After catching just nine passes for 75 yards in 10 games as a freshman, two of them as a starter, the sure-handed Sconiers has now become the No. 1 guy for quarterback Clayton Moore.

View full sizeEd Suba Jr., Akron Beacon JournalAkron receiver Keith Sconiers is putting together a breakout season as a sophomore.

AKRON, Ohio — Wide receiver Keith Sconiers is working on a breakout second season with the Akron Zips. As Akron's offense slowly shows signs of diversity between the running game and the passing game, the 6-1 sophomore from suburban Chicago is fast becoming the downfield presence Akron needs to make its offense flourish.

"He has really started to show his playmaking abilities," head coach Rob Ianello recently said.

After catching just nine passes for 75 yards in 10 games as a freshman, two of them as a starter, the sure-handed Sconiers has now become the No. 1 guy for quarterback Clayton Moore.

Going into Akron's game against Florida International on Saturday at 2 p.m. at InfoCision Stadium, Sconiers already has 24 receptions for 420 yards and four touchdowns after the first five games of the season. Actually, it's just the past four, as Sconiers didn't make a catch in the opener.

Since then, he has had four receptions for 48 yards against Temple, seven receptions for 137 yards and a TD versus Cincinnati, eight receptions for 154 yards and two scores against VMI, and five receptions for 81 yards and a score versus Eastern Michigan. His average of 84.0 yards per game in receptions now ranks Sconiers fifth in the MAC.

"I thought I could have a pretty good season after working pretty hard all summer," Sconiers said after a recent practice. "I did a lot of extras this summer -- catching balls, doing cone drills, a lot of extra work with my teammates. It has all started to pay off."

Sconiers is more of a technician than a speed merchant as a wide receiver, so he said it has been the little things that have helped him make big improvements this season.

"The four-cone drills and the top-of-the-route drills that help me get in and out of my breaks quicker have really made a difference for me," Sconiers said. "I still have more to improve on, but that has had an impact so far this year."

Working on his technique, Sconiers said, will be an ongoing regimen as his 4.5 40-yard dash speed may never see a significant drop. But what he can do inside those 40 yards could continue to improve dramatically.

"I feel [the drills] do help speed me up," Sconiers said. "I see it with my foot quickness, getting off the ball quicker and getting in and out of breaks quicker."

And the quicker he is, the faster he has become a key component for Akron's football team.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporer: ealexander@plaind.com, 216-999-4253

With college basketball practice officially starting next Friday, can CSU get the area buzzing again in support of the Vikings?

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerCleveland State's men's basketball team has enjoyed solid success the past few seasons, but the school is still working to fill the seats at the Wolstein Center in downtown Cleveland.

The interim tag is off the shoulders of Cleveland State Athletic Director John Parry, but the challenge remains.

The Vikings' men's basketball team is coming off a 27-9 season that included a 13-5 Horizon League record, good enough to share the league regular-season title with Milwaukee and Butler. The Vikings also went two games deep in the NIT and produced an NBA first-round pick in guard Norris Cole.

Now, with college basketball practice officially starting next Friday, can CSU get the area buzzing again in support of the Vikings?

"We started out 12-0 and caught some attention last year," Parry said. "Average attendance went up 1,000 a game. It's still not where we would like it to be. I think we will be very competitive this year, but it might be harder for people to find someone to focus on. Norris Cole was such an exceptional player."

Parry, who was formerly AD at Butler and Brown, already has learned a few things about Cleveland the hard way.

"The Cleveland metropolitan area is a challenge," he said. "You can spend a lot of money [marketing and promoting] and not make a dent."

The dynamics of being a downtown campus has its pluses and minuses. The average age of people attending CSU games is a little older than 25. This makes selling trendy foods and alcoholic beverages at CSU games potentially profitable.

But with most games starting at 7 p.m., Parry has learned it's tough to get fans who return to their trendy neighborhoods or near suburbs to venture back into the city for college basketball.

So the push this season is to try to find a niche for as many fans as possible. There will be season-ticket packages, select game-ticket packages and special promotions.

"We've got all of those in our inventory," Parry said. "Last year, we averaged 3,200. This year, we'd like to average 4,000. I love the intensity of college basketball, even when the NBA is playing. I think college basketball is a quality product."

The fact that the NBA lockout will diminish the Cavaliers' role on the fall calendar opens the door for CSU to tap into basketball fans who may have picked pro over college in the past. But even there, Parry has some concerns.

"I have a little bit of frustration that we don't have a lot of home games in the fall," Parry said. "So we will do some increased advertising starting early October. We also will appeal to everyone who bought tickets to the NCAA basketball tournament last March."

CSU recruiting: Coach Gary Waters can't speak about specific recruits because of NCAA rules, but according to various recruiting websites, the Vikings already have three commitments for next season, with 6-8 forward Darnell Harris being key among them. Highlight tape of the Milwaukee native shows a perimeter-shooting forward.

Also expected to join the Vikings next season are 6-7 forward Malik London of Chillocothe, Ohio; and 6-3 guard Bryn Forbes from Michigan. CSU is still on the road looking for another guard.

Akron update: The collective exhale around the Akron Zips' program came when senior power forward, leading scorer and leading rebounder Nik Cvetinovic (11.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg) finally returned to campus from his native Serbia after missing the first three weeks of classes due to his ailing father.

According to reports, the Zips also have three early oral recruits: 5-11 Puerto Rican point guard Carmelo Betancourt and in-state sharpshooters 6-6 Jake Kretzer of Waverly, and 6-6 Reggie McAdams of Elida.

