in Cleveland on Thursday. He expects hostile feelings from the fans, but he hopes nothing over the top. But either way, it won't be like Barkley's first return to Philadelphia when in 1992 he demanded a trade and was sent to Phoenix.

"The Philadelphia fans gave me a five minute standing ovation," said Barkley, about his return. "It will clearly be different for LeBron. But whatever happens on Thursday, it's all on the city of Cleveland."
 
 

"I hope Byron Scott is treating the Heat game the way Tressel treats the Michigan game. He and his staff should have been game planning for the Heat and James all season." - airlapper

Getty ImagesCavaliers head coach Byron Scott.

In response to the story With the season's biggest week looming, Cleveland Cavaliers say they'll focus on just one game at a time, cleveland.com reader airlapper hopes the Cavaliers coaching staff has been planning for this game for months. This reader writes,

"I hope Byron Scott is treating the Heat game the way Tressel treats the Michigan game. He and his staff should have been game planning for the Heat and James all season."

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says he doesn't think quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sprained foot will keep him out of Pittsburgh's game in Baltimore. The Steelers and the Ravens each have 8-3 records, tied for tops in the AFC North.

View full sizeAssociated PressBen Roethlisberger, who suffered a sprained foot in the Steelers' overtime win against the Bills on Sunday and was in a walking boot (very familiar to Cleveland Browns fans) is expected to play when the Steelers visit Baltimore to battle the Ravens for the AFC North lead on Sunday.

Pittsburgh -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is wearing a protective boot on his sprained right foot but is expected to play Sunday when Pittsburgh and Baltimore face off for first place in the AFC North.

Roethlisberger re-injured the foot during a 19-16 overtime victory in Buffalo last Sunday. He did not leave the game and had an 18-yard run while scrambling after getting hurt.

Roethlisberger may not practice Wednesday, but coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic the quarterback will play despite some pain and discomfort.

"He might be limited somewhat," Tomlin said Tuesday of Roethlisberger's practice status. "I'm going to be optimistic and hopeful that he'll be a full participant, but there's a chance he couldn't be."

Tomlin said Roethlisberger was not close to coming out of the Buffalo game.

"He was absent from our sideline at the very end of the first half and maybe was late coming back from halftime, but that was simply because we were taking a picture of his foot," Tomlin said. "I was pretty comfortable that he was going to compete and continue throughout the game."

Roethlisberger has missed two of the Steelers' last three games against the Ravens. He had a concussion when the teams played in Baltimore last season, and he sat out the Ravens' 17-14 win in Pittsburgh on Oct. 3 while completing his four-game suspension.

Baltimore and Pittsburgh both have 8-3 records, and the winner will own the division lead with four games remaining.

Steelers defensive end Nick Eason has a sprained left medial collateral ligament he hurt against Buffalo but hasn't been ruled out, although such injuries normally take multiple weeks to heal. Cornerback Bryant McFadden (hamstring) also hasn't been ruled out. Safety Troy Polamalu (Achilles' tendon) might not practice, but is expected to play. He also was held out of most on-field work before the Buffalo game.

Defensive end Brett Keisel (hamstring, calf), who has played only a few snaps in six weeks, is expected to practice. He planned to play last week, only to have the injury flare up the day before the game.

Wide receiver Antonio Brown (knee) is likely to play after sitting out against Buffalo. Tight end Matt Spaeth (concussion) will be evaluated Wednesday.

If Roethlisberger has an unexpected setback and can't play, Tomlin said, Byron Leftwich will replace him. Leftwich hasn't played this season.

The Browns finish their season at home against the Steelers, on Sunday, Jan. 2.

The high school football season kicked off back in August and wraps up this weekend at Massillon's Paul Brown Tiger Stadium and Canton's Fawcett Stadium. Just as we have all season, cleveland.com along with The Plain Dealer and Digital Sports Network have you covered. You'll get scores, stats, photos and recaps from the state championship action all on our...

Chagrin Falls head coach Mark Iammarino and his team celebrate their state semifinal victory over Orville last weekend. - (John Kuntz | The Plain Dealer)

The high school football season kicked off back in August and wraps up this weekend at Massillon's Paul Brown Tiger Stadium and Canton's Fawcett Stadium.

Just as we have all season, cleveland.com along with The Plain Dealer and Digital Sports Network have you covered. You'll get scores, stats, photos and recaps from the state championship action all on our high school football page. Plus Digital Sports Network will bring you three live games.

