Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning says he can get back on the field this season.

APIndianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

INDIANAPOLIS — Peyton Manning still believes he can get back on the field this season for the struggling Colts.

He is not saying when that might be.

“I think you have to have hope until the doctors rule you out,” Manning said Thursday in his first comments in the Indy locker room since the latest surgery on his injured neck. “We’re having a lot of injuries so if they come to me and say they have to make a move, I won’t fight them on that.”

Manning said he feels good following a Sept. 8 procedure that was his third neck surgery in a span of 19 months.

The anterior fusion procedure typically requires making an incision in the front of the neck, removing soft disk tissue between the vertebrae and fusing the bones together with a graft. The usual recovery time, according to doctors not handling Manning’s case, is 2-3 months.

The Colts have kept Manning on the active roster instead of placing their franchise quarterback on injured reserve in hopes he will return to the practice field in December.

Nobody has said whether Manning is expected to play in a game this season.

But doctors, Manning said, are taking X-rays every four weeks to monitor the healing. It has gone well enough that Manning has been cleared to stand on the sideline during Sunday’s game between the Colts (0-4) and Kansas City (1-3).

“I had a bad feeling being up there in the press box with you guys,” Manning joked. “Warm-ups are actually probably scarier than the game, but I just had a bad vibe being up there.”

Perhaps that’s because the Colts are winless without Manning, including 0-3 with him in the press box.

Manning has been seen around the team complex the last few weeks, primarily walking laps around the practice field. He also has been attending team meetings and served as an adviser for Kerry Collins and Curtis Painter, the two replacements who have taken snaps in Manning’s place.

Vice chairman Bill Polian told radio listeners this week that Manning had been increasing his activity recently, something Manning confirmed. He did not provide details of the rehabilitation process.

See a thumbnail gallery of this week's Players of the Week.

See a thumbnail gallery of this week's Players of the Week.

Kareem Hunt, Willoughby South
Sport: Football
Class: Junior
Age: 16
Ht: 5-11
Wt: 185

What Kareem did last week: Running back gained 415 yards on 34 carries and scored seven touchdowns in a 49-35 win against Chardon.

About Kareem: Also member of basketball and track teams. Favorites include the Browns, Titans running back Chris Johnson, "The Longest Yard" movie, music by Nelly, youtube.com, "The Outsiders" book, "Madden 12" video game, Danny's Restaurant and math class. Enjoyed visit to Cedar Point. Wants to try playing quarterback.

Anthony Santos, Fairview
Sport: Football
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-6
Wt: 150

What Anthony did last week: Running back had 22 carries for 89 yards in a 13-6 win against Clearview. Had a 21-yard kickoff return and threw a halfback pass for 131 all-purpose yards. At free safety, had 13 tackles, one for loss.

About Anthony: Enjoys baseball and basketball. Wants to major in sports medicine. Favorites include the Browns, "Lord of the Rings" movie, "Family Guy" TV show, youtube.com, "Madden 12" video game, Five Guys restaurant and history class.

Tony Howkins, Walsh Jesuit
Sport: Cross country
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-10
Wt: 140

What Tony did last week: Won the McQuaid Jesuit Invitational AA title for middle-sized schools with a clocking of 15:24, the second fastest time of the three divisions. The Warriors won the team title.

About Tony: Wants to major in biomedical engineering and run at a Division I college. Favorites include the Browns, "The Town" movie, music by Eminem, "The Iliad" book, ribs meal and Latin class. Will always remember class trip to Italy. Wants to try skydiving.

Brynn FitzGerald, Orange
Sport: Golf
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-5

What Brynn did last week: At Division II sectional at Punderson Golf Course, she was the medalist with a 76.

About Brynn: State golf qualifier is a member of the National Honor Society, sports editor of school newspaper and plays the guitar. Plans to major in neuroscience and play Division III golf. Favorites include former pro golfer Lorena Ochoa, "House" TV show, Danny Boy's Pizza restaurant and science class. Wants to see the redwood trees in California and try skydiving.

Mike Mesi, Mayfield
Sport: Soccer
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 6-0
Wt: 185

What Mike did last week: Forward had a goal and three assists in a 5-2 victory against Lakewood and scored a goal in a 5-0 win against Orange.

About Mike: Enjoys rugby. Favorites include the Fulham Football Club, "Green Street Hooligans" movie, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" TV show, twitter.com, "FIFA 12" video game, "Mr. Popper's Penguins" book, ravioli, Claddagh Irish Pub and chemistry class. Wants to vacation in London.

Grace Bennett, Rocky River
Sport: Soccer
Class: Sophomore
Age: 16
Ht: 5-6

What Grace did last week: Forward scored two goals against Avon Lake and three goals against Elyria Catholic as the Pirates improved to 12-0-1.

About Grace: Member of track team. Plays the violin and the trumpet in the marching band. Favorites include the Indians and Grady Sizemore, "Stick It" movie, facebook.com, "Paper Towns" book, Liquid Planet restaurant, American Eagle and Nike clothes and chemistry class. Wants to try mountain climbing.

Rachel Vick, Bay
Sport: Volleyball
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-11

What Rachel did last week: Middle hitter helped Rockets go 4-1, finishing second at Mayfield Invitational, where she was named tournament MVP. Combined for 76 kills and set Bay record with eight aces in one game.

About Rachel: Member of two school choirs. Enjoys painting and drawing. Will play at Eastern Kentucky and major in occupational therapy. Favorites include "Zoolander" movie, "Modern Family" TV show, Macaroni Grill restaurant and biology class.

Coaches' nominations for Players of the Week will be taken Mondays between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The toll-free number for coaches to call for the seven-county coverage area is 1-800-388-4370.

TNT's David Aldridge writes about the NBA lockout and what questions still need to get answered.

LM Otero / Associated PressNBA commissioner David Stern.

Long-time NBA reporter David Aldridge weighs in on the NBA lockout. Aldridge gives his take on what the fuss is all about between the owners and the players and what has to be done to lift the lockout and get the players back onto the floor.

Aldridge comes up with ten questions about the lockout, that includes what just happened, to which side has given the most so far? 

6. Which side has given the most so far?

Clearly, the players. The concessions the owners have made are on things that were already in place in the just-expired agreement. For example, the owners initially wanted to roll back contracts they had already given to players. Now, they've relented, and won't roll back any existing salaries. They wanted a hard salary cap, with no exceptions. Now, they've agreed to continue with a cap that is more in line with the one in the former agreement, though there may be new mechanisms to try to limit teams from spending. So, in that sense, the owners havent' really "given" anything to the players; they've just agreed to continue what was the status quo. By contrast, the union has already agreed to, again, at least $160 million in salary reductions per year in the next CBA (see above).

9. Does anyone -- anyone? -- come out of this thing looking good?

No, because NBA fans, understandably, don't care who "wins" or "loses" in this battle. They just want their basketball, and they know that the NBA and the union are, no matter their reasons, depriving them of it. It's additionally troubling because it took the league so long to recover from the 1-2-3 punch of, within six years, a lockout, Michael Jordan's retirement and the Brawl at Auburn Hills. A lot of fans, frankly, didn't like players like Allen Iverson (though many millions of others did).

 

World-Herald columnist Tom Shatel writes how the glory days of the Ohio State Buckeyes are represented right now in Nebraska. That's where Troy Smith and Maurice Clarett reside as members of the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. Back in the day, Smith won the Heisman Trophy and played for a national title. Back in the day, Clarett was the star who...

Paul Connors / Associated PressFormer Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith.

World-Herald columnist Tom Shatel writes how the glory days of the Ohio State Buckeyes are represented right now in Nebraska. That's where Troy Smith and Maurice Clarett reside as members of the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.

Back in the day, Smith won the Heisman Trophy and played for a national title. Back in the day, Clarett was the star who led OSU to a national title.

But talk to Smith and Clarett about Ohio State, and you get a view into how Camelot fell, writes Shatel.

"I've been suspended by the university and by the NCAA, so I'm kind of cold and coarse when it comes to showing feelings for anybody else," Smith said. 

In December 2004, it was reported that Smith was suspended for the Alamo Bowl and the first game of the 2005 season for accepting cash and the promise of a job from an OSU booster. 

"To tell you the truth, it had nothing to do with a $500 thing between myself and a booster," Smith said. "I took the rap for a lot of people so a lot of people wouldn't get in trouble. But that story can't be told unless I want to get back at a lot of people. I'm not that type of guy. Never will."

Not only does Smith remain loyal to Ohio State, but to former coach Jim Tressel.

"There's no doubt he was wronged. I don't know how many college coaches would jump on the sword for somebody else's kids, like he did. Obviously, it wasn't just a recruiting tool when I came to Ohio State because he did it for hundreds of other kids. The only thing I feel emotions about is Coach Tressel. Without Jim Tressel, I wouldn't have had a chance to play quarterback in the Big Ten. As far as the other stuff, I don't get emotional about it. Ohio State will be here for a long time after I'm gone, know what I mean?"