KSU update: The Golden Flashes have three early verbals in 5-10 guard Kellon Thomas from Indiana, 6-7 forward Chris Ortiz from New York and 6-8 forward Khaliq Spicer from Michigan. Ortiz played on the same Puerto Rican national team last summer with Akron recruit Betancourt.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: ealexander@plaind.com, 216-999-4253

UCSB's Luis Silva scores 33 seconds into the first overtime to hand Akron a 3-2 loss.

The Zips (7-1-2) rallied from a 2-1 deficit midway through the second half. But UCSB's Luis Silva – who found the net twice in the game – scored 33 seconds into the first overtime to end the match.

It was just Akron's second regular-season loss since 2009. The Gauchos are 7-3-1.

"We hadn't played that caliber of opponent in the season thus far and it showed, especially in our individual and collective defending," Akron coach Caleb Porter said.

"Santa Barbara played through us far too easily, and we didn't show the grit and intensity that we needed."

Akron sophomore Darren Mattocks netted his eighth goal of the season, and junior teammate Thomas Schmitt found the net for the second time in three matches.

Akron returns to FirstEnergy Stadium on Saturday to start a three-game homestand against Mid-American Conference foe Northern Illinois. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

Big 12 pursues TCU: Texas Christian University has received an invitation to become the 10th member of the Big 12 Conference, potentially setting off a new wave of colleges switching leagues.

The Horned Frogs had earlier committed to join the Big East Conference beginning in July 2012.

The school will have to pay a $5 million exit fee, but because it wasn't an official member, it won't have to wait 27 months to change conferences.

CBSSports.com reported that if the University of Missouri stays in the Big 12, the conference will probably stay at 10 teams. But that may not happen.

"Acting upon a unanimous recommendation of its expansion subcommittee, the Big 12 Conference Board of Directors this [Thursday] morning authorized negotiations with Texas Christian University," the Big 12 said in the statement.

"On the advice of legal counsel, the University of Missouri did not participate in the vote."

Lawyer wants out: An attorney for the man accused of poisoning Auburn's Toomer's Corner oak trees has asked to withdraw from the case.

Glennon Threatt Jr. filed a motion seeking to withdraw as the attorney for Harvey Updyke Jr. He cites comments Updyke made on a Birmingham, Ala., radio show on Sept. 28, when he apologized to Auburn fans "for the damage I have done" but stopped short of confessing to the crime.

Threatt says he advised Updyke, an Alabama fan, against calling the show.

He says he doesn't want to comment further until Lee County Circuit Court Judge Jacob A. Walker III rules.

Updyke is also represented by another Birmingham lawyer, Everett Wess.

Oregon's James injured: Oregon running back LaMichael James injured his right arm early in the fourth quarter of No. 9 Oregon's game against California on Thursday night.

Fans at Autzen Stadium chanted his name as the national rushing leader was carted off the field after trainers stabilized the arm in a sleeve.

James, a Heisman Trophy finalist last season, ran for 239 yards and a touchdown before he was hurt.

He waved to the crowd as he left the field.

James has run for at least 200 yards in his past three games, something no Ducks player had done before.

He went into the game leading the nation with 153 yards rushing per game.

He had 166 by halftime against Cal.

When the Monsters open their fifth season tonight against the Abbotsford Heat, they will be without their first four centers: Patrick Rissmiller, Mark Olver, Joey Hishon and Mike Carman.

View full sizeMonsters coach David Quinn.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — David Quinn, as much as any American Hockey League coach, knows injuries are part of the deal. His Lake Erie Monsters have been hit hard the past two seasons.

But even having experienced significant roster depletion did not prepare Quinn for what greeted him as Lake Erie prepared for this season. Not only are the Monsters already injured -- they have a position decimated.

When the Monsters open their fifth season tonight against the Abbotsford Heat, they will be without their first four centers: Patrick Rissmiller, Mark Olver, Joey Hishon and Mike Carman.

"I've been around hockey long enough, but I've never seen one position affected so much before the season starts," Quinn said. "And it's not like these guys are a couple of days away. We're going to be missing them for a while."

Rissmiller (upper body) is due back in early December. Olver (upper body) and Hishon (upper body) are out indefinitely. Carman (broken foot) is expected back in November, at the earliest. Carman broke the foot jumping over a bag while working a hockey school this summer.

"The good news in all this is, we have forwards who have played center at various levels," Quinn said. "The guys we've plugged in are holding their own.

It's going to be a challenge, but I think we'll be able to survive and overcome the situation."

Another impact player injured is newly acquired goalie Cedrick Desjardins (shoulder). Monsters fans know him as a goalie who excelled for the Hamilton Bulldogs before playing in Norfolk, Va., last season.

"He's skating, and he's getting better, but the target is early November," said Quinn, who said Trevor Cann will start in goal tonight.

The injuries/illnesses are not contained within the players' area of the locker room. Quinn has been battling flulike symptoms.

"Nobody cares if I'm under the weather," Quinn said with a chuckle. "It's not like I'm scoring goals or preventing goals."

On the eve of opening night, the replacements at center were Greg Mauldin, Evan Brophey, Eric Hunter and Ben Wilson.

Last season, Mauldin played well as a winger for the Monsters and spent time with the parent Colorado Avalanche. Mauldin, winger David van der Gulik and defenseman David Liffiton -- each with strong AHL resumes -- re-signed with the Avalanche and were assigned to the Monsters. The trio forms the core of what Quinn and General Manager David Oliver hope is a savvy club.