• Bishop Hartley vs. Chagrin Falls, Friday at 11 a.m.
• Trotwood-Madison vs. Maple Heights, Friday at 7 p.m.
• Huber Heights Wayne vs. St. Edward, Saturday at 7 p.m.

We'll also bring you live coverage of Bishop Watterson vs. Buchtel on Saturday at 3 p.m. with a live in-game blog and chat, stats and scoreboard.

First, though, we want to know who you think will win Friday's matchups. Take our polls below and then check back Thursday to tell us who you think will win Saturday's matchups.

"This is no big deal to me and further points to the fact that the coach sees Colt as his quarterback. It makes sense to wait to see if Colt is healthy." - pfbrn

View full sizeJake Delhomme has been up and down in his two starts this season for the Browns.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini not ready to commit to quarterback Jake Delhomme for Dolphins game, cleveland.com reader pfbrn doesn't mind Mangini not naming a starter yet. This reader writes,

"This is no big deal to me and further points to the fact that the coach sees Colt as his quarterback. It makes sense to wait to see if Colt is healthy."

Mark Bobal of Westlake is the Week 12 winner of the Pro Football You-Pick-the-Winners Contest. The Week 13 contest is now open. Submit by Thursday evening.

This is a weekly contest. Enter for a chance at a $250 gift card.

"I'm not a Michigan fan at all, but if the Wolverines want to get back to their previous niche in football, it's pretty obvious the only way to go is Jim Harbaugh. He's a Michigan alum, he knows the Big Ten inside and out and he knows how to recruit. He's perfect for their job." - theksukidd73

View full sizePaul Sakuma | Associated PressIs Jim Harbaugh going to be the next coach at Michigan?

In response to the story Stanford's Jim Harbaugh is the only real threat to Rich Rodriguez: Weekly Wolverine Watch, cleveland.com reader theksukidd73 thinks Harbaugh's a perfect fit up north. This reader writes,

"I'm not a Michigan fan at all, but if the Wolverines want to get back to their previous niche in football, it's pretty obvious the only way to go is Jim Harbaugh. He's a Michigan alum, he knows the Big Ten inside and out and he knows how to recruit. He's perfect for their job."

Former Indians slugger Albert Belle, loved and hated in Cleveland, is hoping for a peaceful resolution between LeBron James and Cavs fans on Thursday.

View full sizeRoadell Hickman / PD file photo"My advice to LeBron is to take the high road and act professional," former Indians outfielder Albert Belle -- no stranger to strong fan reaction -- said on Tuesday. "I hope the fans do the same. I don't want them to embarrass themselves on TV."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- From one Cleveland villain to another, Albert Belle hopes LeBron James and Cavaliers fans can play nice Thursday at the Q.

"My advice to LeBron is to take the high road and act professional," said Belle. "I hope the fans do the same. I don't want them to embarrass themselves on TV. I'd like to see everybody hug and kiss before the game and then the fans can boo the heck out of LeBron during the game."

Belle knows what the wrath of Cleveland feels like. He was a bad-tempered, power-hitting hero with the Indians for eight years before signing a then-record five-year, $55 million free agent deal with the rival White Sox after the 1996 season.

When Belle returned to Cleveland for the first time on June 3, 1997, he was the enemy. Playing left field at Progressive Field, fans showered him with fake and real money from the home run porch. It was a windy night, with dark clouds hovering over the ballpark, and the money swirled behind Belle on the warning track.

A prop plane, dragging a banner with a derogatory message directed toward Belle, flew over the ballpark.

Belle kept motioning the taunting fans to join him on the field. The more he motioned, the louder they yelled.

"It was crazy," said Belle. "They were throwing batteries. Someone threw a pair of binoculars."

At the end of an inning late in the game, Belle turned and flipped off the crowd. He was fined $5,000 for making the gesture.

"John Hart [former Indians general manager] had his little camera on me," said Belle.

Chicago won the game, 9-5. Belle had three hits, including a three-run homer. After the game, he called the fans "village idiots." For the last two games of the series, the home run porch in left field was blocked off and the Indians and MLB increased security.

"I fed off my teammates," said Belle. "They kept saying, "We're going back to Cleveland. I tried to keep my emotions under control, but it was emotional and stressful."

Now it is James' turn with Belle cast in the unlikely role of peacemaker.