 

"A seriously great choice by the Cavs organization. Those of you who haven't heard John before are in for a real treat. He was excellent when he did Monsters games, great for the Jackets, and will likely have no problem transferring his skills over to the NBA." - ohiosensfan

View full sizeJohn Michael spent part of his career as the play-by-play voice of the Lake Erie Monsters.

In response to the story Cleveland Cavaliers name John Michael as their new radio play-by-play man, cleveland.com reader ohiosensfan likes the hire of Michael. This reader writes,

"A seriously great choice by the Cavs organization. Those of you who haven't heard John before are in for a real treat. He was excellent when he did Monsters games, great for the Jackets, and will likely have no problem transferring his skills over to the NBA."

"McCoy's arm strength will be determined as the winds shift onto the lake front come November and December - then you will be able to determine whether McCoy is worthy of a starting QB role or if he is simply a valuable backup quarterback. Until the entire season unfolds, and all the coaching staff and schemes and players are evaluated, no one can make a proper judgement." - davielakewood

View full sizeThe Plain DealerColt McCoy likely has the remainder of the 2011 season to prove he's the man at quarterback.

In response to the story It's much too early in his career to pass judgment on Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy: Terry Pluto, cleveland.com reader davielakewood thinks judging McCoy now doesn't make sense. This reader writes,

"McCoy's arm strength will be determined as the winds shift onto the lake front come November and December - then you will be able to determine whether McCoy is worthy of a starting QB role or if he is simply a valuable backup quarterback. Until the entire season unfolds, and all the coaching staff and schemes and players are evaluated, no one can make a proper judgement."

Sizemore, his last three years ruined by injuries, has one year left on his contract, for $8.5 million. The Indians have an option on the deal, though, and can get out of it by paying Sizemore $500,000.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerGrady Sizemore is just 29, but there is concern whether he can return to his former star form after three years of health problems.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Three years ago, few baseball observers would have foreseen this situation.

Center fielder Grady Sizemore has one year left on his contract, due to play him $8,500,000. The Indians hold an option on the deal, however. They can decline to pick up the option and pay Sizemore, 29, a $500,000 buyout, making him a free agent eligible to sign with any team.

Cleveland could also decline the option and try to sign Sizemore to a much smaller pact, maybe a one-year deal for $2, 3 or 4 million, with performance-based incentive clauses.

Sizemore was regarded by many as one of the best players in baseball when he made consecutive American League all-star teams in 2006-07-08. His last three seasons, though, have essentially been ruined by injuries.

The most worrisome of Sizemore's health issues has been his recurring knee problems. This Monday, he had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee performed by Dr. Richard Steadman, as Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes wrote. Steadman also did the microfracture surgery on Sizemore's left knee on June 4, 2010.

Hoynes wrote:

In the last three years, Sizemore has had five operations: one on his left elbow, two on his left groin, one on his right knee and one on his left knee. The one-time iron man has broken down spectacularly.

Sizemore was 21 when he made his major league with the Indians on July 21, 2004. He hit .246 with four home runs in 138 at bats, playing 43 games.

Sizemore emerged as an impact player in 2005. In the four-season stretch from 2005-08, he missed just nine games, and besides the three all-star selections, won two Gold Glove Awards.

From 2005-08, Sizemore hit .281. The left-handed leadoff hitter averaged 116 runs scored and 81 RBI a season. Sizemore's average season worked out to 41 doubles, eight triples, 27 home runs, 82 walks and 29 stolen bases in 37 attempts. He was so productive that his 143 strikeouts per campaign barely mattered.

The last three years, though, Sizemore's games played dipped to 106 in 2009, 33 in 2010 and 71 this season. He batted .248, .211 and .224, respectively. That's .234 overall in 832 at bats, with 122 runs, 47 doubles, nine triples, 28 homers and 109 RBI. He stole 17 bases in 29 tries, including none in just two attempts this season, when he also had hernia surgery. In the three seasons, Sizemore drew 87 walks and struck out 212 times.

Do the Indians pick up Sizemore's option, hoping that he can have reasonable health and maybe approach his old form? Do they say to him, "No, but here, take this smaller one-year deal, and show us and all of baseball you're still a good player, and that you deserve a big contract a year from now."?

The Indians have until three days after the end of the World Series to decide whether or not to pick up Sizemore's contract.

Businesses like Harry Buffalo in downtown Cleveland will soon feel the impact of the cancellation of preseason, and possibly regular season, games

View full sizeAP Photo | Tony DejakCaitlin Cassidy, manager of Harry Buffalo, sits at a table with Quicken Loans Arena in the background. The league's cancellation of the preseason and the likelihood that regular-season games will soon be wiped out is causing collateral economic damage in cities around the league. The loss of games will mean the loss of jobs for waitresses, bartenders, hotel workers and others who count on pro basketball's six-month season for employment.

CLEVELAND (AP) - Across the street from Quicken Loans Arena, a building that rocks and rolls from November until April as home to the Cavaliers, reality is posted on a wall.

Harry Buffalo is one of the downtown restaurants in Cleveland that counts heavily on the beer-drinking, burger-devouring NBA crowd to keep its doors open. Operations manager John Adams has taped an internet report outside the kitchen for his waitresses, bartenders and cooks to read.

With yellow highlighter, he's shaded the grim news of the NBA labor impasse for his employees, some of whom may soon lose their jobs if there's no deal.

This is where the lockout hits home, and hits hardest.

"It's rough," Adams said, glancing toward The Q. "I've got three single moms on my wait staff and two single dads in the kitchen. I've got their 11 children to think about. It's painful when it's out of my control, when I have to put the business first and say I can't have 15 servers on staff because we don't have the business."

This week, the NBA canceled its preseason. On Monday, Commissioner David Stern may wipe out the first two weeks of the regular season if his millionaire players and even wealthier owners can't agree on how to split revenue and cap salaries.

Sure, players are temporarily out of work and will have to find ways to maintain their skills. But Kobe Bryant has the luxury of potentially signing with an Italian team to do that, earning a big salary until the labor unrest settles.

Others aren't as fortunate.

The loss of one game, let alone 10 or maybe all 82, will have a devastating impact on workers with jobs dependent on pro basketball's six-month-plus season. A few teams have already trimmed their staffs and more layoffs could be forthcoming if the discussions drag on. Then there are those who don't work directly for an NBA team but who still depend on the excitement the league brings to town.

Ushers, security personnel, parking lot attendants, concession workers, restaurant employees and others all stand to have their hours cut or join the country's 14 million unemployed.

"Yeah, financially, I'm worried," said waitress Jeannette Lauersdorf, a single mother of two, who on a quiet Wednesday afternoon is serving six guests at three tables inside Harry Buffalo. On a night the Cavs are playing, the place has a 30-minute wait for a table. "We've got bills to pay."

Nerves, already frayed in a depressed economy, are unraveling.

As it was during the NFL's labor dispute, certain cities around the league will bear more of a burden than others until the NBA gets bouncing again. Markets like Orlando, Memphis, Salt Lake City and Portland, with no other income being generated by a major professional sports franchise, could be facing a long winter.

At this point, there's no telling how long the lockout will last, but NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver projected losses if the season's opening two weeks are canceled in "the millions of dollars."

"We've spent a lot of time with our teams walking through those scenarios of lost games," Silver said. "The damage is enormous, will be enormous."

While Cleveland may be undergoing a minor renaissance with new construction, including a downtown casino being built by a group headed by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, unemployment remains high. There's a thriving one-block strip of East Fourth Street, where upscale eateries lure guests no matter the time of year.

But closer to the Q, some bars and restaurants are still recovering from the financial aftershock caused by superstar LeBron James leaving.

When James was with the Cavs, the Gateway District crawled with fans, some of whom bought season tickets in 2009 for last season - under the assumption their favorite player would stay in Cleveland. But now that he's in Miami, and the Cavs are no longer a title contender, fans aren't flocking downtown.

"Even if there is a season, I think we're going to take a hit," said Caitlin Cassidy, manager at Harry Buffalo. "People love the Cavs, but they love the Cavs more when they're winning. Even last year, people who had season tickets didn't come all the time. Cleveland fans are a special breed. They come down and watch the Cavs and drink beer and hang out, but it's definitely not been the same without LeBron."

Memphis could experience a similar dropoff if the lockout deepens.

A young team on the upswing, the Grizzlies captivated the city last spring with its playoff run. Fans poured out of sold-out FedEx Forum and into the Beale Street entertainment area to toast each postseason win, and there's hope similar celebrations will take place this April, May - and maybe into June.

The team reports season-ticket sales are up. But tickets have no value without a season.

"We have a franchise we feel is locked and loaded to be very competitive for the next four, five, six years barring injuries," said Kevin Kane, president and CEO of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We've got a product the city's really excited about, the city's engaged with."

Orlando's situation is different.