Liffiton is part of what figures to be a skilled and nasty blue line. It includes returnees Joel Chouinard and Cameron Gaunce.

"I like our D corps a lot," Quinn said. "We've got a good mix of toughness, skill and experience. I think it will be our strength."

As the Monsters prepare for Abbotsford, Quinn is as optimistic as possible about his club's chances this season.

"At this level, every team undergoes changes, so there's a lot of uncertainty," Quinn said. "Every coach feels good about his team. All I can speak to is our club, and I like what I've seen."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com, 216-999-4664

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

For the third time in his undefeated mixed martial arts career, Maynard (10-0-1) will take on current belt-holder Frankie Edgar (13-1-1).

View full sizePD fileGray Maynard

In 1998, Gray Maynard set his sights on an Ohio state wrestling title at Lakewood's St. Edward High School and came away with the win.

But the other wrestling goals he sought -- an NCAA crown at Michigan State and a spot on the U.S. Olympic team -- eluded him. On Saturday, the 32-year-old takes the final step in what could be his most ambitious quest: the Ultimate Fighting Championships' lightweight title.

For the third time in his undefeated mixed martial arts career, Maynard (10-0-1) will take on current belt-holder Frankie Edgar (13-1-1). Theirs is one of two title fights at UFC 136 in Houston. The other features featherweight champion Jose Aldo against former lightweight Kenny Florian.

Florian's last fight in the lightweight division, strangely enough, was a unanimous decision loss to Maynard at UFC 118 in August 2010. It was that fight that elevated Maynard to the No. 1 contender and put him within sight of his current goal.

"Yes, I've come close to a lot of goals," Maynard said in the conference call with reporters to set up this weekend's fight. "I also have a lot of good things that I did accomplish, and it felt really good at the time. But then, the next day, it's on to the next one, it seems like. So there's always going to be more."

Maynard decisioned Edgar the first time they met, in 2008. Their fight in January at UFC 125 ended in a stunning -- and rare -- draw. Many have called it among the best fights in mixed martial arts history. Maynard opened with a furious pounding of Edgar that several times sent the champion to the mat. Several observers felt the fight should have been stopped in the first round.

But the 29-year-old Edgar regrouped.

After surviving several knockdowns in that first round, he took the fight to its full five rounds and maintained his hold on the belt by virtue of the draw.

The fight was so good that rather than have the next contender step in to face Edgar, as originally planned, UFC President Dana White set up an immediate rematch. But both fighters suffered injuries during training, which forced a delay in what was to have been a May 28 battle.

Both fighters have recovered from those health issues -- Maynard had arthroscopic surgery on his elbow, while Edgar suffered from back and rib injuries.

Maynard is the favorite going into the fight, according to respected fight website sherdog.com and other observers. But Edgar's experience in the previous fight could be a factor. He told reporters he certainly learned from being hurt so early.

"I think everyone's goal in this sport is to try to get a finish," either by knockout or submission, Edgar said. "But it's easier said than done."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: cyarborough@plaind.com, 216-999-4534

The "Dream Team" Philadelphia Eagles will try to turn their season around at Buffalo, while the New York Jets face a tough test at New England.

View full sizeMatt Smith, The Express-Times via APThe Philadelphia Eagles, called the "Dream Team" before the season, have been upended so far.

Philadelphia (1-3) at Buffalo (3-1)

When: 1 p.m.

TV: WJW Channel 8.

Early line: Eagles by 3.

The skinny: Eagles have squandered second-half leads in each of past three games, including 23-3 lead over 49ers last weekend. Buffalo rallied from 18- and 21-point deficits to beat Raiders and Patriots before blowing 17-3 second-half lead at Cincinnati. . . . Eagles winless in three games for first time since going 0-2-1 in 2008, and have lost three in row for first time since 2007. Eagles haven't lost four straight since 2005, and are in jeopardy of getting off to first 1-4 start since 1999, coach Andy Reid's first year. . . . With 4,859 career yards rushing, Michael Vick is 70 from passing Randall Cunningham to set NFL record for quarterbacks. . . . Bills scored 12 TDs on 16 red-zone possessions, a 75 percent conversion rate second behind Giants (80 percent). . . . Bills defense has allowed 450 yards in three straight games for second time, first since November 1975, according to STATS LLC. . . . With eight interceptions, Bills tied with Green Bay for NFL lead. They're in four-way tie for second with 11 takeaways, behind Baltimore (14). . . .. Bills seeking to win first three home games of season for 12th time and first since 2008.

Games

Tennessee (3-1) at Pittsburgh (2-2)

When: 1 p.m.

TV: WOIO Channel 19.

Early line: Steelers by 61/2.

The skinny: Though Steelers are second in league in total defense, Titans lead in scoring defense (14.0 per game) and yards per play, giving up 4.36 yards a snap. . . . Tennessee quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has 1,152 yards in four games, second-best start in team history behind Hall of Famer Warren Moon's 1,344 in 1990. . . . Steelers haven't been under .500 through five games since 2006, when they finished 8-8 year after winning Super Bowl. . . . Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger has passed for 200 yards in 12 straight games, a career best. . . . Steelers WR Hines Ward moved past Don Maynard and into 20th on all-time list in yards receiving last week with 11,838. . . . Steelers have given up less than 150 yards passing in each of last three games. . . . Tennessee RB Chris Johnson averaging 2.9 yards per carry, 2.0 yards below career average coming into season.

N.Y. Jets (2-2) at New England (3-1)

When: 4:15 p.m.