Belle had no problem with James leaving Cleveland for Miami. He had no problem with "The Decision" being aired on ESPN.

"But he still should have had the courtesy and professionalism to call Dan Gilbert and say, 'I'm doing this show and I'm going to Miami.' When I signed with Chicago, I had my agent [Arn Tellum] call John Hart to see if the Indians would match it because I wanted to stay. John Hart said 'bull ... you don't have that kind of offer on the table.' My agent got mad and said, 'We'll be signing with Chicago tomorrow.'"

It's been reported that Gilbert, the Cavs owner, had little, if any contact, with James and his handlers before The Decision.

"If I'm Dan Gilbert and I've gone six weeks without talking to LeBron since the end of the playoffs," said Belle, "well, I know where LeBron lives. I'm going to go there and call LeBron and say, 'I'm standing outside your house. Are you going to let me in or what?'"

Belle, 43, offered this idea to ease the tension between James and the fans.

"What about the Cavs doing a video tribute of LeBron before the game?" said Belle. "Wouldn't that be a surprise? Then the fans could boo once the game started."

If there isn't a video tribute to James, Belle had another idea.

"Maybe they could do one of me," said Belle, with a laugh. "I never got one when I came back to Cleveland. They did it for Sandy Alomar, Jim Thome, Kenny Lofton. ... Now that LeBron is catching heat, maybe they can give me one."

In weekly roster moves, team releases return specialist Clifton Smith and Tampa Bay signs Browns draft pick Larry Asante.

BEREA, Ohio -- In their weekly batch of Browns roster moves, the club promoted receiver Jordan Norwood to the regular roster and waived return specialist Clifton Smith.

Also, Tampa Bay signed safety Larry Asante -- a fifth-round draft pick from Nebraska by the Browns last spring -- off Cleveland's practice squad. Asante was placed on the Browns' practice squad at the end of the preseason schedule and has not played in a game.

Norwood originally was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He was waived on September 5, 2009, and spent 13 weeks on Philadelphia’s practice squad last year.

Norwood was re-signed by the Browns in September and has been on the practice squad for 11 weeks.

The Browns also released offensive lineman John Malecki from the practice squad and signed offensive lineman Phil Trautwein and wide receiver Rod Windsor to the practice squad.

Even though franchise rebuilder Bill Parcells has retreated to an outside consulting role, the Miami Dolphins believe his vision of the team will be realized by those he left behind.

View full sizeJ. Pat Carter / Associated PressBill Parcells is no longer seen around practices or the Miami Dolphins' offices, but his impact on the rebuilt Dolphins can be seen on the field every week.

BEREA, Ohio -- The last time the Browns met the Miami Dolphins in 2007, the Dolphins were in the midst of a 1-15 season. Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards hooked up for three touchdowns in a 41-31 Browns' walkover.

The team hosting the Browns on Sunday in south Florida is a totally different organization. It's been Parcells-ized.

Bill Parcells, the great franchise rehabilitator, transformed the Dolphins in one off-season. With Parcells masterminding the football makeover -- but not as coach -- they returned to relevancy with an amazing turnaround to 11-5 in 2008. After a dropoff to 7-9 last year, the Dolphins are in the AFC playoff hunt again at 6-5.

But they have been profoundly inconsistent. They haven't won two games in a row since Week 2 and have an inexplicable 1-4 record at home and 5-1 on the road.

In October, Parcells' suddenly walked out. He turned over total control to General Manager Jeff Ireland, cleaned out his desk and retreated to the golf courses and horse tracks neighboring his home in Jupiter, Fla.

Cynics suggested that Parcells sensed that his team never was going to reach his expectations and bailed out to leave the daily headaches behind. The other feeling is that Parcells believed the organization was in good hands and he wanted to make a clean break to contemplate his next career move.

"One thing about Coach Parcells," said Harvey Greene, the Dolphins' senior vice president of media relations and long-time sports public relations expert. "I think you can't predict anything in terms of long-term plans with him. Right now, we're operating with him still being affiliated with the club.

"He still communicates on a regular basis with Jeff and [coach] Tony [Sparano]. He's still being paid and he's still part of the organization. The work he's doing, he can do from home or other locations. He looks at tapes of our games and other games. He wasn't involved in the coaches meetings when he was here. It was more of working with Jeff on personnel."