In February, the Magic are slated to host NBA All-Star Weekend, an international event projected to bring $100 million to the city. But the lockout's uncertain endgame is delaying plans from being finalized, and already local businesses are scrambling to help offset losses if more games are canceled at year-old Amway Arena.

Owners of upscale Draft Global Beer Lounge and Grill, which opened across from Amway in March, fear it could be a tough season ahead.

"The economic impact would be detrimental," co-owner Willie Fisher said. "This location is one of the main reasons we chose this location."

During the winter, Utah fans eat up the Jazz and Crown Burgers.

From the parking lot of his restaurant, Mike Katsanevas can see the edge of EnergySolutions Arena, home of the Jazz. Katsanevas, whose family has been selling burgers, including one crowned with pastrami, for three decades, estimates a lost NBA season would offset his business by 25 to 30 percent - and not just this season.

Katsanevas predicts fans won't renew their season tickets.

He survived the last work stoppage in 1999, but times are different.

"People were upset and had a right to be. Everybody needs to be paid for their jobs," he said. "But how much money do you need to make? Let's be honest here. Everybody else is suffering (in this economy). I don't want to bad-mouth players or the owners, but how much money do these guys really need to keep making?"

Cassidy said while the vibe around Harry Buffalo's staff is upbeat and hopeful that the lockout will be lifted, several employees are making plans just in case. A few of her waitresses have picked up shifts elsewhere, and she's being honest with any new applicants who come through the door.

In days and weeks ahead, the staff may shrink.

"It's scary for us, too," she said. "Because who is going to want to work here if there's no customers? I always tell applicants that the good times always make up for the bad times. Now, there may not be any good times."

Manager Manny Acta is taking part in the Indians organizational meetings and hasn't started interviewing candidates for the two open spots on his coaching staff.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerThe White Sox never called Sandy Alomar Jr., about being their manager, but Alomar can't wait to get started as the Indians new bench coach.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- One rumor down, and probably a lot more to come involving Sandy Alomar Jr. For now, the former All-Star catcher remains the Indians bench coach.

In an unexpected move Thursday, the White Sox hired Robin Ventura as their manager to replace Ozzie Guillen. Alomar Jr., promoted to Indians bench coach on the final day of the regular season, was rumored to be a favorite for the job.

"No, sir, I never received a call from the White Sox," said Alomar in a text message. "I was going to take my name out of consideration, anyway. I just want to keep moving and taking the next step in my coaching career.

"I'm excited to be in the Tribe. It's a new challenge."

Alomar played with the Indians from a 1990 through 2000. He just finished his second year on manager Manny Acta's coaching staff. He was promoted to bench coach from first base coach when Tim Tolman resigned on the final day of the regular season to continue his fight against Parkinson's disease.

The six-time All-Star catcher was one of the most popular Indians players in history. At the end of the 2010 season, Alomar was a finalist for the Toronto's managerial job even though he has never managed at any level. At the end of this season, Acta said it was just a matter of time before a team hires Alomar as its manager.

"Sandy is a hot commodity in the game," said Acta.

Acta needs to fill two vacancies on his coaching staff for next season. He must replace pitching coach Tim Belcher and find a first base coach to replace Alomar. Belcher resigned on Oct. 29 to spend more time with his family.

Bullpen coach Scott Radinsky and Class AAA pitching coach Ruben Niebla are believed to be candidates for the pitching coach job. Acta is looking for a first base coach who can teach outfield play and baserunning. Kenny Lofton, who worked with the Indians baserunners and outfielders in spring training, would be a logical choice, but Lofton has a production company in Los Angeles that occupies most of his time.

Acta said Thursday that he has not started interviewing candidates. He's currently taking part in the team's organizational meetings in Goodyear, Ariz.

Owens has caught 1,078 passes in the NFL for 15,934 yards and 153 touchdowns. He's almost 38. Other Browns links.

John Kuntz, the Plain DealerTerrell Owens catches a pass for the Cincinnati Bengals against the Browns last season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Yes, one of the problems that the Cleveland Browns have that likely will not go away during their bye week is the lack of an established big-play wide receiver.

Well, right now, Terrell Owens, 37, is without a team. Kate Arhar writes for Dawg Pound Daily that there are three reasons that the Browns need Owens.

Part of one reason, writes Arhar:

One of the things that I believe about this season is that the front office needs to evaluate Colt McCoy and decide if he is our quarterback of the future. I think we can all agree on that. What we can’t seem to agree on is the criteria being used to complete that evaluation. While I can argue that his stats and the team’s record are not the most important things, they are hard to ignore. We have a group of young receivers learning a new offensive scheme after a shortened preseason. They are struggling to get separation, run routes, block, and most importantly catch passes. Is this McCoy’s fault?  If we had some magically amazing wide receiver on the field would Colt look better? Would he BE better? That is the question.

Meanwhile, Owens tells ESPN that he should be ready to play within a few weeks.

The Browns (2-2) play their next game on Oct. 16, against the Raiders (2-2) in Oakland.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes the Browns Insider video show, with reporters Tony Grossi and Dennis Manoloff talking about the Browns; Browns safety T.J. Ward interviewed on Starting Blocks TV; and, more.

Goal to goal

Browns quarterback Colt McCoy is comparable to a young Drew Brees, Browns linebacker Scott Fujita says. By Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. Fujita was with the 2009 Saints when Brees led them to the Super Bowl championship.

The Browns need to solve any problems in the locker room, Bob Frantz writes for the News-Herald.

Browns quarterly awards, Part 1, by Dave Kolonich for Scout.com's Orange and Brown Report. 

Punter Brad Maynard has helped the Browns, Vic Carucci writes for clevelandbrowns.com.

Colt McCoy shows toughness on the field, Matt Florjancic writes for clevelandbrowns.com.

This will be the first promising steelhead trout fishing weekend, with good numbers of trout in Northeast Ohio rivers that are reaching prime fishing condition.

 This will be the first outstanding weekend for hooking up with a steelhead trout, with good numbers of fish already moving up the Northeast Ohio rivers and the waters reaching prime fishing condition. Lake Erie anglers are looking for clear water to hook up with yellow perch and walleye, but storms left the shoreline waters stained with algae in Cleveland and to the west. Pymatuning and Mosquito lakes have rebounded, with good catches of walleye and crappie reported. Steelhead trout have moved into the rivers, which should be clearing by the weekend.

 CLEVELAND AREA

Last week's stormy weather has pushed Western Lake Erie's algae-laden waters into the Cleveland area, making the yellow perch and walleye fishing extremely difficult. As the waters clear, the yellow perch should begin to school again in the traditional perch hot spots. Few walleye have been caught over the last week, but the night bite should heat up if the weather remains stable. Steelhead trout are moving into the area, heading to Euclid Creek and the Rocky River.

CENTRAL LAKE ERIE

The top area for yellow perch right now is northwest of the mouth of the Grand River, where fair catches and jumbo perch are in the spotlight. The best depth has been 62 feet, but perch catches should improve closer to shore as the near-shore waters improve.

The yellow perch and walleye fishing is still difficult west of Cleveland, where algae has converted near-shore waters into a pea soup. Anglers report having to head a dozen miles offshore to find clear water. Some walleye were reported caught northwest of Vermilion, but catches are still generally poor to mediocre. Few yellow perch have been reported caught between Huron and Cleveland as fishermen search for cleaner water and schools of perch.  

 RIVERS AND STREAMS

The northeast Ohio rivers and streams are in prime shape and lots of steelhead trout are already running up the spawning rivers. The Grand River may be a little stained going into the weekend, but the tributaries will be in good shape. It's a big change from last year's lack of rain and miserable fall fishing. With river waters still warm, anglers are casting down-sized spawn bags and  jig-maggot rigs, working them close to the bottom of the pools under a float. Spinners and spoons should also catch trout that are still in a predator mode since leaving Lake Erie. Fly fishers can tie on the traditional baitfish-colored streamers, wooly buggers and egg patterns.

Trophy trout to 28 inches, and more, are already being reported. 

 INLAND LAKES, RESERVOIRS

The stretch of canal at the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks in Cuyahoga Heights is being stocked with catfish, trout and bluegill for the Outdoor Odyssey on Saturday. Public fishing is not allowed there until noon on Saturday.

The good weather should have bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish biting on most inland lakes. Yellow perch are in the spotlight at Pymatuning Reservoir, while bass are biting at Mosquito Reservoir, around the Portage Lakes and West Branch Reservoir. Try East Reservoir in the Portage Lakes for nice catches of crappie and bluegill on small black jigs tipped with waxworms or maggots.

At Pymatuning Reservoir anglers are casting small jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers around near-shore weed beds for perch, with lots 10- to 11-inch perch reported. Walleye anglers are doing fairly well at Pymatuning casting jigs and twister tails and working blade baits, such as the Vibe-E and Heddon Sonar, with the Pymatuning Causeway a traditional fall hot spot for walleye. Crappie fishing has been fair to good. Some anglers have been trolling spinners and worms and diving plugs for walleye off Snodgrass and Stocker islands.