TV: WOIO Channel 19.

Early line: Patriots by 9 1/2.

The skinny: Patriots' Rob Gronkowski, with 296 yards receiving, and Jets' Dustin Keller, with 261, are tops in that category among TEs in AFC. . . . Jets have won four of past six against Patriots after losing 11 of 12. . . . Jets WR Plaxico Burress faces Patriots for first time since catching winning TD pass with 35 seconds left in the Giants' 17-14 Super Bowl win in the 2007 season. . . . With five receptions, LaDainian Tomlinson would be fourth RB in history with 600 catches. . . . Derrick Mason would become 18th player with 12,000 yards receiving with 1 more yard. . . . Patriots lead NFL with 507.5 yards per game but have allowed most in league, 477.5 per game. . . . New England's Wes Welker leads NFL with 40 catches. Jason Witten of Dallas second with 27. Welker on pace for 160, 17 more than Marvin Harrison's league record.

Green Bay (4-0) at Atlanta (2-2)

When: 8:20 p.m.

TV: WKYC Channel 3.

Early line: Packers by 4.

The skinny: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers accounted for six touchdowns (four passing, two running) in win over Denver. . . . Falcons 21-4 at Georgia Dome in coach Mike Smith's four seasons. . . . Green Bay has won 10 straight going back to last season, including its run to Super Bowl title. . . . Six players have caught touchdown passes for Packers. Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley and Jordy Nelson each have three. . . . Falcons rookie WR Julio Jones coming off career-best 11 catches for 127 yards at Seattle. . . . Falcons have five sacks through first four games. Free-agent signee Ray Edwards, acquired to bolster pass rush, still seeking first sack. . . . Green Bay averaging 9.3 yards per catch, second in league behind New England (9.5).

Arizona (1-3) at Minnesota (0-4)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Vikings by 3.

The skinny: Vikings have won eight of past 10 meetings in series and six in a row at Metrodome (now Mall of America Field). . . . Safeties and brothers Hamza Abdullah of Cardinals and Husain Abdullah of Vikings will play each other again. . . . Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald returns again to hometown, where he served as ball boy for Vikings growing up. Over two previous games at Minnesota, Fitzgerald has 18 catches for 279 yards. . . . Cardinals RB Beanie Wells (Akron Garfield, Ohio State) coming off career game, 138 yards and three TDs rushing. Vikings haven't let any RBs surpass 75 yards in game this year. . . . Donovan McNabb remains starting QB for Vikings despite 0-4 start and his 58 percent completion percentage with four TD passes. McNabb's 680 yards passing are fewest in league among 30 QBs with 100 or more attempts. . . . Vikings WR Bernard Berrian, who has two catches and 37 yards in four games, had biggest game of last season against Cardinals with nine receptions for 89 yards.

Oakland (2-2) at Houston (3-1)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Texans by 5 1/2.

The skinny: Raiders RB Darren McFadden leads NFL in rushing (117 yards per game) and yards per rush (6.3). McFadden has nine career 100-yard rushing games. . . . Oakland has allowed NFL-low two sacks. . . . Raiders have scored nine of their 13 TDs on running plays. . . . RB Michael Bush has rushing TD in three straight games. . . . Texans WR Andre Johnson out indefinitely after undergoing right hamstring procedure Tuesday. . . . Houston RBs Ben Tate (groin) and Derrick Ward (sprained right ankle) sat out practice Wednesday. . . . QB Matt Schaub has thrown a touchdown pass in 12 consecutive games, matching own franchise record. . . . Texans OLB Mario Williams has four sacks.

Kansas City (1-3) at Indianapolis (0-4)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Colts by 2.

The skinny: Chiefs' Matt Cassel has produced passer ratings over 100 each of past two weeks. . . . Kansas City punt returner Javier Arenas averaging 20.7 yards on returns, second best in NFL. . . . Chiefs' Tamba Hali leads AFC with four sacks. . . . Colts haven't lost five straight since 2001 and haven't started 0-5 since 1997. . . . Indianapolis QB Curtis Painter expected to make second NFL start after becoming first player since Bengals' Jeff Blake in 1994 with two 50-plus yard TD passes in first NFL start. . . . Colts RB Joseph Addai's 230 yards rushing is his highest total through four games since 2007. . . . Indy DE Dwight Freeney needs three sacks to become 26th player in league with 100 sacks in career.

New Orleans (3-1) at Carolina (1-3)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Saints by 6.

The skinny: Saints QB Drew Brees has completed 20 or more passes in NFL-record 24 consecutive games. . . . New Orleans RB Darren Sproles is only player in NFL with rushing, receiving and returning touchdown. He also leads NFL with 11 catches on third down. . . . Saints' Jimmy Graham leads NFL tight ends with 367 yards receiving. He had career-high 10 catches and 132 yards last week and has seven TDs in his past seven games. . . . Since entering NFL in 2006, Saints SS Roman Harper has 13 sacks, most by defensive back. . . . Panthers rookie QB Cam Newton averaging 346.5 yards passing and second in NFC with 1,386 yards. He is only NFL player with at least four passing and four rushing touchdowns in his first four games. . . . WR Steve Smith leads NFC with 530 yards receiving and last week became Carolina's all-time leader in that category. . . . Panthers DE Charles Johnson has 12 sacks in past 11 games.

Cincinnati (2-2) at Jacksonville (1-3)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Jaguars by 2 1/2.