Parcells' No. 1 goal when he accepted then-owner Wayne Huizenga's invitation to redo the franchise was to change the culture with the Dolphins. In that respect, it has been mission accomplished.

The Dolphins are physical on offense and defense, built in the mold Parcells perfected in coaching and/or executive stints with the Giants, Patriots, Jets and Cowboys.

He had two extended breaks on network TV during that magnificent run and two or three times said he was through with coaching, only to return and lead another team back from mediocrity.

Parcells' previous stop with Dallas saw him stock the Cowboys with immense talent and find and develop their franchise quarterback, Tony Romo. Once Parcells left, the Cowboys got soft and fell off the relevancy meter.

Can that happen to the Dolphins?

Greene says no because Parcells-guys Ireland and Sparano remain on the job. In Dallas, Jerry Jones replaced all of Parcells' central characters and succeeded him on the sideline with easy-going Wade Phillips.

"Coach Parcells made a sea change in terms of culture, attitude, everything," Greene said. "There's no doubt his impact was immediate, and I think it will be long-lasting. I do know he has a lot of confidence in Jeff and Tony. He feels he built a solid foundation and he's got faith in the people on board to continue the vision he had."

When Mike Holmgren took on the job of president of the Browns a year ago, he consulted with Parcells, among others. There are some major differences in the situations of Parcells in Miami and Holmgren in Cleveland, however.

Parcells, 69, just wanted to be in charge of football operations. Holmgren, 62, was put in charge of everything from football to stadium suite sales. Parcells was sure he didn't want to coach. Holmgren is trying to decide.

Holmgren also has said he's in it for the long haul. Parcells? Well, near the end of an NFL Films-produced documentary recently shown on NFL Network, Parcells says, "Get me back out there. I can do this one more time."

Tony Grossi's Scouting Report

Browns vs. Miami Dolphins

Sunday 1 p.m. in Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.

Record: 6-5.

Last game: Defeated Oakland Raiders, 33-17, Nov. 28, in Oakland.

Coach: Tony Sparano, 24-19, third year.

Series record: Dolphins lead, 9-6 (counting postseason).

Last meeting: Browns won, 41-31, Oct. 14, 2007, in Cleveland.

League rankings: Offense is 16th (19th rushing, 14th passing), defense is sixth (14th rushing, fourth passing) and turnover differential is minus-3.

View full sizeTony Avelar / Associated PressBriefly replaced by Chad Pennington, then reinserted when Pennington suffered a season-ending injury, Chad Henne offers the Dolphins a strong arm but hasn't yet developed consistency in leading the offense.

Offensive overview: The team that brought the Wildcat into vogue two seasons ago has pretty much scrapped it. Occasionally they will still line up backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams without a quarterback, but it's no longer the focal point of their offense. The point of the Wildcat was to create space on offense in the absence of a legitimate throwing threat. Now the franchise is committed to big-armed QB Chad Henne while maintaining the physical running game that dragged the team out of mediocrity. Henne's got some decent weapons in receivers Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess and Brian Hartline, and tight end Anthony Fasano. But Henne's development has snagged. He makes big mistakes in the red zone. Some of the offense's problems as a whole is due to an interior line that needs fortifying.

Defensive overview: First-year coordinator Mike Nolan tweaked the scheme from a straight 3-4 to a hybrid 4-3. He was counting on a big contribution from first-round draft pick end Jared Odrick, but he was knocked out early with an injury. The linebackers still are the playmakers. CFL-import Cameron Wake (10.5 sacks) and rookie Koa Misi (3.5) are the primary pass rushers. Free-agent pickup Karlos Dansby is a force in both the running and passing game. Nolan also likes to blitz safety Yeremiah Bell (2.5) on occasion. The defense is not very opportunistic. Its 15 turnovers are tied for eighth-fewest in the NFL. (Browns have 23.)

Special teams overview: There's been a slow cleanup to this disaster. A meltdown in a prime-time game loss to New England (two blocked kicks for touchdowns and a TD return) cost former special teams coach John Bonamego his job. Under replacement coach Darren Rizzi, an assistant promoted to the full title, they've cut down on the embarrassment, though they did give up a 101-yard kickoff return to Oakland's Jacoby Ford last week. Kicker Dan Carpenter is 26 of 31 in field goals with a long of 54 yards. Punter Brandon Fields is 21st in gross average (43.4 yards) and 24th in net (36.5).