The bass are moving shallow, recommending anglers cast buzz baits, spinnerbaits and shallow-running diving plugs over the weeds. A bass tournament will crowd LaDue Reservoir on Saturday.

WESTERN LAKE ERIE

The yellow perch fishing should improve around Ballast Island, as well as Green and Rattlesnake islands as the weather stabilizes. Look for the perch fishing to improve around the traditional fall hot spots, including the Marblehead Peninsula and the east side of Kelleys Island.

Look for the fall walleye bite to improve, with good catches expected from the reefs, including the Niagara Reef complex, Gull Shoal and Kelleys Island Shoal while casting small spinner rigs and weight-forward spinners tipped with nightcrawlers. Trolling fishermen will be heading northeast of Kelleys Island where walleye begin to congregate at this time of year. 
 

 DOG TRIAL RESULTS

All-Breed Hunter's Trial
 Crooked Creek Conservation Club, Hartsgrove.

All-Age - Pointing: Dennis Meinke, German shorthaired pointer (GSP), Angel; Dennis Barbish, English pointer, Boss; George Roudenbush, weimaraner, Luke. Flushing: Terry Reckart, English cocker spaniel (ECS), Hammer; Lou Monaco, English springer spaniel (ESS), Casey.

Open - Pointing: Mike Losik, GSP, Lady; Roger Miller, GSP, Clay; Roger Miller, GSP, Shooter. Flushing: Del Reckart, ECS, Lola; Terry Reckart, ECS, Poly; Terry O'Hara, ESS, Chance.

Derby - Pointing: Dennis Meinke, GSP, Ruby; Howard Gwerin, English setter, Jake. Flushing: Shawn McCraw, ESS, Duke.

Puppy - Pointing: Dennis meinke, GSP, Ava; Tom Kopfstein, Vizsla, Jaz; Robert Shaw, Lewellyn setter, Lize. Flushing: No awards.

Water Trial: Terry Reckart, ECS, Hammer; Jeff Doran, ESS, Nicki; George Roudenbush, weimaraner, Luke.

Lake Erie is in big trouble, according to a National Wildlife Federation report released this week, because of enormous algal blooms that have put native species of fish in peril and are threatening human health.

D'Arcy Egan, the Plain DealerThe National Wildlife Federation released a report this week documenting new and massive ecosystem breakdowns in the Great Lakes. It spotlights the algal blooms caused by fertilizer run-off and invasive quagga mussels such as this one near Kelleys Island in Western Lake Erie.

 Lake Erie is in big trouble, according to a National Wildlife Federation report released this week, because of enormous algal blooms that have put native species of fish in peril and are threatening human health.

 "We're already seeing the result of the algal blooms, especially around Western Lake Erie," said President Rick Unger of the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association. A retired police chief from Cuyahoga Heights, Unger said the report should be recommended reading for Ohio anglers and residents. The NWF report, "Feast and Famine in the Great Lakes: How Nutrients and Invasive Species Interact to Overwhelm the Coasts and Starve Offshore Waters," can be found at NWF.  

 This week's storms have again put algal blooms in the spotlight. The big winds and high waves have pushed the algae-laden waters of Lake Erie's Western Basin all of the way to Cleveland Harbor.

 "Because of the algae, Lake Erie looks like pea soup around here," said Mike Fedorka at Shine's Live Bait on East 55th St. in Cleveland. "You have to go 10 or 12 miles offshore to find cleaner waters. No one is having any luck catching yellow perch or walleye in near-shore waters. We're keeping our fingers crossed the fishing improves with the good weather."

 Around western Lake Erie, where hundreds of fishing guides ply their trade, the cost of doing business is skyrocketing, said Unger. Charter captains are having to travel many miles while burning expensive marine fuel to avoid the algal blooms. Bookings are down, and people don't want to go onto the water, Unger said. 

 The algal blooms, according to the report, are worse today than when Lake Erie was declared dead in the 1960s. Today's phosphate overload, which is causing the problem, is the result of poor farming practices that allow agricultural fertilizers to flow into the lake, discharges by shoreline sewage treatment plants and the proliferation of quagga mussels, an invasive filter-feeding mollusk that spews phosphate into the waters.

 NWF officials presented the report to the U.S. Senate Environment for Public Works Subcommittee on Tuesday.

  Turkey hunting: The fall wild turkey season opens on Saturday and hunters can legally bag both male and female turkeys during the fall season, which runs through Nov. 27. Forest game biologists report the massive spring rains and flooding were not good for nesting turkeys, and expect fewer birds to be killed this fall. Nesting success in 2009 and 2011 has been the lowest on record, said Wildlife Biologist Mike Reynolds.

 Hunters killed 1,425 turkeys last fall from a population estimated at 180,000. A fall turkey permit ($24) is required. Senior and youth hunter permits are $12. Hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, and turkeys must be checked by telephone, Internet or at a check station by 11:30 p.m. on the day the bird is shot. Only one turkey may be taken during the fall season.

 Flying pheasants: Sportsmen planning a pheasant hunt can check this year's pheasant stockings by the Ohio Division of Wildlife at wildohio.com. The farm-raised birds are to be released for youth hunts on Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 29-30, as well as during the regular small game season that begins Nov. 4. More than 15,000 pheasants are being stocked at public wildlife areas around the state, with northeast Ohio getting the lion's share.

 Camp Belden deer: The Camp Belden youth wildlife area in Lorain has deer hunting by permit only this year, and the permits have already been awarded. The permit drawing for 2012 deer hunts will be held next summer. The area also hosts small game hunting for young hunters. For information, contact the Akron District Office (330-644-2293) of the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

 Out and about: After winning a trapshooting gold medal in stifling, 100-degree heat in the recent International Shooting Sport Federation's World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, California shooter Kim Rhode was named USA Today's Olympic Athlete of the Week . . . The Pennsylvania House Game and Fisheries Committee has another hearing Oct. 27 on the transfer of authority over Sunday hunting from the legislature to the Pennsylvania Game Commission . . . Indiana angler Amos Behanna was crowned Chicago Carp King after winning the Chicago Carp Classic last month with a 22-pounder, a common carp rather than the dreaded Asian carp . . . Wild pigs are such a problem in Texas that the state is allowing helicopter hunting expeditions to slim down the population, and declared October as "Get the Hogs Outta Texas" month.

Armond Smith, who got the call on the controversial fourth-and-1 pitchout against Tennessee, has had an incredible journey to the Browns.

View full sizeAmy Sancetta, Associated PressBrowns coach Pat Shurmur put his trust in speedy running back Armond Smith (35) on this fourth-down play against the Titans last Sunday, but unfortunately it didn't work as planned.

BEREA, Ohio — For a team trying to implement a new passing offense, the Browns sure have enough controversy brewing at the running back position.

There are the Peyton Hillis issues -- the strep throat, the nagging contract talks, the lack of carries.

There are the Montario Hardesty issues -- the increase in playing time, the four dropped passes.

And there is the Armond Smith issue.

How did it come to pass that the undrafted free agent from Union College got the call on the fourth-and-1 toss play in a crucial point of the 31-13 loss to Tennessee?

"We practiced it. He trusted me," Smith said of coach Pat Shurmur.

"It's a play for me to use my speed to beat the guy to the corner. On film, we never saw the safety [Michael Griffin] roll down. But still, as an athlete, a playmaker, I've got to make him miss. That was a crucial play.

"I see everybody saw it as controversial. Everybody's like, 'Peyton this. Montario that . . .' But that would have been the predictable thing. So we were trying to give it a shot.

"What did you think? Give me your honest opinion. I like honesty."

It probably never crossed Shurmur's mind that the first time Smith touched the ball on offense at Shorter College in Rome, Ga., he raced away from the defense for an 85-yard touchdown on a toss play.

Or that the first time he played defensive back his junior year at Union College in Barbourville, Ky., he intercepted a pass and ran 27 yards for a touchdown.

Or that after being switched to running back the next season at Union College, Smith blew through NAIA defenses for 1,376 yards and 16 touchdowns. He had a 9.1-yard rushing average for the season. One game, he ran 16 times for 316 yards and five touchdowns.

"It seemed like every time I got the ball a hole was open," Smith said of that game. "Anytime I'm out in space, pretty much I can get to the end zone. The funny thing was, a defensive lineman for the other team [Bethel University] got drafted by Buffalo in the seventh round."

Smith is the only player from Union College -- a liberal arts college of 600-plus undergraduates -- to make an NFL roster. An offensive lineman on his team, Quinton Borders, who was 6-6 and 320 pounds, drew interest from scouts. They kept seeing Smith, an NAIA track champion in the hurdles and 4x100 relay, racing past everyone.

Smith scrambled to find a bigger college to host his pro day. The only NFL scout who attended was Browns senior scout Jake Hallum.