The skinny: Bengals RG Bobbie Williams has completed four-game suspension for violating NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances and could make season debut against Jaguars. . . . S Reggie Nelson returns to Jacksonville for first time since being traded to Cincinnati before 2010 season. Nelson grew up in Melbourne, Fla., played college football at nearby Florida and was first-round pick of Jaguars in 2007. . . . Bengals WR A.J. Green leads all AFC rookies with 19 receptions and 312 yards. . . . In two road starts, Cincinnati rookie Andy Dalton has thrown for 413 yards and three TDs. . . . Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew needs 12 all-purpose yards to reach 10,000. If he gets 12, he would reach the mark in 82 games. Fred Taylor and Jimmy Smith are only other players in franchise history with 10,000. . . . Jacksonville TE Marcedes Lewis needs two TD catches to pass Reggie Williams (18) for third on franchise's all-time list, behind Smith (67) and Keenan McCardell (30).

Seattle (1-3) at N.Y. Giants (3-1)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Giants by 10.

The skinny: Seahawks undrafted rookie WR Doug Baldwin has 12 catches for 194 yards. His 16.2-yard average is highest for NFC rookies with 10 or more receptions. . . . Seattle DE Chris Clemons has sack in two of past three games. . . . Giants QB Eli Manning has completed 40-of-57 for 557 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions in past two games vs. Seattle. . . . New York RB Ahmad Bradshaw ran for two TDs in last year's game vs. Seattle. . . . Giants WR Hakeem Nicks had career-best 162 yards receiving last week. . . . New York DE Osi Umenyiora had two sacks and forced fumble in season debut last week. . . . Opponents have averaged 166.5 yards rushing against Giants in past two games.

Tampa Bay (3-1) at San Francisco (3-1)

When: 4:05 p.m.

Early line: 49ers by 2 1/2.

The skinny: Buccaneers flagged 14 times for 106 yards in Monday night win over Indianapolis. . . . Both QBs taking their hits: 49ers' Alex Smith has been sacked 14 times to 13 for Bucs' Josh Freeman. . . . Bucs 3-23 in regular season in state of California. . . . San Francisco's three turnovers are tied for fewest in NFL. . . . 49ers' past three games decided by nine total points, while Bucs' past three -- all wins -- were by 14 total points. . . . 49ers punter Andy Lee has 46.1-yard net punt average, best in NFL. . . . Bucs have won nine of past 11 road games dating to second-to-last game of 2009 -- three out West. Before this stretch, they had dropped 22 of 30 away from home.

San Diego (3-1) at Denver (1-3)

When: 4:15 p.m.

Early line: Chargers by 6.

The skinny: Chargers QB Philip Rivers leads AFC with 5,996 yards passing since start of last season. . . . San Diego's Mike Tolbert leads AFC RBs with 25 catches. . . . Chargers WR Vincent Jackson has 20 catches for 374 yards. . . . San Diego LB Larry English had career-high two sacks last week. . . . Rookie OLB Von Miller leads Broncos with four sacks. . . . CB Jonathan Wilhite has one of Broncos' two INTs and also the first two sacks of career. . . . Denver QB Kyle Orton has completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 446 yards with three TDs and one INT in two starts vs. Chargers. . . . Broncos RB Willis McGahee on pace for 1,000-yard season after supplanting Knowshon Moreno as starter and posting two 100-yard games. He has four TD runs in past three games against San Diego.

Chicago (2-2) at Detroit (4-0)

When: Monday, 8:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN.

Early line: Lions by 6.

Lions have won eight straight regular-season games -- NFL's longest active streak. . . . Chicago has won six straight in series and has won more games (93) against Detroit than any other team. . . . Lions playing first Monday night game since 2001 when St. Louis beat them, 35-0. . . . Bears coach Lovie Smith 6-1 in the weekly showcase game. . . . Lions QB Matthew Stafford playing Chicago for first time since DE Julius Peppers injured his right shoulder in Week 1 last year. . . . Bears QB Jay Cutler 4-0 against Detroit, completing 67 percent of his passes with nine TDs and one interception. . . . Bears RB Matt Forte ran for career-high 205 yards last week and joined Walter Payton and Gale Sayers as only players to top milestone for franchise.

The Gladiators lost to the Force in the opening round of the American Conference playoffs this past summer.

Listen live tonight as Lake Catholic hosts NDCL and get live Twitter updates and scores throughout the night.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter | The Plain DealerLake Catholic quarterback Mark Baniewicz (left) will lead the Cougars against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin on Friday night in Mentor.

High school football hits Week 7 and cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer have your Friday night covered with a live broadcast, live Twitter updates and more.

Click here to listen to the game live. An archive will be made available shortly after the broadcast's completion. 

• Wadsworth at Copley

• Madison at Willoughby South

• Bedford at Lorain

• Rootstown at Southeast

• Walsh Jesuit at Hoban

Don't forget to follow The Plain Dealer's writers on Twitter for updated scores and more:

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"If I could have physically played against the Dolphins, I would have. I love this city and I hope to retire here," Hillis wrote.

Peyton Hillis defended his decision to sit out the Dolphins game on his Twitter account.

Browns running back Peyton Hillis – in two Tweets on Thursday night – once again defended his decision not to play against the Dolphins on Sept. 25.

His first Tweet read: “I love the fans of Cleveland . . . the city that gave me a chance. I play hard in every play of every game.”

His second one read: “If I could have physically played against the Dolphins, I would have. I love this city and I hope to retire here.”