Players to watch:

View full sizeJ. Pat Carter / Associated PressSecond in the NFL with 10.5 sacks, Miami's Cameron Wake (91) will be another stiff test for Browns left tackle Joe Thomas.

• Linebacker Cameron Wake: This two-time CFL defensive player of the year has emerged as one of the league's most prolific sack artists. He is second in the NFL with 10 1/2 sacks and also has forced two fumbles. He'll line up over Joe Thomas.

• Linebacker Karlos Dansby: The high-priced free agent pickup does not leave the field. He could rush the passer, drop in coverage or plug the running lanes. He leads the team in tackles and gives the defense its attitude.

• Receiver Brandon Marshall: Second in catches and fifth in receiving yards among all NFL players over the past four seasons, he'll need to pick up the pace for his fourth season in a row of more than 100 catches. He's on pace for 84 this year, which would still be a Miami record.

Injury report: WR Brandon Marshall (hamstring) missed the last game. LB Karlos Dansby (wrist) was limited in the last game. LT Jake Long (labrum, shoulder) has been limited.

Small world: Head coach Tony Sparano was Browns offensive quality control coach in 1999 and offensive line coach in 2000. ... Assistant head coach/secondary coach Todd Bowles coached Browns nickel package 2001-03 and was secondary coach in 2004. ... Receiver Brian Hartline was a star at Ohio State before being drafted in 2009 . ... Defensive back Nate Ness was signed by Browns as undrafted free agent in 2009. ... Offensive lineman Eric Ghiaciuc was with the Browns in 2010.

-- Tony Grossi

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott and his players insisted they were focused on tonight's game against Boston at The Q and not worried Thursday's visit by LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter / The Plain DealerCan Daniel Gibson and the Cavaliers keep Boston's dynamic Rajon Rondo under control for a second time this season?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Notes and observations from the Cavs game against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night at The Q:

Cavs starters: F Joey Graham, F J.J. Hickson, C Anderson Varejao, G Anthony Parker, G Mo Williams.

Celtics starters: F Paul Pierce, F Kevin Garnett, C Shaquille O'Neal, G Rajon Rondo, G Ray Allen.

Injuries: None for Cavs. Jermaine O'Neal (sore left knee), Kendrick Perkins (right knee surgery), Delonte West (broken right wrist) out for Celtics.

Inactives: Christian Eyenga, Manny Harris, Samardo Samuels for Cavs. O'Neal, Perkins, West for Celtics.

Officials: Dick Bavetta, Kevin Cutler, John Goble.

Two things to watch

1. How much will Rajon Rondo's sore hamstring and foot slow him down at all?

2. Can the Cavs stay focused on the moment and the Celtics after 24 hours worth of questions about LeBron James and the Miami Heat?

In spite of repeated tries by a larger than normal press corps for Tuesday's shootaround, Cavaliers coach Byron Scott and his players insisted they were focused on tonight's game and not worried Thursday's visit by LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

Although Cleveland native Jawad Williams did say he thought Cavs fans would remember what James had done here for seven seasons, most players barely entertained questions about the Heat with more than 48 hours to go before that game.

Mo Williams, for instance, talked about Boston no matter what question he was asked about Miami.

Daniel Gibson referred to James as ''one of my guys,'' but said of Thursday's game, "I'm going to approach it like another basketball game, just like I'm going to approach this game tonight. This is a great team we're looking forward to playing against. We've got to be ready to play tonight.

"Tonight we play the Eastern Conference champs, and Thursday we play Miami. It's just a matter of us continuing to try to improve what we want to do here, continue to get better as a ballclub if we want to be where we want to be at the end of the season.''

Shaquille O'Neal isn't sure how Cavs fans will receive LeBron James on Thursday, but he thinks it will be a bigger deal than his return to Orlando in 1996.

View full sizeWilfredo Lee / Associated PressShaquille O'Neal says he's like most NBA fans when it comes to the curiosity factor of Thursday's return of LeBron James to Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Shaquille O'Neal doesn't know what to expect when LeBron James returns to Cleveland on Thursday for the first time since he took his talents to South Beach.

But he thinks it will be a lot different than when he returned to Orlando for the first time after leaving the Magic for the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent in 1996.

"I think times are much different now," O'Neal said before Tuesday's game between Boston and Cleveland at The Q. "This situation will probably be a little more 'up there' than mine was.