"I did a little bit of enough to have him call and he liked my highlight tape. When I got to the Browns, I told him, 'I'm going to go out and prove it to you.' "

Smith had an 81-yard touchdown run in preseason and led the team in rushing. He survived three fumbles and made the final roster, ostensibly because free-agent pickup Brandon Jackson suffered a season-ending toe injury.

Smith described his journey to the Browns as "very incredible."

"That's why every day just makes me think of how blessed I am," Smith said. "I have a lot to learn. I've always been a coachable athlete, but I didn't have a lot of good coaching coming up in high school. I was a jack of all trades, master of none."

He didn't even start at Union College until an injury to another seasoned back gave him that chance. He was aiming to be a sports agent and fulfilled requirements for his business degree.

"I love being a player right now, but I take everything in my life and just gain something from it," Smith said. "My uncle and father have owned a corrugated box business for 25 years. I worked there all my life."

Smith's speed, of course, has been his ticket to the NFL.

"I think I'm [among the] top 10 fastest in the NFL," he said. "There's a lot of people I respect. Mike Wallace [of Pittsburgh], Chris Johnson [Tennessee], DeSean Jackson [Philadelphia], Jacoby Ford [Oakland], Trindon Holliday [Houston], Edmund Gates [Miami]. I'd put Buster [Skrine] in there, too."

Smith's speed is what tempted Shurmur to put the ball in his hands on the fourth-down play. This isn't to say we won't see Smith carry the ball again this year, but Shurmur this week sounded like he won't be going off the wall in the future.

"I think he does add speed to the field, and that's a good thing," Shurmur said. "In my evaluation of us and me, we'll see how we do that moving forward. He's our third running back. I'm hoping, as we move forward here . . . I'm hoping we have Peyton and Montario doing exactly what they are here to do. So we'll see."

Smith is OK with that.

"I want my coaches to continue trusting me. Whatever the coaches have in mind for me, I'm ready. I'm here to be an athlete and use my speed," he said.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

On Twitter: @Tony Grossi

SOLON, Ohio -- Mentor's football team has given new meaning to "quick-hit offense," and it was in full display Thursday night in front of 5,500 fans at Stewart Field. The Cardinals, ranked No. 2 in The Plain Dealer, No. 3 in the Division I state poll, No. 1 in Region 1, and 52nd in Maxpreps, bolted out to a...

Mentor quarterback Mitch Trubisky finds a hole through his offensive line to run a keeper for a first down in the second quarter at Solon. - (John Kuntz, PD)

SOLON, Ohio -- Mentor's football team has given new meaning to "quick-hit offense," and it was in full display Thursday night in front of 5,500 fans at Stewart Field.

The Cardinals, ranked No. 2 in The Plain Dealer, No. 3 in the Division I state poll, No. 1 in Region 1, and 52nd in Maxpreps, bolted out to a 14-0 lead and never looked back in a 44-20 victory over Solon.

The victory puts Mentor (7-0, 2-0) at a tremendous advantage in the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division over the previously unbeaten Comets (6-1, 1-1), ranked third in the area and Region 1, No. 10 in state poll and 51st in Maxpreps.

"It's a good win but this is only one of 10 games, and we have a long way to go," said Cardinals coach Steve Trivisonno.

Mentor covered 72 yards on five plays the first time it touched the ball.

Sparked by quarterback Mitch Trubisky's 58-yard completion to Brandon Fritts on the opening play, Trubisky did the honors by scoring from 4 yards out.

Tomislav Derezic, who kicked field goals of 20, 23 and 50 yards, added the extra point and Mentor had a 7-0 lead with 8:36 left in the first quarter.

"We probably had that play planned out all week and practiced it about 100 times," said Trubisky, referring to the pass to Fritts. "I threw it and Brandon made a great catch, but the offensive line did a great job. They gave me time to throw all night."

And Trubisky did.

The talented junior put the ball in the air unofficially 31 times and completed 20 for 349 yards and two touchdowns. Trubisky threw an interception but also rushed for 46 yards and three touchdowns.

"[Solon] plays a lot of cover-2 and their corners were coming off and knocking some balls down," Trubisky said. "They're a good, fast defense -- the fastest defense we've faced so far -- but we stuck with our game plan and hit the holes."

The Cardinals' second touchdown came on Trubisky's 1-yard sneak, the 10th play of a 62-yard drive that started when Jaylen Dowdy recovered one of two Solon fumbles.

"Our defense saved us when we had a turnover, and when our defense gets us the ball, we have to take advantage of those opportunities, and we did," Trubisky said.

As always, Mentor's no-huddle, no-back offense had a number of receivers contributing to the cause as Fritts, Warren Ashton, Connor Krizancic and Cameron Kavan combined for all 20 receptions.

"They're good, they're a really good team, but you can't turn the ball over either," said Solon coach Jim McQuaide. "It's not the last game of the year so we're going back to work tomorrow."

Mentor's offense sped up the pace in the fourth quarter and quickly scored twice, starting with Trubisky's 10-yard scamper to cap a four-play, 70-yard march which took a mere 40 seconds.

After Nick Kirschner's interception, the Cardinals were in the end zone two minutes later when Krizancic took Trubisky's shovel pass the final 5 yards of a four-play drive which covered 24 yards in 26 seconds.

The win snaps Mentor's two-year losing string to the Comets, who still hold a 9-8 edge in the series.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: bfortuna@plaind.com, 216-999-4665

On Twitter:@BobFortuna

SOLON, Ohio — The passing circus that defines Mentor football deserves all its attention. But don't overlook the group on the other side of the ball, the band of brothers that bends at times, but never broke apart in the Cardinals' 44-20 victory over Solon on Thursday night. Senior defensive end Tom Strobel was all over the field as...

Mentor defenders swarm in to block the extra-point attempt of Solon kicker Alex Knight (29) in the first quarter. - (John Kuntz, PD)

SOLON, Ohio — The passing circus that defines Mentor football deserves all its attention. But don't overlook the group on the other side of the ball, the band of brothers that bends at times, but never broke apart in the Cardinals' 44-20 victory over Solon on Thursday night.

Senior defensive end Tom Strobel was all over the field as he had three sacks, a fumble recovery and blocked Solon's first extra-point attempt.

"No, not at all," said the 6-6, 265-pound Strobel, when asked if his defensive mates are underappreciated. "We love being under the radar. We know [Mentor quarterback] Mitch [Trubisky] is going to score.

"We told ourselves that if [Solon] scores, just come back. There are no heroes. We just played as one."

The Cardinals were stung for two touchdowns in the first half, one on a 38-yard pass play in the first quarter and on a short pass late in the first half.

"Things like that are going to happen," said Strobel. "They have a great team. It's all about coming back at them and finishing it. We wanted to make a statement tonight."

The Mentor defense had a key defensive stop to start the second half.

Trailing, 27-13, at the break, the Comets had a chance to get back in it when they recovered an onside kick to start the third quarter. The Cardinals did not let that happen.

They forced a three-and-out, with Strobel getting his second sack on second down.

Senior defensive linemen Tyler Koshiol, Jack Hanly and Tyler Sullens were in the mix all night, dealing with the running of Solon's Khoury Crenshaw and the scrambling of quarterback Patrick Kramer.

"They were equal running and passing," said Koshiol, who was paired against former wrestling opponent Jon Beard of Solon. "He beat me in eighth grade. We came out and played our best. They've got some big linemen."

Koshiol said he doesn't mind all the attention heaped on his club's offense. He did mind that the Thursday game meant he has school today.

"We're the defensive line and we do our own thing," said Koshiol, undecided on his college plans. "All we do is help each other out. It is kind of weird playing on Thursday. I really don't want to go to school after playing tonight."

The Mentor defense had another fumble recovery by junior defensive back Jaylen Dowdy, and senior defensive back Nick Kirschner's interception set up his team's final touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The Cardinals also had the best of both worlds in the kicking game of senior Tomislav Derezic. The 230-pound Derezic was an offensive weapon as he made field goals of 20, 50 and 23 yards.

He also attempted a 56-yarder that was short. That did not hurt because in high school a field goal that reaches the end zone on the fly is treated as a touchback.

"I needed a little more oomph," said Derezic, who has made 60-yarders in practice. "I love how our offense is going and I just try to put some points on the board."

He helps on the defensive side as all but one of Thursday night's kickoffs went into the end zone for touchbacks.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

On Twitter:@JoeMaxse

PAINESVILLE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — If this is University School football without John McKelvey, the Preppers will be all right. Coming into Thursday's Premier Athletic Conference tilt with Riverside, University School was missing its leading wideout, but you would never know it after a 44-22 win over the Beavers.

University School quarterback Tyler Eden.

PAINESVILLE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — If this is University School football without John McKelvey, the Preppers will be all right.

Coming into Thursday's Premier Athletic Conference tilt with Riverside, University School was missing its leading wideout, but you would never know it after a 44-22 win over the Beavers.