Hillis has come under fire for heeding the advice of his agent, Kennard McGuire, who told the Associated Press he advised Hillis not to play against the Dolphins because he had strep throat and flulike symptoms.

McGuire is also trying to negotiate a long-term contract extension for Hillis, who he said feels unappreciated.

Two men stand toe-to-toe, nostrils flaring, eyes glaring, oblivious to the raucous music or the frenetic crowd that’s nearly drowned out all of it. This is the UFC. It’s primal. It’s base.

Josh Hedges, Zuffa LLCSt. Edward alum Gray Maynard, left, seen punching Jim Miller's grill during a bout in March 2009, will do battle with lightweight champion Frankie Edgar for the title Saturday.

Las Vegas — Two men stand toe-to-toe, nostrils flaring, eyes glaring, oblivious to the raucous music or the frenetic crowd that’s nearly drowned out all of it.

This is the UFC. It’s primal. It’s base.

And it’s profitable. Hence, the growing appeal of mixed martial arts in general — and the UFC in particular.

That expanding interest is evidenced by the 34,000 percent increase — that’s right, 34,000 percent — in the pay-per-view numbers between UFC 30, when brothers Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta purchased UFC 10 years ago, and the biggest fight card to date, UFC 129 on April 30 of this year, in Canada.

That bout, headlined by Georges St. Pierre’s defense of his welterweight title against Jake Shields, drew 55,000 fans to Toronto’s Rogers Centre, a $12.07 million gate.

If you’re good, it’s a nice living. Fighters are paid on what’s called a 50-50 basis: 50 percent of your contract for showing up ready (and eligible) to fight, and 50 percent more to the winner. For the lowest-paid UFC fighters, that’s usually $10,000 and $10,000. But their paychecks rise in proportion to their rankings. Six-figure contracts — all fighters are under six-fight contracts — are fairly common for the top-tier fighters, whose increased notoriety can mean millions in endorsements.

And then there are the per-fight bonuses. UFC President Dana White selects a best fight, best submission and best knockout for each night’s card. At UFC 129, those bonuses were $129,000 each.

Still, fame may be an even greater allure.

Fighters, White said, are really the most famous athletes on Earth. Americans can debate over who is the most famous football player, but the reality is that most Europeans wouldn’t know Colt McCoy from a Colt 45 malt liquor. British soccer fans can get into fistfights arguing Manchester United vs. Chelsea, but few in this country could name one player on either team.

But Ali, Frazier, Tyson, Holmes, Holyfield, Foreman? Why, they’re known all across the world. And it’s because we remain genetically tethered to those cavemen with clubs.

“You take any major street corner or minor street corner in the world,” White said. “On one corner, they’re playing basketball. On the second, they’re playing football. On the third, they’re playing street hockey. A fight breaks out on the fourth corner, and where does the crowd gather? Even the guys playing the other sports will stop playing and run over to watch the fight.

“It’s who we are as human beings,” White said. “I’ve got no proof of this, but I believe before a guy hit a ball with a stick, before a guy did any of this other stuff, two men were put on this Earth and a fight broke out. Whoever was standing around went over and watched it.

“Fighting was the first sport ever on our Earth and will be the last sport on Earth.”

And the entrepreneurial White, who has somehow skirted the fine line between character and caricature, will have it on pay-per-view.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: cyarborough@plaind.com, 216-999-4534

Scott Fujita compares Colt McCoy to Drew Brees.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerScott Fujita heads upfield after picking off a Drew Brees.

Scott Fujita told SportsRadioInterviews.com that quarterback Colt McCoy is progressing into the next Drew Brees in terms of being a leader.

ESPN's Jamison Hensley writes how this can be chalked up to hyperbole, but Fujita is a legitimate source when it comes to Brees.

"I think last season when McCoy first got the nod as the starter and it was just watching the way he commanded the huddle and the way he commanded the respect of the guys in the locker room. He was such a natural leader," Fujita told 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland. "That was the thing that struck me the most being similar to Drew Brees. Drew is one of my best friends down there and played against his former team when he was with San Diego and I was with Kansas City. I got to know him really, really well over the years and Colt McCoy just reminded me of a young version of Drew Brees. Obviously he is going to keep growing as a player and keep getting better and better, but in terms of those intangible leadership qualities? Colt has got that.”

 

More Browns

Greg Little gets help with meetings he has with Pat Shurmur.

Marla Ridenour of Ohio.com writes how the Browns are waiting for Colt McCoy's winning ways.

Peyton Hillis defends himself via Tweets.

Could the Cleveland Browns get a boost with the addition of Terrell Owens?

APTerrell Owens

The Cleveland Browns have plenty of issues, and one of their main issues is at wide receiver. Colt McCoy can throw 100 passes a game (61 last week) but if the receivers are not catching passes for big gains, what's the use?

Consistently getting open and speed are not attributes owned by this receiving corp.

But help could be on the way if the Browns decided to sign free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens. I know, I know. Owens can be disruptive, and he's been a poison in locker rooms in the distant past.

Last year, however, Owens was on good behavior with the Cincinnati Bengals. He also had nine touchdowns and 983 yards last season.

Analysis of the Cleveland Indians' pitching staff.

Chuck Crow/The Plain DealerFausto Carmona

Jim Ingraham of News-Herald.com continues his recap and analysis of the Cleveland Indians. In the series, Ingraham looked at the three major areas of the Indians' roster: the infield, outfield and pitching.

Today: the pitching.

The most unfortunate aspect of the Indians' failure in their unexpected run at winning the Central Division title in 2011 was it wasted a playoff-caliber bullpen. The Indians had their best bullpen since the 100-win American League champs of 1995.