"When I got booed, I always took it as a sign of respect. He's a tough kid, so he'll respond to it very well and have a good game."

O'Neal, now starting for the Celtics, spent last season in Cleveland with James. He said he was going to watch for one thing during Thursday's game.

"I'm a silly fan," O'Neal said. "I'm anxious to see if he's going to do that powder thing," referring to when James fills his hands with powdered white rosin and tosses it in the air before the game.

After practice in Miami, James told reporters he wasn't sure if he'd continue the tradition on Thursday.

"I probably will," he told reporters. "That's just a ritual for myself, a routine that I've always done, I've done on the road. I don't know. We'll see. I may change. I don't know."

No West: Former Cav Delonte West had surgery on his broken right wrist on Tuesday and was not in Cleveland.

"We don't know his timetable [to return] yet," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "I've heard anywhere from two to three months or longer.

"That's a tough one for us. That hurt us. My plan going into the year was to literally have two units -- a starting unit and a second unit -- because of the age of our team. But now we have to scrap those plans and some of our starters are going to have to play different minutes.

"It's not what we wanted, but the season takes its own turns and you just have to adjust to them."

West averaged 6.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals in five games. He was suspended the first 10 games of the season for his guilty plea on gun charges brought in the summer of 2009.

The last word: From Rivers, asked if he and the Celtics felt overlooked with everyone talking about Thursday's game with the Heat -- "I thought it was about us and the Cavs. I didn't know the Heat had usurped our power.

"You should be talking about that game Thursday. Everybody should be. It's an interesting game. Everyone around the league is interested in that game. I'll be happier on Friday when it's done and everyone has gotten their say out of the way and everyone feels better about it and then they can go on their merry ways and play basketball. I tend to like it when it's about the game of basketball."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- His teammates are quick to point out St. Edward defensive end Deonte Gibson has a magnetic personality, as comfortable joking around as he is demonstrating genuine concern for others. "He's a joyous kid," teammate Brandon Jackson said. "Everyone loves to be around him."

Deonte Gibson (13) has been the most imposing player in a St. Edward defense that has dominated opponents all season heading into Saturday's Div. I state championship game. - (Thomas Ondrey / The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- His teammates are quick to point out St. Edward defensive end Deonte Gibson has a magnetic personality, as comfortable joking around as he is demonstrating genuine concern for others.

"He's a joyous kid," teammate Brandon Jackson said. "Everyone loves to be around him."

On the field? Gibson simply is a magnet. He draws double-teams from offensive linemen like paper clips to a positive-negative charge. And, like a negative-negative charge, his force field repels offensive coordinators, who constantly call plays designed to run away from him.

Despite those forces at work, Gibson still manages to suck in running backs and quarterbacks with irresistible power.

In 14 games this season, Gibson has a daunting 35 tackles for losses, and a school-record 19 quarterback sacks. With 11 tackles for loss and three sacks in the playoffs, he is a big reason St. Edward is 14-0 and playing Huber Heights Wayne for the Division I state championship Saturday in Canton. Gibson also will need to be a factor if the Eagles are to contain Ohio State quarterback recruit Braxton Miller, who some observers have called a smaller (6-2) version of Terrelle Pryor.

St. Edward has played against some of the best defensive linemen in the state, including St. Xavier's Steven Daniels and Toledo Whitmer's Kenny Hayes and Chris Wormley. As a St. Edward offensive tackle, Jackson has faced all of them and said none compares to Gibson.

"I haven't faced a defensive end that is more difficult to block than he is," Jackson said. "There isn't any defensive end that has matched his quickness and power. It's his instincts, too. He knows where to be and where the ball is going to be."

Gibson (6-3, 225) leads the defensive line with 104 tackles and also has been credited with 23 quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles. The attention he draws opens lanes for teammates to make big plays, too. St. Edward has forced 30 turnovers.

"He's an incredible athlete," defensive tackle Shane McManamon said. "He's got the speed of a wideout and strength of a lineman. Couple those things together and it makes a great defensive end. His arms are so long and he's so powerful, and when he comes off the line with that speed, he just pushes guys over."

Perhaps as striking as his productivity is Gibson's playing style. He's all-out on every snap, but coach Rick Finotti said Gibson does a good job of staying in his lane and not over-running plays. Gibson also can be a very emotional player, celebrating big plays as much as is allowed in high school ball without attracting a penalty.