Without McKelvey (sprained ankle), the Preppers scored early, often and pretty much however they wanted in a game that looked like it might be over after the first quarter.

US (6-1, 3-1) gained 339 yards overall -- 227 in the first half -- against Riverside (3-4, 2-2) and showed no signs of looking ahead to a game with Eastlake North on Oct. 15.

"We were chanting on the sideline, 'Who's John McKelvey?' " kidded US coach Jim Stephens, who expects his senior to be back next week. "I told him maybe he could bring the water out next week.

"We do have other good offensive players. Sometimes, our quarterback has to look to other athletes, and he did that tonight."

Tyler Eden, who went 14-of-21 for 191 yards with four touchdowns, found six receivers in the process. He also carried the ball 13 times for 58 yards and a score.

Eden's favorite target was Jeff Reimann (four catches, 90 yards, two touchdowns), while Kevin Smith (16 carries, 80 yards; three catches, 18 yards, TD) kept Riverside honest.

Jordan Barham added to the mix with three catches for 61 yards and a score as well.

"Our offense was a lot better than what we had been playing," Eden said. "This is the first time we put it all together. This was a good team, and we stepped up."

The Beavers were in a giving mood early on and the Preppers were happy to oblige, as four lost fumbles took Riverside out of its run-first, run-often offense.

US turned those four miscues into 24 points to run out to a 37-0 lead and were up 31 at intermission in what was a half Beavers coach Dave Bors would probably like to forget.

By the time it was over, Riverside turned the ball over six times, resulting in 31 Preppers points.

"You can't do that against US," Bors said. "You give them the ball six extra times and take it away from us six times. That's 12 possessions. They're a good team. They're going to take advantage."

In beating a Division I team, the Preppers should get a boost in the Division III, Region 9 computer rankings, where they are currently sixth.

"Every win is important," Stephens said. "It's a tough region with a lot of good teams. We respect everyone we play, but we needed this one."

Brad Bournival is a freelance writer in North Royalton.

Don Kelly and Delmon Young hit consecutive home runs in the first inning, then the Tigers spend the rest of a tense game preserving their lead. They next face Texas in the American League Championship Series.

View full sizeKathy Kmonicek, Associated PressTigers catcher Alex Avila celebrates Thursday after the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez struck out in the ninth inning and the Tigers won Game 5 their American League Division Series, 3-2, in New York.

NEW YORK — The Detroit Tigers survived a tense trip back to Bronx, with Jose Valverde and the bullpen holding on time and time again to beat the New York Yankees, 3-2, Thursday night to win the deciding Game 5 of their American League Division Series.

Don Kelly and Delmon Young hit consecutive home runs in the first inning, then Doug Fister and the Tigers spent the rest of a thrilling game trying to preserve their lead.

They did -- barely -- and advanced to the AL Championship Series against Texas.

Joaquin Benoit followed Max Scherzer in the seventh and walked Mark Teixeira with the bases loaded, pulling the Yankees within a run. Benoit struck out Nick Swisher with a 95 mph fastball to keep the lead.

After Brett Gardner singled with two outs in the eighth, Derek Jeter flied out to Kelly just in front of the right-field wall.

Valverde pitched the ninth for his second save of the series, remaining perfect in 51 chances this year. After Valverde struck out Alex Rodriguez to end it, the Tigers closer crouched and pumped both arms as his teammates ran out to celebrate.

Detroit won its first all-or-nothing postseason game since beating St. Louis in Game 7 of the 1968 World Series.

With the Tigers vying for their first World Series title since 1984, ace Justin Verlander will start the ALCS opener at Texas on Saturday night against the Rangers' C.J. Wilson.

Before a new Yankee Stadium record crowd of 50,960, New York had its chances, but the Yankees went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position and 0-for-4 with the bases loaded, and they stranded 10 runners.

While the Yankees led the AL with 97 wins during the regular season, the early exit in the first round and second straight season without a World Series title will set off a restless off-season search for more starting pitching and offense.

Rodriguez was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and hit .118 in the series (2-for-18), and Teixeira batted .167 (3-for-18). Robinson Cano, whose fifth-inning solo homer started the comeback attempt, was the Yankees' primary offense with nine RBI.

Kelly and Young homered on the sixth and seventh pitches from Ivan Nova, the Game 1 winner who led rookies with 16 wins during the regular season. They were the first back-to-back postseason homers in Tigers' history, and it was the third homer of the series for Young, who was acquired from Minnesota on Aug. 15. Kelly was a surprise starter at third to some.

Young, the first Tigers player with three homers in a single postseason series, left in the seventh because of a mild left oblique strain and will be re-evaluated today.

After pitching scoreless ball into the ninth inning in winning the resumption of the opener, Nova (1-1) lasted just 31 pitches and six outs, with the Yankees saying he came out due to tightness in his right forearm.

Hughes started warming up after Nova's sixth batter, Magglio Ordonez, doubled leading off the second. Ordonez advanced on Alex Avila's groundout, but Nova worked out of trouble when Jhonny Peralta hit a one-hopper to third baseman Alex Rodriguez with the infield in and Ramon Santiago struck out.

When Hughes replaced Nova to start the third, Miguel Cabrera held up his hands, as if he were saying, "What's this?"

It was just the start of the procession from the Yankees' bullpen in right-center to the mound.

Hughes was pulled after his 21st pitch, a one-out single by Ordonez in the fourth. Avila, who had been 0-for-13 in the series, singled on left-hander Boone Logan's first pitch. Boone lasted just seven pitches and two outs.

That was followed by the odd sight of the 290-pound CC Sabathia jogging in from the Yankees' bullpen in midgame with his size 15 spikes and size 42 baseball pants. All 421 of his previous professional appearances had been starts, and he threw 106 pitches Monday night without a decision in Game 3.

Detroit immediately tacked on a run for a 3-0 lead. Former Yankee Austin Jackson led off the fifth with a broken-bat double to left. After a pair of strikeouts, Cabrera was intentionally walked and Martinez, Sabathia's former Cleveland teammate, hit an RBI single to center. Former Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson bobbled the ball as he tried to make a quick pickup.

New York had put increasing pressure on Fister, who kept escaping trouble as his pitch count ran up. He stranded a runner on second in the second inning when Swisher grounded out and Jorge Posada struck out, then got Cano to pop out with two on in the third. The Yankees loaded the bases with one out in the fourth on a walk and two singles, but Fister retired Russell Martin and Gardner on infield popups.

After Cano's ninth RBI of the series, the Yankees loaded the bases with one out for the second time. Jeter beat a one-out single to shortstop in the seventh, bringing on Benoit. After umpires made the reliever remove a bandage from the left side of his face, Granderson lined a single to right and Cano hit a two-hopper off the end of his bat to the third-base side of the mound that got by Benoit.

Rodriguez swung through a pitch that appeared to have been inside, which would have run the count full, and Teixeira walked on a 3-1 count before Benoit fanned Swisher.

Need a break from all the college football scandals? Talk to some of the players at Case Western Reserve.

View full sizeCourtesy of CWRUCase Western Reserve University's Dale English is studying to be a nurse.

I needed a break from the NCAA football scandal of the week, from all the talk of probations, suspensions and teams switching conferences. So I stopped by Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, where the team's top defensive player is studying to be a nurse and works in the summer restoring cars and motorcycles.

And where the starting tight end has spent two summers working in the freezers at Heinen's warehouse and pursues a master's in business.

The team's leading receiver is a chemical engineering major who interned for two years at NASA.

I wondered if anyone had ever tried to buy their jerseys.

"Never thought of that," said Dale English. "Maybe we can get our 150 fans to bid on them."

Then the 250-pound English just laughed. He is on pace to set the school sack record, and coach Greg Debeljak said English "is the best defensive lineman we've had in my eight years."

A former John Carroll University assistant coach, Debeljak has defeated his old school in each of the past two seasons. He said a few John Carroll coaches told him English could "walk right into Mount Union and start." That's as high as the praise can be at the Division III level, where once again coach Larry Kehres has his Purple Raiders poised for another national championship run.

A Holy Name product from Middleburg Heights, English said he started to study engineering, "but the math killed me."

"That happens to a lot of people," said Bryan Metlesitz, a wide receiver and chemical engineering major from North Royalton who is good friends with English.

"Dale got wiped out in a few weeks," added Metlesitz with a laugh.

He then turned serious as he discussed a laboratory project where he was one of four students who needed to write a 10-page report . . . but had to have 25 other pages of footnotes and references.

"About half of our players are engineering majors," said Debeljak. "The last few days, they have been out of it at practice. They are getting about three hours of sleep because reports are due this week."

Debeljak has some practices at 7 a.m., others at 7 p.m. Some others are in the late afternoon. He builds them around the academic schedules of players but still knows that there will be at least a few players missing at most practices because of laboratory and other academic requirements.

Yes, these are real student-athletes.

And yes, they also are good small-college football players.