On the other hand, it's remarkable the Indians were able to stay in the race until late August despite a starting rotation in which their opening-day starter, the default No. 1, had a plus-5.00 ERA and led the team in losses for the second straight season, an opening-day rotation so riddled by injuries that 40 percent of it spent a huge chunk of the season on the disabled list, including one starter who eventually had Tommy John surgery and likely won't pitch again until 2013.

When it comes to the starters, Ingrahm writes how there are no looming major roster or contract decisions involving the pitching staff. He notes how all of the key guys will be back next year. Ingraham does bring up the club's option on Fausto Carmona.

Now, about that option. It's $7 million for a pitcher who, if you throw out his aberrational 2007 season, has a record of 34-58 with a 5.05 ERA in the other five years of his career. That includes the last two years, when he's lost 29 games and had a winning percentage of .408.

Given, however, that Carlos Carrasco will likely miss all of next year while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and that the Indians traded their top two pitching prospects to get Jimenez, it seems likely the team will pick up Carmona's option.

 

Will the Cleveland Browns ever sign Peyton Hillis? Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Branson Wright and Chuck Yarborough.

It's Friday, so that means Wright and Yarborough read off fan questions to Tony Grossi, the Browns beat writer.

Grossi answers questions that include Peyton Hillis' future with the Browns, why linebacker Marcus Benard hasn't seen much playing time, and should coach Pat Shurmur give up on his duties as offensive coordinator?

Grossi also takes today's poll question about Terrell Owens.

SBTV returns on Monday with Mary Kay Cabot.

Also, remember to watch the Browns Insider show that streams live Thursdays at 10 a.m. It's archived at cleveland.com/browns.

Nebraskas coach Bo Pelini developed his values by growing up in Youngstown.

Nati Harnik / Associated PressNebraska head coach Bo Pelini.

Todd Jones of The Columbus Dispatch writes about Nebraska coach Bo Pelini who grew up in Youngstown. Pelini's up bringing in Youngstown helped mold him into the coach he his today.

There was right and wrong, little in-between. Parents gave no ground. Coaches yelled. Work meant sweat, accountability was expected, and details mattered.

“That’s the kind of culture I grew up with,” Pelini said. “You learned to do things a certain way. That does equate to work ethic, no matter what you do.”

And when you’re from northeastern Ohio, it’s all about the work, writes Jones.

“In this blue-collar area, your parents and grandparents fought to make a living, fought to keep their jobs at the steel mills,” said Don Bucci, who coached Pelini at Mooney High School.

“I’m sure that had a lot to do with Bo being Bo.”

 

Around the Horse Shoe

Cleveland Plain Dealer: Silver Bullets and black shirts.

Ohio.com: The coaching staff is the problem at Ohio State.

Toledo Blade: Blame the current offensive woes on Jim Tressel.

Chicago Sun-Times: The Buckeyes are losing their way?

World-Herald: And you thought the Buckeyes were the only team with issues?

"I like Smith's speed also. And yes, if he breaks one off on the fourth down, Shurmur looks like a genius. Thing is, you just don't see too many sweeps in the NFL anymore because of the defensive speed at that level. When you have a Peyton Hillis wearing your colors, you don't run sweeps to rookie tailbacks fourth and one." - Helena Handbasket

View full sizeAP Photo | Tony DejakArmond Smith showed some of his speed during the preseason.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns running back Armond Smith has speed, and coaches want to use it, cleveland.com reader Helena Handbasket still thinks the fourth and one play to Smith was a mistake. This reader writes,

"I like Smith's speed also. And yes, if he breaks one off on the fourth down, Shurmur looks like a genius. Thing is, you just don't see too many sweeps in the NFL anymore because of the defensive speed at that level. When you have a Peyton Hillis wearing your colors, you don't run sweeps to rookie tailbacks fourth and one."

"I don't think Sandy is ready yet. I think that's why he said he would have turned down an interview with the White Sox had it been offered. He knows he has more to learn and being Acta's bench coach for a couple years in a town that loves him is a great situation for him. Luckily, he is sensible enough to know he has more to learn so when he gets his first managerial job, it won't be his last." - sadsamjones

View full sizeTony Dejak | Associated PressSandy Alomar, Jr. will still be on the Indians' bench next season.

In response to the story Sandy Alomar Jr. happy to be Cleveland Indians bench coach; White Sox hire Robin Ventura, cleveland.com reader sadsamjones thinks Alomar still has learning to do if he wants to be a manager some day. This reader writes,

"I don't think Sandy is ready yet. I think that's why he said he would have turned down an interview with the White Sox had it been offered. He knows he has more to learn and being Acta's bench coach for a couple years in a town that loves him is a great situation for him. Luckily, he is sensible enough to know he has more to learn so when he gets his first managerial job, it won't be his last."

Eric Kettani has been called to duty, but he'd rather play football. Should the Navy reconsider?

New England Patriots running back Eric Kettani, a member of the practice squad, hopes the Navy accepts his request to remain with the Patriots.

So far, the Navy has said no and it expects Kettani to report on Friday.

In this Yahoo.com article, it explains how Kettani is an active military member for the Navy Reserve, who made the New England's practice squad.

That dream will be cut short for the time being — Kettani had requested leave for the last two weeks, according to Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald. That request has been denied, and Kettani will report to his Navy ship, the USS Klakring, in Jacksonville on Friday. Mike Reiss of ESPN.com wrote that Kettani will fly out at 6 a.m.