"But the thing that's great is that he doesn't let emotions take control of him," McManamon said. "He plays under control. He's excited, but he stays focused."

In the heat of the moment, Gibson might even whisper to a quarterback, "I'll be back for more."

"A sack is a big momentum changer. It fires everybody up," he said. "I get excited, but I try to calm that down a little bit for the next play."

The celebrating sometimes catches his own mother off-guard.

"He's kind of humble and not one of the ones who goes out and brags about what he's accomplished," said Darlene Gibson, a journalizer for the Cleveland Clerk of Courts. "He knows he has little cousins that look up to him. When I see him yelling I'm like, 'Wow, is that Deonte?' But he loves football."

Gibson is a co-captain, highly regarded by teammates and coaches for his work ethic off the field and in the classroom. Jackson called him the "prototype college recruit, what every college wants." Stanford was among numerous schools that offered Gibson a scholarship, and recruited him as an outside linebacker. He chose Pittsburgh, which wants him to play defensive end, and he is glad to be staying closer to the family's Lakewood home.

A bit of a homebody and the youngest of five children, Gibson is close to his four brothers and sisters, especially his brother Nate Oliver. The St. Edward graduate and Ohio State junior defensive back has been a strong influence.

"We're really close and I talk to him every week," Gibson said. "He was a great athlete and great student at St. Edward and never got in trouble. He was a great worker."

Oliver played on St. Edward's last unbeaten team, which lost in the 2005 state semifinals. After St. Edward beat Whitmer in last week's semifinals, Oliver urged his brother not to take this week for granted, and Gibson, as he always does, paid attention.

"I'm enjoying every game," he said. "It's been a blessing to have the ability to play for a state championship."

It was "The Decision" over the summer, so what should we call Thursday's game when LeBron James returns?

Tony Dejak / APLeBron James

LeBron James broke the hearts of many Cleveland Cavaliers fans when he decided to leave as a free agent and take his talents to you know where.

But it really upset Cleveland fans when James made his announcement on ESPN and called it --- "The Decision."

So what should we call LeBron's return to Cleveland on Thursday?

Forget formulas and obligations. Who would you most like to see the Buckeyes take on in a bowl game this year?

View full sizeMarvin Fong,
The Plain DealerThrow out the rules and obligations. Who would Buckeye fans most like to see their team play in a post-season bowl?

Former NBA guard thinks Heat forward should accept that he's the bad guy.

View full sizeAP Photo | Darron CummingsFormer Indiana Pacers player Reggie Miller, left, greets former Cavalier star LeBron James before the start of a game in 2005.

Brian Mahoney Associated Press

Dressed as a cowboy, a snake passing near his foot with an Old West setting in the background, LeBron James certainly looks the part.

“Should I accept my role as a villain?” James asks during the scene in his recent Nike commercial.

Absolutely, says someone who played it perfectly.

Reggie Miller was once the NBA’s best-known bad guy, armed with enough bravado to come into Madison Square Garden and shoot down the New York Knicks and shut up Spike Lee all at once.

And when James plays in Cleveland on Thursday for the first time since his bitter departure, Miller said he shouldn’t let all those boos bother him. The hatred from the fans might hurt James, but it also could help the Miami Heat by taking the pressure off his teammates in what has so far been a disappointing season.

“I used to encourage that, and I hope he takes this approach. I wanted to take the focus off my teammates, so I would do and say things,” Miller said during a phone interview.

“When you have 20,000 people yelling and screaming at you, four other guys can concentrate on the floor. So every time I touch the basketball and everyone is yelling and chanting and doing things towards me, well, four other guys can concentrate. I knew I could concentrate through that and I hope he takes that approach.”

But Miller, the former Indiana Pacers All-Star who will be part of TNT’s trio calling the game, concedes not every player can handle being the guy wearing the target.

James insists he can, saying he “had those boos when I was a Cleveland Cavalier and I’m having them again as a Heat.”

Nothing like he has gotten this season, with the worst still to come. Besides the hostile environment he will face Thursday, James is two weeks away from a trip to New York, where fans who used to adore him will turn on him after he chose the Heat over the Knicks in free agency.

Making it tougher for James on Thursday is some of the taunts will be coming from the same people who once idolized the Akron native.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine, but he can’t worry about, ‘They don’t love me here anymore, I gave them seven fantastic years and this is it?’ He can’t get caught up into that,” Miller said. “What he needs to do is focus on how he can right the ship of the Miami Heat. . . . He just needs to focus in on the task at hand and that’s winning the basketball game.”