Debeljak has transformed CWRU into a nationally ranked Division III program, as the Spartans were in the top 25 each year from 2007 to '10. They are 3-1 this season and play host to Oberlin on Saturday. Since opening day of 2007, the Spartans are 42-6 with three trips to the NCAA playoffs.

Tight end Bryce Coleman from Solon is an accounting major who worked two summers in the Heinen's freezer.

"I went in and got the meat to fill the orders," he said. "The shift was 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. I have to help pay the tuition."

With the cost of room, board, books and school at more than $50,000 and no athletic scholarships, virtually every CWRU player has to pay something for his education. Most players receive financial aid for academics and/or need, but all three of the players that I met said they will have more than $40,000 in student loans once they graduate.

English added that his friends in medical school are running up debts of $200,000 or more.

"That's why you want to make sure you get a good job when you walk out of here," said English. "When I tell people that I'm in nursing, they don't say much at first. They're surprised. But then they say, 'Wow, you'll have a job for the rest of your life.' That's true, and I love it."

When not sacking quarterbacks during the past four years, English has worked at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland Clinic and University Hospital. This semester, he is at Cleveland Clinic each Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of his training.

"I'm pretty good at lifting some of the bigger patients," he said.

Playing next to English on one side of the defensive line is Adam Watson, a junior with a 3.6 grade-point average from Mentor who majors in biochemistry. On the other side is Shaker Heights product Michael Harris, a junior with a 3.1 GPA who is studying accounting.

Debeljak said his top defensive back is Dan Calabrese, who is only 5-7 "but a real butt- kicker." The Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin product has a 3.3 GPA in accounting.

There is a rivalry on the team about ranking: the Case Engineering School vs. the Weatherhead School of Management. The engineers like to say they are the only ones really working hard, "but the business school is ranked No. 28 [by U.S. News and World Report]," said Coleman, an accounting major. "The engineering school was No. 42. So they can stop talking about us."

To reach Terry Pluto: terrypluto2003@yahoo.com, 216-999-4674

The defensive battle within the teams, Ohio State's Silver Bullets vs. Nebraska's Blackshirts, should determine Saturday's game.

View full sizeNati Harnik, Associated PressOhio State makes its first trip ever to Lincoln, Neb., on Saturday to face coach Bo Pelini and the Huskers.

Dubbed the Silver Bullets by defensive coordinator Fred Pagac in 1996, two years later, the Buckeyes faced a Coors Light beer conflict when it came to marketing opportunities. So the Silver Bolts, as in lightning bolts, were christened -- the unit for the undefeated Buckeyes redubbed just before the Michigan State game in 1998.

The new name was retired after the loss.

So as Ohio State prepares to lean on its defense again Saturday night at Nebraska, it is a silver bullet, not a bolt, that current OSU defensive coordinator Jim Heacock wears on a chain around his neck. He was the defensive line coach in 1996 when the Silver Bullets were born, with current OSU head coach Luke Fickell and linebackers coach Mike Vrabel among the players. A few other staff members and defensive players now wear the same necklace.

Silver Bullets is not as ubiquitous as the Blackshirts, the name that everyone in Nebraska calls the Cornhuskers' defense, a moniker that dates back to 1964. But Silver Bullets is the name the OSU players and coaches use with one another, with "The Silver Bullet Defense" at the top of the preseason blueprint that the seniors draw up.

View full sizeOSUBuckeyes co-defensive coordinator Paul Haynes.

"We always identify ourselves as the Silver Bullets," OSU co-defensive coordinator Paul Haynes said. "That's the tradition, the pride, the dedication, and there's something to being that. So you can always talk about what it really means, just like the Blackshirts."

It's not really about the name, per se. It's about that idea, the defensive thing that can happen within a team, a tradition that can grow even within the confines of outsized football traditions at Ohio State and Nebraska. The name follows the dominance. Talk Nebraska football, and Blackshirts, the name that grew out of the practice jerseys the defense started wearing after a coach bought them at a good price, is tossed around nearly as much as Cornhuskers.

The groups within the teams will be the game within the game Saturday.

"We've always had that identity as a defense here," Fickell said. "Different places you go have difference identities. Does it come down to the Silver Bullets versus the Blackshirts? That's another one of those story lines."

It is one that Fickell doesn't want to encourage. Coaches are careful. No one wants a part to overwhelm the whole. And Nebraska coach Bo Pelini has, in some ways, scaled back the Blackshirts tradition in his four years. When the tradition first evolved, starting defenders wore black jerseys in practice with a sense of pride. Under Pelini, the jerseys have been worn by the Blackshirts only periodically -- and usually later in the season.

"You have to earn your black shirt, your practice jersey," Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David said in a phone interview this week. "You have to earn it."

Has this Nebraska defense earned it so far with the way it has played?

"Not quite yet," David said. "We still have a ways to go."

That's what Ohio State faces. Nebraska's defense is looking to reassert itself after giving up 486 yards in a 48-17 loss to Wisconsin last week that embarrassed Pelini. The Cornhuskers are giving up more yards -- 377 to 285 -- and more points -- 27 to 15 -- per game than Ohio State. But the Buckeyes also haven't faced an offense nearly as good as the Badgers.

"I think we're running into a defense playing at home that's a good defense that didn't do what it wanted last week," OSU running backs coach Dick Tressel said. "They're running into an offense that didn't do what it wanted last week. So maybe those things will balance out."

Frankly, the Ohio State offense isn't likely to win that battle, no matter how much the Cornhuskers may be off their game. So the Ohio State defense has to win it, has to give the Buckeyes a chance in a defensive struggle.

The defenses will never share the field, but they'll absolutely go head-to-head. It's the reason why holding Michigan State to 10 points last week in the Buckeyes' 10-7 loss was viewed as a failure by the defense.

"Ultimately, that's what we always say -- you've got to outplay the other team's defense," Fickell said.

"We gave up 10 points and they gave up [seven]," Ohio State senior linebacker Andrew Sweat said. "So that's not good enough."

When your defense has done enough to earn its own name, all that is good enough is playing tougher -- and giving up less -- than everyone else.

"With the Silver Bullets, we always want to be the best in the country," Haynes said. "So it's not just what we do on Saturday. We're not only competing against the people we play, we're competing against everybody in the country to be the best."

The OSU defenders do have Silver Bullet T-shirts. And backup linebacker Tony Jackson said he's among the defenders that have their own necklaces. But sometimes, it's tough to wear a bullet in public.

"Wearing a bullet, you're not going to go everywhere with that around your neck," Jackson said.

So the best way to be identified as a Silver Bullet is to play like one. This week, that means outdoing the Blackshirts.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

The Plain Dealer's sportswriters take a look at some of the games of interest this weekend, including local Division II and Division III schools.

View full sizeJacob Hannah, Lincoln Journal-StarNebraska will host Ohio State on Saturday in Lincoln, Neb.

DIVISION I

Big Ten Conference

Ohio State at No. 14 Nebraska

Kickoff: 8 p.m. at Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Neb.

TV/radio: WEWS Channel 5; WKNR AM/850.

Notable: Nebraska coach Bo Pelini will coach his first game against his former school, hoping his Cornhuskers (4-1, 0-1 Big Ten) can bounce back from a 48-17 loss at then-No. 7 Wisconsin last Saturday. Nebraska was outscored, 35-3, during the final 32 minutes in its Big Ten debut. "We need some guys to step up and man up and start playing football," said Pelini, who played safety for Ohio State from 1987 to '90. The Buckeyes were expected to get running back Dan Herron and receiver DeVier Posey back from five-game suspensions this week, but Athletic Director Gene Smith announced Monday that their punishments for receiving improper benefits would be extended at least one more game. In last week's home loss to Michigan State, OSU (3-2, 0-1) gained just 178 total yards -- its fewest in a regular-season game since 2004.

Next for OSU: Oct. 15 at No. 19 Illinois, 3:30.

-- From wire services

Mid-American Conference

Akron vs. Florida International

Kickoff: 2 p.m. at InfoCision Stadium, Akron.

Radio: WARF AM/1350.

Notable: Akron's offense is starting to show signs of life, scoring 14, 13 and 23 points in its past three games. A strong running game with RB Jawon Chisholm, who has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the past three games, has been key. Akron's defense, however, continues to be a work in progress. The Zips have allowed 31 or more points in four of five games this season. FIU (3-2) is coming off a 31-27 setback at Duke but features a big-play offense.

Next for Akron: Oct. 22 vs. Ohio, 3:30.

Kent State at Northern Illinois

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. at Huskie Stadium, DeKalb, Ill.

Radio: WNIR FM/100.1.

Notable: KSU (1-4, 0-1) continues to search for some form of offense, running or passing, that can deliver enough points to get a victory. Backup QB Cedric McCloud was academically cleared to play last week after missing the first four games of the season, but even before being cleared, he had not threatened struggling Spencer Keith as a starter. NIU (2-3, 0-1) has the MAC's No. 1 offense (37.2 ppg), which will put a strain on KSU's opportunistic defense (13 turnovers).