Kettani is appealing the decision. Indianapolis Colts practice squad linebacker Caleb Campbell (Army) and Philadelphia Eagles practice squad receiver Chad Hall (Air Force) have been able to continue their NFL careers.

So what about Kettani?

Former OSU linebacker Dorian Bell is doing well back home at Duquesne.

Dorian Bell

PITTSBURGH  — To say things have changed in Dorian Bell's football career from last year to this, would be an understatement.

Last season, as a linebacker at Ohio State, his home stadium seated 102,329. His Buckeyes were ranked, they were headed toward a Big Ten title, and they had their sights set on a national championship.

This season, as a linebacker at Duquesne, his home stadium is really just a field, and it seats 2,200. His Dukes play in the Football Championship Subdivision, and at 4-1, with a 1-0 mark in the Northeast Conference, they are on their way to perhaps a banner season.

The contrast is remarkable, clearly. But to Bell, he'll take this Catholic school in the heart of his hometown any day.

Once considered a top prospect for former coach Jim Tressel's Buckeyes, Ohio State's ongoing season of mayhem is a thing of the past for Bell. After two unsettled seasons in Columbus, including being one of the suspended players in the much-publicized tattoo-parlor scandal, Bell has found his way back home to his native Pittsburgh and he is set to make the most of it.

He became eligible to play last week, and suddenly is a part of a first-place Northeast Conference team with a bright future ... and just a little less pressure.

"I wanted to play right away," Bell said, "and my mindset is to be with the team right now and get together as a team and excel from here."

A consensus five-star recruit out of Gateway High in Monroeville, Pa., Bell's stay at Ohio State was short. And it ended when the 6-foot-1, 225-pound redshirt sophomore was suspended for the season back in the summer by Tressel for repeated violations of team rules.

He became eligible to play for Duquesne just last week, and appeared in the Dukes' 31-28 victory over Bryant, which opened the NEC season in Pittsburgh.

"He's a talent. You could see that in his first game and in practice," Duquesne wide receiver Connor Dixon said. "We're happy to have him here."

And he should know all about how Bell feels in his new surroundings. After all, Dixon, also a Pittsburgh native, transferred back to his hometown from Michigan State.

Bell did not start vs. Bryant, but finished with six tackles and one quarterback hurry. More importantly, his Dukes opened conference play with a win, their fourth consecutive.

"I was a little bit rusty," he said. "But it felt good to get back out there."

It indeed has been a long road back to the field. After sitting out his freshman year at Ohio State on a redshirt, Bell played sparingly for the Buckeyes in a backup role in 2010. That ended up being the least of his problems.

He became caught up in Ohio State's highly publicized tattoo-parlor scandal involving improper benefits. He was suspended by the NCAA for five games. And before his resignation, Tressel even added to that, giving him a seasonlong suspension for additional violations of team rules.

Bell has declined to discuss details of the suspensions, but did say that he accepts responsibility for his actions.

"I put a lot of stock into it," he said. "I think that God has always been watching over me. He's done things for me that I never thought I was going to come through. He delivered, and it's a miracle."

Bell is among 12 players suspended at Ohio State since last December, the most notable being quarterback Terrelle Pryor, another Pittsburgh-area product, who went on to be selected by the Oakland Raiders in the NFL's supplemental draft.

Bell and Pryor, a Jeannette, Pa., native, were among those suspended for five games for accepting cash and free or discounted tattoos in exchange for Ohio State memorabilia.

Without the ability to play for the Buckeyes for the foreseeable future, Bell departed Ohio State in August.

"I have a few people out there that I keep in touch with," he said. "I feel like they care about me, and I like that."

But, clearly, it was time to move on.

"All the things that I did in the past are in the past," Bell said. "I'm trying to be here with my new teammates. Ohio State was a great place, but I just wanted to be back home. It feels awesome. My parents are right around the corner from me. I've got a lot of support from my family."

And from his new team.

Duquesne coach Jerry Schmitt, in his seventh season with the Dukes, said Bell has been a role model to other players, a presence they can look up to.

"He's doing everything that he can, all the right things to get acclimated to our Duquesne football family," Schmitt said. "He's really working hard on his academics and getting to know the other players.

"He's been very receptive to everything."

Bell figures he'll get more in step with the game's speed as time goes on. But he knows he has a lot to prove, and Schmitt is expecting big things from him.

Duquesne faces Albany, N.Y. (2-2, 1-0) in league play on Saturday.

"It's too hard to tell where he's at right now, but you can see the movements. You can see the bursts," Schmitt said. "He can make plays."

And while Pryor has moved on to the NFL, Bell continues his dream of perhaps doing the same.

"Right now, I'm just concentrating on this season, my teammates and my coaches," he said. "Whatever happens, happens."

"If the Indians really do need more out of Carmona and Jimenez, that makes the hiring of the next pitching coach job No. 1 for the offseason. In my opinion, though, Carmona should get no more than one additional season to get his act together. After all, Carrasco will be back in 2013." - kwbbmb

Chuck Crow | The Plain DealerTim Belcher, top, stepped down as Indians pitching coach.

In response to the story Cleveland Indians need more from Carmona and Jimenez, writes reporter, cleveland.com reader kwbbmb thinks getting the right pitching coach is key. This reader writes,

"If the Indians really do need more out of Carmona and Jimenez, that makes the hiring of the next pitching coach job No. 1 for the offseason. In my opinion, though, Carmona should get no more than one additional season to get his act together. After all, Carrasco will be back in 2013."