Jason Whitlock, Fox.com columnist, wants to give up on LeBron James. Whitlock wanted LeBron to apologize to Cleveland fans for the classless way he left town. Whitlock says an apology would serve James’ image well, allowing his objective critics to move on. But I give up. LeBron James looks, feels and sounds like a lost cause today, a millionaire celebrity incapable of...

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerLeBron James

Jason Whitlock, Fox.com columnist, wants to give up on LeBron James. Whitlock wanted LeBron to apologize to Cleveland fans for the classless way he left town.

Whitlock says an apology would serve James’ image well, allowing his objective critics to move on.

But I give up. LeBron James looks, feels and sounds like a lost cause today, a millionaire celebrity incapable of reaching rock bottom, self-reflection or uttering an ounce of remorse.

Talent in the kind of abundance James is blessed with is a curse. It seduces the owner into believing his flaws are his strengths.

Whitlock goes on to write how guys like LeBron, who have enormous  talent, can excel in the NBA without ever submitting to coaching, can earn lifetime financial security without ever attending college or grinding at the bottom of the corporate ladder.

According to an ESPN story, the Heat players, particularly LeBron, are bothered that Erik Spoelstra is demanding that LeBron conduct himself in a more professional demeanor. Spoelstra has committed the felonious crime of yelling at LeBron in front of his teammates. Spoelstra won’t let LeBron be LeBron the way a parent won’t let a child be an unbathed child day after day.

The story appears to be intentionally leaked by members of Team LeBron -- the clueless group that brought you The Decision — to undermine Spoelstra. In reality, it undermines James.

That’s why Whitlock gives up.

Calm

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert expects Cleveland fans to be boisterous but behave when LeBron James returns, writes The Associated Press.

Gilbert doesn't believe things will go over the top when LeBron plays here Thursday with the Miami Heat.

"You don't want to see anything stupid happen," Gilbert said at halftime of Cleveland's game Tuesday night against Boston. "I don't want to see anybody do something they shouldn't do, whether it was Thursday night or any night. I'm sure a lot of them will make their feelings known, but as long as everybody plays by the rules and doesn't go over the top, everything will be fine.

"I really believe that Cleveland people will do the right thing."

Gilbert said things will be loud and exciting, but nothing outrageous.

Another decision

Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe writes the Cavaliers are more concerned about what they're doing than what Miami is all about.

Coach Byron Scott  is more concerned about his young team, and how they need to get familiar with one another.

“We’re getting there, but I’m still trying to find some things out about my guys and they’re still trying to find out some things about me. We are still in the honeymoon stage.’’

But when it comes to Miami, coach Byron Scott encouraged James to stay, but since July 8, he has refused to focus on the past.

James is gone, his legacy relegated to a small mural on the wall of the Cavaliers Hall of Fame. Brad Daugherty, Bingo Smith, and Nate Thurmond have bigger displays.

“I’m not in Miami. I’m in Cleveland, with a great organization, with a great young team, and 100 percent of my attention is here. Obviously, if you can do the math, none of my attention is there.’’

Columnist Gregg Doyel has a message for Cleveland fans when it comes to LeBron James on Thursday --- Please don't act in an irrational or deranged way because everyone expects it.

Chuck Crow/The Plain DealerA fan films LeBron James' jerseys burning in a short-lived fire outside Harry Buffalo in Lakewood.

Gregg Doyel of CBSSports.com has a message for Cleveland fans when it comes to LeBron James on Thursday --- Please don't act in an irrational or deranged way because everyone expects it.

They think you might hurt LeBron James when he returns to town on Thursday, whether physically or emotionally or both. They think you're creepy. Dangerous.

Don't give them what they expect to see. Not any of them. Not the abnormally large police presence that will be on hand, guarding the hallway outside the Miami Heat locker room and protecting The Chosen One's path to and from the court. Not the NBA, which advised the Cavaliers to multiply its security for this one game. Not the Cavaliers, who have taken all sorts of proactive measures to make sure you, yes you, don't turn Cleveland into an international punch line.

Doyel goes on to write that sure LeBron stabbed this city in the back, but don't use that as an excuse to embarrass Cleveland with inappropriate behavior.

Don't do it. Not to James, not to yourself, not to us.