Next for KSU: Oct. 15 vs. Miami (Ohio), 3:30.

Bowling Green at Western Michigan

Kickoff: 2 p.m. at Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, Mich.

TV: SportsTime Ohio.

Notable: BG (3-2, 1-0) continues to stake its claim as one of the top teams in the league behind a much more balanced attack than in the past, rushing for 152.4 yards per game and passing for 265.8. The Falcons will see a mirror of their past in WMU, (3-2, 1-0) which is heavy on passing (301.8 ypg) but light in the running game at 88.4 ypg. Stellar QB matchup between BG's Matt Schilz and WMU's Alex Carder.

Next for BG: Oct. 15 vs. Toledo, noon.

Miami (Ohio) vs. Army

Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Yager Stadium, Oxford, Ohio.

Notable: Army (2-3) is coming off a 45-6 victory over Tulsa, marking the seventh straight time it has won when scoring at least 40 points with its option running attack. Miami (0-4) just can't seem to find its offense. The RedHawks were held scoreless last week at home against Cincinnati, and are averaging just 13.0 ppg despite having the No. 2 passing QB in the MAC, Zac Dysert, who is throwing for 259.0 ypg.

Next for Miami: Oct. 15 at Kent State, 3:30.

Toledo vs. Eastern Michigan

Kickoff: 3 p.m. at the Glass Bowl, Toledo.

Notable: A potential trap game for Toledo (2-3, 0-1), as EMU (3-2, 1-0) could pose problems for the explosive, yet snakebitten Rockets. Eastern's three wins have come against Akron, Howard and Alabama State, but Toledo must be sure not to look ahead to a game next week against rival Bowling Green. UT will try to keep producing with an offense that averages 32.2 ppg, 143.4 ypg rushing and 259.0 ypg passing. EMU's defense allowed Michigan 31 points, Penn State 34 and Akron 23.

Next for Toledo: Oct. 15 at Bowling Green, noon.

Ohio at Buffalo

Kickoff: 3 p.m. at UB Stadium, Amherst, N.Y.

Notable: The Bobcats (4-1, 1-0) paid a physical toll for last week's home win against Kent State and now face Buffalo (1-4, 0-1), a team that has struggled but has had quality competition against Pitt, Connecticut and Tennessee. The MAC loss was on the road at Ball State. OU will need QB Tyler Tettleton (259.2 ypg total offense) at his best, but he suffered a calf injury against KSU and is listed as probable.

Next for OU: Oct. 15 vs. Ball State, 3:30.

-- Elton Alexander

Division II

Notre Dame College vs. St. Joseph's (Ind.)

Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Brush High School's Korb Field, Lyndhurst.

Radio: KNR2 AM/1540.

Notable: NDC (3-2) has scored 64 points in back-to-back wins the past two weeks. Sophomore RB Pedro Powell has notched three consecutive 100-yard games. With its three victories, NDC has already surpassed its inaugural-season win total of two. To reach three in a row, Notre Dame will have to get by a St. Joseph's team that dominated last year's meeting, 37-7. The Pumas (1-4) have struggled in 2011, however. They rank 126th (of 152) in Division II in scoring defense, as St. Joseph's has yielded 36.0 points per game.

Next for NDC: Oct. 15 at Ave Maria (Fla.), 11 a.m.

Lake Erie College at No. 6 Wayne State

Kickoff: 12:05 p.m. at Adams Field, Detroit.

Radio: WFUN AM/970.

Notable: LEC is 1-4, 0-4 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. WSU is 5-0, 4-0. The Storm suffered a 38-14 setback last week at Ferris State. LEC's first five opponents this season have a combined record of 17-7. LEC's Sean Bedevelsky (Brunswick) and David Romeo (Eastlake North) hooked up for an 88-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter last week, the longest play from scrimmage in LEC history. Romeo caught three passes for 127 yards to record his fifth career 100-yard game. He is just 213 yards shy of joining classmate Brandon James (Mentor) as the only receivers in school history with 2,000 yards. WSU has won its first five games by an average score of 42-17. The Warriors offense is directed by Painesville Harvey grad Mickey Mohner, the nation's second-ranked QB in terms of passing efficiency.

Next for LEC: Oct. 15 vs. Grand Valley State, 7.

Division III

Baldwin-Wallace at Otterbein

Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium, Westerville.

Radio: WBWC FM/88.3.

Notable: B-W (3-1, 2-1 Ohio Athletic Conference) needs to continue playing solid defense and hope its offense gets untracked. Junior QB Ryan O'Rourke (Avon) has completed 65 of 107 passes (60.7 percent) for 744 yards and five TDs. Junior RB Tyler Lohr (Kent Roosevelt) tops the running game with 382 yards in 76 attempts with three TDs. Freshman RB Willie Jackson has 305 yards in 53 attempts and has scored twice. Senior DE Derron Hamilton (Euclid), this week's OAC Defensive Player of the Week, has a league-leading 8.5 QB sacks in four games, including seven in the past two contests. Otterbein QB Austin Schlosser has completed 71 of 113 aerials for 1,069 yards and 11 TDs. the main threats are senior WRs Trey Fairchild and Steve Kuzyk, who have combined for 53 catches for 837 yards and nine TDs. Defensively, senior LB Shane Centers leads the OAC with 57 tackles.

Next for B-W: Oct. 15 vs. Ohio Northern, 2 (homecoming).

Case Western Reserve vs. Oberlin

Kickoff: 6 p.m. at Case Field, Cleveland.

Radio: WOBL AM/1320.

Notable: Case Western Reserve (3-1) is home for the first time in nearly in a month. Junior quarterback Erik Olson has earned two straight University Athletic Association Athlete of the Week awards. For the season, Olson has completed 67 of 117 passes for 719 yards and three touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Bryan Metlesitz (North Royalton) has already set career highs with 22 receptions for 260 yards and two TDs. Senior defensive tackle Dale English (Holy Name) has 28.5 career sacks and is just two shy of tying Brian Calderone (2005-08) for the school record. The Spartans lead the UAA in rush defense (81.5 ypg) and scoring defense (12.5 ppg) and are tied for the lead in turnovers forced (11). Nationally, Case ranks third in tackles for loss per game (10), 16th in sacks per game (3.5) and 21st in rush defense. CWRU leads the all-time series with Oberlin, 29-6, and has won 26 consecutive meetings.

Next for CWRU: Oct. 15 vs. Hiram, 1 (homecoming).

John Carroll at Wilmington

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. at Williams Stadium, Wilmington, Ohio.

Radio: WJCU FM/88.7.

Notable: After a 47-41 double-overtime homecoming win over Otterbein, JCU (2-2, 2-1 OAC) has won two straight. The Blue Streaks are led by senior QB Devin O'Brien, the reigning OAC Offensive Player of the Week. O'Brien accounted for 403 yards of total offense and four TDs against Otterbein. Junior WR Lane Robilotto averages 22.8 yards per punt return, and his 275 all-purpose yards last week rank as the 14th best individual total in all Division III this season. Defensively, LB C.J. Seitzinger leads the team with 33 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Wilmington (0-4, 0-3) is coming off a 14-3 home loss to Muskingum and has dropped 20 straight games. Wilmington junior safety Jamar Roberts tops the OAC with six pass breakups. John Carroll leads the all-time series, 13-3, but the home team has won the past five.

Next for JCU: Oct. 15 vs. Muskingum, 1:30 p.m.

No. 2 Mount Union vs. Marietta

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. at Mount Union Stadium, Alliance.

TV: SportsTime Ohio (tape, Saturday at 7; Sunday at 2:30; Monday at 5 a.m. and noon).

Notable: Mount is 4-0, 3-0 in the OAC. Marietta is 1-3, 0-3. Last week, the Purple Raiders bulled their way to a 14-6 win on a muddy field at then-No. 24 Ohio Northern. Junior RB Jeremy Murray had his fourth straight 100-yard rushing performance, as he finished with 130 yards on a career-high 41 carries. He accounted for all 14 points. Marietta dropped its third straight last week, 17-7, to Baldwin-Wallace. Marietta starting QB Andrew Keller was knocked out of the game but is expected to start this week. He is the signal-caller for the OAC's No. 2 passing offense.

Next for Mount: Oct. 15 at Tiffin, 1:30.

Hiram vs. Macalester (Minn.)

Kickoff: 2 p.m. at Langhorst Stadium, Elmhurst, Ill.

Notable: Hiram is 1-4, 1-2 in the North Coast Athletic Conference. The Scots, who are independent, are 2-3. The schools decided to meet about halfway in suburban Chicago to play this game. Hiram was shut out until the fourth quarter last week in a 24-7 loss to Carnegie Mellon. In that contest, the Terriers converted just 18 percent of their third downs (3-of-17), a number they will try to improve this week.

Next for Hiram: Oct. 15 at Case Western Reserve, 1.

-- Compiled using information from the colleges' sports information departments.